Inspection method for work equipment, inspection report used therefor, and load testing device

Abstract

One of the objectives is to provide an inspection method that allows for more accurate and efficient inspection of each part of a work machine, including its power transmission system. Another objective is to provide an inspection report that clearly presents the inspection results of each part of the work machine, including its power transmission system. A third objective is to provide a load testing device that can be connected to the PTO intake shaft of the work machine's power transmission system to test the operating torque of the power transmission system. [Solution] An inspection method for an implement 7 having a power transmission device 70 that operates using power input from an agricultural tractor 5, the method comprising: a basic inspection that visually checks the operation of the implement 7 and checks the degree of wear of consumable parts; an electrical inspection that checks the operation of the electrical components; and a load inspection that checks the operation of the power transmission device 70 by applying a certain load. The load inspection is an inspection method for the implement 7 in which a predetermined torque is applied to the power transmission device 70 by a load inspection device 1 to check its operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection method for industrial machinery, particularly agricultural tractors and various working machines attached thereto for use, an inspection report used therefor, and a load inspection device. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, there exist various working machines connected to a power take off (hereinafter referred to as PTO) of an agricultural tractor depending on work contents, such as rotary tillers, plows, ridge formers, mulchers, harrows, ridge coaters, broadcasters, manure spreaders, planters, rice transplanters, cultivators, various harvesters and the like. When trading in a used working machine, assessment has been performed by, in addition to visual inspection of the appearance, mounting the working machine on an agricultural tractor to perform a simple operation check for determining whether there is a failure in a drive system such as a transmission.

[0003] These conventional assessment methods have low reliability: for example, a working machine may operate normally during assessment but malfunction in actual agricultural work, or a working machine determined to be malfunctioning during assessment may operate normally after minor cleaning and maintenance. Therefore, the final assessment content has to rely on the experience and intuition of inspectors, leading to variations in inspection and assessment results.

[0004] As a technique for solving variations in working machine assessment results, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6862198) discloses a working machine in which a transmission case housing a first speed change mechanism capable of changing the speed of a PTO shaft, and a speed change mechanism case housing a second speed change mechanism that changes the rotational speed of the PTO shaft speed-changed by the first speed change mechanism, transmits the changed speed to a second PTO shaft and outputs the same are formed as separate components. This makes it possible to check the inside of the speed change mechanism case formed separately from the transmission case independently of checking the inside of the transmission case, and it has been proposed to check whether the inside of the speed change mechanism case is filled with lubricating oil.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 7400002) proposes a device for a work machine that allows users to check information regarding the settings of the work machine and the status of the work machine, and to arbitrarily change the setting items related to the settings and the viewing items for viewing the status of the work machine. The device comprises a display unit, a display control unit, a storage unit that stores a plurality of first identification information for identifying a plurality of setting boxes for displaying setting information of the work machine, and a plurality of second identification information for identifying a plurality of viewing boxes for displaying detected values ​​from a detection device that detects the status of the work machine, a first setting unit, a second setting unit, and a condition setting unit that can set conditions including the status of the work machine when the detection device detects the corresponding detected value for each viewing box. The display control unit displays setting boxes corresponding to any first identification information selected in the first setting unit and viewing boxes corresponding to any second identification information selected in the second setting unit on the display unit, and displays detected values ​​detected by the detection device in the viewing boxes under the conditions of the work machine included in the conditions set in the condition setting unit beforehand.

[0006] According to the tractor display device of Patent Document 2, it is possible to check information regarding the tractor settings and the status of the tractor, and the setting items related to the settings and the viewing items for viewing the status of the tractor can be arbitrarily changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6862198 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7400002 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] While the work machine described in Patent Document 1 can accurately manage the lubricating oil in the transmission mechanism case, it cannot inspect whether the transmission mechanism is functioning correctly. Furthermore, while the display device for the work machine described in Patent Document 2 can display the height of the work machine numerically, it does not display whether or not the power transmission system of the work machine itself is functioning correctly.

