Electric work vehicle

Abstract

To configure an electric work vehicle in which the inside of a battery is efficiently cooled by air.SOLUTION: A battery 4 is configured to comprise: stacks 7 each of which is configured by coupling a plurality of battery modules; and a housing case 1 for housing a plurality of stacks 7 where the stacks 7 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other via predetermined gaps A1 and A2. Fan devices 62 and 63 are provided outside the housing case 1, each having a vent hole arranged at a position opposed to the gap A1, A2, and being capable of sucking air in the housing case 1 or supplying air to the housing case 1, via the vent hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, some electric work vehicles are of an air-cooled type, in which a cooling fan is provided outside the battery mounted on the vehicle body, and the cooling fan generates an air flow outside the battery to cool the battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] In contrast to the air-cooled type in which the outside of the battery is cooled by air as described above, an air-cooled type in which the inside of the battery is cooled by air has been proposed. The present invention aims to provide an electric work vehicle configured so that the inside of the battery can be efficiently cooled by air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to an electric work vehicle equipped with a battery, a motor driven by the power of the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor, and further comprising: a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected to the battery; a storage case in which the stacks are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap between them; and a fan device having an air vent located on the outside of the storage case at a position opposite the gap, and capable of sucking air from the storage case or supplying air to the storage case through the air vent. An opening through which air can pass is provided in a portion of the accommodating case facing the terminals of the battery module.

[0006] According to the present invention, a battery is provided with a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected together, and the plurality of stacks are housed in a housing case. In this case, a plurality of stacks are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween and housed in a housing case, and air can easily flow through the gaps between adjacent stacks.

[0007] According to the present invention, a fan device is provided, and an air vent of the fan device is provided on the outside of the storage case at a position facing the gap between adjacent stacks, and is close to the gap between adjacent stacks. As a result, when air is sucked in (supplied) by the fan device, the air in the gaps between adjacent stacks is efficiently sucked in through the fan device's air vents (air is efficiently supplied to the gaps between adjacent stacks), the air flows through the gaps between the adjacent stacks, the stacks are efficiently cooled by the air, and the inside of the battery is efficiently cooled by the air.

[0008]

[0009] According to the present invention, when air in the gaps between adjacent stacks is sucked in by the fan device, air outside the storage case is introduced into the storage case. An opening is provided in the portion of the storage case facing the terminals of the battery module, so that air outside the storage case passes through the opening of the storage case, passes near the terminals of the battery module, and is introduced into the storage case, thereby efficiently cooling the terminals of the battery module, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery.

[0010] According to the present invention, when air is supplied to the gap between adjacent stacks by the fan device, the air in the storage case is pushed out to the outside of the storage case. An opening is provided in the portion of the storage case facing the terminals of the battery module, so that the air in the storage case passes near the terminals of the battery module and is pushed out of the storage case through the opening of the storage case, thereby efficiently cooling the terminals of the battery module, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery. The present invention relates to an electric work vehicle equipped with a battery, a motor driven by the power of the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor, and further comprising: a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected to the battery; a storage case in which the stacks are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, and a fan device having an air vent located on the outside of the storage case at a position opposite the gap, and capable of sucking air from the storage case or supplying air to the storage case through the air vent; and a plurality of the stacks are arranged horizontally. The fan units are arranged side by side along the central stack, with the vent hole provided at a position facing the top of the gap, and are configured to be able to suck in air from the storage case, and for one stack adjacent to one of the central stacks and the other stack adjacent to the other central stack, the blowing direction of the fan unit toward the gap between the central stack and one of the stacks and the blowing direction of the fan unit toward the gap between the central stack and the other stack are set to be opposite to each other so that the blown air flows in directions away from each other. According to the present invention, a battery is provided with a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected together, and the plurality of stacks are housed in a housing case. In this case, a plurality of stacks are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween and housed in a housing case, and air can easily flow through the gaps between adjacent stacks. According to the present invention, a fan device is provided, and an air vent of the fan device is provided on the outside of the storage case at a position facing the gap between adjacent stacks, and is close to the gap between adjacent stacks. As a result, when air is sucked in (supplied) by the fan device, the air in the gaps between adjacent stacks is efficiently sucked in through the fan device's air vents (air is efficiently supplied to the gaps between adjacent stacks), the air flows through the gaps between the adjacent stacks, the stacks are efficiently cooled by the air, and the inside of the battery is efficiently cooled by the air. According to the present invention, multiple stacks are arranged in a horizontal line, and the gaps between adjacent stacks are arranged in a vertical line, making it easier for warm air in the gaps to rise to the top of the gaps. According to the present invention, the vent of the fan device is located in a position facing the top of the gap, so that the vent of the fan device is close to the warm air that gathers at the top of the gap between adjacent stacks, and the fan device draws in (supplies) air directly, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery. For example, suppose three stacks are arranged side by side with gaps between them, and a fan device is provided for the gap between the center stack and one of the stacks, and a fan device is provided for the gap between the center stack and the other stack, and the fan devices are configured to be able to suck in air from the storage case. According to the present invention, the air blown out from one fan device and the air blown out from the other fan device flow in opposite directions so as to move away from each other, which reduces the likelihood of the air blown out from one and the other fan devices gathering in one place, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the stack is formed by connecting a plurality of the battery modules in a line adjacent to each other, and that the stacks are arranged so that in adjacent stacks, the ends of each of the plurality of battery modules in one stack and the ends of each of the plurality of battery modules in the other stack face each other with the gap therebetween.

