Electric Shovel

Abstract

The exterior cover (9) has a left plate (9L) and a right plate (9R) facing each other in the left-right direction, a ventilation hole (VL) formed in the left plate (9L), and a ventilation hole (VR) formed in the right plate (9R). The battery (31) is positioned between the left plate (9L) and the right plate (9R) and supplies power to the electric motor. The hydraulic device (32, 33) is positioned in front of the battery (31). The cooling device (40) has a cooling fan (40a) and is positioned to face in the left-right direction with the area between the battery (31) and the hydraulic device (32, 33) when viewed in a plane.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric shovel. Background Technology

[0002] A technology for cooling a battery in a small electric shovel is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-1933 (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, one end of a duct is connected to the upper surface of a cover sheet that covers the upper surface and side of a battery housing structure. The other end of the duct is connected to a machine room that is forcibly exhausted by a cooling fan. A hydraulic pump, an electric motor, an oil tank, a heat exchanger, an oil cooler, etc. are arranged in the machine room. Prior art literature

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-1933 The problem to be solved

[0004] In medium or large electric shovels, the battery becomes larger, and the space occupied by the battery within the outer cover increases. For this reason, it is necessary to re-examine the placement of components such as hydraulic equipment (operating fluid tank, main valve) and electric motors. As a result, there is a possibility that hydraulic equipment may be placed close to the battery.

[0005] While the allowable temperature for stable battery operation is low, hydraulic equipment such as hydraulic fluid tanks and main valves generates a significant amount of heat during operation, causing the surrounding temperature to rise. Therefore, if hydraulic equipment is placed close to the battery, heat is transferred from the equipment to the battery, potentially causing it to overheat above the allowable temperature and resulting in the battery failing to function stably.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric shovel capable of suppressing the heating of a battery caused by heat transfer from a hydraulic device. means of solving the problem

[0007] The electric shovel of the present disclosure comprises an outer cover, a battery, a hydraulic device, and a cooling device. The outer cover has a first side plate and a second side plate facing each other in the left-right direction, a first ventilation hole formed in the first side plate, and a second ventilation hole formed in the second side plate. The battery is positioned between the first side plate and the second side plate and supplies power to a power source. The hydraulic device is positioned in front of the battery. The cooling device has a cooling fan and is positioned to face in the left-right direction with the area sandwiched between the battery and the hydraulic device when viewed in a planar view. Effects of the invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an electric shovel capable of suppressing heating of the battery caused by heat transfer from a hydraulic device can be realized. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0009] [Fig. 1] This is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of an electric shovel in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Fig. 2] This is a first perspective view showing the state inside the machine room of the electric shovel shown in Fig. 1. [Fig. 3] This is a second perspective view showing the state inside the machine room of the electric shovel shown in Fig. 1. [Fig. 4] This is a plan view showing the state inside the machine room of the electric shovel shown in Fig. 1. [Fig. 5] This is a schematic plan view showing the direction of the fan's rotation axis tilted with respect to the left and right directions. [Fig. 6] This is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of a ventilation hole, fan, oil cooler (or radiator), and battery in order in the left and right directions. [Fig. 7] This is a plan view showing an example of a modified state inside the machine room in the electric shovel shown in Fig. 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings.

[0011] In the specifications and drawings, the same reference numerals are used for identical components or corresponding components, and redundant descriptions are not repeated. Additionally, in the drawings, configurations may be omitted or simplified for convenience of explanation. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments and variations may be combined arbitrarily.

[0012] In the following description, “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” and “right” refer to directions based on the operator seated in the driver’s seat (4S) inside the driver’s cabin (4) shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] Components of an Electric Shovel

[0014] First, the configuration of the electric shovel of the present embodiment will be explained using FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an electric shovel in one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric shovel (100) has a main body (1) and a working device (2) operated by hydraulic pressure. The main body (1) has a swivel body (3) and a driving body (5).

[0016] The vehicle body (5) has a pair of crawler belts (5Cr) and a driving motor (5M). The electric shovel (100) can be driven by the rotation of the crawler belts (5Cr). The driving motor (5M) is installed as a driving source for the vehicle body (5). The driving motor (5M) is a hydraulic motor operated by hydraulic pressure. Also, the vehicle body (5) may have wheels (tires).

