Construction machinery

Abstract

This invention provides a construction machine that, in a construction machine with a lifting cab, enables early detection of damage occurring in the mechanism used to raise and lower the lifting cab. The construction machine has a lifting cab, and includes: a detection unit for detecting deterioration of the lifting mechanism of the lifting cab; and a control unit for outputting the detection results from the detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-064721, filed on April 10, 2025. The entire contents of that Japanese application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a construction machine. Background Technology

[0003] Excavators with height-adjustable elevator cabs for the operator are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Excavators with elevator cabs, for example, use lifting magnets that utilize magnetic force to lift objects as end attachments, and can observe the object from a higher position, thus improving work efficiency. Furthermore, by raising the elevator cab during operation, it is possible to prevent objects lifted by the lifting magnets from falling and colliding with the elevator cab.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7440319 In construction machinery such as excavators with lifting cabs, high loads are applied frequently to the mechanisms used to raise and lower the cab. Therefore, these mechanisms are prone to damage from use, and if damaged, they may prevent the cab from raising or lowering, rendering the machine unusable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, in construction machinery with a lifting cab, it is preferable to be able to detect damage in the mechanism used to raise and lower the lifting cab at an early stage.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the construction machinery disclosed herein is a construction machinery with a lifting operator's cab, which has: The inspection unit is used to detect the deterioration of the lifting mechanism of the lifting cab; and The control unit outputs the detection results from the detection unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the construction machinery disclosed herein is a construction machinery with a lifting operator's cab, which has the following features: The first detection unit is used to detect the operation of the lifting mechanism of the lifting cab; and The control unit predicts the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the detection results of the first detection unit and outputs the prediction results.

[0008] Invention Effects According to this disclosure, in construction machinery with a lifting cab, damage occurring in the mechanism used to raise and lower the lifting cab can be detected at an early stage. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the construction machinery involved in this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the cab lifting device of the construction machinery involved in this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the exterior of the cab lifting device.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the basic system of the construction machinery involved in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It means that it is carried on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a hydraulic system for construction machinery.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of the controller.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system with construction machinery.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the operation in construction machinery.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the operation in construction machinery.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the third implementation method of the operation in construction machinery.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth implementation method of the operation in construction machinery.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the fifth embodiment of the operation in construction machinery.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the sixth embodiment of the operation in construction machinery.

[0022] In the diagram: 1-Lower traveling body, 2-Slewing mechanism, 2A-Slewing hydraulic motor, 3-Upper slewing body, 4-Boom, 5-Stick, 6-End attachment, 7-Boom cylinder, 8-Stick cylinder, 9-End attachment cylinder, 10-Cockpit, 11-Engine, 13-Pump regulator, 14-Main pump, 15-Control pump, 17-Control valve, 20L-Left traveling hydraulic motor, 20R-Right traveling hydraulic motor, 21L, 21R-Flow rate sensor, 26-Operating device, 27-Solenoid valve, 28-Discharge pressure sensor, 29-Operating pressure sensor, 30-Controller, 31, 32-Switch, 33-Pressure reducing valve, 35-Display device, 50L, 50R-Motor regulator, 60-Cockpit lifting device, 61-Parallel linkage mechanism, 62-Cockpit lifting cylinder, 62a- 63-Support tower body, 64-Frame, 65, 66-Lower side pin, 67, 68-Upper side pin, 69-Upper connecting rod, 70-Lower connecting rod, 71-Plate body, 72-Pole pin, 73-Angle sensor, 74-Cylinder length sensor, 75-Crack sensor, 100-Construction machinery, 200-Communication line, 311-Deterioration detection unit, 312-Deterioration status recording unit, 313-Progress speed calculation unit, 314-Judgment unit, 315-Calculation unit, 321-Operation detection unit, 322-Speed ​​detection unit, 323-Operation status recording unit, 324-Travel status recording unit, 325-Deterioration prediction unit, 340-Display control unit, 350-Sound output control unit, 360-Communication unit, 400a, 400b-Information terminal, SP-Speaker, T-Communication device. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates the methods for carrying out the invention. Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the construction machinery involved in this embodiment.

[0024] The construction machinery 100 includes a lower traveling body 1, a slewing mechanism 2, an upper slewing body 3, a boom 4, a stick 5, an end attachment 6, a boom cylinder 7, a stick cylinder 8, an end attachment cylinder 9, a cab (operator's cab) 10, operating devices 26, a controller (control device) 30, and a display device 35. Furthermore, the operating devices 26, the controller (control device) 30, a loudspeaker SP, and the display device 35 are installed inside the cab 10.

[0025] An upper rotating body 3 is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 1 of the construction machinery 100 via a rotating mechanism 2. A boom 4 is rotatably connected to the front center of the upper rotating body 3. A stick 5 is rotatably connected to the front end of the boom 4. An end-connecting attachment 6 is rotatably connected to the front end of the stick 5. In this embodiment, the end-connecting attachment 6 is a lifting magnet, but depending on the type of work, other end-connecting attachments such as grabs or dismantling clamps may also be installed.

[0026] Furthermore, a cab 10 is mounted on the upper rotating body 3 and is height-adjustable via a cab lifting device 60. Hereinafter, this height-adjustable cab will sometimes be referred to as a "lifting cab". Additionally, Figure 1 This indicates that the cab 10 is raised to its highest position via the cab lifting device 60. Furthermore, the cab 10 is positioned to the side of the boom 4 (typically on the left).

[0027] Furthermore, a communication device T is installed on the cab 10 of the upper rotating body 3. The communication device T controls communication with external devices outside the construction machinery 100. In this embodiment, the communication device T controls communication with external devices via communication lines such as satellite communication networks, mobile phone communication networks, or the Internet.

[0028] Operating device 26 is a device used by the operator to operate the hydraulic actuators. Operating device 26 supplies working oil discharged from the pilot pump to the pilot port of the flow control valve corresponding to each hydraulic actuator via pilot lines. However, the control method of the hydraulic actuators only needs to be a structure driven in accordance with the operating quantity of operating device 26, and can be configured in an appropriate manner. For example, the driving quantity of the hydraulic actuators can be calculated by controller 30, which converts the operating quantity of operating device 26 into voltage and other information.

[0029] The controller 30 is an example of the control unit in this invention. The controller 30 is a control device for controlling the construction machinery 100, and is, for example, composed of a computer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, etc. Furthermore, the controller 30 reads programs corresponding to various functional requirements from the ROM and loads them into the RAM, causing the CPU to execute processing corresponding to the various functional requirements.

[0030] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cab lifting device 60 is described in detail. Figure 2 This is a side view showing the cab lifting device of the construction machinery involved in this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the exterior of the cab lifting device 60.

[0031] The cab lifting device 60 is an example of the cab lifting mechanism in this invention. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the cab lifting device 60 includes a parallel linkage mechanism 61 that holds the cab 10 in a predetermined posture (horizontal state) and a cab lifting cylinder 62 that drives the parallel linkage mechanism 61 to lift the cab 10.

[0032] The parallel linkage mechanism 61 consists of a support tower 63 erected on the upper rotating body 3 via a plate 71, an L-shaped platform 64 supporting the cab 10 from below, and an upper connecting rod 69 and a lower connecting rod 70 rotatably connected between the support tower 63 and the platform 64. Specifically, the platform 64 is integrally mounted on the lower part of the cab 10.

[0033] Furthermore, the upper end of the upper connecting rod 69 is connected to the frame 64 via an upper side pin 67, and the lower end is connected to the support tower body 63 via a lower side pin 65. Similarly, the upper end of the lower connecting rod 70 is connected to the frame 64 via an upper side pin 68, and the lower end is connected to the support tower body 63 via a lower side pin 66. Additionally, in Figure 2 The middle section is not shown in the side view, but the upper connecting rod 69 and the lower connecting rod 70 are composed of a pair of left and right links.

[0034] The cab lifting cylinder 62 controls the rotation of the upper connecting rod 69 and the lower connecting rod 70. Specifically, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the base end of the cab lifting cylinder 62 is held by a plate 71. The plate 71 is an example of a support component in this invention. Furthermore, the front end of the rod 62a of the cab lifting cylinder 62 is connected via a rod pin 72 to a connecting component (not shown) between a pair of upper connecting rods 69 on the left and right sides.

