JP7821065B2 - Device control device, control device, and device control method - Google Patents

Description

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies. May 19, 2022: Published on the following website: "http://www.tokai-rika.co.jp/topics/2022/220519.pdf" May 19, 2022: Published on the following website: "https://www.takenaka.co.jp/news/2022/05/04/" May 19, 2022: Published on the following website: "https://www.rental.co.jp/newsrelease/pdf/220519_keyless.pdf" May 25th - 27th, 2022 Released at the 4th Construction and Survey Productivity Improvement Exhibition (CSPI-EXPO2022) May 20th, 2022 Released on the following website: "https://www.decn.co.jp/?p=142725" May 28th, 2022 Released on the following website: "https://www.netdenjd.com/articles/-/267840" May 20th, 2022 Released on the following website: "https://www.chukei-news.co.jp/news/2022/05/20/OK0002205200201_04/" May 19th, 2022 Published on the following website: "https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000008.000088570.html" May 19, 2022 Published on the following website: "https://nordot.app/900128430202617856?c=113147194022725109" May 19, 2022 Published on the following website: "http://www.tokai-rika.co.jp/en/news/2022/pdf/220519.pdf" May 19, 2022 Published on the following website: "https://www.zaikei.co.jp/releases/1668463/" June 3, 2022 Published on the following website: "https://built.itmedia.co.jp/bt/articles/2206/03/news023.html" June 2, 2022 Published on the following website: "http://www.kensetsu-plaza.com/new_products/post/24140"

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies. May 19, 2022: Published on the following website: "https://www.jpubb.com/press/3119765/" May 19, 2022: Published on the following website: "https://baues.io/i/b22a314eb2f9415180e42433568884b7" May 20, 2022 The information has been published on the following website: "https://kikai-news.net/2022/05/20/%E7%AB%B9%E4%B8%AD%E5%B7%A5%E5%8B%99%E5%BA%97%E3%81%AA%E3%81%A9%E3%80%81%E9%AB%98%E6%89%80%E4%BD%9C%E6%A5%AD%E8%BB%8A%E3%81%AE%E3%82%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B9%E3%82%B7%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%A0/" May 30th, 2022: Published on the following website: "https://www.kentsu.co.jp/webnews/html_top/220530590024.html" May 20th, 2022: Published in the "Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Morning Edition, May 20th, 2022, Page 8" published by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Co., Ltd. May 20th, 2022: Published in the "Kensetsu Tsushin Shimbun Morning Edition, May 20th, 2022, Page 3" published by Nikkan Kensetsu Tsushin Shimbun Co., Ltd.

This disclosure relates to a device control device, a control device, and a device control method.

Japanese Patent No. 3851830 (Patent Document 1) discloses a device that starts an engine by operating a physical key while it is inserted into a key cylinder.

Patent No. 3851830

In the case of the device (control equipment) described in the above document, even workers who are not qualified to use the device can start it if they obtain the physical key, which creates management problems.

This disclosure has been made to solve this problem, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a device control device, a control device, and a device control method that can limit the users who can use a specified operating mode of a control device.

A device control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure controls the operation of changing the operating mode of a control device having a first operating mode by rotating a physical key inserted into a key cylinder. The device includes an operation knob attached to the physical key, a restriction unit that restricts the operation of changing to the first operating mode via the operation knob, and a control unit that controls the restriction unit based on identification information from a user's terminal. When authentication based on the identification information is successful, the control unit releases the restriction by the restriction unit on the operation of changing to the first operating mode.

In the device control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, when authentication based on the identification information is successful, the restriction by the restricting unit on the operation of changing to the first operating mode is lifted. This makes it possible to limit users who can operate the control device in the first operating mode to users who have been authenticated based on the identification information.

In the device control device according to the first aspect, the identification information preferably includes a planned time of use of the controlled device, and the control unit determines that authentication based on the identification information has been established if the planned time of use matches. This configuration makes it possible to limit the time during which the controlled device can be operated in the first operating mode.

In this case, the scheduled use time preferably includes a time reserved in advance by the user. This configuration makes it possible to limit the time during which the control device can be operated in the first operating mode to the time reserved for use by the user.

