Tractor

Abstract

To provide a tractor which can optimize weight balance between a front side and a rear side of the tractor even when a front weight is omitted.SOLUTION: A tractor comprises: a vehicle body; an engine hood which is provided on the vehicle body; a vehicle body frame which is provided under the engine hood; a travel device which supports the vehicle body so as to be travelable; an electric motor which is installed on the vehicle body and drives the travel device; a battery which includes a portable battery detachably attached to the vehicle body and stores electric power supplied to the electric motor; and an attachment part to which the portable battery is detachably attached. The attachment part is disposed on a front part of the vehicle body frame outside the engine hood.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tractor driven by an electric motor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a work vehicle driven by an electric motor, for example, a work vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] This work vehicle includes a traveling body having left and right traveling devices driven by left and right electric motors, and while disposing the left and right electric motors on one side in the front-rear direction of the traveling body, a battery and a control device for driving the left and right electric motors are arranged on the other side in the front-rear direction of the traveling body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the case of the work vehicle as described above, due to space constraints, it is difficult to mount a large-capacity battery, so there is a problem that the battery capacity becomes small and the operating time becomes short. On the other hand, when a large-capacity battery is mounted, although the operating time becomes long, there is a problem that the vehicle body cost becomes higher than that of an engine-driven vehicle.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a work vehicle driven by an electric motor capable of adjusting the balance between securing the battery capacity and reducing the vehicle body cost according to the user's demands and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The technical means taken by the present invention to solve the above problems are characterized by the following points.

[0008] The tractor includes a vehicle body, a bonnet provided on the vehicle body, a vehicle frame provided below the bonnet, a traveling device that supports the vehicle body so as to be capable of traveling, an electric motor mounted on the vehicle body that drives the traveling device, a detachable portable battery attached to the vehicle body, a battery that stores electric power supplied to the electric motor, and a mounting portion to which the portable battery is detachably attached. The mounting part includes one mounting part provided outside the bonnet and at the front part of the vehicle body frame, and another mounting part provided inside the bonnet. The portable battery is mounted on the one mounting part and the another mounting part, and the portable battery mounted on the another mounting part is preferentially used over the portable battery mounted on the one mounting part.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the work vehicle of the present invention, since the battery that stores the electric power supplied to the electric motor includes an in-vehicle battery fixed to the vehicle body and a detachable portable battery attached to the vehicle body, by adjusting the capacity (number, etc.) of the portable battery attached to the vehicle body, it is possible to adjust the balance between securing the battery capacity and reducing the vehicle body cost according to the user's desires and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 9C

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the work vehicle according to the present invention will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of a work vehicle according to the present invention.

[0013] In FIG. 1, a utility vehicle (multi-purpose work vehicle) is shown as an example of the work vehicle 1. The utility vehicle is a work vehicle used for various operations such as agricultural work and transportation work.

[0014] However, the work vehicle according to the present invention is not limited to a utility vehicle, and may be, for example, a tractor, a backhoe, a loader working machine (wheel loader, compact track loader, skid steer loader, etc.).

[0015] The work vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2 and a traveling device 3 that supports the vehicle body 2 so as to be capable of traveling.

[0016] The vehicle body 2 is provided with a seat 4 on which a driver sits and a loading platform 5 for loading a transported object. The loading platform 5 is provided at the rear part of the vehicle body 2 (behind the seat 4). The loading platform 5 can be tilted by raising the front part by driving a dump cylinder (not shown).

[0017] The traveling device 3 has front wheels 3F provided at the front part of the vehicle body 2 and rear wheels 3R provided at the rear part of the vehicle body 2. The front wheels 3F and the rear wheels 3R are provided on the left side and the right side of the vehicle body 2, respectively. That is, the traveling device 3 has four wheels.

[0018] An electric motor 6 for driving the traveling device 3 is mounted on the vehicle body 2. The electric motor 6 is disposed below the loading platform 5. The power of the electric motor 6 is transmitted to the front wheels 3F and the rear wheels 3R. That is, the work vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is a four-wheel drive type work vehicle. However, the work vehicle 1 may be a rear-wheel drive type or a front-wheel drive type.

[0019] The vehicle body 2 is provided with a plurality of batteries 7 for storing electric power supplied to the electric motor 6. The plurality of batteries 7 includes an in-vehicle battery 8 fixed to the vehicle body 2 and a portable battery 9 detachably attached to the vehicle body 2.

[0020] The in-vehicle battery 8 is fixed to the vehicle body 2. Although the in-vehicle battery 8 is generally not removed from the vehicle body 2, it can be removed from the vehicle body 2 during repair or replacement. The in-vehicle battery 8 is disposed below the seat 4. The in-vehicle battery 8 is configured as a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are integrated.

[0021] The portable battery 9 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 10 provided on the vehicle body 2.

[0022] The portable battery 9 can be attached to the attachment portion 10, for example, by screws. FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a method of attaching the portable battery 9, and show a method of attachment using two or more screws 11. In the example shown in FIG. 13A, two corner portions located on the diagonal line in the plan view of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped portable battery 9 are fixed to the attachment portion 10 by screws 11. In the example shown in FIG. 13B, a protruding portion 12 is formed on the diagonal line in the plan view of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped portable battery 9, and this protruding portion 12 is fixed to the vehicle body 2 by screws 11. In these examples, the portable battery 9 can be removed from the attachment portion 10 by removing the screws 11. However, the method of attaching the portable battery 9 is not limited to the method of attachment using screws. For example, the portable battery 9 may be detachably attached to the attachment portion 10 by a method such as fitting or engagement.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, in the case of the present embodiment, the attachment portion 10 is provided on the upper part of the loading platform 5 (specifically, the front upper part of the loading platform 5). Therefore, the portable battery 9 is attached to the upper part of the loading platform 5 (specifically, the front upper part of the loading platform 5). However, the position of the attachment portion 10 is not limited to the upper part of the loading platform 5, and the position of the attachment portion 10 can be changed as appropriate. Also, the number of attachment portions 10 provided in the work vehicle 1 may be one or a plurality.

