Electric construction machine

Abstract

An electric construction machine according to the present invention comprises: a body; a battery disposed on the body; a power distribution unit that receives a supply of power from the battery; a motor unit for driving or working the body by receiving a supply of power from the power distribution unit; and a power module mounting unit disposed on the body and having a power module for supplying power mounted thereon to be replaceable, wherein the power distribution unit receives a supply of power from the power module and the battery.

Description

Electric construction equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to construction machinery, and more particularly, to electric construction machinery driven by electric energy.

[0002] Construction machinery, such as excavators and wheel loaders, is widely used to excavate and transport materials such as soil and sand, and to load them onto cargo vehicles such as dump trucks. These tasks are accomplished by operating working devices installed on the construction machinery, such as buckets and booms. The operation of the construction machinery is accomplished by controlling working devices such as booms and buckets via actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders.

[0003] The known wheel loader (10) illustrated in Fig. 1 has the advantage of being able to work freely without being restricted by the work location because it is equipped with an engine such as a diesel engine.

[0004] However, fossil fuels like diesel are increasingly depleted and contribute to air pollution, raising the urgent need for environmentally friendly alternative energy sources. Furthermore, fossil fuels are expensive, and the heavy equipment they are used for consumes significant fuel, increasing operating costs. To address these issues, electric wheel loaders powered by electricity have emerged.

[0005] In the case of these electric wheel loaders, unlike wheel loaders driven by diesel engines, the hydraulic pump is not driven by the engine, so an efficient layout suitable for electric wheel loaders is required, and in the case of purely electric wheel loaders, separate equipment may be required when attaching or detaching heavy batteries.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electric construction machine driven by electric energy, which has an efficient layout structure and allows easy replacement of batteries, etc.

[0007] An electric construction machine according to the present invention comprises: a body; a battery disposed on the body; a power distribution unit supplied with power from the battery; a motor unit supplied with power from the power distribution unit for driving or working the body; and a power module mounting unit disposed on the body and having a power module that supplies power replaceably mounted thereon; wherein the power distribution unit is supplied with power from the power module and the battery.

[0008] In addition, the construction machine is characterized in that it can be driven only by power from the battery.

[0009] In addition, the construction machine further includes a cooling device that cools the heat generated from the power module.

[0010] Additionally, the motor unit includes a driving motor for driving the vehicle body.

[0011] In addition, the construction machine further includes a work device disposed at the front of the body and including a boom and a bucket.

[0012] In addition, the construction machine further includes a hydraulic pump for supplying operating fluid to a hydraulic actuator of the work device.

[0013] Additionally, the motor unit includes a work motor for driving the hydraulic pump by receiving power from the power distribution unit.

[0014] In addition, it further includes an inverter for converting electricity supplied from the power distribution unit from direct current to alternating current and supplying it to the work motor.

[0015] In addition, the power module mounting portion includes a cylinder; a cylinder rod that is introduced and withdrawn from the cylinder; and a lifting member that is connected to the cylinder rod and is raised and lowered to raise or lower the power module.

[0016] Additionally, the power module mounting portion further includes a side plate positioned to face the power module.

[0017] Additionally, the power modules are fixed to the side plate.

[0018] In addition, the power module mounting portion is characterized in that it can replace and mount all of the fuel cell module, battery module, and hybrid module including the engine and generator.

[0019] Additionally, the power module may be one of a fuel cell module, a battery module, an engine, and a hybrid module including a generator.

[0020] Additionally, the power module includes a control unit for each module.

[0021] Additionally, the generator produces electricity by the engine, and the hybrid module further includes an inverter that converts the electricity produced by the generator from alternating current to direct current.

[0022] In addition, the power module is a fuel cell module, and the fuel cell module includes a hydrogen tank; and a fuel cell power pack that receives hydrogen from the hydrogen tank and produces electricity.

[0023] Additionally, the hydrogen tank is placed at the bottom of the fuel cell module.

[0024] Additionally, the fuel cell power pack is placed on the upper side of the hydrogen tank.