[0009] In view of these circumstances, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an inspection method that allows for more accurate and objective inspection of each part of a work machine, including the power transmission device. Another objective is to provide an inspection report that clearly presents the inspection results of each part of the work machine, including the power transmission device. Furthermore, yet another objective is to provide a load testing device that can be connected to the PTO intake shaft of the power transmission device of a work machine to inspect the operating torque of the power transmission device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention provides a method for inspecting a work machine having a power transmission device that operates by input power, the method comprising: a basic inspection which involves visually checking the operation of the work machine and checking the degree of wear of consumable parts; an electrical inspection which involves checking the operation of the electrical components; and a load inspection which involves applying a certain load to the power transmission device and checking its operation. According to the inspection method for the work machine described above, each part of the work machine, including the power transmission device, can be inspected more accurately and efficiently.

[0011] The aforementioned basic inspection is a fundamental inspection for each inspection item, primarily focusing on items that can be checked visually regarding mechanical components. Specifically, it involves visual inspection of major parts, consumable parts, and lubricants for deterioration, insufficient levels, wear, leakage, dirt, discoloration, cracks, and damage. Furthermore, the inspector can use their five senses to check for vibrations, unusual noises, and odors during operation. The aforementioned basic inspection can include exterior parts such as gear cases, chain cases, rotary cases, main body covers, flap covers, and side covers; cutting parts such as tilling tines (tip tines), cutting blades, and augers; running parts such as tail wheels and crawlers; lubricants such as oil and grease; piping parts such as hoses and tubes; parts requiring periodic replacement such as O-rings, filters, washers, and belts; sliding parts such as hitch sliding parts and adjustment handles; the tightness of bolts and nuts; and other visual inspections.

[0012] The aforementioned electrical system inspection is an inspection to confirm the operation of the electrical system, and checks the operation of various lamps, electronic control systems, sensors, etc. The aforementioned electrical system inspection can be a visual inspection of the illumination and operation of turn signals, side marker lights, taillights, brake lights, reverse lights, headlights, wiring circuits, control circuits, connectors, harnesses, various sensors, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to perform a more detailed inspection using testers and other inspection equipment.

[0013] The load test is performed with the implement under inspection detached from the tractor, and a constant load is applied to the PTO intake shaft (power intake shaft) of the implement's power transmission device to verify its operation. The load test checks whether the power transmission device operates normally when a constant load that drives the power transmission device is applied to the PTO intake shaft. If the power transmission device operates normally, it can be determined to be in normal condition, and if the power transmission device does not operate normally, it can be determined that the power transmission device is defective. At this time, if the numerical range of the applied load is set for each implement, and even for each manufacturer and model number, it is possible to objectively determine whether normal operation is possible.

[0014] Furthermore, the load test can be performed with the implement under test detached from the tractor, and the final output shaft, such as the output shaft to which the blades of the implement's power transmission system are attached, can be fixed in a non-rotatable state by a fixing means. Then, a certain load can be applied to the PTO intake shaft (power intake shaft) of the power transmission system to check whether the PTO intake shaft can be rotated. If the PTO intake shaft can be rotated, it can be determined that the power transmission system is defective, and if it cannot be rotated, it can be determined that the power transmission system is normal. At this time, if the numerical range of the applied load is set for each implement, and even for each manufacturer and model number, it is possible to objectively determine whether normal operation is possible.

[0015] The present invention can also be a method for inspecting an implement, wherein the load test involves connecting the implement to be inspected to a tractor whose normal operation has been confirmed, attaching a weight of a specified weight to the implement, driving the tractor, towing the implement a predetermined distance, and inspecting whether the implement operates normally under a towing load. According to the above-mentioned inspection method for the implement, the mounting strength of the implement to the tractor can be inspected, and the operation of the power transmission device under the load of the weight can be confirmed.

[0016] The specified weight of the counterweight is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 50 to 200 kg. If the specified weight of the counterweight is less than 50 kg, there is a concern that the implement will not be able to be subjected to the same load as during normal operation. If the specified weight of the counterweight exceeds 200 kg, there is a risk that the implement and tractor will be subjected to an excessive load.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention allows for load testing of implements such as rice transplanters and combine harvesters using the same method as the load testing for tractors. In particular, load testing for rice transplanters (i.e., traction force testing) can be performed to determine whether or not they can tow a weight of 80 to 120 kg, and load testing for combine harvesters (i.e., traction force testing) can be performed to determine whether or not they can tow a weight of up to 200 kg. In such load testing of driving motion, the applied load can be appropriately adjusted depending on the implement being tested.

