Sorting and collecting system

Abstract

To provide a sorting and collecting system of working fluid that can reduce regeneration cost and use resources effectively even in a small-sized regeneration facility.SOLUTION: A sorting and collecting system includes: a sorting and collecting server for outputting an instruction on sorting and collecting of working fluid used in a hydraulic device having a hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic pump for supplying working fluid to the hydraulic actuator; and a terminal for displaying the instruction acquired from the sorting and collecting server. The sorting and collecting server acquires a state quantity of working fluid used in the hydraulic device, compares an acceptable range of the state quantity of the working fluid set for each of a plurality of regeneration facilities with the state quantity, and outputs an instruction to convey the working fluid collected from the hydraulic device to a regeneration facility in which the state quantity is included in the acceptable range, to the terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for separately recovering hydraulic oil from a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In work machines such as hydraulic excavators, dump trucks, and wheel loaders, the hydraulic oil that operates the hydraulic actuators gradually deteriorates as the operating time increases. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that determines whether to reclaim or discard the hydraulic oil that has been removed from the work machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3774393 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if hydraulic oil extracted from multiple work machines is reclaimed all at once, unnecessary processing may be carried out depending on the condition of the hydraulic oil, which may lead to larger reclaiming equipment, higher reclaiming costs, and a waste of resources.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology in a system for recovering hydraulic oil from a work machine that reduces regeneration costs and makes effective use of resources, even with small-scale regeneration equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a separate collection system comprising a separate collection server that outputs instructions for the separate collection of hydraulic oil used in a hydraulic device having a hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic pump that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator, and a terminal that displays the instructions obtained from the separate collection server, wherein the separate collection server obtains the state quantity of the hydraulic oil used in the hydraulic device, compares the state quantity with an allowable range of the state quantity of the hydraulic oil set for each of a plurality of recycling facilities, and outputs an instruction to the terminal to transport the hydraulic oil recovered from the hydraulic device to the recycling facility where the state quantity falls within the allowable range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in a system for recovering hydraulic oil from a work machine, even a small-scale recovery facility can reduce recovery costs and make effective use of resources. Note that problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the description of the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a sorting and collection system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a drive circuit of a work machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the work machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a recipe for treatment of hydraulic oil by a regeneration facility. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a sorting and collection server. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a sorting and collection server. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of an exchange instruction process. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal after execution of an exchange instruction process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a destination instruction process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Outline of the Separate Collection System 100] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a separate collection system 100. The separate collection system 100 is a system for separately collecting hydraulic oil circulating inside work machines 1, 2, and 3, and processing it at one of a plurality of recycling facilities 4, 5, and 6. Furthermore, the hydraulic oil is transported from the work machines 1 to 3 to the recycling facilities 4 to 6 by a transport vehicle 8 on which a worker carrying a terminal 7 (see FIG. 8) rides. Furthermore, the separate collection of hydraulic oil from the work machines 1 to 3 is controlled by a separate collection server 9.

[0010] The sorting and collection system 100 includes at least a terminal 7 and a sorting and collection server 9. In addition to the terminal 7 and the sorting and collection server 9, the sorting and collection system 100 may further include at least some of the work machines 1 to 3, recycling facilities 4 to 6, and transport vehicles 8. The numbers of work machines 1 to 3, recycling facilities 4 to 6, terminals 7, and transport vehicles 8 included in the sorting and collection system 100 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0011] [Configuration of work machines 1 to 3] The work machines 1 to 3 according to this embodiment are hydraulic excavators. However, specific examples of the work machines 1 to 3 are not limited to hydraulic excavators, and any work machine equipped with a hydraulic actuator (for example, a hydraulic motor or hydraulic cylinder), such as a dump truck, a wheel loader, or a hydraulic crane, is applicable. Furthermore, the work machines 1 to 3 are an example of a hydraulic device. However, specific examples of the hydraulic device are not limited to the work machines 1 to 3, and include any device equipped with a hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic pump that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator.

[0012] A work machine 1 according to this embodiment is parked, for example, at parking lot A. Furthermore, work machines 2 and 3 according to this embodiment perform work, for example, at work site B. However, the installation locations of work machines 1 to 3 are not limited to the above-mentioned example. Below, work machine 1 will be explained, but work machines 2 to 3 also have a common configuration.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a drive circuit 10 of the work machine 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a drive circuit 10. The drive circuit 10 is a circuit that generates a drive force to drive the work machine 1. The drive circuit 10 is also a circuit that operates the hydraulic cylinder 15 by circulating hydraulic oil between a hydraulic oil tank 12 and a hydraulic cylinder 15.

