Patent Description:
Conventionally, cranes are known to be typical working vehicles. The crane is mainly composed of a traveling body and a swivel body. The traveling body is provided with a plurality of wheels and is configured to travel freely. The swiveling body includes a work apparatus constituted by a boom, a hook, and the like and is configured to carry a load freely.

There is a crane in which a work apparatus is operable by a remote operation terminal (see Patent Literature (hereinafter, referred to as "PTL") <NUM>). In addition, there is proposed a crane in which a primary setting of a work apparatus is configured to be changed by using a remote operation terminal. In such cranes, there is a possibility of the primary setting of the work apparatus being changed incorrectly when a plurality of operators each operate respective remote operation terminals. In other words, there is a possibility of occurrence of mistakes and confusion in the primary setting. It is considered that the same applies to the other work vehicles that include a plurality of remote operation terminals. Thus, a work vehicle that can prevent mistakes and confusion in a primary setting, even when a plurality of operators each operate respective remote operation terminals, has been desired. Also, patent application publications <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> relate to an operation system for a work vehicle. Moreover, the document <CIT> discloses a system having the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

A work vehicle is provided that can prevent mistakes and confusion in a primary setting, even when a plurality of operators each operate respective remote operation terminals.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an operation system in accordance with independent claim <NUM>. Further aspects are set forth in the dependent claims, the drawings, and the following description. An operation system according to the present invention comprises:.

According to the present invention, only previously specified one of the remote operation terminals is allowed to change the primary setting, and when the primary setting is changed by the one of the remote operation terminals, the change is also reflected in another or other of the remote operation terminals.

According to the present invention, each of the remote operation terminals includes a light section. The light section is turned on in only the remote operation terminal that is allowed to change the primary setting. According to such a work vehicle, it is possible to recognize at a glance that the remote operation terminal is allowed to change the primary setting.

According to the present invention, each of the remote operation terminals includes an image display. Information that changing of the primary setting is allowed is displayed on the image display in only the remote operation terminal that is allowed to change the primary setting. According to such a work vehicle, it is possible to recognize at a glance that the remote operation terminal is allowed to change the primary setting.

According to the present invention, each of the remote operation terminals includes an image display. In the remote operation terminal that is allowed to change the primary setting, a primary-setting change screen is displayed on the image display, and, in each of the remote operation terminals that are not allowed to change the primary setting, the primary-setting change screen is not displayed on the image display. According to such a work vehicle, it is possible in the remote operation terminal allowed to change the primary setting to perform an operation of changing the primary setting. In contrast, it is not possible in the remote operation terminals not allowed to change the primary setting to even perform an operation of changing the primary setting. Consequently, it is possible to eliminate an operation of changing a primary setting being performed in vain in the remote operation terminals not allowed to change the primary setting.

In the present application, a crane, which is a representative work vehicle, will be described. The technical concept disclosed in the present application is also applicable to other cranes, in addition to crane <NUM> described below.

First, with reference to <FIG>, crane <NUM> will be described.

Crane <NUM> is constituted by, mainly, traveling body <NUM> and swiveling body <NUM>.

Traveling body <NUM> includes a left-right pair of front wheels <NUM> and a left-right pair of rear wheels <NUM>. Traveling body <NUM> also includes outriggers <NUM> that are grounded for stabilization when carrying work of load L is performed. Traveling body <NUM> supports swiveling body <NUM> on an upper portion thereof and is able to swivel swiveling body <NUM> by an actuator.

Swiveling body <NUM> includes boom <NUM> projecting forward from a rear portion thereof. Thus, boom <NUM> is able to be swiveled (see arrow A) by an actuator. Boom <NUM> is also extendable and retractable (see arrow B) by an actuator. Moreover, boom <NUM> is able to be luffed up (see arrow C) by an actuator. In addition, wire rope <NUM> is stretched around boom <NUM>. On the base end side of boom <NUM>, winch <NUM> around which wire rope <NUM> is wound is disposed, and on the distal end side of boom <NUM>, hook <NUM> is hung by wire rope <NUM>. Winch <NUM> is configured to be integral with an actuator and enables winding in and winding out of wire rope <NUM>. Therefore, hook <NUM> is able to be lifted and lowered (see arrow D) by the actuator. Swiveling body <NUM> includes counter weight <NUM> at the rear of boom <NUM>. Swiveling body <NUM> also includes cabin <NUM> at the side of boom <NUM>. In an inner portion of cabin <NUM>, there are disposed swivel manipulation tool <NUM>, extension/retraction manipulation tool <NUM>, luffing manipulation tool <NUM>, and winding manipulation tool <NUM>, which will be described later.

