Power supply system for work vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle-mounted power supply system which can drive an alarm display lamp for a long time while reducing deterioration of a battery and suppressing an environmental load to the minimum.SOLUTION: An efficient power supply system includes: a traveling vehicle 2 equipped with an on-vehicle battery used for starting an alternator and an engine; an additional battery different from the on-vehicle battery; an external power supply including any one of solar power generation means 7, wind power generation means or a motor generator 9; and a control box 11 (control means 10) which includes an alarm display device 3 operated by power, operates the alarm display device 3 by alternately using the on-vehicle battery and the additional battery, and alternately charges the on-vehicle battery and the additional battery. Deterioration of the battery is delayed by alternately charging the two batteries and an environmental load is reduced by preferentially using natural energy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system for a warning indicator lamp mounted on a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power supply control device for a vehicle. This power supply control device for a vehicle uses a solar cell module and a battery as power sources, has a power storage amount detection unit that detects the amount of stored power in the battery and a switch for switching power sources, and switches the power source supplied to a load based on the amount of stored power in the battery detected by the power storage amount detection unit.

[0003] In addition, when road repair work is being carried out, a warning is displayed to alert general vehicles traveling on the road. This warning is displayed for a long period of time, so if only an engine generator is used for a long period of time, the amount of exhaust gas emitted will be large. Even if a battery is used in combination with the generator, the battery will deteriorate more quickly if it is used and charged repeatedly in a short period of time. In addition, the amount of exhaust gas emitted can be reduced by using natural energy such as solar panels and wind power generation in combination with the generator rather than using only the engine generator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-56853 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As mentioned above, it is important to reduce battery deterioration. Also, in order to reduce the amount of oil fuel used and to operate the warning indicator light for a long period of time, it is preferable to use electricity generated from natural energy sources in combination, but at the same time, it is necessary to devise a control method to reduce the amount of time that oil fuel is used for power generation. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide a power supply system to be mounted on a vehicle that can drive a warning indicator light for a long period of time while reducing battery deterioration and minimizing the environmental impact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the present invention is a power supply system, The vehicle has an internal combustion engine used as a power source for traveling, an alternator driven by the internal combustion engine, and an on-board battery mainly used to start the internal combustion engine, an additional battery different from the on-board battery, an external power source including either a solar power generation means, a wind power generation means, or an internal combustion generator, and a warning display means operated by electric power, and is characterized in that the warning display means is operated by alternately using the on-board battery and the additional battery, and the vehicle has a control means which alternately charges the on-board battery and the additional battery that have consumed electric power using the alternator or the external power source.

[0007] Moreover, in the above power supply system, The control means has a monitoring means for monitoring changes in the amount of electric power charged in the vehicle battery and the expansion battery, a first control for switching a circuit that has been supplying power from the expansion battery to the warning display means to a circuit that supplies power from the vehicle battery, on condition that the amount of power charged in the expansion battery has decreased below a set value; The second control is alternately repeated to switch the circuit that was supplying power from the vehicle battery to the warning display means to a circuit that supplies power from the expansion battery, on the condition that the amount of power charged to the vehicle battery has decreased below a set value.

[0008] Moreover, in the above power supply system, The warning display means is attached to a rear surface of a rectangular frame provided on a loading platform of the traveling vehicle, The solar power generation means is attached to an upper surface of the stand, A control box accommodating the engine generator and control means is disposed in the internal space of the stand. Effect of the Invention

[0009] This invention is a power supply system installed in a vehicle that displays warnings to general vehicles during road construction, and uses two batteries, an on-board battery and an additional battery, as the power source for the warning display in a specific cycle, alternately. This cycle minimizes the number of times the warning display needs to be charged during its total operating time, which has the effect of delaying the end of the battery's life due to deterioration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of a vehicle equipped with a power supply system, as viewed obliquely from the rear. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of a traveling vehicle equipped with a power supply system, as viewed from the side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a power supply system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are external views showing an example of a traveling vehicle 2 equipped with a power supply system 1 according to the present invention. The traveling vehicle 2 is an automobile that satisfies Japanese laws and regulations based on the Road Traffic Act, and is formed as a 2-3 ton truck with a loading platform. A warning display device 3 that alerts other general vehicles facing backward is provided on the loading platform of the traveling vehicle 2. The warning display device 3 is formed as an electric bulletin board that displays letters and figures, and is equipped with warning lights 5 that emit red and yellow light to alert drivers.

