Mixer drum operation panel display device

Abstract

A mixer drum operation panel display device (100) is provided with a controller (20) for determining the state of a plurality of operation panels (41-44) provided for operating a mixer drum (2) mounted to a mixer truck, and a display unit (30) for displaying the state of the operation panels (41-44) determined by the controller (20).

Description

Mixing drum operation panel display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing drum operation panel display device.

[0002] JP2016 - 84105A discloses a mixer vehicle in which operation panels capable of operating the rotation direction and rotation speed of a mixing drum are provided in both the cab and on the mixing drum side. In this mixer vehicle, it is possible to operate the mixing drum using any one of a plurality of operation panels.

[0003] However, in the mixer vehicle described in JP2016 - 84105A, it is unclear which of the operation panels provided in the cab and on the mixing drum side is in a state where the mixing drum can be operated. Therefore, if the rotation of the mixing drum does not change when any of the operation panels is operated, the operation of the mixing drum must be temporarily interrupted, and the cause of the inability to operate the mixing drum, such as visually checking the states of all the operation panels, must be confirmed. As a result, there is a risk that the operation of charging fresh concrete into the mixing drum or discharging fresh concrete from the mixing drum may be delayed.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to enable smooth operation of a mixing drum.

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a mixing drum operation panel display device that displays the states of a plurality of operation panels provided for operating a mixing drum mounted on a mixer vehicle includes a determination unit that determines the state of the operation panel, and a display unit that displays the state of the operation panel determined by the determination unit.

[0006] Figure 1A is a top view of a mixer vehicle to which a mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from above. Figure 1B is a rear view of a mixer vehicle to which a mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from the rear. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a mixer vehicle to which a mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 3A is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the control panel in the driver's cab is in an operable state in the mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the control panel located at the rear right of the vehicle is in an operable state in the mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3C is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the control panel located at the rear left of the vehicle is in an operable state in the mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3D is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when the control panel near the hopper is in an operable state in the mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display unit when an emergency stop operation is performed using the control panel located at the rear right of the vehicle in the mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows an image displayed on the display unit when the vehicle is in motion in a mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for determining a malfunction of the control panel in a mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows an image displayed on the display unit when the control panel in the driver's cab is operational and the control panel located at the rear right of the vehicle is malfunctioning in a mixer drum control panel display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Referring to Figures 1A, 1B, and 2, the overall configuration of the mixer truck 1 to which the mixer drum control panel display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described. Figure 1A is a plan view of the mixer truck 1, Figure 1B is a rear view of the mixer truck 1, and Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mixer truck 1 to which the mixer drum control panel display device 100 is applied.

[0009] Mixer truck 1 is a vehicle that transports ready-mixed concrete, such as mortar or ready-mixed concrete (hereinafter referred to as "ready-mix concrete"), which has been placed in the mixer drum 2. The following explanation describes the case when mixer truck 1 is loaded with ready-mix concrete.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the mixer truck 1 is a vehicle equipped with a driver's cab 11 and a frame 3, and includes a mixer drum 2 mounted on the frame 3 and capable of loading ready-mix concrete, a drive device 4 that rotates the mixer drum 2, and a controller 20 that controls the rotation of the mixer drum 2.

[0011] The mixer drum 2 is a bottomed cylindrical container that is rotatably mounted on the frame 3, and has an opening 2a at its rear end for pouring in and discharging ready-mix concrete. The mixer drum 2 is mounted at an angle such that its axis of rotation O gradually rises from the front to the rear of the vehicle. Inside the mixer drum 2, drum blades (not shown) are arranged spirally along the inner wall surface of the drum, and the rotation of the drum blades together with the mixer drum 2 mixes the ready-mix concrete loaded inside the mixer drum 2.

[0012] A hopper 16 is provided at the upper rear of the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2. Ready-mix concrete, which is loaded into the mixer truck 1 at the ready-mix concrete plant, is guided to the opening 2a by the hopper 16. A flow guide 17 and a chute 18 are provided at the lower rear of the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2. Ready-mix concrete discharged from the opening 2a is guided to the chute 18 by the flow guide 17 and discharged in a predetermined direction by the chute 18.

