Work machine and method for charging battery

Abstract

This work machine is provided with: a vehicle body; a working machine connected to the vehicle body; a battery disposed on the vehicle body; and a solar photovoltaic panel which is housed inside the vehicle body and which is deployed outside the vehicle body in order to charge the battery.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work machine and a charging method of a battery. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle equipped with a solar photovoltaic panel is described in Patent Literature 1.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: U.S. Patent No. 8851560 Specification SUMMARY

[0004] A technology capable of charging a battery mounted on an electric work machine is needed.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to charge a battery of a work machine.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a work machine is provided with: a vehicle body; a work machine linked to the vehicle body; a battery disposed in the vehicle body; and a solar photovoltaic panel housed inside the vehicle body and deployed outside the vehicle body in order to charge the battery.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a battery of a work machine is charged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a management system of a work machine of an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a shovel of an embodiment as viewed from the front left.

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a control system of a shovel of an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an on-vehicle controller of an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a part of a shovel of an embodiment as viewed from the rear.

[0013] Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a solar photovoltaic panel of an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a solar photovoltaic panel of an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a solar photovoltaic panel of an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a charging method of a battery of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. The constituent elements of the embodiment described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, there are cases where part of the constituent elements is not used.

[0018] Outline of the management system

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a management system 1 of a shovel 2A of an embodiment. The management system 1 is used to manage the shovel 2A working at a work site 3. In the embodiment, the shovel 2A is an electrically-powered working machine using a battery and an electric motor as a power source. There are a plurality of shovels 2A in the work site 3. In the embodiment, the management system 1 is used to manage the shovels 2A. The management system 1 is not limited to the shovels 2A, but can be used to manage other working machines such as a bulldozer 2B and a dump truck 2C. Figure 1 In the example shown, the shovels 2A existing in the work site 3 include the shovel 2A, the bulldozer 2B, and the dump truck 2C.

[0020] In the embodiment, the shovel 2A does not carry an operator. The shovel 2A is remotely operated. A remote operation room 4 is provided outside the shovel 2A. The remote operation room 4 is provided at a remote location of the work site 3. An information terminal 5 and a remote operation device 6 for remotely operating the shovel 2A are both arranged in the remote operation room 4. The information terminal 5 and the remote operation device 6 are both present outside the shovel 2A. The information terminal 5 includes a computer system arranged in the remote operation room 4.

[0021] The remote operation device 6 is operated by an operator in the remote operation room 4. The remote operation device 6 is operated by the operator to generate an operation signal for remotely operating the shovel 2A. The operation signal generated in the remote operation device 6 is input to the information terminal 5. The information terminal 5 generates a remote operation instruction based on the operation signal from the remote operation device 6. The information terminal 5 transmits the remote operation instruction to the shovel 2A via a communication system 7.

[0022] The shovel 2A is operated based on the remote operation instruction transmitted from the information terminal 5 present outside the shovel 2A. At least one of the shovel 2A and the work site 3 is provided with a camera for acquiring image data of the work site 3. The image data of the work site 3 is transmitted to the information terminal 5 via the communication system 7 and displayed on a display device of the information terminal 5. The operator can confirm the image data of the work site 3 while operating the remote operation device 6.

[0023] The communication system 7 can include a public communication line or a specific communication line. As the communication system 7, a cellular communication network or a satellite communication network can be exemplified. In addition, the communication system 7 can include the Internet, or a Local Area Network.

[0024] The management system 1 includes a management server 8. The management server 8 comprises a computer system. The management server 8 is capable of communicating with the excavator 2A via the communication system 7. The management server 8 is used to collect working data from the excavator 2A. The management server 8 is also used to output control commands to the excavator 2A.

[0025] Operating machinery

[0026] Figure 2 This diagram shows an excavator 2A as viewed from the left front. The excavator 2A includes: a slewing body 9, a traveling body 10, a workpiece 11, and a workpiece cylinder 12.

[0027] The slewing body 9 is the chassis of excavator 2A. The traveling body 10 is the traveling device of excavator 2A. The traveling body 10 supports the slewing body 9. The slewing body 9 is supported on the traveling body 10 in a rotatable manner. The slewing body 9 is positioned above the traveling body 10. The traveling body 10 travels while supporting the slewing body 9. The traveling body 10 has a pair of tracks 10A. Excavator 2A travels by rotating the tracks 10A.

