JP7524136B2 - Machinery information collection system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information collection system for work machines.

In the past, a fault diagnosis system has been proposed in which a work machine and a server are connected so that they can communicate with each other in order to diagnose faults in a work machine such as a backhoe (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a system, the server collects operation data from the work machine and performs fault diagnosis based on the collected operation data.

JP 2014-25343 A

In the system of Patent Document 1, when a large amount of data is sent from the work machine to the server, communication traffic increases and the communication device of the work machine is also burdened.

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to reduce communication traffic related to information collection when diagnosing a work machine.

The technical means of the present invention to solve this technical problem are characterized as follows:

The information collection system for a work machine is a system for collecting information on a work machine in which a work machine having an operating unit is communicatively connected to a server, and the work machine is provided with an operating data output unit that outputs operating data according to the operating state of the operating unit, a determination unit that determines whether the operating data output by the operating data output unit conforms to a determination condition for determining whether or not to transmit the operating data to the server, and a first communication unit that transmits the operating data to the server when the determination unit determines that the operating data conforms to the determination condition.

The server includes a collection decision unit that decides the collection data to be collected for diagnosing the work machine based on the operation data transmitted from the communication unit, and a second communication unit that transmits a request signal to the work machine requesting the transmission of the collection data decided by the collection decision unit, and when the first communication unit receives the request signal, it transmits the collection data corresponding to the request signal to the server.

The server is equipped with a diagnostic unit that diagnoses the condition of the operating unit based on the collected data.

The work machine has a first judgment unit that judges whether the operation data meets a first judgment condition for determining whether to issue a warning, and a warning unit that issues a warning when the first judgment unit judges that the operation data meets the first judgment condition, the judgment unit is a second judgment unit, the judgment condition is a second judgment condition, the first judgment condition includes a first threshold value for judging the state of a signal included in the operation data, and the second judgment condition includes a second threshold value for judging the state of a signal included in the operation data, the second threshold value being higher than the first threshold value.

The work machine has a first judgment unit that judges whether the operation data meets a first judgment condition for determining whether to issue a warning, and a warning unit that issues a warning when the first judgment unit judges that the operation data meets the first judgment condition, the judgment unit is a second judgment unit, the judgment condition is a second judgment condition, the first judgment condition includes a first threshold value for judging the state of a signal included in the operation data, and the second judgment condition includes a second threshold value for judging the state of a signal included in the operation data, the second threshold value being lower than the first threshold value.

The present invention can reduce communication traffic related to collecting information when diagnosing a work machine.

1 shows an overall view of a work machine information collection system. 1 is a block diagram of a work machine information collection system. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of threshold determination. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of threshold determination. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a diagnostic database. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of collected data, judgment values, and diagnosis results. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a characteristic processing operation of the present embodiment (part 1). 11 is a flowchart illustrating a characteristic processing operation of the present embodiment (part 2). 11 is a flowchart illustrating a characteristic processing operation of the present embodiment (part 3). FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a work machine. 1 is an overall side view of a working machine.

Below, we will explain the work machine information collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

This system is used, for example, to diagnose faults in the work equipment of a backhoe. First, we will explain this system together with the configuration of the work equipment.

Figure 11 shows an example of a working machine. As shown in Figure 11, the working machine (backhoe) 1 has a lower traveling device 2 and an upper rotating body 3. The traveling device 2 is a crawler type traveling device that has a pair of left and right traveling bodies 4 with rubber tracks, and both traveling bodies 4 are driven by a traveling motor M. In addition, a dozer 5 is provided in front of the traveling device 2.

The rotating body 3 has a rotating table 12 supported on the traveling device 2 via a rotating bearing 11 so as to be freely rotatable left and right around a vertical axis, and a working device 13 (excavation device) provided at the front of the rotating table 12. An engine, radiator, driver's seat 9, fuel tank, hydraulic oil tank, etc. are provided on the rotating table 12. A display device 25 that displays various information related to the working machine 1 is provided around the driver's seat 9. The driver's seat 9 is surrounded by a cabin 14 provided on the rotating table 12.

