AU2015277897B2

AU2015277897B2 - Mixer truck management system, mixer truck management server, mixer truck and mixer truck management method

Info

Publication number: AU2015277897B2
Application number: AU2015277897A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Keita Abe; Yoshimitsu Takahashi; Kazunori Tanaka
Original assignee: KYB Corp
Current assignee: KYB Corp
Priority date: 2014-06-17
Filing date: 2015-06-17
Publication date: 2018-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-17
Also published as: WO2015194578A1; NZ728233A; JPWO2015194578A1; AU2015277897A1

Abstract

[Problem] To appropriately detect the replacement time of a fluid pressure pump in a mixer truck without human intervention. [Solution] This mixer truck management system comprises a mixer truck and a management server. The mixer truck is provided with a mixer drum, a fluid pressure pump which, when being driven, can rotate the mixer drum by the discharge pressure of a work fluid, a mixer truck communication unit which can communicate with the management server, and a mixer truck control unit which can acquire the loading time during which a discharge pressure greater than or equal to a prescribed value is generated in the fluid pressure pump and generate loading time information and which can control the mixer truck communication unit to send the generated loading time information to the management server. The management server comprises a server communication unit which can communicate with the mixer truck, a storage unit which can store threshold value information indicating a threshold value relating to the loading time, and a server control unit which can control the server communication unit to receive the sent loading time information, which determines whether or not the total loading time indicated by the received loading time information is greater than or equal to the threshold value, and which, if the total time is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold value, can generate replacement time information indicating the replacement time of the fluid pressure pump.

Description

DESCRIPTION

MIXER TRUCK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, MIXER TRUCK MANAGEMENT SERVER, MIXER TRUCK, AND MIXER TRUCK MANAGEMENT METHOD

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a mixer vehicle management system, a mixer vehicle management server, a mixer vehicle, and a mixer vehicle management method with which a time for replacement of components of a mixer vehicle can be managed.

Background Art [0002] From the past, mixer vehicles including mixer drums capable of carrying mortar, ready-mixed concrete, and the like (hereinafter, referred to as ready-mixed concrete) have been used at construction sites for civil engineering and construction, for example.

[0003] The mixer vehicle extracts rotative power from an engine, transmits it to a fluid pressure (hydraulic) pump, supplies a pressure fluid (pressure oil) discharged from the fluid pressure (hydraulic) pump to a fluid pressure (hydraulic) motor to rotationally drive the motor, and rotationally drives the mixer drum by the rotation, to transport the ready-mixed concrete carried in the mixer drum to the construction site while constantly mixing it (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2013-22960 Summary

Problems to be solved [0005] It goes without saying that the components such as the mixer drum, the fluid pressure pump, and the fluid pressure motor included in the mixer vehicle each have a time for replacement or a lifetime. However, workers at sites, owners of mixer vehicles, and the like do not grasp the time for replacement of those components in most cases, so it is difficult to appropriately determine the time for replacement or even when having knowledge on the time for replacement, management thereof is terribly troubling. Therefore, regarding the grasping of the time for replacement, there is no choice but to depend on manual checking operations by maintenance agencies.

[0006] Of those components, the fluid pressure pump constantly rotates along with the drive of an engine and is therefore a component with a particularly large load, so there is a need to appropriately grasp the time for replacement or lifetime thereof.

[0007] In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a mixer vehicle management system, a mixer vehicle management server, a mixer vehicle, and a mixer vehicle management method with which a time for replacement of a fluid pressure pump of the mixer vehicle can be appropriated detected without requiring manpower.

Means for solving the Problems [0008] To attain the object described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mixer vehicle management system including a mixer vehicle and a management server.

The mixer vehicle includes a mixer drum, a fluid pressure pump, a mixer vehicle communication unit, and a mixer vehicle control unit. The fluid pressure pump is capable of rotating the mixer drum by a discharge pressure of a working fluid during drive. The mixer vehicle communication unit is capable of communicating with the management server. The mixer vehicle control unit is capable of acquiring a load time during which the discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused to generate load time information and controlling the mixer vehicle communication unit to transmit the generated load time information to the management server.

The management server includes a server communication unit, a storage unit, and a server control unit. The server communication unit is capable of communicating with the mixer vehicle. The storage unit is capable of storing threshold value information indicating a threshold value related to the load time. The server control unit is capable of controlling the server communication unit to receive the transmitted load time information, determining whether an integrated time of load times indicated by the received load time information is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and generating replacement time information indicating a time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump when determined that the integrated time is equal to or larger than the threshold value.

