Power supply device

Abstract

To provide assistance in charging an onboard battery mounted on a work machine.SOLUTION: A power supply device is provided, comprising an output unit for outputting power used for charging an onboard battery mounted on a work machine while the storage battery is connected, and a communication unit configured to transmit storage battery data concerning the storage battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device, a management system, and a management method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In the technical field related to work machines, a power supply system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-69517 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for technology that can appropriately assist in charging onboard batteries installed in work machines.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to assist in charging an on-board battery mounted on a work machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a power supply device including an output device that outputs power used to charge an onboard battery mounted on a work machine when a storage battery is connected, and a communication device that transmits storage battery data related to the storage battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, charging of an on-board battery mounted on a work machine is assisted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a storage battery management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the power supply device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a storage battery management method according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing recommended data output from the output device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] [Management system] 1 is a diagram showing a management system 1 for a storage battery 2 according to an embodiment. The management system 1 manages the storage battery 2. The storage battery 2 is used to charge an on-board battery 4 mounted on a work machine 3.

[0011] The storage battery 2 is a rechargeable battery that can be used repeatedly by being charged. Examples of the storage battery 2 include a lithium ion battery and a nickel-metal hydride battery. The storage battery 2 is a portable storage battery that can be transported. The storage battery 2 is transported by a delivery vehicle 5 of a delivery company.

[0012] The work machine 3 operates at a work site 101. The work machine 3 is driven by power output from an on-board battery 4. The work machine 3 is an electric work machine. Examples of the work site 101 include an urban road construction site or an indoor demolition work site. Electric work machines do not emit exhaust gases. Electric work machines emit little heat. Electric work machines are very quiet. Therefore, the work machine 3 is suitable for urban road construction or indoor demolition work.

[0013] The on-board battery 4 is a rechargeable battery that can be used repeatedly by being charged. Examples of the on-board battery 4 include a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The on-board battery 4 is fixed to the work machine 3. The on-board battery 4 functions as a drive source for the work machine 3.

[0014] The management system 1 includes a power supply device 6, a server 7, and an information terminal 8. The power supply device 6 is used to charge the vehicle battery 4. The server 7 includes a computer system. In the embodiment, the server 7 includes a first server 7A and a second server 7B. The information terminal 8 is carried by a user 100 of the storage battery 2. Examples of the information terminal 8 include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0015] The power supply device 6 and the first server 7A communicate with each other via a communication system. The first server 7A and the second server 7B communicate with each other via a communication system. The second server 7B and the information terminal 8 communicate with each other via a communication system. Examples of communication systems include the Internet, a mobile phone communication network, a satellite communication network, or a local area network (LAN).

[0016] The power supply device 6 is placed at the work site 101 of the work machine 3. The server 7 is placed in a location remote from the work site 101. The first server 7A is placed, for example, in a management facility 102 owned by a work machine manufacturer. The second server 7B is placed, for example, in a delivery facility 103 owned by a delivery company that delivers the storage battery 2.

[0017] The storage battery 2 is charged at a location remote from the work site 101. In an embodiment, the storage battery 2 is charged at a delivery facility 103. A charging device 9 for the storage battery 2 is disposed at the delivery facility 103. The storage battery 2 is charged by the charging device 9 at the delivery facility 103. Power is supplied to the charging device 9 from a commercial power source 10. The charging device 9 charges the storage battery 2 based on the power supplied from the commercial power source 10.

[0018] The storage battery 2 charged by the charging device 9 at the delivery facility 103 is delivered by the delivery vehicle 5 to the work site 101 of the work machine 3. The storage battery 2 delivered to the work site 101 is connected to the power supply device 6.

[0019] The power supply device 6 outputs power used to charge the vehicle battery 4 when the storage battery 2 is connected.

[0020] The vehicle-mounted battery 4 is charged at the work site 101. A charging device 11 for the vehicle-mounted battery 4 is arranged at the work site 101. The vehicle-mounted battery 4 is charged by the charging device 11 at the work site 101.

[0021] The power supply device 6 outputs power to the charging device 11 for the vehicle-mounted battery 4. Power is supplied from the power supply device 6 to the charging device 11. The charging device 11 charges the vehicle-mounted battery 4 based on the power supplied from the power supply device 6.

[0022] The power supply device 6 has an output device 12 and a communication device 13. The storage battery 2 delivered to the work site 101 by the delivery vehicle 5 is connected to the output device 12.

[0023] When the storage battery 2 is connected, the output device 12 outputs the electric power used to charge the on-board battery 4 mounted on the work machine 3.

[0024] The output device 12 outputs power to the charging device 11 for the in-vehicle battery 4. When connected to the charging device 11, the output device 12 supplies power to the charging device 11. When connected to the storage battery 2, the output device 12 outputs power supplied from the storage battery 2 to the charging device 11. The power output from the storage battery 2 is supplied to the in-vehicle battery 4 via the output device 12 and the charging device 11.

[0025] The storage battery 2 is used to charge the on-board battery 4. The on-board battery 4 is charged based on the power output from the storage battery 2. As the on-board battery 4 is charged, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 2 decreases. The storage battery 2 used to charge the on-board battery 4 at the work site 101 is transported to a delivery facility 103 by a delivery vehicle 5. The storage battery 2 transported to the delivery facility 103 is charged by a charging device 9 at the delivery facility 103.

[0026] The communication device 13 transmits storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2 when the storage battery 2 is connected to the output device 12.

[0027] In the embodiment, the communicator 13 is disposed in the output device 12. The communicator 13 may also be disposed in the storage battery 2.

