Industrial machinery operation data support system

Abstract

To easily and accurately obtain operation status of a part of industrial machinery at a place remote from the industrial machinery.SOLUTION: An operation data support system S for industrial machinery includes a first storage unit 31B, a second storage unit 32B, a communication device 30C, and a control device 30A. The first storage unit 31B stores, with a ring buffer, operation data regarding a backhoe 1. The second storage unit 32B is a storage device different from the first storage unit 31B and stores the operation data. The communication device 30C transmits, outward from the backhoe 1, the operation data stored in either the first storage unit 31B or the second storage unit 32B. The control device 30A controls the first storage unit 31B, the second storage unit 32B, and the communication device 30C. When acquiring a transmission command for the operation data, the control device 30A stops storage of the operation data with the ring buffer in the first storage unit 31B and causes the communication device 30C to transmit first operation data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation data support system for supporting communication, utilization, etc. of operation data of industrial machines including, for example, agricultural machines, construction machines, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] A fault diagnosis support system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a system for diagnosing faults in a work machine. In the fault diagnosis support system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operating status of each part of the work machine is converted into an image. The image is read and transmitted as the operating status to an external terminal via a network. When the operating status is received by the terminal, the fault is automatically estimated based on the operating status and repair history. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-74639 A (Claim 1, paragraph 0022, etc.) Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the system of Patent Document 1, operation information of a work machine is converted into a QR code (registered trademark) image when a diagnosis is requested. Scanning this image transmits the operation status to an external terminal. However, using only the operation information at the time when a diagnosis is requested may reduce the amount of information required for diagnosis, making it difficult to perform diagnosis easily and accurately. For example, it is often preferable for the information to be transmitted to the terminal to be continuous changes over time at a level that allows appropriate analysis of change trends. Patent Document 1 does not disclose any technology related to this perspective. For these reasons, there is a demand for technology that allows the operation status of parts of industrial machinery to be easily and accurately determined from a location remote from the industrial machinery.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an industrial machinery operation data support system that enables the operating status of parts of industrial machinery to be easily and accurately obtained from a location remote from the industrial machinery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technical means of the present invention for solving this technical problem is characterized as follows: An operation data support system for industrial machinery of the present invention includes a first storage device that is provided in an industrial machine and stores operation data of the industrial machine in a ring buffer, a second storage device that is provided in the industrial machine and is a storage device different from the first storage device and stores the operation data, a communication device that is provided in the industrial machine and transmits the operation data stored in either the first storage device or the second storage device to an outside of the industrial machine, and a control device that is provided in the industrial machine and controls the first storage device, the second storage device, and the communication device. When the control device receives a command to transmit the operation data, it stops storing the operation data in the ring buffer in the first storage device and causes the operation data stored in the first storage device to be transmitted to the communication device.

[0007] In the industrial machine operation data support system of the present invention, when the control device receives a command to transmit the operation data, the control device switches the storage device that stores the operation data from the first storage device to the second storage device.

[0008] In the industrial machinery operation data support system of the present invention, when the transmission amount of the operation data stored in the first storage device becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control device resumes storing the operation data in the ring buffer in the first storage device.

[0009] In the industrial machinery operation data support system of the present invention, when the transmission volume of the operation data stored in the first storage device becomes equal to or exceeds a threshold, the control device causes the operation data stored in the second storage device to be transmitted.

[0010] In the industrial machinery operation data support system of the present invention, the control device can stop the storage of the operation data in the second storage device.

[0011] The industrial machinery operation data support system of the present invention includes a third storage device that is provided in the industrial machinery and is a storage device different from the first storage device and the second storage device, and that stores the operation data. The control device also controls the third storage device, and when the operation data stored in the second storage device is transmitted, the control device causes the operation data to be stored in the third storage device.

[0012] In the industrial machinery operation data support system of the present invention, the first storage device and the second storage device are integrated together. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the operating status of parts of an industrial machine can be easily and accurately obtained from a location remote from the industrial machine. In particular, when diagnosis is performed using operation data, the diagnosis can be performed easily and accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a backhoe equipped with an operation data support system for industrial machinery (backhoe) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, an information and communication network, and a terminal device. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device shown in FIG. 1, an information communication network, and a backhoe. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display device of the terminal device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a time chart showing the change over time of on-board data composed of output signals of electronic devices provided in the backhoe shown in FIG. 1, and the operation of the first memory unit and the second memory unit provided in the operation data support system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a first storage unit and a second storage unit included in the operation data support system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a backhoe equipped with an operation data support system for industrial machinery (backhoe) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, an information and communication network, and a terminal device. [Figure 7] 7 is a flowchart showing the operations of a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a third storage unit included in the operation data support system shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of the industrial machine (backhoe) shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] [First embodiment] <Industrial machinery operation data support system> 8 shows an example of an industrial machine to which the industrial machine operation data support system S of the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, the industrial machine will be described as a backhoe 1, which is a swing work machine. Note that the industrial machine to which the industrial machine operation data support system S of the present invention is applied is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. Instead of the backhoe 1, the industrial machine may be, for example, a construction machine such as a loader, or an agricultural machine such as a tractor, a combine harvester, or a rice transplanter.

