JP2001155248A - Renting method of construction machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably control a rented construction machine at a controlling center placed away from the construction machine. SOLUTION: The construction machine 1 provided with a memory 124 for storing operation information on the date of starting an engine, the date of stopping the engine, etc., a transmission part 184 for transmitting operation information read from the memory 124 to a controlling device 20 installed in the managing center via a communication satellite 30 is rented out, the operation information transmitted from the rented machine 1 is received by the device 20, and this received information is stored in a memory 208 to control the rented machine 1 by using the operation information stored in the memory 208.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of renting a construction machine such as a hydraulic shovel, and more particularly, to a method of renting a construction machine that can be managed by a management center located at a location separated from the construction machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the rental industry of construction machines such as hydraulic excavators used at construction sites and the like, unlike other rental systems such as passenger cars, the rental fee is not calculated during the rental period, but is actually calculated. A system for calculating a rental fee during a period of use is generally adopted.
For example, even if the rental period is seven days, if the actual use period of the construction machine is four days, a four-day rental fee is charged.

[0003] This rental fee is usually calculated by a management center that manages construction machines based on self-declaration of the period of use of the borrower. It is also possible to store the information in an IC card set in the machine, and to calculate at the management center based on the stored operation information.

[0004]

However, when calculating the rental fee for construction machinery, if the actual period of use is left to the self-assessment of the lessee, the rental contractor will be notified even if the actual number of working days is underreported. Has to trust it, and there is a problem that the efficiency of collecting rental fees decreases. In addition, even when using an IC card, there is a problem that an accurate usage period cannot be determined unless the IC card is set in a machine at the time of operation, and even if an illegal operation is performed, there is no other way but to trust data stored in the IC card. In addition, there is also a problem that operation information cannot be obtained in real time at a management center that manages construction machines, whether self-reported by a borrower or an IC card. Such various problems arise from the fact that the management center is located away from the construction machine.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a method of renting a construction machine in which a rented construction machine can be surely managed at a management center located at a place separated from the construction machine. The purpose is to provide.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a construction machine rental method according to claim 1 rents a construction machine to which operation information can be transmitted, and stores the operation information of the rented construction machine in a management center. Is transmitted via a communication satellite to a management device installed in the management device, and the transmitted operation information is stored and managed in a memory of the management device.

According to this method, the operation information of the rented construction machine is transmitted to the management device installed at the management center via the communication satellite. The management center manages the transmitted operation information by storing it in a memory of the management device. This makes it possible to reliably manage the rented construction machine in the management center located at a distance.

The operation information is various information generated in connection with the operation of the construction machine, and when the construction machine is operated by an engine, for example, the engine start date and time and the engine stop date and time. . The management center manages construction machines to be managed, and may be any location such as a head office, a branch, or a business office.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method according to the first aspect, the operation information is an engine start date and time and an engine stop date and time. It is characterized by finding the number of days of use.

According to this method, the number of days of use of the construction machine is obtained from the engine start date and time and the engine stop date and time. This makes it possible to reliably manage the rented construction machine in the management center located at a distance.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for renting a construction machine according to the second aspect, wherein a rental fee is calculated based on the number of days of use.

According to this method, the rental fee of the construction machine is calculated from the number of days of use obtained from the engine start date and time and the engine stop date and time. This makes it possible to reliably manage the rented construction machine in the management center located at a distance.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the method for renting construction equipment according to the first aspect, the operating information is a total operating time of the engine. It is characterized in that the replacement time of fats and oils such as is controlled.

According to this method, the replacement time of consumable parts such as an oil filter and oils and fats such as engine oil is managed from the total operating time of the engine. This makes it possible to reliably manage the rented construction machine in the management center located at a distance.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a construction machine rental method according to the first aspect, wherein the operation information is a work suspension time, and an actual work time of an operator is obtained from the work suspension time. I have.