[0028] In the embodiment, the storage battery data Da includes at least one of the usage amount of the storage battery 2, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 2, the life of the storage battery 2, and the location of the storage battery 2.

[0029] The communicator 13 communicates with the first server 7A. The communicator 13 transmits the storage battery data Da to the first server 7A.

[0030] The first server 7A receives the storage battery data Da transmitted from the communication device 13. The first server 7A stores the storage battery data Da. The first server 7A manages the storage battery data Da.

[0031] The first server 7A communicates with the second server 7B. The first server 7A transmits storage battery data Da to the second server 7B.

[0032] The second server 7B receives the storage battery data Da transmitted from the first server 7A. The second server 7B generates required energy data Db indicating the amount of energy required to charge the in-vehicle battery 4 based on the storage battery data Da.

[0033] The second server 7B provides services to the user 100 of the storage battery 2. The second server 7B responds to requests from the user 100 of the storage battery 2.

[0034] The second server 7B generates recommendation data Dc related to the delivery of the storage battery 2 based on the required energy data Db.

[0035] The recommendation data Dc includes a recommended number of storage batteries 2 to be delivered to the power supply device 6 and a recommended date and time for delivering the storage batteries 2 to the power supply device 6.

[0036] The second server 7B communicates with the information terminal 8. The second server 7B transmits the recommended data Dc to the information terminal 8.

[0037] The information terminal 8 receives the recommended data Dc transmitted from the second server 7B. The information terminal 8 has an input device 8A and an output device 8B. The input device 8A generates input data when operated by the user 100. An example of the input device 8A is a touch panel. The input device 8A may be a computer keyboard or an audio input device. The output device 8B outputs the recommended data Dc. An example of the output device 8B is a display device such as a flat panel display. The output device 8B may be an audio output device. The user 100 can check the recommended data Dc via the output device 8B of the information terminal 8.

[0038] Based on the recommendation data Dc, the user 100 operates the input device 8A of the information terminal 8 so that the storage battery 2 charged by the charging device 9 is delivered to the power supply device 6. Based on the input data input by operating the input device 8A, the information terminal 8 generates delivery request data Dd that requests that the storage battery 2 charged by the charging device 9 be delivered to the power supply device 6. The information terminal 8 transmits the delivery request data Dd to the second server 7B.

[0039] The second server 7B receives the delivery request data Dd transmitted from the information terminal 8. Based on the delivery request data Dd, the second server 7B outputs delivery command data De that commands the storage battery 2 charged by the charging device 9 to be delivered to the power supply device 6.

[0040] An output device 14 is connected to the second server 7B. Examples of the output device 14 include a display device or an audio output device. The second server 7B outputs delivery command data De to the output device 14. An operator at the delivery facility 103 can check the delivery command data De via the output device 14. Based on the delivery command data De, the operator at the delivery facility 103 can arrange for a delivery vehicle 5 to deliver the storage battery 2 charged by the charging device 9 to the power supply device 6 at the work site 101. The storage battery 2 used to charge the on-board battery 4 at the work site 101 is collected by the driver of the delivery vehicle 5 and then transported to the delivery facility 103 by the delivery vehicle 5.

[0041] The first server 7A acquires the storage battery data Df related to the storage battery 2 located in the delivery facility 103.

[0042] In the embodiment, the storage battery data Df includes the number of deliveries of the storage battery 2. The storage battery data Df may also include required energy data Db. The storage battery data Df may also include at least one of the amount of usage of the storage battery 2, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 2, the lifespan of the storage battery 2, and the location of the storage battery 2.

[0043] The first server 7A stores the storage battery data Df. The first server 7A manages the storage battery data Df. The first server 7A transmits the storage battery data Df that has been transmitted to the second server 7B.

[0044] The second server 7B receives the storage battery data Df transmitted from the first server 7A.

[0045] [Power supply] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a power supply device 6 according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, the power supply device 6 and the charging device 11 are each arranged at a work site 101. The charging device 11 is arranged at the work site 101 to charge the on-board battery 4 of the work machine 3. The power supply device 6 is arranged at the work site 101 to supply power to the charging device 11. The storage battery 2 is connected to an output device 12 of the power supply device 6. The charging device 11 is connected to the output device 12 of the power supply device 6. The power supply device 6 supplies power output from the storage battery 2 to the charging device 11. By being connected to the output device 12 of the power supply device 6, the charging device 11 charges the on-board battery 4 using power supplied from the storage battery 2.

[0046] The work machine 3 is an electric work machine powered by an on-board battery 4. In the embodiment, the work machine 3 is an electric shovel. The electric shovel has a lower traveling body 3B having tracks 3A, an upper rotating body 3C supported by the lower traveling body 3B, and a work implement 3D supported by the upper rotating body 3C. The electric shovel also has an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, and a hydraulic actuator. The electric motor is driven by power supplied from the on-board battery 4 mounted on the work machine 3. The hydraulic motor is driven by rotational force generated by the electric motor. The hydraulic actuator is driven by hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic motor. The lower traveling body 3B, upper rotating body 3C, and work implement 3D are each operated by a hydraulic actuator.

[0047] The power supply device 6 includes an output device 12, a communication device 13, and a control device 15. The output device 12 has a housing 16, an input unit 17, a power conversion unit 18, and an output unit 19.

[0048] The input unit 17 includes an input terminal 20 and an input circuit 21. The power conversion unit 18 includes a power conversion circuit 22. The output unit 19 includes an output circuit 23 and an output terminal 24.

