Shovels, shovel logic, shovel control devices

Abstract

To provide a shovel allowing fuel consumption of an engine to be reduced.SOLUTION: A shovel comprises: a communication section for sending, to a management device, work information indicating a work state of the shovel itself and receiving information regarding consumed fuel during its idling state from the management device; and a display control section for causing information regarding the fuel received from the management device to be displayed on a display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an excavator, an excavator management system, and an excavator management device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for reducing fuel consumption by displaying the result of aggregating the fuel consumption information of an excavator for each load factor or for each work content, allowing the operator of the excavator to grasp a mismatch in the work mode, and selecting an appropriate work mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, only a mismatch between the work content and the work mode of the excavator is grasped, and reduction of the fuel consumption of the engine during the stop of the operation of the excavator is not considered.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, it is an object to contribute to reducing the fuel consumption of the engine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An excavator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit that transmits operation information indicating the operation status of the own machine to a management device and receives information regarding fuel consumed in an idling state in which the prime mover of the own machine is operating and no operation for operating the own machine is being performed from the management device, and a display control unit that causes a display device to display the information regarding the fuel received from the management device. The information regarding the fuel received from the management device includes the amount of fuel consumed during the period in which the own machine is in the idling state.The idling state includes a high idling state in which the actuator for operating the machine is stopped while the prime mover is running, and a low idling state in which the rotational speed of the prime mover is lower than that of the high idling state, and the display control unit displays, as information regarding the fuel, the amount of fuel consumed during the high idling state and the amount of fuel consumed during the low idling state. It's a shovel.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention is a shovel management system comprising a shovel and a management device for the shovel, wherein the management device includes an information acquisition unit that acquires operational information from the shovel indicating the operating status of the shovel, and from the operational information acquired over a certain period of time, it determines whether the prime mover of the shovel is operating and Shovel The excavator has an acquisition unit that acquires information about the fuel consumed in an idling state when no operation is performed to operate it, and an output unit that transmits information about the fuel consumed in the idling state of the excavator to the excavator, and the excavator has a communication unit that transmits the operation information to a management device and receives information about the fuel consumed in the idling state of the excavator from the management device, and a display control unit that displays the fuel information received from the management device on a display device, and the fuel information received from the management device is the Shovel This includes the amount of fuel consumed during the period when the engine is idling, and the idling state is defined as the period during which the prime mover is operating. Shovel This is a management system for an excavator, which includes a high idling state in which the actuator for operating the excavator is stopped, and a low idling state in which the rotational speed of the prime mover is lower than that of the high idling state, and the display control unit displays, as information regarding the fuel, the amount of fuel consumed during the high idling state and the amount of fuel consumed during the low idling state.

[0008] An shovel management device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an information acquisition unit that acquires operational information from the shovel indicating the operating status of the shovel, and from the operational information acquired over a certain period of time, it determines whether the prime mover of the shovel is in operation and the ShovelThe system includes an acquisition unit that acquires information about the fuel consumed in an idling state when no operation is performed to operate the shovel, and an output unit that transmits information about the fuel consumed in the idling state of the shovel to the shovel, wherein the fuel information to be transmitted is Shovel This includes the amount of fuel consumed during the period when the engine is idling, and the idling state is defined as the period during which the prime mover is operating. Shovel This is a shovel control device that includes a high idling state in which the actuator for operating the shovel is stopped, and a low idling state in which the rotational speed of the prime mover is lower than that of the high idling state, and the output unit displays, as information regarding the fuel, the amount of fuel consumed during the high idling state and the amount of fuel consumed during the low idling state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This can help reduce engine fuel consumption when the shovel is stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of the system configuration of a shovel management system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the drive system configuration for an excavator. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the functions of the control device in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control device in the embodiment. [Figure 6] The first figure shows an example of a display shown on the shovel's display device. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of how the aggregated results of historical information are displayed. [Figure 8] The second figure shows an example of a display shown on the shovel's display device.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an excavator management system.

[0012] The excavator management system SYS of this embodiment includes an excavator 100, a management device 200, and a support device 300. In the following description, the excavator management system SYS will simply be referred to as the management system SYS.

[0013] In the management system SYS of this embodiment, the excavator 100, the management device 200, and the support device 300 are connected via a network or the like.

[0014] The excavator 100 of this embodiment acquires operation information indicating the operation status of its own machine, transmits it to the management device 200, and receives various information from the management device 200.

[0015] Specifically, the operation information of the excavator 100 includes position information indicating the current position of its own machine, orientation information indicating the orientation of its own machine, attitude information indicating the attitude of its own machine, work content information indicating the work content, load rate information recording the load rate, cumulative time information indicating the cumulative time of the operation time, fuel information including the fuel injection amount, CO2 emission amount, work amount, and the like.

[0016] The management device 200 receives operation information from the excavator 100, and aggregates the operation information for each work content of the excavator 100 indicated by the status information included in the operation information. Then, the management device 200 identifies the period during which each actuator operation is stopped while the engine is running (the idling state period) within the period when the excavator 100 is in a state of pausing work, and causes the fuel-related information in the identified period to be displayed on the display device 40 of the excavator 100.

[0017] During the period when the excavator 100 is in a state of pausing work, in addition to the period when the operations of each actuator are stopped during engine operation (the period of the idling state), there is also a period when the engine is stopped.

[0018] As described above, the state in which the operations of each actuator of the excavator 100 are stopped includes a state in which the engine 11 as the prime mover of the excavator 100 is turned on and no lever operation is performed, and a state in which the engine 11 is turned off.

[0019] Note that as the prime mover, an electric motor may be used instead of the engine. In this case, a power storage device is also mounted to supply power to the electric motor. The power storage device is a device for storing power, and examples thereof include an electric double layer capacitor, a lithium ion battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, and the like. In this case, the excavator 100 controls the electric motor using an inverter to rotationally drive the main pump 14 with the power stored in the power storage device.

[0020] In the following description, the state in which the engine 11 is turned on and no lever operation is performed may be expressed as an idling state.

[0021] In the present embodiment, mainly, the period of the idling state in which each actuator of the excavator 100 is not operating is specified, and information regarding the fuel consumed in the idling state is displayed on the display device 40 of the excavator 100. [[ID=第十七条]] [[ID=第十八条]]

[0022] [[ID=第十九条]] [[ID=第二十条]] [[ID=第二十一条]]

[0023] [[ID=第二十二条]] ​Specifically, in this embodiment, the operator can be made aware of the fuel consumed during idling, and by prompting the operator to stop the engine 11, improvements can be made to shorten the idling period and reduce fuel consumption.

[0024] The support device 300 assists, for example, the operator operating the shovel 100, and provides information to the operator by receiving various information from the management device 200 and displaying it on the screen. In this embodiment, the management device 200 may display information regarding the fuel consumed when the shovel 100 is idling to the support device 300.