[0014] The drive circuit 10 mainly includes, for example, an engine 11, a hydraulic oil tank 12, a hydraulic pump 13, a valve 14, a hydraulic cylinder 15 (hydraulic actuator), a filter 16, and a state quantity sensor 17. Note that the type and number of hydraulic actuators mounted on the work machine 1 are not limited to the example in FIG. 2.

[0015] The engine 11 generates a rotational driving force for driving the work machine 1. The hydraulic oil tank 12 stores hydraulic oil that is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 15 (in other words, circulated within the drive circuit 10 of the work machine 1). The hydraulic pump 13 is connected to the output shaft of the engine 11, and supplies the hydraulic oil stored in the hydraulic oil tank 12 to the hydraulic cylinder 15 by the rotational driving force generated by the engine 11.

[0016] The valve 14 controls the supply and discharge direction of hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 15 under the control of a controller 20 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later. The hydraulic cylinder 15 expands and contracts (operates) when hydraulic oil is supplied to one of the bottom chamber and the rod chamber and discharged from the other. The filter 16 removes dust from the hydraulic oil that is discharged from the hydraulic cylinder 15 and returned to the hydraulic oil tank 12 via the valve 14.

[0017] The state quantity sensor 17 detects the state quantity of the hydraulic oil circulating within the drive circuit 10 (i.e., within the work machine 1), and outputs a state quantity signal indicating the detected state quantity to the controller 20. The state quantity sensor 17 is disposed, for example, in the hydraulic oil flow path from the valve 14 to the filter 16. However, the installation position of the state quantity sensor 17 is not limited to the example in FIG. 2 , and it may be installed, for example, within the hydraulic oil tank 12.

[0018] The state quantity sensor 17 detects at least one of the kinematic viscosity, density, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity of the hydraulic oil, for example. The kinematic viscosity, density, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity are physical quantities that indicate the degree of deterioration (in other words, the quality) of the hydraulic oil. The relationship between these physical quantities and the deterioration of the hydraulic oil depends on the types of base oil and additives that make up the hydraulic oil. For commonly used mineral oil-based hydraulic oils, however, as the hydraulic oil deteriorates (in other words, its quality deteriorates), the kinematic viscosity decreases and the density, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity increase. In this embodiment, the description is based on the premise that the state quantities (i.e., density, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity) increase as the hydraulic oil deteriorates (its quality deteriorates).

[0019] Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the work machine 1. The work machine 1 is equipped with a controller 20. The controller 20 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 and a memory 22. The memory 22 is configured, for example, from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a combination of these. The controller 20 realizes the processing described below by having the CPU 21 read and execute program code stored in the ROM or HDD. The RAM is used as a work area when the CPU 21 executes the program.

[0020] However, the specific configuration of the controller 20 is not limited to this, and may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0021] The work machine 1 also includes an operation device 23 and a communication I / F (Interface) 24. The operation device 23 accepts operations from the operator to operate the work machine 1, and outputs operation signals indicative of the accepted operations to the controller 20. The work machine 1 (more specifically, the hydraulic cylinder 15) is operated when the operator operates the operation device 23. Specific examples of the operation device 23 include a lever, steering wheel, pedals, etc. The communication I / F 24 is a communication interface that sends and receives data to and from an external device (for example, the sorting and collection server 9) via a communication network (for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system, Wi-Fi (registered trademark)).

[0022] The controller 20 controls the overall operation of the work machine 1. As one example, the controller 20 controls the operation of the engine 11, hydraulic pump 13, and valve 14 based on operation signals output from the operation device 23. This causes the hydraulic cylinder 15 to expand and contract in accordance with the operation of the operator. As another example, the controller 20 transmits the state quantity signal output from the state quantity sensor 17 and the operating state of the work machine 1 (for example, operating time) to the sorting and collection server 9 via the communication I / F 24.

[0023] [Configuration of Regeneration Equipment 4-6] The regeneration equipment 4-6 is equipment that processes the hydraulic oil circulating within the work machine 1 (in other words, stored in the hydraulic oil tank 12). The regeneration equipment 4-6 is equipped with storage tanks 4a, 5a, 6a that store the hydraulic oil recovered from the work machine 1. The capacity of the storage tanks 4a-6a is sufficiently larger than the capacity of the hydraulic oil tank 12. Furthermore, the regeneration equipment 4-6 processes the hydraulic oil stored in the storage tanks 4a-6a in accordance with a predetermined recipe.