In the equipment control device according to the first aspect, the control device is preferably provided on an aerial work platform having a base and a lifting unit supported from below by the base, and the first operating mode includes an upper operating mode in which an upper operating unit installed on the lifting unit can be used to raise and lower the lifting unit in addition to moving the aerial work platform. In this case, since the aerial work platform is operated at a high altitude in the upper operating mode, ensuring safety is more important. Therefore, it is possible to limit the users who can use the operating mode in which ensuring safety is more important.

In the device control device according to the first aspect, the control device preferably has a second operating mode different from the first operating mode, and the second operating mode is an operating mode that can be changed by the user regardless of whether authentication based on the identification information is successful. This configuration limits the users who can use the first operating mode, while not restricting the operation of changing to the second operating mode, thereby improving user convenience.

In this case, the control device is preferably provided on a vehicle for aerial work that has a base and a lifting unit supported from below by the base, and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which it is not possible to move the vehicle for aerial work, but it is possible to raise and lower the lifting unit. This configuration ensures safety in the second operating mode compared to when it is possible to move the vehicle for aerial work in the second operating mode. Therefore, safety can be ensured in the second operating mode, which does not limit the users who can use it.

In the above-mentioned equipment control device in which the control device has a second operating mode, the control device is preferably provided on an aerial work vehicle having a base and a lifting unit supported from below by the base, and the second operating mode includes a lower operating mode in which the aerial work vehicle can be operated using a lower operating unit installed on the base. In this case, since the aerial work vehicle is operated at a low altitude in the lower operating mode, ensuring safety is less important in this operating mode than in the upper operating mode. Therefore, by not limiting the users who can use the operating mode, which requires less safety, it is possible to improve user convenience while ensuring user safety.

A control device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a control device having a predetermined operating mode, and includes a key cylinder, a physical key inserted into the key cylinder, an operation knob attached to the physical key, a restricting unit that restricts operation to change to the predetermined operating mode via the operation knob, and a control unit that controls the restricting unit based on identification information from a user's terminal; and when authentication based on the identification information is successful, the control unit releases the restriction by the restricting unit on operation to change to the predetermined operating mode.

In the control device according to the second aspect, as described above, once authentication based on the identification information is successful, the restriction by the restricting unit on changing to the specified operating mode is lifted. This makes it possible to provide a control device that can limit users who can operate the control device in the specified operating mode to those who have been authenticated based on the identification information.

A device control method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a device control method in which an operation to change the operating mode of a control device having a predetermined operating mode is controlled by a device control device, the control device having a key member used for changing the operating mode, the device control device being configured to restrict the operation of changing to the predetermined operating mode using the key member, and comprising the steps of: determining whether authentication based on identification information from the user's terminal is successful; and, if the authentication is successful, lifting the restriction by the device control device on the operation of changing to the predetermined operating mode.

In the device control method according to the third aspect, as described above, if authentication based on identification information is successful, the restriction on the device control device's operation to change to a specified operating mode is lifted. This makes it possible to provide a device control method that can limit users who can operate the controlled device in a specified operating mode to users who have been authenticated based on identification information.

This disclosure makes it possible to limit the users who can use a specific operating mode on a control device.

1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle for working at height and a lock control device according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front view of a locking device according to one embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a locking device according to one embodiment. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a locking device according to an embodiment at a different height position from that shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a vehicle control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a control flow diagram of a processor of a vehicle control system according to one embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

Figure 1 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of an aerial work vehicle 1 as an example of a work vehicle. A work vehicle such as the aerial work vehicle 1 is an example of a device equipped with the lock control device 10 of the present disclosure. The device equipped with the lock control device 10 may be a work vehicle other than the aerial work vehicle 1, or may be a device other than a work vehicle. For example, an emergency power supply device may be equipped with the lock control device 10 of the present disclosure. The aerial work vehicle 1 is provided with a control device 1a that controls the aerial work vehicle 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerial work vehicle 1 comprises a running body 2 and a lifting body 3. The running body 2 is the base portion that moves the aerial work vehicle 1. The running body 2 has a pair of running wheels 2A on the front side and a pair of running wheels 2A on the rear side. The aerial work vehicle 1 can move on its own when the running wheels 2A are driven to rotate. The running body 2 may have tracks instead of running wheels 2A. The running body 2 and the lifting body 3 are examples of the "base portion" and "lifting portion" of this disclosure, respectively.