[0024] Since the portable battery 9 is smaller and lighter than the in-vehicle battery 8, there are fewer restrictions on the mounting position compared to the in-vehicle battery 8. Therefore, the portable battery 9 can be mounted even in a position where it is difficult to mount the in-vehicle battery 8. Also, it becomes easy to mount a plurality of portable batteries 9 separately on a plurality of mounting portions 10.

[0025] Unlike the in-vehicle battery 8, the portable battery 9 is attached to and detached from the vehicle body 2 as needed, other than during repair or replacement. Therefore, the portable battery 9 is mounted on the mounting portion 10 so that it can be more easily removed from the vehicle body 2 than the in-vehicle battery 8.

[0026] The portable battery 9 is configured as a battery pack consisting of one battery module or a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are integrated. The number of battery modules constituting the portable battery 9 is smaller than the number of battery modules constituting the in-vehicle battery 8. Therefore, the portable battery 9 is smaller and lighter than the in-vehicle battery 8. This enables the driver to easily carry the portable battery 9.

[0027] The number of portable batteries 9 mounted on the vehicle body 2 may be one or a plurality. Preferably, a plurality of portable batteries 9 are mounted on the vehicle body 2. When mounting a plurality of portable batteries 9 on the vehicle body 2, a plurality of portable batteries 9 may be mounted on one mounting portion 10, or a plurality of portable batteries 9 may be mounted separately on a plurality of mounting portions 10.

[0028] When a plurality of portable batteries 9 are mounted on the vehicle body 2, for example, the capacity of one portable battery 9 can be made smaller than the capacity of the in-vehicle battery 8, and the total capacity of the plurality of portable batteries 9 can be made equal to or greater than the capacity of the in-vehicle battery 8.

[0029] All of the plurality of portable batteries 9 may have the same capacity, some may include those with different capacities, or all may have different capacities. This is the same for the cases of the first to fourth examples (Figs. 2 to 4, Fig. 7) described later.

[0030] The portable battery 9 is preferentially used over the in-vehicle battery 8. When the remaining capacity of the portable battery 9 is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the portable battery 9 is used. When the remaining capacity of the portable battery 9 becomes less than the predetermined amount, the in-vehicle battery 8 is used. By preferentially using the portable battery 9 that is detachable from the vehicle body 2, it becomes possible to easily perform the battery replacement work. The switching between the use of the portable battery 9 and the use of the in-vehicle battery 8 can be manually or automatically performed by a switching mechanism 13 described later.

[0031] The work vehicle 1 can be equipped with a generator. The electric power generated by the generator can be supplied to the electric motor 6, or can be used to charge the in-vehicle battery 8 and / or the portable battery 9. However, the generator does not necessarily have to be mounted on the work vehicle 1, and it may be installed at another location (for example, a charging stand, a parking lot, etc.).

[0032] The work vehicle 1 is provided with a switching mechanism 13 that can switch between a first state in which power is supplied from the in-vehicle battery 8 to the electric motor 6 and a second state in which power is supplied from the portable battery 9 to the electric motor 6.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of the switching mechanism 13.

[0034] The switching mechanism 13 of the first example has a first output connector 14, a second output connector 15, and an input connector 16.

[0035] The first output connector 14 is provided so as to be able to extract electric power from the in-vehicle battery 8. The second output connector 15 is provided so as to be able to extract electric power from the portable battery 9. The second output connector 15 is provided on each of the plurality of portable batteries 9.

[0036] The input connector 16 is provided so as to be able to supply power to the electric motor 6. An inverter 17 is connected to the electric motor 6, and the input connector 16 is connected to the inverter 17. Thus, the power input from the input connector 16 is supplied to the electric motor 6 via the inverter 17.

[0037] The input connector 16 can be selectively connected to the first output connector 14 and the second output connector 15. The connection between the input connector 16 and the first output connector 14 or the second output connector 15 can be manually made by an operator such as the driver of the work vehicle 1.

[0038] When the input connector 16 is connected to the first output connector 14, the power taken out from the in-vehicle battery 8 can be supplied to the electric motor 6. When the input connector 16 is connected to the second output connector 15, the power taken out from the portable battery 9 can be supplied to the electric motor 6. Therefore, when using the in-vehicle battery 8, connect the input connector 16 to the first output connector 14, and when using the portable battery 9, connect the input connector 16 to the second output connector 15.

[0039] Since the second output connector 15 is provided on each of the plurality of portable batteries 9, it is possible to select the portable battery 9 to be used from among the plurality of portable batteries 9 and connect the second output connector 15 provided on the selected portable battery 9 to the input connector 16. Thus, it is possible to select and use the portable battery 9 that one wants to use from among the plurality of portable batteries 9.