Next, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an operation system will be described. The operation system is, however, an example of a conceivable configuration and is not limited thereto. Here, description will be provided with an operator who performs an operation while riding on crane <NUM> being referred to as "operator X1" and an operator who performs an operation without riding on crane <NUM> being referred to as "operator X2".

The operation system is constituted by, mainly, control apparatus <NUM>. Various types of manipulation tools <NUM> to <NUM> are connected to control apparatus <NUM>. Various types of valves <NUM> to <NUM> are also connected to control apparatus <NUM>.

As described above, boom <NUM> is able to be swiveled (see arrow A in <FIG>) by an actuator. In the present application, such an actuator is defined as hydraulic swivel motor <NUM>. Hydraulic swivel motor <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, by swiveling valve <NUM>, which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. In other words, hydraulic swivel motor <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, in response to swiveling valve <NUM> switching the flow direction of a hydraulic oil or controlling the flow rate of the hydraulic oil. Swiveling valve <NUM> is operated on the basis of the operation of swivel manipulation tool <NUM> by operator X1. The swiveling angle and the swiveling speed of boom <NUM> are detected by a sensor (not illustrated). Thus, control apparatus <NUM> can recognize the swiveling angle and the swiveling speed of boom <NUM>.

As described above, boom <NUM> is extendable and retractable (see arrow B in <FIG>) by an actuator. In the present application, such an actuator is defined as extension/retraction hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. Hydraulic extension/retraction cylinder <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, by extension/retraction valve <NUM>, which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. In other words, extension/retraction hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, in response to extension/retraction valve <NUM> switching the flow direction of the hydraulic oil or controlling the flow rate of the hydraulic oil. Extension/retraction valve <NUM> is operated on the basis of the operation of extension/retraction manipulation tool <NUM> by operator X1. The extension/retraction length and the extension/retraction speed of boom <NUM> are detected by a sensor (not illustrated). Thus, control apparatus <NUM> can recognize the extension/retraction length and the extension/retraction speed of boom <NUM>.

Further, as described above, boom <NUM> is able to be luffed up (see arrow C in <FIG>) by an actuator. In the present application, such an actuator is defined as hydraulic luffing cylinder <NUM>. Hydraulic luffing cylinder <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, by luffing valve <NUM>, which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. In other words, hydraulic luffing cylinder <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, in response to luffing valve <NUM> switching the flow direction of the hydraulic oil or controlling the flow rate of the hydraulic oil. Luffing valve <NUM> is operated on the basis of the operation of luffing manipulation tool <NUM> by operator X1. The luffing angle and the luffing speed of boom <NUM> are detected by a sensor (not illustrated). Thus, control apparatus <NUM> can recognize the luffing angle and the luffing speed of boom <NUM>.

Further, as described above, hook <NUM> is able to be lifted and lowered (see arrow D in <FIG>) by an actuator. In the present application, such an actuator is defined as hydraulic winding motor <NUM>. Hydraulic winding motor <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, by winding valve <NUM>, which is an electromagnetic proportional switching valve. In other words, hydraulic winding motor <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, in response to winding valve <NUM> switching the flow direction of the hydraulic oil or controlling the flow rate of the hydraulic oil. Winding valve <NUM> is operated on the basis of the operation of winding manipulation tool <NUM> by operator X1. The hanging length and the lifting-lowering speed of hook <NUM> are detected by a sensor (not illustrated). Thus, control apparatus <NUM> can recognize the hanging length and the lifting-lowering speed of hook <NUM>.

In addition, information relay device <NUM> is connected to control apparatus <NUM>. In an arrangement not part of the claimed invention, the information relay device <NUM> is, however, unnecessary when remote operation terminal <NUM> is of a wire type.