[0017] The backhoe 1 comprises a lower traveling device 2 and an upper rotating body 3. The traveling device 2 comprises a pair of left and right traveling bodies 4 each having a track. The traveling device 2 is a crawler type traveling device in which each traveling body 4 is driven by a traveling motor. A dozer 5 is provided in front of the traveling device 2.

[0018] The rotating body 3 includes a swivel base 12 and a working device 13 provided at the front of the swivel base 12. The swivel base 12 is supported on the traveling device 2 via a swivel bearing 11 so as to be able to freely rotate left and right around a vertical rotation axis. An engine, a radiator, a driver's seat 9, a fuel tank, a hydraulic oil tank, etc. are provided on the swivel base 12. A display device 25 that displays various information related to the backhoe 1 is provided around the driver's seat 9. The driver's seat 9 is surrounded by a cabin 14 provided on the swivel base 12.

[0019] The work device 13 includes a swing bracket 17, a boom 18, an arm 19, and a bucket 20. The swing bracket 17 is supported by the support bracket 16 so that it can swing left and right about an axis in the vertical direction. The support bracket 16 is provided at the front of the swivel base 12, offset slightly to the right from the center in the left and right direction. The swing bracket 17 swings by the extension and contraction of a swing cylinder provided inside the swivel base 12.

[0020] The base side of the boom 18 is pivotally attached to the swing bracket 17 so as to be rotatable about a left-right axis, and is supported so that the boom 18 can swing up and down. The boom 18 swings by the extension and contraction of a boom cylinder 22 interposed between the boom 18 and the swing bracket 17. The base side of an arm 19 is pivotally attached to the tip side of the boom 18 so as to be rotatable about a left-right axis, and is supported so that the arm 19 can swing back and forth.

[0021] The arm 19 is adapted to swing by extension and retraction of an arm cylinder 23 interposed between the arm 19 and the boom 18. A bucket 20 is provided at the tip of the arm 19 so as to be capable of scooping and dumping. The bucket 20 is adapted to perform scooping and dumping operations by extension and retraction of a bucket cylinder 21 interposed between the bucket 20 and the arm 19.

[0022] The work device 13 can be equipped with another work tool (spare attachment) instead of or in addition to the bucket 20. The other work tool (spare attachment) is a work tool that can be driven by a hydraulic actuator, such as a hydraulic breaker, hydraulic crusher, angle broom, earth auger, pallet fork, sweeper, mower, snow blower, etc.

[0023] 1, the backhoe 1 includes multiple electronic devices 7, an on-board network N1, an information collection unit 30, and an operation data support system S. The electronic devices 7 may be sensors that acquire the status of components constituting the industrial machinery and the operating status. In this embodiment, the electronic devices 7 include, but are not limited to, a rotation speed sensor, a fuel sensor, a water temperature sensor, an oil pressure sensor, a potentiometer, and the like.

[0024] The rotation speed sensor is provided in the engine of the backhoe 1 and sends an output signal corresponding to the engine rotation speed. The fuel sensor is provided in the fuel tank of the backhoe 1 and sends an output signal corresponding to the remaining fuel amount. The water temperature sensor is provided in the cooling water circuit connecting the engine and radiator of the backhoe 1 and sends an output signal corresponding to the water temperature. The oil pressure sensor is provided in the hydraulic oil tank and hydraulic cylinder of the backhoe 1 and sends an output signal corresponding to the presence or absence of oil and the cylinder pressure. The potentiometer is provided in a predetermined position on the work device 13 and sends an output signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the boom 18, arm 19, and bucket 20.

[0025] The in-vehicle network N1 is configured to perform data communication among a plurality of electronic devices 7 mounted on the backhoe 1 (industrial machine). The in-vehicle network N1 is connected to each of the electronic devices 7 and the information collection unit 30. Therefore, each output signal sent from the electronic device 7 is input to the information collection unit 30 via the in-vehicle network N1. Note that the in-vehicle network N1 may use protocols such as CAN, Ethernet (registered trademark), BroadR-Reach (registered trademark), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0026] The information collecting unit 30 samples various input output signals at a sampling period on the order of milliseconds (for example, 10 to 30 milliseconds). The output signals of the electronic devices 7 sampled by the information collecting unit 30 are configured as operation data. In this embodiment, the operation data is a graph corresponding to the output signal from each electronic device 7, and corresponds to a graph showing continuous changes over time for each sampling period (see FIG. 4).

