Work machine

Abstract

To provide an electric work machine that has a small configuration and can easily ensure a space for arranging two charging connectors even when a large-capacity battery unit is mounted.SOLUTION: A work machine is equipped with an electric motor driven by power output from a battery unit and two charging connectors supplying power to the battery unit. The two charging connectors are arranged side by side facing in the same direction on a lateral side of a lid installed in an openable and closable manner at a side of a machine compartment that houses the battery unit, and are also arranged diagonally relative to the lid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electric work machines equipped with multiple charging ports for supplying power to a battery unit have been proposed. For example, in the electric excavator disclosed in Patent Document 1, two charging ports, a normal charging vehicle inlet and a rapid charging vehicle inlet, are provided on the side of the cabin of the upper rotating body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-134163 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the electric excavator of Patent Document 1, the two charging ports are arranged facing straight to the side (for example, to the left), which requires a wide space to be secured in the left-right direction of the machine body for arranging the two charging ports.

[0005] Meanwhile, in recent years, battery units for small electric excavators have been increasing in capacity (size). In small electric excavators, where the space for accommodating each device in the upper rotating body (particularly the machine room) is limited, if the battery unit becomes larger, the available space in the machine room becomes smaller, making it difficult to ensure space for arranging two charging ports. In this regard, there is room for improvement in the configuration of Patent Document 1, which requires ensuring a wide space in the left-right direction for arranging the two charging ports.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide an electric work machine that is compact in configuration but can easily ensure space for arranging two charging connectors even when a large-capacity battery unit is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A work machine according to one aspect of the present invention is a work machine equipped with an electric motor driven by power output from a battery unit, and further equipped with two charging connectors that supply power to the battery unit, the two charging connectors being arranged side by side facing in the same direction in a machine room that houses the battery unit, to the sides of a lid that is installed on the side of the machine room in an openable and closable manner, and also arranged at an angle to the lid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] It is possible to realize an electric work machine that has a compact configuration and can easily secure space for arranging two charging connectors even when a large-capacity battery unit is installed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a hydraulic excavator, which is an example of a work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hydraulic excavator as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an electrical system and a hydraulic system of the hydraulic excavator. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the right bonnet of the hydraulic excavator. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the interior of a machine room of the hydraulic excavator. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the machine room. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a right bonnet of the hydraulic excavator and another example of the arrangement of a charging connector and the like inside the machine room. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration in the vicinity of the charging connector in the machine room. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration in the vicinity of the charging connector in the machine room. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [1. Work Machinery] Fig. 1 is a side view showing the general configuration of a hydraulic excavator (electric excavator) 1, which is an example of an electric work machine according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the hydraulic excavator 1 as seen obliquely from the front. The hydraulic excavator 1 includes a lower traveling structure 2, a work implement 3, and an upper rotating structure 4.

[0012] Here, directions are defined as follows: The direction in which the operator (operator, driver) seated in the driver's seat 41a of the upper rotating body 4 faces forward is defined as the forward direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the rearward direction. Therefore, when the upper rotating body 4 is not rotating relative to the undercarriage 2 (swing angle 0°), the fore-and-aft direction of the upper rotating body 4 coincides with the direction in which the undercarriage 2 moves forward and backward. Also, the left side as seen from the operator seated in the driver's seat 41a is defined as the "left," and the right side is defined as the "right." Furthermore, the direction of gravity, which is perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction and the left-and-right direction, is defined as the up-and-down direction, with the upstream side of the direction of gravity defined as the "up" and the downstream side as the "down." In the drawings, the hydraulic excavator 1 is shown in a state in which the upper rotating body 4 is not rotating relative to the undercarriage 2. Also, in the drawings, the forward direction is indicated by the symbols "F," the rearward by the symbol "B," the left by the symbol "L," the right by the symbol "R," the upward by the symbol "U," and the downward by the symbol "D."

[0013] The lower traveling structure 2 includes a pair of left and right crawlers 21 and a pair of left and right traveling motors 22. Each traveling motor 22 is a hydraulic motor. The left and right traveling motors 22 drive the left and right crawlers 21, respectively, to move the hydraulic excavator 1 forward and backward. The lower traveling structure 2 further includes a blade 23 for performing ground leveling work, and a blade cylinder 23a for rotating the blade 23 in the up and down direction.

[0014] The work implement 3 includes a boom 31, an arm 32, and a bucket 33. By independently driving the boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33, it is possible to perform excavation work for earth and sand, etc. Furthermore, instead of the bucket 33, an attachment can be attached as appropriate. For example, if a breaker is attached as an attachment, it is possible to perform crushing or demolition work using the breaker.

[0015] The boom 31, the arm 32, and the bucket 33 are driven by a boom cylinder 31a, an arm cylinder 32a, and a bucket cylinder 33a, respectively. The boom cylinder 31a, the arm cylinder 32a, and the bucket cylinder 33a are configured by hydraulic cylinders.

