AU2019236671A1 - Mixer drum state display device - Google Patents

Abstract

- 34 The mixer drum state display device 100 includes a monitoring unit for monitoring the state of the mixer drum, a display unit 22 provided in an operator's cab of the mixer vehicle, and a control unit for displaying a state of the mixer drum on the display unit 22 on the basis of information obtained by the monitoring unit. At least one of a rotational direction of the mixer drum and a flow direction of a ready-mixed concrete in an axial direction of the mixer drum within the mixer drum is displayed as an image on the display unit 22. 11 10 20 9 7 3 2 2a Ll

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a mixer drum state display device.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] JP2016-84105A discloses a mixer vehicle capable of discharging the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum even when the vehicle is running.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0003] In the mixer vehicle described in JP2016-84105A, it is necessary for the driver to confirm whether the mixer drum is in the agitated state or the discharged state while the vehicle is traveling by observing the rotational direction of the mixer drum reflected on a mirror such as a rearview mirror. However, it is difficult for an inexperienced driver to instantaneously determine which state the mirror-reflected mixer drum is in, and it is difficult for even a skilled driver to visually recognize the rotational direction of the mirror-reflected mixer drum at night or in rainy weather.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to make it possible to easily grasp the rotation state of the mixer drum.

[0005] The present invention is characterized in that a mixer drum state display device for displaying a state of a mixer drum mounted on a mixer vehicle includes a monitoring unit configured to monitor a state of the mixer drum; a display unit provided in an operator's cab of

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 the mixer vehicle; and a control unit configured to display a state of the mixer drum on the display unit on the basis of information obtained by the monitoring unit. At least one of a rotational direction of the mixer drum and a flow direction of a load in an axial direction of the mixer drum within the mixer drum is displayed as an image on the display unit.

[0006] According to the present invention, at least one of the rotational direction of the mixer drum and the flow direction of the load in the axial direction of the mixer drum in the mixer drum is displayed as an image on a display unit provided in the operator's cab of the mixer vehicle. As described above, the state of the mixer drum is not simply displayed as characters, but is displayed as an image including at least one of the rotational direction of the mixer drum and the flow direction of the load in the axial direction of the mixer drum in the mixer drum. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously grasp the rotation state of the mixer drum by viewing the image displayed on the display unit.

[0007] The present invention is characterized in that the monitoring unit detects a rotational direction and a rotational speed of the mixer drum, and the control unit generates an image displayed on the display unit on the basis of the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit.

[0008] In the present invention, an image generated on the basis of the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit is displayed on the display unit. In

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 this manner, by changing the image displayed on the display unit in accordance with the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the mixer drum, the driver can instantaneously grasp what state the mixer drum is in.

[0009] The present invention is characterized in that when the rotational direction of the mixer drum is displayed on the display unit, the control unit generates an image visually indicating the rotational speed of the mixer drum on the basis of the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit, and displays the image together with the rotational direction of the mixer drum on the display unit.

[0010] In the present invention, an image visually indicating the rotational speed of the mixer drum generated on the basis of the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit is displayed on the display unit. In this manner, by displaying an image which changes in accordance with the rotational speed of the mixer drum on the display unit, the driver can instantaneously grasp the degree of the rotational speed of the mixer drum.

[0011] The present invention is characterized in that when a flow direction of the load is displayed on the display, the control unit generates an image visually indicating the flow speed of the load on the basis of the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit, and displays the image together with the flow direction of the load on the display unit.

[0012] According to the present invention, an image visually

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 indicating the flow speed of the load generated on the basis of the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit is displayed on the display unit. In this manner, by displaying an image that changes in accordance with the flow speed of the load on the display unit, the driver can instantaneously grasp the degree of the flow speed of the load.

[0013] The present invention is characterized in that the monitoring unit acquires a live image of the mixer drum, and the control unit displays the live image acquired by the monitoring unit on the display unit.

