JP6247552B2 - Construction machine operation support system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation support system for a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator.

  In recent years, with the movement toward global environmental measures, efforts are being made to reduce fuel consumption in construction machines such as hydraulic excavators. From such a background, a construction machine is known that has not only a conventional standard mode (power mode) but also a fuel consumption priority mode (eco mode) as a work mode. In these work modes, a method in which the driver manually sets the work mode using a work mode selection device such as a switch or a touch panel provided in the room is the mainstream.

  For example, the fuel consumption priority mode is usually selected when performing a light work such as leveling work, and the conventional standard mode is selected when performing other work. In the fuel efficiency mode, when the specifications are such that the output of the hydraulic actuator (hereinafter referred to as “work output”) is suppressed to a certain degree with an emphasis on fuel efficiency, and in the standard mode, the specifications are such that the work output can be fully utilized. There are many.

  Patent Document 1 proposes an energy saving operation device for a construction machine that can be switched to energy saving operation when the actual fuel efficiency does not reach the target fuel efficiency. The technique described in Patent Document 1 calculates the actual fuel consumption per unit time from a certain point in the past to the present time based on the result of detecting the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank. This is a method of switching to energy saving operation by controlling the engine speed when the target fuel consumption is stored in advance.

JP 2002-285890 A

  As described above, in a conventional construction machine having a function for the driver to select a work mode such as the standard mode or the fuel efficiency-oriented mode, there is a possibility that work efficiency may be reduced due to mismatch between the actual work content and the selected work mode. There is. For example, when light load work that can perform sufficient work even in the fuel economy mode is performed in the standard mode, the fuel consumption increases. In this case, in Patent Document 1, since the engine speed is controlled based on the relationship between the actual fuel consumption per unit time and the target fuel consumption, an energy-saving operation suitable for the work content is performed in a work environment where the work mode is switched. There is a problem that it is not.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described actual situation, and an object thereof is to provide an operation support system for a construction machine that can realize an energy-saving operation suitable for work contents.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an engine, a hydraulic pump that can be driven by the engine, a hydraulic actuator that drives a work machine with the power of the hydraulic pump, an operation lever that operates the work machine, A construction mode operation support system comprising: a work mode selection device that selects any one of the work modes; a fuel consumption calculation unit that calculates a fuel consumption amount of the engine; and a work of the hydraulic actuator Work in each work mode based on the work amount calculation unit for calculating the amount, the fuel consumption amount of the engine calculated by the fuel consumption amount calculation unit, and the work amount of the hydraulic actuator calculated by the work amount calculation unit and work efficiency calculation unit for calculating the efficiency, stores the working efficiency within the predetermined time period calculated by the efficiency calculation section as the history, the memory Comprising the the work mode determining section for determining work mode recommended from the work efficiency of the history of the notification device that performs the notification to the operator, and a notification control unit that controls the notification device, wherein The notification control unit outputs information based on a calculation result of the work efficiency calculation unit and information on the recommended work mode determined by the work mode determination unit to the notification device.

  According to the present invention, since the information based on the work efficiency of each work mode calculated by the work efficiency calculation unit is output to the notification device, the operator of the construction machine checks the work efficiency of each work mode with the notification device. In addition, energy-saving operation suitable for the work content can be performed. Therefore, fuel consumption can also be suppressed.

  Here, the present invention is not limited to a system that includes all the components of the fuel consumption amount calculation unit, the work amount calculation unit, the work efficiency calculation unit, the notification device, and the notification control unit in the construction machine. That is, a system in which a part of the configuration is provided in a construction machine and the rest is provided in a building such as a management center away from the construction machine, and various types of information can be transmitted and received by communication means is also included in the present invention.

  According to the present invention, since information on the recommended work mode is output to the notification device, the operator performs a more appropriate energy saving operation by selecting the recommended work mode and operating the construction machine. be able to. The work mode determination unit according to the present invention can be provided in a construction machine, or can be provided in a building away from a construction machine such as a management center.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the work mode determination unit predicts the work efficiency when the recommended work mode is used, and the notification control unit is predicted by the work mode determination unit. It is characterized in that information relating to the work efficiency is output to the notification device.

  According to the present invention, the information on the prediction result of the work efficiency when the recommended work mode is used is output to the notification device. Therefore, the operator refers to the prediction result, so that more suitable energy saving operation can be performed. Yes. Therefore, the energy saving effect is further enhanced.

  In the above configuration, the present invention is characterized in that the work efficiency calculation unit calculates the work efficiency by dividing a work amount of the hydraulic actuator by a fuel consumption amount of the engine. According to the present invention, work efficiency can be calculated with high accuracy.