[0013] The mixer drum 2 is rotationally driven via a drive unit 4, using the engine 10 mounted on the mixer vehicle 1 as the driving source. The drive unit 4 is a fluid pressure device that is driven by the rotation of the engine 10 and rotates the mixer drum 2 using the fluid pressure of the working fluid.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the engine 10 has a throttle valve 10a for adjusting the output and rotational speed of the engine 10. The opening degree of the throttle valve 10a is controlled by the controller 20 via an actuator (not shown) when the engine 10 drives the drive unit 4. The engine 10 is also provided with a rotation sensor 10b that detects the rotational speed of the engine 10 and outputs a signal to the controller 20 corresponding to the detected rotational speed.

[0015] The rotational speed of the engine 10 when driving the drive unit 4 is controlled by the controller 20 via the throttle valve 10a so that the rotational speed detected by the rotation sensor 10b is at a predetermined magnitude. The rotation sensor 10b may detect the rotational speed of the input shaft of the drive unit 4, which is the PTO shaft 9 or drive shaft 8 described later, or it may detect the rotational speed of the hydraulic pump 5 described later.

[0016] The rotation of the engine 10 is transmitted to the drive unit 4 via a PTO shaft 9 (PTO: Power take-off) that constantly draws power from the engine 10, and a drive shaft 8 that connects the PTO shaft 9 to the drive unit 4.

[0017] The drive unit 4 includes a hydraulic pump 5 driven by the engine 10 to discharge hydraulic oil as the working fluid, and a hydraulic motor 6 that operates using the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump 5 to rotate the mixer drum 2. Note that in the drive unit 4, a fluid other than hydraulic oil may be used as the working fluid.

[0018] The hydraulic pump 5 is a swash plate type axial piston pump whose discharge volume is changed according to the tilt angle of a swash plate (not shown), and includes a control valve 5a that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 5 to the hydraulic motor 6, a tilt angle adjustment mechanism 5b that adjusts the discharge volume of the hydraulic pump 5 by changing the tilt angle of the swash plate, and a pressure sensor 5c that detects the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic motor 6.

[0019] The hydraulic pump 5 is rotationally driven by power constantly supplied from the engine 10 via the PTO shaft 9. The power source for rotationally driving the hydraulic pump 5 is not limited to the engine 10 used for propulsion; it may also be an auxiliary engine not used for propulsion or an electric motor.

[0020] The control valve 5a is a three-position switching valve having a first position that directs hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor 6 so that the mixer drum 2 rotates in one direction, a second position that directs hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor 6 so that the mixer drum 2 rotates in the other direction, and a shut-off position that blocks the flow of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump 5 to the hydraulic motor 6. The position of the control valve 5a is electrically controlled by the controller 20.

[0021] The tilt angle adjustment mechanism 5b includes a hydraulic actuator (not shown) that changes the tilt angle of the swash plate, and a solenoid valve (not shown) that controls the operating hydraulic pressure led to the hydraulic actuator. The tilt angle adjustment mechanism 5b changes the tilt angle of the swash plate according to the magnitude of the drive current supplied from the controller 20 to the solenoid valve, and the discharge amount of the hydraulic pump 5 is changed according to the change in the tilt angle of the swash plate.

[0022] The pressure sensor 5c outputs a signal to the controller 20 corresponding to the detected hydraulic fluid pressure. The pressure sensor 5c can be installed anywhere as long as it can detect the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 5 to the hydraulic motor 6, which is the hydraulic fluid pressure in the drive unit 4, and may be installed on the hydraulic motor 6.

[0023] The hydraulic pump 5 is not limited to the above-described type of pump, but can be any type of pump with a variable discharge capacity. For example, the hydraulic pump 5 may be a swash plate type axial piston pump in which the discharge amount and discharge direction are changed according to the tilt angle of the swash plate.

[0024] The hydraulic motor 6 is a swash plate type axial piston motor whose capacity is changed according to the tilt angle of a swash plate (not shown), and includes a rotation sensor 6a that detects the rotation direction and rotation speed of the output shaft (not shown) of the hydraulic motor 6, and a tilt angle adjustment mechanism 6b that adjusts the tilt angle of the swash plate.

[0025] The rotation sensor 6a outputs a signal to the controller 20 corresponding to the detected rotation direction and rotation speed of the output shaft. The rotation speed and rotation direction of the hydraulic motor 6 detected by the rotation sensor 6a are correlated with the rotation speed and rotation direction of the mixer drum 2, as described later.

