Work machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a work machine capable of being brought into a usable state at a timing desired by the user.　The present invention comprises: a battery (6); an electrical device (5) that is supplied with power from the battery (6); a control device (8) that controls the charging of the battery (6); and a storage unit (80) that stores a plurality of charging setting patterns indicating a charging start timing and a charging end timing. The control device (8) selects a charging setting pattern from among the plurality of charging setting patterns in accordance with a current situation and controls the charging of the battery (6) on the basis of the selected charging setting pattern.

Description

Work equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine equipped with a chargeable and dischargeable battery.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been electric work machines such as backhoes. This type of work machine includes an electric motor, a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, a work device that is driven using the driving force of the electric motor, a charging port to which a charging cable that charges the battery is connected, and a connection detection device that detects connection between the charging port and an external power source; when the connection detection device detects connection between the charging port and the external power source, charging of the battery begins (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-150767

[0004] However, in a work machine with the above configuration, when the connection detection device detects a connection between the charging port and an external power source, battery charging begins. However, because the time required to charge the battery varies depending on the battery's charge level (remaining charge), it is unclear when battery charging will end. Therefore, in a work machine with the above configuration, battery charging may not be completed by the time the worker wants to use the work machine, which can delay the start of work.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a work machine that can be put into a usable state at a timing desired by the user.

[0006] The work machine of the present invention comprises a battery, an electrical device powered by the battery, a control device that controls charging of the battery, and a memory unit that stores a plurality of charge setting patterns in which at least a charge start timing for starting charging of the battery and a charge end timing for ending charging of the battery are set, and the control device selects a charge setting pattern from the plurality of charge setting patterns in accordance with the current situation, controls charging of the battery based on the selected charge setting pattern, and ends charging of the battery at the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern.

[0007] The control device may acquire charging start information indicating the start timing at which charging of the battery should be started, which is the start timing desired by an operator, and select the charging setting pattern to be used for charging control in accordance with the acquired charging start information.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the work machine is provided with a timing unit that measures the current date and time, and the control device may select the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control based on the current date and time measured by the timing unit and the charge start information.

[0009] The control device may acquire charge end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, and select the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, which is the charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is closest to the end timing, or the charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is earlier than the end timing, or the charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is earlier than the end timing and the charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is closest to the end timing.

[0010] The control device may acquire charge end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, and select, from the plurality of charge setting patterns, a charge setting pattern that will bring the battery to full charge by the end timing or a charge setting pattern that will bring the battery to a predetermined charge amount or more, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

[0011] The control device may acquire charge end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, and select, from among charge setting patterns in which the charge amount of the battery will be fully charged by the end timing or the charge setting patterns in which the charge amount of the battery will be equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount, the charge setting pattern in which the charge start timing is closest to the current date and time, the charge setting pattern in which the charge amount of the battery will be fully charged or equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount at the earliest timing, or the charge setting pattern in which the charge amount of the battery will be full charged or equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount at the earliest timing is closest to the end timing, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the work machine is provided with at least one of an electricity rate memory unit that stores electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate, and an electricity rate acquisition unit that acquires the electricity rate information from outside, and the control device acquires charging end information that indicates the end timing at which charging of the battery should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the worker, and may select, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, the charge setting pattern that results in the lowest electricity rate from among the charge setting patterns that will fully charge the battery by the end timing or the charge setting patterns that will cause the battery to be charged to a predetermined amount or more.

[0013] The memory unit may store a work schedule including work periods during which the electrical device is operated and non-work periods during which the electrical device is not operated, and the control device may identify the next work period based on the current date and time and the work schedule, and select the charge setting pattern in which the charging end timing is within the non-work period before the next work period as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

[0014] The memory unit stores a work schedule including work periods during which the electrical equipment is operated and non-work periods during which the electrical equipment is not operated, and the control device identifies the next work period based on the current date and time and the work schedule, and if it determines that the charging end timing of the selected charge setting pattern is within the next work period, it may change the charging end timing of the selected charge setting pattern to be within the non-work period before the next work period.

[0015] The working period may include information about the days of the week or dates and time periods when the electrical appliance is operated, and the non-working period may include information about the days of the week or dates and time periods when the electrical appliance is not operated.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the work machine may include an information input unit that can edit the charge setting pattern to be stored in the storage unit.

[0017] The control device may be configured to be able to set a full charge priority mode in which the battery is fully charged, and when the full charge priority mode is set, the control device may calculate a required charging time required to fully charge the battery based on the current charge amount of the battery, and if the battery does not reach full charge by the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern, change the charge start timing of the selected charge setting pattern to a timing that allows the battery to be fully charged by the charge end timing or a timing that allows the battery to be maximized, and perform the charge control based on the charge setting pattern with the changed charge start timing.

[0018] The plurality of charge setting patterns may include a charge setting pattern in which the charging process is interrupted when charging is completed up to a predetermined specified charge amount, and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a specified charge amount is reached before the charging end timing.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, the work machine is provided with at least one of an electricity rate memory unit that stores electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate, and an electricity rate acquisition unit that acquires the electricity rate information from an external source, and the plurality of charge setting patterns may include a charge setting pattern in which charging is performed up to a predetermined specified charge amount during a time period when electricity rates are low, and then the charging process is interrupted, and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a specified charge amount is reached by the charging end timing.

[0020] As another aspect of the present invention, the work machine may include a monitor that displays a plurality of the charge setting patterns, and an information input unit that performs an operation to select a desired charge setting pattern from the plurality of charge setting patterns displayed on the monitor.

[0021] According to the working machine of the present invention, it can be made ready for use at a timing desired by the worker.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a work machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the power system, signal system, and hydraulic system of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view of a charging operation unit of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a connection between a charging port of the work machine and a charging cable according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a release input unit of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a tree diagram of modes of the control device of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram for explaining the control device of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of data (database) used in the timer charge mode of the work machine according to the embodiment and stored in a memory unit. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram related to time setting in the timer charge mode (timer setting process) of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a graph showing the full charge capacity of the battery of the work machine according to the embodiment, and shows the charge capacity (first full charge amount value, second full charge amount value, third full charge amount value) when the battery is fully charged, set in each of the low temperature environment mode, normal environment mode, and high temperature environment mode. FIG. 12 is a charging screen displayed on the monitor of the work machine according to the embodiment, and is a charging screen displayed in a chargeable mode (charging mode). FIG. 13 is a first setting screen (charging setting screen) displayed on the monitor of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a second setting screen (charging mode setting screen) displayed on the monitor of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a third setting screen (day of the week setting screen) displayed on the monitor of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a fourth setting screen (time setting screen) displayed on the monitor of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a fifth setting screen (end day of the week setting screen), which is another example of a setting screen displayed on the monitor of the work machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a processing flow by a control device (processing unit) in the work machine according to the embodiment, and is a processing flow related to setting an environmental mode. FIG. 19 is a processing flow by a control device (processing unit) in the work machine according to the embodiment, and is a processing flow related to unlocking a locking device.Fig. 20 is a processing flow by a control device (processing unit) in a work machine according to the same embodiment, and is a processing flow in normal charging mode. Fig. 21 is a processing flow by a control device (processing unit) in a work machine according to the same embodiment, and is a processing flow of timer setting processing for setting the start timing and end timing of timer charging mode. Fig. 22 is a processing flow by a control device in a work machine according to the same embodiment, and is a processing flow in timer charging mode. Fig. 23 is a processing flow by a control device in a work machine according to the same embodiment, and is a processing flow related to timer setting processing in timer charging mode. Fig. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a release input unit of a work machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Hereinafter, a working machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] The work machine of this embodiment is a self-propelled electric work machine. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the work machine 1 includes a traveling device 2, a machine body 3 supported by the traveling device 2, and a work device 4 supported by the machine body 3. As shown in FIG. 3 , the work machine 1 of this embodiment includes an electric actuator 5 as an electrical device that indirectly drives the traveling device 2 and the work device 4, and a battery 6 that supplies power to the electric actuator 5. The work machine 1 also includes a charging operation unit 7 for charging the battery 6. The work machine 1 also includes a control device 8 that controls charging of the battery 6. The work machine 1 further includes a detection device 8b that detects the current charge amount (remaining charge amount) of the battery 6, and a monitor 9 that displays the detection result of the detection device 8b (charge amount of the battery 6). In this embodiment, the work machine 1 also includes an information input unit 90 that can input charge end information including at least the end timing for ending charging of the battery 6. The work machine 1 also includes a temperature sensor S that measures temperature.

[0025] The work machine 1 has an electric power system PS that supplies power from the battery 6 to the electric devices 5, CV, and IV, and a signal system SS that transmits and receives control signals for control by the control device 8. In Fig. 3, the electric power system PS is shown by a dashed line, the signal system SS that transmits and receives control signals is shown by a one-dot chain line, and the hydraulic system HS, which will be described later, is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0026] The work machine 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators M1, M2, S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 that operate the traveling device 2 and the work device 4, and a hydraulic system HS that includes a hydraulic pump P that supplies hydraulic oil to the plurality of hydraulic actuators M1, M2, S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5. Accordingly, an electric motor 5 is employed as the electric actuator 5, and the electric motor 5 rotates and drives the hydraulic pump P. The electric motor 5 is connected to a battery 6 via a power system PS. In this embodiment, an inverter IV and a junction box JB are disposed in the power system PS that connects the electric motor 5 and the battery 6. The junction box JB connects the primary side of the power system PS, which is connected to the battery 6, to the secondary side of the power system PS, which is connected to the electric actuator 5 and other electrical devices CV and IV. The junction box JB houses devices such as relays that open and close the power system PS.

[0027] Returning to Figures 1 and 2, the work machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a crawler-type traveling device 2 as the traveling device 2, but the traveling device 2 is not limited to the crawler type and may also be a tire-type (wheel-type) traveling device 2.

[0028] The machine body 3 includes a traveling frame 30 supported by the traveling device 2, a swivel frame 31 supported by the traveling frame 30 and swivelable around an axis line CL extending in the vertical direction, and a driver's seat 32 supported by the swivel frame 31. In this embodiment, the machine body 3 includes a driver's seat protection device 33 that protects the driver's seat 32 (operator). In addition to the driver's seat 32, various devices are arranged on the swivel frame 31. Accordingly, the machine body 3 includes an exterior body 34 that protects the devices on the swivel frame 31.

[0029] In this embodiment, the driver's seat protection device 33 employs a cabin that surrounds the driver's seat 32 and defines the driver's compartment DR, but the driver's seat protection device 33 may also be a canopy that includes a roof positioned above the driver's seat 32 and pillars that support the roof.

[0030] The exterior body 34 covers the equipment on the revolving frame 31. In the present embodiment, the exterior body 34 is disposed adjacent to the driver's seat protection device (cabin) 33 on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction and on one side (lateral side) in the width direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. That is, the work machine 1 (machine body 3) includes, as exterior bodies 34 covering the equipment disposed on the revolving frame 31, a rear exterior body 34a (see FIGS. 1 and 2 ) disposed behind the driver's seat 32 and a side exterior body 34b (see FIG. 2 ) disposed on one side (right side) in the width direction of the machine body 3 relative to the driver's seat 32 (cabin 33). Each of the rear exterior body 34a and the side exterior body 34b is configured to be openable or closable in part or in whole.

[0031] The work machine 1 of this embodiment is a backhoe, and includes a dozer unit 4a and a shovel unit 4b as work devices 4. The dozer unit 4a is supported on a traveling frame 30, and the shovel unit 4b is supported on a revolving frame 31. As shown in Figure 3, the work machine 1 includes hydraulic motors M1, M2, which are hydraulic actuators, such as a travel motor M1 that drives the travel device 2 and a swing motor M2 that swings the revolving frame 31.

[0032] The work machine 1 also includes, as hydraulic cylinders S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 that actuate the shovel unit 4 b and the dozer unit 4 a, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 that actuate the shovel unit 4 b and the dozer unit 4 a. Specifically, the work machine 1 includes, as hydraulic cylinders S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 that actuate the hydraulic actuators, a boom cylinder S1 that actuates (tilts) the boom of the shovel unit 4 b, an arm cylinder S2 that actuates (tilts) the arm of the shovel unit 4 b, a bucket cylinder S3 that actuates (tilts) the bucket of the shovel unit 4 b, a swing cylinder S4 that swings the shovel unit 4 b left and right, and an elevating cylinder S5 that raises and lowers the dozer unit 4 a.

[0033] The work machine 1 of this embodiment includes an electric motor (electric actuator) 5 that drives the hydraulic pump P, as well as a plurality of electric devices IV, CV, 9, etc. that receive power supply from a battery 6. Specifically, the work machine 1 includes, as output electric devices, an inverter IV for driving the electric motor 5, a DC / DC converter CV, a monitor 9 that displays various information, etc. Note that the electric devices 5, CV, IV here are merely examples, and may be added or changed depending on the specifications, functions, etc. of the work machine 1.

[0034] As described above, the work machine 1 of this embodiment is so-called battery-driven, being driven by power supplied from the battery 6, and includes the battery 6 that supplies power to the electric actuator (electric motor) 5. The battery 6 is a drive battery, and the work machine 1 of this embodiment includes a battery B for constant power supply (control) in addition to the drive battery 6. In the following description, the drive battery 6 will be simply referred to as the battery 6, and the constant power supply battery B will be referred to as the control battery B.

[0035] A large-capacity battery 6 is employed as the battery 6. In this embodiment, the battery 6 is a battery pack. Specifically, the battery 6 includes a plurality of battery packs 60, 60 that are electrically connected to each other (connected in parallel in this embodiment). Each of the plurality of battery packs 60, 60 includes a plurality of battery cells (not shown) that are electrically connected to each other (connected directly in this embodiment).

[0036] The battery cells are made of rechargeable secondary batteries. In this embodiment, lithium-ion batteries are used for the battery cells. This allows the battery 6 (battery pack) to be rechargeable. The battery 6 is connected to the electric motor 5 via a power system (power lines) PS and supplies power to the electric motor 5. The battery 6 is also electrically connected to a plurality of electric devices IV, CV, 9, etc., such as the control device 8, in addition to the electric actuator (electric motor) 5, and supplies power to these electric devices IV, CV, 9, etc., in a drive mode Ma, which will be described later.

[0037] In contrast, the control battery B is a general 12V battery (lead battery). Although not shown in Fig. 2, the control battery B is electrically connected to the control device 8 and is capable of supplying power to the control device 8. In this embodiment, the control battery B is also connected to the DC / DC converter CV.

[0038] When the power supply from the battery 6 is stopped (when the power supply to the work machine 1 is turned off), the control battery B supplies power only to specific power-saving electrical devices such as the control device 8. That is, the control battery B supplies power to the control device 8 (ECU 8a) in a chargeable mode, which will be described later. Note that the BMS 8b constituting the control device 8 is incorporated in the battery pack 60, and therefore receives power from the battery pack 60 itself even in the chargeable mode.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the work machine 1 includes a charging operation unit 7 for performing operations related to charging the battery 6, the charging operation unit 7 being provided outside the cabin 33.

[0040] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the work machine 1 includes a charging port 70 to which a charging cable 10 for charging the battery 6 can be connected, and an operation switch 72 that executes a predetermined function in response to an operation input, the operation switch 72 being provided near the charging port 70. Furthermore, the work machine 1 includes a locking device 71 that switches between a locked state that prevents the charging cable 10 connected to the charging port 70 from being removed from the charging port 70, and an unlocked state that allows the charging cable 10 to be removed from the charging port 70. The work machine 1 of this embodiment also includes an indicator 74 that displays whether charging of the battery 6 is in progress or has finished.

[0041] In this embodiment, the work machine 1 is equipped with a security system that can switch between an operation permitted state that enables operation input via the operation switch 72 and an operation restricted state that disables operation input via the operation switch 72. The work machine 1 also has a security setting unit 91 that accepts a predetermined mode setting operation (see FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the security system has a release input unit 73 near the charging port 70 that accepts a predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information for switching from the operation restricted state to the operation permitted state.

[0043] The security system of this embodiment electrically switches between an operation permitted state and an operation restricted state. That is, as shown in FIG. 3 , the security system includes a security control device 86 for switching between the operation permitted state and the operation restricted state. In this embodiment, the control device 8 that controls the entire work machine 1 also serves as the security control device 86. Accordingly, in the following description, the security control device 86 will also be referred to as the control device 8.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 5, the charging port 70 is electrically connected to an external charging device (e.g., a quick charger) CM via the charging cable 10. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the charging port 70, the operation switch 72, and the release input unit 73 are provided outside the cabin 33. That is, the charging port 70 is located in a position accessible from the outside. In this embodiment, the charging port 70 is provided in a part of the exterior body 34. More specifically, the charging port 70 is provided in the side exterior body 34b of the exterior body 34.

[0045] In this embodiment, the charging port 70, operation switch 72, locking device 71, indicator 74, and release input unit 73 are all arranged in one predetermined location on the side exterior body 34b and are integrated with the side exterior body 34b. That is, the charging operation unit 7 includes the charging port 70, operation switch 72, locking device 71, release input unit 73, and indicator 74, and these are all provided together on the side exterior body 34b.

[0046] This allows an operator to access the charging operation unit 7 (charging port 70, operation switch 72, and release input unit 73) without entering the cabin (driver's seat protection device) 33. In this embodiment, the charging operation unit 7 (charging port 70, operation switch 72, and release input unit 73) is provided as part of the side exterior body 34b, so that an operator can perform charging operations (access) from one side (right side) in the width direction of the machine body 3.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, at least the operation switch 72 and the release input unit 73 are arranged adjacent to each other. In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the operation switch 72 and the release input unit 73 are arranged side by side. Furthermore, the operation switch 72 and the release input unit 73 are arranged near the charging port 70. In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the charging port 70 is arranged below the operation switch 72 and the release input unit 73.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 , the charging cable 10 has a primary connection part 100 at its base end (one longitudinal end) that is connected to the charging device CM, and a secondary connection part 101 at its tip end (the other longitudinal end) that can be connected to the charging port 70. In this embodiment, the secondary connection part 101 of the charging cable 10 is a male connector, whereas the charging port 70 is a female connector that can be connected (plugged into) a male connector and is electrically connected to the battery 6. Note that the male and female connectors may be reversed. In this embodiment, the charging port 70 is a female connector with a cover 70 a that can be connected to the secondary connection part 101 (male connector) of the charging cable 10 when the cover 70 a is open.