According to this method, the actual work time of the operator is obtained from the work stop time of the construction machine. This makes it possible to reliably manage the rented construction machine in the management center located at a distance.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the method of the first aspect, the operating information is a total fuel consumption, and the running cost of the construction machine is determined from the total fuel consumption. Features.

According to this method, the running cost of the construction machine is obtained from the total fuel consumption. This makes it possible to reliably manage the rented construction machine in the management center located at a distance.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the method of the first aspect, the operation information is an engine stop date and time, and the engine stop time is calculated from the last stop date and time of the engine stop date and time. It is characterized in that the battery is managed based on the idle time.

According to this method, the idle time of the construction machine is obtained from the final stop date and time of the engine, and the battery is managed based on the idle time. This makes it possible to reliably manage the rented construction machine in the management center located at a distance.

[0021]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an operation information management system for executing a construction machine rental method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, an operation information management system includes a construction machine 1 such as a hydraulic excavator to be rented, a communication satellite 30 and a base station (earth station) 32.
And a management device 20 for transmitting and receiving information to and from the construction machine 1 via the management device 20.

The construction machine 1 has a key switch unit 10 to which a start key for starting an engine is mounted, a machine controller unit 12 to which a signal output from the key switch unit 10 is input, and a machine controller unit 12.
And a transmission / reception unit 18 for transmitting and receiving information to and from a base station 32 via a communication satellite (artificial satellite) 30. It should be noted that the construction machine 1 is mainly illustrated with respect to a control portion related to the present invention, and the overall configuration is not illustrated.

The key switch unit 10 includes a start key 1
01 has a key hole 102 into which the start key 10 is inserted.
1 from the “LOCK” position, which is
It has a key switch 103 that can be switched between an “N” position and a “START” position.

The machine controller 12 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 for performing predetermined calculation and control processing.
21 and a ROM (Re) storing a predetermined control program.
ad-Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123 for temporarily storing processing data, and an EEPROM as first storage means for storing operation information.
(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Mem
ory) or a flash EEPROM or the like, and an electrically rewritable memory 124, and a timer 125 having a calendar function for measuring time. The CPU 121 includes an information writing unit 126 that writes the operation information and the date and time information into the memory 124, and an information amount determination unit 12 that determines whether the operation information stored in the memory 124 has reached a predetermined amount.
7 and the memory 124 when the operation information reaches a predetermined amount.
Each function realizing means as the operating information reading means 128 for reading out the operating information stored in the storage device is provided.

The machine controller unit 12 includes a key switch unit 10 to which a start key is mounted, and an alternator 2 which constitutes a power supply unit of the construction machine 1 together with a battery.
2. An hour meter 24 that operates when the alternator 22 operates, a fuel sensor 26 installed in a fuel tank storing fuel such as gasoline or light oil, and a pressure switch 28 installed on an operation lever for operating an attachment. Are connected, and the signal output from each is input. The key switch unit 10, the alternator 22, the hour meter 24, the fuel sensor 26, and the pressure switch 28 constitute detection means for detecting operation information of the construction machine 1.

In the machine controller 12, the start key 101 is inserted into the key hole 102, and the key switch 10 is turned on.
3 moves from the “LOCK” position to the “S” via the “ON” position.
When the engine is turned to the “TART” position, the engine of the construction machine 1 is started by driving the start motor, and the entire operation of the construction machine 1 is controlled. Simultaneously with the start of the engine, the machine controller 12 includes an alternator 22,
Hour meter 24, fuel sensor 26 and pressure switch 2
8, predetermined signals are input, and these input signals are stored in the memory 124 as operation information in association with date and time information output from the timer 125. Thereby, the operation information of the construction machine 1 such as the engine start date and time, the engine stop date and time, the total engine operation time, the fuel consumption, and the work stop time can be collected.

That is, "ST"
The "ART" signal is output, and the time at which the engine is started and the alternator 22 outputs the power generation signal is stored as the engine start date and time. Further, the time when the "ON" signal output from the key switch 103 is stopped when the engine is stopped and the power generation signal output from the alternator 22 is stopped is stored as the engine stop date and time.