[0025] In addition, an electric construction machine according to the present invention includes a body; a fuel cell module disposed on the body and including a hydrogen tank and a fuel cell power pack that receives hydrogen from the hydrogen tank and produces electricity; a power distribution unit supplied with power from the fuel cell module; a battery charged from the fuel cell module; and a motor unit supplied with power from the power distribution unit for driving or working of the body; wherein the power distribution unit is supplied with power from the fuel cell module and the battery.

[0026] The electric construction machine according to the present invention has the effect of being able to replaceably mount power modules such as fuel cell modules, battery modules, and hybrid modules on a power module mounting portion, and easily replace the power modules without separate equipment.

[0027] In addition, even if any one of a fuel cell module, a battery module, and a hybrid module is mounted on the power module mounting portion of an electric construction machine according to the present invention, the construction machine can be driven with the same power distribution unit and power layout connected thereto.

[0028] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a typical wheel loader,

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of the main configuration of an electric construction machine according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a control unit in an electric construction machine according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 is a side view of an electric construction machine according to the present invention, with a fuel cell module mounted on the power module mounting portion.

[0032] Figures 5 and 6 are drawings showing the main configuration of an electric construction machine equipped with a fuel cell module.

[0033] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the power module mounting portion of the electric construction machine of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the rising state of the hook member, and FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the lowering state of the hook member.

[0034] Figure 9 is a side view of a battery module mounted on a power module mounting portion of an electric construction machine according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 is a side view of an electric construction machine according to the present invention, with a hybrid module mounted on a power module mounting portion.

[0036] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0037] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between.

[0038] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" can be used to easily describe the relationship between one element or component and another element or component, as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of the elements during use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings. For example, if an element depicted in the drawings is flipped over, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element may end up being placed "above" the other element. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both the above and below orientations. Elements can also be oriented in other directions, and thus spatially relative terms can be interpreted accordingly.

[0039] Hereinafter, an electric construction machine (1000) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main configuration of an electric construction machine according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control unit in an electric construction machine according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a side view of an electric construction machine according to the present invention in which a fuel cell module is mounted on a power module mounting portion, FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the main configuration of an electric construction machine in which a fuel cell module is mounted, and FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a power module mounting portion of an electric construction machine according to the present invention, in which FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a rising state of a hook member, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a lowering state of a hook member, FIG. 9 is a side view of an electric construction machine according to the present invention in which a battery module is mounted on a power module mounting portion, and FIG. 10 is a side view of an electric construction machine according to the present invention in which a hybrid module is mounted on a power module mounting portion.

[0041] Although the electric construction machine (1000) according to the present invention is described using a wheel loader as an example, it is not limited thereto and can be applied to other construction machines such as excavators.

[0042] An electric construction machine (1000) according to the present invention may include a body (100), a driver's cab (200), a driving unit, a work device (400), and a power module mounting unit (500).

[0043] The body (100) may include a front body (110) and a rear body (150) positioned at the rear of the front body (110), and the front body (110) and the rear body (120) may be rotatably connected to each other. A work device (400) and front wheels (310) may be arranged on the front body (110). A driver's cab (200), a power mounting unit (500), and rear wheels (350) may be arranged on the rear body (150).

[0044] In addition, the front body (110) and the rear body (150) can be rotatably connected to each other by a center pin (130), and the front body (110) can be flexed left and right with respect to the rear body (150) by the expansion and contraction of a steering cylinder (not shown).

[0045] The above driver's cabin (Cabin, 200) is for the driver to ride in the driver's cabin (200) and drive and operate the construction machine (1000). It is installed on the body (100) of the construction machine (1000) and can be installed on the upper part of the rear body (150).

[0046] A driving operation device may be provided within the driver's cab (200), and the driving operation device may include a driving pedal, a brake pedal, an FNR driving lever, operating levers for operating working cylinders such as a boom cylinder and a bucket cylinder (421), and a steering device for operating a steering cylinder.

[0047] The above driving unit is for driving the construction machine (1000), and may include a driving motor (320), a transmission (330), a front wheel (310) placed on the front body (110), and a rear wheel (350) placed on the rear body (150).

[0048] The driving motor (320) is used to drive the front wheels (310) and rear wheels (350) for driving the electric construction machine (1000), and the driving motor (320) is driven by electricity supplied from the power distribution unit (PDU (Power Distribution Unit) 900) through the first inverter (301).