[0049] Locking device 71 is switchable between a state in which charging cable 10 connected to charging port 70 is prevented from coming loose and a state in which charging cable 10 can be removed from charging port 70. That is, locking device 71 is switchable between a locked state in which removal of charging cable 10 is prevented and an unlocked state in which removal of charging cable 10 is permitted.

[0050] The locking device 71 is placed in at least an unlocked state based on the operation (operation signal) of the operation switch 72. In this embodiment, the locking device 71 is placed in the locked state by mechanical operation and in the unlocked state by electrical operation. That is, the locking device 71 mechanically (operationally) engages with the secondary connection portion 101 to enter a locked state (a state in which the locking device 71 is prevented from coming off) in response to the insertion (connection) of the charging cable 10 (secondary connection portion 101) into the charging port 70, and then electrically (electrically) or electromagnetically releases the engagement (locked state) with the secondary connection portion 101 based on the unlock signal accompanying the operation of the operation switch 72 to enter the unlocked state.

[0051] Specifically, the locking device 71 of this embodiment has an engaging body 710 that can be changed in posture or position (position changeable in this embodiment) between an engaged state in which it engages with the secondary connection part 101 of the charging cable 10 connected to the charging port 70 and a disengaged state in which it disengages from the secondary connection part 101, a biasing means that biases the engaging body 710 to bring the engaging body 710 into the engaged state by the biasing means, and an electric or electromagnetic actuator that brings the engaged engaging body 710 into the disengaged state.

[0052] In locking device 71 configured as described above, when secondary connection portion 101 of charging cable 10 is inserted (connected) into charging port 70, the biasing force of the biasing means causes engaging body 710 to fit into secondary connection portion 101 (e.g., a groove or hole provided in secondary connection portion 101) of charging cable 10. As a result, engaging body 710 and secondary connection portion 101 engage with each other in the connecting direction and enter a locked state, and locking device 71 prevents charging cable 10 from being removed.

[0053] The locking device 71 (actuator) is electrically connected to the control device 8 (see FIG. 3 ) and operates based on a signal (input signal) from the control device 8, causing the engaging body 710 to retract from an engaged state and enter a disengaged state. This disengages the engaging body 710 from the secondary connection portion 101 of the charging cable 10, setting it to an unlocked state and allowing the charging cable 10 to be removed. Note that if an electromagnetic solenoid incorporating a coil spring as a biasing means is used as the actuator, the engaging body 710, the biasing means, and the actuator are integrally configured.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3 , the operation switch 72 is electrically connected to the control device 8. The operation switch 72 is a push button switch having an a-contact or a b-contact, and outputs a signal to the control device 8 when the operation switch 72 is pressed. In this embodiment, an a-contact push button switch is used as the operation switch 72, and when the operation switch 72 is pressed, it outputs a signal indicating that the user has operated the switch to the control device 8. Assuming that the locking device 71 is in a locked state (that the charging cable 10 is connected to the charging port 70), when the operator presses the operation switch 72, the operation switch 72 cooperates with the control device 8 to output a signal indicating that the locking device 71 is unlocked, a signal indicating that charging of the battery 6 is started, a signal indicating that charging of the battery 6 is scheduled (timer reservation), or a signal indicating that charging of the battery 6 is terminated (stopped or interrupted), depending on the processing status at that time.

[0055] The release input unit 73 accepts a predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information for switching from the operation restricted state to the operation permitted state. The release input unit 73 of this embodiment also accepts a predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information for switching from the operation permitted state to the operation restricted state.

[0056] The release input unit 73 may acquire, as authentication information, biometric information (e.g., fingerprint or iris) of the operator attempting to switch between the operation restricted state and the operation permitted state, input information of a PIN or password, or an authentication signal transmitted from a wireless device held by the operator, and may accept the operation of switching between the operation restricted state and the operation permitted state by comparing the acquired authentication information with pre-registered information, but the release input unit 73 of this embodiment accepts the operation of switching between the operation restricted state and the operation permitted state by accepting a specified operation.

[0057] 6, the release input unit 73 can be linked with an identifier 73b that is in a corresponding relationship with the release input unit 73. That is, the release input unit 73 can be switched between an operation permitted state in which operation of the operation switch 72 is enabled by linking with the identifier 73b, and an operation restricted state in which operation of the operation switch 72 is disabled by releasing the link with the identifier 73b.

[0058] The release input unit 73 in this embodiment is electrically connected to the control device 8 (see FIG. 3 ). The release input unit 73 transmits a signal when cooperation with at least the identifier 73b is established. In this embodiment, when cooperation with the identifier 73b is established, the release input unit 73 outputs a signal to the control device 8 indicating that the operation is permitted (operation of the operation switch 72 is permitted), and when cooperation with the identifier 73b is released, the release input unit 73 outputs a signal to the control device 8 indicating that the operation is restricted (operation of the operation switch 72 is restricted). The signal here is the strength or presence or absence of an electrical signal, and in this embodiment, the output of the signal indicating the operation is permitted and the output of the signal indicating the operation is restricted are distinguished (distinguished) by the presence or absence of electricity (current) due to switching between energization and de-energization.

[0059] Specifically, the release input unit 73 in this embodiment is a key cylinder (key switch) including a contact switch 730, and the contact switch 730 is electrically connected to the control device 8. The release input unit 73 can be switched on / off depending on whether or not it is linked to a key 73b that serves as an identifier and that corresponds to the release input unit 73.

[0060] Specifically, the release input unit 73 has a keyhole 73a, and when the key 73b is inserted into the keyhole 73a, the key 73b activates the contact switch 730. In the release input unit 73 of this embodiment, the contact switch 730 is an a-contact switch, which is turned on (energized) when the key 73b is inserted into the keyhole 73a and outputs an electrical signal (electricity) to the control device 8, and when the key 73b is removed from the keyhole 73a, it is turned off (circuit interrupted) and stops outputting the electrical signal (electricity) to the control device 8. That is, the predetermined operation of the release input unit 73 of this embodiment is the insertion and removal of the key 73b into and from the keyhole 73a.

[0061] As is clear from this, in this embodiment, the link between the release input unit 73 and the key 73b (identifier 73b) is achieved by inserting and removing the key 73b into the keyhole 73a, with the link state being achieved when the key 73b is inserted into the key switch and the link being released when the key 73b is removed from the key switch. Note that the link between the release input unit 73 and the key 73b and its release is not limited to the insertion and removal of the key 73b into and from the release input unit 73. For example, the link between the release input unit 73 and the key 73b and its release may be achieved by rotating the key 73b forward or backward while the key 73b is inserted into the release input unit 73.

[0062] In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the key 73b linked to the release input unit 73 also serves as a key for locking the door provided in the cabin 33. This allows the locking of the work machine 1 and management of charging of the battery 6 to be performed with a single key 73b (identifier 73b).

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the security setting unit 91 is provided near the driver's seat 32. In this embodiment, the security setting unit 91 is disposed inside the cabin 33 (driver's compartment DR) and disposed near the driver's seat 32. In this embodiment, the cabin 33 can be locked (the opening and closing doors can be locked), and only an operator who can unlock the opening and closing doors can perform a predetermined mode setting operation on the security setting unit 91. In this embodiment, the monitor 9 also serves as the security setting unit 91. That is, the monitor 9 is a touch panel monitor and is connected to the control device 8, so that it can receive touch operations and the like as a predetermined mode setting operation and can transmit the received signal to the control device 8.

[0064] As a result, the control device 8 switches the state of the security system, based on the operation input to the monitor 9, between a security deactivation mode, which is an operation-permitted state in which operation input via the operation switch 72 is always enabled, and a security activation mode, which is an operation-restricted state in which operation input via the operation switch 72 is disabled until a predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information is received via the release input unit 73. In other words, the security system can be switched, by a predetermined mode setting operation to the security setting unit 91, between a security deactivation mode in which operation input via the operation switch 72 is always enabled, and a security activation mode in which operation input via the operation switch 72 is enabled when the release input unit 73 receives a predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information (a predetermined operation in this embodiment).

[0065] As described above, the control device 8 controls the charging of the battery 6. In this embodiment, the control device 8 controls the opening and closing of the internal circuit of the battery 6, as well as the overall control of the work machine 1. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7 , the control device 8 has a drive mode Ma in which the electric motor 5 and electrical devices are driven by power supplied from the battery 6, and a chargeable mode Mb in which the battery 6 can be charged.

[0066] In this embodiment, in the chargeable mode Mb, the control device 8 performs charging control in accordance with the temperature environment that affects the performance of the battery 6. Specifically, in the chargeable mode Mb, the control device 8 has at least a low temperature environment mode Mc1 that performs charging control of the battery 6 in a low temperature environment and a normal environment mode Mc2 that performs charging control of the battery 6 in a normal environment that is hotter than the low temperature environment, as environment modes Mc that are set for each temperature environment that affects the performance of the battery 6. In this embodiment, in addition to the low temperature environment mode Mc1 and the normal environment mode Mc2, the control device 8 also has a high temperature environment mode Mc3 that performs charging control of the battery 6 in a high temperature environment that is hotter than the normal environment, as environment modes Mc.

[0067] In each of the low-temperature environment mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, and high-temperature environment mode Mc3, the control device 8 has a normal charging mode Md1 in which the battery 6 is charged at a timing desired by the user, and a timer charging mode Md2 in which the battery 6 is charged at a preset time, as charging modes Md related to the charging manner of the battery 6. In the timer charging mode Md2, the control device 8 also has a time priority mode Me1 in which the battery 6 is charged with priority given to a set time, and a full charge priority mode Me2 in which full charging of the battery 6 is prioritized.

[0068] Specifically, drive mode Ma is a mode for driving the electric motor 5 to operate the traveling device 2 and the work device 4 to perform work. That is, drive mode Ma is a state in which the battery 6 supplies power to the electric motor 5. In contrast, chargeable mode Mb is a mode in which the power system PS (power supply circuit) connecting the battery 6 and the electric motor 5 is opened, thereby stopping the power supply from the battery 6 to the electric motor 5 and enabling charging of the battery 6 (charging controlled by the control device 8). That is, chargeable mode Mb is a standby mode in which the power supply (power supply from the control battery B in this embodiment) to the lock device 71, operation switch 72, release input unit 73, and control device 8 is maintained, and the drive mode Ma is waited for.

[0069] The work machine 1 of this embodiment has a start switch 85 (see FIG. 8 ). The start switch 85 is an ON / OFF switch that switches ON / OFF (start / stop) the power supply from the battery 6 (power supply to the electric motor and other electrical devices 5, CV, and IV). In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, when the start switch 85 (or operation of the start switch 85) is in the ON (start) state, power is supplied from the battery 6 to all of the electric devices 5, CV, and IV, including the electric motor 5. When the start switch 85 (or operation of the start switch 85) is in the OFF (stop) state, the power supply from the battery 6 is cut off, and power is supplied to the lock device 71, the operation switch 72, the release input unit 73, and the control device 8 (power is supplied from the control battery B in this embodiment).

[0070] That is, in the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the control device 8 is in the drive mode Ma when the start switch 85 is in the ON state, and in the chargeable mode Mb when the start switch 85 is in the OFF state. Note that if the start switch 85 has an intermediate position between ON and OFF (a so-called ACC position) that allows power to be supplied to electrical devices other than the electric motor 5 that is the drive source, the control device 8 may be in the chargeable mode Mb even when the start switch 85 is in the intermediate position (ACC position). That is, the control device 8 may be configured to maintain the chargeable mode Mb even when the start switch 85 is switched (changed) between OFF and the intermediate position.

[0071] 8, the work machine 1 includes a storage unit 80 that stores a plurality of charge setting patterns, each of which sets at least a charge start timing for starting charging of the battery 6 and a charge end timing for ending charging of the battery 6. Accordingly, the control device 8 selects a charge setting pattern that suits the current situation from the plurality of charge setting patterns, controls charging of the battery 6 based on the selected charge setting pattern, and ends charging of the battery 6 at the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern.

[0072] The work machine 1 includes at least one of an electricity rate storage unit 87 that stores electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate, and an electricity rate acquisition unit that acquires the electricity rate information from an external source. In this embodiment, the work machine includes only the electricity rate storage unit 87, but if the work machine includes an electricity rate acquisition unit, the electricity rate acquisition unit acquires the electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate from an external source (for example, an electric power company) via a public communication line, either wired or wirelessly. The electricity rate information is used when the control device 8 sets a charge setting pattern.

[0073] Accordingly, the electricity rate information acquired from the outside by the electricity rate acquisition unit is temporarily stored in the electricity rate storage unit 87, and when setting a charge setting pattern, the electricity rate information may be input from the electricity rate storage unit 87 to the control device 8 (a processing unit 81 described later), or may be input from the electricity rate acquisition unit to the control device 8 (processing unit 81) via the input unit 82. In this embodiment, the storage unit 80 is incorporated in the control device 8, and the electricity rate storage unit 87 is incorporated in the storage unit 80. That is, the storage unit 80 also serves as the electricity rate storage unit 87.

[0074] 3, the work machine 1 is provided with an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as ECU) 8a as a control device 8 that controls the entire work machine 1. In this embodiment, since a battery 6, which is a battery pack, is employed as the power supply source, the work machine 1 (battery 6) is provided with a battery management system (hereinafter referred to as BMS) 8b as another control device 8 that monitors and controls the battery 6.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 8 (ECU 8a) includes a memory unit 80 that stores a plurality of charge setting patterns in which a charge start timing for starting charging of the battery 6 and a charge end timing for ending charging of the battery 6 are set, and a processing unit 81 that selects a charge setting pattern that corresponds to the current situation from the plurality of charge setting patterns stored in the memory unit 80, and executes charging processing of the battery 6 based on the selected charge setting pattern.

[0076] More specifically, the control device 8 (ECU 8a) includes a storage unit 80 that stores information, a processing unit 81 that performs processing based on the information stored in the storage unit 80, an input unit 82 that is electrically connected to the processing unit 81 and inputs an electric signal as input information from an external electric device to the processing unit 81, and an output unit 83 that is electrically connected to the processing unit 81 and outputs an instruction signal (electric signal) as output information from the processing unit 81 to the external electric device. The control device 8 also includes a clock unit 84 that keeps track of the current date and time.

[0077] The processing unit 81 is a CPU (MPU) that performs calculation control and includes a calculation unit 81 a and a control unit 81 b. The processing unit 81 (calculation unit 81 a and control unit 81 b) also functions as a clock unit 84. That is, the processing unit 81 counts the current date and time based on the number of clocks.

[0078] In the control device 8 according to this embodiment, the storage unit 80 includes a first storage unit 80a that temporarily or short-term stores information used in processing by the processing unit 81 (the calculation unit 81a and the control unit 81b), and a second storage unit 80b that long-term stores information used in processing by the processing unit 81 (the calculation unit 81a and the control unit 81b). The first storage unit 80a is a so-called memory, and the second storage unit 80b is a storage device such as a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0079] The storage unit 80 (second storage unit 80b) stores a plurality of charge setting patterns, each having a set charge start timing and a set charge end timing, as described above, as information related to charge control of the battery 6. For each of the plurality of charge setting patterns, the charge start timing (start) is stored in the storage unit 80 as charge start information, and the charge end timing (end) is stored in the storage unit 80 as charge end information. That is, the charge setting pattern is stored in the storage unit 80 (second storage unit 80b) as combined information of the charge start information and the charge end information, as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0080] In this embodiment, the multiple charge setting patterns include a charge setting pattern in which only the charge start timing and the charge end timing are set, as well as a charge setting pattern in which, in addition to the charge start timing and the charge end timing, an interruption timing is set between the charge start timing and the charge end timing to temporarily stop charging of the battery 6.

[0081] In this embodiment, the charge setting patterns with interruption timing include a charge setting pattern in which the charging process is interrupted when charging to a predetermined specified charge amount is completed and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a predetermined charge amount is reached before the charging end timing.Furthermore, the charge setting patterns with interruption timing include a charge setting pattern in which charging to a predetermined specified charge amount is performed during a time period when electricity rates are low, and the charging process is suspended after that, and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a predetermined charge amount is reached before the charging end timing.

[0082] Although the charge start information and charge end information of each charge setting pattern may each be a time (period) from a certain time (time) to another time (time), in this embodiment, the charge start information and charge end information each include a time (hour, minute) that is an hour (a point in time). That is, the charge start information includes the time (hour, minute) as the charging start timing of the battery 6, and the charge end information includes the time (hour, minute) as the charging end timing of the battery 6.

[0083] In this embodiment, the charge start information and charge end information of each charge setting pattern each include a day of the week (specifying a day) in addition to a time. That is, the charge start information includes a day of the week as one element of the charge start timing for starting charging of the battery 6, and the charge start information includes a day of the week as one element of the charge end timing for ending charging of the battery 6. Accordingly, the storage unit 80 (second storage unit 80b) stores a combination of a day of the week and a time as each of the charge start information and charge end information of the charge setting pattern. In this embodiment, the storage unit 80 (second storage unit 80b) stores a plurality of sets of charge setting patterns each having different combinations of a day of the week and a time. That is, the storage unit 80 (second storage unit 80b) stores a plurality of charge setting patterns as a database.

[0084] 10, the memory unit 80 (second memory unit 80b) stores a work schedule including work periods during which the electric devices are operated and non-work periods during which the electric devices are not operated. In other words, the memory unit 80 (second memory unit 80b) stores a work schedule including work periods during which the work machine 1 performs work and non-work periods during which the work machine 1 does not perform work.

