Battery device

Abstract

To provide a battery device that allows the portable battery of an electric work machine to be easily moved to a transport or storage location. [Solution] The electric work machine 200 comprises a battery 10 housed inside, an approach platform 20 on which the battery 10 is placed, an operating handle 30 adjacent to the approach platform 20 that supports the approach platform 20 from below and rotates the approach platform 20, a first shaft 40 which is the pivot point for the rotation of the approach platform 20 and the operating handle 30, and an elastic member 50 connected to the operating handle 30 that controls the movement of the approach platform 20 in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle 30. The operating handle 30 is characterized by rotating the approach platform 20 in a first direction, which rotates the approach platform 20 from a housing position in which the battery 10 is housed to a transport position for transporting the battery 10, or in a second direction, which rotates the approach platform 20 from the transport position to the housing position, thereby lifting the approach platform 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device used for an electric working machine.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, the power of an electric working machine is provided by a battery housed inside the machine. When it is necessary to charge the battery after the work is completed, the battery is removed from the electric working machine, carried to near the power source for charging, and then carried back to the electric working machine and housed inside again.

[0003] However, since many batteries used for electric working machines are heavy, the operations of removing, carrying, and housing the battery all require labor.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, as a battery device used for an electric working machine, an electric working vehicle is described that facilitates the loading and unloading of a battery pack onto and from the vehicle body while simplifying the configuration and reducing costs.

[0005] Specifically, a first moving operation is performed by grasping the handle of the battery pack and moving it to the loading / unloading position. After performing an engaging operation of engaging each engaging portion with each roller at the loading / unloading position while grasping the handle, a loading / unloading swinging operation of the battery pack with each roller as a swinging fulcrum is performed. Then, a second moving operation is performed to move the battery pack from the loading / unloading position to the storage position while releasing the engagement between each roller and each engaging portion under the guidance of the guide unit, thereby loading the battery pack into the storage position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, in the electric work machine described in Patent Document 1, the engagement between each roller provided on the left and right sides and each engaging part functions as a pivot point for loading and unloading the battery, making it difficult to handle heavy batteries in this manner.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention, in view of the above circumstances, provides a battery device that allows a portable battery for an electric work machine to be easily moved to a transport position or storage position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In view of the above problems, the battery device according to the present invention comprises a battery housed in an electric work machine, an approach platform on which the battery is placed, an operating handle portion adjacent to the approach platform and for rotating the approach platform while supporting it from below, a first shaft portion which serves as the pivot axis for the approach platform and the operating handle portion, and an elastic member connected to the operating handle portion which controls the movement of the approach platform in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle portion, wherein the operating handle portion is characterized in that it lifts the approach platform by rotating it in a first direction, which rotates the approach platform from a housing position in which the battery is housed to a transport position for transporting the battery, or in a second direction, which rotates the approach platform from the transport position to the housing position.

[0010] Furthermore, the elastic member is characterized in that one end is fixed so as to be rotatable, and the other end is fixed so as to be rotatable to the rear end of the operating handle portion, and in the lift operation, the other end of the elastic member is located behind the line connecting the first shaft portion and the one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the second direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the approach platform is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents the operation of the operating handle in the first direction when it is in the storage position, and the locking mechanism is characterized by comprising: a stopper plate having a projection at one end that engages with the operating handle; a second shaft portion that serves as the pivot axis of the stopper plate; a first biasing means connected to one end of the stopper plate and biasing it to rotate in a third direction, which is the direction in which the projection engages with the operating handle; and a rotation means connected from one end of the stopper plate to the other end of the stopper plate via the second shaft portion and rotating in a fourth direction, which is the direction in which the projection disengages from the operating handle.

[0012] Furthermore, the transport position is the ground surface, and the battery comprises a battery body and a carry-type battery case into which the battery body can be detachably placed, and the carry-type battery case is characterized by having a case portion that covers the outer circumference of the battery body, wheels provided on the case portion to enable transport, and a retractable hand-held transport handle connected to the case portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the transport position is a position where the approach platform makes contact with a plane that supports the weight of the approach platform and the battery, and is equipped with a battery holding mechanism to stop the movement of the battery placed on the approach platform, and the operating handle portion is equipped with a battery holding restrictor portion that engages with the battery holding mechanism, and from the storage position to the transport position the battery holding restrictor portion engages with the battery holding mechanism to stop the movement of the battery, and at the transport position the operating handle portion is released from the support of the approach platform, and by further rotating the operating handle portion in the first direction the battery holding restrictor portion is released from the engagement with the battery holding mechanism, and a release operation is performed to make the battery movable.

[0014] Furthermore, the release operation causes the other end of the elastic member to be positioned in front of the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The battery device according to the present invention comprises a battery housed in an electric work machine, an approach platform on which the battery is placed, an operating handle adjacent to the approach platform that supports the approach platform from below and rotates the approach platform, a first shaft that serves as the pivot axis for the approach platform and the operating handle, and an elastic member connected to the operating handle that controls the movement of the approach platform in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle. The operating handle rotates the approach platform in a first direction, which rotates it from a housing position where the battery is housed to a transport position where the battery is transported, or in a second direction, which rotates the approach platform from the transport position to the housing position, thereby lifting the approach platform. As a result, the elastic member controls the movement of the approach platform in conjunction with the lift operation caused by the rotation of the operating handle, making it easier to lift the approach platform.

