Charge control system, work machine, and program

Abstract

To suppress the supply of current from the first charging device to the second charging device. [Solution] The charging control system comprises a storage battery mounted on a work machine, a first connection part provided on the work machine to which a first charging device for charging the storage battery is connected, a second connection part provided on the work machine to which a second charging device for charging the storage battery is connected, and a controller that stops charging by the first charging device when the second charging device starts charging the storage battery while the first charging device is charging the storage battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging control system, a work machine, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In the technical field related to work machines, work machines powered by a storage battery, such as a battery forklift or a battery shovel, are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for charging a storage battery mounted on an electric vehicle with a stationary charger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When charging a storage battery mounted on a work machine with a plurality of charging devices, for example, when the plug of the second charging device is inserted into the work machine while the storage battery is being charged by the first charging device, at least a part of the current output from the first charging device may be supplied to the second charging device. If current is supplied from the first charging device to the second charging device, it may interfere with the charging of the storage battery by the second charging device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the supply of current from a first charging device to a second charging device when charging a storage battery mounted on a work machine with a plurality of charging devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A charging control system is provided, comprising: a battery mounted on a work machine; a first connection part provided on the work machine to which a first charging device for charging the battery is connected; a second connection part provided on the work machine to which a second charging device for charging the battery is connected; and a controller that stops charging by the first charging device when the second charging device starts charging the battery while the first charging device is charging the battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, when a battery mounted on a work machine is charged by multiple charging devices, the supply of current from the first charging device to the second charging device is suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a work machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the connection part of the work machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a charging control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the management controller according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a charging control method according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a computer system according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] [Working machinery] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a work machine 1 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the work machine 1 is a battery-powered forklift powered by a storage battery.

[0011] The work machine 1 comprises a vehicle body 2, a travel device 3, a work implement 4, a battery pack 5, and a connection part 10.

[0012] The vehicle body 2 comprises a frame 2A, a housing member 2B, and a counterweight 2C. The housing member 2B is supported by the frame 2A. The housing member 2B is located at the rear of the vehicle body 2. The housing member 2B has a battery compartment in which the battery pack 5 is located. The counterweight 2C is located below the housing member 2B.

[0013] The running gear 3 supports the vehicle body 2. The running gear 3 has front wheels 3F and rear wheels 3R.

[0014] The implement 4 is supported by the vehicle body 2. The implement 4 has a mast 4A supported by the vehicle body 2 and a fork 4B supported by the mast 4A. The implement 4 is driven by the implement cylinder 7. The implement cylinder 7 includes a tilt cylinder 7A that tilts the mast 4A in the front-rear direction and a lift cylinder 7B that moves the fork 4B in the up-down direction. When the mast 4A is tilted in the front-rear direction by the drive of the tilt cylinder 7A, the fork 4B tilts in the front-rear direction while being supported by the mast 4A. The fork 4B moves in the up-down direction while being supported by the mast 4A by the drive of the lift cylinder 7B.

[0015] The battery pack 5 includes a storage battery 50. The battery pack 5 is housed in the housing member 2B. The storage battery 50 is the power source for the work machine 1. The storage battery 50 can be repeatedly charged and discharged. A lithium-ion battery is exemplified as the storage battery 50. In one embodiment, multiple battery packs 5 are mounted on the work machine 1. In another embodiment, two battery packs 5 are provided. The battery pack 5 includes a first battery pack 5A and a second battery pack 5B.

[0016] The working machine 1 operates by the driving operation of an operator seated on the driver's seat 8. The driver's seat 8 is supported by the frame 2A. The working machine 1 has a plurality of operation members operated by the operator. As an operation member, a steering wheel 9 is exemplified. The operator operates the steering wheel 9 by hand to steer the traveling device 3. Although not shown, as operation members, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a work implement lever, and a forward / reverse lever are exemplified. The operator operates the accelerator pedal with the foot to drive the traveling device 3. The operator operates the brake pedal with the foot to brake the traveling device 3. The operator operates the work implement lever with the hand to operate the work implement 4. The operator operates the forward / reverse lever with the hand to switch the traveling direction of the traveling device 3 between forward and reverse.

[0017] The connection part 10 is connected to the charging device 20. The connection part 10 is arranged at the rear part of the housing member 2B. In the embodiment, a plurality of connection parts 10 are provided on the working machine 1. In the embodiment, two connection parts 10 are provided. The connection part 10 includes a first connection part 10A and a second connection part 10B.

