Self-propelled operating machine and method for checking safety thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a self-propelled operating machine (1) and a method for checking the safety thereof, such as a telescopic boom transporter, in particular a rotary telescopic boom transporter, and the method comprises the steps of: automatically checking whether the voltage in the system (2) is equal to or greater than a predetermined risk threshold; and issuing a warning signal if the voltage in the system (2) is equal to or greater than the risk threshold. The invention relates to a self-propelled operating machine (1) equipped with an electrical system (2) and comprising checking devices (41, 42) designed to detect whether the voltage in the system (2) is greater than or equal to a predetermined risk threshold and to issue a warning signal after the detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety system for a self-propelled operating machine, such as a telescopic boom handler, in particular a rotary type telescopic boom handler, an aerial work platform or the like.

[0002] In detail, the present invention relates to a safety system intended for use with an operating machine having an electric or hybrid propulsion system. Background Art

[0003] It is known that vehicles with an electric or hybrid propulsion system are provided with a high-voltage electrical system connecting a battery to one or more motors and to various consumers.

[0004] There is a possibility that, even when the machine is off, high voltage conditions exist in the system, which may make any intervention in the system risky, such as disconnecting it to change a battery.

[0005] Therefore, there are regulations that require instrumentation to check whether the current is greater than a certain threshold before performing work on a high voltage system.

[0006] To this end, the operator must be equipped with a measuring device (eg, a multimeter) and, after wearing specific personal protective equipment (such as gloves, goggles, etc.), check whether the voltage is greater than a planned threshold voltage.

[0007] This is obviously a rather inconvenient procedure which requires the use of suitable instruments and protective devices and which must be performed fairly frequently, that is to say at least every time a battery has to be replaced or during maintenance.

[0008] For this reason, it cannot be excluded that persons who are not fully aware of the risks decide to intervene in the system, even if they do not have instruments and / or protective devices available. Summary of the invention

[0009] The technical aim forming the basis of the present invention is to propose a safety system for operating a machine and a safety control method for a machine of this type which overcome the limitations of the prior art.

[0010] This specific technical object is achieved by the present invention formed according to the attached claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in the non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment of the proposed machine, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1is an axonometric view of an operating machine according to the present invention; and

[0013] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 Schematic representation of the high voltage electrical system of a machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a self-propelled operating machine made according to the present invention. The proposed machine 1 may be provided with an electric or hybrid propulsion system.

[0015] The machine 1 shown in the figures is a so-called telescopic handler of the "swivel" type, equipped with a carriage 11, moved by wheels, on which a revolving tower 12 is mounted, which accommodates a cab 120 and to which a telescopic operating boom 10 is articulated. The boom 10 is equipped at its distal end with a loading attachment (not shown).

[0016] Optionally, the frame 11 may also be equipped with a stand 13 comprising a plurality of stabilizing arms; for example, the machine 1 may be equipped with a so-called "scissor-like" stand.

[0017] According to some embodiments, wheels may be replaced with tracks or other moving equipment.

[0018] The machine 1 is preferably provided with an electric or hybrid propulsion system.

[0019] The term "attachment" refers to accessories for engaging a load, such as forks, a boom equipped with a hook, a winch, clamps, etc., and accessories for lifting persons and, if necessary, loads, such as a loading platform.

[0020] In more detail, the boom 10 may have, at its distal end, a coupling device 14 , also of the type commonly used in machines manufactured by the Applicant, which allows the replacement of the attachment and its connection with the hydraulic and electrical equipment of the machine 1 .

[0021] The boom 10 is articulated to swing vertically between a lower position (substantially horizontal) and an upper position (in which the boom 10 is close to the vertical direction) under the actuation of at least one hydraulic cylinder or similar actuator. The boom 10 is extendable and retractable and, more precisely, comprises a plurality of segments inserted one in another, which are coaxial with each other and designed to translate in the axial direction. The extension and retraction of the boom 10 are also produced by one or more hydraulic cylinders or other actuators, or also by telescopic cylinders (or other actuators with several stages).

