Electric excavator

Abstract

The outer cover (9) has a left side plate (9L) and a right side plate (9R) facing each other in the left-right direction, a vent (VL) provided to the left side plate (9L), and a vent (VR) provided to the right side plate (9R). A battery (31) is disposed between the left side plate (9L) and the right side plate (9R) to supply electric power to an electric motor. Hydraulic equipment (32, 33) is disposed in front of the battery (31). A cooling device (40) has a cooling fan (40a) disposed to face, in plan view, a region sandwiched by the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) in the left-right direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electric excavators. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-1933 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology for cooling batteries in a small electric excavator. In Patent Document 1, one end of a pipe is connected to the upper surface of the battery housing structure and the upper surface of the side covering sheet. The other end of the pipe is connected to a machine chamber that is forcibly vented by a cooling fan. The machine chamber is equipped with a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, an oil tank, a heat exchanger, an oil cooler, etc.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-1933 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In medium to large electric excavators, the batteries are becoming larger, taking up more space within the external enclosure. Therefore, the configuration of components such as hydraulic equipment (hydraulic tank, main valve) and electric motors needs to be reconsidered. As a result, it may become possible to place hydraulic equipment near the battery.

[0008] The allowable temperature for stable battery function is low. In contrast, hydraulic equipment such as the working oil tank and main valve generate a lot of heat during operation, resulting in a higher ambient temperature. Therefore, if hydraulic equipment is located near the battery, the battery may be heated above its allowable temperature due to heat transfer from the hydraulic equipment, preventing it from functioning stably.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electric excavator capable of suppressing battery heating caused by heat transfer from hydraulic equipment.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The electric excavator disclosed herein includes an external cover, a battery, a hydraulic system, and a cooling system. The external cover has a first side plate and a second side plate facing each other in the left-right direction, a first vent on the first side plate, and a second vent on the second side plate. The battery is disposed between the first and second side plates and supplies power to a power source. The hydraulic system is disposed in front of the battery. The cooling system includes a cooling fan configured to face the area sandwiched between the battery and the hydraulic system in the left-right direction when viewed from above.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, an electric excavator is capable of suppressing battery heating caused by heat transfer from hydraulic equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view that schematically illustrates the structure of an electric excavator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The first perspective view of the state of the machine room in the electric excavator shown.

[0016] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The second perspective view shows the state of the machine room inside the electric excavator.

[0017] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the state of the machine room inside the electric excavator.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the fan's rotation axis tilted relative to the left and right directions.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a top view showing the arrangement of vents, fan, oil cooler (or radiator), and battery in sequence along the left-right direction.

[0020] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of a modified example of the state of the machine room in the electric excavator shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In the specification and accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding constituent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, structures are sometimes omitted or simplified for ease of explanation. Additionally, at least some of the embodiments and variations can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

[0023] In the following explanation, "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" refer to the seating position. Figure 1 The operator of the driver's seat 4S in the cab 4 shown is in the reference direction.

[0024] <Structure of an Electric Excavator>

[0025] First, use Figure 1 The structure of the electric excavator according to this embodiment will be described.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view that schematically illustrates the structure of an electric excavator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the electric excavator 100 has a main body 1 and a working device 2 that operates hydraulically. The main body 1 has a rotating body 3 and a traveling body.

[0027] The traveling body 5 has a pair of tracks 5Cr and a travel motor 5M. The electric excavator 100 can move by rotating the tracks 5Cr. The travel motor 5M is provided as the drive source for the traveling body 5. The travel motor 5M is a hydraulic motor that operates hydraulically. It should be noted that the traveling body 5 may also have wheels (tires).

[0028] The rotating body 3 is mounted on and supported by the traveling body 5. The rotating body 3 is capable of rotating relative to the traveling body 5 about the rotation axis RX via a rotary motor (not shown). The rotary motor is a hydraulic motor that operates hydraulically. The rotation axis RX is an imaginary straight line serving as the rotation center of the rotating body 3. It should be noted that the traveling motor 5M or the rotary motor can also be an electric motor.

