Work vehicle

Abstract

To enable a work vehicle to supply power even when a protective device is not installed on a side of a house.SOLUTION: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body (1a) installed with a switching unit (251) including a first inverter (252), a second inverter (256), a first switching part (253), a second switching part (257) and a third switching part (262), thereby supplying power from the work vehicle even when a protective device is not installed on a side of a house.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work vehicle, and more particularly to a work vehicle in which a traveling device and a work machine are electrically driven. [Background technology]

[0002] In a system for charging an electric vehicle equipped with a traveling device using a commercial power source plugged into a house, a technology is known in which, after an overcurrent is detected and the charging path control unit operates the switching contact unit, if no current flows through the charging path even when the switching operation unit is operated to close, the charging path control unit switches the switching contact unit to open, and then closes it again after a certain period of time has elapsed (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-106378 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, all overcurrent protection devices, including switching, are installed on the home side, which requires the development of infrastructure facilities, resulting in high installation and maintenance costs, and the need to secure installation space. Therefore, in the event of an emergency such as a disaster or power outage, even if one tries to supply power from the battery of a work vehicle to a house or the like, there is a problem in that the battery power cannot be utilized unless a protective device or other equipment is installed on the house side.

[0005] The present invention has a technical object to make it possible to supply power from a work vehicle even if a protection device is not provided on the house side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following means. The invention described in claim 1 includes a vehicle body (1a), traveling devices (2, 3) supported by the vehicle body (1a) and causing the vehicle body (1a) to travel, a work machine (18) supported by the vehicle body (1a) and performing work on a field, a battery (204) mounted on the vehicle body (1a), a first AC motor (206) that drives the traveling devices (2, 3), a second AC motor (207) that drives the work machine (18), an external connection part (263) that can be electrically connected to the outside of the vehicle body (1a), a first inverter (252) connected between the battery (204) and the first AC motor (206) and that converts DC power of the battery (204) into AC power to be supplied to the first AC motor (206), and The work vehicle is characterized by comprising: a second inverter (256) connected between the battery (204) and a second AC motor (207) and converting DC power of the battery (204) into AC power to be supplied to the second AC motor (207); a first switching unit (253) switching the power supply to the first AC motor (206); a second switching unit (257) switching the power supply to the second AC motor (207); and a third switching unit (262) switching the supply of DC power from the battery (204) to an external DC powered object through the external connection unit (263) and switching the supply of DC power from an external DC power source to the battery (204) through the external connection unit (263).

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the work vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with a second battery (211) mounted on the vehicle body (1a) and supplying power to drive the switching unit (251), and a converter (214) that converts the voltage of DC power from the battery (204) into DC power to be supplied to the second battery (211).

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the work vehicle described in claim 2, characterized in that it is provided with a second external connection part (212) that can be electrically connected to the outside of the vehicle body (1a), and the second battery (211) that supplies DC power to an external powered object through the second external connection part (212).

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the work vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second battery (211) mounted on the vehicle body (1a) and supplying power to drive the switching unit (251), and a hood (6a) arranged in the front of the vehicle body (1a) and accommodating the switching unit (251) and the second battery (211).

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the work vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a work machine support part (15, 16) that detachably supports the work machine (18), and the work machine support part (15, 16) is capable of mounting an additional battery (101) that can be connected to the battery (204) in place of the work machine (18).

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the work vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a third inverter (268) mounted on the vehicle body (1a) and configured to convert AC power from an external AC power source into DC power when an external AC power source is connected to the external connection unit (263) and to convert DC power from the battery (204) into AC power when an external AC powered object is connected to the external connection unit (263), and a communication means (201) capable of wireless communication with the external AC powered object, the communication means (201) transmitting and receiving information about power supply via the third inverter (268) to and from the AC powered object.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the work vehicle described in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: the first AC motor (206) and the second AC motor (207) capable of generating power as regenerative generators; and the switching unit (251) which, when the first AC motor (206) generates power, controls the first switching unit (253) to convert the AC power generated by the first AC motor (206) into DC power via the first inverter (252) and charges the battery (204), and, when the second AC motor (207) generates power, controls the second switching unit (257) to convert the AC power generated by the second AC motor (207) into DC power via the second inverter (256) and charges the battery (204).

