System and method for operating battery of electric work vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for operating a battery of an electric work vehicle. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100) may be provided, the battery operation system comprising: a battery (111) for supplying power; a battery management device (112) for tracking the state of charge (SoC) of the battery (111) and managing the discharge of the battery; a power distribution device (113) for distributing the power of the battery (111) to associated electrical components (120); and a control device (114) for receiving information about the SoC of the battery (111) from the battery management device (112) and controlling the power distribution device (113) in one of a normal operation mode or an emergency operation mode.

Description

Battery operation system and method for electric work vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for operating a battery of an electric work vehicle.

[0002] Advances in battery technology are rapidly replacing the internal combustion engine as the power source for vehicles.

[0003] Recently, attempts are being made to use batteries as a power source not only for electric vehicles but also for work vehicles such as tractors and combine harvesters.

[0004] Since these electric work vehicles use batteries instead of engines as their power source, the drive system and work system, excluding the system for generating power, remain the same as those of work vehicles using traditional internal combustion engines.

[0005] The battery operation system of electric work vehicles that have already been launched and are currently in operation is briefly introduced below.

[0006] Figure 1 conceptually illustrates the configuration of a conventional electric work vehicle (10). In Figure 1, data transfer paths (for control and / or information provision) between each component are indicated by solid lines, and power transfer paths are indicated by dashed lines. The single-dotted line represents the path of charging power, and the double-dotted line represents the path of discharging power.

[0007] As referenced in FIG. 1, the electric work vehicle (10) includes a control device (11), a battery (12), a battery management device (13), a power distribution device (14), and electrical components (15).

[0008] The control device (11) is a device for overall control of the vehicle and is provided for monitoring and / or controlling the status of the battery (12), battery management device (13), power distribution device (14), and electrical components (15).

[0009] The control device (11) may be a vehicle control unit (VCU: Vehicle Control Unit), which is the highest level of control means among the control means equipped in the electric work vehicle (10).

[0010] The battery (12) is provided to store power, provide (discharge) the stored power to electrical components (15), and receive power (charge) from an external power source (hereinafter referred to as an 'external power source (EP)') to store power. The external power source (EP) can be provided at a charging station as an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment).

[0011] The power source of the electric work vehicle (10) is provided in the form of a battery module, which is a collection of battery cells, but is collectively referred to as a battery (12) in this specification.

[0012] The battery management device (13) monitors the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the battery (12), and manages charging and discharging. The battery management device (13) is located between the external power source (EP) and the battery (12), and between the electrical components (15) and the battery (12). The battery management device (13) is provided to allow or block the power of the battery (12) from being supplied (discharged) to the electrical components (15), or to allow or block the power from an external power source from being supplied (charged) to the battery (12). The battery management device (13) can be connected to the external power source (EP) via an On Board Charge (OBC, not shown).

[0013] The battery management device (13) can be provided like a conventional BMS (Battery Management System).

[0014] The battery management device (13) can be provided in an electric work vehicle (10) as a part of a battery pack (P) together with a battery (12) (battery module).

[0015] A power distribution device (14) is provided to distribute power provided from a battery (12) to electrical components (15). The power distribution device (14) is provided between the electrical components (15) and the battery (12). The power distribution device (14) can receive power from a battery management device (13) and distribute and provide the received power to the electrical components (15).

[0016] Electrical components (15) are for operating an electric work vehicle (10), but refer to all components that "require power provided from a battery (12)" for its use. Although not specifically illustrated, for example, electrical components (15) include a transmission for speed change, a steering system, a drive system, a work system (which may include a power take-off (PTO) device), and other components for convenience such as lighting or notification devices. Electrical components (15) may include a hydraulic motor that provides power for transmission, steering, or work, an electric motor that provides power for moving the vehicle, an inverter for providing AC voltage to these motors, a converter (such as an LDC) that is provided for providing low-voltage power to the lighting described above, an OBC that is a conversion device for charging, and an auxiliary battery that can be charged by being connected to the converter.

[0017] If the OB is installed at a charging station, it is not included in the equipment (15).

[0018] The electrical components (15) act as electrical loads for the battery (12).

[0019] While research and development are underway on batteries (12) specifically designed for use in electric work vehicles (10), overcoming the inherent limitations inherent in their reliance on the redox reaction of materials remains challenging. The issue of overcharging and overdischarging being detrimental to the battery's lifespan remains unresolved.

[0020] Accordingly, the following battery (12) operation method has been proposed as a technology to protect the battery (12).

[0021] The electric work vehicle (10) sets an SOC (State of Charge) area for the battery (12) to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery (12). The SOC area can be understood as an available area of ​​the battery (12) having an upper limit and a lower limit. The SOC area can be 10% to 90% of the total capacity range of the battery (12), which is 0% to 100%, but the area can be reasonably set taking various circumstances into consideration.

