Work machine and parts management system

Abstract

A working machine comprises a body, a working device installed on the body, a monitoring device installed on the body to monitor the surroundings or the interior of the body, a memory device storing identification information of the body, a control device to control the monitoring device, and a communication device to communicate with the outside. The control device determines whether the monitoring information acquired by the monitoring device includes identification information of a part installed on the body or the working device, and if the monitoring information includes identification information of the part, it associates the identification information of the part with the identification information of the body stored in the memory device and transmits it to the outside via the communication device.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parts management system for managing parts installed in a work machine and a work machine. Background Technology

[0002] A parts management system for managing parts such as oil filters mounted on work machines such as hydraulic shovels is known (see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a parts management method that acquires part identification data identifying parts mounted on work machines and machine identification data identifying work machines through an information terminal such as a smartphone, and determines whether the parts are in an appropriate state based on the result of comparing the part identification data with part registration data and the result of comparing the location data of the information terminal with the location data of the work machine. Prior art literature

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-16129 The problem to be solved

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a worker needs to prepare an information terminal, read part identification information using the information terminal, and also read machine identification information of a work machine using the information terminal, and thus requires effort in the work of associating the identification information of the work machine with the identification information of the part.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a parts management system that facilitates the task of associating identification information of a working machine with identification information of a part. means of solving the problem

[0006] A working machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a body, a working device installed on the body, a monitoring device installed on the body to monitor the surroundings of the body or the interior of the body, a memory device storing identification information of the body, a control device to control the monitoring device, and a communication device to communicate with the outside. The control device determines whether the monitoring information acquired by the monitoring device includes identification information of a part installed on the body or the working device, and if the monitoring information includes identification information of the part, the control device associates the identification information of the part with the identification information of the body stored in the memory device and transmits it to the outside via the communication device. Effects of the invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a work machine and part management system can be provided that facilitates the task of associating identification information of a work machine with identification information of a part. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0008] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a parts management system according to a first embodiment. Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of a control system for a working machine. Figure 3a is a hardware configuration diagram of an information controller. Figure 3b is a hardware configuration diagram of a management server. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of an information controller and a management server. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a packaged part and a label containing identification information assigned to the part. Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating a management table. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the information controller during a part replacement operation. Figure 8 illustrates the flow of processing executed by the management server during a parts replacement operation. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process for notifying an operator, etc. of the planned date for the maintenance of a part, which is executed by a management server. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a monitoring device of a work machine according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 describes the flow of processing executed by the management server during a part replacement operation in a part management system according to Variant Example 2. FIG. 12 describes the flow of processing executed by the management server during a part replacement operation in a part management system according to Variant Example 3. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0009] With reference to the drawings, a work machine and a management system for parts installed on the work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in all drawings describing the present embodiment, items having the same function are given the same reference numerals unless specifically stated otherwise, and their repetitive descriptions may be omitted. The work machine is a machine used for various tasks such as civil engineering, construction, and demolition. In the present embodiment, an example in which the work machine is a crawler-type hydraulic shovel will be described.

[0010] <First Embodiment>

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a parts management system (15) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The parts management system (15) is a system for managing parts (151) installed in a work machine (1). In this embodiment, the parts (151) to be managed are replacement parts (service parts) that are replaced at a predetermined timing, such as hydraulic fluid filters, engine oil filters, fuel filters and engine air filters, and maintenance of hydraulic fluid, engine oil, etc.

[0012] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the parts management system (15) comprises an information controller (110) mounted on a work machine (1) that performs work at a work site, a monitoring device (139) mounted on the work machine (1), and a management server (180) installed in a management center (52). The management center (52) is installed, for example, at a facility such as the headquarters, branch office, or factory of the manufacturer of the work machine (1), a rental company of the work machine (1), a data center specializing in server operation, or a facility of the owner of the work machine (1). The management server (180) is provided in a location away from the work machine (1), that is, outside the work machine (1). The management server (180) manages the status of the work machine (1) remotely.

[0013] A work machine (1) performing work at a work site and a management server (180) installed at a location away from the work site perform bidirectional communication through a communication line (50) of a wide-area network. That is, the work machine (1) and the management server (180) transmit and receive information (data) through the communication line (50). The communication line (50) is a mobile phone communication network (mobile communication network) deployed by a mobile phone operator, etc., the internet, etc. For example, as illustrated, when the work machine (1) and the wireless base station (51) are connected via a mobile phone communication network (mobile communication network), the wireless base station (51) transmits the received information to the management server (180) via the internet when it receives specific information from the work machine (1).

[0014] The management server (180) obtains and stores information from the work machine (1) through a communication device (142). The communication device (142) is a Network Interface Card (NIC) that has a communication circuit and communicates with the work machine (1) through a communication line (50). The management server (180) controls a display device (55), such as a liquid crystal display device, to display a predetermined image on the display screen of the display device (55). The manager can operate the management server (180) using an input device (56), such as a keyboard or mouse, and display information of the predetermined work machine (1) on the display device (55) to determine the status of the work machine (1).

[0015] The work machine (1) comprises a body (vehicle body) (4) and a work device (10) installed on the body (4). The body (4) comprises a driving body (2) and a turning body (3) rotatably provided on the driving body (2), and a work device (10) is installed on the front part of the turning body (3). The driving body (2) comprises a driving motor (2L) (see FIG. 2) that drives a left crawler and a driving motor (2R) that drives a right crawler. The driving body (2) drives a pair of left and right crawlers by driving the driving motors (2L, 2R). The turning body (3) turns by driving a turning motor (3a) provided on the body (4).

[0016] The slewing body (3) has a slewing frame (8), a driver's cab (7) provided on the left side of the front part of the slewing frame (8), a counterweight (9) provided on the rear part of the slewing frame (8), and an engine room (6) provided on the rear side of the driver's cab (7) in the slewing frame (8). The engine room (6) accommodates a prime mover engine (43) and hydraulic equipment such as a hydraulic pump driven by the engine (43). A working device (10) is rotatably connected to the center of the front part of the slewing frame (8).

[0017] The work device (10) is a multi-joint type work device having a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and a plurality of drive target members driven by the plurality of hydraulic cylinders. In this embodiment, a boom (11), an arm (12), and a bucket (13) are connected in series as three drive target members. The base end of the boom (11) is rotatably connected to the front part of the pivot frame (8). The base end of the arm (12) is rotatably connected to the front end of the boom (11). The bucket (13) is rotatably connected to the front end of the arm (12).

[0018] The boom (11) is driven by a boom cylinder (hydraulic cylinder) (11a) and rotates relative to the pivot frame (8). The arm (12) is driven by an arm cylinder (hydraulic cylinder) (12a) and rotates relative to the boom (11). The bucket (13) is driven by a bucket cylinder (hydraulic cylinder) (13a) and rotates relative to the arm (12). By driving each hydraulic cylinder of the work device (10), operations such as excavation of the earth and leveling of the ground are performed.

[0019] A monitoring device (139) is installed on the body (4) and monitors the surroundings of the body (4). The monitoring device (139) is equipped with a camera (131) which serves as an external recognition sensor for acquiring information about objects surrounding the body (4). The camera (131) is installed on the rotating body (3) and photographs the surroundings of the work machine (1). Based on image data captured by the camera (131), the monitoring device (139) monitors within a monitoring range (i.e., a shooting range by the camera (131)).