[0022] The machine 1 may also comprise an electro-hydraulic distributor connected individually, according to known methods, to the hydraulic actuators used in the machine 1. The distributor is supplied by a pump actuated by a motor 22 located on the machine 1. However, embodiments of the invention are not excluded in which one or more of the above-mentioned actuators are of the electric type instead of the hydraulic type.

[0023] However, it should be noted that the invention can be used with different types of operating machines which, however, are typically provided with a high voltage electrical system.

[0024] In particular, the proposed machine 1 may also be a telescopic handler of the “fixed” type, that is to say without a rotating turntable, wherein the cab 120 and the boom are carried directly by a frame resting on the ground via wheels.

[0025] The machine 1 comprises a control unit designed to transmit control signals to a distributor which then commands the actuators so that they operate the boom 10 , the support, the translation motor 21 and other devices included in the machine 1 according to commands issued by an operator sitting in the cab 120 .

[0026] In practice, the machine 1 comprises, in the associated cab 120, control means available to the operator, such as joysticks, pedals, buttons, etc.; when the operator acts on these control means, the control unit generates control signals received by the distributor which then regulates the operation of each actuator of the boom 10, bracket, accessories, etc. accordingly.

[0027] Furthermore, if necessary, the invention may include the use of a remote controller comprising control means corresponding in functionality to those present in the cab 120 and designed to transmit control signals to a receiver connected to the processing unit.

[0028] In practice, the control unit transmits control signals to the distributor which then commands the hydraulic actuators of the machine 1 according to certain conditions.

[0029] The machine 1 according to the invention may comprise at least one electric drive motor 21, for example positioned at one axis, and an electric motor 22 for driving a hydraulic pump which, using a distributor, powers the movement cylinders of the boom 10 and, if necessary, the motor-driven rack of the turntable 12.

[0030] The proposed machine 1 can advantageously be provided with one or more receptacles, for example in the form of receptacle compartments 110, designed for an energy source 3 for powering at least the propulsion motor 21 and / or the pump motor 22. The receptacle preferably comprises two compartments 110 made in the carrier 11. A possible energy source can be a high-voltage battery 3.

[0031] According to the preferred aspect described in the applicant's European patent application No. 21212736, when the battery 3 is exhausted, the corresponding compartment 110 is opened, the exhausted battery 3 is extracted and replaced with a fully charged battery 3. If the machine 1 carries a second battery 3, the machine can continue the programmed operation using the energy stored in this second battery until it is necessary to replace this battery or to install and connect another battery 3.

[0032] Other features of this version of the invention are described in the above-mentioned patent application, which should be understood to be incorporated herein with respect to the ability to replace the battery 3 or multiple batteries.

[0033] A possible version of the machine 1 is described in the applicant's European patent application No. 22181031 , which relates to the ability to switch the propulsion system of a vehicle, and which application in this respect is intended to be incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] According to this version, two types of power supply sources are available: batteries 3 and power generation devices. In detail, the present invention uses one or more batteries 3, each designed to be inserted into / pulled out of a compartment 100, and uses at least one power generation device, which is designed to be inserted into / pulled out of a compartment 110. The power generation device can be designed to generate electricity by consuming fossil fuels, for example, it can be a thermoelectric generator, or it can be a fuel cell or other device that generates electricity starting from some form of fuel.

[0035] According to this preferred embodiment, the machine 1 is provided with two alternative power supply configurations, which can be switched by action of the user:

[0036] - a completely electrical configuration, in which the power supply device comprises only one or more batteries 3; and

[0037] - A hybrid configuration, wherein the aforementioned power supply device comprises a power generation device.

[0038] Further details of this arrangement are described in the above-mentioned European Patent Application No. 22181031.

[0039] More generally, the proposed machine 1 comprises at least a high-voltage electrical system 2, that is to say, the electrical system 2 comprises or is connected to at least one device 3 for storing high-voltage electric charge; in what follows, by way of example, but without limiting the scope of the invention, reference will be made to the case in which the storage device is a high-voltage battery 3.

