Battery-powered work machine with on-demand cooling and conditioning of battery

Abstract

To provide a work machine with temperature control improved by active cooling and temperature adjustment performed as needed.SOLUTION: A work machine includes: a working device for generating a working motion; an electric motor (5) for driving the working device; an electric energy storage device (10) for supplying the electric motor with electric current; and a cooling device for cooling the energy storage device (10). The cooling device comprises at least one fan device (15) for generating a cooling air flow (16) which can be directed through the energy storage device (10). At least one temperature sensor is provided for detecting a temperature, and a control device is provided for controlling te drive of the fan device (15) in association with the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine, particularly a battery-operated working machine such as a vibrating tamper and a vibrating plate for compacting soil, a joint cutter, etc. Further, the present invention relates to a method for adjusting a battery used in a working machine.

[0002] In such a working machine or construction machine, various different drive concepts are used. Such machines were previously mainly driven by internal combustion engines, but electric drive devices are becoming increasingly popular. In an electric drive device, electrical energy is supplied to an electric motor by a battery provided in the device and an associated converter.

[0003] In such a machine, a fan wheel is provided on the electric motor used as a drive motor. This fan wheel continuously generates a cooling air flow during the operation of the motor, and this cooling air flow can also be used for cooling the battery and the converter. An example in this regard is described in German Patent Application Publication No. 102010055632.

[0004] [[ID=ID=17]]Cooling is not performed as needed in this case, but is automatically performed during the operation of the electric motor. Therefore, the components are cooled only when the motor is operating and thus the device is operating. Further, these components are cooled even when cooling is not necessary because they have not yet reached a critical temperature.

[0005] In such a battery-operated device, before starting the operation of the machine, it is first necessary to activate the battery via a button or switch provided on the battery. Then, the operator can start the operation of the machine by switching on the electric motor via a machine switch for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds). After switching off the electric motor, the battery must be deactivated again via the button.

[0006] Since component cooling occurs exclusively during the operation of the drive motor, pre- or post-adjustment of the battery, or pre- or post-temperature adjustment, is impossible. If the battery is already heated, for example, by a preceding charging or discharging process, this can shorten the operating time, especially in equipment with relatively high power consumption, because it will reach its maximum allowable temperature more quickly. This could lead to a forced switch-off of the entire machine, or rather, damage to components (battery, converter).

[0007] Conversely, components placed within a continuously generated cooling airflow during motor operation may be cooled even when the component's temperature does not yet require cooling. This can cause components, particularly batteries, to operate below their designated operating temperature ("comfort temperature") for relatively long periods, especially when the ambient temperature is low.

[0008] The use of a fan in battery-operated equipment, whether through a direct fan wheel in the drive motor or a separate fan, increases energy demand. This is because the fan is always running as soon as the battery is activated and can draw current from it.

[0009] The objective of this invention is to provide a work machine with improved temperature control through active cooling and temperature adjustment as needed.

[0010] The above-mentioned problems are solved by a working machine having the features described in claim 1 and a working machine having the features described in another independent claim. An advantageous configuration is described in a dependent claim. Yet another independent claim presents a method for pre- and post-adjustment of an energy reservoir in a working machine.

[0011] A working machine is presented comprising a working device for generating working motion, an electric motor for driving the working device, an electrical energy reservoir for supplying current to the electric motor, and a cooling device for cooling the energy reservoir, wherein the cooling device has at least one fan unit for generating a cooling airflow that can be guided through the energy reservoir, is provided with at least one temperature sensor for detecting temperature, and is provided with a control unit for driving and controlling the fan unit in relation to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0012] The work machinery may be construction machinery such as a vibratory tamper or vibratory plate for compacting soil, or a joint cutter for cutting asphalt pavement or concrete.

[0013] The control equipment can control the fan equipment and, consequently, the cooling airflow, and in particular, can turn it on and off. The fan equipment may have a fan and a fan motor that drives the fan, and the fan motor may be provided separately from the original drive motor (electric motor) of the work machine.

[0014] The drive control of the fan equipment by the control equipment can be performed, in particular, by monitoring whether the temperature exceeds or falls below a predetermined temperature limit. For example, if the temperature exceeds a predetermined upper temperature limit, the fan equipment can be switched on, and the cooling airflow generated thereby can be used to cool the component to be cooled, in particular an energy storage device (battery).