[0029] The slewing body 3 has a cab 4. A driver's seat 4S is provided inside the cab 4 for the operator to sit in. The operator (crew) can sit in the cab 4 to operate the working device 2, rotate the slewing body 3 relative to the traveling body 5, and drive the electric excavator 100 based on the traveling body 5. The slewing body 3 has an outer cover 9. The outer cover 9 covers the machine compartment. The electric excavator can also be remotely operated.

[0030] The working device 2 is supported on the rotating body 3. The working device 2 has a boom 6, a stick 7, and a bucket 8. The working device 2 also has a boom cylinder 10, a stick cylinder 11, and a bucket cylinder 12.

[0031] The boom 6 is rotatably connected to the main body 1. Specifically, the base end of the boom 6 is connected to the slewing body 3 in a manner that allows it to rotate around the boom base pin 13. The stick 7 is rotatably connected to the boom 6. Specifically, the base end of the stick 7 is connected to the front end of the boom 6 in a manner that allows it to rotate around the boom top pin 14. The bucket 8 is rotatably connected to the stick 7. Specifically, the base end of the bucket 8 is connected to the front end of the stick 7 in a manner that allows it to rotate around the stick top pin 15.

[0032] One end of the boom cylinder 10 is connected to the slewing body 3, and the other end is connected to the boom 6. The boom 6 can be driven relative to the main body 1 by the boom cylinder 10. Through this drive, the boom 6 can rotate in the vertical direction relative to the slewing body 3 with the boom base pin 13 as the fulcrum.

[0033] One end of the stick cylinder 11 is connected to the boom 6, and the other end is connected to the stick 7. The stick 7 can be driven relative to the boom 6 by the stick cylinder 11. Through this drive, the stick 7 can rotate relative to the boom 6 in the vertical or horizontal direction with the boom top pin 14 as the fulcrum.

[0034] One end of the bucket cylinder 12 is connected to the stick 7, and the other end is connected to the bucket connecting rod 17. The bucket 8 can be driven relative to the stick 7 via the bucket cylinder 12. Through this drive, the bucket 8 can rotate vertically relative to the stick 7 with the top pin 15 of the stick as the fulcrum.

[0035] The boom cylinder 10, stick cylinder 11, and bucket cylinder 12 are all hydraulic cylinders, driven by hydraulic pressure.

[0036] <Configuration of the side panels of the outer casing and the components inside the machine room>

[0037] Next, use Figures 2-7 right Figure 1 The configuration of the side panels of the external hood and the components inside the machine compartment of the electric excavator shown is explained. It should be noted that... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In the middle, a portion of the outer cover 9 is cut out and shown.

[0038] Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 They are shown respectively Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of the machine compartment inside the electric excavator. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A top view showing the state of the machine compartment inside the electric excavator. (See image.) Figure 2 As shown, rotating body 3 ( Figure 1 It has a slewing frame 20. The slewing frame 20 is centered on the slewing axis RX and is relative to the traveling body 5. Figure 1 )turn around.

[0039] The slewing frame 20 has a central frame CF, a left cover plate DL, and a right cover plate DR. The central frame CF is located approximately in the center of the slewing frame 20 in the left-right direction. The left cover plate DL is located to the left of the central frame CF. The right cover plate DR is located to the right of the central frame CF.

[0040] The central frame CF has a pair of central beams CB. The pair of central beams CB are arranged opposite each other at a distance in the left-right direction. The pair of central beams CB support the working device 2. Figure 1 Therefore, the central frame CF supports the working device 2.

[0041] A pair of central beams CB each have through holes TH1 and TH2. A boom base pin 13 is inserted through hole TH1. Figure 1 ). Boom 6 ( Figure 1 It is rotatably supported on a pair of central beams CB by the boom base pin 13.

[0042] A boom support cylinder 10 is inserted into the through hole TH2. Figure 1 The boom cylinder 10 is rotatably supported on the central beam CB via a pin (not shown).

