Patent Abstract:
The objective of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle where an operator can, on the work vehicle side, confirm which working machine is engaged and set which working machine to engage. A tractor, to which a working machine can be mounted, is provided with: a liquid crystal panel selectably displaying an engageable working machine mounted and displaying the currently engaged working machine so as to be identifiable; an operation unit (encoder dial, enter button, and command buttons) for carrying out selection and determination operations for the working machine displayed on the liquid crystal panel; and a control device that, when a determination operation is carried out by the operation unit for a desired working machine, disengages the currently engaged working machine, and configures the working machine for which the determination operation has been carried out to be engaged.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is the U.S. national stage of application No. PCT/JP2015/078889, filed on Oct. 13, 2015. Priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) and 35 U.S.C. §365(b) is claimed from Japanese Application No. 2014-212134, filed on Oct. 16, 2014, and Japanese Application No. 2015-106873, filed on May 26, 2015, the disclosures of which are also incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a work vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0003]    Conventionally known work vehicles include a tractor for farm work and a wheel loader for construction work. Some of such work vehicles use a working machine attached thereto, corresponding to the work to be performed. Some working machines can be interlocked with the work vehicles. For example, the tractor can be interlocked with a loader, a sprayer, a broadcaster, and the like (refer to Patent Literature 1). 
         [0004]    Generally, a working machine is provided with an interlock switch with which interlocking with the tractor is turned ON and OFF, and a display lamp indicating the interlocking with the tractor. Thus, the interlocking state with respect to the tractor is operated and displayed. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0005]    PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-329067 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0006]    The tractor has no unit for operating and displaying the interlocking state with respect to the working machine. Thus, the operator on the tractor needs to get off the tractor and move to the working machine to check and operate the interlocking state. In particular, when working machines, such as a loader and a broadcaster, are attached to front and rear sides of the working machine at the same time, the operator needs to go through a cumbersome procedure of moving to and checking both working machines. 
         [0007]    An object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that enables an operator to check a currently interlocked working machine and set a working machine to be interlocked on the work vehicle side. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0008]    The present invention provides a work vehicle to which a working machine is attachable, the work vehicle including: a display unit configured to display, in a selectable manner, a working machine that is attached and is able to be interlocked, and to display, in an identifiable manner, a currently interlocked working machine; an operation unit with which an operation of selecting and determining a working machine displayed, on the display unit, is performed; and a control unit configured to perform control, when an operation of determining a desired working machine is performed with the operation unit, interlocking of the currently interlocked working machine is released and the desired working machine determined by the operation is interlocked. 
         [0009]    In the above-described work vehicle, the display unit may be configured to display a working machine that is not attached and is able to be interlocked, in an identifiable and non-selectable manner. 
         [0010]    In the above-described work vehicle, the control unit may be configured to perform control in such a manner that the working machine that is attached and is able to be interlocked is detected at a predetermined interval. 
         [0011]    In the above-described work vehicle, the operation unit may include a plurality of buttons and an encoder dial integrally provided to the display unit. 
         [0012]    The above-described work vehicle may further include a transmission lever connected to the control unit; and a switch provided to the transmission lever. When a sprayer is interlocked as the working machine, the switch may be assigned with any one of a spraying start/end function for the sprayer, a spraying amount adjustment function for the sprayer, an extending/contracting adjustment function for a boom of the sprayer, an inclination adjustment function for the boom, an opening/closing adjustment function for the boom, and a lifting/lowering adjustment function for the boom. 
         [0013]    The above-described work vehicle may further include a transmission lever connected to the control unit; and a switch provided to the transmission lever. When a broadcaster is interlocked as the working machine, the switch may be assigned with a spraying start/end function for the broadcaster or a spraying amount adjustment function for the broadcaster. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0014]    With the work vehicle according to the present invention, a unit for operating and displaying an interlocking state with the working machine is provided on a work vehicle side. Thus, the operator can set and check the interlocking state of the working machine on the side of the work vehicle. Thus, the operator on the work vehicle can check the currently interlocked working machine and set the working machine to be interlocked, while being on the work vehicle, that is, without getting off the work vehicle and moving to the working machine, and thus can enjoy a higher work efficiency. 
         [0015]    A unit for operating and displaying the interlocking state with respect to the work vehicle can be omitted from the working machine, and thus a cost reduction can be achieved. When the unit for operating and displaying the interlocking state with respect to the work vehicle is provided to the working machine, the operator can set and check the interlocking state on the work vehicle and on the working machine and thus can enjoy a higher operability. 
         [0016]    With the work vehicle according to the present invention, a working machine that can be interlocked but is not attached may be displayed in the identifiable manner. Thus, the operator can enjoy higher convenience with the working machine that can be interlocked but is not attached being immediately identifiable. The working machine that can be interlocked but is not attached cannot be selected, and thus is prevented from being accidentally selected by the operator. 
         [0017]    With the work vehicle according to the present invention, the working machine that is attached and can be interlocked is detected at a predetermined interval. Thus, a latest state indicating a working machine that can be interlocked can be displayed. 
         [0018]    With the work vehicle according to the present invention, the plurality of buttons and the encoder dial integrally formed with the display unit may be used as the operation unit. Thus, an operation can be intuitively and quickly performed. 
