Construction machine for decreasing dust scattering and operation method thereof

Abstract

A construction machine according to various embodiments may include a fuel cell stack, a water trap for storing wastewater generated by driving the fuel cell stack, an outlet connected to the water trap and forming a first discharge path for the wastewater, and a spray nozzle connected to the water trap and forming a second discharge path for the wastewater.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to construction machinery, and more specifically, to construction machinery and a method of operation thereof for preventing the generation of airborne dust during operation. Background Technology

[0002] At construction and civil engineering sites, various tasks are carried out by construction machinery rather than by human labor. For example, an excavator, a type of construction machinery, can perform various tasks such as digging, trenching, grading, breaking, and dumping excavated soil. The problem to be solved

[0003] The aforementioned excavator can perform the task of excavating soil or rocks or loading soil by utilizing the rotation of a boom, an arm connected to the tip of the boom, and a bucket connected to the tip of the arm.

[0004] However, due to the nature of excavator operations, large amounts of airborne dust are generated in the surrounding area. This airborne dust contaminates the work site environment, posing a significant risk to workers' health, and can also cause complaints as it spreads to nearby residential areas.

[0005] Accordingly, at least one of the various embodiments disclosed in this document aims to provide an excavator that uses a fuel cell system as a primary power source and removes airborne dust generated during operation by utilizing wastewater produced by the operation of the fuel cell system, and a method of operating the same. means of solving the problem

[0006] A construction machine according to various embodiments may include a fuel cell stack, a water trap for storing wastewater generated by driving the fuel cell stack, an outlet connected to the water trap and forming a first discharge path for the wastewater, and a spray nozzle connected to the water trap and forming a second discharge path for the wastewater.

[0007] According to various embodiments, the construction machine further includes a gas-liquid separation device configured to separate water from exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, and the water separated by the gas-liquid separation device can be discharged into the water trap.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the construction machine may include a discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the injection nozzle, an air pump connected to the discharge pipe, and a control unit configured to inject air into the discharge pipe to remove residual water in the discharge pipe.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the construction machine may include a discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the spray nozzle, an air pump connected to the discharge pipe, a drainage pump that discharges the discharge water stored in the water trap through the discharge pipe, and a control unit configured to control the air pump or the drainage pump to adjust at least one of the spray distance, spray amount, or spray range of the discharge water sprayed through the second discharge path.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the construction machine forms a discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the spray nozzle and a receiving space in which the discharge pipe is received, and includes at least one fixed part configured to be fixed to the construction machine, wherein the movement of the discharge pipe may be restricted within the receiving space.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the construction machine may include a first sensor module configured to detect the water level of discharge water stored in the water trap, and a control unit configured to directly discharge at least a portion of the discharge water to the outside through the first discharge path or indirectly discharge it through the second discharge path based on the water level of the discharge water detected by the first sensor module.

[0012] According to various embodiments, the construction machine may include a second sensor module configured to detect dust around the construction machine and a control unit configured to discharge at least a portion of the discharge water through the second discharge path based on the amount or concentration of dust detected by the second sensor module.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the construction machine may include a control unit configured to discharge at least a portion of the discharge water through the second discharge path when work on the construction machine is detected.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the construction machine may include a first sensor module configured to detect the water level of discharge water stored in the water trap, a second sensor module configured to detect dust around the construction machine, and a control unit configured to adjust the amount of discharge water sprayed through the second discharge path based on at least one of the water level of discharge water detected by the first sensor module or the amount or concentration of dust detected by the second sensor module.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the construction machine comprises an excavator having a boom, an arm rotatably coupled to the tip of the boom, and a bucket rotatably coupled to the tip of the arm, and the injection nozzle may be provided at least one of the tip of the boom or the tip of the arm.

[0016] A method of operation of a construction machine based on a fuel cell system according to various embodiments may include the operation of storing wastewater generated by the operation of the fuel cell system in a water trap, the operation of directly discharging at least a portion of the wastewater to the outside through a discharge port provided in the construction machine when the stored wastewater exceeds a designated reference water level, and the operation of indirectly discharging at least a portion of the wastewater through a spray nozzle provided in the construction machine when the stored wastewater does not exceed the reference water level.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the method of operation of the construction machine may include the operation of separating water from the exhaust gas of the fuel cell system and storing it in the water trap.