[0017] The swivel body (3) is positioned on the driving body (5) and is also supported by the driving body (5). The swivel body (3) can rotate relative to the driving body (5) around a pivot axis (RX) by means of a swivel motor (not shown). The swivel motor is a hydraulic motor operated by hydraulic pressure. The pivot axis (RX) is an imaginary straight line that serves as the pivot center of the swivel body (3). The driving motor (5M) or the swivel motor may be an electric motor.

[0018] The slewing body (3) has a cab (4). Inside the cab (4), a driver's seat (4S) is installed for an operator to sit on. The operator (passenger) can sit in the cab (4) and operate the work machine (2), operate the slewing body (3) relative to the driving body (5), and operate the electric shovel (100) by the driving body (5). The slewing body (3) has an exterior cover (9). The exterior cover (9) covers the machine room. The electric shovel may be remotely operated.

[0019] The work machine (2) is supported by a slewing body (3). The work machine (2) has a boom (6), an arm (7), and a bucket (8). The work machine (2) further has a boom cylinder (10), an arm cylinder (11), and a bucket cylinder (12).

[0020] The boom (6) is rotatably connected to the main body (1). Specifically, the base portion of the boom (6) is rotatably connected to the pivot body (3) using the boom foot pin (13) as a pivot point. The arm (7) is rotatably connected to the boom (6). Specifically, the base portion of the arm (7) is rotatably connected to the tip portion of the boom (6) using the boom top pin (14) as a pivot point. The bucket (8) is rotatably connected to the arm (7). Specifically, the base portion of the bucket (8) is rotatably connected to the tip portion of the arm (7) using the arm top pin (15) as a pivot point.

[0021] One end of the boom cylinder (10) is connected to the pivot body (3), and the other end is connected to the boom (6). The boom (6) can be driven relative to the main body (1) by the boom cylinder (10). By this driving, the boom (6) can rotate in the up and down direction relative to the pivot body (3) using the boom foot pin (13) as a pivot point.

[0022] One end of the arm cylinder (11) is connected to the boom (6), and the other end is connected to the arm (7). The arm (7) can be driven relative to the boom (6) by the arm cylinder (11). By this driving, the arm (7) can rotate relative to the boom (6) in an up-and-down direction or a forward-and-backward direction using the boom top pin (14) as a pivot point.

[0023] One end of the bucket cylinder (12) is connected to the arm (7), and the other end is connected to the bucket link (17). The bucket (8) can be driven relative to the arm (7) by the bucket cylinder (12). By this driving, the bucket (8) can rotate up and down relative to the arm (7) using the arm top pin (15) as a pivot point.

[0024] Each of the boom cylinder (10), arm cylinder (11) and bucket cylinder (12) is a hydraulic cylinder and is driven by hydraulic pressure.

[0025] <Side panels of the exterior cover and placement of components within the machine room>

[0026] Next, the arrangement of the side plate of the exterior cover and the components inside the machine room in the electric shovel shown in FIG. 1 will be explained using FIG. 2 to FIG. 7. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a part of the exterior cover (9) is shown broken.

[0027] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are each perspective views showing the state inside the machine room of the electric shovel shown in FIGS. 1. FIGS. 4 is a plan view showing the state inside the machine room of the electric shovel shown in FIGS. 1. As shown in FIGS. 2, the slewing body (3) ( FIGS. 1) has a slewing frame (20). The slewing frame (20) slewing relative to the driving body (5) ( FIGS. 1) around the slewing axis (RX).

[0028] The slewing frame (20) has a center frame (CF), a left deck (DL), and a right deck (DR). The center frame (CF) is located approximately in the center of the slewing frame (20) in the left-right direction. The left deck (DL) is positioned to the left of the center frame (CF). The right deck (DR) is positioned to the right of the center frame (CF).

[0029] The center frame (CF) has a pair of center beams (CB). The pair of center beams (CB) are arranged to face each other with a gap in the left and right directions. The pair of center beams (CB) support the work machine (2) (Fig. 1). Thus, the center frame (CF) supports the work machine (2).

