State inference system, dump truck, and state inference method

Abstract

The state inferring system of the present application is a state inferring system of a dump truck that has an engine and a dump truck body that carries a cargo and has a flow path through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows, the state inferring system including: an exhaust gas flow amount acquisition unit that acquires an exhaust gas flow amount that is detection data indicating a flow amount of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path; an exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit that acquires an exhaust gas temperature that is detection data indicating a temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path; and a body temperature inferring unit that infers a body temperature that indicates a temperature of a prescribed portion of an inner surface of the dump truck body that is in contact with the cargo, on the basis of the exhaust gas flow amount and the exhaust gas temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a state inference system, a dump truck, and a state inference method. Background Technology

[0002] A dump truck has a loading and unloading body for carrying goods. When goods are discharged from the loading and unloading body, the dump truck performs an unloading operation. During the unloading operation, the goods are discharged from the loading and unloading body by gravity. When the goods are wet, even during the unloading operation, at least a portion of the goods remains attached to the inner surface of the loading and unloading body, sometimes preventing them from being discharged. A technique is known to suppress the adhesion of goods to the inner surface of the loading and unloading body by allowing exhaust gas from the dump truck's engine to flow through a flow path provided in the loading and unloading body. By circulating high-temperature exhaust gas through the flow path of the loading and unloading body, the loading and unloading body is heated by the exhaust gas, and the goods are dried. This suppresses the adhesion of goods to the inner surface of the loading and unloading body. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for heating the loading and unloading body.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0194260 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Even if the unloading vehicle body is heated by exhaust gas, it may be difficult to carry out the unloading operation at the appropriate time if the temperature of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body is unknown. If a temperature sensor is installed on the unloading vehicle body to detect the temperature of the inner surface, the temperature of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body becomes clear, but there is a possibility of increased cost of the unloading vehicle body.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to obtain the temperature of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] According to this disclosure, a state inference system is provided for a dump truck having an engine and a flow path for the flow of exhaust gas discharged from the engine and a loading body for loading cargo. The state inference system includes: an exhaust gas flow rate acquisition unit that acquires exhaust gas flow rate, which is detection data representing the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the flow path; an exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit that acquires exhaust gas temperature, which is detection data representing the temperature of exhaust gas flowing into the flow path; and a vehicle body temperature inference unit that infers the vehicle body temperature, which is a temperature representing the temperature of a predetermined portion of the inner surface of the dump truck body in contact with the cargo, based on the exhaust gas flow rate and the exhaust gas temperature.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to this disclosure, the temperature of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body is obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view of a dump truck illustrating an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the unloading vehicle body of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a dump truck according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the interior of the driver's cab in an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a dump truck according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the state inference system of an implementation.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a specific portion of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body in an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the state inference method of an implementation.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system according to an implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The constituent elements of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, sometimes some constituent elements are not used.

[0023] [Dump truck]

[0024] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the dump truck 1 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the dump truck 1 is a manned dump truck operated by a driver. The dump truck 1 is a rigid frame dump truck.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the dump truck 1 has a body 2, a driving device 3, an engine 6, an unloading vehicle body 10, and a lifting cylinder 7.

[0026] The vehicle body 2 supports the unloading vehicle body 10. A cab 9 is located on the upper front part of the vehicle body 2. The driver of the dump truck 1 sits inside the cab 9.

[0027] The traveling device 3 supports the vehicle body 2 and drives it. The traveling device 3 has multiple wheels 4. The front wheels 4 are steering wheels. The rear wheels 4 are drive wheels. Each of the multiple wheels 4 is equipped with a tire 5. The dump truck 1 moves by rotating the wheels 4.

[0028] Engine 6 is the power source for the dump truck 1. The running gear 3 and the lifting cylinder 7 operate based on the power generated by engine 6. Engine 6 is supported on at least a portion of the vehicle body 2. Engine 6 is an internal combustion engine. A diesel engine is an example of engine 6. Engine 6 generates power by burning fuel. Exhaust gases are discharged from engine 6 due to fuel combustion.

[0029] The unloading vehicle body 10 is loaded with cargo. Sand is an example of cargo loaded on the unloading vehicle body 10. The lower rear part of the unloading vehicle body 10 is connected to the bracket 8 of the vehicle body 2 via a rotating pin 8P. The unloading vehicle body 10 can rotate around the rotating pin 8P.

[0030] The lifting cylinder 7 generates the power to rotate the unloading vehicle body 10. The lifting cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder. The lifting cylinder 7 is located between the vehicle body 2 and the unloading vehicle body 10.

[0031] The unloading vehicle body 10 changes between a loading posture and an upright posture via the extension and retraction of the lifting cylinder 7. The loading posture refers to the posture in which the unloading vehicle body 10 is lowered within its movable range, closest to the vehicle body 2. The upright posture refers to the posture in which the unloading vehicle body 10 is raised within its movable range, furthest from the vehicle body 2. When the unloading vehicle body 10 is in the loading posture, goods are loaded onto it. The dump truck 1 travels while the unloading vehicle body 10 is in the loading posture. With goods loaded on the unloading vehicle body 10, the unloading vehicle body 10 changes from the loading posture to the upright posture, thereby discharging the goods from the unloading vehicle body 10 under the action of gravity.

[0032] In this embodiment, the action of changing the unloading vehicle 10 from a loaded position to an upright position while it is loaded with goods is appropriately referred to as the unloading action. Through the unloading action of the unloading vehicle 10, the goods are discharged from the unloading vehicle 10.

[0033] In this embodiment, the unloading action of the unloading vehicle 10 includes rotating the unloading vehicle 10 backward. That is, in this embodiment, the unloading vehicle 10 discharges the goods backward in a rearward unloading manner.

[0034] [Unloading vehicle body]

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the unloading vehicle body 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2As shown, the unloading vehicle body 10 has a front plate 11, a bottom plate 12 connected to the lower end of the front plate 11, side plates 13 connected to the left and right ends of the front plate 11 and the left and right ends of the bottom plate 12, and a protective plate 14 connected to the upper end of the front plate 11.

[0036] The front plate 11, bottom plate 12, side plate 13, and protective plate 14 are integral. The front plate 11, bottom plate 12, side plate 13, and protective plate 14 are each made of steel.

[0037] When the unloading vehicle body 10 is in the loading posture, the protective plate 14 is positioned above the cab 9. The rear end of the protective plate 14 is connected to the upper end of the front plate 11. The lower end of the front plate 11 is connected to the front end of the floor plate 12.

[0038] The side plates 13 are respectively located to the right and to the left of the center of the unloading vehicle body 10. The side plates 13 include a right side plate 13R located to the right of the center of the unloading vehicle body 10 and connected to the right end of the front plate 11 and the right end of the bottom plate 12, and a left side plate 13L located to the left of the center of the unloading vehicle body 10 and connected to the left end of the front plate 11 and the left end of the bottom plate 12.