  In the above configuration, the present invention is characterized in that the work amount calculation unit calculates the work amount of the hydraulic actuator based on an operation amount of the operation lever by an operator or a load of the hydraulic pump. According to the present invention, the work amount of the hydraulic actuator can be calculated with high accuracy.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the construction machine can generate electric power by the engine and can drive the hydraulic pump, supply of electric power for driving the generator motor, and the generator motor And the work amount calculator calculates the work amount of the hydraulic actuator based on the charge amount of the electricity storage device. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes a suitable driving assistance system also in the hybrid type construction machine provided with the generator motor and the electrical storage device.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the work mode determination unit is different from a work mode currently selected by the work mode selection device and a recommended work mode determined by the work mode determination unit. In this case, a signal for automatically switching the work mode to the recommended work mode is output.

  According to the present invention, since the operation mode is automatically switched to the recommended work mode, the operator does not have to perform a troublesome operation, and convenience is improved.

The present invention further includes a display device as the notification device provided in a cab of the construction machine in the above-described configuration, wherein the display device has a work efficiency for each work mode and the recommended work mode. In addition, at least one piece of information among the predicted work efficiency is displayed. According to the present invention, since the operator can visually recognize various information, workability is improved.

Further, the present invention, in the above configuration, includes a speaker as the notification device provided in a cab of the construction machine, from the speaker, the work efficiency for each work mode, the recommended work mode, Among the predicted work efficiencies, at least one piece of information is output as voice guidance. According to the present invention, since the operator can audibly recognize various information, workability is improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the driving assistance system of the construction machine which can implement | achieve the energy-saving driving | operation suitable for work content can be provided. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

1 is a side view of a hydraulic excavator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of main electric and hydraulic equipment of the excavator shown in FIG. 1. 1 is a configuration diagram of a driving support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a flowchart which shows the procedure which calculates | requires temporal frequency distribution of lever operation amount, (b) is a figure for demonstrating the method of estimating the workload of an actuator using the frequency distribution of lever operation amount. It is. (A) is a flowchart which shows the procedure which calculates | requires the temporal frequency distribution of a pump output, (b) is a figure for demonstrating the method of estimating the work amount of an actuator using the frequency distribution of a pump output. . (A) is a flowchart which shows the procedure which estimates the workload of the actuator in a hybrid type construction machine, (b) is for demonstrating the method of estimating the workload of an actuator using the time chart of battery SOC. FIG. (A) is a table | surface which shows the prediction result of the work efficiency at the time of using the work efficiency for every work mode, the recommended work mode, and the recommended work mode, (b) is the work efficiency displayed on a display apparatus. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the relationship between work time and work efficiency, (b) is a flowchart which shows the process which switches work mode to recommended mode automatically. It is a whole block diagram of the driving assistance system which concerns on the modification of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an operation support system for a construction machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a hydraulic excavator used in a construction machine operation support system according to the present invention. A hydraulic excavator (construction machine) 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mainly provided in a lower traveling body 10, an upper revolving body 20 that is turnably provided on the lower traveling body 10, a driver's cab 5, and the upper revolving body 20. And a hydraulic actuator 32, 34, 36 for driving the work machine 30.

  The lower traveling body 10 includes a pair of crawlers 11, a crawler frame 12, a pair of traveling hydraulic motors that independently drive and control each crawler 11, a speed reduction mechanism, and the like (not shown).

  The upper swing body 20 includes a swing frame 21, an engine 22 provided on the swing frame 21, a generator motor 23 that can generate electric power by the engine 22, a swing hydraulic motor (hereinafter referred to as a swing motor) 25, and a generator motor 23. A battery (electric storage device) 24 electrically connected to the motor, a speed reduction mechanism (not shown) for decelerating the rotation of the turning hydraulic motor 25, and the upper turning body 20 with respect to the lower traveling body 10 by the driving force of the turning motor 25. The turning mechanism 26 is configured to turn the (turning frame 21).

  The work implement 30 mainly includes a boom 31, an arm 33 that is rotatably supported near the tip of the boom 31, and a bucket 35 that is rotatably supported near the tip of the arm 33. . The work machine 30 is driven by a hydraulic actuator. Specifically, the boom 31 is driven by the boom cylinder 32, the arm 33 is driven by the arm cylinder 34, and the bucket 35 is driven by the bucket cylinder 36.

  Further, on the swing frame 21 of the upper swing body 20, a boom cylinder 32, an arm cylinder 34, a bucket cylinder 36, a swing motor 25, and a traveling hydraulic motor (hereinafter referred to as a traveling motor) 13, 14 (see FIG. 2). ) And the like, and a hydraulic system 40 including a hydraulic pump 41 that generates hydraulic pressure for driving the hydraulic actuators and the like, and a control valve 42 for driving and controlling each of the hydraulic actuators 32, 34, and 36 is mounted. The hydraulic pump 41 in the present embodiment is driven by the engine 22 and can be driven with the assistance of the generator motor 23 as necessary (hybrid type). And it is good also as a structure of the hydraulic system in which the battery 24 is not mounted.