The lifting body 3 is configured to be able to rise and fall relative to the running body 2. The lifting body 3 is a basket portion in which the worker 101 rides to work. The control device 1a includes an operation panel 4 provided on the lifting body 3. The operation panel 4 has an operation stop switch 5 that is pressed to stop the aerial work vehicle 1, a physical key 6 (see Figure 3), and a key cylinder 7 (see Figure 4) into which the physical key 6 is inserted. The operation panel 4 is positioned so that the worker 101 riding on the lifting body 3 can see and operate the operation panel 4. The worker 101 is an example of a "user" in this disclosure.

The control panel 4 can be operated when the aerial work platform vehicle 1 is in the upper operation mode, which will be described later. The control device 1a includes a control panel 8 provided on the traveling body 2. The control panel 8 can be operated when the aerial work platform vehicle 1 is in the lower operation mode, which will be described later. The control panel 8 is an example of a "lower operation unit" in the present disclosure. The upper operation mode is an example of a "first operation mode" and a "predetermined operation mode" in the present disclosure. The lower operation mode is an example of a "second operation mode" in the present disclosure.

The aerial work platform 1 (control equipment 1a) further includes a lock control device 10. The lock control device 10 is used to rotate a physical key 6 (see FIG. 3) inserted into a key cylinder 7 (not shown). The lock control device 10 has a lock device 20 attached to the operation panel 4. The lock device 20 is attached to the physical key 6. As a result, the lock device 20 is attached to the operation panel 4, covering the key cylinder 7 and physical key 6, and the key cylinder 7 and physical key 6 are disposed inside the lock device 20. The lock control device 10 and lock device 20 are examples of the "equipment control device" and "regulation unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

The lock control device 10 includes a control box 80. The control box 80 is configured as a separate unit from the locking device 20. The locking device 20 and the control box 80 are wired and connected via a wire 91.

(Configuration of vehicle control system)
2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle control system 100 according to this embodiment. The vehicle control system 100 includes a lock control device 10, a reservation management server 30, and a mobile terminal 90. The mobile terminal 90 is an example of the "terminal" in the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the locking device 20 has a solenoid 21 and a microswitch 22. As will be explained later in FIG. 3, the solenoid 21 and microswitch 22 are housed in a housing 23 of the locking device 20. The locking device 20 has an operating unit 40 that covers the physical key 6 and rotates integrally with the physical key 6. The solenoid 21 can restrict the rotation of the operating unit 40.

The control box 80 houses a processor 81, memory 82, a communication unit 83, a power supply unit 84, and a timer 85. The communication unit 83 performs short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal 90 (see also FIG. 1) carried by the worker 101, and receives an unlock signal (digital key) from the mobile terminal 90. The processor 81 is an example of a "control unit" in this disclosure.

Memory 82 stores programs executed by processor 81 as well as information used by the programs (e.g., maps, formulas, and various parameters). Communication unit 83 includes various communication I/Fs. Processor 81 controls communication unit 83. Specifically, processor 81 communicates (wirelessly communicates) with mobile terminal 90 via communication unit 83.

The power supply unit 84 supplies power to the microswitch 22 and the solenoid 21 via wiring 91. The power supply unit 84 includes, for example, a dry cell battery. Note that the power supply unit 84 may also include a power supply circuit instead of a dry cell battery.

The timer 85 acquires time information. The timer 85 also acquires information on the time elapsed since the processor 81 performed a predetermined control. Details will be explained below. The processor 81 also acquires each piece of time information acquired by the timer 85.

The processor 81 controls the operation of the lock device 20. When the communication unit 83 receives an unlock signal (digital key) from the mobile terminal 90, the processor 81 controls the movement of the solenoid 21 (described below) via the wiring 91.

The microswitch 22 sends a stop state signal to the control box 80 (communication unit 83) via the wiring 91. When the aerial work platform 1 is in stop mode, the stop state signal is an H signal (active state). The processor 81 detects that the aerial work platform 1 is in stop mode based on the fact that the stop state signal is an H signal.

On the other hand, if the stop state signal is an L signal (inactive state), the processor 81 recognizes that the aerial work vehicle 1 is in an operating mode other than the stop mode (upper operation mode or lower operation mode).

In addition, the above-mentioned stop state signal may be an L signal when the aerial work vehicle 1 is in stop mode, and may be an H signal when the aerial work vehicle 1 is in an operating mode other than stop mode.

