Fuel sampling system

Abstract

To provide a fuel supply device which can collect a sample of proper fuel when analyzing a component in the fuel being a cause of a malfunction of fuel system apparatuses of an internal combustion engine.SOLUTION: A fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system comprises: a fuel sampling device 6 arranged in a position between a fuel filter 5 and an engine 100 on a supply line L1, and collecting a part of fuel supplied to the engine 100 to a fuel storage vessel as a fuel sample; an abnormality detection device (machine controller 22) for detecting an abnormality which occurs on the supply line L1; and a control device 20 for controlling fuel supply to the engine 100, and controlling the collection of the fuel sample by the fuel sampling device 6. When the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device at the fuel supply, the control device 20 starts to collect the fuel sample by the fuel sampling device 6, and when the fuel sample collected to the fuel storage vessel reaches a prescribed quantity, the control device stops the collection of the fuel sample.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel sampling system, and more particularly to a technique for sampling and storing a part of the fuel supplied to an internal combustion engine as a sample.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a hydraulic excavator which is a construction machine, it is known to provide a service fuel sampling device capable of collecting a part of the fuel in a fuel supply circuit for supplying fuel to a diesel engine which is an internal combustion engine (Patent Document 1). According to the service fuel sampling device, it is possible to appropriately check the quality of the fuel being used by periodically collecting a part of the fuel during the operation of the diesel engine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, the precision of fuel system devices such as fuel injection pumps for diesel engines has been improving, and it has become indispensable to collect samples of the fuel being used and analyze the presence or absence of components in the fuel that may cause malfunctions in these fuel system devices.

[0005] However, in a configuration such as the used fuel sampling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, in which a part of the fuel is periodically sampled, even when there is no malfunction in the equipment, a part of the fuel is sampled as a sample, resulting in a large number of unnecessary samples and a problem of lacking suitability as a sample. Further, in the case of the used fuel sampling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, a part of the fuel is sampled as a sample upstream of the filter. In such a configuration, for example, when a malfunction occurs in the fuel injection pump, it is not possible to correctly analyze the components in the fuel that can cause the malfunction after passing through the filter, and there is also a problem of lacking suitability as a sample.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a fuel sampling system capable of collecting an appropriate fuel sample when analyzing the components in the fuel that cause malfunctions in the fuel system equipment of an internal combustion engine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the fuel sampling system of the present invention includes a fuel circuit including a supply line for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine and a return line for returning excess fuel from the internal combustion engine to the fuel tank, a fuel filter provided in the supply line between the fuel tank and the internal combustion engine for filtering the fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine, a fuel sampling device provided in the supply line between the fuel filter and the internal combustion engine for collecting a part of the fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine as a fuel sample into a fuel storage container, an abnormality detection device for detecting an abnormality occurring on the supply line, and a control device for controlling the fuel supply to the internal combustion engine and controlling the collection of the fuel sample by the fuel sampling device. The control device starts the collection of the fuel sample by the fuel sampling device when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device during fuel supply, and stops the collection of the fuel sample when the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container reaches a predetermined amount.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] In the fuel sampling system of the present invention, since the fuel sampling device for collecting a fuel sample is arranged between the fuel filter and the internal combustion engine, it is possible to collect the fuel immediately before being supplied to the internal combustion engine. Thereby, it is possible to obtain a fuel sample capable of correctly analyzing the components in the fuel that may cause problems after passing through the fuel pump and the fuel filter. Further, since the fuel sample is collected when an abnormality occurring on the supply line is detected, it is possible to prevent the fuel sample from being collected at an unnecessary timing. Therefore, according to the fuel sampling system of the present invention, it is possible to collect an appropriate fuel sample when analyzing the components in the fuel that cause problems in the fuel system devices of the internal combustion engine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Fuel Supply Device) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a fuel supply device as a fuel sampling system according to an embodiment. The fuel supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator, a wheel loader, a bulldozer, or a road roller, and is a device for supplying fuel to an engine (internal combustion engine) 100 as a drive source of the construction machine. The fuel supply device 1 also functions as a fuel sampling system that collects a part of the fuel supplied to the engine 100 as a fuel sample. The fuel supply device 1 includes a fuel circuit L, a fuel tank 2, a fuel pre-filter 3, a fuel pump 4, a fuel filter 5, a fuel sampling device 6, an accumulator 7, a high-pressure fuel pump 8, a common rail 9, a fuel injection device 10, a temperature sensor 11, a pressure sensor 12, a fuel cooler 13, a control device 20, a notification device 30, and an external device 40.

[0012] (Fuel Circuit) The fuel circuit L is a flow path through which fuel flows, and includes a supply line L1, a first return line (return line) L2, and a second return line L3. The supply line L1 is a line that supplies fuel from the fuel tank 2 to the engine 100, as shown by the thick solid arrow in FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, the supply line L1 is a line until fuel is injected from the fuel injection device 10 via the high-pressure fuel pump 8 and the common rail 9 mounted on the engine 100. In other words, the high-pressure fuel pump 8, the common rail 9, and the fuel injection device 10 are also regarded as devices arranged on the supply line L1. The first return line L2 is a line that returns excess fuel from the common rail 9 of the engine 100 to the fuel tank 2, as shown by the thin solid arrow in FIG. 1. Further, the second return line L3 is a line that returns excess fuel from various devices arranged on the supply line L1 to the fuel tank 2, as shown by the thin solid arrow in FIG. 1.

[0013] (Fuel Tank) The fuel tank 2 is a storage device capable of storing fuel. In the present embodiment, the engine 100 is a diesel engine, and the fuel stored in the fuel tank 2 is light oil. The fuel tank 2 is provided with a fuel inlet 2a for supplying fuel therein. Further, a supply line L1, a first return line L2, and a second return line L3 are connected to the fuel tank 2, respectively.