[0016] Furthermore, one end of the elastic member is fixed so as to be rotatable, and the other end is fixed so as to be rotatable to the rear end of the operating handle. During lift operation, the other end of the elastic member is located behind the line connecting the first shaft and the one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle to rotate in the second direction. As a result, a force acts in a direction opposite to the weight of the battery and the approach platform, making lift operation easier.

[0017] Furthermore, the approach platform is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents the operation of the operating handle in a first direction when it is in the storage position. The locking mechanism comprises a stopper plate with a projection at one end that engages with the operating handle, a second shaft that serves as the pivot axis of the stopper plate, a first biasing means connected to one end of the stopper plate that biases it to rotate in a third direction so that the projection engages with the operating handle, and a rotating means connected from one end of the stopper plate to the other end of the stopper plate via the second shaft that rotates it in a fourth direction to release the engagement of the projection with the operating handle. As a result, the projection is always biased in the third direction by the biasing means, preventing operation, while the engagement of the operating handle can be released by the rotating means only when operation is desired, enabling rotation in the first direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the transport location is the ground surface, and the battery comprises a battery body and a carry-type battery case into which the battery body can be detachably placed. The carry-type battery case has a case section that covers the outer circumference of the battery body, wheels provided on the case section to enable transport, and a retractable hand-held handle connected to the case section. Therefore, the battery can be transported by rolling it on the wheels without having to lift it from the transport location.

[0019] Furthermore, the transport position is a position where the approach platform and the battery are supported by a plane that supports their own weight. The transport platform is equipped with a battery holding mechanism that prevents the battery from moving forward while it is placed on the approach platform. The operating handle is equipped with a battery holding restrictor that engages with the battery holding mechanism. From the storage position to the transport position, the battery holding restrictor engages with the battery holding mechanism to prevent the battery from moving. At the transport position, the operating handle is released from the support of the approach platform. By further rotating the operating handle in the first direction, the battery holding restrictor disengages from the battery holding mechanism, and a release operation is performed to allow the battery to move. Thus, the blocking by the battery holding mechanism can only be released when the transport position is reached.

[0020] Also, by the release operation, the other end of the elastic member is located on the front side of the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member, and since the elastic member biases the operation handle portion to rotate in the first direction, during the release operation, a force acts in the direction of the weight of the battery and the approach base, preventing the operation handle portion from rotating in the second direction on its own, and making it easier to carry the battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view showing a battery device with the approach base in the storage position. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view showing a battery device with the approach base in the transport position. [Figure 3] It is a schematic perspective view showing the battery. [Figure 4] It is a schematic perspective view showing the battery with the hand-held moving handle extended. [Figure 5] It is a schematic perspective view of the battery seen from below. [Figure 6] (a) It is a schematic diagram showing the state of carrying the battery. (b) It is a schematic diagram showing the state of standing the battery using the stand portion. [Figure 7] It is a schematic perspective view showing the battery device seen from below. [Figure 8] It is a schematic perspective view showing the approach base and the battery pressing mechanism. [Figure 9] It is a schematic perspective view showing the operation handle portion. [Figure 10] It is a schematic perspective view showing the locking mechanism. [Figure 11] It is a schematic side view of (a) when in the storage position and (b) when in the transport position during the lift operation. [Figure 12] It is a schematic side view when the release operation is performed. [Figure 13](a) A schematic perspective view showing the battery retaining regulating part engaged with the engaging part. (b) A schematic perspective view showing the battery retaining regulating part disengaging from the engaging part. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view showing the second biasing mechanism. [Figure 15] This is a schematic perspective view of an electric work machine that uses a battery-powered device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] <<Regarding battery device 100>> The battery device 100 according to the present invention is installed in an electrically operated electric work machine 200, such as an aerial work machine as shown in Figure 15, and allows for easy and stable storage, replacement, and transport of the battery 10, which is the power source. The battery 10 can be reversibly lifted from the storage position where it is housed to the transport position where it is transported.

[0023] The battery device 100 mainly comprises a battery 10 housed inside the electric work machine 200, an approach platform 20 on which the battery 10 is placed, an operating handle 30 adjacent to the approach platform 20 that supports the approach platform 20 from below and rotates the approach platform 20, a first shaft 40 that serves as the pivot axis for the approach platform 20 and the operating handle 30, an elastic member 50 connected to the operating handle 30 that controls the movement of the approach platform 20 in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle 30, a locking mechanism 60 that prevents the operation of the operating handle 30, and a battery holding mechanism 70 that stops the movement of the housed battery 10.

[0024] <About Battery 10> The battery 10 is the power source for the electric work machine 200, which can be transported independently. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the battery 10 comprises a battery body 11 and a carry-type battery case 12 into which the battery body 11 can be detachably placed. It can be in two configurations: a storage configuration when it is housed in the electric work machine 200, as shown in Figure 1, and a transport configuration when the battery 10 is being transported, as shown in Figure 2.

[0025] When it is necessary to charge the battery unit 11, for example, the battery 10 can be removed from the electric work machine 200, rolled on the wheels 122 to a location with a power source C, and then charged. Alternatively, if the electric work machine 200 is equipped with a charger, the battery unit 11 can be charged by moving the electric work machine 200 itself to a location near the power source without removing the battery 10 from the electric work machine 200.

[0026] (Regarding the battery unit 11) The battery unit 11 has a rectangular shape and is detachably housed in a carry-type battery case 12. Since the battery unit 11 powers the electric work machine 200, which weighs several hundred kilograms, a high-output secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, or lead-acid battery is used. The type of battery is not particularly limited. If the battery unit 11 deteriorates due to repeated charging and discharging, only the battery unit 11 needs to be replaced, not the entire battery 10.

