Electric work vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric work vehicle which can be used for work other than work in a field.SOLUTION: An electric work vehicle according to an embodiment drives a traveling vehicle body and a work machine by electric power supplied from a battery. The electric work vehicle includes a power receiving and feeding connection unit connectable to an external power supply and an external load, and a control device configured to control charging from the external power supply or feeding to the external load via the power receiving and feeding connection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric work vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a charging system is known that charges an electric vehicle using a commercial power source connected to a house (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-106378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional technology from the viewpoint of use in times of disaster, for example.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide an electric work vehicle that can be used for purposes other than work in farm fields. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an electric work vehicle (10) according to an embodiment is driven by power supplied from a battery (214). The electric work vehicle (10) includes a power receiving / supplying connector (218) connectable to an external power source and an external load, and a control device (150) that controls charging from the external power source via the power receiving / supplying connector (218) or power supply to the external load. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The work vehicle according to this embodiment can be used for purposes other than work in farm fields. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a work vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the charging and supplying process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the connections between the controller and each device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a tractor and a drone are being charged at a charging facility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the work vehicle disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] An overview of a work vehicle 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a work vehicle 10 according to an embodiment.

[0011] In the following, an agricultural tractor (hereinafter simply referred to as "tractor") will be used as an example of the work vehicle 10. Note that the work vehicle 10 may also be an agricultural work vehicle other than a tractor, such as a seedling transplanter (rice transplanter) that plants seedlings in the field F or a combine harvester that harvests crops in the field F.

[0012] 1 also shows a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z-axis whose positive direction is vertically upward (upward). For ease of explanation, the positive direction of the X-axis will be defined as the left, the negative direction of the X-axis as the right, the positive direction of the Y-axis as the forward direction, and the negative direction of the Y-axis as the backward direction, and the X-axis direction will sometimes be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction.

[0013] In the following description, the work vehicle (tractor) 10 may be referred to as the "machine body."

[0014] The tractor 10, which is a work vehicle, can travel on roads and within a field F using the power of a travel motor 210. In other words, the tractor 10 is an electric work vehicle. Multiple types of work implements 12 that perform ground work are detachably attached to the tractor 10. While traveling within the field F, the tractor 10 performs predetermined work using the work implements 12.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, a tractor 10 is equipped with a traction motor 210 mounted on, for example, a hood 13 at the front of the vehicle body. Rotational power from the traction motor 210 is transmitted to, for example, a transmission 14, which is a speed change device, and after being reduced in the transmission 14, is transmitted to front wheels 15 and rear wheels 16, which are traveling wheels.

[0016] A work implement 12, such as a rotary work implement, is attached to the rear of the tractor 10. The work implement 12 attached to the rear of the machine body is driven by a PTO (Power Take-Off) shaft (not shown) that protrudes rearward from a transmission case of a transmission 14.

[0017] A cabin 17 in which an operator (also referred to as a "driver") rides is provided behind the hood 13. A driver's seat 18 in which the operator (driver) sits is provided inside the cabin 17, i.e., inside the cabin 17. Machinery operating sections including a steering wheel 19 are provided around the driver's seat 18.

[0018] The steering wheel 19 is provided in front of the driver's seat 18. The steering wheel 19 is operated (steering operation) when steering the front wheels 15, which are the steered wheels. In front of the steering wheel 19, a meter panel (not shown) and the like are provided.

[0019] The machine operation unit also includes operation pedals such as an accelerator pedal, a clutch pedal, and a brake pedal in addition to the steering wheel 19. The machine operation unit also includes operation levers such as a forward / reverse lever, a main speed change lever, and an auxiliary speed change lever. The machine operation unit also includes operating tools such as various switches.

[0020] The tractor 10 also includes a controller 150 (see FIG. 2) which is a control device. The controller 150 is capable of controlling each part by electronic control, and includes, for example, a processing part having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and a storage part consisting of a hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like in which various programs and data are stored. The controller 150 is, for example, a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0021] The tractor 10 also includes a positioning device 20 capable of receiving radio waves from artificial satellites 30 orbiting in the sky. The positioning device 20 is, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning device, and is provided on top of the cabin 17, for example. The tractor 10 receives radio waves from the artificial satellites 30 with the positioning device 20, and can determine the current position (self-position) of the tractor 10 based on the received radio waves.