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotating frame 20 supports a battery 31, a working oil tank 32, a switching valve 33 (main valve), a partition member 34, a cooling device 40, an oil cooler 41, a radiator 42, and a cab 4 ( Figure 1 The battery 31, working oil tank 32, switching valve 33, cooling device 40, etc. are mounted on an outer casing 9. Figure 1 The mechanical room is covered.

[0044] The cooling device 40 has, for example, four cooling fans 40a. By arranging two cooling fans 40a in the vertical direction and two cooling fans 40a in the front-back direction, a total of four cooling fans 40a are provided.

[0045] Battery 31 may include multiple battery modules, each containing a single battery cell. Battery 31 is a power source, storing electrical energy obtained from an external power source. Battery 31 extracts the stored electrical energy as an electromotive force. Battery 31 supplies power to an electric motor (not shown) via an inverter (not shown). Battery 31 may be a lithium-ion battery, a double-layer capacitor, a lead-acid battery, etc. Battery 31 is a rechargeable battery (storage battery).

[0046] The battery 31 is mounted on a pair of central beams CB via a bracket (not shown). In this embodiment, the electric excavator 100 does not have a counterweight; the battery 31 acts as a counterweight. Therefore, the battery 31 is located at the rear of the rotating body 3.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the area behind both the rear end RL of the left cover plate DL and the rear end RR of the right cover plate DR is the area where the counterweight is originally configured. To serve as a counterweight, the battery 31 has a portion located behind both the rear end RL of the left cover plate DL and the rear end RR of the right cover plate DR when viewed from above. Therefore, the rear end 31R of the battery 31 is located behind both the rear end RL of the left cover plate DL and the rear end RR of the right cover plate DR when viewed from above. In this specification, "viewing from above" refers to the perspective viewed from above in a direction orthogonal to the base plate BP of the rotating frame 20 (vertical direction).

[0048] In medium or large electric excavators, the energy used for operation increases, thus the battery 31 also becomes larger. Increasing the height of the battery 31 reduces the rearward visibility of the operator seat 4S. Conversely, reducing the height of the battery 31 increases its planar footprint. Therefore, the battery 31 cannot be fully housed within the counterweight mounting area when viewed from above, and extends into the machine compartment. Consequently, when viewed from above, the front end 31F of the battery 31 is positioned further forward than both the rear end RL of the left cover plate DL and the rear end RR of the right cover plate DR. This extension of the battery 31 into the machine compartment restricts the placement of other components besides the battery 31.

[0049] It should be noted that the machine room refers to the space located in front of both the rear end RL of the left cover plate DL and the rear end RR of the right cover plate DR, and is covered by the outer casing 9.

[0050] Hydraulic equipment (working oil tank 32, switching valve 33, hydraulic pump (not shown) etc.) is located in front of battery 31. In addition, an inverter, electric motor, etc. are also located in front of battery 31.

[0051] Battery 31 supplies power to an electric motor (not shown), which serves as a power source. Specifically, battery 31 supplies power to an inverter via electrical wiring. The inverter converts the DC power output from battery 31 into AC power, which is controlled by factors such as frequency. The inverter then supplies AC power to the electric motor via electrical wiring. Thus, the electric motor uses battery 31 as its power source and is driven by the AC power supplied from the inverter.

[0052] The electric motor and the hydraulic pump are mechanically connected. The driving force of the electric motor is transmitted to the hydraulic pump, which then drives the pump. The hydraulic pump draws working oil from the working oil tank 32 by driving the pump. The working oil drawn from the working oil tank 32 is then supplied to each hydraulic brake (travel motor 5M, rotary motor, and each hydraulic cylinder 10-12) through the switching valve 33.

[0053] The switching valve 33 is an assembly of multiple control valves, pilot valves, etc. The switching valve 33 is located in the oil circuit (hydraulic piping) between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic brake. The switching valve 33 supplies and discharges working oil drawn from the working oil tank 32 by the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic brake. Each hydraulic brake operates through the supply and discharge of working oil from the switching valve 33.

