Battery equipment

The battery device in electric work machines simplifies the handling of heavy batteries by using an approach platform, operating handle, and elastic member to rotate between storage and transport positions, addressing the challenges of efficient battery loading and unloading.

JP7827334B1Active Publication Date: 2026-03-10KAWASHIMA NOUGU SEISAKUSHO
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-04
Publication Date
2026-03-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electric work machines face difficulties in handling and transporting heavy batteries due to the complexity of the engagement mechanism between rollers and engagement parts, making it challenging to load and unload battery packs efficiently.

Method used

A battery device with an approach platform, an operating handle section, a first shaft section, and an elastic member that facilitates easy rotation of the platform between storage and transport positions, along with a locking mechanism to prevent unintended movement, and a battery holding mechanism to stabilize the battery during transport.

Benefits of technology

The solution allows for easy and stable movement of batteries between storage and transport positions, reducing the effort required for handling heavy batteries by enabling lifting and rolling operations, thus simplifying the process of battery replacement and charging.

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Abstract

To provide a battery device capable of easily moving a portable battery of an electric working machine to a transport position or a storage position. [Solution] The device comprises a battery 10 housed within an electric work machine 200, an approach platform 20 on which the battery 10 is placed, an operating handle unit 30 adjacent to the approach platform 20 and supporting the approach platform 20 from below while rotating the approach platform 20, a first shaft unit 40 which is the rotation fulcrum for the approach platform 20 and the operating handle unit 30, and an elastic member 50 connected to the operating handle unit 30 and controlling the movement of the approach platform 20 in conjunction with the operation of the operating handle unit 30, and is characterized in that the operating handle unit 30 rotates the approach platform 20 in a first direction to rotate the approach platform 20 from a storage position where the battery 10 is housed to a transport position where the battery 10 is transported, or in a second direction to rotate the approach platform 20 from the transport position to the storage position, thereby lifting and operating the approach platform 20.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device used in an electric working machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, electric work equipment is powered by a battery housed inside the equipment. If the battery needs to be charged after work is finished, the battery is removed from the electric work equipment, carried to a power source nearby, charged, and then carried back to the electric work equipment and stored inside again.

[0003] However, since the batteries used in electric work machines are often heavy, removing, transporting, and storing the batteries all require a lot of effort.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an electric work vehicle that is a battery device used in an electric work machine, and that simplifies the configuration, reduces costs, and makes it easy to load and unload a battery pack onto and from the vehicle body.

[0005] Specifically, a first movement operation is performed in which the handle of the battery pack is grasped and the battery pack is moved to the unloading position, and then, while still grasping the handle, an engagement operation is performed in which the engagement parts are engaged with the rollers at the unloading position, and then a loading swing operation of the battery pack is performed with the rollers as the swing fulcrum, and then, under the guidance of the guide unit, a second movement operation is performed in which the battery pack is moved from the unloading position to the storage position while disengaging the rollers from the engagement parts, thereby loading the battery pack into the storage position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2018-012464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the electric work machine described in Patent Document 1, the engagement between the rollers on the left and right sides and the engagement parts functions as a swing fulcrum for loading and unloading the battery, and loading and unloading of the battery is performed by using this method, making it difficult to handle heavy batteries.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a battery device that allows a portable battery of an electric working machine to be easily moved between a transport position and a storage position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In view of the above problems, the battery device of the present invention comprises a battery stored within an electric work machine, an approach platform on which the battery is placed, an operating handle section adjacent to the approach platform and used to rotate the approach platform while supporting it from below, a first shaft section that serves as the rotation axis for the approach platform and the operating handle section, and an elastic member connected to the operating handle section and used to control the movement of the approach platform in response to operation of the operating handle section, and is characterized in that the operating handle section rotates the approach platform in a first direction to rotate the approach platform from a storage position in which the battery is stored to a transport position in which the battery is transported, or in a second direction to rotate the approach platform from the transport position to the storage position, thereby lifting and operating the approach platform.

[0010] The elastic member has one end rotatably fixed and the other end connected to the operating handle portion. Inside the electric work machine Back side of The elastic member is fixed to the end of the first shaft portion so as to be rotatable, and during the lift operation, the other end of the elastic member is located further back than the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the second direction.

[0011] The approach platform is also characterized in that it is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents the operating handle portion from being rotated in the first direction when it is in the storage position, and the locking mechanism comprises a stopper plate having a protrusion at one end that engages with the operating handle portion, a second shaft portion that serves as the rotation axis of the stopper plate, a first biasing means that is connected to one end of the stopper plate and biases it to rotate in a third direction in which the protrusion engages with the operating handle portion, and a rotation means that is connected from one end of the stopper plate to the other end of the stopper plate via the second shaft portion and rotates it in a fourth direction in which the engagement of the protrusion with the operating handle portion is released.

[0012] The transport position is the ground surface, the battery comprises a battery body and a carry-type battery case into which the battery body can be detachably placed, and the carry-type battery case has a case portion that covers the outer periphery of the battery body, wheels that are provided on the case portion to enable transport, and an extendable hand-held transport handle that is connected to the case portion.

[0013] The transport position is a position where the approach platform is in contact with a plane that supports the weight of the approach platform and the battery, and is equipped with a battery holding mechanism that stops the movement of the battery placed on the approach platform, and the operating handle portion is equipped with a battery holding restriction portion that engages with the battery holding mechanism, and from the storage position to the transport position, the battery holding restriction portion engages with the battery holding mechanism to stop the movement of the battery, and at the transport position, the operating handle portion is released from support by the approach platform, and by further rotating the operating handle portion in the first direction, the battery holding restriction portion disengages from the battery holding mechanism, and a release operation is performed to make the battery movable.