[0018] The charging device 20 charges the storage battery 50. The charging device 20 is arranged outside the working machine 1. The charging device 20 charges the storage battery 50 from outside the working machine 1. In the embodiment, the storage battery 50 can be charged simultaneously by a plurality of charging devices 20. In the embodiment, the storage battery 50 can be charged simultaneously by two charging devices 20. Each of the plurality of charging devices 20 is connected to each of the plurality of connection parts 10. In the embodiment, the charging device 20 includes a first charging device 20A connected to the first connection part 10A and a second charging device 20B connected to the second connection part 10B.

[0019] The charging device 20 is connected to the connection part 10 via a cable 21 and a plug 22. The connection part 10 includes an insertion port into which the plug 22 is inserted.

[0020] The charging device 20 has an interface device 23. The interface device 23 includes an operating device 23A operated by an operator and a display device 23B that displays display data. The operating device 23A includes a charging start operation unit 231, a charging stop operation unit 232, and an emergency stop operation unit 233. Examples of the charging start operation unit 231 and the charging stop operation unit 232 include a toggle switch, a rocker switch, or a push button switch. An example of the emergency stop operation unit 233 is a push button switch. An example of the display device 23B is a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0021] [Connection part] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection part 10 of the working machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the working machine 1 has a cover 2D that covers the connection part 10. The first connection part 10A and the second connection part 10B are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction of the working machine 1. A power switch 51 and an operation lamp 52 are arranged at the rear part of the vehicle body 2. The power switch 51 and the operation lamp 52 are arranged between the first connection part 10A and the second connection part 10B. An example of the power switch 51 is a momentary switch. The operation lamp 52 operates based on the operating state of the storage battery 50. The operating state of the storage battery 50 includes a charging state and a discharging state. As an example, when the storage battery 50 is in the charging state, the operation lamp 52 blinks, and when the storage battery 50 is in the discharging state, the operation lamp 52 lights up.

[0022] [Charging control system] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the charging control system 100 according to the embodiment. The charging control system 100 has a battery pack 5, a charging device 20, a connection part 10, a management controller 11, a control circuit 30, a power controller 12, and a master controller 13.

[0023] The battery pack 5 is mounted on the work machine 1. The battery pack 5 includes a storage battery 50, a voltage sensor 53 for detecting the voltage of the storage battery 50, a temperature sensor 54 for detecting the temperature of the storage battery 50, a heater 55 for heating the storage battery 50, and a battery controller 56.

[0024] The charging device 20 is located outside the work machine 1. The charging device 20 includes an operating device 23A, a display device 23B, an AC / DC conversion module 24 connected to a commercial power supply 27, a contactor 25 positioned between the commercial power supply 27 and the AC / DC conversion module 24, and a charging controller 26.

[0025] The operating device 23A includes a charging start operation unit 231 that causes the charging device 20 to start charging, a charging stop operation unit 232 that causes the charging device 20 to stop charging, and an emergency stop operation unit 233 that causes the charging device 20 to perform an emergency stop.

[0026] The connection part 10 is connected to the charging device 20. The connection part 10 has a locking mechanism for locking the plug 22. The connection part 10 has a lock sensor 14 that detects when the plug 22 of the charging device 20 and the connection part 10 are locked together. The connection part 10 is provided with a power supply line 15 that is energized when the plug 22 of the charging device 20 and the connection part 10 are connected. The power supply line 15 is connected to the power controller 12 via a detection line 16. The power controller 12 can determine whether the plug 22 of the charging device 20 and the connection part 10 are connected, for example, based on the energized state of the power supply line 15 obtained via the detection line 16.

[0027] The control circuit 30 includes a positive electrode line 31 connected to the positive electrode of the charging device 20 via the connection part 10, a negative electrode line 32 connected to the negative electrode of the charging device 20 via the connection part 10, a signal line 33 connecting the management controller 11 and the charging controller 26 via the connection part 10, and a signal line 34 connecting the management controller 11 and the battery controller 56.

[0028] The signal line 33 includes a signal line 33A that connects the management controller 11 to the charge controller 26 of the first charging device 20A, and a signal line 33B that connects the management controller 11 to the charge controller 26 of the second charging device 20B.

[0029] The signal line 34 includes a signal line 34A that connects the management controller 11 to the battery controller 56 of the first battery pack 5A, and a signal line 34B that connects the management controller 11 to the battery controller 56 of the second battery pack 5B.

