Notification system

Abstract

The notification system of the present application includes: a notification device that notifies an operator of the state of a lifting magnet; a sensor that detects at least one of the voltage, current, and power supplied in order to perform excitation of the lifting magnet; a determination section that determines, based on the detection data of the sensor, whether or not the adsorption amount of the lifting magnet has reached a maximum adsorption amount after the start of excitation of the lifting magnet; and a notification control section that causes the notification device to notify that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached in the case where the determination section determines that the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system for informing the status of a lifting magnet, which is mounted on a magnetic working machine, and whose attraction quantity varies based on changes in the supplied power. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic engineering machinery is known to include a lifting magnet installed at the distal end of the boom of a hydraulic excavator, replacing the bucket, for operations such as attracting, sorting, handling, and loading loads such as scrap iron. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic engineering machine that determines the horizontal position of the lifting magnet based on the boom angle and length, calculates the maximum attraction amount of the lifting magnet based on the calculated horizontal position, and controls the current supplied to the lifting magnet to maintain the maximum attraction amount of load. In this magnetic engineering machine, the current is controlled such that the maximum attraction amount decreases as the horizontal position moves further away from the machine body, thereby preventing the magnetic engineering machine from tipping over. Furthermore, in this magnetic engineering machine, when the lifting magnet is operated from a designated position away from the machine body during operation, a warning sound is emitted to stop the operation.

[0003] In magnetic engineering machinery, at the start of the adsorption operation, the operator inputs the adsorption command to energize the lifting magnet. However, it takes a certain amount of time for the lifting magnet to reach its maximum adsorption capacity. Although the lifting magnet can still adsorb loads before reaching its maximum adsorption capacity, if the movement of the adsorbed load begins before reaching the maximum adsorption capacity, the load may fall off the lifting magnet due to insufficient adsorption. Therefore, generally, the movement operation should only begin after the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached.

[0004] However, in conventional magnetic engineering machinery, operators are not notified when the maximum adsorption capacity is reached. This presents a problem: operator hesitation in initiating movement operations delays the start of the process, leading to decreased operational efficiency.

[0005] In Patent Document 1, a warning sound is emitted when the horizontal position of the lifting magnet leaves the main body of the machine during operation, but no warning sound is emitted when excitation begins and the adsorption capacity reaches its maximum. Therefore, Patent Document 1 fails to solve the aforementioned problem.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-68422. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a notification system that can improve the operating efficiency of magnetic engineering machinery at the start of excitation.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a notification system that notifies the status of a lifting magnet, which is mounted on magnetic engineering machinery and whose adsorption capacity varies based on supplied power. The notification system includes: a notification device for notifying an operator of the status of the lifting magnet; a detector for detecting at least one of voltage, current, and power supplied for energizing the lifting magnet; a determination unit for determining, based on the detection data from the detector, whether the adsorption capacity of the lifting magnet has reached its maximum adsorption capacity since the start of energization; and a notification control unit for notifying the notification device that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached if the determination unit determines that the adsorption capacity has been reached.

[0011] According to the present invention, the operating efficiency of magnetic engineering machinery at the start of excitation can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is an exterior view of an example of a magnetic engineering machine equipped with the notification system according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The block diagram shown is an example of the structure of a magnetic engineering machine.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a graph illustrating an example of the adsorption characteristics of the lifting magnet used by the determination unit when calculating the adsorption amount.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a timeline diagram representing an example of the actions of a magnetic engineering machine from the moment the adsorption switch is turned on until it is turned off.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the magnetic engineering machinery in Implementation Method 1.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the notification system according to Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely specific examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0019] (Implementation Method 1)

[0020] The notification system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, an example will be given of a technical solution in which all components of the notification system are installed in a magnetic engineering machine. However, this is only an example, and all components of the notification system according to the present invention may not necessarily be installed in a magnetic engineering machine. For example, as shown in Embodiment 2, some components of the notification system may also be installed in a remote control device.