[0027] (Regarding the Carry-Type Battery Case 12) The carry-type battery case 12 mainly consists of a case section 121, wheels 122, protrusions 123, a hand-carrying handle 124, a fixed handle 125, a battery-side connector section 126, and a stand section 127, making it easy to carry the battery unit 11 while protecting it.

[0028] (Regarding case section 121) The case portion 121 is rectangular in shape and completely surrounds the outer periphery of the battery body 11, protecting the outer periphery of the battery body 11. The case portion 121 has a bottom surface 121a and sides 121b to 121e. The sides 121b to 121e have four sides, from the first side 121b to the fourth side 121e. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first side 121b faces the third side 121d, and the second side 121c faces the fourth side 121e. The first side 121b is the side that faces upward when the battery 10 is housed in the electric work machine 200.

[0029] The top surface of the case portion 121 is an opening 121f, which serves as the insertion and removal point for the battery body 11 used in the electric work machine 200. Wheels 122 are provided on the lower part of the case portion 121, a projection 123 to prevent misalignment is provided on the third side surface 121d of the case portion 121, and a hand-held transport handle 124, a fixed handle 125, and a battery-side connector portion 126 are provided on the first side surface 121b.

[0030] (Regarding wheel 122) The wheels 122 are provided to roll and move the battery 10. Two wheels are provided in pairs at symmetrical positions on the second side 121c and the fourth side 121e of the case portion 121.

[0031] The wheel 122 is positioned on the second side 121c and the fourth side 121e such that the axle 122a, which is the axis of rotation, is located on the second side 121c and the fourth side 121e. The axle 122a is positioned so that the wheel 122 is located on the bottom surface 121a and the third side surface 121d side of the second side 121c and the fourth side surface 121e, with a portion of the circumference of the wheel 122 protruding from the bottom surface 121a and the third side surface 121d in a side view. This allows the wheel 122 to make contact with the ground and to be transported by rolling.

[0032] Furthermore, since the wheels 122 are located on the third side 121d, opposite to the first side 121b where the hand-held carrying handle 124 is provided, even when the hand-held carrying handle 124 is retracted, the wheels 122 do not interfere with the hand-held carrying handle 124, and when moving the battery 10 by holding the hand-held carrying handle 124, the battery 10 can be rolled at an angle, as shown in Figure 6(a). Also, as shown in Figure 6(b), the battery 10 can be stood upright using the stand 127.

[0033] (Regarding the projection 123) As shown in Figure 5, the projection 123 is provided on the third side surface 121d and, when the battery 10 is housed, is fitted into the engagement hole 24 provided in the approach platform 20, as shown in Figure 7. This restricts the movement of the battery 10 from moving left, right, forward, or backward even after it has been placed.

[0034] (Regarding the handheld transport handle 124) The handheld transport handle 124 has a support column 124a, a gripping section 124b, and a storage section 124c, and serves as a handle when transporting the battery 10. The support columns 124a come in pairs, and the gripping section 124b is fixed to the end of each support column 124a. The support columns 124a are of the pull-drive type and can be extended and retracted vertically. When transporting the battery 10, the support columns 124a are extended, as shown in Figure 4. When placing it on the approach platform 20, the support columns 124a can be reversibly retracted to a storage state, as shown in Figure 3.

[0035] When retracting, the structure is housed in the storage section 124c provided on the sides of the first side 121b and the second side 121c, and on the sides of the first side 121b and the fourth side 121e. The storage section 124c is fixed to the first side 121b, the second side 121c, and the fourth side 121e, and the support portion 125b of the fixing handle 125 is also fixed to the first side 121b.

[0036] (Regarding the fixed handlebar 125) The fixed handle 125 is the part that the user holds when removing the battery 10, and is provided on the first side surface 121b. The fixed handle 125 has a gripping rod 125a for the hand to hold, and support parts 125b fixed to both ends of the gripping rod 125a. The worker uses the gripping part 125a of the fixed handle 125 to place or remove the battery 10 from the approach platform 20.

[0037] Unlike the support column 124a of the handheld moving handle 124, the fixed handle 125 has a support section 125b that does not extend or retract and has a constant length. Therefore, even when attempting to lift the battery 10 by holding the fixed handle 125, the fixed handle 125 does not extend, making it easier to remove or store the battery 10 and eliminating any inconvenience. Also, when the battery 10 is stored, the first side surface 121b faces upward, allowing the worker to easily grasp the fixed handle 125 and easily remove the battery 10. The support section 125b is a roughly triangular plate material and is provided in two places on the first side surface 121b. The gripping rod 125a is connected to the vertex of the support section 125b.

[0038] (Regarding the battery-side connector 126) The battery-side connector 126 is a connector for the battery body 11 to electrically connect to the outside, and is provided so as to exit from the first side 121b. It can mainly be connected to the motor through the electrical circuit inside the electric work machine 200. When connecting to a charger, the cord coming out of the electric work machine 200 is connected to the battery-side connector 126 of the battery 10. The cord may have a magnet and be configured to attach to the body of the electric work machine 200 by magnetic force. This makes it possible to remove the battery 10 from the electric work machine 200, and after disconnecting the battery-side connector 126 and the cord, the cord will not get in the way.

