Battery protection system

Abstract

In order to efficiently prevent the death of a battery of an agricultural machine (1), a battery protection system (100) comprises: control devices (21, 6a, 31) that determine whether or not a predetermined first time has elapsed in a non-operating state of an agricultural machine (1) that uses power stored in a battery (4) to operate electrical components (6, 7, 8); and an output device (34) that, in a case where it is determined by the control devices (21, 6a, 31) that the first time has elapsed, outputs, to a user, warning information prompting the user to electrically disconnect the electrical components (6, 7, 8) from the battery (4).

Description

Battery Protection System

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for preventing a battery from running out (over-discharging of a battery) in an agricultural machine.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for preventing battery death in agricultural machinery that may not be used for long periods of time. The remote monitoring system disclosed in Patent Document 1 enables communication between a control device for an agricultural work vehicle, a management server at a management center, and a user's terminal device via a communication device. The agricultural work vehicle is equipped with a positioning device, a battery voltage detection means, and a timing means, which are connected to the control device. When the agricultural work vehicle's key switch is turned off and the control device is in power-saving standby mode, the control device automatically starts up at a set time in response to a start-up command from the management center, and transmits information such as the agricultural work vehicle's current location, battery voltage, and date and time to the management server via the communication device. When the battery voltage falls below a set value, the remote monitoring means provided in the management server notifies relevant parties to charge the battery.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-76801

[0004] When there is no need to use the agricultural machine immediately, users often do not charge the battery even if they receive a notification urging them to do so, which makes the battery prone to running out. Also, even if a user charges the battery, if the agricultural machine is left unused thereafter, the battery may self-discharge or the battery's power may be consumed by the agricultural machine's electrical equipment, resulting in the charged power being wasted and inefficient.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to efficiently prevent the battery of an agricultural machine from running out.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the battery protection system of the present invention includes a control device that determines whether a predetermined first time has elapsed while an agricultural machine that operates electrical equipment using power stored in a battery is in an inoperative state, and an output device that outputs warning information to a user urging the user to electrically disconnect the electrical equipment from the battery when the control device determines that the first time has elapsed.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device may determine whether the first time period has elapsed since at least one of the prime mover of the agricultural machine and the generator that generates the electricity stored in the battery became inactive without becoming active again.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system includes a key switch that is operated to an ON state to operate the agricultural machine and to an OFF state to prevent the agricultural machine from operating, and the control device may determine whether the first time period has elapsed since the key switch was switched to the OFF state without being switched to the ON state.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device may determine whether the first time period has elapsed since the key switch was switched to the off state while the battery was electrically connected to the electrical equipment, without the battery being electrically disconnected from the electrical equipment and the key switch being switched to the on state.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device may measure the elapsed time since the key switch was switched to the off state, and may stop measuring the elapsed time when the battery is electrically disconnected from the electrical equipment while the key switch is in the off state, and when the key switch is switched to the on state.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device may, with the key switch in the off state, measure the elapsed time from the point at which the battery changes from the disconnected state to a connected state in which it is electrically connected to the electrical equipment, and determine whether the elapsed time has exceeded the first time.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, after determining that the first time period has elapsed, the control device may output the warning information via the output device each time a predetermined second time period has elapsed while the battery is connected to the electrical equipment and the key switch is in the off state.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the output device may output the warning information including at least one of the following: that the operating status of the agricultural machine has not been confirmed for a certain period of time; and that there is a possibility of over-discharge of the battery.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the output device may output the warning information including at least one of the elapsed time since the agricultural machine became non-operating and the date and time when the control device determines that the first time has passed.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system comprises a communication controller provided on the agricultural machine and communicating wirelessly, a terminal device provided with a user interface as the output device and used by the user, and a server provided with the control device and communicating with the communication controller and the terminal device, wherein the communication controller transmits key-on data indicating that the key switch provided on the agricultural machine has been switched to the on state and key-off data indicating that the key switch has been switched to the off state to the server, and the control device determines whether the first time period has elapsed since the server received the key-off data without receiving the key-on data, and when the first time period has elapsed, the server transmits the warning information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the warning information and outputs it via the user interface.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system includes an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine, and when the key switch is switched to the on state, the information processing device transmits key-on detection information to the communication controller, and when the key switch is switched to the off state, transmits key-off detection information to the communication controller, and the communication controller transmits the key-on data at least either when it receives a key-on signal output by the key switch in the on state or when it receives the key-on detection information, and transmits the key-off data at least either when it receives a key-off signal output by the key switch in the off state or when it receives the key-off detection information.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the communication control device may transmit to the server battery connection data indicating that the battery is in a connected state electrically connected to the electrical equipment and battery disconnection data indicating that the battery is in a disconnected state electrically disconnected from the electrical equipment, and the control device may determine whether the first time has elapsed since the server received the key-off data without receiving the key-on data or the battery disconnection data.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system includes an information processing device provided on the agricultural machine, and when the information processing device detects that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery, it transmits connection detection information to the communication control device, and when it detects that the battery is in the disconnected state, it transmits disconnection detection information to the communication control device, and the communication control device may transmit the battery connection data at least either when it detects that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery or when it receives the connection detection information, and transmit the battery disconnection data at least either when it detects that the battery is in the disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery or when it receives the disconnection detection information.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system may include a control device that determines whether a predetermined time condition has been met after the server has received the key-on data but without receiving the key-off data, and if the time condition has been met, it may assume that the key switch has been switched to the off state and determine whether the first time has elapsed.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system may include an auxiliary battery that is provided in the agricultural machine and supplies power to the communication controller.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary battery may be built into the communication controller.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system comprises a communication controller that is provided in the agricultural machine and communicates wirelessly, and a terminal device that is provided with a user interface that is the output device and is used by the user, the key switch and the control device are provided in the agricultural machine, and when the first time period has elapsed since the key switch was switched to the off state without being switched to the on state, the control device transmits the warning information via the communication controller, and the terminal device receives the warning information and outputs it via the user interface.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system includes an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine, wherein the key switch outputs a key-on signal to the control device and the information processing device when in the on state, and outputs a key-off signal to the control device and the information processing device when in the off state, and the information processing device detects from the key-on signal that the key switch has been switched to the on state and transmits key-on detection information to the control device, and detects from the key-off signal that the key switch has been switched to the off state and transmits key-off detection information to the control device.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device may detect whether the battery is in a connected state in which it is electrically connected to the electrical equipment or a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected, and when the battery is in the connected state and the key switch is in the off state and the first time period has elapsed, the warning information may be transmitted by the communication controller.

[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system includes an information processing device provided on the agricultural machine, and when the information processing device detects that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery, it transmits connection detection information to the communication controller, and when it detects that the battery is in the disconnected state, it transmits disconnection detection information to the communication controller, and the control device may detect whether the battery is in the connected state or the disconnected state from the connection detection information and the disconnection detection information, and detect whether the battery is in the connected state or the disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery.

[0026] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device may be provided in the communication controller.

[0027] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system comprises a communication controller provided in the agricultural machine and communicating wirelessly, and a terminal device provided with a user interface as the output device and the control device and used by the user, the communication controller transmits key-on data indicating that the key switch provided in the agricultural machine has been switched to the on state, and key-off data indicating that the key switch has been switched to the off state, and the control device may determine whether the first time period has elapsed since the terminal device received the key-off data without receiving the key-on data, and if the first time period has elapsed, the control device may output the warning information by the user interface.

[0028] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system includes an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine, and when the key switch is switched to the on state, the information processing device transmits key-on detection information to the communication controller, and when the key switch is switched to the off state, transmits key-off detection information to the communication controller, and the communication controller transmits the key-on data at least either when it receives a key-on signal output by the key switch in the on state or when it receives the key-on detection information, and transmits the key-off data at least either when it receives a key-off signal output by the key switch in the off state or when it receives the key-off detection information.

[0029] In one aspect of the present invention, the communication controller transmits battery connection data indicating that the battery is in a connected state electrically connected to the electrical equipment, and battery disconnection data indicating that the battery is in a disconnected state electrically disconnected from the electrical equipment, and the control device may determine whether the first time has elapsed since the terminal device received the key-off data without receiving the key-on data and the battery disconnection data.

[0030] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system includes an information processing device provided on the agricultural machine, and when the information processing device detects that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery, it transmits connection detection information to the communication control device, and when it detects that the battery is in the disconnected state, it transmits disconnection detection information to the communication control device, and the communication control device may transmit the battery connection data at least either when it detects that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery or when it receives the connection detection information, and transmit the battery disconnection data at least either when it detects that the battery is in the disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery or when it receives the disconnection detection information.

[0031] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery protection system may be configured such that the control device determines whether a predetermined time condition has been met after the terminal device has received the key-on data but without receiving the key-off data, and if the time condition has been met, it presumes that the key switch has been switched to the off state and determines whether the first time has elapsed.

[0032] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently prevent the battery of an agricultural machine from running out.

[0033] 1 is a configuration diagram of a battery protection system. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of an agricultural machine. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a management server. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a user terminal device. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a detection operation of a communication controller of an agricultural machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing an example of a monitoring operation of the management server of the first embodiment. FIG. 5C is a flowchart showing an example of a warning operation of the user terminal device of the first embodiment. FIG. 5D is a flowchart showing an example of a display of warning information. FIG. 5E is a flowchart showing an example of a monitoring operation of the management server of the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing an example of a display of first warning information. FIG. 9F is a diagram showing an example of a display of second or subsequent warning information. FIG. 14A is a flowchart showing an example of a monitoring operation of a communication controller of an agricultural machine of the third embodiment. FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing an example of a transfer operation of the management server of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14B is a flowchart showing an example of a monitoring operation of the user terminal device of the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding components.

[0035] 1 is a configuration diagram of a battery protection system 100 according to this embodiment. The battery protection system 100 includes an agricultural machine 1, a management server 20, and a user terminal device 30, and is a system that protects the battery mounted on the agricultural machine 1.

[0036] The agricultural machine 1 is a machine that travels in a field to perform agricultural work, and is also called an agricultural work vehicle or agricultural vehicle. Although Fig. 1 illustrates a tractor, a rice transplanter, and a combine harvester as the agricultural machine 1, the type and number of agricultural machines 1 are not limited to these. The agricultural machine 1 is used during a specific agricultural work season, and may not be used for a long period of time (one month or more).

[0037] The management server 20 is installed in a management center or the like. The management server 20 manages information related to the agricultural machine 1, information related to agricultural work performed using the agricultural machine 1, data related to the field where the agricultural work is performed, data related to the user, and the like.