[0022] The tractor 10 can be switched between manual operation and automatic operation by the operator (driver). The tractor 10 can perform automatic operation under the control of each part of the controller 150 based on the tractor's own position measured by the positioning device 20. In this case, the controller 150 creates a travel route including a work start point within the field F, and automatically drives the vehicle along the created travel route.

[0023] Next, a vehicle system 200 of a work vehicle 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a vehicle system 200 according to an embodiment. In Fig. 2, high-voltage AC power lines are indicated by thick dashed lines, high-voltage DC power lines are indicated by thick broken lines, and low-voltage DC power lines are indicated by thick solid lines. Also in Fig. 2, high-voltage CANs (Controller Area Networks) are indicated by thin broken lines, and low-voltage CANs are indicated by thin solid lines. Also in Fig. 2, low-voltage signal lines are indicated by thin dashed lines. Also in Fig. 2, wireless communication lines are indicated by long broken lines.

[0024] Vehicle system 200 includes a low voltage system 201 and a high voltage system 202. Low voltage system 201 includes devices to which a voltage of 12 V is applied, for example. High voltage system 202 includes devices to which a voltage higher than that of low voltage system 201 (for example, 45 V, 100 V, 200 V, etc.) is applied.

[0025] The equipment of the low voltage system 201 includes a controller 150, various actuators 170, various sensors 172, an air conditioning unit 234, a hot air device 236, a cold air device 237, a DC low voltage external power supply 243, a low voltage battery 244, a communication unit 245, and a vehicle meter panel 246.

[0026] The equipment of the high voltage system 202 includes a traction motor 210, a traction inverter 211, a PTO motor 212, a PTO inverter 213, a lithium ion battery 214, DC / DC converters 215 and 216, an ACDC inverter 217, an ACDC connection unit 218 (power supply / receive connection unit), and the like.

[0027] The vehicle system 200 also includes an isolated CAN unit 230. The isolated CAN unit 230 is, for example, a noise filter.

[0028] The controller 150 is connected to the devices of the low-voltage system 201 via the low-voltage system CAN and communicates with the devices of the low-voltage system 201. The controller 150 is connected to the devices of the low-voltage system 201 via the low-voltage system CAN and, for example, controls the devices of the low-voltage system 201. The controller 150 is connected to some of the devices of the high-voltage system 202 via the low-voltage system CAN and communicates with some of the devices of the high-voltage system 202. The controller 150 is connected to some of the devices of the high-voltage system 202 via the low-voltage system CAN and, for example, controls some of the devices of the high-voltage system 202.

[0029] The controller 150 is connected to the high-voltage system CAN via the insulating CAN unit 230 and communicates with some of the devices in the high-voltage system 202. The controller 150 is connected to some of the devices in the high-voltage system 202 by the high-voltage system CAN and controls, for example, the high-voltage system devices. The devices to which the high-voltage system CAN is connected are the running inverter 211 and the PTO inverter 213.

[0030] The vehicle system 200 is connected to devices other than the tractor 10, such as switching equipment installed in a private home or the like, and other work vehicles, via the ACDC connection unit 218. The switching equipment installed in the private home or the like includes electrical equipment, a storage battery, a power supply device (charging device), and the like used in the private home or the like. That is, the vehicle system 200 can be connected to an external power source and an external load via the ACDC connection unit 218. The vehicle system 200 can receive power from the external power source via the ACDC connection unit 218 and charge the lithium ion battery 214. The vehicle system 200 can also supply power from the lithium ion battery 214 to an external load via the ACDC connection unit 218.

[0031] The ACDC connection unit 218 includes an ACDC switching unit 218a. The ACDC switching unit 218a switches the electrical connection destination of the ACDC connection unit 218 to the DCDC converter 216 or the ACDC inverter 217. The ACDC switching unit 218a switches the electrical connection destination of the ACDC connection unit 218 based on a control signal from the controller 150.

[0032] The ACDC connection unit 218 includes an inlet 218b that serves as a power supply port and a charging port. For example, the ACDC connection unit 218 includes one inlet 218b. That is, in the tractor 10, the inlet 218b is used commonly for power supply and charging.

[0033] The switching between power supply and charging is performed by the controller 150. That is, the controller 150 switches between charging and power supply of the lithium ion battery 214 inside the tractor 10. The vehicle system 200 has a switching device that switches between power supply and charging. The switching device is provided in the lithium ion battery 214, the ACDC switching unit 218a, etc.