[0039] Furthermore, the electric work machine 200 may be equipped with a charger for charging the battery 10. By equipping the electric work machine 200 with a charger, the battery 10 can be charged by connecting the power supply to the electric work machine 200, or the battery 10 can be charged after removing the charger from the electric work machine.

[0040] (Regarding stand section 127) As shown in Figure 6(b), the stand portion 127 is for supporting the battery 10 so that it does not fall over on its own. In this embodiment, the stand portion 127 is provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface 121a, and the battery stands upright at three points: the stand portion 127 and the wheels 122. Furthermore, since the stand portion 127 is provided on the first side surface 121b of the bottom surface 121a, it is designed so that the stand portion 127 does not rub against the ground when transporting the battery 10.

[0041] (Regarding other configurations) In this embodiment, the wheels 122 of the carry-type battery case 12 are a pair of two wheels, but they may also be three-wheeled or single-wheeled, and the number of wheels 122 is not limited. Furthermore, if necessary, the carry-type battery case 12 may not be used, and only the battery body 11 may be used as the battery 10.

[0042] <Regarding approach platform 20> As shown in Figure 8, the approach platform 20 is a platform on which the battery 10 is placed, tilted in the front-to-back direction. By placing the battery 10 on the approach platform 20, the battery 10 is housed within the electric work machine 200. The width of the approach platform 20 is formed to be the same as or greater than the width of one battery 10.

[0043] The approach platform 20 has an upper step 21, a lower step 22, an inclined surface 23, an engagement hole 24, an arm section 25, a left / right movement restricting plate 26, and a grounding plate 27.

[0044] (Regarding upper section 21, lower section 22, and inclined surface 23) The upper level 21 is a smooth surface on which the third side surface 121d of the battery 10 is placed, and the lower level 22 is a smooth surface on which the wheels 122 of the battery 10 are placed. The upper level 21 and the lower level 22 are connected by an inclined surface 23. When the battery 10 is tilted, the wheels 122 protrude downwards from the third side surface 121d, so the inclined surface 21 creates a height difference in the approach platform 20, which adjusts the height so that the battery 10 is always horizontal when it is housed there. Therefore, the height difference of the inclined surface 21 coincides with the height difference between the lowest end of the wheels 122 and the third side surface 121d.

[0045] Furthermore, the upper section 21 is positioned at the rear of the battery device 100, and the lower section 22 is positioned at the front of the battery device 100, so that the wheels 122 face the user. This allows the battery 10 to be easily righted from a position where it is tilted in the front-to-back direction, using the axle of the wheels 122 as a pivot point.

[0046] The lower section 22 is formed in a convex shape when viewed from above, and is shaped to be wider in width because the wheels 122 are placed on it.

[0047] (Regarding the engagement hole 24) As shown in Figure 7, the engagement hole 24 is a hole into which the projection 123 provided on the third side surface 121d of the case portion 121 fits when the battery 10 is placed. By fitting the projection 123 into the engagement hole 24, the movement of the battery 10 is stopped.

[0048] The engagement hole 24 is located approximately in the center of the upper section 21 and is positioned to coincide with the projection 123 when the battery 10 is placed on it. By placing the engagement hole 24 on the upper section 21 instead of the lower section 22, the user can easily visually confirm the engagement hole 24 and thus easily insert it.

[0049] In this embodiment, the engagement hole 24 is made to fit the same shape as the projection 123. This allows the housed battery 10 to remain stationary from movement in the left, right, forward, and backward directions due to vibration or inertia. The battery 10 is subjected to inertial forces due to the starting or deceleration of the electric work machine, but by making the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the engagement hole 24 the same as those of the projection 123, the battery 10 can be kept stationary even when inertial forces are acting on it.

[0050] Furthermore, the engagement hole 24 does not have to be the same shape; it may be an elongated hole formed to be longer in the direction in which the battery 10 is housed. Since the battery 10 is housed from the front to the back of the opening 121f, making the elongated hole longer in the direction of housed makes it easier to fit the projection 123 into the engagement hole 24. Also, since the battery 10 is heavy, it is difficult to control, and if the engagement hole 24 is the same size as the projection 123, it becomes difficult to house. Therefore, in this respect as well, making the hole elongated in the direction of housed makes it easier to fit the projection 123 into the engagement hole 24.

[0051] Furthermore, when removing the battery, the elongated slot in the direction of storage allows the battery 10 to be lifted diagonally upwards and towards the front, rather than being lifted straight up. This makes it easier to remove the battery 10, and even if the battery 10 is heavy and difficult to control, it can be easily removed by lifting it diagonally upwards and towards the front.

[0052] If the battery 10 is lightweight and easy to control, it does not need to be an elongated hole; it can be a hole with the same shape as the projection 123, and as long as the width of the engagement hole 24 is the same as the projection 123, the shape and size of the engagement hole 24 can be changed as appropriate.

[0053] (Regarding arm section 25) The arm section 25 is located on the rear side of the approach platform 20 and connects the bearing 251 to the underside of the upper section 21 and the lower section 22. The arm sections 25 are provided in pairs, left and right, to maintain balance. A cylindrical bearing 251 is provided between the pair of left and right arm sections 25, and the first shaft section 40 is inserted through its interior.

[0054] (Regarding the left / right movement restriction plate 26) The left-right movement restricting plates 26 are formed to rise up at both the left and right ends of the lower section 22. They are positioned adjacent to the wheels 122 when the battery 10 is placed on them. This restricts the left-right movement of the wheels 122 due to inertia as the electric work machine 200 moves, thereby stably holding the battery 10.