Information relay device <NUM> is a device that transmits and receives information converted into a radio signal. At least an antenna of information relay device <NUM> is mounted on a distal end portion of boom <NUM> to reduce an influence of planimetric features and the like onto radio waves. Information relay device <NUM> is connected to, in addition to control apparatus <NUM>, control apparatus <NUM>, which will be described later, of remote operation terminal <NUM>. Therefore, information relay device <NUM> can transmit information from control apparatus <NUM> to control apparatus <NUM>. Information relay device <NUM> also can transmit information from control apparatus <NUM> to control apparatus <NUM>.

In addition, the operation system includes a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>. Each remote operation terminal <NUM> includes control apparatus <NUM>. Each remote operation terminal <NUM> also includes a transmitter and a receiver (not illustrated). Remote operation terminal <NUM> in the present application is an example of a remote operation terminal and is not limited thereto.

Swivel manipulation tool <NUM> is disposed on remote operation terminal <NUM>. Swivel manipulation tool <NUM> is connected to control apparatus <NUM>. Control apparatus <NUM> is connected to above-described control apparatus <NUM> via a radio signal. Therefore, when operate X2 tilts swivel manipulation tool <NUM> in a direction (see arrow E in <FIG>), a swiveling operation of boom <NUM> is performed similarly to when above-described swivel manipulation tool <NUM> is tilted in a direction. In other words, when operator X2 tilts swivel manipulation tool <NUM> in a direction, hydraulic swivel motor <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, and boom <NUM> swivels leftward or swivels rightward.

Remote operation terminal <NUM> also includes extension/retraction manipulation tool <NUM>. Extension/retraction manipulation tool <NUM> is connected to control apparatus <NUM>. Control apparatus <NUM> is connected to above-described control apparatus <NUM> via a radio signal. Therefore, when operate X2 tilts extension/retraction manipulation tool <NUM> in a direction (see arrow F in <FIG>), an extension/retraction operation of boom <NUM> is performed similarly to when above-described extension/retraction manipulation tool <NUM> is tilted in a direction. In other words, when operator X2 tilts extension/retraction manipulation tool <NUM> in a direction, extension/retraction hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, and boom <NUM> extends or retracts.

Further, remote operation terminal <NUM> includes luffing manipulation tool <NUM>. Luffing manipulation tool <NUM> is connected to control apparatus <NUM>. Control apparatus <NUM> is connected to above-described control apparatus <NUM> via a radio signal. Therefore, when operator X2 tilts luffing manipulation tool <NUM> in a direction (see arrow G in <FIG>), a luffing operation of boom <NUM> is performed similarly to when above-mentioned luffing manipulation tool <NUM> is tilted in a direction. In other words, when operator X2 tilts luffing manipulation tool <NUM> in a direction, hydraulic luffing cylinder <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, and boom <NUM> is raised or tilted.

In addition, remote operation terminal <NUM> includes winding manipulation tool <NUM>. Winding manipulation tool <NUM> is connected to control apparatus <NUM>. Control apparatus <NUM> is connected to above-described control apparatus <NUM> via a radio signal. Therefore, when operator X2 tilts winding manipulation tool <NUM> in a direction (see arrow H in <FIG>), a lifting-lowering operation of hook <NUM> is performed similarly to when above-mentioned winding manipulation tool <NUM> is tilted in a direction. In other words, when operator X2 tilts winding manipulation tool <NUM> in a direction, hydraulic winding motor <NUM> is operated, as appropriate, and hook <NUM> is lifted or lowered.