[0035] According to this structure, the cab lifting device 60 is driven to lift by the cab lifting cylinder 62, which is supplied with working oil from the hydraulic pump. Specifically, by causing the cab lifting cylinder 62 to extend and retract, the cab lifting device 60 can move the cab 10 up and down while using the lower side pins 65 and 66 as fulcrums to make the upper connecting rod 69 and the lower connecting rod 70 trace an arc. In addition to moving in the vertical direction, the cab 10 can also move in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] Furthermore, the cab lifting device 60 includes an angle sensor 73. Specifically, the angle sensor 73 is located at one end of the rotation shaft of the lower side pin 65 and detects the rotation angle of the upper connecting rod 69 from its initial position. The initial position refers to the position when the cab 10 is in its lowest position. The angle sensor 73 is provided to prevent interference between the cab 10 and the end-connecting accessory 6.

[0037] Specifically, the position of the cab 10 is calculated based on the angle detected by the angle sensor 73. If it is determined that the relative distance in the longitudinal direction between the cab 10 and the end attachment 6 is closer than a predetermined distance, interference avoidance control is performed. In interference avoidance control, for example, the movements of the boom 4, stick 5, etc., are slowed down regardless of the operator's operation.

[0038] Furthermore, the angle sensor 73 can be any angle sensor, such as a rotary potentiometer. The angle sensor 73 can be located at one end of the rotation shaft of the lower end pin 66 of the lower connecting rod 70, and detect the rotation angle of the lower connecting rod 70 from its initial position.

[0039] Furthermore, a cylinder length sensor 74 is installed on the cab lifting cylinder 62. The cylinder length sensor 74 is an example of the third detection unit in this invention. The cylinder length sensor 74 detects the length of the cab lifting cylinder 62. Therefore, the lifting height of the cab 10 can be detected based on the length of the cab lifting cylinder 62 detected by the cylinder length sensor 74.

[0040] Furthermore, a crack sensor 75 is mounted on the plate 71. The crack sensor 75 is an example of the detection unit in this invention. The crack sensor 75 detects cracks (crazing) that occur in the plate 71 as an example of deterioration, and a conventional crack sensor can be used. Alternatively, the crack sensor 75 can also be mounted on a part of the cab lifting device 60 other than the plate 71. However, since the plate 71 is the part subjected to the maximum load due to the lifting operation of the cab 10, it is preferable to mount it on the plate 71, especially the welded parts of the plate 71, in order to detect deterioration of the cab lifting device 60. In addition, a strain gauge or an accelerometer can be used instead of the crack sensor 75 to detect cracks that occur in the plate 71. In a strain gauge, the occurrence of cracks can be detected based on the strain generated in the plate 71. In an accelerometer, the occurrence of cracks can be detected based on the direction of the acceleration generated when the cab 10 is lifted by the cab lifting device 60.

[0041] Next, refer to Figure 4 The basic system of the construction machinery 100 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the basic system of the construction machinery involved in this embodiment.

[0042] exist Figure 4 The mechanical power transmission lines, working oil lines, pilot lines, and electrical control lines are represented by double lines, solid lines, dashed lines, and single-dot lines, respectively. (Regarding...) Figure 5 The same.

[0043] The basic system of construction machinery 100 mainly includes engine 11, pump regulator 13, main pump 14, control pump 15, control valve 17, operating device 26, solenoid valve 27, discharge pressure sensor 28, operating pressure sensor 29, controller 30, switch 31, 32, motor regulator 50, etc.

[0044] Engine 11 is the drive source for construction machinery 100. In this embodiment, engine 11 is, for example, a diesel engine that operates as an internal combustion engine to maintain a predetermined speed. The output shaft of engine 11 is connected to the input shaft of main pump 14 and control pump 15.

[0045] The main pump 14 is a device for supplying working oil to the control valve 17 via the working oil line, such as a swashplate variable capacity hydraulic pump.

[0046] Pump regulator 13 is a device for controlling the discharge volume of main pump 14. In this embodiment, pump regulator 13 controls the discharge volume of main pump 14 by adjusting the swashplate deflection angle of main pump 14, for example, based on the discharge pressure of main pump 14 and the command current from controller 30.

[0047] The control pump 15 is a device that supplies working oil to various hydraulic control devices, including the operating device 26, such as a fixed capacity hydraulic pump.

[0048] Control valve 17 is a hydraulic control device for controlling the hydraulic system in construction machinery 100.

[0049] Specifically, control valve 17 includes multiple control valves that control the flow of working oil discharged from main pump 14. Furthermore, control valve 17 selectively supplies the working oil discharged from main pump 14 to one or more hydraulic actuators via these control valves. These control valves control the flow rate of working oil from main pump 14 to hydraulic actuators and the flow rate of working oil from hydraulic actuators to working oil reservoirs.

[0050] The hydraulic actuator includes a boom cylinder 7, a stick cylinder 8, an end attachment cylinder 9, a travel hydraulic motor 20, and a slewing hydraulic motor 2A. The travel hydraulic motor 20 includes a left travel hydraulic motor 20L and a right travel hydraulic motor 20R.

[0051] Flow rate sensors 21 are installed on the working oil lines of the left-travel hydraulic motor 20L and the right-travel hydraulic motor 20R, respectively, to detect the flow rate of the working oil supplied to the left-travel hydraulic motor 20L and the right-travel hydraulic motor 20R. Specifically, a flow rate sensor 21L is installed on the working oil line of the left-travel hydraulic motor 20L, and a flow rate sensor 21R is installed on the working oil line of the right-travel hydraulic motor 20R. These flow rate sensors 21L and 21R are an example of the second detection unit in this invention.

[0052] Operating device 26 is a device used by the operator to operate the hydraulic actuators. In this embodiment, operating device 26 is hydraulic, which supplies working oil discharged from control pump 15 via pilot lines to the pilot port of the control valve corresponding to each hydraulic actuator.

[0053] The pressure of the working oil supplied to each pilot port (hereinafter referred to as "pilot pressure") is the pressure corresponding to the operating direction and operating amount of the lever or pedal constituting the operating device 26 corresponding to each hydraulic actuator. However, the operating device 26 may also be electrically powered.

[0054] Solenoid valve 27 is disposed on pipeline C0 between control pump 15 and motor regulator 50. In this embodiment, solenoid valve 27 is an electromagnetic switching valve that switches the connection and disconnection of pipeline C0, and it operates according to instructions from controller 30.

[0055] The pressure reducing valve 33 is disposed on the pipeline between the control pump 15 and the operating device 26 and the solenoid valve 27. In this embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 33 is a valve that reduces the pilot pressure and operates according to instructions from the controller 30.

[0056] The discharge pressure sensor 28 is a sensor used to detect the discharge pressure of the main pump 14, and it outputs the detected value to the controller 30.

[0057] The operating pressure sensor 29 detects the operation performed by the operator using the operating device 26. In this embodiment, the operating pressure sensor 29 is, for example, a pressure sensor that detects the operating direction and amount of the lever or pedal constituting the operating device 26 corresponding to each hydraulic actuator in the form of pressure, and outputs the detected value to the controller 30.

[0058] The operation of the operating device 26 can be detected using the outputs of devices other than pressure sensors, such as operating angle sensors, acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, resolvers, voltmeters, and ammeters. That is, the operation quantity of the operating device 26 can be represented not only by operating pressure, but also by operating angle, the second integral value of operating acceleration, the integral value of operating angular velocity, voltage values, and current values.

[0059] The controller 30 is a control device for controlling the construction machinery 100. In this embodiment, the controller 30 is, for example, a computer equipped with a CPU, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc. The controller 30, for example, causes the CPU to execute programs corresponding to various functional components such as the travel mode control unit 300.

[0060] The controller 30 is connected to switches 31 and 32, a display device 35, a speaker SP, and a communication device T.

[0061] Switch 31 is used to switch the operating mode (travel mode) of the motor regulator 50. In this embodiment, switch 31 is a software switch displayed on an in-vehicle display with a touch panel. Switch 31 can also be a hardware switch located inside the driver's cab 10.

[0062] Switch 32 is an example of the first detection unit in this invention. Switch 32 is used to switch between raising and lowering the cab 10. Therefore, switch 32 can detect the raising and lowering of the cab 10 in the cab lifting device 60 based on this operation. Switch 32 may be, for example, a hardware switch installed inside the cab 10, which switches between raising and lowering the cab 10 based on its operation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position of the cab 10 does not move when switch 32 is not operated.