         [0019]    With the work vehicle according to the present invention, the switch provided to the transmission lever may be assigned with the desired function for operating the interlocked working machine. Thus, the operator can easily operate the assigned functions at hand without releasing his or her hand from the transmission lever and thus can enjoy a less cumbersome operation. All things considered, higher operability and work efficiency can be achieved, and a load on the operator can be reduced. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of a tractor. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a diagram viewed in the direction of an arrow X in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a diagram viewed in the direction of an arrow Y in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a diagram viewed in the direction of an arrow Z in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a power transmission system of the tractor. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a link mechanism of the tractor. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an operator&#39;s seat of the tractor and its periphery. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a field of view of an operator. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an information network of the tractor. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a display. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a portion of a control system of the tractor related to the display. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating an operation control tool provided to an armrest. 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating an example of a CAN. 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a diagram schematically illustrating the CAN connection between the tractor and a working machine. 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CAN in the tractor. 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a diagram illustrating an instrument panel. 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
           [0043]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  are schematic views illustrating control in a case where a spraying amount of a sprayer is increased, and includes  24 A illustrating constant vehicle speed control, and  24 B illustrating constant spraying pressure control. 
           [0044]      FIG. 25  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
           [0045]      FIG. 26  is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the display. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    The technical concept of the present invention is applicable to any work vehicle. The following gives a description using a tractor, which is a typical work vehicle, as an example. 
         [0047]    First, a tractor  1  is briefly described. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  illustrates the tractor  1 .  FIG. 2  is a diagram viewed in the direction of an arrow X in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  is a diagram viewed in the direction of an arrow Y in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 4  is a diagram viewed in the direction of an arrow Z in  FIG. 1 . In these figures, the front and rear direction, the right and left direction, and the upper and lower direction of the tractor  1  are illustrated. 
         [0049]    The tractor  1  mainly includes a frame  11 , an engine  12 , a transmission  13 , a front axle  14 , and a rear axle  15 . The tractor  1  further includes a cabin  16 . The cabin  16  has an inner side serving as an operation control room in which an operator&#39;s seat  161 , an accelerator pedal  162 , a shift lever  163 , and the like are arranged (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0050]    The frame  11  serves as a front frame of the tractor  1 . The frame  11 , the transmission  13 , and the rear axle  15  form a chassis of the tractor  1 . The frame  11  is provided with a pair of working machine supporters  32  that supports a working machine (for example, a loader) attached to a front portion of the tractor  1 . 
         [0051]    The working machine supporters  32  are formed of plate shaped members protruding outward and extending upward from left and right side surfaces of the frame  11 . The working machine supporters  32  have upper portions provided with a hole and a notch with which the working machine is attached. 
         [0052]    The engine  12  is supported by the frame  11 . The engine  12  burns fuel, and converts thermal energy thus obtained into kinetic energy. Thus, the engine  12  burns fuel to generate rotary driving force. An engine controller (not illustrated) is connected to the engine  12 . When an operator operates the accelerator pedal  162  (see  FIG. 7 ), the engine controller changes an operational state of the engine  12  in accordance with the operation. The engine  12  is provided with an exhaust gas purifier  12 E. The exhaust gas purifier  12 E oxidizes fine particles, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and the like in exhaust gas. 
         [0053]    The transmission  13  transmits the rotary driving force from the engine  12  to the front axle  14  and the rear axle  15 . The transmission  13  receives the rotary driving force from the engine  12  via a connection mechanism. The transmission  13  is provided with a continuously variable transmission (I-HMT)  131  (see  FIG. 5 ). When the operator operates the shift lever  163  (see  FIG. 7 ), the continuously variable transmission  131  changes an operating state of the transmission  13  in accordance with the operation. 
         [0054]    The front axle  14  transmits the rotary driving force from the engine  12  to front wheels  141 . The front axle  14  receives the rotary driving force from the engine  12  via the transmission  13 . A steering device (not illustrated) is arranged adjacent to the front axle  14 . When the operator operates a steering wheel  164  (see  FIG. 7 ), the steering device changes a steering angle of the front wheels  141  in accordance with the operation. 
         [0055]    The front axle  14  is provided with a hydraulic pump  142  (see  FIG. 5 ). When the operator operates a joystick  176  (see  FIG. 7 ), the hydraulic pump  142  transmits hydraulic pressure to the working machine attached to the front portion of the tractor  1  in accordance with the operation. 
         [0056]    The rear axle  15  transmits the rotary driving force from the engine  12  to rear wheels  151 . The rear axle  15  receives the rotary driving force from the engine  12  via the transmission  13 . The rear axle  15  is provided with a PTO output device  152  (see  FIG. 5 ). When the operator operates a PTO switch  165  (see  FIG. 7 ), the PTO output device  152  transmits the rotary driving force to a working machine being pulled, in accordance with the operation. The rear axle  15  is also provided with a link mechanism  35  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0057]    Next, a power transmission system of the tractor  1  is described. 
         [0058]      FIG. 5  illustrates the power transmission system of the tractor  1 . It is to be noted that each figure simply illustrates only portions required for the description of the present invention. 
         [0059]    As described above, the transmission  13  transmits rotary driving force from the engine  12  to the front axle  14  and the rear axle  15 . Thus, the transmission  13  has a mechanism for transmitting the rotary driving force to the front axle  14  and a mechanism for transmitting the rotary driving force to the rear axle  15 . In this description, the mechanism for transmitting the rotary driving force to the front axle  14  is referred to as a front drive mechanism  33 . 
         [0060]    The front drive mechanism  33  includes a drive shaft  331 , a constant-speed drive gear  332 , and an acceleration drive gear  333 . The front drive mechanism  33  further includes a constant speed clutch  334 , a constant speed driven gear  335 , an acceleration clutch  336 , and an acceleration driven gear  337 . The front drive mechanism  33  further includes an output shaft  338 . 
         [0061]    The drive shaft  331  is rotatably supported via a bearing. The constant-speed drive gear  332  is attached to the drive shaft  331 . The acceleration drive gear  333  is also attached to the drive shaft  331 . Thus, the constant-speed drive gear  332  and the acceleration drive gear  333  rotate while being integrated with the drive shaft  331 . 