[0012] The warning display device 3 is attached to the rear surface of a stand 6 installed on the loading platform of the traveling vehicle 2. The stand has a rectangular frame shape. A solar panel 7 is installed on the top surface of the stand 6 as one of the external power sources, so that electricity is generated using sunlight. It is also possible to use a wind power generator 8 as one of the external power sources, and the wind power generator 8 is stored inside the stand 6 while traveling and is installed so that the wind turbine is exposed to the outside of the stand 6 when in use. The inside of the stand 6 is a space, and an internal combustion engine generator 9 that uses gasoline or diesel as fuel as one of the external power sources is provided. Also, a control box 11 that houses the control means 10 and the like of the power supply system 1 according to the present invention is provided.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing the control means 10 constituting the power supply system 1 and each means connected to the control means 10. As shown in FIG. The control means 10 is formed by various devices that constitute a circuit board and an electric circuit. The control means 10 mainly connects to each means that constitutes the power supply system 1 to switch between signal transmission and reception means and power lines. In addition, the control means 10 has a vehicle connection means 20 that connects to the electrical equipment of the traveling vehicle 2, and is capable of acquiring the state of the vehicle via the vehicle connection means 20.

[0014] The vehicle connection means 20 is connected to an input / output connector (not shown) provided in the electrical equipment of the traveling vehicle 2. Through the vehicle connection means 20, the control means 10 is capable of turning on the ignition of the traveling vehicle 2 and driving the starter (cell motor) of the ignition engine. In addition, the control means 10 is capable of acquiring the status of the traveling vehicle 2, such as a vehicle light on signal, a vehicle speed signal, an engine off signal, a transmission neutral signal, a parking signal, and a handbrake signal, via the vehicle connection means 20. The power supply system 1 is capable of starting the engine of the stopped traveling vehicle 2 by monitoring the state of the traveling vehicle 2, provided that it is safe to start the engine of the traveling vehicle 2. The starting of the engine 22 by the control means 10 is performed when using the power generated by the alternator 23, which operates in conjunction with the driving of the engine 22.

[0015] Like a typical vehicle that runs on an internal combustion engine, the traveling vehicle 2 is equipped with an on-board battery (main battery) MB intended mainly for starting the engine 22. In addition, the power supply system 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a sub-battery SB having a capacity equal to or greater than that of the main battery MB. A protection battery HB1 is provided between the main battery MB and the alternator 23 so as to be connected in parallel with the main battery MB via a selection relay A2. The protection battery HB1 may be replaced by a capacitor. The selection relay A2 is configured to drive the relay A1 by a control signal output from terminal A of the control means 10, and to open and close the circuit by driving the relay A1. In the initial state, there is no signal output from terminal A and the selection relay A2 forms a circuit connecting the main battery MB and the alternator 23, and when the selection relay A2 switches its contacts in response to a signal output from terminal A, the connection between the main battery MB and the alternator 23 is disconnected and a circuit is formed that connects the sub-battery SB and the alternator 23.

[0016] In addition, a protection battery HB2 is provided in parallel with the sub-battery S between the sub-battery SB and the DC / AC converter 24, which is the power output side, via a selection relay B2 for switching the power circuit. The protection battery may be substituted by a capacitor. The selection relay B2 is adapted to open and close in accordance with the driving of relay B1 by a control signal output from terminal B of the control means 10, and in the initial state in which no control signal is output from terminal B, a circuit is formed so that the power of the sub-battery SB is output to the DC / AC converter 24 and the warning display device 3. The DC / AC converter 24 outputs power from the main battery MB, the sub-battery S, or both the main battery MB and the sub-battery S as an alternating current of AC 100 V. An AC output terminal (socket) 25 that outputs AC 100 V is attached to the output side of the DC / AC converter 24.