[0026] The tilt angle adjustment mechanism 6b includes a hydraulic actuator (not shown) that changes the tilt angle of the swash plate, and a solenoid valve (not shown) that controls the operating hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic actuator. The tilt angle of the swash plate changes according to the current value supplied from the controller 20 to the solenoid valve, and the capacity of the hydraulic motor 6 is changed.

[0027] The hydraulic motor 6 may also be a swashplate type axial piston motor whose capacity can be switched between two stages: a small capacity for high-speed rotation and a large capacity for normal rotation.

[0028] In the drive unit 4 configured as described above, the hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump 5 is supplied to the hydraulic motor 6, causing the hydraulic motor 6 to rotate. The rotational speed of the hydraulic motor 6 is changed according to the amount of fluid supplied and the tilt angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic motor 6. The rotational direction of the hydraulic motor 6 is switched by switching the position of the control valve 5a of the hydraulic pump 5.

[0029] The output shaft of the drive unit 4, i.e., the output shaft of the hydraulic motor 6, is connected to the rotation shaft O of the mixer drum 2 via the reduction gear 7. Therefore, by increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the hydraulic motor 6, it is possible to increase or decrease the rotation speed of the mixer drum 2, and by switching the rotation direction of the hydraulic motor 6, it is possible to switch the rotation direction of the mixer drum 2 between the forward rotation direction (agitation direction) and the reverse rotation direction (discharge direction).

[0030] Thus, since the rotational speed and direction of the mixer drum 2 are correlated with the rotational speed and direction of the hydraulic motor 6, it is possible to determine the rotational speed and direction of the mixer drum 2 from the values ​​detected by the rotation sensor 6a of the hydraulic motor 6. Alternatively, the rotation sensor 6a may detect the rotational speed and direction of the mixer drum 2 instead of the hydraulic motor 6.

[0031] When the mixer drum 2 is driven to rotate in the mixing direction, the ready-mixed concrete inside the mixer drum 2 moves forward while being mixed by the drum blades. Conversely, when the mixer drum 2 is driven to rotate in the discharge direction, the ready-mixed concrete inside the mixer drum 2 moves backward while being mixed by the drum blades.

[0032] By rotating the mixer drum 2 in the discharge direction, which is opposite to the mixing direction, the ready-mix concrete can be discharged from the opening 2a of the mixer drum 2. The ready-mix concrete discharged from the mixer drum 2 is guided to a predetermined position via the flow guide 17 and the chute 18.

[0033] Furthermore, when introducing ready-mix concrete into the mixer drum 2 via the hopper 16, the mixer drum 2 is rotated at a higher speed in the mixing direction than during mixing, thereby quickly moving the introduced ready-mix concrete to the front of the mixer drum 2.

[0034] The controller 20 consists of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and an I / O interface (Input / Output Interface). The RAM stores data from the CPU's processing, the ROM stores control programs for the CPU in advance, and the I / O interface is used for inputting and outputting information with connected devices. The operation of the drive unit 4 is controlled by operating the CPU, RAM, etc., according to the program stored in the ROM.

[0035] As described above, the controller 20 is connected to the rotation sensor 6a of the hydraulic motor 6, the rotation sensor 10b of the engine 10, and the pressure sensor 5c of the hydraulic pump 5. It is also connected to the vehicle speed sensor 21, which detects the vehicle's speed, and the parking brake switch 22, which detects the operating state of the parking brake. The detected values ​​from these sensors are input to the controller 20. In addition, as described above, the controller 20 is connected to the solenoid valve of the tilt angle adjustment mechanism 5b, the solenoid valve of the tilt angle adjustment mechanism 6b, the control valve 5a, and the throttle valve 10a, and command values ​​to operate these are output from the controller 20.

[0036] Furthermore, the controller 20 is connected to a number of control panels for operating the rotation direction and rotation speed of the mixer drum 2: a first control panel 41 located in the driver's cab 11, a second control panel 42 located to the right rear of the mixer car 1, a third control panel 43 located to the left rear of the mixer car 1, and a fourth control panel 44 located near the hopper 16.

[0037] The first control panel 41 is installed in the driver's cab 11 to allow operation of the mixer drum 2 even while the vehicle is in motion. The first control panel 41 is equipped with a dial-type potentiometer 41a for changing the rotation direction and rotation speed of the mixer drum 2, an emergency stop switch 41b for stopping the rotation of the mixer drum 2 in an emergency, and an automatic stirring switch 41c for automatically stirring and rotating the mixer drum 2. The first control panel 41 is connected to the controller 20 via a display unit 30, which will be described later and is installed in the driver's cab 11 together with the first control panel 41.