[0018] According to various embodiments, the method of operation of the construction machine may include the operation of removing residual water present in the discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the spray nozzle when the operation of indirect discharge through the spray nozzle is stopped.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the method of operating the construction machine may include an operation of changing the posture of the construction machine so that the injection nozzle is positioned lower than the height of the water trap when the operation of indirect discharge through the injection nozzle is interrupted.

[0020] According to various embodiments, the method of operation of the construction machine may include the operation of injecting air into a discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the spray nozzle, and the operation of adjusting at least one of the spray distance, spray amount, or spray range of the discharge water sprayed through the spray nozzle based on the amount of air injected.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the method of operation of the construction machine may include an operation of adjusting at least one of the spray distance, spray amount, or spray range of the discharge water sprayed by the spray nozzle based on the discharge amount of discharge water flowing into the discharge pipe.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the method of operating the construction machine may include the operation of detecting dust around the construction machine and, based on the amount or concentration of the dust, the operation of discharging at least a portion of the discharge water through the second discharge path.

[0023] According to various embodiments, the method of operating the construction machine may include the operation of discharging at least a portion of the discharge water through the second discharge path when work on the construction machine is detected.

[0024] According to various embodiments, the method of operation of the construction machine may include detecting the water level of the discharge water stored in the water trap, detecting dust around the construction machine, and adjusting the amount of discharge water sprayed through the spray nozzle based on at least one of the detection result of the water level of the discharge water or the detection result of the dust. Effects of the invention

[0025] Construction machinery according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document can efficiently remove airborne dust generated during operation by spraying water into the workspace. In addition, construction machinery according to the various embodiments uses a fuel cell system as the primary power source and utilizes the wastewater generated by the fuel cell system for removing airborne dust, thereby eliminating the need to supply water for dust removal from an external source and resolving the disadvantages associated with construction machinery using an internal combustion engine as the primary power source, such as exhaust gas and noise generation.

[0026] The effects obtainable from this document are not limited to those mentioned above. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1a is a drawing for illustrating an excavator according to various embodiments. FIG. 1b is a drawing for explaining a drainage device provided in an excavator according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a fuel cell system according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a drainage device according to various embodiments. FIG. 4a is a drawing for explaining the structure of a drainage device according to various embodiments. FIG. 4b is a drawing for explaining the structure of a drainage device to which a residual water removal device according to various embodiments is applied. FIG. 4c is a drawing for explaining the residual water removal posture of an excavator according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the discharge operation of an excavator according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of stopping the discharge of wastewater in an excavator according to various embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0029] In describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by such terms. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this document.

[0030] In addition, in the following description, an excavator is described as one example of a construction machine, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the various embodiments described in the present invention may be applied to various construction machines such as mixer trucks, dump trucks, bulldozers, cranes, wheel loaders, scrapers, or forklifts.

[0032] FIG. 1a is a drawing for explaining an excavator (100) according to various embodiments. FIG. 1b is a drawing for explaining a drainage device provided in an excavator (100) according to various embodiments. According to one embodiment, the excavator (100) may include at least one of a manned excavator operated by the boarding and operation of a pilot, an unmanned excavator operated by external operation regardless of the boarding of a pilot, or an autonomous excavator capable of autonomous driving (or autonomous operation).

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the excavator (100) may be composed of a lower body (110) that serves as a moving body, an upper body (120) mounted on the lower body (110) that can rotate at a certain angle (e.g., 360 degrees), and a front work device (130) coupled to the front of the upper body (120). However, this is merely illustrative and the embodiments of this document are not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the components of the excavator (100) described above, one or more other components (e.g., a rear work device coupled to the rear of the lower body (110), such as a plate) may be added.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the upper body (120) may have a cockpit (122) built in which an operator can board and operate, and may be provided with an internal space (not shown) in which a power generating device (e.g., engine, motor, etc.) can be mounted. The cockpit (122) may be located in a part close to the work area. For example, considering the operator's visibility and the location where the front work device (130) is mounted, the cockpit (122) may be located at a position biased to one side of the upper body (120).

