Power-operated work vehicle

Abstract

To configure an electric work vehicle so as to suppress vibration with respect to a storage case of a stack (battery module).SOLUTION: A storage case 1 is provided with a plurality of lower support members 21, 22 which are connected to a lower section of a battery module and a first lower frame 41 which is arranged along between the lower support members 21, 22 adjacent to each other. In the lower support members 21, 22, a plurality of connection sections 21a, 22a projecting outward are provided side by side at prescribed intervals. Connection sections 21a of one lower support member 21 are arranged to enter between connection sections 22a of the other lower support member 22, and the connection sections 22a of the other lower support member 22 are arranged to enter between the connection sections 21a of the one lower support member 21. The connection sections 21a, 22a of the one and the other lower support members 21, 22 are connected to the first lower frame 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery configuration in an electric work vehicle equipped with a battery, a motor driven by power from the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor. [Background technology]

[0002] In some electric work vehicles, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a stack is made up of multiple connected battery modules, which are arranged adjacent to each other and housed in a housing case to form the entire battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-953 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an electric work vehicle runs on rough terrain, vibrations generated during running can be transmitted from the housing case to the stack, causing the stack (battery module) to vibrate relative to the housing case, so there is room for improvement in suppressing vibration of the stack (battery module) relative to the housing case. The present invention aims to provide a configuration in an electric work vehicle that suppresses vibration to a storage case of a stack (battery module). [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is an electric work vehicle equipped with a battery, a motor driven by the power of the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor, wherein the battery is provided with a stack to which a number of battery modules are connected, and a storage case in which the stacks are arranged adjacent to each other, and the storage case is provided with a number of lower support members connected to the lower parts of the battery modules and a first lower frame arranged along the space between adjacent lower support members, and the lower support members are provided with a number of connecting portions protruding outwardly and arranged at predetermined intervals, and the adjacent lower support members are arranged so that the connecting portions of one of the lower support members fit between the connecting portions of the other lower support member and the connecting portions of the other lower support member fit between the connecting portions of the one lower support member, and the connecting portions of the one and other lower support members are connected to the first lower frame.

[0006] According to the present invention, in a battery housing case, a plurality of lower support members are provided, and the lower part of the battery module is connected to the lower support members, so that the lower part of the stack is supported by the lower support members. A plurality of connecting parts protruding outward are provided on the lower support members so as to be aligned at a predetermined interval, and a first lower frame is disposed along between adjacent lower support members.

[0007] According to the present invention, adjacent lower support members are arranged so that the connecting portion of one lower support member fits between the connecting portions of the other lower support member and the connecting portion of the other lower support member fits between the connecting portions of one lower support member, and the connecting portions of the one and the other lower support members are connected to a first lower frame.

[0008] By configuring the connecting portions of one and the other lower support members to fit between each other, even if a large number of connecting portions are provided on one and the other lower support members, the connecting portions of one and the other lower support members can be smoothly connected to the first lower frame. Since the multiple connecting portions of the lower support member are connected to the first lower frame, the stack (battery module) is firmly connected to the first lower frame via the lower support member, vibration of the stack (battery module) relative to the storage case is suppressed, which is advantageous in preventing damage to the stack (battery module).

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the connecting portion of the lower support member is formed in a tapered shape in which the width becomes narrower as it becomes farther away from the lower support member in a plan view.

[0010] According to the present invention, by forming the connecting portions of the lower support members in a tapered shape when viewed in a plane, the distance between the connecting portions of one lower support member and the connecting portions of the other lower support members in the longitudinal direction of the first lower frame can be set narrower than when the connecting portions of the lower support members are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in a plane, and a large number of connecting portions can be provided on the lower support members. The ends of the connecting portion of the lower support member are thin, while the base portions of the connecting portions of the lower support member are wide, so that the connecting portions of the lower support member have sufficient strength.

[0011] A large number of connecting parts having sufficient strength are provided on one and the other lower support members, so that the stack (battery module) is firmly connected to the first lower frame via the lower support members, which is advantageous in terms of suppressing vibration to the stack (battery module) storage case and in terms of preventing damage to the stack (battery module).

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that a second lower frame arranged parallel to the first lower frame in a planar view is provided in the accommodating case, and the second lower frame supports the connecting portion of the battery module in the lower support member from below.

[0013] According to the present invention, in a battery storage case, a second lower frame is disposed parallel to a first lower frame, and a connecting portion of the battery module in the lower support member is supported from below by the second lower frame. A portion of the lower support member away from the connecting portion is supported by the second lower frame, and the weight of the stack (battery module) is supported by the first lower frame and the second lower frame via the lower support member.

[0014] This is advantageous in terms of suppressing vibration to the storage case of the stack (battery module) and preventing damage to the stack (battery module), as the connecting portion of the lower support member is connected to the first lower frame, the portion of the lower support member away from the connecting portion is supported by the second lower frame, and the weight of the stack (battery module) is supported by the first lower frame and the second lower frame.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that a third lower frame arranged perpendicular to the first lower frame and the second lower frame in a planar view is provided in the storage case, and that the third lower frame is connected to the first lower frame and the second lower frame.