[0039] The front plate 11 has a front surface facing forward and a rear surface facing in the opposite direction to the front surface. The bottom plate 12 has a bottom surface facing upward and a lower surface facing in the opposite direction to the bottom surface.

[0040] The side plate 13 has an inner surface facing the center of the unloading vehicle body 10 in the left-right direction, and an outer surface facing the opposite direction to the inner surface.

[0041] In the unloading vehicle body 10, the loading space for loading goods is defined between the rear surface of the front panel 11, the bottom surface of the bottom panel 12, and the inner surface of the side panel 13. The goods are in contact with at least a portion of the rear surface of the front panel 11, the bottom surface of the bottom panel 12, and the inner surface of the side panel 13. In the embodiment, the rear surface of the front panel 11, the bottom surface of the bottom panel 12, and the inner surface of the side panel 13 of the unloading vehicle body 10 that are in contact with the goods are appropriately collectively referred to as the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10.

[0042] The unloading vehicle body 10 has an inlet 21 for introducing exhaust gas discharged from the engine 6, a flow path 23 for the exhaust gas discharged from the engine 6 to flow through, and an exhaust port 22 for the exhaust gas to be discharged after flowing through the flow path 23. In the flow path 23, the inlet 21 side is synonymous with the upstream side of the exhaust gas, and the exhaust port 22 side is synonymous with the downstream side of the exhaust gas.

[0043] The inlet 21 is provided on the front surface of the front panel 11. The inlet 21 is located on the upper right side of the front surface of the front panel 11. It should be noted that the inlet 21 can also be provided in the center of the front surface in the left-right direction.

[0044] The vehicle body 2 has a duct that guides the exhaust gas from the engine 6 through the exhaust gas guide inlet 21. When the unloading vehicle body 10 is in a loaded position, the outlet of the duct is connected to the inlet 21. When the unloading vehicle body 10 is in a loaded position, the exhaust gas from the engine 6 is supplied through the exhaust gas guide inlet 21. When the unloading vehicle body 10 is in an upright position, the outlet of the duct is separated from the inlet 21. When the unloading vehicle body 10 is in an upright position, the exhaust gas from the engine 6 is discharged from the outlet of the duct.

[0045] The exhaust port 22 is located on the lower surface of the base plate 12. The exhaust port 22 is located at the rear of the lower surface of the base plate 12. It should be noted that the exhaust port 22 can also be located at the rear of the side plate 13.

[0046] The flow path 23 is located inside the unloading vehicle body 10. At least a portion of the flow path 23 is located on the side plate 13. Exhaust gas discharged from the engine 6 flows into the flow path 23 through the inlet 21. After flowing through the flow path 23, the exhaust gas is discharged through the exhaust port 22.

[0047] The flow path 23 includes a first flow path 23A disposed at the upper end of the right side plate 13R, a second flow path 23B disposed at the boundary between the front plate 11 and the right side plate 13R, a third flow path 23C disposed at the lower end of the right side plate 13R, a fourth flow path 23D disposed at the boundary between the front plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, a fifth flow path 23E disposed at the boundary between the front plate 11 and the left side plate 13L, a sixth flow path 23F disposed at the upper end of the left side plate 13L, and a seventh flow path 23G disposed at the lower end of the left side plate 13L.

[0048] The upper and lower ends of the right side plate 13R each include a rib-like strength member. The upper and lower ends of the left side plate 13L each include a rib-like strength member. The first flow path 23A, the third flow path 23C, the sixth flow path 23F, and the seventh flow path 23G are provided with strength members on the unloading vehicle body 10.

[0049] The first flow path 23A extends along the front-to-back direction at the upper end of the right side plate 13R. It should be noted that the first flow path 23A can also be inclined relative to the front-to-back direction. The front end of the first flow path 23A is connected to the inlet 21. Exhaust gas flowing into the first flow path 23A from the inlet 21 flows towards the rear end of the first flow path 23A.

[0050] The second flow path 23B is located at the boundary between the front plate 11 and the right side plate 13R. The second flow path 23B faces downward and slopes backward. The upper end of the second flow path 23B is connected to the inlet 21. Exhaust gas flowing into the second flow path 23B from the inlet 21 flows towards the lower end of the second flow path 23B.

[0051] The third flow path 23C is located at the lower end of the right side plate 13R. The third flow path 23C faces rearward and is inclined upward. The front end of the third flow path 23C is connected to the lower end of the second flow path 23B. The exhaust gas flowing from the second flow path 23B into the third flow path 23C flows towards the rear end of the third flow path 23C.

[0052] The fourth flow path 23D extends in the left-right direction at the boundary between the front plate 11 and the bottom plate 12. The right end of the fourth flow path 23D connects to the lower end of the second flow path 23B. Exhaust gas flowing into the fourth flow path 23D from the second flow path 23B flows towards the left end of the fourth flow path 23D.

[0053] The fifth flow path 23E is located at the boundary between the front panel 11 and the left side panel 13L. The fifth flow path 23E faces upward and is inclined forward. The lower end of the fifth flow path 23E is connected to the left end of the fourth flow path 23D. The exhaust gas flowing into the fifth flow path 23E from the fourth flow path 23D flows towards the upper end of the fifth flow path 23E and circulates in the fifth flow path 23E.

[0054] The sixth flow path 23F extends along the front-to-back direction at the upper end of the left side plate 13L. It should be noted that the sixth flow path 23F can also be inclined relative to the front-to-back direction. The front end of the sixth flow path 23F connects to the upper end of the fifth flow path 23E. Exhaust gas flowing from the fifth flow path 23E into the sixth flow path 23F flows towards the rear end of the sixth flow path 23F.

[0055] The seventh flow path 23G is located at the lower end of the left side plate 13L. The seventh flow path 23G faces rearward and is inclined upward. The front end of the seventh flow path 23G is connected to the left end of the fourth flow path 23D. The exhaust gas flowing into the seventh flow path 23G from the fourth flow path 23D flows towards the rear end of the seventh flow path 23G.

[0056] The rear ends of the first flow path 23A, the third flow path 23C, the sixth flow path 23F, and the seventh flow path 23G are respectively connected to the exhaust port 22 via flow paths provided on the lower surface of the base plate 12. The exhaust gas that has flowed through the flow path 23 is discharged from the exhaust port 22 to the bottom of the base plate 12.

[0057] The exhaust gas supplied from engine 6 to inlet 21 is branched into first flow path 23A and second flow path 23B. This reduces the exhaust resistance of engine 6 and suppresses the deterioration of the fuel consumption rate of engine 6.

[0058] [The flow of exhaust gases]

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the dump truck 1. (As shown) Figure 3 As shown, the dump truck 1 includes an engine 6, a duct 24, an after-treatment device 15, a duct 25, an unloading vehicle body 10, an exhaust gas flow sensor 16, an exhaust gas temperature sensor 17, an external air temperature sensor 18, a cargo weight sensor 19, a controller 60, and an output device 35.