[0085] Here, in the work schedule, work periods and non-work periods are specified by days (days of the week or dates) and time periods. That is, work periods are stored in memory unit 80 as days (days of the week or dates) on which work is performed and time periods that start when work begins and end when work ends, and non-work periods are stored in memory unit 80 as days of the week or dates on which work is not performed and time periods that start when the non-work state begins (or work ends) and end when the non-work state ends (or work starts) on those days or dates.

[0086] The working period is a period during which work is performed using the work machine 1 and during which the battery 6 cannot be charged, and is therefore stored in the storage unit 80 as a charging prohibited period. The non-working period is a period during which the electrically powered equipment is not driven, i.e., a period during which the work machine 1 is not used, and during which the battery 6 can be charged, and is therefore stored in the storage unit 80 as a chargeable period.

[0087] Information about the work schedule (working periods and non-working periods) can be added, changed, or deleted. That is, the work machine 1 includes an information input unit 90 that can edit information (charge setting patterns and work schedules) stored in the storage unit 80. In this embodiment, the information input unit 90 can be used to change the charge setting patterns, as well as to add or change new charge setting patterns and other information (information input). As described above, in this embodiment, the storage unit 80 pre-stores non-working periods (chargeable periods) for which charging start information (time) and charging end information (time) can be set. However, when setting the charging start information (time) and charging end information (time), the monitor 9 (information input unit 90) can be operated (the worker's intention) to switch between taking the work period stored in the storage unit 80 into consideration (setting a charging prohibited period) and not taking the work period into consideration (not setting a charging prohibited period).

[0088] 8, the input unit 82 and the output unit 83 are so-called interfaces. An electrical device that outputs an electrical signal as information is connected to the input unit 82. On the other hand, an electrical device that inputs an electrical signal as information is connected to the output unit 83.

[0089] Specifically, the input unit 82 is connected to the operation switch 72, the release input unit 73, the start switch 85, the temperature sensor (outside air temperature sensor) S, etc. On the other hand, the output unit 83 is connected to the electric motor 5 which is an electric actuator, the locking device 71, the indicator 74, etc. In this embodiment, the monitor 9 is a touch panel type, and also functions as an information input unit 90 for inputting information and a security setting unit 91. Accordingly, the monitor 9 is connected to the input unit 82 and the output unit 83 to transmit and receive information (signals) to and from the control device 8 (processing unit 81).

[0090] The BMS 8b is a control board (mounting board) specialized for the battery 6, and the ECU 8a is the control device 8 that is higher than the BMS 8b. That is, the BMS 8b collects information about the battery 6 and performs controls such as opening and closing the electrical circuits (internal relays) within the battery 6. The BMS 8b is electrically connected to the ECU 8a and is under the control of the ECU 8a. Accordingly, the BMS 8b is connected to an input unit 82 and an output unit 83 of the control device 8 (ECU 8a) and also follows instructions and commands from the ECU 8a, functioning as the control device 8 together with the ECU 8a when controlling the charging of the battery 6. In this way, the BMS 8a functions as the control device 8 that controls the charging of the battery 6 together with the ECU 8a, but unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given assuming that the ECU 8a is the control device 8.

[0091] The BMS 8b is provided for each of the battery packs 60 that make up the battery 6. The BMS 8b measures and monitors the overall temperature, current, and voltage of each battery pack 60, and also detects the current charge (remaining charge) of each battery pack 60. In this embodiment, the ECU 8a, which is the control device 8 higher than the BMS 8b, aggregates the charge amounts of each of the battery packs 60 detected by the BMS 8b and calculates (detects) the total remaining charge, which is the charge (storage) amount of the entire battery 6. That is, in the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the BMS 8b also functions as a detection device that detects the charge (remaining charge) of the battery 6 (battery packs 60) based on the current or voltage value of the battery 6. In this embodiment, the BMS 8b monitors (measures) the battery packs 60 that make up the battery 6. However, in addition to overall monitoring (measurement), the BMS 8b may also monitor (measure) the temperature, voltage, and current of the multiple battery cells installed inside the battery 6.

[0092] In this embodiment, in drive mode Ma, the control device 8 (ECU 8a) controls the power supply from the battery 6 to the electric motor 5 and other electric devices. Furthermore, in chargeable mode Mb, when the charge amount of the battery 6 is less than the charge amount at full charge (full charge amount value) and when the charging device CM is connected to the charging port 70 via the charging cable 10 (when charging is being performed), the control device 8 (ECU 8a, BMS 8b) controls charging of the battery 6.

[0093] In normal charging mode Md1, when the operation switch 72 is pressed with the charging cable 10 connected to the charging port 70, the control device 8 starts charging the battery 6 based on the operation signal from the operation switch 72, and when the operation switch 72 is pressed again while the battery 6 is being charged, the control device 8 ends or stops charging the battery 6 based on the operation signal from the operation switch 72, regardless of whether the battery 6 is fully charged or not. Note that in normal charging mode Md1, the control device 8 ends charging if the battery 6 becomes fully charged before the operation signal from the operation switch 72 to end or stop charging of the battery 6 is input.

[0094] The control device 8 has a charge standby mode in which charging of the battery 6 is waited until a predetermined start condition is met and charging is started when the start condition is met. In the charge standby mode, the predetermined start condition is a preset charge start timing, and charging of the battery 6 is waited until the charge start timing is reached and charging of the battery 6 is started when the charge start timing is reached. That is, in this embodiment, the charge standby mode is a timer charge mode Md2, and in the timer charge mode Md2, the control device 8 controls charging of the battery 6 based on charge start information (charge start timing) and charge end information (charge end timing) as the predetermined start condition.

[0095] As described above, the charging start information (charging start timing) and the charging end information (charging end timing) each include a time. Accordingly, the time can be input into the information input unit 90 as the charging start information and the charging end information. The information input unit 90 can also edit the charging setting pattern to be stored in the storage unit 80. In this embodiment, the charging start information (charging start timing) and the charging end information (charging end timing) each include a specific day of the week in addition to a time, and therefore the specific day of the week and time can be input into the information input unit 90. As described above, the charging start information and the charging end information input into the information input unit 90 are stored in the storage unit 80 as a database together with the identification information.

[0096] The control device 8 acquires charge start information indicating the start timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be started, which is the start timing desired by the operator, and selects a charge setting pattern to be used for charge control according to the acquired charge start information. Note that "acquire" in the description of the control device 8 means that the control device 8 acquires information input to the information input unit 90. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be started and included in the information start information set in the charge setting pattern is referred to as the charge start timing, and the timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be stopped and included in the information start information set in the charge setting pattern is referred to as the charge stop timing. In contrast, the start timing and stop timing refer to the timing desired by the operator and are input to the information input unit 90 and acquired by the control device 8.

[0097] Specifically, the control device 8 selects a charge setting pattern to be used for charge control based on the acquired charge start information (start timing) and the current date and time. In this embodiment, the control device 8 preferentially selects, from among a plurality of charge setting patterns, a charge setting pattern that will fully charge the battery 6 by the charge end timing or a charge setting pattern that will cause the battery 6 to be charged to a predetermined amount or more, as a charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

[0098] That is, the processing unit 81 selects, from among the multiple charge setting patterns stored in the storage unit 80, a charge setting pattern that can charge the battery 6 with an amount of charge (a charge amount required for full charge or a charge amount required for a charge amount greater than a predetermined amount) that should be compensated for the current charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6 detected by the detection device 8b, and whose charge start information is closest to the current timing result (date and time) of the timing unit 84. In this embodiment, the control device 8 selects, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, a charge setting pattern that will fully charge the battery 6 by the charging end timing or a charge setting pattern that will make the battery 6 equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount, and that has a charge start timing closest to the current date and time, a charge setting pattern that has the earliest timing at which the battery 6 becomes full charge or equal to or greater than the predetermined charge amount, or a charge setting pattern that has a timing at which the battery 6 becomes full charge or equal to or greater than the predetermined charge amount that is closest to the charging end timing.

[0099] That is, the processing unit 81 selects a charging setting pattern including charging start information that includes the current day of the week or a day of the week close to the current day as the charging start timing, and that sets the charging start timing to the time closest to the current time.

[0100] Then, the control device 8 (processing unit 81) determines whether or not it is permissible to charge the battery 6 using the selected charge setting pattern. That is, although a work schedule is stored in the storage unit 80, the work schedule is changed depending on the situation at the work site, etc. Therefore, even if the charge setting pattern allows the battery 6 to be charged at the time the charge setting pattern is set (the time the charge setting pattern is stored in the storage unit 80), the charge setting pattern may overlap with a work period in which charging is prohibited at the time the battery 6 is to be charged. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is permissible to charge the battery 6 using the selected charge pattern.

[0101] Specifically, the control device 8 identifies the next work period based on the current date and time (the timing result of the timing unit 84) and the work schedule stored in the storage unit 80. Then, when the control device 8 determines that the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern falls within the identified next work period (charging prohibited period), the control device 8 sets the timing a predetermined time before the next work period as charge end information indicating the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern.

[0102] Then, the control device 8 (processing unit 81) starts charging based on the time of the charging start information included in the selected charging setting pattern, and when the time of the charging end information included in that charging setting pattern (or the changed charging end information if changed) arrives, it determines that the charging end time has arrived and ends charging.

[0103] However, if the processing unit 81 determines that the battery 6 has reached full charge based on the detection result of the detection device 8b, it stops the execution of the charging process before the charge end timing indicated in the charge end information is reached. However, depending on the relationship between the charge amount (remaining charge) of the battery 6 and the charging time, the battery 6 may not be fully charged even when the charge end timing is reached. Taking this into consideration, as described above, in the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the control device 8 is configured to be able to set a full charge priority mode Me2 that fully charges the battery 6. In this embodiment, the control device 8 has a time priority mode Me1 that prioritizes the charge end timing regardless of the charge state of the battery 6, and a full charge priority mode Me2 that prioritizes fully charging the battery 6 when charging the battery 6, assuming that the control device 8 is in the chargeable mode Mb.

[0104] When the time-priority mode Me1 is set, the processing unit 81 forcibly terminates charging of the battery 6 when the charge end timing in the charge end information of the selected charge setting pattern is reached. In contrast, when the full-charge priority mode Me2 is set, the processing unit 81 calculates the required charge time required to fully charge the battery 6 based on the detection result of the detection device 8b, acquires charge end information indicating the charge end timing for terminating charging of the battery 6, and, if a full charge is not achieved by the charge end timing in the acquired charge end information regardless of which of the multiple charge setting modes stored in the storage unit 80 is selected, changes the charge start timing of any of the charge setting modes to a timing that allows full charge by the charge end timing or a timing that maximizes the charge amount of the battery at the charge end timing in the acquired charge end information, and performs charging control based on the changed charge setting mode. In this embodiment, when the control device 8 determines, based on the charge setting pattern and required charge time in the charge start information and the charge end information, that the battery 6 will be fully charged by or at the charge end timing in the charge end information, the control device 8 starts charging at the charge start timing (time) included in the charge start information and charges the battery 6 until it is fully charged. In this embodiment, when the processing unit 81 determines that the battery 6 will be fully charged by the charging end timing of the charging end information, it interrupts the charging process before the battery 6 is fully charged and then resumes charging, and the battery 6 is fully charged at the charging end timing of the charging end information.

[0105] Specifically, the processing unit 81 calculates the available charge time (available charge time) from the charge start timing (time) in the charge start information and the charge end timing (time) in the charge end information. Additionally, the processing unit 81 calculates the required charge amount from the actual amount of power stored in the battery 6 and calculates the time required to charge the battery 6 with that amount of power (required charge time). The processing unit 81 then compares the available charge time with the required charge time, assuming that the charge start timing (time) for starting charging is the same, and determines whether the end time of the required charge time is within the available charge time or exceeds it. If the end time of the required charge time is within the available charge time, the processing unit 81 calculates the difference between the end time and the charging end timing, sets the result as the interruption time (time for temporarily pausing charging), and interrupts charging of the battery 6 for the interruption time between the charging start timing and the charging end timing. As a result, the processing unit 81 performs charging processing (control) for the battery 6 in the order of charging, interrupting, and charging the battery 6, and ends charging at the charging end timing in the charging end information.

[0106] Furthermore, if the processing unit 81 determines that the battery 6 will not be fully charged at the charging end timing of the charging end information, it changes the charging start information so that the battery 6 will be fully charged at the charging end timing of the charging end information. That is, the processing unit 81 starts charging the battery 6 earlier than the charging start timing of the charging start information, thereby ensuring the charging time required for full charging.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 10 , when at least one of the charging start information and the charging end information input to the information input unit 90 is set to a time in a time zone (working period) different from the non-working period (a chargeable period in which the time as charging start information and the time as charging end information can be set) stored in the memory unit 80, the processing unit 81 changes at least one of the time as charging start information and the time as charging end information to the time closest to the non-working period.

[0108] The electricity rate information stored in the storage unit 80 (electricity rate storage unit 87) indicates the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate. That is, the electricity rate information associates the electricity rate with the time period during which electricity is used. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the storage unit 80 (electricity rate storage unit 87) stores information on late-night hours when electricity rates are lower, daytime hours when electricity rates are normal, early morning hours when electricity rates are between the late-night and daytime rates, and nighttime hours. Hereinafter, the daytime hours will be referred to as the first time period, the nighttime and early morning hours will be referred to as the second time period, and the late-night hours will be referred to as the third time period. Note that the relationship between the time period and the electricity rate may change depending on the situation. However, in this example, it is assumed that the electricity rate for the first time period is higher than the electricity rates for the second and third time periods, and that the electricity rate for the second time period is higher than the electricity rate for the third time period (the electricity rate for the third time period is the lowest).

[0109] As described above, the control device 8 preferentially selects the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control that results in the lowest electricity rate among the charge setting patterns that will fully charge the battery 6 by the charging completion timing or the charge setting patterns that will cause the battery 6 to be charged to a predetermined amount or more.

[0110] In this embodiment, the control device 8 selects, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, a charge setting pattern in which the time of the charge start information (charge start timing) and the time of the charge end information (charge end timing) fall in the time slot with the lowest electricity rate (second time slot or third time slot) from among the charge setting patterns in which the battery 6 is fully charged by the charge end timing or the charge setting pattern in which the battery 6 is charged to a predetermined amount or more by the charge end timing. This enables the battery 6 to be charged during the time slot with the lowest electricity rate.

[0111] In this embodiment, the control device 8 automatically switches the environment mode Mc during the chargeable mode Mb. Specifically, the control device 8 sets the environment mode Mc2 when the measurement result of the temperature sensor S is higher than a predetermined temperature, and sets the environment mode Mc1 when the measurement result of the temperature sensor S is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature. Furthermore, the control device 8 sets the environment mode Mc3 when the measurement result of the temperature sensor S is higher than the normal environment.

[0112] The temperature sensor S may be, for example, an outside air temperature sensor that measures the outside air temperature, or an oil temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the hydraulic oil (preferably the oil temperature at the inlet side of an oil cooler that cools the hydraulic oil) that operates hydraulic equipment (e.g., the travel motor M1 or the swing motor M2). Furthermore, if the equipment that performs a predetermined function (e.g., the electric motor 5, the electrical equipment 5, CV, IV, etc., such as the inverter IV) is liquid-cooled, the work machine 1 is equipped with a cooling device (a so-called radiator) that forcibly cools the coolant that cools the equipment. Therefore, the temperature sensor S may also be a liquid temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the coolant (preferably the temperature at the inlet side of the cooling device). In other words, the work machine 1 may be equipped with a temperature sensor S that measures the temperature of a medium whose temperature changes due to the temperature of the external environment or the temperature of the external pipe environment.

[0113] If the temperature sensor S is an outside air temperature sensor that measures the outside air temperature, the control device 8 sets the normal environment mode Mc2 when the measurement result of the outside air temperature sensor S is higher than a predetermined temperature, and sets the low temperature environment mode Mc1 when the measurement result of the outside air temperature sensor S is below the predetermined temperature.

[0114] If the temperature sensor S is an oil temperature sensor that measures the temperature of hydraulic oil, the control device 8 sets the environment mode to normal environment mode Mc2 when the measurement result of the oil temperature sensor S is higher than a predetermined temperature, and sets the environment mode to low temperature environment mode Mc1 when the measurement result of the oil temperature sensor S is lower than the predetermined temperature. If the temperature sensor S is a liquid temperature sensor that measures the temperature of coolant, the control device 8 sets the environment mode to normal environment mode Mc2 when the measurement result of the liquid temperature sensor S is higher than a predetermined temperature, and sets the environment mode to low temperature environment mode Mc1 when the measurement result of the liquid temperature sensor S is lower than the predetermined temperature. In either case, the control device 8 sets the environment mode to high temperature environment mode Mc3 when the measurement result of the temperature sensor (outside air temperature sensor, oil temperature sensor, liquid temperature sensor) S is higher than the normal environment.

[0115] In either case, the predetermined temperature that serves as the basis for switching (changing) between the normal environment mode Mc2 and the low temperature environment mode Mc1 is any temperature within a predetermined temperature range, and is set to any temperature within the temperature range of -20°C to 0°C, for example. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature is set to 0°C. The temperature range that is considered to be the normal environment is a temperature range in which the battery 6 and equipment (electric motor 5, hydraulic equipment (e.g., hydraulic pump P), etc.) can perform normally (perform according to their specifications), and in this embodiment, is set to 1°C to 35°C.

[0116] In this embodiment, an outside air temperature sensor is used as the temperature sensor S, which measures the temperature of the external environment (outside air temperature), and the control device 8 changes (sets) the environmental mode based on the outside air temperature.

[0117] Based on this premise, the control device 8 sets the full charge amount (charge amount) of the battery 6 as a first full charge amount value under normal conditions and a second full charge amount value under low temperature conditions, which is set to a value higher than the first full charge amount value, as shown in Figure 11.

[0118] That is, the memory unit 80 (second memory unit 80b) of the control device 8 stores, in correspondence with each other, a plurality of environmental modes Mc (low temperature environmental mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, high temperature environmental mode Mc3), full charge amount values ​​(first full charge amount value, second full charge amount value, third full charge amount value) of the plurality of environmental modes Mc (low temperature environmental mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, high temperature environmental mode Mc3), and temperature conditions (reference temperatures to be compared with the measurement results of the temperature sensor S) that serve as the reference for the plurality of environmental modes Mc (low temperature environmental mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, high temperature environmental mode Mc3).