[0040] Incidentally, FIG. 2 shows the case where a plurality (four) of portable batteries 9 are provided, but the number of portable batteries 9 may be one. When the number of portable batteries 9 is one, since the number of second output connectors 15 is one, the portable battery 9 to be used is specified to one.

[0041] The switching mechanism 13 is provided with a third connector 19 capable of extracting electric power from the generator 18. The third connector 19 can be connected to the input connector 16, the first output connector 14, and the second output connector 15. When the third connector 19 is connected to the input connector 16, the electric power extracted from the generator 18 is supplied to the electric motor 6 via the inverter 17. When the third connector 19 is connected to the first output connector 14, the electric power extracted from the generator 18 is used to charge the in-vehicle battery 8. When the third connector 19 is connected to the second output connector 15, the electric power extracted from the generator 18 is used to charge the portable battery 9.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second example of the switching mechanism 13.

[0043] The switching mechanism 13 of the second example has a first output connector 14, a second output connector 15, an input connector 16, and a relay cable 20.

[0044] The first output connector 14 is provided so as to be able to extract electric power from the in-vehicle battery 8. The second output connector 15 is provided so as to be able to extract electric power from the portable battery 9. The second output connector 15 is provided on each of the plurality of portable batteries 9.

[0045] The input connector 16 is provided so as to be able to supply electric power to the electric motor 6. An inverter 17 is connected to the electric motor 6, and the input connector 16 is connected to the inverter 17.

[0046] The input connector 16 can selectively connect to the first output connector 14 and the second output connector 15. As will be described later, the input connector 16 and the second output connector 15 are indirectly connected via a relay cable 20 and relay connectors (first relay connector 21, second relay connector 22).

[0047] The relay cable 20 is a cable that supplies the power output from the second output connector 15 to the input connector 16. The relay cable 20 has a first relay connector 21 and a second relay connector 22. The first relay connector 21 can be connected to the input connector 16. A plurality of second relay connectors 22 are provided. The plurality of second relay connectors 22 can be connected to each of the plurality of second output connectors 15. The plurality of second relay connectors 22 and the plurality of second output connectors 15 are in one-to-one correspondence.

[0048] The input connector 16 can be selectively connected to the first output connector 14 and the first relay connector 21. The input connector 16 can be directly connected to the first output connector 14, and can be connected to the second output connector 15 via the first relay connector 21 and the relay cable 20. Therefore, it can be said that the input connector 16 can selectively connect the first output connector 14 and the second output connector 15. The connection between the input connector 16 and the first output connector 14 or the first relay connector 21 can be manually performed by an operator such as the driver of the work vehicle 1.

[0049] When the input connector 16 is connected to the first output connector 14, the power taken out from the in-vehicle battery 8 can be supplied to the electric motor 6. When the input connector 16 is connected to the second output connector 15 via the first relay connector 21 and the relay cable 20, the power taken out from the portable battery 9 can be supplied to the electric motor 6.

[0050] Since the second output connector 15 is provided on each of the plurality of portable batteries 9, one or a plurality of portable batteries 9 to be used can be selected from the plurality of portable batteries 9, and the second output connector 15 provided on the selected portable battery 9 can be connected to the second relay connector 22 corresponding to the second output connector 15. Thereby, the power stored in the selected one or a plurality of portable batteries 9 can be supplied to the electric motor 6.

[0051] The switching mechanism 13 is provided with a third connector 19 capable of extracting electric power from the generator 18. The third connector 19 can be connected to the input connector 16, the first output connector 14, and the first relay connector 21. When the third connector 19 is connected to the input connector 16, the electric power extracted from the generator 18 is supplied to the electric motor 6 via the inverter 17. When the third connector 19 is connected to the first output connector 14, the electric power extracted from the generator 18 is used to charge the in-vehicle battery 8. When the third connector 19 is connected to the first relay connector 21, the electric power extracted from the generator 18 is used to charge the portable battery 9 via the relay cable 20 and the second output connector 15.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a third example of the switching mechanism 13.

[0053] The switching mechanism 13 of the third example has a first output cable 23, a second output cable 24, a supply cable 25, and a junction box 26.

[0054] The first output cable 23 is a cable for extracting electric power from the in-vehicle battery 8. The second output cable 24 is a cable for extracting electric power from the portable battery 9. The supply cable 25 is a cable for supplying electric power to the electric motor 6. The junction box 26 houses at least an electric circuit and electric wiring including a relay.

[0055] The first output cable 23 is a cable connecting the junction box 26 and the in-vehicle battery 8. The second output cable 24 is a cable connecting the junction box 26 and the portable battery 9. The second output cable 24 has one or more connectors 40. The connector 40 can be connected to a connector 41 provided on the portable battery 9.

[0056] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second output cable 24 has a plurality of connectors 40, and there are a plurality of portable batteries 9. And connectors 41 are respectively provided on the plurality of portable batteries 9. The plurality of connectors 40 are connectable to each of the plurality of connectors 41. The plurality of connectors 40 and the plurality of connectors 41 correspond one-to-one. By connecting the plurality of connectors 40 and the plurality of connectors 41, the second output cable 24 can draw power from the plurality of portable batteries 9.

[0057] An inverter 17 is connected to the electric motor 6, and one end side of the supply cable 25 is connected to the inverter 17. Thereby, the power input to the supply cable 25 is supplied to the electric motor 6 via the inverter 17. The other end side of the supply cable 25 is connected to the junction box 26 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relay 27 housed in the junction box 26.

[0058] The relay 27 can switch between a first connection state (see FIG. 6A) in which the first output cable 23 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected and a second connection state (see FIG. 6B) in which the second output cable 24 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected.

