Work Machine

Abstract

To easily grasp the state of a battery.SOLUTION: The work machine includes an engine, a motor generator, the battery capable of storing electric power generated by the motor generator, a power storage measurement device capable of detecting the power storage residual quantity of the battery and of detecting the charge of the electric power into the battery and the discharge of the electric power therefrom, a control device for controlling the operation of the motor generator, the control device serving for allowing the operation of the motor generator on the basis of the power storage residual quantity, and an indicator capable of indicating the power storage residual quantity of the battery while showing the charge into the battery and the discharge from the battery in a different way from when indicating the power storage residual quantity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine such as a compact track loader or a skid steer loader. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a work machine such as a compact track loader. The working machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a machine body, an engine provided on the machine body, a hydraulic pump driven by the power of the engine, and a working device provided on the machine body and operable by hydraulic oil of the hydraulic pump. In recent years, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, hybrid working machines have been developed that include an electric motor in addition to an engine as a power source for operating the hydraulic pump. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-59734 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-206193 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Hybrid work machines are equipped with at least an electric motor, an inverter that controls the power of the electric motor, and a battery that stores the power. Unlike automobiles, work machines perform civil engineering work, construction work, agricultural work, etc., and therefore the control of the electric motor, inverter, battery, etc. must be considered from various perspectives different from those of automobiles, and new developments are required.

[0005] For example, there is a technology that displays the remaining charge of a battery with an indicator according to a preset ratio of the remaining charge, but when the battery capacity is large relative to the charging current or when the charging current is small relative to the battery capacity, it may take a long time for the indicator display to change. However, if a display device for displaying the battery status in addition to the remaining charge of the battery is added to the operation panel, etc., this may lead to an increase in the size of the operation panel, which may reduce the living space in the cabin.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems in the prior art, and has an object to provide a work machine that allows the state of the battery to be easily grasped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions. In one aspect of the present invention, a work machine includes an engine, a motor-generator capable of performing a first operation of operating as a motor using electric power and a second operation of operating as a generator using power from the engine, a battery capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor-generator, a power storage measuring device capable of detecting a remaining amount of electric power stored in the battery and of detecting charging of the electric power to the battery and discharging of the electric power, a control device for controlling operation of the motor-generator, the control device operating the motor-generator in either the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining amount of electric power stored, and an indicator capable of displaying the remaining amount of electric power stored in the battery and displaying charging to the battery and discharging from the battery in a manner different from the remaining amount of electric power stored. The storage battery measuring device detects that the battery is charging when an increase in the remaining charge is detected for the majority of the time within a specified time, and detects that the battery is discharging when a decrease in the remaining charge is detected for the majority of the time within a specified time.

[0008] The work machine includes an engine, a motor-generator capable of performing a first operation of operating as a motor using electric power and a second operation of operating as a generator using power from the engine, a battery capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor-generator, an electric power storage measuring device capable of detecting the remaining amount of electric power in the battery and of detecting the charging of the electric power to the battery and the discharging of the electric power, and a control device for controlling the operation of the motor-generator, the control device operating the motor-generator in either the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining amount of electric power, and an indicator capable of displaying the remaining amount of electric power in the battery and displaying charging to and discharging from the battery in a manner different from the remaining amount of electric power, the electric power storage measuring device determining a difference between an increase and decrease in the remaining amount of electric power within a predetermined time, and detecting that the charging is occurring when the increase is greater than the decrease, and detecting that the discharging is occurring when the increase is smaller than the decrease.

[0009] The working machine includes an engine, a motor / generator capable of performing a first operation in which it operates as a motor using electric power and a second operation in which it operates as a generator using power from the engine, a battery capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor / generator, a power storage measuring device capable of detecting the remaining amount of electric power stored in the battery and of detecting the charging of the electric power to the battery and the discharging of the electric power, a control device for controlling the operation of the motor / generator, the control device causing the motor / generator to operate in either the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining amount of electric power stored, and and an indicator capable of displaying the remaining amount of power stored in the battery and displaying charging to the battery and discharging from the battery in a manner different from the remaining amount of power stored, wherein the indicator has a plurality of display areas to which values ​​or ranges defined in stages are assigned for the storage capacity of the battery, and indicates the charging by causing a display area among the plurality of display areas corresponding to a current predetermined remaining amount of power to flash and a display area corresponding to a level below that level to light up, and indicates the discharging by causing a display area among the plurality of display areas corresponding to the lowest level to flash and a display area corresponding to a level higher than that level to light up.

[0010] At least one of the plurality of display areas indicates either the charging state or the discharging state in a color different from the color indicating the remaining charge amount. The first display area is changed to the different color when the power storage measurement device detects no increase or decrease in the remaining power storage capacity of the battery. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the working machine of the present invention, the battery state can be easily grasped. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fuselage according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of devices (apparatus) according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a view of the inside of the fuselage according to the first embodiment, seen from the right side. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of a rotating electric machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2 is a control block diagram of a rotating electric machine and an indicator according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows an indicator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 4 is a first diagram illustrating a change in display of an indicator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 11 is a second diagram illustrating a change in display of the indicator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a front view showing an indicator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit and an indicator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit and an indicator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a rotating electric machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit and a motion calculation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of a changeover switch, a drive calculation device, an upper limit setting device, and a rotating electric machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a table showing the relationship between the motor output and power consumption of the motor generator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of a drive time designation switch, a drive calculation device, an upper limit setting device, and a rotating electric machine according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a control flow of a rotating electric machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a control flow of a rotating electric machine according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall side view of the working machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an overall side view of a working machine 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 18 shows a compact track loader as an example of the working machine 1. However, the working machine 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to a compact track loader, and may be, for example, another type of loader working machine, such as a skid steer loader. Also, it may be a working machine other than a loader working machine.

[0014] The work machine 1 comprises a body 2, a work device 3 attached to the body 2, and a traveling device 4 that supports the body 2. In this embodiment, the front side (left side in FIG. 18) of a driver seated in the driver's seat 13 of the work machine 1 is referred to as the front, and the rear side of the driver (right side in FIG. 18) is referred to as the rear. The left side of the driver (near side in FIG. 18) is referred to as the left side, and the right side of the driver (far side in FIG. 18) is referred to as the right side. The direction perpendicular to the front and rear of the body 2 is referred to as the body width direction (width direction).

[0015] 18, a cabin 5 is mounted on the upper front portion of the aircraft body 2. The rear portion of the cabin 5 is supported by a bracket 11 of the aircraft body 2 so as to be able to swing freely around a support shaft 12. The front portion of the cabin 5 can be placed on the front portion of the aircraft body 2. A driver's seat 13 is provided in the cabin 5. A traveling operation device for operating the traveling device 4 is disposed on one side (for example, the left side) of the driver's seat 13. The traveling devices 4 are configured with crawler type traveling devices. The traveling devices 4 are provided on the left and right of the machine body 2. The traveling devices 4 have a first traveling section 21L and a second traveling section 21R that are hydraulically driven, and can travel by the first traveling section 21L and the second traveling section 21R.

[0016] The working device 3 includes a boom 22L, a boom 22R, and a bucket 23 (working tool) attached to the tip of the boom 22L and the boom 22R. The boom 22L is disposed on the left of the machine body 2. The boom 22R is disposed on the right of the machine body 2. The boom 22L and the boom 22R are connected to each other by a connector. The boom 22L and the boom 22R are supported by a first lift link 24 and a second lift link 25. A lift cylinder 26 consisting of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder is provided between the base side of the boom 22L and the boom 22R and the rear lower part of the machine body 2. The boom 22L and the boom 22R swing up and down by simultaneously extending and retracting the lift cylinder 26. The tip side of the boom 22L and the boom 22R are pivotally supported around a horizontal axis, respectively, and the back side of the bucket 23 is attached to the left and right mounting brackets 27.

[0017] Further, a tilt cylinder 28 consisting of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder is interposed between the mounting bracket 27 and the middle portion on the tip side of the boom 22L and the boom 22R. The bucket 23 swings (scoop and dump operation) due to the extension and contraction of the tilt cylinder 28. Bucket 23 is detachable from mounting bracket 27. By removing bucket 23 and attaching various attachments (hydraulic driven working tools having hydraulic actuators, described later) to mounting bracket 27, various works other than excavation (or other excavation works) can be performed.

[0018] Next, the aircraft 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the body 2 has a right frame portion 30, a left frame portion 31, a front frame portion 32, a bottom frame portion 33, and an upper frame portion . The right frame portion 30 constitutes the right portion of the body 2. The left frame portion 31 constitutes the left portion of the body 2. The front frame portion 32 constitutes the front portion of the body 2, and connects the front portions of the right frame portion 30 and the left frame portion 31 to each other. The bottom frame portion 33 constitutes the bottom portion of the body 2, and connects the lower portions of the right frame portion 30 and the left frame portion 31 to each other. The upper frame portion 34 constitutes the upper portion near the rear of the body 2, and connects the upper portions near the rear of the right frame portion 30 and the left frame portion 31 to each other.

[0019] The right frame portion 30 and the left frame portion 31 each have a main frame 40, a track frame 41, a motor mounting portion 42, and a frame 43. The track frame 41 is attached to the lower part of the outer surface of the main frame 40 via a mounting member 44. The motor mounting portion 42 is provided on the upper part of the outer surface of the main frame 40 near the rear. The frame 43 is attached to the rear of the main frame 40.

[0020] The frame 43 supports the booms 22L, 22R, etc. so that they can swing freely. The frame 43 has an inner wall 43a, an outer wall 43b, a front wall 43c, and a rear wall 43d. The inner wall 43a and the outer wall 43b are provided facing each other at a distance in the width direction of the machine body. The outer wall 43b is located outside the machine body of the inner wall 43a. The front wall 43c is provided in the middle of the main frame 40 in the width direction of the machine body, so that it protrudes not only inside the machine body of the main frame 40 but also outside the machine body. The part of the front wall 43c protruding outside the machine body forms a fender that covers the rear of the traveling device 4. The front wall 43c connects the front part of the inner wall 43a to the front part of the outer wall 43b. The rear wall 43d connects the rear part of the inner wall 43a to the rear part of the outer wall 43b.