[0016] According to the present invention, in a battery housing case, a third lower frame is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the first lower frame and the second lower frame in a planar view, and the third lower frame is connected to the first lower frame and the second lower frame.

[0017] As a result, the rigidity of the first and second lower frames is improved by the third lower frame, and the weight of the stack (battery module) is supported by the first, second and third lower frames, which is advantageous in suppressing vibration to the storage case of the stack (battery module) and preventing damage to the stack (battery module).

[0018] In the present invention, the storage case is provided with a plurality of upper support members connected to the upper part of the battery module and an upper frame arranged along the space between adjacent upper support members, and the upper support members are provided with a plurality of connecting portions protruding outwardly arranged in a row at a predetermined interval, and adjacent upper support members are arranged so that the connecting portions of one upper support member fit between the connecting portions of the other upper support member and the connecting portions of the other upper support member fit between the connecting portions of one upper support member, and it is preferable that the connecting portions of the one and the other upper support members are connected to the upper frame.

[0019] According to the present invention, a battery storage case is provided with a plurality of upper support members, and the upper portions of the battery modules are connected to the upper support members, so that the upper portions of the stack are supported by the upper support members.

[0020] According to the present invention, a plurality of outwardly protruding connecting portions are provided on the upper support member so as to be aligned at predetermined intervals, and the upper frame is disposed along the space between adjacent upper support members. Adjacent upper support members are arranged so that the connecting portion of one upper support member fits between the connecting portions of the other upper support member and the connecting portion of the other upper support member fits between the connecting portions of one upper support member, and the connecting portions of the one and other upper support members are connected to the upper frame.

[0021] By configuring the connecting portions of the one and other upper support members to fit between each other, even if multiple connecting portions are provided on the one and other upper support members, the connecting portions of the one and other upper support members can be smoothly connected to the upper frame. By connecting the multiple connecting portions of the upper support members to the upper frame, the stack (battery modules) is firmly connected to the upper frame via the upper support members.

[0022] According to the present invention, in addition to the lower part of the stack (battery module) being supported on the first lower frame via the lower support member, the upper part of the stack (battery module) is supported on the upper frame via the upper support member, and since the multiple connecting parts of the upper support member are connected to the upper frame, the stack (battery module) is firmly connected to the upper frame via the upper support members. This reduces vibration of the stack (battery module) relative to the storage case, which is advantageous in preventing damage to the stack (battery module).

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable that the connecting portion of the upper support member is formed in a tapered shape in which the width becomes narrower as it becomes farther away from the upper support member in a plan view.

[0024] According to the present invention, by forming the connecting portions of the upper support members in a tapered shape when viewed in a plane, the distance between the connecting portions of one upper support member and the connecting portions of the other upper support members in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame can be set narrower than when the connecting portions of the upper support members are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in a plane, and a large number of connecting portions can be provided on the upper support members. Since the ends of the connecting portion of the upper support member are thin while the base portion of the connecting portion of the upper support member is wide, the connecting portion of the upper support member has sufficient strength.

[0025] A large number of connecting parts having sufficient strength are provided on one and the other upper support members, so that the stack (battery module) is firmly connected to the upper frame via the upper support members, which is advantageous in terms of suppressing vibration to the storage case of the stack (battery module) and in terms of preventing damage to the stack (battery module). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a left side view showing the arrangement of an inverter and the like. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a left side view in vertical section of the vicinity of the cover member. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the stack, the lower support member, and the upper support member. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view of the stack, the lower support member, and the upper support member. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the stack, the lower support member, and the upper support member. [Figure 14] 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the vicinity of a lower support member in the storage case. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the stack, the lower support member, and the upper support member. [Figure 16] 4 is a plan view of the vicinity of the upper support member in the storage case. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the vicinity of the accommodating case, the stack, and the fan device. [Figure 18] 4 is a plan view of the vicinity of the board member and the fan device in the storage case. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrow F in the drawing is "forward", the direction of the arrow B is "backward", the direction of the arrow L is "left", and the direction of the arrow R is "right". Also, the direction of the arrow U in the drawing is "upward", and the direction of the arrow D is "downward".

[0028] [Overall configuration of the tractor] The tractor of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the tractor has left and right front wheels 10, left and right rear wheels 11, and a cover member 12.

[0029] The tractor also includes a machine body frame 2 and a driving section 3. The machine body frame 2 is supported by left and right front wheels 10 and left and right rear wheels 11.

[0030] The cover member 12 is disposed at the front of the vehicle body. The driver's section 3 is provided behind the cover member 12. In other words, the cover member 12 is disposed in front of the driver's section 3.

[0031] The driving section 3 has a protective frame 30, a driving seat 31, and a steering wheel 32. An operator can sit in the driving seat 31. This allows the operator to get into the driving section 3. The left and right front wheels 10 are steered by operating the steering wheel 32. The operator can perform various driving operations in the driving section 3.

[0032] The tractor is equipped with a traveling battery 4. The cover member 12 is configured to be swingable about an opening / closing axis Q that runs along the left-right direction of the vehicle body. This allows the cover member 12 to be opened and closed. When the cover member 12 is in a closed state, the traveling battery 4 is covered by the cover member 12.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2, the tractor includes an inverter 14 and a motor M. The driving battery 4 supplies power to the inverter 14. The inverter 14 converts DC power from the driving battery 4 into AC power and supplies it to the motor M. The motor M is then driven by the AC power supplied from the inverter 14.