[0014] (Various devices arranged in the fuel circuit) Various devices arranged in the fuel circuit L will be described. First, in the supply line L1, a fuel pre-filter 3, a fuel pump 4, a fuel filter 5, a fuel sampling device 6, and an accumulator 7 are arranged in this order between the fuel tank 2 and the engine 100. Further, a high-pressure fuel pump 8, a common rail 9, and a fuel injection device 10 are arranged. As described above, the high-pressure fuel pump 8, the common rail 9, and the fuel injection device 10 are also devices mounted on the engine 100. Therefore, "between the fuel tank 2 and the engine 100" means between the fuel tank 2 and the high-pressure fuel pump 8.

[0015] The fuel pre-filter 3 is connected to the fuel tank 2 via the supply line L1. Further, the fuel pre-filter 3 is connected to the fuel tank 2 via a line L31 included in the second return line L3, and surplus fuel can be returned to the fuel tank 2. The fuel pre-filter 3 filters the fuel supplied to the engine 100 and captures foreign matter in the fuel.

[0016] The fuel pump 4 is provided in the supply line L1 between the fuel tank 2 and the fuel filter 5. More specifically, the fuel pump 4 is connected to the fuel pre-filter 3 and the fuel filter 5 via the supply line L1. Also, the fuel pump 4 is connected to the fuel tank 2 via the lines L31 and L32 included in the second return line L3, and excess fuel is returned to the fuel tank 2. The fuel pump 4 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) mounted on the construction machine, and pumps the fuel stored in the fuel tank 2 to the engine 100 via the supply line L1. The fuel pump 4 is driven and controlled by the control device 20.

[0017] The fuel filter 5 is provided in the supply line L1 between the fuel tank 2 and the engine 100. More specifically, the fuel filter 5 is connected to the fuel pump 4 and the high-pressure fuel pump 8 via the supply line L1. Also, the fuel filter 5 is connected to the fuel tank 2 via the lines L31 and L33 included in the second return line L3, and excess fuel is returned to the fuel tank 2. The fuel filter 5 further filters the fuel supplied to the engine 100 to capture foreign matter in the fuel. Also, the fuel filter 5 is provided with a device for separating water contained in the fuel and a tank for storing the separated water.

[0018] The fuel sampling device 6 is provided in the supply line L1 between the fuel filter 5 and the engine 100. More specifically, the fuel sampling device 6 is connected to the supply line L1 between the fuel filter 5 and the high-pressure fuel pump 8. The fuel sampling device 6 branches off a part of the fuel after being filtered by the fuel filter 5 from the supply line L1, and takes a part of the fuel supplied to the engine 100 as a fuel sample into the fuel storage container 63 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Details of the configuration and function of the fuel sampling device 6 will be described later.

[0019] The accumulator 7 is provided at a position between the fuel sampling device 6 and the engine 100 in the supply line L1. More specifically, the accumulator 7 is connected to the supply line L1 between the fuel filter 5 and the high-pressure fuel pump 8 on the engine 100 side of the fuel sampling device 6. The accumulator 7 accumulates a part of the fuel when the pressure of the fuel flowing through the supply line L1 is equal to or higher than a preset pressure, and discharges the accumulated fuel into the supply line L1 when the pressure of the fuel flowing through the supply line L1 drops below the preset pressure. That is, the accumulator 7 is a pressure accumulator device that functions using the fuel flowing through the supply line L1 as the working fluid.

[0020] The high-pressure fuel pump 8 is mounted on the engine 100 and is connected to the fuel filter 5 via the supply line L1. The high-pressure fuel pump 8 is driven by the power of the engine 100 and pumps the fuel filtered by the fuel filter 5 to the common rail 9 at high pressure. The common rail 9 is connected to the high-pressure fuel pump 8 via the supply line L1, distributes the fuel pumped from the high-pressure fuel pump 8 into each cylinder of the engine 100, and sends the surplus fuel to the first return line L2. The fuel injection device 10 is an injector that is connected to the common rail 9 via the supply line L1 and injects fuel into the combustion chamber in each cylinder of the engine 100.

[0021] In addition, a temperature sensor 11 and a pressure sensor 12 are arranged in the supply line L1. The temperature sensor 11 detects the temperature of the fuel pumped to the engine 100 by the fuel pump 4 and flowing through the supply line L1, and sends the detection result to the control device 20. The pressure sensor 12 detects the pressure of the fuel pumped to the engine 100 by the fuel pump 4 and flowing through the supply line L1, and sends the detection result to the control device 20. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the temperature sensor 11 and the pressure sensor 12 are connected to the supply line L1 between the fuel sampling device 6 and the high-pressure fuel pump 8, but they may be connected to any part of the supply line L1.

[0022] Also, among the fuel circuits L, a fuel cooler 13 is arranged in the first return line L2. The fuel cooler 13 cools the fuel that is returned to the fuel tank 2 via the common rail 9 of the engine 100.

[0023] (Control device) The control device 20 includes an engine controller 21 that controls the engine 100 and a machine controller 22 that controls the fuel supply device 1 and the entire construction machine (not shown). The engine controller 21 and the machine controller 22 are connected by a CAN (Controller Area Network) and can exchange data with each other. The engine controller 21 and the machine controller 22 each have a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) that performs various arithmetic processes and a storage device that stores various control programs and various data. The storage device may be a storage such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or may be a memory as a temporary storage area such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0024] The engine controller 21 executes control necessary for driving control of the engine 100, such as drive control of the high-pressure fuel pump 8 and fuel injection control by the fuel injection device 10. The machine controller 22 executes, for example, running control of the construction machine, drive control of the work attachment, etc. Also, the machine controller 22 drives and controls the fuel pump 4 of the fuel supply device 1 to supply the fuel stored in the fuel tank 2 to the engine 100. Further, the machine controller 22 controls the process for collecting a fuel sample by the fuel sampling device 6 described later. At that time, the machine controller 22 also functions as an abnormality detection device that detects an abnormality occurring on the supply line L1 of the fuel supply device 1. Furthermore, the machine controller 22 executes the process at the time of key-on and the process at the time of key-off of the construction machine described later based on the information regarding the fuel sample stored in the fuel sampling device 6.