The fuel consumption is calculated at regular intervals based on a signal output from the fuel sensor 26 and stored as an accumulated value. Further, the operation stop time is measured based on a signal output from the pressure switch 28. That is, the time during which the alternator 22 outputs the power generation signal and the pressure switch 28 does not output the “ON” signal (the signal output when the attachment is operated) is counted as the work stoppage time, and the accumulated value is calculated. Is stored as The operation information stored in the memory 124 is read from the memory 124 on condition that the information amount (data amount) has reached a predetermined amount, and transmitted to the transmission / reception unit 18 via the connection cable 14.

The transmission / reception unit 18 includes a CPU 181 for performing predetermined calculation or control processing, a ROM 182 for storing a predetermined control program and identification information (ID code), a RAM 183 for temporarily storing processing data, and a memory 12.
4 together with the identification information read from the ROM 182 via the communication satellite 14 and the base station 32.
184 for transmitting to the base station 3
2 and a receiving unit 185 for receiving identification information and command information transmitted via the communication satellite 14.

The CPU 181 further includes a comparing unit 186 for comparing the identification information transmitted from the management device 20 with the identification information stored in the ROM 182 to determine whether the identification information matches or not. Management device 20
And a function realizing unit as a command information decoding unit 187 for decoding the command information transmitted from the server. The transmitting unit 184 and the receiving unit 185 are provided with an antenna 188 for performing communication with the communication satellite 14.
9. The operation information stored in the memory 124 is deleted after being transmitted to the base station 32.

The management device 20 is composed of, for example, a personal computer and receives the operation information of the construction machine 1 transmitted from the base station 32, and processes the operation information to manage the construction machine 1. A control unit 201 for controlling the overall operation of the management device 20, a display unit 202 including a CRT or the like for displaying data-processed operation information,
The control unit 201 includes an input unit 203 such as a keyboard for inputting a control signal and the like to the control unit 201, and a printer 204 for printing out operation information subjected to data processing. In addition,
The management device 20 is installed in a management center located at a location separated from the construction machine 1.

The control unit 201 manages a CPU 205 that performs a predetermined calculation or control process, a ROM 206 that stores a predetermined control program and identification information, a RAM 207 that temporarily stores processing data, and a management target. A rewritable memory 208 such as an EEPROM or a flash EEPROM is provided as second storage means for storing identification information and operation information of the construction machine 1.

Further, the request signal generation means 209 for requesting the base station 32 to transmit the identification information and the operation information of the construction machine 1 stored in the memory in the base station 32 is transmitted to the CPU 205. An information writing unit 210 for writing the received identification information and operation information to the memory 208; and a predetermined data processing (for example, data processing) for the operation information written in the memory 208 in units of identification information (that is, in units of construction machines). Data processing means 211 for processing information such as making a table or a graph.
And function realizing means as command information generating means 212 for instructing the construction machine 1 to transmit the operation information stored in the memory 124.

The CPU 205 is connected to a transmission unit 213 for transmitting transmission command information to the base station 32, and a reception unit 214 for receiving identification information and operation information transmitted from the base station 32. Digital Service Unit)
It is communicably connected to the base station 32 via 215.

In this embodiment, based on the received operation information, the engine start date and time and the engine stop date and time are displayed on the display unit 202 in a table format as shown in Table 1, for example, and are printed out by the printer 204. It has become so. In Table 1, the hour meter 24 is associated with the engine start date and time and the engine stop date and time.
Indicates the time measured. Of course, it is also possible to display the total operating time of the engine, the fuel consumption, the work stop time, and the like, and to print out. When only the engine start date and time and the engine stop date and time are required as the operation information, signals from the fuel sensor 26, the pressure switch 28, and the like are unnecessary.