[0038] The user terminal device 30 is a terminal device used by a user of the agricultural machine 1. Specifically, the user terminal device 30 is configured as one of a smartphone, a tablet device, a portable computer, a desktop computer, etc. The number of user terminal devices 30 is not limited to the number illustrated in FIG. 1 .

[0039] The agricultural machine 1 is equipped with a communication controller 6 ( FIG. 2 ), and the management server 20 and the user terminal device 30 are equipped with communication devices 23 and 33 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The agricultural machine 1, the management server 20, and the user terminal device 30 communicate wirelessly via a mobile phone communication network, the Internet, or the like, or directly via the communication controller 6 and the communication devices 23 and 33. This communication is performed by at least one of a mobile communication method such as LTE (registered trademark) (Long Term Evolution), 3G (third generation), 4G (fourth generation), and 5G (fifth generation), and a short-range wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy.

[0040] The above-described communication method is an example, and the agricultural machine 1, the management server 20, and the user terminal device 30 may communicate with each other using a communication method other than the above.

[0041] 2 is a configuration diagram of the main parts of the agricultural machine 1. The agricultural machine 1 is equipped with a prime mover 2, a generator 3, a battery 4, a key switch 5, a communication controller 6, an information processing device 7, and other electrical equipment 8. Of these, the communication controller 6, the information processing device 7, and the electrical equipment 8 are electrically connected by an in-vehicle network such as CAN, LIN, or FlexRay that is established in the agricultural machine 1. The communication controller 6 and the information processing device 7 are also electrical equipment of the agricultural machine 1.

[0042] The prime mover 2 is a power source for the agricultural machine 1. In this example, the prime mover 2 is made up of an engine (diesel engine, gasoline engine), but the prime mover 2 may also be made up of other engines such as an electric motor. The start, stop, and rotation speed of the prime mover 2 are controlled by an engine ECU (Electronic Control Unit) not shown.

[0043] The generator 3 is, for example, an alternator, and is driven by the power of the prime mover 2 or the like to generate electric power. The battery 4 stores the electric power generated by the generator 3. The battery 4 is a power source for electrical components provided in the agricultural machine 1. In this example, the battery 4 is made up of a lead-acid battery, but the battery 4 may also be made up of other secondary batteries that can be discharged and charged. Furthermore, the agricultural machine 1 may be provided with a charge / discharge control device that controls the charging and discharging of the battery 4.

[0044] The key switch 5 is turned on (ON) by the user to operate the agricultural machine 1, and is turned off (OFF) by the user to stop the agricultural machine 1. When the key switch 5 is in the on state, the agricultural machine 1 and the prime mover 2 operate, and the generator 3 also operates (generates electricity). When the key switch 5 is in the off state, the agricultural machine 1, the prime mover 2, and the generator 3 are in a non-operating state (stopped state). The key switch 5 can also be operated to the start position by the user to start the prime mover 2.

[0045] An electrical wiring L1 is connected to the positive terminal (positive electrode) of the battery 4. Power is supplied from the battery 4 to the key switch 5 via the electrical wiring L1 and a branch wiring L1a branching from the electrical wiring L1. For the sake of simplicity, FIG. 2 shows the battery 4 and key switch 5 connected by the electrical wiring L1 and L1a, but the battery 4 and key switch 5 may also be connected via an ECU, a power supply circuit, etc.

[0046] An electric wiring L2 is connected to the output terminal of the key switch 5. The electric wiring L2 branches into a plurality of branches, of which branch wiring L2a is connected to the electrical equipment 8, branch wiring L2b is connected to a key port (second key port) 6q of the communication controller 6, and branch wiring L2c is connected to a key port (first key port) 7q of the information processing device 7.

[0047] An electrical signal corresponding to the operating state of the key switch 5 is output from the key switch 5 to the electrical wiring L2. More specifically, when the key switch 5 is in the OFF state, a key-off signal is output from the key switch 5 to the electrical wiring L2. When the key switch 5 is operated to the ON position (ON state), a key-on signal is output from the key switch 5 to the electrical wiring L2. Furthermore, when the key switch 5 is operated to the START position, a start signal is output from the key switch 5 to the electrical wiring L2. The key-off signal, key-on signal, and start signal each have different voltage levels.

[0048] The electrical equipment 8 includes various ECUs, meters, sensors, lights, electric actuators, solenoid valves, etc. that are mounted on the agricultural machine 1. The electric actuators include a starter motor for starting the prime mover 2. Electric power is supplied to the electrical equipment 8 from the battery 4 via an electric wiring L1 and a branch wiring L1d that branches off from the electric wiring L1. In other words, the electrical equipment 8 operates using the power stored in the battery 4.

[0049] 2, for the sake of simplicity, the battery 4 and the electrical equipment 8 are connected by electrical wiring L1, L1d, but the battery 4 and the electrical equipment 8 may be connected via an ECU, a power supply circuit, etc. Similarly, the communication controller 6 and the information processing device 7 may be connected to the battery 4 via an ECU, a power supply circuit, etc. Furthermore, the power of the battery 4 may be input from the information processing device 7 to the communication controller 6.

[0050] The electrical equipment 8 includes electronic devices that operate when the key switch 5 is switched on and electronic devices that operate even when the key switch 5 is off. In addition, the starter motor included in the electrical equipment 8 starts when the key switch 5 is operated to the start position, and operates the prime mover 2.

[0051] The communication controller 6 is supplied with power from the battery 4 via an electric wiring L1 and a branch wiring L1b branching from the electric wiring L1. Specifically, the communication controller 6 is operated by receiving power from the battery 4 via the electric wiring L1 and L1b to a power supply port (second power supply port) 6p of the communication controller 6.

[0052] The communication controller 6 communicates wirelessly with the management server 20 and the user terminal device 30. The communication controller 6 has a control device 6a, a storage device 6b, a voltage conversion device 6c, a communication interface 6d, and an auxiliary battery 6e. The control device 6a is made up of a processor such as a CPU, and controls each part of the communication controller 6. The storage device 6b is made up of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, and stores data for the control device 6a to control each part, communication data, etc. in a readable and writable manner.

[0053] The voltage conversion device 6c is composed of a DC-DC converter or the like, and converts the voltage applied to the power supply port 6p from the battery 4. The communication interface 6d includes a communication circuit for communicating with the management server 20 and the user terminal device 30 using a mobile communication method, and a communication circuit for communicating with the management server 20 and the user terminal device 30 using a short-range wireless communication method.

[0054] The control device 6a reduces the voltage from the battery 4 using the voltage converter 6c according to the communication circuits and communication methods included in the communication interface 6d, and then applies the reduced voltage to the communication interface 6d, thereby activating the communication interface 6d. The control device 6a then transmits wireless signals to the management server 20 and the user terminal device 30 via the communication interface 6d, and receives wireless signals transmitted from the management server 20 and the user terminal device 30 via the communication interface 6d.

[0055] The auxiliary battery 6e is built into the communication controller 6. The electric capacity of the auxiliary battery 6e is smaller than the electric capacity of the battery 4. Each part of the communication controller 6 also operates on the power supplied from the auxiliary battery 6e.

[0056] The auxiliary battery 6e may be charged with power input from the power supply port 6p. That is, the auxiliary battery 6e may be a secondary battery. Also, an auxiliary battery may be provided separate from the communication controller 6 to supply power to the communication controller 6. Furthermore, the auxiliary battery may be configured to also supply power to the information processing device 7.

[0057] The information processing device 7 is supplied with power from the battery 4 via the electric wiring L1 and a branch wiring L1c branching from the electric wiring L1. More specifically, the information processing device 7 operates when power from the battery 4 is supplied to a power supply port (first power supply port) 7p of the information processing device 7 via the electric wiring L1 and L1c.

[0058] The information processing device 7 has a control device (processor) such as a CPU, a memory, etc. (not shown). An auxiliary battery may also be provided in the information processing device 7. The information processing device 7 collects operation information and operational information of the agricultural machine 1 from each electrical component 8, and transmits the collected information to the management server 20 or the user terminal device 30 via the communication controller 6.

[0059] The communication control device 6 transmits the information input from the information processing device 7 via the communication interface 6d to at least one of the management server 20 and the user terminal device 30. At this time, the communication control device 6 includes in the transmitted information the identification information of the communication control device 6 that is the sender and the identification information of the agricultural machine 1. The communication control device 6 also includes in the transmitted information time information such as the date and time when the information was generated and the date and time when the information was transmitted.

[0060] Furthermore, the communication controller 6 receives wireless signals transmitted to the agricultural machine 1 from at least one of the management server 20 and the user terminal device 30, and outputs information contained in the wireless signals to the information processing device 7. The information processing device 7 transmits the information output from the communication controller 6 to the electrical equipment 8, etc., and controls the electrical equipment 8 based on the information.

[0061] When the key switch 5 is switched to the on state, a key-on signal is output to the electrical wiring L2 from the key switch 5. The key-on signal is input to the key port 6q via the electrical wiring L2 and L2b, and upon receiving the key-on signal, the control device 6a of the communication controller 6 detects (determines) that the key switch 5 has been switched to the on state.

[0062] Furthermore, when the key switch 5 is switched to the OFF state, a key-off signal is output to the electrical wiring L2 from the key switch 5. The key-off signal is input to the key port 6q via the electrical wiring L2 and L2b, and upon receiving the key-off signal, the control device 6a detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the OFF state.

[0063] In addition, the control device 6a transmits key-on data indicating that the key switch 5 is in the on state and key-off data indicating that the key switch 5 is in the off state to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d.

[0064] Furthermore, when the key switch 5 is switched to the on state, a key-on signal is output from the key switch 5 to the electrical wiring L2 and input via the electrical wiring L2c to the key port 7q of the information processing device 7. When the information processing device 7 receives the key-on signal input to the key port 7q, it detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the on state.

[0065] Furthermore, when the key switch 5 is switched to the OFF state, a key-off signal is output from the key switch 5 to the electrical wiring L2 and input via the electrical wiring L2c to the key port 7q of the information processing device 7. When the information processing device 7 receives the key-off signal input to the key port 7q, it detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the OFF state.

[0066] In addition, the information processing device 7 transmits key-on detection information indicating that the key switch 5 is in the on state and key-off detection information indicating that the key switch 5 is in the off state to the communication control device 6 via the electrical wiring (signal line) L4.

[0067] The communication control device 6 also transmits key-on data to the management server 20 when it receives key-on detection information from the information processing device 7. The communication control device 6 also transmits key-off data to the management server 20 when it receives key-off detection information from the information processing device 7.