[0021] The upper frame portion 34 has a first plate member 34a and a second plate member 34b. The first plate member 34a connects an upper portion of the right inner wall 43a to an upper portion of the left inner wall 43a. The first plate member 34a has an annular edge portion that forms the opening 35, and is provided at the rear of the cabin 5. The annular edge portion that forms the opening 35 is substantially rectangular. The second plate member 34b is a plate member extending rearward from the left rear end and the right rear end of the first plate member 34a. The left second plate member 34b extends rearward along the left inner wall 43a, and the outer side of the body is connected to the left inner wall 43a. The right second plate member 34b extends rearward along the right inner wall 43a, and the outer side of the body is connected to the right inner wall 43a. The left second plate member 34b and the right second plate member 34b are inclined downward so as to descend toward the rear. The upper frame portion 34 has a third plate member 34c. The third plate member 34c is a member extending downward from the front end of the first plate member 34a.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the aircraft body 2 is provided with a diesel engine (engine) 50, a particle removal device 51, a cooling fan 52, a radiator 53, a rotating electric machine 54, a drive device 55, and a battery 56. The particulate removal device 51 is a device that captures particulate matter including harmful substances in the exhaust gas (exhaust gas) from the engine 50, and is, for example, a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). The particulate removal device 51 is disposed at the front upper portion of the engine 50, and is supported by a bracket of the engine 50. The particulate removal device 51 can remove particulate matter by burning it, and at least the internal temperature becomes 600°C or higher during burning. The cooling fan 52 is a device that is rotated by being driven by the engine 50. The cooling fan 52 generates an airflow from the front to the rear of the cooling fan 52 by rotating, and can air-cool the engine 50. The second radiator 53 is disposed behind the cooling fan 52, and cools the coolant of the engine 50.

[0023] The rotating electric machine 54 is a motor-generator and is provided in front of the engine 50. The drive device 55 is a device driven by the engine 50 and / or the rotating electric machine 54, and mainly outputs power for work. Specifically, the drive device 55 is a hydraulic device. The hydraulic device 55 includes a plurality of pumps for supplying hydraulic oil to hydraulic devices mounted on the work machine. The hydraulic device 55 is provided in front of the rotating electric machine 54. The hydraulic device 55 includes a plurality of hydraulic pumps, for example, a first pump 55a, a second pump 55b, a third pump 55c, and a fourth pump 55d.

[0024] The first pump 55a is a hydraulic pump that constitutes part of an HST (hydrostatic continuously variable transmission). The second to fourth pumps 55b, 55c, 55d are constituted by fixed displacement gear pumps. The second pump 55b is a hydraulic pump for driving hydraulic actuators provided on the working implement 3 and hydraulic actuators of hydraulic attachments attached to the working implement 3. The third pump 55c is a hydraulic pump for increasing the amount of hydraulic oil supplied to the hydraulic actuators. The fourth pump 55d is a hydraulic pump for supplying pilot oil and replenishing hydraulic oil to the hydraulic circuit of the HST.

[0025] The battery 56 is an electric storage device capable of charging or discharging electric power, and is a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery or the like. Specifically, the battery 56 charges with electric power generated by the rotating electric machine 54 and supplies the charged electric power to the rotating electric machine 54 or the like. The battery 56 is provided in a location around the engine 50 where it can receive heat generated by the engine 50, such as on the left side, right side, above, below, or behind the engine 50. In this embodiment, the battery 56 is provided directly above the engine 50. The battery 56 may be a lithium-ion rechargeable battery or a capacitor.

[0026] Now, the work machine 1 can drive the hydraulic device 55 with the power of the engine 50, drive the hydraulic device 55 with both the engine 50 and the rotating electric machine 54, or generate electricity by operating the rotating electric machine 54 with the power of the engine 50. That is, the power of the work machine is transmitted by a parallel hybrid system. The power transmission structure of the engine 50 and the rotating electric machine 54 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, a flywheel housing 50b that houses a substantially disk-shaped flywheel 50a is provided at the front of the engine 50. The flywheel housing 50b has an outer periphery 50b1 that covers the outer periphery of the flywheel 50a, and a side wall 50b2 that covers the rear of the flywheel 50a and is fixed to the engine 50. A housing 54a is located on the opposite side (front) of the side wall 50b2, and the housing 54a is attached to the outer periphery 50b1. A crankshaft 50c of the engine 50 is connected to the rear of the flywheel 50a.

[0027] The rotating electric machine 54 is a motor generator, and employs a permanent magnet embedded three-phase AC synchronous motor as its drive system. The rotating electric machine 54 has a housing 54a, a connecting portion 54b connected to the flywheel 50a, a rotor 54c fixed to the connecting portion 54b, a stator 54d provided on the rotor 54c, and a water jacket 54e provided on the outside of the stator 54d.

[0028] The connecting portion 54b is formed in a cylindrical shape, and its rear end is attached to the flywheel 50a. An intermediate shaft 63 is provided inside the connecting portion 54b. A coupling 64 is provided at the rear end of the intermediate shaft 63, and the outside of the coupling 64 is connected to the flywheel 50a. In addition, a drive shaft 55e of the hydraulic device 55 is connected to the front end of the intermediate shaft 63.

[0029] Therefore, when the engine 50 is driven, the rotational power of the crankshaft 50c of the engine 50 is transmitted to the flywheel 50a, causing the flywheel 50a to rotate. As shown by an arrow P1 in Fig. 4, the rotational power of the flywheel 50a is transmitted from the coupling 64 to the intermediate shaft 63, and then from the intermediate shaft 63 to the drive shaft 55e of the hydraulic device 55, thereby driving the hydraulic device 55.

[0030] As shown by an arrow P2 in FIG. 4, the rotational power of the flywheel 50a is transmitted to the rotor 54c via the connecting portion 54b. Therefore, by transmitting the rotational power of the engine 50 to the rotor 54c (connecting portion 54b), the rotating electric machine 54 can be operated as a generator. Meanwhile, by supplying the electric power stored in the battery 56 to the stator 54d, the rotor 54c can be rotated. As shown by an arrow P3 in FIG. 4, the rotational power of the rotor 54c can be transmitted to the flywheel 50a via the connecting portion 54b. Therefore, the rotating electric machine 54 can be operated as an electric motor (motor) to assist the engine 50.

[0031] Next, control of the rotating electric machine (motor-generator) 54 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the rotating electric machine 54 and the indicator 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotating electric machine 54 is connected to a power control device (also simply referred to as a control device) 57. The power control device 57 is composed of an electric / electronic circuit, a CPU, and the like. The power control device 57 is a device that controls the operation of the rotating electric machine 54. For example, as described above, the power control device 57 operates the rotating electric machine 54 as a motor or as a generator. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an operation in which the rotating electric machine 54 operates as a motor is referred to as a "first operation", and an operation in which the rotating electric machine 54 operates as a generator is referred to as a "second operation". In this embodiment, the power control device 57 sets the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining charge of the battery 56.

[0032] The configuration and control of the power control device (control device) 57 will be described in detail below. The control device 57 has an inverter 59 and a control unit 60. A power storage measuring device 201 capable of detecting the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56, i.e., the remaining capacity of power stored in the battery 56, is connected to the control device 57. The power storage measuring device 201 is provided in the battery 56. The inverter 59 has, for example, a plurality of switching elements, and converts direct current into alternating current by switching the switching elements, etc. The inverter 59 is connected to the rotating electric machine 54 and the battery 56.

[0033] The control unit 60 is composed of electric and electronic components, a CPU, etc. The control unit 60 sets the first operation and the second operation by controlling the inverter 59. Specifically, the control unit 60 (control device 57) sets the first operation when the remaining amount of charge detected by the charge measuring device 201 is equal to or greater than a predetermined charge threshold. Here, the charge threshold is set in a high charging range in consideration of suppressing deterioration of the battery 56, and is set to, for example, 90% of the maximum charge capacity (referred to as maximum capacity) of the battery 56. The charge threshold is stored in the control unit 60.

[0034] For example, the control device 57 (control unit 60) can set a first operation to assist the engine 50 when the remaining charge in the battery 56 is equal to or greater than a predetermined charge threshold, and can set a second operation to charge when the remaining charge is less than the threshold. Note that the control device 57 (control unit 60) is only required to be able to set the device to perform the first operation and the second operation based on the power storage threshold, and the control is not limited to the above control. In the above embodiment, the power storage threshold is described as being determined in advance, but the power storage threshold may be changeable. A power storage setting switch 202 for setting the power storage threshold is set in the control unit 60. The power storage setting switch 202 is provided near the driver's seat 13 and can be operated by an operator seated in the driver's seat 13.

[0035] Therefore, by changing the power storage threshold value with the power storage setting switch 202, it is possible to change the region between the assist by the rotating electric machine 54 and the power generation (charging) by the rotating electric machine 54. For example, when the remaining amount of power storage is low, charging of the battery 56 can be actively performed, and when the remaining amount of power storage is high, assistance by the rotating electric machine 54 can be actively performed. Furthermore, by the worker setting the power storage setting switch 202 in accordance with the work of the work machine 1, it is possible to arbitrarily set the timing of assistance by the rotating electric machine 54 in accordance with the work of the work machine 1, and the workability of the work machine 1 can be improved.