[0009] With this configuration,, the mixer vehicle management system can appropriately detect the time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump of the mixer vehicle without requiring manpower.

[0010] The server communication unit may be capable of communicating with an owner server that is owned by an owner of the mixer vehicle. In this case, the server control unit may control the server communication unit to transmit notification information notifying the time for replacement to the owner server based on the generated replacement time information.

[0011] With this configuration, the mixer vehicle management system can notify the owner of the mixer vehicle, of the time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump to prompt the owner to take measures, such as purchasing a replacement fluid pressure pump as appropriate. Here, the owner includes mixer vehicle rental companies .

[0012] The storage unit may store, as the threshold value, information indicating a first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value. In this case, the server control unit may generate the replacement time information when the integrated time is determined to be equal to or larger than the first threshold value and smaller than the second threshold value and generate lifetime information indicating an end of a lifetime of the fluid pressure pump when the integrated time is determined to be equal to or larger than the second threshold value.

[0013] With this configuration, the mixer vehicle management system can appropriately detect not only the time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump but also the end of a lifetime thereof without requiring manpower .

[0014] The server communication unit may be capable of communicating with an owner server that is owned by an owner of the mixer vehicle. In this case, the server control unit may control the server communication unit to transmit first notification information notifying the time for replacement to the owner server based on the generated replacement time information and transmit second notification information notifying the end of a lifetime to the owner server based on the generated lifetime information.

[0015] With this configuration, by notifying the owner of the mixer vehicle of the time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump, the mixer vehicle management system can prompt the owner to take measures, such as purchasing a replacement fluid pressure pump as appropriate, and by notifying the end of a lifetime, prompt the owner to take measures such as stopping the use of the mixer vehicle.

[0016] The mixer vehicle may include an audio output unit. In this case, the server control unit may control the server communication unit to transmit first notification information notifying the time for replacement to the mixer vehicle based on the generated replacement time information and transmit second notification information notifying the end of a lifetime to the mixer vehicle based on the generated lifetime information. In this case, the mixer vehicle control unit may control the mixer vehicle communication unit to receive the transmitted first notification information or second notification information, control the audio output unit to output a first notification sound in a first volume when the first notification information is received, and control the audio output unit to output a second notification sound in a second volume larger than the first volume when the second notification information is received.

[0017] With this configuration, the mixer vehicle management system can cause a driver of the mixer vehicle to distinguishably grasp the time for replacement and the end of a lifetime of the fluid pressure pump without stopping during driving.

[0018] The mixer vehicle may include a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the mixer vehicle. In this case, the mixer vehicle control unit may control the communication unit to transmit the acquired position information to the management server. On the other hand, the storage unit may store threshold value information indicating a plurality of different threshold values respectively corresponding to a plurality of pieces of position information having different mean temperatures. In this case, the server control unit may control the server communication unit to receive the transmitted position information and generate the replacement time information when the integrated time is determined to be equal to or larger than the threshold value corresponding to the position information.

[0019] With this configuration, the mixer vehicle management system can highly accurately detect the time for replacement according to the position (temperature) at the time the fluid pressure pump is driving in consideration of a difference in the times for replacement that is caused as a result of the loads differing due to a difference in viscosities of the working fluid of the fluid pressure pump according to temperatures .

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mixer vehicle management server including a communication unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a mixer vehicle including a fluid pressure pump capable of rotating a mixer drum by a discharge pressure of a working fluid during drive. The storage unit is capable of storing threshold value information indicating a threshold value related to a load time during which the discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused in the fluid pressure pump. The control unit is capable of acquiring load time information indicating the load time through communication with the mixer vehicle, determining whether an integrated time of load times indicated by the acquired load time information is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and generating replacement time information indicating a time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump when determined that the integrated time is equal to or larger than the threshold value.

[0021] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mixer vehicle including a mixer drum, a fluid pressure pump, a communication unit, and a control unit. The fluid pressure pump is capable of rotating the mixer drum by a discharge pressure of a working fluid during drive. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a management server. The control unit is capable of acquiring a load time during which the discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused in the fluid pressure pump to generate load time information and controlling the communication unit to transmit the generated load time information to the management server.

[0022] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mixer vehicle management method including: by a mixer vehicle carrying a mixer drum, acquiring a load time during which, in a fluid pressure pump capable of rotating the mixer drum by a discharge pressure of a working fluid during drive, the discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused and generating load time information; and transmitting the generated load time information to a management server, and by the management server, receiving the transmitted load time information; determining whether an integrated time of load times indicated by the received load time information is equal to or larger than a threshold value; and generating replacement time information indicating a time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump when determined that the integrated time is equal to or larger than the threshold value.