[0027] The operation data configured as described above is transmitted from the information collecting unit 30 to the terminal device 40 via the information communication network N. In this embodiment, the operation data of the information collecting unit 30 is transmitted as is in response to a transmission command for the operation data from the terminal device 40. Here, "transmitted as is" means that the operation data is transmitted without being changed, except for processing and calculation for communication (e.g., processing and calculation for constructing a header, packet, etc.) when the operation data is sent from the information collecting unit 30 to the information communication network N. Furthermore, at least a portion of the operation data transmitted from the information collecting unit 30 may be "transmitted as is."

[0028] In order to achieve the transmission of operation data as described above, the information collection unit 30 is provided with an operation data support system S. The operation data support system S includes a control device 30A, a storage device 30B, and a communication device 30C.

[0029] The control device 30A is provided in the backhoe 1 (industrial machinery) and controls the storage device 30B (first storage unit 31B and second storage unit 32B described below) and the communication device 30C. The control device 30A is equipped with a CPU and executes predetermined control based on a program. More specifically, the control device 30A executes a process of sampling the output signal of the electronic device 7 input to the information collection unit 30 and storing the sampled signal in the storage device 30B as operation data. Furthermore, upon receiving a transmission command for operation data from the terminal device 40, the control device 30A executes a process of switching the storage location of the operation data in the storage device 30B. Furthermore, upon receiving a transmission command for operation data from the terminal device 40, the control device 30A instructs the communication device 30C to transmit the operation data in the storage device 30B.

[0030] The storage device 30B includes a first storage unit 31B (first storage device) and a second storage unit 32B (second storage device). The first storage unit 31B and the second storage unit 32B are configured to temporarily store operational data before the operational data is transmitted to the information communication network N by the communication device 30C.

[0031] The first memory unit 31B is provided in the backhoe 1 (industrial machinery) and stores operation data of the backhoe 1 using a ring buffer. The ring buffer is designed so that each time new operation data is stored, the oldest stored operation data is deleted. This allows only the most recent necessary operation data to be stored in the first memory unit 31B, and the amount of operation data stored can be kept to a minimum. The second memory unit 32B is provided in the backhoe 1 (industrial machinery) and is a memory device separate from the first memory unit 31B, and stores operation data of the backhoe 1. The first memory unit 31B and the second memory unit 32B are integrated in the memory device 30B.

[0032] The first storage unit 31B is configured with a volatile memory such as RAM. If the first storage unit 31B is RAM, the RAM may be configured with n lanes, such as RAM1, RAM2, ..., RAMn. The second storage unit 32B is configured with a nonvolatile memory such as eMMC. If the second storage unit 32B is eMMC, the eMMC may be configured with n lanes, such as eMMC1, eMMC2, ..., eMMCn. In the first storage unit 31B and the second storage unit 32B, the lanes are associated with each other as (RAM1, eMMC1), (RAM2, eMMC2), ..., (RAMn, eMMCn), and different operational data may be stored in each lane. Alternatively, while a command to transmit operational data is issued to a certain lane and switching or transmission processing is being performed, other operational data may be stored in another lane.

[0033] In the storage device 30B, the control device 30A can switch between storing operational data in the first storage unit 31B and storing operational data in the second storage unit 32B. The control device 30A can also stop storing operational data in the ring buffer of the first storage unit 31B and stop storing operational data in the second storage unit 32B. In this embodiment, when the control device 30A is storing operational data in the first storage unit 31B, it stops storing operational data in the second storage unit 32B. When the control device 30A switches and stores operational data in the second storage unit 32B, it stops storing operational data in the first storage unit 31B (see FIG. 4).

[0034] The communication device 30C connects the in-vehicle network N1 with the information and communication network N. The information and communication network N is a network external to the backhoe 1 and separate from the in-vehicle network. The information and communication network N is, for example, a mobile phone communication network or a data communication network such as LTE (registered trademark) or a fourth or fifth generation communication system. The communication device 30C transmits operational data when data communication is performed among multiple electronic devices 7 in the in-vehicle network N1 to the information and communication network N via wireless communication.

[0035] The communication device 30C is configured to transmit the operation data stored in the storage device 30B to the terminal device 40 via the information and communication network N in response to a command to transmit the operation data from the terminal device 40 by the control device 30A. In this embodiment, when the control device 30A receives a command to transmit the operation data from the terminal device 40, it instructs the communication device 30C to transmit the operation data stored in the first storage unit 31B and the second storage unit 32B. The switching of the storage location for the operation data and the manner of transmitting the operation data will be described in detail later.

[0036] 2, the terminal device 40 includes a data request unit 40A, a data setting unit 40B, a data processing unit 40C, a communication unit 40D, and a display device 41. In this embodiment, the terminal device 40 is a stationary server connectable to the information and communication network N, but may also be a portable computer such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. The terminal device 40 is located at a location remote from the backhoe 1, and may be installed at, for example, a rental company, a repair company, or a manufacturer.