[0036] The control unit 60 of the power control device (control device) 57 will be further described below with reference to Figs. 5 to 10. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 60 is connected to an indicator 100. The indicator 100 is a display device that displays information related to the work machine 1, and is configured to display the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery 56 under the control of the control unit 60 in particular. The indicator 100 is a display device that is generally provided in the work machine 1. For example, the indicator 100 may be a display device that displays the remaining amount of electricity stored in the battery 56 of the engine 50 or the remaining amount of fuel, and may be a display device that switches between displaying the remaining amount of electricity and the remaining amount of fuel. The indicator 100 is provided, for example, inside the cabin 5 and is arranged in a position where it can be easily seen by an operator seated in the driver's seat 13, such as around the driver's seat 13.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, the indicator 100 has a plurality of display areas to which values ​​or ranges defined in stages are assigned to the storage capacity of the battery 56. The configuration of the indicator 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6. The indicator 100 displays the current remaining amount of stored power of the battery 56 in a range from 0% (E) to 100% (F). For example, the indicator 100 shown in FIG. 6 is configured with six display areas ranging from 0% (E: Empty) to 100% (F: Full) indicating the percentage of the remaining amount of stored power. The six display areas correspond to levels 1 to 6 defined in six stages according to the percentage of the remaining amount of stored power. Specifically, the indicator 100 includes a first display region 100a corresponding to level 1, a second display region 100b corresponding to level 2, a third display region 100c corresponding to level 3, a fourth display region 100d corresponding to level 4, a fifth display region 100e corresponding to level 5, and a sixth display region 100f corresponding to level 6.

[0038] For example, level 1 corresponds to a remaining charge of less than 20%, level 2 corresponds to a remaining charge of 20% or more but less than 40%, level 3 corresponds to a remaining charge of 40% or more but less than 60%, level 4 corresponds to a remaining charge of 60% or more but less than 80%, level 5 corresponds to a remaining charge of 80% or more but less than 90%, and level 6 corresponds to a remaining charge of 90% or more. Each display area (first display area 100a to sixth display area 100f) is composed of an independent light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a liquid crystal panel, or an organic electroluminescence. Each display area is preferably composed of a light emitting element that can change brightness or color when lit.

[0039] For example, when the remaining amount of stored power is level 1, the indicator 100 lights up the first display area 100a to indicate that the percentage of the remaining amount of stored power is less than 20%. When the remaining amount of stored power is level 2, the indicator 100 lights up the second display area 100b in addition to the first display area 100a to indicate that the percentage of the remaining amount of stored power is 20% or more and less than 40%. When the remaining amount of stored power is level 3, the indicator 100 lights up the third display area 100c in addition to the first and second display areas 100a and 100b to indicate that the percentage of the remaining amount of stored power is 40% or more and less than 60%. When the remaining amount of stored power is level 4, the indicator 100 lights up the fourth display area 100d in addition to the first to third display areas 100a to 100c to indicate that the percentage of the remaining amount of stored power is 60% or more and less than 80%. When the remaining amount of stored power is level 5, indicator 100 indicates that the percentage of the remaining amount of stored power is 80% or more and less than 90% by lighting up fifth display area 100e in addition to first display area 100a to fourth display area 100d. When the remaining amount of stored power is level 6, indicator 100 indicates that the percentage of the remaining amount of stored power is 90% or more by lighting up sixth display area 100f in addition to first display area 100a to fifth display area 100e.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the indicator 100 is configured with six display areas ranging from 0% (E: Empty) to 100% (F: Full) indicating the percentage of remaining charge. However, the number of display areas is not limited to six, and may be, for example, four or ten, and the configuration is not limited to the above configuration. The indicator 100 is controlled by the control unit 60. The control unit 60 acquires the remaining charge of the battery 56 from the power storage measuring device 201. The control unit 60 outputs a signal to the indicator 100 instructing a change in the display of the display area according to a stage (level) corresponding to the acquired remaining charge. When the signal is input from the control unit 60, the indicator 100 changes the display of the display area corresponding to the stage (level) corresponding to the remaining charge and the display area corresponding to stages below that stage.

[0041] Hereinafter, the display change of the indicator 100 by the control unit 60 will be described, taking as an example a case where the remaining charge amount acquired by the control unit 60 from the power storage measuring device 201 is 70% and corresponds to level 4. When the remaining charge amount acquired from the power storage measuring device 201 is 70%, that is, when the remaining charge amount corresponds to level 4, the control unit 60 outputs a signal to the indicator 100 to instruct the indicator 100 to change the display of the first display area 100a to the fourth display area 100d. When the signal is input from the control unit 60, the indicator 100 changes the display of the first display area 100a to the fourth display area 100d as shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the control unit 60 controls the indicator 100, and the indicator 100 lights up the first display area 100a to the fourth display area 100d with approximately the same brightness and color. As described above, the display mode of the indicator 100 in which the display areas indicating the stages (levels) are lighted up with approximately the same brightness and color is sometimes referred to as the first display mode.

[0042] Here, when the power storage measuring device 201 detects that the battery 56 is being charged, it outputs a signal indicating that the battery 56 is being charged to the control unit 60. Hereinafter, a signal output from the power storage measuring device 201 to the control unit 60 when the battery 56 is being charged will be referred to as a charging signal. The charging signal is a signal indicating a response that the battery 56 is being charged by the control unit 60 controlling the inverter 59 (second operation). When the charging signal is input from the power storage measuring device 201, the control unit 60 controls the indicator 100 to change the display of the indicator 100.

[0043] Specifically, when a charging signal is input from the power storage measuring device 201, the control unit 60 controls the indicator 100 to blink a display area corresponding to a stage (level) of the current remaining amount of power. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 7A, the control unit 60 controls the indicator 100 to blink a fourth display area 100d corresponding to level 4, which is the current remaining amount of power. In this way, the indicator 100 indicates that the current remaining amount of power is level 4 and that the battery 56 is currently being charged. Note that the control unit 60 may refer to a display mode in which the indicator 100 blinks a display area corresponding to a stage (level) of the current remaining amount of power when a charging signal is input from the power storage measuring device 201 as a second display mode.

[0044] Furthermore, when the power storage measuring device 201 detects that the battery 56 is discharging, it outputs a signal indicating that the battery 56 is discharging to the control unit 60. Hereinafter, a signal that the power storage measuring device 201 outputs to the control unit 60 when the battery 56 is discharging is referred to as a discharging signal. When the discharging signal is input from the power storage measuring device 201, the control unit 60 controls the indicator 100 to change the display of the indicator 100. The discharging signal is a signal indicating a response that the battery 56 is discharging by the control unit 60 controlling the inverter 59 (first operation).

[0045] Specifically, when the control unit 60 receives a discharging signal from the power storage measuring device 201, the control unit 60 controls the indicator 100 to blink a display area corresponding to the lowest level of remaining charge. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 7B, the control unit 60 controls the indicator 100 to blink a first display area 100a corresponding to level 1, which is the lowest level of remaining charge. This allows the indicator 100 to display both the current remaining charge and the fact that the battery 56 is currently discharging. Note that the display mode in which the indicator 100 blinks a display area corresponding to the lowest level of remaining charge when a discharging signal is received from the power storage measuring device 201 may be referred to as a third display mode.

[0046] That is, when the control unit 60 controls the indicator 100 so that the indicator 100 does not switch to the second or third display mode, i.e., when the indicator 100 is in the first display mode, the indicator 100 indicates that the battery 56 is neither charging nor discharging (referred to as a charge / discharge balance). Therefore, when the indicator 100 is in the first display mode, the indicator 100 only lights up the display area corresponding to the current remaining charge and the display area of ​​a level lower than the current remaining charge, and does not change the display mode of any of the display areas.

[0047] In the above description, a configuration has been described in which the power storage measuring device 201 outputs a charging signal and a discharging signal to the control unit 60. However, the power storage measuring device 201 may not output a charging signal and a discharging signal to the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 may be able to determine whether the battery 56 is being charged or discharged without relying on the charging signal and the discharging signal, and the method of determination is not limited to the above-described method.

[0048] Specifically, for example, the control unit 60 periodically acquires the remaining charge of the battery 56 from the charge measurement device 201 at regular time intervals. The control unit 60 compares the acquired remaining charge (n=a) with the previously acquired remaining charge (n=a-1) to detect an increase or decrease. If the remaining charge has increased, the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is charging, and changes the display of the indicator 100 to the second display mode. Conversely, if the remaining charge has decreased, the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is discharging, and changes the display of the indicator 100 to the third display mode.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 60 may detect an increase or decrease in the battery 56 by referring to a plurality of consecutive remaining amounts of power (n=1, 2, 3,...a) in chronological order, and determine whether the battery 56 is being charged or discharged. In such a case, the control unit 60 detects an increase or decrease in the battery 56 by, for example, comparing moving averages of the plurality of remaining amounts of power. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the operations of the control unit 60 and the indicator 100 when performing displays in the above-mentioned first to third display modes will be further described. First, the control unit 60 determines whether the battery 56 is being charged (step S10). Specifically, the control unit 60 determines whether the battery 56 is being charged based on whether a charging signal is input from the power storage measuring device 201 and / or whether the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56 is increasing.

[0050] In step S10, when the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is being charged (step S10, Yes), it outputs a signal to the indicator 100 to instruct the indicator 100 to change the display of the display area, and the indicator 100 changes to the second display mode (step S20). Specifically, the indicator 100 blinks the display area corresponding to the stage (level) of the current remaining charge (charge level) based on the signal input from the control unit 60. When the indicator 100 displays in the second display mode (step S20), the control unit 60 determines whether the engine 50 is stopped (step S30).

[0051] If the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is not stopped (step S30, No), the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is stopped (step S30, Yes), the process ends. Furthermore, in step S10, when the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is not being charged (step S10, No), it determines whether or not the battery 56 is being discharged (step S40). Specifically, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the battery 56 is being discharged based on whether or not a discharging signal has been input from the power storage measuring device 201 and / or whether or not the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56 is decreasing.

[0052] In step S40, when the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is discharging (step S40, Yes), it outputs a signal to the indicator 100 to instruct the indicator 100 to change the display of the display area, and the indicator 100 changes to the third display form (step S50). Specifically, the control unit 60 outputs a signal to the indicator 100, and causes the display area corresponding to the lowest remaining charge (charge level) to flash. When the indicator 100 displays in the third display mode (step S50), the control unit 60 determines whether or not the engine 50 is stopped (step S30).