In addition, remote operation terminal <NUM> includes image display <NUM>. Image display <NUM> is connected to control apparatus <NUM>. Control apparatus <NUM> is connected to above-described control apparatus <NUM> via a radio signal. Therefore, control apparatus <NUM> can provide information to operator X2 through image display <NUM>. Image display <NUM> is a so-called touch panel and is thus considered an input device for operator X2. Therefore, operator X2 can also provide information to control apparatus <NUM> through image display <NUM>. Image display <NUM> is mounted at the front face of remote operation terminal <NUM> so that operator X2 can visually recognize image display <NUM> while operating various types of manipulation tools <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to such an operation system, it is possible for a plurality of operators X2 to each operate respective remote operation terminals <NUM> and cause work apparatus <NUM> to operate. This exerts an effect that, even in a work site where many blind areas are present for one operator X2, it is possible to perform an operation of causing work apparatus <NUM> to operate with the operation being taken over by a plurality of operators X2 sequentially. Note that work apparatus <NUM> has the same meaning as swiveling body <NUM> and denotes "crane apparatus" constituted by boom <NUM>, hook <NUM>, and the like.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, a screen on which a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> is changed will be described. Here, it is assumed that, of a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>, only one of the remote operation terminals <NUM> is allowed to change the primary setting. Hereinafter, description will be provided by focusing on the one of the remote operation terminals <NUM>.

Remote operation terminal <NUM> can change various primary settings of work apparatus <NUM>. The primary settings are, for example, a crane setting, an outrigger setting, a counter weight setting, and the like. On initial screen S, image figure Ia showing the swiveling angle of boom <NUM> is drawn. In addition, image figure Ib showing the extension/retraction length, the swiveling angle, and the like of boom <NUM> is drawn. Further, image figure Ic showing the projecting length of each outrigger <NUM> is drawn. In addition, image figure Id in which values of the rated load, the real load, and the like are written is drawn. It is also possible through screen S to determine an operation range limit (defined by a boom upper-limit-angle limit, a boom lower-limit-angle setting, a working radius limit, a left swiveling limit, and a right swiveling limit) of work apparatus <NUM>.

Next, the crane setting will be briefly described. When operator X2 presses button B1 relating to the crane setting, predetermined screen S1 is displayed (see <FIG>) on image display <NUM>. Screen S1 includes image figure I1 showing a state of boom <NUM>. Image figure I1 is a figure in which the distal end portion of boom <NUM> is drawn in a simple manner, and the state thereof sequentially changes to a boom working state and a jib working state, which are so called, in response to forward button Bf or backward button Bb being pressed. The primary setting is determined by pressing of set-key button Bs by an operator.

Next, the outrigger setting will be briefly described. When an operator presses button B2 relating to the outrigger setting, predetermined screen S2 is displayed (see <FIG>) on image display <NUM>. Screen S2 includes image figure I2 showing a state of outriggers <NUM>. Image figure I2 is a figure in which the projecting length of each outrigger <NUM> is drawn in a simple manner, and the projecting length of each outrigger <NUM> gradually changes in response to forward button Bf or backward button Bb being pressed. The primary setting is determined by pressing of set-key button Bs by an operator.

Next, the counter weight setting will be briefly described. When an operator presses button B3 relating to the counter weight setting, predetermined screen S3 is displayed (see <FIG>) on image display <NUM>. Screen S3 includes image figure I3 showing a state of counter weight <NUM>. Image figure I3 is a figure in which the gross weight of counter weight <NUM> is drawn in a simple manner, and the gross weight of counter weight <NUM> gradually changes in response to forward button Bf or backward button Bb being pressed. The primary setting is determined by pressing of set-key button Bs by an operator.

Here, a mechanism in which, when a change in a primary setting is performed by, of a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>, one of the remote operation terminals <NUM>, the change is also reflected in the other remote operation terminals <NUM> will be described.

First, when a change in a primary setting is performed by operator X2 holding predetermined remote operation terminal <NUM>, the information is transmitted to control apparatus <NUM> (see arrow M in <FIG>). In other words, when a change in a primary setting is performed by operator X2 holding predetermined remote operation terminal <NUM>, the information is converted into a radio signal and sent from a transmitter (not illustrated). The radio signal is transmitted to control apparatus <NUM> by being received by information relay device <NUM> and decoded. Thus, control apparatus <NUM> recognizes that the primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> has been changed and controls various types of valves <NUM> to <NUM> on the basis of a new primary setting.

Then, when control apparatus <NUM> recognizes that the primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> has been changed, the information is transmitted (see arrow N in <FIG>) to the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. In other words, when control apparatus <NUM> recognizes that the primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> has been changed, the information is converted into a radio signal and sent from information relay device <NUM>. Then, the radio signal is transmitted to control apparatus <NUM> by being received by a receiver (not illustrated) and decoded. Thus, control apparatus <NUM> recognizes that the primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> has been changed, and cancels and replaces an old primary setting with a new primary setting.