[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a camera (131) that photographs the rear direction of the rotating body (3) is installed on the upper part of the counterweight (9). The camera (rear camera) (131) continuously photographs the rear area of ​​the rotating body (3) in a direction that looks down obliquely with an angle of view of approximately 180° to the left and right. In addition, the working machine (1) may be equipped with, in addition to the rear camera, a camera that photographs the left direction of the rotating body (3) (left camera), a camera that photographs the right direction of the rotating body (3) (right camera), and a camera that photographs the front direction of the rotating body (3) (front camera). The camera (131) is, for example, a wide-angle video camera equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS with excellent durability and weather resistance and a wide-angle lens.

[0021] Inside the driver's cabin (7), there is provided an operating device (41) (see FIG. 2) for operating each part of the work machine (1), a monitor (133) for displaying operation information of the work machine (1), a buzzer (132) for outputting sound, and a communication device (141) for communicating with the outside. In addition, inside the driver's cabin (7), there is provided a main controller (100), which is a control device for controlling hydraulic equipment, and an information controller (110), which is a control device for controlling the buzzer (132) and the monitor (133). The monitor (133) is a touch panel monitor in which a touch sensor as an input device (133b) (see FIG. 4) is provided on the display screen of a liquid crystal display device as a display device (133a) (see FIG. 4).

[0022] The communication device (141) is a wireless communication device capable of wireless communication with a wireless base station (51) connected to a communication line (50) which is a wide-area network, and has a communication interface including a communication antenna having a specific frequency band as a reception band. In addition, the communication device (141) may be capable of exchanging information directly or indirectly with a management server (180) using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, an overview of the control system of the work machine (1) of the present embodiment is described. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of the control system of the work machine (1). The work machine (1) is equipped with an engine (43), a hydraulic pump (42), a control valve (40), a main controller (100), and an information controller (110).

[0024] The hydraulic pump (42) is driven by the engine (43) and discharges hydraulic fluid. When an operator operates the operating lever of the operating device (41), the operation information is output to the main controller (100). The main controller (100) converts the acquired operation information into a control signal. The main controller (100) outputs the control signal to the hydraulic pump (42) and the control valve (40) to control the output of the hydraulic pump (42) and the electronic valve (not shown) of the control valve (40). By doing so, the hydraulic actuators, the slewing motor (hydraulic motor) (3a), the driving motor (hydraulic motor) (2L, 2R), the boom cylinder (hydraulic cylinder) (11a), the arm cylinder (hydraulic cylinder) (12a), and the bucket cylinder (hydraulic cylinder) (13a), are driven.

[0025] In the information controller (110), the main controller (100), camera (131), buzzer (132), monitor (133), and communication device (141) are wired to each other via signal lines, etc. The monitoring device (139) has the camera (131), buzzer (132), monitor (133), and information controller (110). The information controller (110) notifies an operator or maintenance worker of information through the buzzer (132) and monitor (133) which serve as notification devices. Additionally, the information controller (110) controls the communication device (141) to transmit information to the management center (52), such as detection results of various sensors provided in the work machine (1), the operating time of the work machine (1), and control signals output from the main controller (100) to the hydraulic pump (42) and control valve (40).

[0026] The information controller (110) displays an image captured by the camera (131) as surveillance information on the display screen of the monitor (133). Additionally, when the information controller (110) determines that an object exists around the work machine (1) (when an object is detected), it displays an image indicating that an object has been detected on the display screen of the monitor (133). When an object is detected around the work machine (1) during the operation of the work machine (1), the information controller (110) emits a sound indicating that an object has been detected by the buzzer (132).

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the configuration of the hardware of the information controller (110) and the management server (180) will be described. FIG. 3a is a hardware configuration diagram of the information controller (110), and FIG. 3b is a hardware configuration diagram of the management server (180). As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the information controller (110) and the management server (180) are configured as a computer equipped with a processor (111, 181) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and DSP (Digital Signal Processor) as a computational processing unit, a volatile memory (112, 182) called so-called RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile memory (113, 183) such as ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, and a hard disk drive, an input interface (114, 184), an output interface (115, 185), and other peripheral circuits. Additionally, the information controller (110) and the management server (180) may each be configured as a single computer or as multiple computers.

[0028] In the non-volatile memory (113), a program capable of executing various processes, such as monitoring and controlling the surroundings of the work machine (1) and obtaining identification information of the part (151), is stored. In the non-volatile memory (183), a program capable of executing various processes, such as determining whether the part (151) is a genuine part and calculating the planned date for the maintenance of the part (151), is stored. That is, the non-volatile memory (113, 183) is a memory device (memory medium) capable of reading a program that realizes the function of the present embodiment. The processor (111, 181) is a processing device that executes calculations by spreading the program stored in the non-volatile memory (113, 183) to the volatile memory (112, 182), and performs a predetermined calculation on the data introduced from the input interface (114, 184), the volatile memory (112, 182), and the non-volatile memory (113, 183) according to the program.

[0029] The input interface (114, 184) converts a signal input from various devices into data that can be processed by the processor (111, 181). Additionally, the output interface (115, 185) generates a signal for output based on the result of processing in the processor (111, 181) and outputs the signal to various devices.

[0030] In addition, the main controller (100) is composed of a computer having a processor, non-volatile memory, volatile memory, an input interface, and an output interface, just like the information controller (110).

[0031] With reference to FIG. 4, the functions of the information controller (110) and the management server (180) will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the information controller (110) and the management server (180). The information controller (110) functions as a recognition unit (121), a display image generation unit (122), a decoding unit (123), a memory unit (124), and a communication control unit (125). The management server (180) functions as a control unit (191) and a memory unit (192). Additionally, although not shown, the information controller (110) and the management server (180) have a time measurement function and store a time of a predetermined timing in the memory unit (124, 192).

[0032] In the memory unit (124), various information such as unique identification information for the work machine (vehicle) (1) (identification information of the machine (4)), machine type of the work machine (vehicle) (1), and the name of the part (151) installed in the work machine (1) is stored in advance.

[0033] The recognition unit (121) acquires image data captured by the camera (131) and, from the acquired image data, recognizes the presence of an object within the monitoring range through recognition processing using a recognition model. For the recognition model, various CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) models for object recognition, such as the well-known YOLO (You Only Look Once) model and SSD (Single Shot Multibox Detector) model, may be adopted.

[0034] The display image generation unit (122), based on information (location coordinates and size information of the object) of an object determined to exist within the monitoring range by the recognition unit (121), synthesizes a frame image surrounding the object with an image captured by the camera (131) and outputs it to the display device (133a). The display device (133a) displays the synthesized image obtained from the display image generation unit (122) on the display screen.

[0035] The recognition unit (121) performs a recognition process of the two-dimensional code when a reading operation of the two-dimensional code (an operation to obtain identification information of the part) is performed by the input device (133b).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, a two-dimensional code (155) will be described. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a packaged part (151) and a label (157) containing identification information assigned to the part (151). The part (151) shown in FIG. 5 is a part installed on a machine (4) or a work device (10) at a service factory or work site, rather than at a manufacturing factory of the work machine (1). The part (151) is contained within a packaging bag (152). A label (157) is attached to the packaging bag (152). A part number (153), a management number (154), and a two-dimensional code (155) are printed on the label (157), and a holographic film (156) is attached.