[0018] The predetermined towing distance is a distance sufficient to confirm the towing condition of the work machine, and can be, for example, 1 to 200 meters, preferably 10 to 50 meters. It is difficult to confirm the towing condition with a towing distance of less than 1 meter. Towing beyond 200 meters requires a large area, making it difficult to complete the inspection in a short time. It is desirable to limit the distance to one that can be safely driven within the premises of a typical-sized maintenance factory.

[0019] The present invention may also provide the working machine inspection method, wherein the load inspection checks the operation by applying a predetermined torque via a load inspection device to the power transmission device of the working machine to be inspected. According to the working machine inspection method, inspection of the power transmission device of the working machine can be performed with higher accuracy.

[0020] In the load inspection, whether the operation of the power transmission device is normal can be inspected by applying a predetermined torque from a load inspection device, instead of from the PTO output shaft of a tractor, to the PTO input shaft of the power transmission device of the working machine. The load inspection device consists of, for example, a combination of a torque wrench and a PTO adapter as described later.

[0021] The present invention provides an inspection report for use in the working machine inspection method described in any one of the above items, comprising a part name display column for each part of the power transmission device of the working machine to be inspected, and a load inspection result display column for each part corresponding to the part name display column. According to the inspection report, the state of the working machine can be shown more clearly to customers, and more detailed and accurate explanation of the inspection results can be easily provided.

[0022] The part name display column indicates the name of each part of the power transmission device of the working machine to be inspected. For example, the part name display column may be a display column for PTO input shaft, bevel gear, chain, drive shaft, sprocket, bearing, oil seal, tilling shaft coupling, and the like. The result display column can display the inspection result of the part described in the part name display column, and for example, can record evaluations such as A: as good as new, B: normal used product, C: requires adjustment or replacement, as well as comments from the inspector.

[0023] The present invention provides a load inspection device for use in the working machine inspection method described in any one of the above items, comprising a torque wrench having a load shaft, and a PTO adapter whose base end is connected to the load shaft of the torque wrench, wherein the PTO adapter has, at its tip, a PTO input shaft end that connects to the power transmission device or power input unit of the working machine to be inspected.

[0024] According to said load inspection device, an inspector can inspect the power transmission device of the working machine simply by manually operating said torque wrench, and can implement accurate inspection economically in a shorter period of time.

[0025] A commercially available torque wrench can be used as said torque wrench. Said PTO adapter has a PTO input shaft end at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end thereof can be connected to the load shaft of said torque wrench. Said torque wrench can be of a signal type, direct-reading type, preset type, single-function type or the like, and can also be a digital torque wrench.

[0026] Said torque wrench can be replaced with one in which torque meters capable of detecting said predetermined torque, such as a torque meter and a torque adapter, are connected to a wrench. When said torque meter is provided, the proximal end of said PTO adapter can be connected to the load shaft of said torque meters. Said wrench can be replaced with a motor device that transmits rotational force to said torque meters, another actuator or the like.

[0027] The proximal end of said PTO adapter must transmit torque to the load shaft of said torque wrench without loss. Said PTO adapter can be a separate component that is attachable, detachable and replaceable with respect to said torque wrench. It can be a square socket hole for a commercially available torque wrench or socket wrench. A distal end of said PTO adapter portion can be formed into an adapter shape connectable to the PTO intake shaft of said power transmission device, more specifically, can have the same shape as the PTO output shaft of a tractor. The proximal end of said PTO adapter can be non-detachably integrated with the load shaft of said torque wrench.