  A driver (operator) such as a lever (operating lever) 201 for operating the boom 31, arm 33, bucket 35, and a mode selection switch (working mode selection device) 90 for selecting a work mode is operated in the cab 5. And a display device (notification device) 306 for displaying various information related to driving, a speaker (notification device) 307 for outputting the various information as sound, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of main electric / hydraulic equipment of the hydraulic excavator used in the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the power of the engine 22 is transmitted to the hydraulic pump 41 via the generator motor 23. Further, the control valve 42 controls the discharge amount and the discharge direction of the working oil to the boom cylinder 32, the arm cylinder 34, the bucket cylinder 36, the swing motor 25, and the traveling motors 13 and 14 according to a command from the lever 201. .

  DC power from the battery 24 is boosted to a predetermined DC voltage by a chopper or the like (not shown) in a power control unit 55 (hereinafter referred to as PCU), and an inverter (not shown) in the PCU 55 for driving the generator motor 23. Etc. Further, the battery 24 is charged and discharged depending on the driving state of the generator motor 23 (whether it is powering or regenerating).

  The hybrid control unit 100 (hereinafter referred to as “HCU”) is a rotational speed signal detected by the PCU 55, the engine control unit 57 (hereinafter referred to as “ECU”), and the machine control unit 80 (hereinafter referred to as “MCU”). Based on the lever signal, pressure signal, etc., commands are given to the PCU 55, ECU 57, and MCU 80, and the engine 22, generator motor 23, hydraulic pump 41, and control valve 42 are controlled in an integrated manner.

  For example, when the driver operates the lever 201 to perform the boom raising operation, the MCU 80 controls the electromagnetic proportional valve 75 and transmits the power of the hydraulic pump 41 to the boom cylinder 32 by the control valve 42. Here, the electromagnetic proportional valve 75 is a device that converts an electrical signal from the MCU 80 into a hydraulic signal. At this time, the HCU 100 estimates the power required for the hydraulic pump 41 based on the lever signal detected by the MCU 80, the pressure signal of the hydraulic pump 41, and the like, and stores the power of the battery 24 based on the voltage value of the battery 24 detected by the PCU 55. The remaining amount (hereinafter referred to as SOC) is estimated. The HCU 100 appropriately distributes the power required for the hydraulic pump 41 between the engine 22 and the generator motor 23, so that the engine rotation speed command and the generator motor output command are based on the estimated power of the hydraulic pump 41 and the SOC of the battery 24. And commands the ECU 57 and the PCU 55, respectively.

  In addition, the HCU 100 is configured such that when the load on the cylinder or the hydraulic motor becomes large and the hydraulic pump 41 is overloaded, the hydraulic pump 41 is controlled according to the rotational speed of the engine 24 in order to prevent the engine 22 from stalling. A command for limiting the power is output to the MCU 80. The MCU 80 controls the electromagnetic proportional valve 75 in accordance with a command from the HCU 100 and limits the power of the hydraulic pump 41.

  Next, a construction machine driving support system (hereinafter referred to as a driving support system) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the driving support system according to the present embodiment includes an information processing unit 300, a display device 306, and a speaker 307. The processing content of the information processing unit 300 is programmed in the HCU 100, and It is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  The information processing unit 300 includes a fuel consumption calculation unit 301, an actuator work amount calculation unit (work amount calculation unit) 302, a work efficiency calculation unit 303, a work efficiency storage unit 304, and a display control unit (notification control unit). 305.

  The fuel consumption amount calculation unit 301 calculates the fuel consumption amount in the work mode currently selected by the driver according to the fuel flow rate detected by the ECU 57 and the operation signal of the mode selection switch 90.

  The actuator work amount calculation unit 302 calculates the actuator work amount in the work mode currently selected by the driver according to the lever operation amount detected by the MCU 80, the pressure and flow rate of the hydraulic pump 41, and the battery SOC detected by the PCU 55. calculate. A method for calculating the actuator work will be described later.

  The work efficiency calculation unit 303 divides the actuator work amount calculated by the actuator work amount calculation unit 302 by the fuel consumption amount calculated by the fuel consumption amount calculation unit 301 to thereby obtain the work efficiency in the work mode currently selected by the driver. And the calculation result is output to the work mode determination unit 304. In addition, the work efficiency calculation unit 303 outputs the currently selected work mode (M) and the work efficiency calculation result (actually measured value) in the currently selected work mode to the display control unit 305.

  The work mode determination unit 304 stores the work efficiency for each work mode calculated by the work efficiency calculation unit 303 as a history, and determines a recommended work mode (recommended M) according to the stored work efficiency history for each work mode. Then, it is output to the display control unit 305. In addition, a predicted result (predicted value) of work efficiency when the recommended work mode is used is output to the display control unit 305. A specific method for realizing these will be described later.

  The display control unit 305 performs processing for displaying the work efficiency for each work mode calculated by the work efficiency calculation unit 303 on the display device 306 serving as a notification unit. Further, the display unit 306 displays a recommended work mode output from the work mode determination unit 304 or a work efficiency prediction result when the recommended work mode is used. Further, in this embodiment, voice guidance is performed using the speaker 307 as means for notifying the driver of the work efficiency for each work mode, the recommended work mode, and the work efficiency prediction result. Of course, only one of the display device 306 and the speaker 307 may be provided.