[0014] Furthermore, the other end of the elastic member is moved away from the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member by the release operation. The outside of the electric work machine The elastic member is located on the front side and biases the operating handle portion so as to rotate in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The battery device of the present invention comprises a battery housed within an electric work machine, an approach platform on which the battery is placed, an operating handle section adjacent to the approach platform and used to rotate the approach platform while supporting it from below, a first shaft section that serves as the rotation axis for the approach platform and the operating handle section, and an elastic member connected to the operating handle section and used to control the movement of the approach platform in response to operation of the operating handle section.The operating handle section lifts the approach platform by rotating it in a first direction to rotate the approach platform from a storage position where the battery is housed to a transport position where the battery is transported, or in a second direction to rotate the approach platform from the transport position to the storage position.As the lift operation is performed by rotating the operating handle section, the elastic member controls the movement of the approach platform, making it easier to lift the approach platform.

[0016] In addition, one end of the elastic member is fixed so that it can rotate freely, and the other end is fixed so that it can rotate freely to the rear end of the operating handle portion, and during lift operation, the other end of the elastic member is located further back than the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the second direction, so that a force acts in a direction opposite to the weight of the battery and approach platform, making lift operation easier.

[0017] In addition, when the approach table is in the stowed position, it is equipped with a locking mechanism that prevents the operating handle from being rotated in a first direction. The locking mechanism comprises a stopper plate having a protrusion at one end that engages with the operating handle, a second shaft portion that serves as the rotation axis of the stopper plate, a first biasing means that is connected to one end of the stopper plate and biases it to rotate in a third direction so that the protrusion engages with the operating handle, and a rotating means that is connected from one end of the stopper plate to the other end of the stopper plate via the second shaft portion and rotates it in a fourth direction so that the protrusion disengages from the operating handle.Therefore, the locking mechanism is always biased in the third direction by the biasing means so that the protrusion engages with the operating handle and prevents operation, and only when operation is desired can the rotating means disengage the operating handle, allowing rotation in the first direction.

[0018] The transport position is the ground surface, and the battery comprises a battery body and a carry-type battery case into which the battery body can be detachably placed. The carry-type battery case has a case section that covers the outer periphery of the battery body, wheels that are provided on the case section and enable transport, and an extendable hand-held carrying handle that is connected to the case section, so that the battery can be transported by rolling it on the wheels without having to be lifted from the transport position.

[0019] In addition, the transport position is a position where the approach platform and the battery are in contact with a plane that supports their own weight, and is equipped with a battery holding mechanism that stops the battery placed on the approach platform from moving forward, and the operating handle portion is equipped with a battery holding restriction portion that engages with the battery holding mechanism, and from the storage position to the transport position, the battery holding restriction portion engages with the battery holding mechanism to stop the movement of the battery, and at the transport position, the operating handle portion is released from support by the approach platform, and by further rotating the operating handle portion in the first direction, the battery holding restriction portion disengages from the battery holding mechanism and a release operation is performed that makes the battery movable, so that the blockage by the battery holding mechanism can be released only when the operating handle portion is in the transport position.

[0020] Furthermore, when the release operation is performed, the other end of the elastic member is positioned closer to the front than the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the first direction. Therefore, when the release operation is performed, a force acts in the direction of the weight of the battery and approach platform, preventing the operating handle portion from rotating in the second direction on its own, making it easier to transport the battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the battery device with the approach platform in the storage position. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the battery device with the approach platform in the transport position. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a battery. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the battery with the hand-carrying handle extended. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the battery as seen from below. [Figure 6] 1A is a schematic diagram showing the battery being carried, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the battery being held upright using a stand. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the battery device as viewed from below. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the approach table and the battery holding mechanism. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an operating handle portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a locking mechanism. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are schematic side views of the lift operation when the lifter is in (a) a storage position and (b) a transport position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view when a release operation is performed. [Figure 13]1A is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the battery pressing restriction portion is engaged with the engagement portion, and FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the battery pressing restriction portion has released the engagement of the engagement portion. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the state of a second biasing means. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electric working machine in which a battery device is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] <<About the battery device 100>> The battery device 100 according to the present invention is installed in an electrically operated electric work machine 200, such as an aerial work machine as shown in Fig. 15, and allows the battery 10, which is the power source, to be easily and stably stored, replaced, and transported. It can be reversibly lifted from a storage position where the battery 10 is stored to a transport position where the battery 10 is transported.

[0023] The battery device 100 mainly comprises a battery 10 housed within the electric work machine 200, an approach platform 20 on which the battery 10 is placed, an operating handle unit 30 adjacent to the approach platform 20 and supporting the approach platform 20 from below while rotating the approach platform 20, a first shaft unit 40 which serves as the rotation axis for the approach platform 20 and the operating handle unit 30, an elastic member 50 connected to the operating handle unit 30 and controlling the movement of the approach platform 20 in response to operation of the operating handle unit 30, a locking mechanism 60 which prevents operation of the operating handle unit 30, and a battery holding mechanism 70 which stops the movement of the housed battery 10.

[0024] <About Battery 10> The battery 10 is a power source for an independently transportable electric working machine 200. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the battery 10 comprises a battery body 11 and a carry-type battery case 12 into which the battery body 11 can be detachably placed, and can be in two forms: a storage state when stored in the electric working machine 200 as shown in Figure 1, and a transport state when the battery 10 is being transported as shown in Figure 2.