[0021] Figure 1 This is an external view showing an example of a magnetic engineering machine 10 equipped with the notification system according to Embodiment 1. The magnetic engineering machine 10 is an engineering machine that uses a lifting magnet 6 to attract loads such as scrap iron, and is also called a "magnetic crane". The magnetic engineering machine 10 is constructed based on a hydraulic excavator, and is constructed by replacing the bucket of the hydraulic excavator with the lifting magnet 6.

[0022] The magnetic engineering machinery 10 includes a lower traveling body 1, an upper rotating body 2, and a working device 3. The lower traveling body 1 is, for example, composed of tracks configured to move relative to the ground. The upper rotating body 2 is disposed above the lower traveling body 1 and is configured to rotate about a plumb axis relative to the lower traveling body 1. The upper rotating body 2 includes an operator's cab 12 for the operator to sit in.

[0023] The working device 3 is composed of a device capable of changing its posture with three degrees of freedom, for example, performing operations such as adsorbing scrap iron by means of a lifting magnet 6. The working device 3 includes a boom 4, a stick 5, and a lifting magnet 6. The boom 4 is mounted on the upper rotating body 2 in an elliptical manner. The stick 5 is mounted on the distal end of the boom 4 in a swingable manner about a horizontal axis. The lifting magnet 6 includes a base 62 rotatably mounted on the distal end of the stick 5, and an adsorption surface 61 for holding the adsorbed load.

[0024] The magnetic engineering machinery 10 also includes a boom cylinder 21, a stick cylinder 22, and a magnet cylinder 23.

[0025] The boom cylinder 21 is located between the upper slewing body 2 and the boom 4. The boom cylinder 21 causes the boom 4 to rise and fall by extending and retracting.

[0026] The boom cylinder 22 is located between the boom 4 and the stick 5. The boom cylinder 22 rotates the stick 5 by extending and retracting.

[0027] The magnet cylinder 23 is located between the boom 5 and the lifting magnet 6. The magnet cylinder 23 causes the lifting magnet 6 to swing by extending and retracting.

[0028] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The block diagram shown is an example of the configuration of a magnetic engineering machine 10. The magnetic engineering machine 10 includes a main body 11, an operator's cab 12, and a controller 13. The main body 11 includes an engine 111, a generator-motor 112, an inverter 113, and a lifting magnet 6. The engine 111 is the power source of the magnetic engineering machine 10, which is, for example, a diesel engine. The engine 111 drives the generator-motor 112. Furthermore, the engine 111 drives a hydraulic pump that supplies working oil to the boom cylinder 21, the stick cylinder 22, and the magnet cylinder 23.

[0029] The generator motor 112 is driven by the power of the engine 111, thereby generating electricity. When an adsorption switch signal is input from the adsorption switch 121, the converter 113 supplies the electricity generated by the generator motor 112 to the lifting magnet 6. Hereinafter, the electricity supplied to the lifting magnet 6 is referred to as magnet power. As a result, the lifting magnet 6 is energized, generating an adsorption force. On the other hand, when an adsorption switch signal is input from the adsorption switch 121, the converter 113 stops supplying power to the lifting magnet 6. As a result, the lifting magnet 6 is demagnetized. During demagnetization, magnet power is supplied to the generator motor 112 via the converter 113 for power regeneration.

[0030] Specifically, the converter 113 includes: a switching circuit connected to the generator motor 112; an excitation / demagnetization switching circuit connected to the lifting magnet 6; a converter control unit that controls the switching circuit and the excitation / demagnetization switching circuit; a positive bus and a negative bus connecting the switching circuit and the excitation / demagnetization switching circuit; and a large-capacity capacitor disposed between the positive bus and the negative bus.

[0031] The switching circuit, for example, is constructed by combining multiple switching elements, which controls the power transmission between the generator motor 112 and the lifting magnet 6. The excitation / demagnetization switching circuit, for example, is constructed by an H-bridge circuit, which, under the control of the converter control unit, switches the excitation and demagnetization of the lifting magnet 6. The converter control unit controls the switching circuit and the excitation / demagnetization circuit based on the on / off state of the adsorption switch 121. A large-capacity capacitor smooths the voltage between the positive and negative buses, i.e., the main circuit voltage.