[0015] In this case, the fan system may also include multiple fans that can be driven and controlled by a control system, either together or individually. This allows for the generation of cooling airflow wherever cooling is needed.

[0016] This drive control allows for at least switching the fan equipment on or off. Similarly, it also allows for adjustment or control of the fan speed.

[0017] Furthermore, a working machine is presented comprising a working device for generating working motion, an electric motor for driving the working device, an electrical energy reservoir for supplying current to the electric motor, a motor switching device for switching the electric motor on and off by an operator, an operating device for activating and deactivating the energy reservoir, which is operable by the operator, and a control device for deactivating the energy reservoir in relation to the working state of the working machine, the working state being selected from a group consisting of: a predetermined first period of time after the energy reservoir has been activated by the operating device, without the electric motor being switched on by the motor switching device; and a predetermined second period of time after the electric motor has been switched off by the motor switching device.

[0018] In battery-operated machinery, the energy storage device (battery) must first be activated by operating an operating device (e.g., a button or switch). Only then does the battery or its control unit release current. Once the battery is activated, it enters a standby state, and its electrical energy becomes available.

[0019] Upon activation of the battery, a first period is set during which the electric motor should or could start working by switching it on. If the electric motor does not start during this first period, the battery is deactivated again.

[0020] The second period is monitored when the motor is switched off again after the operation. If this second period elapses without any further activity, such as switching the electric motor on, the control equipment deactivates the battery.

[0021] The work machine may be provided with a cooling device for cooling the energy storer, the cooling device having at least one fan unit for generating a cooling airflow that can be guided through the energy storer, and at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature, and the control unit is configured to drive and control the fan unit in relation to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0022] Similar to the embodiments described above, the control equipment can evaluate the temperature sensor readings and compare them, for example, with a temperature limit, thereby appropriately controlling the fan operation.

[0023] A converter may be provided for converting current from an energy storage device and for supplying current to an electric motor. In this case, a cooling device may be provided to cool the converter in addition to cooling the energy storage device, and in this case, the cooling airflow may be guided through this converter equipment.

[0024] In this case, depending on the configuration, the cooling airflow can be guided between the energy reservoir and the converter equipment. For example, a fan may be positioned between the energy reservoir and the converter equipment in the cooling airflow. Accordingly, the cooling airflow can cool the energy reservoir first and then the converter equipment, provided that the cooling airflow is guided through these components accordingly.

[0025] A temperature sensor may be provided to detect at least one temperature in the working machine, which is selected from a group of temperatures including the temperature of the energy storage unit, the temperature of the converter, the temperature of the electric motor, the ambient temperature, the temperature at the air inlet of a cooling air passage provided to guide the cooling airflow, and the temperature at the outlet of the cooling air passage.

[0026] Therefore, at least one temperature sensor may be provided on the machine tool, and in some cases, multiple temperature sensors may be provided at various different locations or on multiple components. Each temperature measurement value detected by these temperature sensors is supplied to the control equipment, and the control equipment takes corresponding measures. The measures may be, for example, switching on or off the fan equipment, or adjusting it upward or downward.

[0027] In this case, the temperature sensor may be provided on the energy accumulator and / or the converter.

[0028] A temperature limit value may be stored in the control equipment. In this case, the control equipment may be able to compare the detected temperature with this temperature limit value, and when it is confirmed that the detected temperature exceeds the temperature limit value, the control equipment switches on the fan equipment.

[0029] The control equipment may be configured to drive and control the fan equipment in relation to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and in relation to the operating state of the machine tool. When multiple temperature sensors are provided, the control equipment may also be able to drive and control one fan equipment (or multiple fan equipment) in relation to the multiple temperatures detected by these multiple temperature sensors.

[0030] The operating state of the machine tool may be selected from the group of the energy accumulator being switched off, the energy accumulator being switched on, and the electric motor being switched on. Depending on the operating state, the control equipment takes measures to switch on or off the fan equipment, for example, taking into account the detected temperature.

[0031] The control equipment may be configured to drive and control the fan equipment so that the fan equipment is also activated in the first period and / or the second period when the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature limit value in relation to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and in relation to the working state of the machine tool.

[0032] As described above, the reference for the operating state is related to the elapse of a predetermined first period or second period before the electric motor (drive motor) is switched on or after the electric motor is switched off. In these time phases, for example, the energy accumulator can be cooled by activating the fan equipment even when the electric motor itself is not switched on. This enables, for example, an energy accumulator that has been charged immediately before its use and still has a high temperature due to the charging process to be cooled already in the standby phase (first period) before it is used to supply electrical energy to the electric motor.