[0016] The base end of the boom 31, i.e., the end of the boom 31 opposite the side connected to the arm 32, is swingably connected to the tip end 42a of the revolving frame 42 via a boom bracket 34. That is, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment has a boom swing function in which the boom 31 swings left and right from the tip end 42a. The revolving frame 42 is provided with a swing cylinder 42b (see FIG. 2). The swing cylinder 42b is formed by a hydraulic cylinder, and swings the boom 31 by extending and retracting.

[0017] The boom 31 has a shape that is bent forward at an obtuse angle and is rotated up and down by the extension and retraction of the boom cylinder 31a. The boom cylinder 31a is located behind (rearward of) the boom 31. The base end of the boom cylinder 31a is supported by a boom bracket 34, and the tip end is connected to a bent portion of the boom 31 so as to move telescopically. The arm 32 is rotatably connected to the tip end of the boom 31. The arm 32 is rotated up and down by the extension and retraction of the arm cylinder 32a. The base end of the arm cylinder 32a is supported by the boom 31, and the tip end is connected to the base end of the arm 32 so as to move telescopically. The bucket 33 is connected to the tip end of the arm 32 via a link mechanism 35 and is rotated up and down by the extension and retraction of the bucket cylinder 33a. The base end of the bucket cylinder 33a is supported by the arm 32, and the tip end is connected to the link mechanism 35 so as to move telescopically.

[0018] A work light 31P (see FIG. 2) is attached to the right side of the boom 31. When performing work using the hydraulic excavator 1, the operator can turn on the work light 31P to brightly illuminate the area ahead by operating a work light switch (not shown) as necessary.

[0019] The upper rotating body 4 is located above the lower traveling body 2 and is provided so as to be able to rotate relative to the lower traveling body 2. A driving unit 41, a rotating frame 42, a rotating motor 43, and a machine room 44 are arranged on the upper rotating body 4. The upper rotating body 4 rotates via a rotating bearing (not shown) by driving the rotating motor 43, which is a hydraulic motor.

[0020] A driver's seat 41a is disposed in the driver's section 41. An operating section 41b is disposed around the driver's seat 41a. The operating section 41b includes operating levers, buttons, pedals, etc. When an operator sits on the driver's seat 41a and operates the operating section 41b, a hydraulic actuator 73 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is driven. This allows the lower traveling body 2 to travel, the work implement 3 to perform excavation work, the upper rotating body 4 to rotate, etc.

[0021] A machine room 44 is disposed below the operator's seat 41a. A battery unit 51 is disposed within the machine room 44. The battery unit 51 is formed, for example, by a lithium-ion battery unit. The battery unit 51 stores electric power and supplies the electric power to an electric motor 61 (see FIG. 3 ) to drive the electric motor 61. In other words, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is equipped with the electric motor 61 that is driven by the electric power output from the battery unit 51.

[0022] A lead battery 52 is also disposed in the machine room 44. The lead battery 52 outputs a low-voltage (e.g., 12 V) DC voltage. The output from the lead battery 52 is supplied as a control voltage to, for example, a system controller 67 (see FIG. 3) or the like.

[0023] The upper rotating body 4 further includes a ROPS frame 45. The ROPS frame 45 is a guard provided for the purpose of protecting the operator in the unlikely event that the hydraulic excavator 1 tips over. The ROPS frame 45 is configured by connecting a left frame 45L and a right frame 45R with a connecting frame 45B.

[0024] The left frame 45L and the right frame 45R are connected to the left and right lower front portions of the floor 41F of the driver's section 41, respectively. The left frame 45L and the right frame 45R have an L-shape that extends upward from the floor 41F and then bends rearward. The connecting frame 45B extends in the left-right direction, with one end and the other end connected to the rear ends of the left frame 45L and the right frame 45R, respectively. The bent portion and connecting portion of each frame are curved.

[0025] The left frame 45L and the right frame 45R each have an upper frame 45U and a lower frame 45D. The upper frame 45U and the lower frame 45D are connected via hinges 45a so as to be rotatable relative to each other. For example, when the hydraulic excavator 1 is transported loaded on the bed of a truck or the like, the upper frame 45U is rotated forward relative to the lower frame 45D, with the hinges 45a as the fulcrum. This allows the ROPS frame 45 to be folded, thereby reducing the maximum height of the hydraulic excavator 1 during transportation.

[0026] Indicator lights 46 are attached to the ROPs frame 45. The indicator lights 46 are configured as, for example, rotating lights, but may also be configured as LED lamps. The indicator lights 46 include a first indicator light 46a and a second indicator light 46b. The first indicator light 46a and the second indicator light 46b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the connecting frame 45B of the ROPs frame 45 (see FIG. 2).