[0119] The control device 8 charges the battery 6 to a first full charge amount in the normal environment mode Mc2, and charges the battery 6 to a second full charge amount in the low temperature environment mode Mc1. The control device 8 sets a third full charge amount in a high temperature environment as the full charge amount of the battery 6. The third full charge amount is set to a value lower than the first full charge amount in the high temperature environment mode Mc3.

[0120] The second full charge amount value is set to a value higher than the first full charge amount value by the amount of power required to warm up the battery 6. In other words, the first full charge amount value is set to a value lower than the second full charge amount value by a predetermined percentage of the second full charge amount value. In this embodiment, the original full charge capacity (100%) according to the specifications of the battery 6 is set to the second full charge amount value, and a value lower by a predetermined percentage than the original full charge amount (100%) according to the specifications of the battery 6 (the amount of power used for warm-up (the amount of power required to warm up the battery 6, which has cooled to the lower limit of the usable temperature range of the work machine 1, to the normal operating temperature range of the battery 6); for example, a value that is −10% of the second full charge amount value, i.e., 90% of the original full charge amount) is set to the first full charge amount value, which is a virtual full charge capacity. Furthermore, a value that is a predetermined percentage lower than the first full charge amount value, which is the virtual full charge capacity (for example, a value of -20%: 80% of the actual full charge capacity), is set to be the third full charge amount value, which is the virtual full charge capacity.

[0121] In the low temperature environment mode Mc1, the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display a full charge when the charge capacity of the battery 6 is greater than the first full charge amount value and less than or equal to the second full charge amount value, and in the normal environment mode Mc2, causes the monitor 9 to display a full charge when the charge capacity of the battery 6 is the first full charge amount value. Also, the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display a full charge when the charge capacity of the battery 6 is the third full charge amount value.

[0122] In this embodiment, the low temperature environment mode Mc1 warms up the battery 6 before transitioning to the drive mode Ma. This warm-up may be achieved by increasing the temperature of the battery 6 through charging, or by using a heater provided in the battery 6. In light of this warm-up, in this embodiment, when the timer charge mode Md2 is set in the low temperature environment mode Mc1 and the full charge priority mode Me2 is also set, the control device 8 incorporates the warm-up time into the charging time required to fully charge the battery 6. Accordingly, when the timer charge mode Md2 is set in the low temperature environment mode Mc1 and the full charge priority mode Me2 is also set, the control device 8 starts warming up the battery 6 at a timing prior to the end of charging, by the time required to warm up the battery 6.

[0123] Specifically, in this embodiment, the charge end timing of the charge end information for timer charge mode Md2 is the start time of work (the timing of transition to drive mode Ma). Accordingly, the control device 8 includes a warm-up time in the charging time of the battery 6. That is, in this embodiment, in low-temperature environment mode Mc1, the required charging time includes the charging time for actually charging the battery 6 and the warm-up time for warming the battery 6. In this way, by warming up the battery 6 to an appropriate temperature during the warm-up time before transitioning to drive mode Ma, the battery 6 is in an appropriate state at the start of work (when transitioning to drive mode Ma), and therefore performs at its maximum potential after transitioning to drive mode Ma.

[0124] During this warm-up, the difference in power between the first full charge amount value and the second full charge amount value is used. As described above, in low-temperature environment mode Mc1, the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display the range from the second full charge amount value to the first full charge amount value as the full charge amount. Therefore, even when the driving mode Ma is switched to, the remaining battery charge displayed on the monitor 9 is displayed as fully charged, just like the full charge displayed in normal environment mode Mc2. This prevents the operator from feeling, by looking at the display on the monitor 9, that the amount of power stored in the battery 6 has been consumed by the warm-up and that the amount of electricity available for work has decreased. Furthermore, because the amount of power stored in the battery 6 is actually the same as when the battery 6 is fully charged in normal environment mode Mc2, the operator can perform the same amount of work in a low-temperature environment as when working in a normal environment.

[0125] When an operation signal from the operation switch 72 is input while the charging cable 10 is connected to the charging port 70, the control device 8 executes at least one of starting and stopping charging of the battery 6. In this embodiment, in the normal charging mode Md1, the control device 8 starts and stops charging of the battery 6 when an operation signal from the operation switch 72 is input. In contrast, in the timer charging mode Md2, the control device 8 executes stopping (emergency stop) charging of the battery 6 when an operation signal from the operation switch 72 is input. That is, the control device 8 waits for charging of the battery 6 until the charging start timing of the charging start information, starts charging of the battery 6 when the charging start timing of the charging start information is reached, and stops waiting for charging of the battery 6 based on the input signal from the operation switch 72 input while waiting for charging of the battery 6.

[0126] In this embodiment, the control device 8 enables the operation of the operation switch 72 based on a signal from the release input unit 73. That is, the work machine 1 of this embodiment prevents a third party from starting or stopping charging of the battery 6, depending on whether or not there is a signal from the release input unit 73 (whether or not there is cooperation with the identifier 73b (key 73b)).

[0127] In this embodiment, the control device 8 enables or disables the release input unit 73 based on the setting information input to the information input unit 90, and even when the setting information is invalid, the control device 8 enables the operation of the operation switch 72. In other words, even when the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are not linked (disabled), the control device 8 processes the operation of the operation switch 72 as valid if the setting information is invalid.

[0128] The monitor 9 is electrically connected to the control device 8. In this embodiment, various displays such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display are used for the monitor 9. The monitor 9 displays the charge amount of the battery 6 (the detection result of the detection device 8b) in response to an instruction from the control device 8. The monitor 9 displays a plurality of charge setting patterns. In this embodiment, the work machine 1 includes an information input unit 90 for selecting a desired charge setting pattern from the plurality of charge setting patterns displayed on the monitor 9.

[0129] Specifically, the monitor 9 in this embodiment is a touch panel type and functions as an information input unit 90 for inputting setting information required for processing. When functioning as the information input unit 90, the monitor 9 can input charging end information regarding the end timing for ending charging of the battery 6, which is the end timing desired by the operator. Furthermore, when functioning as the information input unit 90, the monitor 9 can also input charging start information regarding the start timing for starting charging of the battery 6, which is the start timing desired by the operator. As a result, the control device 8 acquires the start timing and end timing via the monitor 9 (information input unit 90) when operated by the operator. Furthermore, the monitor 9 (information input unit 90) can set (input) the charging start timing and charging end timing to be set in the charge setting mode. Furthermore, the information input unit 90 is configured to input setting information regarding the enablement and disablement of the release input unit 73. That is, as described above, the monitor 9 (information input unit 90) also functions as a security setting unit 91 that accepts a predetermined mode setting operation and accepts a touch operation as a predetermined mode setting operation for switching between the security release mode and the security activation mode. The monitor 9 is configured to be able to display information on the start and end of charging currently being executed by the processing unit 81 .

[0130] More specifically, the display screens of the monitor 9 include, for example, a charging screen SC1 that is displayed when the battery 6 is being charged, as shown in FIG. 12, and a plurality of setting screens SC2 to SC6 for setting conditions for charging control of the battery 6, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0131] 12 is a screen that is displayed when the normal charging mode Md1 or the timer charging mode Md2 is selected during the chargeable mode Mb. The charging screen SC1 includes a calendar section SC1a that displays the current day of the week, date, and time, a lock display section SC1b that displays a key symbol indicating whether the charging cable 10 is connected (whether the locking device 71 is locked or not), a remaining charge meter display section SC1c that visualizes the amount of charge (remaining charge) in the battery 6, a timer display section SC1d that displays information related to the timer charging mode Md2 (charging start information and charging end information), a condition display section SC1e that displays the charging conditions during charging, and a setting button SC1f that switches to a setting screen for setting the conditions.

[0132] Each of the multiple setting screens SC2 to SC6 is a screen for inputting (setting) information. For example, the setting screen SC2 shown in FIG. 13 (hereinafter referred to as the first setting screen) is a charge setting screen for setting multiple combinations of charge start information and charge end information. The setting screen SC3 shown in FIG. 14 (hereinafter referred to as the second setting screen) is a charge mode setting screen for setting the timer charge mode Md2 of the charge mode Md. The setting screen SC4 shown in FIG. 15 (hereinafter referred to as the third setting screen) is a day of the week setting screen for setting the day of the week on which to charge the battery 6. Furthermore, the setting screen shown in FIG. 16 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth setting screen) is a start time setting screen for setting the time as the charge start timing for starting charging of the battery 6. Although the multiple setting screens may be displayed on a single screen on the monitor 9, in this embodiment, each setting screen is displayed on a single screen by screen switching.

[0133] 13, the first setting screen SC2 is a setting screen for conditions related to charging, and in this embodiment includes a plurality of charge timer setting buttons (two in this embodiment) SC2a, SC2a for transitioning to setting screens for charge start information (charge start timing) and charge end information (charge end timing). Also, in this embodiment, the first setting screen SC2 includes a charge speed setting section SC2b for transitioning to a setting screen for setting the charge speed of the battery 6 (omitted in this embodiment).

[0134] 14, the second setting screen SC3 is a charge mode setting screen for configuring various settings for the charge mode. The second setting screen SC3 includes a first switch button SC3a for activating the timer charge mode, a timer setting section SC3b for transitioning to screens related to the timer (for setting the day of the week and time) for the timer charge mode (third setting screen SC4 and fourth setting screen SC5, which will be described later), a full charge priority mode setting section SC3c for setting the full charge priority mode, and a second switch button SC3d for enabling / disabling the release input section 73.

[0135] In this embodiment, when the first switch button SC3a on the second setting screen SC3 is in the OFF state, the normal charging mode Md1 is set, and when the switch button SC3a on the second setting screen SC3 is in the ON state, the timer charging mode Md2 is set. In contrast, the second switch button SC3d is normally in the ON state, enabling the function of the release input unit 73 (security activation mode ON), and when operated by the operator, it is turned to the OFF state, disabling the function of the release input unit 73 (security deactivation mode ON).

[0136] In this embodiment, the switch button SC3a is initially set to the OFF state and is turned ON by the operator. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the switch button SC3a on the second setting screen SC3, which is in the initial state, is turned ON, the timer charging mode Md2 is set. Note that when the operator operates the switch button SC3a in the ON state, the mode returns to the normal charging mode Md1, which is turned OFF. In other words, by turning the switch button SC3a ON and OFF, the mode switches between the normal charging mode Md1 and the timer charging mode.

[0137] 15 , the third setting screen SC4 is a day-of-the-week setting screen SC4 for setting the day of the week as charging start information for starting charging of the battery 6. The third setting screen SC4 includes a day-of-the-week display section SC4a that displays each day of the week from Sunday to Saturday, and a day-of-the-week selection section SC4b for selecting the day of the week displayed in the day-of-the-week display section SC4a. In the present embodiment, the day-of-the-week selection section SC4b includes a plurality of check boxes arranged corresponding to each day of the week, and the worker determines the day (day of the week) on which to charge the battery 6 by checking the check box corresponding to the day (day of the week) on which to charge the battery 6.

[0138] 16 , the fourth setting screen SC5 is a timer time setting screen for setting the time as charge start information for starting charging of the battery 6 and the time as charge end information for ending charging of the battery 6. The fourth setting screen SC5 includes a charge start timing setting section SC5a for setting the charge start timing for starting charging of the battery 6, and a charge end timing setting section SC5b for setting the charge end timing for ending charging of the battery 6.

[0139] The charging start timing setting unit SC5a and the charging end timing setting unit SC5b each allow input of a time (hours, minutes). The time can be input into the charging start timing setting unit SC5a and the charging end timing setting unit SC5b using various input methods, such as key input or slider input. In this embodiment, however, a pull-down input method is used, in which a time is selected from a plurality of options. That is, the charging start timing setting unit SC5a and the charging end timing setting unit SC5b each have pull-down menus for the hours and minutes, and the operator selects the time (hours, minutes) to start charging and the time (hours, minutes) to end charging from the pull-down lists.

[0140] In this embodiment, when a day of the week is set as the charging start information, the day of the week as the charging end information is set to the same day or the next day. However, if the charging start information spans multiple days, as shown in FIG. 17 , a day of the week setting screen (referred to as a fifth setting screen) SC6 may be provided for setting a day of the week as the charging end timing (charging end information) for ending charging. In this case, similar to the third setting screen SC4, the fifth setting screen SC6 may include a day of the week display section SC6a that displays each day of the week from Sunday to Saturday and a day of the week selection section SC4b for selecting a day of the week displayed in the day of the week display section SC6a. The day of the week selection section SC6b may include a plurality of checkboxes arranged corresponding to each day of the week, thereby selecting a day of the week. Furthermore, similar to the second setting screen SC3, the third setting screen SC4 may be configured to allow setting of a day of the week as the charging start information for starting charging of the battery 6 and a day of the week as the charging end information for ending charging of the battery 6.

[0141] The temperature sensor S is electrically connected to the control device 8. For example, a thermocouple or the like that changes resistance value in response to a change in temperature is used as the temperature sensor S. In this embodiment, an outside air temperature sensor is used as the temperature sensor S, and therefore the temperature sensor (outside air temperature sensor) S is disposed in a location that is less susceptible to the influence of heat generated by the electric motor 5, the battery 6, etc., such as the roof of the cabin 33.

[0142] The configuration of the work machine 1 according to this embodiment is as described above. Next, we will specifically explain the charging control (charging of the battery 6) by the control device 8. In the following explanation, the control device 8 will be mainly described, but the following processing (processing flow) is executed by the processing unit 81 of the control device 8.

[0143] As described above, when the start switch 85 is turned off, the control device 8 transitions from the drive mode Ma to the chargeable mode Mb and displays a charging screen SC1 on the monitor 9 indicating that the mode is the chargeable mode Mb or the charging mode Md. When the control device 8 enters the chargeable mode Mb (before starting the battery 6), as shown in Fig. 18 , the control device 8 sets its own environment mode Mc to an environment mode Mc (one of low temperature environment mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, and high temperature environment mode Mc3) corresponding to the current temperature (outside air temperature) based on the detection result of the temperature sensor S (S6, S4, S10), and also sets a full charge amount value of the battery 6 corresponding to the set environment mode Mc (S5, S7, S10).

[0144] Specifically, the control device 8 causes the temperature sensor S to detect the temperature (outside air temperature) (S1), and if the detection result of the temperature sensor S (outside air temperature) is lower than the temperature in a normal environment (0°C in this embodiment) (YES in S2), it sets its own environment mode Mc to the low temperature environment mode Mc1 (S6), and sets the full charge amount value when charging the battery 6 to the first full charge amount value corresponding to the low temperature environment mode Mc1 (S7).

[0145] Furthermore, if the detection result of the temperature sensor S is higher than the temperature of the low-temperature environment (0°C in this embodiment) (NO in S2) and is equal to or lower than the temperature of the high-temperature environment (35°C in this embodiment) (YES in S3), the control device 8 sets its own environment mode Mc to the normal environment mode Mc2 (S4) and sets the full charge amount value for charging the battery 6 to the second full charge amount value corresponding to the normal environment mode Mc2 (S5). Furthermore, if the detection result of the temperature sensor S is higher than 0°C (NO in S2) and is higher than the temperature of the high-temperature environment (35°C in this embodiment) (NO in S3), the control device 8 sets its own environment mode Mc to the high-temperature environment mode Mc3 (S9) and sets the full charge amount value for charging the battery 6 to the third full charge amount value corresponding to the high-temperature environment mode Mc3 (S10).

[0146] In this way, the control device 8 sets the environmental mode Mc (low temperature environmental mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, high temperature environmental mode Mc3) corresponding to the temperature (outside air temperature), and when it sets the full charge amount value (first full charge amount value, second full charge amount value, third full charge amount value) of the battery 6 corresponding to the environmental mode Mc (low temperature environmental mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, high temperature environmental mode Mc3) (END), it waits in a chargeable mode (charge standby mode) while maintaining that state (condition setting). Then, when charging the battery 6, the control device 8 charges the battery 6 in accordance with the environmental mode Mc (low temperature environmental mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, high temperature environmental mode Mc3) and the full charge amount value (first full charge amount value, second full charge amount value, third full charge amount value) stored in the memory unit 80.

[0147] Specifically, in the chargeable mode (charge standby mode), when an operator wishes to charge the battery 6, the operator connects the charging cable 10 to the charging port 70. When the charging cable 10 is connected to the charging port 70 in this manner, the charging cable 10 is electrically connected (energized) to the charging port 70. At the same time, the engaging member 710 of the locking device 71 engages with the secondary connection portion 101 of the charging cable 10. This places the locking device 71 in a locked state, prohibiting removal of the charging cable 10 from the charging port 70.

[0148] When the release input unit 73 is set to be enabled, as shown in FIG. 19, when the locking device 71 enters a locked state (S20), the control device 8 determines whether or not there is a connection between the release input unit 73 and the key (identifier) ​​73b, regardless of the charge state of the battery 6 (No in S21), and when it determines that there is a connection between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b (determines that the contact switch 730 has entered a conductive state) (Yes in S21), it then determines whether or not the operation switch 72 has been operated (S22).

[0149] Considering the possibility that the link between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b may be released before the operation of the operation switch 72, the control device 8 repeatedly determines whether the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (S21) and whether the operation switch 72 is operated (S22) until the operation switch 72 is operated (No in S22). Then, when the control device 8 determines that the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked and enter an operation-permitting state (Yes in S21) and that the operation switch 72 has been operated (Yes in S22), it transmits a signal (release signal) to the locking device 71 as an instruction to remove the charging cable 10 based on the intention of the worker holding the key 73b, which is the identifier. This activates the locking device 71 (actuator) to release the lock (S23).

