electric work vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric work vehicle that makes it easy for the user to notice when the battery is not charging properly when the charger is connected to the power supply unit with the ignition off. [Solution] The system comprises a battery, a motor driven by power supplied from the battery, a traction device driven by the motor, a power supply unit to which a charger can be connected and which is electrically connected to the battery, a notification unit 13, a notification control unit that controls the notification unit 13, and a charging determination unit that determines whether or not the battery is being charged normally when the charger is connected to the power supply unit. The notification control unit causes the notification unit 13 to issue an abnormal notification indicating that the battery is not being charged normally when the charger is connected to the power supply unit with the key off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric work vehicle including a battery and a motor driven by electric power supplied from the battery.

Background Art

[0002] As such an electric work vehicle, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is already known. This electric work vehicle travels by a traveling device (the “front wheels” and “rear wheels” in Patent Document 1) driven by a motor (the “electric motor” in Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not detail a configuration for charging the battery. Here, in the electric work vehicle described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration including a power supply unit that can connect a charger and is electrically connected to the battery. With this configuration, the battery can be charged by connecting the charger to the power supply unit.

[0005] However, in such an electric work vehicle, when the charger is connected to the power supply unit, a situation where the battery cannot be charged normally, for example, due to a defect in the charger, is assumed. In that case, the user may not notice that the battery is not being charged normally. In particular, when the electric work vehicle is in the key-off state, the display device and the like in the electric work vehicle are often in the off state. In such a state, since an indicator or the like indicating the charging state of the battery is not displayed, it is difficult for the user to notice that the battery is not being charged normally.

[0006] If a user is unaware that the battery is not charging properly, the next time they try to use the electric work vehicle, the battery will be uncharged. As a result, the user will be unable to use the electric work vehicle.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an electric work vehicle in which the user can easily notice when the battery is not being charged properly when the charger is connected to the power supply unit while the key is off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is characterized by comprising a battery, a motor driven by power supplied from the battery, a traveling device driven by the motor, a power supply unit to which a charger can be connected and which is electrically connected to the battery, a notification unit, a notification control unit that controls the notification unit, and a charging determination unit that determines whether or not the battery is being charged normally when the charger is connected to the power supply unit, wherein the notification control unit causes the notification unit to execute an abnormal notification indicating that the battery is not being charged normally when the charger is connected to the power supply unit with the key off.

[0009] In this configuration, if the battery is not charging properly when the charger is connected to the power supply unit with the key off, an abnormality notification will be issued. This makes it easier for the user to notice that the battery is not charging properly.

[0010] Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to create an electric work vehicle in which the user can easily notice if the battery is not being charged properly when the charger is connected to the power supply unit while the key is off.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the notification unit comprises a meter panel provided in the operating unit, the notification control unit comprises a display control unit that controls the meter panel, and the display control unit is configured to display an abnormal state indication on the meter panel as the abnormal notification, indicating that the battery is not being charged properly.

[0012] With this configuration, abnormality warnings are triggered (an abnormal status indicator is displayed) using the meter panel that is commonly installed on electric work vehicles. Therefore, there is no need to install a new dedicated device for triggering abnormality warnings. This makes it easier to avoid increased manufacturing costs.

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the display control unit turns off the meter panel after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the abnormal state display is started.

[0014] With this configuration, the meter panel automatically turns off. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption by the meter panel.

[0015] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the charger is connected to the power supply unit with the key off, and the battery is being charged normally, it is preferable for the display control unit to display a normal status indicator on the meter panel indicating that the battery is being charged normally.

[0016] In this configuration, when the charger is connected to the power supply unit with the ignition off, a normal status indicator will be displayed on the meter panel if the battery is charging properly. This allows the user to confirm that the battery is charging correctly.

[0017] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the power supply unit and the meter panel are located on the same side with respect to the center position in the left-right direction of the vehicle body.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the user connects the charger to the power supply unit, the user can easily view the meter panel. As a result, when an abnormal state display is shown on the meter panel, the user can easily notice the abnormal state display.

[0019] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the power supply unit is arranged behind the meter panel.

[0020] According to this configuration, when the user connects the charger to the power supply unit, the user can easily view the meter panel. As a result, when an abnormal state display is shown on the meter panel, the user can easily notice the abnormal state display.