[0022] When the power stored in the battery (12) decreases by operating the electric work vehicle (10), and the remaining power reaches the lower limit of the SOC area (e.g., 10% of the total capacity), the battery (12) is treated as completely discharged and the battery management device (13) blocks the discharge of the battery (12). Thus, over-discharge of the battery (12) is prevented.

[0023] When the power stored in the battery (12) increases by charging the battery (12), if the stored power reaches the upper limit of the SOC area (e.g., 90% of the total capacity), the battery (12) is treated as fully charged, and the battery management device (13) blocks charging of the battery (12). Thus, overcharging of the battery (12) is prevented.

[0024] Meanwhile, the operating location of the electric work vehicle (10) (hereinafter referred to as "work site") is often a remote location such as a farmland such as a rice paddy, field, or greenhouse. If the electric work vehicle (10) becomes unable to operate at the work site, it is quite difficult. Unlike work vehicles using an internal combustion engine, it is impossible to refuel using a horse barrel or the like in a remote location, and considering the vehicle's weight and size, towing the vehicle to a repair shop or charging station is either impossible or, even if possible, requires a considerable amount of money.

[0025] [Prior Art Literature]

[0026] [Patent Document]

[0027] (Patent Document 1) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2286837 (August 2, 2021)

[0028] The present invention was derived from the recognition that it should be possible to operate an electric work vehicle effectively and rationally even under existing battery protection technology.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery (111) for supplying power; a battery management device (112) for tracking the State of Charge (SoC) of the battery (111) and managing the discharge of the battery; a power distribution device (113) for distributing the power of the battery (111) to connected electrical components (120); And a control device (114) that receives information about the SOC of the battery (111) from the battery management device (112) and controls the power distribution device (113) in one of a normal operation mode and an emergency operation mode, wherein the control device (114) controls the power distribution device (113) in the normal operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is equal to or higher than a preset lower limit (LB), and controls the power distribution device (113) in the emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is lower than the lower limit (LB), and the control device (114) allows the power distribution device (113) to distribute power to the electrical components (120) in the normal operation mode and to distribute power only to some of the electrical components (120) in the emergency operation mode.

[0030] The above power distribution device (113) may be arranged so that power is distributed only to electrical components for movement of the electric work vehicle (100) in the above emergency operation mode.

[0031] The battery operation system (110) of the above electric work vehicle (100) may further include an input device (115) that generates a mode switching signal and transmits it to the control device (114) to switch to the emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB).

[0032] The above input device (115) may be arranged to be installed inside the electric work vehicle (100).

[0033] In order to switch to the emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB), the control device (114) may be arranged to receive a mode switching signal generated by a connected external device (ED).

[0034] The above external device (ED) may be arranged to be installed on the outside of the electric work vehicle (100).

[0035] In order to switch to the emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB), the control device (114) may be arranged to receive a mode switching signal generated by a connected control server (CS).

[0036] The above control device (114) may be arranged to limit the gear ratio of the transmission and the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of the motor to a preset range in the above emergency operation mode.

[0037] In the above emergency operation mode, the control device (114) can control the power distribution device (113) to supply power to some electrical components to raise the linked work machine in the descending state.

[0038] The battery operation system (110) of the above electric work vehicle (100) can be provided so that the control device (114) directly controls the power distribution device (113), thereby switching to either the normal operation mode or the emergency operation mode.

[0039] The battery operation system (110) of the above electric work vehicle (100) can be provided so that the control device (114) controls the power distribution device (113) through the battery management device (112), thereby switching to one of the normal operation mode and the emergency operation mode.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a SOC checking step (S110) for checking the State of Charge (SoC) of a battery (111); a SOC area determination step (S120) for determining whether the SoC of the battery (111) is equal to or higher than a preset lower limit (LB); a normal control step (S130) for controlling a power distribution device (113) in a normal operation mode when the SoC of the battery (111) is determined to be equal to or higher than the lower limit (LB) as a result of the determination in the SOC area determination step (S120); a signal waiting step (S140) for waiting for a mode switching signal when the SoC of the battery (111) is determined to be less than the lower limit (LB) as a result of the determination in the SOC area determination step (S120); a signal reception step (S150) for determining whether the mode switching signal has been received; And when the mode switching signal is received, an emergency control step (S160) for controlling the power distribution device (113) in an emergency operation mode; In the normal operation mode, power is distributed to the electrical components (120), and in the emergency operation mode, a battery operation method (S100) of an electric work vehicle (100) for controlling the power distribution device (113) so that power is distributed to only some of the electrical components (120) can be provided.

[0041] The battery operation method (S100) of the above electric work vehicle (100) can be provided so that, in the emergency operation mode, power is distributed only to electrical components for movement of the above electric work vehicle (100).