[0049] The housing 16 accommodates an input circuit 21, a power conversion circuit 22, an output circuit 23, and the control device 15. The input terminal 20 and the output terminal 24 are disposed on the outer surface of the housing 16. The input terminal 20 and the input circuit 21 are connected by a power line 25. The input circuit 21 and the power conversion circuit 22 are connected by a power line 26. The power conversion circuit 22 and the output circuit 23 are connected by a power line 27. The output circuit 23 and the output terminal 24 are connected by a power line 28.

[0050] DC power is input from the storage battery 2 to the input unit 17. The storage battery 2 is attached to and detached from the input terminal 20. In the embodiment, the input terminal 20 is connected to the storage battery 2 via a cable 29. The cable 29 is attached to and detached from both the storage battery 2 and the input terminal 20. The input terminal 20 is connected to the input circuit 21 via a power line 25. With the storage battery 2 connected to the input terminal 20, DC power is input from the storage battery 2 to the input circuit 21 via the input terminal 20. The input circuit 21 outputs the DC power input from the storage battery 2 to the power conversion circuit 22 via a power line 26.

[0051] In the embodiment, a plurality of input terminals 20 are provided. The plurality of input terminals 20 are connected in parallel to the input circuit 21. The storage battery 2 is connected to each of the plurality of input terminals 20. DC power is input to the input circuit 21 from each of the plurality of input terminals 20. The input terminals 20 include at least a first input terminal 20A and a second input terminal 20B.

[0052] Power conversion unit 18 converts DC power input to input unit 17 into AC power. Power conversion circuit 22 includes a DC / AC converter. Power conversion circuit 22 converts DC power output from input unit 17 into AC power. Power conversion circuit 22 outputs the AC power to output circuit 23 via power line 27.

[0053] AC power is input from the power conversion unit 18 to the output unit 19. The output unit 19 outputs the AC power input from the power conversion unit 18 to the outside of the power supply device 6. The output unit 19 outputs the AC power used to charge the on-board battery 4 mounted on the work machine 3. The output unit 19 outputs the AC power to the charging device 11 for the on-board battery 4. The output terminal 24 is connected to the output circuit 23 via a power line 28. The output circuit 23 outputs the AC power input from the power conversion circuit 22 to the output terminal 24 via the power line 28.

[0054] The charging device 11 is attached to and detached from the output terminal 24. In the embodiment, the output terminal 24 is connected to the charging device 11 via a cable 30. The output unit 19 outputs the AC power input from the power conversion unit 18 to the charging device 11.

[0055] The charging device 11 charges the on-board battery 4 based on AC power input from the output unit 19. In this embodiment, the charging device 11 is connected to the work machine 3 via a cable 31. A connector 3E is provided on the work machine 3. The cable 31 is attached to and detached from the connector 3E. The connector 3E is connected to the on-board battery 4. The power output from the charging device 11 is output to the on-board battery 4 via the cable 31 and the connector 3E. The on-board battery 4 is charged by the power input from the charging device 11.

[0056] The control device 15 includes a computer system. The control device 15 is connected to the input circuit 21, the power conversion circuit 22, and the output circuit 23 via a signal line 32A. The control device 15 is also connected to the communicator 13 via a signal line 32B.

[0057] With the input unit 17 and the storage battery 2 connected, the control device 15 acquires storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2 from the input circuit 21. By connecting the input circuit 21 and the storage battery 2 via the cable 29, the input circuit 21 can acquire the storage battery data Da from a battery management system (BMS) of the storage battery 2 via the cable 29. As described above, the storage battery data Da includes at least one of the usage amount of the storage battery 2, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 2, the lifespan of the storage battery 2, and the location of the storage battery 2. With the input unit 17 and the storage battery 2 connected, the communicator 13 transmits the storage battery data Da acquired by the control device 15 to the first server 7A.

[0058] The charging device 11 can be connected to a commercial power source 10. When connected to the commercial power source 10, the charging device 11 can charge the in-vehicle battery 4 based on AC power input from the commercial power source 10.

[0059] The charging device 11 has a noise filter circuit 33. The noise filter circuit 33 includes an LC filter and / or a capacitor. When the charging device 11 charges the vehicle battery 4 using AC power input from the commercial power source 10, the charging device 11 is provided with the noise filter circuit 33. The AC power input to the charging device 11 from the commercial power source 10 is output to the vehicle battery 4 via the noise filter circuit 33. The noise filter circuit 33 suppresses noise generation.

[0060] In the embodiment, the output circuit 23 does not have a noise filter circuit. Only one noise filter circuit is arranged in the AC power path between the power line 27, which includes the output circuit 23 and the charging device 11, and the cable 31. Since the charging device 11 is provided with the noise filter circuit 33 and the output circuit 23 is not provided with a noise filter circuit, the occurrence of LC resonance is suppressed. By suppressing the occurrence of LC resonance, the occurrence of noise is suppressed. Furthermore, the input of an overvoltage or overcurrent to the charging device 11 is suppressed.

[0061] [server] 3 is a functional block diagram showing a management system 1 according to an embodiment. The management system 1 has a power supply device 6, a first server 7A, a second server 7B, and an information terminal 8. The first server 7A includes a computer system. The second server 7B includes a computer system. The information terminal 8 includes a computer system.

[0062] The first server 7A includes a communication interface , a memory circuit 35, and a processing circuit .

[0063] The communication interface 34 is connected to the processing circuit 36. The communication interface 34 controls communication between the first server 7A and each of the power supply device 6 and the second server 7B.