[0024] The reservoirs 4a and 5a store hydraulic oil that is recyclable (can be reused as hydraulic oil through regeneration treatment). The reservoir 4a stores hydraulic oil of higher quality (less deteriorated) than the reservoir 5a. The reservoir 6a stores hydraulic oil that is not recyclable (cannot be reused as hydraulic oil through regeneration treatment).

[0025] For example, if the range of state quantities of reclaimable hydraulic oil is 1 to 100, hydraulic oil whose state quantities are in a first allowable range (1 to 50) is stored in storage tank 4a, hydraulic oil whose state quantities are in a second allowable range (51 to 100) is stored in storage tank 5a, and hydraulic oil whose state quantities are in a third allowable range (101 or higher) is stored in storage tank 6a. The first allowable range, second allowable range, and third allowable range are, for example, continuous ranges that do not overlap with one another. That is, an allowable range is set in advance for each of reclaiming equipment 4 to 6.

[0026] 4 is a diagram showing recipes for treatment of hydraulic oil by recycling facilities 4 to 6. Recipes are assigned to recycling facilities 4 and 5 for regenerating hydraulic oil extracted from work machines 1 to 3 and using it again as hydraulic oil. On the other hand, a recipe is assigned to recycling facility 6 for subjecting hydraulic oil extracted from work machines 1 to 3 to minimal treatment and selling it as fuel.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the recipes assigned to the regeneration equipment 4 and 5 include a filtration step and an additive addition step. The filtration step is performed before the additive addition step. Specific examples of the recipes for the regeneration equipment 4 and 5 are not limited to the following. Furthermore, a description of the recipe assigned to the regeneration equipment 6 will be omitted.

[0028] Filtration is a process in which impurities contained in the hydraulic oil stored in the storage tanks 4a, 5a are removed using filters. More specifically, the regeneration equipment 4 uses a dust removal filter that removes dust particles that are too fine (for example, about 5 μm) to be removed by the filter 16 of the work machine 1, and a moisture removal filter that removes moisture contained in the hydraulic oil. On the other hand, the regeneration equipment 5 uses, in addition to the dust removal filter and moisture removal filter, an acid removal filter that removes oxides contained in the hydraulic oil. However, the acid removal filter also removes additives that are necessary for the hydraulic oil used in the work machines 1-3.

[0029] The step of adding additives is a step of adding necessary additives to the hydraulic oil used in the work machines 1 to 3. In the regeneration equipment 4, additive packages A and B containing additives that are gradually consumed in the process of being used in the work machines 1 to 3 (i.e., circulating within the drive circuit 10) are added to the hydraulic oil. Furthermore, in the regeneration equipment 5, in addition to the additive packages A and B, an additive package C containing additives that are removed by the acid removal filter is added to the hydraulic oil.

[0030] [Configuration of terminal 7 and transport vehicle 8] The terminal 7 is carried by the worker who changes the hydraulic oil in the work machines 1 to 3 and by the worker who rides in the transport vehicle 8. The terminal 7 also has a display that displays instructions (contents of the instructions) from the separate collection server 9. The worker who changes the hydraulic oil and the worker who rides in the transport vehicle 8 may be the same person or different people. The terminal 7 is, for example, a tablet terminal, smartphone, laptop computer, etc. The transport vehicle 8 is a vehicle that transports the hydraulic oil drained from the work machines 1 to 3 to the recycling facilities 4 to 6 instructed by the separate collection server 9. The transport vehicle 8 may, for example, be equipped with a dedicated tank for storing hydraulic oil, or may be loaded with drums containing hydraulic oil.

[0031] [Configuration of sorting and collection server 9] 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the separate collection server 9. Based on information acquired from the work machines 1-3, the separate collection server 9 separates and collects the hydraulic oil from the work machines 1-3 by instructing a worker carrying a terminal 7 to replace the hydraulic oil in the work machines 1-3 and to the destination of the hydraulic oil extracted from the work machines 1-3 (i.e., to the regeneration facilities 4-6).

[0032] The waste sorting and collection server 9 is realized by, for example, a workstation or a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer. As shown in Fig. 5, the waste sorting and collection server 9 mainly includes a CPU 31, a memory 32, a storage 33, an input device 34, a display 35, and a communication I / F 36. The components of the waste sorting and collection server 9 are connected to a communication bus 37.

[0033] The CPU 31 performs the processing described below by executing a series of instructions included in the waste sorting and collection program 38 loaded into the memory 32. The memory 32 is realized, for example, as RAM or other volatile memory. The storage 33 is realized, for example, as ROM, a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The waste sorting and collection program 38 is stored in the storage 33, and is loaded into the memory 32 and executed by the CPU 31 as needed.