[0012] According to the present invention, when a gap is formed between adjacent stacks, each of the battery modules of the adjacent stacks faces the gap. This allows the fan device to draw (supply) air, and when the air flows through the gaps between adjacent stacks, each of the battery modules in the adjacent stacks is cooled efficiently and with little bias, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that a housing cover is provided to cover the fan device and an upper portion of the housing case.

[0016] According to the present invention, the fan device is protected by providing a housing cover that covers the fan device and the top of the housing case, which is advantageous in terms of preventing damage to the fan device.

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023] The present invention relates to an electric work vehicle equipped with a battery, a motor driven by power from the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor, wherein the electric work vehicle is equipped with a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected to the battery, a plurality of the stacks arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, a storage case in which the stacks are stored, and a fan device having an air vent arranged on the outside of the storage case at a position facing the gap, and capable of sucking air from the storage case or supplying air to the storage case through the air vent, the plurality of stacks arranged horizontally, the air vent being arranged at a position facing the upper part of the gap, The electric machine is provided with a driving section in which an operator sits and drives the electric machine, a cover member provided in front of the driving section, an intake section for introducing external air, and an upper surface portion formed in a downward-sloping shape that becomes lower toward the front, the battery is accommodated in the cover member, and an accommodation cover covering the fan device and an upper portion of the accommodation case is provided, the upper surface portion of the accommodation cover is formed in a downward-sloping shape that becomes lower toward the front, and the upper surface portion of the accommodation cover and the upper surface portion of the cover member are arranged with a predetermined gap in the vertical direction. do.

[0024] According to the present invention, a battery is provided with a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected together, and the plurality of stacks are housed in a housing case. In this case, a plurality of stacks are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween and housed in a housing case, and air can easily flow through the gaps between adjacent stacks. According to the present invention, a fan device is provided, and an air vent of the fan device is provided on the outside of the storage case at a position facing the gap between adjacent stacks, and is close to the gap between adjacent stacks. As a result, when air is sucked in (supplied) by the fan device, the air in the gaps between adjacent stacks is efficiently sucked in through the fan device's air vents (air is efficiently supplied to the gaps between adjacent stacks), the air flows through the gaps between the adjacent stacks, the stacks are efficiently cooled by the air, and the inside of the battery is efficiently cooled by the air. According to the present invention, multiple stacks are arranged in a horizontal line, and the gaps between adjacent stacks are arranged in a vertical line, making it easier for warm air in the gaps to rise to the top of the gaps. According to the present invention, the vent of the fan device is located in a position facing the top of the gap, so that the vent of the fan device is close to the warm air that gathers at the top of the gap between adjacent stacks, and the fan device draws in (supplies) air directly, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery. Some electric work vehicles are configured such that a cover member is provided in front of a driving section where an operator sits and drives the vehicle, and a battery is housed in the cover member. In this case, an inlet for introducing outside air may be provided at the front of the cover member, and as the electric work vehicle moves forward, air outside the cover member is introduced from the inlet of the cover member into the interior of the cover member and supplied to the outside of the battery. The upper surface of the cover member may be formed in a downward-sloping shape that becomes lower toward the front, thereby ensuring forward visibility from the driver's seat.

[0025] According to the present invention, the fan device is protected by providing a housing cover that covers the fan device and the top of the housing case, which is advantageous in terms of preventing damage to the fan device. According to the present invention, the upper surface of the storage cover is formed in a downward-sloping shape that becomes lower toward the front, and the upper surface of the storage cover and the upper surface of the cover member are arranged at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction, so that the space between the upper surface of the storage cover and the upper surface of the cover member has a small change in cross-sectional area from the front end of the storage cover to the rear end of the storage cover.

[0026] According to the present invention, as the electric work vehicle moves forward, air outside the cover member is introduced into the interior of the cover member through the introduction portion of the cover member, and when it enters the space between the upper surface of the storage cover and the upper surface of the cover member, the air is less likely to stagnate in the space between the upper surface of the storage cover and the upper surface of the cover member and is more likely to flow rearward. This promotes air exchange inside the cover member (around the battery) and prevents the temperature inside the cover member (around the battery) from rising, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery. In the present invention, it is preferable that an opening through which air can pass is provided in a portion of the housing cover facing the blowing direction or the suction direction of the fan device. According to the present invention, when air is sucked into the gap between adjacent stacks by the fan device, an opening in the storage cover is provided opposite the blowing direction of the fan device, so that the air blown out from the fan device can easily pass through the opening in the storage cover and exit the storage cover, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery. According to the present invention, when air is supplied to the gap between adjacent stacks by the fan device, an opening in the storage case is provided opposite the suction direction of the fan device, so that air outside the storage cover can easily be introduced into the storage cover through the opening in the storage cover and easily sucked into the fan device, which is advantageous in terms of cooling the inside of the battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the tractor. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the arrangement of an inverter and the like. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow of power transmission. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a left side view in vertical section of the vicinity of the cover member. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the vicinity of the cover member. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the stack, the lower support member, and the upper support member. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view of the stack, the lower support member, and the upper support member. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the stack, the lower support member, and the upper support member. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the vicinity of a lower support member in the storage case. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the stack, the lower support member, and the upper support member. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vicinity of the upper support member in the storage case. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the vicinity of the accommodating case, stack, and fan device. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vicinity of the board member and the fan device in the housing case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of arrow F in the drawings will be referred to as "front," the direction of arrow B as "rear," the direction of arrow L as "left," and the direction of arrow R as "right." Furthermore, the direction of arrow U in the drawings will be referred to as "up," and the direction of arrow D as "down."

