AU2015338054A1

AU2015338054A1 - Mixer vehicle

Info

Publication number: AU2015338054A1
Application number: AU2015338054A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kenta NAKADA; Kazunori Tanaka
Original assignee: KYB Corp
Current assignee: KYB Corp
Priority date: 2014-10-29
Filing date: 2015-10-22
Publication date: 2017-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-22
Also published as: NZ731608A; WO2016068020A1; JP2016084105A; AU2015338054B2; JP6438274B2

Abstract

A mixer vehicle (100) is provided with: a mixer drum (2) capable of carrying fresh concrete; a drive device (4) for rotationally driving the mixer drum (2); a drive state sensor for sensing a drive state of the mixer drum (2); a drive time integration unit (14) for integrating the drive time of the mixer drum (2) in accordance with the drive state of the mixer drum (2); and a command generation unit (15) that generates a command signal for notifying that it is the time for replacing expendable items regarding the mixer vehicle (100) if it is determined that a drive time (T) integrated by the drive time integration unit (14) has exceeded a pre-set setting time.

Description

GS11523/PCT-1829 - 1 -

DESCRIPTION MIXER VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixer vehicle capable of loading ready-mixed concrete.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] JP2000-33831A discloses a mixer vehicle including a mixer drum mounted rotatably on a vehicle body.

[0003] In the mixer vehicle, the ready-mixed concrete is loaded into a mixer drum, and the ready-mixed concrete is agitated by rotation of the mixer drum.

[0004] In the mixer vehicle including a driving device for transmitting rotation of an engine to the mixer drum through a working oil, the working oil gradually degrades by an operation of the driving device. Thus, when a degrading degree of the working oil exceeds an allowable value, the working oil needs to be replaced.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] However, in such prior-art mixer vehicle, there is a problem that it is difficult for an operator to manage replacement timing of consumables such as the working oil.

[0006] The present invention has an object to provide a mixer vehicle in which management of the replacement timing of consumables is easy.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mixer vehicle includes a mixer drum configured to load ready-mixed concrete, a driving device configured to drive and rotate the mixer drum, a driving state detector configured to detect a driving state of the mixer drum, a driving time GS11523/PCT-1829 - 2 - integration part configured to integrate driving time during which the mixer drum is rotated in accordance with the driving state of the mixer drum, and an instruction creation part configured to create an instruction signal for notifying that replacement timing of consumables relating to the mixer vehicle is reached when the driving time that is integrated in the driving time integration part is determined to exceed a predetermined set time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008]

Fig. 1A is a plan view of a mixer vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. IB is a side view of the mixer vehicle,

Fig. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating constitution of the mixer vehicle,

Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for notifying replacement timing of consumables in the mixer vehicle,

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for notifying replacement timing of consumables in a mixer vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for notifying replacement timing of consumables in a mixer vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for notifying replacement timing of consumables in a mixer vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below by GS11523/PCT-1829 - 3 - referring to the attached drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment)

Entire constitution of a mixer vehicle 100 will be described by referring to Figs. 1A and IB.

[0011] As illustrated in Figs. 1A and IB, the mixer vehicle 100 is a vehicle including an operator’s cabin 11 and a base 1. The mixer vehicle 100 includes a mixer drum 2 mounted on the base 1 and capable of loading ready-mixed concrete, a driving device 4 that drives and rotates the mixer drum 2, and a controller 10 that controls rotation of the mixer drum 2. The mixer vehicle 100 loads the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 and transports it. In Fig. IB, the driving device 4 and the like are not shown.

[0012] The mixer drum 2 is a cylindrical container having a bottom rotatably mounted on the base 1 and has an opening portion 2A on the rear end thereof. The mixer drum 2 is mounted with inclination so that the rotating axis O gradually becomes higher from a front part of the vehicle toward the rear part.

[0013] On a rear upper part of the opening portion 2A of the mixer drum 2, a hopper 16 is provided. The ready-mixed concrete that is loaded through the opening portion 2A is led to the opening portion 2A by the hopper 16. On a rear lower part of the opening portion 2A of the mixer drum 2, a flow guide 17 and a chute 18 are provided. The ready-mixed concrete that is discharged from the opening portion 2A is led to the chute 18 by the flow guide 17 and is discharged in a predetermined direction by the chute 18.