As above, crane <NUM> can change a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> by using remote operation terminals <NUM>. When a change in the primary setting is performed by, of a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>, one of remote operation terminals <NUM>, the change is also reflected in the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. According to such crane <NUM>, an equal primary setting is reflected in all of remote operation terminals <NUM>. Consequently, it is possible to prevent mistakes and confusion in the primary setting, even when a plurality of operators X2 each operate respective remote operation terminals <NUM>.

As a method of determining, among a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>, one of remote operation terminals <NUM>, it is conceivable to previously specify one of remote operation terminals <NUM>. In other words, one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is primitively specified by eliminating a range of choice.

In this case, in crane <NUM>, only previously specified one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is allowed to change a primary setting, and when a change in the primary setting is performed by the one of remote operation terminals <NUM>, the change is also reflected in the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. According to such crane <NUM>, only a person (operator X2) holding predetermined remote operation terminal <NUM> can change a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM>, and the content of the change is also reflected in the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. Consequently, it is possible to prevent mistakes and confusion in the primary setting.

In addition, as a method of determining, among a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>, one of the remote operation terminals <NUM>, it is conceivable to enable operator X2 to freely specify one of remote operation terminals <NUM>. In other words, as with remote operation terminal <NUM> of the present application, switching tool <NUM> is provided (see <FIG> and <FIG>) so that operator X2 can specify one of remote operation terminals <NUM> by operating switching tool <NUM>.

In this case, in crane <NUM>, each remote operation terminal <NUM> includes switching tool <NUM>. Only one remote operation terminal <NUM> selected by switching tool <NUM> is allowed to change a primary setting, and when a change in the primary setting is performed by the one of remote operation terminals <NUM>, the change is also reflected in the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. According to such crane <NUM>, only a person (operator X2) holding the selected one of remote operation terminals <NUM> can change a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM>, and the content of the change is also reflected in the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. Consequently, it is possible to prevent mistakes and confusion in the primary setting.

In this respect, it is preferable for operator X2 to be able to confirm what contents are to be reflected.

With regard to this, it is conceivable to display screen S4 in which the content is written, since each remote operation terminal <NUM> includes image display <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). For example, when there are first remote operation terminal <NUM> to third remote operation terminal <NUM> and if second remote operation terminal <NUM> is selected, screen S4 in which the content is written is displayed (see <FIG>) on image displays <NUM> of first remote operation terminal <NUM> and third remote operation terminal <NUM>.

Thus, in crane <NUM>, each remote operation terminal <NUM> includes image display <NUM>. Screen S4 in which the content to be reflected is written is displayed on image displays <NUM> of the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. According to such crane <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> from being changed unexpectedly. Consequently, it is possible to prevent mistakes and confusion in the primary setting.

When one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is operated, automatic reflection of the content of a previous change in the primary setting may cause confusion. Therefore, it is conceivable to display screen S5 asking whether to reflect the content on image display <NUM> of the one of remote operation terminals <NUM>. For example, when second remote operation terminal <NUM> is operated after a change in a primary setting is performed by using first remote operation terminal <NUM>, screen S5 asking whether to reflect the content of the change is displayed (see <FIG>) on image display <NUM> of second remote operation terminal <NUM>.

Thus, in crane <NUM>, each remote operation terminal <NUM> includes image display <NUM>. When one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is operated, screen S5 asking whether to reflect the content of a previous change in a primary setting is displayed on image display <NUM> of the one of remote operation terminals <NUM>. According to such crane <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> from being changed unexpectedly. Consequently, it is possible to prevent mistakes and confusion in the primary setting.

In addition, it is conceivable to display, when it is selected to reflect the content of the previous change in the primary setting, screen S4 in which the content of the change is written, on image displays <NUM> of the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. For example, when it is selected in second remote operation terminal <NUM> to reflect the content of a previous change in the primary setting, screen S4 in which the content is written is displayed (see <FIG>) on image displays <NUM> of first remote operation terminal <NUM> and third remote operation terminal <NUM>.