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is the work vehicle described in claim 7, characterized in that it is provided with an electric power management means (161) that manages the amount of electric power charged and discharged by the battery (204) and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when generating electric power supplied to the battery (204) through the external connection part (263), and the electric power generated as the regenerative generator is managed so that the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when generating electric power is zero. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 1, a switching unit (251) having a first inverter (252), a second inverter (256), a first switching section (253), a second switching section (257), and a third switching section (262) is mounted on the vehicle body (1a), so that power can be supplied from the work vehicle even if a protection device is not provided on the house side. According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 1, by providing a converter (214) that converts the voltage of DC power from the battery (204) into DC power to be supplied to the second battery (211), it is possible to supply power to the second battery (211) that drives the switching unit (251) from the battery (204).

[0015] According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect of the invention, DC power can be supplied from the second battery (211) to an external power-supply object through the second external connection part (212). According to the invention recited in claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention recited in claim 1, the switching unit (251) and the second battery (211) are housed in the hood (6a), thereby preventing the switching unit (251) and the second battery (211) from being damaged by rainwater or mud.

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, by mounting the additional battery (101) on the work machine support portion (15, 16) instead of the work machine (18), it is possible to increase the amount of electric power of the batteries (204, 101) in the entire work vehicle, and the additional battery (101) can be stably held by the work machine support portion (15, 16) which has sufficient strength. According to the invention recited in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention recited in claim 1, by providing a third inverter (268) that converts AC power from an external AC power source into DC power and converts DC power from the battery (204) into AC power, it is possible to supply AC power to and from the outside.

[0017] According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, the first AC motor (206) and the second AC motor (207) can be used as regenerative generators to charge the battery (204). According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 7, by managing the amount of carbon dioxide during power generation using a power management means, it is possible to manage the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during use, and by managing the amount of carbon dioxide in regeneratively generated electricity as zero, it is possible to accurately manage the amount of carbon dioxide emissions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a tractor as an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a work implement is lowered to a height at which the work implement can be used. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a tractor as an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment, with the work implement in a raised state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which an additional battery is mounted in place of the work implement in the tractor of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of another form in which an additional battery is mounted in the tractor of the embodiment, where Figure 5(A) is an explanatory diagram of the case in which the additional battery is mounted under the seat, and Figure 5(B) is an explanatory diagram of yet another form of Figure 5(A). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the control unit according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a tractor as an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a work implement is lowered to a height at which the work implement can be used. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a tractor as an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment, with the work implement in a raised state. 1 and 2, a tilling tractor 1 as an example of a work vehicle of the present invention is provided with front wheels 2, 2 and rear wheels 3, 3 at the front and rear of a traveling body (an example of a vehicle main body) 1a. A traveling motor 4 is mounted inside a bonnet 6 at the front of the traveling body 1a. The rotational power of the traveling motor 4 is appropriately reduced by a speed change device in a transmission case 5 and is configured to be transmitted to the front wheels 2, 2 and the rear wheels 3, 3. In addition, a working machine such as a tiller 18 that tills the ground (field) behind the tractor 1 is attached to the rear of the body of the tractor 1, and power is transmitted via a PTO shaft 9 to drive the working machine. In this specification, the left and right sides in the forward direction of the tractor 1 are referred to as the left and right sides, respectively, and the forward direction is referred to as the front side and the reverse direction is referred to as the rear side.

[0020] A cabin 7 is supported on the upper part of the traveling vehicle body 1a. Inside the cabin 7, a driver's seat 8 is disposed above the transmission case 5, and a steering wheel 10, a parking brake (not shown), and the like are disposed in front of the driver's seat 8. Also disposed in front of the driver's seat 8 are a display panel (meter panel) for a speedometer (not shown), various operation switches (not shown), and the like. Disposed in front of the driver's seat 8 at the lower part are travel operating tools such as a brake pedal 12 and an accelerator pedal 13 having a forward pedal and a reverse pedal.

