WORK MACHINE INFORMATION COLLECTION SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a work machine information collection system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, there has been proposed a failure diagnosis system in which the work machine and a server are communicably connected to each other in order to diagnose a failure of a work machine such as a backhoe (see, for example, JP-A 2014-025343). In such a system, the server collects an operation data from the work machine and executes a failure diagnosis based on the collected operation data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the system of JP-A 2014-025343, when a large amount of data includes transmitted from the work machine to the server, communication traffic increases and a load is also applied to the communication device of the work machine.

Example embodiments of the present invention reduce communication traffic related to information collection when diagnosing a work machine.

A work machine information collection system according to an example embodiment of the present invention includes a work machine including an operation hardware assembly and a server communicably connected to each other, a data collection processor configured or programmed to include an operation data output configured or programmed to output an operation data corresponding to an operation state of the operation hardware assembly, a determiner configured or programmed to determine whether not the operation data satisfies a determination condition to determine whether or not to transmit the operation data output by the operation data output to the server; and a first communicator configured or programmed to transmit the operation data to the server when the determiner determines that the operation data satisfies the determination condition.

The server is configured or programmed to include a collection determiner configured or programmed to determine a collection data, which is an operation data to be collected for diagnosis of the work machine, based on the operation data transmitted from the first communicator, and a second communicator configured or programmed to transmit a request signal to request transmission of the collection data determined by the collection determination processor to the work machine, and the first communicator is configured or programmed to transmit the collection data corresponding to the request signal to the server when the request signal is received.

The server is configured or programmed to include a diagnostic processor configured or programmed to diagnose a state of the operation hardware assembly based on the collection data.

The data collection processor is configured or programmed to include a first determiner configured or programmed to determine whether or not the operation data satisfies a first determination condition to determine whether or not to issue a warning, and a warning generator configured or programmed to issue a warning when the first determiner determines that the operation data satisfies the first determination condition, the determiner of the data collection processor is a second determiner, the determination condition is a second determination condition, the first determination condition includes a first threshold value to determine a state of a signal included in the operation data, and the second determination condition includes a second threshold value that is to determine a state of a signal included in the operation data and is higher than the first threshold value.

The data collection processor is configured or programmed to includes a first determiner configured or programmed to determine whether or not the operation data satisfies a first determination condition to determine whether or not to issue a warning, and a warning generator configured or programmed to issue a warning when the first determiner determines that the operation data satisfies the first determination condition, the determiner of the data collection processor is a second determiner, the determination condition is a second determination condition, the first determination condition includes a first threshold value to determine a state of a signal included in the operation data, and the second determination condition includes a second threshold value that is to determine a state of a signal included in the operation data and is lower than the first threshold value.

According to example embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to reduce communication traffic related to information collection when diagnosing a work machine.

The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an overall view of a work machine information collection system.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the work machine information collection system.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of threshold value determination.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of threshold value determination.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a diagnostic database.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of collection data, determination values, and diagnosis results.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a characteristic processing operation of the present example embodiment of the present invention (part 1).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the characteristic processing operation of the present example embodiment of the present invention (part 2).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the characteristic processing operation of the present example embodiment of the present invention (part 3).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the work machine.

FIG. 11 shows an overall side view of the work machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, work machine information collection systems according to example embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present system is usable to diagnose a failure in a work machine which may be a backhoe, for example. First, the present system will be described together with the configuration of the work machine.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the work machine. As shown in FIG. 11, a work machine (backhoe) 1 includes a traveling device 2 at a lower portion and a revolving body 3 at an upper portion. The traveling device 2 adopts a crawler type traveling device which includes a pair of left and right traveling bodies 4 each having a rubber cover band. Both of the traveling bodies 4 are driven by a traveling motor M. A dozer 5 is provided at a front portion of the traveling device 2.

The revolving body 3 includes a revolving base 12 supported on the traveling device 2 via a revolving bearing 11 so as to be capable of revolving left and right around a revolving axis in an up-down direction, and a working device 13 (excavating device) provided at a front portion of the revolving base 12. An engine, a radiator, a driving seat 9, a fuel tank, a hydraulic oil tank, and the like are provided on the revolving base 12. A display device 25 to display various information related to the work machine 1 is provided around the driving seat 9. The driving seat 9 is surrounded by a cabin 14 provided on the revolving base 12.