Figure 3 is a front view of the lock device 20 of the lock control device 10. The lock device 20 has an operation unit 40. The operation unit 40 has a knob 41 attached to the physical key 6. The knob 41 is hollow. The physical key 6 inserted into the key cylinder 7 is housed inside the knob 41. The physical key 6 fits into the hollow space inside the knob 41. The operation unit 40 covers the physical key 6. The worker 101 operates the knob 41 by pinching it with their fingers. By rotating the knob 41, the entire operation unit 40 rotates, and at this time, the physical key 6 rotates integrally with the operation unit 40. The knob 41 is an example of an "operation knob" in this disclosure.

The knob 41 shown in Figure 3 is set to the "off" position. Therefore, the physical key 6 inside the knob 41 is also set to the "off" position. When the knob 41 (physical key 6) is in the "off" position, the aerial work platform 1 is in a power-off state (stop mode), and it is not possible for the running body 2 to travel, or for the lifting body 3 to rise and fall, etc.

When the worker 101 rotates the knob 41 counterclockwise from the "off" position, the knob 41 (physical key 6) can be moved to the "upper operation" position. When the worker 101 rotates the knob 41 clockwise from the "off" position, the knob 41 (physical key 6) can be moved to the "lower operation" position.

When the knob 41 (physical key 6) is in the "upper operation" position, the aerial work platform 1 is in upper operation mode, and the worker 101 can operate the aerial work platform 1 from within the lifting body 3. The worker 101 can raise the lifting body 3 and perform work at height. When the lifting body 3 is at its lowest position, the worker 101 can drive the aerial work platform 1. In normal use, the aerial work platform 1 is used with the knob 41 (physical key 6) in the "upper operation" position.

When the knob 41 (physical key 6) is in the "lower operation" position, the aerial work platform 1 is in lower operation mode, and only the lifting body 3 can be raised and lowered. In other words, in lower operation mode, the aerial work platform 1 cannot be operated to travel. In this case, the lifting body 3 is raised and lowered by operating the control panel 8 provided on the travel body 2. The aerial work platform 1 may be used with the knob 41 (physical key 6) in the "lower operation" position, for example, during maintenance.

The lower operation mode is not used for normal work, but is an operating mode used in limited situations such as maintenance. Furthermore, in the lower operation mode, the aerial work platform 1 does not move, so it is possible to ensure position management of the aerial work platform 1 while maintaining user convenience.

The plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 moves based on the current from the control box 80. Specifically, when the control box 80 receives an unlock signal (digital key), the plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 moves closer to the knob 41 (left side in Figure 3) based on the current supplied from the power supply unit 84.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of the locking device 20 in Figure 4, an opening 42 is formed in the operating unit 40. The opening 42 is formed by cutting out a portion of the annular cross-sectional shape of the operating unit 40. The operating unit 40 is rotatable around the key cylinder 7. The opening 42 extends in the circumferential direction of rotation of the operating unit 40. The opening 42 is formed by opening a portion of the approximately cylindrical portion of the operating unit 40. The operating unit 40 has a first end 44 and a second end 45, which form both ends of the opening 42 in the circumferential direction of rotation of the operating unit 40.

When the plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 has moved toward the knob 41 (as shown in Figure 4), if an attempt is made to rotate the knob 41 toward the "upper operation" position, the first end 44 of the opening 42 will come into contact with (engage with) the tip 21b of the plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 on the knob 41 side. This restricts the operation of rotating the knob 41 toward the "upper operation" position.

Note that when the plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 has moved toward the knob 41 and an attempt is made to rotate the knob 41 toward the "lower operation" position, the second end 45 of the opening 42 does not come into contact with (engage with) the tip 21b of the plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 on the knob 41 side. In other words, the operation of rotating the knob 41 toward the "lower operation" position is not restricted. This is because, when the knob 41 is in the "off" position, the tip 21b is positioned closer to the first end 44 of the first and second ends 44 and 45 of the opening 42.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view at a different height position (a position perpendicular to the plane of the paper on which Figure 5 is drawn) from that shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, the microswitch 22 has an actuator 22a. The operation unit 40 also has a pressing portion 46. The pressing portion 46 has a protrusion shape that protrudes radially outward in the rotation direction of the operation unit 40. The pressing portion 46 presses the actuator 22a when the knob 41 (physical key 6) is positioned in the "OFF" position. The actuator 22a, pressed by the pressing portion 46, is displaced toward the main body of the microswitch 22. Based on the displacement of the actuator 22a, the microswitch 22 sends the above-mentioned stop state signal (H signal) to the control box 80, indicating that the knob 41 is positioned in the "OFF" position. Note that when the knob 41 is positioned in the "upper operation" position or the "lower operation" position, the pressing portion 46 does not press the actuator 22a.