[0054] The opening and closing of each valve in the switching valve 33 is controlled according to the operator's driving operations. Thus, the main body 1 and working device 2 of the electric excavator 100 can be operated according to the driving operations of the operator in the cab 4. Specifically, the operator can operate the working device 2 by operating the hydraulic cylinders 10-12, operate the rotation of the slewing body 3 by operating the slewing motor, and operate the travel motor 5M to travel the electric excavator 100.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer cover 9 has a left side plate 9L (first side plate). A vent VL (first vent) is provided on the left side plate 9L. The vent VL is a through hole provided in the left side plate 9L, for example, a rectangular through hole on which a mesh is installed. The vent VL can also be, for example, multiple through holes formed by punching a material such as metal, as in a perforated metal sheet.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer cover 9 has a right side plate 9R (second side plate). A vent VR (second vent) is provided on the right side plate 9R. The vent VR is a through hole provided in the right side plate 9R. The vent VR is, for example, a plurality of through holes formed by punching a material such as metal, as in the case of a perforated metal sheet.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the left side panel 9L and the right side panel 9R of the outer casing 9 are opposite each other in the left-right direction. In addition, the vent VL provided on the left side panel 9L and the vent VR provided on the right side panel 9R are opposite each other in the left-right direction.

[0058] From a top view, a battery 31, hydraulic equipment (working oil tank 32, switching valve 33), a partition member 34, a cooling device 40, an oil cooler 41, and a radiator 42 are arranged between the left side panel 9L and the right side panel 9R. The cooling device 40, oil cooler 41, and radiator 42 are respectively arranged in the area where the vent VL and vent VR are connected in a straight line. Additionally, the area sandwiched between the battery 31 and the hydraulic equipment 32 and 33 is arranged in the area where the vent VL and vent VR are connected in a straight line. Furthermore, the working oil tank 32 and the switching valve 33 can also be arranged in the area where the vent VL and vent VR are connected in a straight line. Additionally, a portion of the battery 31 can also be arranged in the area where the vent VL and vent VR are connected in a straight line.

[0059] The working oil tank 32 is, for example, located on the right cover plate DR. The working oil tank 32 is positioned in front of the battery 31 with a gap between it and the battery 31. The switching valve 33 is located on the central frame CF. The switching valve 33 is positioned in front of the battery 31 with a gap between it and the battery 31.

[0060] The working oil tank 32 and the switching valve 33 are respectively positioned rearward of the opening 21 located in the central frame CF. The opening 21 is, for example, a through hole for inserting a rotary joint (not shown), and serves as the rotation center of the rotary frame 20. The opening 21 is located on the bottom plate BP of the central frame CF.

[0061] The cooling device 40, oil cooler 41, and radiator 42 are respectively disposed on the left cover plate DL. The oil cooler 41 and radiator 42 are respectively disposed side by side with the cooling device 40 in the left-right direction. The cooling device 40 is disposed opposite to the area sandwiched between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32, 33 in the left-right direction when viewed from above. It should be noted that the cooling device 40, oil cooler 41, and radiator 42 may also be disposed on the right cover plate DR, for example.

[0062] The cooling device 40 has multiple cooling fans 40a. The cooling device 40, driven by the multiple cooling fans 40a, causes air to flow between the vent VL and the vent VR. The cooling device 40, driven by the multiple cooling fans 40a, for example... Figure 4 As indicated by arrows A1 and A2, air drawn in from the outside of the machine chamber at vent VL passes between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32 and 33, and is then discharged from the inside of the machine chamber to the outside at vent VR. Thus, air drawn in from the outside of the machine chamber at vent VL passes through the space between the front surface of the battery 31 and the rear surface of the hydraulic devices 32 and 33, and is discharged from the inside of the machine chamber to the outside at vent VR.