[0029] [Overall configuration of the tractor] The tractor of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the tractor has left and right front wheels 10, left and right rear wheels 11, and a cover member 12.

[0030] The tractor also includes a machine body frame 2 and a driving section 3. The machine body frame 2 is supported by left and right front wheels 10 and left and right rear wheels 11.

[0031] The cover member 12 is disposed at the front of the vehicle body, and the driving section 3 is provided behind the cover member 12. In other words, the cover member 12 is disposed in front of the driving section 3.

[0032] The driver's section 3 has a protective frame 30, a driver's seat 31, and a steering wheel 32. An operator can sit in the driver's seat 31. This allows the operator to get into the driver's section 3. The left and right front wheels 10 are steered by operating the steering wheel 32. The operator can perform various driving operations in the driver's section 3.

[0033] The tractor is equipped with a traction battery 4. The cover member 12 is configured to be swingable about an opening / closing axis Q that extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body. This allows the cover member 12 to be opened and closed. When the cover member 12 is in the closed state, the traction battery 4 is covered by the cover member 12.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the tractor includes an inverter 14 and a motor M. The traction battery 4 supplies power to the inverter 14. The inverter 14 converts DC power from the traction battery 4 into AC power and supplies it to the motor M. The motor M is then driven by the AC power supplied from the inverter 14.

[0035] 2 and 3, the tractor is equipped with a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 and a transmission 16. As shown in Fig. 3, the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 has a hydraulic pump 15a and a hydraulic motor 15b.

[0036] The hydraulic pump 15a is driven by rotational power from the motor M. When the hydraulic pump 15a is driven, rotational power is output from the hydraulic motor 15b. The hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 is configured so that the speed of the rotational power is changed between the hydraulic pump 15a and the hydraulic motor 15b. The hydrostatic continuously variable transmission 15 is also configured so that the gear ratio can be changed continuously.

[0037] The rotational power output from the hydraulic motor 15 b is transmitted to the transmission 16 . The rotational power transmitted to the transmission 16 is changed in speed by a gear-type speed change mechanism of the transmission 16 and distributed to the left and right front wheels 10 and the left and right rear wheels 11. In this way, the left and right front wheels 10 and the left and right rear wheels 11 are driven.

[0038] 2 and 3, the tractor is equipped with a mid PTO shaft 17 and a rear PTO shaft 18. The rotational power output from the motor M is distributed to the hydraulic pump 15a, the mid PTO shaft 17, and the rear PTO shaft 18. This causes the mid PTO shaft 17 and the rear PTO shaft 18 to rotate.

[0039] If a working device is connected to the mid PTO shaft 17 or the rear PTO shaft 18, the working device is driven by the rotational power of the mid PTO shaft 17 or the rear PTO shaft 18. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, a grass cutting device 19 is connected to the mid-PTO shaft 17. The grass cutting device 19 is driven by the rotational power of the mid-PTO shaft 17.

[0040] [Configuration of cover member] As shown in FIG. 1, the right and left body frames 2 and the transmission 16 are connected together to form a body that serves as the framework of the tractor.

[0041] 4, 5, and 6, the driving battery 4 (hereinafter referred to as the battery 4) is mounted on the front of the vehicle, and the battery 4 is housed in a closed cover member 12. An upper surface 12a of the cover member 12 is formed in a downward-sloping shape that becomes lower toward the front in a side view, and a lateral surface 12b of the cover member 12 is formed along the front-to-rear direction in a plan view.

[0042] A breathable lattice-shaped front grille 12c serving as an introduction portion is provided at the front of the cover member 12, and breathable lattice-shaped side grilles 12d, 12e are provided on the right and left lateral surface portions 12b of the cover member 12. As the aircraft moves forward, air is introduced into the interior of the cover member 12 mainly through the front grille 12c of the cover member 12.

[0043] [Overall battery configuration] The battery 4 is provided with a battery module 6, a stack 7 (see Figures 11 and 12) in which multiple battery modules 6 (see Figures 11 and 12) are connected, a storage case 1 (see Figures 7 and 8) in which the multiple stacks 7 are housed, various devices (see Figure 18) provided on the top of the storage case 1, and a storage cover 5 (see Figures 9 and 10) that covers the top of the storage case 1 and the devices.

[0044] [Configuration of the battery storage case] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the storage case 1 is provided with horizontal frames 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, vertical frames 35, 36, upper frames 40, 44, a first lower frame 41, a second lower frame 42, a third lower frame 43, side plates 45, 46, and a bottom plate 47, etc., and is formed into a rectangular (quadrilateral) box shape when viewed from above.

[0045] 7 and 8, right and left horizontal frames 33 located at the bottom of the storage case 1 and front and rear horizontal frames 34 are connected to form a rectangle, and a front vertical frame 35 and a rear vertical frame 36 are connected to the ends of the horizontal frames 33, 34. The front horizontal frame 37 is connected across the vertical frame 35, and the rear horizontal frame 38 is connected across the vertical frame 36. The right and left horizontal frames 39 are connected across the tops of the vertical frames 35, 36.

[0046] Two first lower frames 41 are connected to the horizontal frames 33 in the left-right direction. Three second lower frames 42 are arranged parallel to the first lower frames 41 in a plan view and connected to the horizontal frames 33 in the left-right direction. A large opening 42a is formed in the second lower frame 42.