[0040] Figure 2 An example of an electrical system 2 according to the invention is shown.

[0041] As already explained, the system may comprise or be connected to one or more electric motors 21 , 22 , for example a drive motor 21 connected to the transmission and, if necessary, a different electric motor 22 which may be connected to a pump of the hydraulic system of the machine 1 .

[0042] Preferably, the system includes a power distribution unit 23 ("PDU") that connects the battery 3 to the motor (or to multiple motors) and other electrical devices powered by the system. In more detail, as Figure 2 As shown, the system connects the distribution unit 3 to inverters 210 , 220 driving the motors 21 , 22 .

[0043] The proposed machine 1 may include one or more of the following electrical devices powered by the high voltage system 2: a climate control system for the cab 120, namely a heater 24 and a compressor 25 for air conditioning; the aforementioned thermoelectric generator 26 (or other devices for extending autonomy); and an on-board charger 27 for charging the battery 3 (or batteries) using the national grid (or other similar source). The above list is not necessarily exhaustive. The generator 26 is also controlled by a corresponding inverter 260.

[0044] According to an important aspect of the invention, the machine 1 comprises a checking device 41 , 42 designed to check whether the voltage in the system 2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined risk threshold and to emit a warning signal after detection.

[0045] More specifically, the inspection devices 41 , 42 are designed to issue a warning signal if a voltage is detected that is equal to or exceeds a predetermined risk threshold, which may be a high voltage threshold.

[0046] For example, the threshold value is selected based on national regulations or national or international standards related to high voltage. Therefore, the value of the threshold value can be adapted to the use environment or other considerations. A possible value of the threshold value mentioned purely as an example is 60 volts.

[0047] In more detail, the checking devices 41 , 42 may be designed to detect whether the voltage in the system 2 is equal to a threshold value, or alternatively, is greater than a threshold value, or both conditions simultaneously, that is to say, is at least equal to a threshold value.

[0048] The inspection device may comprise an inspection device 41 electrically connected to the system 2 and designed to emit a warning signal when the voltage in the system 2 is greater than or equal to a risk threshold. According to a preferred aspect, the inspection device 41 is connected to the power distribution unit 23. In more detail, the inspection device 41 may comprise or consist of a DC-DC converter connected to the high-voltage bus of the power distribution unit 23, the DC-DC converter being capable of converting the voltage of the system 2, in particular a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, in particular a voltage suitable for enabling a warning device 42 designed to emit a warning signal.

[0049] Warning device 42 can be, for example, a light-emitting warning device, such as an LED or other optoelectronic device. In this case, if the voltage in the system reaches or exceeds a threshold, DC-DC converter 41 converts the voltage into a lower voltage sufficient to automatically trigger light signal device 42.

[0050] Likewise, different types of checking devices 41 are possible, as are different types of signaling devices 42 associated therewith.

[0051] In addition to or instead of an optical type signal, other types of warning signals or signals or mixed signals may be used, which may be audio type signals, optical type signals (in case a portable device connected to the control unit is used) or the like.

[0052] In the case where the indicator 42 is a light-emitting indicator, the indicator can be located at least in a position visible from the outside of the machine 1, in particular from the outside of the cab 120, or in a position visible from at least inside the cab 120 of the machine 1.

[0053] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, the indicator 42 is positioned so that it can be seen by the operator both when inside the cab 120 and when outside the cab (particularly on the ground).

[0054] According to the version of the invention shown, the indicator 42 is located at the ladder 121 for access to the cab 120 so that the emitted signal can be seen both by the operator on the ground and by the operator in the cab 120, who at most needs to lean slightly outward to see the light signal.

[0055] The ladder 121 is located below the cab 120 , and the warning device 42 may be positioned between two steps.

[0056] The invention allows the operator to know at a glance whether high voltage is present in the system 2 and therefore whether it is risky to intervene in the system, such as changing the battery 3. Other types of operations may be disconnecting various electrical components or maintaining the electric pump 25 or the heater 24 mentioned above.

[0057] A possible operation of the present invention is described below.