[0014] The mixer drum 2 is driven and rotated by using an engine 3 for running mounted on the mixer vehicle 100 as a power source. The driving device 4 is driven by rotation of an engine 3 and drives and rotates the mixer drum 2 by a fluid pressure of a working fluid. GS11523/PCT-1829 - 4 - [0015] A rotary motion of a crank shaft in the engine 3 is transmitted to the driving device 4 by a power take-off mechanism 9 (PTO: Power take-off) that takes out power from the engine 3 at all times and a drive shaft 8 (see Fig. 2) connecting the power take-off mechanism 9 and the driving device 4 to each other.

[0016] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the power take-off mechanism 9 is provided with a rotation sensor 9a that detects a rotating speed of the engine 3 and that outputs a rotation speed signal to the controller 10 in accordance with the detected rotating speed. It may be so configured that the rotating speed of the drive shaft 8 is detected by using the rotation sensor 9a.

[0017] In the driving device 4, a working oil is used as the working fluid. In the driving device 4, instead of the working oil, another non-compressive fluid may be used as the working fluid. The driving device 4 includes a hydraulic pump 5 serving as a fluid pressure pump that is driven by the engine 3 to discharge the working fluid, and a hydraulic motor 6 serving as a fluid pressure motor that is driven by the hydraulic pump 5 to drive and rotate the mixer drum 2. The driving device 4 is capable of forward/backward rotation and acceleration/deceleration of the mixer drum 2.

[0018] The hydraulic pump 5 is driven and rotated by power taken out of the engine 3 through the power take-off mechanism 9 at all times. Therefore, a rotating speed of the hydraulic pump 5 is largely affected by a change in the rotating speed of the engine 3 accompanying a running state of the vehicle. Thus, in the mixer vehicle 100, the rotating speed of the hydraulic motor 6 is controlled by the controller 10 so that the mixer drum 2 is in a target rotation state in accordance with the rotating speed of the engine 3.

[0019] The hydraulic pump 5 is a swash-plate axial piston pump with variable capacity. The hydraulic pump 5 receives a control signal from the controller 10 and switches a tilt angle of the pump to a forward rotation GS11523/PCT-1829 - 5 - direction or a backward rotation direction. The hydraulic pump 5 includes an electromagnetic valve (not shown) for adjusting the tilt angle. A discharge direction and a discharge capacity of the hydraulic pump 5 is adjusted by switching of the electromagnetic valve.

[0020] The working oil that is discharged from the hydraulic pump 5 is supplied to the hydraulic motor 6, and the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated. The rotation of the hydraulic motor 6 is transmitted to the mixer drum 2 through a decelerator 7.

[0021] When the mixer drum 2 is operated forward by the hydraulic pump 5, the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 is agitated. On the other hand, when the mixer drum 2 is operated backward by the hydraulic pump 5, the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 is discharged from the opening portion on the rear end to an outside through the flow guide 17 and the chute 18.

[0022] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the hydraulic pump 5 is provided with a pressure sensor 5a serving as a pressure detector that detects a discharge pressure P of the discharged working oil. The pressure sensor 5a outputs a load pressure signal to the controller 10 in accordance with the detected pressure P of the working oil. It may be so configured that the pressure sensor 5a is provided not in the hydraulic pump 5 but in the hydraulic motor 6 so that the pressure of the working oil in the hydraulic motor 6 is detected. As described above, the pressure sensor 5a detects the pressure of the working oil in the driving device 4.

[0023] The hydraulic motor 6 is a swash-plate axial piston motor with variable capacity. The hydraulic motor 6 is driven and rotated upon receipt of the supply of the working oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 5. The hydraulic motor 6 includes an electromagnetic valve (not shown) that adjusts the tilt angle of the swash plate (not shown) by receiving a two-speed switching GS11523/PCT-1829 - 6 - signal from the controller 10. The capacity of the hydraulic motor 6 is switched in two stages, that is, a small capacity for high-speed rotation and a large capacity for normal rotation by switching of the electromagnetic valve.