[0068] As described above, the communication controller 6 transmits key-on data when it receives a key-on signal output when the key switch 5 is switched to the on state and when it receives key-on detection information from the information processing device 7. The communication controller 6 also transmits key-off data when it receives a key-off signal and when it receives key-off detection information from the information processing device 7. If there is a problem, such as a break in any of the electrical wiring L2a, L2b, or L4, the communication controller 6 will receive either the key-on signal or the key-on detection information even if the key switch 5 is switched to the on state, and will receive either the key-off signal or the key-off detection information even if the key switch 5 is switched to the off state.

[0069] The communication controller 6 also includes, in the key-on data and the key-off data, identification information for the communication controller 6 and identification information for the agricultural machine 1. The communication controller 6 also includes, in the key-on data, time information indicating the date and time when the on state of the key switch 5 was detected, and includes, in the key-off data, time information indicating the date and time when the off state of the key switch 5 was detected.

[0070] When the user does not use the agricultural machine 1 for a long period of time, if the electrical wiring L1 is connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 4 and the electrical wiring (ground wire) L3 is connected to the negative terminal (-) as shown in Figure 2, the battery 4 may discharge due to a load (such as the communication controller 6 and the information processing device 7) or may discharge naturally, resulting in the battery running out (over-discharge of the battery 4). As a countermeasure to this, when the agricultural machine 1 is not to be used for a long period of time, it is recommended to electrically disconnect the battery 4 from the electrical components of the agricultural machine 1, for example by removing the electrical wiring L3 from the negative terminal of the battery 4.

[0071] In the specific agricultural machine 1, a battery cut-off switch capable of cutting off the flow of current from the battery 4 is provided on the electrical wiring L1, L3. When the user turns off the battery cut-off switch, the battery 4 is electrically disconnected from the electrical components without having to disconnect the electrical wiring L3 from the negative terminal of the battery 4.

[0072] The communication controller 6 detects whether the battery 4 is in a connected state in which it is electrically connected to the electrical equipment or in a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected from the electrical equipment, based on the state of power supply from the battery 4 to the power supply port 6p. Note that the electrically connected state means a state in which electricity can be passed, and the electrically disconnected state means a state in which electricity cannot be passed.

[0073] 2, when an electrical wiring L1 is connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 4 and an electrical wiring L3 is connected to the negative terminal (-), power is supplied to the electrical wiring L1 from the battery 4. Therefore, when power of a predetermined electrical level (for example, a voltage value equal to or greater than a threshold) is supplied from the electrical wiring L1 to the power supply port 6p, the communication controller 6 (control device 6a) detects (determines) that the battery 4 is in a connected state.

[0074] Furthermore, if the battery 4 is electrically disconnected from the electrical components of the agricultural machine 1, for example by disconnecting the electrical wiring L3 from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 4, power will no longer be supplied to the electrical wiring L1 from the battery 4. Therefore, the communication controller 6 (control device 6a) detects (determines) that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state when a predetermined level of power is not being supplied from the electrical wiring L1, L1a to the power supply port 6p.

[0075] Then, the communication controller 6 transmits to the management server 20 battery connection data indicating that the battery 4 is in a connected state and battery disconnection data indicating that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state.

[0076] Similarly, the information processing device 7 detects that the battery 4 is in a connected state when a predetermined level of power is being supplied from the electrical wiring L1, L1c to the power supply port 7p, and detects that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state when the predetermined level of power is not being supplied to the power supply port 7p. Then, every time the information processing device 7 detects the connected or disconnected state of the battery 4, it transmits battery detection information indicating the detection result to the communication controller 6.

[0077] Specifically, when the information processing device 7 detects the connected state of the battery 4, it transmits connection detection information indicating that the battery 4 is in a connected state as battery detection information to the communication control device 6. Furthermore, when the information processing device 7 detects the disconnected state of the battery 4, it transmits disconnection detection information indicating that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state as battery detection information to the communication control device 6.

[0078] When the communication control device 6 receives the battery detection information from the information processing device 7, it detects from the battery detection information whether the battery 4 is in a connected state or a disconnected state. Then, the communication control device 6 transmits either battery connection data or battery disconnection data to the management server 20 according to the detection result.

[0079] Specifically, if the received battery detection information is connection detection information, the communication controller 6 detects that the battery 4 is in a connected state and transmits battery connection data. If the received battery detection information is disconnection detection information, the communication controller 6 detects that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state and transmits battery disconnection data.

[0080] As described above, the communication controller 6 detects whether the battery 4 is in a connected state or a disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery 4 and the battery detection information received from the information processing device 7, and transmits battery connection data and battery disconnection data according to the detection result. If there is a problem such as a disconnection in any of the electrical wiring L1b, L1c, or L4, the communication controller 6 detects whether the battery 4 is in a connected state or a disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery 4 and the battery detection information received from the information processing device 7, and transmits either battery connection data or battery disconnection data according to the detection result.

[0081] Moreover, the communication controller 6 includes, in each of the battery connection data and the battery disconnection data, the identification information of the agricultural machine 1 and the identification information of the communication controller 6. Furthermore, the communication controller 6 includes, in the battery connection data, time information indicating the date and time when the connection state of the battery 4 was detected, and includes, in the battery disconnection data, time information indicating the date and time when the disconnection state of the battery 4 was detected.

[0082] 3 is a diagram showing the main components of the management server 20. The management server 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device 43. The control device 21 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, volatile memory, and nonvolatile memory. The storage device 22 is composed of nonvolatile memory and a hard disk. The storage device 22 stores software programs executed by the control device 21 and various control data.

[0083] A database is also constructed in the storage device 22. The database stores data related to the agricultural machine 1, data related to farm work performed using the agricultural machine 1, data related to the field, data related to the user, and the like. The communication device 23 is a communication interface that communicates wirelessly or via a wired connection via a mobile phone communication network 51, a fixed telephone communication network 52, and the Internet 50. The management server 20 (control device 21) communicates with the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 and the communication device 33 of the user terminal device 30 via the communication device 23.

[0084] 4 is a diagram showing the main components of the user terminal device 30. The user terminal device 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, and a user interface 34. The control device 31 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, a volatile memory, and a non-volatile memory. The storage device 32 is composed of a non-volatile memory. The storage device 32 stores software programs executed by the control device 31 and various control data.

[0085] The communication device 33 is a communication interface that communicates wirelessly via a mobile phone communication network 51 and the Internet 50. The user terminal device 30 (control device 31) communicates with the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 and the communication device 23 of the management server 20 via the communication device 33.

[0086] The user interface 34 has a touch panel with a display, operation switches, a speaker, a microphone, etc. The user terminal device 30 (control device 31) outputs information to the user and receives information input from the user via the user interface 34. The user interface 34 is an output device and an input device. As another example, the output device and the input device may be configured as separate devices.

[0087] As described above, when the key-on data transmitted from the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 is received by the communication device 23 of the management server 20, the control device 21 determines from the key-on data that the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 has been switched to the on state and that the agricultural machine 1, prime mover 2, and generator 3 are in operation.

[0088] Furthermore, when key-off data transmitted from the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 is received by the communication device 23 of the management server 20, the control device 21 determines from the key-off data that the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 has been switched to the OFF state and that the agricultural machine 1, prime mover 2, and generator 3 are in a non-operating state. When the agricultural machine 1, prime mover 2, and generator 3 are in a non-operating state, the battery 4 is not charged and is naturally discharging or is discharging to operate electrical components such as the communication controller 6.

[0089] When the battery connection data transmitted from the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 is received by the communication device 23 of the management server 20, the control device 21 determines from the battery connection data that the battery 4 of the agricultural machine 1 is in an electrically connected state with the electrical components. Furthermore, when the battery disconnection data transmitted from the communication controller 6 is received by the communication device 23, the control device 21 determines from the battery disconnection data that the battery 4 of the agricultural machine 1 is in an electrically disconnected state with the electrical components.

[0090] In order to prevent the agricultural machine 1 from running out of battery (over-discharge of the battery 4), the control device 21 determines, based on data from the communication controller 6 (key-on data, key-off data, battery connection data, battery disconnection data), whether a predetermined first time has elapsed while the agricultural machine 1, prime mover 2, generator 3, etc. are not in operation, i.e., while the key switch 5 is in the off state.

[0091] The first time period is set to, for example, one to two weeks, but is not limited to this. The first time period is set appropriately taking into consideration the electrical capacity of the battery 4 and the specifications of the agricultural machine 1. The control device 21 measures the elapsed time, for example, by using a predetermined storage area of ​​an internal memory as a counter (timer). Alternatively, the control device 21 measures the elapsed time based on time information included in data received from the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 (key-on data, key-off data, battery connection data, battery disconnection data).

[0092] For example, when a first time period has elapsed since the management server 20 received key-off data without receiving key-on data, i.e., when the first time period has elapsed while the agricultural machine 1 and the like are not in operation, the control device 21 transmits warning information to the user terminal device 30 via the communication device 23, urging the user to electrically disconnect the electrical components of the agricultural machine 1 from the battery 4. When the warning information transmitted from the management server 20 is received by the communication device 33 in the user terminal device 30, the control device 31 outputs the warning information to the user via the user interface 34.

[0093] 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing an example of a detection operation executed by the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 according to the first embodiment. In detail, the steps in Fig. 5A and 5B are executed at a predetermined cycle by the control device 6a of the communication controller 6 in accordance with a software program stored in the storage device 6b. The same applies to the steps in the flowcharts shown in Figs. 12A and 12B, which will be described later.

[0094] While the agricultural machine 1 is operating (the prime mover 2 is also operating and the generator 3 is operable), the user switches the key switch 5 from the ON state to the OFF state. This stops the agricultural machine 1, the prime mover 2, and the generator 3 and puts them into a non-operating state. When a key-off signal is input from the key switch 5 to the key port 6q, the control device 6a of the communication controller 6 detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the OFF state (S1: YES in FIG. 5A) and transmits key-off data to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d (S2).

[0095] Furthermore, the information processing device 7 detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the OFF state and transmits key-off detection information to the communication control device 6. When the control device 6a receives the key-off detection information (S3: YES), it also transmits key-off data to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d (S4).

[0096] Next, the control device 6a detects whether the battery 4 is in an electrically disconnected state. For example, the user electrically disconnects the battery 4 from the electrical components (electrical components 8, communication controller 6, information processing device 7, etc.) of the agricultural machine 1 by, for example, disconnecting the electrical wiring L3 from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 4. In this case, the control device 6a operates using power supplied from the auxiliary battery 6e, and confirms that power is not being supplied from the battery 4 to the power supply port 6p, detecting that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state (S5: YES). The control device 6a then transmits battery disconnection data to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d (S6).

[0097] Furthermore, the information processing device 7 detects that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state, and transmits disconnection detection information (battery detection information) indicating the detection result to the communication controller 6. When the control device 6a receives the disconnection detection information (S9: YES), it transmits battery disconnection data to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d (S10).