The working device 13 is equipped with a swing bracket 17 supported on a support bracket 16, which is provided at the front of the rotating platform 12 and offset slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction, so as to be able to swing left and right around a vertical axis; a boom 18, whose base side is pivotally attached to the swing bracket 17 so as to be able to swing up and down around a horizontal axis; an arm 19, which is pivotally attached to the tip of the boom 18 so as to be able to swing back and forth around a horizontal axis; and a bucket 20, which is provided at the tip of the arm 19 so as to be able to perform scooping and dumping operations.

The swing bracket 17 is swung by the extension and retraction of a swing cylinder provided in the rotating base 12, the boom 18 is swung by the extension and retraction of a boom cylinder 22 interposed between the boom 18 and the swing bracket 17, the arm 19 is swung by the extension and retraction of an arm cylinder 23 interposed between the arm 19 and the boom 18, and the bucket 20 is scooped and dumped by the extension and retraction of a bucket cylinder 21 interposed between the bucket 20 and the arm 19.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the work machine. As shown in Figure 10, the work machine 1 is equipped with a control device 100. The control device 100 performs various controls of the work machine. The control device 100 operates hydraulic actuators such as the bucket cylinder 21, boom cylinder 22, and arm cylinder 23 by outputting a control signal to a control valve 90, for example, a three-position switching solenoid valve, thereby switching the control valve 90. The control device 100 also outputs a control signal to a work light 91 to perform lighting control such as turning the work light 91 on, blinking, or off.

A number of sensors 101 to 106 are connected to the control device 100. Sensor 101 measures the pressure of the hydraulic oil discharged from hydraulic pump P1, i.e., the output of hydraulic pump P1. Sensor 102 measures the output of prime mover 92, i.e., the rotation speed of prime mover 92. Sensor 103 measures the temperature of the hydraulic oil. Sensor 104 measures the amount of lubricating oil in bearings, gears, etc. Sensor 105 is installed near a bearing or in a housing that supports a bearing, and measures the acceleration of the bearing, etc. Sensor 106 measures the voltage of a storage battery such as a battery, i.e., the storage capacity.

Figure 1 shows an overall view of the work machine information collection system. As shown in Figure 1, the work machine information collection system includes a data collection device 30 and a server 40.

The data collection device 30 is mounted on the work machine 1, collects operation data when the working parts of the work machine 1 are operating, transmits the collected operation data to the server 40, and receives data transmitted from the server 40. Here, the work machine 1 is equipped with various devices, etc., and the operating devices are generally referred to as the operating parts. Examples of the operating parts are the work light 91, the hydraulic pump P1, the prime mover 92, the bearings, the hydraulic actuator, the control valve 90, the battery, etc. Note that the above-mentioned operating parts are only examples and are not limited. The operating data according to the operating state of the operating parts is specifically data indicating the physical quantities in the operating parts. Examples of the data include values indicating the vibrations generated in the operating parts, values indicating the sounds emitted by the operating parts, the current values flowing through specified locations of the operating parts, and voltages.

Data other than data indicating physical quantities is also operational data. For example, data indicating the temperature of the hydraulic oil, the accumulated operating time of the work machine 1 (hour meter), and the water temperature are also operational data. Operational data may also include sales management data such as the sales company that sold the work machine, the name of the customer who owns the work machine, the customer's contact information, whether or not there is a maintenance contract, and the person in charge. The data collection device 30 transmits the operational data to be collected, i.e., the collected data, to the server 40 in response to a request from the server 40.

The server 40 stores various data related to the maintenance and inspection of the work machine 1 and processes the data. The server 40 requests data from the data collection device 30 and accepts data sent from the data collection device 30. In this way, the work machine information collection system can manage the maintenance and inspection of the work machine 1 by exchanging various data between the data collection device 30 and the server 40.

The work machine information collection system will be explained in detail below using work machine 1 as an example.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the information collection system for a work machine. As shown in Figure 2, the data collection device 30 is mounted on the work machine 1 and is connected to an in-vehicle network provided on the work machine 1. This in-vehicle network is, for example, CAN, LIN, FlexRay, etc., and various signals (data) flow through the in-vehicle network when the work machine 1 is operating. The data collection device 30 collects various data flowing through the in-vehicle network when the work machine 1 is operating and stores the collected data.

In detail, the data collection device 30 includes an operation data output unit 31, a first judgment unit 32, a second judgment unit 33 (judgment unit), and a first communication unit 34.