[0030] The first charging device 20A and the second charging device 20B are connected in parallel to the positive electrode line 31. The first charging device 20A and the second charging device 20B are connected in parallel to the negative electrode line 32. The first charging device 20A and the positive electrode line 31 are connected via the positive electrode line 31A. The second charging device 20B and the positive electrode line 31 are connected via the positive electrode line 31B. The first charging device 20A and the negative electrode line 32 are connected via the negative electrode line 32A. The second charging device 20B and the negative electrode line 32 are connected via the negative electrode line 32B.

[0031] The battery 50 of the first battery pack 5A and the battery 50 of the second battery pack 5B are connected in series. The positive terminal line 31 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery 50 of the first battery pack 5A via the positive terminal line 35. The negative terminal line 32 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery 50 of the second battery pack 5B via the negative terminal line 36. A fuse 35A is placed on the positive terminal line 35.

[0032] The heater 55 of the first battery pack 5A and the heater 55 of the second battery pack 5B are connected in series. The positive line 31 is connected to the positive terminal of the heater 55 of the first battery pack 5A via the positive line 57. The negative line 32 is connected to the negative terminal of the heater 55 of the second battery pack 5B via the negative line 58.

[0033] The positive electrode line 35 is connected to the travel inverter 61 and the implement inverter 62, respectively, via positive electrode lines 37 and 39. The negative electrode line 36 is connected to the travel inverter 61 and the implement inverter 62, respectively, via negative electrode lines 38 and 40. The travel inverter 61 and the implement inverter 62 are connected in parallel to the positive electrode line 39. The travel inverter 61 and the implement inverter 62 are connected in parallel to the negative electrode line 40.

[0034] Furthermore, the control circuit 30 has a charging contactor 41 located on the positive electrode line 31. When the charging contactor 41 is turned ON, the charging device 20 and the storage battery 50 are connected via the positive electrode line 31 and the positive electrode line 35, and the storage battery 50 is charged by the charging device 20. When the charging contactor 41 is turned OFF, the charging device 20 and the storage battery 50 are separated, and the storage battery 50 is not charged.

[0035] In this embodiment, the charging contactor 41 includes a charging contactor 41A that switches between connecting and disconnecting the first charging device 20A and the battery 50, and a charging contactor 41B that switches between connecting and disconnecting the second charging device 20B and the battery 50. The charging contactor 41A is located on the positive electrode line 31A. The charging contactor 41B is located on the positive electrode line 31B. When the charging contactor 41A is turned ON, the first charging device 20A and the battery 50 are connected, and the battery 50 is charged by the first charging device 20A. When the charging contactor 41A is turned OFF, the first charging device 20A and the battery 50 are disconnected, and the battery 50 is not charged by the first charging device 20A. When the charging contactor 41B is turned ON, the second charging device 20B and the battery 50 are connected, and the battery 50 is charged by the second charging device 20B. When the charging contactor 41B is turned OFF, the second charging device 20B and the storage battery 50 are separated, and the storage battery 50 is not charged by the second charging device 20B.

[0036] The management controller 11 is connected to the charging contactor 41 via a control line 71. The control line 71 includes a control line 71A connecting the management controller 11 to the charging contactor 41A, and a control line 71B connecting the management controller 11 to the charging contactor 41B. The management controller 11 controls the charging contactor 41 via the control line 71.

[0037] Furthermore, the control circuit 30 has a discharge contactor 42 located on the positive electrode line 37. When the discharge contactor 42 is turned ON, the battery 50 is connected to the travel inverter 61 and the work machine inverter 62, respectively, via the positive electrode line 37 and the positive electrode line 39, and power is supplied to the travel inverter 61 and the work machine inverter 62, respectively, by discharge from the battery 50. When the discharge contactor 42 is turned OFF, the battery 50 is separated from the travel inverter 61 and the work machine inverter 62, respectively, and power is not supplied from the battery 50 to the travel inverter 61 and the work machine inverter 62, respectively.

[0038] The management controller 11 is connected to the discharge contactor 42 via the control line 72. The management controller 11 controls the discharge contactor 42 via the control line 72.

[0039] Furthermore, the control circuit 30 has a heater contactor 43 located on the positive electrode line 57. When the heater contactor 43 is turned ON, at least one of the charging device 20 and the storage battery 50 is connected to the heater 55 via the positive electrode line 57, and power is supplied to the heater 55. When the heater contactor 43 is turned OFF, the charging device 20 and the storage battery 50 are separated from the heater 55, and no power is supplied to the heater 55.