[0035] According to various embodiments, the front work device (130) is mounted on the upper surface of the upper body (120) and may be a device for carrying out tasks such as excavating land or transporting heavy objects.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the front work device (130) may include a boom (131) rotatably coupled to an upper body (120), a boom cylinder (132) for rotating the boom (131), an arm (133) rotatably coupled to the tip of the boom (131), an arm cylinder (134) for rotating the arm (133), a bucket (135) rotatably coupled to the tip of the arm (133), and a bucket cylinder (136) for rotating the bucket (135). The bucket (135) may have a detachable form, and a breaker may be included as a component of the front work device (130) instead of the bucket (135). As the aforementioned front work device (130) is known in many documents, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the lower body (110) may be rotatably coupled to the upper body (120). The lower body (110) may include a drive body formed as a wheel type using wheels or a crawler type using endless tracks. The drive body may be composed of a plurality of wheels and / or endless tracks. In this regard, the excavator (100) can achieve forward, backward, and / or rotational movements of the excavator (100) by independently driving each drive body using power generated by a power generation device.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the excavator (100) may include at least one drainage device (140) configured to spray water onto the workspace to remove flying dust generated during operation.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1b, according to various embodiments, a drainage device (140) may be provided on one side of the upper body (120) and / or the front work device (130). For example, the drainage device (140) may be composed of a spray nozzle (142) and a discharge pipe (144) that guides water stored inside the excavator (100) (e.g., discharge water discharged by the fuel cell system (200) described later in the drawings) to the spray nozzle (142). However, this is merely illustrative and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the drainage device (140) may be provided on the lower body (110) or the rear work device.

[0040] According to one embodiment, as shown in (a) of FIG. 1b, the drainage device (140) may be fixedly coupled to one side of the upper body (120). For example, the drainage device (140) may be configured to spray water toward the front workspace of the excavator (100) (e.g., in front of the lower body (110)). As a result, dust generated during operation may be adsorbed (or collected) by the sprayed water and fall to the ground along with the water. Accordingly, the generation of flying dust may be reduced, and the operator's view may be prevented from being obstructed by dust.

[0041] According to one embodiment, as shown in (b) of FIG. 1b, the drainage device (140) may be coupled to the tip of a boom (131) which is rotatably coupled to an upper body (120). For example, the drainage device (140) may be configured to spray water toward the space formed between the front of the lower body (110) of the excavator (100) and the work point reached by the bucket (135).

[0042] According to one embodiment, as shown in (c) of FIG. 1b, the drainage device (140) may be coupled to the tip of an arm (133) which is rotatably coupled to the tip of a boom (131). For example, the drainage device (140) may be configured to spray water toward the bucket (135) or around the bucket (135).

[0043] An excavator (100) according to various embodiments can eliminate the disadvantages of an excavator that uses the power of an internal combustion engine, such as exhaust gas and noise, by using a fuel cell system as the main power source, and in addition, can remove airborne dust without a separate water supply by using the wastewater generated during the operation of the fuel cell system.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a fuel cell system (200) according to various embodiments. Hereinafter, a fuel cell system (200) according to various embodiments is described as an example of a structure used to prevent the generation of airborne dust in construction machinery such as an excavator (100). However, a fuel cell system (200) according to various embodiments may also be applied to various means of transportation such as vehicles, ships, aircraft, etc.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, according to various embodiments, a fuel cell system (200) may be composed of a fuel tank (210), a fuel cell stack (220), a power generation device (230), a gas-liquid separation device (240), a water trap (250), and a drainage device (260). However, this is merely illustrative and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the components of the fuel cell system (200) described above may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the configuration of the fuel cell system (200).

[0047] According to various embodiments, the fuel tank (210) can store fuel (e.g., hydrogen fuel) supplied to the fuel cell stack (220). According to one embodiment, the fuel tank (210) may be composed of a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs high-pressure hydrogen fuel.

[0048] According to various embodiments, a fuel cell stack (220) may be a type of power generation device that produces electrical energy through the chemical reaction of fuel and may be composed of a plurality of fuel cell cells (e.g., unit cells). For example, a fuel cell stack (220) may be composed of tens or hundreds of unit cells stacked together.

[0049] Fuel cell cells can be formed in various structures capable of producing electrical energy through a redox reaction between a fuel (e.g., hydrogen fuel) and an oxidant (e.g., air). For example, a fuel cell may include a Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) in which catalytic electrode layers where electrochemical reactions occur are attached to both sides of an electrolyte membrane through which hydrogen ions move, a Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) that evenly distributes reactant gases and transmits the generated electrical energy, gaskets and fastening mechanisms to maintain airtightness and appropriate fastening pressure for the reactant gases and cooling water, and a bipolar plate for moving the reactant gases and cooling water.