[0028] The work machine 11 is connected to the front of the slewing body 9. The work machine 11 includes: a boom 11A connected to the front of the slewing body 9, a stick 11B connected to the boom 11A, and a bucket 11C connected to the stick 11B. The work machine cylinder 12 includes: a boom cylinder 12A for moving the boom 11A, a stick cylinder 12B for moving the stick 11B, and a bucket cylinder 12C for moving the bucket 11C.

[0029] control system

[0030] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the control system 30 of an excavator 2A according to an embodiment. The excavator 2A has a control system 30. The control system 30 includes: a battery 31, a solar photovoltaic panel 70, a charging device 32, a DC / DC converter 33, an inverter 34, an electric motor 35, a hydraulic pump 36, a main valve 37, a hydraulic actuator 38, an on-board controller 40, a battery sensor 41, a sunlight sensor 71, an external sensor 72, and a communication device 43.

[0031] Battery 31 is the power source for excavator 2A. Battery 31 is a built-in battery installed in excavator 2A. Battery 31 is disposed inside the rotating body 9. Battery 31 includes a secondary battery. In this embodiment, battery 31 includes a lithium-ion battery (LiB).

[0032] Solar photovoltaic panel 70 generates electricity through sunlight. Solar photovoltaic panel 70 contains multiple solar cells. Solar photovoltaic panel 70 is mounted on rotating body 9. The solar photovoltaic panel 70 generates electricity to charge battery 31.

[0033] The charging device 32 is connected to the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The charging device 32 charges the battery 31 based on the power supplied by the solar photovoltaic panel 70.

[0034] DC / DC converter 33 boosts the voltage from battery 31. DC / DC converter 33 supplies DC power from battery 31 to inverter 34.

[0035] Inverter 34 converts direct current from DC / DC converter 33 into three-phase alternating current and supplies it to electric motor 35. Electric motor 35 is driven based on the three-phase alternating current supplied from inverter 34.

[0036] Electric motor 35 is the power source for excavator 2A. Electric motor 35 is driven by power supplied by battery 31.

[0037] Hydraulic pump 36 is driven by electric motor 35. Hydraulic pump 36 is used to discharge hydraulic oil. The hydraulic oil discharged from hydraulic pump 36 is supplied to hydraulic actuator 38 via main valve 37. Hydraulic actuator 38 of excavator 2A includes working cylinder 12.

[0038] Alternatively, an electric actuator can be installed in excavator 2A to replace hydraulic actuator 38. The work cylinder 12 can also be an electric cylinder. When an electric actuator is installed in excavator 2A to replace hydraulic actuator 38, the hydraulic pump 36 and main valve 37 can be omitted.

[0039] The vehicle controller 40 includes a computer system. The vehicle controller 40 controls at least the solar photovoltaic panel 70.

[0040] Battery sensor 41 includes a voltage sensor for detecting the voltage of battery 31. Sunlight sensor 71 is used to detect sunlight. External sensor 72 is used to detect the area around the rotating body 9. External sensor 72 detects obstacles around the rotating body 9 in a non-contact manner. As an example of external sensor 72, a laser sensor (LIDAR: Light Detection and Ranging) that detects obstacles by emitting laser light can be shown. Alternatively, external sensor 72 can also be a radar sensor (RADAR: Radio Detection and Ranging) that detects obstacles by emitting radio waves, an infrared sensor that detects obstacles by emitting infrared light, or a camera. Communication unit 43 communicates wirelessly with management server 8.

[0041] The control system 30 switches the power supply of the excavator 2A, which includes the battery 31, between a powered-off state and a powered-on state. The powered-off state of the excavator 2A means that no power is supplied from the battery 31 to the electric motor 35. In this embodiment, even when the power supply of the excavator 2A is powered off, power is still supplied to the electrical equipment of the excavator 2A that needs to operate to charge the battery 31 via the solar photovoltaic panel 70. In this embodiment, the electrical equipment that needs to operate to charge the battery 31 includes at least one of the following: the solar photovoltaic panel 70, the charging device 32, the on-board controller 40, the battery sensor 41, the communication device 43, the sunlight sensor 71, and the external sensor 72. The powered-on state of the excavator 2A means that power is supplied from the battery 31 to the electric motor 35.