[0025] When it is desired to charge the battery main body 11 of the battery 10, for example, the battery 10 can be removed from the electric working machine 200 and rolled on the wheels 122 to a location where a power source C is located, and charging can be carried out. Alternatively, if the electric working machine 200 is provided with a charger, the battery main body 11 can be charged by moving the electric working machine 200 itself close to the power source without removing the battery 10 from the electric working machine 200.

[0026] (Regarding the battery body 11) The battery body 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is removably housed in a carry-type battery case 12. Since the battery body 11 powers the electric work machine 200, which weighs several hundred kilograms, a high-output secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, or lead-acid battery is used. There are no particular limitations on the type of battery. When the battery body 11 wears out due to repeated charging and discharging, only the battery body 11, not the battery 10, needs to be replaced.

[0027] (About the Carry-Type Battery Case 12) The carry-type battery case 12 mainly comprises a case part 121, wheels 122, protrusions 123, a carrying handle 124, a fixed handle 125, a battery side connector part 126, and a stand part 127, and makes it easy to carry while protecting the battery main body 11.

[0028] (Regarding the case part 121) The case 121 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and tightly surrounds the outer periphery of the battery main body 11, protecting the outer periphery of the battery main body 11. The case 121 has a bottom surface 121a and side surfaces 121b to 121e. The side surfaces 121b to 121e comprise four side surfaces, a first side surface 121b to a fourth side surface 121e. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first side surface 121b faces the third side surface 121d, and the second side surface 121c faces the fourth side surface 121e. The first side surface 121b faces upward when the battery 10 is housed in the electric operating machine 200.

[0029] The area corresponding to the top surface of the case 121 is an opening 121f, which serves as an opening for inserting and removing the battery main body 11 used in the electric work machine 200. Wheels 122 are provided on the bottom of the case 121, a protrusion 123 for preventing displacement is provided on the third side surface 121d of the case 121, and a hand-held carrying handle 124, a fixed handle 125, and a battery-side connector 126 are provided on the first side surface 121b.

[0030] (Regarding wheel 122) The wheels 122 are provided to roll and move the battery 10. Two wheels are provided as a pair at symmetrical positions on the second side surface 121c and the fourth side surface 121e of the case portion 121.

[0031] The wheels 122 are provided on the second side surface 121c and the fourth side surface 121e so that the axles 122a, which are rotation axes, are on the second side surface 121c and the fourth side surface 121e. The axles 122a are provided on the second side surface 121c and the fourth side surface 121e so that the wheels 122 are on the bottom surface 121a and the third side surface 121d side, and are provided at a position where part of the circumference of the wheels 122 protrudes from the bottom surface 121a and the third side surface 121d in a side view. This allows the wheels 122 to come into contact with the ground, allowing the wheels 122 to be rolled and transported.

[0032] Furthermore, the wheels 122 are provided at a position on the third side surface 121d side opposite to the first side surface 121b on which the handle for hand-held transportation 124 is provided, so that even when the handle for hand-held transportation 124 is retracted, the wheels 122 do not interfere with the handle for hand-held transportation 124, and when moving by holding the handle for hand-held transportation 124, the battery 10 can be tilted and rolled as shown in Fig. 6(a). Also, as shown in Fig. 6(b), the battery 10 can be stood upright using a stand portion 127.

[0033] (Regarding the protrusion 123) As shown in Fig. 5, the protrusion 123 is provided on the third side surface 121d, and when the battery 10 is stored, it fits into an engagement hole 24 provided in the approach platform 20 as shown in Fig. 7. This makes it possible to restrict the battery 10 from moving left and right or forward and backward even after the battery 10 has been placed.

[0034] (About the hand-held transport handle 124) The hand-held transport handle 124 has a support 124a, a grip 124b, and a storage section 124c, and serves as a handle when transporting the battery 10. The support 124a is a pair of two, with the grip 124b fixed to the end of the support 124a. The support 124a is a pull-drive type and can be extended and retracted in the vertical direction. When the battery 10 is in a transport state, the support 124a is extended as shown in FIG. 4. When the battery 10 is placed on the approach platform 20, the support 124a can be reversibly retracted and stored as shown in FIG. 3.

[0035] When contracted, the handle 125 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 124c provided on the sides of the first side surface 121b and the second side surface 121c and the sides of the first side surface 121b and the fourth side surface 121e so as to fit along the accommodation portion 124c. The accommodation portion 124c is fixed to the first side surface 121b, the second side surface 121c, and the fourth side surface 121e, and the support portion 125b of the fixed handle 125 is also fixed to the first side surface 121b at the same time.

[0036] (For fixed handle 125) The fixed handle 125 is a part that the user holds when removing the battery 10, and is provided on the first side surface 121b. The fixed handle 125 has a gripping rod 125a that is held by the hand and support parts 125b fixed to both ends of the gripping rod 125a. The worker places the battery 10 on or removes it from the approach table 20 by holding the gripping part 125a of the fixed handle 125.

[0037] Unlike the support 124a of the hand-held moving handle 124, the support portion 125b of the fixed handle 125 does not extend or contract, and has a fixed length. Therefore, even when trying to lift the battery 10 by holding the fixed handle 125, the fixed handle 125 does not extend, making it easy to remove or store the battery 10 and eliminating the hassle. Furthermore, when the battery 10 is stored, the first side surface 121b faces upward, allowing the operator to easily grip the fixed handle 125 and remove the battery 10. The support portion 125b is a substantially triangular plate member and is provided in two locations on the first side surface 121b. A gripping rod 125a is connected to the vertex of the support portion 125b.