[0063] Alternatively, the cooling device 40 can be driven by multiple cooling fans 40a, for example, causing air drawn in from the outside of the machine chamber at the vent VR to pass between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32 and 33, and then discharged from the inside of the machine chamber to the outside at the vent VL. In this case, the vent VR that draws air into the machine chamber becomes the first vent, and the vent VL that discharges air from the machine chamber becomes the second vent. Furthermore, the right side plate 9R with the vent VR becomes the first side plate, and the left side plate 9L with the vent VL becomes the second side plate.

[0064] The partition member 34 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of steel plate. The partition member 34 extends in the left-right direction. The partition member 34 is disposed between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32 and 33. Specifically, the partition member 34 extends from near the cooling device 40, through the battery 31 and the switching valve 33, and between the battery 31 and the working oil tank 32, to near the right side plate 9R. The partition member 34 extends from the left cover plate DL across the central frame CF to the right cover plate DR.

[0065] The partition member 34 has a first portion 34F, a second portion 34S, and a third portion 34T. The first portion 34F is connected to the left end (one end) of the third portion 34T and extends linearly in a left-right direction from the left end. The second portion 34S is connected to the right end (the other end) of the third portion 34T and extends linearly in a left-right direction from the right end. The first portion 34F and the second portion 34S extend in, for example, parallel directions when viewed from above. The third portion 34T extends linearly in a manner that is inclined relative to the first portion 34F and the second portion 34S when viewed from above.

[0066] The left end of the third part 34T is positioned further forward than the right end of the third part 34T. The third part 34T is tilted relative to the left and right directions in such a way that the further from the left end toward the right end, the further back it is.

[0067] Viewed from above, a gap (space) is provided between the battery 31 and the partition member 34. The front surface of the battery 31 and the rear surface of the partition member 34 face the gap. The front surface of the battery 31 and the rear surface of the partition member 34 are positioned opposite each other in the front-to-back direction with the gap between them.

[0068] Furthermore, from a top view, gaps are provided between the partition member 34 and the working oil tank 32, and between the partition member 34 and the switching valve 33. The rear surface of the working oil tank 32, the rear surface of the switching valve 33, and the front surface of the partition member 34 each face the gaps. The rear surface of the working oil tank 32 and the front surface of the partition member 34 face each other with a gap in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the rear surface of the switching valve 33 and the front surface of the partition member 34 face each other with a gap in the front-rear direction.

[0069] As indicated by arrow A1, the cooling device 40 supplies air to the area on the battery 31 side relative to the separating member 34. Additionally, as indicated by arrow A2, the cooling device 40 supplies air to the areas on the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 side relative to the separating member 34. The air indicated by arrow A1 flows within the gap between the rear surface of the separating member 34 and the front surface of the battery 31. Furthermore, the air indicated by arrow A2 flows within the gaps between the front surface of the separating member 34 and the rear surface of the switching valve 33, and between the front surface of the separating member 34 and the rear surface of the working oil tank 32, respectively.

[0070] The cooling device 40 is disposed in the area where the vent VL and vent VR are connected in a straight line. The rotation axis AX of the cooling fan 40a in the cooling device 40 extends along the direction in which the vent VL and vent VR are connected in a straight line (from the vent VL toward the vent VR). The rotation axis AX extends, for example, in the left-right direction.

[0071] At least a portion of the cooling device 40 is positioned opposite the vent VR in such a way that no obstruction is sandwiched between them. As a result, at least a portion of the air delivered from the cooling device 40 does not collide with any obstruction, flows in a straight line to the vent VR, and is discharged from the vent VR.

[0072] The front cooling fan 40a in the cooling device 40 is configured to face the switching valve 33 and the working oil tank 32 in the left-right direction, respectively. As a result, a portion of the air delivered from the cooling device 40 flows in a straight line from the cooling device 40 and comes into direct contact with the hydraulic equipment 32, 33.