Thus, in crane <NUM>, when it is selected to reflect the content of a previous change in a primary setting, screen S4 in which the content to be reflected is written is displayed on image displays <NUM> of the other remote operation terminals <NUM>. According to such crane <NUM>, it is possible to prevent a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> from being changed unexpectedly. Consequently, it is possible to prevent mistakes and confusion in the primary setting.

In crane <NUM>, while one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is operated, all of remote operation terminals <NUM> are prohibited from changing a primary setting. For example, while work apparatus <NUM> is operated by one of remote operation terminals <NUM>, all of remote operation terminals <NUM> are prohibited from changing a primary setting.

Thus, in crane <NUM>, while one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is operated, all of remote operation terminals <NUM> are prohibited from changing a primary setting. According to such crane <NUM>, it is possible to prevent a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> from being changed unexpectedly. Consequently, it is possible to prevent mistakes and confusion in the primary setting. It is also possible to achieve an improvement in the safety of the operation of work apparatus <NUM>.

Last, the technical concept disclosed in the present application is also applicable to the other work vehicles that include a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>. For example, the technical concept disclosed in the present application is also applicable to an aerial work platform and the like.

In crane <NUM>, a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> is configured to be changed by using remote operation terminal <NUM>. It may be configured such that, of a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>, only one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is allowed to change a primary setting. According to such crane <NUM>, only a person (operator X2) holding predetermined remote operation terminal <NUM> can change a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM>. Consequently, it is possible to prevent mistakes and confusion in the primary setting, even when a plurality of operators X2 each operate respective remote operation terminals <NUM>.

As a method of determining one of remote operation terminals <NUM> among a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>, it is conceivable to previously specify one of remote operation terminals <NUM>. In other words, one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is primitively specified by eliminating a range of choice.

In this case, in crane <NUM>, only previously specified one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is allowed to change a primary setting. According to such crane <NUM>, only a person (operator X2) holding predetermined remote operation terminal <NUM> can change a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM> reliably, even with a simple configuration.

In addition, as a method of determining one of remote operation terminals <NUM> among a plurality of remote operation terminals <NUM>, it is conceivable to enable operator X2 to freely specify one of remote operation terminals <NUM>. In other words, as with remote operation terminal <NUM> of the present application, switching tool <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) is provided such that operator X2 can specify one of remote operation terminals <NUM> by operating switching tool <NUM>.

In this case, in crane <NUM>, only one of remote operation terminals <NUM> selected by switching tool <NUM> is allowed to change a primary setting. According to such crane <NUM>, one of remote operation terminals <NUM> can be freely selected, and only a person (operator X2) holding the one of remote operation terminals <NUM> can change a primary setting of work apparatus <NUM>.

In this respect, it is preferable for operator X2 to be able to recognize at a glance whether remote operation terminal <NUM> is selected one of remote operation terminals <NUM>.

With regard to this, it is conceivable to dispose light section <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) on each remote operation terminal <NUM> and to turn on light section <NUM> in only selected one of remote operation terminals <NUM>. For example, when there are first remote operation terminal <NUM> to third remote operation terminal <NUM> and if second remote operation terminal <NUM> is selected, only light section <NUM> disposed on second remote operation terminal <NUM> is turned on (see <FIG>). The selection of one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is, however, not limited to a mode in which the selection is performed by switching tool <NUM>.

In this case, in crane <NUM>, light section <NUM> is turned on in only remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting. According to such crane <NUM>, it is possible to recognize at a glance that remote operation terminal <NUM> is remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting.

In addition, it is conceivable to display such information on only selected one of remote operation terminals <NUM>, since each remote operation terminal <NUM> includes image display <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). For example, when there are first remote operation terminal <NUM> to third remote operation terminal <NUM> and if second remote operation terminal <NUM> is selected, such information is displayed (see <FIG>: see a portion marked with <IMG> ) on only image display <NUM> disposed on second remote operation terminal <NUM>. The selection of one of remote operation terminals <NUM> is, however, not limited to a mode in which the selection is performed by switching tool <NUM>. Display modes of symbols, characters, and the like are also not limited.