  Next, processing contents of the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 will be described. Three typical patterns will be described below as a method of calculating the work by the actuator work calculation unit 303. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing a calculation method of the work by the actuator work calculation unit 303. FIG. 4 to 6 are explanatory diagrams on the assumption that there are two work modes, an ECO mode and a PWR mode.

Pattern 1: “Calculation of work amount using lever operation amount” (FIG. 4)
A method in which the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 calculates the work amount using the lever operation amount will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a method for obtaining a temporal frequency distribution of lever operation amounts will be described with reference to FIG. In step 401, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the current work mode is the ECO mode. If the ECO mode is set, the process proceeds to step 402. If the ECO mode is not the ECO mode (PWR mode), the process proceeds to step 403. move on. In step 402, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the previous work mode is the PWR mode. If the previous work mode is the PWR mode, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines that the ECO mode is started, and proceeds to step 404. In the case of (ECO mode), it is determined that the ECO mode is being executed, and the process proceeds to step 405.

  In step 405, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines which region the lever operation amount is in and proceeds to step 407. In step 407, the frequency of the frequency distribution is determined by adding the frequency of the region determined in step 405. Perform update processing. In step 404, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 outputs the frequency distribution accumulated in the RAM in the previous PWR mode at the start of the ECO mode to the work mode determination unit 304 and stores it. In step 406, a process for resetting the frequency distribution stored in the RAM is executed.

  In step 403, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the previous work mode is the ECO mode. If the ECO mode, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines that the PWR mode is started, and proceeds to step 408. When the mode is other than the mode (PWR mode), it is determined that the PWR mode is being executed, and the process proceeds to Step 409. In step 409, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines which region the lever operation amount is in, and proceeds to step 411. In step 411, the frequency of the frequency distribution is determined by adding the frequency of the region determined in step 409. Perform update processing. In step 408, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 performs processing for outputting and storing the frequency distribution accumulated in the RAM in the previous ECO mode to the work mode determination unit 304 at the start of the PWR mode. In step 410, processing for resetting the frequency distribution stored in the RAM is executed.

  In this way, by executing the processing shown in FIG. 4A, the temporal frequency distribution of the lever operation amount in the work mode currently selected by the driver is calculated, and the calculated frequency distribution is used as the work efficiency. The data can be output to the storage unit 304.

  Next, a method for estimating the work amount of the actuator using the frequency distribution of lever operation amounts shown in FIG. 4B will be described. First, a rough average value (AVE) is obtained from the frequency distribution of lever operation amounts, and the time frequency of a region (full lever region) in which the lever operation amount expected to be full lever operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value ( DEG).

According to the average value (AVG) and the time frequency (DEG) of the full lever region, the work amount of the actuator is estimated by the evaluation function K shown in Expression (1). Here, α and β are weighting factors for the average value and the frequency of the full lever region, respectively, α is set to a large value when importance is attached to the average value, and β is set to a large value when importance is attached to the frequency of the full lever region. Set to.
K = AVE × α + DEG × β (Formula 1)

  With this evaluation function K, it is possible to comprehensively evaluate special frequency distributions such as when the average value is high and the lever operation is fine operation to half-lever operation. The accuracy of estimating the workload can be increased.

Pattern 2: “Calculation method of work volume using pump output” (FIG. 5)
A method in which the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 calculates the work amount using the pump output will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a method for obtaining the temporal frequency distribution of the pump output will be described with reference to FIG. In step 501, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the current work mode is the ECO mode. If the ECO mode is set, the process proceeds to step 502. If the ECO mode is not the ECO mode (PWR mode), the process proceeds to step 503. move on. In step 502, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the previous work mode is the PWR mode. If the previous work mode is the PWR mode, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines that the ECO mode is started and proceeds to step 504. In the case of (ECO mode), it is determined that the ECO mode is being executed, and the process proceeds to step 505.

  In step 505, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 calculates the pump output by multiplying the pressure (P) of the hydraulic pump 41 by the flow rate (Q), thereby determining which region the pump output is in, and step 507. In step 507, the frequency distribution is updated by adding the frequencies of the areas determined in step 505. In step 504, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 performs a process of outputting and storing the frequency distribution accumulated in the RAM in the previous PWR mode to the work mode determination unit 304 at the start of the ECO mode. In step 506, processing for resetting the frequency distribution accumulated in the RAM is executed.

  In step 503, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the previous work mode is the ECO mode. If the ECO mode is selected, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines that the PWR mode is started, and proceeds to step 508. When the mode is other than the mode (PWR mode), it is determined that the PWR mode is being executed, and the process proceeds to Step 509. In step 509, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 calculates the pump output by multiplying the pressure (P) of the hydraulic pump 41 by the flow rate (Q), thereby determining which region the pump output is in, and step 511. In step 511, the frequency distribution is updated by adding the frequencies of the areas determined in step 509. In step 508, the frequency distribution previously stored in the RAM in the ECO mode at the start of the PWR mode is output to the work mode determination unit 304 for storage. After the storage, the frequency distribution is stored in the RAM in step 510. A process for resetting the frequency distribution is executed.