The operation data output unit 31 outputs operation data corresponding to the operation state of the operating parts. For example, while the hydraulic pump P1 is in operation, the operation data output unit 31 outputs operation data corresponding to the operation state of the hydraulic pump P1 based on the output result of the sensor 101. For another example, while the work machine 1 is traveling, the operation data output unit 31 outputs operation data corresponding to the operation state of the bearings based on the output of the sensor 105. For another example, when a switch for turning on the work light 91 is turned on, the operation data output unit 31 outputs operation data corresponding to the operation state of the work light 91 based on a control signal output from the control device 100 to the work light 91.

The first judgment unit 32 judges whether the operation data when the operating unit is operating conforms to a first judgment condition for determining whether to issue a warning. The warning here is issued, for example, by turning on a warning light (not shown) provided in the driver's seat of the work machine 1 or sounding an alarm. The first judgment condition can be set using a first threshold value, and for example, a warning may be issued when a physical quantity included in the operation data becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value (or becomes equal to or more than the first threshold value).

The second judgment unit 33 judges whether the operation data output by the operation data output unit 31 conforms to a judgment condition (second judgment condition) for judging whether or not to transmit the operation data to the server 40. The second judgment condition can be set using a second threshold value that is more lenient than the first threshold value used to judge whether or not to issue a warning.

Figures 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of threshold determination. For example, as shown in Figure 3, in order to issue a warning when the physical quantity included in the operation data becomes equal to or less than a first threshold, it is determined whether the physical quantity included in the operation data falls below a second threshold higher than the first threshold, and when the physical quantity included in the operation data falls below the second threshold before issuing the warning, it is determined to transmit the operation data to the server 40.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, in order to issue a warning when the physical quantity included in the operation data becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold, it is determined whether the physical quantity included in the operation data exceeds a second threshold lower than the first threshold, and when the physical quantity included in the operation data exceeds the second threshold before the warning is issued, it is decided to transmit the operation data to the server 40.

In other words, the second judgment condition is a condition for judging whether or not the physical quantity included in the operation data has reached a value corresponding to a warning, and is a condition for judgment based on a lenient second threshold value compared to the first judgment condition (first threshold value) for judging whether or not a warning is to be issued. In other words, the second judgment condition is a condition for grasping that the physical quantity included in the operation data is approaching the first judgment condition corresponding to a warning. Note that, if the first judgment condition (first threshold value) is set to 100% (1.0), for example, the second judgment condition (second threshold value) is set to ±20% based on the first judgment condition (first threshold value) (less than the first threshold value to 80% (0.8) of the first threshold value, and more than the first threshold value to 120% (1.2) of the first threshold value. The above-mentioned second threshold value is an example and is not limited.

The first communication unit 34 is configured as a communication device and performs wireless communication with the server 40. When the second judgment unit 33 judges that the physical quantity included in the operation data meets the second judgment condition (second threshold), that is, when the physical quantity included in the operation data is approaching the first judgment condition (first threshold) corresponding to a warning, the first communication unit 34 transmits operation data (first operation data) to the server 40. When the first communication unit 34 receives a request signal from the server 40, which will be described later, the first communication unit 34 transmits collected data (second operation data) corresponding to this request signal to the server 40. Here, the thresholds (first threshold, second threshold) may be different for each operation unit.

When the first communication unit 34 transmits operation data and collected data to the server 40, it also transmits machine identification information for identifying the work machine 1 to the server 40. This allows the operation data and collected data to be associated with the machine identification information, making it possible to know which work machine 1 the operation data and collected data correspond to.

The server 40 is equipped with a diagnostic database 41. The diagnostic database 41 is a collection of data that associates collected data with operational data.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the diagnostic database 41. The diagnostic database 41 includes a table for determining the operation data (second operation data) requested from the server 40 to the work machine 1 (first communication unit 34) for the operation data transmitted from the work machine 1 (first communication unit 34), i.e., the operation data (referred to as the first operation data) transmitted to the server 40 in compliance with the second judgment condition. In other words, the diagnostic database 41 includes a table showing the relationship between the operation data (first operation data) transmitted from the first communication unit 34 of the work machine 1 and the collected data (second operation data) from which the minimum information required for diagnosing the work machine 1 should be collected.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the first operating data is the output of hydraulic pump P1, the second operating data indicates the pressure sensor value on the discharge side of the hydraulic pump (value detected by sensor 101), the prime mover speed (value detected by sensor 102), and the oil temperature (value detected by sensor 103).