[0042] The battery operation method (S100) of the above electric work vehicle (100) may be provided to limit the gear ratio of the transmission and the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of the motor to a preset range in the above emergency operation mode.

[0043] The battery operation method (S100) of the above electric work vehicle (100) may further include a work machine lowering confirmation step (S170) for confirming whether the work machine is in a lowered state when the mode change signal is received; and a work machine control step (S180) for controlling the power distribution device (113) to supply power to some electrical components to raise the work machine if the work machine is in a lowered state, and for raising the work machine.

[0044] The present invention prevents battery over-discharge while also resolving the situation where an electric work vehicle cannot move on its own from the work site to the charging station. Consequently, the time and cost associated with towing, which would otherwise occur if the electric work vehicle were unable to move on its own, can be saved.

[0045] In some embodiments, means may be provided to prevent abuse of the emergency operation mode, thereby minimizing shortening of battery life.

[0046] The present invention contributes to maximizing the rationality of introducing electric work vehicles for work by maintaining a balance between battery protection and effective operation of electric work vehicles through the above-mentioned effects.

[0047] Figure 1 conceptually illustrates the configuration of a conventional electric work vehicle.

[0048] Figure 2 conceptually illustrates an electric work vehicle to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates the configuration of a battery operation system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 4 conceptually illustrates the state in which the SoC (State of Charge) region (R1) of the battery according to Fig. 3 is set.

[0051] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate each step of a battery operation method of an electric work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] A preferred embodiment according to the present invention is described with reference to the attached drawings, but for the sake of brevity, descriptions of well-known components are omitted or compressed as much as possible.

[0053] The present invention relates to a battery operation system (110) applicable to an existing electric work vehicle (10), and in some embodiments, only the hardware of the existing electric work vehicle (10) may be utilized. Accordingly, descriptions of parts not essential to explaining the technical concept of the present invention will be brief and may be replaced with the description of the existing electric work vehicle (10) described above.

[0054] <Description of electric work vehicles>

[0055] Figure 2 conceptually illustrates an electric work vehicle (100) to which one embodiment of the present invention is applied. The dotted line illustrates the data movement path, and the solid line illustrates the power movement path.

[0056] The movement of data within the electric work vehicle (100) can be accomplished through CAN (Controller Area Network) communication.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery operation system (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention is introduced in an electric work vehicle (100).

[0058] An electric work vehicle (100) may include a battery operation system (110), electrical components (120), and a communication device (130).

[0059] The battery operation system (110) is provided to provide power to electrical components (120) and to receive power from an external power source (EP). According to FIG. 2, the control device (114, FIG. 3) provided in the battery operation system (110) may be a vehicle control unit (VCU: Vehicle Control Unit) that controls the electrical components (120), but is not necessarily limited thereto. The control device (114) of the battery operation system (110) and the vehicle control unit (not shown) are provided separately, and the battery operation system (110) and the electrical components (120) are also included in the scope of the present invention under the control of the vehicle control unit (not shown).

[0060] The battery operation system (110) may be configured to receive a mode switching signal from an external device (ED). The external device (ED) may be a diagnostic device or the like operated by a person performing production or maintenance of an electric work vehicle (100).

[0061] The electrical components (120) are arranged to be supplied with power by the battery operation system (110). When the control device (114) of the battery operation system (110) is a vehicle control unit, the electrical components (120) can be controlled by the battery operation system (110) as referenced in FIG. 2. According to an embodiment, the electrical components (120) can also be controlled by a vehicle control unit that is arranged separately from the control device (114) of the battery operation system (110).

[0062] Electrical components (120) are for operating the electric work vehicle (100), and may include “all components that require power provided from the battery (111)” for its use. Electrical components (120) may include all components for convenience, such as a transmission for speed change, a steering system, a driving system, a work system (including a PTO), and lighting or an alarm device. Accordingly, a hydraulic motor that provides power for a transmission, steering, or work, an electric motor that provides power for the movement of the vehicle (100), an inverter for providing AC voltage to these motors, and further, a converter (including an LDC (Low DC-DC Converter)) for providing low-voltage power to the lighting described above, or an auxiliary battery that can be connected to the converter and recharged, may all be included in the electrical components (120).

[0063] The electrical components (120) may function for movement and operation of the electric work vehicle (100). A hydraulic motor for providing hydraulic pressure to a steering system or an electric motor for providing power to a drive system may be electrical components (120) that function for movement. A hydraulic motor for providing hydraulic pressure to operate a work tool may be electrical components that function for operation. In other words, a single electrical component may function for movement and operation at different times depending on the user's operation.

[0064] At least some of the components (120) may or may not be powered depending on the operation of the battery operating system (110).

[0065] A communication device (130) is provided so that the battery operation system (110) can communicate with a control server (CS) linked to an electric work vehicle (100). The communication device (130) can transmit a discharge notification signal generated by the battery operation system (110) to the control server (CS) and receive a mode change signal generated by the control server (CS) and provide it to the battery operation system (110).