[0017] If the main battery MB and sub-battery SB are in an initial state when they are fully charged, then in the initial stage of operation of the power supply system 1, the warning display device 3 is driven and power is supplied to the AC output terminal 25 only by the sub-battery SB. The control means 10 has a monitoring means for monitoring the amount of charge that varies with use and charging of the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB, and is programmed to switch driving of the warning display device 3 and output to the AC output terminal 25 to the main battery MB when the amount of charge in the sub-battery SB drops to 20% of a full charge. Switching from the sub-battery SB to the main battery MB is performed by signals output from terminals A and B of the control means 10. The reason why the condition is set at a charge level of 20% is to ensure the engine start of the traveling vehicle 2 and the operation of the electrical equipment of the vehicle itself, and is based on the intention of using the battery power until only the minimum amount of power necessary to start the engine remains.

[0018] Switching between the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB is performed by a relay installed in the circuit, but when the relay contacts open and close, a momentary interruption of the current (instantaneous power outage) or chattering may occur, causing the current supply to become unstable. If the current becomes unstable, the warning display device 3 or electronic / electrical devices connected to the AC output terminal 25 may malfunction. In this embodiment, a protection battery HB1 is provided for the main battery MB to prevent the voltage of the current being supplied from dropping instantaneously, and a protection battery HB2 is provided for the sub-battery SB, thereby reducing voltage fluctuations that occur when the circuits are switched.

[0019] When the use of the sub-battery SB is stopped and switched to the main battery MB, a charging process is performed. As with the sub-battery SB, the main battery MB is controlled to maintain a charge of 20% or more of its full charge. To charge the battery, power is generated by a power generation means that utilizes natural energy, an on-board motor generator, and the vehicle's alternator 23, as described below.

[0020] The main battery MB and sub-battery SB have a rated output power of 12 volts or 24 volts. When the charge levels of the main battery MB and sub-battery SB become low, charging of the sub-battery SB is not performed, and charging of the main battery MB is performed. Then, when the voltage of the main battery MB is measured and reaches a set voltage (within the range of 110% to 120% of the rated output voltage), a circuit is opened so that charging of the sub-battery SB is also performed. Charging of the sub-battery SB is stopped when the voltage of the sub-battery SB is measured and reaches the set voltage (110% to 120% of the rated output voltage). When the sub-battery SB becomes fully charged, the main battery MB is no longer used and only the power of the sub-battery SB is used to drive the warning display device 3 and to provide output from the AC output terminal 25.

[0021] As described above, when the main battery MB and sub-battery SB are fully charged and the vehicle is started, only the sub-battery SB is used at first, and as the charge level of the sub-battery SB decreases, the use of the sub-battery SB is stopped, and the main battery MB is used while the external power source is used to charge the sub-battery SB. At this time, if the external power source is the engine generator 9, the power of the external power source is supplied to the circuit that uses the main battery MB, so it is possible to prevent the consumption of the charge level of the main battery MB. When the sub-battery SB is fully charged, the engine generator 9, which is the external power source, is stopped.

[0022] Next, as the charge level of the main battery MB decreases, use of the main battery MB is stopped and the sub-battery SB is used while an external power source is used to charge the main battery MB. At this time, if the external power source is the engine generator 9, power from the external power source is supplied to the circuit that uses the sub-battery SB, making it possible to prevent consumption of the charge in the sub-battery SB. When the main battery MB is fully charged, the engine generator 9, which is the external power source, is stopped. Then, when the charge level of the sub-battery SB decreases again, the above cycle is repeated. The above cycle is the basic charge / discharge cycle for the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB in this embodiment.

[0023] In this embodiment, external power from a solar panel 7, a wind power generator 8, a motor generator (or an AC power source) 9, etc. can be used as the power used to charge the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB, to drive the warning display device 3, and to output from the AC output terminal 25. The external power is converted into direct current of a set voltage via a DC / DC converter or an AC / DC converter depending on the current, and then input to the control means 10. The external power input to the control means 10 is output via an output terminal AV used primarily for charging the main battery MB, and an output terminal BV used for charging the sub-battery SB.