[0064] The memory circuitry 35 is connected to the processing circuitry 36. The memory circuitry 35 stores data. The memory circuitry 35 is exemplified by a nonvolatile memory or a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is exemplified by a read only memory (ROM) or a storage. The storage is exemplified by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The volatile memory is exemplified by a random access memory (RAM).

[0065] The processing circuitry 36 performs calculation processing and control command output processing. An example of the processing circuitry 36 is a processor. An example of the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). A computer program is stored in the storage circuitry 35. The processing circuitry 36 performs predetermined functions by retrieving and executing the computer program from the storage circuitry 35.

[0066] The second server 7B includes a communication interface 37, a memory circuit 38, and a processing circuit 39.

[0067] The communication interface 37 is connected to the processing circuit 39. The communication interface 37 controls communication between the second server 7B and each of the information terminal 8 and the first server 7A. The communication interface 37 also controls communication with the output device 14.

[0068] The memory circuit 38 is connected to the processing circuit 39. The memory circuit 38 stores data. The memory circuit 35 is exemplified by a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory.

[0069] The processing circuitry 39 performs calculation processing and control command output processing. A processor is an example of the processing circuitry 39. A computer program is stored in the storage circuitry 38. The processing circuitry 39 performs predetermined functions by retrieving and executing the computer program from the storage circuitry 38.

[0070] Although not shown, the information terminal 8 also has a communication interface, a storage circuit, and a processing circuit.

[0071] The processing circuit 36 ​​includes a storage battery data receiving unit 40 and a storage battery data output unit 41. The memory circuit 35 includes a storage battery data memory unit 42.

[0072] The storage battery data receiving unit 40 receives storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2 transmitted from the power supply device 6 at the work site 101.

[0073] The storage battery data Da includes the usage amount of the storage battery 2 connected to the output device 12, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 2, the life of the storage battery 2, and the location of the storage battery 2.

[0074] The usage of the storage battery 2 includes the amount of power used by the storage battery 2. The amount of power used by the storage battery 2 includes the amount of power used per unit time. Examples of the amount of power used by the storage battery 2 per unit time include the amount of power used per hour or the amount of power used per day. The amount of power used by the storage battery 2 also includes the rate of change in the amount of power used. The rate of change in the amount of power used per unit time. The usage of the storage battery 2 may also include the number of storage batteries 2 used to charge the vehicle battery 4 out of the multiple storage batteries 2 present at the work site 101.

[0075] The remaining capacity of the storage battery 2 includes the remaining power of the storage battery 2. The remaining capacity of the storage battery 2 also includes the rate of change of the remaining capacity. The rate of change of the remaining capacity refers to the amount of change in the remaining capacity per unit time. The remaining capacity of the storage battery 2 may also include the number of storage batteries 2 that are not being used to charge the vehicle battery 4 out of the multiple storage batteries 2 present at the work site 101.

[0076] The lifespan of the storage battery 2 includes the state of health (SOH) of the storage battery 2. The state of health (SOH) of the storage battery 2 is expressed as "full charge capacity at the time of deterioration [Ah] / initial full charge capacity [Ah] × 100".

[0077] The storage battery data Da includes storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2 after the storage battery 2 and the output device 12 are connected and before charging of the in-vehicle battery 4 starts. The storage battery data Da may be storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2 when the in-vehicle battery 4 is being charged. The storage battery data Da may be storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2 after charging of the in-vehicle battery 4 has finished.

[0078] The storage battery data Da received by the storage battery data receiving unit 40 is output to the storage battery data storage unit 42. The storage battery data storage unit 42 stores the storage battery data Da received by the storage battery data receiving unit 40.

[0079] There is a possibility that multiple power supply devices 6 will be installed at the work site 101. There is also a possibility that a power supply device 6 will be installed at each of the multiple work sites 101. The storage battery data receiving unit 40 receives storage battery data Da transmitted from each of the multiple power supply devices 6. The storage battery data storage unit 42 stores the storage battery data Da related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present at the work site 101. By storing the storage battery data Da related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present at the work site 101 in the storage battery data storage unit 42, the first server 7A can centrally manage the storage battery data Da related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present at the work site 101.

[0080] The storage battery data output unit 41 outputs the storage battery data Da received by the storage battery data receiving unit 40. The storage battery data output unit 41 transmits the storage battery data Da received by the storage battery data receiving unit 40 to the second server 7B. The storage battery data output unit 41 transfers the storage battery data Da transmitted from the power supply device 6 to the second server 7B.

[0081] The processing circuit 39 has a storage battery data acquisition unit 43, a required energy data output unit 44, a recommended data generation unit 45, a recommended data transmission unit 46, a delivery request data reception unit 47, a delivery command data output unit 48, and a storage battery data output unit 49.

[0082] The storage battery data acquisition unit 43 acquires the storage battery data Da output from the storage battery data output unit 41. The storage battery data acquisition unit 43 receives the storage battery data Da transmitted from the first server 7A.

[0083] The required energy data output unit 44 outputs required energy data Db indicating the amount of energy required to charge the vehicle-mounted battery 4 based on the storage battery data Da acquired by the storage battery data acquisition unit 43.

[0084] The required energy data Db includes the amount of energy required to fully charge the vehicle-mounted battery 4. The amount of energy required to fully charge the vehicle-mounted battery 4 includes the number of storage batteries 2 required to fully charge the vehicle-mounted battery 4.

[0085] The required energy data output unit 44 can calculate the amount of energy required to fully charge the in-vehicle battery 4 based on at least one of the amount of usage of the storage battery 2 and the remaining amount of the storage battery 2, for example.

