JP2016208245A - Operation management system and operation data collection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow operation history of various work machines, especially a movable work machine and a self-propelled work machine to be transmitted to a management server on a public radio communication network via a portable terminal, and to be managed.SOLUTION: A work machine 1 comprises short-range wireless communication means 22 for sending a portable terminal 3 history data stored in an operation history storage device 21 in response to a transmission command from the portable terminal 3 comprising connection means for connecting with public radio communication networks 11 and 13. A management server 4 communicates the history data on the work machine 1 received by the portable terminal 3 via the public radio communication networks 11 and 13. The portable terminal 3 is, for example, a tablet terminal, a smart phone, a notebook-sized personal computer, and an exclusive terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  According to the present invention, history data stored in an operation history storage device provided in various work machines among industrial equipment machines, particularly preferably mobile work machines or self-propelled work machines such as construction machines and agricultural machines is stored. , An apparatus for transmitting via a portable terminal to a management server on a public wireless communication network such as the Internet, and an operation data management system for storing, analyzing, monitoring, etc. of operation data of those work machines It is about.

  In a factory equipped with a large number of work machines, it is indispensable to manage the operating states of these machines for production management and maintenance management. Since the controller installed in each machine recognizes the operating status of each machine, an operating history storage device is provided in each controller and operating data (operation status and alarm status data due to failure, etc.) is stored. It can be recorded over time.

  A single production or work unit is formed by a plurality of machines installed in a factory so that a single production line is formed by a plurality of machines. The operating state of a machine belonging to a unit affects the operating state of other machines belonging to the unit. For this reason, a management server that manages the operating status of the machines in the entire factory is provided, and this management server monitors the operating status of each machine and sends necessary commands such as operation stop and operation change to the controller of each machine. ing.

  The operational status of the machines installed in the factory needs to be grasped by the management department of the head office far from the factory. In addition, it is desirable for machine manufacturers to know the operating status of their own machines installed at customers, the presence or absence of abnormalities, the necessity of maintenance inspections, and the like. In view of this, an operating state management system is provided in which a management server is connected to the Internet so that it can be notified to a head office, a machine maker, or a customer who are far away.

  FIG. 6 shows one form of such a management system. In the management system of FIG. 6, the management server 4 is provided for each factory, and the operation data collection device 8 including the operation history storage device 21 and the intranet connection means 23 is provided in the machine 1 installed in each factory. History data of each machine is transmitted to the management server 4 via an intranet 14 such as an in-house LAN. The management server 4 includes Internet connection means, and each management server 4 can transmit / receive data to / from a client terminal, that is, a client terminal 5 installed at a head office, a machine maker, or a customer via the Internet 11. It is something that can be done.

  Other examples of such a management system are proposed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. Patent Document 1 discloses an overhead crane, a crane control device connected to the overhead crane via optical communication and a modem, a monitoring WEB server connected to the crane control device via an intranet, and a telephone line. There is disclosed a remote control system for an automated facility including a PHS terminal that can be connected to a monitoring WEB server.

  The crane control device is installed at a fixed position, and when an abnormality occurs in the overhead crane, an e-mail is sent from the monitoring WEB server to the PHS terminal, causing an error to the maintenance staff or the operator holding the PHS terminal. In addition to notifying the occurrence, the operation of the overhead crane can be controlled by the PHS terminal.

  Patent Document 2 also includes a mobile device (construction machine) equipped with a wireless terminal, a base station device installed in a storage area of the mobile device, and a computer connected to the base station device via a LAN or the like. A wireless data collection system is disclosed. When the mobile device enters the reception area of the beacon transmitted from the base station device, the wireless terminal automatically transmits untransmitted operation data of the mobile device. In this system, entry / exit management of mobile devices is also performed.

JP 2005-184549 A JP 2003-324777 A

  By accumulating and analyzing the operation history data of each machine, it is possible to arrange replacement parts at an early stage and avoid sudden repairs and excessive inventory. In addition, by providing driving support information, it is possible to reduce the degree of machine parts consumption, and it is possible to avoid sudden repairs and excessive inventory. Furthermore, user maintenance costs can be reduced.