[0030] Each of the pair of center beams (CB) has a through hole (TH1, TH2). A boom foot pin (13) (Fig. 1) is inserted into the through hole (TH1). The boom (6) (Fig. 1) is rotatably supported on the pair of center beams (CB) by the boom foot pin (13).

[0031] A pin (not shown) supporting the boom cylinder (10) (Fig. 1) is inserted into the through hole (TH2). The boom cylinder (10) is rotatably supported on the center beam (CB) by this pin.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the pivot frame (20) supports a battery (31), a hydraulic fluid tank (32), a switching valve (33) (main valve), a partition member (34), a cooling device (40), an oil cooler (41), a radiator (42), a driver's cab (4) (Fig. 1), and other components. The battery (31), hydraulic fluid tank (32), switching valve (33), and cooling device (40) are placed inside a machine room covered by an exterior cover (9) (Fig. 1).

[0033] The cooling device (40) has, for example, four cooling fans (40a). Two cooling fans (40a) are arranged in the up-down direction and two cooling fans (40a) are arranged in the front-back direction, so that a total of four cooling fans (40a) are arranged.

[0034] The battery (31) includes, for example, a plurality of battery modules, and each of the plurality of battery modules has a battery cell. The battery (31) is a power source and accumulates electrical energy obtained from an external power source. The battery (31) extracts the accumulated electrical energy as electromotive force. The battery (31) supplies power to an electric motor (not shown) via an inverter (not shown). The battery (31) is a lithium-ion battery, an electric double-layer capacitor, a lead-acid battery, etc. The battery (31) is a rechargeable battery (accumulator).

[0035] The battery (31) is positioned on a pair of center beams (CB) with a bracket (not shown) interposed therebetween. The electric shovel (100) of this embodiment does not have a counterweight, and the battery (31) serves as the counterweight. Therefore, the battery (31) is positioned at the rear of the swivel body (3).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the area behind the rear end RL of the left deck (DL) and the rear end RR of the right deck (DR), respectively, is the area where the counterweight is originally placed. In order to serve as a counterweight, the battery (31) has a portion located behind the rear end RL of the left deck (DL) and the rear end RR of the right deck (DR), respectively, when viewed from a plane. Therefore, the rear end (31R) of the battery (31) is located behind the rear end RL of the left deck (DL) and the rear end RR of the right deck (DR), respectively, when viewed from a plane. In this specification, "when viewed from a plane" means a viewpoint looking down from above in a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate (BP) of the pivot frame (20).

[0037] In the case of medium or large electric shovels, the amount of energy required to operate increases, so the battery (31) is also enlarged. If the height of the battery (31) is increased, the rear visibility of the operator seated in the driver's seat (4S) is reduced. Consequently, if the height of the battery (31) is reduced, the planar occupancy area of ​​the battery (31) increases. Therefore, when viewed from a planar view, the battery (31) does not completely fit into the counterweight placement area and protrudes into the machine room. As a result, when viewed from a planar view, the front end (31F) of the battery (31) is located further forward than the rear end RL of the left deck (DL) and the rear end RR of the right deck (DR), respectively. Because the battery (31) protrudes into the machine room in this way, the placement of loads other than the battery (31) is restricted.

[0038] And the machine room refers to a space located ahead of the rear RL of the left deck (DL) and the rear RR of the right deck (DR), respectively, and is a space covered by an exterior cover (9).

[0039] In front of the battery (31), hydraulic equipment (operating fluid tank (32), switching valve (33), hydraulic pump (not shown), etc.) is arranged. In addition, an inverter, an electric motor, etc. are also arranged in front of the battery (31).

[0040] The battery (31) supplies power to an electric motor (not shown) as a power source. Specifically, the battery (31) supplies power to an inverter through electrical wiring. The inverter converts the DC power, which is the output of the battery (31), into AC power with controlled frequency, etc. The inverter supplies AC power to the electric motor through electrical wiring. Thus, the electric motor is driven by the AC power supplied from the inverter, using the battery (31) as a power source.