Effects [0023] According to the present invention, the time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump of the mixer vehicle can be appropriately detected without requiring manpower. However, the effects herein do not limit the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings [0024] [Fig. 1] A diagram showing a general outline of a mixer vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] A plan view of a mixer vehicle in the system. [Fig. 3] A block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mixer vehicle.

[Fig. 4] A block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a management server in the system.

[Fig. 5] A flowchart showing a flow of load time information generation processing carried out by the mixer vehicle.

[Fig. 6] A flowchart showing a flow of load time information transmission processing carried out by the mixer vehicle.

[Fig. 7] A flowchart showing a flow of notification information transmission processing carried out by the management server.

[Fig. 8] A flowchart showing a flow of notification processing carried out by the mixer vehicle.

Description of Preferred Embodiments [0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings .

[0026] [General outline of system]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a general outline of a mixer vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As shown in the figure, the system includes a mixer vehicle 100, a management server 200, a user server 300, and a rental company server 400.

[0028] The mixer vehicle 100 is a vehicle that carries mortar, ready-mixed concrete, and the like (hereinafter, referred to as "ready-mixed concrete") and transports them to construction sites for civil engineering and construction, the mixer vehicle 100 being communicable with the management server 200 via a wireless base station (not shown) and the Internet 50, for example.

[0029] The management server 200 is a server that is operated by a manufacturer of the mixer vehicle 100, for example, and is communicable with the mixer vehicle 100, the user server 300, and the rental company server 400 via the Internet 50.

[0030] In this embodiment, the management server 200 is installed for managing a time for replacement and an end of a lifetime of a hydraulic pump of the mixer vehicle 100 and notifying them.

[0031] The user server 300 is a server that is operated by an owner of the mixer vehicle 100 (excluding rental company) and is communicable with the management server 200 via the Internet 50.

[0032] The rental company server 400 is a server that is operated by a rental company of the mixer vehicle 100 and is communicable with the management server 200 via the Internet 50.

[0033] Instead of the manufacturer of the mixer vehicle 100, the management server 200 may be operated by other agents such as the rental company described above .

[0034] [Configuration of mixer vehicle]

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the mixer vehicle 100, and Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mixer vehicle 100. Using these figures, the overall configuration of the mixer vehicle 100 will be described.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a vehicle that carries ready-mixed concrete in a mixer drum 2 and transports it. The mixer vehicle 100 includes a driver's cabin 11, a cradle 1, the mixer drum 2 that is mounted on the cradle 1 and is capable of carrying ready-mixed concrete, a driving apparatus 4 that rotationally drives the mixer drum 2, and a controller 10 that controls the respective blocks of the mixer vehicle 100.

[0036] The ready-mixed concrete is generated from materials such as cement, aggregate, and water at ready-mixed concrete manufacturing plants and loaded into the mixer drum 2 of the mixer vehicle 100 to be mixed by rotary drive of the mixer drum 2.

[0037] The mixer drum 2 is a bottomed vessel that has a cylindrical shape and is rotatably mounted on the cradle 1. The mixer drum 2 is mounted such that its rotary axis is directed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The mixer drum 2 is tilted in the longitudinal direction so as to gradually become higher toward the back.

[0038] An opening is formed at a rear end of the mixer drum 2, and ready-mixed concrete can be loaded into and discharged from the opening. The mixer drum 2 is rotationally driven using a traveling engine 3 mounted on the mixer vehicle 100 as a power source.

[0039] The driving apparatus 4 is driven by rotations of the engine 3 and rotationally drives the mixer drum 2 by a fluid pressure of a working fluid. A rotational movement of a crankshaft of the engine 3 is transmitted to the driving apparatus 4 via a power takeoff mechanism 9 (PTO: Power Take-off) for constantly taking off power from the engine 3 and a drive shaft 8 that couples the power takeoff mechanism 9 and the driving apparatus 4.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3, a rotation sensor 9a that detects the number of rotations of the power takeoff mechanism 9 and transmits a rotation number signal corresponding to the detected number of rotations to the controller 10 is provided in the power takeoff mechanism 9. The rotation sensor 9a may be provided so as to detect the number of rotations of the drive shaft 8 .

[0041] In the driving apparatus 4, a hydraulic oil is used as the working fluid. Other uncompressed fluids may also be used as the working fluid instead of the hydraulic oil. As shown in Fig. 2, the driving apparatus 4 includes a hydraulic pump 5 as a fluid pressure pump that is driven by the engine 3 and discharges the working fluid and a hydraulic motor 6 as a fluid pressure motor that is driven by the hydraulic pump 5 and rotationally drives the mixer drum 2. The driving apparatus 4 is capable of positively and negatively rotating the mixer drum 2 and also speeding up and down the mixer drum 2.