[0025] (Other device) The notification device 30 is a device for notifying that the collection of a fuel sample by the fuel sampling device 6 described later has been completed, and is controlled by the machine controller 22. The notification device 30 is, for example, a display device provided in the cab of a construction machine, an indicator lamp, an alarm device that generates an alarm sound, etc. Further, the notification device 30 may notify information not only to the operator in the cab but also to external persons other than the operator, for example, persons in charge of operations such as collection and analysis of fuel samples.

[0026] The external device 40 is a device for browsing information or giving an instruction to cancel the prohibition when the fuel supply of the engine 100 is prohibited when executing the processing at the time of key-on of the engine 100 described later based on the information regarding the fuel sample stored in the fuel sampling device 6. The external device 40 is provided at a location separate from the construction machine and exchanges information with the machine controller 22 through communication. The external device 40 is handled by a person in charge of operations such as collection and analysis of fuel samples, and is, for example, a personal computer.

[0027] (Configuration of fuel sampling device) In the fuel supply device 1 configured as described above, fuel system devices such as the high-pressure fuel pump 8 and the fuel injection device 10 of the engine 100, which is a diesel engine, are becoming more sophisticated. Therefore, it is essential to collect a sample of the fuel being used and analyze the presence or absence of components in the fuel that may cause malfunctions in these fuel system devices. Thus, the fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system according to the embodiment includes a fuel sampling device 6 for sampling fuel. Hereinafter, the fuel sampling device 6 will be described in detail as a main part of the fuel supply device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the fuel sampling device.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel sampling device 6 includes a branch passage L4, a storage chamber 61, a single-channel multi-way rotary valve 62, a plurality of fuel storage containers 63, an on-off valve 64, and a locking device 65. In the following description, the single-channel multi-way rotary valve 62 is simply referred to as the "rotary valve 62".

[0029] The storage chamber 61 is a housing for safely storing the collected fuel sample. The rotary valve 62 and a plurality of fuel storage containers 63 are stored in the storage chamber 61. Further, a branch passage L4 branched from the supply line L1 is inserted into the storage chamber 61, and an air bleeding passage 61a required for collecting fuel samples in the plurality of fuel storage containers 63 is inserted. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the air bleeding passage 61a is provided so that air can be individually bled from the plurality of fuel storage containers 63. And a locking device 65 is provided at an opening for taking out the plurality of fuel storage containers 63 from the storage chamber 61. The locking device 65 is an electronically controlled locking device and is connected to the machine controller 22. The machine controller 22 unlocks the locking device 65 by reading the information of the corresponding electronic key from the outside.

[0030] The branch passage L4 is a passage through which fuel flows, branching from the supply line L1 between the fuel filter 5 and the engine 100 toward the plurality of fuel storage containers 63. The branch passage L4 is connected to the inlet 62a (see FIG. 3) of the rotary valve 62 on the side opposite to the supply line L1. The on-off valve 64 is an electromagnetic valve interposed in the branch passage L4 for opening and closing the communication between the supply line L1 and the branch passage L4. The on-off valve 64 is controlled to open and close by the machine controller 22.

[0031] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a rotary valve. The rotary valve 62 has an inlet 62a and a plurality of outlets 62b, and as shown by the solid arrows in FIG. 3, by rotating the rotor, the communication position is switched to communicate any one of the plurality of outlets 62b composed of multiple directions with the inlet 62a. In FIG. 3, an example with 6 outlets 62b is described, but the number of outlets 62b is not limited to this. The rotation of the rotor of the rotary valve 62 is controlled by the machine controller 22.

[0032] The plurality of fuel storage containers 63 are respectively connected corresponding to the plurality of outlets 62b of the rotary valve 62. That is, one fuel storage container 63 is connected to each outlet 62b. Thereby, the fuel branched from the supply line L1 flows from the branch passage L4 through the inlet 62a to any one of the plurality of outlets 62b, and is collected and stored as a fuel sample in any one of the fuel storage containers 63. A weight sensor 66 for detecting the weight of the fuel inside is provided in the fuel storage container 63, and the detection result is sent to the machine controller 22. In FIG. 2, only one weight sensor 66 is described, but it is attached to all the fuel storage containers 63.

[0033] (Process of fuel sample collection) Next, the process of fuel sample collection by the fuel sampling device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of fuel sample collection. The process shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the machine controller 22 when fuel is being supplied from the fuel tank 2 to the engine 100 by the fuel supply device 1. Here, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that this process starts with all the empty fuel storage containers 63 being set.

[0034] The machine controller 22 first closes the on-off valve 64 of the fuel sampling device 6 simultaneously with key-on (step S10). Next, the machine controller 22 determines whether an abnormality has occurred on the supply line L1 (step S20). As described above, the machine controller 22 also functions as an abnormality detection device that detects an abnormality occurring on the supply line L1 of the fuel supply device 1. In the present embodiment, "an abnormality occurs in the supply line L1" includes an abnormality occurring in various devices arranged on the supply line L1.