[0027] When the operator sits in the driver's seat 41a and fastens the seat belt, the first indicator light 46a lights up in green. This allows workers working around the hydraulic excavator 1 to see the first indicator light 46a and know that the operator has fastened the seat belt.

[0028] When starting work using the hydraulic excavator 1, the operator can turn on the second indicator light 46b by operating a beacon switch (not shown) provided on the operation box 400. Furthermore, when work is completed, the operator can turn off the second indicator light 46b by operating the beacon switch. This allows workers around the hydraulic excavator 1 to see the lit state of the second indicator light 46b and recognize whether or not work is being performed using the hydraulic excavator 1. The operation box 400 is provided upright at the front of the floor 41F of the driving section 41.

[0029] A communication unit 47 is attached to the ROPS frame 45. The communication unit 47 is provided to receive radio signals transmitted from positioning satellites to obtain position information of the vehicle (hydraulic excavator 1) and to communicate wirelessly with an external remote monitoring device.

[0030] [2. Electrical and hydraulic system configuration] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electrical system and hydraulic system of the hydraulic excavator 1. For convenience, in the figure, paths through which current or electrical signals flow are indicated by solid lines, and paths through which hydraulic oil flows are indicated by dashed lines.

[0031] The hydraulic excavator 1 includes, in the machine room 44, an electric motor 61, a normal charger 62, an inverter 63, a PDU (Power Distribution Unit) 64, a junction box 65, a DC-DC converter 66, and a system controller 67. The system controller 67 is configured as an electronic control unit also called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and performs electrical control of each part of the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0032] The electric motor 61 is driven by electric power supplied from the battery unit 51 via a junction box 65 and an inverter 63. The electric motor 61 is configured as a permanent magnet motor or an induction motor.

[0033] Normal charger 62 (also called a power supply) converts AC voltage supplied from first external power supply 101, which is an external power supply, via first cable CA1 into DC voltage. Here, a first charging connector NT1 serving as a charging connector NT is disposed inside machine room 44. First charging connector NT1 is a connector (also called a socket) for normal charging.

[0034] By connecting the first cable CA1 to the first charging connector NT1, AC voltage from the first external power supply 101 is supplied to the normal charger 62 via the first cable CA1 and the first charging connector NT1. The voltage (DC voltage) output from the normal charger 62 is supplied to the battery unit 51 via the junction box 65 and the PDU 64. This charges the battery unit 51. Charging the battery unit 51 at this time is called normal charging.

[0035] A second charging connector NT2 serving as the charging connector NT is also disposed inside the machine chamber 44. The second charging connector NT2 is a connector (socket) for rapid charging. An AC voltage supplied from a second external power source 201 for rapid charging is converted into a DC voltage by the rapid charger 202. A base end of a second cable CA2 is connected to the rapid charger 202.

[0036] By connecting the tip of the second cable CA2 to the second charging connector NT2, DC voltage from the rapid charger 202 is supplied to the battery unit 51 via the second cable CA2, the second charging connector NT2, the junction box 65, and the PDU 64. This charges the battery unit 51. Charging the battery unit 51 at this time is called rapid charging.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first cable CA1 collectively refers to a wiring portion from which electrical wiring extends and a plug (a portion that is inserted into the first charging connector NT1) provided at the tip of the wiring portion. Similar to the first cable CA1, the second cable CA2 collectively refers to a wiring portion and a plug.

[0038] As described above, the hydraulic excavator 1 of this embodiment is equipped with two charging connectors NT that supply power to the battery unit 51. The two charging connectors NT include a first charging connector NT1 and a second charging connector NT2. The first charging connector NT1 is a connector to which a first cable CA1 is connected. The first cable CA1 is an example of a charging cable for charging the battery unit 51. The second charging connector NT2 is a connector to which a second cable CA2 is connected. The second cable CA2 is another example of the above-mentioned charging cable. The arrangement of the two charging connectors NT in the hydraulic excavator 1 will be described in detail later.

[0039] The inverter 63 converts the DC voltage supplied from the battery unit 51 into AC voltage and supplies it to the electric motor 61. This causes the electric motor 61 to rotate. The supply of AC voltage (current) from the inverter 63 to the electric motor 61 is performed based on a rotation command output from a system controller 67.

[0040] The PDU 64 is a battery control unit that controls an internal battery relay to control the input and output of the battery unit 51. The junction box 65 includes a charger relay, an inverter relay, a fuse, etc. The voltage output from the battery unit 51 is supplied to the inverter 63 via the PDU 64 and the junction box 65.

[0041] The DC-DC converter 66 reduces a high voltage (e.g., 300 V) DC voltage supplied from the battery unit 51 via the PDU 64 and the junction box 65 to a low voltage (e.g., 12 V). The voltage output from the DC-DC converter 66 is supplied to the system controller 67 and the like, similar to the output from the lead battery 52.

