Electric work machine

Abstract

The present invention is an electric work machine, the machine comprising: a machine body that has a travel part and a work part; an electric drive source that drives at least one among the travel part and the work part; and an accommodation part that is electrically connected to the electric drive source and detachably accommodates power storage parts. The accommodation part includes a plurality of accommodation parts for respectively accommodating a plurality of the power storage parts. A first accommodation part and a second accommodation part among the plurality of accommodation parts are provided such that: a first direction, which is the attachment / detachment direction of the power storage parts to / from the first accommodation part, and a second direction, which is the attachment / detachment direction of the power storage parts to / from the second accommodation part, extend so as to cross each other when viewed from the front-rear direction with respect to the travel direction of the electric work machine; a second separation distance in the horizontal direction between the first direction and the second direction on the upper side in the vertical direction is greater than a first separation distance in the horizontal direction between the first direction and the second direction on the lower side in the vertical direction; and the first direction and the second direction are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

Description

electric work equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric power tool.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a storage section capable of storing a battery is disposed at the rear of a work vehicle (hydraulic excavator).

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 091352

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the battery storage unit protrudes significantly toward the rear of the work vehicle. With the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when the vehicle body turns, the turning radius of the outermost part of the body becomes large in a plan view. On the other hand, if the battery storage unit is located inside the body, the number of batteries that can be stored becomes limited due to the constraints of the parts inside the body.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technology for reducing the turning radius of the outermost part of the body of a work machine and increasing the number of batteries that can be installed.

[0006] An electric work machine according to one aspect of the present invention that achieves the above-mentioned object comprises: an electric work machine comprising a body having a traveling unit and a working unit; an electric drive source that drives at least one of the traveling unit and the working unit; and a storage section electrically connected to the electric drive source and that detachably houses a storage unit, wherein the storage section includes a plurality of storage sections that respectively house a plurality of the storage units; a first storage section and a second storage section among the plurality of storage sections extend so that a first direction that is the direction in which the storage unit is attached and detached in the first storage section and a second direction that is the direction in which the storage unit is attached and detached in the second storage section intersect with each other when viewed from the front-to-rear direction relative to the traveling direction of the electric work machine; and wherein the first direction and the second direction are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the turning radius of the outermost part of the body of the work machine and to increase the number of batteries that can be mounted.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0009] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and are used to explain the principles of the present invention together with the description. A schematic side view of an electric working machine according to one embodiment. An explanatory diagram of the operation of an electric working machine according to one embodiment. A block diagram of the configuration around an electric drive source according to one embodiment. An explanatory diagram of the arrangement of a battery case of an electric working machine according to one embodiment. A schematic cross-sectional view of an electric working machine according to one embodiment. An external perspective view of the area around an electric drive source according to one embodiment. A front view of the area around an electric drive source according to one embodiment. An explanatory diagram of the air flow inside the machine body according to one embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the machine body (high position) according to one embodiment. A cross-sectional view of the machine body (low position) according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the structure of a blower fan according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example configuration of a battery according to one embodiment. A diagram showing an example configuration of a battery case according to one embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined in any desired manner. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] <Configuration of Electric Work Machine (Hydraulic Excavator)> Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an electric work machine according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, a hydraulic excavator will be described as an example of the electric work machine, but the electric work machine is not limited to a hydraulic excavator.

[0012] 1 , the hydraulic excavator 1 includes a vehicle body 10, a swivel section 20, a working section 30, a traveling section 40, a blade 50, an operation section 60, and a seat section 70. In this embodiment, the vehicle body 10 having the working section 30 and the traveling section 40 is referred to as the machine body. However, the machine body may be configured to include some or all of the vehicle body 10, swivel section 20, working section 30, traveling section 40, blade 50, operation section 60, and seat section 70.

[0013] The vehicle body 10 is provided above the running unit 40 and can rotate relative to the running unit 40 via the swivel unit 20. For example, when the vehicle body 10 is in the state shown in FIG. 1 , a passenger seated on the seat 70 faces left. When the vehicle body 10 is rotated 180°, a passenger seated on the seat 70 faces right. By rotating the swivel unit 20 around the vertical rotation axis, the working unit 30 can be freely moved horizontally.

[0014] The working unit 30 performs work in response to the operation of the operation unit 60 by a rider aboard the hydraulic excavator 1. The travel unit 40 includes tracks 41. The tracks may be called caterpillars, crawlers, track belts, or other names. The blade 50 is a blade that is disposed in front of the travel unit 40 and is capable of raising and lowering, and can push obstacles (e.g., soil, gravel, stones, etc.) in front of the travel unit 40 forward while traveling. The operation unit 60 is a control lever operated by a rider aboard the hydraulic excavator 1. The rider can perform various operations of the hydraulic excavator 1 by operating the operation unit 60. The seat 70 is a seat on which a rider aboard the hydraulic excavator 1 sits, and its position can be adjusted by moving in the fore-and-aft direction of the machine body. The rider may be a driver who operates the hydraulic excavator 1, or a crew member who monitors the excavator without operating it.