[0041] The electric motor and the hydraulic pump are mechanically connected. The hydraulic pump is driven by the driving force of the electric motor being transmitted to it. By driving, the hydraulic pump pumps out hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid tank (32). The hydraulic pump supplies the hydraulic fluid pumped out from the hydraulic fluid tank (32) to each hydraulic actuator (drive motor (5M), slewing motor, each hydraulic cylinder (10-12)) through the switching valve (33).

[0042] The switching valve (33) is composed of a plurality of control valves, pilot valves, etc. The switching valve (33) is positioned in the oil path (hydraulic piping) between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic actuator. The switching valve (33) supplies and discharges the hydraulic fluid pumped from the hydraulic fluid tank (32) by the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic actuators. Each hydraulic actuator operates by supplying and discharging the hydraulic fluid from the switching valve (33).

[0043] The opening and closing of each valve in the switching valve (33) is controlled according to the driving operation of the operator. In this way, the main body (1) and the working device (2) of the electric shovel (100) can be operated according to the driving operation of the operator who is in the driver's cabin (4). Specifically, the operator can operate the working device (2) by operating the hydraulic cylinders (10-12), operate the turning of the turning body (3) by operating the turning motor, and operate the driving of the electric shovel (100) by operating the driving motor (5M).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the exterior cover (9) has a left plate (9L) (first side plate). A ventilation hole (VL) (first ventilation hole) is formed in the left plate (9L). The ventilation hole (VL) is a through hole formed in the left plate (9L), and is, for example, a rectangular through hole with a net attached. The ventilation hole (VL) may also be a plurality of through holes formed by punching a material such as metal, for example, punched metal.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer cover (9) has a right plate (9R) (second side plate). A ventilation hole (VR) (second ventilation hole) is formed in the right plate (9R). The ventilation hole (VR) is a through hole formed in the right plate (9R). The ventilation hole (VR) is a plurality of through holes formed by punching a material such as metal, for example, punched metal.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the left plate (9L) and the right plate (9R) of the exterior cover (9) face each other in the left-right direction. Also, the ventilation hole (VL) formed in the left plate (9L) and the ventilation hole (VR) formed in the right plate (9R) face each other in the left-right direction.

[0047] When viewed from a planar perspective, between the left plate (9L) and the right plate (9R), a battery (31), hydraulic equipment (operating fluid tank (32), switching valve (33)), a partition member (34), a cooling device (40), an oil cooler (41), and a radiator (42) are arranged. Each of the cooling device (40), the oil cooler (41), and the radiator (42) is arranged within an area that connects the vent (VL) and the vent (VR) in a straight line. Additionally, the area that is sandwiched between the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) is arranged within an area that connects the vent (VL) and the vent (VR) in a straight line. Additionally, each of the operating fluid tank (32) and the switching valve (33) may be arranged within an area that connects the vent (VL) and the vent (VR) in a straight line. In addition, a part of the battery (31) may be placed within the area connecting the vent (VL) and the vent (VR) in a straight line.

[0048] The hydraulic fluid tank (32) is positioned, for example, on the right deck (DR). The hydraulic fluid tank (32) is positioned in front of the battery (31) with a gap between it and the battery (31). The switching valve (33) is positioned on the center frame (CF). The switching valve (33) is positioned in front of the battery (31) with a gap between it and the battery (31).

[0049] Each of the hydraulic fluid tank (32) and the switching valve (33) is positioned behind the opening (21) formed in the center frame (CF). The opening (21) is a through hole through which, for example, a swivel joint (not shown) is inserted, and becomes the pivot center of the pivot frame (20). The opening (21) is formed in the bottom plate (BP) of the center frame (CF).

[0050] Each of the cooling device (40), oil cooler (41), and radiator (42) is positioned, for example, on the left deck (DL). Each of the oil cooler (41) and radiator (42) is positioned side-by-side with the cooling device (40) in the left-right direction. When viewed from a planar perspective, the cooling device (40) is positioned to face in the left-right direction the area between the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33). Additionally, each of the cooling device (40), oil cooler (41), and radiator (42) may be positioned, for example, on the right deck (DR).