[0073] The rear cooling fan 40a in the cooling device 40 is configured to face the battery 31 in the left-right direction. As a result, a portion of the air delivered from the cooling device 40 flows in a straight line from the cooling device 40 and comes into direct contact with the battery 31.

[0074] Oil cooler 41 is, for example, a device for cooling the working oil used in the operation of hydraulic brakes (travel motor 5M, rotary motor, and hydraulic cylinders 10-12). Oil cooler 41 has, for example, a pipe through which the working oil passes and fins mounted on the pipe.

[0075] The radiator 42 is, for example, a device used to cool a cooling medium (e.g., cooling water) for cooling the battery 31, electric motor, inverter, etc. The radiator 42 has, for example, a pipe through which the cooling medium passes and fins mounted on the pipe.

[0076] Oil cooler 41 and radiator 42 are arranged in a front-to-back direction. Oil cooler 41 is located in front of radiator 42. Oil cooler 41 is opposite to hydraulic devices 32 and 33 in the direction extending from the rotation axis AX of cooling fan 40a, and is arranged in a left-to-right direction with hydraulic devices 32 and 33. For example, oil cooler 41 is configured to be opposite to the front row of cooling fan 40a in the cooling device 40 in the left-to-right direction.

[0077] The heat sink 42 is positioned opposite the battery 31 in the direction extending from the rotation axis AX of the cooling fan 40a, and is arranged in a left-right direction with the battery 31. For example, the heat sink 42 is configured to be positioned in a left-right direction opposite the rear row of cooling fans 40a in the cooling device 40.

[0078] The left end of the partition member 34 is positioned, for example, between two cooling fans 40a in the front-rear direction. Thus, the rear row of cooling fans 40a positioned in the front-rear direction supplies air to the area on the battery 31 side relative to the partition member 34. Additionally, the front row of cooling fans 40a positioned in the front-rear direction supplies air to the areas on the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 sides relative to the partition member 34.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper end of the separator 34 is positioned above the upper surface of the working oil tank 32 and the upper end of the switching valve 33. This effectively prevents oil blown out from the working oil tank 32 and the switching valve 33 from splashing onto the battery 31.

[0080] The rotation axis AX of the cooling fan 40a in the cooling device 40 extends in the left-right direction (orthogonal to the front-back direction) when viewed from above. However, as Figure 5 As shown, the rotating shaft AX of the cooling fan 40a can also be angled relative to the left and right directions when viewed from above. Specifically, when viewed from above, the rotating shaft AX can also be tilted in a manner that shifts from front to back as it moves from left to right in the left-right direction. Alternatively, it can be tilted in a manner that shifts from back to front as it moves from one side (e.g., left) to the other side (e.g., right) in the left-right direction. An imaginary extension of the rotating shaft AX extends to the area sandwiched between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32, 33.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the oil cooler 41 and the radiator 42 can also be arranged on the opposite side of the left side plate 9L relative to the cooling device 40. In other words, a vent VL can be arranged on one side (e.g., the left side) of the cooling device 40 in the left-right direction, and the oil cooler 41 and the radiator 42 can be arranged on the other side (e.g., the right side) of the cooling device 40 in the left-right direction.

[0082] Additionally, the partition member 34 may not have the characteristic of appearing as a top view. Figure 4 The third part 34T of the inclined section, as shown, extends in a straight line along the entire left-right direction from the left end to the right end.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the structure provided with the partition member 34 has been described, but the partition member 34 may also be omitted. In this case, the front surface of the battery 31 and the rear surfaces of the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 are positioned opposite each other in the front-rear direction with a gap between them.

[0084] Furthermore, the configuration of components within the machine room is not limited to... Figure 4 The configuration, for example, could also be Figure 7 The configuration is as shown in the variant example. Figure 7 In the modified configuration shown, the electric motor 35, inverter 36, and oil tank 32 are sequentially arranged on the right cover DR in front of the battery 31. Specifically, the electric motor 35 is arranged in front of the battery 31, the inverter 36 is arranged in front of the electric motor 35, and the oil tank 32 is arranged in front of the inverter 36. A hydraulic pump (not shown) is arranged below the inverter 36.