[0024] In this embodiment, external power such as a solar panel 7, a wind power generator 8, or a generator (or AC power source) 9 can be used to charge the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB, drive the warning display device 3, and provide output from the AC output terminal 25. The external power is converted to direct current of a set voltage via a DC / DC converter or an AC / DC converter depending on the current, and input to the control means 10. The control means 10 outputs the external power using output terminal AV for charging the main battery MB, and output terminal BV for charging the sub-battery SB. The control means 10 may output power only from the output terminal AV, may output power only from the output terminal BV, may output power from both the output terminals AV and BV, or may not output power from either the output terminals AV or BV. These are controlled according to various setting conditions stored in the control means 10.

[0025] An example of a sequence when external power is used will be shown. When use is started with the main battery MB and sub-battery SB fully charged, initially only the sub-battery SB is used to drive the warning display device 3 and supply power to the AC output terminal 25. After that, the charge level of the sub-battery SB decreases, and the mode switches to one in which only the main battery MB is used. In this mode, the main battery MB is charged using external power while continuing to output power as the charge level of the main battery MB decreases. After that, when the main battery MB becomes fully charged, charging of the main battery MB stops while outputting electric power, and charging only the sub-battery SB. This cycle is the basic charge / discharge cycle of the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB in this embodiment.

[0026] The power supply system 1 according to the present invention uses the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB as the power source for driving the warning display device 3 and outputting to the AC output terminal 25. Furthermore, when the solar panel 7, the wind power generator 8, and the engine-driven generator 9 are in a state where they can be used as external power, the solar panel 7 and the wind power generator 8, which do not use fuel, are used preferentially. When the power of the solar panel 7 and wind power generator 8 is insufficient, a signal is output from the EC terminal of the control means 10, which operates ESC1 and the power relay ESC to start the engine generator 9. After the engine generator 9 starts, the voltage of the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB is monitored, and when the voltage reaches a set value, the engine generator 9 is stopped and charging is terminated.

[0027] If external power is not available and the engine 22 of the traveling vehicle is stopped, the engine 22 is automatically started and begins generating power when the capacity of the main battery MB decreases. If the engine 22 is running, the generated power is used. The control means 10 monitors the state of the vehicle through the vehicle connection means 20 and checks for safe conditions for starting the engine 22. The safe conditions are, for example, when an engine-off signal, a transmission neutral signal, a parking signal, and a handbrake signal are detected. When these conditions are satisfied, the start of the engine 22 is permitted.

[0028] When the engine 22 of the traveling vehicle is started and power generation by the alternator 23 begins, the generated power is controlled by the selection relay A2 to selectively charge either the main battery MB or the sub-battery SB. Furthermore, a connection relay SB2 is provided to control the connection to the main battery MB or sub-battery SB selected by the selection relay A2. The connection relay SB2 serves to selectively connect both circuits arranged in parallel. When the connection relay SB2 does not connect both circuits, the circuit selected by the selection relay A2 is connected to either the main battery MB or the sub-battery SB. On the other hand, when the connection relay SB2 connects both circuits, the power generated by the alternator 23 is supplied to both the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB, regardless of the state of the selection relay A2.

[0029] As described above, by controlling the states of the selection relay A2 and the connection relay SB2 under the control of the control means 10, charging operation can be performed in three modes using power generated by the alternator 23: charging only the main battery MB, charging only the sub-battery SB, or charging both the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB. In addition, the selection relay B2 is a switch that selects either the power line connected to the main battery MB or the power line connected to the sub-battery SB. Furthermore, the control means 10 is configured to select an external power source such as a solar panel 7, a wind power generator 8, or an internal combustion generator 9, or to select whether to output the power from a combination of these power sources from the power supply line connected to the main battery MB or from the power supply line connected to the sub-battery SB.