[0063] Display device 35 is an example of a display unit in this invention. Display device 35 is configured to display warnings, as described later. Display device 35 is located in front of the driver's seat inside the cab 10 so that the operator of the construction machinery 100 can visually recognize the displayed content. Alternatively, switches 31 and 32 can be provided on display device 35 as a touch panel. Furthermore, display device 35 is configured to display calculation results or prediction results, as described later.

[0064] The speaker SP is an example of a sound output unit in this invention. The speaker SP is configured to output warnings, described later, in the form of sound. The speaker SP can be installed behind the driver's seat in the cab 10, or it can be installed in front of the driver's seat together with the display device 35.

[0065] The motor regulator 50 controls the motor volume of the travel hydraulic motor 20. In this embodiment, the motor regulator 50 includes a left motor regulator 50L and a right motor regulator 50R. The left motor regulator 50L adjusts the swashplate deflection angle of the left travel hydraulic motor 20L according to the control pressure generated by the working oil supplied through the solenoid valve 27, thereby controlling the motor volume of the left travel hydraulic motor 20L. The same applies to the right motor regulator 50R.

[0066] Specifically, the left motor adjuster 50L switches the ramp deflection angle of the left travel hydraulic motor 20L in two stages, thereby enabling the motor volume of the left travel hydraulic motor 20L to be switched between two stages: high rotation setting and low rotation setting.

[0067] The low-speed setting is achieved by increasing the motor volume. In this mode, the left-side travel hydraulic motor 20L operates at low speed and high torque. The high-speed setting is achieved by decreasing the motor volume. In this mode, the left-side travel hydraulic motor 20L operates at high speed and low torque. The same applies to the right motor adjuster 50R.

[0068] The controller 30 performs various processes, as described later, based on the outputs of the discharge pressure sensor 28, the operating pressure sensor 29, the switch 31, etc. The functions of the controller 30 will be described in detail later.

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 5 The hydraulic system mounted on the construction machinery 100 will be described. Figure 5 It means that it is carried on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a hydraulic system for construction machinery.

[0070] Figure 5 The hydraulic system circulates working oil from the main pumps 14L and 14R driven by engine 11 through intermediate bypass lines 40L and 40R and parallel lines 42L and 42R to the working oil tank. The main pumps 14L and 14R correspond to... Figure 4 Main pump 14.

[0071] The intermediate bypass line 40L is the working oil line of control valves 171L to 175L, which are configured within control valve 17. The intermediate bypass line 40R is the working oil line of control valves 171R to 175R, which are configured within control valve 17.

[0072] The control valve 171L is a slide valve that switches the flow of working oil by supplying the working oil discharged from the main pump 14L to the left travel hydraulic motor 20L and discharging the working oil discharged from the left travel hydraulic motor 20L to the working oil tank.

[0073] Control valve 171R is a spool valve that functions as a straight-line travel valve. To improve the straight-line travel of the lower traveling body 1, control valve 171R switches the flow of working oil, supplying working oil from the main pump 14L to the left-travel hydraulic motor 20L and the right-travel hydraulic motor 20R respectively. Specifically, when the travel hydraulic motor 20 and any other hydraulic actuator are operated simultaneously, control valve 171R is switched so that the main pump 14L can supply working oil to both the left-travel hydraulic motor 20L and the right-travel hydraulic motor 20R. When no other hydraulic actuators are operated, control valve 171R is switched so that the main pump 14L can supply working oil to the left-travel hydraulic motor 20L and the main pump 14R can supply working oil to the right-travel hydraulic motor 20R.

[0074] Control valve 172L is a spool valve that switches the flow of working oil by supplying working oil discharged from main pump 14L to an optional hydraulic actuator and discharging working oil discharged from the optional hydraulic actuator to the working oil tank. An optional hydraulic actuator may be, for example, a grab opening / closing cylinder.

[0075] Control valve 172R is a slide valve that switches the flow of working oil by supplying the working oil discharged from the main pump 14R to the right travel hydraulic motor 20R and discharging the working oil discharged from the right travel hydraulic motor 20R to the working oil tank.

[0076] The control valve 173L is a slide valve that switches the flow of working oil by supplying the working oil discharged from the main pump 14L to the rotary hydraulic motor 2A and discharging the working oil discharged from the rotary hydraulic motor 2A to the working oil tank.

[0077] Control valve 173R is a slide valve used to supply the working oil discharged by the main pump 14R to the end-connection accessory cylinder 9 and to discharge the working oil in the end-connection accessory cylinder 9 to the working oil tank.

[0078] Control valves 174L and 174R are spool valves used to switch the flow of working oil, supplying the working oil discharged from the main pumps 14L and 14R to the boom cylinder 7 and discharging the working oil in the boom cylinder 7 to the working oil tank. In this embodiment, control valve 174L operates only when the boom 4 is raised, and does not operate when the boom 4 is lowered.

[0079] Control valves 175L and 175R are slide valves used to switch the flow of working oil by supplying the working oil discharged from the main pumps 14L and 14R to the boom cylinder 8 and discharging the working oil in the boom cylinder 8 to the working oil tank.

[0080] Parallel line 42L is a working oil line running parallel to intermediate bypass line 40L. When the flow of working oil through intermediate bypass line 40L is restricted or cut off by any of control valves 171L to 174L, parallel line 42L can supply working oil to a more downstream control valve. Parallel line 42R is a working oil line running parallel to intermediate bypass line 40R. When the flow of working oil through intermediate bypass line 40R is restricted or cut off by any of control valves 172R to 174R, parallel line 42R can supply working oil to a more downstream control valve.

[0081] Pump regulators 13L and 13R control the discharge volume of main pumps 14L and 14R by adjusting the swashplate deflection angle of main pumps 14L and 14R according to the discharge pressure of main pumps 14L and 14R. Pump regulators 13L and 13R correspond to... Figure 4 Pump regulator 13. For example, when the discharge pressure of the main pumps 14L and 14R increases, the pump regulators 13L and 13R adjust the swashplate deflection angle of the main pumps 14L and 14R to reduce the discharge volume. This is to ensure that the absorbed horsepower of the main pump 14, expressed as the product of discharge pressure and discharge volume, does not exceed the output horsepower of the engine 11.

[0082] The left-side travel control device 26L and the right-side travel control device 26R are examples of the control device 26. In this embodiment, they are composed of a travel control lever and a travel control pedal.

[0083] The left-side travel operating device 26L is used to operate the left-side travel hydraulic motor 20L. The left-side travel operating device 26L utilizes the working oil discharged by the control pump 15 to apply a pilot pressure corresponding to the operating amount to the pilot port of the control valve 171L. Specifically, when the left-side travel operating device 26L is operated in the forward direction, the pilot pressure is applied to the left pilot port of the control valve 171L; when operated in the reverse direction, the pilot pressure is applied to the right pilot port of the control valve 171L.

[0084] The right-traverse operating device 26R is used to operate the right-traverse hydraulic motor 20R. The right-traverse operating device 26R utilizes the working oil discharged from the control pump 15 to apply a pilot pressure corresponding to the operating amount to the pilot port of the control valve 172R. Specifically, when the right-traverse operating device 26R is operated in the forward direction, the pilot pressure is applied to the right pilot port of the control valve 172R; when operated in the reverse direction, the pilot pressure is applied to the left pilot port of the control valve 172R.

[0085] When solenoid valve 27 receives a connection command from controller 30, it connects control pump 15 to motor regulator 50. At this time, motor regulator 50 operates in a forced fixed mode. Conversely, when solenoid valve 27 receives a connection command from controller 30, it disconnects control pump 15 from motor regulator 50. At this time, motor regulator 50 operates in a variable mode.

[0086] The pressure reducing valve 33 controls the stroke (movement) of the valve cores of the control valves 171L and 172R respectively according to the instructions from the controller 30. In this embodiment, when the flow reduction is performed by means of the travel hydraulic motor 20, the main pump 14, the engine 11, etc., the pressure reducing valve 33 is not necessarily required.