The working device 13 includes a swing bracket 17 that is supported by a support bracket 16 which is provided and offset slightly to the right from a central portion in a left-right direction at a front portion of the revolving base 12 so as to be capable of swinging horizontally around an axis in the up-down direction, a boom 18 that is pivotally attached to the swing bracket 17 at its base side so as to be capable of rotating around an axis in the left-right direction and is supported so as to be capable of swinging vertically, an arm 19 that is pivotally attached to a distal end of the boom 18 so as to be capable of rotating about an axis in the left-right direction and is supported so as to be capable of swinging back and forth, and a bucket 20 that is provided at a distal end of the arm 19 so as to be capable of performing a shoveling and dumping operation.

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

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the work machine. As shown in FIG. 10, the work machine 1 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 performs various controls of the work machine. The control device 100 outputs a control signal to a control valve 90 that operates hydraulic actuators such as the bucket cylinder 21, the boom cylinder 22, and the arm cylinder 23, for example, a 3-position switching electromagnetic valve, thus switching the control valve 90 to actuate the hydraulic actuators. The control device 100 outputs a control signal to a work lamp 91 to perform illumination control such as turning on, blinking, and turning off the work lamp 91.

A plurality of sensors 101 to 106 are connected to the control device 100. The sensor 101 measures a pressure of a hydraulic oil discharged from a hydraulic pump P1, that is, an output of the hydraulic pump P1. The sensor 102 measures an output of a prime mover 92, that is, the rotation speed of the prime mover 92. The sensor 103 measures a temperature of the hydraulic oil (oil temperature). The sensor 104 measures an amount of lubricant oil in bearings, gears, etc. The sensor 105 is provided in the vicinity of the bearing or in a housing or the like that supports the bearing, and measures an acceleration or the like of the bearing. The sensor 106 measures a voltage of a storage battery such as a battery, that is, an energy storage capacity.

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

The data collection processor 30 is mounted on the work machine 1 and configured or programmed to collect operation data when an operation hardware assembly of the work machine 1 operates and to transmit the collected operation data to the server 40, or receive data transmitted from the server 40. Here, various devices and the like are mounted on the work machine 1, and all the devices that operate are referred to as operation hardware assembly. The operation hardware assembly may include, for example, the work lamp 91, the hydraulic pump P1, the prime mover 92, the bearing, the hydraulic actuator, the control valve 90, the battery, and the like. Note that the above-described devices included in the operation hardware assembly is merely an example and is not limited thereto. Specifically, the operation data corresponding to the operation state of the operation hardware assembly is data indicating physical quantities of the operation hardware assembly. Examples of the data include a value indicating vibrations generated in the operation hardware assembly, a value indicating sound emitted by the operation hardware assembly, a current value flowing through a predetermined portion of the operation hardware assembly, and a voltage.

Data other than the data indicating physical quantities is also the operation data. For example, data indicating a temperature of the hydraulic oil, an integrated operation time (hour meter) of the work machine 1, and a water temperature may also be included in the operation data. The operation data may include sales management data such as a sales company that has sold the work machine, a name of a customer who owns the work machine, a contact address of the customer, presence or absence of a maintenance contract, and a person in charge. The data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to transmit operation data to be collected, that is, collection data to the server 40 in response to a request from the server 40 side.

The server 40 is configured or programmed to stores various data related to maintenance and inspection, etc., of the work machine 1 and processes the data. The server 40 is configured or programmed to request data from the data collection processor 30 and receives data transmitted from the data collection processor 30. In this way, in the work machine information collection system, various types of data include exchanged between the data collection processor 30 and the server 40, and thus, management such as maintenance and inspection, etc. of the work machine 1 can be performed.

Hereinafter, the work machine information collection system will be described in detail by taking the work machine 1 as an example.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the work machine information collection system. As shown in FIG. 2, the data collection processor 30 is mounted on the work machine 1 and connected to an in-vehicle network provided in the work machine 1. The in-vehicle network is, for example, CAN, LIN, FlexRay, or the like, and various signals (data) at the time when the work machine 1 operates flow through the in-vehicle network. When the work machine 1 operates, the data collection processor 30 collects various data flowing through the in-vehicle network and stores the collected data.

Specifically, the data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to include an operation data output 31, a first determiner 32, a second determiner 33 (determiner), and a first communicator 34.