[0015] <Explanation of Operation of Electric Work Machine (Hydraulic Excavator)> Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the electric work machine (hydraulic excavator) according to one embodiment. Various operations of the hydraulic excavator 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. The vehicle main body 10 has a control valve 101, an oil tank (medium storage unit) 102, a hydraulic pump 103, and an electric drive source 104. The control valve 101 is opened and closed by an operator on board the hydraulic excavator 1 operating the operation unit 60. The oil tank 102 is connected to the hydraulic pump 103 so that oil (pressure medium) can flow therethrough, and functions as an auxiliary machine provided for operation of at least one of the swivel unit 20, the working unit 30, the traveling unit 40, and the blade 50. The hydraulic pump 103 is, for example, a gear pump. The hydraulic pump 103 is a pressure generating unit that generates fluid pressure to drive at least one of the rotating unit 20, working unit 30, traveling unit 40, and blade 50 by driving gears using an electric drive source 104 (including a motor 105 described below).

[0016] A hydraulic pump 103 driven by an electric drive source 104 causes oil stored in an oil tank 102 to flow through a control valve 101 into at least one of the swivel unit 20, working unit 30, traveling unit 40, and blade 50 depending on whether the control valve 101 is open or closed. In the swivel unit 20, the oil that flows in operates a hydraulic motor (not shown), thereby enabling the swivel operation. The oil that flows out from the hydraulic motor (not shown) returns to the oil tank 102 via the control valve 101 as return oil.

[0017] In the working unit 30, the oil that flows in operates a hydraulic cylinder (not shown), thereby enabling work to be performed. The oil that flows out from the hydraulic cylinder (not shown) returns to the oil tank 102 as return oil via a control valve 101. In the traveling unit 40, the oil that flows in operates a hydraulic motor (not shown), thereby enabling traveling operation. The oil that flows out from the hydraulic motor (not shown) returns to the oil tank 102 as return oil via the control valve 101. In the blade 50, the oil that flows in operates a hydraulic cylinder (not shown), thereby enabling lifting and lowering operation. The oil that flows out from the hydraulic cylinder (not shown) returns to the oil tank 102 as return oil via the control valve 101.

[0018] <Block Configuration Around Electric Drive Source> Next, a block configuration around the electric drive source according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The electric drive source 104 includes a motor (electric unit) 105 and a PCU (Power Control Unit) 106. The motor 105 is an electric unit that is driven by a supply of electric power from a detachable (pluggable) battery (hereinafter also simply referred to as "battery") 108. The hydraulic pump 103 shown in Fig. 2 is driven by this motor 105.

[0019] The PCU 106 is provided near the motor 105. The PCU 106 includes a power conversion unit that converts DC power supplied from the battery 108 and boosted by the DC / DC converter 107 into AC power, and a control unit that controls at least one of the motor 105 and the power conversion unit. The DC / DC converter 107 is a power conversion unit that boosts the DC power supplied from the battery 108.

[0020] The battery 108 is a detachable, portable power storage unit. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the hydraulic excavator 1 can be equipped with four batteries 108, but the number of batteries that can be equipped may be any number and is not limited to four.

[0021] The down regulator 109 receives an operation request from the PCU 106 and generates low-voltage power to drive the accessories of the hydraulic excavator 1. By using the power supply of the down regulator 109, it is possible to operate (turn on or blink) the accessories (e.g., a light-emitting unit (not shown)) provided in the hydraulic excavator 1, for example.

[0022] The APS / volume 110 outputs a drive command signal to the PCU 106 in response to an instruction given by a rider on the hydraulic excavator 1 to the operation unit 60. The main switch 111 outputs a command signal to the PCU 106 to start or stop the PCU 106 in response to, for example, the start of the hydraulic excavator 1, and outputs a command signal to the DC / DC converter 107 to start or stop the DC / DC converter 107. The lid switch 112 detects the opening and closing of a lid member provided on a battery case (accommodation section) described below that accommodates the battery 108. If multiple battery cases are provided and each battery case is provided with a lid member, the opening and closing of each lid member may be detected.

[0023] <Layout of Battery Case (Storage Section)> Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the layout of the battery case of an electric work machine (hydraulic excavator) according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic excavator 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the machine body. The vehicle main body 10 is equipped with battery cases 501 and 502. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along plane A shown in Fig. 4.

[0024] The battery case 501 and the battery case 502 are arranged so that a first direction 531, which is the attachment / detachment direction (insertion / removal direction) of the battery 108a in the battery case 501, and a second direction 532, which is the attachment / detachment direction of the battery 108b in the battery case 502, extend so as to intersect with each other when viewed from the front-to-rear direction relative to the traveling direction of the hydraulic excavator 1. The battery case 501 and the battery case 502 are also arranged so that a second separation distance 551 in the horizontal direction between the first direction 531 and the second direction 532 on the upper side in the vertical direction is greater than a first separation distance 551 in the horizontal direction between the first direction 531 and the second direction 532 on the lower side in the vertical direction, and so that the first direction 531 and the second direction 532 are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0025] The battery cases 501, 502 are provided so that at least a portion thereof is housed in the vehicle body 10. In the example shown in the figure, the battery cases 501, 502 are provided so that a portion thereof is housed in the vehicle body 10 and a portion thereof protrudes from the vehicle body 10.