[0021] Furthermore, in the present invention, as the notification unit, it is provided with an audio output device, and as the notification control unit, it is provided with an audio control unit for controlling the audio output device. The audio control unit is preferably configured to output an error sound indicating that the charging of the battery is not being performed normally to the audio output device as the abnormal notification.

[0022] According to this configuration, the abnormal notification is executed by the error sound. As a result, regardless of where the user is looking, the user can easily notice that the charging of the battery is not being performed normally.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a left side view of the electric work vehicle. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the electric work vehicle. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the control of the meter panel. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of the display control flow. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the meter panel displaying the normal state display. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the meter panel displaying the abnormal state display. [Figure 7]This is a flowchart of the control flow in another embodiment (8). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of arrow F in the drawings will be "forward", the direction of arrow B will be "backward", the direction of arrow L will be "left", and the direction of arrow R will be "right". Also, the direction of arrow U in the drawings will be "up", and the direction of arrow D will be "down".

[0025] [Overall configuration of the electric work vehicle] The electric work vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 is a multi-purpose vehicle (utility vehicle). As shown in Figure 1, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a machine frame 2, left and right front wheels 3 (corresponding to the "running gear" according to the present invention), and left and right rear wheels 4 (corresponding to the "running gear" according to the present invention). The machine frame 2, left and right front wheels 3, and left and right rear wheels 4 are located at the bottom of the body (machine) of the electric work vehicle 1.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric work vehicle 1 has a driver's compartment 5 in the center of its front-to-rear direction, on which a user (worker) can sit. The driver's compartment 5 has a steering wheel 6 and left and right seats 7. In this embodiment, the left and right seats 7 are integrally formed.

[0027] The steering wheel 6 is positioned in front of the left-hand seat 7. Users can sit in either the left or right seat 7. The user sitting in the left-hand seat 7 can steer the electric work vehicle 1 by operating the steering wheel 6.

[0028] The driver's unit 5 has a protective frame 8. The protective frame 8 is a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS). The protective frame 8 is supported by the aircraft frame 2. The protective frame 8 surrounds the passenger compartment in the driver's unit 5 (near or around the steering wheel 6 and the left and right seats 7).

[0029] The electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a cargo bed 9. The cargo bed 9 is located behind the driver's unit 5. The cargo bed 9 can carry cargo (such as straw or agricultural products).

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a first battery 10 (corresponding to the "battery" according to the present invention) and a motor 11. Both the first battery 10 and the motor 11 are supported by the machine frame 2. The first battery 10 is located below the left and right seats 7. The motor 11 is located below the cargo bed 9.

[0031] The first battery 10 is electrically connected to the motor 11. The motor 11 is driven by power supplied from the first battery 10. In other words, the electric work vehicle 1 comprises the first battery 10 and the motor 11 which is driven by power supplied from the first battery 10.

[0032] The driving force of the motor 11 is transmitted to the left and right front wheels 3 and the left and right rear wheels 4 via the power transmission mechanism T. As a result, the left and right front wheels 3 and the left and right rear wheels 4 are driven. This allows the electric work vehicle 1 to move using the left and right front wheels 3 and the left and right rear wheels 4.

[0033] In other words, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with left and right front wheels 3 and left and right rear wheels 4, which are driven by a motor 11.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the driver's unit 5 is equipped with a key switch 12 and an meter panel 13 (corresponding to the "notification unit" according to the present invention). Both the key switch 12 and the meter panel 13 are located in front of the left-hand seat 7.

[0035] The electric work vehicle 1 can switch between a key-off state and a key-on state by manually operating the key switch 12. More specifically, a key can be inserted into the key switch 12. The user can operate the key switch 12 by inserting the key into the key switch 12 and twisting (rotating) the key. When the key switch 12 is operated to the off position, the electric work vehicle 1 enters the key-off state. When the key switch 12 is operated to the on position, the electric work vehicle 1 enters the key-on state.

[0036] When the electric work vehicle 1 is in the "on" state, the motor 11 is drivable. That is, at this time, the electric work vehicle 1 is capable of moving.