The operation data output 31 outputs operation data corresponding to the operation state of the operation hardware assembly. For example, the operation data output 31 outputs the operation data corresponding to the operation state of the hydraulic pump P1 based on the output result of the sensor 101 during the operation of the hydraulic pump P1. In addition, for example, the operation data output 31 outputs operation data corresponding to the operation state of the bearing based on the output of the sensor 105 during traveling of the work machine 1. In addition, for example, when a switch to operate the work lamp 91 is turned on, operation data corresponding to an operation state of the work lamp 91 is output based on a control signal output from the control device 100 to the work lamp 91.

The first determiner 32 determines whether or not the operation data at the time when the operation hardware assembly operates satisfies a first determination condition to determine whether or not to issue a warning. The warning may be performed, for example, by turning on an unillustrated warning lamp which is provided at the driving seat of the work machine 1 or sounding an alarm. The first determination condition can be set using a first threshold value, and for example, 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), a warning may be issued.

The second determiner 33 determines whether or not the operation data satisfies a determination condition (second determination condition) to determine whether or not to transmit the operation data output by the operation data output 31 to the server 40. The second determination condition can be set using a second threshold value which is less strict than the first threshold value used to determine whether or not to issue a warning.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of threshold value determination. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in a case that a warning is issued when the physical quantity included in the operation data becomes equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is determined whether or not the physical quantity included in the operation data falls below the second threshold value which is higher than the first threshold value, and when the physical quantity included in the operation data falls below the second threshold value before the warning is executed, it is determined to transmit the operation data to the server 40.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in a case that a warning is issued when the physical quantity included in the operation data becomes equal to or more than the first threshold value, it is determined whether or not the physical quantity included in the operation data exceeds the second threshold value which is lower than the first threshold value, and when the physical quantity included in the operation data exceeds the second threshold value before the warning is executed, it is determined to transmit the operation data to the server 40.

That is, the second determination condition is a condition to determine whether or not the physical quantity included in the operation data has reached the value corresponding to the warning, and is a condition based on the second threshold value which is less strict than the first determination condition (first threshold value) to determine whether or not the warning is to be generated. In other words, the second determination condition is a condition to determine that the physical quantity included in the operation data includes approaching the first determination condition corresponding to the warning. When the first determination condition (first threshold value) is set to 100% (1.0), for example, the second determination condition (second threshold value) is set to ±20% (less than the first threshold value ˜80% (0.8) of the first threshold value, more than the first threshold value ˜120% (1.2)) of the first threshold value based on the first determination condition (first threshold value). The above-described second threshold value is an example and is not limited thereto.

The first communicator 34 performs radio communication with the server 40 and is configured by a communication terminal. When the second determiner 33 determines that the physical quantity included in the operation data satisfies the second determination condition (second threshold value), that is, when the physical quantity included in the operation data includes approaching the first determination condition (first threshold value) corresponding to the warning, the first communicator 34 transmits the operation data (first operation data) to the server 40. When the first communicator 34 receives a request signal to be described later from the server 40, the first communicator 34 transmits the collection data (second operation data) corresponding to the request signal to the server 40. Here, the threshold values (the first threshold value, the second threshold value) may be different for each operation hardware assembly.

When the first communicator 34 transmits the operation data and the collection data to the server 40, the first communicator 34 also transmits the machine identification information to identify the work machine 1 to the server 40. Thus, since the operation data and the collection data include associated with the machine identification information, it is possible to determine which work machine 1 the operation data and the collection data correspond to.

The server 40 is configured or programmed to include a diagnostic database 41. The diagnostic database 41 is a set of data in which collection data includes associated with operation data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the diagnostic database 41. The diagnostic database 41 includes a table to determine the operation data (second operation data) requested from the server 40 to the work machine 1 (first communicator 34) with respect to the operation data transmitted from the work machine 1 (first communicator 34), that is, the operation data which is transmitted to the server 40 and satisfies the second determination condition (referred to as first operation data). That is, the diagnostic database 41 includes a table indicating a relationship between the operation data (first operation data) transmitted from the first communicator 34 of the work machine 1 and the collection data (second operation data) in which the minimum information necessary for the diagnosis of the work machine 1 is to be collected.

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

Further, it is shown that when the first operation data includes vibration, the second operation data include the prime mover rotation speed, the value of the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the amount of lubricant oil (a value detected by the sensor 104), and the acceleration of the bearing (a value detected by the sensor 105).

Furthermore, it is shown that when the first operation data includes the voltage of the work lamp 91, the second operation data includes the input voltage and the output voltage of the control device 100 and the voltage of the storage battery (battery). Note that the first operation data and the second operation data shown in FIG. 5 are an example and are not limited thereto.

