Swiveling work machine

Abstract

Provided is a swiveling work machine that does not require a large space for mounting a battery on a machine body and allows for easy battery replacement　A swiveling work machine (1) includes a machine body (2) having a swiveling frame (40) that rotates around an axis in a vertical direction, a lower traveling body (10) having a traveling frame (11) positioned below the swiveling frame (40), a battery (60), and an electric device (electric motor 30) driven by power supplied from the battery (60), the battery (60) being positioned between the swiveling frame (40) and the traveling frame (11).

Description

Swing working machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a swing working machine such as a backhoe.

[0002] Conventionally, a swing working machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. The swing working machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a battery mounted on the machine body and an electric motor operated by the battery. The battery is mounted on the rear part of the machine body.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication "JP-A-9-144062"

[0004] In the above swing working machine, the battery is mounted on the rear part of the machine body formed in a semicircular shape in plan view. On the other hand, many batteries are rectangular parallelepiped. Therefore, it is difficult to mount the battery on the rear part of the machine body without causing waste of space. Further, when the battery is mounted on the rear part of the machine body, it is necessary to widely secure a mounting space for the battery at the rear part on the machine body, and the space at the front part of the machine body becomes narrow, so the surrounding space of the operator sitting on the driver's seat becomes narrow. In order to secure the surrounding space of the operator, it is necessary to extend the machine body backward, and the compactness of turning is reduced. Further, when replacing the battery, it is necessary to remove the driver's seat, structural members, electrical components, etc. around the battery, and the replacement work takes time and cost.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a swing working machine that does not require a wide mounting space for a battery on the machine body and can easily perform battery replacement work.

[0006] A swing working machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a machine body having a swing frame that rotates around a vertical axis, a lower traveling body having a traveling frame disposed below the swing frame, a battery, and electric equipment driven by electric power supplied from the battery, and the battery is disposed between the swing frame and the traveling frame.

[0007] According to the slewing work machine of the present invention, since the battery is located between the slewing frame and the travel frame, there is no need to secure a large space for mounting the battery on the machine body, and the battery can be easily replaced.

[0008] This is a schematic side view showing an example of a slewing work machine. This is a schematic top view showing an example of a slewing work machine. This is a schematic top view showing an example of a slewing frame. This is a perspective view showing an example of a travel frame. This is a schematic side view showing a first embodiment of a battery mounting structure. This is a partial cross-sectional view of an enlarged side view of the main part of Figure 5. This is a schematic top view showing a first embodiment of a battery mounting structure. This is a schematic bottom view showing a first embodiment of a battery mounting structure. This is a diagram showing an example of a battery mounting structure in the first embodiment. This is a partial cross-sectional view of a side view showing a modified example of the first embodiment. This is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of a battery mounting structure. This is a partial cross-sectional view of an enlarged side view of the main part of Figure 11. This is a schematic top view showing a second embodiment of a battery mounting structure. This is a partial cross-sectional view of a side view showing a modified example of the second embodiment. This is a schematic side view showing a third embodiment of a battery mounting structure. This is a partial cross-sectional view of an enlarged side view of the main part of Figure 15. This is a schematic top view showing a third embodiment of a battery mounting structure. This is a partial cross-sectional view of a side view showing a modified example of the third embodiment. This is a schematic top view showing another example of battery arrangement.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the slewing work machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing the slewing work machine 1. Figure 2 is a schematic top view showing the slewing work machine 1. Note that in Figure 2, a part (front part) of the work device 20 provided by the slewing work machine 1 is omitted. In Figures 1 and 2, a backhoe is shown as an example of the slewing work machine 1, but the slewing work machine 1 is not limited to a backhoe.

[0010] First, let's explain the overall configuration of the slewing work machine 1. As shown in Figure 1, the slewing work machine 1 comprises a machine body (slewing platform) 2, a lower traveling body 10, and a work device 20. The slewing work machine 1 is an electric work machine driven by electricity. A driver's seat 3 is provided on the machine body 2 where the operator sits. The area around the driver's seat 3 is covered by a driver's seat protector (cabin) 4.