(Sequence control)
Next, sequence control in the lock control device 10 (processor 81), the worker 101, and the reservation management server 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S1, the worker 101 uses his or her mobile device 90 to make a reservation for use of the aerial work platform 1. For example, the worker 101 makes a reservation for use of the aerial work platform 1 using a dedicated app installed on the mobile device 90. In this case, the worker 101 can reserve use of the aerial work platform 1 for any time period (for example, 10:00-12:00). Note that the app may be managed so that it is installed only on the mobile devices 90 of specific workers 101 at the workplace.

Next, in step S2, the reservation management server 30 approves the use reservation made by the worker 101 in step S1.

In step S2, the ID of the worker 101 who made the reservation to use the aerial work vehicle 1 in step S1 may be compared with the ID of the worker 101 who is able to use the upper operation mode of the aerial work vehicle 1, and a determination may be made as to whether or not to approve the use of the aerial work vehicle 1 (upper operation mode) for the worker 101 who made the reservation in step S1. In this case, the app used to reserve the use of the aerial work vehicle 1 may be installed on the mobile devices 90 of all workers 101 in the workplace.

Here, the upper operation mode is a mode used in normal work, and is therefore used relatively frequently. Therefore, the upper operation mode is an operating mode that requires appropriate management. Therefore, limiting the users who can use the upper operation mode by authenticating users as described above is extremely effective in ensuring appropriate management.

Next, in step S3, the reservation management server 30 assigns a digital key to the worker 101 who made the reservation for use of the aerial work platform 1 in step S1, which allows the worker 101 to change the mode of the aerial work platform 1 to the upper operation mode. This digital key is sent to the mobile terminal 90 of the worker 101 based on the approval of the reservation for use in step S2. This digital key includes time information (planned use time information) when the worker 101 reserved use of the aerial work platform 1. The digital key is an example of "identification information" in this disclosure.

The lock control device 10 (processor 81) may also send a digital key to the mobile device 90 of the worker 101 via the communication unit 83. In this case, the lock control device 10 (processor 81) obtains information indicating that the reservation for use of the aerial work platform 1 has been approved and information about the reservation time from the reservation management server 30 via the communication unit 83.

Next, in step S4, the worker 101 sends an unlock signal from his or her mobile terminal 90 to the processor 81 (communication unit 83) of the control box 80. At this time, the digital key sent to the mobile terminal 90 in step S3 is sent to the processor 81 (communication unit 83) along with the unlock signal.

Then, in the next step S5, the processor 81 performs control (unlock control) to release the lock state of the lock device 20 from the mode change operation to the upper operation mode. The control of step S5 will be explained in more detail in FIG. 7 below.

(Unlock control method)
Next, a control method for unlocking control by the lock control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S501, the processor 81 of the control box 80 determines whether the worker 101 who sent the unlock signal is authorized to change to the upper operation mode. Specifically, the processor 81 determines whether the worker 101 is authorized to change to the upper operation mode based on whether the worker 101 sent a digital key along with the unlock signal. If the answer is Yes in step S501, processing proceeds to step S502. If the answer is No in step S501, the locked state by the lock device 20 is maintained and processing ends.

Next, in step S502, the processor 81 determines whether the reservation time information included in the digital key matches the time information measured by the timer 85. Specifically, the processor 81 determines whether the time measured by the timer 85 is within the reservation time. If the answer is Yes in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503. If the answer is No in step S502, the lock device 20 remains locked, and the process ends.

In step S503, the processor 81 releases the locking device 20 from its locked state. Specifically, the processor 81 controls the current supplied from the control box (power supply unit 84) to the solenoid 21 of the locking device 20, thereby moving the plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 to the side opposite the knob 41 (to the right in Figure 3). As a result, the solenoid 21 and the knob 41 are disengaged, and the locking state is released.