[0034] 2 and 3, the tractor is equipped with a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 and a transmission 16. As shown in Fig. 3, the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 has a hydraulic pump 15a and a hydraulic motor 15b.

[0035] The hydraulic pump 15a is driven by rotational power from the motor M. When the hydraulic pump 15a is driven, the rotational power is output from the hydraulic motor 15b. The hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 is configured so that the speed of the rotational power is changed between the hydraulic pump 15a and the hydraulic motor 15b. The hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 is also configured so that the gear ratio can be changed steplessly.

[0036] The rotational power output from the hydraulic motor 15b is transmitted to the transmission 16. The rotational power transmitted to the transmission 16 is changed in speed by a gear-type speed change mechanism of the transmission 16, and distributed to the left and right front wheels 10 and the left and right rear wheels 11. In this way, the left and right front wheels 10 and the left and right rear wheels 11 are driven.

[0037] 2 and 3, the tractor is equipped with a mid PTO shaft 17 and a rear PTO shaft 18. The rotational power output from the motor M is distributed to the hydraulic pump 15a, the mid PTO shaft 17, and the rear PTO shaft 18. This causes the mid PTO shaft 17 and the rear PTO shaft 18 to rotate.

[0038] If a working device is connected to the mid PTO shaft 17 or the rear PTO shaft 18, the working device is driven by the rotational power of the mid PTO shaft 17 or the rear PTO shaft 18. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, a grass cutting device 19 is connected to the mid PTO shaft 17. The grass cutting device 19 is driven by the rotational power of the mid PTO shaft 17.

[0039] [Configuration of cover member] As shown in FIG. 1, the right and left machine frames 2 and the transmission 16 are connected to each other, whereby the right and left machine frames 2 and the transmission 16 form a machine body that serves as the framework of the tractor.

[0040] 4, 5, and 6, the driving battery 4 (hereinafter referred to as the battery 4) is mounted on the front of the vehicle body, and the battery 4 is housed in a closed cover member 12. An upper surface portion 12a of the cover member 12 is formed in a downward-facing shape that becomes lower toward the front in a side view, and a lateral surface portion 12b of the cover member 12 is formed along the front-rear direction in a plan view.

[0041] A breathable lattice-like front grill 12c serving as an introduction portion is provided at the front of the cover member 12, and breathable lattice-like side grills 12d, 12e are provided on the right and left lateral surface portions 12b of the cover member 12. As the aircraft moves forward, air is introduced into the interior of the cover member 12 mainly through the front grill 12c of the cover member 12.

[0042] [Overall battery configuration] The battery 4 is provided with a battery module 6, a stack 7 (see Figures 11 and 12) consisting of multiple battery modules 6 (see Figures 11 and 12), a storage case 1 (see Figures 7 and 8) in which the multiple stacks 7 are housed, various equipment (see Figures 18) provided on the top of the storage case 1, and a storage cover 5 (see Figures 9 and 10) that covers the top of the storage case 1 and the equipment.

[0043] [Configuration of the battery storage case] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the storage case 1 is provided with horizontal frames 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, vertical frames 35, 36, upper frames 40, 44, a first lower frame 41, a second lower frame 42, a third lower frame 43, side plates 45, 46 and a bottom plate 47, etc., and is formed into a rectangular (square) box shape when viewed in a plane.

[0044] 7 and 8, right and left horizontal frames 33 located at the bottom of the storage case 1 and front and rear horizontal frames 34 are connected in a rectangular shape, and a front vertical frame 35 and a rear vertical frame 36 are connected to the ends of the horizontal frames 33, 34. The front horizontal frame 37 is connected across the vertical frame 35, and the rear horizontal frame 38 is connected across the vertical frame 36. The right and left horizontal frames 39 are connected across the tops of the vertical frames 35, 36.

[0045] Two first lower frames 41 are connected to the horizontal frames 33 in the left-right direction. Three second lower frames 42 are arranged parallel to the first lower frames 41 in a plan view, and are connected to the horizontal frames 33 in the left-right direction. A large opening 42a is formed in the second lower frame 42.

[0046] The two third lower frames 43 are disposed so as to be perpendicular to the first lower frame 41 and the second lower frame 42 in a plan view, and are connected across the horizontal frame 34 in the front-rear direction, and are connected to the first lower frame 41 and the second lower frame 42. In the portion where the second lower frame 42 and the third lower frame 43 are connected, an opening 43a having the same size as the opening 42a of the second lower frame 42 is opened in the third lower frame 43.

[0047] The two upper frames 40 are connected to the horizontal frame 39 in the left-right direction. The two upper frames 44 are connected to the horizontal frames 37, 38, and 39 in the left-right direction. The upper frame 44 has a large opening 44a.

[0048] 9 and 10 , flat right and left side panels 45 are connected to the horizontal frames 33, 39 and the vertical frames 35, 36. Flat front and rear side panels 46 are connected to the horizontal frames 34, 37, 38 and the vertical frames 35, 36. A flat bottom panel 47 is connected to the horizontal frames 33, 34.