[0060] The duct 24 connects the exhaust outlet 6B of the engine 6 to the exhaust inlet 15A of the aftertreatment device 15. The exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust outlet 6B of the engine 6 flows through the duct 24 and is supplied to the aftertreatment device 15.

[0061] The aftertreatment device 15 purifies the exhaust gas discharged from the engine 6. An example of the aftertreatment device 15 is a urea SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system that uses a selective catalyst and a reducing agent to reduce and purify the nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas.

[0062] The conduit 25 connects the exhaust outlet 15B of the post-treatment device 15 to the inlet 21 of the unloading vehicle body 10. The exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust outlet 15B of the post-treatment device 15 flows through the conduit 25 and is supplied to the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10.

[0063] The exhaust gas discharged from the aftertreatment device 15 and flowing into the flow path 23 through the inlet 21 flows through the flow path 23 and is then discharged from the exhaust port 22.

[0064] The exhaust gas flow sensor 16 detects the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10. In this embodiment, the exhaust gas flow sensor 16 is disposed near the exhaust gas outlet 6B of the engine 6 to detect the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing out of the exhaust gas outlet 6B of the engine 6. It should be noted that the exhaust gas flow sensor 16 can also be disposed in the middle of the duct 24, near the exhaust gas inlet 15A of the aftertreatment device 15, near the exhaust gas outlet 15B of the aftertreatment device 15, or in the middle of the duct 25. The exhaust gas flow sensor 16 can also be disposed near the inlet 21 of the unloading vehicle body 10 to detect the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the inlet 21.

[0065] The exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 detects the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10. In this embodiment, the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 is disposed near the inlet 21 of the unloading vehicle body 10 to detect the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the inlet 21. It should be noted that the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 can also be disposed near the exhaust gas outlet 6B of the engine 6 to detect the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing out of the engine 6. The exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 can be disposed in the middle of the duct 24, or near the exhaust gas inlet 15A of the aftertreatment device 15, or near the exhaust gas outlet 15B of the aftertreatment device 15, or in the middle of the duct 25.

[0066] An external air temperature sensor 18 detects the temperature of the external air surrounding the unloading vehicle body 10. The external air temperature sensor 18 is, for example, disposed on the upper part of the vehicle body 2. Before exhaust gas is supplied to the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10, the temperature of the external air is substantially equal to the temperature of the unloading vehicle body 10. The external air temperature sensor 18 can detect the temperature of the unloading vehicle body 10 before exhaust gas is supplied to the flow path 23 by detecting the temperature of the external air.

[0067] The cargo weight sensor 19 detects the weight of the cargo loaded onto the unloading vehicle 10. The running gear 3 has suspension cylinders that support the rear wheels 4. In this embodiment, the cargo weight sensor 19 is disposed on the suspension cylinders. The weight of the unloading vehicle 10 is known data. The cargo weight sensor 19 can detect the weight of the cargo loaded onto the unloading vehicle 10 by detecting the weight of the unloading vehicle 10.

[0068] The controller 60 includes a computer system. The controller 60 is mounted on the vehicle body 2.

[0069] Output device 35 outputs prescribed output data. Output device 35 is disposed inside the driver's cab 9. Output device 35 provides output data to the driver riding in the driver's cab 9. In an embodiment, output device 35 includes a display device. The display device displays the output data.

[0070] [Cockpit]

[0071] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the interior of the driver's cab 9 according to the embodiment. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, the cab 9 is equipped with a driver's seat 31, a steering wheel 32, an accelerator pedal 33, a brake pedal 34, an output device 35, and an operating device 40.

[0072] Inside the cab 9, a cigarette lighter 36, a power window switch 37, a side light switch 38, and a selector switch 39 are located on the right side of the operating device 40. The selector switch 39 can be, for example, a fog light switch or a turn signal switch.

[0073] The driver of the dump truck 1 sits in the driver's seat 31. The steering wheel 32 is operated by the driver to change the direction of travel of the dump truck 1. By operating the steering wheel 32, the front wheels 4 turn. The accelerator pedal 33 is operated by the driver to accelerate the driving device 3. By operating the accelerator pedal 33, the rotational speed of the rear wheels 4 increases, and the driving device 3 accelerates. The brake pedal 34 is operated by the driver to decelerate or stop the driving device 3.

[0074] The output device 35 provides the driver with prescribed output data. The output device 35 includes a display device that displays the output data. The output device 35 includes a display 71 that displays the output data and a display controller 72. The display 71 may be a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OELD).

[0075] The operating device 40 is operated by the driver. The operating device 40 includes a gear shift lever 42, a lift switch 43, a parking brake switch 44, and a lift switch locking knob 45.

[0076] The shift lever 42 is operated to change the speed gear of the travel device 3. Additionally, the shift lever 42 is operated to switch between forward and reverse movement of the dump truck 1. The lift switch 43 is operated to drive the lift cylinder 7. By operating the lift switch 43, the unloading vehicle 10 performs an unloading action. The parking brake switch 44 is operated to engage the parking brake of the dump truck 1. The lift switch locking knob 45 is operated to disable the lift switch 43.

[0077] [Work Site]

[0078] Figure 5 This diagram schematically illustrates the work site 50 where the dump truck 1 operates according to an embodiment. The dump truck 1 is a self-propelled off-road dump truck operating at the work site 50. In this embodiment, the work site 50 is a mine. A mine refers to a site where minerals are extracted.

[0079] The work site 50 includes a loading area 51, a dumping area 52, and a transport road 53. The loading area 51 is the area where a loader 54, such as a hydraulic excavator, performs the loading operation of loading goods into the unloading body 10 of a dump truck 1. The dumping area 52 is the area where the dump truck 1 performs the dumping operation of discharging goods from the unloading body 10. The transport road 53 is the passageway connecting the loading area 51 and the dumping area 52 for the dump truck 1. The dump truck 1 travels back and forth on the transport road 53 between the loading area 51 and the dumping area 52.

[0080] [State Inference System]

[0081] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the state inference system 100 according to an embodiment. The state inference system 100 is mounted on a dump truck 1. Based on the detection data from the exhaust gas flow sensor 16 and the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17, the state inference system 100 infers the vehicle body temperature Te, which represents the temperature of a predetermined location MP on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 that is in contact with the cargo. Furthermore, based on the inferred vehicle body temperature Te, the state inference system 100 determines whether the unloading operation of the unloading vehicle body 10 is appropriate.

[0082] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a defined portion MP of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 in the embodiment. As described above, in the unloading vehicle body 10, the loading space for loading goods is defined between the rear surface of the front panel 11, the bottom surface of the bottom panel 12, and the inner surface of the side panel 13. The inner surfaces of the unloading vehicle body 10 that come into contact with the goods include the rear surface of the front panel 11, the bottom surface of the bottom panel 12, and the inner surface of the side panel 13.