[0033] Similarly, the energy accumulator can be further cooled even after the electric motor is switched off if its detected temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature limit value.

[0034] The control equipment may be configured to drive and control the fan equipment in relation to at least one of the following parameters, namely, the state of charge of the energy accumulator, the aging state of the energy accumulator, the voltage provided by the energy accumulator, the model type of the energy accumulator. This means that the control equipment can also take into account additional other parameters that can affect the activation of the fan equipment, not only the pure temperature value, especially the temperature of the energy accumulator. In some cases, core field control can be defined for this purpose, where different parameters are mapped in relation to each result (ventilation on, ventilation off, strength of the cooling air flow).

[0035] A maximum temperature limit value set as an upper limit for the operation of the energy accumulator may be stored in the control equipment. In this case, the temperature in the energy accumulator is detected by a temperature sensor, and the control equipment can compare the detected temperature with this maximum temperature limit value. When it is confirmed that the detected temperature exceeds the maximum temperature limit value, the control equipment switches off the electric motor or prevents the electric motor from being switched on.

[0036] In this case, the temperature inside the energy reservoir is monitored to ensure it does not exceed the maximum temperature limit. However, if the temperature inside the energy reservoir exceeds the maximum temperature limit, no further load should be placed on the energy reservoir to avoid damage. In this case, the drive motor of the work machine is either directly switched off by the control equipment or prevented from being switched on. Under these operating conditions, only current for the operation of the ventilation equipment can be drawn from the energy reservoir.

[0037] The control equipment may be integrated into the control unit of the converter. Since the converter has electronic components in any case, other electronic components required for the control equipment may also be located in this area.

[0038] A method for pre-adjusting an energy storage device in a working machine, • The operator activates the energy reservoir, - A step of setting a first period after activation during which the electric motor used as the drive motor for the work machine can be started, - A step of deactivating the energy storer if the electric motor is not started within a first period, The present invention provides a method comprising the steps of monitoring the temperature of an energy reservoir during a first period, and activating a fan system to generate a cooling airflow for the energy reservoir if the temperature of the energy reservoir exceeds a predetermined temperature limit.

[0039] A method for post-adjusting an energy storage device in a working machine, The step of switching off an electric motor used as a drive motor for a work machine, which is supplied with electrical energy from an activated energy storage device, The step of setting a second period which is initiated by switching off the electric motor, • The step of maintaining the energy reservoir in an activated state during the second period, The present invention further provides a method comprising the steps of monitoring the temperature of the energy reservoir during a second period, and activating a fan system to generate a cooling airflow for the energy reservoir if the temperature of the energy reservoir exceeds a predetermined temperature limit.

[0040] After the second period has elapsed, the energy reservoir may be deactivated.

[0041] These advantages and other advantages of the present invention, as well as these features and other features, will be described in more detail below, based on examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows a side view of a vibrating tamper as an example for a work machine according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure schematically shows a side view of a vibrating plate as an example for a work machine according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the principle structure of a cooling device with control as needed. [Figure 4] This figure shows the control status for driving and controlling the cooling device in relation to various different working and operating conditions. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating pre-adjustment and post-adjustment.

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 exemplify working machines with cooling for the battery and converter, respectively. In the illustrated examples, a cooling airflow is generated, guided through the battery and converter, to cool these two components, as will be further described later. However, the present invention can also be used in other cooling concepts, particularly in other paths of the cooling airflow.

[0044] Figure 1 schematically shows a vibrating tamper comprising an upper mass body 1 and a lower mass body 2 that is movable relative to the upper mass body 1. The upper mass body 1 and the lower mass body 2 are connected to each other by a spring mechanism 3, which is known in itself. A soil contact plate 4 for compacting soil is provided on the lower surface of the lower mass body 2.

[0045] The upper mass body 1 is equipped with a drive device that includes an electric motor 5. The electric motor 5 drives the crank wheel 6 to rotate. The crank wheel 6 is connected to a connecting rod 8 via a crank pin 7. Since the connecting rod 8 is coupled to a compaction piston 9, the rotational motion of the crank wheel 6 is converted into the reciprocating motion of the compaction piston 9. The linear motion of the compaction piston 9 is then transmitted via a spring device 3 to the soil contact plate 4, which performs the actual compaction motion.