[0047] Two third lower frames 43 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the first lower frame 41 and the second lower frame 42 in a plan view, and are connected across the horizontal frame 34 in the front-to-rear direction, and are connected to the first lower frame 41 and the second lower frame 42. At the portion where the second lower frame 42 and the third lower frame 43 are connected, an opening 43a having the same size as the opening 42a of the second lower frame 42 is opened in the third lower frame 43.

[0048] Two upper frames 40 are connected across the horizontal frame 39 in the left-right direction. Two upper frames 44 are connected in the left-right direction across the horizontal frames 37, 38, and 39. The upper frames 44 are formed with a large opening 44a.

[0049] 9 and 10 , flat right and left side panels 45 are connected to the horizontal frames 33, 39 and the vertical frames 35, 36. Flat front and rear side panels 46 are connected to the horizontal frames 34, 37, 38 and the vertical frames 35, 36. A flat bottom panel 47 is connected to the horizontal frames 33, 34.

[0050] [Stack configuration in battery] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, five battery modules 6 are stacked on top of each other and connected so that the five battery modules 6 are in contact with each other and lined up to form one stack 7, and three stacks 7 are provided in the battery 4.

[0051] A flat connecting member 8 and a connecting member 9 having an attachment portion 9a are provided, and the connecting member 8 and the connecting member 9 are connected together. The connecting members 8, 9 are abutted against one portion and the other portion of the stack 7 (battery module 6), and four bolts 13 are passed through one connecting member 8, 9, the battery module 6, and the other connecting member 8, 9 and tightened. As a result, the five battery modules 6 are connected together while being compressed by the connecting members 8 and 9 and the bolts 13.

[0052] [Configuration of lower support member] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, lower support members 21 and 22 are provided. 11, 12, and 13, the lower support member 21 is formed in a flat plate shape, and four connecting portions 21a protruding outward are arranged at predetermined intervals on each of one edge and the other edge of the lower support member 21. The connecting portions 21a of the lower support member 21 are formed in a tapered triangular shape in plan view, with the width narrowing as they move away from the lower support member 21.

[0053] 14, lower support member 22 is formed in a flat plate shape, and three connecting portions 22a protruding outward are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval on one edge of lower support member 22. Connecting portions 22a of lower support member 22 are formed in a tapered triangular shape in plan view, with the width narrowing as the distance from lower support member 22 increases.

[0054] In one of the three stacks 7, a lower support member 21 is connected to the center of the lower part of each battery module 6 by a bolt 20, as shown in FIGS. In two of the three stacks 7, a lower support member 22 is connected to the center of the lower part of each battery module 6 by a bolt 20, as shown in FIG.

[0055] [Configuration of upper support member] As shown in Figures 11, 12, 15 and 16, upper support members 23 and 24 are provided. 11, 12, and 15, the upper support member 23 is formed by bending a plate material, and three connecting portions 23a that protrude outward are provided side by side at a predetermined interval on each of one edge and the other edge of the upper support member 23. The connecting portions 23a of the upper support member 23 are formed in a tapered triangular shape in plan view, with the width narrowing as they move away from the upper support member 23.

[0056] 16, the upper support member 24 is formed by bending a plate material, and three connecting portions 24a protruding outward are provided side by side at a predetermined interval on one edge of the upper support member 24. The connecting portions 24a of the upper support member 24 are formed in a tapered triangular shape in plan view, with the width narrowing as they move away from the upper support member 24.

[0057] In one stack 7 of the three stacks 7 in which the lower support members 21 are connected, as shown in Figures 11, 12, and 15, the upper support member 23 is connected to the top of each battery module 6 by bolts 25, and the upper support member 23 is connected to the top of the connecting member 8 by bolts 25.

[0058] In two of the three stacks 7 whose lower support members 22 are connected, as shown in Figure 16, an upper support member 24 is connected to the top of each battery module 6 by a bolt 25, and the upper support member 24 is connected to the top of the connecting member 8 by the bolt 25. As described above, the stack 7 (battery module 6) is a single unit in which the connecting members 8, 9, the lower support members 21, 22, and the upper support members 23, 24 are integrated.

[0059] [Installation state of the lower support member of the stack in the storage case] As shown in Figure 14, with the upper frame 44 (see Figure 16) removed from the storage case 1, the stack 7, which is made up of the lower support member 21 and the upper support member 23 connected together, is placed in the center of the storage case 1. The stacks 7, which are made up of the lower support member 22 and the upper support member 24 connected together, are placed at the front and rear of the storage case 1.

[0060] In the stack 7 in which the lower support member 21 and the upper support member 23 are connected, the connecting portion 21a of the lower support member 21 is installed on the first lower frame 41 and connected to the first lower frame 41 by the bolt 26. The center portion of the lower support member 21 is installed on the second lower frame 42, and the bolt 20 is positioned in the openings 42a, 43a of the second lower frame 42 and the third lower frame 43.

[0061] In the stack 7 in which the lower support member 22 and the upper support member 24 are connected, the connecting portion 22a of the lower support member 22 is installed on the first lower frame 41 and connected to the first lower frame 41 by a bolt 27. The other edge of the lower support member 22 is installed on the horizontal frame 34 and connected to the horizontal frame 34 by a bolt 28. The center portion of the lower support member 22 is installed on the second lower frame 42, and the bolt 20 is located in the openings 42a, 43a of the second lower frame 42 and the third lower frame 43.