         [0062]    The constant speed clutch  334  is rotatably supported via a bearing. The constant speed driven gear  335  is attached to an inner hub of the constant speed clutch  334  while meshing with the constant-speed drive gear  332 . Thus, the constant speed driven gear  335  rotates while being integrated with the inner hub of the constant speed clutch  334 . The acceleration clutch  336  is also rotatably supported via a bearing. The acceleration driven gear  337  is attached to an inner hub of the acceleration clutch  336  while meshing with the acceleration drive gear  333 . Thus, the acceleration driven gear  337  rotates while being integrated with the inner hub of the acceleration clutch  336 . 
         [0063]    The output shaft  338  is rotatably supported via a bearing. The constant speed clutch  334  has an outer cylinder attached to the output shaft  338 . Thus, the outer cylinder of the constant speed clutch  334  rotates while being integrated with the output shaft  338 . The acceleration clutch  336  also has an outer cylinder attached to the output shaft  338 . Thus, the outer cylinder of the acceleration clutch  336  rotates while being integrated with the output shaft  338 . 
         [0064]    With this structure, when the inner hub of the constant speed clutch  334  is coupled to the outer cylinder (when the constant speed clutch  334  operates), the rotation of the drive shaft  331  is transmitted to the output shaft  338 . Then, a propeller shaft  43  rotates, and thus the front wheels  141  rotate via a differential mechanism  34 . When the four-wheel drive is achieved with the constant speed clutch  334  operated, the rear wheels  151  and the front wheels  141  rotate at the same circumferential speed (referred to as constant speed four-wheel drive). 
         [0065]    Similarly, also when the inner hub of the acceleration clutch  336  is coupled to the outer cylinder (when the acceleration clutch  336  operates), the rotation of the drive shaft  331  is transmitted to the output shaft  338 . Then, the propeller shaft  43  rotates, and thus the front wheels  141  rotate via the differential mechanism  34 . When the four-wheel drive is achieved with the acceleration clutch  336  operated, the front wheels  141  rotate with a higher circumferential speed than that of the rear wheels  151  (referred to as acceleration four-wheel drive). 
         [0066]    Next, the link mechanism  35  of the tractor  1  is described. 
         [0067]      FIG. 6  illustrates the link mechanism  35  of the tractor  1 . The link mechanism  35  includes: a top bracket  351  attached to a rear portion of the rear axle  15 ; and a top link  352  attached to a hinge portion of the top bracket  351 . The link mechanism  35  further includes: a lower bracket  353  attached to a lower portion of the rear axle  15 ; and a lower link  354  attached to a hinge portion of the lower bracket  353 . 
         [0068]    The link mechanism  35  further includes: lift arms  355  attached to side portions of the rear axle  15 ; a lifting and lowering actuator  356  attached to a center portion of the lift arm  355 ; a lift link  357  attached to the left lift arm  355  and the lower link  354 ; and an inclination actuator  358  attached to the right lift arm  355  and the lower link  354 . 
         [0069]    With the link mechanism  35  having this configuration, the working machine attached to the tractor  1  can be lifted, lowered, and inclined with three links including the top link  352  and the two lower links  354 . 
         [0070]    Next, the operation control room of the tractor  1  is described. 
         [0071]      FIG. 7  illustrates the operator&#39;s seat  161  and its periphery.  FIG. 8  illustrates a field of view of the operator.  FIG. 17  illustrates an operation control tool provided to an armrest  161   r.    
         [0072]    As described above, the cabin  16  has the inner side serving as the operation control room in which the operator&#39;s seat  161 , the accelerator pedal  162 , the shift lever  163 , and the like are arranged. A brake pedal  166 , a clutch pedal  167 , a reverser lever  168 , a speed dial  169 , an instrument panel  170 , a control panel  171 , a transmission lever  172 , a working machine lifting/lowering switch  173 , working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174 , and the like are arranged in the periphery of the operator&#39;s seat  161 . The operator can operate the accelerator pedal  162 , the shift lever  163 , and the like while being seated on the operator&#39;s seat  161  to operate the tractor  1 . 
         [0073]    The control panel  171  is disposed in the armrest  161   r  that can be opened and closed, and is connected to the control device  3 . The control panel  171  is an operation tool for performing various settings related to the working machine. The operator can perform various settings suitable for the connected working machine, by operating the control panel  171 . 
         [0074]    The transmission lever  172  is disposed on an upper surface of the front portion of the armrest  161   r , and is connected to the control device  3 . When the operator inclines the transmission lever  172  having a pivotable structure as appropriate, a shifting operation is performed. Thus, the operator can freely adjust the traveling speed. 
         [0075]    The working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  is provided on the front surface of the transmission lever  172  (see  FIG. 17 ). The working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  is a slidable switch for lifting and lowering the working machine attached to the rear portion of the tractor  1 . The working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  is connected to the control device  3 . When the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  is slid upward, the working machine is lifted. When the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  is slid downward, the working machine is lowered. Thus, the operator can freely lift and lower the working machine attached to the rear portion of the tractor  1 . 
         [0076]    A pair of upper and lower working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174  are provided on a left surface of the transmission lever  172  (see  FIG. 17 ). The working machine lifting/lowering switches  174  are push switches for lifting and lowering the working machine attached to a rear portion of the tractor  1 , within a small range. The working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174  are connected to the control device  3 . The working machine is lifted within a small range when the upper switch is pressed, and is lowered in a small range when the lower switch is pressed. Thus, the operator can freely lift and lower the working machine attached to the rear portion of the tractor  1 . Thus, the operator can roughly adjust the height of the working machine with the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  and then finely adjust the height with the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174 . 