[0085] In the configuration described above, the separator 34 only needs to be disposed at least between the battery 31 and the switching valve 33. In this variation, the separator 34 extends from near the cooling device 40 in a left-right direction to near the area between the battery 31 and the switching valve 33. In this embodiment, there is a cable between the electric motor 35 and the battery 31, so the separator 34 extends to the vicinity of the switching valve 34, but it can also be disposed with... Figure 4 Similarly, it extends to the right end.

[0086] It should be noted that, other than those mentioned above Figure 7 Structure and Figure 4 The structures are roughly the same, so the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0087] <Effect>

[0088] Next, the effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0089] like Figure 4 As shown, in medium or large electric excavators 100, the battery 31 is enlarged, and the space occupied by the battery 31 inside the outer casing 9 becomes larger. Therefore, it is possible to arrange hydraulic equipment (working oil tank 32, switching valve 33) near the battery 31 inside the outer casing 9.

[0090] The allowable temperature of battery 31 is as low as about 60°C, while the heat dissipation temperature of hydraulic devices 32 and 33 is as high as about 100°C. Therefore, when hydraulic devices 32 and 33 are located near battery 31, heat is transferred from hydraulic devices 32 and 33 to battery 31, causing battery 31 to be heated above its allowable temperature and unable to function stably.

[0091] Therefore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the cooling device 40 is configured, in a top view, to face the area sandwiched between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32, 33 in the left-right direction. Thus, as... Figure 4 As indicated by arrows A1 and A2, the cooling device 40 allows air drawn in from the vent VL to pass between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 before being discharged from the vent VR. This ensures that air flows in a straight line from the vent VL to the vent VR within the machine chamber, minimizing airflow resistance. Consequently, heat transfer from the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 to the battery 31 is effectively blocked, and the heat from the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 is effectively discharged to the outside of the machine chamber. This suppresses heating of the battery 31 caused by heat transfer from the hydraulic devices 32 and 33.

[0092] It should be noted that, alternatively, the air drawn in from the vent VR can be driven by the cooling fan 40a, passing between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32 and 33, and then discharged from the vent VL.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the separator 34 is disposed between the battery 31 and the hydraulic devices 32 and 33. The separator 34 prevents oil blown from the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 from splashing onto the battery 31, thus preventing damage to the battery 31 or heavy equipment. Additionally, the separator 34 also blocks heat transfer from the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 to the battery 31.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As indicated by arrows A1 and A2, the cooling device 40 supplies air to the region on the battery 31 side relative to the separating member 34, and to the regions on the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 side relative to the separating member 34. As indicated by arrow A2, by supplying air to the regions on the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 side relative to the separating member 34, heat transfer from the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 to the separating member 34 can be suppressed. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow A1, by supplying air to the region on the battery 31 side relative to the separating member 34, heat transfer from the separating member 34 to the battery 31 is suppressed. Thus, heat transfer from the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 to the battery 31 via the separating member 34 is suppressed.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the cooling device 40 is positioned opposite the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 in the direction extending from the rotation axis AX of the cooling fan 40a. Consequently, the air supplied from the cooling device 40 flows in a straight line toward the hydraulic devices 32 and 33. Therefore, the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 can be cooled by the air supplied from the cooling device 40.

[0096] Furthermore, in the area where the cooling device 40 and the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 are opposite each other in the AX direction of rotation, there may be no obstruction between the cooling device 40 and the hydraulic devices 32 and 33. In this case, the air delivered from the cooling device 40 directly contacts the hydraulic devices 32 and 33, thus enabling more effective cooling of the hydraulic devices 32 and 33.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the cooling device 40 is positioned opposite the battery 31 in the direction extending from the rotation axis AX of the cooling fan 40a. Consequently, relatively low-temperature air (MAX 65°C or below) delivered from the cooling device 40 flows in a straight line toward the battery 31. Therefore, the battery 31 itself can be cooled by the air delivered from the cooling device 40.