[0083] The designated location MP is a temperature prediction point on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10, where the temperature is predicted by the state prediction system 100. Multiple designated locations MP are specified on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10. For example... Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the designated location MP is defined at 10 points on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10. At least a portion of the designated locations MP are defined near the flow path 23.

[0084] The first specified part MP1, the second specified part MP2, and the third specified part MP3 among the multiple specified parts MP are respectively specified at the upper end of the front plate 11. In the left-right direction, the first specified part MP1 is specified at the right end of the front plate 11, the second specified part MP2 is specified at the center of the front plate 11, and the third specified part MP3 is specified at the left end of the front plate 11.

[0085] The fourth specified part MP4, the fifth specified part MP5, and the sixth specified part MP6 among the multiple specified parts MP are respectively specified at the lower end of the front plate 11. In the left-right direction, the fourth specified part MP4 is specified at the right end of the front plate 11, the fifth specified part MP5 is specified at the center of the front plate 11, and the sixth specified part MP6 is specified at the left end of the front plate 11.

[0086] The seventh specified part MP7 and the eighth specified part MP8 among the multiple specified parts MP are respectively specified at the lower end of the right side plate 13R. In the front-rear direction, the seventh specified part MP7 is specified at the center of the right side plate 13R, and the eighth specified part MP8 is specified at the rear of the right side plate 13R.

[0087] The ninth specified part MP9 and the tenth specified part MP10 among the multiple specified parts MP are respectively specified at the lower end of the left side plate 13L. In the front-rear direction, the ninth specified part MP9 is specified at the center of the left side plate 13L, and the tenth specified part MP10 is specified at the rear of the left side plate 13L.

[0088] It should be noted that the specified location MP may not be specified at 10 locations on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10, or it may be specified at any number of locations.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the state inference system 100 includes an exhaust gas flow sensor 16, an exhaust gas temperature sensor 17, an external air temperature sensor 18, a cargo weight sensor 19, a controller 60, and an output device 35.

[0090] The controller 60 includes a vehicle body characteristic storage unit 61, a cargo characteristic storage unit 62, an exhaust gas flow acquisition unit 63, an exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit 64, an outside air temperature acquisition unit 65, a cargo weight acquisition unit 66, a vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67, a cargo status estimation unit 68, and a proper unloading judgment unit 69.

[0091] The output device 35 includes a display 71 and a display controller 72. The display controller 72 includes a vehicle body temperature display 73 and a display 74 indicating whether unloading is appropriate.

[0092] The vehicle body characteristic storage unit 61 stores vehicle body characteristics Cb representing the characteristics of the unloading vehicle body 10. Examples of vehicle body characteristics Cb include the shape, dimensions, material, and thermal characteristics of the unloading vehicle body 10. Examples of thermal characteristics of the unloading vehicle body 10 include its heat capacity and heat transfer rate. Vehicle body characteristics Cb are known data based on the specifications of the dump truck 1. Vehicle body characteristics Cb are pre-stored in the vehicle body characteristic storage unit 61.

[0093] The cargo characteristic storage unit 62 stores cargo characteristics Cs that represent the characteristics of the cargo loaded onto the unloading vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the cargo includes sand. Examples of cargo characteristics Cs include the material properties (soil quality), moisture content (dampness), and temperature of the cargo. Examples of material properties include the composition and specific gravity of the cargo. The cargo characteristics Cs are known data obtained from a preliminary survey of the loading yard 51. The cargo characteristics Cs are pre-stored in the cargo characteristic storage unit 62. The cargo characteristics Cs can also be set and stored in the cargo characteristic storage unit 62 for each loading yard 51. In addition, the cargo characteristics Cs can also be sent from the management computer of the control facility and stored in the cargo characteristic storage unit 62 each time the cargo is moved to a different loading yard 51.

[0094] The exhaust gas flow acquisition unit 63 acquires the detection data from the exhaust gas flow sensor 16. The exhaust gas flow sensor 16 detects the flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10. The exhaust gas flow acquisition unit 63 acquires the exhaust gas flow rate Df, which is the detection data of the flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10, as detected by the exhaust gas flow sensor 16.

[0095] The exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit 64 acquires the detection data from the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17. The exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 detects the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10. The exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit 64 acquires the exhaust gas temperature Dt, which is the detection data indicating the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10, as detected by the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17. The exhaust gas temperature Dt is, for example, 400°C.

[0096] The external air temperature acquisition unit 65 acquires the detection data from the external air temperature sensor 18. The external air temperature sensor 18 detects the temperature of the external air surrounding the unloading vehicle body 10. The external air temperature acquisition unit 65 acquires the external air temperature Do, which is the detection data indicating the temperature of the external air surrounding the unloading vehicle body 10, as detected by the external air temperature sensor 18.

[0097] The cargo weight acquisition unit 66 acquires the detection data from the cargo weight sensor 19. The cargo weight sensor 19 detects the weight of the cargo loaded on the unloading vehicle 10. The cargo weight acquisition unit 66 acquires the cargo weight Da, which is the detection data indicating the weight of the cargo loaded on the unloading vehicle 10, as detected by the cargo weight sensor 19.

[0098] The vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the vehicle body temperature Te, which represents the temperature of a predetermined portion MP on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 that comes into contact with the cargo, based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and the exhaust gas temperature Dt. (See reference...) Figure 7 As explained, multiple designated locations MP are defined on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10. The vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the vehicle body temperature Te at each of the multiple designated locations MP.

[0099] In this embodiment, the vehicle body temperature inference unit 67 stores relevant data (mapping data) of exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, and vehicle body temperature Te. This relevant data can be prepared in advance based on experiments or simulations. The vehicle body temperature inference unit 67 infers the vehicle body temperature Te by comparing the exhaust gas flow rate Df detected by the exhaust gas flow rate sensor 16 and the exhaust gas temperature Dt detected by the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 with the relevant data. If the relevant data is discrete, the vehicle body temperature Te can also be inferred through interpolation.

[0100] It should be noted that when the vehicle body temperature inference unit 67 stores the simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10, the vehicle body temperature inference unit 67 can also perform numerical analysis on the simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10 based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and the exhaust gas temperature Dt, thereby inferring the vehicle body temperature Te.

[0101] Furthermore, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the time required, Pr, for the vehicle body temperature Te to reach a predetermined temperature, Tp, based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and the exhaust gas temperature Dt. The predetermined temperature, Tp, for the vehicle body temperature Te is, for example, 120°C. If, for example, the vehicle body temperature Te is estimated to be 30°C, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the time required, Pr, for the vehicle body temperature Te to reach 120°C from 30°C.