[0053] If the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is not stopped (step S30, No), the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is stopped (step S10, Yes), the process ends. Also, in step S40, if the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is not discharging (step S40, No), it determines that the battery 56 is neither charging nor discharging (charge / discharge balance), and outputs a signal to the indicator 100 to instruct it to change the display of the display area, and the indicator 100 changes to the first display form (step S60). When the indicator 100 displays in the first display mode (step S60), the control unit 60 determines whether or not the engine 50 is stopped (step S30).

[0054] If the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is not stopped (step S30, No), the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is stopped (step S30, Yes), the process ends. In addition to changing the display by flashing the display area as in the second and third display modes, indicator 100 may also change the display mode by changing the color of the display area or the brightness of the display area.

[0055] Hereinafter, a modified example of the operation of the indicator 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Similar to Figs. 7A and 7B, Fig. 8 shows a case where the remaining charge acquired by the control unit 60 from the charge storage measuring device 201 is 70%, which corresponds to level 4. In Fig. 8, the upper part shows a configuration in which the indicator 100 displays in two colors, and the lower part shows a configuration in which the indicator 100 displays in three colors.

[0056] First, a case where the indicator 100 has a configuration for performing two-color display will be described. As in Fig. 6, when a signal is input from the control unit 60, the indicator 100 changes the display of the display area corresponding to the level of remaining charge and the display area corresponding to a level lower than that level. That is, even in the example shown in the upper part of Fig. 8, the indicator 100 changes the display of the first display area 100a to the fourth display area 100d according to the current level 4 of the remaining charge. At this time, the indicator 100 displays each of the display areas of levels 1 to 4 with approximately the same brightness and color.

[0057] When the battery 56 is in a state of charge / discharge amount balance and the power storage measuring device 201 does not output a charging signal or a discharging signal to the control unit 60, or when the control unit 60 does not detect an increase or decrease in the remaining amount of charge of the battery 56, the indicator 100 lights up and displays a display area corresponding to a stage (level) of the remaining amount of charge and a display area corresponding to a stage below that stage in a color (first color) indicating stop of charging / discharging (first display form). That is, the indicator 100 lights up in a color (first color) indicating stop of charging / discharging (balance of charge / discharge amount) shown in the right diagram in the upper part of FIG. 8. The first color is, for example, blue.

[0058] Also, when the battery 56 is being charged and the power storage measuring device 201 outputs a charging signal to the control unit 60, or when the control unit 60 detects an increase in the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56, the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining amount of power stored and the display area corresponding to the level less than that level in a color (first color) indicating that charging is in progress (second display form). More specifically, in the second display form, as in the case described in FIG. 7A, the indicator 100 blinks the display area corresponding to the current level of the remaining amount of power stored and lights up the display area corresponding to the level less than that level. That is, in the example shown in the upper left diagram of FIG. 8, the indicator 100 blinks the fourth display area 100d corresponding to level 4, which is the current remaining amount of power stored.

[0059] When the battery 56 is discharging and the power storage measuring device 201 outputs a discharging signal to the control unit 60, or when the control unit 60 detects a decrease in the remaining amount of power of the battery 56, the indicator 100 lights up and displays a display area corresponding to a stage (level) corresponding to the remaining amount of power and a display area corresponding to a stage lower than the stage in a color (second color) indicating discharging (third display mode). The second color is a color different from the first color, for example, orange. In addition, in the third display mode, when the remaining amount of power is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the indicator 100 may blink the first display area 100a corresponding to level 1, which is the lowest remaining amount of power, as in the case described in FIG. 7B. That is, in the example shown in the middle diagram in the upper part of FIG. 8, the indicator 100 blinks the first display area 100a corresponding to level 1, which is the lowest remaining amount of power.

[0060] In this way, when indicator 100 has a configuration for two-color display, the display area when battery 56 is discharging can be lit in a color different from the color lit when battery 56 is not discharging. This allows indicator 100 to effectively notify the operator that battery 56 is discharging. Next, a case where the indicator 100 has a configuration for performing three-color display will be described. As in Fig. 6, when a signal is input from the control unit 60, the indicator 100 changes the display of the display area corresponding to the level of remaining charge and the display area corresponding to a level lower than that level. That is, even in the example shown in the lower part of Fig. 8, the indicator 100 changes the display of the first display area 100a to the fourth display area 100d according to the current remaining charge level 4. At this time, the indicator 100 displays each of the display areas of levels 1 to 4 with approximately the same brightness and color.

[0061] When the battery 56 is in a state of charge / discharge amount balance and the power storage measuring device 201 does not output a charging signal or a discharging signal to the control unit 60, or when the control unit 60 does not detect an increase or decrease in the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56, the indicator 100 lights up and displays a display area corresponding to a stage (level) of the remaining amount of power stored and a display area corresponding to a stage below that stage in a color (first color) indicating stop of charging / discharging (first display form). That is, the indicator 100 lights up in a color (first color) indicating stop of charging / discharging (balance of charge / discharge amount) shown in the right diagram in the lower part of FIG. 8. The first color is, for example, white.

[0062] Also, when the battery 56 is being charged and the power storage measuring device 201 outputs a charging signal to the control unit 60, or when the control unit 60 detects an increase in the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56, the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining amount of power stored and the display area corresponding to the level less than the level in a color (second color) indicating that charging is in progress (second display mode). The second color is a color different from the first color, and is displayed in blue, for example. More specifically, in the second display mode, as in the case described in FIG. 7A, the indicator 100 blinks the display area corresponding to the level that is the current remaining amount of power stored, and lights up the display area corresponding to the level less than the level. That is, in the example shown in the lower left diagram of FIG. 8, the indicator 100 blinks the fourth display area 100d corresponding to level 4, which is the current remaining amount of power stored.

[0063] When the battery 56 is discharging and the power storage measuring device 201 outputs a discharging signal to the control unit 60, or when the control unit 60 detects a decrease in the remaining amount of power of the battery 56, the indicator 100 lights up and displays a display area corresponding to a level corresponding to the remaining amount of power and a display area corresponding to a level lower than the level in a color indicating discharging (third color) (third display mode). The third color is a color different from the first and second colors, and is displayed, for example, in orange. In the third display mode, when the remaining amount of power is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the indicator 100 may blink the first display area 100a corresponding to level 1, which is the lowest remaining amount of power, as in the case described in FIG. 7B. That is, in the example shown in the middle diagram in the lower part of FIG. 8, the indicator 100 blinks the first display area 100a corresponding to level 1, which is the lowest remaining amount of power.

[0064] In this way, when the indicator 100 has a configuration for displaying in three colors, the display area when the battery 56 is charging, the display area when the battery 56 is discharging, and the display area when the charge / discharge amount is balanced can be lit in different colors. This allows the indicator 100 to effectively display the three states of the battery 56 (i.e., charging, discharging, and charge / discharge amount balance) to the operator.

[0065] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, the operation of the control unit 60 and the indicator 100 when performing the above-mentioned two-color display or three-color display will be described. First, the control unit 60 determines whether the battery 56 is being charged (step S110). Specifically, the control unit 60 determines whether the battery 56 is being charged based on whether a charging signal is input from the power storage measuring device 201 and / or whether the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56 is increasing.

[0066] In step S110, when the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is being charged (step S110, Yes), the control unit 60 outputs a signal to the indicator 100 to instruct the indicator 100 to change the display of the display area, and the indicator 100 changes to the second display mode. Specifically, the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining amount of charge and the display area corresponding to the level less than the level in a color corresponding to charging based on the signal input from the control unit 60 (step S120). That is, when the indicator 100 described above has a two-color display, the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining amount of charge and the display area corresponding to the level less than the level in a first color. On the other hand, when the indicator 100 has a three-color display, the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining amount of charge and the display area corresponding to the level less than the level in a second color.

[0067] Furthermore, when the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of remaining charge and the display area corresponding to a level below that level in the corresponding color during charging (step S120), the indicator 100 flashes the display area corresponding to the current level of remaining charge (step S130). When the indicator 100 changes to the second display mode and the display area corresponding to the current level of remaining charge flashes (steps S120, S130), the control unit 60 determines whether the engine 50 is stopped (step S140).

[0068] If the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is not stopped (step S140, No), the process returns to step S110. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is stopped (step S140, Yes), the process ends. Furthermore, in step S110, when the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is not being charged (step S110, No), the control unit 60 determines whether or not the battery 56 is being discharged (step S150). Specifically, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the battery 56 is being discharged based on whether or not a discharging signal has been input from the power storage measuring device 201 and / or whether or not the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56 is decreasing.

[0069] In step S150, when the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is discharging (step S150, Yes), the control unit 60 outputs a signal to the indicator 100 to instruct the indicator 100 to change the display of the display area, and the indicator 100 changes to the third display mode. Specifically, the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining amount of electricity and the display area corresponding to the level less than the level in a color corresponding to discharging based on the signal input from the control unit 60 (step S160). That is, when the indicator 100 described above has a two-color display, the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining amount of electricity and the display area corresponding to the level less than the level in a second color. On the other hand, when the indicator 100 has a three-color display, the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining amount of electricity and the display area corresponding to the level less than the level in a third color.

[0070] Furthermore, when the indicator 100 displays the display area corresponding to the level of remaining charge and the display area corresponding to levels below that level in a color corresponding to discharging (step S160), the control unit 60 determines whether the remaining charge of the battery 56 obtained from the charge measuring device 201 is below a predetermined value (step S170). When the control unit 60 determines that the remaining charge of the battery 56 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (Yes in step S170), the control unit 60 outputs a signal to the indicator 100 to cause the display area corresponding to the lowest remaining charge to flash (step S180).

[0071] When the control unit 60 determines that the remaining charge of the battery 56 is less than a predetermined value (step S170, No), or when the indicator 100 changes to the third display form and causes the display area corresponding to the lowest remaining charge to flash (step S180), the control unit 60 determines whether the engine 50 is stopped (step S140). If the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is not stopped (step S140, No), the process returns to step S110. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is stopped (step S140, Yes), the process ends.