[0034] The input device 34 is an input interface, such as a keyboard or pointing device, that accepts input operations from the administrator of the waste sorting and collection server 9. The display 35 is an output interface that outputs (displays) information to the administrator of the waste sorting and collection server 9. The communication I / F 36 is a communication interface that transmits and receives data to and from external devices (e.g., work machines 1 to 3, terminal 7) via a communication network.

[0035] [Function block diagram of the sorting and collection server 9] Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of the sorting and collection server 9. As shown in Fig. 6, the sorting and collection server 9 includes, for example, an exchange instruction unit 41, a state quantity acquisition unit (state quantity calculation unit) 42, a comparison unit 43, and a destination instruction unit 44. The exchange instruction unit 41, the state quantity acquisition unit (state quantity calculation unit) 42, the comparison unit 43, and the destination instruction unit 44 are realized, for example, by the CPU 21 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 22. Also, some of the functional blocks (41 to 44) shown in Fig. 6 can be omitted.

[0036] When the hydraulic oil in each of the work machines 1 to 3 meets predetermined replacement conditions, the replacement instruction unit 41 instructs the worker to replace the hydraulic oil in each of the work machines 1 to 3. The replacement instruction unit 41 may, for example, transmit (output) replacement instruction information indicating the work machines 1 to 3 that are to have their hydraulic oil replaced to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36.

[0037] The state quantity acquisition unit 42 acquires state quantities of the hydraulic oil used in each of the work machines 1-3. More specifically, the state quantity acquisition unit 42 acquires state quantities from the work machines 1-3 at the timing when a change start notification indicating the start of hydraulic oil change work for the work machines 1-3 is acquired from the worker. As one example, the state quantity acquisition unit 42 may receive the state quantities from the work machines 1-3 via the communication I / F 36. As another example, the state quantity calculation unit 42 may calculate the state quantities based on information indicating the state of the hydraulic oil received from the work machines 1-3 (for example, at least one of the kinematic viscosity, density, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity of the hydraulic oil). As yet another example, the state quantity calculation unit 42 may calculate the state quantities based on the operating conditions received from the work machines 1-3 (for example, the time elapsed since the most recent hydraulic oil change, the type of work, etc.).

[0038] The comparison unit 43 compares the state quantity acquired (calculated) by the state quantity acquisition unit (state quantity calculation unit) 41 with the allowable ranges of state quantities previously set for each of the regeneration equipment 4-6. As one example, when the state quantity acquisition unit 42 acquires a state quantity from one of the work machines 1-3, the comparison unit 43 may compare that state quantity with multiple allowable ranges. As another example, when the state quantity acquisition unit 42 acquires state quantities from multiple work machines 1-3, the comparison unit 43 may calculate an average state quantity by weighting the acquired multiple state quantities with the hydraulic oil amounts of each of the multiple work machines 1-3. Then, the comparison unit 43 may compare the calculated average state quantity with multiple allowable ranges.

[0039] The destination instruction unit 44 instructs the worker to transport the hydraulic oil recovered from the work machines 1-3 to one of the multiple regeneration facilities 4-6 whose state quantity falls within the allowable range. Furthermore, when the comparison unit 43 compares the average state quantity with the multiple allowable ranges, the destination instruction unit 44 instructs the worker to mix the hydraulic oil recovered from the multiple work machines 1-3 and transport it to one of the regeneration facilities 4-6 whose average state quantity falls within the allowable range. The destination instruction unit 44 may transmit (output) destination instruction information to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36, for example.

[0040] [Exchange instruction processing] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the replacement instruction process. The replacement instruction process is a process for instructing a worker carrying a terminal 7 to replace the hydraulic oil in the work machines 1 to 3. The replacement instruction process is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals by the sorting and collection server 9. The sorting and collection program 38 uses the hardware of the sorting and collection server 9 to execute the replacement instruction process shown in Fig. 7.

[0041] First, the sorting and collection server 9 assigns 1 to (initializes) a variable N stored in the memory 32 (S11). The variable N is a variable for identifying the work machines 1 to 3 under the management of the sorting and collection server 9. Next, the sorting and collection server 9 (replacement instruction unit 41) acquires the operating time t of the work machine N through the communication I / F 36 (S12). The operating time t is, for example, the accumulated time that the engine 11 of the work machine N has been operating (in other words, the hydraulic oil has been circulating within the drive circuit 10), counted from the point in time when the hydraulic oil was most recently replaced.