[0049] [Stack configuration in battery] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, five battery modules 6 are stacked and connected so that the five battery modules 6 are in contact with each other and lined up to form one stack 7, and three stacks 7 are provided in the battery 4.

[0050] A flat connecting member 8 and a connecting member 9 having an attachment portion 9a are provided, and the connecting member 8 and the connecting member 9 are connected to each other. The connecting members 8, 9 are abutted against one portion and the other portion of the stack 7 (battery module 6), and four bolts 13 are passed through one connecting member 8, 9, the battery module 6, and the other connecting member 8, 9, and tightened. As a result, the five battery modules 6 are connected while being compressed by the connecting members 8, 9 and the bolts 13.

[0051] [Configuration of the lower support member] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, lower support members 21 and 22 are provided. 11, 12 and 13, the lower support member 21 is formed in a flat plate shape, and four connecting portions 21a protruding outward are arranged at predetermined intervals on each of one edge and the other edge of the lower support member 21. The connecting portions 21a of the lower support member 21 are formed in a tapered triangular shape whose width narrows as it gets further away from the lower support member 21 in a plan view.

[0052] 14, the lower support member 22 is formed in a flat plate shape, and three connecting portions 22a protruding outward are arranged at a predetermined interval on one edge of the lower support member 22. The connecting portions 22a of the lower support member 22 are formed in a tapered triangular shape whose width narrows as it gets further away from the lower support member 22 in a plan view.

[0053] In one of the three stacks 7, a lower support member 21 is connected to the center of the lower part of each of the battery modules 6 by a bolt 20, as shown in FIGS. In two of the three stacks 7, a lower support member 22 is connected to the center of the lower part of each of the battery modules 6 by a bolt 20, as shown in FIG.

[0054] [Configuration of upper support member] As shown in Figures 11, 12, 15 and 16, upper support members 23 and 24 are provided. 11, 12 and 15, the upper support member 23 is formed by bending a plate material, and three connecting parts 23a protruding outward are arranged at predetermined intervals on each of one edge and the other edge of the upper support member 23. The connecting parts 23a of the upper support member 23 are formed in a tapered triangular shape whose width narrows as it gets further away from the upper support member 23 in a plan view.

[0055] 16, the upper support member 24 is formed by bending a plate material, and three connecting portions 24a protruding outward are arranged at predetermined intervals on one edge of the upper support member 24. The connecting portions 24a of the upper support member 24 are formed in a tapered triangular shape whose width narrows as it gets further away from the upper support member 24 in a plan view.

[0056] In one stack 7 in which the lower support members 21 of the three stacks 7 are connected, as shown in Figures 11, 12, and 15, the upper support member 23 is connected to the upper part of each battery module 6 by a bolt 25, and the upper support member 23 is connected to the upper part of the connecting member 8 by the bolt 25.

[0057] In two of the three stacks 7 in which the lower support members 22 are connected, as shown in FIG. 16 , the upper support members 24 are connected to the upper parts of each of the battery modules 6 by bolts 25, and the upper support members 24 are connected to the upper parts of the connecting members 8 by bolts 25. As described above, the stack 7 (battery module 6) is integrated with the connecting members 8, 9, the lower support members 21, 22, and the upper support members 23, 24 into a single unit.

[0058] [Attachment state of the lower support member of the stack in the storage case] 14, with the upper frame 44 (see FIG. 16) removed from the storage case 1, the stack 7, in which the lower support member 21 and the upper support member 23 are connected, is placed in the center of the storage case 1. The stacks 7, in which the lower support member 22 and the upper support member 24 are connected, are placed in the front and rear of the storage case 1.

[0059] In the stack 7 in which the lower support member 21 and the upper support member 23 are connected, the connecting portion 21a of the lower support member 21 is installed in the first lower frame 41 and connected to the first lower frame 41 by the bolt 26. The center portion of the lower support member 21 is installed in the second lower frame 42, and the bolt 20 is located in the openings 42a, 43a of the second lower frame 42 and the third lower frame 43.

[0060] In the stack 7 in which the lower support member 22 and the upper support member 24 are connected, the connecting portion 22a of the lower support member 22 is installed on the first lower frame 41 and connected to the first lower frame 41 by a bolt 27. The other edge of the lower support member 22 is installed on the horizontal frame 34 and connected to the horizontal frame 34 by a bolt 28. The center portion of the lower support member 22 is installed on the second lower frame 42, and the bolt 20 is located in the openings 42a, 43a of the second lower frame 42 and the third lower frame 43.

[0061] In the stack 7 in which the lower support member 21 and the upper support member 23 are connected, and in the stack 7 in which the lower support member 22 and the upper support member 24 are connected, the mounting portion 9a of the connecting member 9 is connected to the horizontal frame 33 by a bolt 50, as shown in FIG. 17 .

[0062] With the above configuration, in the battery 4, the stack 7 in which the multiple battery modules 6 are connected is arranged adjacent to each other and is housed in the housing case 1. The housing case 1 is provided with multiple lower support members 21, 22 connected to the lower parts of the battery modules 6 and a first lower frame 41 arranged along between the adjacent lower support members 21, 22.