[0037] When the electric work vehicle 1 is in the key-off state, the motor 11 is unable to drive. In other words, at this time, the electric work vehicle 1 is unable to move.

[0038] The meter panel 13 is positioned to face the left-hand seat 7. In other words, the meter panel 13 is oriented toward the rear of the electric work vehicle 1.

[0039] The meter panel 13 is configured to display various information, such as the current vehicle speed of the electric work vehicle 1. The meter panel 13 is configured to turn on when the electric work vehicle 1 is switched from the key-off state to the key-on state. Conversely, the meter panel 13 is configured to turn off when the electric work vehicle 1 is switched from the key-on state to the key-off state. Note that the "on" state is the state in which various information is displayed, and the "off" state is the state in which nothing is displayed.

[0040] Thus, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a meter panel 13 located in the driver's unit 5. The meter panel 13 may be a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or it may include one or more analog meters.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a second battery 14. The second battery 14 supplies power to various auxiliary equipment. Power is also sent from the first battery 10 to a voltage converter (not shown). The voltage converter then steps down the power from the first battery 10 and supplies it to the second battery 14.

[0042] The second battery 14 supplies power to the meter panel 13. The meter panel 13 operates using power from the second battery 14. The meter panel 13 is one of the "various auxiliary devices" mentioned above.

[0043] [Power supply section] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a power supply unit 15. The power supply unit 15 is located at the left end of the rear of the electric work vehicle 1. The power supply unit 15 is electrically connected to the first battery 10 via a harness (not shown).

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the power supply unit 15 can be connected to a charger G provided at a charging facility or the like. The specifications of the charger G and the power supply unit 15 are not particularly limited, but for example, they may be CHAdeMO. The charger G is not included in the electric work vehicle 1.

[0045] By connecting the charger G to the power supply unit 15, power is supplied to the first battery 10. This charges the first battery 10.

[0046] Thus, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a power supply unit 15 that can be connected to a charger G and is electrically connected to the first battery 10.

[0047] Figure 2 shows the center line CE. The center line CE indicates the left-right center position of the electric work vehicle 1. As shown in Figure 2, the steering wheel 6, the left seat 7, the key switch 12, the meter panel 13, and the power supply unit 15 are all located to the left of the center line CE.

[0048] In other words, the steering wheel 6, the left-side seat 7, the key switch 12, the instrument panel 13, and the power supply unit 15 are all located on the same side with respect to the center position in the left-right direction of the vehicle body. In particular, the power supply unit 15 and the instrument panel 13 are located on the same side with respect to the center position in the left-right direction of the vehicle body.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the power supply unit 15 is located behind the meter panel 13.

[0050] When the user connects the charger G to the power supply unit 15, the user will be positioned on the left side of the rear of the electric work vehicle 1, as shown in Figure 2. The electric work vehicle 1 is configured such that there are no members that obstruct the user's line of sight to the meter panel 13 when the user is standing in this position (the position when connecting the charger G).

[0051] [Charging determination unit and display control unit] As shown in Figure 3, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a charging determination unit 16 and a display control unit 17 (corresponding to the "notification control unit" according to the present invention). When the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15, the charging determination unit 16 acquires charging-related information from the power supply unit 15. Charging-related information is information relating to charging the first battery 10 from the charger G. The charging-related information may be, for example, information indicating the current (current value) between the charger G and the first battery 10, or information indicating that a malfunction or other problem has occurred in the charger G. The charging-related information may be output (or generated) by the charger G and sent to the charging determination unit 16 via the power supply unit 15.

[0052] The charging determination unit 16 determines whether or not the first battery 10 is being charged normally based on charging-related information obtained from the power supply unit 15. In other words, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a charging determination unit 16 that determines whether or not the first battery 10 is being charged normally when the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15.

[0053] For example, if the charging-related information is information indicating the current (current value) between the charger G and the first battery 10, and the current (current value) is within a normal range, the charging determination unit 16 determines that the first battery 10 is being charged normally.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, if the charging-related information indicates that the charger G is malfunctioning or otherwise faulty, the charging determination unit 16 determines that the first battery 10 is not being charged properly.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the determination result from the charging determination unit 16 is sent to the display control unit 17. When the electric work vehicle 1 is ignition-off and the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15, the display control unit 17 controls the meter panel 13 based on the determination result. In other words, the electric work vehicle 1 is equipped with a display control unit 17 that controls the meter panel 13.