[0037] The data request unit 40A, data setting unit 40B, and data processing unit 40C are configured with electric and electronic circuits, a CPU, programs, etc. The data request unit 40A requests the information collecting unit 30 to transmit operational data to the terminal device 40 via the information communication network N. The data setting unit 40B sets the range of operational data to be transmitted from the communication device 30C of the information collecting unit 30 via the information communication network N. This makes it possible to change the range of operational data to be transmitted to the information communication network N by the communication device 30C from among the operational data stored in the storage device 30B. The data processing unit 40C processes the operational data transmitted from the communication device 30C of the information collecting unit 30 into visualized data.

[0038] For example, when the terminal device 40 is connected to the information collecting unit 30 via the information communication network N and a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal device 40, a screen M may be displayed on the display device 41, as shown in FIG. 3. This screen M includes a data range input field 41B, a data request button 41A, and a data display section 41C. The data range input field 41B is configured to allow the first period T1 and the second period T2 to be input as numerical values ​​(e.g., the number of seconds). Input into the data range input field 41B and operation of the data request button 41A are performed using a user interface of the terminal device 40.

[0039] The first period T1 corresponds to the period from the timing tr of the command to send the operational data to a timing t1 before the timing tr. The second period T2 corresponds to the period from the timing tr of the command to send the operational data to a timing t2 after the timing tr. The first period T1 and the second period T2 (i.e., the timings t1 and t2) are each variable by adjusting the input values. Furthermore, the first period T1 and the second period T2 are adjusted so as to be longer than the sampling period of the information collecting unit 30. The transmission command timing tr is the timing when the data request button 41A is operated and the terminal device 40 issues a command to send the operational data to the information collecting unit 30.

[0040] On the screen M, when the first period T1 and the second period T2 are entered in the data range input field 41B and then the data request button 41A is operated, the data setting unit 40B sets the range of the operational data, and the data request unit 40A commands the information collecting unit 30 (control device 30A) to transmit the operational data within the set range. The set range of the operational data is the range corresponding to the first period T1 and the second period T2, sandwiching the transmission command timing tr, in other words, the range spanning from timing t1 to timing t2 (see FIG. 4).

[0041] When the operational data is transmitted from the information collecting unit 30 and reaches the terminal device 40, the data processing unit 40C processes the operational data into visualized data VD and displays it on the data display unit 41C of the screen M. In this embodiment, the visualized data VD is a graph corresponding to the output signal from each electronic device 7, and is a graph showing continuous changes over time for each sampling period. More specifically, when operational data D1 corresponding to a first period T1 and operational data D2 corresponding to a second period T2 reach the terminal device 40, the data processing unit 40C combines these data and displays a graph spanning the range from timing t1 to timing t2 as visualized data VD (see FIG. 3 ).

[0042] The display device 41 is, for example, a monitor connected to the terminal device 40, and displays the visualized data VD processed by the data processing unit 40C on a screen M. The visualized data VD displayed on the display device 41 can be visually confirmed by a user, and the change trends of the visualized data VD can be analyzed.

[0043] The communication unit 40D connects the information communication network N and the terminal device 40. The communication unit 40D receives operation data transmitted from the information collecting unit 30. The communication unit 40D also transmits an operation data request instructed by the data request unit 40A and the range of operation data set by the data setting unit 40B to the information communication network N via wireless communication. The operation data transmission command and the range of operation data are transmitted to the information collecting unit 30 via the information communication network N.

[0044] <Storage and transmission of operation data in the information collection unit> As shown in Fig. 4, the output signal from the electronic device 7 is sampled by the information collection unit 30 at a sampling period Ts to form operation data D. When the backhoe 1 starts up, the output and sampling of the signal from the electronic device 7 begins and continues continuously. Therefore, the formation of operation data D also continues continuously from the start of the backhoe 1 startup.

[0045] Furthermore, when the backhoe 1 is started, the control device 30A executes storage of the above-configured operational data D in the first storage unit 31B, and stops storage in the second storage unit 32B. In this embodiment, ring buffer processing is used for storage in the first storage unit 31B. In the time chart of the first storage unit 31B and the second storage unit 32B in FIG. 4, a state in which storage processing is being executed in the control device 30A is represented as "ON," and a state in which storage processing is stopped in the control device 30A is represented as "OFF."

[0046] Note that the example of operation of the first memory unit 31B and the second memory unit 32B in Figure 4 shows operation in one lane out of n multiple lanes (RAM1, eMMC1), (RAM2, eMMC2), ..., (RAMn, eMMCn), and may be different from operation in the other lanes.

[0047] Assume that after the backhoe 1 is started, a command to transmit operation data is issued from the terminal device 40, and transmission command timing tr arrives. When the control device 30A receives the command to transmit operation data at transmission command timing tr, the first storage unit 31B, which was "ON," is turned "OFF," and the second storage unit 32B, which was "OFF," is turned "ON." As a result, the operation data D is stored in the first storage unit 31B until the transmission command timing tr, and the operation data D is stored in the second storage unit 32B after the transmission command timing tr. In other words, when the control device 30A receives the command to transmit operation data, it switches from the first storage unit 31B to the second storage unit 32B to store the operation data D.