[0072] Furthermore, in step S150, when the control unit 60 determines that the battery 56 is not discharging (step S150, No), it determines that the battery 56 is neither charging nor discharging (charge / discharge balance), outputs a signal to the indicator 100 to instruct the indicator 100 to change the display of the display area, and the indicator 100 changes to the first display mode (step S190). Specifically, based on the signal input from the control unit 60, the indicator 100 lights up and displays the display area corresponding to the level of the remaining charge and the display area corresponding to the level below that level in a color (first color) indicating that charging and discharging are stopped.

[0073] When the indicator 100 changes to the first display mode (step S190), the control unit 60 determines whether or not the engine 50 is stopped (step S140). If the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is not stopped (step S140, No), the process returns to step S110. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 determines that the engine 50 is stopped (step S140, Yes), the process ends.

[0074] The above-mentioned work machine 1 comprises an engine 50, a motor-generator 54 capable of performing a first operation in which it operates as a motor using electric power and a second operation in which it operates as a generator using the power of the engine 50, a battery 56 capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor-generator 54, an electric power storage measuring device 201 capable of detecting the remaining amount of electric power stored in the battery 56 and of detecting the charging of electric power to the battery 56 and the discharging of the electric power, a control device 57 that controls the operation of the motor-generator 54 and operates the motor-generator 54 in either the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining amount of electric power stored, and an indicator 100 capable of displaying the remaining amount of electric power stored in the battery 56 and displaying the charging of the battery 56 and the discharging of the battery 56 in a manner different from the remaining amount of electric power stored.

[0075] According to this configuration, the charge state and discharge state of the battery 56 can be displayed by the indicator 100 without providing a new display device in addition to the display device that displays the remaining amount of charge in the battery 56 . The indicator 100 may have multiple display regions that are assigned progressively defined values ​​or ranges for the remaining charge of the battery 56 . According to this configuration, the charged and discharged states of the battery 56 can be indicated by step-by-step amounts or values. At least one of the display areas may indicate the remaining charge, or a charging or discharging state by lighting, blinking, or turning off.

[0076] With this configuration, it is possible to display one of the states of remaining charge, charging, and discharging without using all of the multiple display areas, and it is possible to display at least one of the remaining states of remaining charge, charging, and discharging using at least the remaining display areas. Of the multiple display areas, the display area that lights up in accordance with the current predetermined remaining charge level may blink when the device is in either a charging or discharging state. According to this configuration, by using at least one of the plurality of display areas, the current remaining amount of stored power can be displayed overlaid on the display of either the charging or discharging state.

[0077] Of the plurality of display areas, the display area that lights up corresponding to the lowest predetermined remaining charge level may blink when the battery is in either a charging or discharging state. According to this configuration, it is possible to display whether the battery is currently being charged or discharged, in addition to displaying the remaining amount of stored power. The indicator 100 has a number of display areas to which progressively defined values ​​or ranges are assigned for the remaining charge of the battery 56, and at least one of the multiple display areas may indicate either the charging or discharging state in a color different from the color indicating the remaining charge.

[0078] According to this configuration, it is possible to display whether the battery is currently being charged or discharged, in addition to displaying the remaining amount of stored power. At least one of the display areas may be changed to a different color when the power storage measuring device 201 does not detect an increase or decrease in the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 56. According to this configuration, not only can the current state of charging or discharging be displayed over the remaining charge, but also a state that is neither charging nor discharging can be displayed in a form different from charging and discharging.

[0079] The power storage measuring device 201 may detect an increase or decrease in the remaining charge of the battery 56 by detecting that the battery 56 is charging when an increase in the remaining charge is detected for the majority of the time within a specified time, and may detect that the battery 56 is discharging when a decrease in the remaining charge is detected for the majority of the time within a specified time. According to this configuration, the determination of whether the battery is charging or discharging can be made not based on momentary fluctuations in the remaining charge, but based on detection of fluctuations in the remaining charge over a certain period of time, so that it is possible to more accurately display whether the battery is charging or discharging by eliminating momentary fluctuations.

[0080] The energy storage measuring device 201 may calculate the difference between the amount of increase and decrease in the remaining amount of energy stored within a specified period of time, and detect that charging is occurring when the amount of increase is greater than the amount of decrease, and detect that discharging is occurring when the amount of increase is smaller than the amount of decrease. According to this configuration, the determination of whether the battery is charging or discharging can be made not based on momentary fluctuations in the remaining charge, but based on the trend of fluctuations in the remaining charge over a certain period of time. Therefore, whether the battery is charging or discharging can be displayed as a charging trend or discharging trend that eliminates momentary fluctuations.

[0081] Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In the second embodiment, components similar to those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference symbols as those used in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. 11 is a control block diagram of the rotating electric machine 54 according to this embodiment. The control unit 60 according to this embodiment includes a motion calculation device 610a. The motion calculation device 610a is composed of electric and electronic circuits provided in the control unit 60 (control device 57), a program stored in a CPU, etc.

[0082] The motion calculation device 610a is a device that calculates a continuous operation time during which the rotating electric machine 54 can be operated as a motor or a generator based on the remaining charge of the battery 56 to continue the assist by the first operation, that is, the predetermined operation of the work machine 1 can be continued. In other words, the predetermined operation is a series of operations patterned with individual operations in which the rotating electric machine (motor-generator) 54 operates in either the first operation (operation in which the rotating electric machine 54 operates as a motor) or the second operation (operation in which the rotating electric machine 54 operates as a generator). In other words, the motion calculation device 610a calculates the time during which the patterned series of operations can be repeated as the continuous operation time. For this reason, the motion calculation device 610a is a device that calculates the continuous operation time, which is the time during which the rotating electric machine 54 can continuously repeat a series of operations including an operation in which the rotating electric machine 54 assists the engine 50, based on the remaining charge of the battery 56.

[0083] In this series of operations, the rotating electric machine 54 not only operates as a motor to assist the engine 50 (first operation), but also operates as a generator using the surplus power of the engine 50 to generate electricity and charge the battery (second operation) when it is not necessary to assist the engine 50. Usually, a predetermined operation (series of operations) performed by the work machine 1 is a combination of an operation in which the rotating electric machine 54 operates as a motor and an operation in which the rotating electric machine 54 operates as a generator. Therefore, the continuous operation time in this embodiment includes a time during which the rotating electric machine 54 operates as a motor and a time during which the rotating electric machine 54 operates as a generator. However, the operation calculation device 610a may simply calculate only the time during which the rotating electric machine 54 can operate as a motor, without considering operating the rotating electric machine 54 as a generator to charge the battery.

[0084] The configuration of the motion calculation device 610a will be further described below. The continuous operation time in this embodiment refers to the time during which a patterned series of tasks that are repeatedly performed while the rotating electric machine 54 is operated as a motor or generator can be continuously repeated. Note that, depending on the series of tasks, there may be cases where the rotating electric machine 54 cannot be operated as a generator. The motion calculation device 610a has a timer unit 610a1 that detects the operation time required for this patterned series of tasks, and obtains an integrated value of the amount of power consumed in this series of tasks.

[0085] The operation calculation device 610a compares the accumulated value of the power consumption obtained with the remaining charge of the battery 56 obtained from the power storage measurement device 201 of the battery 56 to calculate the number of times the series of operations can be repeated. Specifically, the remaining charge of the battery 56 may be divided by the accumulated value of the power consumption. For example, in the case of transporting earth and sand with a compact track loader, the control unit 60 controls the inverter 59 to operate the rotating electric machine 54 as a motor to assist in lifting the earth and sand (first operation). On the other hand, in the case of driving the traveling device 4 to perform traveling work, the control unit 60 controls the inverter 59 to operate the rotating electric machine 54 as a generator to charge the battery (second operation). In such a case, the operation calculation device 610a may calculate the number of times the series of operations can be repeated by dividing the remaining charge of the battery 56 by the accumulated value of the power consumption (power consumption) without considering the charging. Moreover, the action calculation device 610a may take charging into consideration and calculate the number of times a series of tasks can be repeated by dividing the remaining amount of stored power by the difference between the amount of power consumption and the amount of charge.

[0086] Then, the motion calculation device 610a multiplies the operation time required for the series of operations detected by the timer unit 610a1 by the calculated number of repetitions to calculate the time during which the series of operations can be continuously repeated. The motion calculation device 610a outputs the calculated time to the display device 120 as the continuous operation time. The control unit 60 is connected to the display device 120. The display device 120 is a device that acquires the continuous motion time calculated by the motion calculation device 610a from the control unit 60 and displays it. The display device 120 is provided, for example, in the cabin 5, and is arranged in a position where the operator of the work machine 1 can easily see it, such as around the driver's seat 13.

[0087] The display device 120 acquires and displays the continuous motion time output by the motion calculation device 610a. The operator of the work machine 1 can know the time during which the current series of tasks can be continued from the continuous motion time displayed on the display device 120. In the above description, the motion calculation device 610a acquires an integrated value of the amount of power consumption consumed in a series of tasks (total load of the motor / generator) based on the difference between the amount of power consumption when the rotating electric machine 54 is operated as a motor and the amount of power generation (amount of charge to the battery) when the rotating electric machine is operated as a generator. However, the motion calculation device 610a may calculate a difference in the remaining storage amount, which is the difference between the remaining storage amount (first remaining storage amount) at the start of the series of tasks and the remaining storage amount (second remaining storage amount) at the end of the series of tasks, and acquire the calculated difference in the remaining storage amount as the integrated value of the amount of power consumption (total load of the motor / generator). do.

[0088] 11, the motion calculation device 610a is connected to a calculation switch 160 that specifies the start and end of a series of tasks. The calculation switch 160 is, for example, an alternate switch. When it detects that the calculation switch 160, which is an alternate switch, is pressed down (ON), the control unit 60 starts measuring the task time using the timer unit 610a1, and the motion calculation device 610a determines that a series of tasks has started and starts measuring the integrated value of the power consumption minus the charge amount (total load of the motor / generator).