[0035] Specifically, for example, the machine controller 22 obtains the pressure difference of the fuel before and after the fuel pre-filter 3 and the fuel filter 5 from a sensor (not shown), and based on the obtained pressure difference, detects an abnormality of clogging of the fuel pre-filter 3 and the fuel filter 5. Also, for example, the machine controller 22 obtains the water amount in the tank of the fuel filter 5 from a sensor (not shown), and when the water amount is excessive, detects an abnormality that water is mixed in the fuel tank 2. Further, for example, the machine controller 22 obtains the output amount of the fuel pump 4 from a sensor (not shown), and based on the obtained output amount, detects an output abnormality of the fuel pump 4. Also, when the temperature of the fuel detected by the temperature sensor 11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the machine controller 22 detects that the temperature of the fuel is abnormal. Further, when the pressure of the fuel detected by the pressure sensor 12 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the machine controller 22 detects that the pressure of the fuel is abnormal. Furthermore, the machine controller 22 obtains information such as an output abnormality of the high-pressure fuel pump 8 and an output abnormality of the fuel injection device 10 based on a signal from a sensor (not shown) from the engine controller 21, and detects an abnormality of the high-pressure fuel pump 8 and the fuel injection device 10.

[0036] When the machine controller 22 determines that no abnormality has occurred on the supply line L1 (No in step S12), it maintains the current state in which the on-off valve 64 is closed. On the other hand, when the machine controller 22 determines that an abnormality has occurred on the supply line L1 (Yes in step S12), it opens the on-off valve 64 (step S14). As a result, the supply line L1 and the branch passage L4 of the fuel sampling device 6 are communicated, and as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 2, a part of the fuel flowing through the supply line L1 flows into the branch passage L4. As a result, currently, the collection of the fuel sample into the fuel storage container 63 connected to the outlet 62b of the rotary valve 62 is started.

[0037] Next, the machine controller 22 determines whether or not the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container 63 has reached a predetermined amount (step S16). More specifically, based on the detection result of the weight sensor 66 attached to the fuel storage container 63, the machine controller 22 determines that the fuel sample has reached the predetermined amount and the collection of the fuel sample into the fuel storage container 63 is completed when the weight of the fuel detected by the weight sensor 66 reaches the predetermined weight. The predetermined amount is a sufficient sample amount required for analyzing the fuel sample.

[0038] When the machine controller 22 determines that the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container 63 has not reached the predetermined amount (No in step S16), it continues to collect the fuel sample. On the other hand, when the machine controller 22 determines that the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container 63 has reached the predetermined amount (Yes in step S16), it closes the on-off valve 64 (step S18). Thereby, the communication between the supply line L1 and the branch passage L4 of the fuel sampling device 6 is released, and the collection of the fuel sample into the fuel storage container 63 stops.

[0039] Next, the machine controller 22 stores the date and time of fuel sample collection in the storage device (step S20). The date and time may be the time of start or completion of fuel sample collection based on the date and time information possessed by the machine controller 22. Also, the date and time may be the date and time information when an abnormality occurring on the supply line L1 is detected. At this time, if the information of the current fuel storage container 63 connected to the outlet 62b of the rotary valve 62 can be made recognizable by the machine controller 22 by reading, for example, the individual identification numbers of the fuel storage containers 63 illustrated as "No. 1" to "No. 6" in FIG. 3, the fuel storage container 63 corresponding to the date and time of collection can be associated and stored.

[0040] Also, the information of the current fuel storage container 63 may be such that, for example, when all the fuel storage containers 63 are set in an empty state, the fuel storage container 63 having the identification number of "No. 1" is connected in advance to the outlet 62b of the rotary valve 62. That is, it may be arranged such that the one that has performed the first fuel sample collection after setting is always the fuel storage container 63 of "No. 1". Thereby, even if there is no function to read the individual identification numbers of the fuel storage containers 63, it becomes possible to associate the date and time information stored for the first time after setting with the first fuel storage container 63 later. In this way, if the fuel storage container 63 corresponding to the first sample collection is determined, for the second and subsequent fuel sample collections, since the rotation direction of the rotary valve 62 and the rotation angle for each time are known, the order of the stored date and time information can be associated with the fuel storage containers 63 after "No. 2" later.

[0041] Also, the fuel storage container 63 to be connected to the outlet 62b at the time of setting does not necessarily have to have the identification number of "No. 1". If the identification number of the fuel storage container 63 connected to the outlet 62b at the time of setting is separately recorded, it is also possible to associate it with the stored date and time information later for comparison.

[0042] Also, before taking the first fuel sample after the setting, the rotary valve 62 may be rotated by one position to always create an empty fuel storage container 63. That is, for example, a state is created in which the No. 2 fuel storage container 63 is empty and the other fuel storage containers 63 contain fuel. Thereby, if the No. 3 fuel storage container 63 adjacent to the empty No. 2 fuel storage container 63 is the one at the date and time of the first fuel sample collection, it can be associated later. In this case, the number of times fuel sample collection can be performed is one less than the number of all fuel storage containers 63 connected to the rotary valve 62.

[0043] Next, the machine controller 22 determines whether or not the number of fuel samples collected in the fuel storage container 63 has reached the upper limit (step S22). The machine controller 22 stores the number of times fuel sample collection has been performed since the fuel storage container 63 was set in an all-empty state, and determines that the sample number has reached the upper limit when fuel sample collection has been performed on all the fuel storage containers 63. Note that the machine controller 22 may also determine whether or not fuel sample collection has been performed on all the fuel storage containers 63 based on the weight of the fuel detected by the weight sensor 66. As described above, when an empty fuel storage container 63 is always created, since it is one less than the number of all fuel storage containers 63 connected to the rotary valve 62, the machine controller 22 determines that number as the upper limit.

[0044] When the machine controller 22 determines that the number of samples has not reached the upper limit (Yes in step S22), it rotates the rotor of the rotary valve 62 to connect the next empty fuel storage container 63 to the outlet 62b (step S24), and repeatedly executes the processes after step S10. As a result, until the number of samples reaches the upper limit, every time an abnormality is detected on the supply line L1, fuel sample collection is repeatedly performed. Note that the processes from step S10 to S24 are continuously performed when the construction machine is keyed on next, even if the construction machine has been keyed off once, unless it is determined in step S22 that the number of samples has reached the upper limit. Thereby, fuel sample collection can be performed unless the number of samples reaches the upper limit.