[0038] When the automatic mixing switch 41c is ON, the controller 20 determines whether the vehicle is moving based on the signal from the parking brake switch 22 and the detection value of the vehicle speed sensor 21. If it is determined that the vehicle is moving, the controller 2 rotates the mixer drum 2 in the mixing direction to prevent the discharge of ready-mix concrete and to maintain the quality of the ready-mix concrete. On the other hand, when the automatic mixing switch 41c is OFF, the controller 20 rotates the mixer drum 2 in response to the rotation operation of the potentiometer 41a, even if the vehicle is moving. Therefore, for example, it is possible to discharge the ready-mix concrete in the mixer drum 2 when the vehicle is moving at a very low speed.

[0039] The second control panel 42 is located at the right rear of the mixer truck 1 to allow operation of the mixer drum 2 while monitoring the amount of ready-mix concrete discharged to the right side of the vehicle via the chute 18. The second control panel 42 is equipped with a dial-type potentiometer 42a for changing the rotation direction and rotation speed of the mixer drum 2, and an emergency stop switch 42b for stopping the rotation of the mixer drum 2 in an emergency.

[0040] The third control panel 43 is located at the left rear of the mixer truck 1 to allow operation of the mixer drum 2 while monitoring the amount of ready-mix concrete discharged to the left side of the vehicle via the chute 18. For example, when discharging ready-mix concrete with two mixer trucks 1 side by side, by operating the second control panel 42 located at the right rear of one vehicle while operating the third control panel 43 located at the left rear of the other vehicle, it is possible to supply ready-mix concrete without interruption or to supply a large amount of ready-mix concrete.

[0041] The third control panel 43, like the second control panel 42, is equipped with a dial-type potentiometer 43a for changing the rotation direction and rotation speed of the mixer drum 2, and an emergency stop switch 43b for stopping the rotation of the mixer drum 2 in an emergency.

[0042] The fourth operation panel 44 is provided around the hopper 16, that is, above the vehicle, in order to enable the operation of the mixing drum 2 while checking the remaining amount of the raw concrete in the mixing drum 2. Similar to the second operation panel 42 and the third operation panel 43, the fourth operation panel 44 is provided with a dial knob type potentiometer 44a for changing the rotation direction and rotation speed of the mixing drum 2, and an emergency stop switch 44b for stopping the rotation of the mixing drum 2 in case of emergency.

[0043] These operation panels 41 to 44 may be of a fixed type fixed to the vehicle, or may be of a detachable type connected to the vehicle via a cable and removable.

[0044] The potentiometers 41a to 44a provided on each operation panel 41 to 44 are variable resistors whose electrical resistance values change according to the amount of rotation operation. When the potentiometers 41a to 44a are rotated by an operator, the controller 20 controls each mechanism constituting the drive device 4, such as the tilting angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic pump 5, the tilting angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic motor 6, and the control valve 5a of the hydraulic pump 5, so that the rotation state of the mixing drum 2 becomes a state corresponding to the electrical resistance values of the potentiometers 41a to 44a.

[0045] Specifically, when the operator rotates the potentiometer 41a in the clockwise direction on the first operation panel 41, the controller 20 rotates the mixing drum 2 in the stirring direction at a rotation speed corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the potentiometer 41a. Conversely, when the operator rotates the potentiometer 41a in the counterclockwise direction, the controller 20 rotates the mixing drum 2 in the discharging direction at a rotation speed corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the potentiometer 41a.

[0046] In this way, the mixer truck 1 is provided with a plurality of operation panels 41 to 44. However, when the potentiometers 41a to 44a of each operation panel  41 to 44 are operated simultaneously, the controller 20 cannot determine which operation should be prioritized. Therefore, the operation of the mixing drum 2 is set to be performed by one operation panel that has acquired the operation right.