[0014] In the present invention, a live image of the mixer drum acquired by the monitoring unit is displayed on the display unit. As described above, the state of the mixer drum is not simply displayed as characters, but is displayed as a visually recognizable live image on the display unit. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously grasp the rotation state of the mixer drum by viewing the image displayed on the display unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a mixer vehicle to which the mixer drum state display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied;

FIG. IB is a side view of a mixer vehicle to which the mixer drum state display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied;

2019236671 25 Sep 2019

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mixer drum status display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the mixer drum is in the agitating status in the mixer drum state display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the mixer drum is in the discharge state (low speed) in the mixer drum status display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the mixer drum is in the discharge state (high speed) in the mixer drum status display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the mixer drum is in a stop state in the mixer drum states display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a plan view of a mixer vehicle to which the mixer drum state display device according to the second embodiment is applied;

FIG. 7B is a side view of a mixer vehicle;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mixer drum state display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

2019236671 25 Sep 2019

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the mixer drum is in an agitating state in a mixer drum state display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [0017] <First Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. IB, and FIG. 2, the entire configuration of a mixer vehicle 1 to which a mixer drum state display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the mixer vehicle 1, FIG. IB is a side view of the mixer vehicle 1, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mixer drum state display device 100. [0018] The mixer vehicle 1 is a vehicle for transporting so-called ready-mixed concrete such as mortar, liquid concrete, or the like charged into the mixer drum 2. In the following description, a case where the mixer vehicle 1 loads ready-mixed concrete as a load will be described.

[0019] As shown in the FIG. 1A and the FIG. IB, the mixer vehicle 1 is a vehicle including a cab 11 and a frame 3, and includes a mixer drum 2 mounted on the frame 3 and capable of mounting a ready-mixed concrete, a driving device 4 that rotationally drives the mixer drum 2, and a controller 20 that controls rotation of the mixer

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 drum 2. In the FIG. IB, the driving device 4 and the like are not illustrated.

[0020] Mixer drum 2 is a bottomed cylindrical container mounted to rotate on the frame 3, an opening 2a to be used to charge and discharge the ready-mixed concrete is provided at the rear end. The mixer drum 2 is mounted so as to be inclined so that the rotation axis O thereof becomes gradually higher from the front portion toward the rear portion of the vehicle. In the mixer drum 2, a drum blade (not shown) is spirally disposed along the inner wall surface of the drum, and the drum blade rotates together with the mixer drum 2, thereby the ready-mixed concrete loaded in the mixer drum 2 is agitated or the like.

[0021] A hopper 16 is provided at a rear upper portion of the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2. The ready-mixed concrete charged into the mixer vehicle 1 in the ready-mixed concrete plant is guided to the opening 2a by the hopper 16. A flow guide 17 and a chute 18 are provided at a rear lower portion of the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2. The ready-mixed concrete discharged from the opening 2a is guided to the chute 18 by the flow guide 17, and discharged in a predetermined direction by the chute 18.

[0022] The mixer drum 2 is rotationally driven via a driving device 4 using an engine 10 for driving as a power source mounted on the mixer vehicle 1. The driving device 4 is a hydraulic device that is driven by the rotation of the engine 10 and rotationally drives the mixer drum 2 by the fluid pressure of the working fluid.

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 [0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the engine 10 has a throttle valve 10a for adjusting the output and the rotational speed of the engine 10. The opening degree of the throttle valve 10a is controlled by the controller 20 via an actuator (not shown) when the driving device 4 is driven by the engine 10. Further, the engine 10 is provided with a rotation sensor 10b that detects the rotational speed of the engine 10 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected rotational speed to the controller 20.

[0024] The rotational speed of the engine 10 when driving the driving device 4 is controlled by the controller 20 via the throttle valve 10a so that the rotational speed detected by the rotation sensor 10b becomes a predetermined speed. The rotation sensor 10b may detect the rotational speed of the PTO shaft 9 and the drive shaft 8, which are input shaft of the driving device 4, or may detect the rotational speed of the hydraulic pump 5, which will be described later.

[0025] Rotations of the engine 10 are transmitted to the driving device 4 via a PTO shaft 9 (PTO: Power take-off) which constantly extracts power from the engine 10, and a drive shaft 8 (see FIG. 2) which connects the PTO shaft 9 and the driving device 4.

[0026] The driving device 4 includes a hydraulic pump 5 driven by an engine 10 to discharge hydraulic fluid as a working fluid, and a hydraulic motor 6 driven by hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 5 to drive the mixer drum 2 to rotate. In the driving device 4, other incompressible fluid may be used as the working fluid instead of the working fluid.