[0045] On the other hand, when the machine controller 22 determines that the number of samples has reached the upper limit (No in step S22), it causes the notification device 30 to notify that the number of samples has reached the upper limit (that fuel sample collection has ended) (step S26). As described above, the notification device 30 may notify information to the operator in the cab, or may notify information to a person other than the operator.

[0046] Furthermore, thereafter, the machine controller 22 prohibits the opening of the on-off valve 64 (step S28), ends this process, and ends fuel sample collection. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the on-off valve 64 from opening in a state where there is no space in the fuel storage container 63 and the fuel with no place to go from flowing into the fuel sampling device 6. The process of step S28 is preferably to always prohibit the opening of the on-off valve 64 unless a reset switch 67 (see FIG. 2) described later is pressed. Note that the process of step S28 may be a process of stopping the operation of the engine 100 itself when the state is not such that the operation of the engine 100 cannot be stopped, for example, during road running.

[0047] When the collection of the fuel sample is completed as described above, when the construction machine stops operating, the operator unlocks the locking device 65 of the fuel sampling device 6 and collects the fuel storage container 63 inside the fuel sampling device 6. Thereby, the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container 63 can be analyzed. Also, after collecting the fuel storage container 63, for all the fuel storage containers 63, the operator newly sets an empty fuel storage container 63. At this time, for example, a reset switch 67 for setting that the empty fuel storage container 63 has been set may be provided in the fuel sampling device 6, and the operator may press the reset switch 67. Thereby, the machine controller 22 recognizes that the reset switch 67 has been pressed, that is, all the fuel storage containers 63 have been set in an empty state, and after the next key-on, the processing after step S10 in FIG. 4 can be executed again. Note that the reset switch 67 may be provided in the driver's cab so that the operator can operate it.

[0048] (Processing at start of operation) Next, as the processing at the start of operation related to the fuel sample stored in the fuel sampling device 6, the determination processing for permission to supply fuel to the engine 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the permission determination processing for supplying fuel to the engine. The processing shown in FIG. 5 is the processing executed by the machine controller 22 when the construction machine is keyed on with the locking device 65 of the fuel sampling device 6 locked.

[0049] First, the machine controller 22 acquires and stores information regarding the storage state of the fuel samples in the current fuel sampling device 6 (step S100). Here, the information regarding the storage state of the fuel samples is information indicating how many fuel samples are stored in the fuel sampling device 6. The machine controller 22 measures, for example, based on the weight of the fuel detected by the weight sensor 66, how many fuel samples are stored in the fuel sampling device 6, and stores it in the storage device. Note that the machine controller 22 may store the number of times fuel sample collection has been performed between when the fuel storage containers 63 are all set to be empty and the next time the reset switch 67 is pressed, and thereby measure and store in the storage device how many fuel samples are stored in the fuel sampling device 6.

[0050] Next, the machine controller 22 determines whether the information regarding the storage state of the fuel samples is inconsistent with that at the time of the previous key-off (step S102). The machine controller 22 stores information regarding the storage state of the fuel samples at the time of key-off in the processing at the time of stop, which will be described later, and performs a comparison with the information regarding the current storage state of the fuel samples stored in step S100. That is, it is determined whether the number of stored fuel samples has changed between the current key-on and the previous key-off. In the process of step S102, when the number of stored fuel samples changes due to a new empty fuel storage container 63 being set after fuel sample collection has been performed on all of the fuel storage containers 63, it is preferably not determined that there is an inconsistency. The machine controller 22 can make the above determination based on the information that the reset switch 67 has been pressed.

[0051] When the machine controller 22 determines through the above comparison that the information regarding the storage state of the fuel samples does not match (Yes in step S102), it issues a command to prohibit the supply of fuel to the engine 100 (step S104). In other words, because the number of stored fuel samples has changed between the current key-on and the previous key-off, there is a possibility that a fuel sample has been illegally removed from the fuel sampling device 6. Alternatively, there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the fuel sampling device 6. In this case, fuel is not supplied from the fuel supply device 1 to the engine 100, and the engine 100 does not start.

[0052] Next, the machine controller 22 notifies the user that a fuel supply prohibition command has been issued (step S106). In step S106, the notification device 30 notifies the user, and also notifies the external device 40. As described above, the external device 40 is used by a person in charge of tasks such as collecting and analyzing fuel samples. This allows the person in charge to know that the number of stored fuel samples has changed between the current key-on and the previous key-off. The person in charge then analyzes the reason why the number of stored fuel samples has changed, and if it is determined that there is no problem in operating the construction machine, sends an instruction to the machine controller 22 via the external device 40 to lift the prohibition on fuel supply.

[0053] Next, the machine controller 22 determines whether or not an instruction to lift the prohibition of fuel supply has been received via the external device 40 (step S108). If there is no instruction to lift the prohibition of fuel supply (No in step S108), the machine controller 22 maintains the current state in which an instruction to lift the prohibition of fuel supply to the engine 100 has been issued. On the other hand, if the machine controller 22 receives an instruction to lift the prohibition of fuel supply from the external device 40 (Yes in step S108), it permits fuel supply to the engine 100 (step S110) and ends this routine. This makes it possible to start the engine 100 and operate the construction machine.

[0054] Furthermore, when the machine controller 22 determines through the above comparison that the information regarding the storage conditions of the fuel samples matches (No in step S102), it omits the processing of steps S104 to S108, permits the supply of fuel to the engine 100 (step S110), and ends this routine.

[0055] (Processing when operation is stopped) Next, processing for stopping operation of the construction machine when the key is turned off, which is related to the fuel samples stored in the fuel sampling device 6, will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of processing for stopping operation that is executed when the key is turned off. The processing shown in Fig. 6 is executed by the machine controller 22 as one of the after-run controls executed for stopping operation when the construction machine is turned off.