[0089] When the calculation switch 160, which is an alternate type switch, is released (turned OFF), the control unit 60 stops measuring the work time using the timing unit 610a1, and the operation calculation device 610a determines that the series of tasks has ended and stops measuring the integrated value of the power consumption minus the charging amount (total load of the motor / generator). The control unit 60 and the motion calculation device 610a can obtain the integrated value of the work time and power consumption of a series of tasks (total load of the motor / generator) through such measurements by the timer unit 610a1 and the operation of the calculation switch 160. However, the calculation switch 160 for obtaining the integrated value of the work time and power consumption of a series of tasks is not limited to an alternate type switch, but may have a configuration capable of designating the start and end of a series of tasks. Furthermore, it is not limited to a physical switch such as an alternate type switch, but may be a soft switch configured by computer software. The soft switch may be displayed on the display device 120.

[0090] If the operation time set by operating the calculation switch 160 is shorter than a predetermined time (threshold), there is a possibility that the total load amount varies for each series of operations. If there is variation in the total load amount, there will also be variation in the charge amount, power consumption, and integrated value of power consumption taking the charge amount into account for each series of operations. Therefore, it becomes impossible to ensure the accuracy of the calculated continuous operation time.

[0091] Therefore, when the operation time set by the operation of the calculation switch 160 is less than a predetermined time (threshold), the operation calculation device 610a does not calculate the continuous operation time, and notifies the operator that the continuous operation time cannot be calculated by sounding the audio notification unit 170 such as a buzzer provided in the power control device 57 or the display device 120. At this time, the operation calculation device 610a holds the previously calculated continuous operation time without updating it.

[0092] The threshold value, which is the predetermined time, is stored in the threshold value storage unit 610a2. The threshold value storage unit 610a2 is a non-volatile memory or the like, and is, for example, a part of a storage area of ​​the control device 57. The threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 610a2 may be changeable by the threshold value setting unit 610a3. The threshold value setting unit 610a3 is composed of an electric / electronic circuit provided in the control unit 60 (control device 57), a program stored in a CPU, or the like. The threshold value setting unit 610a3 displays, for example, a setting change screen for changing the setting of the threshold value on the display device 120, and changes the setting of the threshold value based on information inputted to the setting change screen. Specifically, the threshold value setting unit 610a3 overwrites the threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 610a2 with the changed threshold value and stores it, thereby changing the setting of the threshold value.

[0093] Hereinafter, the calculation operation of the continuous motion time will be further described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the operations of the control unit 60, the motion calculation device 610a, and the timing unit 610a1. The control unit 60 or the motion calculation device 610a determines whether the calculation switch (SW) 160 is ON or not (step S200).

[0094] If calculation switch (SW) 160 is OFF (step S200, No), control unit 60 or motion calculation device 610a advances the process to step S220, which will be described later. When calculation switch (SW) 160 is ON (step S200, Yes), timing unit 610a1 starts measuring the task time, and action calculation device 610a starts measuring the integrated value of the power consumption described above (step S210).

[0095] After step S210, the control unit 60 or the motion calculation device 610a determines whether the calculation switch (SW) 160 has been switched from ON to OFF (step S220). If the calculation switch (SW) 160 is not switched to OFF (step S220, No), the control unit 60 or the operation calculation device 610a returns the process to the beginning (START) and continues the measurement of the operation time by the timing unit 610a1 and the measurement of the integrated value of the power consumption by the operation calculation device 610a.

[0096] When the calculation switch (SW) 160 is switched from ON to OFF (step S220, Yes), the operation calculation device 610a acquires the time during which the calculation switch (SW) was in the ON state (i.e., the operation time) and the integrated value of the power consumption, and determines whether the acquired operation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (threshold) (step S230). If the operation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (threshold) (step S230, Yes), the operation calculation device 610a calculates (determines) the continuous operation time based on the acquired integrated values ​​of the operation time and power consumption and the remaining charge of the battery 56, and outputs the calculated (determined) continuous operation time to the display device 120 (step S240).

[0097] The display device 120 acquires and displays the continuous motion time output by the motion calculation device 610a (step S250). After step S250, the operation processing of the control unit 60, the motion calculation device 610a, and the timing unit 610a1 ends. In step S230, if the operation time is less than the predetermined time (threshold) (step S230, No), the movement calculation device 610a does not calculate (determine) a new continuous movement time, and does not update the previously calculated (determined) continuous movement time (previous value) (step S260).

[0098] After step S260, the motion calculation device 610a sounds a buzzer (audio notification unit 170) provided in the control device 57, the display device 120, or the like, to notify (notify) that a new continuous motion time has not been calculated (determined) (step S270). After step S270, the motion calculation device 610a outputs an instruction to the display device 120 to display that the new continuous motion time has not been calculated (determined), and the display device 120 displays that the new continuous motion time has not been calculated (determined) (step S250). After step S250, the process ends.

[0099] In the embodiment described above, if the engine 50 has been idling for a certain period of time or more (e.g., 2 minutes or more), the control unit 60 or the movement calculation device 610a may determine that the work has been interrupted and set the continuous movement time to infinity. In addition, in the idling state, the control unit 60 or the operation calculation device 610a may display the continuous operation time in a different notation or symbol instead of a number. For example, the symbol "--" or the time until full charge may be displayed.

[0100] When displaying the time until full charge, the display should be designed to distinguish it from the continuous operating time. For example, if the time until full charge is 10 minutes, it should be displayed as a combination of symbols and numbers such as "C10," and if the continuous operating time is 10 minutes, it should be displayed as the number "10." The condition for changing the display of the display device 120 from the mode showing the continuous operating time to the charging mode showing the charging state of the battery 56 may be, for example, that idling continues for a certain period of time or more. Conversely, the condition for changing from the charging mode showing the charging state of the battery 56 to the mode showing the continuous operating time may be that an operation of the operating device is detected.

[0101] Once the continuous operation time is calculated, if the work content is changed or the remaining charge of the battery 56 decreases as the work progresses, the continuous operation time displayed on the display device 120 will deviate from the actual situation. To prevent this, the operation calculation device 610a may calculate the total work load for each work time set by the operator, and update the continuous operation time from, for example, the average value of five calculations and the current remaining charge. The average value of the calculations at this time is not limited to the average value of five calculations, and may be the average value of a sufficiently large number of calculations. When updating the continuous operation time, it is advisable to implement a first-order lag process or the like to suppress a large change in the calculated time due to a transiently small or large load amount. The configuration of a work machine 1 including a motion calculation device 610a, a control unit 60, and a display device 120 according to this embodiment can be described as follows.

[0102] The work machine 1 includes an engine 50, a motor / generator 54 capable of performing a first operation in which it operates as a motor using electric power and a second operation in which it operates as a generator using engine power, a battery 56 capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor / generator 54, a power storage measuring device 201 capable of detecting the remaining charge of the battery 56 and detecting an increase or decrease in the remaining charge of the battery 56, a control device 57 that controls the operation of the motor / generator 54 and operates the motor / generator 54 in either the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining charge, an operation calculation device 610a that calculates a time during which a predetermined operation can be repeated as a continuous operation time based on the total load of the motor / generator 54 in a predetermined operation and the remaining charge detected by the power storage measuring device 201, and a display device 120 that displays the continuous operation time calculated by the operation calculation device 610a. At this time, the display device 120 may operate the motor-generator 54 in the second operation to use it as a generator and charge it, and may calculate and display the assistable time, which is the time during which it is possible to operate it in the first operation taking into account the charging.

[0103] This configuration differs from the conventional technology in that it only displays the time during which the motor-generator 54 can operate as a motor. Therefore, the operator of the work machine 1 can easily grasp how long a predetermined task can be repeated, taking into account the operation of the motor-generator 54 as a generator, without being limited by the time during which the motor-generator 54 can operate as a motor.

[0104] The specified task is a series of tasks patterned from individual operations in which the motor-generator 54 performs either a first operation or a second operation, and the operation calculation device 610a calculates the time during which the series of patterned tasks can be repeated as the continuous operation time. According to this configuration, the motion calculation device 610a calculates the continuous motion time based on a series of tasks that take a relatively long time, rather than based on each individual task that takes a relatively short time, so that the motion calculation device 610a can calculate the continuous motion time with high accuracy. The work machine 1 may have a calculation switch 160 that notifies the motion calculation device 610a of the start and end of a predetermined task.

[0105] According to this configuration, the start and end of a predetermined task can be determined by an arbitrary operation of the operator, that is, the operator can arbitrarily determine the predetermined task. The motion calculation device 610a may detect the total load on the motor-generator 54 from when the calculation switch 160 notifies the start of a predetermined task to when the calculation switch 160 notifies the end of the predetermined task. According to this configuration, it is possible to detect the total load on the motor generator during a specific task that is arbitrarily determined by the operator.

[0106] The motion calculation device 610a may have a timing unit 610a1 that detects the work time from when the calculation switch 160 notifies the start of a specified work to when it notifies the end of the specified work, and may detect the total load of the motor-generator 54 when the work time detected by the timing unit 610a1 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. This configuration makes it possible to accurately detect the operation time, which is the time required for a given operation. In addition, since the total load on the motor-generator 54 is detected on the condition that the operation time is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is possible to avoid calculating the continuous operation time for a given operation in which the total load is unlikely to be constant and the operation time is less than the threshold (short time). This makes it possible to avoid displaying erroneous information to the operator.

[0107] The motion calculation device 610a may store the task time, and when the timing unit 610a1 detects a new task time equal to or greater than a threshold, may update the already stored task time to the newly detected task time. According to this configuration, the already stored work time is updated to the new work time on condition that the work time is equal to or greater than the threshold, so that it is possible to avoid calculating the continuous operation time for a given work whose work time is less than the threshold (short time), thereby avoiding displaying erroneous information to the operator.

[0108] The motion calculation device 610a may have a threshold storage unit 610a2 that stores a threshold for the task time detected by the timing unit 610a1, and a threshold setting unit 610a3 that can change the threshold stored in the threshold storage unit 610a2. According to this configuration, the operator can arbitrarily change the threshold value, and the accuracy of calculation of the continuous operation time can be further improved.