In step S504, the processor 81 determines whether the aerial work platform vehicle 1 has been changed from stop mode to upper operation mode (or lower operation mode) within a predetermined time after the lock state is released (after the current control is performed).

Specifically, processor 81 obtains information from timer 85 indicating the elapsed time since the locked state was released (since the current control was performed). Processor 81 then determines whether a mode change operation was performed before the elapsed time obtained from timer 85 reaches the predetermined time.

In detail, the processor 81 determines whether the stop state signal has changed from an H signal (active state) to an L signal (inactive state) within the specified time after the lock state is released (after the current control is performed).

If the answer is No in step S504, processing proceeds to step S505. If the answer is Yes in step S504, processing proceeds to step S506.

In step S505, the processor 81 changes the locking device 20 from the unlocked state (restricted state) to the locked state (restricted state). Specifically, the processor 81 controls the current supplied from the control box (power supply unit 84) to the solenoid 21 of the locking device 20, thereby moving the plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 again toward the knob 41 (left side in Figure 3). As a result, the solenoid 21 and the knob 41 become able to engage with each other again. This causes the locking device 20 to enter the locked state again.

In step S506, the processor 81 determines whether the physical key 6 (knob 41) has been operated to change from a first state corresponding to the operating mode (upper operation mode or lower operation mode) to a second state corresponding to the stop mode. Specifically, the processor 81 determines whether the above operation has been performed based on whether the stop state signal from the microswitch 22 has changed from an L signal (inactive state) to an H signal (active state). If the answer is Yes in step S506, the process proceeds to step S507. If the answer is No in step S506, the process of step S506 is repeated.

In step 507, the processor 81 changes the locking device 20 from the unlocked state to the locked state a predetermined time after the physical key 6 (knob 41) is operated from the first state (the state corresponding to the operating mode) to the second state (the state corresponding to the stop mode). Specifically, the plunger 21a of the solenoid 21 is moved toward the knob 41 (the left side in Figure 3), thereby enabling the solenoid 21 and the knob 41 to engage with each other.

In detail, the processor 81 changes the lock device 20 from the unlocked state to the locked state a predetermined time after acquiring the stopped state signal (H signal) output from the microswitch 22 as a result of the physical key 6 being changed from the first state (state corresponding to the operating mode) to the second state (state corresponding to the stopped mode). The processing then ends. Note that the predetermined time in step S507 may be the same as the predetermined time in step S504, or they may be different from each other.

As described above, in this embodiment, if the worker 101 who sent the unlock signal is permitted to change to the upper operation mode, the restriction on changing to the upper operation mode by the locking device 20 (knob 41) is lifted. This prevents anyone other than the worker 101 who is permitted to change to the upper operation mode from operating the aerial work platform 1 in the upper operation mode.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the processor 81 is able to distinguish between the stop mode and the operating mode (upper operation mode and lower operation mode) based on a signal from the microswitch 22, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The processor 81 may also be able to distinguish between the stop mode, upper operation mode, and lower operation mode based on a signal from the microswitch 22, etc. In this case, when the mode is changed from the stop mode to the lower operation mode while in the unlocked state by the locking device 20, the locking device 20 may be returned to the locked state.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a person who made a reservation for use of the aerial work platform 1 on the reservation management server 30 was permitted to operate the upper operation mode, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a specific worker 101 who is permitted to change the mode to the upper operation mode may be given a security card or the like that can unlock the locked state of the lock control device 10.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the processor 81 performs unlock control when a digital key is received within the reserved time of the aerial work platform 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The worker 101 who has obtained the digital key may be able to perform unlock control even outside the reserved time.

In addition, while the above embodiment shows an example in which unlocking control is possible using the mobile terminal 90 on which the aerial work platform 1 is reserved, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The terminal on which the aerial work platform 1 is reserved and the terminal that sends the unlock signal to the control box 80 may be different.

In addition, while the above embodiment uses an aerial work vehicle 1 as an example, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The control of the above embodiment may also be applied to control devices other than the aerial work vehicle 1 (for example, a power storage device or a work vehicle not designed for use at high altitudes, etc.).

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the mode change operation to the lower operation mode can be performed by any worker 101, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The mode change operation to the lower operation mode may also be controlled so that it can be performed only by authorized workers 101.