[0051] The cooling device (40) has a plurality of cooling fans (40a). The cooling device (40) causes air to flow between the vent (VL) and the vent (VR) by driving the plurality of cooling fans (40a). By driving the plurality of cooling fans (40a), the cooling device (40) passes the air taken in from the outside of the machine room to the inside through the vent (VL), for example as indicated by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 4, between the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33), and then discharges the air from the inside of the machine room to the outside through the vent (VR). Thus, the air taken in from the outside of the machine room to the inside through the vent (VL) passes through the space between the front of the battery (31) and the rear of the hydraulic equipment (32, 33), and is discharged from the inside of the machine room to the outside through the vent (VR).

[0052] Additionally, the cooling device (40) may, by driving a plurality of cooling fans (40a), pass air received from the outside of the machine room into the inside through the vent (VR), for example, between the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33), and then discharge it from the inside of the machine room to the outside through the vent (VL). In this case, the vent (VR) that receives air into the machine room becomes the first vent, and the vent (VL) that discharges air from the machine room becomes the second vent. Also, the right plate (9R) in which the vent (VR) is formed becomes the first side plate, and the left plate (9L) in which the vent (VL) is formed becomes the second side plate.

[0053] The partition member (34) is a plate-shaped member made of, for example, a steel plate. The partition member (34) extends in the left and right directions. The partition member (34) is positioned between the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33). Specifically, the partition member (34) extends from the vicinity of the cooling device (40) through the space between the battery (31) and the switching valve (33), and between the battery (31) and the hydraulic fluid tank (32), to the vicinity of the right plate (9R). The partition member (34) extends from the left deck (DL) across the center frame (CF) to the right deck (DR).

[0054] The partition member (34) has a first part (34F), a second part (34S), and a third part (34T). The first part (34F) is connected to the left end (one end) of the third part (34T) and extends in a straight line along the left-right direction from the left end. The second part (34S) is connected to the right end (the other end) of the third part (34T) and extends in a straight line along the left-right direction from the right end. The first part (34F) and the second part (34S) extend in directions parallel to each other when viewed in a plane. The third part (34T) extends in a straight line so as to be inclined toward each of the first part (34F) and the second part (34S) when viewed in a plane.

[0055] The left end of the third part (34T) is located further forward than the right end of the third part (34T). The third part (34T) is inclined with respect to the left and right directions so that it is located further back as it moves from the left end to the right end.

[0056] When viewed from a planar perspective, a gap (space) is formed between the battery (31) and the partition member (34). The front of the battery (31) and the rear of the partition member (34) each face the gap. The front of the battery (31) and the rear of the partition member (34) face each other in the front-rear direction with the gap in between.

[0057] Additionally, when viewed from a planar perspective, a gap is formed between the partition member (34) and the hydraulic fluid tank (32), and between the partition member (34) and the switching valve (33). The rear of the hydraulic fluid tank (32), the rear of the switching valve (33), and the front of the partition member (34) each face the gap. The rear of the hydraulic fluid tank (32) and the front of the partition member (34) face each other in the front-rear direction with the gap in between. Additionally, the rear of the switching valve (33) and the front of the partition member (34) face each other in the front-rear direction with the gap in between.

[0058] The cooling device (40) sends air to the area on the battery (31) side of the partition member (34) as indicated by arrow A1. Additionally, the cooling device (40) sends air to the area on the hydraulic device (32, 33) side of the partition member (34) as indicated by arrow A2. The air indicated by arrow A1 flows within the gap between the rear of the partition member (34) and the front of the battery (31). Additionally, the air indicated by arrow A2 flows within the gap between the front of the partition member (34) and the rear of the switching valve (33), and within the gap between the front of the partition member (34) and the rear of the hydraulic fluid tank (32), respectively.

[0059] The cooling device (40) is positioned within an area that connects the vent (VL) and the vent (VR) in a straight line. The rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) in the cooling device (40) extends in a direction that connects the vent (VL) and the vent (VR) in a straight line (a direction from the vent (VL) to the vent (VR). The rotation axis (AX) extends, for example, along the left and right directions.