[0034] It should be noted that the AC / DC connection 218 may also include an AC power supply that can power the AC high voltage actuators of the tractor 10 even when the tractor 10 is moving.

[0035] The controller 150 limits the amount of power to be supplied to an external load via the AC / DC connection unit 218 to a maximum amount of power or less. The maximum amount of power is a preset amount of power.

[0036] For example, the controller 150 is configured to cut off the power supply when the amount of power supply exceeds the maximum amount of power. This allows the minimum amount of power required to be supplied for a longer period of time in the event of a disaster, and also cuts off the power supply if a user mistakenly attempts to use a device that requires a large amount of power. This makes it possible to determine whether the device being used is appropriate or not.

[0037] Furthermore, when controller 150 is configured to cut off the supply of power when the amount of supplied power exceeds the maximum amount of power, it may be configured to set a duration for exceeding the maximum amount of power and allow the maximum amount of power to be exceeded for a short period of time. For example, if the maximum amount of power is not allowed to be exceeded instantaneously for a maximum value such as an inrush current at startup, power will be cut off frequently at startup for devices with large inrush currents, which is inconvenient to use, but this can be resolved by allowing the maximum amount to be exceeded for a short period of time.

[0038] When power is supplied from the lithium ion battery 214 via the ACDC connection unit 218 or when charging the lithium ion battery 214, the controller 150 may perform the charging / supply process of Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the charging / supply process.

[0039] The controller 150 determines whether or not to charge the lithium ion battery 214 via the ACDC connection unit 218 (S100). For example, the controller 150 determines whether or not a charging operation of the lithium ion battery 214 has been performed via the ACDC connection unit 218. If a charging operation has been performed, the controller 150 determines that the lithium ion battery 214 will be charged via the ACDC connection unit 218. If a charging operation has not been performed, the controller 150 determines that the lithium ion battery 214 will not be charged via the ACDC connection unit 218. A charging operation is, for example, connecting a charging cable to the inlet 218b.

[0040] When charging the lithium ion battery 214 (S100: Yes), the controller 150 transmits charging information to the external power source via the communication unit 245 and the external display device 250 (for example, a tablet terminal) (S101). The charging information is information for checking the charging readiness state of the external power source. For example, external power sources capable of transmitting charging information may be registered in advance and selectable by the user. Alternatively, external power sources capable of transmitting charging information may be recognized by connecting a charging cable to the inlet 218b.

[0041] Next, the controller 150 determines whether or not the external power source is ready for charging (S102). Specifically, the controller 150 determines whether or not information regarding the completion of preparation for the external power source has been received via the communication unit 245 and the external display device 250.

[0042] When the controller 150 receives information indicating that the external power source is ready, the controller 150 determines that the external power source is ready for charging. When the controller 150 does not receive information indicating that the external power source is ready, the controller 150 determines that the external power source is not ready for charging.

[0043] If the external power source is not ready to charge (S102: No), the controller 150 displays that charging is being prepared (S103). For example, the controller 150 displays on the external display device 250 or a monitor that charging is being prepared.

[0044] Next, the controller 150 prohibits the charging operation via the AC / DC connection unit 218 (S104).

[0045] When the external power source is ready to charge (S102: Yes), the controller 150 displays that the charging preparation is complete (S105). For example, the controller 150 displays that the charging preparation is complete on the external display device 250 or a monitor.

[0046] Next, the controller 150 releases the prohibition of charging via the ACDC connection unit 218 (S106). This starts charging via the ACDC connection unit 218. That is, the controller 150 starts charging from the external power supply after mutual authentication regarding charging operation with the external power supply is performed.

[0047] If the lithium ion battery 214 is not to be charged (S100: No), the controller 150 determines whether or not to supply power from the lithium ion battery 214 via the ACDC connection unit 218 (S107). For example, the controller 150 determines whether or not a power supply operation from the lithium ion battery 214 has been performed via the ACDC connection unit 218. If a power supply operation has been performed, the controller 150 determines that power will be supplied from the lithium ion battery 214 via the ACDC connection unit 218. If a power supply operation has not been performed, the controller 150 determines that power will not be supplied from the lithium ion battery 214 via the ACDC connection unit 218. The power supply operation is, for example, connecting a power supply cable to the inlet 218b.

[0048] If power is not to be supplied from the lithium ion battery 214 (S107: No), the controller 150 ends this processing.