In this case, in crane <NUM>, such information is displayed on image display <NUM> in only remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting. According to such crane <NUM>, it is possible to recognize at a glance that remote operation terminal <NUM> is allowed to change a primary setting.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, a display mode when an operation of opening above-described initial screen S will be described. In crane <NUM>, initial screen S is opened when a button (not illustrated) is pressed in remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting. Here, initial screen S is defined as "primary-setting change screen S".

First, remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting will be described. In remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting, when a predetermined button is pressed by an operator, primary-setting change screen S is displayed (see <FIG>) on image display <NUM>. In primary-setting change screen S, above-described image figure Ia, image figure Ib, image figure Ic, and image figure Id are displayed.

Next, remote operation terminal <NUM> that is not allowed to change a primary setting will be described. In remote operation terminal <NUM> that is not allowed to change a primary setting, even when a predetermined button is pressed by an operator, primary-setting change screen S is not displayed on image display <NUM>. Alternatively, a comment, such as "THIS REMOTE OPERATION TERMINAL IS NOT ALLOWED TO CHANGE PRIMARY SETTING", is displayed (see <FIG>). At this time, a number and the like of remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting may be indicated.

As above, in remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting, primary-setting change screen S is displayed on image display <NUM>, and, in remote operation terminals <NUM> that are not allowed to change a primary setting, primary-setting change screen S is not displayed on image display <NUM>. According to such crane <NUM>, it is possible for remote operation terminal <NUM> that is allowed to change a primary setting to perform an operation of changing a primary setting. In remote operation terminals <NUM> that are not allowed to change a primary setting, even performing an operation of changing a primary setting is not possible. Consequently, it is possible to eliminate an operation of changing a primary setting being performed in vain in remote operation terminals <NUM> that are not allowed to change a primary setting.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, processing in control apparatus <NUM> will be briefly described. Here, it is assumed that a change authorization request button (which may be, for example, above-described buttons B1, B2, and B3 or set-key button Bs, or other buttons) is pressed.

According to the flowchart, a command (command B) that approves authorization can be sent to predetermined remote operation terminal <NUM>. In addition, receiving a change in a primary setting by predetermined remote operation terminal <NUM> is enabled. This flowchart is, however, an example of a conceivable configuration and is not limited thereto.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, processing in control apparatus <NUM> will be briefly described. It is also assumed here that a change authorization request button (which may be, for example, above-described buttons B1, B2, and B3 or set-key button Bs, or other buttons) is pressed.

According to the flowchart, on image display <NUM> of remote operation terminal <NUM>, information that change authorization was acquired or information that change authorization was not acquired is displayed. In addition, information that acquisition of change authorization was failed due to some causes is displayed. This flowchart is, however, an example of a conceivable configuration and is not limited thereto.

Claim 1:
An operation system, comprising:
a work vehicle having a work apparatus (<NUM>),
a control apparatus (<NUM>) configured to control the work apparatus (<NUM>),
a plurality of remote operation terminals (<NUM>) configured to operate the work apparatus (<NUM>), respectively, and
an information relay device (<NUM>) connected to the control apparatus (<NUM>) and to the remote operation terminals (<NUM>),
characterized in that the operation system is configured such that
a primary setting related to a working condition of the work apparatus (<NUM>) is allowed to be changed by transmitting a radio wave signal from one of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>) to the information relay device (<NUM>); and
when the primary setting is changed by one of the plurality of remote operation terminals (<NUM>), the change of the primary setting is also reflected in the other of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>) by transmitting a radio wave signal from information relay device (<NUM>) to the other of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>),
wherein each of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>) includes a switching tool (<NUM>); and
the operation system is configured such that only one of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>) which is selected by the switching tool (<NUM>) is allowed to change the primary setting, and when the primary setting is changed by the one of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>), the change of the primary setting is also reflected in the other of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>), and
wherein each of the remote operation terminals includes an image display (<NUM>); and the operation system is configured such that, when the primary setting is changed by the one of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>), a screen in which a content to be reflected in the primary setting is displayed on the image display (<NUM>) of each of the other of the remote operation terminals (<NUM>).