[0042] The hydraulic pump 5 is rotationally driven by power constantly taken off from the engine 3 via the power takeoff mechanism 9. Therefore, the number of rotations of the hydraulic pump 5 is largely influenced by the number of rotations of the engine 3 that varies depending on a vehicle traveling state. In this regard, in the mixer vehicle 100, the controller 10 controls operations of the hydraulic pump 5 and the hydraulic motor 6 such that the mixer drum 2 is put in a target rotation state according to the rotation speed of the engine 3.

[0043] The hydraulic pump 5 is a swash-plate-type axial piston pump having a variable capacity, for example. The hydraulic pump 5 receives an instruction signal from the controller 10 and switches a pump tilt angle in the positive rotation direction or the negative rotation direction. The hydraulic pump 5 includes an electromagnetic valve for adjusting the tilt angle. By switching the electromagnetic valve, a discharge direction and discharge amount of the hydraulic pump 5 are adjusted.

[0044] By supplying the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 5 to the hydraulic motor 6, the hydraulic motor 6 is rotated. The mixer drum 2 is coupled to the hydraulic motor 6 via a reducer 7.

Accordingly, the mixer drum 2 rotates along with the rotation of the hydraulic motor 6.

[0045] When the mixer drum 2 is positively rotated by the hydraulic pump 5, the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 is mixed. On the other hand, when the mixer drum 2 is inversely rotated by the hydraulic pump 5, the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 is discharged from the opening at the rear end thereof.

[0046] The oil pressure of the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 5 varies depending on a loaded amount and slump (numerical value indicating fluidity of ready-mixed concrete) of the ready-mixed concrete carried in the mixer drum 2. A pressure sensor 5a (see Fig. 3) as a pressure detector that detects a pressure of the hydraulic oil to be discharged is provided in the hydraulic pump 5.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3, the pressure sensor 5a transmits a load pressure signal to the controller 10 based on the detected hydraulic oil pressure. The pressure sensor 5a may be provided in the hydraulic motor 6 to detect the hydraulic oil pressure in the hydraulic motor 6 instead of being provided in the hydraulic pump 5.

[0048] The hydraulic motor 6 is a swash-plate-type axial piston motor having a variable capacity, for example. The hydraulic motor 6 is supplied with the hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 5 so as to be rotationally driven. The hydraulic motor 6 includes an electromagnetic valve that receives an instruction signal from the controller 10 and adjusts a tilt angle of the motor. By switching the electromagnetic valve, the capacity of the hydraulic motor 6 is switched between a small capacity for highspeed rotations and a large capacity for normal rotations .

[0049] The controller 10 controls the driving apparatus 4 and the other blocks of the mixer vehicle 100. The controller 10 is a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 120, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130.

[0050] The CPU 110 appropriately accesses the EEPROM 120, the RAM 130, and the like as necessary and collectively controls the entire blocks of the mixer vehicle 100 while carrying out various types of operational processing.

[0051] The EEPROM 120 is a nonvolatile memory that fixedly stores an OS to be executed by the CPU 110 and firmware such as programs and various parameters.

[0052] The RAM 130 is used as a working area of the CPU 110 and the like and temporarily stores the OS, various applications being executed, and various types of data being processed.

[0053] In this embodiment, the CPU 110 includes a load time information generation unit 111. The load time information generation unit 111 acquires a load time during which a discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused during drive of the hydraulic pump and generates load time information.

[0054] Specifically, when a load pressure signal received from the pressure sensor 5a indicates a discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more, the load time information generation unit 111 activates a timer and counts a load time until the discharge pressure indicated by the load pressure signal falls below the predetermined value. Then, the load time information generation unit 111 generates load time information indicating the counted load time and stores it in, for example, the EEPROM 120.

[0055] The EEPROM 120 also stores programs for executing load time information generation processing.

[0056] A communication unit 21, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 22, and a speaker 23 are connected to the controller 10.

[0057] The communication unit 21 is a wireless communication unit that supports a wireless communication standard such as a wireless LAN and performs communication processing with the management server 200.

[0058] The LCD 22 is provided in the driver's cabin 11, for example, and carries out lighting processing or blinking processing in a predetermined color based on notification information transmitted from the management server 200, for example.

