JP2019179431A - Construction machine and construction machine assisting system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a construction machine, etc., capable of efficiently updating specific information on a predetermined function even at a work site that is a communication interrupted area like mountain site.SOLUTION: A shovel 100 includes: a storing unit 300 that stores update information to update specific information on a predetermined function of the shovel 100; a communication processing unit 301 with the predetermined function that establishes a communicable connection state with another shovel 100 around the former shovel 100; and an update file providing unit 305 that transmits the update information to the other shovel 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a construction machine and a construction machine support system.

  For example, a method of updating specific information regarding a predetermined function such as an in-vehicle program of a work vehicle such as a construction machine using a wireless communication line such as a mobile phone network is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary for a service person or the like to go to each construction machine to perform the work for updating the specific information, and the work efficiency of the update work can be improved.

Japanese Patent No. 3954572

  However, when a wireless communication line is used, for example, there is a possibility that the specific information of the construction machine working at a work site in a communication interruption area such as a mountainous area cannot be updated.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, a construction machine and the like that can efficiently update specific information related to a predetermined function even in a work site in a communication-disrupted area such as a mountainous area.

In one embodiment of the invention,
A storage unit for storing update information for updating specific information related to the predetermined function of the construction machine;
A communication processing unit for establishing a connection state capable of communicating with other construction machines around the construction machine having the predetermined function;
A transmission unit that transmits the update information to the other construction machine,
Construction machinery is provided.

In another embodiment of the present invention,
A construction machine support system including a plurality of construction machines each having a predetermined function,
Among the plurality of construction machines, one construction machine and another construction machine existing in the vicinity of each other establish a connection state capable of communicating with each other, and the one construction machine stores it in its own storage unit. The update information for updating the specific information related to the predetermined function is transmitted to the other construction machine.
A construction machine support system is provided.

  According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to provide a construction machine or the like that can efficiently update specific information related to a predetermined function even at a work site in a communication disruption area such as a mountainous area.

It is the schematic which shows an example of a structure of an information update assistance system. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of an information update assistance system. It is a flowchart which shows roughly the process by an information update assistance system. It is a figure which shows an example of the update confirmation screen of a firmware. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the firmware update operation | work of the shovel which concerns on a comparative example, and the firmware update operation | work of the shovel which concerns on this embodiment.

[Outline of information update support system]
First, an information update support system SYS according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information update support system SYS.

  The information update support system SYS (an example of a construction machine support system) includes a plurality of excavators 100 and a support terminal device 200, and supports an update operation of specific information related to a predetermined function of the excavator 100. The predetermined functions of the excavator 100 may include, for example, a function for controlling the drive of the excavator 100, a function for displaying various information screens on the display device 40 (that is, various functions realized by the controller 30 described later), and the like. The specific information can include, for example, various programs such as firmware executed by the controller 30, data files referred to by various programs, and the like. Hereinafter, the description will proceed on the assumption that the specific information is specific firmware (hereinafter, “specific firmware”). The plurality of excavators 100 will be described on the assumption that the information update support system SYS has the same configuration.

<Outline of excavator>
The excavator 100 (an example of a construction machine) is a lower traveling body 1, an upper revolving body 3 that is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 1 via a swivel mechanism 2, and a working machine that is attached to the upper revolving body 3. Includes attachments.

  Specifically, the attachment is configured as a drilling attachment centering on the boom 4, the arm 5, and the bucket 6. Near the center of the front part of the upper swing body 3, the boom 4 is attached so as to be able to be lifted (movable up and down), and an arm 5 is attached to the tip of the boom 4 so as to be able to rotate up and down. A bucket 6 is attached to the tip so as to be rotatable up and down. The boom 4, the arm 5, and the bucket 6 are hydraulically driven by the boom cylinder 7, the arm cylinder 8, and the bucket cylinder 9, respectively.

  Further, the upper swing body 3 is provided with a cabin 10 as a cab and a power source such as an engine 11 is mounted.

  The excavator 100 is in a connection state in which the excavator 100 can communicate with another excavator 100 or the support terminal device 200 by a short-range communication of a predetermined method conforming to a predetermined communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication or WiFi (registered trademark) communication. Specifically, an equivalent P2P (Peer to Peer) connection can be established. Thereby, the excavator 100 can acquire various types of information from other excavators 100 and the support terminal device 200, and can transmit various types of information to the other excavators 100. Details will be described later.

<Outline of support terminal device>
The support terminal device 200 (an example of a mobile terminal) is a mobile terminal possessed by a serviceman or the like (hereinafter referred to as a user) in charge of maintenance of the excavator 100. The support terminal device 200 is, for example, a general-purpose notebook PC, tablet terminal, smartphone, or the like possessed by the user. Further, the support terminal device 200 may be a dedicated terminal for excavator 100 maintenance.

  The support terminal device 200 can establish a connection state (P2P connection) that can communicate with each shovel 100 by short-range communication that conforms to the same communication protocol as the shovel 100. Thereby, the support terminal device 200 can transmit various types of information to the excavator 100 and receive various types of information from the excavator 100. Details will be described later.

[Specific configuration of information update support system]
A specific configuration of the information update support system SYS (the excavator 100 and the support terminal device 200) will be described with reference to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information update support system SYS.

  As described above, since the plurality of excavators 100 have the same configuration with respect to the information update support system SYS, only the detailed configuration of one excavator 100 is shown in FIG.