[0025] Furthermore, the management device 200 of this embodiment may display the CO2 emissions on the display device 40 of the shovel 100. In this embodiment, by displaying the CO2 emissions on the display device 40 of the shovel 100, the operator can be encouraged to improve their work procedures (operating methods) in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Specifically, the operator can be made aware that CO2 emissions will be reduced by stopping the engine 11.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 1, the support device 300 is assumed to be included in the management system SYS, but this is not limited to that. The support device 300 does not need to be included in the management system SYS.

[0027] Furthermore, although the management device 200 is implemented by a single information processing device in the example shown in Figure 1, it is not limited to this. The management device 200 may be implemented by multiple information processing devices. In other words, the functions implemented by the management device 200 may be implemented by multiple information processing devices.

[0028] The shovel 100 of this embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 shows a side view of the shovel 100.

[0029] Excavator 100 has a lower traveling body 1, a slewing mechanism 2, and an upper slewing body 3. In excavator 100, the upper slewing body 3 is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 1 via the slewing mechanism 2. A boom 4 is attached to the upper slewing body 3. An arm 5 is attached to the tip of the boom 4, and a bucket 6 is attached to the tip of the arm 5 as an end attachment.

[0030] The boom 4, arm 5, and bucket 6 constitute an excavation attachment as an example of an attachment. The boom 4 is driven by the boom cylinder 7, the arm 5 is driven by the arm cylinder 8, and the bucket 6 is driven by the bucket cylinder 9. A boom angle sensor S1 is attached to the boom 4, an arm angle sensor S2 is attached to the arm 5, and a bucket angle sensor S3 is attached to the bucket 6.

[0031] The boom angle sensor S1 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the boom 4. In this embodiment, the boom angle sensor S1 is an acceleration sensor and can detect the rotation angle of the boom 4 relative to the upper slewing body 3 (hereinafter referred to as "boom angle"). The boom angle is smallest when the boom 4 is lowered to its lowest position, and increases as the boom 4 is raised.

[0032] The arm angle sensor S2 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the arm 5. In this embodiment, the arm angle sensor S2 is an acceleration sensor and can detect the rotation angle of the arm 5 relative to the boom 4 (hereinafter referred to as "arm angle"). The arm angle is smallest when the arm 5 is closed to its shortest extent, and increases as the arm 5 is opened.

[0033] The bucket angle sensor S3 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the bucket 6. In this embodiment, the bucket angle sensor S3 is an acceleration sensor and can detect the rotation angle of the bucket 6 relative to the arm 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "bucket angle"). The bucket angle is smallest when the bucket 6 is closed to its fullest extent, and increases as the bucket 6 is opened.

[0034] The boom angle sensor S1, arm angle sensor S2, and bucket angle sensor S3 may each be a potentiometer using a variable resistor, a stroke sensor for detecting the stroke amount of the corresponding hydraulic cylinder, a rotary encoder for detecting the rotation angle around the connecting pin, a gyro sensor, or a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0035] The boom cylinder 7 is equipped with a boom rod pressure sensor S7R and a boom bottom pressure sensor S7B. The arm cylinder 8 is equipped with an arm rod pressure sensor S8R and an arm bottom pressure sensor S8B.

[0036] The bucket cylinder 9 is equipped with a bucket rod pressure sensor S9R and a bucket bottom pressure sensor S9B. The boom rod pressure sensor S7R, boom bottom pressure sensor S7B, arm rod pressure sensor S8R, arm bottom pressure sensor S8B, bucket rod pressure sensor S9R, and bucket bottom pressure sensor S9B are collectively referred to as "cylinder pressure sensors".

[0037] The boom rod pressure sensor S7R detects the pressure in the rod-side oil chamber of the boom cylinder 7 (hereinafter referred to as "boom rod pressure"), and the boom bottom pressure sensor S7B detects the pressure in the bottom-side oil chamber of the boom cylinder 7 (hereinafter referred to as "boom bottom pressure"). The arm rod pressure sensor S8R detects the pressure in the rod-side oil chamber of the arm cylinder 8 (hereinafter referred to as "arm rod pressure"), and the arm bottom pressure sensor S8B detects the pressure in the bottom-side oil chamber of the arm cylinder 8 (hereinafter referred to as "arm bottom pressure").

[0038] The bucket rod pressure sensor S9R detects the pressure in the rod-side oil chamber of the bucket cylinder 9 (hereinafter referred to as "bucket rod pressure"), and the bucket bottom pressure sensor S9B detects the pressure in the bottom-side oil chamber of the bucket cylinder 9 (hereinafter referred to as "bucket bottom pressure").

[0039] The upper rotating body 3 is equipped with a cabin 10, which serves as the driver's cab, and a power source such as an engine 11. A sensor for detecting CO2 emissions may also be provided near the exhaust mechanism of the engine 11.

[0040] Furthermore, the upper rotating body 3 is equipped with a controller 30, a display device 40, an input device 42, an audio output device 43, a storage device 47, a positioning device P1, an aircraft tilt sensor S4, a rotation angular velocity sensor S5, an imaging device S6, and a communication device T1.

[0041] The upper rotating body 3 may be equipped with a power storage unit for supplying electricity, and a motor-generator that generates electricity using the rotational driving force of the engine 11. The power storage unit may be, for example, a capacitor or a lithium-ion battery. The motor-generator may function as an electric motor to drive a mechanical load, or as a generator to supply power to an electrical load.

[0042] The controller 30 functions as a main control unit that controls the drive of the shovel 100. In this embodiment, the controller 30 is composed of a computer including a CPU, RAM, and ROM. Various functions of the controller 30 are realized, for example, by the CPU executing a program stored in ROM. These functions may include, for example, at least one of a machine guidance function that guides the operator in manually operating the shovel 100, and a machine control function that automatically assists the operator in manually operating the shovel 100.

[0043] The display device 40 is configured to display various types of information. The display device 40 may be connected to the controller 30 via a communication network such as CAN, or it may be connected to the controller 30 via a dedicated line.

[0044] The input device 42 is configured to allow the operator to input various types of information to the controller 30. The input device 42 includes at least one of the following: a touch panel, a knob switch, and a membrane switch, all of which are installed inside the cabin 10.

[0045] The audio output device 43 is configured to output sound. The audio output device 43 may be, for example, an in-vehicle speaker connected to the controller 30, or an alarm device such as a buzzer. In this embodiment, the audio output device 43 is configured to output various information as sound in response to an audio output command from the controller 30.

[0046] The storage device 47 is configured to store various types of information. The storage device 47 is, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a semiconductor memory. The storage device 47 may store information output by various devices during the operation of the shovel 100, or it may store information acquired via various devices before the operation of the shovel 100 begins.

[0047] The storage device 47 may store data relating to the target construction surface, for example, obtained via a communication device T1. The target construction surface may be set by the operator of the shovel 100, or by the construction manager or the like.

[0048] The positioning device P1 is configured to measure the position of the upper rotating body 3. The positioning device P1 may also be configured to measure the orientation of the upper rotating body 3. In this embodiment, the positioning device P1 is, for example, a GNSS compass, which detects the position and orientation of the upper rotating body 3 and outputs the detected values ​​to the controller 30. Therefore, the positioning device P1 can also function as an orientation detection device to detect the orientation of the upper rotating body 3. The orientation detection device may be an orientation sensor attached to the upper rotating body 3.