[0037] The recognition processing of a two-dimensional code (155) by the recognition unit (121) illustrated in FIG. 4 is described. In the recognition processing of a two-dimensional code (155), the recognition unit (121) acquires image data captured by a camera (131) and determines whether a two-dimensional code (155), such as a QR code (registered trademark), exists within the acquired image data. That is, the recognition unit (121) determines whether a two-dimensional code (155) as identification information of a part (151) is included in the surveillance information (image data) of the surroundings of the body (4) acquired from the camera (131). The recognition unit (121) determines that, for example, if a position detection pattern (finder pattern) is detected, a two-dimensional code (155) exists (i.e., the identification information of the part (151) is included in the monitoring information), and if a position detection pattern is not detected, that a two-dimensional code (155) does not exist (i.e., the identification information of the part (151) is not included in the monitoring information). Additionally, if the recognition unit (121) determines that a two-dimensional code (155) exists, for example, if the two-dimensional code (155) is encrypted, the two-dimensional code (155) is decrypted by a decryption key stored in the non-volatile memory (113) to obtain encrypted information, which is information containing the identification information of the encrypted part (151).

[0038] The decryption unit (123) decrypts the encrypted information obtained from the recognition unit (121) using an encryption key. By doing so, the decryption unit (123) obtains the identification information of the decrypted part (151) and the usable time of the part (151). The decryption unit (123) stores the identification information of the decrypted part (151), the usable time of the part (151), and the time stamp of the acquisition of the identification information of the part (151) in the memory unit (124). The encryption key is stored in the memory unit (124) in advance. For example, the communication control unit (125) obtains the encryption key from the management server (180) through the communication device (141) and stores it in the memory unit (124).

[0039] When the identification information of a part (151) is stored in the memory unit (124) by the decoding unit (123), the display image generation unit (122) outputs to the display device (133a) the identification information of the part (151) stored in the memory unit (124) (decoded identification information), the time of acquisition of the identification information of the part (151), the time of use of the part (151), and the identification information of the body (4) that is previously stored in the memory unit (124). The display device (133a) displays an image on the display screen that represents the identification information of the part (151), the time of acquisition of the identification information, the time of use of the part (151), and the identification information of the body (4).

[0040] When the identification information of a part (151) is stored in the memory unit (124) by the decoding unit (123), the communication control unit (125) outputs to the communication device (141) the identification information of the part (151) stored in the memory unit (124) (decoded identification information), the time of acquisition of the identification information of the part (151), the time of use of the part (151), and the identification information of the body (4) that is previously stored in the memory unit (124). The communication device (141) transmits to an external management center (52) the identification information of the part (151), the time of acquisition of the identification information, the time of use of the part (151), and the identification information of the body (4).

[0041] In this embodiment, the identification information of the part (151) is a number formed by a sequence of part number (153) and management number (154), and is referred to as the part identification number below. The part identification number is assigned at the manufacturing plant of the part. Additionally, the identification information of the body (4) is a body identification number unique to the work machine (1). The body identification number is assigned at the manufacturing plant of the work machine (1).

[0042] The control unit (191) obtains the vehicle body identification number, the part identification number associated therewith, the time of acquisition of the part identification number, and the available time of use of the part (151) through the communication device (142), and stores them in the memory unit (192) (non-volatile memory (183)). Specifically, the control unit (191) updates the data of the management table (80) stored in the memory unit (192).

[0043] With reference to FIG. 6, a management table (80) will be described. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a management table (80). As shown in FIG. 6, the management table (80) has a vehicle body identification number (vehicle body ID) (81), a machine type (82), a delivery date (83), an operating time (84), a maintenance name (85), a maintenance planned date (86), a part identification number (part ID) (87), a part name (88), a previous part identification number (previous part ID) (89), a determination result of a regular part / non-regular part (90), and a previous exchange date (91). Additionally, although not shown, the management table (80) has customer information, an operating time at the time of the previous part exchange, and a usable time of the part (151).

[0044] The body identification number (81) is unique identification information for the work machine (1) and is a number assigned individually to each work machine (1). The machine type (82) is information indicating the type of the work machine (1), the delivery date (83) is the date the work machine (1) was delivered to the customer, and the operating time (84) is the value accumulated from the delivery date during which the work machine (1) has been in operation. The maintenance name (85) indicates a maintenance task, such as "operating fluid filter replacement." The planned date (86) is the scheduled date for performing the maintenance task, and the part identification number (87) is unique identification information for the part (151) that is the subject of the maintenance task and is a number assigned individually to each part (151). The part name (88) is the name of a part (151) that is subject to maintenance work, such as a “working fluid filter,” for example. The previous part identification number (89) is unique identification information of the part (151) that was previously replaced, and is a number assigned individually to each part (151). The judgment result (90) is information indicating the judgment result of a regular part / non-regular part by the control unit (191) described later. The previous replacement date (91) is the date on which the part (151) specified by the previous part identification number (89) was replaced with the part (151) specified by the part identification number (87). The previous replacement date (91) is set based on the acquisition date of the part identification number (87).

[0045] When the work machine (1) is manufactured and delivered to the customer, the manager sets the body identification number (81), machine type (82), delivery date (83), maintenance name (85), part identification number (87), and part name (88). Additionally, before the work machine (1) is delivered, the operating time (84), previous part identification number (89), judgment result (90), and previous exchange time (91) are not set. The operating time (84) is included in the body information transmitted from the work machine (1) and is updated at the time the body information is acquired. The planned date (86), previous part identification number (89), judgment result (90), and previous exchange time (91) are updated whenever a part (151) is exchanged. Additionally, when a part (151) is exchanged, the operating time at that time is retained as the operating time at the time the previous part was exchanged. That is, the operating time at the updated previous exchange time (91) is retained as the operating time at the time the previous part was exchanged.

[0046] Various information regarding multiple work machines (1) is stored in the management table (80). When an operation to display the management table (80) is performed by the input device (56), the control unit (191) reads the management table (80) from the memory unit (192) and displays the management table (80) on the display screen of the display device (55). By doing so, the manager can check the parts (151) installed in the work machine (1) and the planned maintenance date (86). That is, the manager can check which work machine (1) the parts (151) shipped from the manufacturing plant of the parts (151) to the designated work site have been installed in, and thus can determine the appropriate replacement time for the parts (151).

[0047] The control unit (191) shown in FIG. 4 calculates the planned maintenance date (86) for the part (151) based on the operating time (84) from the delivery date of the work machine (1) and the available time of the part (151) associated with the part identification number (87) when the part (151) has never been replaced. When the part (151) has been replaced, the information controller (110) calculates the planned maintenance date (86) for the part (151) based on the operating time of the machine (4) after acquiring the part identification number (87) and the available time of the part (151) associated with the part identification number (87). Additionally, the operating time after the information controller (110) acquires the part identification number (87) can be obtained by subtracting the operating time at the time of the previous part replacement (previous replacement time (91)) from the operating time (84) from the delivery date of the work machine (1).

[0048] The control unit (191) stores the calculation result of the planned date (86) in the management table (80). If the planned date (86) is already stored in the management table (80), the planned date (86) is updated.

[0049] The control unit (191) compares the acquired part identification number (part identification information) (87) with the part registration number (i.e., the previously registered identification information) stored in the memory unit (192) to determine whether the part identification number (87) and the part registration number match. If the acquired part identification number (87) matches the part registration number stored in the memory unit (192), the control unit (191) determines that the part (151) is a genuine part. If the acquired part identification number (87) does not match the part registration number stored in the memory unit (192), the control unit (191) determines that the part (151) is not a genuine part (i.e., a non-genuine part).

[0050] When the manufacturer of the part (151) ships the part (151), the part identification number (87) is communicated to the manager of the work machine (1). The manager inputs the received part identification number (87) into the management server (180) via the input device (56). The control unit (191) stores the part identification number (87) input by the input device (56) as a part registration number in the memory unit (192).