[0042] Next, the sorting and collection server 9 (replacement instruction unit 41) compares the operating time t of the work machine N with a predetermined threshold time TH (S13). The threshold time TH is set to, for example, an average value at which hydraulic oil replacement becomes necessary. The operating time t of the work machine N reaching the threshold time TH is an example of the hydraulic oil of the work machine N satisfying the predetermined replacement condition. However, specific examples of the replacement condition are not limited to the examples described above.

[0043] Next, if the sorting and collection server 9 (replacement instruction unit 41) determines that the operating time t of the work machine N has reached the threshold time TH (S13: Yes), it outputs replacement instruction information for the hydraulic oil of the work machine N to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36 (S14). On the other hand, if the sorting and collection server 9v determines that the operating time t of the work machine N has not reached the threshold time TH (S13: No), it skips the processing of step S14.

[0044] Next, the sorting and collection server 9 (replacement instruction unit 41) determines whether or not the processing of steps S12 to S14 has been executed for all of the work machines 1 to 3 under its management (S15). If the sorting and collection server 9 (replacement instruction unit 41) determines that the processing of steps S12 to S14 has not yet been executed for all of the work machines 1 to 3 (S15: No), it adds 1 to the variable N (S16) and executes the processing from step S12 onwards again. In other words, the sorting and collection server 9 (replacement instruction unit 41) executes the processing of steps S12 to S14 for each of the work machines 1 to 3 under its management (S15: Yes) and ends the replacement instruction processing.

[0045] Fig. 8 is an example of a screen displayed on the terminal 7 after the replacement instruction process has been executed. As shown in Fig. 8, the display of the terminal 7 displays the work machines 1 to 3 for which a hydraulic oil replacement has been instructed by the sorting and collection server 9, check boxes associated with each of the work machines 1 to 3, and a "Replace" icon. In the example of Fig. 8, it is assumed that a hydraulic oil replacement has been instructed for all of the work machines 1 to 3 under the management of the sorting and collection server 9.

[0046] As an example, when a worker carrying the terminal 7 arrives at parking lot A in the transport vehicle 8, he checks the check box corresponding to the work machine 1 on the screen of FIG. 8 displayed on the terminal 7 and selects the "Replace" icon. This causes the terminal 7 to send a replacement start notification to the sorting and collection server 9 via the communications network. The replacement start notification is information indicating that work to replace the hydraulic oil in the work machine 1 will begin. The replacement start notification also includes identification information that identifies the work machine 1 for which the hydraulic oil is to be replaced. The worker then replaces the hydraulic oil in the work machine 1 and loads the hydraulic oil that has been removed from the work machine 1 onto the transport vehicle 8. That is, in this example, only the hydraulic oil that has been removed from the work machine 1 is loaded onto the transport vehicle 8.

[0047] As another example, when a worker carrying the terminal 7 arrives at work site B in the transport vehicle 8, he checks the check boxes corresponding to the work machines 2 and 3 on the screen of Figure 8 displayed on the terminal 7 and selects the "Replace" icon. This causes the terminal 7 to send a replacement start notification including the identification information of the work machines 2 and 3 to the sorting and collection server 9 via the communications network. The worker then replaces the hydraulic oil in the work machines 2 and 3 and loads the hydraulic oil drained from the work machines 2 and 3 onto the transport vehicle 8. That is, in this example, the transport vehicle 8 is loaded with a mixture of the hydraulic oil drained from the work machines 2 and 3.

[0048] It should be noted that the worker carrying the terminal 7 may not necessarily be able to immediately start the hydraulic oil replacement work when the instruction to replace the hydraulic oil is received from the sorting and collection server 9. Therefore, there may be some time lag between the instruction to replace the hydraulic oil being given in step S14 and the worker selecting the [Replace] icon (in other words, the start of the hydraulic oil replacement work). Furthermore, the work machines 1 to 3 may continue to operate during this time lag. In other words, the longer this time lag is, the more likely it is that the hydraulic oil has deteriorated.

[0049] [Destination instruction processing] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the destination instruction process. The destination instruction process is a process for instructing an operator on the destination of the hydraulic oil extracted from the work machines 1 to 3 (i.e., one of the regeneration facilities 4 to 6). The destination instruction process is executed, for example, when the [Replace] icon is selected (i.e., immediately before the start of the hydraulic oil replacement work). The separate collection program 38 executes the destination instruction process shown in Fig. 9 using the hardware of the separate collection server 9.

[0050] First, the sorting and collection server 9 (status quantity acquisition unit 42) determines whether to replace the hydraulic oil in only one work machine 1, or to replace the hydraulic oil in multiple work machines 2, 3 all at once (S21). The sorting and collection server 9 (status quantity acquisition unit 42) may, for example, determine the number of pieces of identification information included in the replacement start notification received from the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36. A replacement start notification that includes multiple pieces of identification information indicates that replacement work will begin on multiple work machines.