[0050] According to one embodiment, hydrogen, which is the fuel, and oxygen, which is the oxidant, are supplied to the anode and cathode of a membrane electrode assembly, respectively, through the flow path of a separator in a fuel cell. Hydrogen is supplied to the anode, and oxygen is supplied to the cathode. The hydrogen supplied to the anode is decomposed into hydrogen ions (protons) and electrons by the catalyst of the electrode layer formed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane. Of these, only the hydrogen ions selectively pass through the electrolyte membrane, which is a cation exchange membrane, to the cathode, while simultaneously, electrons can be transferred to the cathode through the gas diffusion layer and the separator, which are conductors. At the cathode, the hydrogen ions supplied through the electrolyte membrane and the electrons transferred through the separator can react with the oxygen supplied to the cathode to produce water. Due to the movement of hydrogen ions occurring at this time, a flow of electrons through an external wire occurs, and electrical energy can be generated from this flow of electrons.

[0051] According to various embodiments, a fuel supply conduit may be disposed between the fuel tank (210) and the fuel cell stack (220) and equipped with a supply valve for controlling the flow rate of fuel and / or a pressure regulator for controlling the pressure of fuel. According to one embodiment, fuel stored in the fuel tank (210) is guided to the fuel supply conduit upon opening of the supply valve and may be supplied to the fuel cell stack (220) in a state reduced to a certain level by pressure regulation of the pressure regulator installed in the fuel supply conduit. This is merely illustrative and is not limited thereto. For example, a fuel supply line of various structures capable of connecting the fuel tank (210) and the fuel cell stack (220) and supplying fuel to the fuel cell stack (220) may be provided.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the power generation device (230) can generate power using electrical energy generated by the fuel cell stack (220). According to one embodiment, the power generation device (230) may include an engine, a drive motor, etc. For example, the power generation device (230) can generate power to enable rotation of an upper body (e.g., upper body (120) of FIG. 1), movement of a front working device (e.g., front working device (130) of FIG. 1), and / or movement of a lower body (e.g., lower body (110) of FIG. 1) (or drive body).

[0053] According to various embodiments, the gas-liquid separation device (240) can process exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack (220). The exhaust gas may consist of gas and liquid. For example, exhaust gas containing fuel not consumed in generating electrical energy and water generated by the fuel cell stack (220) may be discharged from the fuel cell stack (220).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the gas-liquid separation device (240) can separate gas and liquid from exhaust gas. For example, the gas-liquid separation device (240) can discharge water separated from exhaust gas to a water trap (250). Additionally, the gas-liquid separation device (240) can increase the fuel utilization rate by circulating and supplying fuel separated from exhaust gas to a fuel cell stack (220).

[0055] According to various embodiments, the water trap (250) can store wastewater generated during the operation of the fuel cell stack (220). For example, water generated by the fuel cell stack (220) and water generated by the gas-liquid separation device (240) can be discharged and stored in the water trap (250).

[0056] According to various embodiments, the drainage device (260) can discharge wastewater stored in the water trap (250) to the outside. According to one embodiment, the drainage device (260) can discharge wastewater based on the water level of the wastewater stored in the water trap (250), as described later with reference to FIG. 3. Additionally, the drainage device (260) can prevent the generation of flying dust by spraying at least a portion of the wastewater stored in the water trap (250) into the workspace while the work is being carried out by the excavator (100).

[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a drainage device (300) according to various embodiments (e.g., the drainage device (260) of FIG. 2). FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are drawings for explaining the structure of a drainage device (300) according to various embodiments, and FIG. 4c is a drawing for explaining the residual water removal posture of an excavator (100) according to various embodiments.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, the drainage device (300) may include a sensor module (310), a drain valve (320), a drainage pump (330), a spray nozzle (340) (e.g., a spray nozzle (142)), and a control unit (350).

[0060] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (310) can detect the state of the excavator (100) or the external environmental state and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (310) may include a first sensor module (311) (e.g., a water level sensor) for detecting discharged water stored inside the excavator (100). For example, the first sensor module (311) may be provided inside the water trap (250) to detect water stored in the water trap (250).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (310) may include a second sensor module (312) (e.g., a dust detection sensor) for measuring the amount or concentration of dust contained in the air inside or outside the excavator (100). For example, the second sensor module (312) may be provided inside or outside the excavator (100) and may detect dust in the air by a light scattering method. However, this is merely illustrative and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the first sensor module (311) and / or the second sensor module (312) may detect dust in the water and air stored in the excavator (100) in various ways. Additionally, the sensor module (310) may include other types of sensors (e.g., an accelerometer, a barometric pressure sensor, an IR sensor, a temperature sensor, etc.) in addition to the sensors described above.