[0051] The control unit (191) stores the determination result (90) of a regular product / non-regular product in the management table (80). If the determination result (90) is already stored in the management table (80), the determination result (90) is updated. That is, the control unit (191) stores the information regarding whether a product is a regular product or a non-regular product in relation to the vehicle body identification number (81), the part identification number (87), and the body identification number (87) in the memory unit (192).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, the flow of processing executed by the information controller (110) during the replacement operation of a part (151) will be described. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is initiated, for example, by a maintenance worker turning on the ignition switch of the work machine (1) and performing a reading operation of the two-dimensional code (155) (an operation to obtain identification information of the part) by the input device (133b), and after an initial setting is performed, it is repeated at a predetermined control cycle.

[0053] In step S101, the information controller (110) acquires image data (surveillance information) captured by the camera (131) from the camera (131) and proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the information controller (110) performs a recognition process of a two-dimensional code (155) on the image data acquired in step S101 and proceeds to step S107. In this recognition process, the two-dimensional code (155) is converted into encrypted information.

[0054] In step S107, the information controller (110) decrypts the encrypted information obtained in step S104 and proceeds to step S110. The decrypted information includes a part identification number (87), the time of acquisition of the part identification number (87), and the available time of use of the part (151).

[0055] In step S110, the information controller (110) stores the acquired part identification number (87), the time of acquisition of the part identification number (87), and the available time of use of the part (151) in the non-volatile memory (113), and proceeds to step S112.

[0056] In step S112, the information controller (110) outputs the part number (153) included in the part identification number (87), the acquisition time of the part identification number (87), the available time of use of the part (151), the body identification information (81) of the work machine (1), and the machine type (82) to the display device (133a). The display device (133a) displays, for example, “Part Number 123456” as an image indicating part number (153), “Operating Fluid Filter” as an image indicating the name of the part corresponding to part number (153), “Part Replacement Date: XXXX / XX / XX” as an image indicating the acquisition date of part identification number (87), “Part Usable Time: XXXX [Hour]” as an image indicating the usable time of part (151), “Body ID: XXXXXXX1” as an image indicating body identification information (81) of the work machine (1), and “Model: XXXX” as an image indicating the type of machine (82).

[0057] When the display processing of identification information in step S112 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S113. In step S113, the information controller (110) associates the part identification number (87) of the part (151), the time of acquisition of the part identification number (87), the available time of use of the part (151), and the vehicle body identification number (81) previously stored in the non-volatile memory (113) and transmits them to the management server (180). When the transmission processing of identification information in step S113 is completed, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is terminated.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, the flow of processing executed by the management server (180) during the replacement operation of a part (151) will be described. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is initiated by powering on the management server (180) and starting the management application software installed on the management server (180), and after initial settings are performed, it is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control cycle.

[0059] In step S121, the management server (180) receives the part identification number (87), the vehicle body identification number (81) associated therewith, the acquisition time of the part identification number (87), and the available time of the part (151), and proceeds to step S124.

[0060] In step S124, the management server (180) stores the received vehicle body identification number (81), the part identification number (87), the acquisition time of the part identification number (87), and the available time of use of the part (151) in the management table (80). Specifically, the management server (180) rewrites the part identification number (87) from the old one to the new one in the memory area (corresponding to one row of the management table (80) shown in FIG. 6) (80a) where the part name (88) corresponding to the received vehicle body identification number (81) and the received part identification number (87) is stored. The part identification number (87) includes the part number (153). Therefore, the management server (180) can select the memory area (80a) of the part name (88) associated with the part number (153). Here, the old part identification number (part identification number before update) (87) that was stored in the management table (80) is stored as the previous part identification number (89) (see FIG. 6). In addition, the management server (180) stores the acquisition time of the part identification number (87) as the previous exchange time (91) in the memory area (80a) of the management table (80). Likewise, the management server (180) also stores the available time of the part (151) in the memory area (80a).

[0061] When the memory processing of the identification information in Step S124 is completed, the processing proceeds to Step S127. In Step S127, the management server (180) determines whether the part identification number (part identification number after update) (87) stored in Step S124 matches the part registration number previously stored in the non-volatile memory (183). In Step S127, if it is determined that the part identification number (87) matches the part registration number, the processing proceeds to Step S128. In Step S127, if it is determined that the part identification number (87) does not match the part registration number, that is, if it is determined that the part registration number corresponding to the part identification number (87) is not stored in the non-volatile memory (183), the processing proceeds to Step S130.

[0062] In step S128, the management server (180) determines that the part (151) is a standard part and proceeds to step S136. In step S130, the management server (180) determines that the part (151) is a non-standard part and proceeds to step S136.

[0063] In step S136, the management server (180) stores the judgment result (90) in the memory area (80a) (see FIG. 6) in the management table (80) and proceeds to step S139. In step S139, the management server (180) transmits the judgment result (90) to the work machine (1) of the body identification number (81) associated with the part identification number (87) and finishes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0064] When the information controller (110) of the work machine (1) receives the judgment result (90), it displays the part name corresponding to the part identification number (87) and the judgment result (90) of the part being a regular or non-regular part on the display screen of the display device (133a). By doing so, the worker can know whether the part (151) is a regular part or a non-regular part before installing the part (151). In this way, the information controller (110) can urge the worker to take care if the part (151) is a non-regular part. In addition, if the part (151) is a regular part, the information controller (110) can present to the operator, owner, etc. of the work machine (1) that the quality of the part (151) is guaranteed and that the part (151) can receive proper maintenance.

[0065] Additionally, the information controller (110) may be configured to check whether a standard part is installed or to display a message recommending installation when, for example, the judgment result (90) is not received (or not received) for a certain period. By doing so, it becomes possible to ensure the operation of the work machine (1).

[0066] The management server (180) can manage the parts (151) installed in each work machine (1) through the management table (80). Because of this, it becomes possible to provide various services, such as granting advantages in purchasing parts through the issuance of points or service rights by the agency in charge of the work machine (1). In addition, the agency can easily obtain proof from the management server (180) that the parts (151) installed in the work machine (1) are genuine products. As a result, the agency may include the fact that the parts (151) installed in the work machine (1) are genuine products as a factor in the review of the trade-in price of the work machine (1).

[0067] Additionally, if the management server (180) receives the same part identification number (87) multiple times, it may determine that the part identification number (87) received after the second time is an invalid part identification number and transmit the determination result to the work machine (1). For example, if the management server (180) determines that the part identification number (87) used in the determination process of the original part / invalid part in step S128 is an invalid part identification number, the part identification number (87) used in the determination process of the original part / invalid part is stored in the non-volatile memory (183) as a determination completion number. Between the processing of step S124 and the processing of step S127, the management server (180) determines whether the part identification number (87) stored in step S124 matches the determination completion number stored in the non-volatile memory (183). If the part identification number (87) matches the determination completion number, the part identification number (87) is determined to be an invalid part identification number and transmits the determination result to the work machine (1). If it is determined that the part identification number (87) does not match the judgment completion number, processing proceeds to step S127.

[0068] The management server (180) centrally manages the part identification numbers (87) installed on each of the multiple work machines (1) performing work at various work sites. For this reason, the management server (180) can, for example, acquire a specific part identification number (87) from a work machine (1) located at work site A, and then acquire a part identification number (87) identical to the part identification number (87) from a work machine (1) located at work site B, which is different from work site A, and then notify the workers at work site B that the part identification number (87) may not be a genuine part through the display device (133a) of the work machine (1) at work site B.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 9, a process for notifying an operator, etc. of the planned maintenance date of a part (151), which is executed by the management server (180), will be described. The process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is initiated when power is turned on to the management server (180) and the management application software installed on the management server (180) is started, and after initial settings are performed, it is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control cycle.