[0062] In a stack 7 in which the lower support member 21 and the upper support member 23 are connected, and in a stack 7 in which the lower support member 22 and the upper support member 24 are connected, as shown in Figure 17, the mounting portion 9a of the connecting member 9 is connected to the horizontal frame 33 by a bolt 50.

[0063] With the above configuration, in the battery 4, stacks 7 each formed by connecting a plurality of battery modules 6 are arranged adjacent to each other and housed in the housing case 1. The housing case 1 is provided with a plurality of lower support members 21, 22 connected to the lower portions of the battery modules 6 and a first lower frame 41 disposed along the space between the adjacent lower support members 21, 22.

[0064] Adjacent lower support members 21, 22 are arranged so that the connecting portion 21a of one lower support member 21 fits between the connecting portions 22a of the other lower support member 22, and the connecting portion 22a of the other lower support member 22 fits between the connecting portions 21a of one lower support member 21, and the connecting portions 21a, 22a of the one and other lower support members 21, 22 are connected to the first lower frame 41.

[0065] The connecting portion 21a of the lower support member 21 is supported from below by the first lower frame 41 and the third lower frame 43, and the connecting portion of the battery module 6 on the lower support member 21 (near the bolt 20) is supported from below by the second lower frame 42 and the third lower frame 43.

[0066] It is considered that the central stack 7 (battery module 6) is more susceptible to vibration than the front and rear stacks 7 (battery modules 6). In each of the first lower frames 41, the number of connecting portions 21a of the lower support member 21 (four) is set to be greater than the number of connecting portions 22a of the lower support member 22 (three), and the central stack 7 (battery module 6) is firmly connected to the first lower frame 41.

[0067] [Mounting state of upper support member of stack in storage case] As described above, when the stack 7, in which the lower support member 21 and the upper support member 23 are connected, is installed in the center of the storage case 1, as shown in Figure 16, the connecting portion 23a of the upper support member 23 is installed on the upper frame 40 and connected to the upper frame 40 by bolts 29.

[0068] As described above, when the stack 7, which is made up of the connected lower support member 22 and upper support member 24, is installed at the front and rear of the storage case 1, the connecting portion 24a of the upper support member 24 is installed on the upper frame 40 and connected to the upper frame 40 by the bolt 48.

[0069] The upper frame 44 is installed from above on the other edge of the upper support member 24, and the bolts 25 of the upper support member 24 are inserted into the openings 4a of the upper frame 44. The upper frame 44 is connected to the horizontal frames 37, 39 with bolts, and the upper frame 44 and the upper support member 24 are connected by bolts 49.

[0070] With the above configuration, in the battery 4, a plurality of upper support members 23, 24 connected to the upper part of the battery module 6 and an upper frame 40 arranged along the space between adjacent upper support members 23, 24 are provided in the storage case 1.

[0071] Adjacent upper support members 23, 24 are arranged so that the connecting portion 23a of one upper support member 23 fits between the connecting portions 24a of the other upper support member 24, and the connecting portion 24a of the other upper support member 24 fits between the connecting portions 23a of one upper support member 23, and the connecting portions 2a, 24a of the one and other upper support members 23, 24 are connected to the upper frame 40.

[0072] As described above, three stacks 7 (battery modules 6) are housed in the housing case 1 via the lower support members 21, 22, the upper support members 23, 24, and the connecting members 8, 9, and are connected to the housing case 1, and are arranged side by side along the front-to-back direction (horizontal direction).

[0073] [Configuration of the connection part at the top of the storage case] 18, a base member 51 having a rectangular (quadrilateral) shape in a plan view is connected to the upper support members 23 and 24 (see FIG. 16), and the top of the storage case 1 is covered by the base member 51. Connection portions 52, 53, 54, and 55 are provided on the front horizontal frame 37.

[0074] The connection unit 52 is for charging the battery module 6 with power supplied from an external power source (not shown). The connection unit 53 is for supplying power from the battery module 6 to the inverter 14 (see FIG. 2). The connection unit 54 is for supplying power from the battery module 6 to a DC-DC converter (not shown), and the power reduced to 12 V by the DC-DC converter is supplied to another battery (not shown). The connection unit 55 is for receiving a supply of power from the other battery mentioned above.

[0075] The five battery modules 6 are connected in series in the three stacks 7. In the substrate member 51 (housing case 1), openings 51a are provided above the terminals 6a of the battery modules 6 at the right and left ends of the stack 7.

[0076] A harness 56 is connected between the terminal 6a (negative) of the battery module 6 at the right end of the front stack 7 and the terminal 6a (positive) of the battery module 6 at the left end of the central stack 7. A flat connecting member 57 is connected between the terminal 6a (negative) of the battery module 6 at the right end of the central stack 7 and the terminal 6a (positive) of the battery module 6 at the left end of the rear stack 7.

[0077] Relay switches 58, 59, 60, and 61 are provided on the base member 51. A flat connecting member 69 is connected between the terminal 6 a (positive) of the battery module 6 at the left end of the front stack 7 and the relay switches 58 and 60. A flat connecting member 70 is connected between the terminal 6 a (negative) of the battery module 6 at the right end of the rear stack 7 and the relay switches 59 and 61.

[0078] A harness 64 is connected between the relay switches 58, 59 and the connection portion 52, and the relay switches 58, 59 function when the battery module 6 is charged with power supplied from an external power source.

[0079] A harness 65 is connected between the relay switches 60 and 61 and the connection portion 53, and the relay switches 60 and 61 function when power is supplied from the battery module 6 to the inverter 14. A breaker 66 is provided in the middle of the connecting member 57. When an operator performs maintenance work on the battery 4, the operator operates the breaker 66 to the break state.