[0036]

[Table 1]

The exact number of days of use of the construction machine 1 can be confirmed from the engine start date and time and the engine stop date and time in Table 1 thus obtained, and the exact rental fee can be calculated from the number of use days. In addition, the replacement time of consumable parts such as an oil filter and oils and fats such as engine oil can be managed based on the total operation time of the engine, and the actual operation time of the operator can be obtained from the operation stop time. In addition, the running cost of the construction machine 1 can be obtained from the total fuel consumption, and the idle time of the construction machine 1 can be determined from the last engine stop date and time, so that the battery and the like can be managed.

The communication satellite 30 is, for example, a low-orbit satellite launched in a polar orbit near an altitude of 780 km, and has once received the operation information of the construction machine 1 transmitted from the transmitting unit 184 via the antenna 188. Later base station 32
The base station 32 saves the operation information of the construction machine 1 transmitted via the communication satellite 30 in a memory allocated to the management device 20.

Next, an outline of the information transmission / reception operation on the construction machine 1 side of the operation information management system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

That is, when the engine of the construction machine 1 is started, output signals from the alternator 22, the hour meter 24 and the like are taken into the machine controller 12, and the information is written from the timer 125 to the memory 124 by the information writing means 126 as operation information. (Step S1).

As described above, the operation information is obtained based on the output signals from the key switch unit 10, the alternator 22, and the like. For example, the "START" signal is output from the key switch 103 and the engine information is output. Is started and the time when the power generation signal is output from the alternator 22 is written as the engine start date and time, the "ON" signal output from the key switch 103 disappears, and the power generation signal output from the alternator 22 disappears. The time point is written as the engine stop date and time.

Next, it is determined whether or not the information amount (data amount) of the operation information stored in the memory 124 has exceeded a predetermined value (step S3). If the determination is affirmative, the operation information stored in the memory 124 is read by the information reading means 128 and transmitted to the communication satellite 30 via the antenna 188 by the transmission section 184 (step S5).

The remaining storage capacity may be calculated from the total storage capacity of the operation information, and the operation information may be transmitted to the communication satellite 30 when the remaining storage capacity becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.
The operation information transmitted to the communication satellite 30 is transmitted to the base station 32 and stored in the memory of the base station 32. The operation information is normally transmitted in a state where the data is compressed, and is decompressed when the data is taken into the management device 20.

If a negative determination is made in step S3, it is determined whether or not command information from the management center to read out the operation information stored in the memory 124 and transmit it to the communication satellite 30 has been received. (Step S7).
This determination is performed by the command information decoding means 187. In this determination, the matching means 186 checks whether the identification information transmitted from the management center matches the identification information stored in the ROM 182,
The determination operation is performed only when they match.

If the determination is affirmative in step S7, the process proceeds to step S5, and if the determination is negative in step S7, the process returns to step S1 and the subsequent operations are repeatedly executed. When the operation information is transmitted to the communication satellite 30 in step S5, the operation information stored in the memory 124 is deleted.

Next, an outline of the information transmission / reception operation on the management device 20 side of the operation information management system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, for example, at a fixed time every day, the input unit 2
By operating “03”, the operation information stored in the memory of the base station 32 is received by the management device 20 (step S21). That is, the request signal output from the request signal generator 209 to the base station 32 by the operation of the input unit 203 is transmitted from the transmission unit 213. The operation information stored in the memory of the base station 32 is read in response to the request signal, and the read operation information is transmitted from the base station 32 to the management device 20. The transmitted operation information is received by the receiving unit 214 and written into the memory 208 by the information writing unit 210 together with the identification information.

The operation information written in the memory 208 is subjected to predetermined data processing (processing of information) (step S23), and the processing result is displayed on the display unit 202, while the printer 202 is operated as necessary. The printout is made on a recording paper by means of 204 (step S25). Memory 20
The operation information written in 8 remains held until an erasure instruction signal is output by operating the input unit 203.

When the operation information stored in the memory 124 of the construction machine 1 does not reach the predetermined amount, the operation information is not transmitted to the base station 32, so that the management device 2
If the value is 0, the operation information cannot be received. In such a case, if necessary, the transmission command information output from the command signal generation unit 211 by operating the input unit 203 is transmitted to the transmission unit 2.
When the transmission command information is transmitted to the base station 32 by the communication station 13, the transmission command information is transmitted from the base station 32 to the construction machine 1 via the communication satellite 30.