[0040] The management controller 11 is connected to the heater contactor 43 via the control line 73. The management controller 11 controls the heater contactor 43 via the control line 73.

[0041] In this embodiment, the detection signal from the voltage sensor 53 is transmitted from the battery controller 56 to the management controller 11 via the signal line 34. The detection signal from the temperature sensor 54 is transmitted from the battery controller 56 to the management controller 11 via the signal line 34.

[0042] The management controller 11 turns off the discharge contactor 42 if it determines, based on the detection signal from the voltage sensor 53, that the voltage of the battery 50 is not within the recommended voltage range, or if it determines, based on the detection signal from the temperature sensor 54, that the temperature of the battery 50 is not within the recommended temperature range. The management controller 11 turns on the discharge contactor 42 if it determines that the voltage of the battery 50 is within the recommended voltage range and the temperature of the battery 50 is within the recommended temperature range.

[0043] Furthermore, based on the detection signal from the temperature sensor 54, the management controller 11 controls the heater contactor 43 so that power is supplied to the heater 55 if it determines that the temperature of the battery 50 is below a predetermined value indicating the lower limit of the recommended temperature range. When power is supplied to the heater 55, the battery 50 is heated by the heater 55. As the battery 50 is heated by the heater 55, its temperature rises until it reaches the recommended temperature range.

[0044] Furthermore, the control circuit 30 includes the power supply circuit 17 of the management controller 11 and the self-holding relay 44 of the management controller 11. The positive line 31 is connected to the power supply circuit 17 via the power switch 51 and the positive line 45. The positive line 31 is also connected to the power supply circuit 17 via the self-holding relay 44. The negative line 32 is connected to the power supply circuit 17 via the negative line 46. As described above, the power switch 51 is located at the rear of the vehicle body 2. The operator can operate the power switch 51. When the power switch 51 is turned ON, power is supplied to the power supply circuit 17 and the management controller 11 starts up. When the power switch 51 is turned OFF, the power supply to the power supply circuit 17 is cut off and the management controller 11 stops.

[0045] The management controller 11 is connected to the self-holding relay 44 via the control line 74. The management controller 11 controls the self-holding relay 44 via the control line 74. The management controller 11 controls the self-holding relay 44 so that the power supply to the power circuit 17 is cut off when the capacity of the storage battery 50 falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0046] Furthermore, the control circuit 30 includes a voltage sensor 47A for detecting the voltage of the positive electrode line 31A, a voltage sensor 47B for detecting the voltage of the positive electrode line 31B, a voltage sensor 48 for detecting the voltage of the positive electrode line 39, and a current sensor 49 for detecting the current of the negative electrode line 36.

[0047] The management controller 11 can determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the charging contactor 41A based on the detection signal from the voltage sensor 47A. The management controller 11 can determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the charging contactor 41B based on the detection signal from the voltage sensor 47B. The management controller 11 can determine whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the discharge contactor 42 based on the detection signal from the voltage sensor 48.

[0048] The travel inverter 61 converts the DC current from the positive line 39 into a three-phase AC current and supplies it to the travel motor 63. The travel motor 63 is driven based on the three-phase AC current supplied from the travel inverter 61. The travel motor 63 operates the travel device 3. In this embodiment, the travel motor 63 generates power to rotate at least one of the front wheels 3F and the rear wheels 3R.

[0049] The implement inverter 62 converts the DC current from the positive line 39 into a three-phase AC current and supplies it to the implement motor 64. The implement motor 64 is driven based on the three-phase AC current supplied from the implement inverter 62. The implement motor 64 operates the implement 4. In this embodiment, the implement motor 64 generates power to drive a hydraulic pump (not shown). The hydraulic fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump is supplied to the implement cylinder 7. The implement 4 operates as a result of the supply of hydraulic fluid to the implement cylinder 7.

[0050] The power controller 12 is connected to the management controller 11 via a communication line 75. The power controller 12 is connected to the master controller 13 via a communication line 76. The power controller 12 is a higher-level controller of the management controller 11. The management controller 11 operates based on control signals from the power controller 12.

[0051] The master controller 13 controls the travel inverter 61 and the work equipment inverter 62 based on the operation of the aforementioned operating members. The master controller 13 controls the travel inverter 61 based on the operation of, for example, the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal. The master controller 13 controls the work equipment inverter 62 based on the operation of the work lever.