<Configuration of excavator>
The excavator 100 includes an engine 11, a main pump 14, a pilot pump 15, a gate lock valve 25 </ b> V, a control valve 17, an operation device 26, a controller 30, and an engine control device 74.

  The engine 11 is a drive source of the excavator 100, and is mounted on the rear part of the upper swing body 3, for example. The engine 11 is, for example, a diesel engine that uses light oil as fuel. The engine 11 operates so as to maintain a predetermined rotation speed under the control of the engine control device 74, for example. The rotation shaft of the engine 11 is connected to the rotation shafts of the main pump 14 and the pilot pump 15, and the power of the engine 11 is transmitted to the main pump 14 and the pilot pump 15.

  The main pump 14 supplies hydraulic oil to the control valve 17 via the hydraulic oil line 16. The main pump 14 is, for example, a swash plate type variable displacement hydraulic pump, and the discharge flow rate per rotation changes according to the change of the swash plate tilt angle. The swash plate tilt angle of the main pump 14 is controlled by a regulator 14a, for example. For example, the regulator 14 a can change the swash plate tilt angle in accordance with a change in the control current from the controller 30. For example, a discharge pressure sensor that detects the discharge pressure of the main pump 14, a tilt angle sensor that detects a swash plate tilt angle, and the like are attached to the excavator 100.

  The pilot pump 15 supplies hydraulic oil to various hydraulic control devices such as the operation device 26 via the pilot line 25. The pilot pump 15 is, for example, a fixed displacement hydraulic pump.

  The gate lock valve 25V is provided in the uppermost stream of the pilot line 25 between the pilot pump 15 and the operation device 26, and switches between communication / non-communication of the pilot line 25.

  The gate lock valve 25V is usually operated in accordance with an output signal (ON / OFF) of a gate lock switch that is interlocked with an operation state of a gate lock lever provided at a position corresponding to an entrance of a driver's seat in the cabin 10. Switch between communication and non-communication. Specifically, the gate lock valve 25V is a pilot signal when the output signal of the gate lock switch is an ON signal corresponding to a state where the gate lock lever is pulled up (that is, a state where an operator or the like is seated on the driver's seat). Put the line in communication. On the other hand, when the output signal of the gate lock switch is an OFF signal corresponding to the state where the gate lock lever is pulled down (that is, the state where the operator has left the driver's seat), the gate lock valve 25V is not connected to the pilot line. Put it in a state.

  In addition, the gate lock valve 25V is configured to accept a command signal input from the controller 30. Specifically, the gate lock valve 25V may be configured such that a command signal from the controller 30 can be interrupted and input instead of the output signal of the gate lock switch in the signal input unit. Thereby, the gate lock valve 25V can switch the communication / non-communication of the pilot line according to the command signal (ON signal / OFF signal) from the controller 30. In other words, the gate lock valve 25V can bring the pilot line out of communication even when the gate lock lever is pulled up under the control of the controller 30.

  The control valve 17 is a hydraulic control device that controls the flow of hydraulic oil related to a hydraulic actuator that hydraulically drives various operation elements of the excavator 100, and includes a plurality of flow control valves corresponding to the various operation elements. The control valve 17 selectively supplies hydraulic oil received from the main pump 14 through the hydraulic oil line 16 to one or a plurality of hydraulic actuators according to changes in pilot pressure corresponding to the operation direction and operation amount of the operation device 26. To do. The hydraulic actuator includes a boom cylinder 7, an arm cylinder 8, a bucket cylinder 9, and a traveling cylinder corresponding to the boom 4, the arm 5, the bucket 6, the lower traveling body 1, and the upper swinging body 3 (swing mechanism 2) as operating elements. This includes hydraulic motors 1A and 1B, a turning hydraulic motor 2A, and the like. The excavator 100 may be provided with an operating oil pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the operating oil in the hydraulic actuator.

  The operation device 26 receives an operation input for operating the hydraulic actuator by an operator of the excavator 100 or the like. The operating device 26 receives a supply of hydraulic oil from the pilot pump 15 via the pilot line 25 and generates a predetermined pilot pressure. Then, the operating device 26 applies the pilot pressure to the pilot port of the corresponding flow control valve through the pilot line 25a. The pilot pressure that acts on the corresponding flow control valve from the operation device 26 changes according to the operation direction and the operation amount of the operation device 26. The pilot pressure sensor 15 a detects the pilot pressure, and a detection signal corresponding to the detected value is taken into the controller 30.

  The controller 30 performs drive control of the excavator 100. The function of the controller 30 may be realized by arbitrary hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the controller 30 is centered on a computer including a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a nonvolatile auxiliary storage device, and various interfaces for input / output. Composed. The same applies to the control device 201 of the support terminal device 200 described later.

  The controller 30 includes, for example, a communication processing unit 301, a version information providing unit 302, as functional units realized by causing one or more programs stored in a ROM or a nonvolatile auxiliary storage device to be executed on the CPU. A version information acquisition unit 303, a determination unit 304, an update file providing unit 305, an update file acquisition unit 306, and a firmware update unit 307 are included.

  Further, the controller 30 includes a storage unit 300 as a storage area defined in the ROM or the nonvolatile auxiliary storage device. The specific firmware described above is installed in the storage unit 300. In addition, the storage unit 300 may store an update file for updating specific firmware (an example of update information; hereinafter, simply “update file”).

  A communication processing unit 301 (an example of a communication establishment unit) controls a transmission device S1 and a reception device S2 to be described later, and the other shovel 100 and the support terminal device 200 around the excavator 100 and the above-described predetermined short-range communication. Establishes a P2P connection.