[0056] The machine controller 22 determines whether or not an instruction to prohibit fuel supply to the engine 100 (step S104 in FIG. 5) was issued when the key was turned on during the current operation of the construction machine (step S200). If the machine controller 22 determines that an instruction to prohibit fuel supply to the engine 100 was issued when the key was turned on (Yes in step S200), the machine controller 22 further determines whether or not an instruction to lift the prohibition of fuel supply was issued (step S202).

[0057] When the machine controller 22 determines that there is no instruction to lift the fuel supply prohibition (Yes in step S202), it does not acquire and store information regarding the storage state of the fuel sample in the current fuel sampling device 6 (step S204), and ends this routine. That is, when there is an instruction to prohibit fuel supply to the engine 100 at key-on and there is no instruction to lift the prohibition, there is a possibility that the fuel sample has been illegally taken out of the fuel sampling device 6 or that a failure has occurred in the fuel sampling device 6. In this case, after the construction machine is stopped, the person in charge first collects the current fuel sample and then reinstalls an empty fuel storage container 63 or performs maintenance on the fuel sampling device 6. Therefore, it is not necessary to store information regarding the storage state of the fuel sample at key-off. As described above, if the reset switch 67 is pressed, the machine controller 22 can recognize that a newly installed fuel storage container 63 is empty.

[0058] On the other hand, when the machine controller 22 determines that there is no instruction to prohibit fuel supply to the engine 100 at key-on (No in step S200), it acquires and stores information regarding the storage state of the fuel sample in the current fuel sampling device 6 (step S206), and ends this routine. Since the process of step S206 is the same as the process of step S100 in FIG. 5, a detailed description thereof is omitted. As a result, the information regarding the storage state of the fuel sample at the previous key-off, which is collated in the process of step S102 in FIG. 5, is stored in the storage device.

[0059] Also, when the machine controller 22 determines that an instruction to lift the fuel supply prohibition to the engine 100 has been given after an instruction to prohibit the fuel supply to the engine 100 at the time of key-on (No in step S202), the machine controller 22 acquires and stores information regarding the storage state of the fuel sample in the current fuel sampling device 6 (step S206), and ends this routine. Note that even when an instruction to lift the fuel supply prohibition is given, it is possible to reset the plurality of fuel storage containers 63 in the fuel sampling device 6 to empty or perform maintenance on the fuel sampling device 6 after the key-off. In this case, as described above, if the reset switch 67 is pressed, the machine controller 22 can recognize that all the fuel storage containers 63 have been newly set to empty.

[0060] (Effect of Embodiment) As described above, the fuel supply device 1 as the fuel sampling system according to the embodiment includes a fuel circuit including a supply line L1 that supplies fuel from the fuel tank 2 to the engine 100 and a first return line L2 (return line) that returns excess fuel from the engine 100 to the fuel tank 2, a fuel filter 5 provided in the supply line L1 between the fuel tank 2 and the engine 100 to filter the fuel supplied to the engine 100, a fuel sampling device 6 provided in the supply line L1 between the fuel filter 5 and the engine 100 to collect a part of the fuel supplied to the engine 100 as a fuel sample into the fuel storage container 63, an abnormality detection device (machine controller 22) that detects an abnormality occurring on the supply line L1, and a control device 20 (engine controller 21 and machine controller 22) that controls the fuel supply to the engine 100 and controls the collection of the fuel sample by the fuel sampling device 6. The control device 20 (machine controller 22) starts the collection of the fuel sample by the fuel sampling device 6 when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device during fuel supply, and stops the collection of the fuel sample when the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container 63 reaches a predetermined amount.

[0061] With this configuration, since the fuel sampling device 6 for collecting a fuel sample is disposed between the fuel filter 5 and the engine 100, it is possible to collect the fuel immediately before being supplied to the engine 100. Since the collected fuel surely contains components that can cause problems without being removed, it can be correctly analyzed. Further, when an abnormality occurring on the supply line L1 is detected, a fuel sample is collected, so that the fuel sample is not collected at an unnecessary timing. Therefore, according to the fuel supply device 1 as the fuel sampling system according to the embodiment, it is possible to collect an appropriate fuel sample when analyzing the components in the fuel that cause problems in the fuel system devices of the engine 100.

[0062] Further, in the present embodiment, the fuel sampling device 6 is connected to the supply line L1 that always exists in the fuel supply device 1. Therefore, for example, the versatility of the device application can be enhanced as compared with the case where the fuel sampling device 6 is connected to a fuel flow line that does not always exist depending on the configuration of the fuel supply device 1 such as the second return line L3. Further, by not collecting the fuel sample at an unnecessary timing, it is possible to prevent excessive replacement of the fuel storage container 63.

[0063] Further, the fuel supply device 1 as the fuel sampling system according to the embodiment is provided at a position between the fuel tank 2 and the fuel filter 5 in the supply line L1, and includes a fuel pump 4 that pumps the fuel in the fuel tank 2 to the engine 100, a fuel injection device 10 that injects fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine 100, a temperature sensor 11 that detects the temperature of the fuel pumped to the engine 100 by the fuel pump 4, and a pressure sensor 12 that detects the pressure of the fuel pumped to the engine 100 by the fuel pump 4. The control device 20 detects an abnormality of the fuel pump 4, an abnormality of the fuel filter 5, an abnormality of the fuel injection device 10, an abnormality of the temperature of the fuel detected by the temperature sensor 11, and an abnormality of the pressure of the fuel detected by the pressure sensor 12.

[0064] With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately detect an abnormality occurring on the supply line L1 and collect a fuel sample at an appropriate timing. Note that the control device 20 may be configured to detect at least one of an abnormality in the fuel pump 4, an abnormality in the fuel filter 5, an abnormality in the fuel injection device 10, an abnormality in the temperature of the fuel detected by the temperature sensor 11, and an abnormality in the pressure of the fuel detected by the pressure sensor 12.