[0070] In step S141, the management server (180) receives the operating time (84) from the work machine (1) and proceeds to step S144. In step S144, the management server (180) stores the operating time (84) in the management table (80). That is, the management server (180) rewrites the operating time (84) in the management table (80) from the old one to the new one.

[0071] When the memory processing of the operating time in step S144 is completed, the process proceeds to step S147. In step S147, the management server (180) calculates the planned maintenance date Dp and proceeds to step S150. The calculated planned maintenance date Dp is stored as the planned date (86) of the management table (80).

[0072] In step S150, the management server (180) determines whether the number of days obtained by subtracting the current date Dc from the planned maintenance date Dp is less than or equal to the day threshold D0. The day threshold D0 is a threshold for determining whether to notify the operator of maintenance information and is stored in advance in non-volatile memory (183).

[0073] In Step S150, if it is determined that the number of days obtained by subtracting the current date Dc from the planned date Dp is less than or equal to the day threshold D0, proceed to Step S153. In Step S153, if it is determined that the number of days obtained by subtracting the current date Dc from the planned date Dp is greater than the day threshold D0, return to Step S141.

[0074] In step S153, the management server (180) transmits the maintenance plan date Dp calculated in step S147, the part identification number (87), the previous exchange date (91), and the maintenance name (85) to the work machine (1) of the body identification number (81) associated with the part identification number (87), and finishes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9.

[0075] When the information controller (110) of the work machine (1) receives information such as the planned maintenance date Dp, it displays the part number (153) corresponding to the part identification number (87), the part name, the previous replacement time (91), the maintenance name (85), and the planned maintenance date Dp on the display screen of the display device (133a). By doing so, the operator can know the maintenance time of the part (151) and can smoothly and appropriately adjust the maintenance schedule. In addition, the operator and the work supervisor can appropriately plan the subsequent work.

[0076] According to the above-described embodiment, the following functional effects are produced.

[0077] (1) A work machine (1) comprises a body (4), a work device (10) installed on the body (4), a monitoring device (139) installed on the body (4) to monitor the surroundings of the body (4), a non-volatile memory (memory device) (113) in which identification information (body identification number (81)) of the body (4) is stored, an information controller (control device) (110) that controls the monitoring device (139), and a communication device (141) that communicates with the outside. The information controller (110) determines whether the monitoring information acquired by the camera (external recognition sensor) (131) of the monitoring device (139) includes identification information of a part (151) installed on the body (4) or the work device (10). When the information controller (110) includes identification information of a part (151) in the monitoring information, it associates the identification information of the part (151) (part identification number (87)) with the body identification number (81) stored in the non-volatile memory (113) and transmits it externally via the communication device (141).

[0078] According to this configuration, since the part identification number (87) can be obtained using the monitoring device (139) mounted on the work machine (1), there is no need to prepare a device (e.g., a smartphone) for obtaining the part identification number (87) separately from the monitoring device (139). In addition, since the body identification number (81) is stored in the non-volatile memory (113) in advance, there is no need to read the body identification number (81) printed on the label attached to the outer surface of the body (4). Because of this, a work machine (1) can be provided that can easily perform the task of associating the body identification number (81) of the work machine (1) with the part identification number (87) of the part (151).

[0079] In addition, when a label with a body identification number (81) printed on it is attached to the outer surface of the body (4), the label may deteriorate or be obscured by dirt or other debris. Because of this, when reading the body identification number (81) on the label attached to the outer surface of the body (4) using a smartphone or the like, there is a risk that the reading process may take time or may not be readable.

[0080] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the body identification number (81) of the work machine (1) is stored in advance in the non-volatile memory (113) of the information controller (110) of the work machine (1). Therefore, from this perspective, the work of associating the body identification number (81) of the work machine (1) with the part identification number (87) of the part (151) can be easily performed.

[0081] (2) In addition, the parts management system (15) of the work machine is equipped with a monitoring device (139) that monitors the surroundings of the body (4) of the work machine (1), and a management server (180) that has a non-volatile memory (memory device) (183) that acquires identification information (part identification number (87)) of a part (151) installed on the body (4) and identification information (body identification number (81)) of the body (4) from the work machine (1) through the monitoring device (139), and stores the identification information of the part (151) and the identification information of the body (4) in relation. Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, a parts management system (15) can be provided that can easily perform the task of relating the identification information of the work machine (1) and the identification information of the part (151).

[0082] (3) The management server (180) is provided outside the work machine (1) and functions as a determination device that determines whether the part (151) is a genuine part based on the identification information (part identification number (87)) of the part (151) and the part registration number, which is the identification information that is previously registered. In addition, the part management system (15) is provided on the work machine (1) and has a display device (133a) that functions as a notification device that notifies the worker, etc. of the determination result (90) of the management server (180).

[0083] According to this configuration, the worker can be notified whether the part (151) is a standard part or a non-standard part before the part (151) is installed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the non-standard part from being installed on the work machine (1).

[0084] (4) The parts management system (15) is equipped with an information controller (110) that functions as a control device for acquiring information regarding the available time of a part (151) through a camera (external recognition sensor) (131) of a monitoring device (139), a management server (180) that functions as a calculation device for calculating the planned maintenance date Dp of the part (151) based on the operating time of the work machine (1) and the available time of the part (151) after the information controller (110) acquires the identification information (part identification number (87)) of the part (151), and a display device (133a) that functions as a notification device for notifying the planned date Dp to an operator, a worker, etc.

[0085] With this configuration, operators, work supervisors, etc., can know the planned maintenance date Dp, and thus can properly formulate subsequent work plans.

[0086] (5) By installing an identification information acquisition program that enables a series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 on the information controller (110) of the work machine (1), the above-described parts management system (15) can be configured. Therefore, the above-described parts management system (15) can be configured easily and inexpensively by installing the identification information acquisition program on the information controller (110) of the work machine (1) that is already operating at the work site, not limited to cases where the work machine (1) with the identification information acquisition program pre-installed is shipped.

[0087]

[0088] The information controller (110) regarding a variation of the first embodiment acquires encrypted information, which is identification information of an encrypted part, through a monitoring device (139), just like in the first embodiment, decrypts the encrypted information of the acquired part (151), and associates the part identification number (87), which is identification information of the decrypted part, with the body identification number (81), which is identification information of the body (4), and outputs it to a display device (133a) and a communication device (141).

[0089] An encryption key is required to decrypt the encrypted information. Here, in this modified example, the encryption key is issued by the manufacturer of the genuine product and is stored in advance in the non-volatile memory (113) of the information controller (110). In this modified example, if the information controller (110) is able to decrypt the encrypted information, it determines that the part (151) is a genuine product and displays the determination result on the display device (133a). If the information controller (110) is unable to decrypt the encrypted information, it determines that the part (151) is a non-genuine product and displays the determination result on the display device (133a).

[0090] Accordingly, according to the present variation, even if the communication status between the work machine (1) and the management server (180) is not good, or if communication equipment is not provided at the place where the replacement work of the part (151) is performed (service factory, work site, etc.), the worker can be notified whether the part (151) is a genuine part before the installation of the part (151).

[0091] <Another variation of the first embodiment>

[0092] In the first embodiment above, an example was described in which the information controller (110) obtains encrypted information by decrypting the two-dimensional code (155) with a decryption key and decrypts the encrypted information with an encryption key, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information controller (110) may obtain an unencrypted part identification number (87) by decrypting the two-dimensional code (155).

