Charging device

Abstract

To charge a battery rapidly even if a power source has a small capacity.SOLUTION: A charging device includes: a charger which can charge a battery of a work vehicle at a first charging speed or a second charging speed higher than the first charging speed; a capacitor which stores electric power from a power source; and a charging control part which charges the battery based on the electric power from the capacitor when a request for charging at the second charging speed is obtained from the work vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device and a work vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In the technical field related to work vehicles, electric work vehicles that use a battery as a power source are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device that quickly charges the battery of the work vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5619320 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The charging device charges the battery based on the power supplied from the power source. The charging speed of the battery by the charging device depends on the capacity of the power source (breaker capacity). To rapidly charge the battery, the power source needs to have a large capacity. When a user of a work vehicle introduces a charging device capable of rapid charging, a large-capacity power source is required, which may increase the introduction cost. When the power source is a small capacity such as a household power source, the introduction cost is low, but it is difficult for the charging device to rapidly charge the battery.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to rapidly charge a battery even when the power source has a small capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a charging device is provided that includes a charger capable of charging a battery of a work vehicle at a first charging rate or a second charging rate higher than the first charging rate, a storage battery that stores electricity from a power source, and a charging control unit that, when a charging request at the second charging rate is obtained from the work vehicle, charges the battery based on power from the storage battery. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a battery can be quickly charged even if the power source has a small capacity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a charging system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the charging system and the work vehicle according to this embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process by the charge control unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a charging method using the charging device according to this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a computer system according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The components of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] [Charging system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a charging system 1 according to this embodiment. A work vehicle 2 is equipped with a battery 21. The charging system 1 charges the battery 21 of the work vehicle 2. The battery 21 includes a secondary battery (a rechargeable battery). The work vehicle 2 is an electric work vehicle that uses the battery 21 as a power source. In this embodiment, the work vehicle 2 is an electric forklift. The charging system 1 is installed in an industrial facility such as a factory or warehouse. Multiple work vehicles 2 operate in the industrial facility. It is to be noted that there may be only one work vehicle 2 operating in the industrial facility.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the charging system 1 includes a charging device 3, a management device 4, and a detector 5. Power is supplied to the charging device 3 from a power source 6 via a cable 9 including a power supply line. The power source 6 may be a small-capacity power source such as a household power source, or a large-capacity power source such as a power source installed in an industrial facility. The power source 6 supplies power not only to the charging device 3 but also to electrical equipment present in the industrial facility. Power is supplied to the power source 6 from a power plant 7 (electric power company). The power source 6 includes an AC power source (commercial power source). The power source 6 may be a private generator or a solar power generator. The power source 6 may include a smart grid.

[0012] The charging device 3 charges the battery 21 of the work vehicle 2. Multiple charging devices 3 are installed in an industrial facility. A connector 22 is provided on the work vehicle 2. The connector 22 is connected to a plug 8. The plug 8 is connected to the charging device 3 via a cable 27. The cable 27 includes a power supply line. The charging device 3 and the battery 21 are connected by connecting the connector 22 and the plug 8. The charging device 3 can charge the battery 21 via the plug 8 and the connector 22. In addition, the cable 27 includes a communication line. The work vehicle 2 and the charging device 3 can communicate with each other via the cable 27. It should be noted that the work vehicle 2 and the charging device 3 may communicate with each other wirelessly.

[0013] Furthermore, the charging device 3 and the management device 4 can communicate wirelessly. The charging device 3 and the management device 4 may also communicate via a cable such as a communication line. Similarly, the management device 4 and the power source 6 may communicate wirelessly or via a cable. The power source 6 and the charging device 3 may communicate wirelessly or via a cable.

[0014] The management device 4 includes a computer system. The management device 4 monitors the states of the multiple work vehicles 2 and the multiple charging devices 3.

[0015] The detector 5 monitors the usage of the power supplied from the power source 6 to the industrial facility.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the charging system 1 and the work vehicle 2 according to this embodiment.

[0017] The work vehicle 2 has a battery 21, a connector 22, an input device 23, a notification device 24, and a control device 26.