[0024] The hydraulic motor 6 is provided with a rotation sensor 6a serving as a rotating speed detector. The rotation sensor 6a detects a rotating direction of its output shaft (not shown) and a rotating speed V of the output shaft and outputs a rotation direction signal and a rotation speed signal to the controller 10.

[0025] The controller 10 controls the driving device 4 and is constituted by a microcomputer including a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), an I/O interface (input/output interface) and the like. The RAM stores data in processing of the CPU, the ROM stores a control program of the CPU and the like in advance, and the I/O interface is used for input/output of information with a connected device. By operating the CPU, the RAM and the like in accordance with the program stored in the ROM, control of the driving device 4 is realized.

[0026] As illustrated in Fig. 2, when an operator operates an ignition switch (not shown) in the operator’s cabin 11 so as to start the engine 3, an ignition power supply is input into the controller 10. As a result, a power supply relay 21 is switched, a main power is supplied from a main battery 23 to the controller 10, and the controller 10 is driven.

[0027] In the operator’s cabin 11, a parking brake 31, an operating device 32 for operating the mixer drum 2, and a notification device 35 for the operator are arranged.

[0028] The parking brake 31 is provided with a detector that detects a lever position of the parking brake 31. When the parking brake 31 is in operation, a vehicle stop signal is output from the detector to the controller 10.

[0029] The operating device 32 is provided with a knob-type operation GS11523/PCT-1829 - 7 - switch 32a that switches a rotating direction and a rotating speed of the mixer drum 2, a stop switch 32b that emergency stops of rotation of the mixer drum 2, and an automatic agitation switch 32c that automatically rotates the mixer drum 2 for agitation.

[0030] On the basis of the operation of each of the operation switches 32a to 32d by the operator, an instruction signal is output from the operating device 32 to the controller 10. The controller 10 determines a target rotation state of the mixer drum 2 or more specifically the rotating direction and the rotating speed on the basis of the instruction signal.

[0031] Here, a rotating operation of the mixer drum 2 will be described. When the automatic agitation switch 32c is on, if there is no vehicle stop signal from the parking brake 31 and the vehicle speed is at a given speed or more, the controller 10 determines that the vehicle is running. As a result, the controller 10 automatically rotates the mixer drum 2 for agitation in order to prevent discharge of the ready-mixed concrete and to maintain a quality of the ready-mixed concrete.

[0032] On the other hand, when the automatic agitation switch 32c is off, the controller 10 allows backward rotation of the mixer drum 2 by operating the operating device 32 even if the vehicle is running. As a result, if the ready-mixed concrete is to be supplied to an elongated groove, for example, the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 can be discharged to an outside while the vehicle is made to run at an extremely low speed. Moreover, when the vehicle stop signal is output from the parking brake 31, too, the controller 10 allows backward rotation of the mixer drum 2 by operating the operating device 32 so that the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 can be discharged to the outside.

[0033] On a rear part of the mixer vehicle 100, a rear-part operating device 38 is arranged for allowing an operation of the mixer drum 2 outside the mixer GS11523/PCT-1829 - 8 - vehicle 100. The rear-part operating device 38 is, similarly to the operating device 32, provided with a knob-type operation switch 38a that switches the rotating direction and the rotating speed of the mixer drum 2, and a stop switch 38b that emergency stops of the rotation of the mixer drum 2. On the basis of the operation of the rear-part operating device 38 by the operator, an instruction signal is output from the rear-part operating device 38 to the controller 10.

[0034] The controller 10 controls the operations of the hydraulic pump 5 and the hydraulic motor 6 in accordance with the calculated rotating speed of the engine 3 so that the rotating direction and the rotating speed of the mixer drum 2 are in the target rotation state. Specifically, the controller 10 calculates a discharge direction and a discharge capacity of the hydraulic pump 5 and the capacity of the hydraulic motor 6 so that the rotating direction and the rotating speed of the mixer drum 2 are in the target rotation state and outputs a control signal to the hydraulic pump 5 and outputs a two-speed switching signal to the hydraulic motor 6.