Furthermore, when the first operating data is vibration, the second operating data is the prime mover speed, the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the amount of lubricating oil (value detected by sensor 104), and the acceleration of the bearings (value detected by sensor 105).

Furthermore, when the first operating data is the voltage of the work light 91, the second operating data indicates the input voltage, output voltage, and storage battery voltage of the control device 100. Note that the first operating data and second operating data shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples and are not limiting.

The server 40 further includes a collection decision unit 42, a second communication unit 43, and a diagnosis unit 44. The collection decision unit 42 decides on collected data (second operation data) that is operation data from which the minimum information necessary for diagnosing the work machine 1 should be collected based on the operation data (first operation data) transmitted from the first communication unit 34 of the work machine 1. When the server 40 receives (acquires) the first operation data, the collection decision unit 42 refers to the diagnostic database 41 and decides on the collected data. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the first operation data is the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the collection decision unit 42 decides that the pressure sensor value, the prime mover rotation speed, and the oil temperature are the collected data. Also, when the first operation data is vibration, the collection decision unit 42 decides that the prime mover rotation speed, the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the amount of lubricating oil, and the acceleration of the bearing are the collected data. Furthermore, if the first operating data is the voltage of the work light 91, the collection decision unit 42 decides that the input voltage, output voltage, and storage battery voltage of the control device 100 are to be collected data.

The second communication unit 43 performs wireless communication with the data collection device 30 via a data communication network or the like, transmits a request signal to the data collection device 30 requesting the transmission of the collected data determined by the collection determination unit 42, and receives the operation data transmitted from the first communication unit 34. When the first communication unit 34 provided in the data collection device 30 receives the request signal, it transmits the collected data corresponding to the request signal to the server 40.

The diagnostic unit 44 diagnoses the state of the operating unit according to a predetermined diagnostic logic (algorithm) based on the collected data sent from the data collection device 30. The diagnostic unit 44 refers to the collected data and judges the state of the operating unit based on whether the collected data meets a preset diagnostic value.

Figure 6 shows an example of collected data, judgment values, and diagnostic results. In Figure 6, "◯" indicates that the collected data meets the judgment value, and "×" indicates that the collected data does not meet the judgment value. Note that the judgment value is set for each collected data.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the collected data is the pressure sensor value, the prime mover rotation speed, and the oil temperature, the diagnostic unit 44 judges whether the pressure sensor value, the prime mover rotation speed, and the oil temperature each satisfy the judgment value. The diagnostic unit 44 diagnoses that the hydraulic pump P1 is abnormal if the pressure sensor value is equal to or greater than the judgment value and is operating normally, if the prime mover rotation speed is equal to or greater than the rotation speed (judgment value) at which the hydraulic pump P1 can be operated, or if the oil temperature is equal to or greater than the judgment value (e.g., -10 degrees or greater) and the viscosity of the hydraulic oil is low, since the judgment value is satisfied. On the other hand, the diagnostic unit 44 diagnoses that the sensor is abnormal if the pressure sensor value is less than the judgment value, diagnoses that the viscosity of the hydraulic oil is high, i.e., that the hydraulic oil is low, if the oil temperature is less than the judgment value, and diagnoses that the prime mover rotation speed is low if the prime mover rotation speed is less than the judgment value.

In addition, when the collected data is the prime mover rotation speed, the hour meter, the hydraulic pump output, the amount of lubricant, and the bearing acceleration, the diagnosis unit 44 judges whether the prime mover rotation speed, the hour meter, the hydraulic pump output, the amount of lubricant, and the bearing acceleration each satisfy a judgment value. The diagnosis unit 44 diagnoses a bearing abnormality if the prime mover rotation speed is equal to or greater than the judgment value, if the hour meter value is equal to or greater than the judgment value, if the hydraulic pump output is equal to or greater than the judgment value, if the amount of lubricant is equal to or greater than the judgment value, and if only the bearing acceleration is equal to or greater than the judgment value (the acceleration is large). On the other hand, the diagnosis unit 44 diagnoses a lubricant shortage if the amount of lubricant is less than the judgment value, and diagnoses aging deterioration if the hour meter is equal to or greater than the judgment value.