  In this way, by executing the processing shown in FIG. 5A, the temporal frequency distribution of the output of the hydraulic pump 41 in the work mode currently selected by the driver is calculated, and the calculated frequency distribution is calculated. It can be output to the work efficiency storage means 304.

  Next, a method for estimating the work amount of the actuator using the frequency distribution of the pump output shown in FIG. First, a rough average value (AVE) is obtained from the pump output frequency distribution, and the time frequency (high output region) of the region (high output region) where the pump output expected to be performing high output work is equal to or greater than a predetermined value ( DEG).

According to the average value (AVG) and the time frequency (DEG) of the high output region, the work amount of the actuator is estimated by the evaluation function K shown in Expression (2). Here, α and β are weighting factors for the average value and the frequency of the high output region, respectively, α is set to a large value when importance is attached to the average value, and β is set when importance is attached to the frequency of the high output region. Set to a large value.
K = AVE × α + DEG × β (Expression 2)

  With this evaluation function K, it is possible to comprehensively evaluate a special frequency distribution such as when the average value is high and the pump output is low to moderately high, and the work of the actuator is determined from the output of the hydraulic pump 41. The accuracy of estimating the quantity can be increased.

Pattern 3: “Calculation method of work volume using battery SOC” (FIG. 6)
A method in which the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 calculates the work amount using the SOC of the battery will be described with reference to FIG. This pattern 3 is a work amount calculation method applicable only to a construction machine equipped with, for example, a hybrid battery.

  First, a method for estimating the work of an actuator in a hybrid construction machine will be described with reference to FIG. In step 601, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the current work mode is the ECO mode. If the ECO mode is set, the process proceeds to step 602. If the ECO mode is not the ECO mode (PWR mode), the process proceeds to step 603. move on. In step 602, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the previous work mode is the PWR mode. If the previous work mode is the PWR mode, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines that the ECO mode is started and proceeds to step 604. In the case of (ECO mode), it is determined that the ECO mode is being executed, and the process proceeds to step 605.

  In step 605, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 reads the current battery SOC, proceeds to step 607, and calculates the battery SOC change amount in the ECO mode according to the battery SOC stored at the start of the ECO mode in step 607. In step 604, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 outputs the battery SOC change amount calculated in the previous PWR mode to the work mode determination unit 304 and stores it. After the storage, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 stores the ECO mode in step 606. A process of storing the battery SOC at the start is executed.

  Further, in step 603, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 determines whether or not the previous work mode is the ECO mode. If the ECO mode is determined, it is determined that the PWR mode is started, and the process proceeds to step 608. When the mode is other than the mode (PWR mode), it is determined that the PWR mode is being executed, and the process proceeds to Step 609. In step 609, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 reads the current battery SOC and proceeds to step 611. In step 611, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 calculates the battery SOC change amount in the PWR mode according to the battery SOC stored at the start of the PWR mode. In step 608, the actuator work amount calculation unit 303 performs processing for outputting and storing the battery SOC change amount calculated in the previous ECO mode to the work mode determination unit 304. After the storage, the PWR mode is calculated in step 610. A process of storing the battery SOC at the start is executed.

  As described above, by executing the processing shown in FIG. 6A, the battery SOC change amount in the work mode currently selected by the driver is calculated, and the calculated battery SOC change amount is stored in the work efficiency storage unit 304. Can be output.

  Next, a method for estimating the work amount of the actuator will be described using the time chart of the battery SOC shown in FIG. In the following description, the battery SOC is defined as a positive value on the charging side and a negative value on the discharging side.

  First, a case will be described in which, after the ECO mode is selected by the driver at time t1, the PWR mode is selected from the ECO mode at time t2. While the ECO mode between the times t1 and t2 is selected, the battery SOC rises from the SOC (S1) at the start of the ECO mode to the SOC (S2) at the end of the ECO mode. Since it is relatively small and has room for the engine 22, it can be determined that the battery 24 can be charged by the generator motor 23, and therefore the work of the actuator can be expected to be small.

  Next, a case will be described in which, after the PWR mode is selected at time t2, a mode other than the PWR mode is selected at time t4. The battery SOC decreases from time t2 to time t3, the output of the hydraulic pump 41 is relatively larger than the maximum output of the engine 22, and the power assist by the generator motor 23 is performed by the discharge power of the battery 24. However, the battery SOC rises after time t3 and rises higher than the battery SOC at the start of the PWR mode at time t4 (S2 <S3). Therefore, while the PWR mode from the time t2 to the time t4 is selected, the output of the hydraulic pump 41 is relatively small on average, and there is room for the engine 22. Therefore, the battery 24 is generated by the generator / motor 23. Therefore, it can be estimated that the work amount of the actuator is small.