[0049] The machine body tilt sensor S4 is configured to detect the tilt of the upper rotating body 3. In this embodiment, the machine body tilt sensor S4 is an acceleration sensor that detects the longitudinal tilt angle of the upper rotating body 3 around the longitudinal axis and the lateral tilt angle around the lateral axis with respect to a virtual horizontal plane. The longitudinal axis and lateral axis of the upper rotating body 3 are orthogonal to each other at the shovel center point, which is a point on the rotation axis of the shovel 100.

[0050] The rotational angular velocity sensor S5 is configured to detect the rotational angular velocity of the upper rotating body 3. The rotational angular velocity sensor S5 may also be configured to detect or calculate the rotation angle of the upper rotating body 3. In this embodiment, the rotational angular velocity sensor S5 is a gyro sensor. The rotational angular velocity sensor S5 may also be a resolver, a rotary encoder, or the like.

[0051] The imaging device S6 is an example of a spatial recognition device and is configured to acquire images of the area around the shovel 100. In this embodiment, the imaging device S6 includes a front camera S6F for imaging the space in front of the shovel 100, a left camera S6L for imaging the space to the left of the shovel 100, a right camera S6R for imaging the space to the right of the shovel 100, and a rear camera S6B for imaging the space behind the shovel 100.

[0052] The imaging device S6 is, for example, a monocular camera having an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS, and outputs the captured image to the display device 40. The imaging device S6 may also be a stereo camera, a depth image camera, etc. Furthermore, the imaging device S6 may be replaced with other spatial recognition devices such as a 3D depth image sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a millimeter-wave radar, a LiDAR or an infrared sensor, or it may be replaced with a combination of other spatial recognition devices and a camera.

[0053] The front camera S6F is mounted, for example, on the ceiling of the cabin 10, i.e., inside the cabin 10. However, the front camera S6F may also be mounted on the roof of the cabin 10, the side of the boom 4, or other external locations within the cabin 10. The left camera S6L is mounted on the upper left end of the upper surface of the upper slewing body 3, the right camera S6R is mounted on the upper right end of the upper surface of the upper slewing body 3, and the rear camera S6B is mounted on the upper rear end of the upper surface of the upper slewing body 3.

[0054] The communication device T1 is configured to control communication with external equipment located outside the excavator 100. In this embodiment, the communication device T1 controls communication with external equipment via a satellite communication network, a mobile phone communication network, or the Internet network, etc. The external equipment may be, for example, a management device 200 such as a server installed in an external facility, or a support device 300 such as a smartphone carried by a worker around the excavator 100.

[0055] The external device is configured to manage construction information relating to one or more excavators 100. The construction information includes, for example, information relating to at least one of the excavators 100, such as operating hours, fuel consumption, and work volume. The work volume is, for example, the amount of soil excavated and the amount of soil loaded onto the dump truck.

[0056] The shovel 100 may be configured to transmit construction information about the shovel 100 to an external device at predetermined time intervals via the communication device T1. With this configuration, workers or managers outside the shovel 100 can view various information, including construction information, through a display device such as a monitor connected to the management device 200 or support device 300.

[0057] The external device may be a communication device mounted on a dump truck equipped with a load weight measuring device, or it may be a communication device connected to a weighbridge that measures the weight of the dump truck. In this case, the shovel 100 can obtain the weight of the soil, etc., loaded on the dump truck's bed based on information from the dump truck or weighbridge.

[0058] Next, the configuration of the drive system of the shovel 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the shovel's drive system. In Figure 2, the mechanical power system, high-pressure hydraulic line, pilot line, and electrical control system are indicated by double lines, thick solid lines, dashed lines, and dotted lines, respectively.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the drive system of the shovel 100 mainly includes an engine 11, a regulator 13, a main pump 14, a pilot pump 15, a control valve 17, an operating device 26, a discharge pressure sensor 28, an operating pressure sensor 29, a controller 30, a proportional valve 31, a work mode selection dial 32, etc.

[0060] The engine 11 is the power source for the shovel. In this embodiment, the engine 11 is, for example, a diesel engine that operates to maintain a predetermined rotational speed. The output shaft of the engine 11 is connected to the input shafts of the main pump 14 and the pilot pump 15.

[0061] The main pump 14 supplies hydraulic fluid to the control valve 17 via a high-pressure hydraulic line. In this embodiment, the main pump 14 is a swashplate type variable displacement hydraulic pump.

[0062] The regulator 13 controls the discharge rate of the main pump 14. In this embodiment, the regulator 13 controls the discharge rate of the main pump 14 by adjusting the swash plate tilt angle of the main pump 14 in response to a control command from the controller 30.

[0063] The pilot pump 15 supplies hydraulic fluid to various hydraulic control devices, including the operating device 26 and the proportional valve 31, via the pilot line. In this embodiment, the pilot pump 15 is a fixed-displacement hydraulic pump.

[0064] The control valve 17 is a hydraulic control device that controls the hydraulic system in the excavator. The control valve 17 includes control valves 171 to 176 and a bleed valve 177. The control valve 17 can selectively supply the hydraulic fluid discharged by the main pump 14 to one or more hydraulic actuators through the control valves 171 to 176.

[0065] Control valves 171-176 control the flow rate of hydraulic fluid from the main pump 14 to the hydraulic actuator, and the flow rate of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic actuator to the hydraulic fluid tank. The hydraulic actuator includes a boom cylinder 7, an arm cylinder 8, a bucket cylinder 9, a hydraulic motor 1A for left-side travel, a hydraulic motor 1B for right-side travel, and a hydraulic motor 2A for slewing.

[0066] The bleed valve 177 controls the flow rate of hydraulic fluid (hereinafter referred to as "bleed flow rate") of the hydraulic fluid discharged by the main pump 14 that flows to the hydraulic fluid tank without passing through the hydraulic actuator. The bleed valve 177 may be installed outside the control valve 17.

[0067] The operating device 26 is a device used by an operator to operate the hydraulic actuator. In this embodiment, the operating device 26 supplies hydraulic fluid discharged by the pilot pump 15 to the pilot port of the control valve corresponding to each hydraulic actuator via a pilot line. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to each pilot port (pilot pressure) is corresponding to the operating direction and amount of the lever or pedal (not shown) of the operating device 26 corresponding to each hydraulic actuator.

[0068] The discharge pressure sensor 28 detects the discharge pressure of the main pump 14. In this embodiment, the discharge pressure sensor 28 outputs the detected value to the controller 30.

[0069] The operating pressure sensor 29 detects the operator's actions using the operating device 26. In this embodiment, the operating pressure sensor 29 detects the operating direction and amount of the lever or pedal of the operating device 26 corresponding to each hydraulic actuator in the form of pressure (operating pressure), and outputs the detected value to the controller 30. The operation of the operating device 26 may also be detected using other sensors besides the operating pressure sensor.