[0063] In adjacent lower support members 21, 22, the connecting portion 21a of one lower support member 21 is arranged to fit between the connecting portions 22a of the other lower support member 22, and the connecting portion 22a of the other lower support member 22 is arranged to fit between the connecting portions 21a of the one lower support member 21, and the connecting portions 21a, 22a of the one and the other lower support members 21, 22 are connected to the first lower frame 41.

[0064] The connecting portion 21a of the lower support member 21 is supported from below by the first lower frame 41 and the third lower frame 43, and the connecting portion of the battery module 6 on the lower support member 21 (near the bolt 20) is supported from below by the second lower frame 42 and the third lower frame 43.

[0065] It is considered that the central stack 7 (battery module 6) is more susceptible to vibration than the front and rear stacks 7 (battery modules 6). In each of the first lower frames 41, the number of connecting portions 21a of the lower support member 21 (four) is set to be greater than the number of connecting portions 22a of the lower support member 22 (three), and the central stack 7 (battery module 6) is firmly connected to the first lower frame 41.

[0066] [Mounting state of upper support member of stack in storage case] As described above, when the stack 7, in which the lower support member 21 and the upper support member 23 are connected, is installed in the center of the storage case 1, as shown in Figure 16, the connecting portion 23a of the upper support member 23 is installed on the upper frame 40 and connected to the upper frame 40 by bolts 29.

[0067] As described above, when the stack 7, in which the lower support member 22 and the upper support member 24 are connected, is installed at the front and rear of the storage case 1, the connecting portion 24a of the upper support member 24 is installed on the upper frame 40 and connected to the upper frame 40 by the bolts 48.

[0068] The upper frame 44 is installed from above on the other edge of the upper support member 24, and the bolts 25 of the upper support member 24 are inserted into the openings 4a of the upper frame 44. The upper frame 44 is connected to the horizontal frames 37, 39 with bolts, and the upper frame 44 and the upper support member 24 are connected by bolts 49.

[0069] With the above configuration, in the battery 4, a plurality of upper support members 23, 24 connected to the upper part of the battery module 6 and an upper frame 40 arranged along between adjacent upper support members 23, 24 are provided in the storage case 1.

[0070] Adjacent upper support members 23, 24 are arranged so that the connecting portion 23a of one upper support member 23 fits between the connecting portions 24a of the other upper support member 24, and the connecting portion 24a of the other upper support member 24 fits between the connecting portions 23a of the one upper support member 23, and the connecting portions 2a, 24a of the one and other upper support members 23, 24 are connected to the upper frame 40.

[0071] As described above, the three stacks 7 (battery modules 6) are housed in the housing case 1 via the lower support members 21, 22 and the upper support members 23, 24, and the connecting members 8, 9, and are connected to the housing case 1, and are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction (horizontal direction).

[0072] [Configuration of the connection part at the top of the storage case] 18, a base member 51 having a rectangular (quadrilateral) shape in a plan view is connected to upper support members 23, 24 (see FIG. 16), and the upper part of the storage case 1 is covered by the base member 51. Connection portions 52, 53, 54, and 55 are provided on the front horizontal frame 37.

[0073] The connection unit 52 is for charging the battery module 6 with power supplied from an external power source (not shown). The connection unit 53 is for supplying power from the battery module 6 to the inverter 14 (see FIG. 2). The connection unit 54 is for supplying power from the battery module 6 to a DC-DC converter (not shown), and the power reduced to 12 V by the DC-DC converter is supplied to another battery (not shown). The connection unit 55 is for receiving the supply of power from the aforementioned another battery.

[0074] The five battery modules 6 are connected in series in the three stacks 7. In the substrate member 51 (housing case 1), openings 51a are provided above the terminals 6a of the battery modules 6 at the right and left ends of the stack 7.

[0075] A harness 56 is connected between the terminal 6a (negative) of the battery module 6 at the right end of the front stack 7 and the terminal 6a (positive) of the battery module 6 at the left end of the central stack 7. A flat connecting member 57 is connected between the terminal 6a (negative) of the battery module 6 at the right end of the central stack 7 and the terminal 6a (positive) of the battery module 6 at the left end of the rear stack 7.

[0076] Relay switches 58, 59, 60, and 61 are provided on the substrate member 51. A flat connection member 69 is connected between the terminal 6a (positive) of the battery module 6 at the left end of the front stack 7 and the relay switches 58 and 60. A flat connection member 70 is connected between the terminal 6a (negative) of the battery module 6 at the right end of the rear stack 7 and the relay switches 59 and 61.

[0077] A harness 64 is connected between the relay switches 58, 59 and the connection portion 52, and the relay switches 58, 59 function when the battery module 6 is charged with power supplied from an external power source.

[0078] A harness 65 is connected between the relay switches 60 and 61 and the connection portion 53 , and the relay switches 60 and 61 function when power is supplied from the battery module 6 to the inverter 14 . A cutoff portion 66 is provided in the middle of the connection member 57. When an operator performs maintenance work on the battery 4, the operator operates the cutoff portion 66 to the cutoff state.