[0042] A charge stop switch 68 is provided in the machine room 44. The charge stop switch 68 is a switch that accepts a charge stop instruction from the operator. When the operator operates (e.g., presses) the charge stop switch 68, the system controller 67 controls the PDU 64 or the junction box 65 based on a stop signal from the charge stop switch 68 to cut off the charge path to the battery unit 51. This allows the operator to safely disconnect the first cable CA1 from the first charging connector NT1. Also, the operator can safely disconnect the second cable CA2 from the second charging connector NT2. In this way, the hydraulic excavator 1 is provided with the charge stop switch 68.

[0043] If at least one of the first charging connector NT1 and the second charging connector NT2 has an interlock function, the charging stop switch 68 may have a function to release the interlock when operated. The interlock refers to a mechanical lock that is engaged to prevent the charging cable from being detached from the charging connector when the charging cable is inserted into the charging connector.

[0044] A plurality of hydraulic pumps 71 are connected to a rotary shaft (output shaft) of the electric motor 61. The plurality of hydraulic pumps 71 include variable displacement pumps and fixed displacement pumps. In FIG. 2, only one hydraulic pump 71 is shown as an example. Each hydraulic pump 71 is connected to a hydraulic oil tank 74.

[0045] When the hydraulic pump 71 is driven by the electric motor 61, hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil tank 74 is supplied to the hydraulic actuator 73 via the control valve 72. This drives the hydraulic actuator 73. The control valve 72 is a directional switching valve that controls the flow direction and amount of hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic actuator 73. The hydraulic actuator 73 includes a hydraulic motor (for example, the left and right travel motors 22 and the swing motor 43 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a hydraulic cylinder (for example, the boom cylinder 31a, arm cylinder 32a, and bucket cylinder 33a in FIG. 1).

[0046] The control valve 72 has a spool for adjusting the amount of hydraulic oil discharged to the hydraulic actuator 73. The spool is connected to an operating unit 41b (e.g., a travel lever) disposed on the driving unit 41 via a link mechanism. This allows the amount of hydraulic oil discharged from the control valve 72 to be mechanically controlled by operating the operating unit 41b. Note that other control methods such as a pilot type or an electromagnetic type may also be used for the control valve 72.

[0047] The control valve 72 is disposed inside the operation box 400 shown in FIGS.

[0048] [3. Layout of each part in the machine room] As shown in Fig. 2, a right hood 44R constituting the right wall of the machinery compartment 44 is provided with an openable and closable lid 44a. The lid 44a is fitted into an opening 44P that penetrates the right hood 44R in the left-right direction. The opening 44P has a rectangular shape in a side view, but may have another shape such as an oval. The lid 44a is formed in a shape corresponding to the opening 44P and fits into the opening 44P.

[0049] The lid 44a is provided so as to be rotatable, for example, to open upward. The lid 44a may be provided so as to be rotatable in a direction other than the upward direction (for example, to open left, right, or downward). The two charging connectors NT (see FIG. 3) described above are disposed on the left side of the lid 44a, that is, inside the machine chamber 44. Therefore, by rotating and opening the lid 44a, a worker (which may be an operator) performing charging can access the two charging connectors NT inside through the opening 44P, that is, insert a charging cable into the charging connector NT.

[0050] Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the right bonnet 44R of the hydraulic excavator 1. However, for convenience, the lid 44a of Fig. 2 is not shown in Fig. 4. An opening / closing hinge 441 is provided at the lower edge of the opening 44P in the right bonnet 44R. The lower end of the lid 44a is attached to the right bonnet 44R via the opening / closing hinge 441. This allows the lid 44a to be rotated upward and open via the opening / closing hinge 441.

[0051] A catch 442 is provided on a support member 69 (described later) disposed inside the machine chamber 44. When the lid 44a is closed, a protrusion (not shown) provided on the inside of the lid 44a (the side where the charging connector NT is disposed) is pinched by the catch 442, thereby holding the lid 44a in a closed state. To open the lid 44a, the lid 44a is rotated upward. That is, when the lid 44a is rotated, the protrusion is simultaneously released from the catch 442. This allows the lid 44a to be easily released from the held state.

[0052] When the lid 44a is rotated to open upward, two charging connectors NT, i.e., a first charging connector NT1 and a second charging connector NT2, are exposed through the opening 44P, along with the charging stop switch 68 and the fuse box 81. The layout of each part inside the machinery chamber 44 will be described below.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration inside the machine chamber 44 (particularly the configuration near the charging connector NT). Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration inside the machine chamber 44. The battery unit 51 shown in Fig. 1 etc. is housed in a case 510. The case 510 has an upper case 511 and a lower case 512.

[0054] Upper case 511 has upper case main body 511a and upper case flange 511b. Upper case main body 511a is box-shaped and open at the bottom. Upper case flange 511b extends from the outer peripheral edge of the lower part of upper case main body 511a to the outside of the case in all directions.