[0038] (Regarding the battery side connector part 126) The battery-side connector 126 is a connector for electrically connecting the battery main body 11 to the outside, and is provided so as to protrude from the first side surface 121b. It can be connected to the motor mainly through an electrical circuit within the electric work machine 200. When connecting to a charger, the cord coming out of the electric work machine 200 is connected to the battery-side connector 126 of the battery 10. The cord may have a magnet so that it can be attached to the main body of the electric work machine 200 by magnetic force. This makes it possible to move the cord out of the way when removing the battery 10 from the electric work machine 200 after disconnecting the cord from the battery-side connector 126.

[0039] A charger for charging the battery 10 may also be provided inside the electric working machine 200. By providing a charger inside the electric working machine 200, the battery 10 may be charged by connecting a power source to the electric working machine 200, or the charger may be removed from the electric working machine and then the battery 10 may be charged.

[0040] (Regarding stand part 127) As shown in Fig. 6(b), the stand 127 is for supporting the battery 10 so that it does not fall over independently. In this embodiment, the stand 127 is provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface 121a, and is in an upright state at three points: the stand 127 and the wheels 122. Furthermore, the stand 127 is provided on the first side surface 121b side of the bottom surface 121a, and is therefore formed so that the stand 127 does not scrape against the ground when the battery 10 is transported.

[0041] (Other configurations) In this embodiment, the wheels 122 of the carry-type battery case 12 are two wheels, one on the left and one on the right, but three wheels or one wheel may also be used, and there is no limit to the number of wheels 122. Furthermore, if necessary, the battery 10 may consist of only the battery main body 11 without using the carry-type battery case 12.

[0042] <About Approach Platform 20> As shown in Figure 8, the approach platform 20 is a platform on which the battery 10 is placed, tilted in the front-to-rear direction. By placing the battery 10 on the approach platform 20, the battery 10 is stored inside the electric work machine 200. The width of the approach platform 20 is formed to be the same as or greater than the width of one battery 10.

[0043] The approach platform 20 has an upper stage 21 , a lower stage 22 , an inclined surface 23 , an engagement hole 24 , an arm portion 25 , a left-right movement restriction plate 26 , and a ground plate 27 .

[0044] (Regarding the upper level 21, lower level 22, and inclined surface 23) The upper level 21 is a smooth surface on which the third side surface 121d of the battery 10 is placed, and the lower level 22 is a smooth surface on which the wheels 122 of the battery 10 are placed. The upper level 21 and the lower level 22 are connected by an inclined surface 23. When the battery 10 is laid down, the wheels 122 protrude downward from the third side surface 121d, so by creating a height difference in the approach platform 20 using the inclined surface 21, the height can be adjusted so that the battery 10 is always horizontal when stored. Therefore, the height difference of the inclined surface 21 matches the height difference between the lowest end of the wheels 122 and the third side surface 121d.

[0045] Furthermore, the upper stage 21 is provided on the rear side of the battery device 100, and the lower stage 22 is provided on the front side of the battery device 100, so that the wheels 122 are positioned on the user side. This allows the battery 10 to be easily raised from a state in which it has fallen in the front-to-rear direction, starting from the axles of the wheels 122.

[0046] The lower stage 22 is formed in a convex shape in a plan view, and is formed so as to have a wider width to accommodate the wheels 122 placed thereon.

[0047] (Regarding the engagement hole 24) 7, when the battery 10 is placed, the engagement hole 24 is fitted onto the protrusion 123 provided on the third side surface 121d of the case part 121. By fitting the protrusion 123 into the engagement hole 24, the movement of the battery 10 is stopped.

[0048] The engagement hole 24 is located approximately in the center of the upper stage 21, and is provided in a location that coincides with the protrusion 123 when the battery 10 is placed. By providing the engagement hole 24 in the upper stage 21 rather than the lower stage 22, the user can easily visually check the engagement hole 24, making it easier to fit the battery in.

[0049] In this embodiment, the engagement hole 24 is shaped to fit into the protrusion 123. This prevents the housed battery 10 from moving left and right or forward and backward due to vibration, inertia, etc. The battery 10 is subjected to inertial forces when the electric work machine starts or decelerates, but by making the vertical and horizontal widths of the engagement hole 24 the same as the vertical and horizontal widths of the protrusion 123, the battery 10 can be kept still even when inertial forces are applied.

[0050] Furthermore, the engagement holes 24 do not have to be the same shape, but may be elongated holes formed so as to be longer in the direction in which the battery 10 is accommodated. Because the battery 10 is accommodated from the front side to the back side of the opening 121f, by making the hole elongated in the accommodation direction, it becomes easier to fit the protrusion 123 into the engagement hole 24. Furthermore, because the battery 10 is heavy, it is difficult to control, and if the engagement hole 24 were made flush with the protrusion 123, it would be difficult to fit it in. Therefore, in this respect as well, by making the hole elongated in the accommodation direction, it is possible to make it easier to fit the protrusion 123 into the engagement hole 24.

[0051] Furthermore, when removing the battery 10, the long hole that is long in the direction of storage makes it possible to lift the battery 10 diagonally upward toward the front rather than simply lifting it straight up, making it easier to remove the battery 10. Even if the battery 10 is heavy and difficult to control, lifting it diagonally upward toward the front makes it easier to remove.

[0052] If the weight of the battery 10 is light and the battery 10 is easy to control, the hole need not be a long hole, but may be a hole of the same shape as the protrusion 123, and the shape and size of the engagement hole 24 can be changed as appropriate as long as the width of the engagement hole 24 is the same as that of the protrusion 123.

[0053] (Regarding the arm portion 25) The arm portion 25 is provided at the back side of the approach table 20, and connects the bearing 251 to the underside of the upper stage 21 and the lower stage 22. A pair of arm portions 25 are provided on the left and right sides to maintain balance. A cylindrical bearing 251 is provided between the pair of left and right arm portions 25, and the first shaft portion 40 is inserted inside.