[0079] [Configuration of the precharge section and discharge section at the top of the housing case] 18, the precharge portion 67 and the discharge portion 68 are provided at the left corner portion of the rear end portion of the substrate member 51. As a result, the precharge portion 67 and the discharge portion 68 are provided at the top of the housing case 1, at the rear end portion of the top of the housing case 1, and at the left corner portion of the rear end portion of the top of the housing case 1.

[0080] The precharge unit 67 performs a process for gradually supplying power to the inverter 14 for about several seconds when power supply from the battery module 6 (battery 4) to the inverter 14 is started in response to a key-on operation.

[0081] The discharge unit 68 performs a process of discharging the power remaining in the inverter 14 (capacitor) for about several seconds when the power supply from the battery module 6 (battery 4) to the inverter 14 is cut off by a key-off operation.

[0082] [Configuration of the fan device at the top of the housing case] 17 and 18, when three stacks 7 (battery modules 6) are housed in the housing case 1, the three stacks 7 are arranged adjacent to each other with predetermined gaps A1 and A2 therebetween. The gaps A1 and A2 extend across the entire width and the entire vertical height of the stack 7, and are located below the upper frame 40.

[0083] The front and central stacks 7 are arranged so that in the adjacent front stack 7 and central stack 7, the rear ends of each of the five battery modules 6 in the front stack 7 and the front ends of each of the five battery modules 6 in the central stack 7 face each other with a gap A1 between them.

[0084] The rear and central stacks 7 are arranged so that in the adjacent rear stack 7 and central stack 7, the front ends of each of the five battery modules 6 in the rear stack 7 and the rear ends of each of the five battery modules 6 in the central stack 7 face each other with a gap A2 therebetween.

[0085] Two fan devices 62, 63 are provided on the base member 51. The fan devices 62, 63 are configured as a sirocco fan type, and have circular vents 62a, 63a provided at the bottom of the fan devices 62, 63.

[0086] The fan device 62 draws in air through a vent 62a of the fan device 62 and blows the drawn-in air forward. The fan device 63 draws in air through a vent 63a of the fan device 63 and blows the drawn-in air backward. The vents 62a, 63a of the fan devices 62, 63 are provided at positions facing the upper parts of the gaps A1, A2 in a side view, and at the left-right central parts of the gaps A1, A2 in a plan view.

[0087] The diameter of the ventilation openings 62a, 63a of the fan devices 62, 63 is set to be larger than the front-to-rear width of the upper frame 40. The ventilation openings 62a, 63a of the fan devices 62, 63 protrude forward from the front end of the upper frame 40 and protrude rearward from the rear end of the upper frame 40 in a plan view.

[0088] [Configuration of the battery storage cover] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the housing cover 5 is provided on the upper part of the housing case 1, and the housing cover 5 covers the upper part of the housing case 1 shown in Figure 18, the board member 51, the relay switches 58 to 61, the fan devices 62, 63, the circuit breaker 66, the pre-charger 67, the discharger 68, etc.

[0089] The housing cover 5 is formed by bending a plate material, and has a top surface 5a, a front surface 5b, a rear surface 5c, right and left side surfaces 5d, and right and left inclined surface portions 5e. The front surface 5b, the rear surface 5c, and the side surfaces 5d of the housing cover 5 are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0090] The upper surface 5a of the storage cover 5 is formed in a forward-downward shape that is lower toward the front in a side view. The inclined surface 5e of the storage cover 5 is connected across the upper surface 5a and the lateral surface 5d of the storage cover 5, and is formed in a forward-downward shape that is lower toward the front in a side view, and is formed in a lateral-downward shape that is lower toward the lateral outer side in a front view.

[0091] The lateral portion of the front surface portion 5b of the housing cover 5 is not in contact with the front portion of the lateral surface portion 5d of the housing cover 5 and the front portion of the inclined surface portion 5e, and right and left openings 5f in the form of elongated gaps are provided in the housing case 1. Since the fan device 62 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 blows out the sucked air forward, an opening 5f through which air can pass is provided in a portion of the housing cover 5 facing the blowing direction of the fan device 62.

[0092] The lateral portion of the rear surface portion 5c of the housing cover 5 is not in contact with the rear portion of the lateral surface portion 5d of the housing cover 5 and the rear portion of the inclined surface portion 5e, and right and left openings 5g in the form of elongated gaps are provided in the housing case 1. Since the fan device 63 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 blows out the sucked air rearward, an opening 5g through which air can pass is provided in a portion of the housing cover 5 facing the blowing direction of the fan device 63.

[0093] [Battery cooling state due to operation of fan device] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the fan devices 62, 63 are operated by power supplied to the connection portion 55 when the key is turned on, and are stopped when the key is turned off.

[0094] By operating the fan device 62, air in the gap A1 (air inside the housing case 1) is sucked in through the ventilation opening 62a of the fan device 62, and the fan device 62 blows the sucked air forward. The air blown out from the fan device 62 tends to flow out of the housing cover 5 through the opening 5f (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the housing cover 5 and tends to flow into the cover member 12.