[0070] The controller 30 is a control unit that controls the entire shovel 100. Details of the functions of the controller 30 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0071] The proportional valve 31 operates in response to control commands output by the controller 30. In this embodiment, the proportional valve 31 is a solenoid valve that adjusts the secondary pressure introduced from the pilot pump 15 to the pilot port of the bleed valve 177 in the control valve 17 in response to a current command output by the controller 30. The proportional valve 31 operates such that, for example, the larger the current command, the larger the secondary pressure introduced to the pilot port of the bleed valve 177.

[0072] The work mode selection dial 32 is a dial used by the operator to select a work mode, allowing switching between multiple different work modes. In addition, data indicating the engine speed setting and acceleration / deceleration characteristic setting status according to the work mode is constantly transmitted from the work mode selection dial 32 to the controller 30.

[0073] The work mode selection dial 32 allows switching between multiple work modes, including SP mode, H mode, A mode, and IDLE mode. In other words, the work mode selection dial 32 in this embodiment can switch the setting conditions of the shovel 100.

[0074] Note that SP mode is an example of the first mode, and H mode is an example of the second mode. Figure 2 shows the state when SP mode is selected using the work mode selection dial 32.

[0075] SP mode is selected when prioritizing workload, utilizing the highest engine speed and the best acceleration / deceleration characteristics. H mode is selected when balancing workload and fuel efficiency, utilizing the second highest engine speed and the second best acceleration / deceleration characteristics.

[0076] Mode A is selected when you want to operate the shovel with low noise, as it smooths the acceleration and deceleration characteristics of the hydraulic actuator corresponding to the lever operation, improving precise operation and safety. It utilizes the third highest engine speed and the third highest acceleration / deceleration characteristics. Mode IDLE is selected when you want to put engine 11 into a low idling state. It utilizes the lowest engine speed and the lowest acceleration / deceleration characteristics.

[0077] Here, the controller 30 maintains the engine 11 at a rotational speed set for each work mode when the operation of each actuator is stopped while the engine is running (high idling state). The controller 30 may switch the engine speed to a low idling state if the high idling state continues for a predetermined time. The idling state includes the high idling state and the low idling state.

[0078] In the above description, the names of the stages of the work mode were SP mode, H mode, A mode, and IDLE mode, but the names of the stages are not limited to these. For example, the names SP mode, H mode, and A mode may be POWER mode, STD mode, ECO mode, and IDLE mode (low idling state), respectively. The work mode is not limited to this embodiment and may be set to five or more stages.

[0079] The engine 11 is controlled to maintain a constant rotational speed according to the engine speed of the work mode set by the work mode selection dial 32. Furthermore, the opening of the bleed valve 177 is controlled based on the bleed valve opening characteristics of the work mode set by the work mode selection dial 32. The bleed valve opening characteristics will be described later.

[0080] In this embodiment, each of the above-described work modes is expressed as a setting condition for the shovel 100, and information indicating the setting conditions is sometimes expressed as setting condition information. Setting condition information is information that associates a specified item with the value of that item. The specified item is, for example, an item indicating the state of the engine speed corresponding to each work mode, or an item indicating the state of the acceleration and deceleration characteristics. Therefore, the setting condition information in this embodiment includes an item and its value indicating the state of the engine speed corresponding to each work mode, and an item and its value indicating the state of the acceleration and deceleration characteristics.

[0081] In the configuration diagram of Figure 2, ECO mode is set as one of the modes selected by the work mode selection dial 32, but an ECO mode switch may be provided separately from the work mode selection dial 32. In this case, the engine speed corresponding to each mode selected using the work mode selection dial 32 may be adjusted, and when the ECO mode switch is turned ON, the acceleration and deceleration characteristics corresponding to each mode of the work mode selection dial 32 may be changed gradually.

[0082] Alternatively, the operating mode may be changed by voice input. In this case, the excavator is equipped with a voice input device that inputs the operator's voice to the controller 30. The controller 30 is also equipped with a voice identification unit that identifies the voice input from the voice input device.

[0083] In this way, the work mode is selected by a mode selection unit such as the work mode selection dial 32, the ECO mode switch, or the voice identification unit.

[0084] Next, the functions of the controller 30 in this embodiment will be described. The controller 30 in this embodiment includes a state acquisition unit 301, a display control unit 302, and a communication unit 303.

[0085] The status acquisition unit 301 acquires operational information indicating the status of the shovel 100. In this embodiment, the operational information may be, for example, information acquired during the period from when an operator starts working with the shovel 100 until when they finish working.

[0086] The operational information includes position information indicating the location of shovel 100, orientation information indicating the direction of shovel 100, posture information indicating the posture of shovel 100, and work content information indicating the work being performed by shovel 100, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, the operational information includes, for example, setting condition information indicating the setting conditions set for Shovel 100, and operational information (load rate information, fuel consumption information, etc.).

[0088] The work content information is information indicating the work performed by the operator operating the shovel 100. In other words, the work content in this embodiment indicates the actions that the operator of the shovel 100 has the shovel 100 perform. Specifically, for example, the work content includes engine stop, idling, driving, excavation, leveling, etc. The operation information includes the work content information of the shovel 100 and the operating conditions of the shovel 100. The idling state includes not only the high idling state but also the low idling state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shovel 100 may calculate and display fuel consumption and fuel costs separately for the high idling state and the low idling state.

[0089] Load factor information includes the engine load factor. Fuel consumption information includes instantaneous fuel consumption, which is the amount of fuel injected per unit time; average fuel consumption, which is the average of multiple instantaneous fuel consumptions over a predetermined period; and subtotal of fuel injection amounts during the target period.

[0090] The status acquisition unit 301 acquires, for example, the engine load ratio based on the engine speed and intake air volume included in the operating information. The status acquisition unit 301 also acquires, for example, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, etc., based on the fuel injection amount included in the fuel consumption information. The status acquisition unit 301 also acquires CO2 emissions included in the operating information.

[0091] The display control unit 302 controls various displays on the display device 40 of the shovel 100. The communication unit 303 transmits and receives information between the shovel 100 and external devices. Specifically, the communication unit 303 transmits the operating information acquired by the status acquisition unit 301 to the management device 200.

[0092] Next, the management device 200 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management device.

[0093] The management device 200 in this embodiment is a computer that includes an input device 201, an output device 202, a drive device 203, an auxiliary storage device 204, a memory device 205, an arithmetic processing unit 206, and an interface device 207, all of which are interconnected via bus B.

[0094] The input device 201 is a device for inputting various types of information and can be implemented, for example, by a touch panel. The output device 202 is for outputting various types of information and can be implemented, for example, by a display. The interface device 207 is used to connect to a network.

[0095] The display control program implemented by the components described later is at least a part of the various programs that control the management device 200. The display control program is provided, for example, by distribution of the storage medium 208 or by downloading it from a network. The storage medium 208 on which the display control program is recorded can be of various types, such as storage media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, or semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as ROM or flash memory.

[0096] Furthermore, when the storage medium 208 containing the display control program is set in the drive device 203, the display control program is installed from the storage medium 208 to the auxiliary storage device 204 via the drive device 203. Display control programs downloaded from the network are installed to the auxiliary storage device 204 via the interface device 207.