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 [0027] The hydraulic pump 5 is a swash plate type axial piston pump in which the discharge amount is changed in accordance with the inclination angle of a swash plate (not shown), and includes a control valve 5a for controlling the flow of the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump 5 to the hydraulic motor 6, an inclination angle adjusting mechanism 5b for adjusting the discharge amount of the hydraulic pump 5 by changing the inclination angle of the swash plate, and a pressure sensor 5c for detecting the pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic motor 6.

[0028] The hydraulic pump 5 is rotationally driven by power constantly extracted from the engine 10 via the PTO shaft 9. The drive source for rotationally driving the hydraulic pump 5 is not limited to the engine 10 for driving, and may be an auxiliary engine or an electric motor that is not used for running.

[0029] The control valve 5a is a three-position switching valve having a first position at which the hydraulic fluid is guided to the hydraulic motor 6 so as to rotate the mixer drum 2 in one direction, a second position at which the hydraulic fluid is guided to the hydraulic motor 6 so as to rotate the mixer drum 2 in the other direction, and a blocking position at which the flow of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 5 to the hydraulic motor 6 is blocked. The position of the control valve 5a is electrically controlled by the controller 20.

[0030] The inclination angle adjusting mechanism 5b includes a hydraulic actuator (not shown) for changing the inclination angle of the swash plate, and a solenoid valve (not shown) for controlling the

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 hydraulic pressure guided to the hydraulic actuator. The inclination angle of the swash plate changes in accordance with the magnitude of the drive current supplied from the controller 20 to the solenoid valve, and the discharge amount of the hydraulic pump 5 is changed.

[0031] The pressure sensor 5c outputs signals corresponding to the detected pressure of the hydraulic fluid to the controller 20. The pressure sensor 5c may be provided anywhere as long as it can detect the pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 5 to the hydraulic motor 6, which is the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the driving device 4, or may be provided in the hydraulic motor 6.

[0032] It should be noted that the hydraulic pump 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned type of pump, and any type of pump may be used as long as the discharge capacity is variable. For example, the hydraulic pump 5 may be a swash plate type axial piston pump in which the discharge amount and the discharge direction are changed in accordance with the inclination angle of the swash plate.

[0033] The hydraulic motor 6 is a swash plate type axial piston motor in which the capacity is changed in accordance with the inclination angle of a swash plate (not shown), and includes a rotation sensor 6a for detecting the rotational direction and the rotational speed of an output shaft (not shown) of the hydraulic motor 6, and an inclination angle adjusting mechanism 6b for adjusting the inclination angle of the swash plate.

[0034] The rotation sensor 6a output signals corresponding to the detected rotational direction and rotational speed of the output shaft

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 to the controller 20. The rotational speed and the rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6 detected by the rotation sensor 6a correlate with the rotational speed and the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 as described later.

[0035] The inclination angle adjusting mechanism 6b includes a hydraulic actuator (not shown) for changing the inclination angle of the swash plate, and a solenoid valve (not shown) for controlling the hydraulic pressure guided to the hydraulic actuator. The inclination angle of the swash plate changes in accordance with the value of the current supplied from the controller 20 to the solenoid valve, and the displacement of the hydraulic motor 6 is changed.

[0036] It should be noted that the hydraulic motor 6 may be a swash plate type axial piston motor in which the capacity is switched to two stages: a small capacity for high-speed rotation and a large capacity for normal rotation.

[0037] In the driving device 4 configured as described above, the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated by the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 5 which is supplied to the hydraulic motor 6, and the rotational speed of the hydraulic motor 6 is changed in accordance with the amount of oil supplied and the inclination angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic motor 6. The rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6 is switched by switching the position of the control valve 5a of the hydraulic pump 5.

[0038] An output shaft of the driving device 4, that is, an output shaft of the hydraulic motor 6 is connected to a rotation shaft O of the

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 mixer drum 2 via a reduction gear 7. Therefore, it is possible to increase or decrease the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 by increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the hydraulic motor 6, and by switching the rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6, it is possible to switch the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 between the agitating direction which is the forward rotational direction and the discharging direction which is the reverse rotational direction.

[0039] As described above, since the rotational speed and the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 are correlated with the rotational speed and the rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6, the rotational speed and the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 can be grasped from the detected values of the rotation sensor 6a of the hydraulic motor 6. Instead of the hydraulic motor 6, the rotation sensor 6a may detect the rotational speed and the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2.

[0040] When the mixer drum 2 is rotationally driven in the agitating direction, the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 moves forward while being agitated by the drum blade. On the other hand, when the mixer drum 2 is rotationally driven in the discharge direction, the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 moves backward while being agitated by the drum blade.