[0059] The speaker 23 is provided in the driver's cabin 11, for example, and outputs predetermined alarm sounds in different volumes based on the notification information transmitted from the management server 200.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 3, as the driver operates an ignition switch in the driver's cabin 11 to start the engine 3, an ignition power source is input to the controller 10. Accordingly, the power source from a battery (not shown) is supplied to the controller 10, and the controller 10 is activated.

[0061] The mixer vehicle 100 also includes a water tank 12 that stores water, a hydraulic pump 13 that sucks in and discharges water in the water tank 12, and an open/close valve 14 provided between the hydraulic pump 13 and the mixer drum 2.

[0062] In the driver's cabin 11, a parking brake 31 and an operation apparatus 32 for operating the mixer drum 2 are provided.

[0063] In the operation apparatus 32, a dial-type operation switch 32a for switching the rotation direction and number of rotations of the mixer drum 2, a stop switch 32b for stopping the rotations of the mixer drum 2 at an emergency, and an automatic mixing switch 32c for automatically mixing and rotating the mixer drum 2 are provided. Also in the operation apparatus 32, a loading mode switch 32d for switching the mode into a loading mode in which materials for the ready-mixed concrete can be loaded into the mixer drum 2, a slump readjustment switch 32e for readjusting a slump of the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2, and a kneading switch 32f for kneading the ready-mixed concrete in the mixer drum 2 only for a predetermined time are provided.

[0064] By the driver operating the switches 32a to 32f, instruction signals are output from the operation apparatus 32 to the controller 10. Based on those instruction signals, the controller 10 determines a target rotation state, specifically, the rotation direction and number of rotations of the mixer drum 2.

[0065] At a rear portion of the mixer drum 2, a rear operation apparatus 38 that enables the mixer drum 2 to be operated from outside the mixer vehicle 100 is provided. In the rear operation apparatus 38, a dial-type operation switch 38a for switching the rotation direction and number of rotations of the mixer drum 2 and a stop switch 38b for stopping the rotations of the mixer drum 2 at an emergency are provided as in the operation apparatus 32.

[0066] [Hardware configuration of management server] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the management server 200.

[0067] As shown in the figure, the management server 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, a communication unit 240, a storage unit 250, and a timer 260 .

[0068] The CPU 210 appropriately accesses the EEPROM 120, the RAM 130, and the like as necessary and collectively controls the entire blocks of the management server 200 while carrying out various types of operational processing.

[0069] The ROM 220 is a nonvolatile memory that fixedly stores an OS to be executed by the CPU 110 and firmware such as programs and various parameters.

[0070] The RAM 230 is used as a working area of the CPU 110 and the like and temporarily stores the OS, various applications being executed, and various types of data being processed.

[0071] The communication unit 240 is an NIC (Network Interface Card) for the Ethernet (registered trademark), for example, and carries out communication processing with the mixer vehicle 100, the user server 300, and the rental company server 400.

[0072] The storage unit 250 is a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory (SSD: Solid State Drive), and other solid-state memories. The storage unit 250 stores various applications and various types of data.

[0073] Particularly in this embodiment, the storage unit 250 stores data such as load time information transmitted from the mixer vehicle 100, a plurality of pieces of threshold value information (first threshold value and second threshold value) related to a load time indicated by the load time information, replacement time information and lifetime information of the hydraulic pump 5, that have been generated based on the load time information, and notification information generated based on these pieces of time information. The second threshold value is larger than the first threshold value. The first threshold value is, for example, 30,000 hours, and the second threshold value is, for example, 35,000 hours, though not limited thereto.

[0074] The timer 260 is used not only when starting and ending various operations of the management server 200, and the like, but also when the management server 200 substitutively executes the processing of the load time information generation unit 111 of the mixer vehicle 100.

[0075] Specifically, when the management server 200 receives a notification notifying that the load pressure signal in the hydraulic pump 5 is indicating a discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more from the mixer vehicle 100, the CPU 210 may activate the timer 260, count the load time until the discharge pressure indicated by the load pressure signal falls below the predetermined value, generate load time information indicating the counted load time, and store it in the storage unit 250.

[0076] The CPU 210 includes a load time judgment unit 211 and a notification information generation unit 212 .

[0077] When an integrated time of load times indicated by the load time information transmitted from the mixer vehicle 100 is equal to or larger than the first threshold value and smaller than the second threshold value, the load time judgment unit 211 generates replacement time information indicating a time for replacement of the hydraulic pump 5, and when the integrated time becomes equal to or larger than the second threshold value, generates lifetime information indicating an end of a lifetime of the hydraulic pump 5.