[0087] The discharge pressure sensors 28L and 28R are Figure 4 An example of a discharge pressure sensor 28. Discharge pressure sensor 28L detects the discharge pressure of main pump 14L and outputs the detected value to controller 30. Discharge pressure sensor 28R detects the discharge pressure of main pump 14R and outputs the detected value to controller 30.

[0088] Operating pressure sensors 29L and 29R are Figure 4 An example of the operating pressure sensor 29. Operating pressure sensor 29L detects the operator's actions on the left-hand travel control device 26L in the form of pressure and outputs the detected value to the controller 30. Operating pressure sensor 29R detects the operator's actions on the right-hand travel control device 26R in the form of pressure and outputs the detected value to the controller 30. The actions may include, for example, the direction of operation, the amount of operation (operation angle), etc.

[0089] The boom control lever, stick control lever, bucket control lever, and swing control lever (none shown) are operating devices used to operate the boom 4 up and down, the stick 5 open and close, the end attachment 6 open and close, and the upper slewing body 3 rotate, respectively. Similar to the left travel control device 26L, these operating devices utilize the working oil discharged by the control pump 15 to apply pilot pressure corresponding to the lever operation amount to either the left or right pilot port of the control valve corresponding to each hydraulic actuator. Furthermore, similar to the operating pressure sensor 29L, the operator's operation of each of these operating devices is detected in pressure form by the corresponding operating pressure sensor, and the detected value is output to the controller 30.

[0090] Here, on Figure 5 The negative control method used in the hydraulic system will be explained.

[0091] The intermediate bypass lines 40L and 40R each have a negative control throttle valve 18L and 18R between the downstream control valves 175L and 175R and the working oil tank. The flow of working oil discharged from the main pumps 14L and 14R is restricted by the negative control throttle valves 18L and 18R. Furthermore, the negative control throttle valves 18L and 18R generate a control pressure (hereinafter referred to as "negative control pressure") for controlling the pump regulators 13L and 13R.

[0092] Negative control pressure sensors 19L and 19R are sensors that detect the negative control pressure generated upstream of negative control throttles 18L and 18R. In this embodiment, negative control pressure sensors 19L and 19R output the detected values ​​to controller 30.

[0093] The controller 30 outputs commands corresponding to the negative control pressure to the pump regulators 13L and 13R. The pump regulators 13L and 13R control the output of the main pumps 14L and 14R by adjusting the swashplate deflection angle of the main pumps 14L and 14R according to the commands. Specifically, the higher the negative control pressure, the more the pump regulators 13L and 13R reduce the output of the main pumps 14L and 14R; conversely, the lower the negative control pressure, the more the output of the main pumps 14L and 14R increases.

[0094] With the hydraulic actuators not activated, the working oil discharged from the main pumps 14L and 14R reaches the negative control throttles 18L and 18R via the intermediate bypass lines 40L and 40R. The flow of the working oil discharged from the main pumps 14L and 14R then increases the negative control pressure upstream of the negative control throttles 18L and 18R. As a result, the pump regulators 13L and 13R reduce the discharge rate of the main pumps 14L and 14R to the minimum permissible discharge rate, thereby suppressing pressure loss (pumping loss) as the discharged working oil passes through the intermediate bypass lines 40L and 40R.

[0095] On the other hand, when any hydraulic actuator is operated, the working oil discharged from the main pumps 14L and 14R flows into the hydraulic actuator of the target hydraulic actuator via the control valve corresponding to the target hydraulic actuator. Then, the flow of working oil discharged from the main pumps 14L and 14R reduces or eliminates the amount reaching the negative control throttles 18L and 18R, thereby lowering the negative control pressure generated upstream of the negative control throttles 18L and 18R. As a result, the pump regulators 13L and 13R increase the discharge volume of the main pumps 14L and 14R, ensuring sufficient working oil circulates to the target hydraulic actuator, thus making the drive of the target hydraulic actuator reliable.

[0096] With the structure described above, even when the hydraulic actuators are not operated... Figure 5The hydraulic system can suppress unnecessary energy consumption in the main pumps 14L and 14R. Unnecessary energy consumption includes pumping losses caused by the working oil discharged from the main pumps 14L and 14R in the intermediate bypass lines 40L and 40R. When the hydraulic actuator is operated, sufficient working oil as required can be reliably supplied from the main pumps 14L and 14R to the hydraulic actuator of the object being operated.

[0097] Next, refer to Figure 6 The functional structure of the controller 30 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the functional structure of the controller.

[0098] Figure 6 The functions of each part shown are implemented by the CPU of the controller 30 reading and executing the program stored in a storage device such as ROM.

[0099] The controller 30 of this embodiment includes a degradation detection unit 311, a degradation status recording unit 312, a progress speed calculation unit 313, a judgment unit 314, a calculation unit 315, an operation detection unit 321, a speed detection unit 322, an operation status recording unit 323, a walking status recording unit 324, a degradation prediction unit 325, a display control unit 340, a sound output control unit 350, and a communication unit 360.

[0100] The degradation detection unit 311 detects the degradation of the plate 71 by using a crack sensor 75 to detect cracks generated in the plate 71. In this embodiment, the crack sensor 75 is mounted on the plate 71 to detect degradation. However, the crack sensor 75 can also be mounted on a part other than the plate 71, such as the cab lifting cylinder 62 in the cab lifting device 60, and the degradation detection unit 311 can detect the degradation of the part where the crack sensor 75 is mounted. Furthermore, the same applies if a strain gauge or accelerometer is used instead of the crack sensor 75.

[0101] The deterioration state recording unit 312 records the deterioration state of the plate 71 detected by the deterioration detection unit 311 in chronological order. For example, if the deterioration detection unit 311 detects a crack in the plate 71, the deterioration state recording unit 312 records the size of the crack in the plate 71 detected by the deterioration detection unit 311 in chronological order. This allows for the identification of changes in the size of cracks generated in the plate 71. Furthermore, if the deterioration detection unit 311 detects deterioration in parts other than the plate 71, such as the cab lifting cylinder 62 in the cab lifting device 60, the deterioration detection unit 311 records the detected deterioration state in chronological order.

[0102] The degradation rate calculation unit 313 calculates the degradation rate of the cab lifting device 60 based on the changes in degradation state recorded in the degradation state recording unit 312. For example, if the size of cracks generated in the plate 71 is recorded in the degradation state recording unit 312 in chronological order, the degradation rate calculation unit 313 calculates the degradation rate of the plate 71 based on the changes in the size of cracks generated in the plate 71 recorded in the degradation state recording unit 312. Furthermore, for example, if the size of cracks generated in the cab lifting cylinder 62 is recorded in the degradation state recording unit 312 in chronological order, the degradation rate calculation unit 313 calculates the degradation rate of the cab lifting cylinder 62 based on the changes in the size of cracks generated in the cab lifting cylinder 62 recorded in the degradation state recording unit 312.

[0103] If the deterioration detection unit 311 detects cracks in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, the determination unit 314 determines whether the size of the detected crack exceeds a predetermined size.

[0104] The calculation unit 315 calculates the cumulative damage degree of the cab lifting device 60 based on the rate of deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313. That is, the calculation unit 315 calculates when and to what extent the damage caused by the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 will reach the required level based on the rate of deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313. For example, if the rate of deterioration of the plate 71 is calculated in the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313, the calculation unit 315 calculates the cumulative damage degree of the plate 71 based on the rate of deterioration of the plate 71 calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313. Specifically, if the rate of crack propagation on the plate 71, calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313, increases by 5 mm per day of operation of the construction machinery 100, and the current crack size is 1 cm, it is estimated that the crack will become 1.5 cm after one day of operation. Furthermore, for example, if the rate of deterioration of the cab lifting cylinder 62 is calculated in the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313, the calculation unit 315 calculates the cumulative damage degree of the cab lifting cylinder 62 based on the rate of deterioration calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313. The calculation unit 315 can also calculate the remaining lifespan of the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62. In this case, the calculation unit 315 may, for example, set the size of a crack that would cause the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62 to reach its lifespan, and calculate the operating time until the crack reaches that size based on the rate of crack propagation calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313.

[0105] The operation detection unit 321 detects the operation of the switch 32. Thus, the operation detection unit 321 can detect the lifting action of the cab 10 in the cab lifting device 60.