[0041] By rotating the mixer drum 2 in the discharging direction which is the opposite direction to the agitating direction in this manner, the ready-mixed concrete can be discharged from the opening

2019236671 25 Sep 2019

2a of the mixer drum 2. The ready-mixed concrete discharged from the mixer drum 2 is guided to a predetermined position via a flow guide 17 and a chute 18.

[0042] In addition, when the ready-mixed concrete is charged into the mixer drum 2 via the hopper 16, the mixer drum 2 is rotated in the agitating direction at a higher speed than that at the time of agitation, so that the charged ready-mixed concrete is quickly moved to the front of the mixer drum 2.

[0043] The controller 20 is composed of 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 the 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 to/from a connected device. The operation of the driving device 4 is controlled by operating the CPU, the RAM, and the like in accordance with a program stored in the ROM.

[0044] As described above, the rotation sensor 6a of the hydraulic motor 6, the rotation sensor 10b of the engine 10, and the pressure sensor 5c of the hydraulic pump 5 is connected, at the same time, the vehicle speed sensor 24 to detect the vehicle speed, and the parking brake switch 25 to detect the operating state of the parking brakes are connected to the controller 20, and the detected value detected by these sensors are input. As described above, the solenoid valve of the inclination angle adjusting mechanism 5b, the solenoid valve of the

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 inclination angle adjusting mechanism 6b, the control valve 5a, and the throttle valve 10a are connected to the controller 20, and command values for operating these are outputted from the controller 20.

[0045] The controller 20 is connected to a display unit 22 for displaying the state of the mixer drum 2 and an operation unit 23 for operating the driving of the mixer drum 2.

[0046] The display unit 22 is a monitor provided at a position in the cab 11 where the driver can easily see, and as will be described later, an image indicating the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 generated by the controller 20 is displayed.

[0047] The operation unit 23 is provided with switches such as an operation switch (not shown) for changing the rotational direction and rotational speed of the mixer drum 2, an automatic stirring switch for automatically stirring and rotating the mixer drum 2, and an emergency stop switch for stopping the rotation of the mixer drum 2 in an emergency. The operation unit 23 is provided at a plurality of locations, such as in the cab 11 where the driver mainly operates, or in the rear of the vehicle.

[0048] When an operation switch of the operation unit 23 is operated by the driver, the controller 20 controls the respective mechanisms constituting the driving device 4, such as the inclination angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic pump 5, the inclination angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic motor 6, and the control valve 5a of the hydraulic pump 5, so that the rotational state of the mixer drum 2

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 becomes a state corresponding to the operated switch.

[0049] For example, when the driver operates the auto-stirring switch in the operation unit 23, the controller 20 supplies current to the solenoid valve of the inclination angle adjusting mechanism 5b of the hydraulic pump 5 and the solenoid valve of the inclination angle adjusting mechanism 6b of the hydraulic motor 6, and controls the flow rate of the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 5 by increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the engine 10 through the throttle valve 10a of the engine 10 so that the actual rotational speed of the mixer drum 2, which is converted from the detected value of the rotation sensor 6a of the hydraulic motor 6, becomes a preset target rotational speed.

[0050] Whether or not the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 controlled by the controller 20 is as instructed by the driver, that is, whether or not the mixer drum 2 is in the agitated state or the discharged state can be determined by looking at the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2, and for example, in the mixer vehicle 1 which is traveling, the driver determines by looking at the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 reflected on a mirror such as a rearview mirror.

[0051] However, for an inexperienced driver, it is difficult to instantaneously determine which state the mixer drum 2 is in even if the driver sees the mixer drum 2 reflected on the mirror, and even for a skilled driver, it is difficult to visually recognize the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 reflected on the mirror at night or in

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 rainy weather.

[0052] In addition, in the case where the ready-mixed concrete is gradually discharged from the mixer drum 2 while the mixer vehicle 1 is slowly traveling, it is necessary to judge whether or not the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 correlated with the discharge flow rate of the ready-mixed concrete is appropriate in addition to the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2, while looking at the mixer drum 2 reflected on the mirror, so that the burden on the driver becomes large.

[0053] In order to reduce such a burden on the driver, in the mixer drum state display device 100 according to the present embodiment, the above-mentioned display unit 22 disposed in the cab 11 displays the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 and the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the axial direction of the mixer drum 2 within the mixer drum 2 by an image which is easily visually recognized.