[0021] In Figure 1, a hydraulic cylinder case 14 is provided above the rear of the transmission case 5, and lift arms 15, 15 are pivotally mounted on both the left and right sides of this hydraulic cylinder case 14. Lift rods 17, 17 are interposed and connected between the lift arms 15, 15 and lower links 16, 16, and a cultivator 18, an example of a working machine, is connected to the rear of the lower links 16, 16.

[0022] When hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder 14a housed in the hydraulic cylinder case 14, the lift arms 15, 15 are rotated upward, and the work machine (cultivator) 18 is raised via the lift rod 17, lower link 16, etc. Conversely, when the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic cylinder 14a is discharged into the transmission case 5, which also serves as a hydraulic tank, the lift arms 15, 15 are lowered. In addition, the working machine mounted to the rear of the traveling body 1a, i.e., the working machine to which drive is transmitted from the PTO shaft 9, is not limited to rotary tilling devices for agricultural work, but includes working machines such as plows, seed sowing machines, seedling transplanters, fertilizer spreaders, and pesticide spreaders.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which an additional battery is mounted in place of the work implement in the tractor of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of another form in which an additional battery is mounted in the tractor of the embodiment, where Figure 5(A) is an explanatory diagram of the case in which the additional battery is mounted under the seat, and Figure 5(B) is an explanatory diagram of yet another form of Figure 5(A).

[0024] In FIG. 3, in the tractor 1 of the embodiment, it is possible to remove the tiller 18 as an example of a working machine and attach an additional battery (an example of a battery) 101 to the lower link 16 and the lift arm 15 as an example of a working machine support part. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the additional battery 101 contains a plurality of batteries 101b inside a protective case 101a as an example of a container. It is also possible to contain a controller 101c as an example of a control means, a transformer 101d as an example of a transformer, a converter 101e as an example of a conversion means, and the like in the protective case 101a. The lift arm 15 and the lower link 16 have strength and rigidity to a degree capable of supporting the relatively heavy tiller 18, and are able to support the additional battery 101 sufficiently in terms of strength even if the battery is heavy.

[0025] In FIG. 3, if the additional battery 101 is mounted only on the rear of the traveling body 1a, the weight balance between the front and rear of the traveling body 1a deteriorates, so it is desirable to also mount an additional battery 102 on the front side of the traveling body 1a. In Fig. 5, in consideration of the weight balance of the traveling body 1a, it is also possible to mount the battery 103 at a position below the driver's seat 8 between the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3, rather than on the lift arm 15 at the rear of the traveling body 1a. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the battery 103 can be arranged along the horizontal direction, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 5(B) of battery 103', it is also possible to arrange it so that it extends upward at both left and right ends.

[0026] (Explanation of the control unit) FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the control unit according to the embodiment. In the block diagram of FIG. 6, elements that are not related to the description of the embodiment of the present invention are not shown and are not described. The tractor 1 of the embodiment is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from a tablet terminal 161 as an example of a terminal and a distribution server (not shown) as an example of an information processing device via a communication line. The communication line is preferably wireless communication such as a mobile phone line or a wireless LAN line, but wired communication is also possible. By incorporating (installing) a dedicated application program, the tablet terminal 161 can wirelessly control the tractor 1, give instructions for work, and give instructions for power supply, charging, etc. Also, it is possible to display the status of power supply, charging, etc. on the screen of the tablet terminal 161 so that the user can check it. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the application of the tablet terminal 161 with a function for communicating with the protection circuit of the house (so-called breaker), making it possible to wirelessly remotely operate the protection circuit of the house.

[0027] (Explanation of the control unit of the work vehicle) In Fig. 6, the tractor 1 of the embodiment has a vehicle ECU 200 as an example of a control unit (control means) that controls each function. The vehicle ECU 200 of the embodiment is configured with a small information processing device, a so-called microcomputer. Therefore, the vehicle ECU 200 can realize various functions by executing a program stored in a ROM or the like.