[0054] (Regarding the left-right movement restriction plate 26) The left-right movement restricting plates 26 are formed to rise up from both the left and right ends of the lower stage 22. They are formed in positions adjacent to the wheels 122 when the battery 10 is placed on them. This makes it possible to restrict the left-right movement of the wheels 122 due to inertial force as the electric operating machine 200 moves forward, and to hold the battery 10 stably.

[0055] In this embodiment, the spacing between the left and right movement restricting plates 26 on both the left and right ends is formed to be approximately the same as the spacing between the pair of wheels 122, or to leave a small gap. This eliminates space for the battery 10 to move left and right, thereby restricting movement. Additionally, the rising angle of the left and right movement restricting plates 26 on both the left and right ends is 90 degrees relative to the lower section 22, but the rising angle is not limited to a value other than 90 degrees as long as it is able to restrict the left and right movement of the wheels 122.

[0056] (Regarding ground plate 27) The ground plate 27 is formed to rise from the front end of the lower tier 22. When the battery 10 is placed on it, it prevents the wheels 122 from rolling towards the front. At the same time, when the battery 10 is being transported, it also functions as a slope for rolling the wheels 122 from the lower tier 22 to the ground surface.

[0057] The angle of the ground plate 27 may be any angle that allows it to contact the ground surface when the approach platform 20 is rotated to the transport position by the first shaft 40. This makes it possible to replace the battery 10 without having to lift the heavy battery 10.

[0058] (Other configurations) Although not shown, wheel guides may be provided on the lower level 22. By providing the guides, the wheels 122 of the battery 10 can be guided to the back of the approach platform 20. The guides may be, for example, two vertical plates rising vertically from the lower level 22, with the wheels placed in the gap formed between the two vertical plates. The gap is formed to be the same width as one of the wheels 122 or slightly larger than the width of one of the wheels 122. By guiding the wheels 122, the battery 10 inserted through the opening can be moved toward the back to the storage position, and side-to-side movement of the stored battery 10 due to vibration, inertia, etc. can also be stopped.

[0059] <Regarding the operating handle portion 30> The operating handle 30 shown in FIG. 9 and other figures is used to rotate the approach platform 20. The first shaft 40 can be used to rotate the approach platform 20 in a first direction from a storage position where the battery 10 is stored to a transport position where the battery 10 is transported, or in a second direction from the transport position to the storage position, thereby lifting the approach platform 20. The storage position is the position of the approach platform 20 where the battery 10 is stored in the electric work machine 200, as shown in FIG. 1. The transport position is the position where the approach platform and battery 10 are in contact with a flat surface that supports their own weight. In this embodiment, the transport position is the ground surface. As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the ground plate 27 is in contact with the ground surface, so the battery 10 can be rolled to a transportable state without needing to be lifted. The transport position does not have to be on the ground surface, and may be on a support platform, for example.

[0060] The operating handle 30 allows the battery 10 to be moved to the transport position or the storage position, eliminating the need for the user to lift the heavy battery 10 every time the battery 10 is charged, thereby reducing the effort required. In particular, the storage position in the electric work machine 200 is higher than the transport position, making it difficult to lift the battery 10, but the operating handle 30 makes it easy to remove.

[0061] The operating handle portion 30 includes a grip 31 , a lever 32 , a lever plate portion 33 , a support portion 34 , a first engagement portion 35 , a coupling portion 37 , a connection portion 38 , and a battery pressing and restricting portion 39 .

[0062] (About Grip 31) The grip 31 is the part that the user grasps to operate the operating handle portion 30, and is directly connected to the lever 32. It is provided so as to face perpendicularly to the lever 32 in the left-right direction. It is the point of application of force to rotate the approach table 20.

[0063] (About lever 32) The length of the lever 32 is determined taking into consideration the weight of the battery 10, the length of the arm 25, and the like. For example, by forming the lever 32 longer, the force required to operate the operating handle 30 can be reduced. In other words, the rotational force required to rotate the operating handle 30 is calculated by multiplying the length of the lever 32 by the thrust transmitted by the user from the grip 31. Therefore, the longer the lever 32, the smaller the thrust required, so even if the weight of the battery 10 is heavy or the arm 25 is long due to design, the user can rotate the operating handle 30 with as little force as possible.

[0064] (Regarding the lever board part 33) The lever plate 33 has a dogleg-shaped curve and is fixed to the lower end side of the lever 32. A hole 33a is provided in the center of the lever plate 33, and the first shaft 40 is inserted into the hole 33a to form the rotation shaft of the operating handle 30. A bearing may also be provided in the hole 33a.

[0065] A lever 32, a battery holding down restriction portion 39, and a support portion 34 are provided in front of the hole portion 33a of the lever plate portion 33, and a first engagement portion 35, a connection portion 38, and a linking portion 37 are provided behind the hole portion 33a of the lever plate portion 33.

[0066] (Regarding the support portion 34) The support part 34 is provided directly below the lever 32 and is intended to support the approach platform 20 from below. The operating handle part 30 and the approach platform 20 are not fixed to each other, and the weight of the approach platform 20 is simply supported from below by the support part 34.

[0067] 9 and 11, in this embodiment, the support portion 34 is configured with a bolt hole 34a protruding laterally from the lever plate portion 33 and a bolt 34b inserted into the bolt hole 34a. The lever plate portion 33 is provided in a position adjacent to the arm portion 25 of the approach table 20. In this way, the support portion 34 supports the approach table 20 from below.