[0086] The number of storage batteries 2 required to fully charge the in-vehicle battery 4 includes the number of fully charged storage batteries 2. The required energy data output unit 44 can calculate the number of storage batteries 2 required to fully charge the in-vehicle battery 4 based on at least one of the amount of power used by the storage batteries 2 or the remaining amount of charge in the storage batteries 2.

[0087] The required power data Db includes at least one of the rate of change in power usage of the storage battery 2 present at the work site 101 and the rate of change in the remaining power of the storage battery 2. The rate of change in power usage refers to the amount of change in power usage per unit time. The rate of change in remaining power refers to the amount of change in remaining power per unit time.

[0088] The recommended data generating unit 45 generates recommended data Dc relating to the delivery of the storage battery 2 based on the required energy data Db output from the required energy data output unit 44.

[0089] The recommended data Dc includes at least one of the recommended number of storage batteries 2 to be delivered from the delivery facility 103 to the power supply device 6 to be placed at the work site 101 and the recommended date and time for delivering the storage batteries 2 from the delivery facility 103 to the power supply device 6 at the work site 101.

[0090] The recommendation data generation unit 45 can generate a recommended number of storage batteries 2 to be delivered to the power supply device 6, for example, based on the amount of power required to fully charge the in-vehicle battery 4. The recommendation data generation unit 45 can also generate a recommended date and time for delivering the storage batteries 2 to the power supply device 6, for example, based on the rate of change in the amount of power used by the in-vehicle battery 4 or the rate of change in the remaining power of the in-vehicle battery 4.

[0091] The recommended data transmission unit 46 transmits the recommended data Dc generated by the recommended data generation unit 45 to the information terminal 8.

[0092] The recommended data Dc transmitted to the information terminal 8 is output from the output device 8B of the information terminal 8. The user 100 can check the recommended data Dc via the output device 8B.

[0093] The user 100 operates the input device 8A of the information terminal 8 so that the desired number of storage batteries 2 charged by the charging device 9 are delivered to the power supply device 6 at the desired date and time based on the recommendation data Dc. The information terminal 8 generates delivery request data Dd requesting delivery of the storage batteries 2 charged by the charging device 9 to the power supply device 6 based on input data generated by operating the input device 8A. That is, the information terminal 8 generates the delivery request data Dd based on the recommendation data Dc. The delivery request data Dd includes at least one of the desired number of storage batteries 2 to be delivered from the delivery facility 103 to the power supply device 6 at the work site 101 and the desired date and time for delivery of the storage batteries 2 from the delivery facility 103 to the power supply device 6 at the work site 101. The information terminal 8 transmits the delivery request data Dd to the second server 7B.

[0094] The delivery request data receiving unit 47 receives the delivery request data Dd transmitted from the information terminal 8.

[0095] Based on the delivery request data Dd received by the delivery request data receiving unit 47, the delivery command data output unit 48 outputs delivery command data De to deliver the storage battery 2 charged by the charging device 9 to the power supply device 6.

[0096] An output device 14 is connected to the second server 7B. The delivery command data output unit 48 outputs the delivery command data De to the output device 14. Examples of the output device 14 include a display device or an audio output device. The output device 14 outputs the delivery command data De. An operator at the delivery facility 103 can check the delivery command data De via the output device 14. Based on the delivery command data De, the operator at the delivery facility 103 can arrange for a delivery vehicle 5 to deliver the desired number of storage batteries 2 specified in the delivery request data Dd to the power supply device 6 at the desired date and time specified.

[0097] The storage battery data output unit 49 outputs the storage battery data Df related to the storage battery 2 present in the delivery facility 103.

[0098] The storage battery data Df includes the number of deliveries of the storage battery 2 present at the delivery facility 103. The storage battery data Df may also include required energy data Db. The storage battery data Df may also include at least one of the amount of usage of the storage battery 2, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 2, the lifespan of the storage battery 2, and the location of the storage battery 2.

[0099] When the storage battery 2 is connected to the charging device 9 of the delivery facility 103, the charging device 9 can acquire the storage battery data Df including at least one of the remaining charge and the lifespan of the storage battery 2. The storage battery data output unit 49 can acquire the storage battery data Df from the charging device 9.

[0100] Of the storage battery data Df, the usage amount, remaining capacity, and lifespan of the storage battery 2 may be the storage battery data Df relating to the storage battery 2 before charging of the storage battery 2 by the charging device 9 is started. Of the storage battery data Df, the usage amount, remaining capacity, and lifespan of the storage battery 2 may be the storage battery data Df relating to the storage battery 2 when charging of the storage battery 2 by the charging device 9 is being carried out. Of the storage battery data Df, the usage amount, remaining capacity, and lifespan of the storage battery 2 may be the storage battery data Df relating to the storage battery 2 after charging of the storage battery 2 by the charging device 9 is completed.

[0101] The storage battery data output unit 49 transmits the storage battery data Df to the first server 7 A. The storage battery data receiving unit 40 receives the storage battery data Df transmitted from the second server 7 B.

[0102] The storage battery data Df received by the storage battery data receiving unit 40 is output to the storage battery data storage unit 42. The storage battery data storage unit 42 stores the storage battery data Df received by the storage battery data receiving unit 40. The storage battery data storage unit 42 stores the storage battery data Df related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present in the delivery facility 103. By storing the storage battery data Df related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present in the delivery facility 103 in the storage battery data storage unit 42, the first server 7A can centrally manage the storage battery data Df related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present in the delivery facility 103.