         [0077]    The joystick  176  is disposed on the right side of the operator&#39;s seat  161  (see  FIG. 7 ). The operator can operate the working machine (for example, a loader) attached to the front portion of the tractor  1 , by operating the joystick  176  while being seated on the operator&#39;s seat  161 . 
         [0078]    The tractor  1  includes a display  2  disposed close to the operator&#39;s seat  161 . The display  2  is disposed on a front right side of the operator&#39;s seat  161  so as to be operable with the right hand of the operator. An information network of the tractor  1  is briefly described below. Furthermore, the display  2  and a control system including the display  2  are described in detail below. 
         [0079]      FIG. 9  illustrates the information network of the tractor  1 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the display  2 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a portion of the control system of the tractor  1  related to the display  2 . The control device  3  includes a storage unit  31 , and can store information required for the control. The storage unit  31  may be provided outside the control device  3 . 
         [0080]    The tractor  1  has the information network installed over various locations to achieve the maximum performance. Specifically, the transmission  13 , the instrument panel  170 , the control panel  171 , and the display  2  form a controller area network (CAN) together with the engine  12  so that the components can share information with each other. 
         [0081]    As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the CAN may include the working machine. Examples of information communicated between the tractor  1  and working machines A to C include: rotation speed and water temperature of the engine  12 ; vehicle speed; a transmission stage; a state of the transmission  13 ; and a state of the link mechanism  35  (depth, inclination, or the like). The engine  12 , the transmission  13 , and the link mechanism  35  are collectively controlled by the control device  3 , and information on these and warning are displayed on the instrument panel  170  or the display  2 . Sophisticated control can be achieved with these various pieces of information transmitted between the tractor  1  and the working machines A to C. Thus, higher operability and work efficiency can be achieved, and a load on the operator can be reduced. 
         [0082]      FIG. 19  is a diagram schematically illustrating the CAN connection between the tractor  1  and the working machine. As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the control device  3  serving as the tractor side controller is provided to the tractor  1 , and a working machine side controller  5  for controlling the working machine is provided to the working machine. The tractor side controller and the working machine side controller  5  are connected to each other via a connector  6 . The connector  6  may be a connector of the AG-PORT standard or the ISOBUS standard. Thus, bidirectional communications may be performed between the tractor side controller and the working machine side controller  5 . Thus, for example, the lever and the like on the side of the tractor  1  can be assigned the operation of the working machine, and thus more consistent operability can be achieved. Furthermore, the cabin  16  can incorporate less wiring. 
         [0083]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CAN in the tractor  1 . An example where a loader, a sprayer, and a broadcaster serving as working machines can be connected to the CAN of the tractor  1  is described with reference to  FIG. 20 . The display  2 , the connector  6 , the engine  12 , the transmission  13 , the instrument panel  170 , the control panel  171 , the transmission lever  172 , the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173 , the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174 , a loader operation panel  175 , a CAN interface  177 , and a broadcaster controller  181  are connected to the control device  3  serving as the tractor side controller via the CAN. The joystick  176  is connected to the loader operation panel  175 . A sprayer operation panel  178 , a spraying controller  179 , and a boom operation controller  180  are connected to the CAN interface  177 . 
         [0084]    The loader operation panel  175  is a dedicated operation tool for setting up the loader. The operator can perform various setting related to the loader by operating the loader operation panel  175 . Thus, the control device  3  can acquire the information related to the content set with the loader operation panel  175 . The operator can operate the loader in accordance with various settings, by operating the joystick  176 . 
         [0085]    The CAN interface  177  is an interface for connecting the sprayer operation panel  178 , the spraying controller  179 , and the boom operation controller  180  to the control device  3  via the CAN. 
         [0086]    The sprayer operation panel  178  is a dedicated operation tool for setting up the sprayer. The operator can perform various settings (such as a setting on the amount of pesticide sprayed per unit area) related to the sprayer by operating the sprayer operation panel  178 . Thus, the control device  3  can acquire information related to the content set with the sprayer operation panel  178 . 
         [0087]    The spraying controller  179  is used for performing opening/closing operation for spray valves through which pesticides are supplied to spray nozzles. The control device  3  acquires the information related to the state of the spray valves set with the spraying controller  179 , and controls the spray valves. Thus, the operator can adjust the spraying start/end timing and the spraying amount of the pesticides by operating the spraying controller  179 . 
         [0088]    The boom operation controller  180  is operated for adjusting the extending/contracting, inclination, opening/closing, and lifting/lowering of a boom. The control device  3  acquires information on the state of the boom set with the boom operation controller  180 , and controls the boom. Thus, the operator can adjust the extending/contracting, inclination, opening/closing, and lifting/lowering of the boom by operating the boom operation controller  180 . 
         [0089]    The broadcaster controller  181  is operated for adjusting the spraying start/end timing and the spraying amount of the broadcaster. The control device  3  acquires information related to the state of the broadcaster set by the broadcaster controller  181 , and controls the broadcaster. Thus, the operator can adjust the spraying start/end timing and the spraying amount of the broadcaster by operating the broadcaster controller  181 . 
         [0090]    In the tractor  1 , the display  2  is disposed on a side console (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The display  2  includes a liquid crystal panel (display unit)  21 , an encoder dial (operation unit)  22 , an enter button (operation unit)  23 , and five command buttons (operation unit)  24  to  28  integrally provided (see  FIG. 10 ). 
         [0091]    The liquid crystal panel  21  is provided at the center of the front surface of the display  2 . The liquid crystal panel  21  can display a predetermined screen based on an instruction from the control device (control unit)  3 . For example, the liquid crystal panel  21  can display an opening screen S 1  (see  FIG. 12 ) based on an instruction from the control device  3 . The liquid crystal panel  21  can display other screens (see  FIG. 13  to  FIG. 16 ) based on instructions from the control device  3 . The display unit is not limited to the liquid crystal panel  21 , and may be a thin display panel such as an electroluminescence (EL) panel using organic EL or inorganic EL. 