[0097] The auxiliary storage device 204 stores the display control program installed in the management device 200, as well as various necessary files and data from the management device 200. The memory device 205 reads the display control program from the auxiliary storage device 204 and stores it when the management device 200 starts up. The arithmetic processing unit 206 then performs various processes as described later, according to the display control program stored in the memory device 205.

[0098] Next, the functions of the management device 200 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the management device of this embodiment.

[0099] The management device 200 of this embodiment includes an information acquisition unit 210, an information aggregation unit 220, a target period identification unit 230, a fuel consumption calculation unit 240, and an output unit 250.

[0100] The information acquisition unit 210 acquires operational information from the excavator 100. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 210 receives cumulative time information, fuel injection amount, work volume, etc., from the excavator 100.

[0101] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 210 may, for example, store the received operational information in a storage device such as the memory device 205 each time it receives operational information from the shovel 100. In the following description, past operational information stored in the storage device may be referred to as the history information of the shovel 100. In other words, the history information in this embodiment is a collection of operational information acquired from the shovel 100 over a certain period of time.

[0102] The information aggregation unit 220 aggregates historical information for each type of work. In other words, the information aggregation unit 220 aggregates historical information for each type of work. A certain period may be, for example, one day. Specifically, the information aggregation unit 220 may aggregate fuel consumption information, cumulative time, etc., for each type of work.

[0103] The target period identification unit 230 identifies the period during which the operation of each actuator of the shovel 100 is stopped, based on the history information compiled by the information aggregation unit 220 for each work item. Specifically, the target period identification unit 230 identifies the period during which the engine 11 of the shovel 100 is on and in an idling state where no levers are being operated.

[0104] The fuel consumption calculation unit 240 calculates the amount of fuel consumed during the period when the shovel 100 was idling.

[0105] The fuel consumption calculation unit 240 in this embodiment is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the fuel consumed when the operation of each actuator of the shovel 100 is stopped, based on operating information acquired from the shovel 100 over a certain period of time.

[0106] The output unit 250 outputs information, including the cost of fuel calculated by the fuel consumption calculation unit 240, to an external device. The output unit 250 may, for example, output this information to the shovel 100 or to the support device 300. The output unit 250 may also display this information on an output device 202, such as a display, of the management device 200.

[0107] Furthermore, the output unit 250 may output information indicating CO2 emissions during a certain period, based on operational information accumulated during that period, to the output device 202 of the shovel 100 or the management device 200 or the support device 300, etc. The information indicating CO2 emissions in this embodiment may, for example, be the CO2 emissions when the shovel 100 is not operating.

[0108] Next, the processing of the control device 200 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control device in this embodiment. The processing in Figure 5 may be executed after a certain period of time (for example, one day) has elapsed since the start of work by the shovel 100.

[0109] In this embodiment, the management device 200 acquires operational information (history information) accumulated over a certain period from the shovel 100 using the information acquisition unit 210 (step S501).

[0110] Next, the management device 200 uses the information aggregation unit 220 to aggregate historical information for each work item (step S502), and the target period identification unit 230 identifies the period during which the shovel 100 is in an idle state (step S503). In this embodiment, the management device 200 may also display the aggregation results from the information aggregation unit 220 on the output device 202 of the management device 200.

[0111] Next, the control device 200 calculates the amount of fuel consumed during the period specified in step S503 (fuel consumption) from the fuel consumption calculation unit 240 (step S504).

[0112] Next, the control device 200 outputs information including the fuel consumption amount calculated in step S504 to the shovel 100 via the output unit 250 (step S505), and the process ends.

[0113] In addition, the control device 200 may also output information indicating the amount of CO2 emitted during the period specified in step S503.

[0114] Furthermore, information including fuel consumption may also include messages encouraging drivers to shorten the period of idling.

[0115] In this embodiment, when the excavator 100 receives information including fuel consumption and information indicating CO2 emissions from the control device 200, it displays this information on the display device 40.

[0116] Next, we will describe an example of the display on the display device 40 of the shovel 100. Figure 6 is the first figure showing an example of the display shown on the display device of the shovel.

[0117] The display device 40 shown in Figure 6 has an image display unit 41 and an input device 42. The image display unit 41 is a screen on which various images are displayed, and in Figure 6, the main screen is displayed on the image display unit 41. For example, when the excavator 100 receives information including fuel consumption from the control device 200, information including fuel consumption is displayed on this main screen.

[0118] The input device 42 includes various menu switches.

[0119] First, the image display unit 41 will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the image display unit 41 includes a date and time display area 41a, a driving mode display area 41b, an attachment display area 41c, a fuel consumption display area 41d, an engine control status display area 41e, an engine operating time display area 41f, a coolant temperature display area 41g, a fuel level display area 41h, a rotation speed mode display area 41i, a urea solution level display area 41j, a hydraulic oil temperature display area 41k, an air conditioner operation status display area 41m, an image display area 41n, and a menu display area 41p.

[0120] The driving mode display area 41b, attachment display area 41c, engine control status display area 41e, rotation speed mode display area 41i, and air conditioner operation status display area 41m are areas that display setting operation information, which is information related to the setting status of the shovel 100. The fuel consumption display area 41d, engine operating time display area 41f, coolant temperature display area 41g, fuel level display area 41h, urea solution level display area 41j, and hydraulic oil temperature display area 41k are areas that display operation information, which is information related to the operating status of the shovel 100.

[0121] Specifically, the date and time display area 41a is an area that displays the current date and time. The driving mode display area 41b is an area that displays the current driving mode. The attachment display area 41c is an area that displays an image representing the attachment currently installed. The fuel consumption display area 41d is an area that displays fuel consumption information calculated by the controller 30. The fuel consumption display area 41d includes an average fuel consumption display area 41d1 that displays lifetime average fuel consumption or section average fuel consumption, and an instantaneous fuel consumption display area 41d2 that displays instantaneous fuel consumption.

[0122] The engine control status display area 41e is an area that displays the control status of the engine 11. The engine operating time display area 41f is an area that displays the cumulative operating time of the engine 11. The coolant temperature display area 41g is an area that displays the current temperature status of the engine coolant. The fuel level display area 41h is an area that displays the remaining amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank.

[0123] The rotation speed mode display area 41i is an area that displays the current rotation speed mode set by the engine speed adjustment dial 75 as an image. The urea solution remaining amount display area 41j is an area that displays the remaining amount of urea solution stored in the urea solution tank as an image. The hydraulic oil temperature display area 41k is an area that displays the temperature of the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil tank.

[0124] The air conditioner operating status display area 41m includes an outlet display area 41m1 that displays the current outlet position, an operating mode display area 41m2 that displays the current operating mode, a temperature display area 41m3 that displays the current set temperature, and an airflow display area 41m4 that displays the current set airflow.

[0125] The image display area 41n is the area that displays the image captured by the imaging device S6. In the example in Figure 6, the image display area 41n displays the overhead view image FV and the rear view image CBT. The overhead view image FV is, for example, a virtual viewpoint image generated by the display control unit 302, and is generated based on images acquired by the rear camera S6B, the left camera S6L, and the right camera S6R, respectively.