[0049] If power is to be supplied from the lithium ion battery 214 (S107: Yes), the controller 150 transmits power supply information to the external load via the communication unit 245 and the external display device 250 (S108). The power supply information is information for checking the power supply readiness state of the external load. For example, external loads to which power supply information can be transmitted may be registered in advance and selectable by the user. Alternatively, external loads to which power supply information can be transmitted may be recognized by connecting a power supply cable to the inlet 218b.

[0050] Next, the controller 150 determines whether or not the external load is ready to supply power (S109). Specifically, the controller 150 determines whether or not information relating to the external load's preparation for supplying power has been received via the communication unit 245 and the external display device 250.

[0051] When the controller 150 receives information about the external load's preparation for power supply, the controller 150 determines that the external load's preparation for power supply is complete. When the controller 150 does not receive information about the external load's preparation for power supply, the controller 150 determines that the external load's preparation for power supply is not complete.

[0052] If the external load is not ready to supply power (S109: No), the controller 150 displays that the external load is being prepared to supply power (S110). For example, the controller 150 displays on the external display device 250 or a monitor that the external load is not ready to supply power.

[0053] Next, the controller 150 prohibits the power supply operation via the AC / DC connection unit 218 (S111).

[0054] When the external load is ready to supply power (S109: Yes), the controller 150 displays that the power supply preparation is complete (S112). For example, the controller 150 displays on the external display device 250 or a monitor that the charging preparation is complete.

[0055] Next, the controller 150 releases the prohibition of power supply via the ACDC connection unit 218 (S113). This starts power supply via the ACDC connection unit 218. That is, the controller 150 starts power supply to the external load after mutual authentication regarding the power supply operation with the external load is performed.

[0056] The controller 150 may allow charging of the lithium ion battery 214 until the external load is ready to supply power.

[0057] The tractor 10 may have the following configuration, etc.

[0058] When charging of the lithium ion battery 214 is started via the ACDC connection unit 218, the controller 150 may prohibit power supply via the ACDC connection unit 218 until charging of the lithium ion battery 214 is completed. For example, the controller 150 prohibits power supply via the ACDC connection unit 218 until the SOC (State of Charge) of the lithium ion battery 214 reaches a predetermined charging completion value.

[0059] As a result, when the lithium ion battery 214 is not in a charged state, the tractor 10 cannot supply power via the ACDC connection part 218, and therefore, erroneous operations of power supply or charging can be suppressed.

[0060] When power supply or charging is performed via the ACDC connection unit 218, the controller 150 may permit power supply or charging on the condition that the tractor 10 is stopped. If the tractor 10 moves while a cable is connected to the ACDC connection unit 218 and power is being supplied or charged, there is a risk of an accident occurring due to the cable coming loose, etc. The tractor 10 can prevent such accidents from occurring.

[0061] The tractor 10 may also be able to supply power by attaching a power supply conversion adapter to the inlet 218b. That is, the inlet 218b is configured so that a charging cable can be directly connected, but not so that a power supply cable cannot be directly connected. The conversion adapter is configured so that a charging cable cannot be connected. This prevents the tractor 10 from mistakenly connecting a cable to the inlet 218b and from operating erroneously. The controller 150 may detect whether or not a conversion adapter is attached.

[0062] The tractor 10 is an electric work vehicle that is driven by power supplied from a lithium-ion battery 214. The tractor 10 is equipped with an ACDC connection unit 218 that can be connected to an external power source and an external load, and a controller 150 that controls charging from the external power source via the ACDC connection unit 218 or power supply to the external load.

[0063] This allows the tractor 10 to supply power to an external load in the event of a disaster, etc. Therefore, the tractor 10 can be used for purposes other than work in farm fields.

[0064] When power is supplied to an external load via the AC / DC connection unit 218, the controller 150 limits the amount of power supplied to a maximum amount of power or less.

[0065] This allows the tractor 10 to adjust the power supply within an allowable range for the external load to which power is supplied. Therefore, the tractor 10 can, for example, prevent a large current from flowing through the external load, thereby protecting the external load.

[0066] The ACDC connection unit 218 is provided at one location on the tractor 10. The controller 150 switches charging and power supply of the lithium ion battery 214 inside the tractor 10.

[0067] This allows the tractor 10 to charge and supply power by itself. Therefore, by moving the tractor 10 to a location where there is an external power source, the lithium ion battery 214 can be charged from the external power source, and by moving the tractor 10 to a location where there is an external load, power can be supplied to the external load. Therefore, for example, in the event of a disaster, by moving the tractor 10, power can be supplied to the external load, thereby expanding the range of uses of the tractor 10.