[0150] In this embodiment, if the battery 6 is being charged, the control device 8 also terminates charging of the battery 6 upon unlocking (S23). Note that if the second switch button SC3d on the second setting screen SC3 is operated to set a security release mode in which the function of the release input unit 73 is disabled, when the locking device 71 is locked (S20), the control device 8 omits the determination of whether the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (S21) and performs the process from the determination of whether the operation switch 72 has been operated (S22). In other words, if the function of the release input unit 73 is set to be disabled, the control device 8 unlocks the locking device 71 and terminates charging simply by operating the operation switch 72 (Yes in S22).

[0151] When charging the battery 6, the worker operates the setting button SC1f on the charging screen SC1 to display the second setting screen SC3, and by switching the switch button SC3a on the second setting screen SC3 on or off, the worker selects whether to charge the battery 6 in normal charging mode Md1 or timer charging mode Md2.

[0152] When the operator desires to charge the battery 6 in the normal charging mode Md1 (when the switch button SC3a on the second setting screen SC3 is in the OFF state), the operator first connects the charging cable 10 to the charging port 70. In this state, the control device 8 maintains the power grid PS between the battery 6 and the charging port 70 in an open state (a state in which the circuit is interrupted). If the release input unit 73 is enabled, the control device 8 determines whether the release input unit 73 is linked to the key (identifier) ​​73b (S31) while the charging cable 10 is connected to the charging port 70 (S30), as shown in FIG. 20 . That is, the control device 8 determines whether the key 73b, which is an identifier associated with the release input unit 73, is inserted into the keyhole 73a (S31).

[0153] The control device 8 then determines whether or not there is cooperation between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b (No in S31), and when it determines that there is cooperation between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b (determines that the contact switch 730 has become conductive) (Yes in S31), it then determines whether or not the operation switch 72 has been operated (S32).

[0154] In consideration of the possibility that the link between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b may be released before the operation of the operation switch 72, the control device 8 repeatedly determines whether the release input unit 73 is linked to the identifier 73b (S31) and whether the operation switch 72 is operated (S32) until the operation switch 72 is operated (No in S32). Although not shown, if the function of the release input unit 73 is set to be disabled, when the locking device 71 enters the locked state (S30), the control device 8 omits the determination (S31) of whether the release input unit 73 is linked to the identifier 73b and repeatedly determines whether the operation switch 72 is operated (S32).

[0155] When the control device 8 determines that the operation switch 72 has been operated (YES in S32), it starts charging the battery 6 as an instruction to start charging based on the intention of the operator who holds the key 73b, which is an identifier (S33). That is, when the control device 8 detects the operation of the operation switch 72 (YES in S32), it brings the power system PS, which connects the battery 6 and the charging port 70, into a conductive state (S33).

[0156] In this state, the control device 8 monitors the charge amount (actual amount of stored power) of the battery 6 and determines whether the battery 6 is fully charged (S34). In this embodiment, the environmental mode Mc is set according to the temperature (outside air temperature). Therefore, the battery 6 is determined to be fully charged when the charge capacity of the battery 6 reaches the full charge amount (first full charge amount value, second full charge amount value, or third full charge amount value) corresponding to the previously set environmental mode Mc (low temperature environmental mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, or high temperature environmental mode Mc3) (S34). When the control device 8 determines that the battery 6 is fully charged, it terminates charging of the battery 6 (S35). Note that in this state, the lock device 71 maintains a state (locked state) that prevents the charging cable 10 from being removed from the charging port 70 until the unlocking process is performed.

[0157] In response to this, the control device 8 monitors the amount of charge stored in the battery 6 and determines whether the battery 6 is fully charged (S34), and if it determines that the battery 6 is not yet fully charged (No in S34), it determines whether the release input unit 73 is linked to the identifier 73b (S36). That is, the control device 8 determines whether the key 73b, which is the identifier associated with the release input unit 73, is inserted into the keyhole 73a (S36).

[0158] The control device 8 then determines whether or not there is cooperation between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b (No in S36), and when it determines that there is cooperation between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b (it determines that the contact switch 730 has become conductive) (Yes in S36), it then determines whether or not there is operation of the operation switch 72 (S37).In light of the possibility that the cooperation between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b may be released before the operation switch 72 is operated, the control device 8 repeats the determination of whether or not there is cooperation between the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b (S36) and the determination of whether or not there is operation of the operation switch 72 (S37) until the operation switch 72 is operated (No in S37). Here too, if the function of the release input unit 73 is set to be disabled, the control device 8 omits determining whether or not the release input unit 73 is linked to the identifier 73b (S36), and repeatedly determines whether or not the operation switch 72 has been operated (No in S37) until the operation switch 72 is operated (Yes in S37).

[0159] When the control device 8 determines that the operation switch 72 has been operated (YES in S37) while the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (YES in S36), it opens the power system PS connecting the battery 6 to the charging port 70 (cuts off the circuit) as an instruction to stop charging based on the intention of the operator who holds the identifier key 73b, thereby terminating charging of the battery 6 (S38). In this state, the control device 8 unlocks the locking device 71, allowing the charging cable 10 to be removed from the charging port 70.

[0160] When an operator wishes to charge the battery 6 in the timer charging mode Md2 (reserving charging), the operator sets the conditions required for reserving charging to the battery 6 before charging the battery 6, and the control device 8 then performs a timer pre-setting process. This setting is a pre-setting that performs an initial setting or a change to the initial setting before charging the battery 6, and is performed regardless of whether the charging cable 10 is connected to the charging port 70.

[0161] Specifically, the worker operates the setting button SC1f on the charging screen SC1 to display the first setting screen SC2, and then operates the charge timer setting section SC2a on the first setting screen SC2. As a result, the third setting screen SC4 and the fourth setting screen SC5 are displayed simultaneously or individually on the monitor 9, which serves as the information input section 90. In this embodiment, when the charge timer setting section SC2a is operated, the third setting screen SC4 is displayed, and when the setting (input) on the third setting screen SC4 is completed, the fourth setting screen SC5 is displayed. Accordingly, the worker inputs the day of the week on the third setting screen SC4, and then inputs the times that represent the charging start and end times on the fourth setting screen SC5.

[0162] The control device 8 then performs timer setting processing based on the information input by the worker. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21 , as timer setting pre-processing, when the worker inputs (the days of the week and times that represent the charging start and end timings for the battery 6) into the day of the week selection section SC4b of the third setting screen SC4 and the charge start timing setting section SC5a and charge end timing setting section SC5b of the fourth setting screen SC5 (S40), the control device 8 determines whether a time period (non-work period) has been set during which the days of the week and times that represent the charging start and end timings for the battery 6 can be set (S41). That is, the control device 8 determines whether a work schedule is stored in the storage unit 80, and, if a work schedule is stored in the storage unit 80, determines whether a non-work period has been set (S41). If the control device 8 determines that a time period (work schedule (non-work period)) has not been set for which the day and time of the charging start timing and charging end timing can be set (No in S41), it stores in the memory unit 80 the charging start timing and charging end timing of the battery 6 that were input to the day of the week selection section SC4b of the third setting screen SC4 and the charging start timing setting section SC5a and charging end timing setting section SC5b of the fourth setting screen SC5 as the charging start timing and charging end timing to be used in the timer charging mode (S43).

[0163] In response to this, when the control device 8 determines that the day of the week and time for the charging start timing and charging end timing have been input (S40) and that a time period (non-work period) has been set in which the day of the week and time for the charging start timing and charging end timing for the battery 6 can be set (yes in S41), it determines whether the time for the charging start timing and the time for the charging end timing for the battery 6 input into the charging start timing setting section SC5a and the charging end timing setting section SC5b of the fourth setting screen SC5 are within the non-work period (chargeable period) (S42).

[0164] In this judgment, if the control device 8 determines that the input charging start timing and charging end timing of the battery 6 are within a settable time period (non-work period (chargeable period)) (YES in S42), it stores in the memory unit 80 the charging start timing and charging end timing of the battery 6 input in the day selection section SC4b of the third setting screen SC4, the charging start timing setting section SC5a and the charging end timing setting section SC5b of the fourth setting screen SC5 as the charging start timing and charging end timing to be used in the timer charging mode (S43).

[0165] In contrast, if the control device 8 determines that the input charging start timing and charging end timing of the battery 6 are not within a settable time period (non-work period (chargeable period)) (within a work period which is a charging prohibited period) (NO in S42), it corrects the charging start timing of the battery 6 input into the charging start timing setting section SC5a of the fourth setting screen SC5 and the charging end timing of the battery 6 input into the charging end timing setting section SC5b, which are within the work period (charging prohibited period), to times within a settable time period (non-work period (chargeable period)) (S44).

[0166] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10 , if the time input to the charge start timing setting section SC5a of the fourth setting screen SC5 to indicate the start of the battery 6 charging period (non-work period (chargeable period)) is before the settable time slot (non-work period (chargeable period)), the control device 8 changes (corrects) the input time to indicate the start of the battery 6 charging period to the start of the settable time slot (non-work period (chargeable period)), and if the time input to the charge end timing setting section SC5b to indicate the end of the battery 6 charging period is after the settable time slot (non-work period (chargeable period)), the control device 8 changes (corrects) the input time to indicate the end of the settable time slot (non-work period (chargeable period)) (S44: see Fig. 10 ). In this embodiment, to maximize the charging period, the control device 8 changes (corrects) the input time to indicate the end of the settable time slot (non-work period (chargeable period)) (S44: see Fig. 10 ).

[0167] In this embodiment, when correcting the charging start timing and charging end timing, the control device 8 changes the charging start timing and charging end timing to within the second time period if they are within the first time period, and changes them to within the third time period if they are within the second time period. In this embodiment, the control device 8 changes the charging start timing to the start of the second time period if it is within the first time period, and changes it to the start of the third time period if it is within the second time period. Furthermore, the control device 8 changes the charging end timing to the end of the previous second time period if it is within the first time period, and changes it to the end of the previous third time period if it is within the second time period.

[0168] Then, the control device 8 associates (links) the day of the week input (set) in the day of the week selection section SC4b of the third setting screen SC4 with the corrected times (charging start timing and charging end timing) and stores them in the memory unit 80 (S43).

[0169] This timer setting pre-processing can be performed for each of the multiple charge timer setting sections SC2a on the first setting screen SC2 by operating each of them. Multiple charge setting patterns are set (stored) by combining the day of the week and time information for the charge start timing in the charge start information and the day of the week and time information for the charge end timing in the charge end information (see FIG. 9 ). Each of the multiple charge setting patterns set by this timer setting process is written to the storage unit 80 in a recallable state and stored for a long period of time until it is rewritten (changed). In this embodiment, two charge timer setting sections SC2a are provided on the first setting screen SC2, so two charge setting patterns can be set corresponding to the number of charge timer setting sections SC2a. However, this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to provide one charge timer setting section SC2a and store a new charge setting pattern each time this charge timer setting section SC2a is operated. In this way, multiple charge setting patterns can be set (stored) regardless of the number of charge timer setting sections SC2a on the first setting screen SC2.

[0170] The operator wishes to charge (schedule charging) the battery 6 in the timer charging mode Md2 (when the switch button SC3a on the second setting screen SC3 is in the on state), and in this state, as shown in Fig. 22, the operator connects the charging cable 10 to the charging port 70 and sets the locking device 71 to the locked state (S50). When the timer charging mode Md2 is set and the charging cable 10 is connected to the charging port 70 (S50), the control device 8 executes a timer setting process to set a charging time based on the current charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6 (S51).

[0171] That is, in the timer setting process (S51), the control device 8 selects a charge setting pattern that corresponds to the current situation from a plurality of pre-set charge setting patterns, reserves the charge start timing (charge start information) of the selected charge setting pattern as the start time of charging, and reserves the charge end timing (charge end information) of the selected charge setting pattern as the end time of charging.

[0172] In the timer setting process (S51), the control device 8 acquires charging start information indicating the start timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be started, which is the start timing desired by the operator, and may select the charging setting pattern to be used for charging control in accordance with the acquired charging start information (desired start timing), or may select a charging setting pattern in accordance with the acquired charging start information (desired start timing) and the current date and time (the timing result by the timing unit).

[0173] That is, when the operator inputs a desired start timing to the information input unit 90, the control device 8 acquires the start timing and may select, from a plurality of charge setting patterns, a charge setting pattern having a charge start timing set that approximates the acquired start timing (charge start information), or may select a charge setting pattern based on the start timing (date and time) desired by the operator and the current date and time. When selecting a charge setting pattern based on the start timing (date and time) desired by the operator and the current date and time, the control device 8 extracts, from the plurality of charge setting patterns, charge setting patterns having a charge start timing that approximates the acquired start timing (charge start information), extracts charge setting patterns having a charge start timing that approximates the current date and time, selects, from the extracted charge setting patterns, a charge setting pattern having the earliest charge start timing, reserves the charge start timing (charge start information) of the selected charge setting pattern as the start time of charging, and reserves the charge end timing (charge end information) of the selected charge setting pattern as the end time of charging.

[0174] In this embodiment, turning on the switch button SC3a on the second setting screen SC3 sets the timer charge mode Md2, and therefore the timing when the switch button SC3a on the second setting screen SC3 is turned on is input as the start timing desired by the operator to the control device 8. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the start timing desired by the operator is input as the current date and time to the control device 8. That is, the control device 8 acquires the date and time measured by the timer unit 84 as charge start information indicating the start timing desired by the operator, which is the start timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be started, selects a charge setting pattern to be used for charge control according to the acquired date and time (charge start information), and reserves the charge end timing (charge end information) of the selected charge setting pattern as the charge end time.

[0175] 23, on the assumption that the timer charge mode Md2 is set (S70), the control device 8 preferentially selects (selects) the charge setting pattern with the longest charge time (the pattern that can fully charge the battery 6 or the pattern that can charge the battery 6 to a specified charge amount) from among the multiple charge setting patterns stored in the storage unit 80. In other words, the control device 8 selects a charge setting pattern that will fully charge the battery 6 by the charging end timing, or a charge setting pattern that will charge the battery 6 to a specified charge amount or more.

[0176] When there are multiple charge setting patterns that will bring the battery 6 to full charge by the charging end timing or that will bring the battery 6 to a predetermined charge amount or more, the control device 8 selects from among them the charge setting pattern whose charging start timing is closest to the current date and time, the charge setting pattern whose timing that will bring the battery 6 to full charge or a predetermined charge amount or more is earliest, or the charge setting pattern whose timing that will bring the battery 6 to full charge or a predetermined charge amount or more is closest to the charging end timing as the charge setting pattern to be used for charging control.

[0177] In this embodiment, when there are multiple charge setting patterns that will fully charge the battery 6 by the charging end timing, the control device 8 selects from among them the charge setting pattern whose charge start timing is closest to the current date and time. Also, when there is no charge setting pattern that will fully charge the battery 6 by the charging end timing, the control device 8 selects from among the multiple charge setting patterns stored in the storage unit 80 the charge setting pattern whose charge start timing is closest to the current date and time.

[0178] That is, the control device 8 acquires the current day of the week and time (hour) from the timer unit 84 (S71), and selects a charge setting pattern (a charge setting pattern whose charge start timing is closest to the current day (date or day of the week) and time) according to the current situation from among the selected plurality of charge setting patterns or from among the plurality of charge setting patterns stored in the storage unit 80 (S72). At this time, if there are a plurality of charge setting patterns whose charge start timing is closest to the current date and time (start timing) and whose charge amount of the battery 6 is equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount, the control device 8 selects, from the plurality of charge setting patterns, the charge setting pattern whose charge amount of the battery 6 is full or equal to or greater than the predetermined charge amount earliest, or the charge setting pattern whose charge amount of the battery 6 is full or equal to or greater than the predetermined charge amount nearest to the charging end timing, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control. Note that although the date and the day of the week are expressed differently, both represent a specific day. Therefore, information specifying the day can be either the date or the day of the week, and in this embodiment, the day is specified by the day of the week.

[0179] Here, a charge setting pattern according to the current time (start timing) refers to a charge setting pattern in which the day of the week as the charge start information (charge start timing) included in the charge setting pattern is the same as the actual day of the week or a date or day of the week (a day of the week after the next day) after the actual day of the week, and the time as the charge start timing included in the charge setting pattern is the closest time to the actual time after the actual time.

[0180] Although the control device 8 here automatically selects a charge setting pattern according to the current situation, the work machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to be switchable between an automatic selection mode in which a charge setting pattern is automatically selected and a manual selection mode in which a charge setting pattern is manually selected, and in the manual selection mode, the worker can also manually select a charge setting pattern. Specifically, in this embodiment, the monitor 9 functions as an information input unit 90 that can input information, so that in the manual selection mode, a plurality of charge setting patterns (charge setting patterns stored in the storage unit 80) are displayed on the monitor 9, and the worker can select a desired charge setting pattern from the displayed patterns by touching (selecting) the desired charge setting pattern.

[0181] When the charge setting pattern is selected, the control device 8 determines whether the full charge priority mode Me2 is set (S73). The full charge priority mode Me2 is set by operating the full charge priority mode setting section SC3c on the second setting screen SC3 on the monitor 9 in advance when the charge mode Md is set to the timer charge mode Md2 and the operator desires to fully charge the battery 6.

[0182] If the control device 8 determines that the mode is not full charge priority mode Me2 (NO in S73), it stores (sets) in the memory unit 80 the charge start timing (day of the week and time) of the charge start information and the charge end timing (day of the week and time) of the charge end information of the charge setting pattern selected in S72 as the charge start timing (day of the week and time) of the time priority mode Me1 in the timer charge mode Md2 and the charge end timing (day of the week and time) of the charge end information (S83).

[0183] On the other hand, when the control device 8 determines that the full charge priority mode Me2 is selected (YES in S73), the control device 8 measures and acquires the current charge amount (total remaining amount of stored power) of the battery 6 using the detection devices (EMU 8a, BMS 8b) (S74). Next, the control device 8 calculates the amount of power required to fully charge the acquired current charge amount of the battery 6, and calculates the required charging time At required for full charge based on the amount of power (S75).