[0049] A transmission (330) is connected to the driving motor (320), and the driving force of the driving motor (320) is transmitted to the front axle (311) and the rear axle (351) through the transmission (330), and to the front wheels (310) arranged on both sides of the front axle (311) and the rear wheels (350) arranged on both sides of the rear axle (351).

[0050] In this embodiment, it is exemplified that the front and rear wheels (310, 350) are driven by one driving motor (320), but each driving motor (320) may be arranged to drive the front axle (311) and the rear axle (351).

[0051] In the driving section, the front axle (311) and front wheels (310) may be placed on the front body (110), and the first inverter (301), the driving motor (320), the transmission (330), the rear axle (351), and the rear wheels (350) may be placed on the rear body (150). The driving motor (320), the working motor (430), and the transmission (330) may be placed in the B zone shown in Fig. 4. The B zone may be located on the rear body (150).

[0052] The above work device (400) may include a boom (410) disposed on a front body (110), and a bucket (420) disposed on the front body (110) and connected to the boom (410). The boom (410) may be rotatably connected to the front body (110). The boom (410) is connected to the front body (110) by a boom cylinder and may rotate in an up-and-down direction by driving the boom cylinder (411). The bucket (420) is connected to the bucket cylinder (421) by a tilt arm (422), and the bucket (420) may rotate at one end of the boom (410) by driving the bucket cylinder (421).

[0053] This work device (400) is driven by a hydraulic pump (440) by a work motor (430) supplied with electricity from a power distribution unit (PDU, 900), and the hydraulic pump (440) supplies operating oil to each hydraulic actuator (boom cylinder and bucket cylinder (421) for operation of the boom (410) and bucket (420) through a main control valve (450), thereby operating the boom (410) and bucket (420) of the work device (400).

[0054] In the present invention, the work motor (430) and the hydraulic pump (440) can be placed on the rear body (150), and the work device (400), including the main control valve (450), can be placed on the front body (110).

[0055] The above power module mounting portion (500) is intended to supply power for the operation of construction machinery, and supplies power to the electric construction machinery (1000) according to the present invention.

[0056] For this purpose, a power module for power supply is mounted on a power module mounting portion (500), and as described below, power modules such as a fuel cell module (600), a battery module (700), and a hybrid module (800) can be interchangeably mounted on the power module mounting portion (500).

[0057] The power module mounting portion (500) of the present invention can be placed at the rear of the rear body (150).

[0058] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a control unit (1100) of an electric construction machine (1000) according to the present invention, and the control unit (1100) includes a VCU (1110) for controlling overall vehicle operation, an HCU (1120) for electric power system control, power generation control, charge control, driving control, etc., a TCU (1130) for transmission control, an eTMS (1140) for controlling cooling devices such as an electric fan, a water pump, a refrigerant heater, a compressor, etc., and a BMS (Battery Management System, 1150).

[0059] In addition, the control unit (1100) may include an engine control unit (ECU, 850) when a hybrid module (800) is mounted on the power module mounting unit (500), a fuel cell controller (FC controller, 620) for controlling the overall operation of the fuel cell module (600) when a fuel cell module (600) is mounted on the power module mounting unit (500), and a BMS (720) for controlling the operation of the battery module (720) when a battery module (700) is mounted. In this way, the power module in the present invention may include a control unit for controlling each module.

[0060] Next, the power system of the electric construction machine (1000) of the present invention will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main configuration of the electric construction machine (1000) centered on the power system, in which power modules such as a fuel cell module (600), a battery module (700), and a hybrid module (800) are mounted on a power module mounting portion (500), so that electricity produced or stored from the power module can be supplied to a power distribution unit (900).

[0061] The power distribution unit (900) can receive electricity from a power module, battery (910), or OBC (920) mounted on the power module mounting portion (500) and distribute the electricity to components as described below. The power distribution unit (900) can include a bus bar, a fuse, a relay, and the like. In the present invention, the power distribution unit (900) can be placed above the battery (910) in the rear body (150) (see FIG. 6).

[0062] In the present invention, the power distribution unit (900) can be electrically connected to a battery (910), an OBC (On Board Charger, 920), a converter (930), a cooling device (thermal system, 940), a first inverter (301), a second inverter (401), etc., as shown in FIG. 2.