[0051] Then, when it is determined that the hydraulic oil of only one work machine 1 is to be replaced (S21: Yes), the sorting and collection server 9 (state quantity acquisition unit 42) acquires the state quantity M1 from the work machine 1 via the communication I / F 36 (S22). That is, the sorting and collection server 9 (state quantity acquisition unit 42) transmits a transmission request for the state quantity M1 to the work machine 1 via the communication I / F 36, and receives the state quantity M1 detected by the state quantity sensor 17 from the work machine 1 via the communication I / F 36.

[0052] On the other hand, when the sorting and collection server 9 (state quantity acquisition unit 42) determines that the hydraulic oil of the multiple work machines 2, 3 should be replaced all at once (S21: No), it acquires the state quantities M2, M3 of each of the multiple work machines 2, 3 individually via the communication I / F 36. Then, the sorting and collection server 9 (comparison unit 43) calculates the average state quantity Mavg using the following equation 1 (S23). The average state quantity Mavg is the state quantity when the hydraulic oil extracted from the multiple work machines 2, 3 is mixed in the transporter 8. Furthermore, the average state quantity Mavg is a value obtained by weighting the state quantities M2, M3 acquired from the multiple work machines 2, 3 by the hydraulic oil quantities V2, V3 of the work machines 2, 3 (i.e., the volume of the hydraulic oil tanks 12 of each of the work machines 2, 3). Mavg=(M2×V2+M3×V3) / (V2+V3) (Formula 1)

[0053] Next, the sorting and collection server 9 (comparison unit 43) compares the state quantity M1 acquired in step S22 with the allowable ranges assigned to the recycling facilities 4 and 5 (S24-S25). If the sorting and collection server 9 (destination instruction unit 44) determines that the state quantity M1 falls within the first allowable range (S24: Yes), it transmits destination instruction information instructing the recycling facility 4 as the destination of the transport vehicle 8 to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36 (S26). If the sorting and collection server 9 (destination instruction unit 44) determines that the state quantity M1 falls within the second allowable range (S25: Yes), it transmits destination instruction information instructing the recycling facility 5 as the destination of the transport vehicle 8 to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36 (S27). Furthermore, if the sorting and collection server 9 (destination instruction unit 44) determines that the state quantity M1 is not within either the first or second allowable range (S24: No & S25: No), it transmits destination instruction information instructing the recycling facility 6 as the destination of the transport vehicle 8 to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36 (S28).

[0054] Similarly, the sorting and collection server 9 (comparison unit 43) compares the average state quantity Mavg acquired in step S23 with the allowable ranges assigned to the recycling facilities 4 and 5 (S24-S25). If the sorting and collection server 9 (destination instruction unit 44) determines that the average state quantity Mavg is within the first allowable range (S24: Yes), it transmits destination instruction information instructing the recycling facility 4 as the destination of the transport vehicle 8 to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36 (S26). If the sorting and collection server 9 (destination instruction unit 44) determines that the average state quantity Mavg is within the second allowable range (S25: Yes), it transmits destination instruction information instructing the recycling facility 5 as the destination of the transport vehicle 8 to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36 (S27). Furthermore, if the sorting and collection server 9 (destination instruction unit 44) determines that the average state quantity Mavg is not included in either the first or second allowable range (S24: No & S25: No), it transmits destination instruction information instructing the recycling facility 6 as the destination of the transport vehicle 8 to the terminal 7 via the communication I / F 36 (S28).

[0055] That is, in steps S24 to S28, the separate collection server 9 instructs the worker to transport the hydraulic oil collected from the work machine 1 (or work machines 2, 3) to one of the recycling facilities 4 to 6 whose state quantity M1 (or average state quantity Mavg) falls within the allowable range. The worker carrying the terminal 7 then drives the transport vehicle 8 to the recycling facility 4 to 6 instructed by the separate collection server 9, and pours the hydraulic oil loaded on the transport vehicle 8 into the storage tanks 4a to 6a of the instructed recycling facility 4 to 6. The recycling facilities 4 to 6 then execute a regeneration process in accordance with the recipe shown in FIG. 4 when the amount of hydraulic oil stored in the storage tanks 4a to 6a reaches a threshold amount. The timing to execute the regeneration process may be determined independently by the recycling facilities 4 to 6, or may receive an instruction from the separate collection server 9.