[0078] Based on the replacement time information and lifetime information generated by the load time judgment unit 211, the notification information generation unit 212 generates replacement time notification information and lifetime notification information and transmits them to the mixer vehicle 100, the user server 300, and the rental company server 400.

[0079] [System operations]

Next, operations of the mixer vehicle management system configured as described above will be described.

In descriptions hereinafter, the CPU 110 of the mixer vehicle 100 and the CPU 210 of the management server 200 will be described as main operational subjects, but the operations are also carried out in cooperation with programs executed under control of the CPUs.

[0080] (Load time information generation processing of mixer vehicle)

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of load time information generation processing carried out by the mixer vehicle 100.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the CPU 110 (load time information generation unit 111) of the mixer vehicle 100 determines whether the ignition power source is turned ON (Step 51).

[0082] When determined that the ignition power source is turned ON (Yes), the CPU 110 detects a load time during which a discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump 5 is being caused (Step 52).

[0083] Specifically, the CPU 110 activates the timer when the load pressure signal received from the pressure sensor 5a indicates a discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more and counts the load time until the discharge pressure indicated by the load pressure signal falls below the predetermined value.

[0084] Then, the CPU 110 generates load time information indicating the counted load time and stores it in, for example, the EEPROM 120 (Step 53).

[0085] The CPU 110 repeats the processing described above until the ignition power source becomes OFF (Step 54) .

[0086] (Load time information transmission processing of mixer vehicle)

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of load time information transmission processing carried out by the mixer vehicle 100.

[0087] As shown in the figure, the CPU 110 of the mixer vehicle 100 determines whether a time set at a predetermined time interval has arrived, the time interval being once a month, for example (Step 61).

[0088] When determined that the set time has arrived (Yes), the CPU 110 reads out the load time information from the EEPROM 120 (Step 62).

[0089] Subsequently, the CPU 110 controls the communication unit 21 to transmit the readout load time information to the management server 200 via, for example, a base station (Step 63).

[0090] Then, the CPU 110 resets the timer and repeats the processing of Step 62 and subsequent steps when the next set time arrives.

[0091] (Notification information transmission processing of management server)

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of notification information transmission processing carried out by the management server 200.

[0092] As shown in the figure, the CPU 210 of the management server 200 determines whether load time information has been received from the mixer vehicle 100 (Step 71).

[0093] When determined that the load time information has been received (Yes), the CPU 210 (load time judgment unit 211) stores the load time information (Step 72). When the load time information is already stored before that, the CPU 210 integrates load times indicated by those pieces of load time information.

[0094] Next, the CPU 210 determines whether the integrated time of the load times is equal to or larger than the first threshold value (Step 73).

[0095] When determined that the integrated time is equal to or larger than the first threshold value (Yes), the CPU 210 determines whether the integrated time is equal to or larger than the second threshold value (Step 74) .

[0096] When determined that the integrated time is smaller than the second threshold value (No), the CPU 210 generates replacement time information indicating a time for replacement of the hydraulic pump (Step 75).

[0097] Then, the CPU 210 (notification information generation unit 212) generates replacement time notification information for notifying the time for replacement based on the replacement time information and controls the communication unit 240 to transmit it to the mixer vehicle 100, the user server 300, or the rental company server 400 (Step 76).

[0098] On the other hand, when determined in Step 74 that the integrated time is equal to or larger than the second threshold value (Yes), the CPU 210 generates lifetime information indicating an end of a lifetime of the hydraulic pump (Step 77).

[0099] Then, the CPU 210 (notification information generation unit 212) generates lifetime notification information for notifying the end of a lifetime based on the lifetime information and controls the communication unit 240 to transmit it to the mixer vehicle 100, the user server 300, or the rental company server 400 (Step 78).

[0100] (Notification processing of mixer vehicle) Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of notification processing carried out by the mixer vehicle 100.

[0101] As shown in the figure, the CPU 110 of the mixer vehicle 100 determines whether notification information has been received from the management server 200 (Step 81).

[0102] When determined that the notification information has been received (Yes), the CPU 110 determines whether the notification information is lifetime notification information (Step 82).

[0103] When determined that the notification information is lifetime notification information (Yes), the CPU 110 controls the speaker 23 to output an alarm in a large volume and also controls the LCD 22 to blink in a predetermined color (Step 84).

[0104] On the other hand, when determined that the notification information is replacement time notification information (No), the CPU 110 controls the speaker 23 to output an alarm in a normal volume (smaller volume than large volume) and also controls the LCD 22 to light in the predetermined color (Step 83) . The color in this case may differ from that of Step 84.