[0047] Specifically, for example, after rotating the potentiometer 42a of the second operation panel 42 to the maximum position once and then returning it to the neutral position, the second operation panel 42 is given the operation right, and the subsequent operation of the mixer drum 2 can be performed by the second operation panel 42. And while the potentiometer 42a of the second operation panel 42 with the operation right is being operated, it is impossible to operate by other operation panels. When the potentiometer 42a of the second operation panel 42 is returned to the neutral position and the potentiometer 43a of another operation panel, for example, the third operation panel 43, is rotated to the maximum position once and then returned to the neutral position, the operation right transfers to the third operation panel 43.

[0048] Here, since the potentiometers 41a to 44a of each operation panel 41 to 44 are composed of variable resistors whose electrical resistance values change, they may become inoperable due to disconnection, short circuit, etc. Also, the emergency stop switches 41b to 44b provided on each operation panel 41 to 44 can always be operated for safety regardless of the presence or absence of the operation right.

[0049] Therefore, when the rotation of the mixer drum 2 does not change even if the potentiometer of any operation panel is operated, various factors can be considered, such as whether the potentiometer being operated has simply failed, whether another operation panel has the operation right, or whether the emergency stop switch of any operation panel has been operated, and it is difficult to immediately determine the cause.

[0050] To identify the cause, the operation of the mixer drum 2 must be interrupted once and the states of all operation panels must be visually checked. As a result, there is a risk that the operation of charging raw material into the mixer drum 2 or discharging raw material from the mixer drum 2 will be delayed.

[0051] To avoid such delays in operation and to ensure smooth operation of the mixer drum 2, the mixer drum control panel display device 100 according to this embodiment includes the controller 20 described above as a determination unit for determining the state of each control panel 41 to 44, and a display unit 30 that displays the state of each control panel 41 to 44 determined by the controller 20 using images that are easily recognizable visually. The determination unit may be a controller provided separately from the controller 20 described above.

[0052] The display unit 30 is a monitor installed in a position easily visible to the operator in the driver's cab 11, and, like the controller 20, has a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and I / O interface (Input / Output Interface).

[0053] The display unit 30 is connected to the controller 20 via a CAN (Controller Area Network). Image data generated by the CPU of the controller 20 is transmitted to the display unit 30 via the CAN, and the image is displayed on the monitor of the display unit 30. Alternatively, the image data may be generated by the CPU of the display unit 30 based on signals transmitted from the controller 20.

[0054] Furthermore, the operation signals from the first control panel 41 connected to the display unit 30 are first transmitted to the CPU of the display unit 30, and then transmitted to the controller 20 via CAN. By configuring the system to transmit the operation signals from the first control panel 41 to the controller 20 via the display unit 30, wiring connecting the first control panel 41 and the controller 20 becomes unnecessary. Reducing the amount of wiring routed from the controller 20 improves the flexibility of the placement of the display unit 30 and the first control panel 41, making it possible to position the display unit 30 and the first control panel 41 in a location that is easy for the operator to use. As a result, the ease of operation of the mixer drum 2 by the operator can be improved.

[0055] The display unit 30 and the controller 20 may be connected via a communication network using a communication standard other than CAN. The first control panel 41 may be connected directly to the controller 20 without going through the display unit 30, similar to the other control panels 42-44. The display unit 30 may also have only a display function and not a microcomputer. Furthermore, the installation location of the display unit 30 is not limited to within the driver's cab 11; it may be in a location easily visible to the operator, for example, near where the second control panel 42 is located at the rear of the vehicle. Multiple display units 30 may be provided in the vehicle.

[0056] The contents displayed on the display unit 30 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0057] First, referring to Figures 3A to 3D, we will explain the markings on the control panels 41 to 44 that have operating rights.

[0058] When the controller 20 determines that the potentiometers 41a to 44a of all control panels 41 to 44 are in the neutral position, and a predetermined signal is input indicating that a potentiometer has been rotated to the maximum position from any control panel and then returned to the neutral position, the controller 20 determines that the control panel has acquired the right to operate. The controller 20 then generates an image on the display unit 30 in which an operation right indicator 32 indicating the control panel with the right to operate is superimposed on the illustration display 31, which is an illustration of the mixer car 1. In addition to the operation right indicator 32, the position of the control panel with the right to operate may also be displayed in text.

[0059] Figure 3A shows the case where the first control panel 41 located inside the driver's cab 11 has acquired the right to operate; Figure 3B shows the case where the second control panel 42 located to the right rear of the mixer car 1 has acquired the right to operate; Figure 3C shows the case where the third control panel 43 located to the left rear of the mixer car 1 has acquired the right to operate; and Figure 3D shows the case where the fourth control panel 44 located near the hopper 16 has acquired the right to operate.