[0035] Into the controller 10, a load pressure signal is input from the hydraulic pump 5 through the pressure sensor 5a, and a rotating direction signal and a rotating speed signal are input from the hydraulic motor 6 through the rotation sensor 6a. The controller 10 controls the operations of the hydraulic pump 5 and the hydraulic motor 6 on the basis of these input signals.

[0036] As driving time of the mixer drum 2 during which the mixer drum 2 is driven by the driving device 4 becomes longer, the working oil circulating in the driving device 4 gradually deteriorates. Thus, when a degree of deterioration of the working oil exceeds an allowable value, the working oil needs to be replaced as consumables.

[0037] Then, the mixer vehicle 100 is provided with the notification device GS11523/PCT-1829 - 9 - 35 that notifies the operator of reach of replacement timing of the working oil filled in the driving device 4. The notification device 35 is a character display device or a lamp that notifies the operator so that the operator can visually recognize it or a buzzer or a speaker that notifies the operator in sound or voice.

[0038] The controller 10 includes a driving time integration part 14 that integrates the driving time during which the mixer drum 2 is rotated in accordance with the driving state of the mixer drum 2 detected by the driving state detector and a replacement-timing notification instruction creation part (also referred to simply as an “instruction creation part”) 15 that creates an instruction signal for controlling the operation of the notification device 35 in accordance with the integrated driving time T.

[0039] In this embodiment, the mixer vehicle 100 uses the rotation sensor 6a as a driving state detector. The driving time integration part 14 determines whether the mixer drum 2 is rotating or not on the basis of a detection signal of the rotation sensor 6a. The instruction creation part 15 creates an instruction signal for operating the notification device 35 when it is determined that the integrated driving time T has exceeded a predetermined set time LT and also sends this instruction signal to the notification device 35. The notification device 35 is operated upon receipt of this instruction signal and notifies the operator of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil.

[0040] The notification device 35 may be provided at a place away from the mixer vehicle 100 (in a control center where a manager of the mixer vehicle is present, for example). In this case, the instruction creation part 15 sends an instruction signal to the notification device 35 by using a wireless device (not shown). The notification device 35 is operated upon receipt of the instruction signal through the wireless device and notifies the manager of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil as consumables. GS11523/PCT-1829 - 10 - [0041] Subsequently, by referring to Fig. 3, a routine that is executed by the controller 10 will be described. In this routine, the operator is notified of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil in accordance with the driving time T of the mixer drum 2. The controller 10 repeatedly executes this routine at an interval of constant time, for example every 10 milliseconds, during operation of the engine 3.

[0042] At Step S101, the controller 10 reads the rotation speed V of the hydraulic motor 6 from the detection signal of the rotation sensor 6a. The rotation speed V of the hydraulic motor 6 is used as a parameter for determining the driving state of the mixer drum 2. When the rotation speed V of the hydraulic motor 6 is 0 (zero), the driving state of the mixer drum 2 is determined to be in operation stop in which the operation of the hydraulic motor 6 is stopped, and the rotation of the mixer drum 2 is stopped. On the other hand, when the rotation speed V of the hydraulic motor 6 is not 0, the driving state of the mixer drum 2 is determined to be in an operation during which the hydraulic motor 6 is operated, and the mixer drum 2 is driven and rotated.

[0043] At Step SI02, the controller 10 determines whether the read rotation speed V is 0 or not.

[0044] When the driving state of the mixer drum 2 is determined to be during operation of the mixer drum 2 in which the rotation speed V is not 0 at Step SI02, processing of the controller 10 proceeds to Step SI03. On the other hand, when it is determined at Step SI02 that the rotation speed V is 0, the processing of the controller 10 returns to start.

[0045] At Step SI03, the controller 10 integrates time during which the hydraulic motor 6 and the mixer drum 2 are rotated.

[0046] At Step SI04, the controller 10 determines whether or not the integrated driving time T has become the predetermined set time LT or more. GS11523/PCT-1829 - 11 - [0047] At Step SI04, when it is determined that the driving time T has reached the set time LT, the processing of the controller 10 proceeds to Step SI05. On the other hand, when it is determined at Step SI04 that the driving time T has not reached the set time LT, the processing of the controller 10 returns to start.