[0063] The battery (910) is for storing electric energy or supplying the stored electric energy to the power distribution unit (900). Electricity produced from a power module mounted on the power module mounting portion (500) can be stored in the battery (910) through the power distribution unit (900), and electricity from an external power source can be stored in the battery (910) through the OBC (920).

[0064] The battery (910) may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the battery (910) may be placed in the rear body (150) as illustrated, and the capacity of the battery (910) may be, for example, 60 kWh or another capacity.

[0065] A BMS (Battery Management System, 1150) that can check the charging status of the battery (910) may be placed in the battery (910).

[0066] The BMS (1150) can detect the storage capacity, i.e., the potential, in various ways, such as by detecting the remaining capacity (SOC, State Of Charge) and the internal resistance that changes depending on the temperature to estimate the potential. Accordingly, when the remaining capacity of the battery (910) is below a certain level, the battery (910) can be charged from the power module through the power distribution unit (900).

[0067] The electric construction machine (1000) according to the present invention can operate using only power from the battery (910) even when the power module is not installed, and thus, the construction machine can operate normally even when the power module is replaced or there is a problem with the power module. In addition, the battery (910) that can be fixed to the vehicle body can be separately arranged from the detachable fuel cell module (600) to disperse the risk of fire, malfunction, etc.

[0068] The OBC (On Board Charger, 920) is for supplying power to the construction machine (1000) from an external power source. Power can be supplied from the external power source through a charging port (not shown) provided in the body (100), and power can be supplied to the power distribution unit (900) via the OBC (920). In the present invention, the OBC (920) can be arranged above the battery (910) in the rear body (150), and a charging port can be arranged on one side of the rear body (150).

[0069] The converter (930) is a DC-DC converter that converts the voltage of the DC power supplied from the power module, battery (910), etc. mounted on the power module mounting portion (500). The converter (930) can control the voltage value of the supplied DC electricity so that the voltage becomes lower than a set value. For example, the converter (930) can reduce the voltage of 600 V to 12 V.

[0070] The converter (930) can convert the voltage of the DC electricity supplied in this manner and supply it to the work motor (430) and the driving motor (320).

[0071] The above battery (910), OBC (920), converter (930), first inverter (301), second inverter (401), etc. may be placed in zone A shown in FIG. 4.

[0072] A cooling device (thermal system, 940) can cool the heat generated from a power module mounted on a power module mounting portion (500). The cooling device (940) can be configured as a system in which coolant circulates, and the coolant that cools the power module can be cooled by introducing air into the radiator by an electric fan while passing through a radiator, and then supplied to the power module by a pump again. In the present invention, the cooling device (940) can be arranged above the battery (910) in the rear body (150) as illustrated, and can be arranged in front of the power module and the power module mounting portion (500).

[0073] When a fuel cell module (600) is mounted on the power module mounting portion (500), the cooling device (940) can cool the fuel cell stack. When a battery module (700) is mounted on the power module mounting portion (500), the cooling device (940) can cool the battery module (700). When a hybrid module (800) is mounted on the power module mounting portion (500), the cooling device (940) can cool the engine (810), generator (820), inverter (830), etc. In addition, the cooling device (940) can cool the battery (910), work motor (430), driving motor (320), etc.

[0074] Additionally, the cooling device (940) may include a separate refrigerant circulation system to cool the cooling water. In this case, it may include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, etc. according to the refrigerant circulation cycle, and the cooling water may be cooled by the cooled refrigerant.

[0075] The electric construction machine of the present invention includes a motor unit that supplies power from a power distribution unit to drive the body (100) or perform work. The motor unit may include a driving motor (320) for driving the body (100) and a working motor (430) for performing work of the construction machine through a working device (400).

[0076] The first inverter (301) converts the electricity supplied from the power distribution unit (900) from direct current to alternating current. The electricity converted to alternating current by the first inverter (301) is supplied to the driving motor (320).

[0077] The driving motor (320) is used to drive the front and rear wheels (310, 350) for driving the electric construction machine (1000). The driving motor (320) is driven by electricity supplied through the first inverter (301), and the driving power of the driving motor (320) is transmitted to the front and rear wheels (310, 350) through the transmission (330).