[0102] In this embodiment, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 stores relevant data (mapping data) including exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, vehicle body temperature Te, and required time Pr. This relevant data can be prepared in advance based on experiments or simulations. The vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the required time Pr by comparing the exhaust gas flow rate Df detected by the exhaust gas flow rate sensor 16 and the exhaust gas temperature Dt detected by the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 with the relevant data.

[0103] It should be noted that when the vehicle body temperature inference unit 67 stores the simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10, the vehicle body temperature inference unit 67 can also perform numerical analysis on the simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10 based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and the exhaust gas temperature Dt, thereby inferring the required time Pr.

[0104] It should be noted that the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can also estimate the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, and outside air temperature Do. As described above, before exhaust gas is supplied to the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10, the temperature of the outside air is substantially equal to the temperature of the unloading vehicle body 10. That is, the outside air temperature Do is substantially equal to the temperature of the unloading vehicle body 10 before exhaust gas is supplied to the flow path 23. Therefore, the outside air temperature Do can be regarded as the initial value of the vehicle body temperature Te before exhaust gas is supplied to the flow path 23. The vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can estimate the required time Pr with high accuracy based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, and outside air temperature Do. When relevant data of exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, vehicle body temperature Te, and required time Pr are generated, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can estimate the required time Pr by comparing the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, and outside air temperature Do with the relevant data. Furthermore, when the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 stores a simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 performs numerical analysis on the simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10 based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, the exhaust gas temperature Dt, and the external air temperature Do, thereby estimating the required time Pr.

[0105] It should be noted that the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can also estimate the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and vehicle body characteristic Cb. The required time Pr may vary depending on the vehicle body characteristic Cb. For example, if the vehicle body characteristic Cb indicates that the heat from the exhaust gas flowing in the flow path 23 is easily transferred to the designated location MP, the required time Pr is likely to be shorter. If the vehicle body characteristic Cb indicates that the heat from the exhaust gas flowing in the flow path 23 is difficult to transfer to the designated location MP, the required time Pr is likely to be longer. Therefore, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can estimate the required time Pr with higher accuracy based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and vehicle body characteristic Cb. Given data on exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, vehicle body characteristics Cb, vehicle body temperature Te, and required time Pr, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can estimate the required time Pr by comparing the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and vehicle body characteristics Cb with the relevant data. Furthermore, if the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 stores a simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10, it can estimate the required time Pr by performing numerical analysis on the simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10 based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and vehicle body characteristics Cb.

[0106] It should be noted that when the unloading vehicle 10 is loaded with cargo, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can also estimate the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and cargo characteristics Cs. The required time Pr may vary depending on the cargo characteristics Cs. For example, if the cargo has low moisture content or high temperature, the required time Pr is more likely to be shorter. If the cargo has high moisture content or low temperature, the required time Pr is more likely to be longer. Therefore, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can estimate the required time Pr with higher accuracy based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and cargo characteristics Cs. When relevant data on exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, cargo characteristics Cs, vehicle body temperature Te, and required time Pr are available, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can estimate the required time Pr by comparing the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and cargo characteristics Cs with the relevant data. Furthermore, when the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 stores a simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 performs numerical analysis on the simulation model of the unloading vehicle body 10 based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, external air temperature Do, and cargo characteristics Cs, thereby estimating the required time Pr.

[0107] It should be noted that the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can also estimate the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, vehicle body characteristics Cb, and cargo characteristics Cs.

[0108] It should be noted that if the probability of the vehicle body characteristic Cb being constant is high, the vehicle body characteristic storage unit 61 can be omitted. That is, the vehicle body characteristic Cb can be considered in advance in the relevant data mentioned above, and the vehicle body characteristic Cb can also be considered in advance in the simulation model mentioned above.

[0109] The cargo status inference unit 68 infers the cargo volume Vc and the contact area Ac between the cargo and the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 based on the cargo weight Da.

[0110] The unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines the suitability of the unloading operation of the unloading vehicle 10 based on the vehicle body temperature Te. The unloading suitability determination unit 69 also infers the dryness of the goods based on the vehicle body temperature Te. When the goods are wet, even if the unloading operation is performed, at least a portion of the goods may remain attached to the inner surface of the unloading vehicle 10, preventing them from being discharged. If the unloading vehicle 10 is heated by the exhaust gas flowing in the flow path 23, the goods are dried, and adhesion to the inner surface of the unloading vehicle 10 is suppressed. When the vehicle body temperature Te is high, the unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines that the goods are dry, and that the goods are discharged from the unloading vehicle 10 without adhering to the inner surface during the unloading operation. In other words, when the vehicle body temperature Te is high, the unloading operation is deemed to be performed appropriately. If the vehicle body temperature Te is low, the unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines that the goods have not yet been dried, and determines that at least a portion of the goods are attached to the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 and are not discharged from the unloading vehicle body 10 when the unloading action is performed. That is, if the vehicle body temperature Te is low, the unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines that the unloading action is not performed properly.

[0111] In this embodiment, the unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines that the goods have not yet been dried and that the unloading operation is inappropriate when the vehicle body temperature Te is less than the specified temperature Tp. The unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines that the goods have been dried and that the unloading operation is appropriate when the vehicle body temperature Te is above the specified temperature Tp. As described above, the specified temperature Tp is, for example, 120°C.

[0112] It should be noted that the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine the suitability of the unloading operation based on the elapsed time Pt ​​from when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp. At the point when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp, the goods may not yet be dry. Therefore, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine that the goods have been dried and that the unloading operation was performed appropriately if the elapsed time Pt ​​from when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp exceeds a predetermined time Pp.

[0113] It should be noted that the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine the suitability of the unloading operation based on the vehicle body temperature Te and the cargo characteristics Cs. For example, when the cargo has low moisture content, the likelihood of the cargo being dried is high when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp. When the cargo has high moisture content, the likelihood of the cargo not being dried is high when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp. Therefore, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can, for example, change the specified time Pp based on the cargo characteristics Cs. When the cargo has low moisture content, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 shortens the specified time Pp. When the cargo has high moisture content, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 extends the specified time Pp. The unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine that the cargo has been dried and that the unloading operation is appropriate when the elapsed time Pt ​​from when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp exceeds the changed specified time Pp.

[0114] It should be noted that the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine the suitability of the unloading operation based on the vehicle body temperature Te, cargo characteristics Cs, cargo volume Vc, and cargo contact area Ac. For example, if the cargo volume Vc is small or the cargo contact area Ac is small, the cargo is likely to be dry when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp. If the cargo volume Vc is large or the cargo contact area Ac is large, the cargo is likely not to be dry when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp. Therefore, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can, for example, change the specified time Pp based on the cargo characteristics Cs, cargo volume Vc, and cargo contact area Ac. If the cargo has low moisture content, low cargo volume Vc, or low cargo contact area Ac, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 shortens the specified time Pp. If the cargo has high moisture content, high cargo volume Vc, or high cargo contact area Ac, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 extends the specified time Pp. The unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine that the goods have been dried and that the unloading action has been properly implemented when the elapsed time Pt ​​from when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp exceeds the revised specified time Pp.