[0032] The converter 113 also includes a sensor 1131 (an example of a detector). The sensor 1131 is a power sensor disposed on the power supply line from the converter 113 to the lifting magnet 6. The sensor 1131 detects the magnetic power supplied to the lifting magnet 6 from the generator motor 112 via the converter 113. Detection data representing the value of the magnetic power detected by the sensor 1131 is input to the controller 13.

[0033] The lifting magnet 6 is composed of an electromagnet and is energized based on the magnet power supplied from the converter 113.

[0034] The controller 13 is composed of a microcontroller including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The controller 13 includes a decision unit 131 and a notification control unit 132. The decision unit 131 and the notification control unit 132 can be implemented by the controller 13 executing a specified program, or they can be implemented by dedicated hardware circuitry.

[0035] The determination unit 131 calculates the adsorption amount of the lifting magnet 6 sequentially after the excitation of the lifting magnet 6 begins, based on the detection data input from the sensor 1131, and determines whether the calculated adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount. Here, the value of the maximum adsorption amount is pre-stored in the memory of the controller 13. The value of the maximum adsorption amount stored in the memory can be updated when the magnetic engineering machinery 10 is not in operation. In this case, the determination unit 131 uses the updated maximum adsorption amount to determine whether the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a graph illustrating an example of the adsorption characteristic 400 of the lifting magnet 6 used by the determination unit 131 in calculating the adsorption amount. This adsorption characteristic 400 is pre-stored in the memory of the controller 13. The adsorption characteristic 400 represents the correlation between the magnet power and the adsorption amount of the lifting magnet 6. The adsorption amount represents the weight of the load that the lifting magnet 6 can adsorb, corresponding to the magnet power. Here, the unit of adsorption amount is, for example, kg. Furthermore, the unit of magnet power is, for example, kW. The adsorption characteristic 400 exhibits the characteristic that the adsorption amount gradually increases as the magnet power increases.

[0037] After excitation begins, the determination unit 131 only needs to acquire the detection data of the magnet power from the sensor 1131 according to the specified sampling period, and determine the adsorption amount corresponding to the magnet power represented by the acquired detection data by referring to the adsorption characteristics 400, and calculate the adsorption amount of the lifting magnet 6 one by one.

[0038] The notification control unit 132 instructs the notification device 122 to notify the adsorption amount calculated sequentially by the determination unit 131. Specifically, the notification control unit 132 inputs a drive command to the drive unit 1222 to drive the vibrating element 1221 with a vibration intensity corresponding to the adsorption amount. The vibration intensity can be, for example, at least one of the vibration frequency and amplitude of the vibrating element 1221. Here, the notification control unit 132 gradually increases the vibration intensity as the adsorption amount increases. However, this is only one example; the notification control unit 132 may also gradually decrease the vibration intensity as the adsorption amount increases. Alternatively, the notification control unit 132 may increase one of the vibration frequency and amplitude and decrease the other as the adsorption amount increases.

[0039] Furthermore, if the determination unit 131 determines that the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount, it instructs the control unit 132 to input a drive command to the drive unit 1222 to vibrate the vibrating element 1221 in a vibration mode indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. For example, a vibration mode that provides a clicking sensation to the operator can be used as the vibration mode indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. Alternatively, a vibration mode that causes the vibrating element 1221 to vibrate in a pulse-like manner once or multiple times can be used as the vibration mode that provides the clicking sensation.

[0040] The control room 12 includes a suction switch 121 and a notification device 122. The suction switch 121 is turned on and off by the operator. When the suction switch 121 is turned on, it inputs, for example, a high-level suction switch signal to the converter 113. When the suction switch 121 is turned off, it inputs, for example, a low-level suction switch signal to the converter. The suction switch 121 is, for example, a push-button switch. When the suction switch 121 is in the off state and is pressed by the operator, it turns on the suction switch signal. When the suction switch 121 is in the on state and is pressed by the operator, it turns off the suction switch signal. The suction switch 121 can be a physical button or a GUI (Graphical User Interface) button displayed on a touch screen display provided in the control room 12.