[0060] For example, when the display unit 30 shows the state shown in Figure 3B, that is, when the second control panel 42 has acquired the right to operate, operating the potentiometer 43a of the third control panel 43, which is located at the left rear of the mixer truck 1, will not change the rotation of the mixer drum 2. In this case, the operator can easily understand by looking at the display unit 30 that the reason they could not operate the mixer drum 2 was that the second control panel 42 had the right to operate it.

[0061] By viewing the status of the control panel displayed on the display unit 30, the operator can easily take action if the rotation of the mixer drum 2 does not change, without having to visually check the status of all the control panels 41 to 44. As a result, the operation of the mixer drum 2 can be carried out smoothly, and delays in the process of pouring ready-mix concrete into the mixer drum 2 and discharging ready-mix concrete from the mixer drum 2 can be avoided.

[0062] Next, referring to Figure 4, we will explain the display when the emergency stop switches 41b to 44b are operated.

[0063] When the controller 20 receives a predetermined signal indicating that an emergency stop switch has been operated from any of the control panels, it stops the rotation of the mixer drum 2 and determines which control panel the emergency stop switch was operated from. The controller 20 then generates an image on the display unit 30 in which a status display 33 indicating an emergency stop state and a stop operation display 34 indicating the control panel on which the emergency stop switch was operated are superimposed on the illustration display 31, which is an illustration of the mixer car 1. In addition to the stop operation display 34, the position of the control panel on which the emergency stop switch was operated may also be displayed in text. Furthermore, the status display 33 and the stop operation display 34 may be displayed by flashing along with a warning sound.

[0064] Figure 4 shows the case when the emergency stop switch 42b is operated on the second control panel 42 located at the right rear of the mixer car 1.

[0065] For example, when the display unit 30 shows the state shown in Figure 4, that is, when the emergency stop switch 42b on the second control panel 42 is operated, operating the potentiometer 43a on the third control panel 43 located on the left rear of the mixer truck 1 will naturally not change the rotation of the mixer drum 2. In this case, the operator can easily understand by looking at the display unit 30 that the reason the mixer drum 2 could not be operated was because the emergency stop switch 42b on the second control panel 42 was operated.

[0066] By viewing the status of the control panel displayed on the display unit 30, the operator can easily take action if the rotation of the mixer drum 2 does not change, without having to visually check the status of all the control panels 41 to 44. As a result, the operation of the mixer drum 2 can be carried out smoothly, and delays in the process of pouring ready-mix concrete into the mixer drum 2 and discharging ready-mix concrete from the mixer drum 2 can be avoided.

[0067] The emergency stop state is released by turning the key switch (not shown) of the engine 10 off and then on again. The method for releasing the emergency stop state is not limited to operating the key switch; a separate release switch for releasing the emergency stop state may be provided, and this release switch may be operated.

[0068] Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain the display when the mixer car 1 is in motion.

[0069] The controller 20 determines whether the vehicle is in motion based on the signal from the parking brake switch 22 and the detection value from the vehicle speed sensor 21. If it determines that the vehicle is in motion, it prohibits operation of each control panel 41 to 44 in order to prevent the discharge of ready-mix concrete. The controller 20 then generates an image in which a status display 35 indicating that the vehicle is in motion is superimposed on an illustration display 31 which is an illustration of the mixer truck 1, and displays this image on the display unit 30.

[0070] Figure 5 shows that the mixer truck 1 is in motion and none of the control panels 41-44 have the right to operate. As mentioned above, the first control panel 41 can operate the mixer drum 2 even when the vehicle is in motion by turning off the automatic stirring switch 41c. In this case, the display unit 30 shows a status indicator 35 indicating that the vehicle is in motion, as well as an operating right indicator 32 indicating that the first control panel 41 has the right to operate.

[0071] Next, referring to Figures 6 and 7, we will explain the display when control panels 41 to 44 malfunction.

[0072] The controller 20 determines whether or not there is a malfunction in the potentiometers 41a to 44a of each control panel 41 to 44, according to the flowchart shown in Figure 6, and displays the control panel that is determined to be malfunctioning on the display unit 30.