[0078] The second inverter (401) converts the electricity supplied through the power distribution unit (900) from direct current to alternating current, and the electricity converted to alternating current by the second inverter (401) is supplied to the work motor (430).

[0079] The work motor (430) is for driving a hydraulic pump (440) to supply working fluid to a work device (400) including a boom (410) and a bucket (420), and the work motor (430) is driven by electricity supplied through a second inverter (401).

[0080] A pump drive including a gearbox can be connected to the work motor (430), and the driving force of the work motor (270) is transmitted to the hydraulic pump (440) via the pump drive.

[0081] The hydraulic pump (440) can supply working fluid to drive the work device (400), and can be divided into a variable displacement type and a fixed displacement type. A pump control device is connected to the variable displacement type hydraulic pump, and the discharge flow rate of the variable displacement type hydraulic pump can be controlled by the pump control device. The hydraulic pump (440) can be connected to a main control valve (MCV, 450) including a boom control valve and a bucket control valve through a predetermined hydraulic circuit. The discharge fluid of the hydraulic pump (440) can be supplied to the boom cylinder (411) and the bucket cylinder (421) through the boom control valve and the bucket control valve of the main control valve (450). The main control valve (450) can supply the working fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump (440) to the boom cylinder (411) and the bucket cylinder (421) according to a pilot pressure signal input according to the operation of the operation lever in the driver's cab (200). Accordingly, the boom (410) and bucket (420) of the work device (400) can be driven by the hydraulic pressure of the operating fluid discharged from the hydraulic pump (440).

[0082] In the hydraulic system of the present invention, the hydraulic pump (440) may be placed in the rear body (150), and the main control valve (450), boom cylinder (411), bucket cylinder (421), etc. may be placed in the front body (110).

[0083] In this way, in the electric construction machine (1000) according to the present invention, the hydraulic system except for the hydraulic pump (440) is arranged in the front body (110), and the electric power system including the power module, power distribution unit (900), battery (910), OBC (920), converter (930), work motor (430), and driving motor (320) is arranged in the rear body (150), thereby reducing the possibility of the electric system being contaminated by the hydraulic system's operating fluid, and thereby ensuring safety.

[0084] Next, the power module mounted on the power module mounting portion (500) will be described. Fig. 4 is a drawing illustrating an electric construction machine (1000) in which a fuel cell module (600) is mounted on the power module mounting portion (500).

[0085] As a power module, the fuel cell module (600) includes a fuel cell power pack (610) and a hydrogen tank (650).

[0086] The fuel cell power pack (610) includes a fuel cell stack, and produces electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell stack.

[0087] Specifically, when hydrogen is supplied from a hydrogen tank (650) to the anode in a fuel cell stack, it is separated into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons (e-) at the anode, and the separated hydrogen ions (H+) move to the cathode through the electrolyte and combine with oxygen (O2) supplied to the cathode to generate water (H2O) and heat, and the electrons (e-) move to an electric circuit to produce electricity.

[0088] The reaction occurring at each electrode is as follows.

[0089] Anode: 2H2 (g) →4H+ 4e-

[0090] Cathode: O2 (g) + 4H+ + 4e- →2H2O (ℓ

[0091] Oxygen can be supplied from outside air, filtered by an air filter, compressed by a compressor, and then supplied to the fuel cell stack through a humidifier.

[0092] A fuel cell controller (FC controller, 620) may be placed in the fuel cell power pack (610) to control the overall operation of the fuel cell module (600).

[0093] The hydrogen tank (650) is for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell stack of the fuel cell power pack (610), and may be composed of a plurality of tanks in which hydrogen is stored, and a plurality of tanks may be stored within the case (651).

[0094] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a hydrogen tank (650) may be placed on the lower side of a power module mounting portion (500) disposed at the rear of a rear body (150), and a fuel cell power pack (610) may be placed on the upper side of the hydrogen tank (650). By placing the hydrogen tank (650) on the lower side of the power module mounting portion (500), the working stability and weight balance of the bucket (420) may be improved, and by placing the fuel cell power pack (610) on the upper side, the connection with the power distribution unit (900) may be facilitated.