The above-described embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate to the extent that no technical contradictions arise.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications that are equivalent in meaning to and within the scope of the claims.

1 Aerial work platform, 1a Control equipment, 2 Traveling body (base), 2a Control panel (lower operation section), 3 Lifting body (lifting section), 6 Physical key, 10 Lock control device (equipment control device), 20 Lock device (regulating section), 41 Knob (operation knob), 81 Processor (control section), 90 Portable terminal (terminal), 101 Worker (user).

Claims (9)

A device control device that controls an operation of changing an operation mode of a control device having a first operation mode by rotating a physical key inserted into a key cylinder,
an operation knob attached to the physical key;
a restricting unit that restricts the change operation to the first operation mode via the operation knob;
a control unit that controls the restriction unit based on identification information from a user terminal,
the control unit cancels the restriction by the restriction unit on the change operation to the first operation mode when authentication based on the identification information is established ;
The control device is provided on an aerial work vehicle having a lifting section that can be raised and lowered,
The first operating mode includes an upper operation mode in which the aerial work platform can be operated using an upper operation unit installed on the lifting unit . A device control device that controls an operation of changing an operation mode of a control device having a first operation mode by rotating a physical key inserted into a key cylinder,
an operation knob attached to the physical key;
a restricting unit that restricts the change operation to the first operation mode via the operation knob;
a control unit that controls the restriction unit based on identification information from a user terminal,
the control unit cancels the restriction by the restriction unit on the change operation to the first operation mode when authentication based on the identification information is established;
the identification information includes a scheduled time of use of the control device;
The control unit determines that authentication based on the identification information is established when the scheduled use time matches. The device control device of claim 2, wherein the scheduled use time includes a time reserved in advance by the user. The aerial work vehicle further includes a base portion that supports the lifting portion from below,
The equipment control device according to claim 1 , wherein the upper operation mode allows the upper operation unit to operate to move the aerial work platform and also to operate to raise and lower the lifting unit. A device control device that controls an operation of changing an operation mode of a control device having a first operation mode by rotating a physical key inserted into a key cylinder,
an operation knob attached to the physical key;
a restricting unit that restricts the change operation to the first operation mode via the operation knob;
a control unit that controls the restriction unit based on identification information from a user terminal,
the control unit cancels the restriction by the restriction unit on the change operation to the first operation mode when authentication based on the identification information is established;
the control device has a second mode of operation different from the first mode of operation;
The second operation mode is an operation mode in which the user can perform the change operation regardless of whether authentication based on the identification information is successful. the control device is provided on an aerial work vehicle having a base and a lifting unit supported from below by the base,
The equipment control device according to claim 5 , wherein the second operation mode is an operation mode in which the operation of moving the aerial work platform vehicle is not possible, but the operation of raising and lowering the lifting unit is possible. the control device is provided on an aerial work vehicle having a base and a lifting unit supported from below by the base,
The equipment control device according to claim 5 , wherein the second operation mode includes a lower operation mode in which the aerial work platform can be operated by a lower operation unit installed on the base unit. A control device having a predetermined mode of operation,
A key cylinder,
a physical key inserted into the key cylinder;
an operation knob attached to the physical key;
a restricting unit that restricts an operation of changing the operation mode to the predetermined operation mode via the operation knob;
a control unit that controls the restriction unit based on identification information from a user terminal,
when authentication based on the identification information is established, the control unit cancels the restriction by the restriction unit on the change operation to the predetermined operation mode ;
The control device is provided on an aerial work vehicle having a lifting section that can be raised and lowered,
The predetermined operating mode includes an upper operation mode in which the aerial work platform can be operated by an upper operation unit installed on the lifting unit , the control device. 1. An equipment control method for controlling, by an equipment control device, a change operation of an operation mode of a control device provided on an aerial work platform having a lifting section that can be raised and lowered, the control device having predetermined operation modes including an upper operation mode that allows the aerial work platform to be operated by an upper operation section installed on the lifting section,
the control device includes a physical key used for the change operation of the operation mode,
the device control device is configured to restrict the operation of changing to the predetermined operation mode using the physical key,
determining whether authentication has been successful based on identification information from the user's terminal;
If the authentication is successful, canceling the restriction on the change operation to the predetermined operation mode by the device control device.