[0055] Similarly, lower case 512 has lower case main body 512a and a lower case flange (not shown). Lower case main body 512a is formed in a box shape with an open top. Lower case flange extends outward from the outer periphery of the upper part of lower case main body 512a in all directions.

[0056] The battery unit 51 is sandwiched between the upper case main body 511a and the lower case main body 512a from above and below, and the battery unit 51 is housed inside, and the upper case flange 511b and the lower case flange are fastened together using, for example, bolts. This houses the battery unit 51 inside the case 510. The number of battery units 51 housed in the case 510 is not particularly limited, and may be one or more.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the upper case body 511a has a width in the left-right direction that is shorter than that of the lower case body 512a. Moreover, the upper case body 511a is positioned more to the left than the lower case body 512a. Due to this shape of the case 510, the battery unit 51 is housed inside the case 510 in plan view, as shown in FIG. 6, further inside the outer shape of the upper case body 511a. Furthermore, because the upper case body 511a is positioned more to the left than the lower case body 512a, a narrow space S exists on the right side of the upper case body 511a, that is, between the upper case body 511a and the right hood 44R (above the upper case flange 511b positioned on the right side of the upper case body 511a). In this embodiment, this space S is used as a space for arranging the charging connector NT, etc. That is, the space S between the battery unit 51 housed in the case 510 and the side of the machinery compartment 44 (right hood 44R) is used as a space for arranging the charging connector NT and the like.

[0058] In this embodiment, electrical equipment such as lead battery 52 and DC-DC converter 66 are arranged on the left side of case 510 (between case 510 and the left hood of machine compartment 44) within machine compartment 44. Therefore, increasing the capacity of battery unit 51 (installing a large battery unit 51) inevitably narrows space S. In this embodiment, by appropriately setting the orientation of charging connector NT, it is possible to arrange charging connector NT even in such a narrow space S. This will be described in further detail below.

[0059] (Charging connector placement) 5 and 6, a first charging connector NT1 for normal charging and a second charging connector NT2 for rapid charging are disposed above the upper case flange 511b in the machinery chamber 44. The first charging connector NT1 is disposed forward of the second charging connector NT2. The first charging connector NT1 may also be disposed rearward of the second charging connector NT2. In other words, the two charging connectors NT are disposed at different positions in the front-to-rear direction in the machinery chamber 44.

[0060] The first charging connector NT1 and the second charging connector NT2 are disposed on the left side of the lid 44a in the machinery compartment 44 that houses the battery unit 51. In other words, the two charging connectors NT are disposed on the sides of the lid 44a, which is installed in an openable and closable manner on the side of the machinery compartment 44 (here, the right hood 44R).

[0061] 6, the orientation of the first charging connector NT1 is the A1 direction, and the orientation of the second charging connector NT2 is the A2 direction. The orientation of the first charging connector NT1 refers to the direction in which the first cable CA1 (see FIG. 3) is inserted into the first charging connector NT1 (the direction from the end point toward the start point of the insertion direction). The orientation of the second charging connector NT2 refers to the direction in which the second cable CA2 (see FIG. 3) is inserted into the second charging connector NT2 (the direction from the end point toward the start point of the insertion direction). In this embodiment, the A1 direction and the A2 direction are parallel. That is, the two charging connectors NT are arranged side by side facing the same direction in the machine chamber 44.

[0062] Note that "the same direction" here refers not only to the case where the connectors are in the same direction in each of the front, rear, left, right, up, and down directions, but also to the case where, for example, both connectors face right forward, or both connectors face left forward. Therefore, for example, when the first charging connector NT1 faces right forward in a plan view, if the second charging connector NT2 also faces right forward, these two charging connectors NT can be considered to face the same direction. The same applies to the "same direction" that appears below.

[0063] 6, the orientation (A1 direction) of the first charging connector NT1 is oblique with respect to the lid 44a. Similarly, the orientation (A2 direction) of the second charging connector NT2 is also oblique with respect to the lid 44a. Note that "oblique with respect to the lid 44a" means that the angle formed between the lid 44a and each direction (A1 direction, A2 direction) is other than 0° and 90°. In this way, the two charging connectors NT are disposed obliquely with respect to the lid 44a. Note that the orientations of the two charging connectors NT with respect to the lid 44a (the above angles) may be set appropriately depending on the left-right width of the space S.

[0064] The two charging connectors NT are supported by a support member 69. The support member 69 is attached onto the upper case flange portion 511b. This makes it easy to arrange the two charging connectors NT as described above inside the machine chamber 44. The support member 69 is formed, for example, by bending a single flat metal plate, but may also be formed by connecting multiple flat metal plates by welding or the like.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the two charging connectors NT are arranged in the same direction and at an angle relative to the lid 44a within the machine room 44. As a result, even when a large-capacity (large) battery unit 51 is stored within the machine room 44, the two charging connectors NT can be efficiently arranged in the limited, narrow space S to the side of the lid 44a within the machine room 44 without increasing the size of the machine room 44 itself. Moreover, the two charging connectors NT can be arranged in the limited, narrow space S by the simple method of adjusting the orientation of the two charging connectors NT. In other words, it is possible to realize an electric hydraulic excavator 1 that is compact in configuration but can easily ensure space for arranging the two charging connectors NT even when a large-capacity battery unit 51 is installed.