[0048] Furthermore, at the transmission command timing tr, the range of operational data is also transmitted together with the transmission command from the terminal device 40. That is, at the transmission command timing tr, the information collecting unit 30 receives the first period T1 and the second period T2 input by the terminal device 40. In response to this, the communication device 30C transmits, to the terminal device 40, first operational data D1 of the range corresponding to the first period T1 (the range spanning from timing t1 to the transmission command timing tr) of the operational data D stored in the first storage unit 31B. That is, when the control device 30A acquires the transmission command for the operational data, it stops the storage of the operational data D in the ring buffer of the first storage unit 31B and causes the communication device 30C to transmit the operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B.

[0049] From the transmission command timing tr through timing t2, the transmission amount d1 of the first operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B increases from zero to a data amount d1t. The data amount d1t is the amount of first operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B during the first period T1. The data amount d1t may be determined based on the first period T1, the sampling period Ts, the number of electronic devices 7, and the like. Here, the first period T1 is adjusted to be longer than the sampling period Ts.

[0050] The second period T2 corresponds to the period during which the transmission amount d1 of the first operational data D1 changes from zero to the data amount d1t. In this embodiment, the transmission rate of the first operational data D1 is adjusted for the second period T2 set by the terminal device 40 so that the timing at which all of the first operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B is transmitted coincides with the end of the second period T2 (timing t2).

[0051] When the second period T2 has elapsed since the transmission command timing tr (when timing t2 arrives), the first storage unit 31B, which had been "OFF," returns to "ON," and the second storage unit 32B, which had been "ON," is turned "OFF" again. As a result, during the second period T2 (the period from the transmission command timing tr to timing t2), the operational data D is stored in the second storage unit 32B, and after the second period T2 has elapsed (after timing t2), storage of the operational data D in the first storage unit 31B is resumed. That is, when the transmission amount d1 of the operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B becomes equal to or greater than a threshold (data amount d1t), the control device 30A resumes storage of the operational data D in the ring buffer of the first storage unit 31B.

[0052] When the second period T2 has elapsed since the transmission command timing tr (when timing t2 arrives), the communication device 30C transmits, from the operational data D stored in the second storage unit 32B, second operational data D2 in a range corresponding to the second period T2 (a range spanning from the transmission command timing tr to timing t2) to the terminal device 40. That is, when the transmission amount d1 of the operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B becomes equal to or greater than a threshold (data amount d1t), the control device 30A causes the second storage unit 32B to transmit the operational data D2.

[0053] From time t2 to time t3, the transmission amount d2 of the second operational data D2 stored in the second storage unit 32B increases from zero to a data amount d2t. The data amount d2t is the amount of second operational data D2 stored in the second storage unit 32B during the second period T2. The data amount d2t may be determined based on the second period T2, the sampling period Ts, the number of electronic devices 7, and the like. Here, the second period T2 is adjusted to be longer than the sampling period Ts.

[0054] In this way, of the operational data D, operational data D1 and D2 in a range corresponding to the first period T1 and the second period T2 (a range from timing t1 to timing t2) sandwiching the transmission command timing tr is transmitted from the information collecting unit 30 to the terminal device 40 via the information communication network N. Then, the transmitted operational data D1 and D2 in the range from t1 to t2 is processed as visualized data VD by the terminal device 40 and displayed on the display device 41 (see FIG. 3).

[0055] <Actual operation> 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the industrial machinery operation data support system S. It is assumed that the backhoe 1 has been started up, and the information collection unit 30 and the terminal device 40 are each connected to the information communication network N and are capable of data communication (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0056] An output signal from the electronic device 7 of the backhoe 1 is transmitted to the first storage unit 31B of the information collection unit 30 via the in-vehicle network N1 (S1). The transmitted output signal is stored in the first storage unit 31B as first operation data D1 in a ring buffer (S2). The control device 30A determines whether or not a command to transmit operation data has been received from the terminal device 40 (S3). As long as the determination is "No," the process remains in step S2 and the first operation data D1 is stored in the first storage unit 31B.

[0057] If the determination in step S3 is "Yes," the storage location is switched at the transmission command timing tr (S4), the storage in the first storage unit 31B is stopped, and the first operation data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B is transmitted to the terminal device 40 via the communication network N (S5). Meanwhile, the output signal of the electronic device 7 of the backhoe 1 is transmitted to the second storage unit 32B of the information collection unit 30 via the in-vehicle network N1 (S6). The transmitted output signal is stored in the second storage unit 32B as second operation data D2 (S7). The control device 30A determines whether the transmission amount d1 of the first operation data D1 is equal to or greater than a threshold (data amount d1t) (S8). As long as the determination is "No," step S7 remains and the second operation data D2 is stored in the second storage unit 32B.