[0106] The speed detection unit 322 detects the travel status of the construction machinery 100. Specifically, the speed detection unit 322 detects the travel status of the construction machinery 100 based on the flow rate of the working oil detected by the flow rate sensors 21L and 21R. As described above, the flow rate sensors 21L and 21R detect the flow rate of the working oil supplied to the left travel hydraulic motor 20L and the right travel hydraulic motor 20R. Therefore, the speed detection unit 322 can detect the travel status (travel / stop and travel speed) of the construction machinery 100 based on the flow rate of the working oil detected by the flow rate sensors 21L and 21R. Furthermore, the speed detection unit 322 can also detect the travel status of the construction machinery 100 by detecting the oil pressure of the working oil supplied to the left travel hydraulic motor 20L and the right travel hydraulic motor 20R. Additionally, the speed detection unit 322 can also detect the travel status of the construction machinery 100 based on the speed measured by a travel speed gauge installed on the construction machinery 100.

[0107] The operation status recording unit 323 records the number of times the switch 32 is operated as detected by the operation detection unit 321. Therefore, the controller 30 can detect the number of times the cab 10 in the cab lifting device 60 is raised or lowered.

[0108] The travel status recording unit 324 records the number of times or the time during which the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised. Specifically, when the operation detection unit 321 detects the lifting action of the cab 10 and the travel status of the construction machinery 100 detected by the speed detection unit 322, and it is determined that the construction machinery 100 is traveling while the cab 10 is raised, the travel status recording unit 324 records the number of times and the time.

[0109] The degradation prediction unit 325 predicts the degradation of the cab lifting device 60 based on the detection results from the operation detection unit 321. The degradation prediction unit 325 has prediction data that predicts the degree of degradation of the cab lifting device 60 based on the lifting and lowering operation of the cab 10 based on the cab lifting device 60. For example, as prediction data, it includes predictions of whether cracks will occur in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62 based on the number of lifting and lowering operations of the cab 10 based on the cab lifting device 60. Therefore, the degradation prediction unit 325 can predict whether cracks will occur in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62 based on the number of lifting and lowering operations of the cab 10 based on the cab lifting device 60 detected by the operation detection unit 321. Furthermore, the degradation prediction unit 325 predicts the degradation of the cab lifting device 60 based on the detection results from the operation detection unit 321 and the detection results from the speed detection unit 322. The degradation prediction unit 325 has prediction data to predict the degree of degradation of the cab lifting device 60 based on the lifting action of the cab 10 and the travel status of the construction machinery 100. For example, as prediction data, it has prediction data on whether cracks will occur in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62 based on the number of times or the cumulative time when the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is rising via the cab lifting device 60. Therefore, the degradation prediction unit 325 can predict whether cracks will occur in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62 based on the number of times or the cumulative time when the construction machinery 100 is traveling, as detected by the speed detection unit 322, when the cab 10 is rising via the cab lifting device 60.

[0110] When the deterioration detection unit 311 detects deterioration of the cab lifting device 60, the display control unit 340 displays this information on the display device 35. For example, if the deterioration detection unit 311 detects cracks in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, the display control unit 340 displays this information on the display device 35. Furthermore, if the deterioration detection unit 311 detects cracks in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, and the determination unit 314 determines that the size of the crack exceeds a predetermined size, the display control unit 340 displays this information on the display device 35. The display control unit 340 also displays the calculation results from the calculation unit 315 on the display device 35. Specifically, when the calculation unit 315 calculates the cumulative damage degree of the cab lifting device 60, the calculated cumulative damage degree is displayed on the display device 35. Furthermore, the display control unit 340 displays the prediction results from the degradation prediction unit 325 on the display device 35. Specifically, if the degradation prediction unit 325 predicts that cracks have occurred in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, the display control unit 340 displays the possibility of cracks occurring in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62 on the display device 35.

[0111] If the deterioration detection unit 311 detects deterioration of the cab lifting device 60, the sound output control unit 350 outputs an alarm warning from the speaker SP. For example, if the deterioration detection unit 311 detects a crack in the panel 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, an alarm warning is output from the speaker SP. Furthermore, if the deterioration detection unit 311 detects a crack in the panel 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, and the determination unit 314 determines that the size of the crack exceeds a predetermined size, the sound output control unit 350 outputs an alarm warning from the speaker SP.

[0112] If the deterioration detection unit 311 detects deterioration of the cab lifting device 60, the communication unit 360 uses the communication device T to send a warning via the communication line to the information output device, and outputs the warning via the information output device. For example, if the deterioration detection unit 311 detects cracks in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, the communication device T is used to send a warning via the communication line to the information output device, and the warning is output via the information output device. Furthermore, if the deterioration detection unit 311 detects cracks in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, and the determination unit 314 determines that the size of the crack exceeds a predetermined size, the communication unit 360 uses the communication device T to send a warning via the communication line to the information output device, and the warning is output via the information output device. Additionally, the communication unit 360 can also use the communication device T to send the calculation results from the calculation unit 315 via the communication line to the information output device, and display and output them via the information output device. Specifically, when the calculation unit 315 calculates the cumulative damage level of the cab lifting device 60, the calculated cumulative damage level can be transmitted to the information output device via a communication line using the communication device T, and then displayed on the information output device. Furthermore, the communication unit 360 can also transmit the prediction results from the degradation prediction unit 325 to the information output device via a communication line using the communication device T, and then display them on the information output device. Specifically, if the degradation prediction unit 325 predicts that cracks will occur in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62, the communication unit 360 can transmit the information about the potential cracking in the plate 71 or the cab lifting cylinder 62 via a communication line using the communication device T, and then display it on the information output device.

[0113] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a system with construction machinery 100.

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, the construction machinery 100 is configured to connect to information terminals 400a and 400b via communication line 200. Specifically, the construction machinery 100 can use communication device T to send warnings corresponding to the detection results in the deterioration detection unit 311 or the judgment results in the judgment unit 314 to information terminals 400a and 400b via communication line 200, and output the warnings via information terminals 400a and 400b. Furthermore, the construction machinery 100 can use communication device T to send the calculation results in the calculation unit 315 or the prediction results in the deterioration prediction unit 325 to information terminals 400a and 400b via communication line 200, and display and output the results via information terminals 400a and 400b.

[0115] Communication line 200 can be a public line or a private line.

[0116] Information terminals 400a and 400b are examples of information output devices in this invention, such as PCs located at remote locations, smartphones owned by managers or owners and service personnel of construction machinery 100, and other mobile terminals.

[0117] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described as examples of the operation of the construction machinery 100 configured as described above.

[0118] (First Embodiment) In the construction machinery 100 with a liftable cab 10 as described above, a large load is applied frequently to the cab lifting device 60 used to lift the cab 10, so the cab lifting device 60 is easily damaged due to use.

[0119] Therefore, as a first embodiment, the method for detecting deterioration in the cab lifting device 60 will be described using the case where cracks have occurred in the components constituting the cab lifting device 60 as an example.

[0120] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the operation of the construction machinery 100.

[0121] As described above, a crack sensor 75 is installed on the plate 71 that constitutes the cab lifting device 60. Then, in the deterioration detection unit 311, the crack sensor 75 is used to detect cracks generated in the plate 71, thereby enabling the detection of deterioration of the plate 71 (step ST11).

[0122] If a crack is detected in the plate 71 using the crack sensor 75 ("Yes" in step ST12), a warning indicating that a crack has occurred in the plate 71 is generated in the display control unit 340 and displayed on the display device 35 (step ST13). Thus, the construction machinery 100 of this embodiment has a display device 35 installed in the cab 10, and the controller 30 outputs a warning indicating that a crack has occurred in the plate 71 via the display device 35. Therefore, when a crack occurs in the plate 71, the operator of the construction machinery 100 can visually recognize the situation.

[0123] Furthermore, when a crack is detected in the plate 71 using the crack sensor 75, a warning indicating the presence of a crack in the plate 71 can be generated in the sound output control unit 350 and output as sound from the speaker SP. Thus, with the speaker SP installed in the cab 10, the controller 30 outputs a warning indicating a crack in the plate 71 via the speaker SP. Therefore, when a crack occurs in the plate 71, the operator of the construction machinery 100 can audibly recognize the situation.

[0124] Thus, by detecting damage to plate 71 and issuing notifications, early detection of plate 71 degradation is possible.