[0052] The work machine 1 has a key switch 80. The key switch 80 is located on at least a part of the vehicle body 2. The key switch 80 is operated, for example, by an operator seated in the driver's seat 8. When the key switch 80 is turned ON, the work machine 1 becomes operational.

[0053] [Management Controller] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the management controller 11 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the charging control system 100 comprises the management controller 11, a first charging device 20A, and a second charging device 20B. The management controller 11 communicates with the first charging device 20A connected to the first connection part 10A. The management controller 11 communicates with the second charging device 20B connected to the second connection part 10B.

[0054] The management controller 11 includes a connection detection unit 11A, a charging permission unit 11B, a charging start command unit 11C, and a charging stop command unit 11D.

[0055] The connection detection unit 11A detects whether or not the charging device 20 is connected to the connection unit 10. For example, the connection detection unit 11A can detect that the plug 22 of the charging device 20 and the connection unit 10 are connected based on the communication status of the charging device 20 obtained via the signal line 33 of the charging device 20. Alternatively, the connection detection unit 11A may obtain via the communication line 75 that the power controller 12 has detected that the plug 22 of the charging device 20 and the connection unit 10 are connected, based on the energization status of the power supply line 15 of the charging device 20 obtained via the detection line 16. The power supply line 15 may be connected to the management controller 11 via the detection line 16.

[0056] The charging permission unit 11B outputs a charging permission to the charging device 20, which has been detected by the connection detection unit 11A to be connected to the connection part 10. When a charging permission is output, the charging preparation process of the charging device 20 begins. The contents and order of the charging preparation are predetermined. In this embodiment, the charging preparation process includes activating the locking mechanism provided on the connection part 10 to lock the connection part 10 and the plug 22. The charging preparation process also includes turning on the charging contactor 41. The charging preparation process also includes a process to diagnose whether or not the battery 50 can be charged by the charging device 20. The process to diagnose whether or not charging is possible includes confirming that the plug 22 of the charging device 20 and the connection part 10 are locked based on the detection signal of the lock sensor 14. The process to diagnose whether or not charging is possible includes confirming that the positive electrode lines 31 (31A, 31B) and the housing of the charging device 20 are not short-circuited.

[0057] The charging start command unit 11C outputs a charging start command to the charging device 20, which has undergone the charging preparation process, to start charging the storage battery 50. Upon receiving the charging start command, the charging controller 26 of the charging device 20 starts the process of supplying current to the storage battery 50.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the plug 22 is connected to the connection part 10, the charging device 20 starts charging the battery 50 after undergoing a charging preparation process, without the operating device 23A being operated. That is, when the charging device 20 is connected to the connection part 10, the charging preparation process and the charging start process are performed automatically. The first charging device 20A starts charging the battery 50 after undergoing a charging preparation process by being connected to the first connection part 10A via the plug 22 from a state where it is not connected to the first connection part 10A. The second charging device 20B starts charging the battery 50 after undergoing a charging preparation process by being connected to the second connection part 10B via the plug 22 from a state where it is not connected to the second connection part 10B.

[0059] The charge stop command unit 11D outputs a charge stop command to stop charging the battery 50 by the charging device 20. The charge stop command includes a command to reduce the current output from the charging device 20 to zero. Upon receiving the charge stop command, the charge controller 26 of the charging device 20 stops supplying current to the battery 50. For example, if the battery 50 is being charged with the first charging device 20A connected to the first connection part 10A, and the charge controller 26 of the first charging device 20A receives a charge stop command from the charge stop command unit 11D, the output of current from the first charging device 20A is stopped while the first charging device 20A and the first connection part 10A are connected.

[0060] [Charging control method] Next, a charge control method according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the charge control method according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the operation of the charge control system 100 will be described when the second charge device 20B is connected to the second connection part 10B after the first charge device 20A is connected to the first connection part 10A and charging of the storage battery 50 by the first charge device 20A has started.

[0061] The operator connects the first charging device 20A to the first connection part 10A. When the first charging device 20A is connected to the first connection part 10A via the plug 22, the charging preparation process of the first charging device 20A starts automatically. After the charging preparation process of the first charging device 20A is completed, charging of the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A starts automatically (step SA1).

[0062] After the first charging device 20A is connected to the first connection part 10A and charging of the storage battery 50 by the first charging device 20A begins, the operator performs the task of connecting the second charging device 20B to the second connection part 10B (step SB1).