[0026] Here, seating section 70 is provided to extend vertically above battery case 501 and vertically above battery case 502. Battery case 501 is positioned such that left-right end 521 of battery case 501 is located more inward (closer to the center of the vehicle) than left-right end 551 of traveling section 40. Battery case 502 is also positioned such that left-right end 522 of battery case 502 is located more inward (closer to the center of the vehicle) than left-right end 552 of traveling section 40. This allows the rotational trajectory of the end of the battery case during a turning operation to be kept more inward (closer to the center of the vehicle) than traveling section 40, thereby reducing the occurrence of collisions and accidents during a turning operation.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5 , the seating section 70 is disposed such that the vertical lower end 71 of the seating section 70 is positioned higher than the vertical upper end 541 of the battery case 501 and the vertical upper end 542 of the battery case 502. Furthermore, air guide sections 511, 512 may be disposed adjacent to the seating section 70. As will be described in detail later, air moves from below the machine body to above the machine body through the gap between the battery case 501 and the oil tank 102 and between the battery case 502 and the oil tank 102. The air is released to the outside of the machine body through an opening 401 provided near the vertical upper end 541 of the battery case 501 and an opening 402 provided near the vertical upper end 542 of the battery case 502. The openings 401, 402 are formed near the lower end on the side of the seating section 70 on which a rider riding on the hydraulic excavator 1 sits. Air guide sections 511 and 512 are formed near vertically above openings 401 and 402, and guide the air (hot air) discharged outside the aircraft in a direction away from the passenger seated in seat section 70. Openings 401 and 402 may have a structure (for example, a plurality of guide plates) for discharging air diagonally rearward.

[0028] <External Configuration of Electric Drive Source and Its Surroundings> Fig. 6 is an external perspective view of the configuration of the electric drive source and its surroundings according to one embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a front view of Fig. 6 .

[0029] By arranging the battery cases 501, 502 at an angle, an upper space (first space) 711 and a lower space (second space) 712 are formed between the battery cases 501, 502. The upper space 711 is formed between a first surface 5011 of the battery case 501 that faces vertically upward in the battery case 501 and toward the battery case 502, and a second surface 5021 of the battery case 502 that faces vertically upward in the battery case 502 and toward the battery case 501. The lower space 712 is formed between a third surface 5012 of the battery case 501 that faces vertically downward in the battery case 501 and toward the battery case 502, and a fourth surface 5022 of the battery case 502 that faces vertically downward in the battery case 502 and toward the battery case 501.

[0030] The electric drive source 104 is provided so that at least a portion thereof is located in the lower space 712. That is, at least one of the components constituting the electric drive source 104, namely the motor 105 and the PCU 106 (power conversion unit, control unit), is provided so as to be located in the lower space 712.

[0031] The down regulator 109 is also provided so that at least a portion thereof is located in the lower space 712. The DC / DC converter 107 is provided on a power transmission path between the electric drive source 104 and the battery cases 501, 502. The DC / DC converter 107 is provided so as to be aligned with the battery cases 501, 502 in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the traveling direction of the hydraulic excavator 1 when viewed vertically. In the example shown, the DC / DC converter 107 is provided rearward of the battery cases 501, 502 in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the traveling direction of the hydraulic excavator 1 when viewed vertically.

[0032] The DC / DC converter 107 has a planar shape extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The connection portions 601-604 of the DC / DC converter 107 for the power lines 611-614 connecting the electric drive source 104 and the DC / DC converter 107 are disposed on a surface of the DC / DC converter 107 facing upward in the vertical direction. At least some of the power lines 611-614 extending from the connection portions 601-604 of the DC / DC converter 107 are routed to surround the DC / DC converter 107 within the same plane as the planar shape of the DC / DC converter 107. Four connection portions 601-604 and four power lines 611-614 are provided, corresponding to the four mountable batteries according to this embodiment. The number of connection portions and the number of power lines are the same as the number of mountable batteries and vary depending on the number of batteries.

[0033] The power line 611 extending from the connection part 601 curves from right to left in the left-right direction of the aircraft along above the DC / DC converter 107, and is routed from vertically above to vertically below along the left side of the DC / DC converter 107. Similarly, the power line 612 extending from the connection part 602 curves from right to left in the left-right direction of the aircraft along above the DC / DC converter 107, and is routed from vertically above to vertically below along the left side of the DC / DC converter 107.