[0098] 2, when the battery 4 is in an electrically connected state with the electrical wiring L1 connected to the positive terminal (+) of the battery 4 and the electrical wiring L3 connected to the negative terminal (-) of the battery 4, the control device 6a operates on power supplied from the battery 4. Then, the control device 6a detects that the battery 4 is in an electrically connected state (S7) and transmits battery connection data to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d (S8).

[0099] Furthermore, the information processing device 7 detects that the battery 4 is in a connected state, and transmits connection detection information (battery detection information) indicating the detection result to the communication controller 6. When the control device 6a receives the connection detection information (S11), it transmits battery connection data to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d (S12).

[0100] Furthermore, in order to use the agricultural machine 1 with the battery 4 electrically connected to the electrical components 6 to 8, the user switches the key switch 5 from the OFF state to the ON state. This starts up the agricultural machine 1, the prime mover 2, and the generator 3 and puts them into operation. When a key-on signal is input from the key switch 5 to the key port 6q, the control device 6a detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the ON state (S13: YES), and transmits key-on data to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d (S14).

[0101] Furthermore, the information processing device 7 detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the on state and transmits key-on detection information to the communication control device 6. When the control device 6a receives the key-on detection information (S15: YES), it also transmits key-on data to the management server 20 via the communication interface 6d (S16).

[0102] On the other hand, when the user does not use the agricultural machine 1, the key switch 5 remains in the OFF state. In this case, the control device 6a does not detect that the key switch 5 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state (S13: NO). Furthermore, the information processing device 7 does not detect that the key switch 5 has been switched from the OFF state to the ON state, and therefore does not transmit key-on detection information to the communication control device 6. Therefore, the control device 6a does not receive key-on detection information (S15: NO). Furthermore, key-on data is not transmitted from the communication control device 6 to the management server 20.

[0103] As described above, when the key-off data, key-on data, battery connection data, and battery disconnection data transmitted from the agricultural machine 1 (communication controller 6) are received by the communication device 23 of the management server 20, the control device 21 stores the data in a database or the like of the storage device 22. Furthermore, when key-off data is received by the communication device 23, the control device 21 executes a monitoring operation to monitor the states of the key switch 5 and battery 4 of the agricultural machine 1 corresponding to the key-off data.

[0104] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the monitoring operation of the management server 20 according to the first embodiment. Each step in Fig. 6 is executed by the control device 21 at a predetermined interval in accordance with a software program stored in the storage device 22. The same applies to each step in the flowcharts shown in Figs. 9A, 9B, and 13, which will be described later.

[0105] When the control device 21 of the management server 20 receives the key-off data transmitted from the communication controller 6 via the communication device 23 (S21 in Fig. 6), it determines that the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 has been switched to the OFF state and that the agricultural machine 1, prime mover 2, generator 3, etc. are in a non-operating state, and starts counting (timing) the elapsed time (S22). Note that if the key-off data is received again by the communication device 23 while the elapsed time is being counted, the control device 21 does not accept the key-off data and continues counting the elapsed time.

[0106] The control device 21 also determines whether a first time period has elapsed with the key switch 5 in the OFF state and the agricultural machine 1, the prime mover 2, and the generator 3 in a non-operating state. If the control device 21 receives battery disconnection data via the communication device 23 (S24: YES) before the first time period has elapsed (S23: NO), the control device 21 determines that the battery 4 is electrically disconnected from the electrical components 6 to 8. Then, the control device 21 stops counting the elapsed time and initializes (clears) the count value (counting time information) (S25).

[0107] Thereafter, when the control device 21 receives battery connection data via the communication device 23 (S26), it determines that the battery 4 is electrically connected to the electrical components 6 to 8. Then, the control device 21 proceeds to step S22, starts counting the elapsed time again, and repeats the subsequent steps.

[0108] Furthermore, if the control device 21 receives key-on data via the communication device 23 (S27: YES) before the first time period has elapsed (S23: NO), the control device 21 also stops counting the elapsed time and initializes the count value (S28). After this, the control device 21 repeatedly executes step S21 and subsequent steps.

[0109] Furthermore, when the count value of the elapsed time exceeds the first time while the control device 21 has not received the battery disconnection data (S24: NO) or the key-on data (S27: NO), the control device 21 determines that the first time has elapsed (S23: YES). That is, the first time has elapsed while the battery 4 is connected, the key switch 5 is off, and the agricultural machine 1 or the like is not operating.

[0110] Then, if the control device 21 has not yet transmitted warning information since starting to count the elapsed time (S29: NO), it identifies (S30) the user terminal device 30 used by the user of the agricultural machine 1 (the destination of the warning information). At this time, the control device 21 reads the identification information of the agricultural machine 1 included in the key-off data received in step S21, searches the database of the storage device 22 for user information corresponding to the identification information, and identifies the user terminal device 30 indicated by the user information.

[0111] The control device 21 then generates warning information that urges the user to electrically disconnect the electrical components of the agricultural machine 1 from the battery 4 (S32), and transmits the warning information to the identified user terminal device 30 via the communication device 23 (S33). At this time, the control device 21 transmits an email containing the warning information to the user terminal device 30. The control device 21 also includes, in the warning information, the identification information of the agricultural machine 1 and time information (time information indicating the date and time when the on state of the key switch 5 was detected) contained in the key-off data, and time information indicating the date and time when it is determined that the first time period has elapsed. After transmitting the warning information, the control device 21 repeats step S23 and subsequent steps.

[0112] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a warning operation of the user terminal device 30 according to the first embodiment. Each step in Fig. 7 is executed by the control device 31 at a predetermined interval in accordance with a software program stored in the storage device 32. The same applies to each step in the flowcharts of Figs. 14A and 14B described below.

[0113] When the control device 31 of the user terminal device 30 receives the warning information transmitted from the management server 20 via the communication device 33 (S41), it notifies the user via the user interface 34 that the warning information has been received (S42). At this time, the control device 31 may, for example, display or output a message indicating that an email containing the warning information has been received via the user interface 34, or output a predetermined notification sound or melody.

[0114] When a command to display warning information is input by the user via the user interface 34 (S43), the control device 31 outputs the warning information to the user via the user interface 34 (S44). At this time, the control device 31 displays the warning information on the screen of the display of the user interface 34, as shown in Fig. 8, for example.

[0115] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display of warning information in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the warning information displayed by the user interface 34 includes a message suggesting that the terminals of the battery 4 be disconnected to prevent the battery from running out if the agricultural machine 1 will not be used for a long period of time, in order to urge the user to electrically disconnect the electrical components of the agricultural machine 1 from the battery 4, and a message suggesting that the power be cut off using a battery cut switch if the agricultural machine 1 is equipped with one. The displayed warning information also includes machine information such as the name and model number of the agricultural machine 1.

[0116] Furthermore, the displayed warning information also includes a message requesting the user to ignore the warning information so as not to annoy the user if the user has already disconnected the terminals of the battery 4. As another example, the control device 21 may output the warning information by voice through the user interface 34.

[0117] After checking the warning information output as described above, there is a high probability that the user will electrically disconnect the battery 4 from the electrical equipment of the corresponding agricultural machine 1. However, for some reason, even after checking the warning information, the user may leave the battery 4 electrically connected to the electrical equipment and leave the key switch 5 in the OFF state.

[0118] In this case, the battery disconnection data and key-on data are not transmitted from the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1. Therefore, the communication device 23 of the management server 20 does not receive the battery disconnection data (NO in S24 of FIG. 6 ), and also does not receive the key-on data (NO in S27).

[0119] Furthermore, because the first time has already elapsed (S23: YES) and the warning information has already been transmitted (S29: YES), the control device 21 checks the count value of the elapsed time and determines whether a predetermined second time has elapsed since the previous transmission of the warning information. The second time is set to, for example, two weeks, but is not limited to this. Like the first time, the second time may be set appropriately taking into consideration the electrical capacity of the battery 4 and the specifications of the agricultural machine 1. Furthermore, the second time may be set to be the same as the first time, or may be set to be shorter or longer than the first time.

[0120] For example, the control device 21 determines that the second time period has elapsed (S31: YES) without receiving battery disconnection data or key-on data (S24: NO, S27: NO). In this case, the control device 21 generates warning information again (S32) and transmits the warning information to the user terminal device 30 via the communication device 23 (S33). At this time, the control device 21 may transmit the same warning information as the previous time to the user terminal device 30 without generating new warning information.

[0121] Thereafter, the control device 21 repeats step S23 and subsequent steps. That is, the control device 21 transmits warning information to the user terminal device 30 every time the second time period elapses while the battery 4 is connected and the key switch 5 is in the off state.

[0122] When the control device 31 of the user terminal device 30 receives the warning information again via the communication device 33 (S41 in FIG. 7), it executes steps S42 and S43 as described above, and then outputs the warning information again via the user interface 34 (S44).

[0123] In the first embodiment described above, when the control device 21 of the management server 20 receives the key-off data (S21 in FIG. 6), it starts counting the elapsed time (S22) regardless of whether the battery 4 is in a connected state or a disconnected state. However, as in a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the control device 21 may start counting the elapsed time (S22) after receiving the key-off data (S21) and the battery connection data (S36).

[0124] 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing an example of the monitoring operation of the management server 20 of the second embodiment. Note that in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the same steps as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are assigned the same reference numerals. The same applies to other flowcharts described below. Furthermore, the operations of the communication controller 6 and the user terminal device 30 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0125] The control device 21 receives key-off data from the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 (S21 in FIG. 9A ) and battery connection data (S36), starts counting the elapsed time (S22), and then determines that the first time period has elapsed (S23: YES). In this case, if the battery connection data and key-on data are not received by the management server 20 (S24: NO, S27: NO), the control device 21 executes steps S29 to S30 as described above, and then transmits warning information to the user terminal device 30 (S31). The user terminal device 30 then outputs the warning information via the user interface 34 (S41 to S44 in FIG. 7 ).

[0126] However, in the second embodiment, the control device 21 receives key-off data and battery connection data (S21, S36) and confirms that the key switch 5 is in the off state and the battery 4 is in the connected state. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the warning information may include a message indicating that the terminals of the battery 4 have been forgotten to be disconnected.

[0127] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display of initial warning information. The initial warning information (first warning information) refers to the warning information (S32) that is first generated by the control device 21 of the management server 20 after determining that the first time period has elapsed (YES in S23 of FIG. 9A ), following steps S27 and S28. The control device 21 then transmits the initial warning information to the user terminal device 30 via the communication device 23 (S33), and the information is output (displayed) by the user interface 34 (S44 of FIG. 7 ).