As described above, by setting the evaluation function K indicating the work of the actuator as shown in Expression (3), in the case of a hybrid construction machine, the work of the actuator is estimated according to the battery SOC. Is possible.
K = reference work amount−battery SOC change amount × γ (Expression 3)
Here, γ is a weighting factor for the battery SOC change amount. When the battery SOC change amount is positive, that is, in the charging direction, the evaluation function K is smaller than the reference work amount, and the battery SOC change amount is negative, that is, discharge. In the direction, the evaluation function K is set to be larger than the reference work amount.

  Next, processing contents of the work efficiency calculation unit 303, the work mode determination unit 304, and the display control unit 305 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a table showing the work efficiency for each work mode, the work mode recommended at that time, and the work efficiency prediction result when the recommended work mode is used. FIG. 7A shows, as an example, a work history from the current date (today) to the previous day, a total value of these three days, an average work efficiency, and a reference value for work efficiency. .

  First, the working efficiency reference value will be described. The reference value of the work efficiency is determined by test data at the time of development and is stored in the MCU 80 or the HCU 100. These values are based on the work amount of the actuator shown in the equations (1) to (3) and the fuel consumption amount calculated by the fuel consumption amount calculation unit 301. In the PWR mode, the work efficiency is 5.0 (≈work amount 100 ÷ fuel consumption). In the ECO mode, the work efficiency is 5.6 (≈work amount 90 ÷ fuel consumption 17). In this case, since the output of the engine 22 is set large in order to ensure workability in the PWR mode, the amount of fuel consumption in the PWR mode is large and the work efficiency in the ECO mode is good.

Next, today's work history will be described. The operating time is 4.0 hr, the usage time in the PWR mode and the ECO mode is 3.0 hr and 1.0 hr, respectively, and the working efficiency in each working mode can be obtained by equations (4) and (5), respectively.
PWR mode: work amount 276 ÷ fuel consumption 60≈working efficiency 4.6 (Expression 4)
ECO mode: work amount 88 ÷ fuel consumption 17≈working efficiency 5.2 (Expression 5)

  The work mode determination unit 304 determines, based on these work efficiencies, whether the PWR mode is used efficiently or not, using the work efficiency reference value (5.0) and the result of the expression (4) in the PWR mode. A comparison is made to determine whether the work efficiency is reduced. For example, when the work efficiency has decreased by 0.2 or more with respect to the work efficiency reference value, the work mode determination unit 304 determines that the work amount is small relative to the PWR mode and recommends the ECO mode. From the result of the expression (4), the working efficiency of today is 4.6, so the working mode determination unit 304 recommends the ECO mode.

Next, the work history of the previous day will be described. The operating time is 8.0 hr, the usage time of the PWR mode and the ECO mode is 2.0 hr and 6.0 hr, respectively.
PWR mode: work volume 196 ÷ fuel consumption 40≈work efficiency 4.9 (6)
ECO mode: work amount 522 ÷ fuel consumption 102≈work efficiency 5.1 (7)

  From these work efficiencies, the work mode determination unit 304 determines whether or not the PWR mode is used efficiently in the same way as the work history of today, so that the work efficiency reference value (5.0) in the PWR mode is used. And the result of the equation (6) are compared, and it is determined whether the working efficiency is lowered. From the result of the equation (6), the work efficiency of the previous day is 4.9, and there is little deviation from the reference value (5.0), so the work mode determination unit 304 does not recommend the ECO mode.

Next, the work history of the day before last will be described. The operating time is 6.0 hr, the usage time in the PWR mode and the ECO mode is 4.0 hr and 2.0 hr, respectively, and the working efficiency in each working mode can be obtained by equations (8) and (9), respectively.
PWR mode: work amount 376 ÷ fuel consumption 80≈work efficiency 4.7 (8)
ECO mode: work amount 172 ÷ fuel consumption 34 ≒ work efficiency 5.1 (9)

  From these work efficiencies, the work mode determination unit 304 determines whether or not the PWR mode is used efficiently in the same way as the work history of today and the previous day. 0) and the result of Expression (8) are compared, and it is determined whether the working efficiency is lowered. From the result of Expression (8), the previous work efficiency is 4.7, so the work mode determination unit 304 recommends the ECO mode.

Further, the total work history for three days will be described. The operating time is 18.0 hr, the usage time in the PWR mode and the ECO mode is 9.0 hr and 9.0 hr, respectively, and the working efficiency in each working mode can be obtained by the equations (10) and (11), respectively.
PWR mode: work amount 848 ÷ fuel consumption 180≈work efficiency 4.7 (Expression 10)
ECO mode: work amount 782 ÷ fuel consumption 153 ≒ work efficiency 5.1 (Expression 11)

  The work mode determination unit 304 determines whether or not it is used efficiently in the PWR mode from these work efficiencies, like the daily work history. Therefore, the work mode determination unit 304 determines the work efficiency in the PWR mode. The reference value (5.0) and the result of the equation (10) are compared, and it is determined whether the work efficiency is reduced. Since the previous work efficiency is 4.7 based on the result of Expression (10), the work mode determination unit 304 recommends the ECO mode for the total work history for three days.