[0041] The notification device 122 includes a vibration element 1221 and a drive unit 1222. The vibration element 1221 is disposed in the operating member provided in the operator's cab 12 for operating the magnetic engineering machinery 10. As the operating member, for example, an operating lever for operating at least one of the boom 4, stick 5, lifting magnet 6, upper slewing body 2, and lower traveling body 1 can be used. In this case, the vibration element 1221 is disposed in a place such as inside the operating lever where vibration can be transmitted to the operator. The vibration element 1221 is composed of, for example, a linear vibrator or a piezoelectric element.

[0042] The drive unit 1222 drives the vibrating element 1221 according to the drive command input from the notification control unit 132. The drive unit 1222 includes an oscillation circuit that can change at least one of the vibration frequency and amplitude according to, for example, the input drive command. The oscillation circuit causes the vibrating element 1221 to vibrate by supplying drive current to the vibrating element 1221.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a timeline diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the magnetic engineering machinery 10 from the moment the adsorption switch 121 is turned on until it is turned off. Figure 4 In the diagram, (a) represents the adsorption switch signal, (b) represents the magnet voltage supplied to the lifting magnet 6, (c) represents the main circuit voltage, and (d) represents the magnet power supplied to the lifting magnet 6.

[0044] When the adsorption switch signal is turned on as shown in (a), as shown in (b), an overexcitation voltage, set to be higher than the normal voltage, is supplied to the lifting magnet 6. Subsequently, as shown in (c), the main circuit voltage temporarily decreases from the target voltage and then returns to the target voltage. Furthermore, as shown in (d), the magnet power gradually increases along an upward-convex curve. After the magnet power reaches its peak, the magnet voltage is set to the normal voltage. Thereafter, the magnet voltage remains at the normal voltage until the adsorption switch signal is turned off. After the magnet voltage is set to the normal voltage, the magnet power decreases to the normal power. Thereafter, the magnet power remains at the normal power until the adsorption switch signal is turned off. The magnet voltage is set to the overexcitation voltage to generate the necessary and sufficient adsorption force for the lifting magnet 6 to produce the adsorption load after adsorption begins.

[0045] After the adsorption switch signal is turned off, the magnet voltage is set to a negative voltage, i.e., a reverse excitation voltage, for a certain period of time to demagnetize the lifting magnet 6. Consequently, as shown in (c), the main circuit voltage temporarily rises from the target voltage and then returns to the target voltage. Furthermore, as shown in (d), the magnet power drops sharply in the negative direction and then slowly increases along an upward-convex curve until the reverse excitation voltage becomes 0. Moreover, after the reverse excitation voltage becomes 0, the magnet power returns to the level before the adsorption switch signal was turned on. The magnet voltage is set to a reverse excitation voltage to generate a reverse magnetic field in the lifting magnet 6 by causing the current to flow in the opposite direction to release the load.

[0046] Secondly, refer to Figure 4 The timing diagram illustrates the notification made by the notification device 122. After excitation begins, the vibration intensity of the vibrating element 1221 gradually increases with the increase of the magnet power. Therefore, the operator can perform the adsorption operation while predicting the remaining time until the maximum adsorption capacity is reached based on the vibration intensity. Furthermore, when the magnet power reaches its peak and the adsorption capacity of the lifting magnet 6 reaches its maximum, the vibrating element 1221 generates pulsed vibrations to notify the operator that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached. Thus, the operator confirms that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached and can proceed to the next operation after the adsorption operation. This next operation includes, for example, moving the adsorbed load to another location by rotating the upper rotating body 2.

[0047] Secondly, the operation of the magnetic engineering machinery 10 will be explained. Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the magnetic engineering machinery 10 in Embodiment 1. In step S1, the adsorption switch 121 receives an operation from the operator to turn on the adsorption switch (step S1 is "Yes"). As a result, the activated adsorption switch signal is input from the adsorption switch 121 to the converter 113. On the other hand, if the adsorption switch 121 does not receive an operation to turn on the adsorption switch (step S1 is "No"), the system is in standby mode.

[0048] In step S2, the converter 113 supplies magnet power to the lifting magnet 6 to begin excitation. In step S3, the determination unit 131 acquires the detection data detected by the sensor 1131. In step S4, the determination unit 131 calculates the adsorption amount corresponding to the magnet power shown in the detection data with reference to the adsorption characteristics 400.