[0058] When the operator has to intervene in the system 2, for example to replace the battery 3, the machine 1 must first be shut down. If the operator sees the warning signal (in the case of a visual type warning signal), that is, the indicator 42 is still on despite the fact that the translation motor 21 has stopped, then this means that there is a risk of high voltage in the system and that the operation of replacing the battery 3 is therefore unsafe.

[0059] If the signal is not given, the operator will climb into the cab 120 and start the motor 21 (for example by turning the ignition key in the dashboard) and look at the indicator light 42. If the indicator light is on, it means that there is no fault in the safety system and in the checking device 41, 42 and therefore no high voltage is present in the system 2. If the signal remains off, it means that a fault has occurred and it would not be safe to intervene in the system 2.

[0060] In the event that high pressures may be present in the system, it will be necessary to perform the inspection using the instrumentation and protection devices described in the background.

[0061] The invention is also configured as a method for checking the safety of a self-propelled operating machine 1, which will be described below.The machine 1 may be identical to the machines described above, also in its optional and preferred aspects.

[0062] The method comprises the following steps:

[0063] A. automatically checking whether the voltage in the electrical system 2 of the machine 1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined risk threshold;

[0064] B. In the event that the voltage in the system 2 is equal to or greater than the risk threshold, at least one warning signal is issued.

[0065] The features of the system may be those already described above.

[0066] The method may also comprise, before checking whether the voltage is greater than or equal to the risk threshold (ie step A), a step in which the electric motor 21 of the system connected to the machine 1 is switched off.

[0067] Furthermore, preferably, after the check step A, in the absence of a warning signal being emitted, the motor 21 is started and it is subsequently checked whether a warning signal is emitted. The reason for this feature is explained above in the description of a possible operation of the machine 1 .

[0068] Preferably, a power distribution unit 23 is available in the system 2 , which performs step A.

[0069] The warning signal may be of visual type, preferably visible from outside the machine 1 and from inside the cab 120. It cannot be excluded that the signal as explained above is of different types or that the signal is visible only from outside or inside the cab 120.

Claims

1. A method for checking the safety of a self-propelled operating machine (1) equipped with an electrical system (2), such as a telescopic boom handler, in particular a rotary telescopic boom handler, comprising the following steps: Automatically checking whether the voltage in the system (2) is equal to or greater than a predetermined risk threshold; In the event that the voltage in the system (2) is equal to or greater than the risk threshold, at least one warning signal is issued.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising, before checking whether the voltage is greater than or equal to the risk threshold, a step in which the electric motor (21) of the system connected to the machine (1) is switched off.

3. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: In the case where the warning signal is not issued, the motor (21) is started, and after starting the motor, it is checked whether the warning signal is issued.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A power distribution unit (23) is provided in the system, and a step of checking whether the voltage is equal to or greater than the risk threshold is performed at the power distribution unit.

5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein: The warning signal is a visual type warning signal.

6. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The warning signal is visible from outside the machine (1) and inside the cab (120).

7. A self-propelled maneuvering machine (1), such as a telescopic handler, in particular a rotary telescopic handler, the machine being equipped with an electrical system (2) and comprising a checking device (41, 42) designed to detect whether the voltage in the system (2) is greater than or equal to a predetermined risk threshold and to emit at least one warning signal after said detection.

8. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The inspection device (41, 42) comprises an inspection device (41) electrically connected to the system (2), the inspection device being designed to issue the warning signal when the voltage in the system (2) is equal to or greater than the risk threshold.

9. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The system comprises a power distribution unit (23) connected to the inspection device (41).

10. Machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The inspection device (41, 42) comprises at least one signaling device (42) which is designed to emit a visual warning signal and is located at a position which is visible at least from the outside of the machine (1).

11. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The inspection device (41, 42) comprises at least one signaling device (42) which is designed to emit a visual warning signal and is located at a position visible at least from inside a cab (120) of the machine (1).

12. The machine (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The signaling device (42) is located in a position visible from both inside and outside the cab (120).

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