[0056] Furthermore, the charging determination unit 16 and the display control unit 17 may be physical devices such as a microcomputer, or they may be functional units in software.

[0057] [Display control flow] The electric work vehicle 1 is configured to control the meter panel 13 according to the display control flow shown in Figure 4. This display control flow will be described in detail below.

[0058] When the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15 with the key off, the display control flow shown in Figure 4 is initiated. As mentioned above, the meter panel 13 is configured to turn off when the electric work vehicle 1 changes from the key-on state to the key-off state. Therefore, at the start of the display control flow, the meter panel 13 is in the off state.

[0059] When the display control flow is started, the process in step S01 is executed first. In step S01, the charge determination unit 16 determines whether or not the first battery 10 is being charged normally, as described above. If the first battery 10 is being charged normally (Yes in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02. If the first battery 10 is not being charged normally (No in step S01), the process proceeds to step S03.

[0060] In step S02, the display control unit 17 automatically turns on the meter panel 13 and automatically displays a normal status indicator 20 (see Figure 5) on the meter panel 13. The normal status indicator 20 indicates that the first battery 10 is being charged normally. After that, the process proceeds to step S04.

[0061] Although not particularly limited, as shown in Figure 5, the normal state indicator 20 in this embodiment is an illuminated icon. This icon is modeled after the charger G. This icon may be, for example, green.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the meter panel 13 in the ON state displays a vehicle speed meter 21 and an odometer 22. The vehicle speed meter 21 displays the current vehicle speed of the electric work vehicle 1. The odometer 22 displays the cumulative mileage of the electric work vehicle 1. As shown in Figure 5, the normal state display 20 is displayed together with displays (for example, the vehicle speed meter 21 and the odometer 22) that indicate the status of the electric work vehicle 1 (for example, the current vehicle speed and the cumulative mileage).

[0063] In this manner, when the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15 with the key off, and the first battery 10 is being charged normally, the display control unit 17 displays a normal status indicator 20 on the meter panel 13 indicating that the first battery 10 is being charged normally.

[0064] In step S03 of Figure 4, the display control unit 17 automatically turns on the meter panel 13 and automatically displays an abnormal status indicator 23 (see Figure 6) on the meter panel 13. The abnormal status indicator 23 indicates that the first battery 10 is not being charged properly. The process then proceeds to step S04. Displaying the abnormal status indicator 23 is a specific example of the "abnormal notification" according to the present invention.

[0065] Although not particularly limited, as shown in Figure 6, the abnormal state indicator 23 in this embodiment is a blinking icon. This icon is modeled after the charger G. This icon may be red, for example.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the abnormal condition indicator 23 is displayed together with indicators showing the status of the electric work vehicle 1 (for example, current vehicle speed and cumulative mileage) (for example, the vehicle speed meter 21 and the odometer 22).

[0067] Thus, when the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15 with the key off, if the first battery 10 is not being charged properly, the display control unit 17 displays an abnormal status indicator 23 on the meter panel 13 indicating that the first battery 10 is not being charged properly.

[0068] In step S04 of Figure 4, the display control unit 17 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal status display 20 or abnormal status display 23 was started on the meter panel 13. If the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S04), the process proceeds to step S05. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S04), step S04 is executed again.

[0069] In other words, after the process first moves to step S04, the process in step S04 is repeatedly executed until the predetermined time has elapsed. Once the predetermined time has elapsed, the process moves to step S05. This predetermined time is not particularly limited, but it may be, for example, 30 seconds.

[0070] In step S05, the display control unit 17 automatically turns off the meter panel 13. As a result, the normal status indicator 20 or abnormal status indicator 23, the vehicle speed meter 21, and the odometer 22 that were displayed on the meter panel 13 automatically disappear (in other words, they become invisible). After that, this display control flow ends.

[0071] Thus, the display control unit 17 turns off the meter panel 13 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of displaying the abnormal state indicator 23 (or normal state indicator 20).