The server 40 is configured or programmed to further include a collection determiner 42, a second communicator 43, and a diagnostic processor 44. Based on the operation data (first operation data) transmitted from the first communicator 34 of the work machine 1, the collection determiner 42 determines the minimal information necessary for the diagnosis of the work machine 1 as the collection data (second operation data) which includes the operation data to be collected. When the server 40 receives (acquires) the first operation data, the collection determiner 42 refers to the diagnostic database 41 to determine the collection data. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the first operation data includes the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the collection determiner 42 determines that the pressure-sensor value, the prime mover rotation speed, and the oil temperature are the collection data. When the first operation data includes vibration, the collection determiner 42 determines that the prime mover rotation speed, the value of the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the amount of lubricant oil, and the acceleration of the bearing are the collection data. Further, when the first operation data includes the voltage of the work lamp 91, the collection determiner 42 determines that the input voltage and the output voltage of the control device 100 and the voltage of the storage battery (battery) are the collection data.

The second communicator 43 performs radio communication with the data collection processor 30 via a data communication network or the like to transmit a request signal to request transmission of the collection data determined by the collection determiner 42 to the data collection processor 30 or to receive the operation data transmitted from the first communicator 34. When receiving the request signal, the first communicator 34 included in the data collection processor 30 transmits the collection data corresponding to the request signal to the server 40.

The diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses the state of the operation hardware assembly in accordance with a predetermined diagnosis logic (algorithm) based on the collection data transmitted from the data collection processor 30 side. The diagnostic processor 44 refers to the collection data and determines the state of the operation hardware assembly based on whether or not the collection data satisfies a preset diagnosis value.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the collection data, the determination value, and the diagnosis result. In FIG. 6, “CD” indicates that the collection data satisfies the determination value, and “x” indicates that the collection data does not satisfy the determination value. The determination value is determined for each piece of collection data.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the collection data includes the pressure-sensor value, the prime mover rotation speed, and the oil temperature, the diagnostic processor 44 determines whether or not each of the pressure-sensor value, the prime mover rotation speed, and the oil temperature satisfies the respective determination value. When the pressure-sensor value is equal to or higher than the determination value and the pressure sensor is operating normally, when the prime mover rotation speed is equal to or higher than the rotation speed (determination value) at which the hydraulic pump P1 can be operated, and when the oil temperature is equal to or higher than the determination value (for example, −10 degrees or above) and the viscosity of the hydraulic oil is low, the diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that the hydraulic pump P1 is abnormal because the determination value is satisfied. On the other hand, when the pressure-sensor value is less than the determination value, the diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that the sensor is abnormal; when the oil temperature is less than the determination value, the diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that the viscosity of the hydraulic oil is high, that is, the hydraulic oil is at a low temperature; and when the prime mover rotation speed is less than the determination value, the diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that the prime mover rotation speed is decreased.

When the collection data includes the prime mover rotation speed, the value of the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump, the amount of lubricant oil, and the acceleration of the bearing, the diagnostic processor 44 determines whether or not each of the prime mover rotation speed, the value of the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump, the amount of lubricant oil, and the acceleration of the bearing satisfies the respective determination value. When the prime mover rotation speed is equal to or higher than the determination value, when the value of the hour meter is equal to or higher than the determination value, when the output of the hydraulic pump is equal to or higher than the determination value, and when the amount of lubricant oil is equal to or higher than the determination value and only the acceleration of the bearing is equal to or higher than the determination value (the acceleration is large), the diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that the bearing is abnormal. On the other hand, when the amount of lubricant oil is less than the determination value, the diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that the lubricant oil is insufficient, and when the value of the hour meter is equal to or higher than the determination value, the diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that deterioration due to aging has occurred.

Further, when the collection data includes the input voltage and the output voltage of the control device 100 and the battery voltage, the diagnostic processor 44 determines whether or not each of the input voltage, the output voltage, and the battery voltage satisfies the respective determination value. When an input voltage is equal to or higher than the determination value and the control device 100 can operate normally with the input voltage, or when an output voltage is equal to or higher than the determination value and the output from the control device 100 is normal with the output voltage, the diagnostic processor 44 determines that the work lamp 91 is abnormal. On the other hand, when an input voltage is less than the determination value and the control device 100 cannot operate normally with the input voltage, a diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that the input voltage of the control device 100 is abnormal, when an output voltage is less than the determination value and the output from the control device 100 is abnormal with the output voltage, the diagnostic processor 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 determination value, the diagnostic processor 44 diagnoses that the battery voltage is low.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the characteristic processing operation of the present example embodiment will be described for the case where the operation hardware assembly includes the hydraulic pump P1.