[0063] According to various embodiments, a drain valve (320) is provided at an outlet (not shown) and can form or block a discharge path for the discharge water stored in the water trap (250). According to one embodiment, the drain valve (320) can close the outlet so that the discharge water stored in the water trap (250) is not discharged to the outside. Additionally, the drain valve (320) can open the outlet so that the discharge water stored in the water trap (250) is discharged to the outside.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the drainage pump (330) can discharge the discharge water stored in the water trap (250) to the outside through the spray nozzle (340). According to one embodiment, the drainage pump (330) may be located at the inner lower part of the water trap (250). For example, the discharge water stored in the water trap (250) may flow into the drainage pump (330), and in this case, the drainage pump (330) can discharge the water flowing into the inside toward the spray nozzle (340) by driving a motor.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the spray nozzle (340) may have a shape that sprays water discharged by the drainage pump (330) to the outside. According to one embodiment, the spray nozzle (340) may be provided with various structures capable of spraying discharged water.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the spray nozzle (340) may include at least one nozzle. The spray nozzle (340) may be configured so that the spraying direction is varied by a certain angle. For example, the angle or direction of the nozzle may be varied by the force (or propulsion) of the water discharged from the spray nozzle (340). By varying the angle or direction of the nozzle in this way, the spraying range for the workspace can be adjusted to effectively prevent flying dust. As another example, the spray nozzle (340) may be configured so that the angle and / or direction is adjusted by a separate electrical component (e.g., a motor). In this case, the direction and / or angle toward which the spray nozzle (340) faces may be adjusted so that water is sprayed around the bucket (1150) based on the direction of operation of the operator or the movement of the excavator (100) (e.g., the movement of the bucket (150)).

[0067] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4a, the drainage pump (330) and the spray nozzle (340) may be connected via a discharge pipe (400) (e.g., discharge pipe (144)). For example, the spray nozzle (340) may be connected to one end of the discharge pipe (400), and the drainage pump (330) may be connected to the other end of the discharge pipe (400). According to one embodiment, the spray nozzle (340) may have a roughly conical shape with a diameter that gradually decreases from the inlet connected to one end of the discharge pipe (400) toward the spray nozzle. Additionally, or optionally, the drainage device (300) may include at least one fixing part (402) for fixing the discharge pipe (400) to the excavator (100). At least one fixed part (402) may be fixed to an excavator (100) by means of fastening means (e.g., bolt (404) and nut (406)), and may have a receiving space (404) formed to accommodate a discharge pipe (400). Accordingly, the movement of the discharge pipe (400) within the receiving space (404) may be restricted, thereby reducing interference with other components of the excavator (100). However, this is merely illustrative, and the type and structure of the drainage device (300) are not limited thereto.

[0068] Additionally, the discharge water may be discharged through the discharge pipe (400) to the spray nozzle (340), but may remain inside the discharge pipe (400) when the operation of the drainage pump (330) is interrupted. If the discharge water remains in the discharge pipe (400), the risk of the discharge pipe (400) being destroyed by sub-zero temperatures cannot be ruled out. In this regard, additionally or optionally, the drainage device (300) according to various embodiments may include a residual water removal device that discharges even the discharge water remaining inside the discharge pipe (400).

[0069] According to various embodiments, the residual water removal device can remove residual water in the discharge pipe by injecting air into the discharge pipe.

[0070] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4b, the discharge pipe (400) of the drainage device (300) to which the residual water removal device is applied may include an air inlet path and a discharge water inlet path.

[0071] An air inlet path may be formed by a first branch pipe (410) which is connected to a discharge pump (330) through one end and to a discharge pipe (400) through the other end. Additionally, a discharge water inlet path may be formed by a second branch pipe (420) which is connected to an air pump (360) through one end and to a discharge pipe (400) through the other end.

[0072] Referring to the configuration described above, when the air pump (360) and the drainage pump (330) are operating (or while the spraying operation is being performed), the discharge water can be introduced into the discharge pipe (400) through the first branch pipe (410). Additionally, air generated by the air pump (360) can be introduced into the discharge pipe (400) through the second branch pipe (420). Accordingly, the air and discharge water can be mixed and formed into droplets inside the discharge pipe (400) and then sprayed through the spray nozzle (340). Additionally, or optionally, the drainage device (300) may adjust the amount of air flowing into the second branch pipe (420) to control the amount of discharge water sprayed, the spray distance, the spray range, etc.