[0055] In this embodiment, the spacing between the left and right movement restricting plates 26 at both ends is positioned to be approximately the same as the spacing between the wheels of the pair of wheels 122, or to leave a small gap. This eliminates the space for the battery 10 to move from side to side, thus restricting its movement. Furthermore, although the angle at which the left and right movement restricting plates 26 at both ends rise is 90 degrees relative to the lower stage 22, the angle is not limited as long as the left and right movement of the wheels 122 can be restricted, even if it is not 90 degrees.

[0056] (Regarding the ground plate 27) The ground plate 27 is formed to rise from the front end of the lower section 22. This prevents the wheels 122 from rolling forward when the battery 10 is placed on it. At the same time, it also functions as a ramp when transporting the battery 10, allowing the wheels 122 to roll from the lower section 22 to the ground surface.

[0057] The angle of the grounding plate 27 should be such that it contacts the ground when the approach platform 20 is rotated to the transport position by the first shaft portion 40. This eliminates the need to lift the heavy battery 10, allowing for battery replacement.

[0058] (Regarding other configurations) Although not shown in the diagram, the lower section 22 may be provided with wheel guides. By providing guides, the wheels 122 of the battery 10 can be guided to the back of the approach platform 20. The guides may be, for example, two vertical plates rising vertically from the lower section 22, and the wheels may be placed in the gap formed between the two vertical plates. The gap is formed to be the same as the width of one wheel 122, or slightly larger than the width of one wheel 122. By guiding the wheels 122, not only can the battery 10 inserted through the opening be moved to its storage position in the back direction, but the stored battery 10 can also be prevented from moving from side to side due to vibration, inertia, etc.

[0059] <Regarding the operating handle section 30> The operating handle 30 shown in Figure 9, etc., is for rotating the approach platform 20. The first shaft 40 rotates the approach platform 20 in a first direction, from the storage position where the battery 10 is housed to the transport position where the battery 10 is transported, or in a second direction, from the transport position to the storage position, thereby allowing the approach platform 20 to be lifted. The storage position is the position on the approach platform 20 where the battery 10 is housed in the electric work machine 200, as shown in Figure 1. The transport position is the position where the approach platform and battery 10 are in contact with a plane that supports their own weight. In this embodiment, the transport position is the ground surface. As shown in Figure 2, etc., the ground contact plate 27 is in contact with the ground surface, so there is no need to lift it, and the battery 10 can be transported by simply rolling it. The transport position does not have to be the ground surface; it may be on a support platform, for example.

[0060] The operating handle 30 allows the battery 10 to be moved to the transport or storage position, eliminating the need for the user to lift the heavy battery 10 each time it needs charging, thus reducing effort. In particular, the storage position in the electric work machine 200 is higher than the transport position, making it difficult to lift the battery 10, but the operating handle 30 allows for easy removal.

[0061] The operating handle section 30 comprises a grip 31, a lever 32, a lever plate section 33, a support section 34, a first engaging section 35, a connecting section 37, a connecting section 38, and a battery retaining regulating section 39.

[0062] (Regarding Grip 31) The grip 31 is the part that the user holds to operate the operating handle 30, and is directly connected to the lever 32. It is positioned perpendicular to the lever 32 in the left-right direction. It is the point of force application for rotating the approach platform 20.

[0063] (Regarding lever 32) The length of the lever 32 is determined by taking into consideration factors such as the weight of the battery 10 and the length of the arm 25. For example, by making the lever 32 longer, the force required to operate the operating handle 30 can be reduced. In other words, the rotational force required to rotate the operating handle 30 is calculated by multiplying the length of the lever 32 by the thrust transmitted by the user from the grip 31. Therefore, the longer the lever 32, the less thrust is required, so even if the battery 10 is heavy or the arm 25 is long due to the design, the user can rotate the operating handle 30 with as little force as possible.

[0064] (Regarding the lever plate section 33) The lever plate portion 33 has a curved, V-shaped form and is fixed to the lower end of the lever 32. A hole 33a is provided in the center of the lever plate portion 33, through which the first shaft portion 40 is inserted and forms the rotation axis of the operating handle portion 30. A bearing may also be provided in the hole 33a.

[0065] On the front side of the hole 33a of the lever plate portion 33, a lever 32, a battery retaining regulating portion 39, and a support portion 34 are provided, while on the back side of the hole 33a of the lever plate portion 33, a first engaging portion 35, a connecting portion 38, and a linking portion 37 are provided.

[0066] (Regarding support section 34) The support section 34 is located directly below the lever 32 and is for supporting the approach platform 20 from below. The operating handle section 30 and the approach platform 20 are not fixed to each other; the approach platform 20 is supported only by its own weight from below by the support section 34.

[0067] In this embodiment, the support portion 34 is composed of a bolt hole 34a protruding laterally from the lever plate portion 33 and a bolt 34b inserted through the bolt hole 34a, as shown in Figures 9 and 11. The lever plate portion 33 is located adjacent to the arm portion 25 of the approach platform 20. As a result, the support portion 34 supports the approach platform 20 from below.

[0068] (Regarding the first engaging portion 35) The first engaging portion 35 is located at the rear end of the lever plate portion 33, relative to the first shaft portion 40. The first engaging portion 35 extends in a direction that protrudes inward and, as will be described later, interferes with the projection 61a of the stopper plate 61, thereby preventing the rotation of the operating handle portion 30.