[0065] Further, the fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system according to the embodiment is provided between the fuel sampling device 6 and the engine 100 in the supply line L1, and accumulates a part of the fuel when the pressure of the fuel flowing through the supply line L1 is equal to or higher than a preset predetermined pressure, while discharging the accumulated fuel to the supply line L1 when the pressure of the fuel flowing through the supply line L1 decreases. The fuel supply device 1 includes an accumulator 7.

[0066] With this configuration, even if a part of the fuel flows from the supply line L1 into the fuel sampling device 6 and the pressure of the fuel flowing through the supply line L1 temporarily decreases, the fuel can be discharged from the accumulator 7 to the supply line L1 to stabilize the pressure of the fuel.

[0067] Further, in the fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system according to the embodiment, the fuel sampling device 6 includes a branch passage L4 that branches from the supply line L1 between the fuel filter 5 and the engine 100 toward the fuel storage container 63, and an on-off valve 64 interposed in the branch passage L4. When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device during fuel supply, the control device 20 starts collecting a fuel sample by opening the on-off valve 64, and stops collecting the fuel sample by closing the on-off valve 64 when the collected fuel sample in the fuel storage container 63 reaches a predetermined amount.

[0068] With this configuration, the fuel sample can be collected into the fuel storage container 63 at an appropriate timing by controlling the opening and closing of the on-off valve 64.

[0069] Also, in the fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system according to the embodiment, the fuel sampling device 6 has a weight sensor 66 that detects the weight of the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container 63, and the control device 20 stops the collection of the fuel sample when the weight detected by the weight sensor 66 reaches a predetermined weight.

[0070] With this configuration, based on the weight of the fuel detected by the weight sensor, it is possible to easily determine whether the collection of the fuel sample into one fuel storage container 63 is completed.

[0071] Also, in the fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system according to the embodiment, there are a plurality of fuel storage containers 63, and the control device 20 starts collecting a fuel sample into one of the empty containers among the plurality of fuel storage containers 63 every time an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device. When the fuel sample collected into the container reaches a predetermined amount, the collection of the fuel sample into the container is stopped and the date and time when the fuel sample was collected are stored. When fuel samples are collected in all of the plurality of fuel storage containers 63, the collection of the fuel samples is terminated.

[0072] With this configuration, it is possible to collect fuel samples in a plurality of fuel storage containers 63 and store the date and time when the fuel samples were collected, so that it is possible to confirm which fuel sample was collected at what time. Note that at least one fuel storage container 63 is sufficient.

[0073] Also, the fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system according to the embodiment further includes a notification device 30, and the control device 20 notifies the notification device 30 that the collection of the fuel sample has ended.

[0074] With this configuration, the notification device 30 can notify an operator or an external person that fuel samples have been collected in all of the fuel storage containers 63 in the fuel sampling device 6 and no further collection is possible. As a result, it is possible to appropriately grasp that it is necessary for a person in charge or the like to replace the fuel storage container 63.

[0075] Also, in the fuel supply device 1 as the fuel sampling system according to the embodiment, the fuel sampling device 6 switches the communication position to communicate any one of a plurality of outlets formed from multiple directions with the inlet by rotating a rotor, and has a rotary valve 62 (a one-channel multi-outlet rotary valve) that causes the fuel flowing in from the supply line L1 through the inlet to flow out to any one of the plurality of outlets. The plurality of fuel storage containers 63 are respectively connected corresponding to the plurality of outlets of the rotary valve 62. Each time an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device, the control device 20 starts collecting a fuel sample into one of the empty containers communicating with the branch passage L4 among the plurality of fuel storage containers 63 through the rotary valve 62. When the fuel sample collected into the container reaches a predetermined amount, the collection of the fuel sample into the container is stopped and the date and time when the fuel sample was collected is stored. The rotor of the rotary valve 62 is rotated to switch the communication position so that one of the other empty containers among the plurality of fuel storage containers 63 communicates with the branch passage L4.

[0076] With this configuration, the rotary valve 62 can easily switch the communication between the plurality of fuel storage containers 63 and the branch passage L4, and fuel samples can be sequentially collected into each fuel storage container 63.

[0077] Also, in the fuel supply device 1 as the fuel sampling system according to the embodiment, the fuel sampling device 6 includes a storage 61 having a locking device 65, and the fuel storage container 63 is stored in the storage 61.

[0078] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent unauthorized persons from easily accessing the fuel sampling device 6 in the storage 61. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the unauthorized removal of the fuel sample in the storage 61.

[0079] In addition, in the fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system of the embodiment, when the supply of fuel to the engine 100 is stopped, the control device 20 stores information regarding the storage state of the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container 63, and the next time fuel is supplied to the engine 100, it compares the information regarding the actual storage state of the fuel sample with the stored information, and if the comparison reveals that the two pieces of information do not match, it prohibits the supply of fuel to the engine 100.

[0080] With this configuration, if a fuel sample is illegally taken away or if a malfunction occurs in the fuel sampling device 6, the supply of fuel to the engine 100 can be prohibited to limit the operation of the construction machine. As a result, it becomes possible to check the condition of the fuel sample that has been temporarily stored and conduct an investigation. In addition, maintenance of the fuel sampling device 6 can be performed promptly.

[0081] In addition, in the fuel supply device 1 as the fuel sampling system of the embodiment, the fuel sampling device 6 has a weight sensor 66 that detects the weight of the fuel collected in the fuel storage container 63, and the information regarding the storage condition of the fuel sample is the weight of the fuel detected by the weight sensor 66.

[0082] With this configuration, information on the storage status of the fuel samples, i.e., information on how many fuel samples are currently stored in the fuel sampling device 6, can be easily obtained based on the weight of the fuel detected by the weight sensor 66.