[0073] Additionally, when only the air pump (360) is operating (or when the spraying operation is stopped), the inflow of discharge water is blocked and the inflow of air can continue. Accordingly, residual water present in the discharge pipe (400) can be removed through the spray nozzle (340) along with the inflowing air.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the control unit (350) can control the overall operation of the drainage device (300). For example, the control unit (350) may be a hardware device such as a processor or a CPU (central processing unit), or a program implemented by a processor.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the control unit (350) is electrically connected to the sensor module (310), drain valve (320), drain pump (330), and air pump (360) to control the discharge operation of the discharged water.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (350) may selectively perform a forced discharge operation while the excavator (100) maintains a standby mode. The standby mode may be a state in which the fuel cell system (200) is in operation but no work (e.g., excavation, raking, leveling, crushing, loading, etc.) is substantially performed by the excavator (100) (e.g., the excavator (100) is stopped without moving while the engine is on). Additionally, the forced discharge operation may be an operation to forcibly discharge the stored discharge water to maintain it below a certain level.

[0077] For example, the control unit (350) can open the drain valve (320) to perform a forced discharge operation when the discharge water stored inside the excavator (100) exceeds the first reference water level. Accordingly, the water level of the discharge water stored inside the excavator (100) can be maintained within a range that does not exceed the first reference water level.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (350) may selectively perform a spray discharge operation while the excavator (100) maintains a work mode. The work mode may be a state in which work is substantially performed by the excavator (100). Additionally, the spray discharge operation may be an operation of spraying at least a portion of the stored discharge water through the spray nozzle (340) of the excavator (100). For example, the control unit (350) may perform the spray discharge operation by operating the drainage pump (330). In this regard, the control unit (350) may determine whether to perform the spray discharge operation based on the amount or concentration of dust contained in the air inside or outside the excavator (100). For example, the control unit (350) may perform the spray discharge operation only when a certain level of dust is detected. According to one embodiment, when performing the spray discharge operation, the control unit (350) may adjust the amount of discharge water sprayed based on the amount of discharge water stored. For example, the control unit (350) may process the discharge water so that it is continuously or intermittently sprayed at a designated first level of spraying amount when the discharge water is stored above a certain level. As another example, the control unit (350) may process the discharge water so that it is continuously or intermittently sprayed at a second level of spraying amount that is less than the first level when the discharge water is stored below a certain level. However, this is merely illustrative and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the amount of discharge water sprayed may be adjusted based on the amount or concentration of dust contained in the air inside or outside the excavator (100).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (350) may perform a residual water removal operation when the spray discharge operation is stopped. The residual water removal operation may be an operation to remove residual water present inside the drainage device (or discharge pipe).

[0080] For example, the control unit (350) can drive the air pump (360) to flow air into the drainage device (300) (e.g., discharge pipe (400)). Accordingly, residual water can be discharged to the outside through the spray nozzle (360) by the air flowing into the drainage device (300).

[0081] As another example, the control unit (350) may change the posture of the excavator (100) to a residual water removal posture as part of the residual water removal operation. The residual water removal posture may be such that, as illustrated in FIG. 4c, the discharge pipe (400) extending along the boom (131), arm (133), and bucket (135) is substantially straight, and the injection nozzle (360) maintains a height lower than the height (H) of the drainage pump (330). While the excavator (100) maintains the residual water removal posture, the residual water may be naturally discharged to the outside through the injection nozzle (360) by gravity.

[0082] Additionally or optionally, the control unit (350) detects the level of the discharged water stored while the discharge operation (e.g., forced discharge operation and / or injection discharge operation) is being performed, and may stop the injection discharge operation if the level of the discharged water is lower than a second reference water level which is lower than a first reference water level.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the discharge operation of an excavator (100) according to various embodiments. Each operation in the following embodiments may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. In addition, at least one of the aforementioned operations may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, an excavator (100) (or control unit (350)) according to various embodiments can detect the excavator (100) being turned on in operation 510. For example, it can detect that the excavator (100) in the off state is switched to the on state by the ignition key.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the excavator (100) can generate and store discharge water in operation 520. According to one embodiment, water generated by the fuel cell stack (220) and water generated by the gas-liquid separation device (240) can be discharged as discharge water and stored in the water trap (250).