[0103] [Management method] 4 is a flowchart showing a method for managing a storage battery 2 according to an embodiment. To charge the vehicle-mounted battery 4, the storage battery 2 is connected to an output device 12 at a work site 101. The output device 12 is also connected to a charging device 11, and the charging device 11 is connected to the vehicle-mounted battery 4. When power is output from the output device 12 to the charging device 11 and charging of the vehicle-mounted battery 4 begins, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 2 decreases. The control device 15 of the power supply device 6 monitors the state of the storage battery 2 connected to the output device 12. The control device 15 acquires storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2 (step SA1).

[0104] The communicator 13 transmits to the first server 7A the storage battery data Da acquired by the control device 15. The storage battery data receiver 40 of the first server 7A receives the storage battery data Da transmitted from the communicator 13 (step SB1).

[0105] The battery data storage unit 42 stores the battery data Da received by the battery data receiving unit 40 (step SB2).

[0106] The storage battery data output unit 41 outputs the storage battery data Da received by the storage battery data receiving unit 40 to the second server 7B. The storage battery data output unit 41 transfers the storage battery data Da transmitted from the communication device 13 to the second server 7B. The storage battery data acquisition unit 43 of the second server 7B acquires the storage battery data Da output from the first server 7A (step SC1).

[0107] The required energy data output unit 44 outputs required energy data Db indicating the amount of energy required to charge the in-vehicle battery 4 based on the storage battery data Da acquired by the storage battery data acquisition unit 43 (step SC2).

[0108] The recommended data generating unit 45 generates recommended data Dc related to the delivery of the storage battery 2 based on the required energy data Db output from the required energy data output unit 44 (step SC3).

[0109] The recommended data transmitter 46 transmits the recommended data Dc generated by the recommended data generator 45 to the information terminal 8. The information terminal 8 receives the recommended data Dc transmitted from the second server 7B (step SD1).

[0110] The output device 8B of the information terminal 8 outputs the recommended data Dc.

[0111] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing recommendation data Dc output from an output device 8B according to an embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the output device 8B is a display device. The recommendation data Dc includes a message to be displayed on the display device. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the output device 8B displays the following messages as recommendation data Dc: "The vehicle battery uses 100 Ah of power per day," "The available storage batteries will run out in three days," and "We recommend that you deliver 10 storage batteries to the work site by the day after tomorrow."

[0112] The user 100 checks the recommendation data Dc output on the output device 8B. Based on the recommendation data Dc, the user 100 operates the input device 8A of the information terminal 8 so that the desired number of storage batteries 2 charged by the charging device 9 are delivered to the power supply device 6 at the desired date and time. The desired number may be the same as or different from the recommended number. The desired date and time may be the same as or different from the recommended date and time. Based on the input data input by operating the input device 8A, the information terminal 8 generates delivery request data Dd that requests that the storage batteries 2 charged by the charging device 9 be delivered to the power supply device 6. The information terminal 8 transmits the delivery request data Dd to the second server 7B.

[0113] The delivery request data receiving unit 47 receives the delivery request data Dd sent from the information terminal 8 (step SC4).

[0114] Based on the delivery request data Dd received by the delivery request data receiving unit 47, the delivery command data output unit 48 outputs delivery command data De to deliver the storage battery 2 to the power supply device 6 (step SC5).

[0115] For example, when delivery request data Dd requesting "deliver 12 storage batteries 2 to the work site 101 by tomorrow" is received by the delivery request data receiving unit 47, the delivery command data output unit 48 outputs delivery command data De indicating "deliver 12 storage batteries 2 to the work site 101 by tomorrow."

[0116] The delivery command data De is output to the output device 14. An operator at the delivery facility 103 can check the delivery command data De output from the output device 14. Based on the delivery command data De, the operator at the delivery facility 103 arranges for a delivery vehicle 5 to deliver the desired number of storage batteries 2 specified in the delivery request data Dd to the power supply device 6 on the desired date and time specified in the delivery request data Dd.

[0117] The delivery vehicle 5 delivers the desired number of charged storage batteries 2 from the delivery facility 103 to the power supply device 6 at the work site 101 on the desired date and time. This prevents a shortage of charged storage batteries 2 at the work site 101. The on-board battery 4 of the work machine 3 is charged by the storage batteries 2.

[0118] [effect] As described above, according to the embodiment, the charged storage battery 2 is delivered from the delivery facility 103 to the work site 101. At the work site 101, the storage battery 2 is connected to the output device 12 of the power supply device 6, and the output device 12 is connected to the charging device 11. As a result, the power output from the storage battery 2 is supplied to the on-board battery 4 mounted on the work machine 3 via the power supply device 6 and the charging device 11. The on-board battery 4 is efficiently charged by the storage battery 2 at the work site 101 of the work machine 3. The charging device 11 can charge the on-board battery 4 at the work site 101 of the work machine 3 without using the commercial power supply 10. There is no need to take the trouble of installing a commercial power supply 10 at the work site 101.

[0119] By connecting the storage battery 2 and the output device 12, the output device 12 can acquire storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2. The communication device 13 transmits the storage battery data Da related to the storage battery 2 connected to the output device 12 to the server 7. This allows the server 7 to manage the storage battery data Da. The server 7 can appropriately support the charging of the onboard battery 4 mounted on the work machine 3 based on the storage battery data Da. In the embodiment, the server 7 supports the delivery of an appropriate number of storage batteries 2 to the work site 101 at an appropriate time based on the storage battery data Da.