[0126] Furthermore, a shovel figure GE corresponding to the shovel 100 is placed in the central part of the overhead view image FV. This is to allow the operator to intuitively grasp the positional relationship between the shovel 100 and the objects surrounding it. The rear view image CBT is an image that shows the space behind the shovel 100 and includes a counterweight image GC. The rear view image CBT is a real-viewpoint image generated by the control unit 40a and is generated based on the image acquired by the rear camera S6B.

[0127] Furthermore, the image display area 41n has a first image display area 41n1 located above and a second image display area 41n2 located below. In the example in Figure 6, the overhead image FV is placed in the first image display area 41n1 and the rear view image CBT is placed in the second image display area 41n2. However, the image display area 41n may also have the overhead image FV placed in the second image display area 41n2 and the rear view image CBT placed in the first image display area 41n1.

[0128] Furthermore, in the example in Figure 6, the overhead image FV and the rear view image CBT are arranged adjacent to each other vertically, but they may also be arranged with a gap between them. Also, in the example in Figure 6, the image display area 41n is a vertically elongated area, but the image display area 41n may also be a horizontally elongated area.

[0129] If the image display area 41n is a horizontally elongated area, the image display area 41n may have a first image display area 41n1 on the left side, which is an overhead image FV, and a second image display area 41n2 on the right side, which is a rear view image CBT. In this case, there may be a gap between the left and right sides, or the positions of the overhead image FV and the rear view image CBT may be swapped.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, icon images 41x are displayed in both the first image display area 41n1 and the second image display area 41n2. The icon image 41x is an image that represents the relative relationship between the position of the imaging device S6 and the orientation of the attachment of the upper rotating body 3.

[0131] The icon image 41x of this embodiment includes an image 41xM of the shovel 100, an image 41xF showing the front of the shovel 100, and an image 41xB showing the rear of the shovel 100. The icon image 41x also includes an image 41xL showing the left side of the shovel 100, an image 41xR showing the right side of the shovel 100, and an image 41xI showing the inside of the cabin 10.

[0132] Images 41xF, 41xB, 41xL, 41xR, and 41xI correspond to the cameras S6F (which images the front of the shovel 100), S6B (which images the rear of the shovel 100), S6L (which images the left side of the shovel 100), and S6R (which images the right side of the shovel 100), respectively. Image 41xI corresponds to the camera inside the cabin 10.

[0133] In this embodiment, when an image associated with each camera is selected in the icon image 41x, the image data captured by the camera corresponding to the selected image is displayed in the image display area 41n.

[0134] In the example shown in Figure 6, the display modes of images 41xB, 41xL, and 41xR in the first image display area 41n1 are different from those of images 41xF and 41xI. Therefore, it can be seen that the first image display area 41n1 displays an overhead image represented by image data synthesized from image data captured by cameras S6B, S6L, and S6R, which correspond to images 41xB, 41xL, and 41xR, respectively.

[0135] Furthermore, in the first image display area 41n1, the upper left display area 41y displays information including the amount of fuel consumed during the idling period. Specifically, for example, suppose the amount of fuel consumed during the idling period was ○○ [L].

[0136] In this case, the display control unit 302 displays the message "You can save XX [L] of fuel consumption by stopping the engine during idle time" in the display area 41y. In other words, the display control unit 302 displays a message that includes information indicating the amount of fuel consumed during the idling period and encourages shortening the idling period.

[0137] In this embodiment, by specifically showing the operator the fuel consumption costs incurred during the idling period, it is possible to encourage the operator to improve their work procedures. Therefore, according to this embodiment, extending the time that the engine 11 is stopped can contribute to reducing the fuel consumption of the engine 11.

[0138] In this embodiment, information indicating the unit price per liter of fuel may be obtained from an external server, and fuel costs may be calculated based on this unit price. In this case, for example, suppose the fuel cost consumed during the idling period was □□ yen. At this time, the display control unit 302 may display the message "You can save □□ yen in fuel costs by stopping the engine during the idling period" in the display area 41y.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a message may be displayed in the display area 41y indicating that the amount of CO2 emitted during the idling period is "the amount of CO2 that can be reduced by stopping the engine." By displaying this message, the operator can be made aware that by stopping the engine, they themselves can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.

[0140] In this embodiment, an "agree button" may also be displayed near the display area 41y. In this case, the controller 30 can execute the content displayed in the display area 41y when the operator presses the "agree button".

[0141] In this embodiment, the display area 41y can be displayed within a predetermined time after the engine 11 of the shovel 100 has been turned off. Also, in this embodiment, when calculating fuel consumption in the high idling state and fuel consumption in the low idling state separately, a message encouraging switching to the low idling state, such as "Switching to the low idling state will save you XX liters of fuel consumption," may be displayed.

[0142] Furthermore, in the case of an excavator driven by an electric motor using power from a storage device, a message such as "Turning the motor OFF during idling time can reduce battery consumption by XX%" may be displayed in the display area 41y.

[0143] Furthermore, in the second image display area 41n2, the display mode of image 41xB is different from the display modes of images 41xF, 41xL, 41xR, and 41xI. Therefore, it can be seen that the second image display area 41n2 displays the image represented by the image data captured by camera S6B, which corresponds to image 41xB.

[0144] The menu display area 41p has tabs 41p1 to 41p7. In the example in Figure 6, tabs 41p1 to 41p7 are arranged horizontally at the bottom of the image display section 41, with space between them. Tabs 41p1 to 41p7 display icon images for displaying various information.

[0145] Tab 41p1 displays icon images for menu detail items. When tab 41p1 is selected by the operator, the icon images displayed in tabs 41p2 to 41p7 switch to the icon images associated with the menu detail items.

[0146] Tab 41p4 displays an icon image for displaying information about the digital level. When the operator selects tab 41p4, the rear-view CBT switches to a screen displaying information about the digital level. However, the screen displaying information about the digital level may be superimposed on the rear-view CBT or the rear-view CBT may be reduced in size.

[0147] Furthermore, the overhead view image FV may switch to a screen displaying information about the digital level, or the overhead view image FV may be superimposed on the screen displaying information about the digital level, or the overhead view image FV may be reduced in size to display the screen displaying information about the digital level.

[0148] Tab 41p5 displays an icon image for transitioning the main screen displayed on the image display unit 41 to the loading operation screen. When the operator selects the input device 42 corresponding to tab 41p5 (described later), the main screen displayed on the image display unit 41 transitions to the loading operation screen. At this time, the image display area 41n continues to be displayed, and the menu display area 41p switches to an area that displays information related to the loading operation.

[0149] Tab 41p6 displays icon images for displaying information related to information-based construction. When tab 41p6 is selected by the operator, the rear view CBT switches to a screen displaying information related to information-based construction. However, the screen displaying information related to information-based construction may be superimposed on the rear view CBT or the rear view CBT may be reduced in size. Alternatively, the overhead view FV may switch to a screen displaying information related to information-based construction, or the screen displaying information related to the digital level may be superimposed on the overhead view FV or the overhead view FV may be reduced in size.