[0184] When the environment mode Mc is set to the low-temperature environment mode Mc1, the control device 8 incorporates the time required for warming up into the required charge time At. That is, only in the low-temperature environment mode Mc1, the required charge time At includes the time for charging the battery 6 and the warm-up time for warming up the battery 6. However, if only the battery 6 is to be warmed up and the battery 6 itself can be warmed up by the heat generated by charging the battery 6, the time required for charging the battery 6 and the warm-up time overlap, and therefore the required charge time At is set to the time for actually charging the battery 6. That is, when a heating device such as a heater is used to warm up the battery 6, the required charge time At includes the time for charging the battery 6 and the warm-up time for warming up the battery 6. However, when the warm-up of the battery 6 is due to the heat generated during charging of the battery 6, the required charge time At is set to only the time for charging the battery 6.

[0185] Next, the control device 8 calculates the time Bt from the charge start timing to the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern (hereinafter referred to as chargeable time) (S76).

[0186] The control device 8 compares the calculated required charge time At with the calculated available charge time Bt, and if it determines that the available charge time Bt is equal to or greater than the required charge time At (YES in S77), it determines whether there is a difference between the calculated required charge time At and the calculated available charge time Bt (S80). If it determines that there is a difference (YES in S80), the control device 8 stores (sets) in the storage unit 80 the charge start timing (day of the week and time) of the charge start information and the charge end timing (day of the week and time) of the charge end information of the charge setting pattern selected in S72 as the charge start timing (day of the week and time) and the charge end timing (day of the week and time) of the charge end information to be actually used in the timer charge mode (S81), and also stores (sets) in the storage unit 80 the difference between the required charge time At and the available charge time Bt as the charging interruption time (S82). The interruption time is set as the time during which charging of the battery 6 is stopped within the charging period of the battery 6 (between the charging start timing and the charging end timing), assuming that charging of the battery 6 is performed immediately after the charging start timing and immediately before the charging end timing.

[0187] Here, the time and timing of the interruption are set based on the difference between the calculated required charging time At and the calculated available charging time Bt. In this embodiment, the charging setting patterns stored in the memory unit 80 include a charging setting pattern in which the charging process is interrupted when charging to a predetermined specified charge amount is completed, and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a specified charge amount is reached by the charging end timing. Therefore, when the control device 8 selects this charging setting pattern and determines that there is a difference between the required charging time At and the available charging time Bt (YES in S80), if, while the battery 6 is being charged, it determines based on the detection result of the detection device 8b that the charge amount of the battery 6 has reached the specified charge amount, the control device 8 starts the interruption and resumes the charging process when full charge or a specified charge amount is reached by the charging end timing.

[0188] Furthermore, the charge setting patterns stored in the memory unit 80 include a charge setting pattern in which charging is performed up to a predetermined specified charge amount during a time period when electricity rates are low, and then the charging process is interrupted, and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a predetermined charge amount is reached by the charging end timing.Therefore, when the control device 8 selects this charge setting pattern and determines that there is a difference between the required charging time At and the chargeable time Bt (YES in S80), if, while the battery 6 is being charged, it determines based on the detection result of the detection device 8b that the charge amount of the battery 6 has reached the specified charge amount during a time period when electricity rates are low, it begins to interrupt charging and resumes the charging process when full charge or a predetermined charge amount is reached by the charging end timing.

[0189] In contrast, if the control device 8 determines that there is no difference in any of the charge setting patterns (NO in S80), it stores (sets) in the memory unit 80 the charge start timing (day of the week and time) of the charge start information and the charge end timing (day of the week and time) of the charge end information of the charge setting pattern selected in S72 as the charge start timing (day of the week and time) and the charge end timing (day of the week and time) of the charge end information to be actually used in the timer charge mode (S83).

[0190] In contrast, if the control device 8 determines that the chargeable time Bt is less than the required charge time At (NO in S77), it changes the time of the charge start timing in the charge start information of the day and time of the selected charge setting pattern to a time that is earlier than the charge end timing (time) of the charge end information of the charge setting pattern selected in S72 by the required charge time At (S78), and stores (sets) the changed information (charge setting pattern) in the memory unit 80 (S79).

[0191] 22, when the timer setting process (S51) is completed, the control device 8 enters a charge standby mode (S52, S53) in which the control device 8 waits for the start of charging of the battery 6 until the current day of the week and time of the timer unit 84 match the charging start timing (day of the week and time) for the battery 6 set in the timer setting process (S51). That is, when the current day of the week and time of the timer unit 84 match the charging start timing (day of the week and time) for the battery 6 set in the timer setting process (S51) (YES in S52), the control device 8 starts charging of the battery 6 (S53).

[0192] When the control device 8 starts charging the battery 6 (S53), it determines whether the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (S54). When the control device 8 determines that the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (determines that the contact switch 730 is conductive) (YES in S54), it then determines whether the operation switch 72 has been operated (S63). When the control device 8 determines that the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (YES in S63), and that the operation switch 72 has been operated (YES in S63), it opens the power system PS connecting the battery 6 to the charging port 70 (breaking the circuit) as an instruction to stop charging based on the intention of the operator holding the identifier key 73b, thereby stopping charging of the battery 6 (S64). In this state, the control device 8 unlocks the locking device 71 in conjunction with stopping charging of the battery 6 (S64). This allows the charging cable 10 to be removed from the charging port 70.

[0193] In determining whether the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (S54), if the control device 8 determines that the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are not linked (No in S54), it determines whether charging has been suspended in the timer setting process (S51) (S55). Note that here too, if the security release mode, which disables the function of the release input unit 73, is set, the control device 8 omits the determination of whether the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (S54), and instead concurrently determines whether the operation switch 72 has been operated (S63) and whether charging has been suspended (S55).

[0194] When the control device 8 determines that there is no setting to interrupt charging (NO in S55), it determines whether or not it is time to end charging of the battery 6 (S57), and when it is time to end charging of the battery 6, it ends charging of the battery 6 (S58).

[0195] In response to this, in determining whether charging of the battery 6 has been interrupted (S55), if the control device 8 determines that a setting for interrupting charging has been made (YES in S55), it determines whether the set interruption of charging has been executed (determines whether it has been executed or not) (S56). Then, if the control device 8 determines that charging has been interrupted (YES in S56), it determines whether it is time to end charging of the battery 6 (S57), and when the time to end charging of the battery 6 has come, it ends charging of the battery 6 (S58).

[0196] On the other hand, if the control device 8 determines that charging has not been interrupted (NO in S56), it determines whether the timing for interrupting charging set in the timer setting process (S51) has arrived (S58), and if that timing has not arrived (NO in S59), it returns to determining whether or not the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (S54).

[0197] When the control device 8 determines that it is time to interrupt charging (YES in S59), it stops (interrupts) charging of the battery 6 (S60), and continues to stop charging of the battery 6 until it is time to resume charging (NO in S61).

[0198] When the control device 8 determines that it is time to resume charging (YES in S61), it resumes charging of the battery 6 (S62), determines whether it is time to end charging of the battery 6 (S57), and when it is time to end charging of the battery 6 (YES in S57), ends charging of the battery 6 (S58). Note that when the control device 8 determines that it is not time to end charging of the battery 6 (NO in S57), it returns to the determination of whether or not the release input unit 73 and the identifier 73b are linked (S54), repeats the above process, and ends charging of the battery 6 at the charging end timing of the charging end information stored in the storage unit 80.

[0199] In this way, the control device 8 controls the charging of the battery 6, but in the full charge priority mode Me2, charging of the battery 6 is started based on a charging start timing that takes into account the required charging time based on the full charge amount of the battery 6 (first full charge amount value, second full charge amount value, third full charge amount value), and charging of the battery 6 is completed at a charging end timing that takes into account the required charging time.Therefore, the battery 6 is charged at a full charge amount (first full charge amount value, second full charge amount value, third full charge amount value) that corresponds to the environment mode Mc (low temperature environment mode Mc1, normal environment mode Mc2, high temperature environment mode Mc3), and charging of the battery 6 is also completed at the timing desired by the operator.

[0200] In this state, the locking device 71 remains locked, preventing the charging cable 10 from being removed from the charging port 70. Therefore, after the timer charging mode Md2 is completed, the unlocking process (S20 to S23) shown in Figure 19 must be performed as described above. This prevents theft of the charging cable 10 even if the charging cable 10 is left connected to the charging port 70 for an extended period of time.

[0201] When charging of the battery 6 is completed in this manner, the control device 8 waits for the mode to shift to drive mode Ma (operation of the start switch 85). In this state, the control device 8 displays a charging screen SC1 on the monitor 9, and the remaining charge meter display SC1c indicates that the battery 6 is fully charged (100%). In this embodiment, the control device 8 is capable of displaying the charging screen SC1 even after shifting to drive mode Ma so that the charge level (remaining charge) of the battery 6 can be checked. However, by providing the remaining charge meter display SC1c on the screen displayed during drive mode Ma, the charge level (remaining charge) of the battery 6 can be checked without switching screens.

[0202] In this embodiment, the full charge value of the battery 6 varies depending on the setting of the environmental mode Mc (actual outside temperature), but when the battery 6 is charged in the low temperature environmental mode Mc1, the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display the full charge amount of the battery 6 when the actual charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6 is between the second full charge amount value and the first full charge amount value, and when the battery 6 is charged in the normal environmental mode Mc2, the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display the full charge amount of the battery 6 when the actual charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6 is the first full charge amount value. Furthermore, when the battery 6 is charged in the high temperature environmental mode Mc3, the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display the full charge amount of the battery 6 when the actual charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6 is the third full charge amount value.

[0203] The work machine 1 of this embodiment is as described above. In the timer setting process (S51) of the above embodiment, when selecting a charge setting pattern appropriate to the current situation from among a plurality of charge setting patterns stored in the storage unit 80, charge start information indicating the start timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be started, which is the start timing desired by the operator, is acquired, and a charge setting pattern to be used for charge control is selected based on the acquired charge start information. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, charge end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, may be acquired, and a charge setting pattern may be selected based on the end timing of the acquired charge end information. In this way, if a charge setting pattern is set based on the end timing desired by the operator, the timing to end charging of the battery 6 becomes clear, and the battery can be used at the timing desired by the operator.

[0204] Specifically, assuming that charging end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be ended and the end timing desired by the operator is input to the information input unit 90 and the control unit 8 acquires the end timing of the charging end information, in the timer setting process (S51), the control unit 8 may select, from among the multiple charging end timings stored in the memory unit 80, a charging setting pattern whose charging end timing is closest to the end timing, or a charging setting pattern whose charging end timing is earlier than the end timing, or a charging setting pattern whose charging end timing is earlier than the end timing and whose charging end timing is closest to the end timing, to be used for charging control.

[0205] According to this embodiment, the battery 6 is charged according to a charge setting pattern in which a charge end timing close to the end timing desired by the operator is set, so that charging of the battery 6 ends at a timing according to the end timing desired by the operator.

[0206] Furthermore, assuming that charging end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be terminated, which is the end timing desired by the operator, is input to the information input unit 90 and the control unit 8 acquires the end timing of the charging end information, in the timer set process (S51), the control unit 8 may select, from among multiple charging setting patterns, a charging setting pattern that will result in the battery being fully charged by the end timing or a charging setting pattern that will result in the battery 6 being charged to a predetermined amount or more, as the charging setting pattern to be used for charging control.

[0207] According to this embodiment, by charging the battery 6 according to the selected charge setting pattern, the battery 6 reaches full charge or a predetermined charge level when charging of the battery 6 is completed at the timing desired by the worker. As a result, the battery 6 stores sufficient power necessary for work.

[0208] Furthermore, assuming that charging end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be ended and the end timing desired by the operator is input to the information input unit 90 and that the control unit 8 acquires the end timing of the charging end information, in the timer setting process (S51), the control unit 8 may select, from among the charge setting patterns that will bring the battery 6 to full charge by the end timing or the charge setting patterns that will bring the battery 6 to a predetermined charge amount or more, the charge setting pattern whose charging start timing is closest to the current date and time, the charge setting pattern whose timing at which the battery 6 will be fully charged or reach a predetermined charge amount or more is earliest, or the charge setting pattern whose timing at which the battery 6 will be fully charged or reach a predetermined charge amount or more is closest to the end timing, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charging control.

[0209] According to this embodiment, by charging the battery 6 using the selected charge setting pattern, the battery 6 is fully charged or reaches a predetermined charge level when charging of the battery 6 is completed. Furthermore, charging of the battery 6 can be started at an earlier timing, the charging time of the battery 6 can be minimized, and the battery 6 can be fully charged or charged to a predetermined charge level in the shortest time possible.

[0210] Furthermore, similar to the above embodiment, the work machine 1 is provided with at least one of an electricity rate memory unit 87 that stores electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate, and an electricity rate acquisition unit that acquires electricity rate information from outside, and on the premise that charging end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be ended and the end timing desired by the worker is input to the information input unit 90 and the control device 8 acquires the end timing of the charging end information, the control device 8 may select, in the timer set process (S51), as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, the charge setting pattern that results in the lowest electricity rate from among the charge setting patterns that will fully charge the battery 6 by the end timing or the charge setting patterns that will cause the battery 6 to be charged to a predetermined charge amount or more.

[0211] According to this embodiment, by charging the battery 6 according to the selected charge setting pattern, the charge amount of the battery 6 reaches a full charge or a predetermined charge amount when charging of the battery 6 is completed. Furthermore, the electricity charge for charging the battery 6 can be reduced.

[0212] Furthermore, as in the above embodiment, when the memory unit 80 stores a work schedule including work periods in which the electrical devices 5, CV, and IV are operated and non-work periods in which the electrical devices 5, CV, and IV are not operated, the control unit 8 may identify the next work period based on the current date and time and the work schedule, regardless of whether or not charging start information and charging end information are provided to the information input unit 90 (whether or not the control unit 8 has acquired charging end information), and may select a charge setting pattern in which the charging end timing is within the non-work period before the next work period as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

[0213] According to this embodiment, the control device 8 selects a charge setting pattern whose charging end timing is within the non-work period before the next work period as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, and charges the battery 6 using that charge setting pattern, so that during the next work period, the charged battery 6 can be used to drive the electrical equipment 5, IV, CV, 9 and perform work.

[0214] As described above, according to the work machine 1 of each of the above embodiments, charging of the battery 6 can be completed at the timing intended by the worker, and when work begins, the power required to drive the electric motor 5 is secured.

[0215] The work machine 1 of this embodiment can start charging the battery 6 at a timing desired by the worker, such as after work is finished or on a holiday.

[0216] The work machine 1 of this embodiment charges (reserves) the battery 6 based on a time, so charging can be performed at an accurate time slot.

[0217] In particular, the work machine 1 of this embodiment charges (reserves) the battery 6 based on the day of the week and time, so charging can be performed at the exact time on the day (day of the week) intended by the worker.

[0218] Furthermore, the work machine 1 of this embodiment stops charging the battery 6 when the battery 6 is fully charged, so that the battery 6 can be prevented from being overcharged.

[0219] In the full charge priority mode Me2, the work machine 1 of this embodiment calculates the required charging time based on the amount of stored power (remaining power) in the battery 6, and sets the timing to start charging based on this, so that the battery 6 can be fully charged even in cases where it is not possible to fully charge the battery 6 within the time set by the operator.

[0220] When the work machine 1 of this embodiment determines that the battery 6 will be fully charged by the charging end timing, it suspends the charging process before the battery 6 is fully charged and then resumes charging, and the battery 6 is fully charged at the charging end timing of the charging end information, so the battery 6 will not be undercharged when work begins, and the temperature of the battery 6 will rise due to charging before the charging end timing. This allows work to be started with the battery 6 in a warmed up state.

[0221] In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, when at least one of the charging start information and the charging end information input to the information input unit 90 is set to a time in a time zone different from the time zone stored in the storage unit 80, the work machine 1 changes at least one of the charging start information and the charging end information to the closest time in the time zones stored in the storage unit 80, thereby enabling charging within a preset time zone. As a result, by setting the time zone in which the charging start information and the charging end information can be set to a late-night time zone when there is a late-night discount on electricity rates, charging costs can be reduced. By setting the time zone in which the charging start information and the charging end information can be set to a time zone in which work is not being performed, the battery 6 can be charged without affecting work.

[0222] The work machine 1 of this embodiment displays the detection result of the detection device 8b (the amount of stored power (remaining power) of the battery 6) on the monitor 9, making it easy for the worker to grasp the current situation.

[0223] Furthermore, the work machine 1 of this embodiment displays on the monitor 9 information on the start and end of charging currently being executed by the processing unit 81, making it easy for the worker to grasp the charging status of the battery 6.

[0224] The work machine 1 of this embodiment uses a single battery 6, but sets the charge amount according to the temperature conditions of the outside air, so that the output of the battery 6 can be maximized in a state appropriate to the environment.

[0225] In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, in a low-temperature environment, the battery 6 is charged based on the amount of electricity required to warm up the battery 6, thereby preventing the electricity used to warm up the battery 6 from consuming electricity (storage electricity) required for work.

[0226] Furthermore, the work machine 1 of this embodiment switches the charging mode (environment mode Mc) based on the temperature, so the reference is constant and there is no variation in the switching conditions. In particular, the work machine 1 of this embodiment switches the charging mode (environment mode Mc) based on the relationship between the measurement result of the temperature sensor S and the reference temperature, so the mode switching is based on reality. Accordingly, the charging of the battery 6 also based on reality.

[0227] In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, there is a range of the amount of stored power that can be displayed as fully charged on the monitor 9 in a low-temperature environment. Therefore, even if the battery 6 is consumed due to warm air or the like, the monitor 9 will display the fully charged state when work begins, and the actual amount of stored power (remaining power) of the battery 6 will be the same as the fully charged amount of the battery 6 in a normal environment. Furthermore, only the power (storage power) of the battery 6 that can be used for work can be properly grasped as the remaining power.

[0228] The work machine 1 of this embodiment is capable of charging the battery 6 in accordance with a high temperature environment in addition to a low temperature environment and a normal environment. In addition, the capacity of the battery 6 increases in a high temperature environment, and taking this into consideration, the battery 6 is charged with an amount of electricity that can achieve the same amount of work as in a normal environment, thereby preventing variations in the amount of work that occurs depending on the season and temperature.