  Specifically, first, the communication processing unit 301 detects a device (hereinafter, “connectable device” for convenience) capable of P2P connection by short-range communication of a predetermined method in the vicinity of the shovel 100.

  For example, the communication processing unit 301 transmits a signal including identification information of devices corresponding to the shovel 100 or the transmission device S1 and the reception device S2 within a predetermined range around the excavator 100, that is, a communicable range, through the transmission device S1. Transmit intermittently. Hereinafter, this signal is referred to as an “advertisement signal” for convenience. Thereby, when the connectable device such as another excavator 100 or the support terminal device 200 is located within the communicable range of the excavator 100 (that is, when entering the communicable range of the excavator 100), the advertisement signal Can be received. Then, the communication processing unit 301 receives the signal for requesting the P2P connection from the connectable device that has received the advertisement signal (hereinafter, “connection request signal” for convenience) through the receiving device S2. It is possible to detect the connectable device that is the transmission source of the request signal.

  Further, for example, the communication processing unit 301 can detect the connectable device that is the transmission source of the advertisement signal by receiving the advertisement signal through the reception device S2.

  Subsequently, the communication processing unit 301 determines whether the detected connectable device around the shovel 100 is a connection target device, that is, another shovel 100 or the support terminal device 200. For example, the communication processing unit 301 determines whether or not the device is a connection target device based on various types of information for specifying the transmission source of the signal included in the advertisement signal or the connection request signal. Specifically, when assuming that the connection target device is a shovel, the communication processing unit 301 determines whether or not it is the same model as the shovel 100, and if it is the same model, determines that it is a connection target device. It's okay. At this time, as will be described later, the support terminal device 200 as the connection target device has a model set based on an operation by the user, and acts as an excavator of the same model as the excavator 100 or a model different from the excavator 100.

  Finally, when the communication processing unit 301 determines that the detected connectable device is a connection target device, the communication processing unit 301 establishes a P2P connection with the detected connectable device.

  For example, when the communication processing unit 301 receives a connection request signal through the receiving device S2 and detects a connectable device as a transmission source, the communication processing unit 301 performs processing for P2P connection on the shovel 100 side. Then, the communication processing unit 301 transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as “connection response signal” for convenience) to notify the connectable device to the connectable device through the transmission device S1, thereby detecting the connection with the detected connectable device. Establish a P2P connection at

  For example, when the communication processing unit 301 receives an advertisement signal through the receiving device S2 to detect a connectable device as a transmission source, the communication processing unit 301 transmits a connection request signal to the connectable device. Then, the communication processing unit 301 receives the connection response signal from the connectable device through the receiving device S2, and detects by performing processing for P2P connection on the shovel 100 side in response to the reception. Establish a P2P connection with connectable devices.

  As described above, the communication processing unit 301 establishes the P2P connection when the shovel 100 and the connection target device (the other shovel 100 or the support terminal device 200) are located in the mutual communicable range.

  The version information providing unit 302 provides (transmits) version information related to the specific firmware of the shovel 100 to the connection target device that has established the P2P connection by the communication processing unit 301 through the transmission device S1. Specifically, the version information providing unit 302 is a newer one of the specific firmware currently installed (installed) in the storage unit 300 and the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 300. Provide version information for This is because even if the excavator 100 holds the latest update file in the storage unit 300, the update of the specific firmware by the latest update file may not actually be completed.

  The version information acquisition unit 303 (an example of an acquisition unit) acquires version information related to specific firmware from the connection target device in which the P2P connection is established by the communication processing unit 301 through the reception device S2. Specifically, the version information acquisition unit 303 selects the newer one of the specific firmware currently installed in the connection target device and the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the connection target device. Get version information. This is because even if the connection target device holds the latest update file, the update of the specific firmware by the latest update file may not actually be completed. When the connection target device is the support terminal device 200, the specific information is not installed in the support terminal device 200. Therefore, the version information acquisition unit 303 inevitably specifies the latest update file. Get firmware version information.

  The determination unit 304 (an example of a comparison unit) acquires version information related to specific firmware installed in the storage unit 300. Specifically, the determination unit 304 acquires the version information of the newer one of the specific firmware currently installed in the storage unit 300 and the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 300. To do. Then, the determination unit 304 compares the acquired version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the excavator 100 with the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the connection target device acquired by the version information acquisition unit 303, and the old and new Determine.

  In the update file providing unit 305 (an example of a transmission unit), the determination unit 304 determines that the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the shovel 100 is newer than the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the connection target device. In this case, the latest update file in the storage unit 300 is transmitted to the connection target device (specifically, another excavator 100 as will be described later) through the transmission device S1. As a result, the other shovel 100 can update the specific firmware installed in its own storage unit 300 to a newer version.

  The update file acquisition unit 306 (an example of a reception unit) has determined by the determination unit 304 that the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the shovel 100 is older than the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the connection target device. In this case, the update file is acquired (received) through the receiving device S2 and stored in the storage unit 300.

  The firmware update unit 307 updates (version upgrade) specific firmware installed in the storage unit 300 based on the update file stored in the storage unit 300.

  Details of operations of the communication processing unit 301, the version information acquisition unit 303, the determination unit 304, the update file provision unit 305, the update file acquisition unit 306, and the firmware update unit 307 will be described later (see FIG. 3).