[0150] Tab 41p7 displays an icon image for displaying information about the crane mode. When the operator selects tab 41p7, the rear view CBT switches to a screen displaying information about the crane mode. However, the screen displaying information about the crane mode may be superimposed on the rear view CBT or the rear view CBT may be reduced in size. Alternatively, the overhead view FV may switch to a screen displaying information about the crane mode, or the screen displaying information about the crane mode may be superimposed on the overhead view FV or the overhead view FV may be reduced in size.

[0151] No icon images are displayed on tabs 41p2 and 41p3. Therefore, even if tabs 41p2 and 41p3 are manipulated by the operator, the image displayed on the image display unit 41 will not change.

[0152] Note that the icon images displayed in tabs 41p1 to 41p7 are not limited to the examples described above; other icon images for displaying information may also be displayed.

[0153] Next, the input device 42 will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the input device 42 consists of one or more button-type switches on which the operator selects tabs 41p1 to 41p7, inputs settings, etc.

[0154] In the example shown in Figure 6, the input device 42 includes seven switches 42a1 to 42a7 arranged in the upper row and seven switches 42b1 to 42b7 arranged in the lower row. The switches 42b1 to 42b7 are located below each of the switches 42a1 to 42a7.

[0155] However, the number, form, and arrangement of switches in the input device 42 are not limited to the examples described above. For example, it may be a configuration in which the functions of multiple button-type switches are combined into one using a jog wheel, jog switch, etc., or the input device 42 may be separate from the display device 40. Alternatively, the image display unit 41 and the input device 42 may be integrated into a touch panel, allowing direct operation of tabs 41p1 to 41p7.

[0156] Switches 42a1 to 42a7 are located below tabs 41p1 to 41p7, corresponding to tabs 41p1 to 41p7 respectively, and function as switches to select tabs 41p1 to 41p7.

[0157] Since switches 42a1 to 42a7 are positioned below tabs 41p1 to 41p7, corresponding to tabs 41p1 to 41p7 respectively, operators can intuitively select tabs 41p1 to 41p7.

[0158] In Figure 6, for example, when switch 42a1 is operated, tab 41p1 is selected, the menu display area 41p changes from a single-line display to a two-line display, and icon images corresponding to the first menu are displayed on tabs 41p2 to 41p7. In addition, corresponding to the change in the menu display area 41p from a single-line display to a two-line display, the size of the rear view image CBT is reduced. At this time, the size of the overhead view image FV is maintained without change, so the visibility for the operator when checking the area around the shovel 100 is not deteriorated.

[0159] Furthermore, when the switch 42a5 is operated, the display control unit 302 determines that tab 41p5 is selected and transitions the display on the image display unit 41 to the loading work screen.

[0160] Specifically, when the switch 42a5 is operated, the display control unit 302 maintains the image display area 41n while converting the menu display area 41p into a work information display area that displays information related to loading operations.

[0161] Thus, in this embodiment, the captured image is continuously displayed in the image display area 41n even on the loading operation screen, so that the visibility of the operator when checking the area around the shovel 100 is not impaired.

[0162] Switch 42b1 is a switch for switching the captured image displayed in the image display area 41n. Each time switch 42b1 is operated, the captured image displayed in the first image display area 41n1 of the image display area 41n is configured to switch between, for example, a rear view image, a left view image, a right view image, and an overhead view image.

[0163] Furthermore, the system may be configured such that each time the switch 42b1 is operated, the captured image displayed in the second image display area 41n2 of the image display area 41n switches between, for example, a rear view image, a left view image, a right view image, and an overhead view image.

[0164] Furthermore, the display control unit 302 may change the display mode of images 41xF, 41xB, 41xL, 41xR, and 41xI in the icon image 41x in response to the operation of the switch 42b1.

[0165] Furthermore, the system may be configured such that each time the switch 42b1 is operated, the captured image displayed in the first image display area 41n1 of the image display area 41n and the captured image displayed in the second image display area 41n2 are swapped.

[0166] Thus, the switch 42b1, which functions as an input device 42, may switch between the screens displayed in the first image display area 41n1 or the second image display area 41n2, or it may switch between the screens displayed in the first image display area 41n1 and the second image display area 41n2. Alternatively, a separate switch may be provided for switching the screen displayed in the second image display area 41n2.

[0167] Switches 42b2 and 42b3 are switches that adjust the airflow of the air conditioner. In the example in Figure 6, when switch 42b2 is operated, the airflow of the air conditioner decreases, and when switch 42b3 is operated, the airflow of the air conditioner increases.

[0168] Switch 42b4 is a switch that turns the cooling and heating functions ON and OFF. In the example in Figure 6, the system is configured so that the cooling and heating functions are switched ON and OFF each time switch 42b4 is operated.

[0169] Switches 42b5 and 42b6 are switches that adjust the set temperature of the air conditioner. In the example in Figure 6, when switch 42b5 is operated, the set temperature is lowered, and when switch 42b6 is operated, the set temperature is raised.

[0170] Switch 42b7 is a switch that can toggle the display of the engine operating time display area 41f.

[0171] Furthermore, switches 42a2-42a6 and 42b2-42b6 are configured to allow input of the numbers displayed on or near the respective switches. Additionally, switches 42a3, 42a4, 42a5, and 42b4 are configured to allow the cursor to be moved left, up, right, and down, respectively, when the cursor is displayed on the menu screen.

[0172] Note that the functions assigned to switches 42a1-42a7 and 42b1-42b7 are examples only, and they may be configured to perform other functions.

[0173] Thus, in this embodiment, when tab 41p1 is selected while the overhead image FV and rear view image CBT are displayed in the image display area 41n, the first menu detail items are displayed in tabs 41p2 to 41p7 while the overhead image FV and rear view image CBT are displayed. Therefore, the operator can check the first menu detail items while checking the overhead image FV and rear view image CBT.

[0174] Furthermore, the overhead image FV is displayed in the image display area 41n without changing its size before and after tab 41p1 is selected. This ensures that the operator's visibility when checking the area around the shovel 100 is not impaired.

[0175] As described above, in this embodiment, by displaying information about the fuel consumed during idling on the display device 40 of the shovel 100, the operator can be encouraged to shorten the period of idling. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to contribute to reducing the amount of fuel consumed by the shovel 100 during idling.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fuel consumption amount of fuel consumed while idling, calculated in the previous instance, may be compared with the fuel consumption amount of fuel consumed while idling, calculated in the current instance. If the fuel consumption has been reduced, a message indicating this may be displayed on the shovel 100.

[0177] Figure 7 shows an example of how the aggregated results of historical information are displayed. The screen 71 in Figure 7 displays the aggregated results information 72, which is the result of the information aggregation unit 220.

[0178] The aggregated result information 72 shown in Figure 7 may be, for example, information aggregated after the message in the display area 41y shown in Figure 6 is displayed. In other words, the aggregated result information 72 shown in Figure 7 may be information aggregated in the work performed after a message is presented to the operator encouraging them to shorten the idle period.