[0028] The vehicle ECU 200 outputs signals to controlled elements (signal output elements) such as a communication unit 201 as an example of a communication means, a vehicle meter panel 202 as an example of a display means, a hot air device 203a and a cold air device 203b of an air conditioning unit 203 as an example of an air conditioning device, a group of vehicle actuators such as a hydraulic cylinder 14a, a group of vehicle sensors such as a speed sensor, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a controller 204a of a high-voltage battery (an example of a battery) 204, a driving motor (an example of a first AC motor) 206, a PTO motor (an example of a second AC motor) 207, a CAN (Controller Area Network) unit 208, and a switching unit 251. Vehicle ECU 200 receives signals from signal input elements such as communication unit 201, CAN unit 208, a group of vehicle sensors, and input switches (not shown). It is preferable that CAN unit 208 is configured to insulate the low-voltage side from the high-voltage side (insulated CAN bus).

[0029] Furthermore, the tractor 1 of the embodiment is equipped with a low-voltage battery (an example of a second battery) 211 as an example of a power source that supplies power to the vehicle ECU 200. The low-voltage battery 211 of the embodiment is, as an example, a battery that can receive DC 12V power, and supplies power to the air conditioning unit 203, the hot air device 203a and the cold air device 203b of the air conditioning unit 203, the vehicle actuator group, the vehicle sensor group, the switching unit 251, and the like. Therefore, the low-voltage battery 211 of the embodiment has a function as a battery that supplies power to auxiliary devices such as the vehicle actuator group and the vehicle sensor group, and also has a function of supplying power to the switching unit 251, which is a unit for power supply control described later.

[0030] Furthermore, the low-voltage battery 211 of the embodiment is also electrically connected to a DC socket 212 as an example of a second external connection unit, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) socket 213 as an example of a third external connection unit. When power needs to be supplied to an actuator of the working machine (e.g., a fungicide spraying device of a seedling transplanting machine) depending on the type of working machine attached to the lift arm 15, the DC socket 212 can be connected to a connection unit (outlet) on the working machine side to supply power. Also, the USB socket 213 can be used to supply power to a seat heater (not shown) for warming the seat surface of the driver's seat 8 when such a seat heater is installed.

[0031] The low-voltage battery 211 is connected to the high-voltage battery 204 (for example, DC 48 V) via a DC-DC converter 214, which is an example of a converter. The DC-DC converter 214 is configured to be able to convert the DC power of the high-voltage battery 204 into DC power for the low-voltage battery 211 and supply it. That is, the low-voltage battery 211 in the embodiment can be charged from the high-voltage battery 204 via the DC-DC converter 214.

[0032] A switching unit 251 is connected to the high-voltage battery 204. The behavior of the switching unit 251 in the embodiment is controlled by a control signal from the CAN unit 208. The switching unit 251 in the embodiment is electrically connected to the low-voltage battery 211 and is supplied with power from the low-voltage battery 211. The switching unit 251 has a running inverter (an example of a first inverter) 252 connected between the high-voltage battery 204 and the running motor 206. The running inverter 252 converts DC power of the high-voltage battery 204 into AC power to be supplied to the running motor 206. That is, the running motor 206 in the embodiment is, as an example, configured as a so-called AC motor.

[0033] When the traction motor 206, which is an AC motor, functions as a regenerative generator, the AC power generated by the traction motor 206 can be converted into DC power by the traction inverter 252 and supplied to the high-voltage battery 204 for charging. A running switch 253 as an example of a first switching unit is disposed between the running inverter 252 and the running motor 206. The running switch 253 switches (turns on and off) the power supply to the running motor 206 in response to a control signal for running / stopping transmitted from the vehicle ECU 200 via the CAN unit 208. Therefore, while the tractor 1 is running, the running switch 253 is switched to supply power to the running motor 206.

[0034] A PTO inverter (an example of a second inverter) 256 is connected between the high-voltage battery 204 and the PTO motor 207. The PTO inverter 256 converts the DC power of the high-voltage battery 204 into AC power to be supplied to the PTO motor 207. When the PTO motor 207 functions as a regenerative generator, the AC power generated by the PTO motor 207 can be converted to DC power by the PTO inverter 256 and supplied to the high-voltage battery 204 for charging.