[0080] [Configuration of the precharge section and discharge section at the top of the housing case] 18, the precharge unit 67 and the discharge unit 68 are provided at the left corner of the rear end of the board member 51. As a result, the precharge unit 67 and the discharge unit 68 are provided at the top of the housing case 1, at the rear end of the top of the housing case 1, and at the left corner of the rear end of the top of the housing case 1.

[0081] The precharge unit 67 performs a process for gradually supplying power to the inverter 14 for several seconds when power supply from the battery module 6 (battery 4) to the inverter 14 is started by key-on operation.

[0082] The discharge unit 68 performs a process of discharging the remaining power in the inverter 14 (capacitor) for a few seconds when the power supply from the battery module 6 (battery 4) to the inverter 14 is cut off by the key-off operation.

[0083] [Configuration of the fan device at the top of the housing case] 17 and 18, when three stacks 7 (battery modules 6) are housed in the housing case 1, the three stacks 7 are arranged side by side with predetermined gaps A1 and A2 between them. The gaps A1 and A2 extend across the entire width and the entire height of the stack 7, and are located below the upper frame 40.

[0084] The front and center stacks 7 are arranged so that the rear ends of the five battery modules 6 in the front stack 7 and the front ends of the five battery modules 6 in the center stack 7 face each other with a gap A1 between them.

[0085] The rear stack 7 and the central stack 7 are arranged so that the front ends of each of the five battery modules 6 in the rear stack 7 and the rear ends of each of the five battery modules 6 in the central stack 7 face each other with a gap A2 between them.

[0086] Two fan devices 62, 63 are provided on the base member 51. The fan devices 62, 63 are configured as sirocco fans, and have circular vents 62a, 63a provided at the bottom of the fan devices 62, 63.

[0087] The fan device 62 draws in air through the ventilation opening 62a of the fan device 62 and blows the drawn-in air forward. The fan device 63 draws in air through the ventilation opening 63a of the fan device 63 and blows the drawn-in air backward. The vents 62a, 63a of the fan devices 62, 63 are provided at positions facing the upper parts of the gaps A1, A2 in a side view, and at the left-right central parts of the gaps A1, A2 in a plan view.

[0088] The diameter of the vents 62a, 63a of the fan devices 62, 63 is set to be larger than the front-to-rear width of the upper frame 40. The vents 62a, 63a of the fan devices 62, 63 protrude forward from the front end of the upper frame 40 and protrude rearward from the rear end of the upper frame 40 in a plan view.

[0089] [Configuration of the battery housing cover] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the storage cover 5 is provided on the top of the storage case 1, and the storage cover 5 covers the top of the storage case 1 shown in Figure 18, the board member 51, the relay switches 58 to 61, the fan devices 62, 63, the circuit breaker 66, the precharger 67, the discharger 68, etc.

[0090] The housing cover 5 is formed by bending a plate material and has a top surface 5a, a front surface 5b, a rear surface 5c, right and left side surfaces 5d, and right and left inclined surfaces 5e. The front surface 5b, rear surface 5c, and side surfaces 5d of the housing cover 5 are aligned vertically.

[0091] The upper surface 5a of the housing cover 5 is formed in a downward-sloping shape that becomes lower toward the front in a side view. The inclined surface portion 5e of the storage cover 5 is connected across the upper surface portion 5a and the side surface portion 5d of the storage cover 5, and is formed in a forward-downward shape that becomes lower toward the front when viewed from the side, and in a side-downward shape that becomes lower toward the outer lateral sides when viewed from the front.

[0092] The lateral portions of the front surface portion 5b of the housing cover 5 are not in contact with the front portions of the lateral surface portions 5d and the inclined surface portions 5e of the housing cover 5, and right and left openings 5f in the form of long, narrow gaps are provided in the housing case 1. Since the fan device 62 shown in Figures 17 and 18 blows out the sucked air forward, openings 5f through which air can pass are provided in the housing cover 5 in a portion facing the blowing direction of the fan device 62.

[0093] The lateral portions of the rear surface portion 5c of the housing cover 5 are not in contact with the rear portions of the lateral surface portions 5d and the inclined surface portions 5e of the housing cover 5, and right and left openings 5g in the form of long narrow gaps are provided in the housing case 1. Since the fan device 63 shown in Figures 17 and 18 blows out the sucked air rearward, openings 5g through which air can pass are provided in the housing cover 5 in a portion facing the blowing direction of the fan device 63.

[0094] [Battery cooling status due to operation of fan device] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the fan devices 62 and 63 are operated by power supplied to the connection portion 55 when the key is turned on, and are stopped when the key is turned off.

[0095] When the fan device 62 is activated, air in the gap A1 (air inside the housing case 1) is sucked in through the ventilation opening 62a of the fan device 62, and the fan device 62 blows the sucked air forward. The air blown out from the fan device 62 easily flows out of the housing cover 5 through the opening 5f (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the housing cover 5 and into the cover member 12.

[0096] When the fan device 63 is activated, air in the gap A2 (air inside the housing case 1) is sucked in through the ventilation opening 63a of the fan device 63, and the fan device 63 blows the sucked air backward. The air blown out from the fan device 63 easily flows out of the housing cover 5 through the opening 5g (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the housing cover 5 to the outside, and easily flows into the cover member 12.