[0069] (Regarding the connecting section 37) The connecting portion 37 has a longitudinal shape and is connected to the lever plate portion 33 via the connecting portion 38. The rear end 37a of the connecting portion 37 is connected to the elastic member 50, and the front end 37b is in contact with the first shaft portion 40. The rear end 37a and the elastic member 50 are rotatably connected, and can bend like a joint even when the first shaft portion 40 rotates.

[0070] <Regarding the first shaft portion 40> The first shaft section 40 is a pivot axis that rotates both the operating handle section 30 and the approach platform 20. The approach platform 20 is reversibly moved from the storage position to the transport position using the first shaft section 40 as the pivot axis.

[0071] Specifically, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), by tilting the operating handle 30 towards the front, the lever 32 on the first shaft 40 rotates in the first direction. By rotating in the first direction, the approach platform 20, which is supported from below by the operating handle 30, also rotates in the first direction due to its own weight, allowing the approach platform 20 to be moved to a transport position where the battery 10 can carry it.

[0072] On the other hand, by tilting the operating handle 30 inward, the lever 32 rotates in the second direction on the first shaft 40. By rotating in the second direction, the approach platform 20, which is supported from below by the operating handle 30, also rotates in the second direction, allowing the approach platform 20 to be moved to the storage position where the battery 10 is housed.

[0073] <Regarding the elastic member 50> As shown in Figure 11, one end 50c of the elastic member 50 is rotatably fixed to the frame 200a of the electric work machine 200, and the other end 50d is rotatably fixed to the rear end 37a of the connecting portion 37 of the operating handle portion 30. The elastic member 50 controls the movement of the approach platform 20 in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle portion 30. In this embodiment, the elastic member 50 is a gas spring comprising a rod 50a and a cylinder 50b.

[0074] The elastic member 50 is always biased in the direction that extends the rod 50a. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11 illustrating the lift operation, during the lift operation, the other end 50c is located behind the line connecting the first shaft portion 40 and the one end portion 50d, thus biasing the operating handle portion 30 to rotate in the second direction relative to the first shaft portion 40.

[0075] In other words, when the approach platform 20 is in its storage position, the other end 50c of the elastic member 50 and the rear end 37a of the connecting portion 37 of the operating handle portion 30 are in a state as if the joint were bent. At this time, the other end 50c of the rod 50a of the elastic member 50 pushes the operating handle portion 30 in a second direction by elastic force, while the battery 10 and the approach platform 20 push the operating handle portion 30 in a first direction by their own weight, and the forces of both are in balance.

[0076] Next, when the operating handle 30 is tilted towards the front in the first direction, as shown in Figure 11(b), the rotational force in the first direction becomes greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 50 in the second direction, allowing the approach platform 20 to be moved from the storage position to the transport position. When the approach platform 20 is moved to the transport position, the joint of the connecting part 37 extends, and the rod 50a is retracted into the cylinder 50b while maintaining its elastic force.

[0077] As a result, the weight of the battery 10 and the approach platform 20 prevents them from falling sharply downwards (to the transport position), and instead allows them to be controlled to move gradually while receiving the elastic force from the elastic member 50, thereby enabling a stable transfer of the battery 10 from the storage position to the transport position.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11(b), even in the transport position, the rear end 37a of the connecting portion 37 of the operating handle portion 30 is located further back than the first shaft portion 40, so the operating handle portion 30 is biased to rotate in the second direction. Therefore, when moving the approach platform 20 from the transport position to the storage position, it can be easily moved from the transport position to the storage position by lightly operating the operating handle portion 30 in the second direction.

[0079] In this way, the elastic member 50 can control the movement of the approach platform 20 in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle 30. When moving from the storage position to the transport position, a rapid transition is prevented, allowing the battery 10 to be moved stably. When moving from the transport position to the storage position, even the heavy battery 10 can be easily lifted.

[0080] <About the locking mechanism 60> The locking mechanism 60 prevents the operating handle 30 from rotating in the first direction when the approach platform 20 is in the storage position. Only after releasing the locking mechanism 60 is the operating handle 60 able to rotate. This prevents the approach platform 20 from unintentionally moving from the storage position to the transport position, thereby enhancing user safety.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the locking mechanism 60 comprises a stopper plate 61 having a projection 61a at one end that engages with the operating handle portion, a second shaft portion 62 that serves as the pivot axis of the stopper plate 61, a first biasing means 63 connected to one end that biases rotation in a third direction so that the projection 61a engages with the operating handle portion 30, a rotation means 64 connected from one end of the stopper plate 61 to the other end of the stopper plate 61 via the second shaft portion 62 and rotating in a fourth direction to release the engagement of the projection 61a with the operating handle portion 30, and a rotation restricting portion 65 that restricts the rotation of the stopper plate 61 in the third direction.

[0082] (Regarding stopper plate 61) The stopper plate 61 is adjacent to the lever plate portion 33, and a projection 61a provided at one end engages with the first engaging portion 35 of the lever plate portion 33, thereby preventing the rotation of the operating handle portion 30. The stopper plate 61 has a second shaft portion 62 at its center, which acts as a pivot axis and allows it to rotate freely in a third or fourth direction.

[0083] A first biasing means 63 is provided at one end of the stopper plate 61 to bias it to rotate in a third direction. In this embodiment, the first biasing means 63 is a spring, which is an elastic member. One end of the first biasing means 63 is fixed to the frame F of the electric work machine 200, and the other end is connected to a hole 61b provided in the stopper plate 61. When the stopper plate 61 rotates in a fourth direction, the spring stretches, and an elastic force acts on the stopper plate 61, causing it to rotate in a third direction. In the state shown in Figure 10, the projection 61a is engaged with the first engagement portion 35, so the operating handle portion 30 cannot be rotated in the first direction, and is locked.