[0035] A PTO switch 257 as an example of a second switching unit is disposed between the PTO inverter 256 and the PTO motor 207. The PTO switch 257 switches (turns on and off) the power supply to the PTO motor 207 in response to a control signal transmitted from the vehicle ECU 200 via the CAN unit 208 regarding operation / stop of the work machine (cultivator 18). Therefore, while the tractor 1 is working, the PTO switch 257 is switched to supply power to the PTO motor 207. Further, the traveling inverter 252 and the high voltage battery 204, and the PTO inverter 256 and the high voltage battery 204 are connected by an external power receiving short-circuit path 261. An external power receiving switch 262, which is an example of a third switching unit, is disposed in the external power receiving short-circuit path 261.

[0036] An external power receiving path 264 extends from between the external power receiving short-circuit path 261 and the PTO inverter 256 toward a DC power receiving portion 263a of an external power receiving connector (an example of an external connection portion) 263. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second external power receiving short-circuit path 266 connects between the traveling inverter 252 and the traveling motor 206, and between the PTO inverter 256 and the PTO motor 207. A high-frequency transformer 267, which is an example of a transformer, is disposed in the second external power receiving short-circuit path 266. The high-frequency transformer 267 is capable of transforming AC power.

[0037] Therefore, when DC power is received from an external DC power source such as a rapid charging facility for electric vehicles, or when DC power is supplied to an external power recipient such as an external storage battery, an ordinary home, or an evacuation shelter, and the voltage of the received DC power corresponds to the voltage of the high-voltage battery 204, the external power receiving switch 262 is turned on and the driving switch 253 and the PTO switch 257 are turned off, so that power can be received by the high-voltage battery 204 through the external power receiving short-circuit path 261 and the external power receiving path 264.

[0038] On the other hand, when power is supplied from the outside and the voltage of the received DC power does not correspond to the voltage of the high-voltage battery 204, the external power receiving switch 262 is turned off and the running switch 253 and the PTO switch 257 are turned on to the second external power receiving short-circuit path 266, so that power can be received by the high-voltage battery 204 in a transformed state through the second external power receiving short-circuit path 266, the external power receiving path 264, the inverters 252, 256, and the high-frequency transformer 267.

[0039] In the switching unit 251 of this embodiment, the inverters 252 and 256, the switches 253, 257 and 262, and the high-frequency transformer 267 are preferably housed in a metal case 265 for insulation and electrical shielding. Furthermore, in the switching unit 251 of the embodiment, the high frequency transformer 267 is provided, but if there is no need for voltage transformation, it is also possible to configure without providing the high frequency transformer 267 (or the second external power receiving short circuit 266). Furthermore, in the tractor 1 of the embodiment, a PTO motor 207, a PTO inverter 256, a PTO switch 257, etc. are provided in correspondence with the PTO shaft 9 specific to agricultural work vehicles, but in a vehicle that does not have a PTO shaft 9, it is also possible to configure without the PTO motor 207, etc. Note that a DCMPU (Direct Current Multi Power Unit) used in passenger cars that do not have a PTO shaft 9 was modified and used as the switching unit 251 of the embodiment.

[0040] The external power supply / reception connector 263 of the embodiment has an AC power supply unit 263b. An AC-DC converter 268 as an example of a third inverter is connected to the AC power supply unit 263b. When an external AC power source (e.g., single-phase AC 100V or three-phase AC 200V) such as that of a general household is connected to the AC power supply unit 263b, the AC-DC converter 268 converts the AC power into DC power and supplies it to and charges the high-voltage battery 204. At this time, the switches 253, 257, and 262 of the switching unit 251 are turned off. In addition, when an external power-supplied object is connected to the AC power receiving unit 263b, the switches 253, 257, and 262 of the switching unit 251 are turned off, and the AC-DC converter 268 converts the DC power of the high-voltage battery 204 into AC power and supplies it to the external power-supplied object.

[0041] It is preferable to place a transformer (not shown) for insulating the inside and outside of the vehicle inside the AC-DC converter 268. By providing insulation, damage to devices and parts inside the traveling vehicle body 1a due to lightning strikes, electrical leakage, etc. can be suppressed, and safety can be improved. In addition, the form of the external power supply / reception connector 263 does not matter, but it is preferable to use standards used in passenger cars (especially electric cars and hybrid cars), such as J1772, IEC62196-2, CHAdeMO (registered trademark), from the viewpoint of standardizing parts and standards. In particular, it is preferable to have a configuration that allows both AC charging and DC charging, because this can save space.