[0048] At Step SI05, the controller 10 creates an instruction signal for operating the notification device 35 and sends this instruction signal to the notification device 35 and finishes this routine. The notification device 35 is operated upon receipt of the instruction signal from the controller 10 and notifies the operator of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil.

[0049] According to the embodiment above, the mixer vehicle 100 includes the driving device 4 that drives and rotates the mixer drum 2, the rotation sensor 6a (driving state detector) that detects the driving state of the mixer drum 2, the driving time integration part 14 that integrates the driving time during which the mixer drum 2 is rotated in accordance with the driving state of the mixer drum 2, and the instruction creation part 15 that creates the instruction signal for notifying of reach or the replacement timing of the consumables when it is determined that the driving time T integrated in the driving time integration part 14 has exceeded the predetermined set time LT.

[0050] Steps S101 to SI03 correspond to the processing executed in the driving time integration part 14, and Steps SI04 and SI05 correspond to the processing executed in the instruction creation part 15.

[0051] In the mixer vehicle 100, when the driving time T during which the mixer drum 2 is rotated has reached the set time LT, the operator is notified of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil. As a result, the operator can easily manage the replacement timing of the working oil, and defective operation of the driving device 4 caused by continuation of the operation of the mixer drum 2 without replacing the working oil though the replacement timing GS11523/PCT-1829 - 12 - of the working oil is reached can be prevented. When the working oil has been replaced, by means of an operation by the operator of a reset switch (not shown), the driving time T that is integrated in the driving time integration part 14 is reset to 0 (zero), and calculation of the driving time T is newly started.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the rotation sensor 6a (rotation speed detector) that detects the rotation speed V of the hydraulic motor 6 driving the mixer drum 2 is used in the mixer vehicle 100 as the driving state detector. The driving time integration part 14 can accurately determine the operation during which the mixer drum 2 is driven since it integrates the driving time during which the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated on the basis of the detection result of the rotation sensor 6a.

[0053] (Second embodiment)

Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same constitution as that of the mixer vehicle in the first embodiment, and explanation will be omitted.

[0054] When the driving time integration part determines that the mixer drum 2 is rotated on the basis of the detection signal of the rotation sensor 6a, the driving time integration part makes correction such that the time during which the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated is reduced in accordance with lowering of a hydraulic pressure for driving the hydraulic motor 6 on the basis of the detection signal of the pressure sensor 5a, and integrates time after the correction.

[0055] Subsequently, by referring to Fig. 4, a routine that is executed by the controller 10 will be described. In this routine, the operator is notified of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil in accordance with the GS11523/PCT-1829 - 13 - driving time T of the mixer drum 2. The controller 10 repeatedly executes this routine at an interval of constant time, for example every 10 milliseconds, during the operation of the engine 3.

[0056] At step S201, the controller 10 reads the rotation speed V of the hydraulic motor 6 from the detection signal of the rotation sensor 6a.

[0057] At Step S202, the controller 10 determines whether or not the read rotation speed V is not 0 (zero).

[0058] At Step S202, when it is determined that the driving state of the mixer drum 2 is during operation of the mixer drum 2 during which the rotation speed V is not 0, the processing of the controller 10 proceeds to Step S203. On the other hand, at Step S202, when it is determined that the rotation speed V is 0, the processing of the controller 10 returns to start.

[0059] At Step S203, the controller 10 reads the discharge pressure P in the hydraulic pump 5 from the detection signal of the pressure sensor 5a.

[0060] At Step S204, the controller 10 calculates a correction coefficient K on the basis of a predetermined map (not shown) in accordance with the read discharge pressure P.

[0061] In the map, the correction coefficient K is set to 0.5 in a low load state with the discharge pressure P at a given value P2 or less, for example (empty state in which the ready-mixed concrete is not loaded in the mixer drum 2), while the correction coefficient K is set to 1.0 in a high load state in which the discharge pressure P is higher than the given value P2 (a loaded state in which the ready-mixed concrete is loaded in the mixer drum 2).

[0062] At Step S205, the controller 10 multiplies the time during which the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated by the correction coefficient K and integrates the driving time T after the multiplication.