[0046] A battery 10 is provided, which is used as an electrical energy storage device, to supply energy to the electric motor 5.

[0047] The current supplied by the battery 10 is converted or modified by the converter 11, which is used as a converter, to a current suitable for the electric motor 5 in terms of its own voltage and frequency. In particular, it is possible to generate an alternating current for the electric motor 5 from the direct current stored in the battery 10.

[0048] The crank wheel 6, crank pin 7, and connecting rod 8 are housed within the crankcase 12, and the electric motor 5 is also fixed to the crankcase 12. In one variant, most of the electric motor 5 may be located inside the crankcase 12.

[0049] A gripping device 13, which belongs to the upper mass body 1 and is formed as a handlebar, is attached to the upper surface of the crankcase 12. To isolate the gripping device 13 from vibration, a vibration isolation device 14, for example in the form of a rubber damper, is placed between the gripping device 13 and the crankcase 12. This allows the gripping device 13 to pivot within a predetermined range relative to the rest of the upper mass body 1, and especially relative to the crankcase 12, thereby protecting the operator gripping the handlebar or gripping device 13 at the right end of Figure 1 as intended from excessively strong vibrations.

[0050] Both the battery 10 and the converter 11 are fixed to or supported by the gripping equipment 13. Here, the battery 10 can be fixed to the gripping equipment 13 in a replaceable manner, thereby allowing each battery 10 to be replaced with a fresh battery 10.

[0051] A fan system 15 is spatially positioned between the battery 10 and the converter 11, and the fan system 15 includes a fan, such as a ventilator and a fan motor.

[0052] The fan unit 15 draws in air via the battery 10 and generates a cooling airflow 16 by compressing it downstream via the converter 11 until the cooling airflow 16 reaches the surroundings again. The path of the cooling airflow 16 is symbolically shown by arrows in Figure 1.

[0053] A cover 17, such as a plastic hood, is provided for better guidance of the cooling airflow 16 and for protection of various components.

[0054] In one variant not shown, the fan equipment 15 may also be located upstream of the battery 10 or downstream of the converter 11 in order to properly generate the cooling airflow 16 (see arrow direction).

[0055] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the work machine, which is a vibrating plate. Components that are functionally similar or identical to those in the embodiment of Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals.

[0056] Accordingly, the vibrating plate similarly has an upper mass body 1 and a lower mass body 2, where the lower mass body 2 is movable relative to the upper mass body 1. For this reason, a vibration isolation element 20 is provided between the upper mass body 1 and the lower mass body 2.

[0057] A soil contact plate 4 is formed on the lower mass body 2. An electric motor 5 for driving a vibration generator 21 is positioned on the soil contact plate 4. The vibration generator 21 may have, for example, one or more eccentric shafts, which are rotated by the electric motor 5 used as a drive motor to generate desired vibrations. The vibrations are then directly introduced into the soil to be compacted via the soil contact plate 4.

[0058] The battery 10, which provides energy for the electric motor 5, is located in the upper mass body 1 together with the converter 11.

[0059] Similar to the embodiment in Figure 1, a fan unit 15 is positioned between the battery 10 and the converter 11, thereby generating a cooling airflow 16 that passes through the battery 10 and along the converter 11. As can be seen, the cooling airflow 16 may be guided downstream of the fan unit 15 so that it flows around as many surfaces as possible of the converter 11, or at least both sides. However, depending on the configuration, sufficient cooling can be achieved even if the airflow passes through only one side of the battery 10 and / or the converter 11.

[0060] A cover 17 is provided to better guide the cooling airflow 16.

[0061] The gripping device 13 is formed in the form of a traction rod that can be guided by an operator on the vibrating plate, and is fixed to the lower mass body 2.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic structure of a cooling device according to the present invention for achieving on-demand cooling, which can be used, for example, in one of the working machines shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

[0063] Here, the battery 10 is used to supply voltage to the converter 11. A control module 25, used as a control device, is also provided as a component of the converter 11. The control module 25 may be an integrated component of the converter 11, or it may be located separately from the converter 11, for example, in another area of ​​the work machine. However, in the case of the converter, sensitive electronic components are already adequately protected against vibration, contamination, and moisture ingress, so it is reasonable to place the control module 25 adjacent to or inside the converter 11. By integrating the control module 25 into the converter 11, the additional costs that would otherwise be required by appropriate additional protective measures for the control module 25 can be avoided.