[0105] Either the alarm output from the speaker 23 or the lighting or blinking of the LCD 22 may be executed instead of executing both.

[0106] By the notification processing as described above, the driver driving the mixer vehicle 100 can distinguishably grasp the time for replacement and the end of a lifetime of the hydraulic pump 5 without stopping driving even when the notification information is received while driving, and take appropriate measures .

[0107] While the processing in the figure is carried out when the mixer vehicle 100 receives the notification information from the management server 200, alarm outputs in different volumes, popup notifications of the notification information in different display forms, and the like may be executed when the user server 300 or the rental company server 400 receives the notification information, for example.

[0108] With this configuration, the user or rental company of the mixer vehicle 100 can distinguishably grasp the time for replacement and the end of a lifetime of the hydraulic pump 5 of the mixer vehicle 100 in use so as to be capable of ordering a new hydraulic pump 5 based on the replacement time notification information or stopping driving the mixer vehicle 100 as well as order a new hydraulic pump 5 based on the lifetime notification information.

[0109] As described above, according to this embodiment, the mixer vehicle management system can appropriately detect and notify the time for replacement of the hydraulic pump 5 of the mixer vehicle 100 without requiring manpower.

[0110] [Modified example]

The present technology is not limited to the embodiment above and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present technology.

[0111] In the embodiment above, the management server 200 uses the first threshold value and the second threshold value as the threshold value information. Incidentally, the viscosity of the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic pump 5 differs depending on the temperature and becomes higher as the temperature becomes lower. In addition, as a result of a difference in the loads on the hydraulic pump 5 due to the difference in the viscosities, a difference is also caused in the time for replacement and the end of a lifetime.

[0112] In this regard, the management server 200 may vary the first threshold value and the second threshold value depending on the temperature while the mixer vehicle 100 is being operated. Specifically, it is possible for the mixer vehicle 100 to acquire position information of the mixer vehicle 100 by a GPS (Global Positioning System) apparatus or the like and transmit the pieces of position information to the management server 200 and the management server 200 to store a plurality of different first threshold values and second threshold values respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of position information having different mean temperatures and generate the replacement time information and lifetime information when determining that an integrated time of the load times is equal to or larger than the first threshold value or second threshold value corresponding to the position information received from the mixer vehicle 100 .

[0113] Accordingly, the mixer vehicle management system can highly accurately detect a time for replacement according to the position (temperature) where the hydraulic pump is being driven.

[0114] Alternatively, in this case, when equipped with a thermometer, the mixer vehicle 100 may transmit temperature information indicated by the thermometer to the management server 200 instead of the position information, and the management server 200 may select the corresponding first threshold value or second threshold value based on the temperature information.

[0115] In the embodiment above, the management server 200 transmits notification information to the mixer vehicle 100, and the mixer vehicle 100 outputs an alarm in a large volume and causes the LCD 22 to blink when receiving the lifetime notification information.

In addition to or in place of this notification information, the management server 200 may transmit a function restriction signal that restricts at least a part of the functions of the mixer vehicle 100 to the mixer vehicle 100.

[0116] For example, when there is no more life in the hydraulic pump 5, it is favorable to drive the mixer vehicle 100 on which the hydraulic pump 5 is mounted no more, but if the drive (i.e., rotation of mixer drum 2) of the mixer vehicle 100 is stopped while ready-mixed concrete is left in the mixer drum 2, the ready-mixed concrete is solidified to become a waste.

In this regard, when the lifetime information is generated, the management server 200 may transmit, to the mixer vehicle 100, a loading restriction signal that restricts further loading of the ready-mixed concrete to the mixer drum 2 but allows discharge so that the mixer vehicle 100 executes only discharge processing based on that signal. In other words, in this case, switching from the discharge mode to the loading mode is prohibited.

[0117] Further, instead of transmitting the restriction signal, the management server 200 may restrict the loading mode itself while executing the notification processing based on the lifetime notification signal.

[0118] In the embodiment above, the load time information generation unit 111 of the mixer vehicle 100 generates the load time information and transmits it to the management server 200 when the load pressure signal received from the pressure sensor 5a indicates a discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more. However, the mixer vehicle 100 may simply transmit a discharge pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 5a to the management server 200 so that the management server 200 determines whether the pressure is a predetermined value or more and generates the load time information.