[0058] If the determination in step S8 is "Yes," the storage location is switched at timing t2 (S9), storage in the second storage unit 32B is stopped, and storage in the first storage unit 31B is resumed, while the second operation data D2 stored in the second storage unit 32B is transmitted to the terminal device 40 via the communication network N (S10). Meanwhile, the output signal of the electronic device 7 of the backhoe 1 is transmitted to the resumed first storage unit 31B via the in-vehicle network N1 (S11). Step S11 is the same as step S1, and the processing from the following step S2 onwards is repeated.

[0059] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the operation data support system S includes a first storage unit 31B and a second storage unit 32B as the storage device 30B. In the industrial machinery operation data support system S according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the storage device 30B further includes a third storage unit 33B in addition to the first storage unit 31B and the second storage unit 32B, and the operation data is stored in the third storage unit 33B. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in this respect. Below, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0060] 6, the third memory unit 33B (third storage device) is provided in the backhoe 1 (industrial machine), and is a storage device different from the first storage unit 31B and the second storage unit 32B, and is configured to store operation data. The storage device 30B of the operation data support system S in the second embodiment is further provided with a third storage unit 33B, and the first storage unit 31B, the second storage unit 32B, and the third storage unit 33B are integrated.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the control device 30A also controls the third storage unit 33B. When the operational data stored in the second storage unit 32B is transmitted, the control device 30A stores the operational data in the third storage unit 33B. More specifically, before transmitting the first and second operational data D1 and D2 to the information and communication network N, all of this data is temporarily stored in the third storage unit 33B. After the data is temporarily stored in the third storage unit 33B, which serves as a buffer, the stored data is transmitted to the information and communication network N.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the control device 30A resumes the first storage unit 31B, which has stopped storing data, after the storage in the third storage unit 33B is completed. In addition, the second storage unit 32B is not configured to stop (or start) storing data, and the storage process may be performed by exchanging pointer information, for example.

[0063] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment, and is obtained by adding the operation of storage processing in the third storage unit 33B to Fig. 5. In Fig. 7, steps that are the same as or equivalent to steps shown in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0064] After the storage location is switched in step S4 and the output signal of the electronic device 7 is transmitted to the second storage unit 32B in step S6, the output signal is stored in the second storage unit 32B as second operation data D2 in step S7. Next, the second operation data D2 is transmitted to the third storage unit 33B and temporarily stored therein, and then transmitted to the terminal device 40 via the communication network N (S12).

[0065] Here, the transmission amount d2 of the second operational data D2 increases from zero to the data amount d2t (the data amount of the second operational data D2 stored in the second storage unit 32B), as in the first embodiment. That is, the data transmission of the second operational data D2 continues from the start of transmission of the second operational data D2 until the transmission amount d2 reaches the data amount d2t. When the transmission amount d2 reaches the data amount d2t, the data transmission of the second operational data D2 is completed.

[0066] On the other hand, after the storage location is switched in step S4, the first operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B is transmitted to the third storage unit 33B (S13). The control device 30A determines whether the second operational data D2 is currently being transmitted (S14). As long as the determination is "Yes," the process remains in step S13, and the first operational data D1 is transmitted to the third storage unit 33B and stored in the third storage unit 33B (S15). Note that, as a determination in step S14, if the transmission amount d2 of the second operational data D2 is equal to or less than a threshold (data amount d2t), it may be determined that the second operational data D2 is currently being transmitted. Furthermore, the first operational data D1 temporarily stored in the third storage unit 33B in step S15 is transmitted to the terminal device 40 via the communication network N, similar to the second operational data D2 described above.

[0067] If the result of the judgment in step S14 is "No", the storage location is switched (S16), storage in the first storage unit 31B is resumed, and the output signal of the electronic device 7 is transmitted to and stored in the resumed first storage unit 31B in step S11.

[0068] [summary] As described above, the industrial machinery operation data support system S according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first memory unit 31B, a second memory unit 32B, a communication device 30C, and a control device 30A. The first memory unit 31B is provided in the backhoe 1 and stores operation data of the backhoe 1 using a ring buffer. The second memory unit 32B is provided in the backhoe 1 and is a storage device different from the first memory unit 31B and stores operation data. The communication device 30C is provided in the backhoe 1 and transmits operation data stored in either the first memory unit 31B or the second memory unit 32B to a device outside the backhoe 1. The control device 30A is provided in the backhoe 1 and controls the first memory unit 31B, the second memory unit 32B, and the communication device 30C. When the control device 30A receives a command to send operational data, it stops storing the operational data in the ring buffer in the first memory unit 31B and causes the first operational data D1 stored in the first memory unit 31B to be sent to the communication device 30C.