[0054] In order to display the state of the mixer drum 2 on the display unit 22, the mixer drum state display device 100 includes the rotation sensor 6a of the hydraulic motor 6 described above as a monitoring unit for monitoring the state of the mixer drum 2, and the controller 20 described above as a controller for generating images to be displayed on the display unit 22 based on the detected values of the rotation sensor 6a.

[0055] Hereinafter, the state display of the mixer drum 2 by the mixer drum state display device 100 will be described in detail with

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit 22 when the mixer drum 2 is in the agitating status, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit 22 when the mixer drum 2 is in the discharging state.

[0056] When the rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6 detected by the rotation sensor 6a is the direction of rotating the mixer drum 2 in the agitating direction, the controller 20 displays that the mixer drum 2 is in the agitating state in the current state display 34 indicating the current state, as shown in FIG. 3. Further, the controller 20 displays the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2, which is converted from the rotational speed detected by the rotation sensor 6a, on the current rotational speed display 35 indicating the current rotational speed of the mixer drum 2.

[0057] Further, the controller 20 generates an image in which two arrows of a rotational direction display 32 indicating the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 and a flow direction display 33 indicating the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 are superimposed on the illustration display 30, which is an illustration of the mixer drum 2, and displays the image on the display unit 22.

[0058] Rotational direction display 32 is an arrows indicating the rotational direction of the actual mixer drum2, when the mixer drum2 is in a state of agitation, indicate the counterclockwise direction when the mixer drum2 is seen from the backward of the vehicle, when the

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 mixer drum2 is in an discharge state, indicate the clockwise direction when the mixer drum2 is seen from the backward of the vehicle. In the case of a vehicle in which the agitating direction is clockwise as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, the rotational direction display 32 indicates a direction opposite to the above-described direction.

[0059] The flow direction display 33 is an arrow indicating the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the axial direction of the mixer drum 2 in the mixer drum 2. When the mixer drum 2 is in the agitated state, since the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 is directed toward the bottom of the mixer drum 2, the flow direction display 33 is an arrow directed toward the bottom of the mixer drum 2. On the other hand, when the mixer drum 2 is in the discharge condition, the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 is directed toward the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2, and therefore, the flow direction display 33 is an arrow directed toward the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2.

[0060] Therefore, when the rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6 detected by the rotation sensor 6a is the direction of rotating the mixer drum 2 in the agitating direction, as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 20 generates a superimposed image on the illustration display 30 and displays the superimposed image on the display unit 22, the rotational direction display 32 indicating the counterclockwise direction of the mixer drum 2 as seen from the rear of the vehicle, and the flow direction display 33 directed toward the bottom direction of the mixer drum 2.

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 [0061] It should be noted that the illustration display 30 of the mixer drum 2, in order to be able to visually grasp that it is turning, it is desirable to be an animation that the mixer drum 2 appears to be turning in accordance with the rotational direction.

[0062] On the other hand, when the rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6 detected by the rotation sensor 6a is a direction for rotating the mixer drum 2 in the discharge direction, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller 20 displays the fact that the mixer drum 2 is in the discharge state on the current state display 34, and displays the rotation speed of the mixer drum 2, which is converted from the rotation number detected by the rotation sensor 6a, on the current rotational speed display 35.

[0063] Further, in this instance, the controller 20 generates an image in which the rotational direction display 32 indicating the clockwise direction of the mixer drum 2 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle and the flow direction display 33 facing the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2 are superimposed on the illustration display 30, and displays the image on the display unit 22.

[0064] In this way, in the mixer drum state display device 100, an image visually representing what state the mixer drum 2 is currently in is displayed on the display unit 22 disposed at a position visible to the driver, and in particular, the image displayed on the display unit 22 includes the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 and the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously grasp the rotation state of the mixer

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 drum 2 by viewing the image displayed on the display unit 22. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the driver when grasping the state of the mixer drum 2.

[0065] In addition, since the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 is displayed on the display unit 22, it is possible to instantaneously grasp whether or not the mixer drum 2 is in a condition of discharging the ready-mixed concrete even by a driver who has little experience. Therefore, even a driver who has little experience can drive the mixer vehicle 1 with peace of mind without worrying about the mixer drum 2 that appears on the rearview mirror.