[0066] The electric work vehicle (100) is referred to as a ‘vehicle (100)’.

[0067] <Description of the battery operation system>

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates the configuration of a battery operation system (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Hereinafter, a battery operation system (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0070] The battery operation system (110) may include a battery (111), a battery management device (112), a power distribution device (113), a control device (114), and an input device (115).

[0071] A battery (111) is provided to provide power. The battery (111) is provided to store power and enable discharge. Power discharged from the battery (111) can be provided to electrical components (120). The discharge of the battery (111) is managed by a battery management device (112).

[0072] Fig. 4 conceptually illustrates the state in which the SoC (State of Charge) region (R1) of the battery (111) according to Fig. 3 is set.

[0073] As referenced in Fig. 4, the battery (111) has an SOC region (R1) set. The SOC (State of Charge) region (R1) is a region of available power set as a part of the entire capacity range (R2) of the battery (111). The SOC region (R1) may have a lower limit (LB) and an upper limit (HB). The SOC region may be equal to or greater than the lower limit (LB) and equal to or less than the upper limit (HB). The lower limit (LB) is set to 10% and the upper limit (HB) is set to 90%, so that the SOC region (R1) may be equal to or greater than 10% and equal to or less than 90% of the entire capacity range (R2).

[0074] The SOC, lower limit (LB), and upper limit (HB) of the battery (111) can be expressed in various ways. An example will be described when the SOC area (R1) is set to 10% or more and 90% or less of the total capacity range (R2).

[0075] The SOC can be expressed as a ratio of the remaining capacity to the total capacity (R2) of the battery (111). At this time, if the remaining capacity of the battery (111) is 20%, the SOC is 20%, and if the remaining capacity of the battery (111) falls below the lower limit (LB) and is 8%, the SOC can be 8%. At this time, the lower limit (LB) can be 10%, and the upper limit (HB) can be 90%.

[0076] SOC can be expressed as a ratio of available capacity to SOC area (R1). In this case, if the remaining capacity of the battery (111) is 20%, SOC is 12.5( )%, and if the remaining capacity of the battery (111) falls below the lower limit (LB) by 2%, the SOC is -10( )%. In this case, the lower limit (LB) can be 0% and the upper limit (HB) can be 100%.

[0077] The SOC of the battery (111) can be tracked by the battery management device (112) and information about the SOC can be provided to the control device (114). The lower limit value (LB) of the SOC can be a criterion for switching the mode (normal operation mode and emergency operation mode) in which the control device (114) controls the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113).

[0078] The battery management device (112) is provided to track the SOC of the battery (111). The battery management device (112) can provide information about the SOC of the tracked battery (111) to the control device (114).

[0079] The battery management device (112) is provided to manage the discharge of the battery (111). The battery management device (112) is provided to allow or block the discharge of the battery (111).

[0080] The battery management device (112) can operate in either a normal operation mode or an emergency operation mode under the control of the control device (114). The battery management device (112) operating in the normal operation mode can be switched to the emergency operation mode under the control of the control device (114).

[0081] The battery management device (112) can allow power discharge only when the SOC of the battery (111) is within the SOC area in normal operation mode. When the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB) in normal operation mode, the battery management device (112) blocks discharge of the battery (111).

[0082] The battery management device (112) can allow discharge of power even when the SOC of the battery (111) is not within the SOC area in the emergency operation mode. In the emergency operation mode, the battery management device (112) can allow discharge of the battery (111) even when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB).

[0083] The battery management device (112) can operate in normal operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is above the lower limit (LB), and can operate in emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB).

[0084] The battery management device (112) can control the operation of the power distribution device (113) under the control of the control device (114).

[0085] The power distribution device (113) is provided to distribute the power of the battery (111) to the connected electrical components (120). The power distribution device (113) can distribute the power provided from the battery (111) to the electrical components (120) by allowing the battery management device (112) to discharge the battery (111). If the battery management device (112) blocks the discharge of the battery (111), the power distribution device (113) cannot distribute and provide power to the electrical components (120).

[0086] The power distribution device (113) can operate in either a normal operation mode or an emergency operation mode under the control of the control device (114). The power distribution device (113) operating in the normal operation mode can be switched to the emergency operation mode under the control of the control device (114).

[0087] The power distribution device (113) can distribute power to the electrical components (120) in normal operation mode. Power distribution in normal operation mode can be performed without restriction.