[0128] The initial warning information shown in FIG. 10 includes, in addition to the message included in the warning information in FIG. 8 described above, a message indicating that the terminals of the battery 4 of the agricultural machine 1 have been forgotten to be disconnected, and the date and time when the first hour has elapsed since the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 was switched to the OFF state (date and time of occurrence).

[0129] When a second warning is issued after the first warning information has been output, second or subsequent warning information (second warning information) as shown in Fig. 11 may be output (displayed) by the user interface 34. That is, if the control device 21 has transmitted the first warning information without receiving battery disconnection data or key-on data (S24: NO, S27: NO in Fig. 9B ) and a second time has elapsed (S31: YES), the control device 21 generates second or subsequent warning information different from the first warning information (S32) and transmits the generated warning information to the user terminal device 30 via the communication device 23 (S33).

[0130] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display of warning information from the second onwards. The warning information from the second onwards includes information different from the initial warning information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , the warning information from the second onwards includes a message indicating a period during which operation of the prime mover 2 of the agricultural machine 1 (starting of the engine with the key switch 5) has not been confirmed, and a message suggesting that the battery 4 may run out if the terminals of the battery 4 are not disconnected, and that the battery 4 be checked and supplementally charged.

[0131] For example, if the agricultural machine 1 is located in a place with poor radio wave conditions, or if congestion occurs in the area where the agricultural machine 1 is located, a communication failure may occur, and the key-off data transmitted from the communication controller 6 may not be received by the management server 20. As a countermeasure in this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 9A, the management server 20 may estimate that the key switch 5 is in the off state when a predetermined time condition is met.

[0132] More specifically, when the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state (S13: YES in FIG. 5B), the communication controller 6 transmits key-on data to the management server 20 (S14). When the key-on data is received by the communication device 23 of the management server 20 (S34 in FIG. 9A), the control device 21 starts counting the elapsed time (S35). The control device 21 also determines that the key switch 5 is ON and that the agricultural machine 1, prime mover 2, and generator 3 are in operation.

[0133] Then, if the control device 21 does not receive key-off data (S21: NO), it determines whether a predetermined time condition is met. As the predetermined time condition, for example, at least one of the following may be set: the passage of a predetermined third time period; or the arrival of a predetermined time limit. The third time period is set to, for example, 12 hours, but is not limited to this. The third time period is set to a time longer than the average use time of the agricultural machine 1. The time limit is set to, for example, midnight (midnight) of the next day, but is not limited to this. The time limit is set to a time later (later) than the average end time of use of the agricultural machine 1.

[0134] When the control device 21 detects at least one of the following: the count value of the elapsed time exceeds the third time and the third time has elapsed, or the current time reaches the time limit, the control device 21 determines that the predetermined time condition has been met (S37: YES). In this case, the control device 21 stops counting the elapsed time, initializes the count value (S38), and estimates that the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 has been switched to the OFF state (S39).

[0135] The control device 21 then starts counting the time that has elapsed since it estimated that the key switch 5 was in the OFF state (S22), and determines whether the first time period has elapsed without receiving battery disconnection data or key-on data. Thereafter, the control device 21 executes step S23 and subsequent steps as described above.

[0136] In the first to third embodiments described above, the control device 21 of the management server 20 determines whether the first time period has elapsed while the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 is in the OFF state, i.e., while the agricultural machine 1 and the like are in a non-operating state, but this determination may be made by the control device of the agricultural machine 1 or the user terminal device 30. Furthermore, each step executed by the control device 21 as described above may also be executed by the control device of the agricultural machine 1 or the user terminal device 30.

[0137] 12A and 12B are diagrams showing an example of the monitoring operation of the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 according to the third embodiment. Steps S51 to S60 shown in FIG. 12 correspond to steps S22, S23, S28, S25, S26, and S29 to S33 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B described above. The operation of the user terminal device 30 according to the third embodiment is the same as the operation according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7. In the third embodiment, the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 transmits warning information to the user terminal device 30 without going through the management server 20.

[0138] When the control device 6a of the communication controller 6 receives a key-off signal from the key port 6q and detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the OFF state (S1: YES in FIG. 12A), it detects whether the battery 4 is connected. Even if the control device 6a does not itself detect that the key switch 5 has been switched to the OFF state (S1: NO), when it receives key-off detection information from the information processing device 7 (S3: YES), it detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the OFF state from the key-off detection information. The control device 6a then detects whether the battery 4 is connected.

[0139] When the control device 6a detects that the battery 4 is connected from the power supply state from the electrical wiring L1, L1b to the power supply port 6p (S5: YES), it starts counting the elapsed time (S51). When the control device 6a receives connection detection information from the information processing device 7 (S9: YES), it detects from the connection detection information that the battery 4 is connected and starts counting the elapsed time (S51). Then, the control device 6a determines (monitors) whether a first time has elapsed with the key switch 5 in the off state and the battery 4 in the connected state.

[0140] If the control device 6a detects that the battery 4 is disconnected from the power supply port 6p (S5a: YES in FIG. 12B) or receives disconnection detection information from the information processing device 7 (S8: YES) before the first time period has elapsed (S52: NO), the control device 6a stops counting the elapsed time and initializes the count value (S54). After that, if the control device 6a detects that the battery 4 is connected (S55), the control device 6a proceeds to step S51 and repeats the subsequent steps.

[0141] Furthermore, the control device 6a does not detect that the battery 4 is disconnected (S5a: NO), does not receive disconnection detection information from the information processing device 7 (S9a: NO), or detects that the key switch 5 has been switched to the on state (S13: YES) or receives key-on detection information from the information processing device 7 (S15: YES). In this case, the control device 6a stops counting the elapsed time and initializes the count value (S53). Then, the control device 6a repeats the steps from step S1 in FIG. 12A onwards.

[0142] Furthermore, if the control device 6a does not detect that the key switch 5 has been switched to the on state (S13: NO) and does not receive key-on detection information from the information processing device 7 (S15: NO), it repeats steps S52 and subsequent steps in FIG. 12A.

[0143] Thereafter, when the control device 6a determines that the first time period has elapsed (YES in S52), and if warning information has not been transmitted since the control device 6a started counting the elapsed time (NO in S56), the control device 6a identifies (S57) the user terminal device 30 used by the user of the agricultural machine 1. Then, the control device 6a generates warning information (S59) and transmits the warning information to the user terminal device 30 via the communication interface 6d (S60).

[0144] When the control device 31 of the user terminal device 30 receives the warning information via the communication device 33 (S41 in FIG. 7), it executes steps S42 and S43 as described above, and then outputs (displays) the warning information via the user interface 34 (S44). At this time, for example, the initial warning information shown in FIG. 10 is output by the user interface 34.

[0145] After that, the control device 6a continues to, for example, not detect that the battery 4 is disconnected (S5a: NO), not receive disconnection detection information (S9a: NO), not detect that the key switch 5 has been switched to the on state (S13: NO), and not receive key-on detection information (S15: NO). In this case, since the first time period has already elapsed (S53: YES) and the warning information has already been transmitted (S54: YES), the control device 6a determines (monitors) whether the second time period has elapsed.

[0146] When the control device 6a determines that the second time period has elapsed (S58: YES), the control device 6a generates warning information (S59) and transmits the warning information to the user terminal device 30 via the communication interface 6d (S60). The control device 6a then repeats step S52 and subsequent steps.

[0147] When the control device 31 of the user terminal device 30 receives the warning information again via the communication device 33 (S41 in FIG. 7), it executes steps S42 and S43 as described above and then outputs the warning information via the user interface 34 (S44). At this time, the second and subsequent warning information shown in FIG. 11 is output via the user interface 34.

[0148] In the third embodiment described above, the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 transmitted the abnormality information to the user terminal device 30 without going through the management server 20, but instead the communication controller 6 may transmit the abnormality information to the management server 20, and the management server 20 may then forward the abnormality information to the user terminal device 30. In this case, the user terminal device 30 used by the user of the agricultural machine 1 may be identified by the control device 21 of the management server 20, rather than by the control device 6a of the communication controller 6.

[0149] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the transfer operation of the management server 20 in the fourth embodiment. When the control device 21 of the management server 20 receives any of key-on data, key-off data, battery connection data, and battery disconnection data transmitted from the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 (S61), it identifies the user terminal device 30 used by the user of the agricultural machine 1 based on the identification information of the agricultural machine 1 included in the received data (S62). The details of step S62 are the same as those of step S28 in FIG. 5A and the like described above. The control device 21 then transfers the received data to the identified user terminal device 30 via the communication device 23 (S63).

[0150] Figures 14A and 14B are diagrams showing an example of the monitoring operation of the user terminal device 30 of the fourth embodiment. Note that steps S71 to S77 and S79 to S90 of the user terminal device 30 shown in Figures 14A and 14B correspond to steps S34, S35, S21, S36 to S39, S22 to S29, S31, and S32 of the management server 20 in Figures 9A and 9B described above, and S42 to S44 in Figure 7. Furthermore, the operation of the communication controller 6 of the agricultural machine 1 of the fourth embodiment is the same as the operation of the first embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0151] In the user terminal device 30 identified in step S62 of Fig. 13, when key-on data is received by the communication device 33 (S71 of Fig. 14A), the control device 31 starts counting the elapsed time (S72). Then, when the control device 31 receives key-off data by the communication device 33 (S73: YES) and battery connection data by the communication device 33 (S74), the control device 31 temporarily stops counting the elapsed time, initializes the count value, and then starts counting the elapsed time (S78). Then, the control device 31 determines (monitors) whether a first time has elapsed with the key switch 5 in the off state and the battery 4 in the connected state.

[0152] If the control device 31 receives battery disconnection data (S80: YES) before the first time period has elapsed (S79: NO), the control device 31 stops counting the elapsed time and initializes the count value (S81). After that, when the control device 31 receives battery connection data (S82), the control device 31 proceeds to step S78 and repeats the subsequent steps.

[0153] Furthermore, if the control device 31 receives key-on data via the communication device 33 before the first time period has elapsed (S79: NO), the control device 31 also stops counting the elapsed time and initializes the count value (S84). After this, the control device 21 repeatedly executes steps S71 and thereafter.

[0154] Furthermore, the control device 31 determines that the first time period has elapsed (S79: YES) without receiving either the battery disconnection data (S80: NO) or the key-on data (S83: NO). In this case, if the control device 31 has not yet transmitted warning information since starting to count the elapsed time (S85: NO), it generates warning information (S87). The control device 31 then notifies the user via the user interface 34 that warning information is available (S88). When the user inputs a command to display warning information via the user interface 34 (S89), the control device 31 outputs the warning information to the user via the user interface 34 (S90). At this time, the control device 31 outputs the warning information shown in FIG. 10, for example.