[0083] In addition, the fuel supply device 1 as a fuel sampling system in the embodiment further includes an external device 40 that releases the state in which the supply of fuel to the engine 100 is prohibited by externally connecting to the control device 20 in a communicative manner, and the state in which the supply of fuel to the engine 100 is prohibited can only be released by the external device 40.

[0084] With this configuration, the person in charge of the fuel sample accessible to the external device can independently make a determination to lift the prohibition on fuel supply to the engine 100 and give an instruction. That is, since the person in charge can independently determine whether or not the operation of the construction machine should be restricted, it becomes possible to check the state of the fuel sample stored at an appropriate timing and conduct an investigation.

[0085] With the above, the description of the embodiment ends, but the aspects of the present invention are not limited to this embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, when the weight detected by the weight sensor 66 reaches a predetermined weight, the collection of the fuel sample into the fuel storage container 63 is stopped. However, the method of stopping the collection is not limited to this.

[0086] In the fuel supply device 1 as the fuel sampling system according to the embodiment, the fuel sampling device 6 has a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the fuel flowing in from the supply line L1. The control device 20 may be configured to stop the collection of the fuel sample when the integrated value of the flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches a predetermined value after starting the collection of the fuel sample. That is, a flow sensor (not shown) may be provided in the branch passage L4. The control device 20 (machine controller 22) may determine in step S16 of FIG. 4 that the fuel sample has reached a predetermined amount and the collection of the fuel sample into the fuel storage container 63 is completed when the integrated value of the fuel flow rate detected by the flow sensor reaches a predetermined value. With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the collection of the fuel sample into one fuel storage container 63 is completed based on the flow rate of the fuel flowing through the branch passage L4.

[0087] Also, in the fuel supply device 1 as the fuel sampling system according to the embodiment, the control device 20 may close the on-off valve 64 to stop the sampling of the fuel sample when a predetermined time has elapsed after opening the on-off valve 64. That is, the control device 20 (machine controller 22) may determine in step S16 of FIG. 4 that when a predetermined time has elapsed after opening the on-off valve 64, the fuel sample in the fuel storage container 63 has reached a predetermined amount and the sampling of the fuel sample into the fuel storage container 63 has been completed. With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the sampling of the fuel sample into one fuel storage container 63 has been completed according to the elapsed time since the on-off valve 64 was opened.

Explanation of Signs

[0088] 1 Fuel supply device 2 Fuel tank 2a Fuel filler neck 3 Fuel pre-filter 4 Fuel pump 5 Fuel filter 6 Fuel sampling device 61 Storage vault 61a Air bleeding passage 62 One-way multi-channel rotary valve 62a Inlet 62b Outlet 63 Fuel storage container 64 On-off valve 65 Locking device 66 Weight sensor 67 Reset switch 7 Accumulator 8 High-pressure fuel pump 9 Common rail 10 Fuel injection device 11 Temperature sensor 12 Pressure sensor 13 Fuel cooler 20 Control device 21 Engine controller 22 Machine controller 30 Notification device 40 External device 100 Engine (Internal Combustion Engine) L Fuel Circuit L1 Supply Line L2 First Return Line L3 Second Return Line L4 Branch Passage

Claims

1. A fuel circuit including a supply line for supplying fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine and a return line for returning excess fuel from the internal combustion engine to the fuel tank; A fuel filter provided on the supply line between the fuel tank and the internal combustion engine for filtering the fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine; A fuel sampling device provided on the supply line between the fuel filter and the internal combustion engine for collecting a part of the fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine as a fuel sample into a fuel storage container; An abnormality detection device for detecting an abnormality occurring on the supply line; A control device for controlling the fuel supply to the internal combustion engine and controlling the collection of the fuel sample by the fuel sampling device; When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device during fuel supply, the control device starts the collection of the fuel sample by the fuel sampling device and stops the collection of the fuel sample when the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container reaches a predetermined amount. A fuel sampling system characterized by the above.

2. A fuel pump provided on the supply line between the fuel tank and the fuel filter for pumping the fuel in the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine; A fuel injection device for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine; A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the fuel pumped to the internal combustion engine by the fuel pump and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the fuel pumped to the internal combustion engine by the fuel pump; The abnormality detection device detects at least one of an abnormality of the fuel pump, an abnormality of the fuel filter, an abnormality of the fuel injection device, an abnormality of the temperature of the fuel detected by the temperature sensor, and an abnormality of the pressure of the fuel detected by the pressure sensor. The fuel sampling system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. provided between the fuel sampling device and the internal combustion engine in the supply line, accumulating a part of the fuel when the pressure of the fuel flowing through the supply line is equal to or higher than a preset predetermined pressure, and discharging the accumulated fuel into the supply line when the pressure of the fuel flowing through the supply line decreases, and comprising an accumulator. The fuel sampling system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The fuel storage containers are plural. Each time an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection device, the control device starts collecting a fuel sample in one of the empty containers among the plurality of fuel storage containers, and when the fuel sample collected in the container reaches a predetermined amount, stops collecting the fuel sample in the container and stores the date and time when the fuel sample was collected. When fuel samples are collected in all of the plurality of fuel storage containers, the collection of the fuel samples is terminated. The fuel sampling system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The fuel sampling device includes a storage vault having a locking device. The fuel storage containers are stored in the storage vault. The fuel sampling system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. When the supply of fuel to the internal combustion engine is stopped, the control device stores information regarding the storage state of the fuel sample collected in the fuel storage container, and the next time the fuel is supplied to the internal combustion engine, it collates the information regarding the actual storage state of the fuel sample with the stored information. When the information does not match as a result of the collation, the supply of fuel to the internal combustion engine is prohibited. The fuel sampling system according to claim 1, characterized in that.

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