[0229] In terms of battery 6 degradation, it is known that storing the battery at a high SOC (State of Charge) in a high temperature state and charging / discharging at a high DoD (Depth of Discharge) accelerates the degradation of the battery 6. Therefore, a balance is achieved between suppressing degradation of the battery 6 and the usable time by using a limited capacity range without using the upper and lower SOC ranges for the capacity of the battery 6. In contrast, at low temperatures, even if the usable capacity range of the battery 6 is expanded beyond the normal range, the impact on the degradation of the battery 6 is small and does not pose a problem. Therefore, according to the work machine 1 of this embodiment, even when used in a low-temperature environment where the outside air temperature is low, the deterioration of the battery 6 is not accelerated and the work machine 1 can be operated in the same manner as in a normal environment.

[0230] In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the operation of the operation switch 72 is switched between enabled and disabled depending on whether or not the release input unit 73 is linked to the key 73b, which is the identifier 73b. This prevents a third party who does not have the key 73b from operating the operation switch 72, while allowing a worker who has the key 73b to operate the operation switch 72.

[0231] In the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the start and stop of charging of the battery 6 are performed by cooperation between the release input unit 73 and the key 73b which is the identifier 73b and by operation of the operation switch 72, thereby preventing unauthorized third parties from operating the start and stop of charging of the battery 6.

[0232] In this embodiment, the work machine 1 stops waiting for charging in timer charging mode Md2 when the operation switch 72 is operated, so even if timer charging mode Md2 is set, it can be switched to normal charging mode Md1.

[0233] Furthermore, in the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the release input unit 73 can be disabled, so that the operation switch 72 can be operated without any restrictions imposed by the release input unit 73 .

[0234] Furthermore, in the work machine 1 of this embodiment, the operation switch 72 and the release input unit 73 are arranged side by side, so that the operation of the release input unit 73 and the operation switch 72 can be performed in a series of steps.

[0235] Furthermore, since the operation switch 72 and the release input unit 73 are disposed near the charging port 70, the connection of the charging cable 10, the operation of the release input unit 73, and the operation of the operation switch 72 can be performed in a single sequence.

[0236] The above embodiment is as described above, and the present invention (preferable embodiments thereof) provides a work machine 1 described in the following items (items 1-1 to 1-12, items 2-1 to 2-9, items 3-1 to 3-7).

[0237] (Item 1-1) A work machine 1 comprising: a battery 6; an electric device 5 supplied with power from the battery 6; a control device 8 that controls charging of the battery 6; and a storage unit 80 that stores a plurality of charge setting patterns in which at least a charge start timing for starting charging of the battery 6 and a charge end timing for ending charging of the battery are set, wherein the control device 8 selects a charge setting pattern from the plurality of charge setting patterns in accordance with a current situation, controls charging of the battery 6 based on the selected charge setting pattern, and ends charging of the battery 6 at the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern.

[0238] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-1, the control device 8 ends charging of the battery 6 at a preset charge end timing (predetermined timing) regardless of which charge setting pattern is selected. This clarifies the timing at which battery charging ends. Therefore, the work machine 1 of item 1-1 can be made usable at the timing desired by the user.

[0239] (Item 1-2) The control device 8 acquires charge start information indicating a start timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be started, the start timing being a start timing desired by an operator, and selects the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control in accordance with the acquired charge start information.

[0240] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-2, a charge setting pattern is selected according to the start timing desired by the operator, thereby enabling the battery 6 to be charged at a time period that best suits the operator's wishes.

[0241] (Item 1-3) The work machine 1 according to Item 1-2 includes a timing unit 84 that measures a current date and time, and the control device 8 selects the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control based on the current date and time measured by the timing unit 84 and the charge start information.

[0242] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-3, the accuracy of selecting a charge setting pattern is improved, and the battery 6 can be charged at a time period that is more in line with the operator's wishes.

[0243] (Item 1-4) The work machine 1 described in item 1-1 or 1-2, wherein the control device 8 acquires charge end information indicating an end timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be ended and which is a desired end timing by an operator, and selects the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, which is a charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is closest to the end timing, or a charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is earlier than the end timing, or a charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is earlier than the end timing and which is closest to the end timing.

[0244] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-4, the battery 6 is charged according to a charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is set to be close to the end timing desired by the worker, so that charging of the battery 6 ends at a timing according to the end timing desired by the worker.

[0245] (Item 1-5) The control device 8 acquires charge end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, and selects, from the plurality of charge setting patterns, a charge setting pattern in which the charge amount of the battery 6 will be fully charged by the end timing or a charge setting pattern in which the charge amount of the battery 6 will be equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount, as a charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

[0246] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-5, by charging the battery 6 according to the selected charge setting pattern, the battery 6 reaches full charge or a predetermined charge level when charging of the battery 6 is completed at the timing desired by the operator. As a result, the battery 6 stores sufficient power necessary for work.

[0247] (Item 1-6) The work machine 1 described in item 1-1, item 1-4 or item 1-5, wherein the control device 8 acquires charge end information indicating an end timing when charging of the battery should be ended, which is an end timing desired by an operator, and selects, as a charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, from among charge setting patterns in which the charge amount of the battery 6 will be fully charged or the charge amount of the battery 6 will be equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount by the end timing, the charge setting pattern in which the charge start timing is closest to the current date and time, the charge setting pattern in which the charge amount of the battery will be fully charged or equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount at the earliest, or the charge setting pattern in which the charge amount of the battery 6 will be full charged or equal to or greater than a predetermined charge amount at the earliest timing.

[0248] According to the work machine 1 of items 1-6, by charging the battery 6 using the selected charge setting pattern, the battery 6 is fully charged or reaches a predetermined charge level when charging of the battery 6 is completed. Furthermore, charging of the battery 6 can be started at an earlier timing, the charging time of the battery 6 can be minimized, and the battery 6 can be fully charged or charged to a predetermined charge level in the shortest time possible.

[0249] (Item 1-7) The work machine described in item 1-1 or any one of items 1-4 to 1-6, which includes at least one of an electricity rate storage unit 87 that stores electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate, and an electricity rate acquisition unit that acquires the electricity rate information from outside, wherein the control device 8 acquires charge end information that indicates an end timing at which charging of the battery 6 should be ended, which end timing is desired by the operator, and selects, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, a charge setting pattern that results in the lowest electricity rate from among charge setting patterns that will bring the battery 6 to full charge by the end timing or charge setting patterns that will bring the battery 6 to a predetermined charge amount or more.

[0250] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-7, by charging the battery 6 according to the selected charge setting pattern, the charge amount of the battery 6 reaches a full charge or a predetermined charge amount when charging of the battery 6 is completed. Furthermore, the electricity charge for charging the battery 6 can be reduced.

[0251] (Item 1-8) The work machine according to item 1-1 or any one of items 1-4 to 1-6, wherein the storage unit 80 stores a work schedule including work periods during which the electric devices 5, IV, CV, 9 are operated and non-work periods during which the electric devices 5, IV, CV, 9 are not operated, and the control device 8 identifies the next work period based on the current date and time and the work schedule, and selects the charge setting pattern in which the charging end timing is within the non-work period before the next work period as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

[0252] According to the work machine 1 of items 1-8, the control device 8 selects a charge setting pattern in which the charging end timing is within the non-work period before the next work period as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, and charges the battery 6 using that charge setting pattern, so that during the next work period, the charged battery 6 can be used to drive the electrical equipment 5, IV, CV, 9 and perform work.

[0253] (Item 1-9) The work machine 1 described in Item 1-3, wherein the storage unit 80 stores a work schedule including work periods during which the electric devices 5, IV, CV, 9 are operated and non-work periods during which the electric devices 5, IV, CV, 9 are not operated, and the control device 8 identifies the next work period based on the current date and time and the work schedule, and when it is determined that the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern falls within the next work period, changes the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern to fall within a non-work period that occurs before the next work period.

[0254] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-9, even if a charge setting pattern is selected such that charging of the battery 6 ends during a work period (charge prohibited period) in the work schedule, the charge end timing of the charge setting pattern is changed to within a non-work period (chargeable period) before the next work period, so that the battery 6 is charged within the non-work period (chargeable period) when no work is being performed with the work machine. This prevents the start of work using the work machine 1 from being delayed due to charging of the battery 6.

[0255] (Item 1-10) The work machine 1 according to item 1-8 or item 1-9, wherein the working period includes information regarding the days of the week or dates and time periods when the electrical devices 5, IV, CV, 9 are operated, and the non-working period includes information regarding the days of the week or dates and time periods when the electrical devices 5, IV, CV, 9 are not operated.

[0256] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-10, the working period and non-working period are clearly defined, so the timing for ending charging of the battery 6 can be accurately changed in accordance with the work schedule. As a result, the battery 6 is charged during the non-working period (chargeable period) when no work is being performed by the work machine.

[0257] (Item 1-11) The work machine 1 according to any one of items 1-1 to 1-10, further comprising an information input unit 90 capable of editing the charge setting pattern to be stored in the storage unit 80.

[0258] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-11, the content of the charge setting pattern (charge start timing, charge end timing) can be changed via the information input unit 90, and charge setting patterns can be added or deleted.

[0259] (Item 1-12) The work machine 1 described in any one of items 1-1 to 1-11, wherein the control device 8 is configured to be able to set a full charge priority mode Me2 that fully charges the battery 6, and when the full charge priority mode Me2 is set, calculates a required charging time required to fully charge the battery 6 based on the current amount of charge of the battery 6, and if the battery 6 does not reach full charge by the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern, changes the charge start timing of the selected charge setting pattern to a timing that allows the battery 6 to be fully charged by the charge end timing or a timing that allows the amount of charge of the battery 6 to be maximized, and performs the charging control based on the charge setting pattern with the changed charge start timing.

[0260] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-12, when the battery 6 is charged using the selected charge setting pattern, if the battery cannot be fully charged due to the current charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery, the timing to start charging is set back in time to the time when full charge or the maximum charge amount can be achieved, so that the battery 6 can always be fully charged or the maximum charge amount when charging is completed.

[0261] (Item 1-13) The work machine 1 described in any one of items 1-1 to 1-12, wherein the plurality of charge setting patterns include a charge setting pattern in which the charging process is interrupted when charging to a predetermined specified charge amount is completed, and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a specified charge amount is reached before the charging end timing.

[0262] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-13, the multiple charge setting patterns include one that temporarily suspends and resumes charging of the battery 6. Therefore, when the control device 8 selects this charge setting pattern and charges the battery 6 in accordance with this pattern, the battery 6 is also warmed up by heating (self-heating due to charging) due to charging immediately before the charge end timing. As a result, for example, if the charge end timing of the charge end information is set to the start of work, the battery 6 will be fully charged and warmed up when work begins, and the battery 6 will be able to demonstrate its maximum capacity at the start of work.

[0263] (Item 1-14) The work machine 1 described in any one of items 1-1 to 1-13, including at least one of an electricity rate storage unit 87 that stores electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate, and an electricity rate acquisition unit that acquires the electricity rate information from outside, and the plurality of charge setting patterns include a charge setting pattern in which charging is performed up to a predetermined specified charge amount during a time period when electricity rates are low, and then the charging process is interrupted, and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a specified charge amount is reached by the charging end timing.

[0264] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-14, the multiple charge setting patterns include one that temporarily suspends and resumes charging of the battery 6. Therefore, when the control device 8 selects this charge setting pattern and charges the battery 6 according to this pattern, the battery 6 is warmed up by heating (self-heating due to charging) due to charging immediately before the charge end timing. As a result, for example, if the charge end timing of the charge end information is set to the start of work, the battery 6 will be fully charged and warmed up when work begins, so that the battery 6 will be able to perform at its maximum capacity when work begins. Furthermore, charging up to a predetermined specified charge amount during a time period when electricity rates are low can reduce the electricity rate for the electricity used to charge the battery 6.

[0265] (Item 1-15) The work machine 1 according to any one of items 1-1 to 1-14, including a monitor 9 that displays a plurality of the charge setting patterns, and an information input unit 90 that performs an operation to select a desired charge setting pattern from the plurality of charge setting patterns displayed on the monitor 9.

[0266] According to the work machine 1 of item 1-15, in addition to the automatic selection of the charge setting pattern by the control device 8, the charge setting pattern can also be selected manually via the information input unit 90.

[0267] (Item 2-1) A work machine 1 comprising a battery 6, an electric device 5 supplied with power from the battery 6, and a control device 8 that controls charging of the battery 6, wherein the control device 8 has at least a low temperature environment mode Mc1 in which charging of the battery 6 is controlled in a low temperature environment, and a normal environment mode Mc2 in which charging of the battery 6 is controlled in a normal environment that is hotter than the low temperature environment, wherein a first full charge amount value in the normal environment and a second full charge amount value in the low temperature environment that is set to a value higher than the first full charge amount value are set as full charge amounts of the battery 6, and wherein in the normal environment mode Mc2 the battery 6 is charged to the first full charge amount value, and in the low temperature environment mode Mc1 the battery 6 is charged to the second full charge amount value.

[0268] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-1, the fully charged capacity of the battery 6 in low-temperature environment mode Mc1 is greater than the fully charged capacity of the battery 6 in normal environment mode Mc2. In low-temperature environments, the performance of the battery 6 generally declines, but by increasing the charge amount compared to normal environments, this performance decline can be compensated for. In other words, the work machine 1 of item 2-1 can operate in the same operating state as in normal environments even when used in low-temperature environments where the outside air temperature is low.

[0269] (Item 2-2) The work machine 1 according to item 2-1, wherein the second full charge amount value is set to a value that is higher than the first full charge amount value by at least the amount of electric power required to warm up the battery 6.

[0270] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-2, the second full charge amount value set in the low temperature environment mode Mc1 is set to a value that is higher than the first full charge amount value set in the normal environment mode Mc2 by at least the amount of power required to warm up the battery 6. Therefore, even if the power of the battery 6 is consumed to warm up the battery 6, the remaining capacity of the battery 6 (the power required for warming up) is consumed, and as a result, the same power as a full charge in the normal environment mode Mc2, which does not require warming up, is ensured during work. This allows a worker working in a low temperature environment to work without worrying about a power shortage in the battery 6.

[0271] (Item 2-3) The work machine 1 according to item 2-1 or 2-2, further comprising a temperature sensor S that measures temperature, wherein the control device 8 sets the work machine 1 to the normal environment mode when the measurement result of the temperature sensor S is higher than a predetermined temperature, and sets the work machine 1 to the low temperature environment mode when the measurement result of the temperature sensor S is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0272] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-3, the environmental mode Mc changes based on the actual temperature (external temperature or internal temperature that affects the work machine 1), so that charging control of the battery 6 can be performed in accordance with reality.

[0273] (Item 2-4) The temperature sensor S is an outside air temperature sensor that measures the outside air temperature, and the control device 8 sets the work machine 1 to the normal environment mode when the measurement result of the outside air temperature sensor S is higher than a predetermined temperature, and sets the work machine 1 to the low temperature environment mode when the measurement result of the outside air temperature sensor S is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0274] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-4, the environmental mode Mc changes based on the outside air temperature that affects the work machine 1, so that charging of the battery 6 can be controlled in accordance with reality.

[0275] (Item 2-5) The work machine 1 described in Item 2-3 includes hydraulic devices M1, M2 driven by hydraulic oil, the temperature sensor S is an oil temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the hydraulic oil, and the control device 8 sets the work machine 1 to the normal environment mode when the measurement result of the oil temperature sensor S is higher than a predetermined temperature, and sets the work machine 1 to the low temperature environment mode when the measurement result of the oil temperature sensor S is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0276] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-5, the environmental mode Mc changes based on the oil temperature of the hydraulic oil, which changes in temperature due to the operating status of the work machine 1 and the external environment, so that charging control of the battery 6 can be performed in accordance with reality.

[0277] (Item 2-6) The work machine 1 described in Item 2-3 includes a device (e.g., an electric motor) 5 that performs a predetermined function, and a cooling device that circulates a coolant to cool the device 5, wherein the temperature sensor S is a liquid temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the coolant, and the control device 8 sets the work machine 1 to the normal environment mode when the measurement result of the liquid temperature sensor S is higher than a predetermined temperature, and sets the work machine 1 to the low temperature environment mode when the measurement result of the liquid temperature sensor S is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0278] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-6, the environmental mode Mc changes based on the liquid temperature of the coolant, which changes in temperature depending on the operating status of the work machine 1 and the external environment, so that charging control of the battery 6 can be performed in accordance with reality.

[0279] (Item 2-7) The work machine 1 described in any one of items 2-1 to 2-6, further comprising a monitor 9 that displays the charge amount of the battery 6, wherein the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display the charge amount of the battery 6 as the full charge amount when the charge amount of the battery 6 is greater than a first full charge amount value and is equal to or less than a second full charge amount value in the low temperature environment mode Mc1, and causes the monitor 9 to display the first full charge amount value as the full charge amount of the battery 6 in the normal environment mode Mc2.

[0280] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-7, when the charge level of the battery 6 is greater than the first full charge level and less than or equal to the second full charge level in the low temperature environment mode Mc1, the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display the charge level of the battery 6 as a full charge level, so that even if the remaining power of the battery 6 (an amount of power greater than the first full charge level in the normal environment mode Mc2) is consumed, the remaining power display is not affected and the battery is displayed as a full charge. This prevents the worker from visually becoming anxious that the battery 6 is being consumed excessively.

[0281] (Item 2-8) The work machine 1 described in Item 2-7, wherein the control device 8 has a high temperature environment mode Mc3 for controlling charging of the battery 6 in a high temperature environment that is hotter than the normal environment, and sets a third full charge amount value that is set to a value lower than the first full charge amount value as the full charge amount value of the battery 6 in the high temperature environment, and charges the battery 6 to the third full charge amount value in the high temperature environment mode Mc3.