[0109] The operation calculation device 610a may acquire the remaining storage amount when the calculation switch 160 notifies the start of the specified work as a first remaining storage amount, acquire the remaining storage amount when the calculation switch 160 notifies the end of the specified work as a second remaining storage amount, calculate a differential remaining storage amount which is the difference between the first remaining storage amount and the second remaining storage amount, and use the differential remaining storage amount as the total load amount of the motor-generator 54.

[0110] According to this configuration, the total load amount of the motor-generator 54 is calculated based on the first remaining amount of stored electricity at the start of a specified task and the second remaining amount of stored electricity at the end of the specified task. Therefore, the difference in the remaining amount of stored electricity is calculated as the sum of the amount of power consumed and the amount of power generated by the motor-generator 54 during the specified task, and this difference in the remaining amount of stored electricity can be used as the total load amount of the motor-generator 54. The motion calculation device 610a may have a timing unit 610a1 that detects the operation time from when the calculation switch 160 notifies the start of a predetermined operation to when it notifies the end of the predetermined operation, and may calculate a differential remaining power storage amount when the operation time detected by the timing unit 610a1 is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0111] According to this configuration, the operation time, which is the time required for a predetermined operation, can be accurately detected. In addition, since the differential remaining charge amount is calculated on the condition that the operation time is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is possible to avoid calculating the differential remaining charge amount for a predetermined operation in which the total load on the motor-generator 54 is unlikely to be constant and the operation time is less than the threshold (short time). This makes it possible to avoid displaying erroneous information to the operator. The motion calculation device 610a may store the task time, and when the timing unit 610a1 detects a new task time equal to or greater than a threshold, may update the already stored task time to the newly detected task time.

[0112] According to this configuration, the already stored work time is updated to the new work time on condition that the work time is equal to or greater than the threshold, so that it is possible to avoid calculating the remaining charge difference for a predetermined work whose work time is less than the threshold (short time), thereby making it possible to avoid displaying erroneous information to the operator. When the work time detected by the timing unit 610a1 is less than a threshold value, the motion calculation device 610a outputs a notification signal indicating that the work time is less than the threshold value to the display device 120, and the control device 57 or the display device 120 may have a voice notification unit 170 that emits a sound when it receives the notification signal.

[0113] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the operator that the work time of the predetermined task is less than the threshold value. This notification allows the operator to know that the total load amount for the predetermined task that was being detected could not be detected. The total load of the motor-generator 54 may be the difference between the amount of power consumed by the first operation of the motor-generator 54 and the amount of power generated by the second operation of the motor-generator 54 during a given task.

[0114] According to this configuration, the difference between the amount of power consumed by the first operation of the motor-generator 54 and the amount of power generated by the second operation of the motor-generator 54 is used as the total load of the motor-generator 54, so that the total load of the motor-generator 54 can be accurately obtained. If the total load of the motor-generator 54 is accurate, the continuous operation time can be accurately calculated. The calculation switch 160 may be an alternate type switch. According to this configuration, the calculation switch 160 can be configured very easily, and the calculation switch 160 is also easy to operate.

[0115] Third embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 17. In the third embodiment, components similar to those described in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals as those used in the first and second embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The power control device (control device) 57 according to this embodiment is a device that can execute a first operation of operating the motor-generator 54 as a motor and a second operation of operating the motor-generator 54 as a generator using the power of the engine 50, according to instructions from the control unit 60. Furthermore, the power control device 57 can change the output upper limit value that is set for the output of the motor-generator 54, according to instructions from the control unit 60. The power control device 57 controls the inverter 59, according to instructions from the control unit 60, so that the output of the motor-generator 54 does not exceed the output upper limit value.

[0116] A configuration for changing the output upper limit value of the motor-generator 54 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a control block diagram of a rotating electric machine having a changeover switch 130, a drive calculation device 110b, and an upper limit setting device 150 according to this embodiment. The control unit 60 according to this embodiment includes a drive calculation device 110b and an upper limit setting device 150. The changeover switch 130 is connected to the control unit 60.

[0117] The configuration of the upper limit setting device 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a table showing the relationship between the motor output of the motor-generator 54 and the amount of power consumption. In the following description, the table shown in FIG. 14 may be referred to as a drive time table. In the table shown in FIG. 14, the leftmost column shows the motor output classification. The display "<0kW" indicates that the motor-generator 54 performs the second operation as a generator. The display "0-8kW" indicates that the motor-generator 54 performs the first operation as a motor with an output of 0-8kW. After that, FIG. 14 shows the stages of motor output in 1kW increments, from the displays "8-9kW", "9-10kW" to "15-16kW".

[0118] The column to the right of the motor output column shows the power consumption corresponding to each motor output stage as "consumption [A·h] per minute (min)" of the motor-generator 54. For example, when the motor output stage is "0-8kW", the "consumption [A·h] per minute (min)" is 0.081 [A·h], and when the motor output stage is "11-12kW", the "consumption [A·h] per minute (min)" is 0.029 [A·h].

[0119] The column to the right of "Consumption per minute (min) [A·h]" shows, under "Upper limit of 13 kW," the amount of power consumed by motor-generator 54 when the upper limit output value of motor-generator 54 is set to 13 kW. Here, in this embodiment as well, as in the second embodiment, the continuous operating time (motor continuous assist time) of the motor generator 54 is calculated based on the integrated value of the power consumption consumed in a patterned series of tasks that are repeatedly performed while the rotating electric machine (motor generator) 54 is operated as a motor.

[0120] As shown in Figure 14, in the "Upper limit of 13 kW" column, the values ​​displayed from "<0 kW" to "11-12 kW" are the same as the values ​​in the "Consumption per minute (min) [A·h]" column. However, the display for "12-13 kW," which corresponds to the upper output limit, shows a value of "0.469," which is different from the value "0.035" in the "Consumption per minute (min) [A·h]" column.

[0121] In Fig. 14, the numerical value shown corresponding to the display equivalent to the upper limit of output is the cumulative value of the amount of power consumed in a patterned series of tasks. In the "12kW upper limit case," the numerical value "0.462" is shown in the display equivalent to the upper limit of output, "11-12kW," and in the "11kW upper limit case," the numerical value "0.462" is shown in the display equivalent to the upper limit of output, "11-12kW."

[0122] 14, the bottom row shows "motor continuous assist time [min]" as the continuous drive time of the motor generator 54. This "motor continuous assist time [min]" is a value calculated based on the integrated value of the amount of power consumed in the series of tasks shown in each of the above-mentioned output upper limit values ​​and the remaining charge of the battery 56 acquired from the charge measurement device 201 of the battery 56. The calculation of this continuous drive time may be performed by the drive calculation device 110b in a similar manner to that of the drive calculation device 110a described in the second embodiment.

[0123] The method of calculating the "motor continuous assist time [min]", which is the continuous drive time based on the integrated value of the power consumption and the remaining amount of stored power, is the same as the method of calculating the continuous drive time described in the second embodiment. The upper limit setting device 150 according to this embodiment stores in advance the integrated value of the power consumption consumed in a patterned series of tasks for each output upper limit value. Then, if there is an instruction from the operator, the remaining amount of stored power in the battery 56 is obtained from the power storage measuring device 201, and the "motor continuous assist time [min]", which is the continuous drive time for each output upper limit value, is calculated.

[0124] As a result, the upper limit setting device 150 holds a table showing the continuous drive time shown in Fig. 14. In Fig. 14, when the output upper limit value is 13 kW, the continuous drive time is 66 minutes, when the output upper limit value is 12 kW, the continuous drive time is 74 minutes, and when the output upper limit value is 11 kW, the continuous drive time is 85 minutes. When the output upper limit value is lowered, the integrated value of the amount of power consumed in a series of tasks is lowered, and as a result, the continuous drive time is longer.

[0125] Such setting of the output upper limit value does not have to be in 1 kW increments. It may be in 0.5 kW increments or 0.25 kW increments. In the table shown in FIG. 14, if the output upper limit value is set in 0.5 kW increments, the motor output classification in the leftmost column may also be displayed in 0.5 kW increments to create a table. Similarly, if the output upper limit value is set in 0.25 kW increments, the motor output classification in the leftmost column may also be displayed in 0.25 kW increments to create a table. If the output upper limit value is set in even smaller increments, it is possible to obtain a continuous driving time that is infinitely stepless. Conversely, if the output upper limit value is set in increments larger than 1 kW, it is possible to obtain a continuous driving time with a simple configuration such as two or three stages.

[0126] Therefore, the setting of the output upper limit value will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Here, it is assumed that the drive calculation device 110b has a table showing the continuous drive time for each output upper limit value, for example, as shown in Fig. 14. The changeover switch 130 specifies an output upper limit value and outputs the specified output upper limit value to the control device 57 (i.e., the control unit 60). The changeover switch 130 is configured, for example, by a stepped changeover switch having a plurality of contacts, or a stepped or stepless variable resistor. However, the changeover switch 130 may be configured by software such as a computer program.

[0127] Whether the changeover switch 130 is a stepped switch or a stepless switch, the control unit 60 receives the current value or voltage value output by the changeover switch 130 as an output upper limit designation signal that designates the output upper limit value. The control unit 60 controls the inverter 59 in accordance with the received output upper limit designation signal so that the output does not exceed the output upper limit value. Furthermore, the control unit 60 notifies the upper limit setting device 150 of the output upper limit value indicated by the received output upper limit designation signal. The upper limit setting device 150, which has received the output upper limit value, refers to the table shown in Fig. 14 and acquires the motor continuous assist time (i.e., continuous drive time) corresponding to the received output upper limit value. The upper limit setting device 150 displays the acquired continuous drive time, for example, on the display device 120 of the work machine 1, and notifies the operator of the continuous drive time.