[0088] The power distribution device (113) can distribute power only to electrical components for the movement of the electric work vehicle (100) in the emergency operation mode. The operation of the power distribution device (113) may be controlled by the control device (114). Therefore, in the emergency operation mode, the power distribution device (113) can distribute power so that power is supplied only to the driving motor and inverter required for steering and driving, and the low-voltage battery (111) for lighting the safety lights essential for the operation of the vehicle (100). If the power for the steering and driving system and the power for operating the work machine are provided from the same motor, the power distribution device (113) can distribute power so that only the power required to provide power for the steering and driving system is provided to the relevant motor.

[0089] Meanwhile, according to the embodiment, “electrical components for movement of an electric work vehicle (100)” should be understood to include not only electrical components that directly contribute to the movement of the vehicle (100), but also electrical components that ultimately contribute to the movement of the vehicle (100) by making the vehicle (100) in a state where it cannot move moveable.

[0090] For example, when the work machine of a vehicle (100) is in a lowered state, the vehicle (100) cannot move. Therefore, in order to move, the work machine in the lowered state needs to be raised. At this time, the electrical equipment for raising the work machine in the lowered state to a level where the vehicle (100) can move may also be included in the "electric equipment for movement of the electric work vehicle (100)" described above.

[0091] Of course, if the height of the work machine is already such that the vehicle (100) can move, the electrical equipment for further raising the work machine is unrelated to the movement of the vehicle (100), and therefore may not be included in the "electric equipment for movement of the electric work vehicle (100)".

[0092] Accordingly, the power distribution device (113) can distribute power only to some electrical components for raising the linked work machine in the descending state in the emergency operation mode.

[0093] The implements may be rotary, baler, weeder, wrapper, seeder, plow, suppressor, loader, backhoe, fork, harrow, topdresser, harvester, and mulcher. When the implement is in a lowered state, the vehicle (100) may not be able to move. Accordingly, when the implement is in a lowered state, the power distribution device (113) in the emergency operation mode may distribute power so that the minimum power is supplied to the electrical components necessary to raise the implement once to a level where the vehicle (100) can move.

[0094] The power distribution device (113) can operate in normal operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is above the lower limit (LB), and can operate in emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB).

[0095] The operation of the power distribution device (113) can be controlled by the control device (114). The power distribution device (113) can operate under the control of the control device (114). The power distribution device (113) can operate under the control of the battery management device (112) that is controlled by the control device (114).

[0096] The control device (114) is provided to receive information about the SOC of the battery (111) from the battery management device (112).

[0097] The control device (114) may be provided to control the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113) in either a normal operation mode or an emergency operation mode.

[0098] The control device (114) is provided to directly control the power distribution device (113) or to control it through the battery management device (112). For example, it is possible to switch the power distribution device (113) to either the normal operation mode or the emergency operation mode by having the control device (114) directly control the power distribution device (113) or by controlling the power distribution device (113) through the battery management device (112).

[0099] When the control device (114) is provided as a vehicle control unit, the control device (114) may be provided to control electrical components (120) linked to the battery operation system (110).

[0100] The control device (114) can receive information about the SOC of the battery (111) from the battery management device (112), and is thus provided to track the SOC of the battery (111).

[0101] The control device (114) may be arranged to control the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113) in a normal operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is above a preset lower limit (LB), and to control the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113) in an emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB).

[0102] The control device (114) can control the battery management device (112) so that, in normal operation mode, the battery management device (112) allows discharge of the battery (111) only in the SOC area.

[0103] The control device (114) can control the battery management device (112) to block discharge of the battery (111) when the SOC of the battery (111) is at the lower limit (LB) in normal operation mode.

[0104] The control device (114) can control the power distribution device (113) so that the power distribution device (113) distributes power to the electrical components (120) without restriction in order to control the vehicle (100) according to the operation command input in the normal operation mode.

[0105] An operation command is a command entered into a vehicle (100) by a user or administrator for the movement and / or operation of the vehicle. In this specification, an operation command includes at least one of a command related to the movement of the vehicle and a command related to the operation of the vehicle.

[0106] The vehicle (100) is provided with an operating means for receiving operating commands. The operating means may be provided with a steering wheel, a gear lever, a swash plate adjustment pedal / lever, an HMI (Human Machine Interface), a joystick, and various buttons. The operating means may be provided separately from the input device (115), but may also be provided to function as the input device (115).

[0107] If the control device (114) is provided separately from the vehicle control unit, the operation command is provided to the control device (114) from the vehicle control unit, but if the control device (114) is provided as a vehicle control unit, the operation command can be directly input to the control device (114).

[0108] The control device (114) can control the battery management device (112) to allow discharge of the battery (111) even though the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB) in the emergency operation mode.

[0109] The control device (114) can control the operation of the power distribution device (113) so that power is distributed only to some of the electrical components (120) despite the operation command input to the vehicle (100) in the emergency operation mode.

[0110] The control device (114) can control the operation of the power distribution device (113) to supply the necessary amount of power to the electrical components required for movement of the vehicle (100) in emergency operation mode. The control device (114) can control the power distribution device (113) to supply power to some electrical components in order to raise a linked work machine in a lowered state.