         [0092]    The encoder dial  22  is provided on an upper right side of the display  2 . The encoder dial  22  incorporates a rotary encoder, and can transmit an intension of the operator (selection operation), to scroll a tab or shift a highlighted display, to the control device  3  for selecting an element (item) displayed on the liquid crystal panel  21 . For example, the encoder dial  22  can transmit an intension of the operator for scrolling a tab for selecting among displayed numbers and alphabets, to the control device  3  (see  FIG. 13 ). The encoder dial  22  can transmit an intension of the operator to shift a highlighted display, for selecting a displayed icon, to the control device  3  (see  FIG. 14  to  FIG. 16 ). 
         [0093]    The enter button  23  is integrally formed with the encoder dial  22 . The enter button  23  is an operation button corresponding to the upper and lower movement of the encoder dial  22 , and is operated by pressing the upper surface of the encoder dial  22 . The enter button  23  may be a push button provided on an upper end surface of the encoder dial  22 . 
         [0094]    The enter button  23  can transmit an intension of the operator (determination operation) to determine one of the elements (items) displayed on the liquid crystal panel  21  to the control device  3 . For example, the enter button  23  can transmit an intension of the operator to determine one of the displayed numbers or alphabets, to the control device  3  (see  FIG. 13 ). The enter button  23  can transmit an intension of the operator to determine one of the displayed icons, to the control device  3  (see  FIG. 14  to  FIG. 16 ). 
         [0095]    The five command buttons  24  to  28  are operation buttons for performing an operation for determining an icon displayed in the upper end of the screen. The command buttons  24  to  28  are arranged side by side in the upper portion of the front surface of the display  2 . The command buttons  24  to  28  each correspond to an icon immediately therebelow on the liquid crystal panel  21 . The command buttons  24  to  28  can each transmit an intension of the operator to determine a corresponding one of the icons to the control device  3 . When any one of the command buttons  24  to  28  is pressed, the control device  3  executes a command related to the corresponding icon. The icon and command assigned to each of the command buttons  24  to  28  differ among the screens. Thus, required icons and commands are assigned to each screen. 
         [0096]    The commands include: a command (corresponding icon is “HOME”) for instructing switching to a first home screen S 3 , a command (corresponding icon is “free 1” or “free 2”) for instructing switching to a shortcut screen (a screen freely set by the operator), a command (corresponding icon is “determine”), with a similar function as the enter button  23 , for instructing determination of an element, a command (corresponding icon is “return”) for instructing switching to a previous screen, and a command (corresponding icon is an arrow indicating a certain direction) for instructing a direction in which a tab is scrolled and a direction in which the highlighted display is shifted. 
         [0097]    The liquid crystal panel  21  may be provided with a touch panel as the operation unit. In this configuration, the encoder dial  22 , the enter button  23 , and the command buttons  24  to  28  can be omitted as appropriate. 
         [0098]    Some working machines can be interlocked with the tractor  1 . When the working machine that can be interlocked is attached to the tractor  1 , the tractor  1  and the working machine can operate in an interlocking manner. The interlocking manner means that the tractor  1  operates in an optimum manner in accordance with an operation of the working machine. The interlocking manner may also mean that the working machine operates in an optimum manner in accordance with an operation of the tractor  1 . The working machine that can be interlocked with the tractor  1  includes a loader attached to the front portion, as well as a sprayer and a broadcaster attached to the rear potion, and the like. 
         [0099]    For example, when the loader is attached to the tractor  1  in the interlocking manner, the tractor  1  is automatically controlled under a setting optimum for the loader. As a specific example, control may be performed in such a manner that the acceleration four-wheel drive is automatically switched to the constant speed four-wheel drive for safety purposes. In a case where the loader is expected to be lifted, such as a case where the loader has been detected to be knocked down, control is performed in such a manner that the engine rotation speed increases, whereby the loader can be lifted at a higher speed. 
         [0100]    In this context, the storage unit  31  stores a list of working machines that can be interlocked. The control device  3  reads the list of working machines that can be interlocked from the storage unit  31 , generates an interlocking working machine screen S 5  (see  FIG. 16 ), and performs control in such a manner that the liquid crystal panel  21  displays the screen. Specifically, the interlocking working machine is added as one menu to the screen (see, for example, a second home screen S 4 ), on which a plurality of menus are displayed in a selectable manner. When an operation of selecting and determining the interlocking working machine is performed, the interlocking working machine screen S 5  can be displayed. The interlocking working machine screen S 5  displays the attached interlocking working machines in a selectable manner, and the interlocking working machines in an identifiable manner. 
         [0101]    The selectable manner means that the display can be in any format as long as the operator can select the desired working machine. For example, the desired working machine may be selectable through shifting the highlighted display by operating the operation unit (encoder dial  22 , enter button  23 , command buttons  24  to  28 ). The identifiable manner means that the display can be in any format as long as the operator can identify the currently interlocked working machine. For example, the identifiable manner can be achieved with a mark (such as ON display), indicating that the machine is currently interlocked, displayed on the icon of the working machine that is currently interlocked in an overlapping manner, and with a mark (such as OFF display), indicating that the machine is not currently interlocked, displayed on the icon of the working machine that is currently not interlocked in an overlapping manner. 