[0068] The controller 150 starts charging from the external power source after mutual authentication regarding the charging operation is performed with the external power source.

[0069] This makes it possible to prevent the tractor 10 from accidentally charging.

[0070] The controller 150 starts supplying power to the external load after mutual authentication regarding the power supply operation with the external load is performed.

[0071] This makes it possible for the tractor 10 to prevent power from being supplied erroneously.

[0072] The tractor 10 may also be provided with a separate power supply port and a separate charging port. That is, the tractor 10 may be provided with a plurality of inlets 218b. This allows the tractor 10 to prevent incorrect cable connection. For example, the power supply port and the charging port may be provided with different shapes. This allows the tractor 10 to prevent incorrect cable connection. Note that with the independent power supply port and charging port, the power supply port is configured to be capable of AC power supply and DC power supply, and the charging port is configured to be capable of AC charging and DC charging.

[0073] The tractor 10 may be provided with a DC power supply inlet capable of supplying power to an external load, separate from the ACDC connection unit 218. For example, the tractor 10 may be provided with a USB socket near the driver's seat 18. By connecting the power cord of a heated jacket or the like to the USB socket, the operator can be warmed by the heated jacket. The DC power supply inlet capable of supplying power to an external load, separate from the ACDC connection unit 218, can supply power even when the tractor 10 is moving. The controller 150 may limit the power that can be output from the DC power supply inlet capable of supplying power to an external load, separate from the ACDC connection unit 218.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 4, the controller 150 is connected to each device via a plurality of CANs 501 and 502. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the controller 150 and each device. For example, the controller 150 is connected to an electric cylinder 503, a monitor 504, an AC / DC connection unit 218, a DC / DC converter 216, a BMS 505, and the like via a first CAN 500. In addition, the controller 150 is connected to a cooling pump 506, a traveling inverter 211, a PTO inverter 213, and the like via a second CAN 501.

[0075] As a result, even if an error occurs on the second CAN 501 side and the traveling inverter 211 becomes inoperable, the tractor 10 can generate braking force by operating the brake with the electric cylinder 503. Furthermore, the tractor 10 can simultaneously send a common command to the traveling inverter 211 and the PTO inverter 213 via the same second CAN 501.

[0076] 5, multiple tractors 600 and a drone 601 may be capable of being charged by a wireless charging facility 602. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the tractors 600 and the drones 601 are being charged at the charging facility 602.

[0077] Charging facility 602 includes, for example, movable rails 603 held by pillars or the ceiling of a vehicle warehouse, a traveling mechanism 604 that moves along rails 603, a charging mechanism 605 attached to traveling mechanism 604, a hanging mechanism 606 that raises and lowers charging mechanism 605 from traveling mechanism 604 to a desired height, and a control mechanism that calculates the position of hanging mechanism 606 and processes information about the object to be charged. Charging mechanism 605 includes a power transmitting coil that transmits power to a power receiving coil attached to the object to be charged, and a sensor that measures the distance to the object.

[0078] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10 Work vehicles (tractors) 150 Controller 200 Vehicle Systems 210 Driving motor 211 Driving inverter 212 PTO motor 213 PTO inverter 214 Lithium-ion battery 216 DC-DC converter 217 AC / DC inverter 218 ACDC connection (power supply connection) 218a ACDC switching unit 218b Inlet 250 External display device

Claims

1. An electric work vehicle driven by power supplied from a battery, a power receiving connection section connectable to an external power source and an external load; a control device that controls charging from the external power source via the power receiving / supplying connection unit or power supply to the external load; An electric work vehicle equipped with:

2. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the control device limits the amount of power supply to a maximum amount of power or less when power is supplied to the external load via the power supply / reception connection section.

3. The power supply / receive connection portion is provided at one location on the electric work vehicle, The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the control device switches charging and power supply to the battery inside the electric work vehicle.

4. The electric work vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein, when charging of the battery is started via the power supply / receive connection section, the control device prohibits the power supply until charging of the battery is completed.

5. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the control device starts charging from the external power source after mutual authentication regarding a charging operation has been performed between the control device and the external power source.

6. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the control device starts supplying power to the external load after mutual authentication regarding a power supply operation has been performed between the control device and the external load.

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