[0111] The control device (114) may be arranged to control the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113) in an emergency operation mode when receiving a mode switching signal. The control device (114), which was controlling the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113) in a normal operation mode, may control the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113) in an emergency operation mode by switching the mode when receiving the mode switching signal.

[0112] The control device (114) can generate a discharge notification signal when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB). The generated discharge notification signal can be transmitted to a control server (CS) linked to the vehicle (100) via a communication device (130) to notify the user of discharge via a visual, auditory, and / or tactile information output device provided in the vehicle (100).

[0113] The mode switching signal may be generated by an input device (115), an external device (ED) connected to the vehicle (100), and / or a control server (CS) connected to the vehicle (100) and provided to the control device (114).

[0114] The control device (114) may receive a mode switching signal generated by an input device (115), a linked external device (ED) and / or a linked control server (CS) to switch to an emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit value (LB), or to switch the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113) to an emergency operation mode.

[0115] An external device (ED) may be a device capable of inputting and outputting computations and information used in the production and diagnosis process of a vehicle (100). The external device (ED) may be installed outside the vehicle (100) for connection with the vehicle (100).

[0116] The external device (ED) may be a portable diagnostic device carried by a repairman dispatched by the manufacturer to maintain the vehicle (100). Therefore, abuse of the emergency operation mode by the user of the vehicle (100) can be prevented.

[0117] The linked control server (CS) can communicate with the vehicle (100) and may have a control system that manages the vehicle (100).

[0118] When a discharge notification signal is transmitted to the control server (CS), the control server (CS) examines the necessity of mode switching to the emergency operation mode through the control system, and if it determines that mode switching to the emergency operation mode is necessary, it can generate a mode switching signal and transmit it to the vehicle (100). The control device (114) receives the mode switching signal through the communication device (130). Therefore, abuse of the emergency operation mode by the user of the vehicle (100) can be prevented.

[0119] The input device (115) will be described later.

[0120] The control device (114) can limit the gear ratio of the transmission and / or the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of the motor provided in the vehicle (100) to a preset range in emergency operation mode.

[0121] A configuration that operates in conjunction with the vehicle (100), such as a vehicle (100) and / or a control server (CS), may pre-determine the ranges for the gear ratio of the transmission, the RPM of the motor, and / or the steering hydraulic pressure. These preset ranges for the gear ratio of the transmission, the RPM of the motor, and / or the steering hydraulic pressure may be provided to the control device (114).

[0122] The above preset range may be preset with the aim of improving fuel efficiency of the vehicle (100).

[0123] The control device (114) can control the battery management device (112) and / or the power distribution device (113) so that only as much power as is necessary for the operation of the transmission, motor and / or steering system among the electrical components (120) is provided within the preset respective ranges.

[0124] According to this, the present invention contributes to increasing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle (100) in an emergency operation mode and allowing the vehicle (100) to move stably to a charging station.

[0125] The input device (115) is provided to generate a mode switching signal and transmit the generated mode switching signal to the control device (114).

[0126] The input device (115) may be arranged to generate a mode switching signal when an operation command is received from a user.

[0127] The input device (115) may generate a mode switching signal and transmit it to the control device (114) to switch the battery management device (112), power distribution device (113) and / or control device (114) to an emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB).

[0128] The input device (115) can be installed inside the vehicle (100).

[0129] The input device (115) may be provided as a means capable of single-operation input, such as a button or lever. A user can cause the input device (115) to generate a mode switching signal by inputting a single operation to the button or lever.

[0130] The input device (115) may be provided as an operating means capable of multi-operation input that can receive preset patterns. The input device (115) may be provided as an operating means including an HMI, a touch screen, a joystick, or a combination thereof.

[0131] A user can operate these operating means to input a preset pattern, thereby causing the input device (115) to generate a mode switching signal. The preset pattern has a certain level of complexity or higher, thereby preventing the user from abusing the battery (111) operation in emergency operation mode.

[0132] <How to operate the battery of an electric work vehicle>

[0133] FIG. 5 illustrates each step of a battery operation method (S100) of an electric work vehicle (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] The battery operation method (S100) according to FIG. 5 can be performed by the battery operation system (110) introduced above, but the performer is not necessarily limited to this.

[0135] The battery operation method (S100) according to Fig. 5 can be started the moment the vehicle (100) is turned on.

[0136] The battery operation method (S100) according to FIG. 5 may include an SOC confirmation step (S110), an SOC area judgment step (S120), a normal control step (S130), a signal waiting step (S140), a signal receiving step (S150), and an emergency control step (S160).

[0137] The SOC verification step (S110) is a step to verify the SOC of the battery (111).

[0138] The SOC verification step (S110) can be performed by the control device (114). As described above, the control device (114) can be arranged to track the SOC of the battery (111) through the battery management device (112).