         [0102]    The working machine that can be interlocked but is not attached is displayed in an identifiable and non-selectable manner. For example, the icon may be grayed out so as to be identifiable as a working machine that is not attached, and controlled in such a manner as not to be selectable by operating the operation unit. Thus, the operator can enjoy higher convenience with the working machine that can be interlocked but is not attached being immediately identifiable. The working machine that is not attached cannot be selected, and thus is prevented from being accidentally selected by the operator. 
         [0103]    The control device  3  receives selection using the operation unit (encoder dial  22 , enter button  23 , command buttons  24  to  28 ) and the determination operation on the interlocking working machine screen S 5 , and performs control such that the working machine determined through the operation is stored in the storage unit  31 . 
         [0104]    When a desired working machine is determined through an operation on the interlocking working machine screen S 5 , the control device  3  performs control in such a manner that the working machine determined by the operation is interlocked with the interlocking of the interlocked working machine released. Thus, even when the working machines are attached to the front and rear of the tractor  1 , only one working machine is interlocked at a time, whereby the control on the tractor  1  is prevented from being hindered. 
         [0105]    The control device  3  performs control in such a manner that the working machine that is attached and can be interlocked is detected at a predetermined interval (for example, once in every 10 minutes, or when the operation of determining the interlocking working machine is performed on the second home screen S 4 ). Whether a working machine can be interlocked can be determined in accordance with communications with the working machine. Thus, the interlocking working machine screen S 5  can always display the latest state. 
         [0106]    With the display  2  on which the interlocking state of the working machine with respect to the working machine is operated and displayed thus provided to the tractor  1 , the operator can set and check the interlocking state of the working machine on the side of the tractor  1 . Thus, the operator on the tractor  1  can check the currently interlocked working machine and set the working machine to be interlocked, while being on the tractor  1 , that is, without getting off the tractor  1  and moving to the working machine, and thus can enjoy a higher work efficiency. 
         [0107]    Furthermore, the unit for operating and displaying the interlocking state with respect to the tractor  1  can be omitted from the working machine, and thus a cost reduction can be achieved. When the unit for operating and displaying the interlocking state with respect to the tractor  1  is provided to the working machine, the operator can set and check the interlocking state on the tractor  1  and on the working machine and thus can enjoy a higher operability. 
         [0108]    A screen displayed on the display  2 , related to the interlocking between the tractor  1  and the working machine, and how the display  2  is operated are described below. 
         [0109]      FIG. 12  to  FIG. 16  illustrate a screen displayed on the display  2 . It is to be noted that each figure simply illustrates only portions required for the description of the present embodiment. 
         [0110]    First of all, an opening screen S 1  is displayed on the display  2  (see  FIG. 12 ). In the opening screen S 1 , a symbol mark Sm is displayed at a portion around the center. The symbol mark Sm is a design representing a supplier/manufacturer. The symbol mark Sm appears on a black background image, and gives a strong impression to the operator. 
         [0111]    Next, the display  2  displays an unlock screen S 2  (see  FIG. 13 ). The unlock screen S 2  display four scroll boxes Sb 1  to Sb 4  for inputting a single row of PIN code. A selected one of the scroll boxes Sb 1  to Sb 4  is displayed in a highlighted manner (see a section H in the figure). In the scroll boxes Sb 1  to Sb 4 , any one of the numbers 0 to 9 and alphabets A to F can be selected through vertical scrolling. 
         [0112]    The unlock screen S 2  displays icons  251 ,  261 ,  271 ,  281  corresponding to the command buttons  25  to  28  at the upper end. The unlock screen S 2  displays a dialog box Db 1  in which an operator name is displayed, and a dialog box Db 2  in which a working machine name is displayed. The operator can check whether the operator name and the working machine name are correctly set with these dialog boxes Db 1  and Db 2 . 
         [0113]    The operator can select a number or an alphabet by rotating the encoder dial  22  through scrolling, and determine the number or the alphabet by pressing the enter button  23 . In the unlock screen S 2 , the command button  25  or  26  can be pressed to select between the numbers or alphabets through scrolling, and determine the number or alphabet by pressing the command button  27 . The determination may be cancelled by pressing the command button  28 . When an incorrect PIN code is input, a message indicating that the number is incorrect is displayed. 
         [0114]    Next, the display  2  displays the first home screen S 3  (see  FIG. 14 ). The first home screen S 3  displays icons Ia 1  to Ia 10  for selecting a menu or a page. Selected one of the icons Ia 1  to Ia 10  is displayed in a highlighted manner (see a section H in the figure). The highlighted display is shifted by rotation of the encoder dial  22 . Icons that cannot be selected are grayed out (see a section G in the figure). The first home screen S 3  displays icons  242 ,  252 ,  262 ,  272 , and  282 , corresponding to the command buttons  24  to  28 , at the upper end. 
         [0115]    How the icon  242  corresponding to “free 1” and the icon  252  corresponding to “free 2” are registered is briefly described with registration for “free 1” as an example. First of all, the command button  24  associated with the icon  242  corresponding to “free 1” is long pressed (for example, for 3 minutes) to cause transition to the registration screen (not illustrated). Then, the encoder dial  22  is operated with the registered screen displayed, to select a desired icon (for example, the icon “OFF”) and the enter button  23  is pressed. Thus, this icon is registered to the icon  242  corresponding to “free 1”, and the icon is displayed instead of “free 1”. 
         [0116]    While the first home screen S 3  is displayed, the operator can select the desired one of icons Ta 1  to Ia 10  by rotating the encoder dial  22 , and can determine the icon by pressing the enter button  23  or the command button  27 . Here, the icon Ia 10  with a description “next page” is selected and determined. 