[0060] At least a portion of the cooling device (40) faces the vent (VR) without any obstructions in between. As a result, at least a portion of the air discharged from the cooling device (40) flows in a straight line without colliding with obstructions and reaches the vent (VR), and is discharged from the vent (VR).

[0061] The front cooling fan (40a) of the cooling device (40) is positioned to face the switching valve (33) and the hydraulic fluid tank (32) respectively in the left and right directions. As a result, a portion of the air discharged from the cooling device (40) flows straight from the cooling device (40) and comes into direct contact with the hydraulic equipment (32, 33).

[0062] The cooling fan (40a) in the rear row of the cooling device (40) is positioned to face the battery (31) in the left and right directions. As a result, a portion of the air discharged from the cooling device (40) flows in a straight line from the cooling device (40) and comes into direct contact with the battery (31).

[0063] The oil cooler (41) is a device for cooling the hydraulic fluid used to operate, for example, a hydraulic actuator (driving motor (5M), a slewing motor, each hydraulic cylinder (10-12)). The oil cooler (41) has, for example, a tube through which the hydraulic fluid passes and a fin mounted on the tube.

[0064] A radiator (42) is a device for cooling a cooling medium (e.g., coolant) for cooling a battery (31), an electric motor, an inverter, etc. The radiator (42) has a tube through which the cooling medium passes, for example, and a fin mounted on the tube.

[0065] The oil cooler (41) and the radiator (42) are arranged in a front-to-back direction relative to each other. The oil cooler (41) is located in front of the radiator (42). The oil cooler (41) is positioned opposite the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) in the direction in which the rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) extends, and is arranged side-by-side with the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) in a left-to-right direction. The oil cooler (41) is positioned to be opposite the front row of the cooling fan (40a) in the cooling device (40), for example, in a left-to-right direction.

[0066] The radiator (42) is positioned opposite the battery (31) in the direction in which the rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) extends, and is arranged side by side with the battery (31) in the left and right directions. The radiator (42) is positioned to be opposite the cooling fan (40a) in the rear row of the cooling device (40), for example, in the left and right directions.

[0067] The position of the left end of the partition member (34) in the front-rear direction is, for example, located between two cooling fans (40a) in the front-rear direction. Thus, the cooling fans (40a) positioned in the rear row in the front-rear direction send air to the area on the battery (31) side of the partition member (34). Additionally, the cooling fans (40a) positioned in the front row in the front-rear direction send air to each of the areas on the hydraulic device (32, 33) side of the partition member (34).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of the partition member (34) is located above the upper surface of the hydraulic fluid tank (32) and the upper end of the switching valve (33). This effectively prevents oil ejected from the hydraulic fluid tank (32) and the switching valve (33) from getting into the battery (31).

[0069] The rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) in the cooling device (40) extends in the left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction) when viewed in a plane. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) may be inclined with respect to the left-right direction when viewed in a plane. Specifically, when viewed in a plane, the rotation axis (AX) may be inclined so that it is positioned from front to rear as it moves from left to right in the left-right direction. It may also be inclined so that it is positioned from rear to front as it moves from one side (e.g., left) to the other side (e.g., right) in the left-right direction. The imaginary extension line of the rotation axis (AX) extends into the area between the battery (31) and the hydraulic device (32, 33).

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the oil cooler (41) and the radiator (42) may each be positioned on the opposite side of the left plate (9L) with respect to the cooling device (40). That is, a vent (VL) may be positioned on one side of the left-right direction of the cooling device (40) (e.g., left), and the oil cooler (41) and the radiator (42) may be positioned on the other side of the left-right direction of the cooling device (40) (e.g., right).

[0071] Additionally, the partition member (34) may not have a third part (34T) that becomes an inclined part as shown in FIG. 4 when viewed in a planar view, and may be extended in a straight line throughout the entire left-right direction from the left end to the right end.

[0072] In addition, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which a partition member (34) is installed, the partition member (34) may be omitted. In this case, the front of the battery (31) and the rear of each of the hydraulic devices (32, 33) face each other in the front-rear direction with a gap in between.