[0097] In this case, the blowing direction (forward) of fan device 62 and the blowing direction (rearward) of fan device 63 are set to be opposite to each other so that the blown air flows in directions away from each other. Fan device 62 corresponds to fan device 62 for gap A1 between the central stack 7 and one of the stacks 7, and fan device 63 corresponds to fan device 63 for gap A2 between the central stack 7 and the other stack 7.

[0098] When the air blown out from the fan devices 62, 63 exits the housing cover 5 through the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5, the air inside the cover member 12 is introduced into the housing cover 5 through the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0099] As described above, as the air inside the housing case 1 is sucked in by the fan devices 62, 63, the air inside the housing cover 5 (outside the housing case 1) is introduced into the housing case 1. In this case, the air inside the housing cover 5 (outside the housing case 1) passes mainly through the opening 51a of the board member 51 and near the terminal 6a of the battery module 6 before being introduced into the housing case 1.

[0100] As described above, in the battery 4, when the fan devices 62, 63 are operated, air is circulated between the inside of the storage case 1 and the inside of the storage cover 5, thereby equalizing the temperature of the air inside the storage case 1 and the temperature of the air inside the storage cover 5, and promoting heat dissipation from the side plates 45, 46 and bottom plate 47 of the storage case 1 and from the storage cover 5, thereby cooling the inside of the battery 4.

[0101] [Relationship between the cover member and the battery housing cover] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the upper surface portion 12a of the cover member 12 is formed in a forward-facing downward shape, becoming lower toward the front when viewed from the side, and as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the upper surface portion 5a and the inclined surface portion 5e of the storage cover 5 are formed in a forward-facing downward shape, becoming lower toward the front when viewed from the side.

[0102] As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface portion 5a and inclined surface portion 5e of the storage cover 5 and the upper surface portion 12a of the cover member 12 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction, and a space B1 is formed between the upper surface portion 5a and inclined surface portion 5e of the storage cover 5 and the upper surface portion 12a of the cover member 12 in a side view.

[0103] As shown in Figure 6, the battery 4 (side plate 45) and the side surface portion 12b of the cover member 12 are arranged with a predetermined distance between them in the left-right direction, and a space B2 is formed on the right and left sides in a plan view between the battery 4 (side plate 45) and the side surface portion 12b of the cover member 12.

[0104] As the aircraft moves forward, air is introduced into the interior of the cover member 12, mainly through the front grill 12c of the cover member 12. The air introduced into the interior of the cover member 12 flows around the battery 4 while passing through spaces B1 and B2, and exits to the outside of the cover member 12 mainly through the side grills 12d and 12e of the cover member 12. This promotes heat dissipation from the side plates 45 and 46 and bottom plate 47 of the housing case 1 and from the housing cover 5, thereby cooling the interior of the battery 4.

[0105] [First Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] 11 to 14, the lower support members 21 and 22 may be removed from the stack 7 (battery modules 6) and connected to the housing case 1 in advance. According to this configuration, the bottom plate 47 (see FIG. 9) is removed from the accommodating case 1, the stack 7 (battery modules 6) is placed on the lower support members 21, 22, and the bolts 20 are connected to the battery modules 6 from the underside of the first lower frame 41.

[0106] [Second Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] 11, 12, 15, and 16, the upper support members 23 and 24 may be removed from the stack 7 (battery modules 6). According to this configuration, after the stack 7 (battery modules 6) is installed in the housing case 1, the upper support members 23, 24 may be connected to the top of the stack 7 (battery modules 6) and then connected to the upper frames 40, 44.

[0107] [Third Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The connecting portions 21a, 22a of the lower support members 21, 22 may be formed in an elongated rectangular shape in a plan view. The number of connecting portions 21a, 22a of the lower support members 21, 22 may be set to two or three, or may be set to four or five. The number of connecting portions 22a of the lower support member 22 may be greater than the number of connecting portions 21a on one edge of the lower support member 21.

[0108] The connecting portions 23a, 24a of the upper support members 23, 24 may be formed in an elongated rectangular shape in a plan view. The numbers of connecting portions 23a, 24a of the upper support members 23, 24 may be set to three and two, or may be set to five and four. The number of connecting portions 23 a on one edge of the upper support member 23 may be greater than the number of connecting portions 24 a on the upper support member 24 .

[0109] [Fourth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The precharge section 67 and discharge section 68 shown in Figure 18 may be provided on the upper part (substrate member 51) of the storage case 1 at the center of the rear end, the right corner of the rear end, the center of the front end, the right or left corner of the front end, the center of the front and rear of the right lateral end, the front or rear corner of the right lateral end, the center of the front and rear of the left lateral end, or the front or rear corner of the left lateral end.

[0110] The precharge section 67 and the discharge section 68 may be provided on the upper part of the housing case 1 (substrate member 51) at a distance from each other, instead of being provided close to each other on the upper part of the housing case 1 (substrate member 51).

[0111] The precharge section 67 and the discharge section 68 may be provided at the lower part of the front of the storage case 1, at the middle part between the top and bottom of the front, at the lower part of the rear or at the middle part between the top and bottom of the rear, or at the lower part of the right side of the storage case 1, at the middle part between the top and bottom of the right side, or at the lower part of the left side or at the middle part between the top and bottom of the left side.

[0112] [Fifth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The airflow directions of the fan devices 62, 63 shown in FIG. 18 may be set to the right and left, and the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be provided on the right and left side surface portions 5d. With this configuration, the fan devices 62, 63 and the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5 are close to each other, so that the air blown out from the fan devices 62, 63 can easily escape to the outside of the housing cover 5 through the openings 5f, 5g of the housing cover 5.