[0073] Specifically, in step S11, the controller 20 first measures the resistance values ​​of each potentiometer 41a to 44a. The measurement of resistance values ​​is started when the operator sets each potentiometer 41a to 44a to the neutral position and then initiates the measurement start operation.

[0074] In the following step S12, it is determined whether the measured resistance value is within a predetermined range of the reference resistance value, for example, within ±10% of the reference resistance value. If the resistance values ​​of each potentiometer 41a to 44a are within the predetermined range, the process ends. If the resistance value of any of the potentiometers 41a to 44a is not within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0075] In step S13, the controller 20 determines that the control panels 41 to 44 having potentiometers 41a to 44a whose resistance values ​​are not within a predetermined range are faulty, and in the following step S14, the controller 20 displays the faulty control panels 41 to 44 on the display unit 30.

[0076] In step S14, the controller 20 generates an image in which a malfunction indicator 36, indicating a malfunctioning control panel, is superimposed on an illustration display 31, which is an illustration of the mixer car 1, and displays this image on the display unit 30. In addition to the malfunction indicator 36, the location of the malfunctioning control panel may also be displayed in text. The malfunction indicator 36 may also be displayed in a flashing manner to draw attention. If there is a control panel for which the operator has the right to operate, an operation right indicator 32 is also displayed on the display unit 30.

[0077] Figure 7 shows a case where the second control panel 42 is malfunctioning and the first control panel 41 has acquired the right to operate the system.

[0078] For example, when the display unit 30 shows the state shown in Figure 7, that is, when it is determined that the second control panel 42 is malfunctioning, operating the potentiometer 42a of the second control panel 42 will naturally not change the rotation of the mixer drum 2. In this case, by looking at the display unit 30, the operator can easily understand that the malfunction of the second control panel 42 is the reason why the mixer drum 2 could not be operated, and can also easily understand that the first control panel 41 has acquired the right to operate it.

[0079] By viewing the status of the control panel displayed on the display unit 30, the operator can easily take action if the rotation of the mixer drum 2 does not change, without having to visually check the status of all the control panels 41 to 44. As a result, the operation of the mixer drum 2 can be carried out smoothly, and delays in the process of pouring ready-mix concrete into the mixer drum 2 and discharging ready-mix concrete from the mixer drum 2 can be avoided.

[0080] According to the above embodiments, the following effects are achieved.

[0081] In the mixer drum control panel display device 100, the status of each control panel 41 to 44, as determined by the controller 20, is displayed on the display unit 30. Therefore, if the rotation of the mixer drum 2 does not change even when the potentiometers 41a to 44a of any of the control panels 41 to 44 are operated, the reason why the mixer drum 2 could not be operated can be easily determined by looking at the information displayed on the display unit 30. In this way, the status of all control panels 41 to 44 can be understood without having to visually check them, allowing for smooth operation of the mixer drum 2.

[0082] Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

[0083] In the above embodiment, control panels 41 to 44 are provided in four locations. The number of control panels is not limited to this, and there may be multiple control panels. For example, they may be provided in two locations, such as inside the driver's cab 11 and at the rear of the mixer car 1, or they may be provided in four or more locations.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, fault detection for each control panel 41 to 44 is performed in accordance with the operator's operation. Fault detection for each control panel 41 to 44 is not limited to this and may be performed at all times. For example, if the resistance value of the potentiometers 41a to 44a is very large compared to the reference value, it may be determined to be an open circuit fault, and if the resistance value of the potentiometers 41a to 44a is very small compared to the reference value, and there is almost no resistance, it may be determined to be a short circuit fault.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the presence or absence of a malfunction in each of the control panels 41 to 44 is determined based on the resistance values ​​of the potentiometers 41a to 44a. However, the presence or absence of a malfunction in each of the control panels 41 to 44 is not limited to this, and may also be determined based on the conduction state of the emergency stop switches 41b to 44b, the occurrence of chattering, etc.

[0086] The configuration, operation, and effects of the embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0087] The mixer drum control panel display device 100, which displays the status of multiple control panels 41 to 44 provided for operating the mixer drum 2 mounted on the mixer truck 1, comprises a controller 20 that determines the status of the control panels 41 to 44, and a display unit 30 that displays the status of the control panels 41 to 44 determined by the controller 20.