  When the machine to be managed is a mobile work machine such as an automated guided vehicle or an overhead crane installed in the factory, or a self-propelled work machine such as a construction machine or an agricultural machine exemplified in Patent Document 2 In this case, it is difficult to construct a wired information network (machine and management server communicate directly). In addition, industrial equipment machines including construction machines need to be regularly maintained, and workers need to regularly inspect the machines.

  If the installation location and movement range of the machine are within the wireless communication area, a system configuration as shown in FIG. 6 is possible. However, when a wireless LAN is used for communication from the operation history storage device to the management server, the band of radio waves occupied by one unit is wide, so if there are dozens or more than one hundred machines in one factory Interference or communication interruption occurs. Moreover, it is necessary to install a management server in each factory, which is difficult in terms of cost.

  On the other hand, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in a system that performs communication between an operation data collection device of each machine and a management server via optical communication or a beacon, an overhead crane or a construction machine moves to a wireless communication area. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs at a location away from the wireless communication area and the machine stops, the occurrence of the abnormality cannot be notified to the management server.

  As a management system in a factory where the intranet cannot be used, a system as shown in FIG. 7 can be considered. That is, the operation data collection device 9 for each machine 1 is provided with the mobile phone network connection means 24, and the history data stored in the operation history storage device 21 is transmitted to the management server 4 via the mobile phone network 13. . A PHS line can also be used for the mobile phone network 13.

  In the system of FIG. 7, when a mobile phone network is used for communication from the operation data collection device 9 to the management server 4, the management server 4 can be disposed on the Internet 11 and does not need to be installed for each factory. However, since a mobile phone line usage fee is generated for each operation data collection device 9, there is a difficulty in running cost.

  The operation data collection device 2 of the present invention receives an operation history storage device 21 that stores predetermined operation data over time and a transmission command from the mobile terminal 3 that can be connected to the public wireless communication networks 11 and 13. Short-distance wireless communication means 22 for transmitting the commanded history data to the portable terminal 3 is provided.

  The operation management system of the present invention also includes a work machine 1 including an operation history storage device 21 that stores predetermined operation data over time, and a management server 4 that manages the operation state of the work machine 1. In the operation management system, the work machine 1 receives history data stored in the operation history storage device 21 in response to a transmission command from the mobile terminal 3 having means for connecting to the public wireless communication networks 11 and 13. The management server 4 transmits and receives the history data of the work machine 1 received by the mobile terminal 3 via the public wireless communication networks 11 and 13. .

  In the operation management system of the present invention, each machine is used by using general Internet communication means such as mail and WEB via the mobile terminal 3 provided with means for connecting to the Internet 11 via the mobile phone network 13 or the like. 1 history data is transferred to the management server 4. That is, the portable terminal 3 plays a relay role between the work machine 1 and the management server 4 via the short-range wireless communication 12.

  The mobile terminal 3 to be used is a general-purpose tablet terminal, a smartphone, a notebook computer, a dedicated terminal, or the like. The short-range wireless communication 12 is preferably one in which the mobile terminal 3 and the short-range wireless communication means 22 are connected one-on-one each time and can be disconnected after the collection is completed. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (ad hoc mode), SS wireless, and the like.

  The contents of the collected data are mainly the number of operations for each load, the history of operation time, and the integrated value, and the need for real-time information such as the current operation state is low. Therefore, it is not necessary to always communicate by accumulating data in the operation data collection device 2 and collecting the data periodically. Specifically, a worker who performs maintenance and facility management periodically collects data manually using the short-range wireless communication 12 using the mobile terminal 3.

  The portable terminal 3 is a tool that is operated by an operator in the field and collects operation data, but instead, a repeater that automatically collects operation data may be installed in the field. It is possible to analyze the operation data stored in the management server 4 and notify the user of maintenance information such as the replacement time of consumable parts and the replacement cost. In addition, it is possible to notify the user of driving support information such as advice on how to operate the machine 1.