[0042] In the embodiment, a DC connector 271 as an example of a fourth external connection unit is connected to the high voltage battery 204. Therefore, high voltage DC power from the high voltage battery 204 can be supplied via the DC connector 271 to an actuator of the tractor 1 that is driven by a high voltage and to a power-receiving object outside the tractor 1. It is possible to supply power to the outside from the external power supply / reception connector 263 while simultaneously supplying power to the outside from the DC connector 271, DC socket 212, and USB socket 213. However, since simultaneous power supply places a high load on the high voltage battery 204 in particular, the switching unit 251 can control the amount of power supplied to the external power supply / reception connector 263, DC connector 271, and DC-DC converter 214 so as to reduce the load, or conversely, can control the amount of power supplied so as to maximize supply efficiency.

[0043] Furthermore, when supplying external power, there is a risk of an accident if the tractor 1 starts moving, so it is desirable to configure the external power supply / reception connector 263 so that it cannot receive power unless the tractor 1 is stopped, for example, by the switching unit 251.

[0044] In addition, it is desirable to provide an ammeter or a voltmeter before and after the AC-DC converter 268 or at the external power supply destination such as a house (an example of an AC power receiving object) to detect the current and voltage. For example, it is desirable to configure the system so that power supply from the tractor 1 is permitted when no current or voltage is detected when a connection of a cable or the like to the external power supply / reception connector 263 is detected, that is, when charging of the tractor 1 or power supply from the tractor 1 is not being performed. Then, when permission to supply power from the tractor 1 is received by the protection circuit on the house side via a wireless communication line, the protection circuit is switched to power supply from the external power source, and when the tractor 1 side receives via the wireless communication line that the switching on the house side has been completed, power supply from the tractor 1 is started, thereby enabling safe power supply. That is, it is possible to configure the system so that information on power supply via the AC-DC converter 268 is transmitted and received between the house, which is an external AC power receiving object, and the tractor 1 via the communication unit 201. It is also possible to configure the system so that the user can confirm and give instructions via the tablet terminal 161 to permit power supply from the tractor 1, to switch the protection circuit on the house side, and to start power supply from the tractor 1, or to confirm and give instructions via the operation panel of the tractor 1. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the system so that the user can give instructions via the terminal 161 to prohibit power supply from the tractor 1, prohibit charging the tractor 1, etc.

[0045] When power is supplied from the tractor 1 to a house or the like, if the power consumption of home appliances in the house is high, the load on the tractor 1 will be large, so it is desirable to provide multiple switches in the protection circuit on the house side and configure it so that each switch can switch between supplying and not supplying power depending on the load. It is desirable to configure the switching to be performed wirelessly via the tablet terminal 161, but it is also possible to configure the switch to be turned on and off manually.

[0046] In the tractor 1 of the embodiment, the low voltage battery 211, the switching unit 251, the DC-DC converter 214, the AC-DC converter 268, etc. are housed inside the hood 6a of the bonnet 6 at the front of the traveling body 1a. By providing them inside the hood 6a, it is possible to suppress the effects of rainwater, mud, etc. In particular, since the switching unit 251 of the embodiment controls the power supply as described above, the power supply of the switching unit 251 cannot be cut off. In other words, if the power supply is cut off and initialization (reset) is performed, the accumulated information and history information of the power supply up to that point are initialized, and there is a possibility that the control and judgment of the power supply will be erroneous. If the control and judgment of the power supply are erroneous, the equipment may be damaged or a fire may occur. Therefore, in the embodiment, the switching unit 251 is connected to the low-voltage battery 211 and power is supplied. And, the switching unit 251 of the embodiment controls the charging of the low-voltage battery 211 via the DC-DC converter 214, but by storing the switching unit 251 and the low-voltage battery 211 inside the hood 6a, the occurrence of failures such as water damage is unlikely to occur, and the switching unit 251 and the low-voltage battery 211 are safely stored.