[0063] The connection detection unit 11A detects that the plug 22 of the second charging device 20B and the second connection unit 10B are connected, based on the communication status of the second charging device 20B obtained via the signal line 33B of the second charging device 20B (step SC1). Alternatively, the connection detection unit 11A may obtain via the communication line 75 that the power controller 12 has detected that the plug 22 of the second charging device 20B and the second connection unit 10B are connected, based on the energization status of the power supply line 15 of the second charging device 20B obtained via the detection line 16.

[0064] When the connection between the plug 22 of the second charging device 20B and the second connection part 10B is detected, the charging stop command unit 11D outputs a charging stop command to stop charging the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A. The charging stop command includes a command to reduce the current output from the first charging device 20A to zero. Upon receiving the charging stop command, the charging controller 26 of the first charging device 20A stops supplying current to the battery 50. The first charging device 20A stops outputting current to the battery 50 while connected to the first connection part 10A. The first charging device 20A transitions from a charging state, which outputs current to the battery 50, to a charging stop state, which stops outputting current (step SA2).

[0065] After the charging of the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A is stopped, the charging permission unit 11B outputs a charging permission to the second charging device 20B, whose connection to the second connection unit 10B has been detected by the connection detection unit 11A (step SC3).

[0066] When a charging permission signal is output, the charging preparation process of the second charging device 20B begins (step SB2).

[0067] As described above, the contents and sequence of the charging preparation are predetermined. For example, the charging controller 26 of the second charging device 20B activates the locking mechanism provided in the second connection part 10B to lock the second connection part 10B and the plug 22 of the second charging device 20B. Next, the charging permission unit 11B outputs a control signal to turn on the charging contactor 41B. Next, the charging permission unit 11B confirms that the positive electrode line 31B and the housing of the second charging device 20B are not short-circuited.

[0068] When the charging preparation process for the second charging device 20B is completed, the charging permission unit 11B determines that the charging preparation for the second charging device 20B is complete (step SC4).

[0069] After the charging preparation for the second charging device 20B is complete, the charging start command unit 11C outputs a charging start command to both the first charging device 20A and the second charging device 20B (step SC5).

[0070] Upon receiving the charge start command, the charge controller 26 of the first charging device 20A starts the process of supplying current to the battery 50 (step SA3). Upon receiving the charge start command, the charge controller 26 of the second charging device 20B starts the process of supplying current to the battery 50 (step SB3).

[0071] In this embodiment, the charge start command unit 11C outputs a charge start command so that charging of the battery 50 by the first charger 20A and charging of the battery 50 by the second charger 20B are started simultaneously. The supply of current from the first charger 20A to the battery 50 and the supply of current from the second charger 20B to the battery 50 are started simultaneously.

[0072] [Computer System] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a computer system 1000 according to an embodiment. Each of the management controller 11, power controller 12, master controller 13, charge controller 26, and battery controller 56 described above includes the computer system 1000. The computer system 1000 has a processor 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory 1002 including non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage 1003, and an interface 1004 including input / output circuits. The functions of each of the management controller 11, power controller 12, master controller 13, charge controller 26, and battery controller 56 described above are stored in the storage 1003 as computer programs. The processor 1001 reads the computer program from the storage 1003, loads it into the main memory 1002, and executes the above-mentioned processes according to the program. The computer program may be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

[0073] The computer program or computer system 1000 can perform the following actions in accordance with the above-described embodiment: start charging the battery 50 mounted on the work machine 1 using the first charging device 20A connected to the first connection part 10A of the work machine 1; and stop charging by the first charging device 20A when the second charging device 20B connected to the second connection part 10B of the work machine 1 starts charging the battery 50 while the first charging device 20A is charging the battery 50.

[0074] [effect] As described above, the charging control system 100 according to this embodiment includes a storage battery 50 mounted on a work machine 1, a first connection part 10A provided on the work machine 1 to which a first charging device 20A for charging the storage battery 50 is connected, a second connection part 10B provided on the work machine 1 to which a second charging device 20B for charging the storage battery 50 is connected, and a management controller 11 that stops charging by the first charging device 20A when the second charging device 20B starts charging the storage battery 50 while the first charging device 20A is charging the storage battery 50.