[0066] Next, the image shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The state of the mixer drum 2 shown in FIG. 5 is a discharge state similar to the state of the mixer drum 2 shown in FIG. 4, but it shows a state in which the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 is higher than the state shown in FIG. 4, that is, the flow speed of the raw con toward the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2 is higher.

[0067] When generating the above-mentioned rotational direction display 32 and the flow direction display 33, the controller 20 changes the length of the arrows of the rotational direction display 32 and the flow direction display 33 in accordance with the turnover number of the mixer drum2 converted from the turnover number detected by the rotation sensor 6a. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the rotation speed of the mixer drum 2 is relatively high, an image in which the length of the arrows of the rotational direction display 32

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 and the flow direction display 33 is increased is generated and displayed on the display unit 22. On the other hand, when the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 is relatively low, an image in which the lengths of the arrows of the rotational direction display 32 and the flow direction display 33 are shortened is generated and displayed on the display unit 22.

[0068] As described above, in the mixer drum state display device 100, a change in the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 or a change in the flow speed of the ready-mixed concrete is visually represented by a change in the shape of an arrow displayed on the display unit 22. Therefore, for example, even when the ready-mixed concrete is gradually discharged from the mixer drum 2 while the mixer vehicle 1 is running slowly, the driver can operate the mixer vehicle 1 by looking at the display unit 22 while confirming the approximate flow speed of the ready-mixed concrete toward the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2, that is, the flow rate of the ready-mixed concrete discharged from the mixer drum 2.

[0069] The width of the arrow may be changed instead of changing the length of the arrow displayed on the display unit 22 in accordance with a change in the rotational speed or the flow speed. The change in the rotational speed or the flow speed may be expressed by gradually changing the color of the arrow from cold colors to warm colors as the rotational speed or the flow speed increases. In addition, a change in the rotational speed or the flow speed may be expressed by changing the color and the shape.

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 [0070] The change of the display of the rotational direction display 32 and the flow direction display 33 according to the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 is similarly performed not only when the state of the mixer drum 2 is in the discharge state as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but also when the state of the mixer drum 2 is in the agitating state as shown in FIG. 3.

[0071] Although two arrows of the rotational direction display 32 and the flow direction display 33 are displayed on the display unit 22 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, one of the rotational direction display 32 and the flow direction display 33 may be displayed on the display unit 22. Since there is a correlation between the rotational direction display 32 and the flow direction display 33, if either the rotational direction display 32 or the flow direction display 33 is displayed on the display unit 22, the driver can immediately understand the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 by viewing at the image displayed on the display unit 22.

[0072] On the other hand, when the rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6 is not detected by the rotation sensor 6a, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 20 displays that the mixer drum 2 is in the stopped state in the current state display 34, and also displays that the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 is zero in the current rotational speed display 35. In this case, the controller 20 generates an image in which the stop display 36, which is an illustration indicating that the mixer drum 2 is stopped, is superimposed on the illustration display 30, and displays the image on the display unit 22.

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 [0073] As described above, in the mixer drum state display device 100, when the controller 20 determines that the mixer drum 2 is stopped, an image indicating that the mixer drum 2 is stopped is displayed on the display unit 22. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously recognize that the mixer drum 2 stops due to some abnormality by viewing the image displayed on the display unit 22.

[0074] If the rotation of the hydraulic motor 6 is not detected by the rotation sensor 6a, the rotation sensor 6a may fail or the harnesses may be disconnected. On the other hand, since the magnitude of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 5c is usually zero when the mixer drum 2 is actually stopped, the determination as to whether or not the mixer drum 2 is stopped may be performed based on the detected value of the pressure sensor 5c in addition to the detected value of the rotation sensor 6a. Since the rotation of the mixer drum 2 stops because the hydraulic fluid is not discharged from the hydraulic pump 5 even when the engine 10 stops, the determination as to whether or not the mixer drum 2 is stopped may be performed based on the detection value of the rotation sensor 10b in addition to the detection value of the rotation sensor 6a.

[0075] According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.

[0076] In the mixer drum state display device 100, an image including two arrows, a rotational direction display 32 indicating the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 and a flow direction display 33 indicating the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 mixer drum 2, is displayed on a display unit 22 provided in the cab 11 and arranged at a position visible to the driver. As described above, the state of the mixer drum 2 is not simply displayed as characters, but is displayed as images that are easily visually recognized on the display unit 22. The image includes a rotational direction display 32 indicating the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 and a flow direction display 33 indicating the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the axial direction of the mixer drum 2 in the mixer drum 2. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously grasp the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 by viewing the image displayed on the display unit 22. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the driver when grasping the state of the mixer drum 2.