  Next, a method for calculating a predicted value of work efficiency when the ECO mode is recommended will be described using today's work history. In FIG. 7A, assuming that the amount of work and the fuel consumption for obtaining the reference value of work efficiency are values per unit time, the amount of work per unit time in today's PWR mode is 276 ÷ 3 = 92. This is lower than the reference work amount in the PWR mode and slightly higher than the reference work amount in the ECO mode.

Therefore, when the ECO mode is used, it is considered that the fuel consumption amount is approximately 17 × (92/90) ≈17.38. From this value, the work efficiency when the work in today's PWR mode is performed in the ECO mode is predicted as Equation (12).
Work amount 276 / fuel consumption 17.4 × 3.0 hr≈predictive efficiency 5.3 (Expression 12)
Similarly, regarding the total work history of the previous three days, the work mode determination unit 304 can predict work efficiency when the PWR mode work is performed in the ECO mode.

  Next, processing contents of the display control unit 305 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7B shows the result of displaying today's work history shown in FIG. 7A on the display device 306. In FIG. 7 (b), a chart showing the ratio of today's operating time (4.0 hr) and mode usage time (PWR: 3.0 hr, ECO: 1.0 hr) is displayed on the left side of the diagram, and the right side of the diagram. The work efficiency of each of the PWR and ECO modes is shown in FIG. On the right side of the figure, “PWRMAX” and “ECO MAX” are displayed and the ideal work efficiency (reference value) for each work mode is displayed. Visually displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, according to today's work history, the amount of work is small in the PWR mode and the work efficiency is lower than the reference value. “ECO mode is used to improve efficiency.” Is displayed. Regarding the work efficiency in the ECO mode, the work amount is slightly smaller than the reference value, but since the work efficiency is better than that in the PWR mode, “medium to light work seems to be a lot. "ECO mode is used." These displays may be notified to the driver by voice guidance.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operator can view the work content while viewing the data on the work efficiency displayed on the display device 306 and the history of the recommended mode, or listening to the voice guidance output from the speaker 307. The operation mode suitable for the vehicle can be selected and the excavator can be operated well. As a result, the hydraulic excavator can be operated with low fuel consumption, and a high energy saving effect can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, items displayed on the display device 306 or voice guidance items output from the speaker 307 are at least one of work efficiency for each work mode, recommended work mode, and predicted work efficiency. It is sufficient that items are included, and items to be displayed may be determined as appropriate in consideration of the working environment of the excavator.

  Next, the case of automatically switching to the recommended work mode will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the case of automatically switching from the current work mode to the recommended work mode. FIG. 8A shows the ECO mode according to work efficiency when working in the PWR mode. An example of the recommended method is shown. In FIG. 8 (a), the horizontal axis represents the working time, and the vertical axis represents the working efficiency. The result of calculating the working efficiency for each hour with the time when the driver turned on the key switch and started the engine as 0. Is shown. When the driver calculates the work efficiency for 0 to 1 hour one hour after the start of work, the work efficiency is greater than the threshold (4.7) for recommending the ECO mode, and the reference value of work efficiency in the PWR mode ( The value is close to 5.0).

  One hour later, when the work efficiency of the work time of 1 to 2 hours is calculated, the work efficiency is slightly lowered, but shows a value larger than the threshold (4.7) for recommending the ECO mode. When the work efficiency of 2 to 3 hours after 1 hour is further calculated, the work efficiency is further reduced, indicating a value smaller than the recommended threshold (4.7) for the ECO mode. Therefore, the work mode determination unit 304 recommends the ECO mode.

  Next, a process for automatically switching from the current work mode to the recommended work mode will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 811, the work mode determination unit 304 reads a recommended work mode. Next, in step 812, the work mode determination unit 304 determines whether or not the currently used work mode is different from the recommended work mode. If they are different, the process proceeds to step 813. Return to Step 811. In step 813, the work mode determination unit 304 determines whether or not there is no driver operation according to the lever operation amount. If there is no driver operation, the process proceeds to step 814. Return to step 811. In step 813, it is desirable that the work mode determination unit 304 determines whether there is no driver's operation according to not only the lever operation amount but also the state of the travel operation pedal, the gate lock lever, and the like.

  In step 814, a process of automatically switching the current work mode to the recommended work mode is executed. Specifically, when a work mode switching signal is output from the work mode determination unit 304, the work mode recommended by the work mode determination unit 304 is selected from the current work mode set by the driver operating the mode selection switch 90. The setting of the mode selection switch 90 is automatically changed. The ECU 57, MCU 80, and HCU 100 shown in FIG. 2 set the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the rotation speed of the engine 22, the output of the hydraulic pump 41, and the output of the generator motor 23 according to the changed work mode. The actuators 32, 34, and 36 are controlled so as to meet the recommended mode. Further, in step 815, the display control unit 305 performs processing such as display on the display device 306 and output of voice guidance on the speaker 307 in order to notify the driver that the operation mode has been automatically switched to the recommended work mode. To do.