  An engine control unit (ECU: Engine Control Unit) 74 controls the drive of the engine 11. The engine control device 74 controls various actuators of the engine 11 so as to perform constant rotation at an engine speed set via a predetermined input device or an engine speed corresponding to the set work mode, for example. A command is output to control the fuel injection amount and the like. An engine speed sensor, an engine load factor sensor, a fuel injection amount sensor, and the like are communicably connected to the engine control device 74 through a one-to-one communication line or the like. An engine torque sensor may be provided instead of the engine load factor sensor.

  In addition, the excavator 100 includes a transmission device S1, a reception device S2, a positioning device S3, a posture detection device S4, a direction detection device S5, a camera S6, a driving information acquisition device S7, and a display device, which are attached to the upper swing body 3. 40 is included. The transmission device S1, the reception device S2, the positioning device S3, the posture detection device S4, the orientation detection device S5, the camera S6, the driving information acquisition device S7, and the display device 40 are each, for example, a one-to-one communication line or CAN ( The controller 30 is communicably connected through an in-vehicle network such as a controller area network.

  The transmission device S1 transmits a transmission signal corresponding to a predetermined short-range communication (for example, the above-described Bluetooth communication or WiFi communication) to the outside of the shovel 100. Accordingly, the transmission device S1 can transmit various types of information to a target (for example, another excavator 100 or the support terminal device 200) with which a connection state capable of communication by the short-range communication is established.

  Similarly to the transmission device S1, the reception device S2 receives a transmission signal corresponding to a short-range communication of a predetermined method from the outside of the excavator 100. Accordingly, the receiving device S2 can receive various types of information from a target (for example, another excavator 100 or the support terminal device 200) with which a connection state capable of communication by the short-range communication is established. The information received by the receiving device S2 is taken into the controller 30.

  The transmission device S1 and the reception device S2 may be integrally realized as a communication device (for example, a Bluetooth communication module, a WiFi communication module, or the like) for communicating with the outside of the excavator 100 by a predetermined short-range communication. The same applies to the transmission device 202 and the reception device 203 of the support terminal device 200.

  The positioning device S3 measures the position of the excavator 100 and acquires the position information of the excavator 100. The positioning device S3 is, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) device that receives signals from three or more (preferably four or more) satellites above the excavator 100. Measure the latitude, longitude and altitude of the location. The position information of the excavator 100 acquired by the positioning device S3 is taken into the controller 30.

  The posture detection device S4 detects the posture of the excavator 100, for example, the posture of the excavation attachment and the posture of the aircraft (the lower traveling body 1 and the upper swing body 3). The attitude detection device S4 includes, for example, a boom angle sensor, an arm angle sensor, a bucket angle sensor, and an airframe tilt sensor. The boom angle sensor is a sensor that acquires the elevation angle (boom angle) of the boom 4 with respect to the upper swing body 3. For example, the rotation angle sensor that detects the rotation angle of the boom foot pin and the stroke amount of the boom cylinder 7 are detected. A stroke sensor, an inclination (acceleration) sensor for detecting an inclination angle of the boom 4 and the like are included. The boom angle sensor may be a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, that is, a 6-axis sensor or an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The same applies to the arm angle sensor and the bucket angle sensor. The airframe tilt sensor is a sensor that acquires the airframe tilt angle, and detects, for example, the tilt angle of the upper swing body 3 with respect to the horizontal plane. The airframe inclination sensor may be a biaxial acceleration sensor that detects an inclination angle of the upper swing body 3 around a predetermined longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The airframe tilt sensor may be a triaxial acceleration sensor. Detection information corresponding to the attitude of the excavator 100 detected by the attitude detection device S4 is taken into the controller 30.

  The orientation detection device S5 detects the orientation of the excavator 100. The direction detection device S5 includes, for example, a geomagnetic sensor, a resolver or encoder related to the turning axis of the turning mechanism 2, and a gyro sensor. Specifically, the direction detection device S5 may be configured by a combination of a triaxial geomagnetic sensor and a gyro sensor. In addition, the direction detection device S5 may be configured by a pair of GNSS receivers. Detection information regarding the orientation of the excavator 100 detected by the orientation detection device S5 is taken into the controller 30.

  For example, the controller 30 can acquire information regarding the locus of the tip of the bucket 6 based on outputs from the positioning device S3, the posture detection device S4, the orientation detection device S5, and the like.

  The camera S6 images the surrounding space in a predetermined range. The camera S <b> 6 outputs the acquired image (captured image) to the controller 30, and the captured image is captured by the controller 30. For example, the camera S6 includes a camera S6B that images the space behind the excavator 100. In addition, the camera S6 may include at least one of a camera that captures a space on the right side of the excavator 100 and a camera that captures a space on the left side of the excavator 100. The camera S6 may include a camera that captures an operator or the like in the cabin 10. Thereby, the controller 30 can perform various image processes on the operator's image captured by the indoor camera, and can identify (specify) the operator or authenticate the operator.

  The driving information acquisition device S <b> 7 acquires driving information that is information regarding the driving state of the excavator 100. For example, the driving information acquisition device S7 includes a pilot pressure sensor 15a, a positioning device S3, an attitude detection device S4, an orientation detection device S5, and the like. Further, the operation information acquisition device S7 may include a discharge pressure sensor, a tilt angle sensor, a hydraulic pressure sensor, an engine speed sensor, an engine load factor sensor, and a fuel injection amount sensor. Further, the driving information acquisition device S7 may include information on the work environment. In this case, the driving information acquisition device S7 may include an outside air temperature sensor, an inside air temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an airframe tilt sensor, a vibration sensor, and the like. The driving information acquired by the driving information acquisition device S7 is taken into the controller 30.