  A user registered in the management server 4 can remotely view operation data (status monitoring, maintenance information, etc.) by the client terminal 5 connected to the Internet 11. If it is a portable terminal having an Internet connection means, the management data of the management server 4 can be received as a client terminal.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to monitor the operating state and view maintenance information of various work machines including a mobile work machine and a self-propelled work machine via an existing Internet line or short-range wireless communication.

  By connecting the mobile terminal to the management server via the public wireless communication network, it is not necessary to install a management server for each factory. Since the mobile phone network is used, a line usage fee is incurred, but only the number of mobile terminals carried by workers who perform maintenance and facility management is sufficient.

  Since communication between the work machine and the management server is performed via an existing portable terminal equipped with a means for connecting to the public wireless communication network and a short-range wireless communication means between the set devices, a new public line connection cost Wireless communication is possible without causing radio interference to the surroundings.

  For overhead cranes that move in high places, a portable terminal with excellent portability is used as a tool to collect operation data, and regular inspections of the machine are performed so that workers do not go up to high places. Inspection work can be done without stopping the crane.

  In recent years, portable terminals have become widespread, and since the Internet environment is established in companies, the present invention can be introduced at low cost.

The block diagram which shows 1st Example of this invention Block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention Block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention Diagram showing an example of communication sequence chart The block diagram which shows 4th Example of this invention Block diagram showing a conventional example Block diagram showing a comparative example

  The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. 1 to 3 show the first to third embodiments of the present invention. In these figures, 11 is the Internet, 12 is short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (ad hoc mode), SS wireless, or the like.

  Reference numeral 2 denotes an operation data collection device installed in each controller of the work machine 1 installed in the factory 10. The operation data collection device 2 includes an operation history storage device 21, a short-range wireless communication unit 22 according to the type of the short-range wireless communication 12 used such as a wireless LAN such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a wireless ad hoc network, or SS communication. And.

  3 is a commercially available portable terminal called a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, etc., which has an Internet connection means and a short distance wireless communication connection means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN (wireless ad hoc network, etc.), SS communication, It is provided. 4 is a management server, and 5 is a client terminal, both of which are equipped with Internet connection means. The client terminal 5 includes a terminal such as a personal computer installed at the head office of the factory 10, the manufacturer and maintenance manager of the work machine, and the customer of the factory 10.

  1 in FIG. 1 is a mobile phone network or the Internet, 14 in FIG. 3 is an intranet (in-house LAN, WiFi (registered trademark)), and 6 in FIG. 3 is a gateway or router. As shown in FIG. 3, when the mobile terminal 3 is connected to the management server 4 connected to the Internet 11 via the intranet 14 in the factory, the Internet 11 of the mobile terminal 3 is a mobile terminal used only in the factory. The line usage fee is no longer required.

  An operator with a portable terminal enters the factory for maintenance and inspection, activates the portable terminal, and collects data from the operation data collection device. The portable terminal displays a list of operation data collection devices that can communicate with each other, and the operator selects one of the devices to collect the data of the devices based on the sequence of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence chart in the management system of the present invention. The operation data collection device 2 collects the operation status of the machine 1 in which it is installed, whether or not an abnormality has occurred, its cause, the presence or absence of repair, the time required for repair, etc. over time, and the operation data for each calendar day. Collect and memorize.

  When the short-range wireless communication means 22 receives a transmission command from the portable terminal 3, the operation data collection device 2 transmits device information data for specifying the target machine. Next, the operation data collection device 2 stores the operation data and alarm history data stored in the operation history storage device 21 in accordance with the request from the portable terminal 3, the daily history data, the monthly history data, all the stored data. History data such as history data for a specified period is transmitted to the mobile terminal 3.

  Data transmission / reception between the operation data collection device 2 and the portable terminal 3 is performed by the short-range wireless communication 12. The portable terminal 3 preferably includes a means for displaying the collected data.

When data collection by the operation data collection device 2 is completed, the portable terminal 3 transfers data to the management server 4 using a general Internet communication technology such as mail or WEB.
The management server 4 accumulates the received operation data for each machine based on the device information data, and according to the management program registered in advance in the management server, the operation history, alarm history, accumulated operation time, accumulated load time (output Statistical processing such as calculating the total accumulated operation time) is performed and stored.