[0028] The predetermined torque should preferably be less than or equal to the rated torque of the PTO intake shaft of the work machine, and greater than or equal to the minimum torque required to rotate the PTO intake shaft. If the torque is less than the minimum torque required to rotate the PTO intake shaft, the power transmission device cannot be operated, and accurate inspection cannot be performed. If the torque exceeds the rated torque of the PTO intake shaft, there is a risk of failure of the power transmission device. The predetermined torque can be 0 Nm < predetermined torque ≤ 3500 Nm, preferably 0 Nm < predetermined torque ≤ 200 Nm.

[0029] The predetermined torque can be set to, for example, 0 Nm < predetermined torque ≤ ~3500 Nm, which corresponds to the rated torque of the PTO output shaft of a tractor. If the predetermined torque is 0 Nm, the power transmission device cannot be operated. If the predetermined torque exceeds 3500 Nm, there is a risk of failure of the power transmission device. It is desirable that the predetermined torque be set to 0 Nm < predetermined torque ≤ 200 Nm, which can be handled by a commercially available torque wrench. If the predetermined torque exceeds 200 Nm, there is a concern that it cannot be handled by a commercially available torque wrench.

[0030] The tip of the PTO adapter can be connected to the PTO input shaft of the power transmission device of the implement. The tip of the PTO adapter can also be connected to the PTO transmission input shaft of the PTO transmission shaft (universal joint) that connects the PTO output shaft of the tractor and the PTO input shaft of the implement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the inspection method for work machines of the present invention, each part of the work machine, including the power transmission device, can be inspected more accurately and objectively. The inspection report used in the inspection method for work machines of the present invention can clearly present the inspection results of each part of the work machine, including the power transmission device. The load testing device used in the inspection method for work machines of the present invention has the excellent effect of being able to test the operating torque of the power transmission device by connecting it to the PTO intake shaft of the power transmission device of the work machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the inspection method and load testing apparatus of this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the load test of this embodiment. (A) is a side view showing the load test of the implement. (B) is a side view showing the load test of the tractor. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an inspection report for the work machine of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the inspection method for the implement according to this embodiment, the inspection report used therefor, and the load testing device. In particular, this embodiment is an inspection method for a rotary (attachment, hereinafter referred to as "implement") 7 having a power transmission device 70 that operates using power input from an agricultural tractor 5, and describes an inspection method for the implement 7 that performs a basic inspection to visually confirm the operation of the implement 7 and the degree of wear of consumable parts, an electrical inspection to check the operation of the electrical components, and a load inspection to confirm the operation of the power transmission device 70 by applying a certain load.

[0034] (Inspection Report) The inspection method of this embodiment can, for example, inspect each item of inspection parts No. 1 to 31 in inspection report 3, as shown in Figure 3. The inspection results for each inspection part can be displayed in stages, such as "A: OK", "B: Fair", and "C: Missing / Faulty". The inspection parts will be described in detail below. [Basic Tests] The basic inspection involves visual inspection and gauge measurement of the following parts as specified in Inspection Report 3: the frame (No. 1, 2), covers (No. 3-6), wheels (No. 7), axles (No. 8), tilling tines (No. 9), lights (No. 15-18), cases (No. 21, No. 25-31), oil and grease, etc. For example, dirt, deformation, cracks, damage, missing parts, wear, oil leaks, etc., can be checked.

[0035] [Electrical Inspection] The electrical system inspection can be performed by energizing the lighting systems No. 15-18, the sensor No. 19, the control systems No. 20 and 21, and the wiring systems of the aforementioned inspection report 3, confirming that the lights illuminate, and checking the sensors and control systems, and using testers and other measuring instruments as necessary.

[0036] [Load Test] The load test can verify whether the drive transmission mechanisms No. 22 to 24 of the inspection report 3 are functioning correctly. Specifically, after checking for defects in appearance, a certain load is applied to the power input section to check whether it operates correctly. As shown in Figure 1, such load testing can be performed using a load testing device 1 that is connected to the PTO intake shaft 71 of the power transmission device 70 of the work machine 7 and can input a predetermined torque. The load testing device 1 comprises a torque wrench 10 having a load shaft 100, and a PTO adapter 11 whose base end 111 is connected to the load shaft 100 of the torque wrench 10. The PTO adapter 11 has a PTO input shaft end 110 at its tip that is connected to the PTO input shaft 71 of the power transmission device 70 of the work machine 7 to be inspected.