[0072] According to the configuration described above, if the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15 while the key is off, and the first battery 10 is not being charged properly, an abnormality notification (display of abnormal status indicator 23) will be executed. This makes it easier for the user to notice that the first battery 10 is not being charged properly.

[0073] Therefore, with the configuration described above, when the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15 with the key off, it is possible to realize an electric work vehicle 1 in which the user can easily notice if the first battery 10 is not being charged properly.

[0074] [Other Embodiments] (1) The steering wheel 6, the left seat 7, the key switch 12, the instrument panel 13, and the power supply unit 15 may all be located to the right of the center line CE.

[0075] (2) The power supply unit 15 and the meter panel 13 may be arranged on the left and right sides with respect to the central line CE.

[0076] (3) The normal status indicator 20 may be a symbol or message indicating that the first battery 10 is being charged normally, or it may be displayed in a blinking state.

[0077] (4) The abnormal status indicator 23 may be a symbol or message indicating that the first battery 10 is not being charged properly, or it may be displayed as a lit-up state.

[0078] (5) In the display control flow shown in Figure 4, some steps may be omitted, or new steps may be added. For example, step S02 may be omitted, and steps S04 and S05 may be omitted.

[0079] (6) The power supply unit 15 may be located in front of the meter panel 13.

[0080] (7) The arrangement of some or all of the components may be reversed in the left-right direction.

[0081] (8) The electric work vehicle 1 may be equipped with an audio output device (corresponding to the "notification unit" according to the present invention) (not shown) and an audio control unit (corresponding to the "notification control unit" according to the present invention) (not shown) that controls the audio output device, and may be configured to control the meter panel 13 and the audio output device according to the control flow shown in Figure 7. The audio output device may be, for example, a buzzer.

[0082] When the charger G is connected to the power supply unit 15 with the ignition off, the control flow shown in Figure 7 is initiated. Once this control flow is initiated, the process in step S11 is executed first.

[0083] The processes in steps S11, S12, S14, and S15 in Figure 7 are the same as those in steps S01, S02, S04, and S05 in Figure 4, respectively. Therefore, step S13 will be described in detail here.

[0084] If the first battery 10 is not being charged properly (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the audio control unit automatically outputs (blows) an error sound to the audio output device. This error sound indicates that the first battery 10 is not being charged properly. After that, this control flow ends. Outputting an error sound is a specific example of the "abnormality notification" according to the present invention.

[0085] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the object of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0086] The present invention can be used in an electric work vehicle that includes a battery and a motor driven by power supplied from the battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1: Electric work vehicle 3: Front wheels (running gear) 4: Rear wheels (running gear) 5: Driver's Unit 10: First battery (battery) 11: Motor 13: Meter panel (notification unit) 15: Power supply section 16: Charge determination section 17: Display Control Unit (Notification Control Unit) 20: Normal status display 23: Abnormal Status Display G: Charger

Claims

1. Battery and A motor driven by power supplied from the aforementioned battery, A traveling device driven by the aforementioned motor, A power supply unit that can connect to a charger and is electrically connected to the battery, The news department and, A notification control unit that controls the notification unit, The system includes a charging determination unit that determines whether or not the battery is being charged properly when the charger is connected to the power supply unit. The notification control unit causes the notification unit to issue an abnormal notification indicating that the battery is not being charged properly when the charger is connected to the power supply unit with the key off.

2. The aforementioned notification unit is equipped with a meter panel located in the driver's unit. The notification control unit includes a display control unit that controls the meter panel, The electric work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit is configured to display an abnormal state indicator on the meter panel as an abnormality notification, indicating that the battery is not being charged properly.

3. The electric work vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit turns off the meter panel after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the abnormal state display is started.

4. The electric work vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the display control unit, when the charger is connected to the power supply unit with the key off, displays a normal status indicator on the meter panel indicating that the battery is being charged normally.

5. The electric work vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the power supply unit and the meter panel are arranged on the same side with respect to the center position in the left-right direction of the vehicle body.

6. The electric work vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the power supply unit is located behind the meter panel.

7. The aforementioned notification unit is equipped with an audio output device, The notification control unit includes an audio control unit that controls the audio output device, The electric work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the sound control unit is configured to output an error sound to the sound output device indicating that the battery is not being charged properly as an abnormality notification.

Images