[0030] The terminal EC of the control means 10 is a port that outputs a drive signal to the relay ESC. The relay ESC is connected to a circuit that starts the engine generator 9. In other words, when the control means 10 outputs a signal from the terminal EC, the engine generator 9 is started to generate electric power. Furthermore, the terminal SB of the control means 10 is a port that outputs a signal for driving the relay SBC2. The relay SBC2 is connected to a circuit that starts the engine of the traveling vehicle 2. That is, when the control means 10 outputs a signal from the terminal SB, the engine starts and the alternator 23 generates electric power.

[0031] The power supply system 1 of this embodiment is a system for continuously supplying the driving power required for devices such as the warning display device 3. The power supply system 1 is characterized by selectively combining any of two batteries, natural energy from a solar panel 7 or a wind power generator 8, a fuel-powered engine generator 9, and an alternator 23 of the traveling vehicle 2, and using them as a power supply source. In addition, the supplied power can be selected to be output to either the power line connecting the main battery MB or the power line connecting the sub-battery SB, or to both.

[0032] The power supply system 1 configured as above performs basic control by alternately using and charging two batteries (main battery MB and sub-battery SB). In this case, natural energy is used when sufficient power is available for generation using natural energy. On the other hand, when natural energy is unavailable, the engine generator 9 is started to generate electricity, and when the engine generator 9 is unavailable, the engine of the traveling vehicle 2 is started to use the generated power of the alternator 23. In this case, the amount of electricity generated is large, so both the main battery MB and the sub-battery SB are charged.

[0033] When using the power of the engine generator 9 or the alternator 23 of the traveling vehicle 2, if there is a surplus of power supply, it is possible to supply power to devices such as the warning display device 3 while charging, rather than using it only for charging the battery. This is done by opening and closing the relay SBC2.

[0034] As described above, the power supply system 1 of this embodiment is a system having two batteries, and has the characteristic that the charging time can be shortened and battery deterioration can be delayed by alternately using the SB sub-battery and the MB main battery as the power generation battery. In addition, by appropriately switching between multiple power sources, including natural energy, it provides an efficient power supply system that reduces the burden on the environment by utilizing natural energy when it is available and generating electricity using fuel only when natural energy is not available. [Industrial Applicability]

[0035] The present invention can be used in a work vehicle equipped with a warning display device that alerts general vehicles when road construction work is being carried out. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1. Power supply system 2. Vehicles 3 Warning display device 4. Message board 5 warning light 6 Mounting stand 7. Solar panels 8. Wind Turbine Generator 9. Engine Generator 10. Control Means 11 Control box 20 Vehicle connection means 22 Engine 23 Alternator MB Vehicle battery (main battery) SB Sub battery 24 DC / AC converter 25 AC output terminal (socket)

Claims

1. A vehicle including an internal combustion engine used as a power source for traveling, an alternator driven by the internal combustion engine, and an on-board battery used mainly to start the internal combustion engine; An additional battery different from the on-board battery; An external power source including all or any of a solar power generation means, a wind power generation means, and a motor generator; A warning display means operated by electricity is provided, A power supply system characterized by having a control means for alternately using the on-board battery and the expansion battery to operate the warning display means, and for alternately charging the on-board battery and the expansion battery that have consumed power using the alternator or an external power source.

2. The control means has a monitoring means for monitoring changes in the amount of electric power charged in the vehicle battery and the expansion battery, a first control for switching a circuit that supplies power from the expansion battery to the warning display means to a circuit that supplies power from the vehicle battery, on condition that the amount of power charged in the expansion battery has decreased below a set value; a second control for switching a circuit that supplies power from the vehicle battery to the warning display means to a circuit that supplies power from the expansion battery when the amount of power charged in the vehicle battery has decreased below a set value; 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first control and the second control are alternately repeated.

3. The warning display means is attached to a rear surface of a rectangular frame provided on a loading platform of the traveling vehicle, The solar power generation means is attached to an upper surface of the stand, 3. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein a control box accommodating the motor-driven generator and a control means is disposed in an internal space of the frame.

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