[0282] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-8, in the high temperature environment mode Mc3, the battery 6 is charged to the first full charge amount value that is lower than the first full charge amount value, so that the battery 6 can be fully charged with the amount of power that allows the battery 6 to maximize its performance in a high temperature environment. In other words, the battery 6 is affected by the ambient temperature, and as the ambient temperature rises, the charging current increases, the amount of heat generated increases, and the battery tends to be overcharged. However, by charging the battery to the third full charge amount value that is lower than the first full charge amount value under normal conditions as described above, overcharging can be prevented.

[0283] (Item 2-9) The work machine 1 according to item 2-8, wherein the control device 8 causes the monitor 9 to display the third full charge amount value as the full charge amount of the battery 6 in the high temperature environment mode Mc3.

[0284] According to the work machine 1 of item 2-9, the third full charge amount value is set lower than the first full charge amount value, and the full charge amount of the battery 6 in a high temperature environment is less than the full charge amount of the battery 6 in a normal environment. However, by displaying this as the full charge amount on the monitor 9, the worker can recognize that the battery 6 is in a state where it can be used to its full potential.

[0285] (Item 3-1) A work machine 1 comprising: a battery 6; electrical equipment 5, IV, CV, 9... that receives power from the battery 6; a charging port 70 to which a charging cable 10 for charging the battery 6 can be connected; an operation switch 72 that executes a predetermined function through operation input, the operation switch 72 being provided near the charging port 70; and a security system that is switchable between an operation permissive state in which operation input through the operation switch 72 is enabled and an operation restricted state in which operation input through the operation switch 72 is disabled, wherein the security system has a release input unit 73 near the charging port 70 that accepts a predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information for switching from the operation restricted state to the operation permissive state.

[0286] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-1, the security system is configured to be switchable between an operation permissive state in which operation input via the operation switch 72 is enabled and an operation restricted state in which operation input via the operation switch 72 is disabled, and the release input unit 73 accepts a predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information for switching from the operation restricted state to the operation permissive state, so that switching from the operation restricted state to the operation permissive state is not possible unless the release input unit 73 accepts the predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information. This makes it possible to prevent unintended operation by unauthorized third parties while minimizing a decrease in convenience for legitimate operators.

[0287] (Item 3-2) The work machine 1 described in Item 3-1 includes a driver's seat 32 and a security setting unit 91 provided near the driver's seat 32 that accepts a predetermined mode setting operation, and the security system is switchable, by the predetermined mode setting operation on the security setting unit 91, between a security deactivation mode in which operation input of the operation switch 72 is always enabled, and a security activation mode in which operation input of the operation switch 72 is enabled when the deactivation input unit accepts the predetermined operation or predetermined authentication information.

[0288] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-2, it is possible to switch between security unlock mode and security activation mode by performing a predetermined mode setting operation on the security setting unit 91 provided near the driver's seat 32, so that it is possible to switch between a state in which operation of the operation switch 72 is always enabled (operation allowed state) and a state in which operation of the operation switch 72 is disabled (operation restricted state) depending on the request of the worker or the situation at the work site, etc.

[0289] (Item 3-3) The work machine 1 according to Item 3-2, further comprising a cabin 33 surrounding the driver's seat 32 and the security setting unit 91, and the charging port 70, the operation switch 72, and the release input unit 73 being provided outside the cabin 33.

[0290] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-3, the security setting unit 91 is disposed inside the cabin 33, which prevents switching between the security unlock mode and the security operating mode by an unauthorized third party who is not allowed to enter the cabin 33. In addition, since the charging port 70, the operation switch 72, and the release input unit 73 are provided outside the cabin 33, the operations required to charge the battery 6 can be performed without entering the cabin 33.

[0291] (Item 3-4) The work machine 1 described in any one of Items 3-1 to 3-3, including a locking device 71 that, in response to an operation of the operation switch 72, switches between a locked state that prevents the charging cable 10 connected to the charging port 70 from being removed from the charging port 70 and an unlocked state that allows the charging cable 10 to be removed from the charging port 70.

[0292] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-4, when the locking device 71 is in the locked state, the charging cable 10 is prevented from being removed from the charging port 70, thereby preventing unauthorized third parties from committing fraudulent acts such as theft of the charging cable 10 or stopping charging of the battery 6.

[0293] (Item 3-5) The work machine 1 according to any one of items 3-1 to 3-4, wherein the operation switch 72 can be operated to start or stop charging the battery 6.

[0294] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-5, at least one of starting and terminating charging of the battery 6 is possible only when the security system is in an operation-permitting state that enables operation input to the operation switch 72, so that at least one of starting and terminating charging of the battery 6 cannot be performed by an unauthorized third party.

[0295] (Item 3-6) The work machine 1 described in any one of items 3-1 to 3-5, which is provided with a charge standby mode that waits for charging of the battery 6 until a predetermined start condition is met and starts charging when the start condition is met, and when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation switch 72 while the battery 6 is waiting to be charged, the waiting for charging of the battery 6 is stopped.

[0296] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-6, in the charge standby mode in which charging starts when the start conditions are met, a predetermined operation on the operation switch 72 stops the standby charging of the battery 6. However, as described above, operation of the operation switch 72 is only valid when the security system is in an operation-permitted state, and therefore, if the security system is in an operation-restricted state, even if a third party operates the operation switch 72, it is invalid, and it is possible to prevent charging of the battery 6 from being stopped due to mischief or the like by a third party.

[0297] (Item 3-7) The work machine 1 according to Item 3-6, wherein the start condition is a preset charging start timing, the work machine 1 waits until the charging start timing arrives to start charging the battery 6, and starts charging the battery 6 when the charging start timing arrives.

[0298] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-7, charging of the battery 6 starts at a preset charging start timing, so that charging of the battery 6 can be scheduled.

[0299] (Item 3-8) The work machine 1 according to any one of Items 3-1 to 3-7, wherein the release input unit 73 is a key cylinder that accepts a switching operation from the operation restricted state to the operation permitted state when a predetermined key 73 b is inserted into the key cylinder 73 or when a predetermined action is performed after the predetermined key 73 b is inserted into the key cylinder 73.

[0300] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-8, only the worker who possesses the specified key 73b can switch from the operation restricted state to the operation permitted state, thereby preventing unauthorized third parties from operating the operation switch 72.

[0301] (Item 3-9) The work machine 1 described in any one of items 3-1 to 3-8, wherein the release input unit 73 acquires, as the authentication information, biometric information of the worker attempting to switch from the operation restricted state to the operation permitted state, input information of a personal identification number or password, or an authentication signal transmitted from a wireless device held by the worker, and accepts an operation to switch from the operation restricted state to the operation permitted state by comparing the acquired authentication information with pre-registered information.

[0302] According to the work machine 1 of item 3-9, the operation can be switched from a restricted operation state to an allowed operation state based on the worker's unique biometric information, input information held by the worker, or an authentication signal from a wireless device held by the worker, thereby preventing unauthorized third parties from operating the operation switch 72.

[0303] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0304] In the above embodiment, a backhoe has been described as an example of the work machine 1, but the work machine 1 is not limited to a backhoe. For example, the work machine 1 may be a construction machine other than a backhoe, or may be an agricultural machine such as a tractor.

[0305] The work machine 1 in the above embodiment is provided with an electric motor 5 (electric motor 5 that drives the hydraulic pump P) that indirectly operates the work device 4 and the traveling device 2 as an electric device that receives power (electrical power) from the battery 6, but this is not limited to this. The electric device may directly drive the work device 4 and the traveling device 2, or may indirectly drive either the work device 4 or the traveling device 2. The electric device may also directly or indirectly drive (operate) a device other than the work device 4 and the traveling device 2. Furthermore, the electric device may be something other than the electric motor 5 (for example, an electric cylinder). In other words, the electric device may be anything that performs its function by receiving energy from the rechargeable battery 6.

[0306] In the above embodiment, the control device 8 is configured to be able to set a full charge priority mode Me2 that fully charges the battery 6, and when the full charge priority mode Me2 is set, the processing unit 81 of the control device 8 calculates the required charging time required to fully charge the battery 6 based on the current charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6, and when it determines, based on the charge start timing and charge end timing (chargeable time) and the required charging time in the charge setting pattern, that the battery will not be fully charged at the charge end timing in the charge setting pattern, it changes the charge start timing so that the battery 6 is fully charged at the set charge end timing. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the full charge priority mode Me2 is set, the processing unit 81 of the control device 8 may calculate the required charging time required to fully charge the battery 6 based on the current charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6, and when it determines, based on the charge start timing and charge end timing (chargeable time) and the required charging time in the charge setting pattern, that the battery will not be fully charged at the charge end timing in the charge setting pattern, it changes both or either one of the charge start timing and charge end timing so that the battery 6 is fully charged.

[0307] In the above embodiment, the control device 8 automatically switches the environmental mode Mc during the chargeable mode Mb by comparing the detection result of the outside air temperature sensor S (the actual outside air temperature) with a reference temperature. However, this is not limited to this. For example, if the area in which the work machine 1 is used is an area with seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), the control device 8 may switch the environmental mode Mc according to the season. That is, the control device 8 may switch to the low-temperature environmental mode Mc1 in winter (December to February), the high-temperature environmental mode Mc3 in summer (June to August), and the normal environmental mode Mc2 in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

[0308] In the above embodiment, the release input unit 73 electrically enables operation of the operation switch 72 when it is linked to the identifier 73b (when the contact switch 730 is energized and transmits a signal to the control device 8), but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Fig. 24, the release input unit 73 may include a shutter 73c that can switch the operation switch 72 between a concealed state and an open state by rotating a key 73b that is an identifier when it is linked to the key 73b (when the key 73b that is an identifier is inserted into the keyhole 73a). In this way, the release input unit 73 can physically switch between an operation permitted state in which operation of the operation switch 72 is enabled and an operation restricted state in which operation of the operation switch 72 is disabled.

[0309] In the above embodiment, in the timer charging mode Md2 of the low temperature environment mode Mc1, the charging time of the battery 6 includes the warm-up time, and the battery 6 is automatically warmed up during the charging time of the battery 6, but this is not limited to this. For example, in the timer charging mode Md2 of the low temperature environment mode Mc1, the operator may be able to set whether or not to warm up the battery 6 during the charging time.

[0310] Specifically, the setting screen displayed on the information input unit 90 may be used to set whether or not to warm up the battery 6 while the timer charge mode Md2 is being executed, or a switch for switching ON / OFF the warm-up of the battery 6 (a heater for warm-up) may be provided in the driver's cab DR so that the warm-up of the battery 6 can be executed at a timing desired by the operator. In this case, the control device 8 charges the battery 6 to the second full charge value, but in a state in which it is set that no warm-up of the battery 6 (warm-up not required) is not required, the charge time may be set without including the warm-up time (the required charge time is set as the charge time).

[0311] Furthermore, in the low temperature environment mode Mc1, when the setting is such that the battery 6 is not warmed up (no warm-up required), the control device 8, as in the above embodiment, may cause the monitor 9 to display the charge amount of the battery 6 as a full charge amount when the charge amount is between the second full charge amount value and the first full charge amount value, and when the charge amount becomes less than the first full charge amount, may cause the monitor 9 to display the remaining amount of the battery 6 according to the change (decrease) in the charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6.

[0312] In addition, when the battery 6 is set to not be warmed up (no warm-up required), the control device 8 may cause the monitor 9 to display the charge amount of the battery 6 as fully charged (100%) when it is at the second full charge amount value, and may cause the monitor 9 to display the remaining amount of the battery 6 according to the change (decrease) in the charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 6 from the second full charge amount value until the charge amount value becomes 0 (0%).

[0313] Furthermore, when the system is set to not warm up the battery 6 (warm-up not required), the control device 8 may cause the monitor 9 to display the battery 6 charge level as full charge (100%) when the charge level of the battery 6 is at the second full charge level, and may cause the monitor 9 to display the battery 6 charge level as 0 (0% remaining charge) when the full charge level of the battery 6 is reduced from the second full charge level by the charge capacity corresponding to the first full charge level set in the normal environment mode Mc2. During this period, the control device 8 may display the remaining charge of the battery 6 according to the change (decrease) in the charge level (remaining charge) of the battery 6. In this case, when the monitor 9 displays the battery 6 charge level as 0 (0% remaining charge), the battery 6 still has power remaining equal to the difference between the second full charge level and the first full charge level. This power can therefore function as auxiliary power (power source). Therefore, in this case, the control device 8 may cause the monitor 9 to display that the auxiliary power source is being used.

[0314] Even if the display on the monitor 9 is changed in this way, as in the above embodiment, the actual fully charged amount of the battery 6 is greater in the low temperature environment mode Mc1 than in the normal environment mode Mc2, so even if the worker wishes to warm up the battery 6 or other equipment after charging of the battery 6 is completed, sufficient power can be secured for use in operating the work machine 1.

[0315] 1: Work machine 5: Electrical equipment (electric actuator (electric motor)) 6: Battery 8: Control device 8b: Detection device 9, 90: Monitor (information input unit) 10: Charging cable 70: Charging port 71: Locking device 72: Operation switch 73: Release input unit 73a: Keyhole 73b: Identifier (key) 80: Memory unit 81: Processing unit 82: Input unit 83: Output unit 84: Timer unit At: Required charging time Bt: Available charging time CM: Charging device Ma: Drive mode Mb: Available charging mode Mc: Environment mode Mc1: Low temperature environment mode Mc2: Normal environment mode Mc3: High temperature environment mode Md: Charging mode Md1: Normal charging mode Md2: Timer charging mode Me1: Time priority mode Me2: Full charge priority mode

Claims

1. A work machine comprising: a battery; an electrical device powered by the battery; a control device for controlling charging of the battery; and a memory unit that stores a plurality of charge setting patterns in which at least a charge start timing for starting charging of the battery and a charge end timing for ending charging of the battery are set, wherein the control device selects a charge setting pattern from the plurality of charge setting patterns in accordance with the current situation, controls charging of the battery based on the selected charge setting pattern, and ends charging of the battery at the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern.

2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires charging start information indicating the start timing at which charging of the battery should be started, which is the start timing desired by the operator, and selects the charging setting pattern to be used for charging control in accordance with the acquired charging start information.

3. A work machine as described in claim 2, further comprising a timing unit that measures the current date and time, and the control device selects the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control based on the current date and time measured by the timing unit and the charge start information.

4. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires charge end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, and selects the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, which is the charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is closest to the end timing, or the charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is earlier than the end timing, or the charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is earlier than the end timing and the charge setting pattern in which the charge end timing is closest to the end timing.

5. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires charge end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, and selects, from among the plurality of charge setting patterns, a charge setting pattern that will bring the battery to full charge by the end timing or a charge setting pattern that will bring the battery to a predetermined charge amount or more, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

6. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires charge end information indicating the end timing at which charging of the battery should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, and selects, from among charge setting patterns that will bring the battery to full charge by the end timing or charge setting patterns that will bring the battery to a predetermined charge amount or more, the charge setting pattern in which the charge start timing is closest to the current date and time, the charge setting pattern in which the battery is fully charged or has reached a predetermined charge amount or more at the earliest timing, or the charge setting pattern in which the battery is fully charged or has reached a predetermined charge amount or more at the earliest timing, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

7. A work machine as described in claim 1, comprising at least one of an electricity rate storage unit that stores electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and the electricity rate, and an electricity rate acquisition unit that acquires the electricity rate information from an external source, wherein the control device acquires charging end information that indicates the end timing at which charging of the battery should be ended, which is the end timing desired by the operator, and selects, as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control, the charge setting pattern that results in the lowest electricity rate from among charge setting patterns that will fully charge the battery by the end timing or charge setting patterns that will cause the battery to be charged to a predetermined amount or more.

8. The work machine described in claim 1, wherein the memory unit stores a work schedule including work periods during which the electrical equipment is operated and non-work periods during which the electrical equipment is not operated, and the control device identifies the next work period based on the current date and time and the work schedule, and selects the charge setting pattern in which the charging end timing is within the non-work period before the next work period as the charge setting pattern to be used for charge control.

9. The work machine described in claim 3, wherein the memory unit stores a work schedule including work periods during which the electrical equipment is operated and non-work periods during which the electrical equipment is not operated, and the control device identifies the next work period based on the current date and time and the work schedule, and when it determines that the charging end timing of the selected charge setting pattern is within the next work period, changes the charging end timing of the selected charge setting pattern to within the non-work period before the next work period.

10. A work machine as described in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the working period includes information regarding the days or dates and time periods when the electrical equipment is operated, and the non-working period includes information regarding the days or dates and time periods when the electrical equipment is not operated.

11. A work machine according to claim 1, further comprising an information input unit capable of editing the charge setting pattern to be stored in the memory unit.

12. The control device is configured to be able to set a full charge priority mode that fully charges the battery, and when the full charge priority mode is set, calculates the required charging time to fully charge the battery based on the current charge level of the battery, and if the battery does not reach full charge by the charge end timing of the selected charge setting pattern, changes the charge start timing of the selected charge setting pattern to a timing that will allow the battery to be fully charged by the charge end timing or a timing that will maximize the charge level of the battery, and performs the charge control based on the charge setting pattern with the changed charge start timing.

13. A work machine as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality of charge setting patterns include a charge setting pattern in which the charging process is interrupted when charging is completed up to a predetermined specified charge amount, and the charging process is resumed when full charge or a specified charge amount is reached before the charging end timing.

14. A work machine as described in claim 1, comprising at least one of an electricity rate storage unit that stores electricity rate information indicating the relationship between the time of charging and electricity rates, and an electricity rate acquisition unit that acquires the electricity rate information from an external source, wherein the plurality of charging setting patterns include a charging setting pattern that charges the battery up to a predetermined specified charge amount during a time period when electricity rates are low, then suspends the charging process, and resumes the charging process when the battery is fully charged or reaches a specified charge amount by the charging completion timing.

15. A work machine as described in claim 1, comprising: a monitor that displays a plurality of the charge setting patterns; and an information input unit that performs an operation to select a desired charge setting pattern from the plurality of charge setting patterns displayed on the monitor.

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