[0049] In step S5, the control unit 132 is notified to determine the vibration intensity of the vibration element 1221 corresponding to the adsorption amount calculated in step S3. Consequently, a drive command corresponding to the vibration intensity is input to the drive unit 1222. In step S6, the drive unit 1222 drives the vibration element 1221 with the vibration intensity determined in step S5. Thus, the operator is notified of the current adsorption amount via tactile feedback.

[0050] In step S7, the determination unit 131 determines whether the adsorption amount calculated in step S4 has reached the maximum adsorption amount. If the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount (yes in step S7), the control unit 132 is notified to input a drive command to the drive unit 1222 to vibrate the vibrating element 1221 in a vibration mode indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached (step S8). Thus, the operator can recognize by touch that the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount. On the other hand, if the adsorption amount has not reached the maximum adsorption amount (no in step S7), the process returns to step S3 to continue the process of acquiring detection data.

[0051] Thus, according to this embodiment, after the energization of the lifting magnet 6 begins, the sensor 1131 detects the data to determine whether the adsorption capacity of the lifting magnet 6 has reached the maximum adsorption capacity. If the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached, the operator is notified. Therefore, once the maximum adsorption capacity is reached, the operator can quickly begin subsequent adsorption operations, such as moving operations, thus improving work efficiency at the start of energization.

[0052] (Implementation Method 2)

[0053] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the notification system according to Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 is an embodiment in which at least a notification device 122 is installed on the remote control device 60. The remote control device 60, in addition to... Figure 2 In addition to the adsorption switch 121, notification device 122, and controller 13 shown, a communicator 14 is also provided.

[0054] The remote control device 60 is a device for remotely controlling the magnetic engineering machinery 10A. The remote control device 60 is equipped with a joystick and an operator's seat, similar to the operator's cab of the magnetic engineering machinery 10A. Furthermore, the remote control device 60 includes a display device for showing images of the surroundings of the magnetic engineering machinery 10A captured by a camera mounted on the magnetic engineering machinery 10A. The operator of the remote control device 60 can remotely control the remote control device 60 by sitting at the operator's seat, observing the images displayed on the display device, and operating the joystick.

[0055] The communicator 14 is composed of a communication circuit that enables the remote control device 60 to communicate with the magnetic engineering machinery 10A via the communication path 600. The communicator 14 transmits a suction switch signal indicating the on / off state of the suction switch 121 to the communicator 115 via the communication path 600. The communicator 14 also transmits a signal indicating the amount of operation of the operating lever to the communicator 115 via the communication path 600. The communicator 14 receives detection data transmitted from the communicator 115, detected by the sensor 1131, via the communication path 600. Furthermore, the communicator 14 receives an image signal transmitted from the communicator 115 via the communication path 600.

[0056] The determination unit 131A has the same as Figure 2 The determination unit 131 shown has the same basic function, but it differs from the determination unit 131 in that it uses the detection data received by the communicator 14 to perform the process of calculating the adsorption amount one by one.

[0057] As a communication path 600, it can use a public network that includes Internet communication networks and mobile phone communication networks, or it can use a local area network such as wireless LAN, wired LAN, or specific low-power radio.

[0058] In addition to having the following features: Magnetic Engineering Machinery 10A Figure 2 In addition to the components of the main mechanical unit 11 shown, it also includes a communicator 115. The communicator 115 is composed of a communication circuit that enables communication between the magnetic engineering machine 10A and the remote control device 60. The communicator 115 receives signals indicating operation quantities sent by the communicator 14 via the communication path 600. Furthermore, the communicator 115 transmits detection data detected by the sensor 1131 to the communicator 14 via the communication path 600.

[0059] Converter 113A has the same Figure 2 The converter 113 shown has the same basic functions, but it differs from the converter 113 in that it excites and demagnetizes the lifting magnet 6 according to the adsorption switch signal received by the communicator 115.