         [0117]    Next, the display  2  displays the second home screen S 4  (see  FIG. 15 ). The second home screen S 4  displays icons Ib 1  to Ib 10 . The selected one of the icons Ib 1  to Ib 10  is displayed in a highlighted manner (see the section H illustrated in the figure). The highlighted display is shifted by rotation of the encoder dial  22 . The second home screen S 4  displays icons  243 ,  253 ,  263 ,  273 , and  283 , corresponding to the command buttons  24  to  28 , at the upper end. 
         [0118]    In the second home screen S 4 , the operator can select the desired one of the icons Ib 1  to Ib 10  by rotating the encoder dial  22 , and determine the icon by pressing the enter button  23  or the command button  27 . Here, the icon Ib 2 , with a description “interlocking working machine”, is selected and determined. 
         [0119]    Next, the interlocking working machine screen S 5  is displayed on the display  2  (see  FIG. 16 ). The interlocking working machine screen S 5  displays three icons Ic 1  to Ic 3  with the working machine name and ON or OFF. The interlocking working machine screen S 5  displays icons  244 ,  254 ,  264 ,  274 , and  284 , corresponding to the command buttons  24  to  28 , at the upper end. 
         [0120]    The icons Ic 1  to Ic 3  are a list of working machines that can be interlocked. The icons Ic 1  and Ic 3  indicate the working machines that can be interlocked and are attached, and are displayed in a selectable manner. The icon Ic 2  indicates a working machine that can be interlocked but is not attached, and is displayed in a non-selectable manner. The icon Ic 2  is grayed out meaning that the icon cannot be selected. The icon Ic 2  is not selected through the rotation of the encoder dial  22 . 
         [0121]    Thus, while the interlocking working machine screen S 5  is displayed, the operator selects the desired icon Ic 1  or Ic 3  by rotating the encoder dial  22 , and can switch between ON and OFF by pressing the enter button  23 . ON indicates that the machine is interlocked and OFF indicates that the machine is not interlocked. 
         [0122]      FIG. 16  illustrates a state where the icon Ic 2  cannot be selected, and the determination operation can be performed for the icon Ic 1  or Ic 3 . Specifically, when one of the icons Ic 1  and Ic 3 , corresponding to the interlocked working machines, is switched from ON to OFF, the working machine is no longer interlocked. On the other hand, the working machine corresponding to the other one of the icons Ic 1  and Ic 3  determined by the operation, switched from OFF to ON, is interlocked. Thus, only one working machine is interlocked at a time. 
         [0123]      FIG. 21  illustrates another example of the interlocking working machine screen. The icons Id 1  to Id 3  are a list of working machines that can be interlocked. This interlocking working machine screen S 51  uses a highlighted display (icon Id 1 ) for displaying the working machine that can be interlocked and is attached in a selectable manner. In the interlocking working machine screen S 51 , a green point image Id 4  is overlapped on the icon corresponding to the currently interlocked working machine, so that the currently interlocked working machine can be identified. On the interlocking working machine screen S 51 , the working machine that can be interlocked but is not attached has a corresponding icon (icon Id 2 ) with a gray background indicating that the working machine cannot be selected in an identifiable manner. 
         [0124]    The instrument panel  170  may be provided with an interlocking lamp  170   a  indicating the interlocked state, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . The interlocking lamp  170   a  is turned ON when the tractor  1  and the working machine are interlocked, and is turned OFF when they are not interlocked. Thus, the operator can easily recognize whether the working machine is interlocked, simply by looking at the instrument panel  170 . 
         [0125]    Next, another featured configuration related to the interlocking between the tractor  1  and the working machine is described. In the description below, a case where the interlocked working machine is a sprayer and a case where the interlocked working machine is a broadcaster are separately described. 
         [0126]    When the interlocked working machine is a sprayer, the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  and the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174  can each be assigned with any one of a sprayer spraying start/stop function, a sprayer spraying amount adjustment function, a sprayer boom extending/contracting function, a boom inclination adjustment function, a boom opening/closing adjustment function, and a boom lifting/lowering adjustment function. The assignment is invalid when the working machine is not interlocked. 
         [0127]    A function assigned to each switch can be set by the operator in advance by using the display  2 , for example. When the tractor setting (icon Ia 3 ) is selected and determined on the first home screen S 3 , various tractor setting items are displayed, and sprayer switch assignment setting is called therefrom. Thus, a switch assignment screen S 6  as illustrated in  FIG. 23  is displayed. 
         [0128]    On the switch assignment screen S 6 , two icons Ie 1  and Ie 2  on which names of switches that can be assigned are displayed, and icons Ie 3  and Ie 4  displayed on the right of the icons Ie 1  and Ie 2  and on which functions assigned to the switches Ie 1  and Ie 2  are described are displayed. The icons Ie 3  and Ie 4  are selectively displayed. The switch assignment screen S 6  displays the icons  244 ,  254 ,  264 ,  274 , and  284 , corresponding to the command buttons  24  to  28 , at the upper end. 
         [0129]    While the switch assignment screen S 6  is displayed, the operator selects the desired icon Ie 3  or Ie 4  by operating the encoder dial  22 , and presses the enter button  23 . Thus, the display content of the selected icon can be scrolled with the encoder dial  22 . Then, the operator selects a desired function by operating the encoder dial  22 , and presses the enter button  23 . Then, the selected function is assigned to the switch described on the icon displayed on the left side. 
         [0130]    As an example, in  FIG. 23 , the sprayer spraying start/stop is assigned to the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173 . More specifically, the spraying starts when the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  is slid upward, and stops when the switch is slid downward. The boom lifting/lowering adjustment is assigned to the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174 . More specifically, the boom is lifted when the upper one of the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174  is pressed, and is lowered when the lower one of the switches is pressed. 