[0077] <Second Embodiment

Next, a mixer drum state display device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. In the following description, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. [0078] The basic configuration of the mixer drum state display device 200 is the same as that of the mixer drum state display device 100 according to the first embodiment. The mixer drum state display device 200 differs from the mixer drum state display device 100 in that a camera 26 is provided as a monitoring unit for monitoring the state of the mixer drum 2.

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 [0079] The camera 26 is fixed to the cab 11, and acquires the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 from the bottom side of the mixer drum 2. A live image acquired by the camera 26 is output to the controller 20 as needed.

[0080] A plurality of circular marks 2b are arranged circumferentially at equal intervals at the bottom of the mixer drum 2, which is acquired by the camera 26. By providing a plurality of circular marks 2b in this manner, the rotational state of the mixer drum 2 can be easily recognized in the live image acquired by the camera 26. Note that the marks 2b may be arranged at unequal intervals, and the shape of the marks 2b are not limited to a circular shape, and may be any shape such as a square, a triangle, or an arrow.

[0081] Next, the state display of the mixer drum 2 by the mixer drum state display device 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit 22 when the mixer drum 2 is in the agitating state. [0082] As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 20 displays the image of the mixer drum 2 acquired by the camera 26 as the current image of the mixer drum 2 in real time in the image display area 40 provided in the display unit 22. That is, the image display area 40 shows a state in which a plurality of marks 2b provided at the bottom of the mixer drum 2 rotate about the rotation shaft O.

[0083] Further, the controller 20 generates an image of the moving direction display 41 indicating the moving direction of the marks 2b,

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 and displays the generated image on the display unit 22. The moving direction display 41 is an arrow indicating the moving direction of the marks 2b acquired by the camera 26. The length of the arrow of the moving direction display 41 is changed in accordance with the moving speed of the marks 2b acquired by the camera 26.

[0084] As described above, in the mixer drum state display device 200, the actual image of the mixer drum 2 is displayed in real time on the display unit 22 disposed at the position visible to the driver. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously grasp the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 by viewing the image displayed on the display unit 22. In addition, since the image displayed on the display unit 22 is not a composite image such as an illustration but an actual image showing the mixer drum 2, it is possible to provide the driver with the same sense of security as confirming the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 with the rearview mirror.

[0085] Further, as shown in FIG. 9, by displaying the rotational direction display 32 and the flow direction display 33 on the display unit 22 in addition to the image display area 40, it is possible for the driver to reliably grasp whether the mixer drum 2 is in the agitated state or the discharged state.

[0086] According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects are obtained.

[0087] In the mixer drum state display device 200, the live image of the mixer drum 2 acquired by the camera 26 is displayed in real time on a display unit 22 provided in the cab 11 and arranged at a position

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 visible to the driver. As described above, the state of the mixer drum 2 is not simply displayed as characters, but is displayed as the visually recognizable live image on the display unit 22. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously grasp the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 by viewing the live image displayed on the display unit 22. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the driver when grasping the state of the mixer drum 2.

[0088] Hereinafter, configurations, functions, and effects of the embodiments of the present invention will be collectively described.

[0089] The mixer drum state display devices 100 and 200 include monitoring units 6a and 26 for monitoring the state of the mixer drum 2, a display unit 22 provided in the cab 11 of the mixer vehicle 1, and a controller 20 for displaying the state of the mixer drum 2 on the display unit 22 based on the information obtained by the monitoring units 6a and 26, and the display unit 22 displays at least one of the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 and the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the axial direction of the mixer drum 2 in the mixer drum 2 as an image.

[0090] In this configuration, at least one of the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 and the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the axial direction of the mixer drum 2 in the mixer drum 2 is displayed as an image on a display unit 22 provided in the cab 11 and arranged at a position visible to the driver. As described above, the state of the mixer drum 2 is not simply displayed as characters, but is displayed as images that are easily visually recognized on the display

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 unit 22. The image displayed on the display unit 22 includes at least one of the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 and the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete in the axial direction of the mixer drum 2 in the mixer drum 2. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously grasp the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 by viewing the image displayed on the display unit 22. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the driver when grasping the state of the mixer drum 2.