[0060] Next, the operation of the notification system according to Embodiment 2 will be explained. After the adsorption switch 121 is turned on, an adsorption switch signal indicating that it is turned on is sent from the communicator 14 to the magnetic engineering machinery 10A. After receiving the adsorption switch signal indicating that it is turned on by the communicator 115, the converter 113A begins to excite the lifting magnet 6. Subsequently, the communicator 115 sends the detection data detected by the sensor 1131 to the remote control device 60 one after another.

[0061] The determination unit 131A calculates the adsorption amount corresponding to the magnet power represented by the detection data received by the communicator 14 with reference to the adsorption characteristic 400, and inputs a drive command for driving the vibration element 1221 with a vibration intensity corresponding to the calculated adsorption amount into the drive unit 1222. As a result, the vibration element 1221 is driven with a vibration intensity corresponding to the adsorption amount.

[0062] When the maximum adsorption amount is reached, calculated based on the magnet power represented by the detection data received by communicator 14, the control unit 132 is notified to input a drive command to the drive unit 1222 to drive the vibrating element 1221 in a vibration mode indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. As a result, the vibrating element 1221 vibrates in a drive mode indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. Consequently, the operator can confirm that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached through touch.

[0063] Thus, in the notification system according to this embodiment, the operator of the remote control device 60 for remotely controlling the magnetic engineering machinery 10A can be notified of the current adsorption capacity and the fact that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached. As a result, the operator can perform adsorption operations based on remote control while predicting the remaining time until the maximum adsorption capacity is reached. Moreover, the operator can confirm that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached based on the vibration pattern, and can quickly transition to the next operation after the adsorption operation, enabling efficient remote control.

[0064] The present invention can be modified in the following ways.

[0065] (1) In the above embodiment, vibration is used to notify that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and sound can also be used to notify that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. In this case, Figure 2 The notification device 122 shown can be constructed from an audio device. Specifically, the audio device includes a speaker disposed in the control room 12 and a driver unit that drives the speaker.

[0066] The notification control unit 132 inputs a drive command to the drive unit to output a sound with a sound intensity corresponding to the adsorption amount successively calculated by the determination unit 131 from the speaker. Sound intensity includes, for example, at least one of the amplitude and frequency of the sound output from the speaker. The notification control unit 132 may increase the sound intensity of the sound output from the speaker as the adsorption amount increases. However, this is only one example; the notification control unit 132 may also decrease the sound intensity of the sound output from the speaker as the adsorption amount increases. Alternatively, the notification control unit 132 may increase one of the vibration frequency and amplitude of the sound output from the speaker while decreasing the other as the adsorption amount increases.

[0067] Furthermore, if the determination unit 131 determines that the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount, it notifies the control unit 132 to input a drive command to the drive unit to output a sound pattern indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached from the speaker. For example, a pulse sound that intermittently emits one or more beeps can be used as the sound pattern indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached.

[0068] The drive unit generates an audio signal based on drive commands and inputs it to the speaker. Thus, after excitation begins, a sound with gradually increasing intensity is output from the speaker. Furthermore, when the adsorption capacity reaches its maximum, a sound pattern indicating that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached is output from the speaker. This allows the operator to be notified audibly of the current adsorption capacity and that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached.

[0069] (2) In the above embodiment, vibration is used to notify that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a motion seat can also be used to notify that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. In this case, the notification device 122 is composed of a motion seat provided in the control room 12 and capable of changing its tilt angle. The motion seat is configured to be able to rotate in three directions, such as the roll direction, pitch direction, and yaw direction. The motion seat includes a motor for changing the tilt angle of the motion seat. The motor includes three motors corresponding to the roll direction, pitch direction, and yaw direction, respectively. Here, it is stated that the motion seat can rotate in three directions, such as the roll direction, pitch direction, and yaw direction. However, this is only an example, and it can also be a seat capable of rotating in at least one or two of the roll direction, pitch direction, and yaw direction.

[0070] The notification control unit 132 inputs a drive command to the motor to tilt the motion seat in a tilt mode corresponding to the adsorption amount calculated successively by the determination unit 131. As a tilt mode, a tilt mode in which the tilt angle of the motion seat relative to any one of the roll, pitch, and yaw directions increases with the increase of the adsorption amount can be used. Alternatively, a tilt mode in which the motion seat swings in such a way that the amplitude of the oscillation relative to any one of the roll, pitch, and yaw directions increases with the increase of the adsorption amount can also be used.