[0088] In this configuration, the status of each control panel 41-44, as determined by the controller 20, is displayed on the display unit 30. Therefore, if the rotation of the mixer drum 2 does not change even when any of the control panels 41-44 is operated, the reason why the mixer drum 2 could not be operated can be easily determined by looking at the information displayed on the display unit 30. In this way, the status of all control panels 41-44 can be understood without having to visually check them, allowing for smooth operation of the mixer drum 2.

[0089] Furthermore, the controller 20 determines which of the multiple control panels 41 to 44 is in a state where it can operate the mixer drum 2, and the display unit 30 displays the control panel 41 to 44 that the controller 20 has determined to be in a state where it can operate the mixer drum 2.

[0090] In this configuration, the controller 20 determines that the control panels 41 to 44 are in a state where the mixer drum 2 can be operated, and these are displayed on the display unit 30. Therefore, if operating any of the control panels 41 to 44 does not change the rotation of the mixer drum 2, the user can easily understand that the reason they could not operate the mixer drum 2 was that another control panel had the right to operate it, by looking at the information displayed on the display unit 30. In this way, the status of all the control panels 41 to 44 can be understood without having to visually check them, allowing for smooth operation of the mixer drum 2.

[0091] Furthermore, the controller 20 determines whether or not an emergency stop operation has been performed on any of the operation panels 41 to 44, and the display unit 30 displays the operation panel 41 to 44 on which the controller 20 determined that an emergency stop operation has been performed.

[0092] In this configuration, the controller 20 determines that an emergency stop operation has been performed on control panels 41 to 44, and these are displayed on the display unit 30. Therefore, if operating any of the control panels 41 to 44 does not change the rotation of the mixer drum 2, the user can easily understand that the reason they could not operate the mixer drum 2 was that an emergency stop operation had been performed by looking at the information displayed on the display unit 30. In this way, the status of all control panels 41 to 44 can be understood without having to visually check them, allowing for smooth operation of the mixer drum 2.

[0093] Furthermore, the controller 20 determines whether or not the control panels 41 to 44 are faulty based on their electrical characteristics, and the display unit 30 displays the control panels 41 to 44 that the controller 20 has determined to be faulty.

[0094] In this configuration, the controller 20 determines that any of the control panels 41-44 are malfunctioning, and these are displayed on the display unit 30. Therefore, if operating any of the control panels 41-44 does not change the rotation of the mixer drum 2, the user can easily determine that a malfunction in one of the control panels 41-44 is the reason why the mixer drum 2 could not be operated by looking at the information displayed on the display unit 30. In this way, the status of all the control panels 41-44 can be understood without having to visually check them, allowing for smooth operation of the mixer drum 2.

[0095] Furthermore, the controller 20 determines whether or not there is a malfunction in the control panels 41 to 44 based on the resistance value of a variable resistor, which is provided in the control panels 41 to 44 and whose electrical resistance value changes when the rotation speed of the mixer drum 2 is changed.

[0096] In this configuration, the controller 20 determines whether or not a control panel 41 to 44 is faulty based on the resistance values ​​of the variable resistors provided in the control panels 41 to 44. In this way, by determining whether or not a control panel 41 to 44 is faulty based on the magnitude of the resistance values ​​of the variable resistors that are directly involved in the operation of the mixer drum 2, faults in the control panels 41 to 44 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments only represent a part of the application examples 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.

[0098] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-71606, filed with the Japan Patent Office on 3 April 2019, and all contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A mixer drum control panel display device that displays the status of multiple control panels provided for operating mixer drums mounted on a mixer truck, comprising: a determination unit that determines the status of the control panels; and a display unit that displays the status of the control panels determined by the determination unit.

2. A mixer drum control panel display device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines which of the plurality of control panels is in a state in which the mixer drum can be operated, and the display unit displays the control panel that is determined by the determination unit to be in a state in which the mixer drum can be operated.

3. A mixer drum control panel display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether an emergency stop operation has been performed on any of the plurality of control panels, and the display unit displays the control panel for which the determination unit has determined that an emergency stop operation has been performed.

4. A mixer drum control panel display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the control panel is faulty based on the electrical characteristics of the control panel, and the display unit displays the control panel that has been determined to be faulty by the determination unit.

5. A mixer drum control panel display device according to claim 4, wherein the determining unit determines whether or not the control panel is faulty based on the resistance value of a variable resistor that is provided on the control panel and whose electrical resistance value changes when the rotation speed of the mixer drum is changed.

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