[0093] <Second Embodiment>

[0094] With reference to FIG. 10, a work machine (1B) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a monitoring device (239) of a work machine (1B) according to a second embodiment. In addition, the same reference number is assigned to configurations identical or equivalent to those described in the first embodiment, and the upper part is mainly described. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the monitoring device (139) monitors the surroundings of the body (4) of the work machine (1) using a camera (131). In contrast, the monitoring device (239) of the work machine (1B) according to the second embodiment monitors the surroundings of the body (4) of the work machine (1B) by means of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system.

[0095] The monitoring device (239) is equipped with a tag detection device (external recognition sensor) (260) that detects the intrusion of a worker into the working range of the working machine (1B) based on a signal transmitted from an RFID tag (299) carried by the worker, and an information controller (210) which is a control device that controls the monitoring device (239). The tag detection device (260) is equipped with a magnetic field generating device (261) that generates a magnetic field to energize the RFID tag (299), a receiver (262) for receiving radio waves generated by the RFID tag (299) by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device (261), and a detection control device (263) that controls the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device (261) based on a control signal from the information controller (210), and acquires a worker ID included in the radio waves (signal) received by the receiver (262) and outputs it to the information controller (210).

[0096] The magnetic field generating device (261) is positioned, for example, on the pivot center axis of the pivot body (3). The magnetic field generating device (261) generates a magnetic field of a certain constant strength. In this case, the magnetic field detectable area (290) is a certain range centered on the magnetic field generating device (261). The magnetic field detectable area (290) is a range in which the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device (261) can be received by the magnetic field detection sensitivity of the RFID tag (299). When the RFID tag (299) receives the magnetic field from the magnetic field generating device (261), it outputs a radio wave to the receiver (262). Because of this, the magnetic field detectable area (290) becomes an area in which the RFID tag (299) can be detected by the tag detection device (260).

[0097] A hemispherical magnetic field detection area (290) is formed by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device (261). Additionally, the size of the magnetic field detection area (290) can be changed by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device (261). When a worker enters the magnetic field detection area (290), the operation of the work machine (1B) is restricted. Therefore, if the magnetic field detection area (290) is too small compared to the working range, there is a concern that the restriction on the operation of the work machine (1B) regarding the worker's approach will not function properly; conversely, if it is too large, the operation of the work machine (1B) is restricted even though there is no possibility of collision, and the efficiency of the work is reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, the magnetic field detection area (290) is of a size equal to or greater than the working range of the work machine (1B), and is of a size that is not excessively large.

[0098] Additionally, the magnetic field detection area (290) is not limited to a hemispherical shape and may be, for example, a semi-elliptical shape. The working range of the working machine (1B) is the range that the tip of the working device (10) can reach when the working device (10) and the rotating body (3) are operated while the driving body (2) of the working machine (1B) is stationary. The working range is set, for example, based on the maximum turning radius of the working machine (1B). The maximum turning radius corresponds to the length from the turning center axis of the rotating body (3) to the tip of the bucket (13) when the working device (10) is extended forward (in a direction perpendicular to the turning center axis).

[0099] The RFID tag (299) holds a unique worker ID and, when it is present within a magnetic field detection area (290), emits radio waves containing the worker ID. The RFID tag (299) is installed, for example, on the worker's helmet. The worker always carries the same RFID tag (299). Because of this, the information controller (210) can identify the worker from the worker ID.

[0100] When the detection control device (263) receives radio waves generated by the RFID tag (299) via the receiver (262), it detects that a worker has entered the magnetic field detection area (290), that is, that a worker has entered the working range of the work machine (1B). The detection control device (263) outputs the worker ID of the worker who has entered the working range of the work machine (1B) to the information controller (210). The information controller (210) detects that a worker has entered the working range of the work machine (1B) by receiving the worker ID of the worker from the detection control device (263).

[0101] When the information controller (210) detects an intrusion of a worker into the working range of the work machine (1B), it notifies the operator of the detection of the worker's intrusion into the working range via the monitor (133) and the buzzer (132). Additionally, the information controller (210) outputs to the main controller (100) that the detection of the worker's intrusion into the working range has been detected. Accordingly, the main controller (100) executes a motion limiting control that restricts the operation of the actuator of the work machine (1B). The motion limiting control is a control that, for example, reduces the rotational speed of the engine (43) or limits the control current from the main controller (100) to the electronic valve of the control valve (40).

[0102] The information controller (210) acquires information of RFID tags present around the work machine (1B) when the operation to acquire identification information of a part (151) is performed by the input device (133b).

[0103] In the second embodiment, an RFID tag (255) is contained in a packaging bag (252) along with a component (151). When the detection control device (263) receives radio waves generated by the RFID tag (255) via the receiver (262), it converts the received analog signal into a digital signal and outputs it to the information controller (210). The digital signal input to the information controller (210) is encrypted information. Therefore, the information controller (210), as in the first embodiment, decrypts the encrypted information and stores it in the non-volatile memory (113). The decrypted monitoring information includes the component identification number (87) of the component (151).

[0104] When the information controller (210) includes identification information of a part (151) in the monitoring information, it associates the part identification number (87) and the vehicle body identification number (81) stored in the non-volatile memory (113) and transmits them to an external management server (180) via a communication device (141). Additionally, the information controller (210) displays the part number (153) included in the part identification number (87), the time of acquisition of the part identification number (87), the time of use of the part (151), the vehicle body identification information (81) of the work machine (1B), and the machine type (82) by a display device (133a). Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the information controller (210) also transmits the time of acquisition of the part identification number (87) and the time of use of the part (151) to the management server (180). Processing at the management server (180) is the same as in the first embodiment. In addition, the processing of the information controller (210) of the work machine (1B) after information such as the determination result of a regular product / non-regular product is transmitted from the management server (180) to the work machine (1B) is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0105] According to this second embodiment, the same functional effect as in the first embodiment is produced. In addition, in the second embodiment, since the packaging bag (252) containing the part (151) and the RFID tag (255) is brought into the working range of the working machine (1B), identification information of the part (151) can be introduced into the information controller (210) more easily than in the first embodiment.

[0106] The following variations are also within the scope of the present invention, and it is possible to combine the configuration shown in the variations with the configuration described in the above-described embodiments, combine the configurations described in other embodiments described above, or combine the configurations described in other variations below.

[0107] <Variation Example 1>

[0108] The information controller (110, 210) of the work machine (1, 1B) may have some or all of the functions of the management server (180) described in the above embodiment.

[0109] <Variation Example 1-1>

[0110] For example, the information controller (110) provided in the work machine (1) may be configured to function as a determination device that performs the determination process of a regular product / non-regular product. In this case, the information controller (110) determines whether the part (151) is a regular product based on the part identification number (87), which is the identification information of the part (151), and the part registration number, which is the identification information that is previously registered. That is, the information controller (110) is configured to be capable of executing steps S127, S128, S130, and S136 of FIG. 8. In addition, the part registration number is stored in advance in the non-volatile memory (113) of the information controller (110). The information controller (110) notifies the result of the determination of whether the part (151) is a regular product by a display device (133a) that serves as a notification device.

[0111] According to this configuration, even if the communication status between the work machine (1) and the management server (180) is not good, or if communication equipment is not provided at the place where the part (151) replacement work is performed (service factory, work site, etc.), the worker can be notified whether the part (151) is a genuine part before the part (151) is installed.

[0112] <Variation Example 1-2>

[0113] The information controller (110) provided in the work machine (1) may be configured to function as a computational device that performs computational processing of the maintenance planning date Dp. In this case, the information controller (110) obtains information regarding the usable time of the part (151) through the camera (external recognition sensor) (131) of the monitoring device (139), calculates the maintenance planning date Dp of the part (151) based on the operating time of the machine (4) after obtaining the identification information (part identification number (87)) of the part (151) and the usable time of the part (151), and notifies the calculated planning date Dp to the display device (133a) as a notification device.