[0120] The power supply device 6 and charging device 11 are arranged at the work site 101. The storage batteries 2 are delivered from a delivery facility 103 to the work site 101 as needed. The storage batteries 2 are attached to and detached from the power supply device 6. An appropriate number of storage batteries 2 are delivered from the delivery facility 103 to the work site 101 at an appropriate time. The storage batteries 2 used to charge the on-board batteries 4 are transported from the work site 101 to the delivery facility 103. This prevents unnecessary storage batteries 2 from remaining at the work site 101. For example, even at a work site 101 where storage space for the storage batteries 2 is limited, the on-board batteries 4 of the work machine 3 can be charged efficiently.

[0121] The communicator 13 is disposed in the output device 12 or the storage battery 2. Disposing the communicator 13 in the output device 12 prevents the power supply device 6 from becoming larger. Disposing the communicator 13 in the storage battery 2 allows the communicator 13 to be transported together with the storage battery 2.

[0122] The storage battery data Da includes at least one of the usage amount of the storage battery 2 connected to the output device 12 and the remaining amount of the storage battery 2. Based on the storage battery data Da, the server 7 can support the delivery of an appropriate number of storage batteries 2 to the work site 101 at an appropriate time.

[0123] The storage battery data Da includes the lifespan of the storage battery 2. The lifespan of the storage battery 2 includes the degradation state of the storage battery 2. By managing the degradation state of the storage battery 2, it is possible to adjust, for example, the frequency of use or the purpose of use of the storage battery 2 based on the degradation state of the storage battery 2. For example, if the degradation of the storage battery 2 is progressing, it is possible to extend the lifespan of the storage battery 2 by reducing the frequency of use or limiting the purpose of use. Furthermore, if the lifespan of the storage battery 2 becomes shorter, the storage battery 2 can be collected or disposed of.

[0124] The output device 12 outputs power to the charging device 11 for the on-board battery 4. The output device 12 can output AC power to various charging devices 11. For example, in a case where a first on-board battery 4 is mounted on a first work machine 3 and a second on-board battery 4 is mounted on a second work machine 3, the first charging device 11 may be provided exclusively to match the characteristics of the first on-board battery 4, and the second charging device 11 may be provided exclusively to match the characteristics of the second on-board battery 4. The power supply device 6 can output AC power to each of the first charging device 11 and the second charging device 11. In other words, the power supply device 6 can output AC power to the charging device 11 that is used to charge the on-board batteries 4 of various work machines 3. The power supply device 6 can output AC power that is used to charge on-board batteries 4 with different characteristics. For example, even if the output voltage of the first vehicle battery 4 and the output voltage of the second vehicle battery 4 are different, the power supply device 6 can output AC power to the charging device 11 that is used to charge the vehicle batteries 4 with different characteristics without complicating the power conversion unit 18.

[0125] The server 7 receives the storage battery data Da transmitted from the power supply device 6. The server 7 stores the received storage battery data Da. There is a possibility that multiple power supply devices 6 will be installed at the work site 101. There is also a possibility that a power supply device 6 will be installed at each of the multiple work sites 101. The server 7 receives the storage battery data Da transmitted from each of the multiple power supply devices 6. The server 7 stores the storage battery data Da related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present at the work site 101. By storing the storage battery data Da related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present at the work site 101 in the server 7, the server 7 can centrally manage the storage battery data Da related to each of the multiple storage batteries 2 present at the work site 101.

[0126] Based on the storage battery data Da, required energy data Db is output, which indicates the amount of energy required to charge the in-vehicle battery 4. By outputting the required energy data Db, the server 7 can support the delivery of an appropriate number of storage batteries 2 to the work site 101.

[0127] Recommendation data Dc related to the delivery of the storage battery 2 is generated based on the required energy data Db. The generated recommendation data Dc is transmitted to the information terminal 8 carried by the user 100. Because the recommendation data Dc related to the amount of energy required to charge the in-vehicle battery 4 is automatically notified to the user 100, the user 100 can operate the input device 8A of the information terminal 8 to properly generate the delivery request data Dd. Furthermore, the user 100 can easily place an order for delivery of the storage battery 2 simply by operating the input device 8A of the information terminal 8.

[0128] The recommended data Dc includes at least one of the recommended number of storage batteries 2 to be delivered to the power supply device 6 at the work site 101 and the recommended date and time for delivering the storage batteries 2 to the power supply device 6 at the work site 101. By checking the recommended data Dc output to the output device 8B of the information terminal 8, the user 100 can have the appropriate number of storage batteries 2 delivered to the work site 101 at the appropriate time.

[0129] Based on the delivery request data Dd transmitted from the information terminal 8, the server 7 outputs delivery command data De to deliver the charged storage batteries 2 from the delivery facility 103 to the power supply devices 6 at the work site 101. This allows the worker at the delivery facility 103 to arrange for a delivery vehicle 5 to deliver the desired number of storage batteries 2 specified by the delivery request data Dd to the work site 101 on the desired date and time. In addition, the storage batteries 2 are quickly delivered from the delivery facility 103 to the work site 101.

[0130] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, device identification data may be assigned to each of the multiple power supply devices 6. An example of the device identification data is an identification number assigned to each of the multiple power supply devices 6. The server 7 can manage the relationship between the work site 101 and the power supply device 6 arranged at the work site 101 based on the device identification data. That is, the server 7 can manage which power supply device 6 is arranged at which work site 101. Furthermore, battery identification data may be assigned to each of the multiple storage batteries 2. An example of the battery identification data is an identification number assigned to each of the multiple storage batteries 2. The server 7 can manage, for each of the multiple storage batteries 2, the amount of usage of the storage battery 2, the remaining charge of the storage battery 2, the lifespan of the storage battery 2, the location of the storage battery 2, and the number of deliveries of the storage battery 2 based on the battery identification data and the storage battery data Da.