[0087] According to various embodiments, the excavator (100) can detect the level of discharge water stored inside the excavator (100) in operation 530. For example, the excavator (100) can detect the level of discharge water stored in the water trap (250) through a first sensor module (311) (e.g., a water level detection sensor) provided inside the water trap (250).

[0088] According to various embodiments, when the water level of the discharge water exceeds a preset first reference water level, the excavator (100) may perform a forced discharge operation in operation 540. The first reference water level may be related to the maximum storage water level of the water trap (250). Additionally, the forced discharge operation may be an operation of opening the drain valve (320) of the excavator (100) to forcibly (or directly) discharge at least a portion of the stored discharge water. According to one embodiment, the excavator (100) may discharge the discharge water to maintain a level that does not exceed the maximum storage water level inside the water trap (250).

[0089] According to various embodiments, when the water level of the discharge water does not exceed a preset first reference water level, the excavator (100) may perform a spray discharge operation in operation 550. The spray discharge operation may be an operation of indirectly spraying at least a portion of the stored discharge water through the spray nozzle (340) of the excavator (100).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the excavator (100) may perform a spray discharge operation while the work mode is maintained. In this regard, the excavator (100) may detect dust generated in the workspace through a second sensor module (312) (e.g., a dust detection sensor) provided inside or outside the excavator (100), and may perform a spray discharge operation when dust is detected above a certain level due to the work. For example, the excavator (100) may perform a spray discharge operation only when dust is detected above a certain level. However, this is merely illustrative and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, in performing a spray discharge operation, the excavator (100) may determine whether actual work (e.g., excavation work, raking work, leveling work, crushing work, loading, etc.) is being performed by the excavator and may perform the spray discharge operation while the actual work is being performed.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when performing a spray discharge operation, the excavator (100) may adjust the amount of discharge water sprayed based on the amount of discharge water stored. For example, if the discharge water is stored above a certain level, the excavator (100) may process the discharge water so that it is sprayed continuously or intermittently at a designated first level of spraying amount. As another example, if the discharge water is stored below a certain level, the control unit (350) may process the discharge water so that it is sprayed continuously or intermittently at a second level of spraying amount that is less than the first level. According to another embodiment, the excavator (100) may adjust the amount of discharge water sprayed based on the amount or concentration of dust contained in the air inside or outside the excavator (100).

[0093] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of stopping the discharge of wastewater in an excavator (100) according to various embodiments. The operations of FIG. 6 described below may represent various embodiments of the operation 550 of FIG. 5.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 6, an excavator (100) (or control unit (350)) according to various embodiments can detect the level of discharge water during operation 610. According to one embodiment, the excavator (100) can detect the level of discharge water continuously or intermittently while discharge water is discharged by a spray discharge operation.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the excavator (100) can determine, in operation 620, whether the water level of discharge water stored internally (e.g., water trap (250)) is below a preset second reference water level. The second reference water level may be related to the minimum storage water level of the discharge water.

[0096] According to various embodiments, when a water level below the second reference water level is detected, the excavator (100) may stop the spray discharge operation in operation 630. However, this is merely illustrative and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the excavator (100) may maintain the spray discharge operation while reducing the amount of discharge water sprayed when dust is detected above a certain level in a situation where a water level below the second reference water level is detected.

[0097] According to various embodiments, when a water level exceeding a second reference water level is detected, in operation 650, the excavator (100) can determine whether a discharge stop command is received. For example, the excavator (100) can determine whether an operation button that triggers a command to stop discharge is input by the operator. In this regard, if the discharge stop command is not received, the excavator (100) can repeat the operation of detecting the discharge water level. Additionally, the excavator (100) can stop the discharge operation when the discharge stop command is received. Additionally, the excavator (100) may adjust the amount of discharge water sprayed according to the change in the discharge water level so that the spray discharge operation is maintained while the work is in progress.

[0098] According to various embodiments, when the discharge operation is interrupted, the excavator (100) may perform a residual water removal operation in operation 640. For example, the excavator (100) may remove residual water remaining in the discharge pipe (400) by injecting air into the discharge pipe (400) through which the discharge water is discharged as described above. As another example, the excavator (100) may temporarily change the posture of the excavator (100) to a residual water removal posture. According to one embodiment, the residual water removal operation may also be performed when the excavator (100) is detected to be off.