Furthermore, when the collected data is the input voltage, output voltage, and battery voltage of the control device 100, the diagnostic unit 44 judges whether the input voltage, output voltage, and battery voltage each satisfy a judgment value. When the input voltage is equal to or greater than the judgment value and is a voltage at which the control device 100 can operate normally, and when the output voltage is equal to or greater than the judgment value and is a voltage at which the output from the control device 100 is normal, the diagnostic unit 44 judges that there is an abnormality in the work light 91. On the other hand, when the input voltage is less than the judgment value and is a voltage at which the control device 100 cannot operate normally, the diagnostic unit 44 diagnoses that the input voltage of the control device 100 is abnormal, when the output voltage is less than the judgment value and the output from the control device 100 is an abnormal voltage, the diagnostic unit 44 diagnoses that the output voltage of the control device 100 is abnormal, and when the battery voltage is equal to or less than the judgment value, the diagnostic unit 44 diagnoses that there is a drop in the battery voltage.

Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 7, we will explain the characteristic processing operations of this embodiment when the operating part is a hydraulic pump P1.

First, when the engine is started and the work machine 1 is driven, the first judgment unit 32 provided in the data collection device 30 judges whether the output value of the hydraulic pump P1, which is the first operating data, meets the first judgment condition for determining whether to issue a warning. Here, the judgment of whether to issue a warning is made based on whether the output value of the hydraulic pump P1, which is the first operating data, is equal to or less than a first threshold value (S1).

If the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value (Yes in S1), i.e., if the first judgment condition is met, a warning is issued, for example by turning on a warning light (not shown) provided in the driver's seat of the work machine 1 or sounding a buzzer (S2). This allows the worker operating the work machine 1 to know visually or audibly of an abnormality in the hydraulic pump P1.

Then, the second judgment unit 33 provided in the data collection device 30 judges whether the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 complies with a second judgment condition for judging whether or not to transmit the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 to the server 40. Here, the judgment as to whether or not to transmit the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 to the server 40 is made based on whether or not the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 is equal to or less than a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value (S3). If the judgment in step S1 is No, the process similarly proceeds to step S3, where it is judged whether or not the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 complies with the second judgment condition.

If it is determined that the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 should be transmitted to the server 40 (Yes in S3), i.e., if the second determination condition is met, the first communication unit 34 provided in the data collection device 30 performs a process of transmitting the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 to the server 40 (S4). Note that if the determination in step S3 is No, the processing operation ends. Also, if there is no abnormality on the work machine 1 side, the determination in step S3 is No and the processing operation ends.

Next, on the server 40 side, the collection decision unit 42 refers to a predetermined table based on the operation data transmitted from the work machine 1 and determines the second operation data required for diagnosis, that is, the collected data (pressure sensor value, prime mover RPM, oil temperature) (S5). Then, based on that determination, the second communication unit 43 transmits a request signal to the data collection device 30 requesting the collected data (pressure sensor value, prime mover RPM, oil temperature) (S6). Then, on the data collection device 30 side, upon receiving the request signal, the first communication unit 34 transmits the collected data requested by the request signal (pressure sensor value, prime mover RPM, oil temperature) to the server 40 (S7).

In this way, the collection data required for diagnosis is determined based on the transmitted operating data, and a request signal is sent to request the collection data based on this determination, allowing the server 40 to narrow down the data to be collected, preventing a large amount of data from being sent from the data collection device 30 to the server 40.

The diagnostic unit 44 of the server 40 diagnoses the condition of the hydraulic pump P1 based on the collected data (pressure sensor value, prime mover RPM, oil temperature) sent from the data collection device 30 (S8).

Next, we will explain the case where the moving part is a bearing, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8.

First, when the engine is started and the work machine 1 is driven, the first judgment unit 32 provided in the data collection device 30 judges whether the vibration value of the bearing, which is the first operating data, meets the first judgment condition for judging whether to issue a warning. Here, the judgment of whether to issue a warning is made based on whether the vibration value of the bearing, which is the first operating data, is equal to or less than a first threshold value (S11). If the vibration value of the bearing is equal to or less than the first threshold value (Yes in S11), that is, if the first judgment condition is met, a warning is issued, for example, by turning on a warning light (not shown) provided in the driver's seat of the work machine 1 or sounding a buzzer (S12). This allows the worker operating the work machine 1 to know by sight or sound whether there is an abnormality in the bearing.