[0115] The display 71 includes a screen that displays data. The display 71 is located inside the driver's cab 9.

[0116] The display controller 72 includes a computer system configured on the output device 35. The display controller 72 causes display data to be displayed as output data on the monitor 71.

[0117] The vehicle body temperature display unit 73 displays the vehicle body temperature Te, which is inferred by the vehicle body temperature inference unit 67, on the display 71. By checking the vehicle body temperature Te displayed on the display 71, the driver can identify the heating status of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10.

[0118] The unloading suitability display unit 74 displays the judgment result of the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 on the display 71. By confirming whether the unloading action displayed on the display 71 is appropriate, the driver can perform the unloading action of the unloading vehicle 10 at the appropriate time.

[0119] [State Inference Method]

[0120] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the state deduction method of the embodiment. When the engine 6 is started, exhaust gas is discharged from the engine 6. The exhaust gas discharged from the engine 6 is supplied to the flow path 23. The flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 is detected by the exhaust gas flow sensor 16. The temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 is detected by the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17. The exhaust gas flow acquisition unit 63 acquires the exhaust gas flow rate Df from the exhaust gas flow sensor 16. The exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit 64 acquires the exhaust gas temperature Dt from the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 (step S1).

[0121] In addition, the temperature of the external air surrounding the unloading vehicle body 10 at the time of engine 6 startup is detected by the external air temperature sensor 18. The external air temperature acquisition unit 65 acquires the external air temperature Do at the time of engine 6 startup from the external air temperature sensor 18. The external air temperature Do at the time of engine 6 startup is substantially equal to the temperature of the unloading vehicle body 10 before it is heated by the exhaust gas. The external air temperature Do can be regarded as the initial value of the vehicle body temperature Te before the unloading vehicle body 10 is heated by the exhaust gas.

[0122] The vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the vehicle body temperature Te at a predetermined location MP on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and exhaust gas temperature Dt obtained in step S1. Additionally, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the time Pr required for the vehicle body temperature Te to reach a predetermined temperature Tp (step S2) based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and exhaust gas temperature Dt obtained in step S1.

[0123] It should be noted that, as described above, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can also estimate the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, and outside air temperature Do. The vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can also estimate the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and vehicle body characteristics Cb. When the unloading vehicle body 10 is loaded with cargo, the vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 can also estimate the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, outside air temperature Do, and cargo characteristics Cs.

[0124] The vehicle body temperature display unit 73 displays the vehicle body temperature Te, which was deduced in step S2, on the display 71. It should be noted that the vehicle body temperature display unit 73 can also display the required time Pr, which was deduced in step S2, on the display 71 (step S3).

[0125] The dump truck 1 loads goods into the unloading vehicle 10 by performing a loading operation at the loading yard 51. With the goods loaded in the unloading vehicle 10, the dump truck 1 travels from the loading yard 51 toward the spoil heap 52 on the transport road 53.

[0126] For example, when the dump truck 1 is traveling on the transport road 53, the unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines whether the unloading action of the unloading truck body 10 is appropriate based on the vehicle body temperature Te inferred in step S2 (step S4).

[0127] In this implementation, the unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines that the goods have not yet been dried and that the unloading operation is inappropriate when the vehicle body temperature Te is less than the specified temperature Tp. Conversely, the unloading suitability determination unit 69 determines that the goods have been dried and that the unloading operation is appropriate when the vehicle body temperature Te is above the specified temperature Tp.

[0128] It should be noted that, as described above, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine the suitability of the unloading operation based on the elapsed time Pt ​​from when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp. The unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine that the goods have been dried and that the unloading operation has been performed appropriately when the elapsed time Pt ​​from when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp exceeds a predetermined time Pp.

[0129] It should be noted that, as described above, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine the suitability of the unloading operation based on the vehicle body temperature Te and the cargo characteristics Cs. When the cargo weight acquisition unit 66 obtains the cargo weight Da, and the cargo state inference unit 68 infers the cargo volume Vc and the cargo contact area Ac, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can also determine the suitability of the unloading operation based on the vehicle body temperature Te, the cargo characteristics Cs, the cargo volume Vc, and the cargo contact area Ac.

[0130] If it is determined in step S4 that the unloading operation is performed appropriately, that is, if it is determined that the cargo is prevented from adhering to the inner surface of the unloading vehicle 10 after the unloading operation is performed (step S4: yes), the unloading appropriateness display unit 74 displays the content that the unloading operation is performed appropriately on the display 71 (step S5).

[0131] The driver of the dump truck 1 can carry out the unloading action of the unloading vehicle body 10 after the dump truck 1 arrives at the spoil heap 52 by confirming the display 71 and recognizing that the unloading action is carried out properly.

[0132] If in step S4 it is determined that the unloading action is not properly implemented, that is, if it is determined that there is a high probability that at least part of the cargo will be attached to the inner surface of the unloading vehicle 10 after the unloading action is performed (step S4: no), the unloading appropriateness display unit 74 displays the content of the unloading action not being properly implemented on the display 71 (step S6).

[0133] The driver of the dump truck 1 can wait for the unloading action to be carried out after confirming the display 71 and recognizing that the unloading action is inappropriate, until it is determined that the unloading action is appropriate.

[0134] [Computer Systems]

[0135] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 1000 according to an embodiment. The controller 60 and display controller 72 described above each comprise the computer system 1000. The computer system 1000 includes a processor 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory 1002 including non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage device 1003, and an interface 1004 including input / output circuitry. The functions of the controller 60 and display controller 72 are stored as computer programs in the storage device 1003. The processor 1001 reads the computer program from the storage device 1003, expands it in the main memory 1002, and executes the aforementioned processing according to the computer program. It should be noted that the computer program can also be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

[0136] The computer program or computer system 1000 can perform the following steps according to the above-described implementation method: detect the flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10; detect the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23; obtain the exhaust gas flow rate Df, which represents the detection data of the exhaust gas flow rate; obtain the exhaust gas temperature Dt, which represents the detection data of the exhaust gas temperature; and infer the vehicle body temperature Te, which represents the temperature of a predetermined part MP on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 that is in contact with the cargo, based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and the exhaust gas temperature Dt.

[0137] In addition, the computer program or computer system 1000 can perform the following steps according to the above-described implementation method: determine whether the unloading action of the unloading vehicle 10 is appropriate based on the vehicle body temperature Te.