[0042] Vehicle controller

[0043] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an implementation of an on-board controller 40. Both the management server 8 and the on-board controller 40 include computer systems. The on-board controller 40 includes: a processor 48, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit); main memory 49, which includes non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory); memory 50; and an interface 51, which includes input / output circuitry. The functions of the on-board controller 40 are stored as a computer program in memory 50. The processor 48 reads the computer program from memory 50 and loads it into main memory 49, executing the processing according to the computer program. Furthermore, the computer program can also be transmitted to the management server 8 via a network.

[0044] Similarly, the management server 8 has: a processor, main memory, storage, and interfaces.

[0045] The processor 48 includes a remaining power calculation unit 48A, a judgment unit 48B, and a photovoltaic panel control unit 48C.

[0046] The remaining power calculation unit 48A calculates the remaining power of the battery 31 based on the detection data from the battery sensor 41. The remaining power of the battery 31 can also be considered as the state of charge (SOC). The state of charge of the battery 31 refers to the ratio of the remaining power to the fully charged capacity. The battery sensor 41 is used to detect the voltage of the battery 31. The remaining power calculation unit 48A is able to calculate the remaining power of the battery 31 based on the detection data from the battery sensor 41.

[0047] The determination unit 48B determines whether to charge the battery 31 through the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The determination unit 48B determines whether to charge the battery 31 based on the remaining power of the battery 31. When the remaining power of the battery 31 calculated by the remaining power calculation unit 48A is below a preset first threshold, the determination unit 48B determines to charge the battery 31.

[0048] When the excavator 2A is not in operation, the determination unit 48B determines to charge the battery 31. The non-operation period of the excavator 2A includes the period when the power to the excavator 2A, including the battery 31, is off. The determination unit 48B determines to charge the battery 31 when the power to the excavator 2A is off.

[0049] The determination unit 48B determines whether to charge the battery 31 based on the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71. The detection value of the sunlight sensor 71 represents the intensity (illuminance) of sunlight. When the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71 is high, the intensity of sunlight received by the sunlight sensor 71 is high. When the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71 is low, the intensity of sunlight received by the sunlight sensor 71 is low. When the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71 exceeds a preset second threshold, the determination unit 48B determines to charge the battery 31.

[0050] When the external sensor 72 detects an obstacle, the determination unit 48B determines that the battery 31 should not be charged.

[0051] The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C controls the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The solar photovoltaic panel 70 changes between a stored state inside the rotating body 9 and an deployed state outside the rotating body 9. When the determination unit 48B determines that the battery 31 is not being charged through the solar photovoltaic panel 70, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C stores the solar photovoltaic panel 70 inside the rotating body 9. When the determination unit 48B determines that the battery 31 is being charged through the solar photovoltaic panel 70, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C deploys the solar photovoltaic panel 70 outside the rotating body 9 in order to charge the battery 31.

[0052] Solar photovoltaic panels

[0053] Figure 5 This is a diagram of a portion of the excavator 2A as viewed from the rear. (See diagram.) Figure 5 As shown, the rotating body 9 includes a frame 9A and a top cover 9B disposed on the upper part of the frame 9A. A working machine 11 is connected to the front of the frame 9A. The top cover 9B is configured to cover an opening in the upper part of the frame 9A. Openings are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part of the frame 9A. The top cover 9B includes a left top cover 9BL for covering the left opening and a right top cover 9BR for covering the right opening. The top cover 9B opens or closes based on the action of an actuator.

[0054] When not generating electricity through the solar photovoltaic panel 70, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is housed inside the rotating body 9. Generating electricity without the solar photovoltaic panel 70 includes not charging the battery 31 through the solar photovoltaic panel 70. When the battery 31 is not being charged, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is housed inside the rotating body 9. When the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is in the housed state, the top cover 9B is closed.