[0018] The input device 23 generates input data through operation by an operator. Examples of the input device 23 include an operation switch, a button, a keyboard, and a touch panel. In this embodiment, the input data includes input data for selecting a charging mode for the battery 21. The charging mode for the battery 21 includes a normal charging mode in which the battery 21 is charged at a first charging rate, and a rapid charging mode in which the battery 21 is charged at a second charging rate that is faster than the first charging rate.

[0019] The notification device 24 outputs notification data. The notification device 24 may be a display device that outputs display data as the notification data, an audio output device that outputs audio data as the notification data, or a light-emitting device that outputs a predetermined colored light as the notification data. Examples of the display device include a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The notification device 24 does not have to be provided in the work vehicle 2. The notification device 24 may be a smartphone or tablet computer that can be carried by the worker.

[0020] The control device 26 controls the battery 21 and the notification device 24. The control device 26 has an input data acquisition unit 26A, a notification control unit 26B, and a communication unit 26C.

[0021] The input data acquisition unit 26A acquires input data generated by operating the input device 23.

[0022] The notification control unit 26B controls the notification device 24. When the notification device 24 includes a display device, the notification control unit 26B outputs display data to be displayed on the display device.

[0023] The communication unit 26C communicates with each of the charging device 3 and the management device 4. In this embodiment, the communication unit 26C transmits input data generated by operating the input device 23 to the charging device 3.

[0024] The charging device 3 includes a charger 31, a capacitor 32, a converter 33, and a control device .

[0025] The charger 31 is capable of charging the battery 21 of the work vehicle 2 at a first charging rate or a second charging rate that is faster than the first charging rate. The charger 31 has a voltage adjustment function and a rectification function for charging the battery 21.

[0026] In the following description, charging at the first charging rate will be referred to as "normal charging" where appropriate, and charging at the second charging rate will be referred to as "fast charging" where appropriate.

[0027] The power storage device 32 stores power supplied from the power source 6. The power storage device 32 stores power from the power source 6. The power storage device 32 includes a secondary battery (rechargeable battery). The power storage device 32 stores power from the power source 6 during a period when the charger 31 is not charging the battery 21.

[0028] The converter 33 converts the AC power supplied from the power source 6 into DC power. The capacitor 32 stores the DC power from the converter 33.

[0029] The control device 34 controls the charger 31, the power storage device 32, and the converter 33. The control device 34 has a communication unit 34A, a charge control unit 34B, and a determination unit 34C.

[0030] The communication unit 34A communicates with both the work vehicle 2 and the management device 4. The communication unit 34A acquires charging request data output from the work vehicle 2. The communication unit 34A also acquires the charging mode selected by the worker.

[0031] The charging control unit 34B controls the charger 31 and the power storage device 32. The charging control unit 34B outputs a charging command to the charger 31 to charge the battery 21, based on a charging request acquired by the communication unit 34A.

[0032] 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining processing by the charging control unit 34B according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, when the communication unit 34A acquires a charging request for normal charging from the work vehicle 2, the charging control unit 34B outputs a charging command to the charger 31 to cause the battery 21 to be normally charged based on power from the power source 6. When the communication unit 34A acquires a charging request for rapid charging from the work vehicle 2, the charging control unit 34B outputs charging command data to the charger 31 to cause the battery 21 to be rapidly charged based on power from the power storage device 32.

[0033] As described above, the operator can select the charging mode by operating the input device 23. When the normal charging mode is selected, the communication unit 34A acquires a charging request by normal charging. When the quick charging mode is selected, the communication unit 34A acquires a charging request by quick charging.

[0034] In the following description, a charging request for normal charging will be appropriately referred to as a normal charging request, and a charging request for quick charging will be appropriately referred to as a quick charging request. The work vehicle 2 is capable of outputting to the charging device 3 a normal charging request, which is a charging request at a first charging speed, and a quick charging request, which is a charging request at a second charging speed.

[0035] When a normal charging request is selected, as shown by an arrow R1 in Fig. 3, power from the power source 6 is output to the charger 31 via the converter 33 without being stored in the capacitor 32. The charger 31 charges the battery 21 based on the power from the power source 6.

[0036] When a quick charge request is selected, power from the power source 6 is stored in the capacitor 32 as shown by an arrow R0 in Fig. 3, and power is output from the capacitor 32 to the charger 31 as shown by an arrow R2 in Fig. 3. The charger 31 charges the battery 21 based on the power discharged from the capacitor 32.