[0059] When the relay 27 is in the first connection state, since the first output cable 23 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected, the power stored in the in-vehicle battery 8 is taken out from the first output cable 23 and supplied to the electric motor 6 via the supply cable 25. When the relay 27 is in the second connection state, since the second output cable 24 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected, the power stored in the portable battery 9 is taken out from the second output cable 24 and supplied to the electric motor 6 via the supply cable 25.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the switching mechanism 13 includes a control unit 28 that controls the operation of the relay 27. The control unit 28 is composed of a CPU, an electric and electronic circuit, a storage unit, etc. The storage unit is composed of a RAM, a ROM, etc. A predetermined control program is stored in the storage unit, and the CPU executes control of the operation of the relay 27 based on the control program.

[0061] When the remaining capacity of the portable battery 9 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit 28 sets the relay 27 to the second connection state, and when the remaining capacity of the portable battery 9 is less than the predetermined amount, the control unit 28 sets the relay 27 to the first connection state.

[0062] The remaining capacity (the remaining amount of charged power) of the portable battery 9 is detected by a capacity detection device (not shown) provided in the portable battery 9, and the numerical data of the detected remaining capacity is transmitted to the control unit 28. The control unit 28 determines whether the remaining capacity of the portable battery 9 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount or less than the predetermined amount based on the numerical data of the remaining capacity.

[0063] The switching mechanism 13 includes a connector 42 capable of extracting power from the generator 18. The connector 42 can be connected to a connector 40 provided on the second output cable 24. When the connector 42 is connected to the connector 40, the power taken out from the generator 18 is supplied from the junction box 26 to the electric motor 6 via the inverter 17.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the switching mechanism 13.

[0065] The switching mechanism 13 of the fourth example has a first output cable 23, a second output cable 24, a supply cable 25, and a junction box 26.

[0066] The first output cable 23 is a cable for extracting power from the in-vehicle battery 8. The second output cable 24 is a cable for extracting power from the portable battery 9. The supply cable 25 is a cable for supplying power to the electric motor 6. The junction box 26 houses an electric circuit and electrical wiring including at least a relay.

[0067] The first output cable 23 is a cable connecting the junction box 26 and the in-vehicle battery 8. The second output cable 24 is a cable connecting the junction box 26 and the portable battery 9.

[0068] The portable battery 9 includes one portable battery 9A and another portable battery 9B. One portable battery 9A is composed of one or more portable batteries 9. In FIG. 7, one portable battery 9A is composed of a plurality (two) of portable batteries 9. Another portable battery 9B is composed of one or more portable batteries 9. In FIG. 7, another portable battery 9B is composed of a plurality (two) of portable batteries 9. The number of portable batteries 9 constituting one portable battery 9A and the number of portable batteries 9 constituting another portable battery 9B may be the same or different. Also, the total capacity of the portable batteries constituting one portable battery 9A and the total capacity of the portable batteries 9 constituting another portable battery 9B may be the same or different.

[0069] The second output cable 24 includes one cable 24A for extracting power from one portable battery 9A and another cable 24B for extracting power from another portable battery 9B. One cable 24A has one or more connectors 43. The connector 43 is connectable to the connector 44 provided on one portable battery 9A. Another cable 24B has one or more connectors 45. The connector 45 is connectable to the connector 46 provided on another portable battery 9B.

[0070] The plurality of connectors 43 can be connected to each of the plurality of connectors 44. The plurality of connectors 43 and the plurality of connectors 44 correspond to each other one by one. By connecting the plurality of connectors 43 and the plurality of connectors 44, one cable 24A can draw power from a plurality of one portable batteries 9A.

[0071] The plurality of connectors 45 can be connected to each of the plurality of connectors 46. The plurality of connectors 45 and the plurality of connectors 46 correspond to each other one by one. By connecting the plurality of connectors 45 and the plurality of connectors 46, the other cable 24B can draw power from a plurality of other portable batteries 9B.

[0072] An inverter 17 is connected to the electric motor 6, and one end side of the supply cable 25 is connected to the inverter 17. Thereby, the power input to the supply cable 25 is supplied to the electric motor 6 via the inverter 17. The other end side of the supply cable 25 is connected to the junction box 26. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relay 27 housed in the junction box 26.

[0073] The relay 27 can switch between a first connection state (see FIG. 9A) in which the first output cable 23 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected and a second connection state (see FIGS. 9B and 9C) in which the second output cable 24 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected.

[0074] When the relay 27 is in the first connection state, since the first output cable 23 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected, the power stored in the in-vehicle battery 8 is taken out from the first output cable 23 and supplied to the electric motor 6 via the supply cable 25. When the relay 27 is in the second connection state, since the second output cable 24 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected, the power stored in the portable battery 9 is taken out from the second output cable 24 and supplied to the electric motor 6 via the supply cable 25.

[0075] As a second connection state, relay 27 can switch between a state where one cable 24A and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected (see Fig. 9B) and another state where another cable 24B and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected (see Fig. 9C).

[0076] When relay 27 is in one state, since one cable 24A and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected, the power stored in one portable battery 9A is taken out from one cable 24A and supplied to the electric motor 6 via the supply cable 25. When relay 27 is in the other state, since another cable 24B and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected, the power stored in another portable battery 9B is taken out from another cable 24B and supplied to the electric motor 6 via the supply cable 25.