[0034] On the other hand, power line 613 extending from connection part 603 curves from left to right in the left-right direction of the airframe along above DC / DC converter 107, and is routed from above vertically to below vertically along the right side of DC / DC converter 107. Similarly, power line 614 extending from connection part 604 curves from left to right in the left-right direction of the airframe along above DC / DC converter 107, and is routed from above vertically to below vertically along the right side of DC / DC converter 107. In this way, the routing directions of the power lines cross above DC / DC converter 107 (power lines 611 and 612 run from left to right, and power lines 613 and 614 run from right to left, and they cross).

[0035] This increases the curvature of the power lines (cables), preventing excessive force from being applied to the power lines (cables) (reducing the cable load). In addition, it becomes easier to group the power lines near the DC / DC converter 107, allowing for a smaller overall layout, thereby enabling effective use of the internal space of the aircraft.

[0036] <Air Flow Inside the Machine Body and Arrangement of Oil Tank> Next, the air flow inside the machine body of the electric work machine (hydraulic excavator) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 10, and 11. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the air flow inside the machine body according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, at least a portion of the oil tank 102 is provided in the upper space 711. The electric drive source 104 is provided in the lower space 711. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic excavator 1 according to this embodiment taken along the line CC shown in FIG. 5. The blower fan 1001 is provided coaxially with the shaft of the motor 105 provided in the electric drive source 104, alongside the electric drive source 104. The blower fan 1001 is disposed between the electric drive source 104 and a hydraulic shaft 1002 for operating the hydraulic pump 103. This allows for effective use of limited space.

[0037] The blower fan 1001 is an air-raising section that promotes the flow of air inside the aircraft body, and is provided so that at least a portion of the blower fan 1001 is located in the lower space 712. The blower fan 1001 is provided so that air flows from the lower space 712 toward the upper space 711.

[0038] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a blower fan according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, blower fan 1001 has multiple blades 1101 along its circumference, and rotates about its axis to cause air to flow in a direction 1103 from vertically downward to vertically upward. A shroud 1102 may be provided to cover at least a portion of the periphery of blower fan 1001. Providing shroud 1102 makes it easier to guide air flowing in the radial direction vertically upward.

[0039] The air caused by the blower fan 1001 to flow from the lower space 712 toward the upper space 711 passes between the battery case 501 and the oil tank 102 in the direction of arrow 801, as shown in FIG. 8 . Then, the air further passes between the battery case 502 and the oil tank 102 in the direction of arrow 802. In this way, the blower fan 1001 is provided so that air flows between the battery cases 501 and the oil tank 102. This makes it possible to prevent heat from the oil tank 102, which is prone to becoming hot, from being transferred to the battery 108. The air that has risen obliquely through the gap between the battery cases 501 and the oil tank 102 is released to the outside of the aircraft through the openings 401 and 402 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .

[0040] In this embodiment, the blower fan 1001 is disposed coaxially with the shaft of the motor 105, but this is not limiting. A blower fan that blows air in a direction along the rotation axis rather than in a radial direction may be provided facing vertically upward in the lower space 712.

[0041] Here, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic excavator 1 according to this embodiment taken along the line B-B in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 9, the oil tank 102 extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the machine body. The length of the oil tank 102 in the fore-and-aft direction of the machine body (the length indicated by the bidirectional arrow 902) is greater than the length of the battery cases 501, 502 in the fore-and-aft direction of the machine body (the length indicated by the bidirectional arrow 901). The oil tank 102 may have a triangular prism shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the fore-and-aft direction of the machine body.

[0042] <Configuration of Battery and Battery Case> Next, the external configuration of a battery according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 . The battery 108 is a mobile battery and includes a terminal 1201 (female) for electrically connecting to terminals (terminal 1303 (male) described later with reference to Fig. 13 ) provided on the battery cases 501 and 502, and a handle (grip) 1202 for a user to grip. The terminal 1201 extends in the longitudinal direction and is exposed. The user can insert or remove the battery 108 from the battery cases 501 and 502 in the direction of the bidirectional arrow 1203. The longitudinal direction of the battery 108 corresponds to the insertion / removal direction.

[0043] Next, the configuration of a battery case according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . While FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of battery case 501, other battery cases have a similar configuration. As shown in FIG. 13 , battery case 501 is capable of housing battery 108a. It includes a case body 1301, a lid member 1302 connected to case body 1301 via a hinge (not shown), and a terminal portion 1303 (male) for electrically connecting to terminal portion 1201 (female). Terminal portion 1303 protrudes into the case body 1301.

[0044] The battery case 501 is in an open state where the inside of the case can be seen by rotating the cover member 1302 via a hinge (not shown). On the other hand, when the cover member 1302 is rotated in the opposite direction and covers the case body 1301, the battery case 501 is in a closed state where the inside of the case is hidden. The cover member 1302 is locked to the case body 1301 by a locking mechanism (not shown). In this case, the cover member 1302 remains closed unless the locking mechanism is released.

[0045] 13 has been described as an example in which one battery 108a is housed in the battery case 501. However, in a configuration in which four batteries 108 (two on the left side and two on the right side) are arranged as in this embodiment, the configurations in FIG. 13 are arranged two on each side of the aircraft in the fore-and-aft direction. Alternatively, six batteries (three on the left side and three on the right side) or eight batteries (four on the left side and four on the right side) may be arranged instead of four.