[0138] [Effect]

[0139] As explained above, in this embodiment, the state inference system 100 includes: an exhaust gas flow rate acquisition unit 63, which acquires exhaust gas flow rate Df, which is detection data representing the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23 of the unloading vehicle body 10; an exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit 64, which acquires exhaust gas temperature Dt, which is detection data representing the temperature of exhaust gas flowing into the flow path 23; and a vehicle body temperature inference unit 67, which infers vehicle body temperature Te, which represents the temperature of a predetermined portion MP of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 that is in contact with the cargo, based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and the exhaust gas temperature Dt.

[0140] Therefore, even without installing a temperature sensor on the unloading vehicle body 10 to detect the temperature of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10, the vehicle body temperature Te of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 can be obtained. In addition, according to the embodiment, instead of inferring the temperature (temperature distribution) of the entire inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10, the vehicle body temperature Te of a specified part MP is inferred, thus suppressing the increase in the computational load of the controller 60.

[0141] Multiple designated locations MP are defined on the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10. The vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the vehicle body temperature Te of each of the multiple designated locations MP. Thus, the approximate temperature distribution of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 is estimated.

[0142] The vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67 estimates the time Pr required for the vehicle body temperature Te to reach the specified temperature Tp based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df and the exhaust gas temperature Dt. This allows the driver to identify the required time Pr. Furthermore, the driver can identify the approximate time until the goods are dried.

[0143] The state inference system 100 includes an external air temperature acquisition unit 65 that acquires external air temperature Do, which is the detection data representing the temperature of the external air surrounding the unloading vehicle body 10. Therefore, the vehicle body temperature inference unit 67 can accurately infer the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, the exhaust gas temperature Dt, and the external air temperature Do.

[0144] The state inference system 100 also includes a vehicle characteristic storage unit 61 that stores vehicle characteristic Cb representing the characteristics of the unloading vehicle body 10. Therefore, the vehicle body temperature inference unit 67 can accurately infer the required time Pr based on the exhaust gas flow rate Df, exhaust gas temperature Dt, external air temperature Do, and vehicle characteristic Cb.

[0145] The status inference system 100 includes a vehicle body temperature display unit 73 that displays the vehicle body temperature Te on a display 71 located inside the cab 9 of the dump truck 1. This allows the driver to confirm the vehicle body temperature Te displayed on the display 71 and identify the heating status of the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10.

[0146] The state inference system 100 includes an unloading suitability determination unit 69 that determines the suitability of the unloading action of the unloading vehicle 10 based on the vehicle body temperature Te. As a result, the driver can perform the unloading action at the appropriate time based on the determination result of the unloading suitability determination unit 69.

[0147] The unloading suitability judgment unit 69 determines the suitability of the unloading operation based on the elapsed time Pt ​​from when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp. At the point when the vehicle body temperature Te reaches the specified temperature Tp, the goods may not yet be dry. Based on the elapsed time Pt, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can appropriately determine whether the unloading operation of the unloading vehicle 10 is appropriate.

[0148] The state inference system 100 includes a cargo characteristic storage unit 62 that stores cargo characteristics Cs representing the characteristics of the cargo. Therefore, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can appropriately determine whether the unloading operation is appropriate based on the vehicle body temperature Te and the cargo characteristics Cs.

[0149] The state inference system 100 further includes: a cargo weight acquisition unit 66, which acquires cargo weight Da, a detection data representing the weight of cargo loaded on the unloading vehicle body 10; and a cargo state inference unit 68, which infers the cargo volume Vc and the contact area Ac between the cargo and the inner surface of the unloading vehicle body 10 based on the cargo weight Da. Therefore, the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 can appropriately determine whether the unloading operation is appropriate based on the vehicle body temperature Te, cargo characteristics Cs, cargo volume Vc, and cargo contact area Ac.

[0150] The status inference system 100 includes an unloading suitability display unit 74 that displays the judgment result of the unloading suitability judgment unit 69 on a display 71 located inside the cab 9 of the dump truck 1. As a result, the driver can confirm whether the unloading operation displayed on the display 71 is appropriate and can perform the unloading operation of the unloading truck 10 at the appropriate time.

[0151] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0152] In the above embodiment, the output device 35 is configured to include a display device. The output device 35 may also include a sound output device. The sound output device outputs sound data as output data. For example, it may also output the vehicle body temperature Te and the judgment result of whether the unloading action is appropriate as sound data.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the controller 60 is configured to have the functions of a vehicle body characteristic storage unit 61, a cargo characteristic storage unit 62, an exhaust gas flow acquisition unit 63, an exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit 64, an outside air temperature acquisition unit 65, a cargo weight acquisition unit 66, a vehicle body temperature estimation unit 67, a cargo status estimation unit 68, and an unloading suitability judgment unit 69, respectively. The display controller 72 has the functions of a vehicle body temperature display unit 73 and an unloading suitability display unit 74. Alternatively, at least a portion of the functions of the controller 60 may be incorporated into the display controller 72, or at least a portion of the functions of the display controller 72 may be incorporated into the controller 60. Furthermore, the controller 60 and the display controller 72 may be integrated into one unit. Alternatively, the vehicle body characteristic storage unit 61, cargo characteristic storage unit 62, exhaust gas flow acquisition unit 63, exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit 64, outside air temperature acquisition unit 65, cargo weight acquisition unit 66, vehicle body temperature inference unit 67, cargo status inference unit 68, unloading suitability judgment unit 69, vehicle body temperature display unit 73, and unloading suitability display unit 74 may each be composed of different hardware (computer systems).

[0154] In the above embodiments, the external computer configured outside the dump truck 1 may also have at least some of the functions of the controller 60. A cloud server is an example of such an external computer. For instance, the detection data from the exhaust gas flow sensor 16 and the exhaust gas temperature sensor 17 may be transmitted to the external computer via a wireless communication network, and the external computer may calculate the vehicle body temperature Te or determine whether the unloading action is appropriate. Alternatively, the calculated vehicle body temperature Te and the determination of the appropriateness of the unloading action may be transmitted to the dump truck 1 via a wireless communication network and output from the output device 35.

[0155] In the above-described embodiment, the dump truck 1 is assumed to be a manned dump truck operated by a driver. The dump truck 1 can also be an unmanned dump truck operating based on control commands sent from the management computer of the control facility. Furthermore, the dump truck 1 can also be a cabless dump truck without a driver's cab 9. Additionally, the output device 35 can be omitted. In this case, the output device 35 can also be installed in the control facility. Furthermore, in the case of an unmanned dump truck, control can be implemented by determining whether the unloading is appropriate using the unloading suitability determination unit 69, so that the unloading operation cannot be performed.

[0156] In the above embodiments, the dump truck 1 is configured as a rigid frame type. The dump truck 1 can also be an articulated type.

[0157] In the above embodiments, the dump truck 1 is configured to discharge goods from the rear. The dump truck 1 can also be configured to discharge goods from the unloading vehicle body 10 by tilting the unloading vehicle body 10 to the left or right.