[0095] Meanwhile, FIGS. 7 and 8 are drawings illustrating a power module mounting portion (500) in the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a hook member (531) supporting a power module is lowered, and FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a state in which the hook member (531) is raised.

[0096] The power module mounting part (500) includes a cylinder (510), a cylinder rod (520), an elevating member (530), a guide member (540), and a side plate (550).

[0097] In the power module mounting portion (500), the cylinder (510) is vertically arranged as shown, and the cylinder rod (520) is pulled in or out from the cylinder (510) using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. Then, the lifting member (530) is raised or lowered by the operation of the cylinder rod (520).

[0098] The lifting member (530) supports the power module and is connected to the cylinder rod (520) to be raised or lowered by the operation of the cylinder (510), and includes a hook member (531) and a pin (535) arranged on the upper portion of the hook member (531).

[0099] The hook member (531) includes a vertical extension portion (532) and a support portion (533).

[0100] The vertical extension (532) is in the form of a plate that extends vertically up and down, and a support (533) is formed at the bottom of the vertical extension (532), and a pin (535) is coupled to the top of the vertical extension (532).

[0101] The support member (533) supports the lower part of the power module, and can be formed integrally with the vertical extension member (532) by being bent and protruding toward the rear of the construction machine (1000) from the lower end of the vertical extension member (532).

[0102] When explaining the coupling relationship between the hook member (531) and the cylinder rod (520), a coupling hole penetrating left and right is formed at the end of the cylinder rod (520), a pin (521) is coupled to this coupling hole, and a hook member (531) is coupled to this pin (521). In the present embodiment, as illustrated, a pair of hook members (531) can be coupled to both ends of the pin (521), and the pair of hook members (531) can be connected to each other by a bridge-shaped connecting portion (534).

[0103] Accordingly, the lower part of the power module is supported on the support part (533) of the hook member (531), and when the hook member (531) rises by the operation of the cylinder (510), the power module rises together.

[0104] The pin (535) coupled to the upper end of the vertical extension (532) is coupled horizontally at the upper end of the vertical extension (532), and in the present embodiment, the pin (535) can be coupled to each of the vertical extensions (532) of a pair of hook members (531). The pin (535) can limit the upward movement of the hook member (531) by a stopper (542) described later when the hook member (531) is raised.

[0105] The guide member (540) is arranged in a plate shape extending vertically up and down and parallel to the outside of the vertical extension portion (532), and a stopper (542) is arranged on the upper part of the guide member (540).

[0106] The stopper (542) can be arranged on the upper portion of the guide member (540) to limit the upward movement of the hook member (531). Specifically, when the hook member (531) rises, the pin (535) can come into contact with the stopper (542) to limit the upward movement of the hook member (531). In addition, the stopper (542) is formed in a ring shape with an end bent downward, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, it can play a role in fixing and supporting the pin (535) inside the ring of the stopper (542), and the power module can be stably supported on the hook member (531) by fixing the pin (535).

[0107] A lower stopper (545) may be placed at the bottom of the guide member (540). The lower stopper (545) may be placed at the bottom of the guide member (540) to limit the downward movement of the hook member (531). Specifically, when the hook member (531) is lowered, the pin (535) may come into contact with the lower stopper (545), thereby limiting the downward movement of the hook member (531).

[0108] In this embodiment, a pair of guide members (540) may be respectively arranged on the outer side of a pair of hook members (531).

[0109] A side plate (550) is arranged on the outside of the guide member (540). The side plate (550) is in the form of a plate extending vertically up and down, and one side thereof can be coupled to the guide member (540) and can be arranged to face the power module.

[0110] A power module can be fixed to the side plate (550) after the hook member (531) has been raised, and a number of fixing holes can be formed for this purpose. As illustrated, a pair of side plates (550) can be respectively arranged on the outside of a pair of guide members (540).

[0111] Hereinafter, a process of mounting a power module on a power module mounting portion (500) having such a configuration will be described. When the hook member (531) as in FIG. 8 is in an elevated state, the hook member (531) is lowered as in FIG. 7 by the operation of the cylinder (510). Specifically, when the cylinder rod (520) is pulled out (introduced) from the cylinder (510) by the operation of the cylinder (510), the hook member (531) connected to the cylinder rod (520) is lowered, and at this time, the support member (533) of the hook member (531) can be lowered to the ground. When the support member (533) of the hook member (531) is lowered to the ground and the lowering of the hook member (531) is completed, the power module is then installed on the hook member (531). At this time, the lower part of the case of the power module can be supported by being seated on the support member (533) of the hook member (531).