[0077] The switching between one state and the other state may be performed by the driver operating an operation switch provided on the work vehicle 1, or may be configured to be automatically performed by the control unit 28. The control unit 28, for example, sets relay 27 to one state of the second connection state when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, sets relay 27 to the other state of the second connection state when the remaining capacity of one portable battery is less than the predetermined amount, and sets relay 27 to the first connection state when the remaining capacity of another portable battery 9B is less than the predetermined amount.

[0078] Also, although not shown, relay 27 may be able to switch to a state (a third state) where one cable 24A and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected and another cable 24B and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected as the second connection state. That is, relay 27 may be able to switch between one state, another state, and the third state as the second connection state. When switched to the third state, the power stored in one portable battery 9A is taken out from one cable 24A and supplied to the electric motor 6 via the supply cable 25, and the power stored in another portable battery 9B is taken out from another cable 24B and supplied to the electric motor 6 via the supply cable 25.

[0079] The switching among one state, another state, and the third state may be performed by the driver operating an operation switch provided on the work vehicle 1, or may be configured to be automatically performed by the control unit 28 controlling the operation of the relay 27.

[0080] In addition, in FIGS. 5 to 9, N represents the wiring on the - side and P represents the wiring on the + side. In the relay 27 shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the relay on the N(-) side may be omitted and only the relay on the P(+) side may be used.

[0081] The work vehicle 1 preferably includes a plurality of mounting parts 10 on which the portable battery 9 can be mounted. The mounting part 10 is preferably provided at at least one or more of the front of the vehicle body 2, the rear of the vehicle body 2, inside the bonnet 29 provided on the vehicle body 2, below the seat 4 mounted on the vehicle body 2, the roof 31 above the seat 4, and the upper or lower part of the loading platform 5 provided on the vehicle body 2. Further, the mounting part 10 may be provided at a position other than these positions.

[0082] FIG. 10 shows an example of the work vehicle 1 including a plurality of mounting parts 10.

[0083] The work vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 10 is a utility vehicle and includes an in-vehicle battery 8 below the seat 4. The work vehicle (utility vehicle) 1 includes seven mounting parts 10. Hereinafter, the seven mounting parts 10 are referred to as the first mounting part 10A, the second mounting part 10B, the third mounting part 10C, the fourth mounting part 10D, the fifth mounting part 10E, the sixth mounting part 10F, and the seventh mounting part 10G. However, the work vehicle (utility vehicle) 1 does not necessarily need to include all of these seven mounting parts 10, and it is sufficient to include at least one or more (preferably two or more) mounting parts 10.

[0084] The first mounting part 10A is provided on the upper part of the loading platform 5. The second mounting part 10B is provided on the lower part of the loading platform 5. The third mounting part 10C is provided at the front part of the vehicle body 2 (inside the bonnet 29). The fourth mounting part 10D is provided at the lower part of the vehicle body 2 (below the step 30 in front of the seat 4). The fifth mounting part 10E is provided on the roof 31 above the seat 4. The sixth mounting part 10F is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 2 (behind the loading platform 5). The seventh mounting part 10G is provided in front of the vehicle body 2 (in front of the bonnet 29 (at the front part of the vehicle frame 32)). Although not shown, the mounting part 10 may be provided below the seat 4.

[0085] One or more of the first to seventh mounting parts 10A to 10G are detachably mounted with the portable battery 9. When a plurality of portable batteries 9 are mounted, it is preferable to use the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting part 10A with the highest priority. Also, it is preferable to use the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting part 10A, the portable battery 9 mounted on the second mounting part 10B, the portable battery 9 mounted on the third mounting part 10C, the portable battery 9 mounted on the fourth mounting part 10D, the portable battery 9 mounted on the fifth mounting part 10E, the portable battery 9 mounted on the sixth mounting part 10F, and the portable battery 9 mounted on the seventh mounting part 10G in this order. This is because the portable battery 9 can be easily detached and attached in the order of the first mounting part 10A, the second mounting part 10B, the third mounting part 10C, the fourth mounting part 10D, the fifth mounting part 10E, the sixth mounting part 10F, and the seventh mounting part 10G.

[0086] When the work vehicle 1 is equipped with the switching mechanism 13 of the fourth example described above, it is preferable to mount one portable battery 9A on the first mounting portion 10A (above the loading platform 5) and mount the other portable battery 9B on a mounting portion other than the first mounting portion 10A. In this case, as the second connection state, the relay 27 selects one state (see FIG. 9B) when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and selects another state (see FIG. 9C) when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is less than the predetermined amount. The operation of this relay 27 is executed by the operation control of the relay 27 by the control unit 28. Thereby, the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting portion 10A (above the loading platform 5) can be preferentially used over the portable battery 9 mounted on another mounting portion.

[0087] FIG. 11 shows another example of the work vehicle 1 provided with a plurality of mounting portions 10.

[0088] The work vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 11 is a tractor and includes an in-vehicle battery 8 inside the bonnet 29. An electric motor 6 is also mounted inside the bonnet 29. The work vehicle (tractor) 1 includes seven mounting portions 10. Hereinafter, the seven mounting portions 10 will be referred to as the first mounting portion 10A, the second mounting portion 10B, the third mounting portion 10C, the fourth mounting portion 10D, the fifth mounting portion 10E, the sixth mounting portion 10F, and the seventh mounting portion 10G. However, the work vehicle (tractor) 1 does not necessarily need to include all of these seven mounting portions 10, and it is sufficient to include at least one or more (preferably two or more) mounting portions 10.