[0037] In FIG. 2, the determination unit 34C determines whether the battery 21 can be charged at the second charging speed. That is, the determination unit 34C determines whether the battery 21 can be rapidly charged. There is a limit to the capacity of the battery 21 that the charging device 3 can rapidly charge at the same time. Furthermore, if rapid charging of the battery 21 is repeated, the performance of the battery 21 may deteriorate. The determination unit 34C determines whether rapid charging is possible based on the capacity of the battery 21 connected to one charging device 3. Furthermore, the determination unit 34C determines whether rapid charging is possible based on the number of times the battery 21 has been rapidly charged. The control device 26 of the work vehicle 2 stores the number of times the battery 21 has been rapidly charged. The determination unit 34C can determine whether rapid charging is possible based on the number of times the battery 21 has been rapidly charged, which is stored in the control device 26.

[0038] For example, when the charging control unit 34B determines that the capacity of the battery 21 connected to one charging device 3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold, the charging control unit 34B determines that quick charging is impossible. For example, when the charging control unit 34B determines that the number of times the battery 21 has been quick charged is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold, the charging control unit 34B determines that quick charging is impossible.

[0039] When the determination unit 34C determines that quick charging is not possible, the charging control unit 34B outputs a charging command to the charger 31 to charge the battery 21 at the first charging rate based on the power from the power source 6, even if a quick charging request is acquired by the communication unit 34A.

[0040] [Charging method] 4 is a flowchart showing the charging method by the charging device 3 according to this embodiment. As described above, the electricity storage device 32 is charged by the power source 6 in a state in which the connector 22 and the plug 8 are not connected.

[0041] When the connector 22 and the plug 8 are connected, a charging request is output from the control device 26 of the work vehicle 2. The charging control unit 34B determines whether or not the communication unit 34A has acquired a charging request from the work vehicle 2 (step S1).

[0042] In step S1, when it is determined that a charging request has been acquired (step S1: Yes), the charging control unit 34B cancels the storage of electricity in the electricity storage device 32 (step S2).

[0043] The charging control unit 34B determines whether the charging mode selected by the operator is a rapid charging mode, that is, the charging control unit 34B determines whether the charging request acquired by the communication unit 34A is a rapid charging request (step S3).

[0044] In step S3, when it is determined that the charging request acquired by the communication unit 34A is a quick charging request (step S3: Yes), the determination unit 34C determines whether or not quick charging is possible (step S4).

[0045] In step S4, if the judgment unit 34C judges that the battery 21 is in a state where rapid charging is possible (step S4: Yes), the charging control unit 34B outputs a charging command to the charger 31 to rapid charge the battery 21 based on the power from the storage device 32 (step S5).

[0046] As a result, the battery 21 is rapidly charged by the power discharged from the storage device 32. When the battery 21 is rapidly charged, the notification device 24 outputs notification data indicating that the battery 21 is being rapidly charged. The notification device 24 may output, for example, a red light.

[0047] When the rapid charging of the battery 21 is completed and the process of step S5 ends, the process returns to step S1.

[0048] In step S3, if it is determined that the charging request acquired by the communication unit 34A is a normal charging request (step S3: No), the charging control unit 34B outputs a charging command to the charger 31 to normally charge the battery 21 based on the power from the power source 6 (step S6).

[0049] In step S4, if the judgment unit 34C judges that quick charging is not possible (step S4: No), the charging control unit 34B outputs a charging command to the charger 31 to normally charge the battery 21 based on the power from the power source 6, even if a quick charging request is acquired by the communication unit 34A (step S6).

[0050] Thereby, the battery 21 is normally charged by the power from the power source 6. When the battery 21 is normally charged, the notification device 24 outputs notification data indicating that the battery 21 is normally charged. The notification device 24 may output, for example, a yellow light.

[0051] When normal charging of the battery 21 is completed and the process of step S6 ends, the process returns to step S1.

[0052] In step S1, when it is determined that a charging request has not been acquired (step S1: No), the charging control unit 34B continues charging the electricity storage device 32 by the power source 6. In addition, the charging control unit 34B determines whether the electricity storage device 32 is fully charged or not (step S7).

[0053] In step S7, when it is determined that the electricity storage device 32 is not fully charged (step S7: No), the charging control unit 34B continues charging the electricity storage device 32 by the power source 6 (step S8).