[0084] In this embodiment, a spring is used as the first biasing means 63, but an elastic material such as rubber may be used instead of a spring.

[0085] (Regarding the rotating mechanism 64) At one end of the stopper plate 61, via the second shaft portion 62, there is a pivoting mechanism 64 that attempts to rotate the stopper plate 61 in a fourth direction. In this embodiment, the pivoting mechanism 64 is a wire. The user can intentionally rotate the stopper plate 61 in a fourth direction by pulling the wire towards them.

[0086] By rotating the stopper plate 61 in the fourth direction, the projection 61a is released from engagement with the first engagement portion 35, allowing the operating handle portion 30 to be rotated in the first direction, and the approach platform 20 to be moved from the storage position to the transport position. Since a first biasing means 63 is provided at one end, it automatically returns to the locked state when the hand is released from the wire. Therefore, the engagement state can only be released when the wire is pulled.

[0087] Conversely, when moving the approach platform 20 from the transport position to the storage position, the first engaging portion 35 slides down the inclined surface 61c of the projection 61a, pushing it in while sliding. Then, the first biasing means 63 rotates the stopper plate 61 in the third direction, causing the projection 61a to engage with the first engaging portion 35 or the second engaging portion 36, automatically activating the locking mechanism 60 and preventing the operation of the operating handle portion 30 from rotating. Therefore, when moving the approach platform 20 from the transport position to the storage position, the user can activate the locking mechanism 60 without having to pull a wire.

[0088] Furthermore, the other end of the stopper plate 61 is provided with an engaging portion 61d that engages with the rotation restricting portion 65. The rotation restricting portion 65 is fixed to the frame and restricts the rotation of the stopper plate 61 in the third direction. By restricting rotation in the third direction, the first biasing means 63 is prevented from rotating in the third direction more than necessary.

[0089] <About the battery retaining mechanism 70> The battery holding mechanism 70 is located at the rear of the approach platform 20 and prevents the movement of the placed battery 10 from behind, preventing the battery 10 from being removed until the approach platform 20 moves from the storage position to the transport position. After the battery 10 is moved to the transport position by rotating the operating handle 30, the battery holding mechanism 70 can only be released and the battery 10 removed by further rotating the operating handle 30 so that the first shaft portion 40 faces the first direction, as shown in Figures 2 and 13. The battery holder 70 mainly comprises a holding plate portion 71, an engaging plate 72, a third shaft portion 73, a second biasing means 74, and a rotation restricting portion 75.

[0090] (Regarding the retaining plate portion 71) As shown in Figures 8 and 13, the retaining plate portion 71 is in the shape of a longitudinal rod, and the length of the retaining plate portion 71 matches the height of the housed battery 10. It covers the opening 121f from below the housed battery 10, preventing the battery body 11 from falling out of the opening 121f during operation of the electric work machine 200, and restricting the movement of the battery 10. Furthermore, it prevents the battery 10 from being removed from the approach platform 20 from the housed position to the transport position.

[0091] One end of the retaining plate portion 71 is bent into an L shape and is formed to hook onto the first side surface 121b. A cap 71a is provided at one end, and by using a conspicuous color such as red, the user can easily determine whether the battery retaining mechanism 70 is operating.

[0092] (Regarding the engagement plate 72) An engaging plate 72 is provided at the lower end of the retaining plate portion 71 to engage with the battery retaining restricting portion 39. The engaging plate 72 has a third shaft portion 73 near its center which serves as a pivot axis, and is formed to be rotatable together with the retaining plate portion 71 at the third shaft portion 73. A bent engaging plate 72 is provided at the other end, and an engaging portion 72a is provided at the end of the engaging plate 72 to engage with the battery retaining restricting portion 39.

[0093] As shown in Figure 11, when the approach platform 20 moves from the storage position to the transport position, the engaging portion 72a engages with the battery holding restrictor portion 39, restricting the engaging plate 72 from rotating in the rearward direction on the third shaft portion 73. As a result, the holding plate portion 71 connected to the engaging plate 72 stops the movement of the battery 10.

[0094] (Regarding the deactivation procedure) Then, as shown in Figures 11(b) and 13, when the approach platform 20 reaches the transport position, that is, the position where it makes contact with the plane G supported by the weight of the approach platform 20 and the battery 10, the operating handle 30 is released from the support of the approach platform 20 and the battery 10. The approach platform 20 is in contact with the plane G and cannot rotate any further, but as shown in Figure 12, the operating handle 30 can be rotated further in the first direction, and the engagement of the battery retaining restraint 39 with the engaging portion 72a is released.

[0095] When the engagement is released, the engagement plate 72 can be manually rotated on the third shaft portion 73 toward the rear. Therefore, after manually rotating the engagement plate 72 toward the rear, the restriction on the battery 10's movement toward the rear by the retaining plate portion 71 can be released, and the battery 10 can be removed. When the battery 10 is housed in the electric work machine 200, or when the approach platform 20 is in the transport position from the housed position, the battery retaining restricting portion 39 is engaged with the engagement plate 72. Thus, the movement of the battery 10 is always restrained by the retaining plate portion 71, and the battery 10 is only released by operating the operating handle portion 30 when it is desired to remove the battery 10.