[0069] According to this configuration, the first operational data D1 prior to the transmission command timing tr can be stored in the first storage unit 31B using a ring buffer for the operational data D generated via the onboard network N1 in the backhoe 1. The first operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B can be, for example, a graph corresponding to an output signal from the electronic device 7, showing continuous changes over time for each sampling period. Furthermore, the first operational data D1 can be extracted from the operational data D as needed for analysis. By transmitting the first operational data D1 to an external device, the external device can use the operational data D1 to appropriately analyze trends in the first operational data D1 prior to the transmission command timing tr. Therefore, the operational status of the part corresponding to the electronic device 7 can be easily and accurately determined from a location remote from the backhoe 1. In particular, when a diagnosis is performed using the operational data, the diagnosis can be performed easily and accurately.

[0070] Locations remote from the backhoe 1 include, for example, rental companies, repair companies, manufacturers, etc. These locations can quickly determine the repair details based on the diagnostic results, arrange for parts, arrange for a replacement machine, etc., without having to go to the location where the backhoe 1 is actually located. As a result, service can be improved.

[0071] When the control device 30A receives a transmission command for operation data, it switches from the first storage unit 31B to the second storage unit 32B and stores the second operation data D2. This allows the second storage unit 32B to store the second operation data D2 instead of the first storage unit 31B if storage in the first storage unit 31B is stopped after the transmission command timing tr. Therefore, the second operation data D2 after the transmission command timing tr can be stored in the second storage unit 32B for the operation data D generated by the backhoe 1 via the onboard network N1. The second operation data D2 stored in the second storage unit 32B may be, for example, a graph corresponding to an output signal from the electronic device 7, and may be a graph showing continuous time-dependent changes at each sampling period following the first operation data D1. Therefore, in addition to the first operation data D1, the second operation data D2 can be extracted from the operation data D as the portion required for analysis. By transmitting the first operation data D1 and the second operation data D2 to the outside of the backhoe 1, the operation data D1 and the second operation data D2 can be used externally, and the change trends through the first operation data D1 and the second operation data D2 before and after the transmission command timing tr can also be appropriately analyzed. Therefore, the first and second operation data D1, D2 before and after the transmission command timing tr can be used for analysis, and the diagnosis of the part corresponding to the electronic device 7 can be performed with even greater accuracy.

[0072] When the transmission amount dt of the first operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B becomes equal to or greater than the threshold d1t, the control device 30A resumes the stopped storage of the operational data in the ring buffer of the first storage unit 31B. This allows the storage in the first storage unit 31B to be resumed after the first operational data D1 is transmitted, so that the transmission of the first operational data D1 and the storage in the first storage unit 31B can be repeatedly executed. Furthermore, by adjusting the threshold d1t, the transmission rate of the first operational data D1, and the like, the timing for resuming storage in the first storage unit 31B can also be adjusted.

[0073] When the transmission amount dt of the first operational data D1 stored in the first storage unit 31B becomes equal to or greater than the threshold d1t, the control device 30A transmits the second operational data D2 stored in the second storage unit 32B. This ensures that the second operational data D2 is transmitted after the first operational data D1 has been transmitted. Furthermore, by adjusting the threshold d1t and the transmission rate of the first operational data D1, the timing of transmitting the second operational data D2 can also be adjusted.

[0074] The control device 30A can stop the storage of operational data in the second storage unit 32B. This allows the storage in the second storage unit 32B to be stopped when the first operational data D1 is stored in the first storage unit 31B, ensuring that the storage process in the first storage unit 31B is executed reliably. Furthermore, the processing load can be reduced by the amount that storage in the second storage unit 32B is stopped.

[0075] The operation data support system S includes a third memory unit 33B. The third memory unit 33B is provided in the backhoe 1 and is a storage device separate from the first memory unit 31B and the second memory unit 32B, and stores operation data. The control device 30A also controls the third memory unit 33B, and when operation data D2 stored in the second memory unit 32B is transmitted, the control device 30A stores the operation data in the third memory unit 33B. This allows the operation data to be temporarily stored in the third memory unit 33B before being transmitted to an information and communication network N or the like external to the backhoe 1. In other words, the third memory unit 33B can be used as a buffer, and the transmission of operation data can be optimized according to the communication conditions in the information and communication network N.

[0076] The first storage unit 31B and the second storage unit 32B are integrated. Since the first storage unit 31B and the second storage unit 32B are integrated, they can be easily unitized or modularized together with other devices (such as the control device 30A and the communication device 30C).

[0077] [Variations] In the above embodiment, a terminal device 40 is provided outside the backhoe 1, and the terminal device 40 is connected to the information collection unit 30 of the backhoe 1 via an information communication network N. The terminal device 40 sends an operation data transmission command to the information collection unit 30 and receives the operation data from the information collection unit 30. That is, both the sending of the operation data transmission command and the receiving of the operation data are performed by a single device. Alternatively, for example, the sending of the operation data transmission command and the receiving of the operation data may be performed by separate devices. More specifically, two terminal devices may be provided separately from each other outside the backhoe 1, and an operation data transmission command may be issued from one terminal device and an operation data reception may be performed from the other terminal device. Alternatively, a data transmission command may be issued by an operator inside the backhoe 1, and the operation data may be transmitted to a terminal device outside the backhoe 1.