[0068] (Regarding the first engagement portion 35) The first engagement portion 35 is provided at an end portion of the lever plate portion 33 that is further back than the first shaft portion 40. The first engagement portion 35 extends so as to protrude in the back direction, and as will be described later, interferes with a protrusion 61a of a stopper plate 61, thereby preventing the operating handle portion 30 from being rotated.

[0069] (Regarding the connecting portion 37) The connecting portion 37 has an elongated shape and is connected to the lever plate portion 33 via a connecting portion 38. A rear end portion 37a of the connecting portion 37 is connected to the elastic member 50, and a front end portion 37b is in contact with the first shaft portion 40. The rear end portion 37a and the elastic member 50 are rotatably connected, and can bend like a joint even when the first shaft portion 40 rotates.

[0070] <Regarding the first shaft portion 40> The first shaft 40 is a rotation shaft that rotates both the operating handle 30 and the approach table 20. The first shaft 40 serves as a rotation shaft to reversibly move the approach table 20 from the storage position to the transport position.

[0071] 11(a) and 11(b), tilting the operating handle 30 toward the user causes the lever 32 to rotate in a first direction on the first shaft 40. By rotating in the first direction, the approach platform 20, which is supported from below by the operating handle 30, also rotates in the first direction due to its own weight, and the approach platform 20 can be moved to a transport position where the battery 10 can be transported.

[0072] On the other hand, by tilting the operating handle unit 30 toward the rear, the lever 32 rotates in the second direction on the first shaft unit 40. By rotating in the second direction, the approach platform 20, which is supported from below by the operating handle unit 30, also rotates in the second direction, allowing the approach platform 20 to move to a storage position where the battery 10 is stored.

[0073] <Regarding the elastic member 50> 11, one end 50c of the elastic member 50 is rotatably fixed to the frame 200a of the electric work machine 200, and the other end 50d is rotatably fixed to the rear end 37a of the connecting portion 37 of the operating handle portion 30. The elastic member 50 controls the movement of the approach table 20 in accordance with the operation of the operating handle portion 30. In this embodiment, the elastic member 50 is a gas spring equipped with a rod 50a and a cylinder 50b.

[0074] The elastic member 50 always applies a force in the direction in which the rod 50a extends. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, during the lifting operation, the other end 50 d The first shaft portion 40 and the one end portion 50 c Since the operating handle portion 30 is located on the rear side of the line connecting the first and second shaft portions 40, the operating handle portion 30 is biased to rotate in the second direction of the first shaft portion 40.

[0075] That is, when the approach table 20 is in the storage position, the other end 50 of the elastic member 50 d The other end 50 of the rod 50a of the elastic member 50 is bent. d The elastic force of the battery 10 pushes the operating handle part 30 in the second direction, while the weight of the battery 10 and the approach platform 20 pushes the operating handle part 30 in the first direction, and the forces of both are balanced.

[0076] Next, when the operating handle unit 30 is tilted forward in the first direction, the force rotating in the first direction becomes greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 50 in the second direction, as shown in Figure 11(b), and the approach table 20 can be moved from the storage position to the transport position. Then, when the approach table 20 moves to the transport position, the joint of the connecting unit 37 extends, and the rod 50a, while retaining its elastic force, fits into the cylinder 50b.

[0077] This prevents the battery 10 and approach platform 20 from suddenly dropping downward (to the transport position) due to their own weight, but allows them to be controlled to move gradually while receiving the elastic force of the elastic member 50, allowing the battery 10 to be stably moved from the storage position to the transport position.

[0078] 11(b), even in the transport position, the rear end 37a of the connecting portion 37 of the operating handle portion 30 is located further rearward than the first shaft portion 40, so the operating handle portion 30 is biased to rotate in the second direction. Therefore, when moving the approach platform 20 from the transport position to the storage position, the operating handle portion 30 can be easily moved from the transport position to the storage position by lightly operating the operating handle portion 30 in the second direction.

[0079] In this way, the elastic member 50 can control the movement of the approach platform 20 in response to the operation of the operating handle 30. When transitioning from the storage position to the transport position, the battery 10 can be transitioned stably by ensuring a gradual transition, preventing a sudden transition. When transitioning from the transport position to the storage position, even a heavy battery 10 can be easily lifted.

[0080] <About Locking Mechanism 60> The locking mechanism 60 prevents the operating handle 30 from being rotated in a first direction when the approach platform 20 is in the storage position, and the operating handle 60 can only be rotated by releasing the locking mechanism 60. This prevents the approach platform 20 from being unintentionally moved from the storage position to the transport position, increasing the safety of the user.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the locking mechanism 60 includes a stopper plate 61 having a protrusion 61a at one end that engages with the operating handle portion, a second shaft portion 62 that serves as the rotation axis of the stopper plate 61, a first biasing means 63 connected to one end and biasing the stopper plate 61 to rotate in a third direction in which the protrusion 61a engages with the operating handle portion 30, a rotating means 64 connected from one end of the stopper plate 61 to the other end of the stopper plate 61 via the second shaft portion 62 and rotating in a fourth direction in which the protrusion 61a releases the engagement of the stopper plate 61 with the operating handle portion 30, and a rotation restricting portion 65 that restricts rotation of the stopper plate 61 in the third direction.

[0082] (Regarding the stopper plate 61) The stopper plate 61 is adjacent to the lever plate portion 33, and a protrusion 61a provided at one end engages with the first engagement portion 35 of the lever plate portion 33 to prevent rotation of the operating handle portion 30. A second shaft portion 62 is provided at the center of the stopper plate 61, and the second shaft portion 62 serves as a rotation axis, allowing the stopper plate 61 to rotate freely in the third direction or the fourth direction.