[0055] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 These are diagrams illustrating the operation of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 in the embodiment. When generating electricity through the solar photovoltaic panel 70, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is deployed outside the rotating body 9. Generating electricity through the solar photovoltaic panel 70 includes charging the battery 31 through the solar photovoltaic panel 70. When charging the battery 31, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is deployed outside the rotating body 9. The solar photovoltaic panel 70 is deployed outside the rotating body 9 to charge the battery 31. Figure 6 As shown, when the battery 31 is being charged via the solar photovoltaic panel 70, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C opens the top cover 9B. After opening the top cover 9B, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C begins to unfold the solar photovoltaic panel 70.

[0056] The solar photovoltaic panel 70 includes a left-side solar photovoltaic panel 70L that unfolds from an opening on the left, and a right-side solar photovoltaic panel 70R that unfolds from an opening on the right. The left-side solar photovoltaic panel 70L includes a first photovoltaic panel 70A, a second photovoltaic panel 70B connected to the first photovoltaic panel 70A, and a third photovoltaic panel 70C connected to the second photovoltaic panel 70B. The right-side solar photovoltaic panel 70R includes a fourth photovoltaic panel 70D, a fifth photovoltaic panel 70E connected to the fourth photovoltaic panel 70D, and a sixth photovoltaic panel 70F connected to the fifth photovoltaic panel 70E. The solar photovoltaic panel 70 is folded and stored inside the rotating body 9.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, with the top cover 9B open, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is deployed. Figure 8As shown, in the unfolded state of the solar photovoltaic panel 70L on the left, the upper surfaces (light-receiving surfaces) of the first photovoltaic panel 70A, the second photovoltaic panel 70B, and the third photovoltaic panel 70C are arranged in the same plane. In the unfolded state of the solar photovoltaic panel 70R on the right, the upper surfaces (light-receiving surfaces) of the fourth photovoltaic panel 70D, the fifth photovoltaic panel 70E, and the sixth photovoltaic panel 70F are arranged in the same plane. The solar photovoltaic panel 70 generates electricity by being irradiated by sunlight in its unfolded state.

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is larger than the rotating body 9 when unfolded. This means that the end of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 extends outward from the frame 9A. In this embodiment, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is larger than the width dimension of the rotating body 9. In its unfolded state, the size of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 in the width direction is larger than the size of the rotating body 9. The third photovoltaic panel 70C extends to the left from the left end of the frame 9A. The sixth photovoltaic panel 70F extends to the right from the right end of the frame 9A. Furthermore, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can also be larger than the front-rear dimension of the rotating body 9.

[0059] As described above, the remaining power of battery 31 is calculated by the remaining power calculation unit 48A. When the determination unit 48B determines that the remaining power of battery 31 is below a first threshold, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C unfolds the solar photovoltaic panel 70.

[0060] The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C retracts the solar photovoltaic panel 70 during the working period of the excavator 2A. The working period of the excavator 2A includes the period when the power of the excavator 2A is on. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C unfolds the solar photovoltaic panel 70 during the non-working period of the excavator 2A. The non-working period of the excavator 2A includes the period when the power of the excavator 2A is off. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C unfolds the solar photovoltaic panel 70 during the period when the power is off.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, even when the power supply to excavator 2A is off, power is still supplied to the electrical equipment of excavator 2A that needs to operate to charge battery 31 via solar photovoltaic panel 70. Solar photovoltaic panel 70 can be deployed even when the power supply to excavator 2A is off. Battery 31 can be charged by electricity generated by solar photovoltaic panel 70 even when the power supply to excavator 2A is off.

[0062] When the determination unit 48B determines that the detection value of the solar sensor 71 is below the second threshold, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C retracts the solar photovoltaic panel 70. When the determination unit 48B determines that the detection value of the solar sensor 71 exceeds the second threshold, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C unfolds the solar photovoltaic panel 70.

[0063] When the external sensor 72 detects an obstacle around the rotating body 9, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C retracts the solar photovoltaic panel 70. When the external sensor 72 does not detect an obstacle around the rotating body 9, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C unfolds the solar photovoltaic panel 70.

[0064] Battery charging methods

[0065] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the charging method of the battery 31 according to the embodiment. When the remaining charge of the battery 31 is below a first threshold, the determination unit 48B determines whether the excavator 2A is in a non-working state. In this embodiment, the determination unit 48B determines whether the power supply to the excavator 2A is turned off (step S1).