[0114] According to this configuration, even if the communication status between the work machine (1) and the management server (180) is not good, or if communication equipment is not provided at the place where the replacement work of the part (151) is performed (service factory, work site, etc.), the planned date Dp for the maintenance of the part (151) can be notified to the worker.

[0115] <Variation Example 2>

[0116] The management server (180) may determine whether the part (151) can be installed on the work machine (1) and transmit the result of the determination to the information controller (110). With reference to FIG. 11, the flow of processing executed by the management server (180) according to the present variation example 2 will be described. FIG. 11 is a drawing similar to FIG. 8, and the same reference numerals are used for processing identical to that of FIG. 8. In FIG. 11, processing steps S231, S232, S233, and S234 are added between processing step S128 and processing step S136 of the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 11, when the management server (180) completes the processing of step S128, it proceeds to step S231. In step S231, the management server (180) extracts the part number (153) included in the part identification number (87) and proceeds to step S232. In step S232, the management server (180) determines whether the part number (153) extracted in step S231 is registered in the installable parts table corresponding to the body identification number (81) stored in step S124. The installable parts table is stored in non-volatile memory (183) for each machine type (82) of the work machine (1). The installable parts table is a data table in which part numbers (153) of several tens to several hundred parts (151) that can be installed on the work machine (1) of the machine type (82) are stored.

[0118] In step S232, if it is determined that the part number (153) obtained from the work machine (1) is registered in the installable parts table, the process proceeds to step S233. In step S232, if it is determined that the part number (153) obtained from the work machine (1) is not registered in the installable parts table, the process proceeds to step S234.

[0119] In step S233, the management server (180) determines that the part (151) can be installed and proceeds to step S136. In step S234, the management server (180) determines that the part (151) cannot be installed and proceeds to step S136.

[0120] In step S136, if the management server (180) determines positively in step S127 and positively in step S232, it stores the determination results of steps S128 and S233 in the non-volatile memory (183). In step S136, if the management server (180) determines positively in step S127 and negatively in step S232, it stores the determination results of steps S128 and S234 in the non-volatile memory (183). In step S136, if the management server (180) determines negatively in step S127, it stores the determination result of step S130 in the non-volatile memory (183). When the storage processing of the determination results in step S136 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S139. In step S139, the management server (180) transmits the determination results stored in step S136 to the working machine (1).

[0121] The information controller (110) of the work machine (1) displays the received judgment result on the display screen of the display device (133a). When the information controller (110) receives a judgment result from the management server (180) indicating that the part (151) cannot be installed, it displays an image on the display screen of the display device (133a) indicating that the part (151) is an uninstallable part. For example, the display device (133a) displays a message image on the display screen such as, "The part with part number XXXX cannot be installed because it is not compatible."

[0122] In this way, the part management system (15) according to the present variation 2 comprises a management server (180) as a determination device that determines whether a part (151) is a part that can be installed on a work machine (1) based on a part number (153) included in a part identification number (87) which is identification information of the part (151) and a part number stored in a non-volatile memory (memory device) (183) (i.e., a pre-registered part number), and a display device (133a) as a notification device that notifies a worker, etc. of the determination result of the management server (180).

[0123] According to the present variation 2, the worker can determine whether the part (151) is compatible before installing the part (151) on the work machine (1). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the part (151) that is originally incompatible from being installed on the work machine (1). For example, it is prevented that the part (151) of the work machine (1) of machine type D, which is incompatible, is installed on the work machine (1) of machine type C placed at the same work site.

[0124] In addition, the information controller (110) of the work machine (1) may possess some or all of the functions of the management server (180) regarding the present variation example 2. For example, the information controller (110) provided in the work machine (1) may be configured to function as a determination device that performs a determination process of whether or not a part is installable. In this case, the information controller (110) determines whether the part (151) is installable in the work machine (1) based on the part number (153) included in the part identification number (87), which is the identification information of the part (151), and a pre-registered part number, and notifies the determination result to the display device (133a) as a notification device.

[0125] <Variation Example 3>

[0126] In order to prevent a part (151) that has a problem at a specific time or on a specific manufacturing line from being installed on a work machine (1), the following processing may be performed. The management server (180), by operation of an input device (56) by a manager, stores the part identification number (87) of a part (151) of the same type as the part (151) that has a problem as an installable part number in the non-volatile memory (183) of the management server (180). Referring to FIG. 12, the flow of processing executed by the management server (180) regarding the present variation example 3 will be described. FIG. 12 is a drawing similar to FIG. 11, and the same reference numerals are used for processing identical to that of FIG. 11. In FIG. 12, instead of processing steps S232, S233, and S234 of the flowchart of FIG. 11, processing S332, S333, and S334 is performed.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 12, the management server (180) determines whether the part number (153) extracted in step S231 matches the part number that cannot be installed in step S332. In step S332, if it is determined that the part number (153) does not match the part number that cannot be installed in step S332, that is, if it is determined that the part number that cannot be installed corresponding to the part number (153) is not stored in the non-volatile memory (183), the processing proceeds to step S333. In step S332, if it is determined that the part number (153) matches the part number that cannot be installed in step S334, the processing proceeds to step S334.

[0128] In step S333, the management server (180) determines that the part (151) can be installed and proceeds to step S136. In step S334, the management server (180) determines that the part (151) cannot be installed and proceeds to step S136.

[0129] In step S136, if the management server (180) determines positively in step S127 and positively in step S332, it stores the determination results of steps S128 and S334 in non-volatile memory (183). In step S136, if the management server (180) determines positively in step S127 and negatively in step S332, it stores the determination results of steps S128 and S333 in non-volatile memory (183). In step S136, if the management server (180) determines negatively in step S127, it stores the determination result of step S130 in non-volatile memory (183). When the storage processing of the determination results in step S136 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S139. In step S139, the management server (180) transmits the determination results stored in step S136 to the working machine (1).

[0130] The information controller (110) of the work machine (1) displays the received judgment result on the display screen of the display device (133a). When the information controller (110) receives a judgment result from the management server (180) indicating that the part (151) cannot be installed, it displays an image on the display screen of the display device (133a) indicating that the part (151) is an uninstallable part. For example, the display device (133a) displays a message image on the display screen stating, "The part with part number XXXX cannot be installed because it is a problematic part."

[0131] In this way, the part management system (15) according to the present variation 3 comprises a management server (180) as a determination device that determines whether a part (151) is a part that can be installed on a work machine (1) based on a part number (153) included in a part identification number (87) which is identification information of the part (151) and a part number stored in a non-volatile memory (memory device) (183) (i.e., a pre-registered part number), and a display device (133a) as a notification device that notifies a worker, etc. of the determination result of the management server (180).

[0132] In the present variation 3, by using the part identification number (87) to perform a traceback, a warning can be given to the worker not to install the part (151) before the part (151) is installed, for parts (151) that had problems at a specific time or on a specific manufacturing line. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the part (151) that had problems from being installed on the work machine (1).

[0133] In addition, the information controller (110) of the work machine (1) may possess some or all of the functions of the management server (180) regarding the present variation example 3. For example, the information controller (110) provided in the work machine (1) may be configured to function as a determination device that performs a determination process of whether or not a part is installable. In this case, the information controller (110) determines whether the part (151) is installable in the work machine (1) based on the part number (153) included in the part identification number (87), which is the identification information of the part (151), and a pre-registered part number, and notifies the determination result to the display device (133a) as a notification device.