[0089] The first mounting part 10A is provided inside the bonnet 29. The second mounting part 10B is provided at the lower part of the vehicle body 2 (between the front wheels 3F and the rear wheels 3R). The third mounting part 10C is provided at the rear part of the vehicle body 2 (the fender 36 covering above the rear wheels 3R). The fourth mounting part 10D is provided on the roof 31 of the cabin 33. The fifth mounting part 10E is provided in front of the vehicle body 2 (in front of the bonnet 29 (the front part of the vehicle body frame 32)). The sixth mounting part 10F is provided behind the vehicle body 2. The seventh mounting part 10G is provided inside the cabin 33. Although not shown, the mounting part 10 may be provided below the seat 4.

[0090] One or more of the first to seventh mounting parts 10A to 10G are detachably mounted with the portable battery 9. When a plurality of portable batteries 9 are mounted, it is preferable to use the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting part 10A with the highest priority. Also, it is preferable to use the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting part 10A, the portable battery 9 mounted on the second mounting part 10B, the portable battery 9 mounted on the third mounting part 10C, the portable battery 9 mounted on the fourth mounting part 10D, the portable battery 9 mounted on the fifth mounting part 10E, the portable battery 9 mounted on the sixth mounting part 10F, and the portable battery 9 mounted on the seventh mounting part 10G in this order. This is because the attachment and detachment of the portable battery 9 can be easily performed in the order of the first mounting part 10A, the second mounting part 10B, the third mounting part 10C, the fourth mounting part 10D, the fifth mounting part 10E, the sixth mounting part 10F, and the seventh mounting part 10G.

[0091] When the work vehicle 1 is equipped with the switching mechanism 13 of the fourth example described above, it is preferable to mount one portable battery 9A on the first mounting portion 10A (inside the bonnet 29) and mount the other portable battery 9B on a mounting portion other than the first mounting portion 10A. In this case, as the second connection state, the relay 27 selects one state (see FIG. 9B) when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and selects another state (see FIG. 9C) when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is less than the predetermined amount. The operation of this relay 27 is executed by the operation control of the relay 27 by the control unit 28. Thereby, the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting portion 10A (inside the bonnet 29) can be preferentially used over the portable battery 9 mounted on another mounting portion.

[0092] FIG. 12 shows still another example of the work vehicle 1 provided with a plurality of mounting portions 10.

[0093] The work vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 12 is an excavator and is provided with an in-vehicle battery 8 inside the bonnet 29. The work vehicle (excavator) 1 is provided with four mounting portions 10. Hereinafter, the four mounting portions 10 will be referred to as a first mounting portion 10A, a second mounting portion 10B, a third mounting portion 10C, and a fourth mounting portion 10D. However, the work vehicle (excavator) 1 does not necessarily need to be provided with all of these four mounting portions 10, and it is sufficient if it is provided with at least one or more (preferably two or more) mounting portions 10.

[0094] The first mounting portion 10A is provided inside the bonnet 29 (the rear part of the vehicle body 2). The second mounting portion 10B is provided inside a side cover 34 provided on the side of the seat 4. The third mounting portion 10C is provided on the roof 31 above the seat 4. The fourth mounting portion 10D is provided on the frame 35 of the traveling device (crawler) 3. Although not shown, the mounting portion 10 may be provided below the seat 4.

[0095] One or more of the first to fourth mounting parts 10A to 10D are detachably mounted with the portable battery 9. When a plurality of portable batteries 9 are mounted, it is preferable to use the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting part 10A with the highest priority. Also, it is preferable to use the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting part 10A, the portable battery 9 mounted on the second mounting part 10B, the portable battery 9 mounted on the third mounting part 10C, and the portable battery 9 mounted on the fourth mounting part 10D in this order with priority. This is because the portable battery 9 can be easily attached and detached in the order of the first mounting part 10A, the second mounting part 10B, the third mounting part 10C, and the fourth mounting part 10D.

[0096] When the work vehicle 1 is provided with the switching mechanism 13 of the above-described fourth example, it is preferable to mount one portable battery 9A on the first mounting part 10A (inside the bonnet 29) and mount the other portable battery 9B on a mounting part other than the first mounting part 10A. In this case, as the second connection state, the relay 27 selects one state (see FIG. 9B) when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and selects another state (see FIG. 9C) when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is less than the predetermined amount. The operation of this relay 27 is executed by the operation control of the relay 27 by the control unit 28. Thereby, the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting part 10A (inside the bonnet 29) can be used with priority over the portable battery 9 mounted on the other mounting part.

[0097] When the work vehicle 1 is provided with a plurality of portable batteries 9, it can be configured to use the portable battery 9 mounted at a position closer to the in-vehicle battery 8 with priority over the other portable battery 9B. In this case, access can be made to the portable battery 9 to be used with priority at a position close to the time of accessing the in-vehicle battery 8. Therefore, the accessibility to the portable battery 9 to be used with priority is improved.

[0098] The work vehicle (utility vehicle) 1 shown in Fig. 10 has a portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting portion 10A and a portable battery 9 mounted on the second mounting portion 10B, which are mounted closer to the in-vehicle battery 8 than the portable batteries 9 mounted on other mounting portions.