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, the storage units are arranged diagonally (in a V-shape) so that the directions of attachment and detachment of the power storage units intersect when viewed from the front-to-rear direction relative to the traveling direction of the electric work machine. This reduces the turning radius of the outermost part of the work machine's body and increases the number of batteries that can be mounted. Furthermore, by arranging the storage units diagonally, spaces can be formed vertically above and below the storage units. Therefore, various components can be arranged in the formed spaces, thereby enabling effective use of the space. Furthermore, because the power storage units (batteries) can be inserted and removed diagonally, the insertion and removal operation is easier than when they are inserted and removed vertically.

[0047] [Modifications] In the above-described embodiment, the arrangement of a battery case into which a battery can be inserted and removed has been mainly described, but the battery may not be detachable (removable and insertable) as in the above-described embodiment, but may be detachable using a tool or the like. In other words, the battery may not be a portable battery, but may be a fixed battery attached to the aircraft using a tool or the like. In this case, a battery case need not be provided, and the arrangement of the battery case described in the above-described embodiment may be replaced with the arrangement of the battery.

[0048] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the oil tank 102 is disposed upstream (unpressurized side) of the hydraulic pump 103, but the present invention is not limited to this. The oil tank 102 may be an accumulator tank disposed downstream (pressurized side) of the hydraulic pump 103. In the above embodiment, a hydraulic mechanism using oil has been described, but a fluid other than oil (liquid medium) may be used as long as fluid pressure can be used.

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the motor 105 of the electric drive source 104 is indirectly connected to at least one of the swivel unit 20, the working unit 30, the traveling unit 40, and the blade 50 via hydraulic pressure, but this is not limiting. The motor 105 may also be directly mechanically connected to at least one of the swivel unit 20, the working unit 30, the traveling unit 40, and the blade 50.

[0050] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the battery cases 501, 502 house and hold the entire battery 108 therein, but this is not a limitation. A configuration in which a portion of the battery 108 is housed in the battery cases 501, 502 and the remaining portion is exposed to the air may also be used. In the above-described embodiment, the terminals 1303 (male) of the battery cases 501, 502 are described as terminals that protrude into the case interior and are fixed in position, but this is not a limitation. The terminals 1303 (male) may be driven by an actuator (not shown) provided in the battery cases 501, 502, and may be movable between a state in which they protrude into the case interior and a state in which they are retracted flush with the bottom surface of the case interior or further retracted. This prevents the terminals from being damaged during battery insertion and removal.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, the battery 108 and the battery cases 501, 502 have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but they may have other shapes, such as a cylindrical shape. In the above-described embodiment, a hydraulic excavator has been used as an example of the electric work machine, but other types of construction machinery or work machines, such as a tractor excavator, a forklift, or a riding lawnmower, may also be used. Furthermore, the electric work machine may also be a three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle or an aircraft.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the electric work machine is described as a type of work machine that is operated by a rider, but it may be a work machine without a rider. For example, it may be a work machine that travels and / or works autonomously without a rider, or a work machine that is remotely controlled via wireless communication without a rider. In the above-described embodiment, the battery cases 501, 502 are described as being arranged vertically below the seat 70, but this is not limiting. They may also be configured to be arranged vertically below the footrest when the rider is seated on the seat 70.

[0053] Summary of the embodiment 1. The electric working machine (1) according to the above embodiment is an electric working machine comprising: a body having a traveling section (40) and a working section (30); an electric drive source (104) that drives at least one of the traveling section and the working section; and a storage section (501, 502) that is electrically connected to the electric drive source and that detachably stores a power storage section (108), the storage section including a plurality of storage sections that respectively store a plurality of the power storage sections, and a first storage section (501) and a second storage section (502) among the plurality of storage sections extend such that a first direction (531) that is a direction in which the power storage section is attached and detached in the first storage section and a second direction (532) that is a direction in which the power storage section is attached and detached in the second storage section intersect with each other when viewed from the front-rear direction relative to the traveling direction of the electric working machine, The first and second directions are arranged so that a second distance (552) in the horizontal direction between the first and second directions on the vertically upper side is greater than a first distance (551) in the horizontal direction between the first and second directions on the vertically lower side, and so that the first and second directions are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0054] In this way, the storage units are arranged diagonally so that the directions of attachment and detachment of the storage units intersect when viewed from the front-to-rear direction relative to the traveling direction of the electric work machine. This reduces the turning radius of the outermost part of the work machine's body and increases the number of batteries that can be mounted. Furthermore, by arranging the storage units diagonally, spaces can be formed vertically above and below the storage units. Therefore, various components can be arranged in the formed spaces, allowing for effective use of the space. Furthermore, because the storage units (batteries) can be inserted and removed diagonally, the insertion and removal operation is easier than when they are inserted and removed vertically.