[0083] One end of the stopper plate 61 is provided with a first biasing means 63 that biases the stopper plate 61 to rotate in the third direction. In this embodiment, the first biasing means 63 is a spring that is an elastic member. One end of the first biasing means 63 is fixed to the frame F of the electric operating machine 200, and the other end is hooked and connected to a hole 61b formed in the stopper plate 61. When the stopper plate 61 rotates in the fourth direction, the spring expands, and an elastic force acts to rotate the stopper plate 61 in the third direction. In the state shown in FIG. 10 , the protrusion 61a is engaged with the first engagement portion 35, so the operating handle portion 30 cannot be rotated in the first direction and is locked.

[0084] In this embodiment, a spring is used as the first biasing means 63, but elastic rubber or the like may be used instead of a spring.

[0085] (Regarding the rotating means 64) A rotation means 64 is provided at the other end of the stopper plate 61, extending from one end via the second shaft portion 62, to rotate the stopper plate 61 in the fourth direction. In this embodiment, the rotation means 64 is a wire. The user can intentionally rotate the stopper plate 61 in the fourth direction by pulling the wire toward themselves.

[0086] By rotating the stopper plate 61 in the fourth direction, the protrusion 61a disengages from the first engagement portion 35, allowing the operating handle 30 to be rotated in the first direction and the approach platform 20 to move from the storage position to the transport position. Since a first biasing means 63 is provided at one end, the platform automatically returns to the locked state when the wire is released. Therefore, the engagement can be released only by pulling the wire.

[0087] Conversely, when moving the approach table 20 from the transport position to the storage position, the first engagement portion 35 slides over the inclined surface 61c of the protrusion 61a from above, pushing it in while sliding, and then the stopper plate 61 rotates in the third direction by the first biasing means 63, causing the protrusion 61a to engage with the first engagement portion 35 or the second engagement portion 36, automatically activating the locking mechanism 60 and preventing the rotation of the operating handle portion 30. Therefore, when moving the approach table 20 from the transport position to the storage position, the user can activate the locking mechanism 60 without having to pull the wire.

[0088] Further, the other end of the stopper plate 61 is provided with an engaging portion 61d that engages with the rotation restricting portion 65. The rotation restricting portion 65 is fixed to the frame and restricts rotation in the third direction of the stopper plate 61. By restricting rotation in the third direction, the first biasing means 63 is prevented from rotating in the third direction more than necessary.

[0089] <About the battery holding mechanism 70> The battery holding mechanism 70 is provided on the rear side of the approach platform 20 and prevents the movement of the placed battery 10 from behind, preventing the battery 10 from being removed until the approach platform 20 moves from the storage position to the transport position. After the battery 10 is moved to the transport position by rotating the operating handle 30, the battery holding mechanism 70 can be released and the battery 10 can be removed only by further rotating the operating handle 30 so that the first shaft 40 faces in the first direction, as shown in Figures 2 and 13. The battery holding mechanism 70 mainly includes a holding plate 71, an engagement plate 72, a third shaft 73, a second biasing means 74, and a rotation restricting portion 75.

[0090] (Regarding the holding plate portion 71) As shown in Figures 8 and 13, the retaining plate portion 71 is in the shape of a longitudinal rod, and the length of the retaining plate portion 71 matches the height of the stored battery 10. It blocks the opening 121f from below the stored battery 10, preventing the battery main body 11 from falling out of the opening 121f while the electric work machine 200 is in operation, restricting the movement of the battery 10, and further preventing the battery 10 from being removed until the approach platform 20 moves from the stored position to the transport position.

[0091] One end of the retaining plate 71 is bent in an L-shape and is formed so as to hook onto the first side surface 121b. A cap 71a is provided at one end, and by making the cap 71a a conspicuous color such as red, the user can easily determine whether the battery retaining mechanism 70 is operating.

[0092] (Regarding the engagement plate 72) An engagement plate 72 that engages with the battery pressing restriction portion 39 is provided at the lower end of the pressing plate portion 71. The engagement plate 72 has a third shaft portion 73 that serves as a rotation axis near the center, and is formed so as to be rotatable together with the pressing plate portion 71 on the third shaft portion 73. A bent engagement plate 72 is provided at the other end, and an engagement portion 72a that engages with the battery pressing restriction portion 39 is provided at the end of the engagement plate 72.

[0093] 11, when the approach platform 20 is moved from the storage position to the transport position, the engagement portion 72a engages with the battery pressing restriction portion 39, restricting the engagement plate 72 from rotating toward the rear on the third shaft portion 73. As a result, the pressing plate portion 71 connected to the engagement plate 72 stops the movement of the battery 10.

[0094] (About the cancellation procedure) 11(b) and 13, when the approach platform 20 reaches the transport position, that is, the position where it is in contact with plane G that supports the weight of the approach platform 20 and battery 10, the operating handle unit 30 is released from supporting the approach platform 20 and battery 10. Because the approach platform 20 is in contact with plane G, it cannot be rotated any further, but as shown in FIG. 12, the operating handle unit 30 can be rotated further in the first direction, and the battery press-down restricting unit 39 is released from engagement with the engaging unit 72a.

[0095] When the engagement is released, the engagement plate 72 can be manually rotated toward the rear on the third shaft 73. Therefore, after manually rotating the engagement plate 72 toward the rear, the restriction on the movement of the battery 10 toward the rear by the retaining plate 71 can be released, and the battery 10 can be removed. Because the battery retaining restriction unit 39 is engaged with the engagement plate 72 while the battery 10 is stored in the electric work machine 200 or when the approach platform 20 is moved from the storage position to the transport position, the battery retaining restriction unit 39 always restricts the movement of the battery 10 by the retaining plate 71, and only when it is desired to remove the battery 10 can the retaining plate 71 be released from its position by operating the operating handle 30.