[0128] The control flow of the rotary electric machine 54 and the like in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the operator operates the changeover switch (SW) 130 (step S300), the changeover switch (SW) 130 outputs the output upper limit value specified by the operator to the control device 57 (step S310). When the changeover switch (SW) 130 outputs the output upper limit value (step S310), the upper limit setting device 150 accepts the output upper limit value input from the changeover switch (SW) 130 in step S310 (step S320).

[0129] When upper limit setting device 150 receives an input of an output upper limit value (step S320), it refers to the relationship between the output upper limit value and the continuous drive time shown in the table of Fig. 14 (step S330). When upper limit setting device 150 refers to the table of Fig. 14 (step S330), it extracts from the table the continuous drive time corresponding to the output upper limit value received in step S320 (step S340).

[0130] When upper limit setting device 150 extracts the continuous drive time (step S340), control unit 60 causes display device 120 or the like to display the continuous drive time (step S350). Control unit 60 also controls inverter 59 so that the output of motor-generator 54 does not exceed the output upper limit (step S360). In this embodiment, when the operator intentionally operates the operation lever of the operation device slowly to suppress the output upper limit, the control device 57 (i.e., the control unit 60) may determine and adopt the output when the operation lever is slowly operated as the output upper limit value. After the control device 57 (i.e., the control unit 60) determines the output upper limit value, the continuous drive time can be notified to the operator by the above-mentioned configuration.

[0131] (Modification) A modified example of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 14, 15, and 17. In the third embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the output upper limit value is specified using the relationship between the output upper limit value and the continuous drive time shown in Fig. 14. However, if the relationship shown in Fig. 14 is used, the output upper limit value can be determined by specifying the continuous drive time. For the operator, there are cases in which specifying the continuous drive time is more convenient than specifying the output upper limit value.

[0132] A modified example of the third embodiment (a configuration in which an output upper limit value is specified by specifying a continuous drive time) will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a control block diagram of a rotating electric machine having a drive time specification switch 140, a drive calculation device 110b, and an upper limit setting device 150 according to this modified example. The drive time designation switch 140 designates a desired continuous drive time by an operator, and outputs the designated continuous drive time to the upper limit setting device 150. The drive time designation switch 140 may have a configuration similar to that of the changeover switch 130 according to the third embodiment, or may be configured by software such as a computer program.

[0133] With reference to FIG. 17, a control flow for the rotary electric machine 54 and the like according to this modification of the third embodiment will be described. First, when the operator operates the drive time designation switch (SW) 140 (step S400), the drive time designation switch (SW) 140 outputs the continuous drive time designated by the operator (step S410). When the drive time designation switch (SW) 140 outputs the continuous drive time (step S410), the upper limit setting device 150 accepts the continuous drive time input from the drive time designation switch (SW) 140 in step S410 (step S420).

[0134] When upper limit setting device 150 receives an input of the continuous drive time (step S420), it refers to the relationship between the continuous drive time and the output upper limit value shown in the table of Fig. 14 (step S430). When upper limit setting device 150 refers to the table of Fig. 14 (step S430), it extracts from the table the output upper limit value corresponding to the continuous drive time received in step S420 (step S440).

[0135] When the upper limit setting device 150 extracts the output upper limit value (step S440), the control unit 60 refers to the extracted output upper limit value and controls the inverter 59 so that the output of the motor-generator 54 does not exceed the output upper limit value (step S450). This allows the operator to set the output upper limit value of the motor-generator simply by setting the desired continuous drive time. The configurations of the drive calculation device 110b, the control unit 60, the display device 120, the changeover switch 130, the drive time designation switch 140, and the upper limit setting device 150 according to the third embodiment and the modified example can be described as follows.

[0136] The work machine 1 comprises an engine 50, a motor-generator 54 capable of performing a first operation in which it operates as a motor using electric power and a second operation in which it operates as a generator using the power of the engine 50, a battery 56 capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor-generator 54, a power storage measuring device 201 capable of detecting the remaining amount of stored power in the battery 56 and also capable of detecting an increase or decrease in the remaining amount of stored power in the battery 56, an inverter that controls the rotation speed of the motor-generator 54, and a control device 57 that operates the motor-generator 54 in either the first operation or the second operation, is capable of changing an output upper limit value set for the output of the motor-generator 54, and controls the inverter 59 so that the output upper limit value is not exceeded.

[0137] According to this configuration, an upper output limit is set for the output of the motor-generator 54, and by changing this upper output limit, the time during which the motor-generator 54 can operate as a motor can be changed. The work machine 1 may include a changeover switch that determines an output upper limit value and outputs the output upper limit value to the control device 57. The control device 57 may obtain the output upper limit value output from the changeover switch .

[0138] According to this configuration, the changeover switch 130 can very easily specify the upper output limit of the motor-generator 54 . The changeover switch 130 may be configured with a variable resistor. According to this configuration, the upper output limit of the motor-generator 54 can be directly specified electrically.

[0139] The work machine 1 may be provided with a drive calculation device 110b that calculates an assist possible time, which is the time during which the motor generator 54 can be operated in the first operation, based on the total load of the motor generator 54 during a specified task and the remaining amount of stored electricity detected by the power storage measuring device 201. According to this configuration, the available assist time is calculated based on the total load of the motor generator 54, so that the available assist time can be found very accurately. The work machine 1 may be provided with a display device that displays the output upper limit value determined by the changeover switch 130.

[0140] According to this configuration, the operator can check the output upper limit value that he or she has set using the changeover switch 130 on the display device. The work machine 1 is equipped with a drive calculation device 110b that calculates an assistable time, which is the time during which the motor-generator 54 can be operated in a first operation, based on the total load amount of the motor-generator 54 in a specified task and the remaining amount of stored power detected by the power storage measuring device 201, and an upper limit setting device 150 that determines an output upper limit value based on a predetermined specified task time and the assistable time, and outputs the output upper limit value to the control device 57.

[0141] According to this configuration, the output upper limit of the motor generator 54 can be determined based on the predetermined work time and the available assist time desired by the operator. By setting this output upper limit, it is possible to continue assisting by the motor generator 54 for the predetermined work time desired by the operator. The upper limit setting device 150 may have a drive time table indicating the relationship between the assistable time, which is the continuous drive time, the output value of the motor-generator 54, and the output upper limit value of the motor-generator 54, and may extract from the drive time table an output upper limit value corresponding to the assistable time that exceeds the predetermined work time and is closest to the predetermined work time, and output the extracted output upper limit value to the control device 57. The control device 57 may obtain the output upper limit value output from the upper limit setting device 150.

[0142] According to this configuration, it is possible to simply and appropriately determine the upper output limit of the motor-generator 54 based on the drive time table. By setting this upper output limit, it is possible to continue the assistance by the motor-generator 54 for a predetermined operation time desired by the operator. The work machine 1 may be provided with a display device that displays the available assist time calculated by the drive calculation device 110b.

[0143] According to this configuration, the operator can directly check the available assist time calculated by the drive calculation device 110b on the display device. The work machine 1 may be provided with a display device that displays the output upper limit value output by the upper limit setting device 150. According to this configuration, the operator can directly check the output upper limit value output by the upper limit setting device 150 on the display device.

[0144] Although the present invention has been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 Work equipment 50 Engine 54 Motor generator 56 Battery 57 Power control device (control device) 100 Indicator 201 Electricity storage measuring device

Claims

1. The engine, a motor generator capable of performing a first operation of operating as a motor using electric power and a second operation of operating as a generator using power from the engine; a battery capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor generator; a charge measuring device capable of detecting a remaining charge of the battery and detecting charging and discharging of the power to and from the battery; a control device for controlling an operation of the motor generator, the control device operating the motor generator in either the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining amount of stored electricity; an indicator capable of displaying a remaining charge of the battery and displaying charging to the battery and discharging from the battery in a manner different from the remaining charge; Equipped with The power storage measuring device detects an increase or decrease in the remaining charge of the battery, detecting that the battery is charging when an increase in the remaining charge is detected for the majority of the time within a specified time, and detects that the battery is discharging when a decrease in the remaining charge is detected for the majority of the time within a specified time.

2. The engine, a motor generator capable of performing a first operation of operating as a motor using electric power and a second operation of operating as a generator using power from the engine; a battery capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor generator; a charge measuring device capable of detecting a remaining charge of the battery and detecting charging and discharging of the power to and from the battery; a control device for controlling an operation of the motor generator, the control device operating the motor generator in either the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining amount of stored electricity; an indicator capable of displaying a remaining charge of the battery and displaying charging to the battery and discharging from the battery in a manner different from the remaining charge; Equipped with The power storage measuring device calculates the difference between the increase and decrease in the remaining power storage amount within a specified time period, and detects that the charging is occurring when the increase is greater than the decrease, and detects that the discharging is occurring when the increase is smaller than the decrease.

3. The engine, a motor generator capable of performing a first operation of operating as a motor using electric power and a second operation of operating as a generator using power from the engine; a battery capable of storing electric power generated by the second operation of the motor generator; a charge measuring device capable of detecting a remaining charge of the battery and detecting charging and discharging of the power to and from the battery; a control device for controlling an operation of the motor generator, the control device operating the motor generator in either the first operation or the second operation based on the remaining amount of stored electricity; an indicator capable of displaying a remaining charge of the battery and displaying charging to the battery and discharging from the battery in a manner different from the remaining charge; Equipped with The indicator is a plurality of display areas each having a stepwise defined value or range assigned to the storage capacity of the battery; Among the plurality of display areas, a display area corresponding to a current predetermined remaining charge level is blinked, and a display area corresponding to a level below the current predetermined remaining charge level is lit to indicate the charging; A work machine which indicates the discharge by flashing the display area corresponding to the lowest level among the plurality of display areas and lighting up display areas corresponding to levels of the current remaining battery charge higher than the lowest level.

4. The work machine according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of the plurality of display areas indicates the state of either the charging state or the discharging state in a color different from a color indicating the remaining amount of stored electricity.

5. The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein the first display area is changed to the different color when the charge measuring device does not detect an increase or decrease in the remaining charge of the battery.

Images