[0179] The aggregated results information 72 shown in Figure 7 is an aggregated result of historical information for each work mode and each work content, and the aggregation period is the period during which the shovel 100 was in operation on July 22, 2016.

[0180] In the example in Figure 7, the fuel consumption information is a subtotal of the fuel injection amount during the relevant period, and the work content is one of the following, for example, "idling," "engine off," "driving," "excavating," and "leveling," with the amount of soil aggregated for each work mode. For example, according to Figure 7, on July 22, 2016, in mode A, the cumulative time that the shovel 100 was idling was 0.1 hours, the cumulative time that the engine 11 was off was 2.0 hours, and the subtotal of the fuel injection amount during the idling period was 0.2 L.

[0181] Furthermore, on July 22, 2016, in H mode, the cumulative time during which Shovel 100 was idling was 0.4 hours, the cumulative time during which engine 11 was stopped was 0.6 hours, and the subtotal fuel injection volume during the idling period was 0.4 L.

[0182] Furthermore, on July 22, 2016, in SP mode, the cumulative time during which Shovel 100 was idling was 0.1 hours, the cumulative time during which engine 11 was stopped was 2.0 hours, and the subtotal fuel injection amount during the idling period was 0.7 L.

[0183] In the example in Figure 7, the cumulative time spent idling was sufficiently short compared to the cumulative time the engine 11 was stopped, indicating that the operator stopped the engine during the idling period in accordance with the message displayed in the display area 41y.

[0184] Furthermore, the management device 200 of this embodiment may display to the shovel 100 the fuel consumption during the idling period, calculated based on the aggregated result information 72, along with information indicating that fuel consumption costs have been reduced compared to the previous operation of the shovel 100.

[0185] In this embodiment, by displaying such information on the output device 202 of the management device 200, managers at work sites and other locations can be made aware of the efforts made by operators to reduce fuel consumption.

[0186] Figure 8 is a second diagram showing an example of the display shown on the excavator's display device. In the first image display area 41n1 of the display device 40 shown in Figure 8, the upper left display area 41y1 displays information including the amount of fuel consumed during the idling period, and information indicating the amount of fuel consumed reduced compared to the previous operation.

[0187] Specifically, for example, suppose the amount of fuel consumed during the idling period when the historical data was last compiled was ○○ [L]. Also, suppose the amount of fuel consumed during the idling period when the historical data was compiled this time was △△ [L], and the difference from the previous time was ×× [L].

[0188] In this case, the display control unit 302 should display a message in the display area 41y1 to the effect of, "We were able to reduce fuel consumption by XX [L] compared to the previous operation."

[0189] In this embodiment, CO2 emissions may also be displayed on the display device 40. Specifically, for example, the management device 200 may compare the CO2 emissions emitted during the idling period when the previous history information was compiled with the CO2 emissions emitted during the idling period when the history information was compiled this time, and transmit the comparison result to the shovel 100.

[0190] Furthermore, the display control unit 302 of the shovel 100 may display information showing the comparison results of CO2 emissions in the display area 41y1.

[0191] In this embodiment, by using the aggregated results of the previous and current historical data to present the reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to the operator, it is possible to contribute to maintaining the operator's motivation.

[0192] Furthermore, the functions of the control device in each of the embodiments described above may be realized by the controller 30 of the shovel 100 or by the support device 300.

[0193] In this embodiment, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions during the idling period, calculated by the control device 200, are transmitted to the shovel 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the shovel 100 is remotely controlled by an operator in a remote control room, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions during the idling period may be transmitted to a remote control device installed in the remote control room and displayed on a display device in the remote control room. Thus, this embodiment can also be applied when the shovel 100 is remotely controlled.

[0194] Furthermore, although the excavator 100 was described as an example of a work machine in each of the embodiments described above, the work machine is not limited to an excavator.

[0195] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 30 controllers 40 Display device 100 Shovel 200 Management device 210 Information Acquisition Department 220 Information Aggregation Department 230 Target Time Identification Section 240 Fuel consumption calculation section 250 Output section

Claims

1. A communication unit that transmits operational information indicating the operating status of the machine to a management device, and receives information from the management device regarding the fuel consumed in an idling state when the machine's prime mover is running and no operation is being performed to operate the machine, The system includes a display control unit that causes the fuel information received from the management device to be displayed on a display device, The fuel information received from the control device includes the amount of fuel consumed during the period when the machine is in the idling state. The idling state includes a high idling state in which the actuator for operating the machine is stopped while the prime mover is running, and a low idling state in which the rotational speed of the prime mover is lower than that of the high idling state. The display control unit displays, as information regarding the fuel, the amount of fuel consumed during the high-idling state and the amount of fuel consumed during the low-idling state. Shovel.

2. The display control unit displays information regarding the fuel received from the management device, including the amount of fuel consumed during the idling period compared to when the power source of the machine was stopped. The shovel according to claim 1.

3. The fuel information received from the control device is: The excavator according to claim 1 or 2, which is displayed together with an overhead view image of the machine itself and an image of the area behind the machine itself.

4. The communication unit receives from the management device information indicating the CO2 emissions of the machine itself, which is included in the operating information. The display control unit, The excavator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display device displays information indicating the CO2 emissions.

5. The display control unit, The excavator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display device displays the result of comparing the fuel information received from the management device with the fuel consumed during past idling conditions of the machine itself.

6. A control system for a shovel, including a shovel and a control device for the shovel, The aforementioned control device is An information acquisition unit that acquires operational information indicating the operating status of the excavator from the aforementioned excavator, An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the fuel consumed in an idling state when the engine of the shovel is running but no operation is being performed to operate the shovel, from the aforementioned operating information acquired over a certain period of time, It has an output unit that transmits information about the fuel consumed by the shovel while it is idling, The aforementioned shovel is, A communication unit that transmits the aforementioned operating information to the management device and receives information from the management device regarding the fuel consumed while the shovel is idling, The system includes a display control unit that causes the fuel information received from the management device to be displayed on a display device, The fuel information received from the control device includes the amount of fuel consumed during the period when the shovel is in the idling state. The idling state includes a high idling state in which the actuator for operating the shovel is stopped while the prime mover is running, and a low idling state in which the rotational speed of the prime mover is lower than that of the high idling state. The display control unit displays, as information regarding the fuel, the amount of fuel consumed during the high-idling state and the amount of fuel consumed during the low-idling state. Excavator management system.

7. An information acquisition unit that acquires operational information indicating the operating status of the excavator from the excavator, An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the fuel consumed in an idling state when the engine of the shovel is running but no operation is being performed to operate the shovel, from the aforementioned operating information acquired over a certain period of time, It has an output unit that transmits information about the fuel consumed by the shovel while it is idling, The fuel information to be transmitted includes the amount of fuel consumed during the period when the shovel is in the idling state. The idling state includes a high idling state in which the actuator for operating the shovel is stopped while the prime mover is running, and a low idling state in which the rotational speed of the prime mover is lower than that of the high idling state. The output unit transmits, as information regarding the fuel, the amount of fuel consumed during the high-idling state and the amount of fuel consumed during the low-idling state. A control device for excavators.

Images