[0066] 6, in a configuration in which two charging connectors NT are disposed between the battery unit 51 and the side of the machinery compartment 44 (right hood 44R), if the battery unit 51 is large, the free space to the side of the battery unit 51 in the machinery compartment 44 becomes narrow. Therefore, the method of disposing the two charging connectors NT as in this embodiment is very effective in a configuration in which the two charging connectors NT are disposed between the battery unit 51 and the side of the machinery compartment 44.

[0067] The two charging connectors NT are arranged at different positions in the front-to-rear direction. This makes it easy to appropriately orient the two charging connectors NT as described above and efficiently arrange the two charging connectors NT in the limited space S inside the machinery chamber 44. Furthermore, when the lid 44a on the side of the machinery chamber 44 is opened, it becomes possible to access (insert a charging cable into) either of the two charging connectors NT lined up in the front-to-rear direction.

[0068] (Charging stop switch placement) 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the charging stop switch 68 is disposed between the first charging connector NT1 and the second charging connector NT2 when viewed from the side. In other words, the charging stop switch 68 is disposed between the two charging connectors NT in the front-to-rear direction. The charging stop switch 68, like the two charging connectors NT, is supported by a support member 69.

[0069] With the above-described arrangement of the charge stop switch 68, the operator can stop charging by operating the charge stop switch 68 regardless of which of the two charging connectors NT is being used for charging. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, a charge stop switch 68 is provided for each individual charging connector NT, the operator does not have to worry about which switch to operate, improving convenience when stopping charging.

[0070] 6, in this embodiment, the charging stop switch 68 is disposed opposite the lid 44a on the side of the machine chamber 44. That is, the charging stop switch 68 is disposed facing the direction of the lid 44a (here, to the right) inside the machine chamber 44. Here, when the orientation of the charging stop switch 68 is defined as direction A3, the direction A3 is perpendicular to the lid 44a, but it may also be slightly inclined (for example, within 10°) from the completely perpendicular direction.

[0071] In this way, when the charging stop switch 68 is arranged facing the cover 44a, the operator only needs to press the charging stop switch 68 straight to the left when operating (e.g., pressing) the charging stop switch 68. In other words, in this case, the operator can easily operate (press) the charging stop switch 68.

[0072] (Fuse box location) As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the support member 69 further supports a fuse box 81. The fuse box 81 is a box that collects fuses that are provided in the electrical wiring (electrical circuit) shown in Figure 3. When an excessive current exceeding the rated current flows in a circuit due to some abnormality, the fuse melts down and opens (breaks) the circuit, thereby protecting the electrical equipment and the circuit.

[0073] The fuse box 81 is disposed in front of the first charging connector NT1 inside the machine room 44. As described above, the first charging connector NT1 is disposed in front of the second charging connector NT2. As a result, the fuse box 81 is disposed in front of the two charging connectors NT. The hydraulic excavator 1 of the present embodiment is equipped with the above-described fuse box 81.

[0074] By arranging the fuse box 81 in the machine room 44 as described above, an operator can open the lid 44a on the side of the machine room 44 and access the fuse box 81 through the opening 44P. This makes it easy to perform maintenance such as inspecting and replacing the fuses collected in the fuse box 81, for example, before starting work with the hydraulic excavator 1.

[0075] (Communication connector placement) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a communication connector 82a is further supported on the support member 69. The communication connector 82a is a connector provided at a relay point of wiring connecting the system controller 67 and an electrical component (electrical device). In this embodiment, two communication connectors 82a are provided, but the number of communication connectors 82a is not limited to two and may be one, or three or more. At least one communication connector 82a is accommodated in a communication connector accommodating portion 82. The communication connector accommodating portion 82 is provided above the fuse box 81, for example.

[0076] When performing maintenance on the system controller 67 (such as checking the settings or operation), the worker removes the wiring from the communication connector 82a and connects a cable connected to a terminal device such as a personal computer to the communication connector 82a. This allows communication between the terminal device and the system controller 67 to perform maintenance on the system controller 67.

[0077] The communication connector housing 82 (particularly the communication connector 82a) is disposed in front of the first charging connector NT1 inside the machine room 44. As described above, the first charging connector NT1 is disposed in front of the second charging connector NT2. As a result, the communication connector 82a is disposed in front of the two charging connectors NT. In this way, the hydraulic excavator 1 of the present embodiment is equipped with the communication connector 82a for communicating with the system controller 67.