[0066] When the power is on, the determination unit 48B determines that the excavator 2A is in working condition. When the power is off, the determination unit 48B determines that the excavator 2A is in non-working condition.

[0067] In step S1, when it is determined that the excavator 2A is in a non-working state (step S1: Yes), the determination unit 48B determines whether the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can be deployed (step S2).

[0068] The determination unit 48B determines whether the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can be deployed based on the detection data from the external sensor 72. When the external sensor 72 detects an obstacle around the rotating body 9, the determination unit 48B determines that the solar photovoltaic panel 70 cannot be deployed. When the external sensor 72 does not detect an obstacle around the rotating body 9, the determination unit 48B determines that the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can be deployed.

[0069] In step S2, when it is determined that the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can be deployed (step S2: yes), the determination unit 48B determines whether the detection value of the solar sensor 71 exceeds the second threshold (step S3).

[0070] In step S3, when it is determined that the detection value of the solar sensor 71 exceeds the second threshold (step S3: Yes), the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C deploys the solar photovoltaic panel 70. Figure 8As shown, by unfolding the solar photovoltaic panel 70, sunlight shines on the upper surface (light-receiving surface) of the solar photovoltaic panel 70, enabling the solar photovoltaic panel 70 to generate electricity. The electricity generated by the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is used to charge the battery 31.

[0071] The determination unit 48B determines whether to stop the power generation by the solar photovoltaic panel 70 (step S5). For example, when the battery 31 is fully charged, the determination unit 48B determines that the power generation by the solar photovoltaic panel 70 has ended.

[0072] In step S5, if it is determined that the power generation by the solar photovoltaic panel 70 should not be terminated (step S5: No), the power generation by the solar photovoltaic panel 70 continues. In step S5, if it is determined that the power generation by the solar photovoltaic panel 70 should be terminated (step S5: Yes), the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is stored away, and the charging of the battery 31 by the solar photovoltaic panel 70 ends.

[0073] If, in step S1, it is determined that the excavator 2A is not in a non-working state (step S1: No), in step S2, it is determined that the solar photovoltaic panel 70 cannot be deployed (step S2: No), and in step S3, it is determined that the detection value of the solar sensor 71 is below the second threshold (step S3: No), then the solar photovoltaic panel 70 will not be deployed, and the solar photovoltaic panel 70 will not generate electricity. Charging of the battery 31 by the solar photovoltaic panel 70 will not be performed.

[0074] Effect

[0075] As described above, according to the embodiment, the excavator 2A includes a solar photovoltaic panel 70 for charging the battery 31. When the battery 31 is not being charged, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is housed inside the rotating body 9. The solar photovoltaic panel 70 is deployed outside the rotating body 9 to charge the battery 31. The battery 31 of the excavator 2A is charged by electricity generated by the solar photovoltaic panel 70.

[0076] In this embodiment, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is deployed outside the rotating body 9 when the excavator 2A is not in operation. Since the solar photovoltaic panel 70 is housed inside the rotating body 9 during the operation of the excavator 2A, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the solar photovoltaic panel 70 or to prevent damage to the solar photovoltaic panel 70.

[0077] The solar photovoltaic panel 70 is larger than the rotating body 9 when unfolded. As a result, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 has a larger light-receiving area, and therefore the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can generate electricity efficiently.

[0078] The solar photovoltaic panel 70 deploys when the remaining charge of the battery 31 is below a first threshold. Thus, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 generates electricity when the battery 31 needs charging.

[0079] The solar photovoltaic panel 70 deploys when the power to the excavator 2A is off. This allows the battery 31 to be charged via the solar photovoltaic panel 70 during the excavator 2A's non-working periods.

[0080] The solar photovoltaic panel 70 deploys when the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71 exceeds a second threshold. Therefore, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can generate electricity efficiently even when the intensity of sunlight is high.