  The display device 40 displays various information images under the control of the controller 30. The display device 40 is disposed, for example, at a position that can be easily seen by an operator or the like in the vicinity of the driver's seat in the cabin 10. For example, the display device 40 displays a captured image of the camera S6. In this case, the display device 40 may display a combined image obtained by combining captured images of a plurality of cameras. The composite image may be subjected to various image processing such as viewpoint conversion processing. The display device 40 may be a portable terminal device such as a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. In this case, the portable terminal device may be arranged in a position where it can be easily seen by the operator or the like in the cabin 10 as appropriate.

  Further, the excavator 100 includes a storage battery 70 mounted on the upper swing body 3.

  The controller 30, the display device 40, the engine control device 74, and the like operate by receiving power supply from the storage battery 70 mounted on the upper swing body 3. In addition, the transmitter S1, the receiver S2, the positioning device S3, the attitude detection device S4, the orientation detection device S5, the camera S6, and the driving information acquisition device S7 are also directly or internal power sources such as the controller 30. It operates by receiving supply of electric power from the storage battery 70 through a circuit or the like. The storage battery 70 is charged with power generated by a generator driven by the engine 11. The storage battery 70 also supplies power to the starter of the engine 11 and the like. As a result, the starter is driven by the electric power from the storage battery 70 and can start the engine 11.

<Configuration of support terminal device>
The support terminal device 200 includes a control device 201, a transmission device 202, a reception device 203, a display device 204, and an operation input device 205.

  The control device 201 controls various operations of the support terminal device 200. The control device 201 includes, for example, a communication processing unit 2011, a version information providing unit 2012, and the like as functional units realized by executing one or more programs stored in a ROM or a nonvolatile auxiliary storage device on the CPU. , A version information acquisition unit 2013, a determination unit 2014, and an update file providing unit 2015. The functions of the communication processing unit 2011, the version information providing unit 2012, the version information acquiring unit 2013, the determining unit 2014, and the update file providing unit 2015 are, for example, specific firmware installed in the ROM or auxiliary storage device of the control device 201 in advance. When an application for providing the update information to the excavator 100 (hereinafter referred to as “update file providing application”) is activated, for example, a user such as a serviceman may be able to use. The control device 201 includes a storage unit 2010 as a storage area defined in a nonvolatile internal memory such as an auxiliary storage device.

  The transmission device 202 transmits a transmission signal corresponding to a predetermined short-range communication (for example, the above-described Bluetooth communication or WiFi communication) to the outside of the support terminal device 200. Accordingly, the transmission device S1 can transmit various types of information to a target (for example, the excavator 100) for which a connection state capable of communication by the near field communication is established.

  Similarly to the transmission device S1, the reception device 203 receives a transmission signal corresponding to a short-range communication of a predetermined method from the outside of the support terminal device 200. As a result, the receiving device 203 can receive various types of information from a target (for example, the excavator 100) with which a connection state capable of communication by the short-range communication is established. Information received by the receiving device 203 is taken into the control device 201.

  The display device 204 displays various information images. The display device 204 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. For example, the display device 204 displays an operation screen for transmitting a specific firmware update file to the excavator 100. Further, the display device 204 may display information related to work performed by the excavator 100, information related to fatigue of the operator of the excavator 100, information related to terrain data, and the like.

  The operation input device 205 receives an operation input from a user. The operation input device 205 includes, for example, a touch panel disposed on a liquid crystal display. The operation input device 205 may include a touch pad, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, and the like. Information regarding the operation state of the operation input device 205 is taken into the control device 201.

  Similar to the communication processing unit 301 of the excavator 100, the communication processing unit 2011 controls the transmission device 202 and the reception device 203, and establishes P2P connection with the excavator 100 around the support terminal device 200 by the above-described short-range communication of the predetermined method. Establish.

  Specifically, first, the communication processing unit 2011 detects connectable devices in the vicinity of the support terminal device 200. Subsequently, the communication processing unit 2011 determines whether the detected connectable device is a connection target device (that is, the excavator 100). Finally, when the communication processing unit 2011 determines that the detected connectable device is a connection target device (that is, the excavator 100), the communication processing unit 2011 establishes a P2P connection with the detected connectable device. At this time, a method for detecting connectable devices by the communication processing unit 2011, a method for determining whether or not the detected connectable device corresponds to a connection target device, and a method for establishing a P2P connection are the communication processing unit 301 of the excavator 100. The same method may be used.

  The version information providing unit 2012 provides (sends) the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 2010 to the excavator 100 in which the P2P connection is established by the communication processing unit 2011 through the transmission device 202. )

  The version information acquisition unit 2013 acquires version information related to the specific firmware installed in the shovel 100 from the shovel 100 in which the P2P connection is established by the communication processing unit 2011 through the transmission device 202. Specifically, the version information acquisition unit 2013 is the newer version information of the specific firmware currently installed in the shovel 100 and the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the shovel 100. To get.

  The determination unit 2014 acquires the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 2010. The determination unit 2014 compares the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the acquired latest update file with the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the excavator 100 acquired by the version information acquisition unit 303, and determines the new and old. judge.

  The update file providing unit 2015 determines that the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 2010 is newer than the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the excavator 100 by the determination unit 2014. If so, the latest update file in the storage unit 2010 is transmitted to the excavator 100 through the transmission device 202. Thereby, the excavator 100 can update the specific firmware installed in its own storage unit 300 to a newer version.