When the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 is equal to or less than the first threshold value (Yes in S1), that is, when the first determination condition is satisfied, a warning is issued by, for example, lighting an unillustrated warning lamp provided at the driving seat of the work machine 1 or sounding a buzzer (S2). Thus, the operator who operates the work machine 1 can visually and aurally know the abnormality of the hydraulic pump P1.

Subsequently, the second determiner 33 included in the data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to determine whether or not the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 satisfies the second determination condition to determine whether or not to transmit the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 to the server 40. Here, based on whether or not the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 is equal to or less than the second threshold value which is higher than the first threshold value, it is determined whether or not to transmit the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 to the server 40 (S3). When No is determined in Step S1, the process proceeds to Step S3 similarly, and it is determined whether or not the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 satisfies the second determination condition.

When it is determined that the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 should be transmitted to the server 40 according to the determination result (Yes in S3), that is, when the second determination condition is satisfied, the first communicator 34 included in the data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to transmit the output value of the hydraulic pump P1 to the server 40 (S4). When No is determined in Step S3, the processing operation ends. When there is no abnormality on the work machine 1 side, No is determined in Step S3 and the process ends.

Next, on the server 40 side, based on the operation data transmitted from the work machine 1, the collection determiner 42 determines the collection data (pressure-sensor value, prime mover rotation speed, oil temperature) which is the second operation data necessary for diagnosis with reference to a predetermined table (S5). Then, based on the determination, the second communicator 43 transmits a request signal to request the collection data (pressure-sensor value, prime mover rotation speed, oil temperature) to the data collection processor 30 (S6). On the data collection processor 30 side, when the first communicator 34 receives the request signal, the first communicator 34 transmits the collection data (pressure-sensor value, prime mover rotation speed, oil temperature) requested by the request signal to the server 40 (S7).

Thus, the collection data necessary for diagnosis is determined based on the transmitted operation data, and the request signal to request the collection data includes transmitted based on the determination. As a result, the data to be collected by the server 40 side can be narrowed down, and it is possible to reduce or prevent unnecessary transmission of a large amount of data from the data collection processor 30 side to the server 40 side.

The diagnostic processor 44 included in the server 40 is configured or programmed to diagnose the state of the hydraulic pump P1 based on the collection data (pressure-sensor value, prime mover rotation speed, oil temperature) sent from the data collection processor 30 side (S8).

Next, a case where the operation hardware assembly is a bearing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8.

First, when the engine is started and the work machine 1 is driven, the first determiner 32 included in the data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to determine whether or not a vibration value of the bearing which is the first operation data satisfies the first determination condition to determine whether or not to issue a warning. Here, whether or not to issue a warning is determined based on whether or not the vibration value of the bearing, which is included in the first operation data, is equal to or less than the first threshold value (S11). When the vibration value of the bearing is equal to or less than the first threshold value (Yes in S11), that is, when the first determination condition is satisfied, a warning is issued by, for example, lighting an unillustrated warning lamp provided at the driving seat of the work machine 1 or sounding a buzzer (S12). Thus, the operator who operates the work machine 1 can visually and aurally know the abnormality of the bearing.

Subsequently, the second determiner 33 included in data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to determine whether or not the vibration value of the bearing satisfies the second determination condition to determine whether or not to transmit the vibration value of the bearing to the server 40. Here, based on whether or not the vibration value of the bearing is equal to or less than the second threshold value which is higher than the first threshold value, it is determined whether or not to transmit the vibration value of the bearing to the server 40 (S13). When No is determined in Step S11, the process proceeds to Step S13 similarly, and it is determined whether or not the vibration value of the bearing satisfies the second determination condition.

When it is determined that the vibration value of the bearing should be transmitted to the server 40 according to the determination result (Yes in S13), that is, when the second determination condition is satisfied, the first communicator 34 included in the data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to transmit the vibration value of the bearing to the server 40 (S14). When No is determined in Step S13, the processing operation ends. When there is no abnormality on the work machine 1 side, No is determined in Step S13 and the process ends.