[0078] In the above embodiment, when the transmission amount d1 of the first operational data D1 from the first storage unit 31B becomes equal to or greater than the threshold d1t, the stopped first storage unit 31B is resumed and the second operational data D2 from the second storage unit 32B is transmitted. Here, the threshold d1t corresponds to the total data amount of the first operational data D1 during the first period T1. Alternatively, the threshold d1t may be changed, for example, to a data amount smaller than the total data amount during the first period T1. Furthermore, the timing of the resumption of the first storage unit 31B and the timing of the start of transmission of the second operational data D2 from the second storage unit 32B may be the same or different.

[0079] In the above embodiment, when the transmission amount d1 of the first operational data D1 of the first storage unit 31B becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value d1t, the stopped first storage unit 31B is restarted and the transmission of the second operational data D2 of the second storage unit 32B is started. Alternatively, for example, when a predetermined period (predetermined timing) has elapsed since the operational data transmission command timing tr, the stopped first storage unit 31B may be restarted and the transmission of the second operational data D2 of the second storage unit 32B may be started.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the command to send operation data is transmitted from the terminal device 40, but this is not limited to this. For example, a command device (not shown) that transmits the command to send operation data to the control device 30A may be provided in the backhoe 1 or another device that is communicatively connected to the backhoe 1 by wire or wirelessly. The command device may also be provided in the control device 30A.

[0081] Furthermore, when a predetermined transmission condition occurs, the command device may generate a transmission command and output it to the control device 30A. Examples of the transmission condition include the occurrence of a predetermined error condition (e.g., abnormality detection by various sensors provided in the backhoe 1, abnormal shutdown of the equipment, etc.), the arrival of a predetermined transmission time (e.g., arrival of a predetermined time, elapse of a predetermined period, elapse of a predetermined operating time, etc.), and detection of a predetermined operation input.

[0082] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1: Backhoe 7:Electronic equipment 30: Information Gathering Unit 30A: Control device 30B: Storage device 30C: Communication equipment 31B: 1st storage section 32B: 2nd storage section 33B: 3rd memory section 40: Terminal device 40A: Data request section 40B: Data setting section 40C: Data Processing Department 40D: Communications Department 41:Display device 41A: Data request button 41B: Data range input field 41C: Data display section D: Operational data D1: First operation data D2: Second operating data d1: First operational data transmission volume d2: Second operational data transmission volume d1t: Threshold (data volume) d2t: Threshold (data volume) M:Screen N: Information and communication network N1: In-vehicle network S: Operational Data Support System T1: First period T2: Second period Ts: sampling period t1: Timing t2: Timing t3: Timing tr: Transmission command timing

Claims

1. a first storage device that is provided in the industrial machine and stores operation data of the industrial machine in a ring buffer; a second storage device that is provided in the industrial machine and is different from the first storage device and stores the operation data; a communication device that is provided in the industrial machine and that transmits the operation data stored in either the first storage device or the second storage device to an outside of the industrial machine; a control device provided in the industrial machine and controlling the first storage device, the second storage device, and the communication device; Equipped with The control device When the transmission command for the operational data is received, the storage of the operational data in the ring buffer of the first storage device is stopped, and the operational data stored in the first storage device is transmitted to the communication device. Industrial machinery operation data support system.

2. The control device When the transmission command for the operational data is received, the storage device for storing the operational data is switched from the first storage device to the second storage device. The industrial machinery operation data support system according to claim 1.

3. The control device When the transmission amount of the operational data stored in the first storage device becomes equal to or greater than a threshold, the storage of the operational data in the ring buffer of the first storage device is resumed. The industrial machinery operation data support system according to claim 1.

4. The control device When a transmission amount of the operational data stored in the first storage device becomes equal to or greater than a threshold, the operational data stored in the second storage device is transmitted.

3. The industrial machinery operation data support system according to claim 2.

5. The control device When a transmission amount of the operational data stored in the first storage device becomes equal to or greater than a threshold, the operational data stored in the second storage device is transmitted. The industrial machinery operation data support system according to claim 3.

6. The control device The storage of the operational data in the second storage device can be stopped. The industrial machinery operation data support system according to claim 1.

7. a third storage device that is provided in the industrial machine and is a storage device different from the first storage device and the second storage device and that stores the operation data; Equipped with The control device The third storage device is also controlled, and when the operational data stored in the second storage device is transmitted, the operational data is stored in the third storage device. The industrial machinery operation data support system according to claim 2.

8. The first storage device and the second storage device are integrated together. The industrial machine operation data support system according to claim 1.

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