[0047] Incidentally, after taking measures against rainwater and the like, the switching unit 251 and the like can also be installed at the rear of the traveling vehicle body 1a or below or to the side of the driver's seat 8. Moreover, it is desirable to attach electronic components such as the switching unit 251 via vibration-proof rubber or the like in order to prevent malfunction or damage caused by vibrations during driving or operation.

[0048] Furthermore, in the case of a riding lawnmower, which is an example of a work vehicle, where a mower (a lawn mowing unit, an example of a work machine) is provided between the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3 and below the driver's seat 8, it is also possible to mount the low-voltage battery 211, switching unit 251, etc. on top of the mower. Since the mower is constructed to have sufficient strength and rigidity, the low-voltage battery 211, etc., which is heavy, can be mounted on its upper surface, allowing the low-voltage battery 211, etc. to be stably mounted.

[0049] Furthermore, when the additional batteries 101-103, 103' are mounted on the traveling vehicle body 1a, they are connected to the high-voltage battery 204 via cables (not shown). The exchange of power between the additional batteries 101-103, 103' and the high-voltage battery 204 is controlled by the controller 101c. At this time, if a voltage transformation is required between the additional batteries 101-103, 103' and the high-voltage battery 204, a converter 101e or a transformer 101d can be used. It is also possible for the controller 101c to have a configuration similar to that of the switching unit 251.

[0050] In the tractor 1 of the embodiment having the above configuration, when power is supplied from the tractor 1 to a house, evacuation shelter, or the like in an emergency such as a power outage or disaster, the tractor 1 is connected to the house side with a cable via the external power supply / reception connector 263. When a cable or the like is connected to the external power supply / reception connector 263, the switching unit 251 can control the power supply to the high-voltage battery 204. That is, the switching unit 251 functions as a protection circuit. And, since the switching unit 251 is provided on the tractor 1 side, power can be safely supplied even to a house that does not have a protection circuit. Therefore, even if a protection device is not provided on the house side, power can be supplied from the work vehicle (tractor 1). Therefore, the tractor 1 can be utilized as an outdoor power source. Even if a protection circuit is provided on the house side, it is possible to connect as is and supply power with the double protection circuit functioning, or it is possible to safely supply power using either one of the protection circuits by operating the tablet terminal 161 to stop the switching unit 251 on the tractor 1 side or the protection circuit on the house side.

[0051] In particular, agricultural machinery such as the tractor 1, combine harvester, and seedling transplanter is used only during a limited period of the year. That is, the tractor 1 is used only during the plowing period, the combine harvester is used only during the harvesting period, and the seedling transplanter is used only during the rice planting period. Therefore, depending on the size of the field, each work vehicle is used only for a few days to about one month at most in a year, and the remaining period is mostly waiting in a warehouse or barn. Therefore, during the period when it is not used, the work machine is removed and the additional batteries 101-103, 103' are attached, and power generated by a solar power generation device or the like is supplied via the external power supply connector 263 to charge the high-voltage battery 204 and the additional batteries 101-103, 103', and the battery of the work vehicle is used in an emergency, which increases the possibility of continuing to use power for the period until power is restored. Therefore, the work vehicle that is on standby for a long period of time can be effectively used in an emergency.

[0052] It is also possible to record the amount of power supplied from the tractor 1 to facilities such as houses and evacuation shelters, and the amount of power received from outside. By recording the amount of power supplied or received, it is possible to bill or bear expenses according to the amount of power. In this case, it is preferable to record the amount of power supplied from each of the external power supply / reception connector 263, the DC connector 271, the DC socket 212, and the USB socket 213 individually. In addition, it is also possible to record whether the power received through the AC power supply unit 263b is a single-phase power source or a three-phase power source.