[0064] The control module 25 drives and controls the fan 15. In particular, the control module 25 can switch the fan 15 on and off. Similarly, the control module 25 may be configured to change the fan speed as needed.

[0065] To monitor the need for cooling, the battery 10 is provided with a temperature sensor 26, and the converter 11 is provided with a temperature sensor 27. The temperature sensors 26 and 27 may be located on the outer wall or casing wall of the battery 10 and the converter 11. However, if structurally possible, the temperature sensors 26 and 27 can also be incorporated inside the casing.

[0066] The measurement results from the temperature sensors 26 and 27 are supplied to the control module 25, which compares the measurement results with a predetermined characteristic map or limit value. Depending on the identified situation, particularly if the temperature exceeds or falls below a predetermined temperature limit value, the control module 25 drives and controls the fan 15 to generate, block, strengthen, or weaken the cooling airflow.

[0067] Further temperature sensors may be provided in the working machine at appropriate locations to provide information for the control module 25, which may support cooling as needed. This information may include, for example, ambient temperature, temperature inside the crank mechanism (vibrating tamper), temperature inside the vibration generator (vibrating plate), or temperature inside the drive motor (e.g., electric motor 5).

[0068] Figure 4 illustrates various parameters and their development over time t. In particular, various operating and switching states are shown here to illustrate the cooling operation modes as needed.

[0069] The top row shows the status of the work machine, with each having a different state: "Battery Switch Off," "Standby," and "Motor Switch On."

[0070] In the "battery switch off" state, the battery is deactivated and does not supply voltage.

[0071] In the "standby" state, the battery 10 is activated by the operator through the operation of a corresponding operating element, such as a button, and is in standby mode accordingly. In this state, the battery provides voltage for the operation of the work machine.

[0072] In the "motor switch on" state, the drive motor 5 of the work machine is activated, and the work machine can perform the operation it is set to do as intended, such as compacting soil with a vibrating tamper or vibrating plate.

[0073] The row below Figure 4 illustrates the temperature value T_bat in the battery 10, as detected by the temperature sensor 26. In the illustrated example, the temperature value jumps between approximately 33°C (too high a temperature for the battery 10), 25°C (the optimal operating temperature for the battery 10, the so-called "comfort temperature"), and 17°C (a low temperature). However, these temperature values ​​are presented only as examples. Naturally, in practice, other values ​​may be measured during the operation of the work machine, depending on the type of battery.

[0074] In Figure 4, the row below shows the measured temperature value T_inv at the converter 11, as well as the temperature value at the battery 10. Here, the temperature value jumps between values ​​below 40°C and values ​​above 40°C.

[0075] The lower row of Figure 4 shows the switching position of fan 15, i.e., "fan switch on" or "fan switch off".

[0076] Therefore, Figure 4 illustrates the following switching states for various different periods t0 to t9: t0: Battery switch off (no current supplied), battery temperature (T_bat) is excessively high, converter temperature (T_inv) is low. Since battery 10 is not supplying voltage, the fan is switched off. A situation similar to the t1:t0 case. Additionally, the temperature T_inv in the converter is high. The battery is not supplying current, and the fan remains switched off. t2: The operator activates battery 10, putting it into standby mode. The temperature value corresponds to the temperature value at t0. However, at this point, battery 10 provides voltage, so the fan is switched on. t3: All temperature values ​​are within the optimal range. Fans are switched off. The situation is similar to the t4:t3 case, but the temperature T_inv in the converter is high. Therefore, the fan is switched on. t5: Two temperature values, T_bat and T_inv, are high, and the fan is switched on. t6: The motor is started and in operation. These temperature values ​​are high, and the fan is switched on. t7: The battery temperature value T_bat is high, and the fan is switched on. t8: The two temperature values ​​are low. However, in the preceding t7, the battery temperature was high, so cooling continues and the fan remains switched on. t9: The battery temperature T_bat is extremely low. Cooling is no longer necessary and may even be detrimental if the ambient temperature is relatively low. Ventilation is turned off.

[0077] In summary, when battery 10 is switched off, fan 15 is always switched off. When battery 10 is in standby mode and the battery temperature T_bat is high (e.g., >30°C), fan 15 is always switched on. When the motor (electric motor 5) is switched on and the battery temperature T_bat > 20°C or the converter temperature T_inv > 40°C, the fan is switched on.