[0100] This document has been described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of this document should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A construction machine comprising: a fuel cell stack; a water trap for storing wastewater generated by driving the fuel cell stack; a discharge port connected to the water trap and forming a first discharge path for the wastewater; and a spray nozzle connected to the water trap and forming a second discharge path for the wastewater, and further comprising: a first sensor module configured to detect the water level of the wastewater stored in the water trap; a second sensor module configured to detect dust around the construction machine; and a control unit configured to adjust the amount of wastewater sprayed through the second discharge path based on at least one of the water level of the wastewater detected by the first sensor module or the amount or concentration of dust detected by the second sensor module. Claim 2 A construction machine according to claim 1, further comprising a gas-liquid separation device configured to separate water from exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell stack, wherein the water separated by the gas-liquid separation device is discharged into the water trap. Claim 3 A construction machine according to claim 1, comprising: a discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the injection nozzle; an air pump connected to the discharge pipe; and a control unit configured to inject air into the discharge pipe to remove residual water from the discharge pipe. Claim 4 A construction machine according to claim 1, comprising: a discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the spray nozzle; an air pump connected to the discharge pipe; a drainage pump for discharging discharge water stored in the water trap through the discharge pipe; and a control unit configured to control the air pump or the drainage pump to adjust at least one of the spray distance, spray amount, or spray range of the discharge water sprayed through the second discharge path. Claim 5 A construction machine according to claim 1, comprising: a discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the injection nozzle; and at least one fixing part configured to be fixed to the construction machine and forming a receiving space in which the discharge pipe is received, wherein the movement of the discharge pipe is restricted within the receiving space. Claim 6 A construction machine according to claim 1, comprising: a first sensor module configured to detect the water level of discharge water stored in the water trap; and a control unit configured to directly discharge at least a portion of the discharge water to the outside through the first discharge path or indirectly discharge it through the second discharge path based on the water level of the discharge water detected by the first sensor module. Claim 7 A construction machine according to claim 1, comprising: a second sensor module configured to detect dust around the construction machine; and a control unit configured to discharge at least a portion of the discharge water through the second discharge path based on the amount or concentration of dust detected by the second sensor module. Claim 8 A construction machine according to claim 1, comprising a control unit configured to discharge at least a portion of the discharge water through the second discharge path when work on the construction machine is detected. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 In claim 1, the construction machine comprises an excavator having a boom, an arm rotatably coupled to the tip of the boom, and a bucket rotatably coupled to the tip of the arm, wherein the injection nozzle is provided on at least one of the tip of the boom or the tip of the arm. Claim 11 A method of operating a construction machine based on a fuel cell system, comprising: storing wastewater generated by the operation of the fuel cell system in a water trap; directly discharging at least a portion of the wastewater to the outside through an outlet provided in the construction machine when the stored wastewater exceeds a designated reference water level; and indirectly discharging at least a portion of the wastewater through a spray nozzle provided in the construction machine when the stored wastewater does not exceed the reference water level; and further comprising: detecting dust around the construction machine; and discharging at least a portion of the wastewater through the spray nozzle based on the amount or concentration of the dust. Claim 12 A method according to claim 11, comprising the operation of separating water from the exhaust gas of the fuel cell system and storing it in the water trap. Claim 13 A method according to claim 11, comprising the operation of removing residual water present in the discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the spray nozzle when the operation of indirect discharge through the spray nozzle is interrupted. Claim 14 A method according to claim 11, comprising the operation of changing the position of the construction machine such that the injection nozzle is positioned lower than the height of the water trap when the operation of indirect discharge through the injection nozzle is interrupted. Claim 15 A method according to claim 11, comprising: an operation of injecting air into a discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the spray nozzle; and an operation of adjusting at least one of the spray distance, spray amount, or spray range of the discharge water sprayed through the spray nozzle based on the amount of air injected. Claim 16 A method according to claim 11, comprising the operation of adjusting at least one of the spray distance, spray amount, or spray range of the discharge water sprayed by the spray nozzle based on the discharge amount of discharge water discharged through the discharge pipe connecting the water trap and the spray nozzle. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 A method according to claim 11, comprising the operation of discharging at least a portion of the discharge water through the spray nozzle when work on the construction machine is detected. Claim 19 A method according to claim 11, comprising: detecting the water level of discharge water stored in the water trap; detecting dust around the construction machine; and adjusting the amount of discharge water sprayed through the spray nozzle based on at least one of the detection result of the water level of the discharge water or the detection result of the dust.

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