As described above, the construction machine 1 reads the operation information stored in the memory 124 in response to the reception of the transmission command information, and reads the operation information from the communication satellite 3.
0 to the base station 32. For this reason, the management device 20 can capture the operation information.

The construction machine rental method according to the present invention comprises:
As in the above embodiment, the operation information of the rented construction machine 1 is transmitted to the management device 20 via the communication satellite 30, and the transmitted operation information is stored in the memory 2 of the management device 20.
08 and manages the construction machine 1 at a remote location, so that accurate operation information of the construction machine 1 can be obtained in real time, and the rented construction machine 1 is surely managed by the management center. Will be able to do it.

In the above embodiment, when the operation information stored in the memory 124 of the construction machine 1 reaches a predetermined amount, or when the management device 20 requests the operation information to be transmitted, the operation of the memory 124 is started. The information is read and transmitted to the management device 20. When a predetermined time (for example, a work end time of one day in the evening or the like) is reached every day regardless of the amount of operation information, the information is read from the memory 124. It is also possible to read out the operation information. In this case, the CPU 121 may be provided with a function realizing means as a time determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined time has been reached. In the case where transmission is performed when the operation information stored in the memory 124 reaches a predetermined amount, the communication fee can be effectively reduced.

In the above embodiment, the management device 20
Is designed to receive the operation information of the construction machine 1 from the base station 32,
Operation information of the construction machine 1 may be received from 0. In this case, the management device 20 may have the same function as the base station 32. In short, the base station 32
Regardless of the presence / absence, it is only necessary that the construction machine 1 be configured to be able to transmit operation information to the management device 20 via the communication satellite 30.

In the above embodiment, both the machine controller unit 12 and the transmission / reception unit 18 of the construction machine 1 have a CPU.
Although a control unit including a ROM and a ROM is provided, for example, the control unit of the transmission / reception unit 18 can also be used as the control unit of the body controller unit 12.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Rental of construction machines capable of transmitting operation information, rent the operation information of the rented construction machines to a management device installed in a management center via a communication satellite, and store the transmitted operation information in a memory of the management device. Since the construction machine is managed by allocating the construction machine, the rented construction machine can be surely managed by the management center located at a place separated from the construction machine.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation information management system in which a construction machine rental method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a transmission / reception operation on the construction machine side of the operation information management system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a transmission / reception operation on the management device side of the operation information management system shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Construction machine 12 Aircraft controller unit 30 Communication satellite 32 Base station 18 Transmitter / receiver unit 20 Management device 124 Memory 128 Information reading means 184 Transmitting unit 185 Receiving unit 208 Memory

Claims (7)

[Claims] A construction machine capable of transmitting operation information is rented, and the operation information of the rented construction machine is transmitted to a management device installed in a management center via a communication satellite.
A construction machine rental method, wherein the transmitted operation information is stored and managed in a memory of a management device. 2. The construction machine rental method according to claim 1, wherein the operation information is an engine start date and time and an engine stop date and time, and the number of days of use of the construction machine is obtained from the engine start date and time and the engine stop date and time. . 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein a rental fee is calculated based on the number of days of use. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operation information is a total operation time of the engine, and the replacement time of consumable parts such as an oil filter and oils and fats such as engine oil is managed from the total operation time of the engine. Construction equipment rental method. 5. The construction machine rental method according to claim 1, wherein the operation information is a work suspension time, and an actual work time of an operator is obtained from the work suspension time. 6. The construction machine rental method according to claim 1, wherein the operation information is a total fuel consumption, and a running cost of the construction machine is obtained from the total fuel consumption. 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operation information is an engine stop date and time, and the idle time of the construction machine is obtained from the final stop date and time of the engine stop date and the battery is managed based on the idle time. Rental method of construction equipment described.