[0125] Furthermore, when a crack is detected in the plate 71 using the crack sensor 75, the communication unit 360 can use the communication device T to send a warning via a communication line to an information output device, and the warning will be output via the information output device. The sent information corresponds to the output method from the information terminals 400a and 400b. For example, when displayed on the information terminals 400a and 400b, the communication unit 360 sends information indicating that a crack has occurred in the plate 71. And, when outputting as sound from the information terminals 400a and 400b, the communication unit 360 sends information indicating that a crack has occurred in the plate 71 as sound.

[0126] Thus, if a crack is detected in the plate 71, an alert can be sent to an information output device via a communication line, and the information output device can then output an alert. This allows the administrator, owner, or service personnel at a remote location to be notified of the presence of a crack in the plate 71.

[0127] in addition, Figure 8 The series of processes shown can also be applied to installing crack sensors 75 on parts of the cab lifting device 60, such as the cab lifting cylinder 62, other than the plate 71, and detecting the deterioration of the parts where the crack sensors 75 are installed by the deterioration detection unit 311. Furthermore, the same applies when using strain gauges or accelerometers instead of crack sensors 75.

[0128] Thus, in this embodiment, the construction machinery 100 has a lifting cab 10, wherein the construction machinery 100 includes: a crack sensor 75 for detecting deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 of the lifting cab 10; and a controller 30 for outputting the detection result of the crack sensor 75. Therefore, in the construction machinery 100 with the lifting cab 10, damage occurring in the cab lifting device 60 used to raise and lower the lifting cab 10 can be detected at an early stage.

[0129] For example, the cab lifting device 60, which is the object of damage detection, has a plate 71 that supports the cab lifting cylinder 62 for raising and lowering the cab 10, and a crack sensor 75 detects cracks that occur in the plate 71. Thus, damage occurring in parts prone to damage can be detected at an early stage.

[0130] (Second Implementation) As a second embodiment, regarding the method of detecting deterioration in the cab lifting device 60, an example will be given to the handling of a situation where the size of a crack generated in a component constituting the cab lifting device 60 exceeds a predetermined size.

[0131] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the operation of the construction machinery 100.

[0132] As described above, a crack sensor 75 is installed on the plate 71 that constitutes the cab lifting device 60. Then, in the deterioration detection unit 311, the crack sensor 75 is used to detect cracks generated in the plate 71, thereby enabling the detection of deterioration of the plate 71 (step ST21).

[0133] If a crack is detected in the plate 71 using the crack sensor 75, the determination unit 314 determines whether the size of the detected crack exceeds a predetermined size (step ST22). At this time, the determination unit 314 can store damage of a crack of a certain size that should be notified, and determine whether the detected crack exceeds that size.

[0134] Then, if the size of the crack detected by the crack sensor 75 exceeds a predetermined size ("Yes" in step ST22), a warning indicating that the size of the crack generated in the plate 71 exceeds the predetermined size is generated in the display control unit 340 and displayed on the display device 35 (step ST23). Furthermore, if the size of the crack detected by the crack sensor 75 exceeds the predetermined size, a warning indicating that the size of the crack generated in the plate 71 exceeds the predetermined size can also be generated in the sound output control unit 350 and output as sound from the speaker SP.

[0135] In this embodiment, if the size of a crack detected by the crack sensor 75 exceeds a predetermined size, the controller 30 outputs a warning. Thus, by outputting a warning when the size of a crack generated in the plate 71 exceeds a predetermined size, it is possible to notify that the deterioration of the plate 71 has progressed to a certain extent.

[0136] Furthermore, if the size of a crack detected by the crack sensor 75 in the plate 71 exceeds a predetermined size, a warning can be sent via a communication line to an information output device using the communication device T in the communication unit 360, and the warning can be output via the information output device. The sent information corresponds to the output method from the information terminals 400a and 400b. For example, when displayed on the information terminals 400a and 400b, the communication unit 360 sends information indicating that the size of a crack in the plate 71 exceeds a predetermined size. Furthermore, when outputting as sound from the information terminals 400a and 400b, the communication unit 360 sends information to output as sound that the size of a crack in the plate 71 exceeds a predetermined size.

[0137] Thus, if the size of the crack generated in the plate 71 exceeds the predetermined size, a warning can be sent to the information output device via the communication line, and a warning can be output from the information output device, so that the manager or owner or service personnel at the remote location can be notified that the deterioration of the plate 71 has progressed to a certain extent.

[0138] in addition, Figure 9 The series of processes shown can also be applied to installing crack sensors 75 on parts of the cab lifting device 60, such as the cab lifting cylinder 62, other than the plate 71, and detecting the deterioration of the parts where the crack sensors 75 are installed by the deterioration detection unit 311. Furthermore, the same applies when using strain gauges or accelerometers instead of crack sensors 75.

[0139] (Third implementation) In the aforementioned construction machinery 100, the cumulative damage degree of the plate 71 can also be estimated based on the rate of progression of the cracks generated in the plate 71.

[0140] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of the operation of the construction machinery 100.

[0141] As described above, a crack sensor 75 is installed on the plate 71 that constitutes the cab lifting device 60. Then, in the deterioration detection unit 311, the crack sensor 75 is used to detect cracks generated in the plate 71, thereby enabling the detection of deterioration of the plate 71 (step ST31).

[0142] If a crack generated in the plate 71 is detected using the crack sensor 75 ("Yes" in step ST32), the deterioration state recording unit 312 records the size of the crack in the plate 71 detected by the deterioration detection unit 311 in chronological order (step ST33). Thus, changes in the size of the crack generated in the plate 71 can be identified.

[0143] Next, the progress rate calculation unit 313 calculates the rate of deterioration of the plate 71 based on the changes in the size of the cracks generated in the plate 71 recorded in the deterioration state recording unit 312 (step ST34).

[0144] Next, the calculation unit 315 calculates the cumulative damage degree of the plate 71 based on the rate of deterioration of the plate 71 calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313 (step ST35). That is, the calculation unit 315 calculates when and to what extent the damage caused by the deterioration of the plate 71 will reach the rate of deterioration of the plate 71 based on the rate of deterioration of the plate 71 calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313. Specifically, if the rate of crack propagation in the plate 71 calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313 increases by 5 mm per day of operation of the construction machinery 100, and the current crack size is 1 cm, it is calculated that the crack will become 1.5 cm after one day of operation.

[0145] Then, in the display control unit 340, the cumulative damage degree of the board 71 calculated by the calculation unit 315 is displayed and output on the display device 35 (step ST36). That is, in the above example, the situation where the crack generated in the board 71 after one day of operation becomes 1.5 cm is displayed and output on the display device 35.

[0146] In this embodiment, the controller 30 calculates the cumulative damage degree of the plate 71 based on the rate of deterioration progression of the plate 71 detected by the crack sensor 75, and outputs the calculation result. Thus, by displaying the cumulative damage degree calculated for the cracks generated in the plate 71, it is possible to notify when and to what extent the damage caused by the deterioration of the plate 71 has reached.

[0147] Furthermore, when the calculation unit 315 calculates the cumulative damage degree of the cracks generated in the plate 71, the calculated cumulative damage degree can be sent to the information output device via the communication line using the communication device T in the communication unit 360, and then displayed and output via the information output device.

[0148] Thus, when the calculation unit 315 calculates the cumulative damage of the cracks generated in the plate 71, if the calculated cumulative damage is sent to the information output device via the communication line and displayed by the information output device, the cumulative damage of the cracks generated in the plate 71 can be notified to the manager, owner, or service personnel at a remote location.

[0149] Furthermore, in the calculation unit 315, the remaining lifespan of the plate 71 can be estimated based on the rate of deterioration of the plate 71 calculated by the rate of deterioration calculation unit 313. At this time, the size of the crack that causes the plate 71 to reach its lifespan is set in the calculation unit 315, and the operating time until the crack reaches that size is estimated based on the rate of crack propagation calculated by the rate of crack propagation calculation unit 313.

[0150] in addition, Figure 10 The series of processes shown can also be applied to installing crack sensors 75 on parts of the cab lifting device 60, such as the cab lifting cylinder 62, other than the plate 71, and detecting the deterioration of the parts where the crack sensors 75 are installed by the deterioration detection unit 311. Furthermore, the same applies when using strain gauges or accelerometers instead of crack sensors 75.