Description of Symbols [0119] 2 mixer drum 3 engine 5 hydraulic pump 5a pressure sensor 10 controller 21, 240 communication unit

2 2 LCD 23 speaker 50 Internet 100 mixer vehicle

110, 210 CPU 111 load time information generation unit

120 EEPROM

130, 230 RAM 200 management server 211 load time judgment unit 212 notification information generation unit

220 ROM 250 storage unit 300 user server 400 rental company server

Claims

Claims [1] A mixer vehicle management system, comprising: a mixer vehicle; and a management server, the mixer vehicle including a mixer drum, a fluid pressure pump capable of rotating the mixer drum by a discharge pressure of a working fluid during drive, a mixer vehicle communication unit capable of communicating with the management server, and a mixer vehicle control unit capable of acquiring a load time during which the discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused to generate load time information and controlling the mixer vehicle communication unit to transmit the generated load time information to the management server, the management server including a server communication unit capable of communicating with the mixer vehicle, a storage unit capable of storing threshold value information indicating a threshold value related to the load time, and a server control unit capable of controlling the server communication unit to receive the transmitted load time information, determining whether an integrated time of load times indicated by the received load time information is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and generating replacement time information indicating a time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump when determined that the integrated time is equal to or larger than the threshold value.
[2] The mixer vehicle management system according to claim 1, wherein the server communication unit is capable of communicating with an owner server that is owned by an owner of the mixer vehicle, and the server control unit controls the server communication unit to transmit notification information notifying the time for replacement to the owner server based on the generated replacement time information.
[3] The mixer vehicle management system according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores, as the threshold value, information indicating a first threshold value and a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value, and the server control unit generates the replacement time information when the integrated time is determined to be equal to or larger than the first threshold value and smaller than the second threshold value and generates lifetime information indicating an end of a lifetime of the fluid pressure pump when the integrated time is determined to be equal to or larger than the second threshold value.
[4] The mixer vehicle management system according to claim 3, wherein the server communication unit is capable of communicating with an owner server that is owned by an owner of the mixer vehicle, and the server control unit controls the server communication unit to transmit first notification information notifying the time for replacement to the owner server based on the generated replacement time information and transmit second notification information notifying the end of a lifetime to the owner server based on the generated lifetime information.
[5] The mixer vehicle management system according to claim 3, wherein the mixer vehicle includes an audio output unit, the server control unit controls the server communication unit to transmit first notification information notifying the time for replacement to the mixer vehicle based on the generated replacement time information and transmit second notification information notifying the end of a lifetime to the mixer vehicle based on the generated lifetime information, and the mixer vehicle control unit controls the mixer vehicle communication unit to receive the transmitted first notification information or second notification information, controls the audio output unit to output a first notification sound in a first volume when the first notification information is received, and controls the audio output unit to output a second notification sound in a second volume larger than the first volume when the second notification information is received.
[6] The mixer vehicle management system according to claim 1, wherein the mixer vehicle includes a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the mixer vehicle, the mixer vehicle control unit controls the mixer vehicle communication unit to transmit the acquired position information to the management server, the storage unit stores threshold value information indicating a plurality of different threshold values respectively corresponding to a plurality of pieces of position information having different mean temperatures, and the server control unit controls the server communication unit to receive the transmitted position information and generates the replacement time information when the integrated time is determined to be equal to or larger than the threshold value corresponding to the position information.
[7] A mixer vehicle management server, comprising: a communication unit capable of communicating with a mixer vehicle including a fluid pressure pump capable of rotating a mixer drum by a discharge pressure of a working fluid during drive; a storage unit capable of storing threshold value information indicating a threshold value related to a load time during which the discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused in the fluid pressure pump; and a control unit capable of acquiring load time information indicating the load time through communication with the mixer vehicle, determining whether an integrated time of load times indicated by the acquired load time information is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and generating replacement time information indicating a time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump when determined that the integrated time is equal to or larger than the threshold value.
[8] A mixer vehicle, comprising: a mixer drum; a fluid pressure pump capable of rotating the mixer drum by a discharge pressure of a working fluid during drive; a communication unit capable of communicating with a management server; and a control unit capable of acquiring a load time during which the discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused in the fluid pressure pump to generate load time information and controlling the communication unit to transmit the generated load time information to the management server.
[9] A mixer vehicle management method, comprising: by a mixer vehicle carrying a mixer drum, acquiring a load time during which, in a fluid pressure pump capable of rotating the mixer drum by a discharge pressure of a working fluid during drive, the discharge pressure of a predetermined value or more is caused and generating load time information; and transmitting the generated load time information to a management server, and by the management server, receiving the transmitted load time information; determining whether an integrated time of load times indicated by the received load time information is equal to or larger than a threshold value; and generating replacement time information indicating a time for replacement of the fluid pressure pump when determined that the integrated time is equal to or larger than the threshold value.