[0055] 2. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the housing portion is provided so that at least a portion of the housing portion is housed in the machine body.

[0056] In this way, by configuring the storage section so that a portion thereof protrudes outside the body, it is possible to form a large space inside the body.

[0057] 3. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the machine body has a first space (711) formed between a first surface (5011) of the first housing section that faces vertically upward and toward the second housing section, and a second surface (5021) of the second housing section that faces vertically upward and toward the first housing section.

[0058] This allows a space to be formed vertically above the plurality of storage sections that are arranged at an angle to one another, making it possible to effectively utilize this space.

[0059] 4. The electric working machine (1) according to the above embodiment further includes an accessory (102) that is used for the operation of at least one of the traveling unit and the working unit, and the accessory is arranged so that at least a portion of the accessory is located in the first space.

[0060] In this way, by arranging the auxiliary equipment in the space vertically above the plurality of storage sections that are arranged diagonally to each other, the space can be utilized effectively.

[0061] 5. In the electric working machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the electric drive source is a drive source that drives a pressure generating unit (103) that generates fluid pressure to drive at least one of the traveling unit and the working unit, and the accessory is a medium reservoir (102) that is connected to the pressure generating unit so as to allow a pressure medium to flow therethrough.

[0062] In this way, by arranging the medium storage section in the space vertically above the plurality of storage sections that are arranged diagonally to each other, the space can be effectively utilized.

[0063] 6. In the electric working machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the pressure generating unit is a hydraulic pump (103).

[0064] This allows the hydraulic pump to be driven by the electric drive source.

[0065] 7. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the pressure medium is oil, and the medium reservoir is an oil tank (102).

[0066] In this way, by arranging the oil tank in the space vertically above the plurality of storage sections that are arranged at an angle to one another, the space can be utilized effectively.

[0067] 8. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the machine body includes a seat (70) on which a rider riding on the electric operating machine sits, and the seat is provided so as to extend vertically above the first storage section and vertically above the second storage section.

[0068] This reduces the impact on the operation of the passenger seated in the seat.

[0069] 9. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the seating portion is arranged such that the vertical lower end (71) of the seating portion is higher than the vertical upper end (541) of the first housing portion and the vertical upper end (542) of the second housing portion.

[0070] This reduces the impact on the operation of the passenger seated in the seat.

[0071] 10. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the machine body has a second space (712) formed between a third surface (5012) of the first housing section that faces downward in the vertical direction and toward the second housing section, and a fourth surface (5022) of the second housing section that faces downward in the vertical direction and toward the first housing section.

[0072] As a result, a space is formed vertically below the plurality of storage sections that are arranged at an angle to one another, and this space can be utilized effectively.

[0073] 11. In the electric working machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the electric drive source is provided so that at least a portion of the electric drive source is located in the second space.

[0074] In this way, by arranging the electric drive source in the space vertically above the plurality of storage sections that are arranged obliquely to one another, the space can be used effectively.

[0075] 12. In the electric work machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the electric drive source includes an electric unit (105), a first power conversion unit (106) that converts the power to be supplied to the electric unit, and a control unit (106) that controls at least one of the electric unit and the first power conversion unit, and at least one of the electric unit, the first power conversion unit, and the control unit is provided to be located in the second space.

[0076] This allows for effective use of the space vertically below the plurality of storage sections that are arranged at an angle to one another.

[0077] 13. The electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment further includes a wind generating section (1001) that promotes air flow inside the machine body, and the wind generating section is provided so that at least a portion of the wind generating section is located in the second space.

[0078] This allows for effective use of the space vertically below the plurality of storage sections that are arranged at an angle to one another.

[0079] 14. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the machine body further has a first space (711) formed between a first surface (5011) of the first housing section that faces vertically upward and toward the second housing section, and a second surface (5021) of the second housing section that faces vertically upward and toward the first housing section, and the wind-generating section is provided so that air flows from the second space toward the first space.

[0080] This allows the air in the space inside the aircraft to flow vertically from downward to upward.

[0081] 15. The electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment further includes a medium reservoir (102) connected to a pressure generating unit (103) that generates a fluid pressure for driving at least one of the traveling unit and the working unit so that a pressure medium can flow therethrough, and the medium reservoir is provided so as to be located in the first space.

[0082] In this way, by arranging the medium storage section in the space vertically above the plurality of storage sections that are arranged diagonally to each other, the space can be effectively utilized.

[0083] 16. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the air-creation section is provided so that air flows between the first storage section and the medium storage section.

[0084] This can prevent heat from being transferred from inside the medium storage portion to the storage portion.

[0085] 17. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the length (902) of the medium storage section in the front-rear direction relative to the direction of travel is greater than the length (901) of the storage section in the front-rear direction.

[0086] This allows a medium storage section of a large size to be arranged.

[0087] 18. In the electric working machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the machine body has openings (401, 402) for discharging the air caused to flow by the wind-generating section to the outside of the machine body, and the openings are formed near the lower end of the side of a seating section (70) on which a rider riding the electric working machine sits.