  The statistically processed data is disclosed to client terminals at the head office via the Internet 11, and necessary data is disclosed to machine makers, customers, and other necessary terminals. The machine manufacturer can predict in advance the time of maintenance work, the time of replacement of consumable parts, and the like based on the disclosed information. Further, the customer can confirm the progress status of the requested work based on the published data.

  In order to reliably transmit the operation data of each machine 1 to the management server 4, the worker carries the portable terminal 3 in a timely manner and receives the operation data from the operation data collection device 2 of each machine according to a predetermined procedure. And sending to the management server.

  When the data to be transmitted / received is finely divided or a large number of machines to be managed are installed, and the operation of manually transmitting / receiving data becomes complicated, a batch of machines installed in the factory on the portable terminal 3 If the data collection procedure is registered, the portable terminal 3 automatically performs data collection based on the sequence shown in FIG. 4 one by one from the operation data collection device 2 capable of communication by one operation of the operator. It is also possible.

  As another means, when the trigger device 7 that records the operation procedure is installed in an appropriate place in the factory 10 and, for example, the portable terminal 3 is set in the trigger device 7, the data transfer registered in the trigger device 7 is performed. A series of operations in which the program is automatically started and the operation data stored in the operation data collecting device 2 in the area communicable by the short-range wireless communication 12 is sequentially received and transmitted to the management server 4 is automatically performed. It is also possible to do this.

  There is also a method in which a timer function is added in the mobile terminal 3 and a periodic trigger is generated by the timer, thereby eliminating the need for an external trigger.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which communication between the mobile terminal 3 and the management server 4 is performed via the Internet 11. However, the case where the communication is performed via the mobile phone network of FIG. 1 or the intranet and the Internet of FIG. A similar system configuration can be adopted also in the case of performing through the network.

  The operating state management system according to the present invention is particularly suitable for management of a plurality of mobile or self-propelled working machines. However, as in the case of a working machine installed at a high place, for example, a stationary working machine. Also, the present invention can be employed in a working machine in which it is difficult for an operator to approach the machine or a working machine in which it is difficult to transmit and receive data by wire.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Work machine 2 Operation data collection device 3 Mobile terminal 4 Management server 5 Client terminal 6 Gateway, router 7 Trigger device 11 Internet 12 Short-range wireless communication 13 Mobile phone network or Internet 14 Intranet (in-house LAN, WiFi (registered trademark))
21 operation history storage device 22 short-range wireless communication means

Claims (7)

In an operation management system including a work machine including an operation history storage device that stores predetermined operation data, and a management server that manages an operation state of the work machine,
The work machine includes a short-range wireless communication unit that receives a transmission command from a portable terminal having a connection unit to a public wireless communication network and transmits history data stored in the operation history storage device to the portable terminal,
The management server receives work machine history data received by the mobile terminal via a public wireless communication network.
Operation management system. In an operation management system comprising a plurality of work machines each provided with an operation history storage device that stores predetermined operation data over time, and a management server that manages the operation state of the plurality of work machines,
Each of the plurality of work machines receives a transmission command from a portable terminal having a connection means to a public wireless communication network, and transmits history data stored in the operation history storage device to the portable terminal. Having communication means,
The management server receives history data of each work machine received by the mobile terminal via a public wireless communication network;
Operation management system.   The operation management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the work machine is a mobile work machine that moves within a region defined during operation.   The operation management system according to claim 3, wherein the mobile work machine is an overhead crane.   The operation management system according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the short-range wireless communication means transmits history data by dividing a period into predetermined periods. An operation history storage device that stores predetermined operation data over time, and a short-range wireless that transmits the command history data received from a mobile terminal connectable to a public wireless communication network to the mobile terminal Communication means,
Operating data collection device.   The operation data collection device according to claim 6, wherein the short-range wireless communication unit transmits history data by dividing a period into predetermined periods.

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