[0063] Not limited to the aforementioned configuration, the map used at Step S204 may be set so that the correction coefficient K is gradually increased GS11523/PCT-1829 - 14 - as the discharge pressure P rises. As a result, time during which the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated can be corrected in correspondence with an increase / decrease of the load with which the driving device 4 drives the mixer drum 2 depending on a loaded amount of the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2.

[0064] At Step S206, the controller 10 determines whether or not the driving time T integrated with correction has reached the predetermined set time LT.

[0065] At Step S206, when it is determined that the driving time T has reached the set time LT, the processing of the controller 10 proceeds to Step S207. On the other hand, at Step S206, when it is determined that the driving time T has not reached the set time LT, the processing of the controller 10 returns to start.

[0066] At Step S207, the controller 10 creates the instruction signal for operating the notification device 35 and also sends this instruction signal to the notification device 35 and finishes this routine. The notification device 35 is operated upon receipt of the instruction signal from the controller 10 and notifies the operator of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil.

[0067] According to the second embodiment above, the mixer vehicle 100 includes the pressure sensor 5a (fluid pressure detector) that detects the hydraulic pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6, and the driving time integration part makes such correction that the time during which the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated is reduced in accordance with lowering of the hydraulic pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 and integrates time after the correction.

[0068] Steps S201 to S205 correspond to the processing executed in the driving time integration part.

[0069] In the mixer vehicle 100, since the correction is made such that the GS11523/PCT-1829 - 15 - time during which the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated is reduced in accordance with lowering of the hydraulic pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6, the replacement timing of the working oil can be accurately determined in accordance with the load of the driving device 4 driving the mixer drum 2.

[0070] (Third embodiment)

Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same constitution as that of the mixer vehicle in the first embodiment, and explanation will be omitted.

[0071] In the mixer vehicle 100 according to the first embodiment, the rotation sensor 6a is used as the driving state detector. In the mixer vehicle 100 according to the third embodiment, the pressure sensor 5a is used as the driving state detector, and the similar control is executed.

[0072] When the pressure sensor 5a is used as the driving state detector, the driving time integration part determines whether the mixer drum 2 is rotating or not by comparing the discharge pressure P in the hydraulic pump 5 detected by the pressure sensor 5a and a predetermined set value PI.

[0073] The set value PI is a value set in advance on the basis of a minimum value of the pressure P of the working oil led from the hydraulic pump 5 to the hydraulic motor 6 when the hydraulic motor 6 drives and rotates the mixer drum 2. The driving time integration part determines that the mixer vehicle is in the operation during which the mixer drum 2 is rotated when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 5a involved with rotation of the mixer drum 2 rises beyond the set value PI.

[0074] Subsequently, by referring to Fig. 5, a routine that is executed by the controller 10 in the mixer vehicle 100 will be described. In this routine, the GS11523/PCT-1829 - 16 - operator is notified of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil in accordance with the driving time T of the mixer drum 2. The controller 10 repeatedly executes this routine at an interval of constant time, for example every 10 milliseconds, during the operation of the engine 3.

[0075] At Step S301, the controller 10 reads the discharge pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 from the detection signal of the pressure sensor 5a. The discharge pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 is used as a parameter for determining the driving state of the mixer drum 2. When the discharge pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 is at the set pressure PI or less, the driving state of the mixer drum 2 is determined to be in the operation stop in which the rotation of the mixer drum 2 by the hydraulic motor 6 is stopped. On the other hand, when the discharge pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 is higher than the set pressure PI, the driving state of the mixer drum 2 is determined to be in the operation during which the mixer drum 2 is driven and rotated by the hydraulic motor 6.

[0076] At Step S302, the controller 10 determines whether the read discharge pressure P is higher than the set pressure PI or not.

[0077] At Step S302, when it is determined that the discharge pressure P is higher than the set pressure PI, the processing of the controller 10 proceeds to Step S303. On the other hand, when it is determined at Step S302 that the discharge pressure P is at the set value PI or less, the processing of the controller 10 returns to start.

[0078] At Step S303, the controller 10 integrates time during which the discharge pressure P becomes higher than the set pressure PI and the mixer drum 2 is rotated.