[0088] This allows hot air to be released outside the aircraft, and also prevents the hot air from affecting passengers.

[0089] 19. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the machine body further includes an air guide section (511, 512) that guides the air that has flowed out of the machine body from the opening, and the air guide section guides the air in a direction away from the occupant seated in the seat section.

[0090] This allows the hot air to be directed further away from the passengers.

[0091] 20. The electric working machine (1) according to the above embodiment further includes a second power conversion unit (107) that is provided on a power transmission path between the electric drive source and the storage unit and converts the power to be supplied to the electric drive source, and the second power conversion unit is provided so as to be aligned with the storage unit in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the traveling direction when viewed vertically.

[0092] This makes it easier to wire the power conversion unit and the housing unit.

[0093] 21. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the second power conversion unit is provided rearward of the accommodation unit in the front-rear direction relative to the traveling direction when viewed vertically.

[0094] This makes it easier to wire the power conversion unit and the housing unit, and also makes it easier to ensure space for arranging other components.

[0095] 22. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the connection portions (601 to 604) of the power lines connecting the electric drive source and the second power conversion unit in the second power conversion unit are arranged on a surface of the second power conversion unit facing upward in the vertical direction.

[0096] This allows a large space to be formed vertically below the second power conversion unit.

[0097] 23. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the second power conversion unit has a planar shape extending in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction relative to the traveling direction, and at least a portion of the power lines (611 to 614) extending from the connection portion of the second power conversion unit is arranged to surround the second power conversion unit in the same plane as the planar shape.

[0098] This increases the curvature of the power lines (cables), preventing excessive force from being applied to the power lines (cables) (reducing the cable load). In addition, it becomes easier to group the power lines near the second power conversion unit, allowing for a smaller overall layout, thereby making effective use of the internal space of the aircraft.

[0099] 24. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the second power conversion unit is a DC / DC converter (107).

[0100] This enables the voltage boosting operation.

[0101] 25. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the first power conversion unit is a DC / AC converter (106).

[0102] This allows DC power to be converted into AC power.

[0103] 26. In the electric operating machine (1) according to the above embodiment, the ends (521, 522) of the storage section in the left-right direction relative to the traveling direction are positioned inward (closer to the center of the machine body) than the ends (551, 552) of the traveling section in the left-right direction.

[0104] This allows the rotational trajectory of the end of the storage section during turning to be kept closer to the center of the vehicle than the running section, thereby reducing the occurrence of collisions and accidents during turning.

[0105] 27. The electric working machine (1) according to the above embodiment is an electric working machine comprising: a body having a traveling section (40) and a working section (30); an electric drive source (104) that drives at least one of the traveling section and the working section; and a power storage unit (108) electrically connected to the electric drive source, wherein the power storage unit includes a plurality of power storage units, and a first power storage unit (108a) and a second power storage unit (108b) among the plurality of power storage units extend such that a first direction (531) that is the extension direction of the first power storage unit and a second direction (532) that is the extension direction of the second power storage unit intersect with each other when viewed from the front-rear direction relative to the traveling direction of the electric working machine, The first and second directions are arranged so that a second distance (552) in the horizontal direction between the first and second directions on the vertically upper side is greater than a first distance (551) in the horizontal direction between the first and second directions on the vertically lower side, and so that the first and second directions are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0106] In this way, the multiple power storage units are arranged diagonally so that their arrangement directions intersect when viewed from the front to back relative to the direction of travel of the electric work machine. This reduces the turning radius of the outermost part of the work machine's body and increases the number of batteries that can be mounted. Furthermore, by arranging the multiple power storage units diagonally, spaces can be created vertically above and below the work machine. Therefore, various components can be arranged in the created spaces, allowing for effective use of the space. Furthermore, because the power storage units (batteries) can be inserted and removed diagonally, the insertion and removal operation is easier than when they are inserted and removed vertically.

[0107] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0108] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-052065, filed on March 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An electric work machine comprising: a body having a traveling unit and a working unit; an electric drive source that drives at least one of the traveling unit and the working unit; and a storage section electrically connected to the electric drive source and that detachably houses a power storage unit, wherein the storage section includes a plurality of storage sections that respectively house a plurality of the power storage units, and a first storage section and a second storage section among the plurality of storage sections extend so that a first direction that is a direction in which the power storage unit is attached and detached in the first storage section and a second direction that is a direction in which the power storage unit is attached and detached in the second storage section intersect with each other when viewed from the front-to-rear direction relative to the traveling direction of the electric work machine, and wherein the electric work machine is arranged so that a second separation distance in the horizontal direction between the first direction and the second direction on an upper side in the vertical direction is greater than a first separation distance in the horizontal direction between the first direction and the second direction on a lower side in the vertical direction, and the first direction and the second direction are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

2. An electric operating machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage section is arranged so that at least a portion thereof is stored in the machine body.