[0078] To avoid deep discharge, cooling is performed only as soon as the battery 10 is activated.

[0079] When working machinery is used, especially in the form of construction machinery, the battery may still be excessively hot before the machine is started. This may be because the battery was stored in a sunny place, for example, or charged immediately before use. Similarly, the battery temperature may be high after the machine is switched off because it was heavily loaded beforehand by the use of the drive motor.

[0080] For this purpose, an adjustment method is set up so that the battery 10 remains active before and after the machine is in operation, and can be further cooled as needed. It may also be set so that the machine is only allowed to be switched on when the battery temperature is within a suitable range. Therefore, the machine cannot be started when it is overheated.

[0081] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional steps of this adjustment method.

[0082] In step S1, the battery is activated by operating a button located on the battery. The battery then provides voltage available to the work machine.

[0083] In particular, in step S2, voltage is supplied to the converter or the control module provided in the converter, and a so-called "standby" time or "standby" period (first period) is set for the battery.

[0084] In step S3, the battery is kept active for a predetermined period of time during "standby startup".

[0085] Unless the operator initiates further action, in step S4, the battery is switched off after the "standby startup" period has elapsed.

[0086] However, in step S5, when the operator switches on the work machine via a mechanical switch located in the operating area, and in particular activates, for example, the drive motor of the equipment, the equipment becomes operational in step S6.

[0087] In parallel with this, temperature monitoring is performed as shown in Figure 3 above. According to this, in step S7, when the control module 25 identifies that the battery has reached its maximum allowable temperature, the control module switches off the drive motor in step S8. In this case, the battery can be supplied with only the current necessary for the operation of the fan equipment 15, thereby allowing the battery to continue to be cooled.

[0088] After a predetermined period of "standby shutdown" (second period) has elapsed, the battery is switched off in step S9.

[0089] If no battery temperature overheating (step S7) is detected during the operation of the device in step S6, the device can be switched off in step S10 by operating the machine switch after the work is completed.

[0090] The battery identifies the device as switched off when current is no longer drawn from it. Additionally, or alternatively, information can be exchanged between the motor control unit or motor switch and the battery, thus allowing the battery to obtain information that the motor has been switched off.

[0091] After switching off the device in step S10, in step S11, the battery is kept active for a period of "standby shutdown" (second period). Therefore, during this phase, the battery may be further cooled.

[0092] In step S12, the battery is switched off after the "standby shutdown" time has elapsed. Active cooling of the battery no longer occurs because the fan is no longer supplied with current.

[0093] After the equipment is switched off, the battery should remain in a dormant (standby) state for a period of time, for example, 3 or 5 minutes, before it itself is switched off. During this time, the operator can switch the equipment back on by operating the machine switch and continue the operation. It is not necessary to reactivate the battery in this case. In other equipment, the possibility of resuming operation may be low. Therefore, in this case, the battery does not need to be kept active for a relatively long period of time, and if the equipment is not started again during this time, the battery will be switched off again after a relatively short minimum time (for example, 30 seconds).

[0094] As explained above, with on-demand cooling, there is no need to keep the fan running continuously, so the energy efficiency of the cooling system can be higher than that of an active fan that is not driven under control.

[0095] Cooling components as needed can extend the maximum allowable operating time. This is because, in the case of the component in question, particularly the battery, the delta of the current temperature to the maximum allowable temperature is increased by pre- and post-cooling. For example, pre-cooling of the battery allows it to remain operational for a longer period until the battery temperature exceeds the maximum allowable limit temperature.

[0096] By operating components at their own comfortable temperature, the lifespan of electronic components in battery cells and converters can be extended.

[0097] The switch-on and switch-off concepts, as explained in Figure 5, make it possible to start the machine more easily and quickly after a short break. In particular, the operator does not need to activate the battery every time before starting the machine.

Claims

1. It is a work machine, A work device for generating work motion, An electric motor (5) for driving the aforementioned work device, An electrical energy storage device (10) for supplying current to the electric motor, The system includes a cooling device for cooling the energy storage device (10), The cooling device has at least one fan unit (15) for generating a cooling airflow (16) that can be guided through the energy storage unit (10), At least one temperature sensor (26) for detecting temperature is provided, A control device (25) is provided for driving and controlling the fan device (15) in relation to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (26). Agricultural machinery.