         [0131]    As described above, the desired functions for operating the currently interlocked working machine are assigned to the switches (the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  and the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174 ) provided to the transmission lever  172 . Thus, the operator can easily operate the assigned functions at hand without releasing his or her hand from the transmission lever  172  for operating the spraying controller  179  or the boom operation controller  180 , and thus can enjoy a less cumbersome operation. 
         [0132]    When the interlocked working machine is a sprayer, two types of control, including constant vehicle speed control and constant spraying pressure control, can be performed. In the constant vehicle speed control, the vehicle speed is kept constant with the spraying pressure adjusted, when the spraying amount is changed. In the constant spraying pressure control, the spraying is performed with a constant spraying pressure with the vehicle speed adjusted, when the spraying pressure is changed. 
         [0133]      FIGS. 24A and 24B  area schematic view illustrating both types of control in a case where the spraying amount is increased, and includes  24 A illustrating the constant vehicle speed control, and  24 B illustrating the constant spraying pressure control. As illustrated in  FIG. 24A , in the constant vehicle speed control, the vehicle speed is automatically maintained to be constant and the spraying pressure automatically rises, when the spraying amount per target acreage is increased. As illustrated in  FIG. 24B , in the constant spraying pressure control, the vehicle speed automatically drops and the spraying pressure is automatically maintained to be constant, when the spraying amount per target acreage is increased. The constant spraying pressure control involves no change in the particle size and no change in the spraying state even when the spraying amount is changed, and thus can achieve more accurate work. 
         [0134]    Which one of the two types of control is performed can be set by the operator in advance. The control modes can be set by using the display  2 , for example. When the tractor setting (icon Ia 3 ) is selected and determined with the first home screen S 3 , various setting items for the tractor  1  are displayed. The setting on the sprayer control mode is called therefrom. Thus, a control mode selection screen S 7  as illustrated in  FIG. 25  is displayed. 
         [0135]    The control mode selection screen S 7  displays two icons If 1  and If 2  on which the selectable control modes are described, and a green point image If 3  is displayed on the icon of the set control mode in an overlapping manner, so that the set control mode can be identified. The control mode selection screen S 7  displays the icons  244 ,  254 ,  264 ,  274 , and  284 , corresponding to the command buttons  24  to  28 , at the upper end. 
         [0136]    On the control mode selection screen S 7 , the operator selects the desired icon If 1  or If 2  by operating the encoder dial  22 , and presses the enter button  23 . Thus, the green point image If 3  is displayed on the right side of the selected icon, and thus the control mode described on the icon is set.  FIG. 25  illustrates a state where the constant vehicle speed control mode is set. 
         [0137]    While the tractor  1  before starting the work is stopped, the operator can set the spraying amount, appropriate vehicle speed, and appropriate spraying pressure. The position of the transmission lever  172  (the traveling vehicle speed information) can be checked on the sprayer operation panel  178  while the tractor  1  is stopped, and thus the traveling can be started after the position of the transmission lever  172  is simply adjusted. 
         [0138]    When a broadcaster is the currently interlocked working machine, the broadcaster spraying start/stop function or the broadcaster spraying amount adjustment function can be assigned to the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  and the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174 . The assignment is invalid when the working machine is not interlocked. 
         [0139]    A function assigned to each switch can be set by the operator in advance by using the display  2 , for example. When the tractor setting (icon Ia 3 ) is selected and determined on the first home screen S 3 , various tractor setting items are displayed, and broadcaster switch assignment setting is called therefrom. Thus, a switch assignment screen S 8  as illustrated in  FIG. 26  is displayed. 
         [0140]    On the switch assignment screen S 8 , two icons Ig 1  and Ig 2  on which names of switches that can be assigned are displayed, and icons Ig 3  and Ig 4  displayed on the right of the icons Ig 1  and Ig 2  and on which functions assigned to the switches Ig 1  and Ig 2  are described are displayed. The icons Ig 3  and Ig 4  are selectively displayed. The switch assignment screen S 8  displays the icons  244 ,  254 ,  264 ,  274 , and  284 , corresponding to the command buttons  24  to  28 , at the upper end. 
         [0141]    While the switch assignment screen S 8  is displayed, the operator selects the desired icon Ig 3  or Ig 4  by operating the encoder dial  22 , and presses the enter button  23 . Thus, the display content of the selected icon can be scrolled with the encoder dial  22 . Then, the operator selects a desired function by operating the encoder dial  22 , and presses the enter button  23 . Then, the selected function is assigned to the switch described on the icon displayed on the left side. 
         [0142]    As an example, in  FIG. 26 , the broadcaster spraying start/stop is assigned to the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173 . More specifically, the spraying starts when the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  is slid upward, and stops when the switch is slid downward. The spraying amount adjustment is assigned to the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174 . More specifically, the spraying amount is increased when the upper one of the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174  is pressed, and is decreased when the lower one of the switches is pressed. 
         [0143]    As described above, the desired functions for operating the currently interlocked working machine are assigned to the switches (the working machine lifting/lowering switch  173  and the working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switches  174 ) provided to the transmission lever  172 . Thus, the operator can easily operate the assigned functions at hand without releasing his or her hand from the transmission lever  172  for operating the broadcaster controller, and thus can enjoy a less cumbersome operation. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0144]    The present invention can be used for work vehicles such as a tractor for farm work and a wheel loader for construction work. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           1  tractor (work vehicle) 
           3  control device (control unit) 
           21  liquid crystal panel (display unit) 
           22  encoder dial (operation unit) 
           23  enter button (operation unit) 
           24  command button (operation unit) 
           25  command button (operation unit) 
           26  command button (operation unit) 
           27  command button (operation unit) 
           28  command button (operation unit) 
           172  transmission lever 
           173  working machine lifting/lowering switch (switch) 
           174  working machine lifting/lowering fine-control switch (switch)

Technology Classification (CPC): 0