Then, the second judgment unit 33 provided in the data collection device 30 judges whether the bearing vibration value meets the second judgment condition for judging whether to transmit the bearing vibration value to the server 40. Here, the judgment as to whether to transmit to the server 40 is made based on whether the bearing vibration value is equal to or less than a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value (S13). If the judgment in step S11 is No, the process similarly proceeds to step S13, where it is judged whether the bearing vibration value meets the second judgment condition.

If it is determined based on the result of this determination that the bearing vibration value should be transmitted to the server 40 (Yes in S13), i.e., if the second determination condition is met, the first communication unit 34 provided in the data collection device 30 performs a process of transmitting the bearing vibration value to the server 40 (S14). Note that if the determination in step S13 is No, the processing operation ends. Also, if there is no abnormality on the work machine 1 side, the determination in step S13 is No and the processing operation ends.

Next, on the server 40 side, based on the operation data transmitted from the work machine 1, the collection decision unit 42 refers to a predetermined table and determines the second operation data required for diagnosis, that is, the collected data (prime mover RPM, hour meter, output of hydraulic pump P1, amount of lubricant, and bearing acceleration) (S15). Then, based on that determination, the second communication unit 43 transmits a request signal to the data collection device 30 requesting the collected data (prime mover RPM, hour meter, output of hydraulic pump P1, amount of lubricant, and bearing acceleration) (S16). Then, on the data collection device 30 side, when the first communication unit 34 receives the request signal, it transmits the collected data requested by the request signal (prime mover RPM, hour meter, output of hydraulic pump P1, amount of lubricant, and bearing acceleration) to the server 40 (S17).

The diagnostic unit 44 of the server 40 diagnoses the condition of the bearings based on the collected data (motor speed, hour meter, output of hydraulic pump P1, amount of lubricating oil, and bearing acceleration) sent from the data collection device 30 (S18).

Next, we will explain the case where the operating unit is a work light 91, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9.

First, when the engine is started and the work machine 1 is driven, the first judgment unit 32 of the data collection device 30 judges whether the voltage value of the work light 91, which is the first operating data, meets the first judgment condition for judging whether to issue a warning. Here, the judgment of whether to issue a warning is made based on whether the voltage value of the work light 91, which is the first operating data, is equal to or lower than a first threshold value (S21). If the voltage value of the work light 91 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value (Yes in S21), that is, if the first judgment condition is met, a warning is issued, for example, by turning on a warning light (not shown) provided in the driver's seat of the work machine 1 or sounding a buzzer (S22). This allows the worker operating the work machine 1 to know the abnormality of the work light 91 visually or audibly.

Then, the second judgment unit 33 provided in the data collection device 30 judges whether the voltage value of the work light 91 complies with a second judgment condition for judging whether or not to transmit the voltage value of the work light 91 to the server 40. Here, the judgment of whether or not to transmit to the server 40 is made based on whether the voltage value of the work light 91 is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value (S23). If the judgment in step S1 is No, the process similarly proceeds to step S23, where it is judged whether the voltage value of the work light 91 complies with the second judgment condition.

If it is determined based on the result of this determination that the voltage value of the work light 91 should be transmitted to the server 40 (Yes in S23), i.e., if the second determination condition is met, the first communication unit 34 provided in the data collection device 30 performs a process of transmitting the voltage value of the work light 91 to the server 40 (S24). Note that if the determination in step S23 is No, the processing operation ends. Also, if there is no abnormality on the work machine 1 side, the determination in step S23 is No and the processing operation ends.

Next, on the server 40 side, based on the operation data transmitted from the work machine 1, the collection decision unit 42 refers to a predetermined table and determines the second operation data required for diagnosis, that is, the collected data (input voltage, output voltage, and battery voltage of the control device 100) (S25). Then, based on that determination, the second communication unit 43 transmits a request signal to the data collection device 30 requesting the collected data (input voltage, output voltage, and battery voltage of the control device 100) (S26).

Then, on the data collection device 30 side, when the first communication unit 34 receives the request signal, it transmits the collected data requested in the request signal (input voltage, output voltage, and battery voltage of the control device 100) to the server 40 (S27).

The diagnostic unit 44 of the server 40 diagnoses the state of the work light 91 based on the collected data (input voltage, output voltage, and battery voltage of the control device 100) sent from the data collection device 30 (S28).