[0151] (Fourth implementation) In the aforementioned construction machinery 100, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can also be predicted based on the lifting and lowering actions of the cab 10 based on the cab lifting device 60. For example, as the number of times the cab 10 is lifted and lowered increases, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 will gradually progress. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method for predicting the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the number of times the cab 10 is lifted and lowered will be described.

[0152] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth embodiment of the operation of the construction machinery 100.

[0153] For example, after starting the engine 11 of the construction machinery 100, the controller 30 obtains and analyzes information indicating the operation of the switch 32 in the operation detection unit 321 to detect whether the switch 32 was operated in order to raise the cab 10 (step ST41).

[0154] Then, if the operation detection unit 321 detects that the switch 32 has been operated to raise the cab 10 ("Yes" in step ST42), the operation status recording unit 323 records the number of times the switch 32 has been operated as detected by the operation detection unit 321 (step ST43). Thus, the operation status recording unit 323 records the number of times the cab 10 in the cab lifting device 60 is raised or lowered.

[0155] Next, the controller 30 predicts the degradation of the cab lifting device 60 in the degradation prediction unit 325 based on the number of times the cab 10 is raised and lowered as detected by the operation detection unit 321 (step ST44). Specifically, the operation detection unit 321 detects the number of times the switch 32 is operated to raise the cab 10 and records this number in the operation status recording unit 323. Therefore, the degradation prediction unit 325 first confirms the number of operations recorded in the operation status recording unit 323. Then, it predicts the degradation of the cab lifting device 60 based on the confirmed number of operations. For example, the degradation prediction unit 325 has prediction data that predicts whether cracks will occur in the plate 71 based on the number of times the cab 10 is raised and lowered based on the cab lifting device 60, that is, predicts the degree to which the plate 71 will degrade. Therefore, if the number of times the cab 10 is raised and lowered based on the cab lifting device 60 can be confirmed, the degradation prediction unit 325 can predict whether cracks will occur in the plate 71.

[0156] Then, the controller 30 displays the prediction result of the degradation prediction unit 325 on the display device 35 in the display control unit 340 (step ST45). Specifically, if the degradation prediction unit 325 predicts that cracks will occur in the board 71, the display control unit 340 displays the situation that cracks may occur in the board 71 on the display device 35.

[0157] Therefore, it is possible to notify the plate 71 of potential cracks based on the number of times the cab 10 is raised and lowered.

[0158] Furthermore, the controller 30 can also use the communication device T in the communication unit 360 to send the prediction results in the degradation prediction unit 325 to the information output device via the communication line, and display and output them via the information output device.

[0159] Thus, if the prediction results in the degradation prediction unit 325 are sent to the information output device via the communication line and displayed on the information output device, the manager, owner, or service personnel at a remote location can be notified that cracks may occur in the plate 71.

[0160] in addition, Figure 11 The series of processes shown can also be applied to predict the deterioration of parts other than the plate 71, such as the cab lifting cylinder 62 in the cab lifting device 60. In this case, the deterioration prediction unit 325 has predictive data that predicts how many times the cab 10 based on the cab lifting device 60 will experience lifting and lowering before damage occurs in the predicted deteriorated parts. Therefore, if the number of lifting and lowering cycles of the cab 10 based on the cab lifting device 60 can be determined, the deterioration prediction unit 325 can predict whether damage such as cracks will occur in the cab lifting device 60.

[0161] Thus, in this embodiment, the construction machinery 100 includes a lifting cab 10, which comprises: a switch 32 for detecting the operation of the cab lifting device 60 that raises and lowers the lifting cab 10; and a controller 30 for predicting the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the detection result of the switch 32 and outputting the prediction result. With this structure, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted and notified based on the operation of the cab lifting device 60. Specifically, in this embodiment, the controller 30 detects the number of times the cab lifting device 60 is raised and lowered based on the switch 32, and predicts the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the number of times the cab lifting device 60 is raised and lowered. Therefore, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the number of times the cab lifting device 60 is raised and lowered.

[0162] (Fifth implementation) In the aforementioned construction machinery 100, when the construction machinery 100 moves with the cab 10 raised, a large load is applied to the cab lifting device 60, and the likelihood of deterioration is high. Therefore, in this embodiment, an implementation method for predicting the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 moves with the cab 10 raised will be described.

[0163] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the fifth embodiment of the operation of the construction machinery 100.

[0164] For example, after starting the engine 11 of the construction machinery 100, the controller 30 acquires and analyzes information indicating the operation of the switch 32 in the operation detection unit 321, thereby detecting whether the cab 10 is rising. Furthermore, the speed detection unit 322 acquires and analyzes, for example, the flow rate of the working oil detected by the flow rate sensors 21L and 21R, thereby detecting the travel status of the construction machinery 100 (step ST51).

[0165] Then, if the controller 30 determines that the cab 10 has been raised ("Yes" in step ST52) and determines that the construction machinery 100 is moving ("Yes" in step ST53), the number of times the construction machinery 100 moves in the raised cab state is added in the movement state recording unit 324 and recorded (step ST54).

[0166] Next, the controller 30 predicts the degradation of the cab lifting device 60 in the degradation prediction unit 325 based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 moves while the cab 10 is raised (step ST55). Specifically, since the number of times the construction machinery 100 moves while the cab 10 is raised is recorded in the movement status recording unit 324, the degradation prediction unit 325 first confirms the number recorded in the movement status recording unit 324. Then, it predicts the degradation of the cab lifting device 60 based on the confirmed number. For example, the degradation prediction unit 325 has prediction data that predicts whether cracks will occur in the plate 71 based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 moves while the cab 10 is raised, that is, predicts the degree to which the plate 71 will degrade. Therefore, if the number of times the construction machinery 100 moves while the cab 10 is raised can be confirmed, the degradation prediction unit 325 can predict whether cracks will occur in the plate 71.

[0167] Then, the controller 30 displays the prediction result of the degradation prediction unit 325 on the display device 35 in the display control unit 340 (step ST56). Specifically, if the degradation prediction unit 325 predicts that cracks will occur in the board 71, the display control unit 340 displays the situation that cracks may occur in the board 71 on the display device 35.

[0168] Therefore, it is possible to indicate the possibility of cracks in the plate 71 based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised.

[0169] Furthermore, the controller 30 can also use the communication device T in the communication unit 360 to send the prediction results in the degradation prediction unit 325 to the information output device via the communication line, and display and output them via the information output device.

[0170] Thus, if the prediction results in the degradation prediction unit 325 are sent to the information output device via the communication line and displayed on the information output device, the manager, owner, or service personnel at a remote location can be notified that cracks may occur in the plate 71.

[0171] in addition, Figure 12 The series of processes shown can also be applied to predict the deterioration of parts other than the plate 71, such as the cab lifting cylinder 62 in the cab lifting device 60. In this case, the deterioration prediction unit 325 has predictive data indicating how many times the construction machinery 100 will travel while the cab 10 is raised, at which point damage will occur in the predicted deteriorated parts. Therefore, if the number of times the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised can be determined, the deterioration prediction unit 325 can predict that damage such as cracks will occur in the cab lifting device 60.

[0172] Thus, in this embodiment, flow rate sensors 21L and 21R are provided for detecting the movement status of the construction machinery 100. The controller 30 uses the detection results of the crack sensor 75 and the flow rate sensors 21L and 21R to predict the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 moves while the cab 10 is raised. By adopting this structure, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 moves while the cab 10 is raised.

[0173] (Sixth implementation) In the aforementioned construction machinery 100, when the construction machinery 100 travels with the cab 10 raised, a large load is applied to the cab lifting device 60, and the likelihood of deterioration is high. Therefore, in this embodiment, an implementation method for predicting the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the cumulative time of the construction machinery 100 traveling with the cab 10 raised will be described.

[0174] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the sixth embodiment of the operation of the construction machinery 100.

[0175] For example, after starting the engine 11 of the construction machinery 100, the controller 30 performs [action / action]. Figure 12 The same process is shown in steps ST51 to ST53 (steps ST61 to ST63).

[0176] Then, if it is determined that the cab 10 has been raised ("Yes" in step ST62) and the construction machinery 100 is moving ("Yes" in step ST63), the controller 30 starts measuring the travel time in the travel status recording unit 324 (step ST64).