[0071] Furthermore, if the determination unit 131 determines that the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount, it notifies the control unit 132 to input a drive command to the motor to tilt the motion seat in a tilt mode indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. For example, a tilt mode indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached could be a tilt mode in which the motion seat oscillates once or more relative to any one of the roll, pitch, or yaw directions. In this case, the direction in which the motion seat is tilted before the maximum adsorption amount is reached can also be a different direction than the direction in which the motion seat is tilted when the maximum adsorption amount is reached.

[0072] An example of the motion seat's operation is as follows. After excitation begins, the tilt angle of the motion seat in the pitch direction is gradually increased by tilting the seat forward in accordance with the adsorption capacity. Furthermore, when the adsorption capacity reaches its maximum, the motion seat is swung in the roll direction a specified number of times. Thus, the operation of the motion seat informs the operator of the current adsorption capacity and that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached.

[0073] (3) In the above embodiment, vibration is used to notify that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. However, the present invention is not limited to this; an image displayed on a display device may also be used to notify that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached. In this case, Figure 2 The notification device 122 shown can be composed of a display device.

[0074] The control unit 132 sends a drive command to the display device to display the adsorption amount calculated successively by the determination unit 131. The adsorption amount can be displayed as an indicator or as the value of the adsorption amount itself.

[0075] Furthermore, when the adsorption amount reaches the maximum adsorption amount, the notification control unit 132 sends a drive command to the display device to display an image indicating this status. The image indicating that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached can be created by changing the color of a message and / or indicator from the default first color to the second color. In this case, the message can be deleted from the display screen after a specified period has elapsed since the maximum adsorption amount was reached. Alternatively, the indicator color can be restored from the second color to the first color after a specified period has elapsed since the maximum adsorption amount was reached. Thus, the operator is visually notified of the current adsorption amount and that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached.

[0076] (4) The variations of (1) to (3) above can be applied to the notification system shown in Embodiment 2. Moreover, the present invention can be constructed by arbitrarily combining at least two of the following forms: the form of notification by vibration as shown in Embodiment 1 above; the form of notification by sound as shown in variation (1) above; the form of notification by movement of a moving seat as shown in variation (2); and the form of notification by image as shown in variation (3).

[0077] (5) In Figure 2 The mechanical body 11 shown and Figure 6 In the illustrated magnetic engineering machine 10A, the generator motor 112 is directly driven by the power of the engine 111, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the generator motor 112 may also be driven by power from a hydraulic motor. In this case, the main body 11 or the magnetic engineering machine 10A may also include a hydraulic pump driven by the power of the engine 111 and a hydraulic motor that operates based on the working oil supplied from the hydraulic pump.

[0078] (6) Figure 2 and Figure 6 The sensor 1131 shown is an electric sensor; however, the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be a voltage sensor that detects the magnet voltage supplied from the converters 113 and 113A to the lifting magnet 6, and / or a current sensor that detects the magnet current supplied from the converters 113 and 113A to the lifting magnet 6. In this case, the determination units 131 and 131A only need to calculate the magnet electric power using the detection data output from the voltage sensor and the detection data output from the current sensor, and calculate the adsorption amount based on the magnet electric power.

[0079] When the lifting magnet 6 is driven in a manner in which the amount of adsorption can be calculated solely based on the magnet voltage or magnet current, the determination units 131 and 131A can also calculate the amount of adsorption solely based on the magnet current detected by the current sensor or the magnet voltage detected by the voltage sensor.

[0080] (7) In embodiment 2, the controller 13 may also be installed on the magnetic engineering machinery 10A.

[0081] (Summary of Implementation Methods)

[0082] One aspect of the invention relates to a notification system that notifies the status of a lifting magnet, which is mounted on magnetic engineering machinery and whose adsorption capacity varies based on supplied power. The notification system includes: a notification device for notifying an operator of the status of the lifting magnet; a detector for detecting at least one of voltage, current, and power supplied for energizing the lifting magnet; a determination unit for determining, based on the detection data from the detector, whether the adsorption capacity of the lifting magnet has reached its maximum adsorption capacity since the start of energization; and a notification control unit for notifying the notification device that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached if the determination unit determines that the adsorption capacity has been reached.