[0155] If the control device 31 still does not receive the battery disconnection data or key-on data (S80: NO, S83: NO), the first time period has already elapsed (S79: YES) and the warning information has already been transmitted (S85: YES). In this case, if the control device 31 determines that the second time period has elapsed (S86: YES), the control device 31 generates the warning information (S87), executes steps S88 and S89 as described above, and then outputs the warning information via the user interface 34 (S90). At this time, the control device 31 outputs the warning information shown in FIG. 11, for example. After this, the control device 31 repeats the steps from step S79 onward.

[0156] Furthermore, when the control device 31 receives key-on data (S71 in FIG. 14A) and starts counting the elapsed time (S72), but does not receive key-off data (S73: NO), it determines whether a predetermined time condition is met. At this time, if the control device 31 determines that the predetermined time condition is met (S75: YES), it stops counting the elapsed time, initializes the count value (S76), and presumes that the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 has been switched to the OFF state (S77). Then, the control device 31 repeats step S78 and subsequent steps as described above.

[0157] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, examples have been shown in which at least one of the management server 20, the communication controller 6, and the user terminal device 30 starts a monitoring operation, etc., triggered by the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 being switched to the OFF state. In addition to this, at least one of the management server 20, the communication controller 6, and the user terminal device 30 may start a monitoring operation, etc., triggered by, for example, the user inputting an instruction to acquire information about the agricultural machine 1 through the user interface 34 of the user terminal device 30.

[0158] Specifically, for example, when a user inputs an instruction to acquire information about the agricultural machine 1 into the user terminal device 30 using the user interface 34, the control device 31 may start the monitoring operation of Figures 14A and 14B on the user terminal device 30, or the control device 31 may send a command to start the monitoring operation to either the management server 20 or the communication controller 6 via the communication device 33. When the management server 20 and the communication controller 6 receive the start command, they may start any of the monitoring operations of Figures 6, 9A, 9B, 12A, 12B, 14A, and 14B.

[0159] Furthermore, the management server 20, the communication controller 6, and the user terminal device 30 may perform monitoring operations by acquiring key-on data, key-off data, battery connection data, and battery disconnection data from the database of the management server 20. In this case, the management server 20, the communication controller 6, and the user terminal device 30 may determine whether the first time and the second time have elapsed based on the time information included in the key-off data, battery connection data, and battery disconnection data and the current time.

[0160] The characteristic configurations shown in the first to fourth embodiments described above may be appropriately adopted. For example, as in the first embodiment, in order to determine whether the first time period has elapsed without detecting the connection state of the battery 4, steps S5 and S9 may be omitted from the third embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B, and step S74 may be omitted from the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 14A and 14B. Furthermore, steps S71, S72, and S37 to S39 may be omitted from the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 14A and 14B.

[0161] 12A and 12B may be executed by a control device mounted on the agricultural machine 1 other than the communication controller 6. The warning information may be output from a plurality of user terminal devices 30.

[0162] In the above-described embodiment, each process and step is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors and one or more memories, but instead of or in addition to the processing circuit, it may be realized by an integrated circuit combining at least one of various analog circuits and digital circuits. Furthermore, the processor may be not only a CPU, but also various processors suitable for computer control, such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0163] Furthermore, multiple physically separated processors may cooperate with each other to execute each process, etc. For example, processors installed in multiple physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a mobile phone network, or the Internet to execute each process, etc. Furthermore, the software program executed by the processor may be installed in memory from a server or the like via a network, or may be distributed in a state where it is stored on a recording medium such as a memory stick or a memory card, and then installed in the memory of the processing circuit from the recording medium.

[0164] The battery protection system 100 of the present embodiment described above has the following configurations and provides the following effects.

[0165] [Item 1] The battery protection system 100 includes a control device 21, 6a, 31 that determines whether a predetermined first time period has elapsed while the agricultural machine 1, which operates electrical equipment 6, 7, 8 (communication controller 6, information processing device 7, and other electrical equipment 8) using power stored in the battery 4, is in an inoperative state, and an output device (user interface) 34 that outputs warning information to the user urging the user to electrically disconnect the electrical equipment 6, 7, 8 from the battery 4 when the control device 21, 6a, 31 determines that the first time period has elapsed.

[0166] With the configuration of item 1 above, even if the agricultural machine 1 is left unused for a long period of time, warning information is output to the user before the battery 4 of the agricultural machine 1 becomes over-discharged, so the user can be prompted to electrically disconnect the battery 4 from the electrical components 6, 7, and 8, for example by disconnecting the electrical wiring L3 from the negative terminal (-) of the battery 4. Furthermore, because the warning information prompts the user to electrically disconnect the battery 4 rather than to charge it, it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of power. This makes it possible to efficiently prevent the battery of the agricultural machine 1 from running out.

[0167] [Item 2] In the battery protection system 100 described in Item 1 above, the control devices 21, 6a, 31 determine whether a first time has elapsed since at least one of the prime mover 2 of the agricultural machine 1 and the generator 3 that generates the electricity stored in the battery 4 went into a non-operating state without going into an operating state.

[0168] With the configuration of item 2 above, when the first time period has elapsed while the battery 4 is not being charged, warning information can be output to the user, and the user can be made to electrically disconnect the battery 4 from the electrical components 6, 7, and 8, thereby efficiently preventing the battery from running out.

[0169] [Item 3] The battery protection system 100 described in Item 1 above is provided with a key switch 5 that is turned on to operate the agricultural machine 1 and turned off to prevent the agricultural machine 1 from operating, and the control devices 21, 6a, 31 determine whether a first time has elapsed since the key switch 5 was switched off without being switched on.

[0170] The configuration of the above item 3 makes it possible to easily determine whether the state in which the agricultural machine 1 is not operating and the battery 4 is not being charged has continued for a first hour or more, and when this state has continued for the first hour or more, to appropriately output warning information to the user.

[0171] [Item 4] In the battery protection system 100 described in Item 3 above, the control device 21, 6a, 31 determines whether a first time has elapsed since the key switch 5 was switched to the off state while the battery 4 was electrically connected to the electrical components 6, 7, 8, without the battery 4 being electrically disconnected from the electrical components 6, 7, 8 and the key switch 5 being switched to the on state.

[0172] The configuration of item 4 above prevents warning information from being output to the user unnecessarily when the battery 4 has already been electrically disconnected, thereby preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0173] [Item 5] In the battery protection system 100 described in items 3 or 4 above, the control devices 21, 6a, 31 measure the time that has elapsed since the key switch 5 was switched to the OFF state, and stop measuring the time that has elapsed when the battery 4 is electrically disconnected from the electrical components 6 to 8 while the key switch 5 is in the OFF state, and when the key switch 5 is switched to the ON state.

[0174] With the configuration of item 5 above, the control devices 21, 6a, 31 can monitor the duration of a state in which there is a possibility of the battery running out, and determine whether the duration has reached or exceeded the first time period.

[0175] [Item 6] In the battery protection system 100 described in Item 5 above, the control devices 21, 6a, 31 measure the elapsed time from the point when the battery 4 goes from a disconnected state to a connected state in which it is electrically connected to the electrical components 6 to 8 while the key switch 5 is in the off state, and determine whether the elapsed time has exceeded the first time period.

[0176] With the configuration of item 6 above, even if the battery 4 is electrically disconnected and then reconnected while the agricultural machine 1 is not in operation, creating a state in which there is a possibility of the battery running out, the duration of this state can be monitored, and when this duration exceeds a first time period, warning information can be output to the user.

[0177] [Item 7] In the battery protection system 100 described in any one of Items 3 to 6 above, after determining that the first time period has elapsed, the control device 21, 6a, 31 outputs warning information via the output device 34 each time a predetermined second time period has elapsed while the battery 4 is connected to the electrical components 6 to 8 and the key switch 5 is in the off state.

[0178] The configuration of item 7 above allows warning information to be repeatedly output to the user, further encouraging the user to electrically disconnect the battery 4. In addition, since the warning information is output at regular intervals, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling annoyed.

[0179] [Item 8] In the battery protection system 100 described in any one of Items 1 to 7 above, the output device 34 outputs warning information including at least one of the following: that the operating state of the agricultural machine 1 has not been confirmed for a certain period of time; and that there is a possibility of over-discharge of the battery 4.

[0180] The configuration of the above item 8 can further encourage the user to electrically disconnect the battery 4.

[0181] [Item 9] In the battery protection system 100 described in any one of Items 1 to 8 above, the output device 34 outputs warning information including at least one of the time elapsed since the agricultural machine 1 entered a non-operating state and the date and time at which the control device 21, 6a, 31 determines that the first time has elapsed.

[0182] The configuration of item 9 above makes it possible to easily make the user aware of the possibility of the battery running out, and further encourages the user to electrically disconnect the battery 4.

[0183] [Item 10] A battery protection system 100 according to any one of items 3 to 9 above, comprising: a communication controller 6 provided in the agricultural machine 1 and communicating wirelessly; a terminal device (user terminal device) 30 provided with a user interface as an output device 34 and used by a user; and a server (management server) 20 provided with a control device 21 and communicating with the communication controller 6 and the terminal device 30, wherein the communication controller 6 transmits to the server 20 key-on data indicating that a key switch 5 provided in the agricultural machine 1 has been switched to an on state and key-off data indicating that the key switch 5 has been switched to an off state, and the control device 21 determines whether a first time period has elapsed since the server 20 received the key-off data without receiving any more key-on data, and when the first time period has elapsed, the server 20 transmits warning information to the terminal device 30, and the terminal device 30 receives the warning information and outputs it via the user interface 34.

[0184] With the configuration of item 10 above, even if the user is located far away from the agricultural machine 1, warning information can be output to the user via the terminal device 30, and the user can be prompted to electrically disconnect the battery 4 of the agricultural machine 1 from the electrical components 6 to 8. Furthermore, since the server 20 monitors the first time period and transmits the warning information, it is possible to reduce the amount of power consumed by the battery 4 when the agricultural machine 1 is not in operation.

[0185] [Item 11] The battery protection system 100 described in Item 10 above further comprises an information processing device 7 provided in the agricultural machine 1, wherein the information processing device 7 transmits key-on detection information to the communication controller 6 when the key switch 5 is switched to the on state, and transmits key-off detection information to the communication controller 6 when the key switch 5 is switched to the off state, and the communication controller 6 transmits key-on data at least either when it receives a key-on signal output by the key switch 5 in the on state or when it receives the key-on detection information, and transmits key-off data at least either when it receives a key-off signal output by the key switch 5 in the off state or when it receives the key-off detection information.