If all diagnoses were to be performed as in the past, a lot of data would have to be sent from the work machine 1 to the server 40 from the start. In this regard, in this embodiment, the work machine 1 first determines whether a diagnosis is necessary (steps S3, S13, and S23 described above), making it possible to narrow down the data to be sent. The server 40 requests only the data necessary for diagnosis from the work machine 1 (steps S6, S16, and S26 described above), making it possible to reduce overall communication traffic.

Note that, although a backhoe is used as an example in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various types of work machines, such as agricultural machines such as tractors, combine harvesters, and rice transplanters, and construction machines such as compact track loaders and skid steer loaders.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1: Work machine 2: Travel device 3: Swing body 4: Travel device 5: Dozer 9: Driver's seat 11: Swing bearing 12: Swing base 13: Work device 14: Cabin 16: Support bracket 17: Swing bracket 18: Boom 19: Arm 20: Bucket 21: Bucket cylinder 22: Boom cylinder 23: Arm cylinder 25: Display device 30: Data collection device 31: Operation data output unit 32: First judgment unit 33: Second judgment unit 34: First communication unit 40: Server 41: Diagnostic database 42: Collection decision unit 43: Second communication unit 44: Diagnostic unit 90: Control valve 91: Work light 92: Prime mover 100: Control device 101: Sensor 102: Sensor 103: Sensor 104: Sensor 105: Sensor 106: Sensor M : Travel motor P1 : Hydraulic pump

Claims (4)

A system for collecting information about a work machine in which a work machine having an operating unit and a server are communicatively connected,
The working machine includes:
an operation data output unit that outputs operation data corresponding to an operation state of the operation unit;
a determination unit that determines whether or not the operational data output by the operational data output unit conforms to a determination condition for determining whether or not the operational data should be transmitted to the server;
a first communication unit that transmits the operating data to the server when the determination unit determines that the operating data satisfies a determination condition ;
The server,
a collection determination unit that determines collection data, which is operation data to be collected for diagnosing the work machine, based on the operation data transmitted from the first communication unit;
a second communication unit that transmits to the work machine a request signal requesting transmission of the collected data determined by the collection determination unit,
When the first communication unit receives the request signal, the first communication unit transmits collected data corresponding to the request signal to the server . 2. The work machine information collecting system according to claim 1 , wherein the server includes a diagnosing unit that diagnoses a state of the operating unit based on the collected data. A system for collecting information about a work machine in which a work machine having an operating unit and a server are communicatively connected,
The working machine includes:
an operation data output unit that outputs operation data corresponding to an operation state of the operation unit;
a determination unit that determines whether or not the operational data output by the operational data output unit conforms to a determination condition for determining whether or not the operational data should be transmitted to the server;
a first communication unit that transmits the operating data to the server when the determination unit determines that the operating data satisfies a determination condition;
The working machine includes:
a first determination unit that determines whether the operational data meets a first determination condition for determining whether to issue a warning;
a warning unit that issues a warning when the first determination unit determines that the device is compatible;
The determination unit is a second determination unit,
the determination condition is a second determination condition,
the first determination condition includes a first threshold value for determining a state of a signal included in the operational data;
A work machine information collection system , wherein the second judgment condition includes a second threshold value for judging the state of a signal included in the operation data, the second threshold value being higher than the first threshold value. A system for collecting information about a work machine in which a work machine having an operating unit and a server are communicatively connected,
The working machine includes:
an operation data output unit that outputs operation data corresponding to an operation state of the operation unit;
a determination unit that determines whether or not the operational data output by the operational data output unit conforms to a determination condition for determining whether or not the operational data should be transmitted to the server;
a first communication unit that transmits the operating data to the server when the determination unit determines that the operating data satisfies a determination condition;
The working machine includes:
a first determination unit that determines whether the operational data meets a first determination condition for determining whether to issue a warning;
a warning unit that issues a warning when the first determination unit determines that the device is compatible;
The determination unit is a second determination unit,
the determination condition is a second determination condition,
the first judgment condition includes a first threshold value for judging a state of a signal included in the operational data,
A work machine information collection system , wherein the second judgment condition includes a second threshold value for judging the state of a signal included in the operation data, the second threshold value being lower than the first threshold value.

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