[0056] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the above embodiment, based on the state quantities of the hydraulic oil obtained from the work machines 1 to 3, regeneration facilities 4 to 6 are selected to regenerate the hydraulic oil. As a result, of the hydraulic oils that can be reused as hydraulic oil, high-quality hydraulic oils are collected in regeneration facility 4, and low-quality hydraulic oils are collected in regeneration facility 5. As a result, the regeneration facility 4 can perform the minimum regeneration process, and the regeneration facility 5 can perform additional regeneration processes (for example, acid removal filter, additive package C). As a result, unnecessary processes are not performed even on high-quality hydraulic oil, so even with a small regeneration facility, regeneration costs can be reduced and resources can be used effectively.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the destination of the hydraulic oil is determined based on the state quantity acquired at the time when the exchange start notification is received (S21), rather than at the time when the exchange command is issued (S14) for the hydraulic oil of the work machine 1. As a result, even if there is a time lag between steps S14 and S21, it is possible to instruct transportation to an appropriate regeneration facility 4 to 6 based on the state quantity of the hydraulic oil at the time of exchange.

[0058] Here, from the perspective of increasing the accuracy of the separate collection of hydraulic oil, it is desirable not to mix hydraulic oil extracted from multiple work machines 2, 3. However, if the hydraulic oil of all of the work machines 1-3 is replaced and transported individually, collection costs will increase. This becomes particularly noticeable when there are many work machines 1-3 under the management of the separate collection server 9. Therefore, according to the above embodiment, when the hydraulic oil of multiple work machines 2, 3 is replaced collectively, the average state quantity Mavg is used to select regeneration equipment 4-6. This makes it possible to balance the accuracy of the separate collection of hydraulic oil with the collection costs.

[0059] [Variation 1] Hereinafter, detailed description of commonalities between the above embodiment and Modification 1 will be omitted, and the description will focus on the parts unique to Modification 1. Modification 1 differs from the above embodiment in specific examples of state quantities (at least one of kinematic viscosity, density, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity).

[0060] The state quantities according to Modification 1 are calculated based on the amount of energy E consumed per unit time by the hydraulic actuator or hydraulic pump. More specifically, the state quantities according to Modification 1 are calculated based on the amount of energy E and the types of work performed by work machines 1 to 3. The state quantities according to Modification 1 are calculated using, for example, the following equations 2 and 3. Ea=φa(1-t / Ta) (Equation 2) Eb=φb(1-t / Tb) (Formula 3)

[0061] Here, the variable t is the time elapsed since the most recent hydraulic oil change (i.e., operating time). The constants φa and φb are values ​​corresponding to the average hydraulic oil contamination levels corresponding to the types of work performed by the work machines 1 to 3. The constants Ta and Tb are recommended hydraulic oil change intervals corresponding to the types of work performed by the work machines 1 to 3. The constants φa, φb, Ta, and Tb are determined in advance through experiments and simulations.

[0062] The type of work performed by the work machines 1 to 3 may be determined, for example, by differences in the attachments of the work implements (e.g., buckets, breakers). The constant φa corresponding to bucket work and the constant φb corresponding to breaker work are set, for example, to φb / φa = 3. Furthermore, the constants corresponding to the type of work performed by the work machines 1 to 3 may also be set for excavation work, hill climbing, traveling with a load, etc.

[0063] Here, the state quantities calculated by equations 2 and 3 are values ​​that gradually decrease as time passes (in other words, as the deterioration of the hydraulic oil progresses). Therefore, in Modification 1, the first allowable range for recycling equipment 4 may be set to 100 to 51, the second allowable range for recycling equipment 5 may be set to 50 to 1, and the third allowable range for recycling equipment 6 may be set to 0 or less. Furthermore, the separate collection server 9 may normalize the energy amounts Ea and Eb calculated by equations 2 and 3 by the hydraulic oil amount V1 of the work machine 1 (i.e., Ea / V1, Eb / V2) to set them as state quantities. The same applies to work machines 2 and 3.