[0078] By arranging the communication connector 82a as described above in the machinery room 44, maintenance equipment (fuse box 81, communication connector 82a) is concentrated near the easily accessible charging connector NT, thereby ensuring good maintainability.

[0079] In particular, as shown in Fig. 5, the communication connector 82a is disposed above the fuse box 81. In other words, the communication connector 82a is disposed next to the fuse box 81 in the vertical direction. In this case, the devices requiring maintenance can be disposed together in a compact manner in front of the two charging connectors NT. Therefore, the configuration in which the communication connector 82a and the fuse box 81 are disposed next to each other in the vertical direction is very effective for a small hydraulic excavator 1 in which the devices requiring maintenance must be disposed in a narrow space S.

[0080] Furthermore, performing maintenance on the system controller 67 requires specialized knowledge and is therefore typically performed by a service technician. As described above, when the communication connector 82a (communication connector housing 82) is disposed above the fuse box 81, the communication connector 82a can be positioned at the top inside of the lid 44a when viewed from the side, i.e., in a position hidden by the right hood 44R. This makes it difficult for general users without specialized knowledge to access the communication connector 82a. This reduces the risk of inconvenience (such as incorrect settings of the system controller 67) occurring when a general user performs maintenance on the system controller 67.

[0081] [4. Other arrangements of charging connectors, etc.] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the right hood 44R of the hydraulic excavator 1 with the lid 44a not shown, showing another example of the arrangement of the charging connector NT and the like inside the machine room 44. Figs. 8 and 9 are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, showing the configuration near the charging connector NT shown in Fig. 7 inside the machine room 44.

[0082] In the example of Figures 7 to 9, the orientation of the charge stop switch 68 (direction A3) is the same as the orientation of the first charging connector NT1 (direction A1), and the communication connector 82a (communication connector accommodating portion 82) is provided below the fuse box 81. Other than these points, the configuration is the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 6. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0083] The charging stop switch 68 is disposed next to the first charging connector NT1 (alongside the first charging connector NT1). The first charging connector NT1 (the other charging connector NT) is disposed forward of the second charging connector NT2 (one charging connector NT), as in Fig. 4 etc.

[0084] With this arrangement, when stopping charging using the first charging connector NT1, the worker can quickly find and operate the charging stop switch 68 located next to the first charging connector NT1, making it easier for the worker to immediately give an instruction to stop charging.

[0085] The charging stop switch 68 may be located adjacent to the first charging connector NT1 on the opposite side from the second charging connector NT2. For example, in FIG. 9, the charging stop switch 68 may be located to the left front of the first charging connector NT1.

[0086] However, in order to make it easier to issue a command to stop charging using either of the two charging connectors NT by operating one charging stop switch 68, it is desirable to place one charging stop switch 68 between the two charging connectors NT when viewed from the side. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, it is desirable to place the charging stop switch 68 next to the second charging connector NT2 (one of the charging connectors) relative to the first charging connector NT1 (the other charging connector). For example, it is desirable to place the charging stop switch 68 to the rear right of the first charging connector NT1, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0087] If the orientation of the charging connector NT and the orientation of the charging stop switch 68 are the same, then the direction in which the charging cable is inserted into the charging connector NT and the direction in which the charging stop switch 68 is pressed will be the same. By aligning the orientations for charging (inserting the cable) and stopping charging (pressing the switch) in this way, the operator can perform the work (connecting the cable) and the operation (pressing the switch) from the same direction when starting charging (inserting the charging cable into the charging connector NT) and ending charging (operating the charging stop switch 68). In other words, this makes it easier for the operator to perform charging and charging stop operations. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 9 , it is desirable that the charging stop switch 68 be positioned facing the same direction as the two charging connectors NT. For example, it is desirable that the orientations of the first charging connector NT1 (direction A1), the second charging connector NT2 (direction A2), and the charging stop switch 68 (direction A3) are all the same (facing right forward).

[0088] As shown in Fig. 8, the communication connector 82a is disposed below the fuse box 81, but is disposed next to the fuse box 81 in the vertical direction, similar to the arrangement in Fig. 5 etc. In other words, also in Fig. 8, the devices requiring maintenance (the communication connector 82a and the fuse box 81) are disposed compactly together in front of the two charging connectors NT.

[0089] In particular, in a configuration in which the communication connector 82a (communication connector housing 82) is disposed below the fuse box 81, when the lid 44a is opened, the communication connector 82a is exposed through the opening 44P, as shown in Fig. 7. This makes it easier for a service person to access the communication connector 82a, facilitating maintenance of the system controller 67.

[0090] [5. Supplementary Information] The hydraulic excavator 1 may be configured to use hydraulic equipment such as the hydraulic actuator 73 (e.g., a hydraulic motor or a hydraulic cylinder) in combination with an actuator driven by electricity. Examples of the actuator driven by electricity include an electric travel motor, an electric cylinder, and an electric swing motor.