[0134] <Variation Example 4>

[0135] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the monitoring device (139) is a device that monitors the surroundings of the aircraft (4), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The monitoring device may be a device that monitors the interior of the aircraft (4), that is, the interior of the driver's cabin (7). In this case, the monitoring device has a camera that photographs the interior of the driver's cabin (7). The camera is, for example, a structure in which a CMOS camera and an infrared camera are integrated. The monitoring device monitors the operator seated in the driver's seat of the driver's cabin (7) and monitors whether there is any abnormality in the operator. For example, the information controller (110) acquires biometric information such as body temperature and heart rate based on image data acquired from the camera, and determines whether the biometric information is within a normal range from a predetermined lower threshold to an upper threshold. If the biometric information is outside the normal range, the information controller (110) displays an image indicating that fact on the display device (133a). The information controller (110) may use the camera of this monitoring device to read the two-dimensional code (155) and associate the vehicle body identification number (81) with the part identification number (87) and output it to the display device (133a) and the communication device (141).

[0136] <Variation Example 5>

[0137] In the above embodiment, an example in which the outer casing is a packaging bag (152, 252) has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The outer casing that accommodates the part (151) may be, for example, a packaging box or a packaging paper.

[0138] <Variation Example 6>

[0139] In addition to the part identification number (87), information such as the weight, size, and warehouse entry date of the part (151) may be assigned to the 2D code (155).

[0140] <Variation Example 7>

[0141] In the above embodiment, an example in which a two-dimensional code (155) is assigned to a packaging bag (152) has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The two-dimensional code (155) may be assigned directly to the part (151).

[0142] <Variation Example 8>

[0143] In the first embodiment, an example in which the information controller (110) and the camera (131) are connected by a wired connection has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information controller (110) and the camera (131) may be connected wirelessly using a communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0144] <Variation Example 9>

[0145] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a two-dimensional code (155) is captured by a camera (131) and identification information of a part (151) is obtained from the two-dimensional code (155), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information controller (110) may capture a one-dimensional code, such as a barcode, by the camera (131) and obtain identification information of a part (151) from the barcode. The information controller (110) may capture a three-dimensional code in which color information and height information are assigned to the two-dimensional code by the camera (131) and obtain identification information of a part (151) from the three-dimensional code. In addition, the information controller (110) may capture a part number (153) and a management number (154) as identification information by the camera (131) and obtain identification information of a part (151) by extracting the part number (153) and the management number (154) from the captured image data.

[0146] <Variation Example 10>

[0147] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the input device (133b) is a touch sensor of the monitor (133), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The input device (133b) may be a device such as a switch or a lever.

[0148] <Variation Example 11>

[0149] In the above embodiment, the case where the working machine (1) is a crawler-type hydraulic shovel was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The working machine (1) may be a wheel-type hydraulic shovel, a wheel loader, a dozer, a crane, etc.

[0150] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples of application of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. Explanation of the symbols

[0151] 1, 1B: Working machine, 4: Machine body, 7: Cab, 10: Working device, 15: Parts management system, 52: Management center, 55: Display device, 56: Input device, 80: Management table, 81: Vehicle body identification number (machine body identification information), 82: Machine type, 83: Delivery date, 84: Operating hours, 85: Maintenance name, 86: Scheduled date, 87: Part identification number (part identification information), 88: Part name, 89: Previous part identification number, 90: Judgment result, 91: Previous exchange time, 110: Information controller (control unit, judgment unit, arithmetic unit), 113: Non-volatile memory (memory unit), 121: Recognition unit, 122: Display image generation unit, 123: Decoding unit, 124: Memory unit, 125: Communication control unit, 131: Camera (Extraterrestrial Recognition Sensor), 132: Buzzer, 133: Monitor, 133a: Display Device, 133b: Input Device, 139: Monitoring Device, 141: Communication Device, 142: Communication Device, 151: Part, 152: Packaging Bag, 153: Part Number, 154: Management Number, 155: 2D Code (Part Identification Information), 156: Holographic Film, 157: Label, 180: Management Server (Decision Device, Computational Unit), 183: Non-volatile Memory (Storage Device), 191: Control Unit, 192: Memory Unit, 210: Information Controller (Control Unit, Decision Device, Computational Unit), 239: Monitoring Device, 252: Packaging Bag (Exterior), 255: RFID Tag, 260: Tag Detection Device (Extraterrestrial Recognition Sensor), 261: Magnetic Field Generator, 262: Receiver, 263: Detection control device, 290: Magnetic field detection area, 299: RFID tag

Claims

Claim 1 A work machine comprising a body, a work device installed on the body, a monitoring device having a camera installed on the body to photograph the surroundings of the body, a memory device storing identification information of the body, a control device controlling the monitoring device, and a communication device communicating with the outside, wherein the control device determines whether the image data acquired by the monitoring device contains identification information of a part installed on the body or the work device, and if the image data contains identification information of the part, the control device associates the identification information of the part with the identification information of the body stored in the memory device and transmits it to the outside via the communication device. Claim 2 A work machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device determines whether the part is a genuine part based on identification information of the part and pre-registered identification information, and the machine is provided with a notification device that notifies the result of the determination. Claim 3 A work machine comprising a body, a work device installed on the body, a monitoring device installed on the body for monitoring the surroundings or the interior of the body, a memory device storing identification information of the body, a control device for controlling the monitoring device, and a communication device for communicating with the outside, wherein the control device determines whether the monitoring information acquired by the monitoring device includes identification information of a part installed on the body or the work device, and if the monitoring information includes identification information of the part, the control device associates the identification information of the part with the identification information of the body stored in the memory device and transmits it to the outside via the communication device, wherein the control device determines whether the part is a genuine part based on the identification information of the part and pre-registered identification information, and the body is provided with a notification device for notifying the result of the determination, and wherein the control device acquires information regarding the usable time of the part through the monitoring device, calculates a planned date for maintenance of the part based on the operating time of the body after acquiring the identification information of the part and the usable time of the part, and notifies the notification device of the planned date. machine. Claim 4 A work machine according to paragraph 2, wherein the control device determines whether the part is a part that can be installed on the work machine based on a part number included in the identification information of the part and a pre-registered part number, and notifies the result of the determination to the notification device. Claim 5 A parts management system for a work machine equipped with a monitoring device having a camera that photographs the surroundings of the work machine body, and a parts management system characterized by having a memory device that acquires, from the work machine, identification information of a part installed in the body included in image data acquired by the monitoring device and identification information of the body, and stores the identification information of the part and the identification information of the body in relation to each other. Claim 6 A part management system according to claim 5, characterized by having a determination device that determines whether the part is a genuine part based on identification information of the part and pre-registered identification information, and a notification device that notifies the determination result of the determination device. Claim 7 A parts management system for a work machine equipped with a monitoring device for monitoring the surroundings of the work machine or the interior of the work machine, and comprising: a memory device that acquires identification information of a part installed in the work machine and identification information of the work machine obtained by the monitoring device from the work machine, and stores the identification information of the part and the identification information of the work machine in relation to each other; a control device that acquires information regarding the available time of the part through the monitoring device; a calculation device that calculates a planned date for maintenance of the part based on the operating time of the work machine and the available time of the part after the control device acquires the identification information of the part; and a notification device that notifies the planned date. Claim 8 A part management system according to claim 5, characterized by having a determination device that determines whether a part is a part that can be installed on a work machine based on a part number included in the identification information of the part and a pre-registered part number, and a notification device that notifies the determination result of the determination device.

Images