[0139] The SOC area judgment step (S120) is a step for judging whether the SOC of the battery (111) is above a preset lower limit value (LB).

[0140] Since SOC and lower limit (LB) have been described above, their explanation is omitted.

[0141] The SOC area judgment step (S120) can be performed by the control device (114).

[0142] The normal control step (S130) is a step for controlling the power distribution device (113) in normal operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is determined to be higher than the lower limit (LB) as a result of the determination in the SOC area determination step (S120).

[0143] In normal operation mode, power can be distributed to the electrical components (120). At this time, the distribution of power to the electrical components (120) is not restricted.

[0144] Since the normal operation mode has been described above, its explanation is omitted here.

[0145] The normal control step (S130) can be performed by the control device (114).

[0146] The normal control step (S130) may include a step of controlling at least some of the electrical components (120) based on the distributed power.

[0147] At this time, the control device (114) may be arranged to control at least some of the electrical components (120) to perform the normal control step (S130).

[0148] The signal waiting stage (S140) is a stage for waiting for a mode switching signal when the SOC of the battery (111) is determined to be below the lower limit (LB) as a result of the SOC area determination stage (S120).

[0149] In the signal waiting stage (S140), the configuration of the vehicle (100) excluding the control device (114) and the battery management device (112) can stop driving.

[0150] When the SOC of the battery (111) falls below the lower limit, the subject (control device (114), etc.) performing the signal waiting step (S140) can generate a discharge notification signal. Since the discharge notification signal has been described above, its description is omitted.

[0151] By generating a discharge notification signal, the user and / or manager of the vehicle (100) can be informed that the battery (111) has been discharged within the SOC area.

[0152] The signal reception step (S150) is a step to check whether a mode switching signal has been received.

[0153] Since the mode switching signal has been described above, its explanation will be omitted.

[0154] The signal receiving step (S150) can be performed by the control device (114).

[0155] As described above, the mode switching signal provided from the linked external device (ED), the linked control server (CS), and the input device (115) can be received by the control device (114).

[0156] If it is confirmed as a result of the signal reception step (S150) that the mode switching signal has not been received, the SOC confirmation step (S110) may be performed again. If the mode switching signal is not received even though the SOC of the battery (111) is less than the lower limit (LB), the vehicle (100) may repeatedly check the SOC of the battery (111) (SOC confirmation step (S110)), determine that the SOC of the battery (111) is less than the lower limit (LB) (SOC area determination step (S120)), generate a discharge notification signal, wait for the mode switching signal for a predetermined period of time (signal waiting step (S140)), and check whether the mode switching signal has been received (signal reception step (S150)).

[0157] At this time, if a mode change signal is received in the signal reception step (S150), the emergency control step (S160) may be performed immediately, or the work geometry descent confirmation step (S170) and the work geometry control step (S180) may be performed before the emergency control step (S160) is performed. The contents of each step (S160, S170, S180) are described below.

[0158] The emergency control stage (S160) is a stage in which the power distribution device (113) is controlled in emergency operation mode when a mode change signal is received.

[0159] The subject of the emergency control step (S160) can control the power distribution device (113) so that power is distributed only to some of the electrical components (120) in the emergency operation mode. For example, in the emergency operation mode, power can be controlled so that power is distributed only to electrical components for the movement of the electric work vehicle (100). Accordingly, some of the electrical components operated in the emergency control step (S160) may be for the movement of the vehicle (100).

[0160] Since the emergency operation mode has been described above, its explanation is omitted here.

[0161] The emergency control step (S160) may include a step of controlling some of the electrical components (120) based on the distributed power.

[0162] The subject of the emergency control step (S160) can limit the gear ratio of the transmission and / or the RPM of the motor to a preset range in emergency operation mode. Details are omitted as they have been previously described.

[0163] The emergency control step (S160) can be performed by the control device (114).

[0164] Fig. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a battery operation method (S100) of an electric work vehicle (100).

[0165] According to FIG. 6, the battery operation method (S100) of the electric work vehicle (100) may further include a work machine lowering confirmation step (S170) and a work machine control step (S180) between the signal reception step (S150) and the emergency control step (S160) in addition to the above embodiment.

[0166] The work geometry descent confirmation step (S170) is a step for confirming whether the work geometry is in a descending state when a mode change signal is received. The work geometry descent confirmation step (S170) may be a step performed when a mode change signal is received in the signal reception step (S150).

[0167] Since the working machine has been described above, its explanation will be omitted here.

[0168] Here, the term “lowered state” can be understood to mean a state in which the work machine is lowered to a degree that obstructs or makes it impossible to move the vehicle (100).

[0169] The work geometry confirmation step (S170) can be performed by the control device (114).