  As described above, the recommended work mode is determined by estimating the work efficiency for a predetermined period, and when the driver is not operating (not working), the current mode is automatically switched to the recommended work mode. In addition, by notifying the driver of the switching, it is possible to perform safe and efficient work in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment.

  Note that the information processing unit 300, the display device 306, and the speaker 307 can be configured as shown in FIG. 9 in addition to the configuration provided in the excavator 1 as described above. That is, the driving support system according to the modification of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 connects the excavator 1 and the management center 2 via the wireless communication line 3, and the information processing unit 300 and the display device are provided in the management center 2. 306 and a speaker 307 are provided. According to this configuration, it is possible to confirm the work mode recommended by the operator in the management center 2 and to instruct the driver of the hydraulic excavator 1.

  In addition, since the data can be aggregated in the management center 2, there is an advantage that the data can be centrally managed. Furthermore, the data collected in the management center 2 may be output to the owner in a form of a management daily report or a monthly report every predetermined period, for example, every day. Of course, any one of the information processing unit 300, the display device 306, and the speaker 307 can be separately installed in the hydraulic excavator 1 and in the management center 2.

  The above-described embodiments are suitable for carrying out the present invention, but the form of implementation is not limited to these, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. is there. For example, the driving support system according to the present invention may be applied to a construction machine other than a hydraulic excavator.

1 Excavator (construction machine)
5 cab 22 engine 23 generator motor 24 battery (power storage device)
41 Hydraulic pump 32 Boom cylinder (hydraulic actuator)
34 Arm cylinder (hydraulic actuator)
36 Bucket cylinder (hydraulic actuator)
90 mode selection switch (work mode selection device)
201 Lever (control lever)
301 Fuel consumption amount calculation unit 302 Actuator work amount calculation unit (work amount calculation unit)
303 Work Efficiency Calculation Unit 304 Work Mode Determination Unit 305 Display Control Unit (Notification Control Unit)
306 Display device (notification device)
307 Speaker (notification device)

Claims (8)

The engine, a hydraulic pump that can be driven by the engine, a hydraulic actuator that drives the work machine with the power of the hydraulic pump, an operation lever that operates the work machine, and a plurality of work modes are selected. A work mode selection device, and a construction machine operation support system comprising:
A fuel consumption calculation unit for calculating the fuel consumption of the engine;
A work amount calculating section for calculating the work amount of the hydraulic actuator;
A work efficiency calculator that calculates the work efficiency of each work mode based on the fuel consumption of the engine calculated by the fuel consumption calculator and the work of the hydraulic actuator calculated by the work calculator;
A work mode determination unit that stores the work efficiency within a predetermined period calculated by the work efficiency calculation unit as a history, and that determines the recommended work mode from the stored work efficiency history;
An informing device for informing the operator;
A notification control unit for controlling the notification device;
With
The notification control unit outputs information based on a calculation result of the work efficiency calculation unit and information of the recommended work mode determined by the work mode determination unit to the notification device. Driving support system. In claim 1 ,
The work mode determination unit predicts the work efficiency when the recommended work mode is used, and the notification control unit transmits information on the work efficiency predicted by the work mode determination unit to the notification device. A construction machine driving support system characterized by output. In claim 1 ,
The operation efficiency calculation unit calculates the operation efficiency by dividing the work amount of the hydraulic actuator by the fuel consumption of the engine. In claim 1 ,
The operation support system for a construction machine, wherein the work calculation unit calculates the work of the hydraulic actuator based on an operation amount of the operation lever by an operator or a load of the hydraulic pump. In claim 1 ,
The construction machine is capable of generating electric power with the engine and capable of driving the hydraulic pump, supplying electric power for driving the generator motor, and charging electric power generated by the generator motor. An electricity storage device,
The operation support system for a construction machine, wherein the work amount calculation unit calculates a work amount of the hydraulic actuator based on a charge amount of the power storage device. In claim 1 ,
The work mode determination unit recommends the work mode when the work mode currently selected by the work mode selection device is different from the recommended work mode determined by the work mode determination unit. A construction machine operation support system that outputs a signal for automatically switching to a work mode. In claim 2 ,
Provided in the cab of the construction machine, provided with a display device as the notification device,
An operation support system for a construction machine, wherein the display device displays at least one of the work efficiency for each work mode, the recommended work mode, and the predicted work efficiency. In claim 2 ,
Provided in the cab of the construction machine, provided with a speaker as the notification device,
A construction machine driving support system, characterized in that at least one of the work efficiency for each work mode, the recommended work mode, and the predicted work efficiency is output as voice guidance from the speaker.

Images