[0073] In addition, the arrangement of components within the machine room is not limited to the arrangement of FIG. 4, and may be an arrangement such as the modified example shown in FIG. 7. In the modified example arrangement shown in FIG. 7, an electric motor (35), an inverter (36), and a hydraulic fluid tank (32) are arranged in this order on the right deck (DR) in front of the battery (31). Specifically, the electric motor (35) is arranged in front of the battery (31), the inverter (36) is arranged in front of the electric motor (35), and the hydraulic fluid tank (32) is arranged in front of the inverter (36). A hydraulic pump (not shown) is arranged below the inverter (36).

[0074] In such an arrangement, the partition member (34) needs to be positioned at least between the battery (31) and the switching valve (33). In this modified example, the partition member (34) extends in the left-right direction from the vicinity of the cooling device (40) to the vicinity between the battery (31) and the switching valve (33). In this embodiment, since there is a cable between the electric motor (35) and the battery (31), the partition member (34) extends to the vicinity of the switching valve (34), but it may also extend to the right end as in FIG. 4.

[0075] And since the configuration of Fig. 7 other than the above is roughly the same as the configuration of Fig. 4, the same reference numerals are used for identical elements and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0076] <Effect>

[0077] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be explained.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 4, in a medium or large electric shovel (100), the battery (31) is enlarged, and the space occupied by the battery (31) within the outer cover (9) is increased. Therefore, within the outer cover (9), there is a possibility that hydraulic equipment (operating fluid tank (32), switching valve (33)) may be placed near the battery (31).

[0079] While the allowable temperature of the battery (31) is low at around 60°C, the heat dissipation temperature of the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) is high at around 100°C. Therefore, when the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) is placed near the battery (31), heat is transferred from the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) to the battery (31), causing the battery (31) to heat up above the allowable temperature and fail to function stably.

[0080] Accordingly, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the cooling device (40) is positioned to face in the left-right direction with respect to the area between the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) when viewed from a planar view. Thus, as indicated by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 4, air received from the vent (VL) by the cooling device (40) passes between the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) and is then discharged from the vent (VR). As a result, air can be allowed to flow in a straight line in the left-right direction from the vent (VL) to the vent (VR) within the machine room, and resistance to the airflow becomes less likely to occur. Therefore, the transfer of heat from the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) to the battery (31) can be effectively blocked, and the heat from the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) can also be effectively discharged outside the machine room. By these, it becomes possible to suppress the heating of the battery (31) by heat transfer from the hydraulic devices (32, 33).

[0081] And by driving the cooling fan (40a), air taken in from the vent (VR) may be discharged from the vent (VL) after passing between the battery (31) and the hydraulic device (32, 33).

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a partition member (34) is positioned between the battery (31) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33). The partition member (34) prevents oil ejected from the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) from getting into the battery (31), thereby preventing damage to the battery (31) or the heavy electrical equipment. Additionally, the partition member (34) can block the transfer of heat from the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) to the battery (31).

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, as indicated by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 4, the cooling device (40) sends air to each of the area on the battery (31) side of the partition member (34) and the area on the hydraulic device (32, 33) side of the partition member (34). As indicated by arrow A2, by sending air to the area on the hydraulic device (32, 33) side of the partition member (34), the transfer of heat from the hydraulic device (32, 33) to the partition member (34) can be suppressed. Also, as indicated by arrow A1, by sending air to the area on the battery (31) side of the partition member (34), the transfer of heat from the partition member (34) to the battery (31) is suppressed. Thus, heat is prevented from being transferred from the hydraulic device (32, 33) to the battery (31) through the partition member (34).

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the cooling device (40) faces the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) in the direction in which the rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) extends. As a result, air discharged from the cooling device (40) flows in a straight line toward the hydraulic equipment (32, 33). Therefore, cooling of the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) itself is possible by the air discharged from the cooling device (40).