[0095] By operating the fan device 63, air in the gap A2 (air inside the housing case 1) is sucked in through the ventilation opening 63a of the fan device 63, and the fan device 63 blows the sucked air backward. The air blown out from the fan device 63 tends to flow out of the housing cover 5 through the opening 5g (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the housing cover 5 and tends to flow into the cover member 12.

[0096] In this case, the blowing direction (forward) of fan device 62 and the blowing direction (rearward) of fan device 63 are set to be opposite to each other so that the blown air flows in directions away from each other. Fan device 62 corresponds to fan device 62 for gap A1 between the central stack 7 and one of the stacks 7, and fan device 63 corresponds to fan device 63 for gap A2 between the central stack 7 and the other stack 7.

[0097] When the air blown out from the fan devices 62, 63 exits the housing cover 5 through the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5, the air inside the cover member 12 is introduced into the inside of the housing cover 5 through the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0098] As described above, as the air inside the housing case 1 is sucked in by the fan devices 62 and 63, the air inside the housing cover 5 (outside the housing case 1) is introduced into the housing case 1. In this case, the air inside the housing cover 5 (outside the housing case 1) passes mainly through the opening 51a of the board member 51 and near the terminal 6a of the battery module 6, and is introduced into the housing case 1.

[0099] As described above, in the battery 4, by operating the fan devices 62, 63, air is circulated between the inside of the storage case 1 and the inside of the storage cover 5, thereby equalizing the temperature of the air inside the storage case 1 and the inside of the storage cover 5, and promoting heat dissipation from the side panels 45, 46 and bottom panel 47 of the storage case 1 and from the storage cover 5, thereby cooling the inside of the battery 4.

[0100] [Relationship between the cover member and the battery housing cover] As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the upper surface portion 12a of the cover member 12 is formed in a forward-sloping shape so that it becomes lower toward the front when viewed from the side, and as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the upper surface portion 5a and the inclined surface portion 5e of the storage cover 5 are formed in a forward-sloping shape so that it becomes lower toward the front when viewed from the side.

[0101] As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface portion 5a and inclined surface portion 5e of the storage cover 5 and the upper surface portion 12a of the cover member 12 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction, and a space B1 is formed between the upper surface portion 5a and inclined surface portion 5e of the storage cover 5 and the upper surface portion 12a of the cover member 12 in a side view.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 6, the battery 4 (side plate 45) and the lateral surface portion 12b of the cover member 12 are arranged with a predetermined distance between them in the left-right direction, and right and left spaces B2 are formed between the battery 4 (side plate 45) and the lateral surface portion 12b of the cover member 12 in a plan view.

[0103] As the aircraft moves forward, air is introduced into the inside of the cover member 12 mainly through the front grill 12c of the cover member 12. The air introduced into the inside of the cover member 12 flows around the battery 4 while passing through the spaces B1 and B2, and exits to the outside of the cover member 12 mainly through the side grills 12d and 12e of the cover member 12. This promotes heat dissipation from the side plates 45 and 46 and the bottom plate 47 of the housing case 1 and from the housing cover 5, thereby cooling the inside of the battery 4.

[0104] [First Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] 11 to 14, the lower support members 21, 22 may be removed from the stack 7 (battery module 6) and connected to the housing case 1 in advance. According to this configuration, the bottom plate 47 (see FIG. 9) is removed from the housing case 1, the stack 7 (battery modules 6) is placed on the lower support members 21, 22, and the bolts 20 are connected to the battery modules 6 from the underside of the first lower frame 41.

[0105] [Second Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] 11, 12, 15, and 16, the upper support members 23, 24 may be removed from the stack 7 (battery module 6). According to this configuration, after the stack 7 (battery modules 6) is placed in the housing case 1, the upper support members 23, 24 may be connected to the upper portion of the stack 7 (battery modules 6) and then connected to the upper frames 40, .

[0106] [Third Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The connecting portions 21a, 22a of the lower support members 21, 22 may be formed in an elongated rectangular shape in a plan view. The number of connecting portions 21a, 22a of the lower support members 21, 22 may be set to two and three, or may be set to four and five. The number of connecting portions 22a of lower support member 22 may be greater than the number of connecting portions 21a on one edge of lower support member 21.

[0107] The connecting portions 23a, 24a of the upper support members 23, 24 may be formed in an elongated rectangular shape in a plan view. The numbers of connecting portions 23a, 24a of the upper support members 23, 24 may be set to three and two, or may be set to five and four. The number of connecting portions 23 a on one edge of the upper support member 23 may be greater than the number of connecting portions 24 a on the upper support member 24 .

[0108] [Fourth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The precharge section 67 and discharge section 68 shown in FIG. 18 may be provided on the upper part (substrate member 51) of the storage case 1 in the left-right center of the rear end, the right corner of the rear end, the left-right center of the front end, or in the right or left corner of the front end, the front-to-rear center of the right lateral end, the front or rear corner of the right lateral end, the front-to-rear center of the left lateral end, or the front or rear corner of the left lateral end.

[0109] Precharge section 67 and discharge section 68 may be provided on the upper part of housing case 1 (substrate member 51) apart from each other, instead of being provided close to each other on the upper part of housing case 1 (substrate member 51).