[0131] In the above-described embodiment, the required energy data output unit 44 may be located in the first server 7A. That is, the required energy data Db may be calculated in the first server 7A. The required energy data Db calculated in the first server 7A may be transmitted from the first server 7A to the second server 7B.

[0132] In the above-described embodiment, the required energy data output unit 44 calculates the required energy data Db, which includes the amount of energy required to fully charge the in-vehicle battery 4, based on the storage battery data Da acquired by the storage battery data acquisition unit 43. The required energy data Db may be the storage battery data Da. That is, the required energy data output unit 44 may output the storage battery data Da as the required energy data Db. The required energy data output unit 44 may output the storage battery data Da to the recommendation data generation unit 45 without performing any calculation processing based on the storage battery data Da.

[0133] In the above-described embodiment, the recommendation data Dc is transmitted from the second server 7B to the information terminal 8. The required energy data Db may be transmitted from the second server 7B to the information terminal 8. The required energy data Db transmitted to the information terminal 8 may be output from the output device 8B. The user 100 can check the required energy data Db via the output device 8B. The user 100 may operate the input device 8A of the information terminal 8 based on the required energy data Db to transmit delivery request data Dd to the second server 7B. Furthermore, the storage battery data Da may be transmitted from the second server 7B to the information terminal 8 as the required energy data Db. The user 100 may operate the input device 8A of the information terminal 8 based on the storage battery data Da. The information terminal 8 may generate the delivery request data Dd based on the storage battery data Da.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, the work machine 3 is an electric shovel. The work machine 3 may also be an electric forklift. An electric forklift has wheels, a body supported by the wheels, a mast supported by the body, and forks supported by the mast. The electric forklift also has an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, and a hydraulic actuator. The electric motor is driven by power supplied from an on-board battery 4 mounted on the work machine 3. The hydraulic motor is driven by rotational force generated by the electric motor. The hydraulic actuator is driven by hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic motor. The wheels, mast, and forks are each operated by a hydraulic actuator.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, the work machine 3 does not have to have a work implement. The work machine 3 may be, for example, an electric dump truck, which is a type of electric transport vehicle.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, the server 7 includes a first server 7A and a second server 7B. The first server 7A may be omitted. If the first server 7A is omitted, the functions of the first server 7A described in the above-described embodiment may be provided in the second server 7B. That is, the second server 7B may have the functions of a storage battery data receiving unit 40, a storage battery data output unit 41, a storage battery data storage unit 42, a storage battery data acquisition unit 43, a required energy data output unit 44, a recommended data generating unit 45, a recommended data transmitting unit 46, a delivery request data receiving unit 47, a delivery command data output unit 48, and a storage battery data output unit 49.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, each of the battery data receiving unit 40, the battery data output unit 41, the battery data storage unit 42, the battery data acquisition unit 43, the required energy data output unit 44, the recommended data generating unit 45, the recommended data transmitting unit 46, the delivery request data receiving unit 47, the delivery command data output unit 48, and the battery data output unit 49 may be configured as separate hardware (computers). [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1...management system, 2...storage battery, 3...work machine, 3A...track, 3B...undercarriage, 3C...upper rotating body, 3D...work machine, 3E...connector, 4...onboard battery, 5...delivery vehicle, 6...power supply unit, 7...server, 7A...first server, 7B...second server, 8...information terminal, 8A...input device, 8B...output device, 9...charging device, 10...commercial power supply, 11...charging device, 12...output device, 13...communication device, 14...output device, 15...control device, 16...housing, 17...input section, 18...power conversion section, 19...output section, 20...input terminal, 20A...first input terminal, 20B...second input terminal, 21...input circuit, 22...power conversion circuit, 23...output circuit, 24...output terminal, 25...power line, 26...power line, 27...power line, 28...power line, 29...cable, 30...cable, 3 1...cable, 32A...signal line, 32B...signal line, 33...noise filter circuit, 34...communication interface, 35...memory circuit, 36...processing circuit, 37...communication interface, 38...memory circuit, 39...processing circuit, 40...storage battery data receiving unit, 41...storage battery data output unit, 42...storage battery data memory unit, 43...storage battery data acquisition unit, 44...required energy data output unit, 45...recommended data generation unit, 46...recommended data transmission unit, 47...delivery request data receiving unit, 48...delivery command data output unit, 49...storage battery data output unit, 100...user, 101...work site, 102...management facility, 103...delivery facility, Da...storage battery data, Db...required energy data, Dc...recommended data, Dd...delivery request data, De...delivery command data, Df...storage battery data.

Claims

1. an output device that is installed at a work site of the work machine and outputs electric power used to charge an on-board battery mounted on the work machine in a state where a storage battery that is charged by a second charging device located in a remote location from the work site is connected, the output device outputting electric power to a charging device for the on-board battery; a communication device that transmits storage battery data related to the storage battery, the output device has an input terminal to which the storage battery is attached and detached, and an output terminal to which the charging device is attached and detached. power supply.

2. The communication device is disposed in the output device or the storage battery. The power supply device of claim 1 .

3. The storage battery data includes at least one of a usage amount of the storage battery and a remaining amount of the storage battery. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The battery data includes a lifespan of the battery. The power supply device according to claim 3.

Images