[0081] Other implementation methods

[0082] Furthermore, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 at a preset time. The vehicle controller 40 has a clock function. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 when the excavator 2A is not in operation and at a preset time. For example, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 of the excavator 2A at work site 3 on weekends when work site 3 is closed. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, for example. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 during the lunch break at work site 3, for example.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 based on control commands sent from the management server 8. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can receive control commands sent from the management server 8 via the communication unit 43. Furthermore, when the management server 8 is connected to an operating device, an operator can also operate the operating device connected to the management server 8. The operating device is operated by the operator, thereby generating operating commands for deploying the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The management server 8 can send control commands for deploying the solar photovoltaic panel 70 to the excavator 2A based on the operating commands from the operating device.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 based on meteorological data published by the meteorological authority. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can receive meteorological data via the communication unit 43. For example, the management server 8 can send a control command to the vehicle controller 40 to deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 based on the meteorological data published by the meteorological authority. The management server 8 can send a control command to the vehicle controller 40 to deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 when it is determined that the weather at the work site 3 is sunny based on the meteorological data published by the meteorological authority. The management server 8 can also send a control command to the vehicle controller 40 to deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 when it is determined that the weather at the work site 3 is sunny on a weekend when work is suspended at the work site 3. In addition, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also receive meteorological data published by the meteorological authority without going through the management server 8, and deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 based on the received meteorological data.

[0085] The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 based on remote operation commands sent from the information terminal 5. The remote operation device 6, located externally to the excavator 2A, is operated by the operator. Consequently, the information terminal 5 sends remote operation commands to the vehicle controller 40 based on the operation signals from the remote operation device 6. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 based on the remote operation commands generated by the operator operating the remote operation device 6.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the excavator 2A is remotely operated by the remote operating device 6. Alternatively, the operating device for operating the excavator 2A may be located on the rotating body 9, and the operator riding on the excavator 2A may operate the operating device to deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70. That is, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C may also receive operating instructions from the operating device located on the rotating body 9, and deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 based on the received operating instructions.

[0087] The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 when multiple conditions for deploying the solar photovoltaic panel 70 are met. For example, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 when the power to the excavator 2A is turned off and the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71 exceeds a second threshold. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also deploy the solar photovoltaic panel 70 when the power to the excavator 2A is turned off and a predetermined time has arrived (e.g., 6:00 AM on Sunday). The number of conditions for deploying the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can be two, three, or any number of four or more.

[0088] In the above embodiments, as referred to Figure 8As explained, in the unfolded state of the solar photovoltaic panel 70, the upper surfaces of the first, second, and third photovoltaic panels 70A, 70B, and 70C are arranged in the same plane, and the upper surfaces of the fourth, fifth, and sixth photovoltaic panels 70D, 70E, and 70F are arranged in the same plane. After unfolding outside the rotating body 9, the upper surfaces of the first, second, and third photovoltaic panels 70A, 70B, and 70C can be parallel to or inclined relative to the horizontal plane. Similarly, after unfolding outside the rotating body 9, the upper surfaces of the fourth, fifth, and sixth photovoltaic panels 70D, 70E, and 70F can be parallel to or inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can also be tilted after being unfolded outside the rotating body 9. After being unfolded outside the rotating body 9, the angle of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 with respect to the horizontal plane can be changed. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can tilt the solar photovoltaic panel 70 based on the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71 to adjust the relative position of the sun and the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can tilt the solar photovoltaic panel 70 in a way that increases the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71. That is, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can tilt the solar photovoltaic panel 70 in a way that increases the illuminance of sunlight irradiating the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also tilt the solar photovoltaic panel 70 so that it faces the sun directly.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the rotating body 9 can also be rotated after the solar photovoltaic panel 70 has been deployed outside the rotating body 9. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can rotate the rotating body 9 based on the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71 to adjust the relative position between the sun and the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can rotate the rotating body 9 in a way that increases the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71. That is, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can rotate the rotating body 9 in a way that increases the illuminance of sunlight irradiating the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also rotate the rotating body 9 so that the solar photovoltaic panel 70 faces the sun directly.

[0091] That is, the photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also adjust the orientation of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 by increasing the detection value of the sunlight sensor 71. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also adjust the orientation of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 so that it faces the sun directly. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also adjust the orientation of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 to increase the power generation of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 or the amount of sunlight irradiating the solar photovoltaic panel 70. The photovoltaic panel control unit 48C can also predict the position of the sun based on latitude, longitude, altitude, date, and time, and adjust the orientation of the solar photovoltaic panel 70 accordingly.