2. It is a work machine, A work device for generating work motion, An electric motor (5) for driving the aforementioned work device, An electrical energy storage device (10) for supplying current to the electric motor (5), A motor switching device for an operator to switch the electric motor on and off, Operating equipment for activating and deactivating the energy storage device (10), which can be operated by the operator, The system includes a control device (25) for deactivating the energy storage device (10) in relation to the working state of the aforementioned work machine, The aforementioned working conditions are, A predetermined first period of time has elapsed since the energy storage device (10) was activated by the operating equipment, without the motor switching device switching on the electric motor (5); The elapsed time of a predetermined second period after the electric motor (5) is switched off by the motor switching device. Selected from the group, Agricultural machinery.

3. The energy storage device (10) is equipped with a cooling device for cooling the energy storage device. The cooling device has at least one fan unit (15) for generating a cooling airflow (16) that can be guided through the energy storage unit (10), At least one temperature sensor (26) for detecting temperature is provided, The work machine according to claim 2, wherein the control equipment (25) is configured to drive and control the fan equipment (15) in relation to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (26).

4. A converter (11) is provided for converting the current from the energy storage device (10) and for supplying the current to the electric motor (5). The cooling device is provided not only for cooling the energy storage device (10), but also for cooling the converter (11). The working machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooling airflow (16) can be guided via the converter equipment (11).

5. The work machine is provided with temperature sensors (26, 27) for detecting at least one temperature, and the temperature is The temperature of the energy storage device (10), The temperature of the converter (11), The temperature of the electric motor (5), Ambient temperature, The temperature at the air inlet of the cooling air passage provided to guide the aforementioned cooling airflow, Temperature at the outlet of the cooling air passage A working machine according to claim 1 or 2, selected from the group.

6. The control equipment (25) contains a temperature limit value, The temperature detected by the control equipment (25) can be compared with the temperature limit value. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when it is confirmed that the temperature detected exceeds the temperature limit, the control equipment switches on the fan equipment (15).

7. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control equipment (25) is configured to drive and control the fan equipment (15) in relation to the temperature detected by the temperature sensors (26, 27) and in relation to the operating state of the work machine.

8. The operating state of the aforementioned work machine is, The energy storage device (10) is switched off. The energy storage device (10) is switched on. The working machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electric motor (5) is switched on, selected from the group.

9. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control equipment (25) is configured to drive and control the fan equipment (15) such that, in relation to the temperature detected by the temperature sensors (26, 27) and in relation to the working state of the work machine, the fan equipment (15) is activated during the first period and / or the second period if the detected temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature limit.

10. The control equipment (25) controls the following parameters, i.e., The charge state of the energy storage device (10), The state of deterioration over time of the energy storage device (10), The voltage provided by the energy storage device (10), Model type of the energy storage device (10) The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, configured to drive and control the fan equipment (15) in relation to at least one of the following.

11. The control equipment (25) stores a maximum temperature limit value that is set as an upper limit for the operation of the energy storage device (10). The temperature inside the energy storage device (10) is detected by a temperature sensor (26). The temperature detected by the control equipment (25) can be compared with the maximum temperature limit value. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when it is confirmed that the detected temperature exceeds the maximum temperature limit, the control equipment (25) switches off the electric motor (5) or prevents the electric motor (5) from being switched on.

12. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control equipment (25) is incorporated into the control unit of the converter (11).

13. A method for pre-adjusting an energy storage device in a working machine, The steps include: the operator activating the energy storage device (10), A step of setting a first period after activation during which the electric motor (5), used as the drive motor of the work machine, can be started. The steps include deactivating the energy storage device (10) if the electric motor (5) is not started within the first period, The procedure includes the steps of monitoring the temperature of the energy reservoir (10) during the first period, and activating a fan system (15) to generate a cooling airflow (16) for the energy reservoir (10) if the temperature of the energy reservoir (10) exceeds a predetermined temperature limit. method.

14. A method for post-adjustment of an energy storage device (10) in a working machine, The steps include switching off an electric motor (5) used as a drive motor for the work machine, which is supplied with electrical energy from an activated energy storage device (10), The steps include setting a second period that begins when the electric motor (5) is switched off, The steps include maintaining the activated state of the energy storage device (10) during the second period, The procedure includes the steps of monitoring the temperature of the energy reservoir (10) during the second period, and activating a fan system (15) to generate a cooling airflow (16) for the energy reservoir (10) if the temperature of the energy reservoir (10) exceeds a predetermined temperature limit. method.

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