[0110] The precharge section 67 and the discharge section 68 may be provided at the lower part of the front part of the storage case 1, at the middle part of the front part, at the lower part of the rear part or at the middle part of the rear part, or at the lower part of the right side part of the storage case 1, at the middle part of the right side part, or at the lower part of the left side part or at the middle part of the left side part.

[0111] [Fifth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The air outlet directions of the fan devices 62, 63 shown in FIG. 18 may be set to the right and left, and the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be provided on the right and left side surface portions 5d. According to this configuration, the fan devices 62, 63 and the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5 are close to each other, so that the air blown out from the fan devices 62, 63 can easily go out of the housing cover 5 through the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5.

[0112] [Sixth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The fan devices 62, 63 shown in Figures 17 and 18 may be configured to suck in air inside the storage cover 5 and blow the air out from the ventilation holes 62a, 63a of the fan devices 62, 63 toward the gaps A1, A2 (inside the storage case 1). According to this configuration, the air inside the housing case 1 passes mainly near the terminals 6a of the battery module 6, passes through the openings 51a of the board member 51, and exits into the housing cover 5.

[0113] [Seventh Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] Fan devices 62, 63 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 may be provided on the side plate 45 or bottom plate 47 of the storage case 1 so as to face the sides and lower parts of the gaps A1, A2.

[0114] According to the above-mentioned configuration, when the fan devices 62, 63 are of the suction type, the fan devices 62, 63 suck in the air inside the storage case 1 and blow it out into the inside of the cover member 12 (see Figures 5 and 6), and the air inside the cover member 12 passes through the openings 5f, 5g of the storage cover 5 and is introduced from the inside of the storage cover 5 into the inside of the storage case 1.

[0115] When the fan devices 62, 63 are of the blowing type, the fan devices 62, 63 suck in the air inside the cover member 12 (see Figures 5 and 6) and blow it out into the inside of the storage case 1, and the air inside the storage case 1 goes out into the inside of the storage cover 5 and goes out into the inside of the cover member 12 through the openings 5f, 5g of the storage cover 5.

[0116] [Eighth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] In the battery 4, one or two stacks 7 may be provided, or four or more stacks 7 may be provided. One stack 7 may be configured by connecting less than five or six or more battery modules 6. A plurality of stacks 7 may be provided lined up in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, the number of fan devices 62, 63 is set to one or three or more in accordance with the number of stacks 7 and gaps A1, A2.

[0117] [Ninth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The front wheels 10 and the rear wheels 11 are the traveling devices of the present invention. Instead of the front wheels 10 and the rear wheels 11, right and left crawler traveling devices (not shown) may be provided on the vehicle body as the traveling devices. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The present invention can be applied not only to tractors, but also to other electric work vehicles such as electric carts and transport vehicles, to electric work vehicles in which the battery 4 is mounted at the rear of the body, and to autonomous or radio-controlled electric work vehicles that do not have an operator on board. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 Storage Case 4 Battery 6 Battery Module 7. Stack 10 Front wheels (running gear) 11 Rear wheels (running gear) 21 Lower support member 21a Connection part 22 Lower support member 22a Connecting part 23 Upper support member 23a Connecting part 24 Upper support member 24a Connecting part 40 Upper Frame 41 First lower frame 42 Second lower frame 43 Third lower frame Medium motor

Claims

1. An electric work vehicle including a battery, a motor driven by power from the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor, The battery includes a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected, and a housing case in which the plurality of stacks arranged adjacent to each other are housed, the housing case is provided with a plurality of lower support members connected to lower portions of the battery modules and a first lower frame disposed along a space between adjacent lower support members; A plurality of connecting portions protruding outward are provided on the lower support member and arranged at predetermined intervals, An electric work vehicle in which adjacent lower support members are arranged so that the connecting portion of one lower support member fits between the connecting portions of the other lower support member and the connecting portion of the other lower support member fits between the connecting portions of one lower support member, and the connecting portions of the one and other lower support members are connected to the first lower frame.

2. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion of the lower support member is formed in a tapered shape in a plan view such that the width of the connecting portion becomes narrower as the connecting portion becomes farther away from the lower support member.

3. a second lower frame arranged parallel to the first lower frame in a plan view is provided in the housing case; The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second lower frame supports a connecting portion of the battery module in the lower support member from below.

4. a third lower frame arranged perpendicular to the first lower frame and the second lower frame in a plan view is provided in the housing case, The electric work vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the third lower frame is connected to the first lower frame and the second lower frame.

5. The housing case is provided with a plurality of upper support members connected to upper portions of the battery modules and an upper frame disposed along a space between adjacent upper support members, A plurality of connecting portions protruding outward are provided on the upper support member and arranged at predetermined intervals, An electric work vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein adjacent upper support members are arranged so that the connecting portion of one of the upper support members fits between the connecting portions of the other of the upper support members and the connecting portion of the other of the upper support members fits between the connecting portions of one of the upper support members, and the connecting portions of the one and the other upper support members are connected to the upper frame.

6. The electric work vehicle according to claim 5 , wherein the connecting portion of the upper support member is formed in a tapered shape in a plan view such that the width of the connecting portion becomes narrower the farther away from the upper support member.

Images