[0092] In the above embodiment, excavator 2A is remotely operated. Excavator 2A may also be autonomously controlled by the onboard controller 40 without an operator. Excavator 2A may also be an unmanned operating machine.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the solar photovoltaic panel 70 can also be installed on the bulldozer 2B. The solar photovoltaic panel 70 can also be installed on the electric wheel loader. The excavator 2A equipped with the solar photovoltaic panel 70 may not have the working machine 11. The solar photovoltaic panel 70 can also be installed on the dump truck 2C.

[0094] Symbol Explanation

[0095] 1…Management system; 2A…Excavator; 2B…Bulldozer; 2C…Dump truck; 3…Work site; 4…Remote control room; 5…Information terminal; 6…Remote control device; 7…Communication system; 8…Management server; 9…Slewing body; 9A…Chassis; 9B…Top cover; 10…Traversing body; 10A…Crawler; 11…Working machine; 11A…Boom; 11B…Stick; 11C…Bucket; 12…Working machine cylinder; 12A…Boom cylinder; 12B…Stick cylinder; 12C…Bucket cylinder; 30…Control system; 31…Battery; 32…Charging device; 33…DC / DC converter; 34…Inverter; 35…Electric motor; 3 6…Hydraulic pump; 37…Main valve; 38…Hydraulic actuator; 40…On-board controller; 41…Battery sensor; 43…Communication unit; 48…Processor; 48A…Remaining power calculation unit; 48B…Judgment unit; 48C…Photovoltaic panel control unit; 49…Main memory; 50…Memory; 51…Interface; 70…Solar photovoltaic panel; 70A…First photovoltaic panel; 70B…Second photovoltaic panel; 70C…Third photovoltaic panel; 70D…Fourth photovoltaic panel; 70E…Fifth photovoltaic panel; 70F…Sixth photovoltaic panel; 70L…Solar photovoltaic panel; 70R…Solar photovoltaic panel; 71…Sunlight sensor; 72…External sensor.

Claims

1. A type of operating machinery, characterized in that, have: Body; The work machine is connected to the vehicle body; The battery, which is disposed in the vehicle body; and Solar photovoltaic panels are housed inside the vehicle body and deployed outside the vehicle body to charge the battery.

2. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solar photovoltaic panel is larger than the vehicle body when unfolded.

3. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: processor, The processor calculates the remaining power of the battery, and if it determines that the remaining power is below a first threshold, it deploys the solar photovoltaic panel.

4. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: processor, The processor deploys the solar photovoltaic panel when the power supply, including the battery, is turned off.

5. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: Processor; and A solar sensor, used to detect sunlight. When the processor determines that the detection value of the solar sensor exceeds a second threshold, it causes the solar photovoltaic panel to unfold.

6. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: processor, The processor deploys the solar photovoltaic panel at a preset time.

7. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: processor, The processor receives meteorological data and, based on the meteorological data, deploys the solar photovoltaic panel.

8. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: processor, The processor receives operation instructions from the operating device and, based on the operation instructions, causes the solar photovoltaic panel to unfold.

9. The operating machinery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The operating device is located on the vehicle body.

10. The operating machinery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The operating device is a remote operating device located on the exterior of the vehicle body.

11. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: processor, The processor receives control commands sent from the management server and deploys the solar photovoltaic panel based on the control commands.

12. The operating machinery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The management server sends control commands based on the operation instructions from the operating device.

13. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: Processor; and External sensors are used to detect the area around the vehicle body. The processor deploys the solar photovoltaic panels when the external sensors do not detect any obstacles around the vehicle body.

14. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solar photovoltaic panels are tilted after being deployed on the exterior of the vehicle body.

15. The operating machinery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle body is a rotating body. The rotating body rotates to adjust the relative position of the sun and the solar photovoltaic panel.

16. A method for charging a battery, characterized in that, include: Solar photovoltaic panels housed inside the vehicle body of the work machinery connected to the work machine are deployed to the exterior of the vehicle body; as well as The electricity generated by the solar photovoltaic panels charges the batteries located on the vehicle body.

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