[0064] [Variation 2] Below, detailed description of commonalities between the above embodiment and Modification 2 will be omitted, and the description will focus on parts unique to Modification 2. In Modification 2, assuming that hydraulic oil extracted from work machines 1 to 3 has been injected into the storage tanks 4a to 6a of the regeneration facilities 4 to 6, the state quantities of all the hydraulic oil stored in the storage tanks 4a to 6a are used to select the regeneration facilities 4 to 6. In Modification 2, for example, using Equation 4 below, assuming that hydraulic oil extracted from work machine 1 has been injected into the storage tank 4a, the state quantities of all the hydraulic oil stored in the storage tank 4a are calculated. M4f=(M1×V1+M4b×V4) / (V1+V4) (Formula 4)

[0065] V4 is the amount of hydraulic oil stored in the storage tank 4a. The state quantity M4b is the state quantity of the entire hydraulic oil stored in the storage tank 4a before the hydraulic oil extracted from the work machine 1 is poured in. The separate collection server 9 may, for example, acquire the state quantity M4b from the recycling facility 4, or may store the results of the previous calculation. The state quantity M4f is the state quantity of the entire hydraulic oil stored in the storage tank 4a after the hydraulic oil extracted from the work machine 1 is poured in.

[0066] Then, when the state quantity M4f calculated by Equation 4 is within the first allowable range of the regeneration equipment 4, the separate collection server 9 instructs the regeneration equipment 4 as the destination of the hydraulic oil. The same calculation is also performed for the regeneration equipment 5 and 6. The same calculation is also performed for the work machines 2 and 3. Modification 2 has particularly advantageous effects when using small regeneration equipment 4 to 6 in which the volume of the storage tanks 4a to 6a is several times (for example, 10 or less) that of the hydraulic oil tank 12. Modification 2 is also applicable not only to the state quantities of the above embodiment, but also to the state quantities of Modification 1.

[0067] [Other variations] The division of roles among the work machines 1-3, recycling facilities 4-6, terminal 7, and separate collection server 9 is not limited to the example described above. That is, part of the processing of the separate collection server 9 may be executed by the work machines 1-3, recycling facilities 4-6, and terminal 7. Also, part or all of the means implemented by the separate collection program 38 may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the separate collection program 38 may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. Examples of recording media include hard disks, SD cards, DVDs, and servers on the Internet.

[0068] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various other forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1~3: Work machine 4~6: Reproduction equipment 4a to 6a: Reservoir 7: Terminal 8: Transport vehicle 9: Waste sorting and collection server 10: Drive circuit 11: Engine 12: Hydraulic oil tank 13: Hydraulic pump 14: Valve 15: Hydraulic cylinder 16: Filter 17: State quantity sensor 20: Controller 21,31:CPU 22,32:Memory 23: Operating device 24,36:Communication I / F 33: Storage 34: Input device 35: Display 37: Communication bus 38: Separate collection program 41: Replacement instruction section 42: State quantity acquisition unit (state quantity calculation unit) 43: Comparison section 44: Destination instruction section 100: Separate collection system

Claims

1. A separate collection system including a separate collection server that outputs instructions for separate collection of hydraulic oil used in a hydraulic device having a hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic pump that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic actuator, and a terminal that displays instructions acquired from the separate collection server, The separation and collection server acquiring a state quantity of hydraulic oil used in the hydraulic device; comparing the state quantity with an allowable range of the state quantity of the hydraulic oil set for each of the plurality of regeneration facilities; A separate collection system, characterized in that an instruction to transport the hydraulic oil collected from the hydraulic device to the recycling facility where the state quantity is within the allowable range is output to the terminal.

2. The sorting and collection system according to claim 1, The separation and collection server When the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic device satisfies a predetermined replacement condition, an instruction to replace the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic device is output to the terminal; The sorting and collection system is characterized in that the state quantity is acquired at the timing when a replacement start notification indicating the start of work to replace the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic device is acquired from the terminal.

3. The sorting and collection system according to claim 2, When the separation and collection server receives the replacement start notification indicating that replacement work for the plurality of hydraulic devices is to be started, acquiring the state quantities from each of the plurality of hydraulic devices; calculating an average state quantity by weighting the acquired state quantities with the hydraulic oil amounts of the respective hydraulic devices; comparing the average state quantity with a plurality of the tolerance ranges; A separate collection system characterized by mixing hydraulic oil recovered from multiple hydraulic devices and outputting instructions to the terminal to transport it to the recycling facility where the average state quantity falls within the allowable range.

4. The sorting and collection system according to claim 1, The separation and collection system is characterized in that the separation and collection server calculates the state quantities based on at least one of the kinematic viscosity, density, dielectric constant, and electrical conductivity of the hydraulic oil obtained from a state quantity sensor installed in the hydraulic device.

5. The sorting and collection system according to claim 1, The sorting and collection system is characterized in that the sorting and collection server calculates the state quantities based on the amount of energy consumed per unit time by the hydraulic actuator or the hydraulic pump.

6. The sorting and collection system according to claim 5, The sorting and collection system is characterized in that the sorting and collection server calculates the state quantity based on the amount of energy and the type of work performed by the hydraulic device.

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