[0099] In this case, as the second connection state, the relay 27 selects one state (see Fig. 9B) when the remaining capacity of one portable battery (the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting portion 10A and the portable battery 9 mounted on the second mounting portion 10B) is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and selects another state (see Fig. 9C) when the remaining capacity of the one portable battery is less than the predetermined amount. The operation of this relay 27 is executed by the operation control of the relay 27 by the control unit 28. Thereby, the portable battery 9 mounted at a position close to the in-vehicle battery 8 (the first mounting portion 10A, the second mounting portion 10B) can be preferentially used over the portable batteries 9 mounted on other mounting portions.

[0100] In the work vehicle (tractor) 1 shown in Fig. 11 and the work vehicle (backhoe) 1 shown in Fig. 12, the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting portion 10A is mounted closer to the in-vehicle battery 8 than the portable batteries 9 mounted on other mounting portions.

[0101] In this case, as the second connection state, the relay 27 selects one state (see Fig. 9B) when the remaining capacity of one portable battery (the portable battery 9 mounted on the first mounting portion 10A) is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and selects another state (see Fig. 9C) when the remaining capacity of the one portable battery is less than the predetermined amount. The operation of this relay 27 is executed by the operation control of the relay 27 by the control unit 28. Thereby, the portable battery 9 mounted at a position close to the in-vehicle battery 8 (the first mounting portion 10A) can be preferentially used over the portable batteries 9 mounted on other mounting portions.

[0102] In the present invention, when the traveling device 3 is driving, it is preferable that the control unit 28 does not execute the switching between the above-described first connection state and the second connection state. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the traveling from being interrupted by the switching between the first connection state and the second connection state when the work vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0103] According to the configuration of the work vehicle 1 described above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0104] The work vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2, a traveling device 3 that supports the vehicle body 2 so as to be travelable, an electric motor 6 that is mounted on the vehicle body 2 and drives the traveling device 3, and a plurality of batteries 7 that store electric power supplied to the electric motor 6. The plurality of batteries 7 include an in-vehicle battery 8 fixed to the vehicle body 2 and a portable battery 9 that is detachably attached to the vehicle body 2.

[0105] According to this configuration, by adjusting the capacity (number, etc.) of the portable battery 9 attached to the vehicle body 2, it is possible to adjust the balance between securing the battery capacity and reducing the vehicle body cost according to the user's demands, etc. That is, when emphasizing that the battery capacity is large, a large battery capacity can be secured by increasing the capacity (number, etc.) of the portable battery 9. On the other hand, when emphasizing the reduction of the vehicle body cost, the reduction of the vehicle body cost can be realized by reducing the capacity (number, etc.) of the portable battery 9.

[0106] Further, the work vehicle 1 includes a switching mechanism 13 that can switch between a first state in which electric power is supplied from the in-vehicle battery 8 to the electric motor 6 and a second state in which electric power is supplied from the portable battery 9 to the electric motor 6.

[0107] According to this configuration, the switching mechanism 13 enables easy switching between the use of the in-vehicle battery 8 and the use of the portable battery 9.

[0108] In addition, the switching mechanism 13 includes a first output connector 14 provided so as to be able to extract power from the in-vehicle battery 8, a second output connector 15 provided so as to be able to extract power from the portable battery 9, and an input connector 16 provided so as to be able to supply power to the electric motor 6. The input connector 16 can be selectively connected to the first output connector 14 and the second output connector 15.

[0109] According to this configuration, by connecting the input connector 16 and the first output connector 14, it becomes possible to extract power from the in-vehicle battery 8 and supply power to the electric motor 6. Also, by connecting the input connector 16 and the second output connector 15, it becomes possible to extract power from the portable battery 9 and supply power to the electric motor 6. Therefore, by a simple operation of changing the connector, it is possible to easily switch between using the in-vehicle battery 8 and using the portable battery 9.

[0110] In addition, the switching mechanism 13 has a relay cable 20 that supplies the power output from the second output connector 15 to the input connector 16. A plurality of portable batteries 9 are mounted on the vehicle body 2, the second output connector 15 includes a plurality of second output connectors 15 provided on each of the plurality of portable batteries 9, and the relay cable 20 has a first relay connector 21 that can be connected to the input connector 16 and a plurality of second relay connectors 22 that can be connected to each of the plurality of second output connectors 15.

[0111] According to this configuration, by connecting one or more of the plurality of second output connectors 15 to the second relay connector 22 and connecting the input connector 16 and the first relay connector 21, it is possible to extract power from one or more of the portable batteries 9 to be used and guide it to the input connector 16 via the relay cable 20. Therefore, one or more of the portable batteries 9 can be arbitrarily selected and used.

[0112] Further, the switching mechanism 13 includes a first output cable 23 that extracts power from the in-vehicle battery 8, a second output cable 24 that extracts power from the portable battery 9, a supply cable 25 that supplies power to the electric motor 6, a relay 27 that can switch between a first connection state in which the first output cable 23 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected and a second connection state in which the second output cable 24 and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected.

[0113] According to this configuration, by switching between the first connection state and the second connection state by the relay 27, it is possible to switch between a state of extracting power from the in-vehicle battery 8 and supplying it to the electric motor 6 and a state of extracting power from the portable battery 9 and supplying it to the electric motor 6. Therefore, it is possible to automatically switch between using the in-vehicle battery 8 and using the portable battery 9 without the need for manual plugging and unplugging of connectors.

[0114] Also, a plurality of portable batteries 9 are mounted on the vehicle body 2, and the second output cable 24 extracts power from the plurality of portable batteries 9.