[0186] The configuration of item 11 above makes it possible to reliably detect the switching state of the key switch 5 via two signal paths: a direct signal path from the key switch 5 to the communication controller 6, and an indirect signal path from the key switch 5 to the communication controller 6 via the information processing device 7. Furthermore, since the communication controller 6 transmits key-on data and key-off data in accordance with the output signal from the key switch 5 and the output information from the information processing device 7, the server 20 can reliably detect the key-on data and key-off data even if there is a temporary problem with communication between the communication controller 6 and the server 20. As a result, the server 20 can reliably determine that the first time has elapsed with the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 in the off state (i.e., the agricultural machine 1 in a non-operating state), and can output warning information to the user from the terminal device 30.

[0187] [Item 12] In the battery protection system 100 described in Item 10 or 11 above, the communication controller 6 transmits battery connection data indicating that the battery 4 is in a connected state, in which it is electrically connected to the electrical components 6 to 8, and battery disconnection data indicating that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state, in which it is electrically disconnected from the electrical components 6 to 8, and the control device 21 determines whether a first time has elapsed since the server 20 received the key-off data without receiving key-on data or battery disconnection data.

[0188] The configuration of the above item 12 enables the server 20 to detect that the first time period has elapsed while the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 is in the OFF state and the battery 4 is in the connected state, and to output warning information to the user from the terminal device 30. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent warning information from being output unnecessarily when the battery 4 has already been electrically disconnected.

[0189] [Item 13] The battery protection system 100 described in Item 12 above includes an information processing device 7 provided in the agricultural machine 1, and when the information processing device 7 detects from the power supply state from the battery 4 that the battery 4 is in a connected state, it transmits disconnection detection information to the communication control device 6, and when it detects that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state, it transmits the disconnection detection information to the communication control device 6, and the communication control device 6 transmits battery connection data at least either when it detects from the power supply state from the battery 4 that the battery 4 is in a connected state or when it receives the connection detection information, and transmits battery disconnection data at least either when it detects from the power supply state from the battery 4 that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state or when it receives the disconnection detection information.

[0190] The configuration of item 13 above makes it possible to reliably detect the electrical connection and disconnection states of the battery 4 via two systems: the power supply path from the battery 4 to the communication controller 6, and the signal path from the battery 4 to the communication controller 6 via the information processing device 7. Furthermore, the communication controller 6 transmits battery connection data and battery disconnection data, respectively, in accordance with the power supply state from the battery 4 and the output information from the information processing device 7. Therefore, even if there is a temporary problem in communication between the communication controller 6 and the server 20, the server 20 can reliably detect the electrical connection and disconnection states of the battery 4. As a result, the server 20 can reliably determine that the first time has elapsed with the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 in the off state and the battery 4 in the connected state, and can output warning information to the user from the terminal device 30.

[0191] [Item 14] In the battery protection system 100 described in any one of Items 9 to 12 above, the control device 21 determines whether a predetermined time condition is met after the server 20 receives key-on data without receiving key-off data. If the time condition is met, the control device 21 assumes that the key switch 5 has been switched to the off state and determines whether the first time has elapsed.

[0192] With the configuration of the above item 14, even if, after the key-on data from the communication control unit 6 is received by the server 20, for example, the agricultural machine 1 moves to a location where communication with the server 20 is not possible and the key-off data from the communication control unit 6 is no longer received by the server 20, it is possible to assume that the key switch 5 has been switched to the off state by the server 20, and to output warning information to the user from the terminal device 30 after the first time has elapsed.

[0193] [Item 15] The battery protection system 100 according to any one of items 9 to 14 above further includes an auxiliary battery 6 e that is provided in the agricultural machine 1 and supplies power to the communication controller 6.

[0194] With the configuration of item 15 above, even if the battery 4 is electrically disconnected and power is no longer supplied from the battery 4 to the communication control device 6, the communication control device 6 can be operated by power supplied from the auxiliary battery 6e, and key-off data, battery disconnection data, etc. can be transmitted to the server 20.

[0195] [Item 16] In the battery protection system 100 described in Item 15 above, the auxiliary battery 6 e is built into the communication controller 6 .

[0196] The configuration of item 16 above allows the auxiliary battery 6e to be used efficiently as a dedicated auxiliary power source for the communication controller 6. Furthermore, when maintaining the communication controller 6, the auxiliary battery 6e can also be easily maintained.

[0197] [Item 17] The battery protection system 100 described in any one of Items 3 to 9 above includes a communication controller 6 that is provided in the agricultural machine 1 and communicates wirelessly, and a terminal device 30 that is provided with a user interface that is an output device 34 and is used by a user, wherein the key switch 5 and the control device 6a are provided in the agricultural machine 1, and when a first time period has elapsed since the key switch 5 was switched off without being switched on, the control device 6a transmits warning information via the communication controller 6, and the terminal device 30 receives the warning information and outputs it via the user interface 34.

[0198] With the configuration of item 17 above, even if the user is in a location away from the agricultural machine 1, warning information can be output to the user via the terminal device 30, and the user can be prompted to electrically disconnect the battery 4 of the agricultural machine 1 from the electrical components 6 to 8. Furthermore, since the control device 6a of the agricultural machine 1 monitors the switching state of the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1, monitors the first time period, and transmits the warning information, it is possible to reduce the number of processes and shorten the time required from when the key switch 5 is switched to the OFF state until the warning information is transmitted to the terminal device 30.

[0199] [Item 18] The battery protection system 100 described in Item 17 above further includes an information processing device 7 provided in the agricultural machine 1, wherein the key switch 5 outputs a key-on signal to the control device 6a when in the on state, and outputs a key-off signal to the control device 6a when in the off state, and the information processing device 7 detects from the key-on signal that the key switch 5 has been switched to the on state and transmits key-on detection information to the control device 6a, and detects from the key-off signal that the key switch 5 has been switched to the off state and transmits key-off detection information to the control device 6a.

[0200] The configuration of item 18 above makes it possible to reliably detect the on / off switching state of the key switch 5 using two systems: a direct signal path from the key switch 5 to the control device 6a, and an indirect signal path from the key switch 5 to the control device 6a via the information processing device 7. As a result, the control device 6a can reliably determine that the first time has elapsed with the key switch 5 in the off state, and can transmit warning information from the communication controller 6, which can then be received by the terminal device 30 and output to the user.

[0201] [Item 19] In the battery protection system 100 described in Item 17 or 18, the control device 6a detects whether the battery 4 is in a connected state in which it is electrically connected to the electrical components 6 to 8, or in a disconnected state in which it is electrically disconnected, and when the battery 4 is in a connected state and the key switch 5 is in an off state and a first time has elapsed, the control device 6 transmits warning information.

[0202] The configuration of item 19 allows the control device 6a to detect that the first time period has elapsed with the key switch 5 in the OFF state and the battery 4 connected, and to output warning information to the user from the terminal device 30. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent warning information from being output unnecessarily when the battery 4 has already been electrically disconnected.

[0203] [Item 20] The battery protection system 100 described in Item 19 above includes an information processing device 7 provided in the agricultural machine 1, and when the information processing device 7 detects that the battery 4 is in a connected state from the power supply state from the battery 4, it transmits connection detection information to the communication controller 6, and when it detects that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state, it transmits disconnection detection information to the communication controller 6, and the control device 6a detects whether the battery 4 is in a connected state or a disconnected state from the connection detection information and the disconnection detection information, and detects whether the battery 4 is in a connected state or a disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery 4.

[0204] The configuration of item 20 above makes it possible to reliably detect the electrical connection and disconnection states of the battery 4 using two systems: the power supply path from the battery 4 to the communication controller 6, and the signal path from the battery 4 to the communication controller 6 via the information processing device 7. As a result, the control device 6a can reliably determine that the first time period has elapsed with the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 in the OFF state and the battery 4 in the connected state, and can output warning information to the user from the terminal device 30.

[0205] [Item 21] In the battery protection system 100 according to any one of items 17 to 20, the control device 6 a is provided in the communication controller 6 .

[0206] The configuration of the above item 21 can reduce the number of processes and the time required from when the key switch 5 is switched to the OFF state until the warning information is transmitted to the terminal device 30 .

[0207] [Item 22] The battery protection system 100 described in any one of Items 3 to 9 above includes a communication controller 6 that is provided in the agricultural machine 1 and communicates wirelessly, and a terminal device 30 that is provided with a user interface serving as an output device 34 and a control device 31 and is used by a user, the communication controller 6 transmits key-on data indicating that a key switch 5 provided in the agricultural machine 1 has been switched to an on state, and key-off data indicating that the key switch 5 has been switched to an off state, and the control device 31 determines whether a first time has passed since the terminal device 30 received the key-off data without receiving any key-on data, and if the first time has passed, warning information is output by the user interface 34.

[0208] With the configuration of item 22 above, even if the user is located far away from the agricultural machine 1, warning information can be output to the user by the terminal device 30, and the user can be prompted to electrically disconnect the battery 4 of the agricultural machine 1 from the electrical components 6 to 8. Furthermore, since the terminal device 30 monitors the first time period and transmits the warning information, it is possible to reduce the amount of power consumed by the battery 4 when the agricultural machine 1 is not in operation.

[0209] [Item 23] The battery protection system 100 described in Item 22 above further includes an information processing device 7 that is provided in the agricultural machine 1 and that transmits key-on detection information to the communication controller 6 when the key switch 5 is switched to the on state, and that transmits key-off detection information to the communication controller 6 when the key switch 5 is switched to the off state. The communication controller 6 transmits key-on data at least either when it receives a key-on signal output by the key switch 5 in the on state or when it receives the key-on detection information, and transmits key-off data at least either when it receives a key-off signal output by the key switch 5 in the off state or when it receives the key-off detection information.

[0210] The configuration of item 23 above makes it possible to reliably detect the switching state of the key switch 5 via two signal paths: a direct signal path from the key switch 5 to the communication controller 6, and an indirect signal path from the key switch 5 to the communication controller 6 via the information processing device 7. Furthermore, since the communication controller 6 transmits key-on data and key-off data in accordance with the output signal from the key switch 5 and the output information from the information processing device 7, the terminal device 30 can reliably detect the key-on data and key-off data even if there is a temporary communication problem when data is transmitted from the communication controller 6 or when data is received by the terminal device 30. As a result, the terminal device 30 can reliably determine that the first time period has elapsed with the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 in the off state, and can output warning information to the user via the user interface 34.

[0211] [Item 24] In the battery protection system 100 described in Item 22 or 23 above, the communication controller 6 transmits battery connection data indicating that the battery 4 is in a connected state, in which it is electrically connected to the electrical components 6 to 8, and battery disconnection data indicating that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state, in which it is electrically disconnected from the electrical components 6 to 8, and the control device 31 determines whether a first time has elapsed since the terminal device 30 received the key-off data without receiving key-on data or battery disconnection data.