[0079] At Step S304, the controller 10 determines whether or not the integrated driving time T has reached the predetermined set time LT.

[0080] At Step S304, when it is determined that the driving time T has GS11523/PCT-1829 - 17 - reached the set time LT, the processing of the controller 10 proceeds to Step S305. On the other hand, when it is determined at Step S304 that the driving time T has not reached the set time LT, the processing of the controller 10 returns to start.

[0081] At Step S305, the controller 10 creates an instruction signal for operating the notification device 35 and sends this instruction signal to the notification device 35 and finishes this routine. The notification device 35 is operated upon receipt of the instruction signal from the controller 10 and notifies the operator of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil.

[0082] According to the third embodiment above, the mixer vehicle 100 uses the pressure sensor 5a (fluid pressure detector) that detects the discharge pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 driving the mixer drum 2 as the driving state detector. Since the driving time integration part integrates time during which the discharge pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 exceeds the predetermined set value PI, it can accurately determine the operation during which the mixer drum 2 is driven.

[0083] Steps S301 to S303 correspond to the processing executed in the driving time integration part.

[0084] (Fourth embodiment)

Subsequently, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same constitution as that of the mixer vehicle in the third embodiment, and explanation will be omitted.

[0085] The driving time integration part makes correction such that the time during which the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated is reduced in accordance with lowering of a hydraulic pressure for driving the hydraulic motor 6 on the GS11523/PCT-1829 - 18 - basis of the detection signal of the pressure sensor 5a and integrates time after the correction when it is determined that the mixer drum 2 is rotating on the basis of the detection signal of the pressure sensor 5a.

[0086] Subsequently, by referring to Fig. 6, a routine that is executed by the controller 10 will be described. In this routine, the operator is notified of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil in accordance with the driving time T of the mixer drum 2. The controller 10 repeatedly executes this routine at an interval of constant time, for example every 10 milliseconds, during the operation of the engine 3.

[0087] At Step 401, the controller 10 reads the discharge pressure P of the hydraulic motor 6 from the detection signal of the pressure sensor 5a.

[0088] At Step S402, the controller 10 determines whether the read discharge pressure P is higher than the set pressure PI or not.

[0089] At Step S402, when it is determined that the discharge pressure P is higher than the set pressure PI, the processing of the controller 10 proceeds to Step S403. On the other hand, when it is determined at Step S402 that the discharge pressure P is at the set value PI or less, the processing of the controller 10 returns to start.

[0090] At Step S403, the controller 10 calculates the correction coefficient K on the basis of the predetermined map (not shown) in accordance with the read discharge pressure P.

[0091] In the map, the correction coefficient K is set to 0.5 in the low load state with the discharge pressure P at the given value P2 or less, for example (empty state in which the ready-mixed concrete is not loaded in the mixer drum 2), while the correction coefficient K is set to 1.0 in the high load state in which the discharge pressure P is higher than the given value P2 (a loaded state in which the ready-mixed concrete is loaded in the mixer drum 2).

[0092] At Step S404, the controller 10 multiplies the time during which the GS11523/PCT-1829 - 19 - discharge pressure P exceeds the set value PI and integrates the driving time T after the multiplication.

[0093] At Step S405, the controller 10 determines whether or not the driving time T corrected and integrated has reached the predetermined set time LT.

[0094] At Step S405, when it is determined that the driving time T has reached the set time LT, the processing of the controller 10 proceeds to Step S406. On the other hand, when it is determined at Step S405 that the driving time T has not reached the set time LT, the processing of the controller 10 returns to start.

[0095] At Step S406, the controller 10 creates an instruction signal for operating the notification device 35 and sends this instruction signal to the notification device 35 and finishes this routine. The notification device 35 is operated upon receipt of the instruction signal from the controller 10 and notifies the operator of reach of the replacement timing of the working oil.

[0096] According to the fourth embodiment above, the mixer vehicle 100 includes the pressure sensor 5a (fluid pressure detector) that detects the hydraulic pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6, and the driving time integration part makes correction such that the time during which the discharge pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 exceeds the set value PI is reduced in accordance with lowering of the hydraulic pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6 and integrates the time after the correction.