[Specific operation of information update support system]
Next, a specific operation of the information update support system SYS will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of processing of the information update support system SYS.

  First, FIG. 3A is a flowchart schematically showing an example of processing by the control device 201 of the support terminal device 200. When the update file providing application is activated, the process according to this flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined processing intervals until the application is stopped.

  In step S <b> 102, the control apparatus 201 determines whether an operation for setting a model of an excavator to which an update file is provided by the user has been performed through the operation input apparatus 205. The control device 201 proceeds to step S104 when the operation is performed, and ends the current process in other cases.

  In step S104, the communication processing unit 2011 determines whether or not the excavator 100 having the same model information as the model information set in step S102 and the latest update file has not been transmitted has been detected around the support terminal device 200. judge. At this time, for example, the communication processing unit 2011 refers to an update file providing history or the like managed by the update file providing application and stored in the storage unit 2010 or the like to determine whether or not the excavator 100 is provided with the update file. Can be judged. When the communication processing unit 2011 detects the excavator 100 that satisfies the determination condition, the communication processing unit 2011 proceeds to step S <b> 106. Otherwise, the communication processing unit 2011 ends the current process.

  When a plurality of excavators 100 are detected, the processing of steps S106 to S116 may be repeated in order, or the processing of step S106 is performed only for the excavator 100 selected by the selection operation by the user. May be.

  In step S106, the communication processing unit 2011 establishes a P2P connection with the detected excavator 100.

  In step S <b> 108, the version information providing unit 2012 transmits the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 2010 to the excavator 100 through the transmission device 202.

  In step S <b> 110, the version information acquisition unit 2013 determines whether or not the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the shovel 100 has been received from the shovel 100 connected in P2P by the receiving device 203. When the receiving device 203 receives the version information of the specific firmware corresponding to the shovel 100 from the shovel 100 by the receiving device 203, the version information acquiring unit 2013 acquires the version information from the reception buffer or the like, and proceeds to step S112. If so, the process is repeated.

  If the version information corresponding to the shovel 100 is not received by the receiving device 203 even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the P2P connection was established between the support terminal device 200 and the shovel 100, the flowchart is forced. You may stop. This is because version information may not be acquired due to a communication failure or the like. In such a case, the flowchart may be forcibly stopped when a request signal requesting version information is transmitted from the support terminal device 200 to the excavator 100 and still not received. The same applies to the case of step S210 in FIG.

In step S112, the determination unit 2014 determines whether the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 2010 and the specific firmware corresponding to the excavator 100 are the same version. If the version is not the same version, the determination unit 2014 proceeds to step S114. If the version is the same version, the determination unit 2014 ends the current process.

  In step S114, the determination unit 2014 determines whether or not the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 2010 is a newer version than the specific firmware corresponding to the excavator 100. The determination unit 2014 proceeds to step S116 when the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 2010 is a newer version, and ends the current process when the specific firmware is not a new version.

  In step S116, the update file providing unit 2015 transmits the latest update file stored in the storage unit 2010 to the excavator 100 through the transmission device 202, and ends the current process.

  Thus, in this example, the support terminal device 200 automatically establishes a P2P connection based on a short-range communication of a predetermined method with the excavator 100 around the support terminal device 200, and the latest update file Is transmitted to the excavator 100. Thereby, the user of the support terminal device 200 such as a serviceman can use the support terminal device 200 to provide the excavator 100 (storage unit 300) with an update file for updating the specific firmware. In other words, the excavator 100 is configured to update the specific firmware installed in the storage unit 300 to a newer version through a predetermined short-range communication from the support terminal device 200 based on the automatically established P2P connection. Update files can be acquired.

  Next, FIG. 3B is a flowchart schematically showing an example of processing by the controller 30 of the excavator 100. The process according to this flowchart is repeatedly executed, for example, from the start to the stop of the excavator 100.

  In step S204, the communication processing unit 301 is the same model as the excavator 100, and the connection target device (that is, another excavator 100 or a support terminal) that has not exchanged update files after the excavator 100 is started. It is determined whether or not the device 200) is detected around the shovel 100. When the communication processing unit 301 detects a connection target device that satisfies the determination condition, the communication processing unit 301 proceeds to step S <b> 206. Otherwise, the communication processing unit 301 ends the current process.

  In step S206, the communication processing unit 301 establishes a P2P connection with the detected connection target device.

  In step S208, the version information providing unit 302 sends the newer one of the specific firmware installed in the storage unit 300 and the specific firmware corresponding to the latest update file stored in the storage unit 300 through the transmission device S1. Version information is sent to the target device.

  In step S210, the version information acquisition unit 303 determines whether the version information of the specific firmware has been received from the connection target device by the receiving device S2. When the version information of the specific firmware is received by the receiving device S2 from the other excavator 100 or the support terminal device 200, the version information acquiring unit 303 acquires the version information from the reception buffer or the like, and proceeds to step S212. In this case, the process is repeated.

  In step S212, the determination unit 304 determines whether the specific firmware corresponding to the excavator 100 and the specific firmware corresponding to the connection target device are the same version. If the version is not the same version, the determination unit 2014 proceeds to step S214. If the version is the same version, the determination unit 2014 ends the current process.

  In step S214, the determination unit 304 determines whether or not the specific firmware corresponding to the shovel 100 is a newer version than the specific firmware corresponding to the connection target device. The determination unit 2014 proceeds to step S216 if the specific firmware corresponding to the shovel 100 is a newer version, and proceeds to step S218 if the specific firmware is not a new version.