[0075] According to the embodiment, when the second charging device 20B is connected to the second connection part 10B and charging of the storage battery 50 by the second charging device 20B begins, the output of current from the first charging device 20A is stopped. This suppresses the supply of current from the first charging device 20A to the second charging device 20B. If current is supplied from the first charging device 20A to the second charging device 20B, for example, the current output from the first charging device 20A to the storage battery 50 may become a value different from the target value. Since the supply of current from the first charging device 20A to the second charging device 20B is suppressed, interference with charging of the storage battery 50 by the first charging device 20A is suppressed.

[0076] The management controller 11 stops charging the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A while the first charging device 20A is connected to the first connection part 10A, when the second charging device 20B is preparing to charge. In this embodiment, charging of the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A is stopped before the second charging device 20B is preparing to charge. Alternatively, charging of the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A may be stopped simultaneously with the start of the second charging device 20B's preparation. If current is supplied from the first charging device 20A to the second charging device 20B during the second charging device 20B's preparation, the preparation process for the second charging device 20B may not be performed correctly. If current is supplied from the first charging device 20A to the second charging device 20B, for example, the accuracy of the process of confirming that the positive electrode line 31B and the housing of the second charging device 20B are not short-circuited may decrease. According to this embodiment, when the second charging device 20B starts preparing to charge, the output of current from the first charging device 20A is stopped, so that the charging preparation process of the second charging device 20B is carried out properly.

[0077] After stopping the charging of the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A (step SC2), the management controller 11 starts charging the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A and charging the battery 50 by the second charging device 20B (step SC5). In this embodiment, after the charging preparation of the second charging device 20B is complete (step SC4), the management controller 11 starts charging the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A and charging the battery 50 by the second charging device 20B (step SC5). As a result, the battery 50 is fully charged in a short time by at least two charging devices 20 (20A, 20B).

[0078] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, when the second charging device 20B is connected from a state where it is not connected to the second connection part 10B, charging of the storage battery 50 by the second charging device 20B begins, and when the second charging device 20B starts charging the storage battery 50, charging by the first charging device 20A is temporarily stopped. Alternatively, while the first charging device 20A is charging the storage battery 50, with the second charging device 20B and the second connection part 10B connected, the charging stop operation unit 232 of the second charging device 20B is operated, and then the charging start operation unit 231 is operated to start charging the storage battery 50, and charging by the first charging device 20A may be temporarily stopped when the second charging device 20B starts charging the storage battery 50. With the second charging device 20B connected to the second connection part 10B, after the charging stop operation unit 232 of the second charging device 20B is operated, the charging start operation unit 231 is operated, causing the second charging device 20B to start charging the battery 50 after undergoing a charging preparation process. When the charging preparation of the second charging device 20B is started by the operation of the charging start operation unit 231, the management controller 11 may stop charging the battery 50 by the first charging device 20A while the first charging device 20A is connected to the first connection part 10A.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the work machine 1 is a battery-powered forklift. The work machine 1 may also be a battery-powered shovel, battery-powered wheel loader, battery-powered dump truck, or battery-powered bulldozer, etc. The components described in the above-described embodiment can be applied to work machines that use a storage battery as a power source. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1...Work machine, 2...Body, 2A...Frame, 2B...Housing component, 2C...Counterweight, 2D...Cover, 3...Running gear, 3F...Front wheel, 3R...Rear wheel, 4...Work machine, 4A...Mast, 4B...Fork, 5...Battery pack, 5A...First battery pack, 5B...Second battery pack, 7...Work machine cylinder, 7A...Tilt cylinder, 7B...Lift cylinder, 8...Driver's seat, 9...Steering wheel, 10...Connection part, 10A...First connection part, 10B...Second connection part, 11...Management controller, 11A...Connection detection unit, 11B...Charging permission unit, 11C...Charging start command unit, 11 D...Charging stop command unit, 12...Power controller, 13...Master controller, 14...Lock sensor, 15...Energy line, 16...Detection line, 17...Power circuit, 20...Charging device, 20A...First charging device, 20B...Second charging device, 21...Cable, 22...Plug, 23...Interface device, 23A...Operating device, 23B...Display device, 24...AC / DC conversion module, 25...Contactor, 26...Charging controller, 27...Commercial power supply, 30...Control circuit, 31...Positive electrode line, 31A...Positive electrode line, 31B...Positive electrode line, 32...Negative electrode line, 32A...Negative electrode line, 32 B...negative line, 33...signal line, 33A...signal line, 33B...signal line, 34...signal line, 34A...signal line, 34B...signal line, 35...positive line, 35A...fuse, 36...negative line, 37...positive line, 38...negative line, 39...positive line, 40...negative line, 41...charging contactor, 41A...charging contactor, 41B...charging contactor, 42...discharge contactor, 43...heater contactor, 44...self-holding relay, 45...positive line, 46...negative line, 47A...voltage sensor, 47B...voltage sensor, 48...voltage sensor, 49...current Sensor, 50...Battery, 51...Power switch, 52...Operation lamp, 53...Voltage sensor, 54...Temperature sensor, 55...Heater, 56...Battery controller, 57...Positive electrode line, 58...Negative electrode line, 61...Travel inverter, 62...Work equipment inverter, 63...Travel motor, 64...Work equipment motor, 71...Control line, 71A...Control line, 71B...Control line, 72...Control line, 73...Control line, 74...Control line, 75...Communication line, 76...Communication line, 80...Key switch, 100...Charging control system, 231...Charging start operation unit, 232...Charging stop operation unit,233…Emergency stop control unit, 1000…Computer system, 1001…Processor, 1002…Main memory, 1003…Storage, 1004…Interface.