[0113] [Sixth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The fan devices 62, 63 shown in Figures 17 and 18 may be configured to suck in air from inside the storage cover 5 and blow the air out from the ventilation holes 62a, 63a of the fan devices 62, 63 toward the gaps A1, A2 (inside the storage case 1). With this configuration, the air inside the housing case 1 passes mainly near the terminals 6a of the battery modules 6, passes through the openings 51a of the board member 51, and exits into the housing cover 5.

[0114] [Seventh Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] Fan devices 62, 63 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 may be provided on the side plate 45 or bottom plate 47 of the casing 1 so as to face the sides or bottom of the gaps A1, A2.

[0115] According to the above-described configuration, when the fan devices 62, 63 are of the suction type, the fan devices 62, 63 suck in air from inside the storage case 1 and blow it out into the inside of the cover member 12 (see Figures 5 and 6), and the air from inside the cover member 12 passes through the openings 5f, 5g of the storage cover 5 and is introduced from inside the storage case 1 to inside the storage cover 5.

[0116] When the fan devices 62, 63 are of the blowing type, the fan devices 62, 63 suck in the air inside the cover member 12 (see Figures 5 and 6) and blow it out into the inside of the storage case 1, and the air inside the storage case 1 goes out into the inside of the storage cover 5 and goes out into the inside of the cover member 12 through the openings 5f, 5g of the storage cover 5.

[0117] [Eighth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The battery 4 may include one or two stacks 7, or four or more stacks 7. One stack 7 may be formed by connecting fewer than five or six or more battery modules 6. A plurality of stacks 7 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, the number of fan devices 62, 63 is set to one or three or more in accordance with the number of stacks 7 and gaps A1, A2.

[0118] [Ninth Alternative Embodiment of the Invention] The front wheels 10 and rear wheels 11 are the traveling devices of the present invention. Instead of the front wheels 10 and rear wheels 11, right and left crawler traveling devices (not shown) may be provided on the machine body as the traveling devices. [Industrial Applicability]

[0119] The present invention can be applied not only to tractors, but also to other electric work vehicles such as electric carts and transport vehicles, and can also be applied to electric work vehicles in which the battery 4 is mounted at the rear of the body, and can also be applied to autonomous or radio-controlled electric work vehicles that do not have an operator on board. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1 storage case 3. Driving section 4 Battery 5 Storage cover 5f opening 5g opening 6 Battery Module 6a terminal 7. Stack 10 Front wheels (running gear) 11 Rear wheels (running gear) 12 Cover member 12a Top part 12c Introduction 51a opening 62 Fan unit 62a Ventilation hole 63 Fan unit 63a Ventilation hole A1 Gap A2 Gap Medium motor

Claims

1. An electric work vehicle including a battery, a motor driven by power from the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor, The battery a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected; a storage case in which a plurality of the stacks are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween and in which the stacks are stored; a fan device having an air vent arranged at a position facing the gap outside the storage case, and capable of sucking air from the storage case or supplying air to the storage case through the air vent; An electric work vehicle in which an opening through which air can pass is provided in a portion of the storage case facing the terminals of the battery module.

2. An electric work vehicle including a battery, a motor driven by power from the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor, The battery a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected; a storage case in which a plurality of the stacks are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween and in which the stacks are stored; a fan device having an air vent arranged at a position facing the gap outside the storage case, and capable of sucking air from the storage case or supplying air to the storage case through the air vent; A plurality of the stacks are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction, The vent hole is provided at a position facing the upper part of the gap, The fan device is configured to be able to suck air from the storage case, In one of the stacks adjacent to one of the central stacks and the other of the stacks adjacent to the other of the central stacks, An electric work vehicle in which the blowing direction of the fan device toward the gap between the central stack and one of the stacks and the blowing direction of the fan device toward the gap between the central stack and the other of the stacks are set in opposite directions so that the blown air flows in directions away from each other.

3. A plurality of the battery modules are connected to each other so as to be adjacent to each other to form the stack; 3. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the stacks are arranged so that, in adjacent stacks, an end portion of each of the plurality of battery modules in one stack and an end portion of each of the plurality of battery modules in the other stack face each other with the gap therebetween.

4. The electric work vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a housing cover that covers the fan device and an upper portion of the housing case.

5. An electric work vehicle including a battery, a motor driven by power from the battery, and a traveling device driven by the motor, The battery a stack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected; a storage case in which a plurality of the stacks are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween and in which the stacks are stored; a fan device having an air vent arranged at a position facing the gap outside the storage case, and capable of sucking air from the storage case or supplying air to the storage case through the air vent; A plurality of the stacks are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction, The vent hole is provided at a position facing the upper part of the gap, a driving section in which an operator rides and drives the vehicle; a cover member provided in front of the driving unit, having an intake section for introducing external air at the front, and having an upper surface portion formed in a downward-sloping shape that becomes lower toward the front, The battery is housed in the cover member, a housing cover is provided to cover the fan device and an upper portion of the housing case; An electric work vehicle in which the upper surface of the storage cover is formed in a downward-sloping shape that becomes lower toward the front, and the upper surface of the storage cover and the upper surface of the cover member are arranged with a predetermined gap in the vertical direction.

6. 6. The electric work vehicle according to claim 4, wherein an opening through which air can pass is provided in a portion of the housing cover facing the blowing direction or the suction direction of the fan device.

Images