[0212] The configuration of the above item 24 enables the terminal device 30 to detect that the first time period has elapsed while the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 is in the OFF state and the battery 4 is in the connected state, and to output warning information to the user via the user interface 34. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent warning information from being output unnecessarily when the battery 4 has already been electrically disconnected.

[0213] [Item 25] The battery protection system 100 described in Item 24 above includes an information processing device 7 provided in the agricultural machine 1, and when the information processing device 7 detects that the battery 4 is in a connected state from the power supply state from the battery 4, it transmits connection detection information to the communication control device 6, and when it detects that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state, it transmits disconnection detection information to the communication control device 6, and the communication control device 6 transmits battery connection data at least either when it detects that the battery 4 is in a connected state from the power supply state from the battery 4 or when it receives the connection detection information, and transmits battery disconnection data at least either when it detects that the battery 4 is in a disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery 4 or when it receives the disconnection detection information.

[0214] The configuration of item 25 above makes it possible to reliably detect the electrical connection and disconnection states of the battery 4 via two systems: the power supply path from the battery 4 to the communication controller 6, and the signal path from the battery 4 to the communication controller 6 via the information processing device 7. Furthermore, since the communication controller 6 transmits battery connection data and battery disconnection data according to the power supply state from the battery 4 and the output information from the information processing device 7, the terminal device 30 can reliably detect the electrical connection and disconnection states of the battery 4 even if there is a temporary communication problem at least when data is transmitted from the communication controller 6 or when data is received by the terminal device 30. As a result, the terminal device 30 can reliably determine that the first time has elapsed with the key switch 5 of the agricultural machine 1 in the off state and the battery 4 in the connected state, and can output warning information to the user via the user interface 34.

[0215] [Item 26] In the battery protection system 100 described in any one of Items 22 to 25 above, the control device 31 determines whether a predetermined time condition is met after the terminal device 30 receives key-on data without receiving key-off data, and if the time condition is met, it assumes that the key switch 5 has been switched to the off state and determines whether the first time has elapsed.

[0216] With the configuration of the above item 26, even if, after the key-on data from the communication control device 6 is received by the terminal device 30, for example, the agricultural machine 1 moves to a location where communication with the terminal device 30 is not possible and the key-off data from the communication control device 6 is no longer received by the terminal device 30, it is possible to assume that the key switch 5 has been switched to the off state by the terminal device 30, and to output warning information to the user from the terminal device 30 after the first time has elapsed.

[0217] Although the present invention has been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0218] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Agricultural machine 2 Prime mover 3 Generator 4 Battery 5 Key switch 6 Communication controller (electrical equipment) 6a Control device 6e Auxiliary battery 7 Information processing device (electrical equipment) 8 Electrical equipment 20 Management server 21 Control device 30 User terminal device 31 Control device 34 User interface (output device) 100 Battery protection system

Claims

1. A battery protection system comprising: a control device that determines whether a predetermined first time has elapsed while an agricultural machine that operates electrical components with electric power stored in a battery is in a non-operating state; and an output device that outputs, to a user, warning information prompting electrical disconnection between the electrical component and the battery when the control device determines that the first time has elapsed.

2. The battery protection system according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines whether the first time has elapsed without the at least one of a prime mover of the agricultural machine and a generator that generates electric power stored in the battery changing from a non-operating state to an operating state.

3. The battery protection system according to claim 1, further comprising a key switch that is operated to an on state to operate the agricultural machine and is operated to an off state not to operate the agricultural machine, wherein the control device determines whether the first time has elapsed without the key switch being switched from the off state to the on state.

4. The battery protection system according to claim 3, wherein the control device determines whether the first time has elapsed without the battery being electrically disconnected from the electrical component and without the key switch being switched from the off state to the on state after the key switch is switched to the off state while the battery is electrically connected to the electrical component.

5. The battery protection system according to claim 3, wherein the control device measures an elapsed time after the key switch is switched to the off state, and stops measuring the elapsed time when the battery becomes in a disconnected state where the battery is electrically disconnected from the electrical component and when the key switch is switched to the on state, respectively, while the key switch is in the off state.

6. The battery protection system according to claim 5, wherein the control device measures an elapsed time from a point in time when the battery changes from the disconnected state to a connected state where the battery is electrically connected to the electrical component while the key switch is in the off state, and determines whether the elapsed time has elapsed the first time.

7. The battery protection system according to claim 3, wherein after the control device determines that the first time has elapsed, the warning information is output by the output device every time a predetermined second time elapses while the battery is connected to the electrical component and the key switch is in the off state.

8. The battery protection system according to claim 1, wherein the output device outputs the warning information including at least one of the fact that the operating state of the agricultural machine has not been confirmed for a certain period and the possibility of over-discharge of the battery.

9. The battery protection system according to claim 1, wherein the output device outputs the warning information including at least one of the elapsed time since the agricultural machine became in a non-operating state and the date and time when it is determined by the control device that the first time has elapsed.

10. A communication control machine provided in the agricultural machine and communicating wirelessly, a user interface which is the output device, and a server provided with the control device and communicating with the communication control machine and the terminal device used by the user, the communication control machine transmits key-on data indicating that the key switch provided in the agricultural machine has been switched to the on state and key-off data indicating that the key switch has been switched to the off state to the server respectively, the control device determines whether the first time has elapsed without receiving the key-on data after receiving the key-off data from the server, and when the first time has elapsed, transmits the warning information from the server to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the warning information and outputs it through the user interface. The battery protection system according to claim 3.

11. The battery protection system according to claim 10, further comprising an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine, the information processing device transmits key-on detection information to the communication control machine when the key switch is switched to the on state, and transmits key-off detection information to the communication control machine when the key switch is switched to the off state, the communication control machine transmits the key-on data when receiving at least one of the key-on signal output when the key switch is in the on state and the key-on detection information, and transmits the key-off data when receiving at least one of the key-off signal output when the key switch is in the off state and the key-off detection information.

12. The communication controller transmits battery connection data indicating that the battery is in a connected state electrically connected to the electrical component and battery disconnection data indicating that the battery is in a disconnected state electrically disconnected from the electrical component to the server respectively. The control device determines whether or not the first time has elapsed after the server receives the key-off data without receiving the key-on data and the battery disconnection data. The battery protection system according to claim 10.

13. It includes an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine. When the information processing device detects that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery, it transmits connection detection information to the communication controller. When it detects that the battery is in the disconnected state, it transmits disconnection detection information to the communication controller. The communication controller transmits the battery connection data when it detects that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery and / or when it receives the connection detection information, and transmits the battery disconnection data when it detects that the battery is in the disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery and / or when it receives the disconnection detection information. The battery protection system according to claim 12.

14. The control device determines whether or not a predetermined time condition is satisfied after the server receives the key-on data without receiving the key-off data. When the time condition is satisfied, it is estimated that the key switch has been switched to the off state, and it determines whether or not the first time has elapsed. The battery protection system according to claim 10.

15. The battery protection system according to claim 10, comprising an auxiliary battery provided in the agricultural machine and supplying power to the communication controller.

16. The battery protection system according to claim 15, wherein the auxiliary battery is built in the communication controller.

17. A communication control device provided in the agricultural machine and communicating wirelessly, and a terminal device provided with the user interface which is the output device and used by the user, wherein the key switch and the control device are provided in the agricultural machine, the control device transmits the warning information by the communication control device when the first time elapses after the key switch is switched from the off state and not switched to the on state, the battery protection system according to claim 3, wherein the terminal device receives the warning information and outputs it by the user interface.

18. The battery protection system according to claim 17, further comprising an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine, wherein the key switch outputs a key-on signal to the control device and the information processing device in the on state, and outputs a key-off signal to the control device and the information processing device in the off state, the information processing device detects that the key switch is switched to the on state from the key-on signal and transmits key-on detection information to the control device, and detects that the key switch is switched to the off state from the key-off signal and transmits key-off detection information to the control device.

19. The battery protection system according to claim 17, wherein the control device detects whether the battery is in a connected state electrically connected to the electrical component or a disconnected state electrically disconnected, and transmits the warning information by the communication control device when the first time elapses while the battery is in the connected state and the key switch is in the off state.

20. The battery protection system according to claim 19, further comprising an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine, wherein the information processing device transmits connection detection information to the communication control device when detecting that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery, and transmits disconnection detection information to the communication control device when detecting that the battery is in the disconnected state, the control device detects whether the battery is in the connected state or the disconnected state from the connection detection information and the disconnection detection information, and detects whether the battery is in the connected state or the disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery.

21. The battery protection system according to claim 17, wherein the control device is provided in the communication control unit.

22. A battery protection system according to claim 3, comprising: a communication control unit provided in the agricultural machine and communicating wirelessly; a user interface which is the output device; and a terminal device provided with the control device and used by the user, wherein the communication control unit transmits key-on data indicating that the key switch provided in the agricultural machine has been switched to the on state and key-off data indicating that the key switch has been switched to the off state, respectively, and the control device determines whether or not the first time has elapsed after the terminal device receives the key-off data without receiving the key-on data, and when the first time has elapsed, outputs the warning information through the user interface.

23. The battery protection system according to claim 22, comprising an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine, wherein when the key switch is switched to the on state, the information processing device transmits key-on detection information to the communication control unit, and when the key switch is switched to the off state, the information processing device transmits key-off detection information to the communication control unit, and the communication control unit transmits the key-on data when receiving at least one of the key-on signal output when the key switch is in the on state and the key-on detection information, and transmits the key-off data when receiving at least one of the key-off signal output when the key switch is in the off state and the key-off detection information.

24. The battery protection system according to claim 22, wherein the communication control unit transmits battery connection data indicating that the battery is in a connected state electrically connected to the electrical component and battery disconnection data indicating that the battery is in a disconnected state electrically disconnected from the electrical component, respectively, and the control device determines whether or not the first time has elapsed after the terminal device receives the key-off data without receiving the key-on data and the battery disconnection data.

25. The battery protection system according to claim 24, further comprising an information processing device provided in the agricultural machine, wherein when the information processing device detects that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery, it transmits connection detection information to the communication control device, and when it detects that the battery is in the disconnected state, it transmits disconnection detection information to the communication control device, and the communication control device transmits the battery connection data when at least one of detecting that the battery is in the connected state from the power supply state from the battery and receiving the connection detection information, and transmits the battery disconnection data when at least one of detecting that the battery is in the disconnected state from the power supply state from the battery and receiving the disconnection detection information.

26. The battery protection system according to claim 22, wherein the control device determines whether a predetermined time condition is satisfied after the terminal device receives the key-on data and without receiving the key-off data, and when the time condition is satisfied, it estimates that the key switch has been switched to the off state, and determines whether the first time has elapsed.

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