[0091] The rotation sensor 6a as a monitoring unit detects the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2, and the controller 20 generates images to be displayed on the display unit 22 based on the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 detected by the rotation sensor 6a.

[0092] In this configuration, images generated based on the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 detected by the rotation sensor 6a is displayed on the display unit 22. In this manner, by changing the image displayed on the display unit 22 in accordance with the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2, the driver can instantaneously grasp the state of the mixer drum 2.

[0093] When the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2 is displayed on the display unit 22, the controller 20 generates an image visually indicating the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 based on the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 detected by the rotation sensor 6a, and displays the image on the display unit 22 together with

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2.

[0094] In this configuration, an image visually indicating the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 generated based on the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 detected by the rotation sensor 6a are displayed on the display unit 22. In this manner, by displaying on the display unit 22 the image that changes in accordance with the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2, for example, an image that expresses a change in the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 by a change in the length or color of an arrow indicating the rotational direction of the mixer drum 2, it is possible for the driver to instantaneously grasp the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 and whether the rotational speed is relatively high or the rotational speed is relatively low.

[0095] When the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete is displayed on the display unit 22, the controller 20 generates an image visually indicating the flow speed of the ready-mixed concrete based on the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 detected by the rotation sensor 6a, and displays the image on the display unit 22 together with the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete.

[0096] In this configuration, images visually indicating the flow speed of the ready-mixed concrete generated based on the rotational speed of the mixer drum 2 detected by the rotation sensor 6a are displayed on the display unit 22. As described above, by displaying an image that changes in accordance with the flow speed of the ready-mixed concrete, for example, an image that expresses the

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 change in the flow speed of the ready-mixed concrete by the change in the length or color of the arrow indicating the flow direction of the ready-mixed concrete on the display unit 22, it is possible to enable the driver to instantaneously grasp the degree of the flow speed of the ready-mixed concrete degree, particularly when it is in the discharge state, the degree of the flow rate of the ready-mixed concrete discharged from the mixer drum 2.

[0097] In addition, the camera 26 as a monitoring unit acquires the live image of the mixer drum 2, and the controller 20 displays the live image acquired by the camera 26 on the display unit 22.

[0098] In this configuration, the live image of the mixer drum 2 acquired by the camera 26 is displayed in real time on the display unit 22 disposed at a position visible to the driver. As described above, the state of the mixer drum 2 is not simply displayed as characters, but is displayed as the visually recognizable live image on the display unit 22. Therefore, the driver can instantaneously grasp the rotation state of the mixer drum 2 by viewing the image displayed on the display unit 22. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the driver when grasping the state of the mixer drum 2.

[0099] The embodiments of the present invention described above are merely illustration of some application examples of the present invention and not of the nature to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific constructions of the above embodiments.

[0100] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow,

2019236671 25 Sep 2019 unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0101] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

Claims (5)

1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A mixer drum state display device for displaying a state of a mixer drum mounted on a mixer vehicle, comprising:

   a monitoring unit configured to monitor a state of the mixer drum;

   a display unit provided in an operator's cab of the mixer vehicle; and a control unit configured to display the state of the mixer drum on the display unit on the basis of information obtained by the monitoring unit; wherein at least one of a rotational direction of the mixer drum and a flow direction of a load in an axial direction of the mixer drum within the mixer drum is displayed as an image on the display unit.
2. 2. The mixer drum state display device according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit detects a rotational direction and a rotational speed of the mixer drum, and the control unit generates an image displayed on the display unit on the basis of the rotational direction and the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit.
3. 3. The mixer drum state display device according to claim 2, wherein

   2019236671 25 Sep 2019 when the rotational direction of the mixer drum is displayed on the display unit, the control unit generates an image visually indicating the rotational speed of the mixer drum on the basis of the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit, and displays the image together with the rotational direction of the mixer drum on the display unit.
4. 4. The mixer drum state display device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the flow direction of the load is displayed on the display, the control unit generates an image visually indicating the flow speed of the load on the basis of the rotational speed of the mixer drum detected by the monitoring unit, and displays the image together with the flow direction of the load on the display unit.
5. 5. The mixer drum state display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the monitoring unit acquires a live image of the mixer drum, and the control unit displays the live image acquired by the monitoring unit on the display unit.