[0053] Furthermore, when the high-voltage battery 204 is charged from the outside or regenerative power generation, it is desirable to manage and record the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when generating the power. The amount of carbon dioxide can be managed by the tablet terminal 161 as an example of a power management means. Therefore, when power is supplied from the outside of a house or the like, the tablet terminal 161 can obtain the amount of carbon dioxide per unit of power from the public information of the power generation company with which the house has a contract, and calculate the amount of carbon dioxide from the amount of power supply transmitted from the tractor 1. In addition, the amount of carbon dioxide is calculated as zero for the power charged by regenerative power generation. Therefore, the average amount of carbon dioxide can be calculated for the amount of power stored in the high-voltage battery 204. Then, the amount of carbon dioxide emission can be calculated when the power consumption occurs during the travel or work of the tractor 1 or when the power is consumed by the external power supply. By managing the power consumption together with the time information and the field, the amount of carbon dioxide emission can be accurately managed for the time and place, and the accuracy of the report is improved when it is necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1...Work vehicle, 1a…Vehicle body, 2,3...Travel gear, 6a…Hood, 15,16...Work equipment support part, 18...Work equipment, 101…extra battery, 161...power management means, 201... Means of communication, 204…Battery, 206...first AC motor, 207...second AC motor, 211…second battery, 212...second external connection portion, 214…Converter, 251...switching unit, 252...first inverter, 253...first switching unit, 256...second inverter, 257...second switching section, 262...third switching portion, 263…External connection part, 268…Third inverter.

Claims

1. A vehicle body (1a); a traveling device (2, 3) supported by the vehicle body (1a) to cause the vehicle body (1a) to travel; a work machine (18) supported by the vehicle body (1a) for performing work on a farm field; A battery (204) mounted on the vehicle body (1a); A first AC motor (206) for driving the traveling device (2, 3); A second AC motor (207) for driving the working machine (18); An external connection part (263) that can be electrically connected to the outside of the vehicle body (1a); A first inverter (252) connected between the battery (204) and the first AC motor (206) and configured to convert DC power of the battery (204) into AC power to be supplied to the first AC motor (206), a second inverter (256) connected between the battery (204) and the second AC motor (207) and configured to convert DC power of the battery (204) into AC power to be supplied to the second AC motor (207), and a power supply to the first AC motor (206). a switching unit (251) mounted on the vehicle body (1a), the switching unit (251) including a first switching unit (253) for switching a supply of power, a second switching unit (257) for switching a power supply to the second AC motor (207), and a third switching unit (262) for switching a supply of DC power from the battery (204) to an external DC powered object through the external connection unit (263) and for switching a supply of DC power from an external DC power source to the battery (204) through the external connection unit (263); A work vehicle comprising:

2. a second battery (211) mounted on the vehicle body (1a) and supplying power to drive the switching unit (251); a converter (214) for converting the voltage of the DC power from the battery (204) into DC power to be supplied to the second battery (211); The work vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. A second external connection part (212) that can be electrically connected to the outside of the vehicle body (1a); The second battery (211) supplies DC power to an external power supply object through the second external connection part (212); The work vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. a second battery (211) mounted on the vehicle body (1a) and supplying power to drive the switching unit (251); a hood (6a) disposed at a front portion of the vehicle body (1a) and housing the switching unit (251) and the second battery (211); The work vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. a work machine support section (15, 16) that detachably supports the work machine (18), the work machine support section (15, 16) being capable of mounting an additional battery (101) that can be connected to the battery (204) in place of the work machine (18); The work vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. a third inverter (268) mounted on the vehicle body (1a), which converts AC power from the external AC power source into DC power when an external AC power source is connected to the external connection unit (263), and converts DC power from the battery (204) into AC power when an external AC power-receiving object is connected to the external connection unit (263); A communication means (201) capable of wireless communication with the external AC power-supplied object, the communication means (201) transmitting and receiving information on power supply via the third inverter (268) to and from the AC power-supplied object; The work vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. The first AC motor (206) and the second AC motor (207) capable of generating electricity as regenerative generators; the switching unit (251) for controlling the first switching unit (253) when the first AC motor (206) generates power, to convert the AC power generated by the first AC motor (206) into DC power through the first inverter (252) and charge the battery (204), and for controlling the second switching unit (257) when the second AC motor (207) generates power, to convert the AC power generated by the second AC motor (207) into DC power through the second inverter (256) and charge the battery (204); The work vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. a power management means (161) for managing the amount of electric power charged and discharged by the battery (204) and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when generating electric power supplied to the battery (204) through the external connection part (263), the power management means (161) managing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when generating electric power as zero for the electric power generated as the regenerative generator; 8. The work vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising:

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