[0170] The work machine control step (S180) is a step in which the power distribution device (113) is controlled to supply power to some electrical components to raise the work machine when the work machine is in a lowered state, and the work machine is raised. The work machine control step (S180) may be a step performed when the work machine is confirmed to be in a lowered state as a result of the confirmation in the work machine lowering confirmation step (S170).

[0171] The work machine control step (S180) can be performed by a control device (114). The control device (114) can be provided to control the configuration (work machine connecting device, 3-point hitch, etc.) of the work machine or the vehicle (100) for raising the work machine to perform the work machine control step (S180).

[0172] According to this, when the work machine is in a lowered state and obstructs or makes it impossible to move the vehicle (100), even if it is not an electrical component directly involved in the movement of the vehicle (100), if it is an electrical component for raising the work machine for the movement of the vehicle (100), power is distributed to raise the work machine only once, and the work machine can be raised by operating with the distributed power.

[0173]

[0174] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate preferred examples of the present invention, and it may have various applications. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the above-described content. Instead, the scope of the present invention should be construed within the scope of the separately described claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Battery (111) that supplies power; A battery management device (112) that tracks the State of Charge (SoC) of the battery (111) and manages the discharge of the battery; A power distribution device (113) that distributes the power of the above battery (111) to the connected electrical components (120); and A control device (114) that receives information about the SOC of the battery (111) from the battery management device (112) and controls the power distribution device (113) in either a normal operation mode or an emergency operation mode; The above control device (114) can control the battery (111) to the normal operation mode if the SOC is above the preset lower limit (LB), and can control the battery (111) to the emergency operation mode if the SOC is below the lower limit (LB). The above control device (114) controls the power distribution device (113) to distribute power only to some of the electrical components (120) in the emergency operation mode. Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

2. In paragraph 1 The above power distribution device (113) ensures that power is distributed only to electrical components for movement of the electric work vehicle (100) in the above emergency operation mode. Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

3. In paragraph 1 In order to switch to the emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB), an input device (115) is further included that generates a mode switching signal and transmits it to the control device (114); The above input device (115) is installed inside the electric work vehicle (100). Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

4. In paragraph 1 In order to switch to the emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB), the control device (114) receives a mode switching signal generated by a linked external device (ED), The above external device (ED) is installed on the outside of the electric work vehicle (100). Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

5. In paragraph 1 In order to switch to the emergency operation mode when the SOC of the battery (111) is below the lower limit (LB), the control device (114) receives a mode switching signal generated by the linked control server (CS). Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

6. In paragraph 1 The above control device (114) limits the gear ratio of the transmission and the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of the motor to a preset range in the above emergency operation mode. Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

7. In paragraph 1 In the above emergency operation mode, the control device (114) controls the power distribution device (113) to supply power to some electrical components to raise the linked work machine in the descending state. Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

8. In paragraph 1 The above control device (114) directly controls the power distribution device (113), thereby switching to one of the normal operation mode and the emergency operation mode. Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

9. In paragraph 1 The above control device (114) controls the power distribution device (113) through the battery management device (112), thereby switching to one of the normal operation mode and the emergency operation mode. Battery operation system (110) of an electric work vehicle (100).

10. SOC confirmation step (S110) to check the SOC (State of Charge) of the battery (111); SOC area judgment step (S120) for judging whether the SOC of the above battery (111) is higher than a preset lower limit value (LB); If the SOC of the battery (111) is determined to be higher than the lower limit (LB) as a result of the determination in the SOC area determination step (S120), a normal control step (S130) for controlling the power distribution device (113) to a normal operation mode; If the SOC of the battery (111) is determined to be less than the lower limit (LB) as a result of the determination in the SOC area determination step (S120), a signal waiting step (S140) is performed to wait for a mode switching signal; A signal receiving step (S150) for confirming whether the above mode switching signal is received; and When the above mode switching signal is received, it includes an emergency control step (S160) for controlling the power distribution device (113) in emergency operation mode; In the above normal operation mode, power is distributed to the above electrical components (120), and in the above emergency operation mode, the power distribution device (113) is controlled so that power is distributed only to some of the above electrical components (120). Battery operation method of an electric work vehicle (100) (S100).

11. In Article 10 In the above emergency operation mode, power is distributed only to the electrical components for movement of the electric work vehicle (100). Battery operation method of an electric work vehicle (100) (S100).

12. In Article 10 In the above emergency operation mode, the gear ratio of the transmission and the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of the motor are limited to a preset range. Battery operation method of an electric work vehicle (100) (S100).

13. In Article 10 When the above mode switching signal is received, a work machine descent confirmation step (S170) for confirming whether the work machine is in a descending state; and If the above work machine is in a descending state, the power distribution device (113) is controlled to supply power to some electrical components to raise the work machine, and a work machine control step (S180) for raising the work machine is further included. Battery operation method of an electric work vehicle (100) (S100).

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