Next, on the server 40 side, based on the operation data transmitted from the work machine 1, the collection determiner 42 determines the collection data (the prime mover rotation speed, the value of the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the amount of lubricant oil, the acceleration of the bearing) which is included in the second operation data necessary for diagnosis with reference to a predetermined table (S15). Then, based on the determination, the second communicator 43 transmits a request signal to request the collection data (the prime mover rotation speed, the value of the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the amount of lubricant oil, the acceleration of the bearing) to the data collection processor 30 (S16). On the data collection processor 30 side, when the request signal is received, the first communicator 34 transmits, to the server 40, the collection data (the prime mover rotation speed, the value of the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the amount of lubricant oil, the acceleration of the bearing) requested by the request signal (S17).

The diagnostic processor 44 included in the server 40 is configured or programmed to diagnose the state of the bearing based on the collection data (the prime mover rotation speed, the value of the hour meter, the output of the hydraulic pump P1, the amount of lubricant oil, the acceleration of the bearing) sent from the data collection processor 30 side (S18).

Next, a case where the operation hardware assembly is the work lamp 91 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9.

First, when the engine is started and the work machine 1 is driven, the first determiner 32 included in the data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to determine whether or not a voltage value of the work lamp 91 which is the first operation data satisfies the first determination condition to determine whether or not to issue a warning. Here, whether or not to issue a warning is determined based on whether or not the voltage value of the work lamp 91, which is included in the first operation data, is equal to or less than the first threshold value (S21). When the voltage value of the work lamp 91 is equal to or less than the first threshold value (Yes in S21), that is, when the first determination condition is satisfied, a warning is issued by, for example, lighting an unillustrated warning lamp provided at the driving seat of the work machine 1 or sounding a buzzer (S22). Thus, the operator who operates the work machine 1 can visually and aurally know the abnormality of the work lamp 91.

Subsequently, the second determiner 33 included in the data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to determine whether or not the voltage value of the work lamp 91 satisfies the second determination condition to determine whether or not to transmit the voltage value of the work lamp 91 to the server 40. Here, based on whether or not the voltage value of the work lamp 91 is equal to or less than the second threshold value which is higher than the first threshold value, it is determined whether or not to transmit the voltage value of the work lamp 91 to the server 40 (S23). When No is determined in Step S21, the process proceeds to Step S23 similarly, and it is determined whether or not the voltage value of the work lamp 91 satisfies the second determination condition.

When it is determined that the voltage value of the work lamp 91 should be transmitted to the server 40 according to the determination result (Yes in S23), that is, when the second determination condition is satisfied, the first communicator 34 included in the data collection processor 30 is configured or programmed to transmit the voltage value of the work lamp 91 to the server 40 (S24). When No is determined in Step S23, the processing operation ends. When there is no abnormality on the work machine 1 side, No is determined in Step S23 and the process ends.

Next, on the server 40 side, based on the operation data transmitted from the work machine 1, the collection determiner 42 determines the collection data (the input voltage and the output voltage of the control device 100, the battery voltage) which is the second operation data necessary for diagnosis with reference to a predetermined table (S25). Then, based on the determination, the second communicator 43 transmits a request signal to request the collection data (the input voltage and the output voltage of the control device 100, the battery voltage) to the data collection processor 30 (S26).

On the data collection processor 30 side, when the request signal is received, the first communicator 34 transmits, to the server 40, the collection data (the input voltage and the output voltage of the control device 100, the battery voltage) requested by the request signal (S27).

The diagnostic processor 44 included in the server 40 is configured or programmed to diagnose the state of the work lamp 91 based on the collection data (the input voltage and the output voltage of the control device 100, the battery voltage) sent from the data collection processor 30 side (S28).

In order to execute all the diagnoses as in the prior art, it is necessary to transmit a large amount of data from the work machine 1 to the server 40 from the beginning. In this regard, according to the present example embodiment, it is possible to reduce or minimize the data to be transmitted by once determining whether or not diagnosis is necessary on the work machine 1 side (Steps S3, S13, S23 described above). On the server 40 side, the overall communication traffic can be reduced by requesting only the data necessary for diagnosis from the work machine 1 side (Steps S6, S16, S26 described above).

Although the backhoe is exemplified in the present example embodiment, applications of example embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. Example embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various work machines, for example, agricultural machines such as tractor, combined harvester, and rice transplanter, and construction machines such as compact track loader and skid steer loader.

It should be understood that the example embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/JP2022/016407	Mar 2022	US
Child	18543481		US

WORK MACHINE INFORMATION COLLECTION SYSTEM

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