[0112] If the power module is a fuel cell module (600), the lower part of the case of the fuel cell module (600) or the lower part of the case (651) storing the hydrogen tank (650) may be supported by the support member (533). If the power module is a battery module (700), the lower part of the case of the battery module (700) may be supported. If the power module is a hybrid module (800), the lower part of the case of the hybrid module (800) or the lower part of the fuel tank (840) may be supported.

[0113] In this way, when the lower part of the case of the power module is secured and supported by the support member (533) of the hook member (531), the hook member (531) is then switched to a rising state. Specifically, when the cylinder rod (520) is pulled in (pulled out) from the cylinder (510) by the operation of the cylinder (510), the hook member (531) connected to the cylinder rod (520) rises, and the power module supported by the support member (533) of the hook member (531) rises together with the rising of the hook member (531).

[0114] When the power module and hook member (531) rise to the correct position where the power module is mounted in the power module mounting portion (500), the operation of the cylinder (510) can be stopped and the power module can be fixed to the side plate (550). Specifically, the power module can be detachably connected to the fixing hole of the side plate (550) using a bolt or the like.

[0115] In addition, the power cable of the power module can be connected to a connector (not shown) connected to the power distribution unit (900), thereby allowing electricity generated in the power module to be supplied to the power distribution unit (900). In addition, when replacing the power module in the power module mounting portion (500), the power cable of the power module can be disconnected from the connector connected to the power distribution unit (900).

[0116] Meanwhile, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an electric construction machine (1000) with a battery module (700) mounted on a power module mounting portion (500).

[0117] The battery module (700) includes a battery (710), and the capacity of the battery (710) may be greater than that of the battery (910) pre-installed in the construction machine (1000). The capacity of the battery (710) may be, for example, 240 kWh, but is not limited thereto and other capacities may be applied.

[0118] A BMS (Battery Management System, 720) may be placed in the battery module (700). The BMS (720) is a system for monitoring the battery (710) to optimally maintain the state of the battery (710). The BMS can check the state of charge of the battery (710) and detect the storage capacity, i.e., the potential, in various ways, such as a method of estimating the potential by detecting the internal resistance that changes depending on the remaining capacity (SOC, State Of Charge) and temperature.

[0119] When a battery module (700) is mounted on a power module mounting portion (500), the lower part of the case of the battery module (700) can be supported by the support portion (533) of the hook member (531), and the battery module (700) can be detachably fixed to the side plate (550) at the correct position where the battery module (700) is mounted on the power module mounting portion (500).

[0120] Additionally, the power cable of the battery module (700) can be detachably connected to a connector connected to the power distribution unit (900).

[0121] Figure 10 is a drawing showing an electric construction machine (1000) with a hybrid module (800) mounted on a power module mounting portion (500).

[0122] The hybrid module (800) is a power module that generates electricity by driving a generator with an engine, and includes an engine (810), a generator (820), and an inverter (830).

[0123] The engine (810) is for driving the generator (820) to generate electricity in the generator (820). In the present invention, the engine (810) may be, for example, a diesel engine, but is not limited thereto, and a gasoline engine, liquefied petroleum gas, or natural gas engine may also be used.

[0124] The generator (820) generates electricity by driving the engine (810), and the electricity generated by the generator (820) is supplied to the inverter (830).

[0125] The inverter (830) converts alternating current from electricity generated by the generator (820) into direct current, and the electricity converted into direct current by the inverter (830) is supplied to the power distribution unit (900).

[0126] Electricity generated from the generator (820) can be supplied to each component connected to the power distribution unit (900) and stored in the battery (910).

[0127] An engine control unit (ECU, 850) for controlling the overall operation of the engine (810) may be placed in the hybrid module (800).

[0128] In the power module mounting portion (500), the hybrid module (800) may be arranged such that an engine (810), a generator (820), and a fuel tank (840) may be arranged at the bottom, and an intake system for supplying air to the engine (810) and an exhaust system for discharging exhaust gas from the engine (810) may be arranged at the top.