3. An electric work machine as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the machine body has a first space formed between a first surface in the first storage section that faces vertically upward and toward the second storage section, and a second surface in the second storage section that faces vertically upward and toward the first storage section.

4. An electric work machine as described in claim 3, further comprising an auxiliary device provided for the operation of at least one of the traveling unit and the working unit, wherein at least a portion of the auxiliary device is positioned in the first space.

5. The electric work machine described in claim 4, characterized in that the electric drive source is a drive source that drives a pressure generating unit that generates fluid pressure to drive at least one of the traveling unit and the working unit, and the accessory is a medium storage unit that is connected to the pressure generating unit so that a pressure medium can flow therethrough.

6. The electric operating machine according to claim 5, wherein the pressure generating unit is a hydraulic pump.

7. An electric operating machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the pressure medium is oil, and the medium reservoir is an oil tank.

8. An electric work machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the machine body has a seating section on which a rider riding on the electric work machine sits, and the seating section is arranged to extend vertically above the first storage section and vertically above the second storage section.

9. An electric work machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that the seating portion is positioned so that the vertical lower end of the seating portion is higher than the vertical upper end of the first storage portion and the vertical upper end of the second storage portion.

10. An electric work machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the body has a second space formed between a third surface facing vertically downward in the first storage section and toward the second storage section, and a fourth surface facing vertically downward in the second storage section and toward the first storage section.

11. The electric operating machine according to claim 10, wherein the electric drive source is provided so that at least a portion thereof is located in the second space.

12. The electric work machine described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the electric drive source comprises: an electric unit; a first power conversion unit that converts the power supplied to the electric unit; and a control unit that controls at least one of the electric unit and the first power conversion unit, and at least one of the electric unit, the first power conversion unit, and the control unit is arranged to be located in the second space.

13. The electric operating machine according to claim 12, further comprising a wind generating section for promoting air flow inside the machine body, wherein at least a portion of the wind generating section is positioned in the second space.

14. An electric work machine as described in claim 13, characterized in that the body further has a first space formed between a first surface of the first storage section that faces vertically upward and toward the second storage section, and a second surface of the second storage section that faces vertically upward and toward the first storage section, and the wind-generating section is arranged so that air flows from the second space toward the first space.

15. An electric operating machine as described in claim 14, further comprising a medium reservoir connected to a pressure generating unit that generates fluid pressure to drive at least one of the traveling unit and the working unit so that a pressure medium can flow therethrough, and the medium reservoir is arranged to be located in the first space.

16. An electric operating machine as described in claim 15, characterized in that the air-creating section is provided so that air flows between the first storage section and the medium storage section.

17. An electric work machine as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the length of the medium storage section in the forward / backward direction relative to the direction of travel is greater than the length of the storage section in the forward / backward direction.

18. An electric work machine as described in any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the body has an opening for releasing the air caused to flow by the wind-generating section to the outside of the body, and the opening is formed near the lower end of the side of the seating section on which a rider riding on the electric work machine sits.

19. The electric work machine described in claim 18, characterized in that the machine body further comprises an air guide section that guides the air that flows out of the machine body from the opening, and the air guide section guides the air in a direction away from the occupant seated in the seat section.

20. An electric work machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a second power conversion unit provided on the power transmission path between the electric drive source and the storage unit, which converts the power supplied to the electric drive source, and wherein the second power conversion unit is provided so as to be aligned with the storage unit in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travel when viewed vertically.

21. An electric work machine as described in claim 20, characterized in that the second power conversion unit is provided rearward of the storage unit in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travel when viewed vertically.

22. An electric work machine as described in claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the connection portion of the power line connecting the electric drive source and the second power conversion unit in the second power conversion unit is arranged on a surface of the second power conversion unit facing vertically upward.

23. An electric work machine as described in claim 22, characterized in that the second power conversion unit has a planar shape extending in a plane perpendicular to the forward / backward direction relative to the direction of travel, and at least a portion of the power lines extending from the connection portion of the second power conversion unit are arranged to surround the second power conversion unit in the same plane as the planar shape.

24. An electric operating machine according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the second power conversion unit is a DC / DC converter.

25. An electric operating machine according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the first power conversion unit is a DC / AC converter.

26. An electric work machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the left and right ends of the storage section relative to the direction of travel are positioned inward from the left and right ends of the running section.

27. An electric work machine comprising: a body having a traveling section and a working section; an electric drive source that drives at least one of the traveling section and the working section; and a storage unit electrically connected to the electric drive source, wherein the storage unit includes a plurality of storage units, and a first storage unit and a second storage unit among the plurality of storage units extend so that a first direction that is the extension direction of the first storage unit and a second direction that is the extension direction of the second storage unit intersect with each other when viewed from the front-to-rear direction relative to the traveling direction of the electric work machine, and wherein the electric work machine is arranged so that a second separation distance in the horizontal direction between the first direction and the second direction on the vertically upper side is greater than a first separation distance in the horizontal direction between the first direction and the second direction on the vertically lower side, and the first direction and the second direction are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

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