[0085] In addition, in the area where the cooling device (40) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) face each other in the direction of the rotation axis (AX), there may be no obstacles between the cooling device (40) and the hydraulic equipment (32, 33). In this case, since the air discharged from the cooling device (40) comes into direct contact with the hydraulic equipment (32, 33), the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) can be cooled more effectively.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the cooling device (40) faces the battery (31) in the direction in which the rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) extends. As a result, relatively low-temperature air (MAX 65°C or lower) discharged from the cooling device (40) flows in a straight line toward the battery (31). Therefore, cooling of the battery (31) itself is possible by the air discharged from the cooling device (40).

[0087] In addition, in the area where the cooling device (40) and the battery (31) face each other in the direction of the rotation axis (AX), there may be no obstacles between the cooling device (40) and the battery (31). In this case, since the air discharged from the cooling device (40) comes into direct contact with the battery (31), the battery (31) can be cooled more effectively.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the oil cooler (41) is positioned opposite the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) in the direction in which the rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) extends, and is also positioned side by side with the hydraulic equipment (32, 33) in the left and right directions. The radiator (42) is positioned opposite the battery (31) in the direction in which the rotation axis (AX) of the cooling fan (40a) extends, and is also positioned side by side with the battery (31) in the left and right directions. Thus, it becomes possible to cool each of the oil cooler (41) and the radiator (42) by the cooling device (40).

[0089] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative and not limiting in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the description above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0090] 1: Main body, 2: Implement, 3: Slewing body, 4: Cab, 4S: Operator's seat, 5: Traveling body, 5Cr: Crawler belt, 5M: Travel motor, 6: Boom, 7: Arm, 8: Bucket, 9: Exterior cover, 9L: Left plate, 9R: Right plate, 10: Boom cylinder, 11: Arm cylinder, 12: Bucket cylinder, 13: Boom foot pin, 14: Boom top pin, 15: Arm top pin, 17: Bucket link, 20: Slewing frame, 21: Opening, 31: Battery, 31F: Front end, 31R, RL, RR: Rear end, 32: Hydraulic fluid tank, 33: Switching valve, 34: Partition member, 34T: Third part, 34F: First part, 34S: Second part, 35: Electric drive Motor, 36: Inverter, 40: Cooling device, 40a: Cooling fan, 41: Oil cooler, 42: Radiator, 100: Electric shovel, AX: Rotating shaft, BP: Floor plate, CB: Center beam, CF: Center frame, DL: Left deck, DR: Right deck, RX: Slewing shaft, TH1, TH2: Through hole, VL, VR: Vent.

Claims

Claim 1 An electric shovel comprising: an exterior cover having a first side plate and a second side plate facing each other in a left-right direction, a first ventilation hole formed in the first side plate, and a second ventilation hole formed in the second side plate; a battery disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate and supplying power to a power source; a hydraulic device disposed in front of the battery; and a cooling device disposed facing in the left-right direction with an area sandwiched between the battery and the hydraulic device when viewed in a plane, wherein the cooling device comprises a first cooling fan and a second cooling fan, wherein the cooling device is disposed to send air to a first area on the battery side with the first cooling fan and to send air to a second area on the hydraulic device side with the second cooling fan, and wherein the air sent to the first area to cool the battery and the air sent to the second area to cool the hydraulic device are discharged through a common second ventilation hole. Claim 2 In claim 1, the cooling device is an electric shovel in which air received from the first vent by the driving of the cooling fan passes between the battery and the hydraulic device and is discharged from the second vent. Claim 3 An electric shovel according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a partition member disposed between the battery and the hydraulic device. Claim 4 An electric shovel according to paragraph 3, wherein the battery-side area of ​​the partition member is the first area, and the hydraulic device-side area of ​​the partition member is the second area. Claim 5 In claim 1 or 2, at least a portion of the cooling device is an electric shovel facing the hydraulic device in the direction in which the rotation axis of the cooling fan extends. Claim 6 In claim 1 or 2, at least a portion of the cooling device is an electric shovel facing the battery in the direction in which the rotation axis of the cooling fan extends. Claim 7 An electric shovel according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an oil cooler facing the hydraulic device in the direction in which the rotational axis of the cooling fan is extended, and a radiator facing the battery in the direction in which the rotational axis of the cooling fan is extended.

Images