  In step S216, the update file providing unit 305 transmits the latest update file stored in the storage unit 300 to the connection target device (specifically, another excavator 100) through the transmission device S1, and this process. Exit. As a result, the excavator 100 provides the latest update file stored in the storage unit 300 to other excavators 100 located in the vicinity thereof by P2P connection based on the short-range communication of a predetermined method that is automatically established. Can do.

  On the other hand, in step S218, the update file acquisition unit 306 determines whether or not an update file has been received from the connection target device by the receiving device S2. The update file acquisition unit 306 acquires the update file from the reception buffer or the like when the reception device S2 receives the update file from the connection target device, and proceeds to step S220. Repeat the process.

  In addition, even if a certain amount of time has elapsed after the P2P connection is established between the shovel 100 and the connection target device, if the update file is not received by the receiving device S2, the flowchart may be forcibly stopped. . This is because the update file may not be acquired due to a communication failure or the like. In such a case, the flowchart may be forcibly stopped when a request signal for requesting an update file is transmitted from the shovel 100 to the connection target device and is not received yet.

  In step S220, the firmware update unit 307 causes the display device 40 of the shovel 100 to display an update confirmation screen that notifies the operator or the like that preparation for updating the firmware has been completed.

  For example, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the update confirmation screen (update confirmation screen 401).

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this example, when the firmware of the display device 40 is updated, the operation of the shovel 100 is restricted, and a certain amount of time (about 1 hour in this example) is required for the update work. And when updating the firmware, a screen for notifying that it is necessary to keep the engine 11 in operation is displayed. The controller 30 performs a firmware update process after determining that the excavator 100 is in an inoperable state, specifically, that the engine 11 is in an operating state and the gate lock valve 25V is in a shut-off state. Thus, the user can execute the firmware update operation at an appropriate timing after understanding the limitation of the work of the excavator 100 due to the firmware update.

  Returning to FIG. 3B, in step S222, the firmware update unit 307 allows the operator to start updating specific firmware through the touch panel display device 40, for example (hereinafter, “update permission operation”). ) Is determined. When the update permission operation is performed, the firmware update unit 307 proceeds to step S224. When the update permission operation is not performed, the firmware update unit 307 repeats the process of this step until the update permission operation is performed.

  In addition, when the stop operation of the excavator 100 (that is, the operation for stopping the engine 11) is performed without performing the processing of this step, the controller 30 displays the update confirmation screen again before stopping the engine 11. It may be displayed and an update permission operation may be prompted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the excavator 100 from stopping without updating the specific firmware. In addition, when the excavator 100 is stopped without performing the update permission operation even though the preparation for updating the specific firmware is completed, the update confirmation screen is displayed again at the next startup, and the update permission is displayed. You may be prompted to operate. Thereby, even when the excavator 100 is stopped without updating the specific firmware, it is possible to secure an opportunity to update the specific firmware after the next time.

  In step S224, the firmware update unit 307 starts updating the specific firmware. At this time, the firmware update unit 307 controls the gate lock valve 25V in advance to make the pilot line 25 out of communication. Thereby, even if the operating device 26 is operated during the firmware update operation, the pilot pressure is not supplied to the operating device 26. As a result, the operation elements of the excavator 100 (the lower traveling body 1, the upper swing body 3, the attachment) Etc.) can be restricted (stopped). Then, the firmware update unit 307 ends the current process when the update operation of the specific firmware is completed.

  In this way, in this example, the excavator 100 automatically establishes a P2P connection based on short-range communication of a predetermined method with other excavators 100 around the excavator 100. Then, the excavator 100 provides the latest update file to the other excavator 100 or acquires it from the other excavator 100. As a result, even if the latest update file is not provided to each excavator 100 from the support terminal device 200, the update file is already transferred from the excavator 100 that holds the latest update file to another excavator 100 at the same work site. Can be provided easily.

[Specific example of firmware update work]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a specific example of the update operation of specific firmware mounted (installed) on the excavator 100 in the information update support system SYS will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing firmware update work (FIG. 5A) implemented in the shovel according to the comparative example and an example of firmware update work for the shovel according to the present embodiment (FIG. 5B). It is. In the specific example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the specific firmware installed in each of the three excavators 100A to 100C included in the plurality of excavators 100 working at the work site 502 in the mountainous area. The update work is schematically shown.

  In the comparative example, since the work site 502 where the excavators 100A to 100C work is located in a mountainous area, for example, it is difficult to update specific firmware using a communication network such as a mobile communication network. Therefore, the service person M who has the support terminal device 200 travels from his sales office 501 to the work site 502 in the mountainous area, and corresponds to the update work of specific firmware for each of the excavators 100A to 100C. Specifically, the service person M makes a wired connection between the support terminal device 200 that holds the latest update file and a specific connection terminal of the excavator 100, and updates the support terminal device 200 to the storage unit 300 of the excavator 100. A file is being written. Therefore, the work time required for updating the specific firmware, including the time required for a business trip, becomes very long, and it may not be possible to improve the efficiency of the work for updating the specific firmware.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, when there is an excavator 100D included in the excavator 100 that is scheduled to be transferred to the work site 502, the service person M has the excavator 100D that is relatively close to the sales office 501. Head to the waiting machine 503. The serviceman M activates the excavator 100D while holding the support terminal device 200 in the machine yard 503, and performs an operation of setting the same model as the excavator 100D in the support terminal device 200 (FIG. 3A). Step S102). Thereby, as described above, the P2P connection based on the short-range communication of the predetermined method is automatically established, and the latest update file can be transmitted from the support terminal device 200 to the excavator 100D.