[0158] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0159] 1…Dump truck; 2…Body; 3…Driving device; 4…Wheel; 5…Tire; 6…Engine; 6B…Exhaust outlet; 7…Lifting cylinder; 8…Bracket; 8P…Swivel pin; 9…Cab; 10…Unloading vehicle body; 11…Front plate; 12…Bottom plate; 13…Side plate; 13R…Right side plate; 13L…Left side plate; 14…Protective plate; 15…After-treatment device; 15A…Exhaust inlet; 15B…Exhaust outlet; 16…Exhaust flow sensor; 17…Exhaust temperature sensor; 18…Outside air temperature sensor; 19…Cargo weight sensor; 21…Inlet; 22…Exhaust port; 23…Flow path; 23A…First flow path ; 23B…Second flow path; 23C…Third flow path; 23D…Fourth flow path; 23E…Fifth flow path; 23F…Sixth flow path; 23G…Seventh flow path; 24…Conduit; 25…Conduit; 31…Driver's seat; 32…Steering wheel; 33…Accelerator pedal; 34…Brake pedal; 35…Output device; 36…Cigarette lighter; 37…Power window switch; 38…Side light switch; 39…Selector switch; 40…Operating device; 42…Gear shift lever; 43…Lift switch; 44…Parking brake switch; 45…Lift switch locking knob; 50…Work site; 51…Loading area; 52…Soil dumping area; 53…Transportation path; 54…Loading Machine; 60… Controller; 61… Vehicle body characteristic storage unit; 62… Cargo characteristic storage unit; 63… Exhaust gas flow acquisition unit; 64… Exhaust gas temperature acquisition unit; 65… Outside air temperature acquisition unit; 66… Cargo weight acquisition unit; 67… Vehicle body temperature estimation unit; 68… Cargo status estimation unit; 69… Unloading suitability judgment unit; 71… Display; 72… Display controller; 73… Vehicle body temperature display unit; 74… Unloading suitability display unit; 100… Status estimation system; 1000… Computer system; 1001… Processor; 1002… Main memory; 1003… Storage device; 1004… Interface; Ac… Contact surface Volume; Cb…Carriage characteristics; Cs…Cargo characteristics; Da…Cargo weight; Df…Exhaust gas flow rate; Do…Outdoor air temperature; Dt…Exhaust gas temperature; MP…Specified location; MP1…First specified location; MP2…Second specified location; MP3…Third specified location; MP4…Fourth specified location; MP5…Fifth specified location; MP6…Sixth specified location; MP7…Seventh specified location; MP8…Eighth specified location; MP9…Ninth specified location; MP10…Tenth specified location; Pp…Specified time; Pr…Required time; Pt…Elapsed time; Te…Carriage temperature; Tp…Specified temperature; Vc…Volume.

Claims

1. A state inferring system that is a state inferring system of a dump truck, the dump truck having an engine and a dump body having a flow path through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows and loaded with a cargo, wherein the state inferring system comprises: an exhaust gas flow amount acquisition section that acquires an exhaust gas flow amount that is detection data indicating a flow amount of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path; an exhaust gas temperature acquisition section that acquires an exhaust gas temperature that is detection data indicating a temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path; and a body temperature inferring section that infers a body temperature indicating a temperature of a prescribed portion of an inner surface of the dump body that contacts the cargo, based on the exhaust gas flow amount and the exhaust gas temperature.

2. The state inferring system according to claim 1, wherein the prescribed portion is prescribed a plurality of on the inner surface, the body temperature inferring section infers a body temperature of each of the plurality of prescribed portions.

3. The state inferring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body temperature inferring section infers a required time until the body temperature reaches a prescribed temperature, based on the exhaust gas flow amount and the exhaust gas temperature.

4. The state inferring system according to claim 3, wherein the state inferring system comprises an outside air temperature acquisition section that acquires an outside air temperature that is detection data indicating a temperature of outside air around the dump body, the body temperature inferring section infers the required time based on the exhaust gas flow amount, the exhaust gas temperature, and the outside air temperature.

5. The state inferring system according to claim 4, wherein the state inferring system comprises a body characteristic storage section that stores a body characteristic indicating a characteristic of the dump body, the body temperature inferring section infers the required time based on the exhaust gas flow amount, the exhaust gas temperature, the outside air temperature, and the body characteristic.

6. The state inferring system according to claim 4, wherein the state inferring system comprises a cargo characteristic storage section that stores a cargo characteristic indicating a characteristic of the cargo, the body temperature inferring section infers the required time based on the exhaust gas flow amount, the exhaust gas temperature, the outside air temperature, and the cargo characteristic.

7. The state inferring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the state inferring system comprises a body temperature display section that causes a display disposed inside a cab of the dump truck to display the body temperature.

8. The state inferring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the state inferring system comprises a dump propriety judging section that judges propriety of a dump operation of the dump body based on the body temperature.

9. The state inferring system according to claim 8, wherein the dump propriety judging section judges propriety of the dump operation based on an elapsed time from when the body temperature reaches a prescribed temperature.

10. The state inferring system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The state inferring system includes a cargo characteristic storage unit that stores a cargo characteristic indicating a characteristic of the cargo, The discharge propriety judging unit judges propriety or impropriety of the discharge operation based on the vehicle body temperature and the cargo characteristic.

11. The state inferring system according to claim 10, wherein The state inferring system includes: a cargo weight acquisition unit that acquires a cargo weight indicating a weight of the cargo loaded on the discharge vehicle body; and a cargo state inferring unit that infers a volume of the cargo and a contact area of the cargo with an inner surface of the discharge vehicle body based on the cargo weight, The discharge propriety judging unit judges propriety or impropriety of the discharge operation based on the vehicle body temperature, the cargo characteristic, the volume of the cargo, and the contact area of the cargo.

12. The state inferring system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein The state inferring system includes a discharge propriety display unit that causes a display arranged inside a cab of the dump truck to display a result of the judgment by the discharge propriety judging unit.

13. A dump truck, wherein The dump truck includes: an engine; a discharge vehicle body having a flow path through which exhaust gas from the engine flows; and the state inferring system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A state inferring method that is a state inferring method for a dump truck including an engine and a discharge vehicle body having a flow path through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows and loading a cargo, wherein The state inferring method includes the steps of: detecting a flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path; detecting a temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the flow path; acquiring an exhaust gas flow rate indicating detection data of the flow rate of the exhaust gas; acquiring an exhaust gas temperature indicating detection data of the temperature of the exhaust gas; and inferring a vehicle body temperature indicating a temperature of a prescribed portion on an inner surface of the discharge vehicle body in contact with the cargo based on the exhaust gas flow rate and the exhaust gas temperature.

15. The state inferring method according to claim 14, wherein The state inferring method includes the step of judging propriety or impropriety of a discharge operation of the discharge vehicle body based on the vehicle body temperature.

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