[0177] Then, the same process as steps ST61 to ST63 is performed (steps ST65 to ST67). If it is determined in step ST66 that the cab 10 has been lowered (step ST66 "No"), or in step ST67 that the construction machinery 100 has stopped (step ST67 "No"), then the measurement of travel time is stopped in the travel status recording unit 324 (step ST68).

[0178] Then, the controller 30 performs an addition operation on the cumulative time of the construction machinery 100 traveling in the state of the cab 10 being raised in the travel status recording unit 324 and records it (step ST69).

[0179] Next, in the deterioration prediction unit 325, the controller 30 predicts the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the cumulative travel time of the construction machinery 100 in the cab 10 raised state (step ST70). Specifically, since the cumulative travel time of the construction machinery 100 in the cab 10 raised state is recorded in the travel state recording unit 324, the deterioration prediction unit 325 first confirms the cumulative time recorded in the travel state recording unit 324. Then, it predicts the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the confirmed cumulative time. For example, the deterioration prediction unit 325 has prediction data that predicts whether cracks will occur in the plate 71 based on the cumulative travel time of the construction machinery 100 in the cab 10 raised state, that is, predicts the degree to which the plate 71 will deteriorate. Therefore, if the cumulative travel time of the construction machinery 100 in the cab 10 raised state can be confirmed, the deterioration prediction unit 325 can predict that cracks will occur in the plate 71.

[0180] Then, the controller 30 displays the prediction result of the degradation prediction unit 325 on the display device 35 in the display control unit 340 (step ST71). Specifically, if the degradation prediction unit 325 predicts that cracks will occur in the board 71, the display control unit 340 displays the situation that cracks may occur in the board 71 on the display device 35.

[0181] Therefore, it is possible to notify the possibility of cracks in the plate 71 based on the cumulative time that the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised.

[0182] Furthermore, the controller 30 can also use the communication device T in the communication unit 360 to send the prediction results in the degradation prediction unit 325 to the information output device via the communication line, and display and output them via the information output device.

[0183] Thus, if the prediction results in the degradation prediction unit 325 are sent to the information output device via the communication line and displayed on the information output device, the manager, owner, or service personnel at a remote location can be notified that cracks may occur in the plate 71.

[0184] in addition, Figure 13 The series of processes shown can also be applied to predict the deterioration of parts other than the plate 71, such as the cab lifting cylinder 62 in the cab lifting device 60. In this case, the deterioration prediction unit 325 has predictive data on how many times the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised will cause damage to the predicted deteriorated parts. Therefore, if the cumulative travel time of the construction machinery 100 while the cab 10 is raised can be determined, the deterioration prediction unit 325 can predict that damage such as cracks will occur in the cab lifting device 60.

[0185] Thus, in this embodiment, flow rate sensors 21L and 21R are provided for detecting the travel status of the construction machinery 100. The controller 30 uses the detection results of the crack sensor 75 and the flow rate sensors 21L and 21R, and predicts the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the cumulative travel time of the construction machinery 100 while the cab 10 is raised. By adopting this structure, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the cumulative travel time of the construction machinery 100 while the cab 10 is raised.

[0186] (Other implementation methods) In the aforementioned construction machinery 100, the higher the lifting height of the cab 10, the greater the load on the cab lifting device 60, and the higher the likelihood of deterioration. Therefore, in the above-described embodiments 4 to 6, the lifting height of the cab 10 may be included to predict the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60.

[0187] As described above, the length of the cab lifting cylinder 62 is detected by the cylinder length sensor 74 installed on the cab lifting cylinder 62, and the lifting height of the cab 10 can be detected based on the detected length of the cab lifting cylinder 62.

[0188] Therefore, in the controller 30, the deterioration of the cab lift 60 can be predicted based on the lifting height of the cab 10 detected by the cylinder length sensor 74 when the cab 10 in the cab lift 60 is detected to have risen based on the operation of the switch 32.

[0189] For example, in the structure shown in the fourth embodiment, the controller 30 can predict the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the number of times the cab lifting device 60 rises and falls and the height of the cab 10 rising and falling detected by the cylinder length sensor 74 when the cab 10 is detected to have risen. Specifically, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the number of times the cab 10 rises to a predetermined height or higher.

[0190] Therefore, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the number of times the cab 10 rises to a predetermined height.

[0191] Furthermore, in the structure shown in the fifth embodiment, the controller 30 can predict the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised and the lifting height of the cab 10 detected by the cylinder length sensor 74 when the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised. Specifically, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised to a predetermined height or higher.

[0192] Therefore, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the number of times the construction machinery 100 travels when the cab 10 is raised to a predetermined height.

[0193] Furthermore, in the structure shown in the sixth embodiment, the controller 30 can predict the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 based on the cumulative time of the construction machinery 100 traveling while the cab 10 is raised and the lifting height of the cab 10 detected by the cylinder length sensor 74 when the construction machinery 100 travels while the cab 10 is raised. Specifically, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the cumulative time of the construction machinery 100 traveling when the cab 10 is raised to a predetermined height or above.

[0194] Therefore, the deterioration of the cab lifting device 60 can be predicted based on the cumulative time that the construction machinery 100 travels when the cab 10 is raised to a predetermined height.

Claims

1. A construction machine having a lifting operator's cab, wherein, The construction machinery has the following features: The inspection unit is used to detect the deterioration of the lifting mechanism of the lifting cab; and The control unit outputs the detection results from the detection unit.

2. The construction machinery according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting mechanism has a support component that supports a cylinder for raising and lowering the lifting cab. The detection unit detects cracks that occur in the support component.

3. The construction machinery according to claim 2, wherein, The detection unit detects the size of the crack. The control unit outputs this information if the size of the crack detected by the detection unit exceeds a predetermined size.

4. The construction machinery according to claim 1, wherein, The construction machinery has a display unit installed in the lifting cab. The control unit outputs the detection result via the display unit.

5. The construction machinery according to claim 1, wherein, The construction machinery has a sound output unit installed in the lifting cab. The control unit outputs the detection result via the sound output unit.

6. The construction machinery according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit sends the detection result to the information output device via a communication line, and outputs the detection result via the information output device.

7. The construction machinery according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit calculates the cumulative damage or remaining life of the lifting mechanism based on the rate of deterioration detected by the detection unit, and outputs the calculation result.

8. A construction machine having a lifting operator's cab, wherein, The construction machinery has the following features: The first detection unit is used to detect the operation of the lifting mechanism of the lifting cab; and The control unit predicts the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the detection results of the first detection unit and outputs the prediction results.

9. The construction machinery according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit predicts the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the number of lifting operations detected by the first detection unit.

10. The construction machinery according to claim 8, wherein, The construction machinery has a second detection unit for detecting the movement status of the construction machinery. The control unit uses the detection results of the first detection unit and the detection results of the second detection unit to predict the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the number of times the construction machinery moves when the lifting cab is raised.

11. The construction machinery according to claim 8, wherein, The construction machinery has a second detection unit for detecting the movement status of the construction machinery. The control unit uses the detection results of the first detection unit and the detection results of the second detection unit to predict the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the cumulative time of the construction machinery traveling in the state of the lifting cab being raised.

12. The construction machinery according to claim 8, wherein, The construction machinery has a third detection unit for detecting the lifting height of the lifting cab. The control unit predicts the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the lifting height of the lifting cab detected by the third detection unit when the first detection unit detects that the lifting cab has been raised.

13. The construction machinery according to claim 9, wherein, The construction machinery has a third detection unit for detecting the lifting height of the lifting cab. The control unit predicts the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the number of times the lifting mechanism rises and falls and the height of the lifting cab detected by the third detection unit when the first detection unit detects that the lifting cab has risen.

14. The construction machinery according to claim 10, wherein, The construction machinery has a third detection unit for detecting the lifting height of the lifting cab. The control unit predicts the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the number of times the construction machinery moves when the lifting cab is raised and the lifting height of the lifting cab detected by the third detection unit when the construction machinery moves when the lifting cab is raised.

15. The construction machinery according to claim 11, wherein, The construction machinery has a third detection unit for detecting the lifting height of the lifting cab. The control unit predicts the deterioration of the lifting mechanism based on the cumulative time the construction machinery travels with the lifting cab raised and the lifting height of the lifting cab detected by the third detection unit when the construction machinery travels with the lifting cab raised.

Images