  The support terminal device 200 receives the latest update file for the excavator 100 from the management device installed in the sales office 501 via the receiving device 203 in response to an operation by the service person M through the operation input device 205, for example. Obtain. Alternatively, the support terminal device 200 updates the latest update for the excavator 100 from the other support terminal device 200 possessed by another service man via the receiving device 203 in response to an operation by the service man M through the operation input device 205. You may get a file.

  Thereafter, the excavator 100D is placed on a transport trailer or the like and transferred to the work site 502. At the work site 502, when the excavator 100 starts work, for example, when the excavator 100D approaches the excavator 100A, a P2P connection based on short-range communication of a predetermined method is automatically established, and the excavator 100D to the excavator 100A as described above. Will be provided with the latest update file. Similarly, for example, when the shovel 100D approaches the shovel 100C, a P2P connection based on a predetermined short-range communication is automatically established, and the latest update file is provided from the shovel 100D to the shovel 100A. As a result, even if the work site is in a communication-disrupted area such as a mountainous area, the service person or the like does not travel to the work site, but keeps the update file in one excavator 100 scheduled to be transferred to the work site. Thus, the update operation of the specific firmware of the other excavator 100 that performs work at the work site can be completed.

  Further, after the latest update file is provided from the excavator 100D to the excavator 100A, when the excavator 100A approaches the excavator 100B, a P2P connection based on a short-range communication of a predetermined method is automatically established, and the excavator 100A transfers to the excavator 100B. The latest update file is provided. Thereby, since the excavator 100 provided with the update file can provide the update file to another excavator 100 thereafter, the time required for updating the specific firmware can be further shortened. Specifically, in this example, when an update file is provided to each of the excavators 100A to 100C from the excavator 100D, it takes three times to provide the update file. However, the excavator 100A and the excavator 100D are updated in parallel. It takes two times to provide

  Thus, in the present embodiment, one excavator 100 and another excavator 100 that exist in the vicinity of each other establish a connection state in which they can communicate with each other. Then, the one excavator 100 that holds the latest update information corresponds to the update information (update file) of the specific information (specific firmware) related to the predetermined function stored in its own storage unit 300 with the specific information of the old version. To another excavator 100. Thereby, even in a work site in a communication disruption area such as a mountainous area, the specific information regarding the predetermined function of the excavator 100 can be efficiently updated.

[Deformation / Improvement]
As mentioned above, although the form for implementing this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to this specific embodiment, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various Can be modified or changed.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the construction machine that is the update target of the specific information related to the predetermined function is the excavator 100, but may be another construction machine. Specifically, the information update support system SYS according to the above-described embodiment replaces or in addition to the excavator 100, road machines such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, and asphalt finishers, and forestry machines including a harvester. It may be an aspect including.

30 controller 100 excavator 200 support terminal device (mobile terminal)
201 control device 202 transmission device 203 reception device 204 display device 205 operation input device 300 storage unit 301 communication processing unit (communication establishment unit)
302 Version information provision unit 303 Version information acquisition unit (acquisition unit)
304 determination unit (comparison unit)
305 Update file provider (transmitter)
306 Update file acquisition unit (reception unit)
307 Firmware Update Unit 2010 Storage Unit 2011 Communication Processing Unit 2012 Version Information Providing Unit 2013 Version Information Obtaining Unit 2014 Determination Unit 2015 Update File Providing Unit S1 Transmitting Device S2 Receiving Device SYS Information Update Support System (Construction Machine Support System)

Claims (7)

A storage unit for storing update information for updating specific information related to the predetermined function of the construction machine;
A communication establishment unit for establishing a connection state having the predetermined function and capable of communicating with other construction machines around the construction machine;
A transmission unit that transmits the update information to the other construction machine,
Construction machinery. The specific information corresponding to the predetermined function implemented in the other construction machine and the specific information corresponding to the update information stored in the other construction machine, transmitted from the other construction machine. An acquisition unit that acquires version information of the newer one of them,
A comparison unit that compares the version information acquired by the acquisition unit with the version information of the update information stored in the storage unit;
The transmission unit transmits the update information stored in the storage unit to the other construction machine based on a comparison result by the comparison unit.
The construction machine according to claim 1. The communication establishment unit establishes the connection state when the construction machine and another construction machine are located in a mutually communicable range,
The construction machine according to claim 1 or 2. The communication establishment unit detects a target that can establish the connection state in the periphery of the construction machine, and determines whether the target is the other construction machine.
The construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The other construction machine is the same model as the construction machine,
The communication establishment unit determines whether the target is the same model as the construction machine,
The construction machine according to claim 4. A receiving unit;
The communication establishment unit establishes a connection state capable of communicating with a predetermined portable terminal around the construction machine,
The receiving unit receives the update information from the mobile terminal,
The storage unit stores the update information received by the receiving unit;
The construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A construction machine support system including a plurality of construction machines each having a predetermined function,
Among the plurality of construction machines, one construction machine and another construction machine existing in the vicinity of each other establish a connection state capable of communicating with each other, and the one construction machine stores it in its own storage unit. The update information for updating the specific information related to the predetermined function is transmitted to the other construction machine.
Support system for construction machinery.

Images