[0115] According to this configuration, it is possible to automatically switch between using the in-vehicle battery 8 and using the plurality of portable batteries 9 without the need for manual plugging and unplugging of connectors.

[0116] The portable battery 9 includes one portable battery 9A and another portable battery 9B. The second output cable 24 includes one cable 24A that extracts power from the one portable battery 9A and another cable 24B that extracts power from the other portable battery 9B. The relay 27 can switch between a second connection state including a first state in which the one cable 24A and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected and another state in which the other cable 24B and the supply cable 25 are electrically connected.

[0117] According to this configuration, by switching between one state and another state by relay 27, it is possible to switch between a state of extracting power from one portable battery 9A and supplying it to the electric motor 6, and a state of extracting power from another portable battery 9B and supplying it to the electric motor 6. Therefore, in the work vehicle 1 equipped with a plurality of portable batteries 9, it is possible to automatically switch between a state of using one portable battery 9A and a state of using another portable battery 9B.

[0118] Further, the work vehicle 1 includes a mounting portion 10 to which the portable battery 9 is detachably mounted, and the mounting portion 10 is provided at at least one of the front of the vehicle body 2, the rear of the vehicle body 2, inside the bonnet 29 provided on the vehicle body 2, below the seat 4 mounted on the vehicle body 2, the roof 31 above the seat 4, and the upper or lower part of the loading platform 5 provided on the vehicle body 2.

[0119] According to this configuration, the portable battery 9 can be detachably mounted at at least one appropriate position of the work vehicle 1. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach and detach one or a plurality of portable batteries 9 to and from the vehicle body 2.

[0120] Also, one portable battery 9A is mounted on the upper part of the loading platform 5 provided on the vehicle body 2, another portable battery 9B is mounted at a position other than the upper part of the loading platform 5, and the relay 27 selects one state as the second connection state when the remaining capacity of the one portable battery 9A is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and selects another state when the remaining capacity of the one portable battery 9A is less than the predetermined amount.

[0121] According to this configuration, in the work vehicle 1 (for example, a utility vehicle, etc.) equipped with the loading platform 5, the portable battery 9 mounted on the upper part of the loading platform 5 where the attachment and detachment work is easy can be preferentially used over the portable battery 9 mounted at another position.

[0122] Also, one portable battery 9A is mounted inside the bonnet 29 provided on the vehicle body 2, and the other portable battery 9B is mounted at a position other than inside the bonnet 29. The relay 27, as the second connection state, selects one state when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and selects another state when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is less than the predetermined amount.

[0123] According to this configuration, in the work vehicle 1 (for example, a tractor, a backhoe, etc.) equipped with the bonnet 29, the portable battery 9 mounted inside the bonnet 29 can be preferentially used over the portable battery 9 mounted at another position. Since the bonnet 29 is openable and closable, the attachment and detachment work of the portable battery 9 preferentially used becomes easy.

[0124] Also, one portable battery 9A is mounted at a position closer to the in-vehicle battery 8 than the other portable battery 9B, and the relay 27, as the second connection state, selects one state when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and selects another state when the remaining capacity of one portable battery 9A is less than the predetermined amount.

[0125] According to this configuration, access can be made to the portable battery 9 preferentially used at a position close to when accessing the in-vehicle battery 8. Therefore, the accessibility to the portable battery 9 preferentially used is improved.

[0126] Also, the work vehicle 1 includes a control unit 28 that controls the operation of the relay 27. The control unit 28 does not execute the switching between the first connection state and the second connection state when the traveling device 3 is being driven.

[0127] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the traveling from being interrupted by the switching between the first connection state and the second connection state when the work vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0128] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, it should be considered that the disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Description of Signs

[0129] 1 Tractor 2 Vehicle body 3 Travel device 6 Electric motor 7 Battery 9 Portable battery 10 Mounting part 29 Bonnet

Claims

1. The car body and A bonnet provided on the vehicle body; A vehicle body frame provided below the bonnet; A traveling device that supports the vehicle body so that it can travel; an electric motor mounted on the vehicle body to drive the traveling device; a portable battery that is detachably attached to the vehicle body and stores power to be supplied to the electric motor; a mounting section to which the portable battery is detachably mounted; Equipped with the mounting portion includes one mounting portion provided outside the bonnet and at a front portion of the vehicle body frame, and another mounting portion provided inside the bonnet, the portable battery is attached to the one attachment portion and the other attachment portion, A tractor in which the portable battery attached to the other attachment portion is used with priority over the portable battery attached to the one attachment portion.

2. 2. The tractor according to claim 1, wherein the one mounting portion is provided in front of the hood.

3. The tractor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portable battery can be mounted on the one mounting portion in an orientation in which a vertical length is longer than a front-to-rear length.

4. 4. The tractor according to claim 1, wherein an upper end of the portable battery mounted on the one mounting portion is positioned lower than a headlight provided on the bonnet.

5. A vehicle battery fixed to the vehicle body, The vehicle battery is disposed inside the hood, 5. The tractor according to claim 1, wherein the portable battery mounted on the other mounting portion is disposed inside the hood and in front of the vehicle-mounted battery.

6. The running device has front wheels and rear wheels, a second mounting portion to which the portable battery is detachably mounted between the front wheels and the rear wheels; the portable battery attached to the other attachment portion is used preferentially over the portable battery attached to the second attachment portion; The tractor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the portable battery attached to the second attachment portion is used with priority over the portable battery attached to the first attachment portion.

Images