[0083] According to this technical solution, after the excitation of the lifting magnet begins, the detector determines whether the magnet's adsorption capacity has reached its maximum based on the detection data. If the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached, the operator is notified. Therefore, once the maximum adsorption capacity is reached, the operator can quickly begin the adsorption operations, such as moving the magnetic engineering machinery, thereby improving the operational efficiency at the start of excitation.

[0084] In the above notification system, ideally, the determination unit calculates the adsorption amount successively from the start of the excitation based on the detection data, and the notification control unit causes the notification device to notify the adsorption amount successively calculated by the determination unit.

[0085] According to this technical solution, after excitation begins, the adsorption amount is calculated and notified sequentially. Therefore, the operator can predict how much more adsorption will be needed to reach the maximum adsorption amount.

[0086] In the above notification system, it is ideal that the notification device includes a vibration element, which is configured on the operating component for manipulating the magnetic engineering machinery, and the notification control unit notifies that the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount by causing the vibration element to vibrate in a specified vibration mode.

[0087] According to this technical solution, the operator can be notified via touch that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached. Furthermore, since the notification of maximum adsorption capacity is achieved simply by gripping the operating component, it prevents the notification from becoming a visual obstacle for the operator during operation, thereby further improving work efficiency.

[0088] In the above notification system, it is ideal that the notification device includes an audio device, and the notification control unit notifies the user that the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount by having the audio device output a specified sound.

[0089] According to this technical solution, operators can be notified audibly that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached. This prevents the notification from becoming a visual obstacle for operators during operations, thereby further improving work efficiency.

[0090] In the above notification system, it is ideal that the notification device includes a motion seat, and the notification control unit notifies that the adsorption amount has reached the maximum adsorption amount by causing the motion seat to operate in a specified motion mode.

[0091] According to this technical solution, the movement of the motion seat can notify the operator that the maximum adsorption capacity has been reached. This prevents the notification from becoming a visual obstruction for the operator during operation, thereby further improving work efficiency.

[0092] In the aforementioned notification system, it is ideal for the notification device to be located in the control room of the magnetic engineering machinery.

[0093] According to this technical solution, it is possible to notify the operators in the control room of magnetic engineering machinery.

[0094] In the aforementioned notification system, it is ideal for the notification device to be configured as a remote control device for remotely operating the magnetic engineering machinery.

[0095] According to this technical solution, the operator of the remote control device for remotely controlling magnetic engineering machinery is notified that the adsorption capacity has reached the maximum adsorption capacity, thus improving the efficiency of remote control.

Claims

1. A notification system, characterized in that, The notification system includes a system for notifying the status of a lifting magnet, which is mounted on magnetic engineering machinery and whose attraction varies based on the supplied power. The notification device informs the operator of the status of the lifting magnet; The detector detects at least one of the voltage, current, and electrical power supplied for energizing the lifting magnet; The determination unit, based on the detection data from the detector, determines whether the adsorption amount of the lifting magnet has reached its maximum adsorption amount since the excitation of the lifting magnet began; and, The control unit notifies the notification device that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached if the determination unit determines that the adsorption amount has been reached. The determination unit calculates the adsorption amount sequentially from the start of the excitation based on the detection data. The notification control unit causes the notification device to notify the current adsorption amount calculated by the determination unit in successive steps.

2. The notification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notification device includes a vibration element configured on an operating member for manipulating the magnetic engineering machinery. The notification control unit notifies the maximum adsorption amount by causing the vibration element to vibrate in a specified vibration mode.

3. The notification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notification device includes an audio device. The notification control unit notifies the listener that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached by having the audio device output a specified sound.

4. The notification system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notification device includes a motion seat. The notification control unit notifies the user that the maximum adsorption amount has been reached by causing the motion seat to operate in a specified motion mode.

5. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The notification device is located in the control room of the magnetic engineering machinery.

6. The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The notification device is configured in a remote control device for remotely operating the magnetic engineering machinery.

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