[0054] In step S7, if it is determined that the capacitor 32 is fully charged (step S7: Yes), the process returns to step S1.

[0055] [Computer System] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a computer system 1000 according to this embodiment. The above-mentioned control device 26 and control device 34 comprise the computer system 1000. The computer system 1000 includes a processor 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory 1002 including a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage 1003, and an interface 1004 including an input / output circuit. The functions of the above-mentioned control device 26 and the control device 34 are stored in the storage 1003 as a computer program. The processor 1001 reads the computer program from the storage 1003, expands it in the main memory 1002, and executes the above-mentioned processing according to the computer program. The computer program may be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

[0056] According to the above-described embodiment, when a rapid charging request is received from the work vehicle 2, the computer program charges the battery 21 based on power from the storage battery 32, and when a normal charging request is received from the work vehicle 2, the computer program charges the battery 21 based on power from the power source 6.

[0057] [effect] As described above, according to this embodiment, the charging device 3 is provided with the electric storage device 32. During a period when the battery 21 is not being charged by the charger 31, that is, during a period when the connector 22 and the plug 8 are not connected, the electric storage device 32 stores electric power supplied from the power source 6. Since the electric storage device 32 stores electric power from the power source 6 during a period when the battery 21 is not being charged, the electric storage device 32 stores electric power sufficiently even if the power source 6 has a small capacity. When the battery 21 is rapidly charged, the charging device 3 can rapidly charge the battery 21 using electric power discharged from the electric storage device 32. During rapid charging of the battery 21, electric power from the power source 6 is not used, but electric power discharged from the electric storage device 32 is used. Therefore, the charging device 3 can rapidly charge the battery 21 without depending on the capacity of the power source 6.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the charging device 3 receives a rapid charging request from the work vehicle 2, it rapid charges the battery 21 using power discharged from the power storage device 32. When the charging device 3 receives a normal charging request from the work vehicle 2, it normally charges the battery 21 using power from the power source 6. The charging device 3 can perform rapid charging or normal charging of the battery 21 based on the intention of the worker.

[0059] In this embodiment, whether or not quick charging is possible is determined by the determination unit 34C. If it is determined that quick charging is not possible, the charging control unit 34B causes the battery 21 to be normally charged based on the power from the power source 6 even if a quick charging request is acquired. Therefore, the battery 21 can be appropriately charged.

[0060] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the charging device 3 and the power source 6 may or may not be constantly connected to each other.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the work vehicle 2 is a forklift. The components described in the above embodiment are applicable to a work vehicle powered by a battery. For example, the work vehicle 2 may be a wheel loader, a hydraulic excavator, or a dump truck powered by a battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1...charging system, 2...work vehicle, 3...charging device, 4...management device, 5...detector, 6...power source, 7...power station, 8...plug, 9...cable, 21...battery, 22...connector, 23...input device, 24...alarm device, 26...control device, 26A...input data acquisition unit, 26B...alarm control unit, 26C...communication unit, 27...cable, 31...charger, 32...storage device, 33...converter, 34...control device, 34A...communication unit, 34B...charging control unit, 34C...determination unit.

Claims

1. A charger that is installed in an industrial facility including a factory or a warehouse and is capable of charging a battery of a work vehicle that operates in the industrial facility at a first charging speed or a second charging speed that is higher than the first charging speed; A storage battery that is installed in the industrial facility and stores electricity from a power source; a charge control unit that charges the battery based on electric power from the battery storage device when a charge request at the second charge rate is received from the work vehicle; a determination unit that determines whether or not charging is possible at the second charging rate, When the number of times the battery has been quickly charged at the second charging rate at which the battery has been discharged from the storage battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold, it is determined that the battery cannot be charged at the second charging rate based on the power from the storage battery. Charging device.

2. The capacitor is charged by the power source during a period when the charger is not charging the battery. The charging device according to claim 1 .

3. the charging control unit, when receiving a charging request at the first charging rate from the work vehicle, charges the battery based on electric power from the power source. The charging device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the determination unit determines that charging at the second charging rate is impossible, the charge control unit charges the battery at the first charging rate based on the power from the power source even if a charging request at the second charging rate is acquired. The charging device according to claim 3.

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