[0037] The torque wrench 10 includes a wrench lever portion 101, a torque setting portion 102, and a torque sensor portion 103. The wrench lever portion 101 is the handle portion that receives input from the inspector's hand. The torque setting portion 102 is the portion for inputting and setting a predetermined torque value. The torque sensor portion 103 is the portion that notifies the inspector when the torque value input by the inspector's hand has reached the predetermined torque set in the torque setting portion 102, and has a notification function that notifies the inspector by sound, touch, tilt of the head, display, etc. when the predetermined torque is reached.

[0038] The PTO adapter 11 is connected to the PTO transmission shaft (universal joint) 6, which connects the PTO output shaft of the tractor 5 to the PTO input shaft 71 of the implement 7, allowing the PTO transmission shaft to be tested independently and / or the PTO transmission shaft and the implement 7 connected thereto to be tested under load.

[0039] • Non-fixed inspection The load test is performed by connecting the base end 111 of the PTO adapter 11 to the load shaft 100 of the torque wrench 10, setting a predetermined torque (0 Nm < predetermined torque ≤ 200 Nm), for example 150 Nm, in the torque setting unit 102, and preparing the load test device 1. The PTO input shaft end 110 of the PTO adapter 11 of the load testing device 1 is connected to the PTO intake shaft 71 of the power transmission device 70 of the implement 7 removed from the tractor 5, and rotational input is applied by the inspector. If the power transmission device 70 operates at a torque below the predetermined torque and the tilling shaft 72 and tilling tines 73 rotate, it can be determined that the operation is normal. Conversely, if the tilling shaft 72 and tilling tines 73 do not rotate even when the predetermined torque is reached, it can be determined that there is a problem with the power transmission device 70.

[0040] • Fixed inspection Furthermore, the tilling shaft 72 and tilling claws 73 of the work implement 7 are secured by fastening means 2 such as sling ropes and lashing belts to prevent rotation, and a predetermined torque (0 Nm < predetermined torque ≤ 200 Nm), for example 150 Nm, is input to the load testing device 1 as described above. If the PTO intake shaft 71 of the power transmission device 70 of the work implement 7 does not rotate at the predetermined torque, it can be determined that it is functioning normally. Conversely, if the PTO intake shaft 71 rotates at a torque less than the predetermined torque, it can be determined that there is a problem with the power transmission device 70.

[0041] [Towing Inspection] As shown in Figure 2(A), the implement 7 is movably connected to the tractor 5, mounted in a position where the tilling tines 73 of the implement 7 do not touch the ground, and a weight 4 of 50 to 200 kg, for example 80 kg, is attached to a strong part of the frame of the implement 7 with a rope or the like. The tractor 5 is then towed for a distance of 1 to 200 m, preferably 10 to 50 m, for example 30 m. The description states: "The tractor 5 is towed for 0.5 to 200 m, preferably 1 to 10 m, for example, 3 m. While the tractor 5 is in motion, the tilling shaft 72 (tilling claws 73) of the implement 7 is rotated and its operation is checked. After the tractor 5 has passed, the rotational drive of the tilling shaft 72 (tilling claws 73) of the implement 7 can be checked while it is stopped. If there is no deformation, damage, or malfunction of the weight 4 due to towing, it can be judged as normal, and if there is deformation, damage, or malfunction, it can be judged as abnormal."

[0042] As shown in 2(B), the weight 4, weighing 50 to 200 kg, for example 80 kg, can be directly attached to a strong point on the tractor 5 such as the hitch, and the tractor 5 can be towed for 1 to 200 m, preferably 10 to 50 m, for example 30 m, to perform a towing test of the tractor 5. The tractor 5, whose performance has been confirmed in this way, can then be used for the towing test of the implement 7 shown in Figure 2(A).

[0043] The results of the above inspections can be recorded in the inspection report 3 shown in Figure 3. The inspection report 3 can be printed on paper and filled out directly with a writing instrument, or it can be displayed as a table on a display that allows input and output via a touch panel interface, such as a tablet PC. The inspection report 3 can also be incorporated into an electronic inspection record book (software).