[0129] In this way, in the present invention, power modules such as a fuel cell module (600), a battery module (700), and a hybrid module (800) can be replaceably mounted on a power module mounting portion (500) disposed on a rear body (150), and since the power module mounting portion (500) has the configuration described above, the power module can be easily replaced without separate equipment.

[0130] In addition, even if any one of the fuel cell module (600), battery module (700), and hybrid module (800) is mounted on the power module mounting portion (500), the construction machine can be driven with the same power distribution unit (900) and power layout connected thereto.

[0131] In addition, since the power module mounting portion (500) on which the power module is mounted is positioned at the rear of the rear body (150), it can replace the counter weight mounted at the rear of an existing construction machine, and thus, the counter weight can be omitted.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0133] The present invention provides an electric construction machine capable of replacing power modules such as a fuel cell module, a battery module, and a hybrid module in a power module mounting portion, and capable of easily replacing the power module without separate equipment.

Claims

1. Body; A battery placed in the above body; A power distribution unit supplied with power from the above battery; A motor unit for driving or operating the vehicle body by supplying power from the power distribution unit; and A power module mounting portion is provided on the body and a power module that supplies power is replaceably mounted thereon; The above power distribution unit is an electric construction machine that receives power from the power module and the battery.

2. In paragraph 1, An electric construction machine characterized in that the above construction machine can be driven only by power from the battery.

3. In paragraph 1, An electric construction machine further comprising a cooling device for cooling the heat generated from the power module.

4. In paragraph 1, An electric construction machine including a driving motor for driving the body of the above motor unit.

5. In paragraph 1, An electric construction machine further comprising a work device including a boom and a bucket, the work device being arranged at the front of the above body.

6. In paragraph 5, An electric construction machine further comprising a hydraulic pump for supplying operating fluid to a hydraulic actuator of the above work device.

7. In paragraph 6, An electric construction machine including a work motor for driving the hydraulic pump by receiving power from the power distribution unit.

8. In paragraph 7, An electric construction machine further comprising an inverter for converting electricity supplied from the power distribution unit from direct current to alternating current and supplying it to the work motor.

9. In paragraph 1, The above power module mounting part cylinder; A cylinder rod that is introduced and withdrawn from the cylinder; and An electric construction machine including an elevating member connected to the cylinder rod and configured to elevate or lower the power module.

10. In paragraph 9, An electric construction machine, wherein the power module mounting portion further includes a side plate positioned to face the power module.

11. In paragraph 10, The above power modules are electric construction machines fixed to the side plates.

12. In paragraph 1, An electric construction machine characterized in that the power module mounting section can replace and mount all of the fuel cell module, battery module, and hybrid module including the engine and generator.

13. In paragraph 1, The above power module is an electric construction machine that is one of the hybrid modules including a fuel cell module, a battery module, an engine, and a generator.

14. In paragraph 13, The above power module is an electric construction machine including a control unit of each module.

15. In paragraph 13, The above generator produces electricity by the above engine, The above hybrid module is an electric construction machine further including an inverter that converts electricity produced by the generator from alternating current to direct current.

16. In paragraph 1, The above power module is a fuel cell module, The above fuel cell module hydrogen tank; and An electric construction machine including a fuel cell power pack that produces electricity by receiving hydrogen from the hydrogen tank.

17. In paragraph 16, The above hydrogen tank is an electric construction machine placed at the bottom of the fuel cell module.

18. In paragraph 17, The above fuel cell power pack is an electric construction machine placed on the upper side of the above hydrogen tank.

19. A body in which a work device including a boom and a bucket is placed at the front; A fuel cell module, which is detachably positioned at the rear of the vehicle body and includes a hydrogen tank and a fuel cell power pack positioned above the hydrogen tank to receive hydrogen from the hydrogen tank and produce electricity; A power distribution unit supplied with power from the above fuel cell module; A battery that is separated from the fuel cell module based on the power distribution unit and charged from the fuel cell module; and A motor unit for driving or operating the vehicle body is included, wherein power is supplied from the power distribution unit; The above power distribution unit is an electric construction machine that is supplied with power from the fuel cell module and the battery.

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