[0091] In this embodiment, a hydraulic excavator 1, which is a construction machine, has been described as an example of the work machine, but the work machine is not limited to the hydraulic excavator 1 and may be other construction machines such as a wheel loader, a compact track loader, etc. Furthermore, the work machine may be agricultural machinery such as a combine harvester, a tractor, etc.

[0092] [6. Notes] The work machine described in this embodiment can also be expressed as follows:

[0093] The work machine in Appendix (1) is A work machine equipped with an electric motor driven by electric power output from a battery unit, further comprising two charging connectors for supplying power to the battery unit; The two charging connectors are arranged side by side facing in the same direction in the machinery room that houses the battery unit, to the side of a lid that is installed on the side of the machinery room in an openable and closable manner, and are also arranged diagonally relative to the lid.

[0094] The work machine of supplementary note (2) is the work machine of supplementary note (1), The two charging connectors are disposed between the battery unit and the side of the machinery compartment.

[0095] The work machine of supplementary note (3) is a work machine according to supplementary note (1) or (2), The two charging connectors are disposed at different positions in the front-rear direction.

[0096] The work machine of supplementary note (4) is the work machine described in supplementary note (3), a charging stop switch that receives a charging stop instruction for the battery unit; The charging stop switch is disposed between the two charging connectors in the front-rear direction.

[0097] The work machine of supplementary note (5) is the work machine according to supplementary note (4), The charging stop switch is disposed opposite the cover.

[0098] The work machine of supplementary note (6) is the work machine described in supplementary note (3), a charging stop switch that receives a charging stop instruction for the battery unit; The charge stop switch is disposed adjacent to (alongside) one of the two charging connectors, which is disposed forward of the other charging connector.

[0099] The work machine of supplementary note (7) is the work machine according to supplementary note (6), The charging stop switch is disposed adjacent to the one charging connector with respect to the other charging connector.

[0100] The work machine of supplementary note (8) is the work machine according to supplementary note (7), The charge stop switch is arranged facing the same direction as the two charge connectors.

[0101] The work machine of supplementary note (9) is a work machine according to any one of supplementary notes (3) to (8), The vehicle further includes a fuse box disposed forward of the two charging connectors.

[0102] The work machine of supplementary note (10) is the work machine according to supplementary note (9), The vehicle further includes a communication connector that is disposed forward of the two charging connectors and that is used to communicate with a controller of the work machine.

[0103] The work machine of supplementary note (11) is the work machine according to supplementary note (10), The communication connectors are arranged vertically next to the fuse box.

[0104] The work machine of supplementary note (12) is the work machine according to supplementary note (11), The communication connector is disposed above the fuse box.

[0105] The work machine of supplementary note (13) is the work machine according to supplementary note (11), The communication connector is disposed below the fuse box.

[0106] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these, and the invention can be expanded or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention can be used in work machines such as construction machines and agricultural machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Hydraulic excavator (work machine) 44 Machine room 44R Right bonnet (side) 44a Lid 51 Battery unit 61 Electric motor 67 System Controller (Controller) 68 Charging stop switch 81 Fuse box 82a Communication Connector NT charging connector NT1 1st charging connector NT2 Secondary Charging Connector

Claims

1. A work machine equipped with an electric motor driven by electric power output from a battery unit, further comprising two charging connectors for supplying power to the battery unit; the two charging connectors are arranged side by side facing in the same direction on the sides of a lid that is installed on a side of the machinery room in an openable and closable manner within the machinery room that houses the battery unit, and are arranged diagonally relative to the lid.

2. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the two charging connectors are disposed between the battery unit and the side of the machinery compartment.

3. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the two charging connectors are disposed at different positions in the front-to-rear direction.

4. a charging stop switch that receives a charging stop instruction for the battery unit; The work machine according to claim 3 , wherein the charge stop switch is disposed between the two charging connectors in the front-to-rear direction.

5. The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein the charge stop switch is disposed opposite the cover.

6. a charging stop switch that receives a charging stop instruction for the battery unit; The work machine according to claim 3 , wherein the charging stop switch is disposed adjacent to one of the two charging connectors, the other charging connector being disposed forward of the other charging connector.

7. The work machine according to claim 6 , wherein the charging stop switch is disposed adjacent to the one charging connector with respect to the other charging connector.

8. The work machine according to claim 7 , wherein the charge stop switch is arranged facing the same direction as the two charging connectors.

9. The work machine according to claim 3 , further comprising a fuse box disposed forward of the two charging connectors.

10. The work machine according to claim 9 , further comprising a communication connector disposed forward of the two charging connectors, for communicating with a controller of the work machine.

11. The work machine according to claim 10 , wherein the communication connector is arranged next to the fuse box in the vertical direction.

12. The work machine according to claim 11 , wherein the communication connector is disposed above the fuse box.

13. The work machine according to claim 11 , wherein the communication connector is disposed below the fuse box.

Images