[0044] The inspection report 3 displays a report title such as "Agricultural Machinery Inspection - Attachment" and has fields for the date of creation, the name of the store in charge, the name of the person in charge, etc. The inspection report 3 has a field 30 for recording the manufacturer name, model name, and other information that identifies the work implement 7 being inspected, a field 31 for displaying the names of each component of the power transmission system of the work implement being inspected, and a field 32 corresponding to the field 31 for displaying the results of each inspection for each component.

[0045] The aforementioned part name display field 31 is assigned a part, location, component, unit, assembly, etc., for each management number. The aforementioned result display field 32 corresponds to each of the aforementioned part name display fields 31 and has a field for evaluating in three stages, for example, (A, B, C). (A) means good product (OK), (B) means a normal used product, and (C) means missing parts or malfunctions. Furthermore, the aforementioned result display field 32 has a field for recording observations and special notes for each of the aforementioned part name display fields 31. In the field for recording observations and special notes, maintenance history such as the location of the defect, ordering of replacement parts, replacement, repair, adjustment, etc. (date) can be recorded.

[0046] According to the inspection report 3, the basic inspection, electrical inspection, and load inspection in the work machine inspection method of this embodiment allow for the recording of inspection results for each part with reduced variation among inspectors compared to before, thus enabling a more accurate assessment.

[0047] The inspection report 3 can be presented to customers in various situations such as purchasing, selling, and inventory management, and can also be used for sharing information within stores and between chain stores. Based on the inspection report 3, the ordering, replacement, repair, and adjustment of defective parts of the purchased used work machine 7 can be carried out more efficiently. Once the maintenance of each part of the work machine 7 is completed and it is ready for sale, the inspection report 3 can be used as documentation to explain the repair history and maintenance status to the customer. [Industrial applicability]

[0048] The present invention provides a method for inspecting work machines, an inspection report used therein, and a load testing device that can be used for inspecting industrial machinery used in agriculture, forestry, livestock farming, hunting, catching, fishing, etc., as well as for processing and reporting inspection information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1. Load testing device 10 Torque wrench 100 Same load shaft 101 Same Range Lever Section 102 Torque setting section 103 Torque sensor unit 11. Same PTO adapter 110 Same PTO input shaft end 111 Base end of the PTO adapter 11 2. Fixing means (sling rope, lashing belt, etc.) 3. Inspection Report 30. Section for describing specific information. 31 Same part name display field 32 Results display column 4 weight 5 Tractors 6. PTO transmission shaft (universal joint) 7. Work equipment 70. Power transmission device 71 PTO intake shaft (power intake shaft), 72 Same tillage axis 73. Cultivating tines (ear tip tines)

Claims

1. A method for inspecting a work machine having a power transmission device that operates by input power, Basic inspections include visually checking the operation of the aforementioned work machine and inspecting the degree of wear of consumable parts, Electrical inspection, which checks the operation of the electrical components, A load test is performed to verify the operation of the power transmission device by applying a certain load, A method for inspecting a work machine that performs this task.

2. The load test is a method for inspecting an implement according to claim 1, comprising connecting the implement to be inspected to a self-propelled implement including a tractor, rice transplanter, or combine harvester that is in normal operation, attaching a weight of a specified weight to the implement, driving the tractor a distance, and inspecting whether the implement operates normally while being towed a predetermined distance.

3. The load test is a method for inspecting a work machine according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined torque is applied to the power transmission device of the work machine to be inspected by a load testing device to confirm its operation.

4. The following are fields for displaying the part name for each component of the power transmission system of the work machine being inspected: Corresponding to the aforementioned part name display field, there is a display field for the load test results for each of the aforementioned parts, An inspection report for use in an inspection method for a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the above.

5. A torque wrench having a load shaft, A PTO adapter whose base end is connected to the load shaft of the torque wrench, It has, The load testing device used in the method for testing a work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the PTO adapter has a PTO input shaft end at its tip that connects to the power transmission device or power input section of the work machine to be inspected.

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