[0096] (About holding operation) Conversely, when performing the holding operation, the battery holding mechanism 70 can be activated by rotating the operating handle portion 30 in the second direction from the released state. That is, when the operating handle portion 30 is rotated in the second direction, the battery holding restriction portion 39 presses the engagement portion 72a. This causes the engagement plate 72 to rise again, causing the hold-down plate portion 71 to rotate and hold down the battery 10. Therefore, the user can automatically activate the battery holding mechanism 70 simply by rotating the operating handle portion 30 in the second direction. Furthermore, by continuing to rotate the operating handle portion 30 in the second direction, the lock mechanism 60 described above can also be activated, allowing the battery 10 to be moved to the storage position.

[0097] (Regarding the second biasing means 74) As shown in Figure 14, second biasing means 74 are provided at the middle portion on the rear side of the retaining plate 71 and near the rear side of the approach platform 20. After the engagement between the engaging plate 72 and the battery retaining restriction portion 39 is released by the second biasing means 74, the engaging plate 72 can be rotated toward the rear on the third shaft 73. When removing the battery 10, the user manually rotates the retaining plate 71 toward the rear and then transports the battery 10.

[0098] (Regarding the rotation restriction unit 75) The rotation restricting portion 75 is provided on the approach table 20 and is a member for restricting the engagement plate 72, which is automatically rotated in the rear direction by the second biasing means 74. After the engagement plate 72 has rotated to a certain angle, the rotation restricting portion 75 restricts it from rotating any further. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100 Battery Device 200 Electric work equipment 200a frame 10 Battery 11 Battery body 12 Carry-type battery case 121 Case part 121a Bottom 121b~121e 1st side~4th side 121f aperture 122 Wheels 122a axle 123 Protrusion 124 Hand-held transport handle 124a Post 124b Grip 124c Storage section 125 fixed handle 126 Battery side connector 127 Stand 20 Approach platform 21 Upper 22 Lower 23 Slope 24 Engagement hole 25 Arm section 251 Bearings 26 Left and right movement restriction plate 27 Ground plate 30 Operating handle 31 Grip 32 Lever 33 Lever board 33a hole 34 Support part 34a Bolt hole 34b Bolt 35 First engagement portion 37 Connecting part 37a Back end 37b Front end 38 Connection 39 Battery holder 40 First shaft 50 Elastic member 50a rod 50b cylinder 50c one End 50d others End 60 Locking mechanism 61 Stopper plate 61a Protrusion 61b Hole 61c slope 61d Engagement part 62 Second shaft 63 First biasing means 64 Rotating means 65 Rotation control part 70 Battery holding mechanism 71 Presser plate 71a Cap 72 Engagement plate 72a Engagement part 73 Third shaft 74 Second biasing means 75 Rotation control part G plane F Frame

Claims

1. a battery housed in the electric work machine; an approach table on which the battery is placed; an operating handle portion adjacent to the approach platform for operating and rotating the approach platform while supporting the approach platform from below; a first shaft portion that serves as a rotation axis for the approach table and the operating handle portion; an elastic member connected to the operating handle portion and controlling the movement of the approach platform in response to operation of the operating handle portion, The battery device is characterized in that the operating handle portion rotates the approach platform in a first direction to rotate the approach platform from a storage position in which the battery is stored to a transport position in which the battery is transported, or in a second direction to rotate the approach platform from the transport position to the storage position, thereby lifting the approach platform.

2. The elastic member has one end rotatably fixed, and the other end rotatably fixed to a rear end of the operating handle portion, the rear end being located inside the electric work machine, The battery device described in claim 1, characterized in that during the lifting operation, the other end of the elastic member is located further back than the line connecting the first axis portion and one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the second direction.

3. a locking mechanism that prevents the operating handle portion from being rotated in the first direction when the approach table is in the storage position; The locking mechanism includes a stopper plate having a protrusion at one end thereof that engages with the operating handle portion; a second shaft portion that serves as a rotation axis of the stopper plate; a first biasing means connected to one end of the stopper plate and biasing the stopper plate to rotate in a third direction in which the protrusion engages with the operating handle portion; a rotation means connected to one end of the stopper plate via the second shaft portion and configured to rotate the stopper plate in a fourth direction, which is a direction in which the engagement of the protrusion with the operating handle portion is released; 3. The battery device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. the transport location is the ground surface; The battery comprises a battery body and a carry-type battery case into which the battery body can be detachably placed, The carry-type battery case includes a case portion that covers the outer periphery of the battery body; Wheels provided on the case portion to enable transportation; 3. The battery device according to claim 1, further comprising an extendable and retractable hand-held carrying handle connected to the case.

5. the transport position is a position where the approach platform is in contact with a plane that supports the weight of the approach platform and the battery; a battery holding mechanism for stopping the movement of the battery placed on the approach platform; the operating handle portion includes a battery pressing restriction portion that engages with the battery pressing mechanism, From the storage position to the transport position, the battery pressing and restricting portion engages with the battery pressing mechanism to prevent movement of the battery, The battery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the operating handle portion is released from support by the approach platform in the transport position, and by further rotating the operating handle portion in the first direction, the battery holding restriction portion is disengaged from the battery holding mechanism, and a release operation is performed to make the battery movable.

6. The battery device described in claim 5, characterized in that, by the release operation, the other end of the elastic member is positioned on the front side, outside the electric work machine, of the line connecting the first shaft portion and one end of the elastic member, and the elastic member biases the operating handle portion to rotate in the first direction.

Citation Information

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