[0097] Steps S401 to S404 correspond to the processing executed in the driving time integration part.

[0098] In the mixer vehicle 100, by making correction such that the time during which the discharge pressure P exceeds the set value PI is reduced in accordance with lowering of the discharge pressure P driving the hydraulic motor 6, the replacement timing of the working oil can be accurately GS11523/PCT-1829 - 20 - determined in accordance with the load of the driving device 4 driving the mixer drum 2.

[0099] Embodiments of this invention were described above, but the above embodiments are merely examples of applications of this invention, and the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the specific constitutions of the above embodiments.

[0100] The instruction creation part 15 of the embodiments is to create an instruction signal for notifying the replacement timing of the working oil circulating in the driving device 4 as consumables relating to the mixer vehicle in accordance with the driving time of the mixer drum 2. This is not limiting, and the instruction creation part may determine the replacement timing of the following components as the consumables relating to the mixer vehicle in accordance with the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump driving the hydraulic motor, the rotation speed of the hydraulic motor and the like: - Components (not shown) constituting the decelerator (gear box) 7 or lubricating oil filled in the decelerator 7; - Hydraulic pump 5; - Hydraulic motor 6; - Drum roller (not shown) in rolling contact with an outer peripheral rail portion of the mixer drum 2; - Drive shaft 8 or coupling (not shown) transmitting rotation to the drive shaft 8; - Blade (not shown) protruding from inner wall of mixer drum 2; and - Seal (not shown) interposed in sliding portion of mixer drum 2.

Moreover, the instruction creation part may determine the replacement timing of the following components as consumables relating to the mixer vehicle by measuring a loaded amount or a discharged amount of the ready-mixed concrete: GS11523/PCT-1829 - 21 - - Liner (not shown) attached to inner wall of hopper 16; - Liner (not shown) attached to inner wall of flow guide 17; and - Liner (not shown) attached to inner wall of chute 18.

[0101] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent

Application No.2014-219945 filed with the Japan Patent Office on October 29, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated into this specification.

Claims

1. A mixer vehicle comprising: a mixer drum configured to load ready-mixed concrete; a driving device configured to drive and rotate the mixer drum; a driving state detector configured to detect a driving state of the mixer drum; a driving time integration part configured to integrate driving time during which the mixer drum is rotated in accordance with the driving state of the mixer drum; and an instruction creation part configured to create an instruction signal that notifies reach of replacement timing of consumables relating to the mixer vehicle when the driving time that is integrated in the driving time integration part is determined to exceed a predetermined set time.

2. The mixer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the driving device includes: a fluid pressure pump configured to discharge a working fluid; and a fluid pressure motor driven by the working fluid discharged by the fluid pressure pump and configured to drive and rotate the mixer drum, the driving state detector comprises a rotation speed detector configured to detect a rotation speed of the fluid pressure motor; and the driving time integration part configured to integrate time during which the fluid pressure motor is rotated on the basis of a detection result of the rotation speed detector.

3. The mixer vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising: a fluid pressure detector configured to detect a fluid pressure driving the fluid pressure motor, wherein the driving time integration part configured to make correction such that the time during which the fluid pressure motor is rotated is reduced in accordance with lowering of the fluid pressure driving the fluid pressure motor, the driving time integration part being configured to integrate time after the correction.

4. The mixer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the driving device includes: a fluid pressure pump configured to discharge a working fluid; and a fluid pressure motor driven by the working fluid discharged by the fluid pressure pump and configured to drive and rotate the mixer drum, the driving state detector comprises a fluid pressure detector configured to detect a fluid pressure driving the fluid pressure motor; and the driving time integration part configured to integrate time during which the fluid pressure that drive the fluid pressure motor exceeds a predetermined set pressure on the basis of a detection result of the fluid pressure detector.

5. The mixer vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the driving time integration part configured to make correction that time during which the fluid pressure that drive the fluid pressure motor exceeds the set pressure is reduced in accordance with lowering of the fluid pressure driving the fluid pressure motor, the driving time integration part being configured to integrate time after the correction.