[0096] (Regarding the pressing operation) Conversely, when performing a pressing operation, the battery pressing mechanism 70 can be activated by rotating the operating handle 30 in the second direction from the released state. That is, when the operating handle 30 is rotated in the second direction, the battery pressing restrictor 39 pushes in the engaging portion 72a. This causes the engaging plate 72 to rise again, and the pressing plate 71 rotates to press down on the battery 10. Therefore, the user can automatically activate the battery pressing mechanism 70 simply by rotating the operating handle 30 in the second direction. Furthermore, by continuing to rotate it in the second direction, the aforementioned locking mechanism 60 can also be activated, and the battery 10 can be moved to the storage position.

[0097] (Regarding the second biasing means 74) As shown in Figure 14, the second biasing means 74 is provided in the middle of the rear side of the retaining plate portion 71 and near the rear side of the approach platform 20. The second biasing means 74 allows the engaging plate 72 to be rotated on the third shaft portion 73 so that it faces in the rear direction after the engagement between the engaging plate 72 and the battery retaining restricting portion 39 has been released. When the user removes the battery 10, they manually rotate the retaining plate portion 71 in the rear direction before transporting the battery 10.

[0098] (Regarding the rotation restricting section 75) The rotation restricting unit 75 is provided on the approach platform 20 and is a member for restricting the rotation of the engaging plate 72, which is automatically rotated in the rearward direction by the second biasing means 74. After the engaging plate 72 has rotated to a certain angle, the rotation restricting unit 75 prevents it from rotating any further. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 100 Battery Device 200 Electric work equipment 200a frame 10 batteries 11. Battery Unit 12 Carry-type battery case 121 Case section 121a Bottom 121b~121e 1st side~4th side 121f aperture 122 Wheels 122a axle 123 Protrusion 124 Handheld carrying handle 124a Post 124b Grip 124c Storage area 125 Fixed Handle 126 Battery side connector 127 Stand Section 20 Approach Platforms 21 Upper section 22 Lower section 23 Slope 24 Engagement holes 25 Arm section 251 Bearing 26. Left / Right Movement Restriction Board 27 Ground plate 30 Operating handle section 31 Grip 32 Lever 33 Lever plate section 33a hole 34 Support part 34a Bolt hole 34b bolt 35 First engaging portion 37 Connecting part 37a Back end 37b Front end 38 Connection part 39 Battery retaining regulation section 40 First shaft section 50 Elastic members 50a rod 50b Cylinder 50c Other end 50d One end 60 Locking mechanism 61 Stopper plate 61a Protrusion 61b Hole 61c slope 61d Engaging part 62 Second shaft section 63 First biasing means 64 Rotating means 65 Rotation restriction section 70 Battery retaining mechanism 71 Pressing plate section 71a Cap 72 Engaging plate 72a Engagement part 73 Third shaft section 74 Second biasing means 75 Rotation restriction section G plane F Frame

Claims

1. The battery housed inside the electric work machine, An approach platform on which the aforementioned battery is mounted, An operating handle unit adjacent to the approach platform, which supports the approach platform from below and rotates the approach platform, The approach platform and the first shaft portion which serve as the pivot axis for the operating handle portion, The system includes an elastic member connected to the operating handle portion, which controls the movement of the approach platform in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle portion, The battery device is characterized in that the operating handle rotates the approach platform in a first direction, which rotates the approach platform from a housing position in which the battery is housed to a transport position for transporting the battery, or in a second direction, which rotates the approach platform from the transport position to the housing position, thereby lifting the approach platform.

2. The elastic member is fixed at one end so as to be rotatable, and at the other end so as to be rotatable, to the rear end of the operating handle portion. The battery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the lift operation, the other end of the elastic member is located behind the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the second direction.

3. The approach platform is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents the rotational operation of the operating handle in the first direction when it is in the storage position. The locking mechanism includes a stopper plate having a projection at one end that engages with the operating handle, The second shaft portion, which serves as the pivot axis of the stopper plate, A first biasing means connected to one end of the stopper plate, which biases the protrusion to rotate in a third direction, which is the direction in which it engages with the operating handle portion, A pivoting means is connected from one end of the stopper plate to the other end of the stopper plate via the second shaft portion, and rotates in a fourth direction which is the direction that disengages the engagement of the protruding portion with the operating handle portion, A battery device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising the above.

4. The aforementioned transport location is the ground surface, The aforementioned battery comprises the battery body and The battery comprises a carry-type battery case into which the aforementioned battery unit can be detachably placed, The aforementioned carry-type battery case comprises a case portion that covers the outer circumference of the battery body, The case portion is provided with wheels to make it transportable, The battery device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by having a retractable handheld carrying handle connected to the case portion.

5. The transport position is the position where the approach platform makes contact with a plane that supports the weight of the approach platform and the battery. The approach platform is equipped with a battery holding mechanism to stop the movement of the battery, The aforementioned operating handle portion is equipped with a battery retaining restraint portion that engages with the battery retaining mechanism, From the storage position to the transport position, the battery holding restraint portion engages with the battery holding mechanism to stop the movement of the battery. The battery device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the transport position, the operating handle portion is released from the support of the approach platform, and by further rotating the operating handle portion in the first direction, the battery retaining restraint portion is released from engagement with the battery retaining mechanism, and a release operation is performed to make the battery movable.

6. The battery device according to claim 5, characterized in that, upon the release operation, the other end of the elastic member is positioned in front of the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the first direction.

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