[0098] Furthermore, in the region where the cooling device 40 and the battery 31 are opposite each other in the AX direction of rotation, there may be no obstruction between the cooling device 40 and the battery 31. In this case, the air delivered from the cooling device 40 directly contacts the battery 31, thus enabling more effective cooling of the battery 31.

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the oil cooler 41 is positioned opposite the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 in the direction extending from the rotation axis AX of the cooling fan 40a, and is arranged side-by-side with the hydraulic devices 32 and 33 in the left-right direction. The radiator 42 is positioned opposite the battery 31 in the direction extending from the rotation axis AX of the cooling fan 40a, and is arranged side-by-side with the battery 31 in the left-right direction. Thus, the cooling device 40 can cool both the oil cooler 41 and the radiator 42 separately.

[0100] It should be understood that all aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is shown by the technical solutions rather than the foregoing description, and includes all modifications of the same meaning and scope.

[0101] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0102] 1...Main body; 2...Working device; 3...Slewing body; 4...Cab; 4S...Driver's seat; 5...Running body; 5Cr...Tracks; 5M...Traveling motor; 6...Boom; 7...Stick; 8...Bucket; 9...External cover; 9L...Left side plate; 9R...Right side plate; 10...Boom cylinder; 11...Stick cylinder; 12...Bucket cylinder; 13...Boom base pin; 14...Boom top pin; 15...Stick top pin; 17...Bucket connecting rod; 20...Slewing frame; 21...Opening; 31...Battery; 31F...Front end; 31R, RL, R R... Rear end; 32... Working oil tank; 33... Switching valve; 34... Separating component; 34T... Third part; 34F... First part; 34S... Second part; 35... Electric motor; 36... Inverter; 40... Cooling device; 40a... Cooling fan; 41... Oil cooler; 42... Radiator; 100... Electric excavator; AX... Rotary shaft; BP... Base plate; CB... Central beam; CF... Central frame; DL... Left cover plate; DR... Right cover plate; RX... Rotary shaft; TH1, TH2... Through holes; VL, VR... Vents.

Claims

1. An electric excavator, wherein, The electric excavator has the following features: The outer cover has a first side plate and a second side plate facing each other in the left-right direction, a first vent provided on the first side plate and a second vent provided on the second side plate; A battery, which is disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate, supplies power to the power source; A hydraulic device, which is positioned in front of the battery; as well as A cooling device, having a cooling fan, is configured to face, in a top view, the area sandwiched between the battery and the hydraulic equipment in the left-right direction. The cooling device has a first cooling fan and a second cooling fan. The cooling device is configured to deliver air to a first region on the battery side via a first cooling fan, and to deliver air to a second region on the hydraulic equipment side via a second cooling fan. Air supplied to the first region for cooling the battery and air supplied to the second region for cooling the hydraulic equipment are discharged from a common second vent.

2. The electric excavator according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling device uses the cooling fan to drive air drawn in from the first vent to pass between the battery and the hydraulic device and to exit from the second vent.

3. The electric excavator according to claim 1, wherein, The electric excavator also includes a partition component disposed between the battery and the hydraulic equipment.

4. The electric excavator according to claim 3, wherein, The cooling device is configured to supply air to the battery side region relative to the separator and the hydraulic equipment side region relative to the separator, respectively.

5. The electric excavator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least a portion of the cooling device is positioned opposite the hydraulic device in the direction in which the rotating shaft of the cooling fan extends.

6. The electric excavator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least a portion of the cooling device is positioned opposite the battery in the direction in which the rotating shaft of the cooling fan extends.

7. The electric excavator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The electric excavator also features: An oil cooler, which is positioned opposite the hydraulic device in the direction in which the rotating shaft of the cooling fan extends; and A heat sink, which is opposite the battery in the direction in which the rotating shaft of the cooling fan extends.

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