Claims

1. The battery installed in the work machine, A first connection part is provided on the aforementioned work machine, to which a first charging device for charging the storage battery is connected, A second connection part is provided on the aforementioned work machine, to which a second charging device for charging the storage battery is connected, Equipped with a controller, The second charging device, while connected to the second connection, starts charging the battery after undergoing a charging preparation process. When the first charging device is connected to the first connection and the battery is being charged, the controller stops the charging of the battery by the first charging device before the start of the charging preparation process by the second charging device or simultaneously with the start of the charging preparation process. Charging control system.

2. The controller detects the connection between the plug of the second charging device and the second connection part. The charging control system according to claim 1.

3. The controller outputs a charge stop command to the first charging device to stop charging the battery by the first charging device. The charging control system according to claim 1.

4. The charging stop command includes a command to reduce the current output from the first charging device to zero. The charging control system according to claim 3.

5. The controller outputs a charging permission to the second charging device after the charging of the battery by the first charging device has stopped. The charging control system according to claim 1.

6. The second charging device starts the charging preparation process in response to the charging permission. The charging control system according to claim 5.

7. The charging preparation process includes a process for diagnosing whether or not the device is in a state where it can be charged by the second charging device. The charging control system according to claim 1.

8. After the charging preparation process for the second charging device is completed, the controller starts charging the battery using the first charging device and the second charging device. The charging control system according to claim 1.

9. The charging of the battery by the first charging device and the charging of the battery by the second charging device are started simultaneously. The charging control system according to claim 8.

10. Storage batteries and Control circuit and A work machine comprising a controller, The control circuit includes a first charging contactor that switches between connecting and disconnecting the first charging device and the storage battery, and a second charging contactor that switches between connecting and disconnecting the second charging device and the storage battery. The controller, when the first charging device and the battery are connected via the first charging contactor and the battery is being charged by the first charging device, stops charging the battery by the first charging device before or simultaneously with the start of the charging preparation process for the second charging device. Agricultural machinery.

11. The charging preparation process includes the process of turning on the second charging contactor. The work machine according to claim 10.

12. The controller outputs a charge stop command to the first charging device to stop charging the battery by the first charging device. The charging stop command includes a command to reduce the current supplied from the first charging device to the battery to zero. The work machine according to claim 10.

13. After the charging preparation process for the second charging device is completed, the controller starts charging the battery using the first charging device and the second charging device. The work machine according to claim 10.

14. On the computer, While the battery mounted on the work machine is being charged by the first charging device connected to the first connection part, the connection of the second charging device to the second connection part is detected. With the first charging device connected to the first connection, a charging stop command is output to the first charging device to stop charging the battery by the first charging device, After the charging of the battery by the first charging device is stopped, the second charging device is given permission to charge. A program for causing the second charging device to start the process of preparing for charging in response to the aforementioned charging permission.

15. The program causes the computer to execute a command to set the current output from the first charging device to zero, as the charging stop command. The program according to claim 14.

16. The program further causes the computer to start charging the battery using the first and second charging devices after the charging preparation process for the second charging device is completed. The program according to claim 14.

17. The program further causes the computer to simultaneously start charging the battery by the first charging device and charging the battery by the second charging device. L as described in claim 16.

18. The program outputs the charging stop command based on the detection of the connection between the plug of the second charging device and the second connection part. The program according to claim 14.

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