[0011] In this embodiment, the direction in which the operator seated in the driver's seat 3 of the slewing work machine 1 faces (direction of arrow A1) is called the front, and the opposite direction (direction of arrow A2) is called the rear. Also, the left side of the operator (the front side in Figure 1, direction of arrow B1 in Figure 2) is called the left, and the right side of the operator (the back side in Figure 1, direction of arrow B2 in Figure 2) is called the right. Furthermore, the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction, is called the width direction.

[0012] The machine body 2 is rotatable around a vertically extending axis (swivel axis) X1 (see Figure 1). Specifically, the machine body 2 is supported on the lower running body 10 via a swivel bearing 5 so as to be rotatable around the axis X1 (swivelable to the left and right). The center of the swivel bearing 5 is the axis X1 (swivel center). A swivel motor 6 (see Figure 2) is attached to the machine body 2. The swivel motor 6 is a motor that rotates the machine body 2 around the axis X1. The swivel motor 6 is a hydraulic motor. A weight 7 is provided at the rear of the machine body 2.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the lower traveling body 10 has a traveling frame 11 and a traveling mechanism 12. The traveling frame (track frame) 11 is a structure to which the traveling mechanism 12 is attached and which supports the machine body 2 on its upper part.

[0014] The travel mechanism 12 is, for example, a crawler type. The travel mechanism 12 includes an idler 13, a drive wheel 14, a plurality of road wheels 15, an endless crawler belt 16, and a travel motor 17. The travel motor 17 drives the drive wheel 14, causing the crawler belt 16 to circumferentially move around. A dozer device 18, which is driven up and down by the extension and retraction of a dozer cylinder C5, which is a hydraulic cylinder, is mounted on the front of the lower travel body 10.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the work device 20 is located on the front side of the machine body 2. The work device 20 includes a boom 21, an arm 22, and a bucket (working tool) 23. The base end of the boom 21 is pivotally attached to a swing bracket 24 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (an axis extending in the width direction), allowing the boom 21 to swing up and down (vertically). The arm 22 is pivotally attached to the tip of the boom 21 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis, allowing the arm 22 to swing in the front-rear or up-down direction. The bucket 23 is attached to the tip of the arm 22 so as to be able to perform scooping and dumping operations. The slewing work machine 1 can be fitted with other working tools (hydraulic attachments) that can be driven by hydraulic fluid in place of or in addition to the bucket 23. Examples of these other working tools include hydraulic breakers, hydraulic crushers, angle brooms, earth augers, pallet forks, sweepers, mowers, snow blowers, etc.

[0016] The swing bracket 24 is made swingable by the extension and retraction of the swing cylinder C1 (see Figure 2) located on the right side of the machine body 2. The boom 21 is made swingable by the extension and retraction of the boom cylinder C2. The arm 22 is made swingable by the extension and retraction of the arm cylinder C3. The bucket 23 is made capable of scooping and dumping operations by the extension and retraction of the bucket cylinder C4. The swing cylinder C1, boom cylinder C2, arm cylinder C3, and bucket cylinder C4 are hydraulic cylinders.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, an electric motor 30, a hydraulic pump 31, and a control valve 32 are mounted on the upper part of the machine body 2. The electric motor 30 is an electric device driven by power supplied from a battery 60, which will be described later. However, the electric device driven by power supplied from the battery 60 is not limited to an electric motor, but may be other devices (such as an electric pump or an electric cylinder).

[0018] The hydraulic pump 31 is driven by an electric motor 30. The hydraulic pump 31 draws hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid tank (not shown) and supplies it to the hydraulic actuators (hydraulic motor, hydraulic cylinder) to drive them. The control valve 32 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 31 to the hydraulic actuators.

[0019] Note that the arrangement of the equipment on the machine body 2 shown in Figure 2 (electric motor 30, hydraulic pump 31, control valve 32) is just one example, and the arrangement of these pieces of equipment is not limited to the illustrated arrangement and can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] The aircraft body 2 has a swivel frame 40 that forms the skeleton of the aircraft body 2. The swivel frame 40 rotates about a vertical axis X1 by the drive of a swivel motor 6. Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the swivel frame 40. However, the shape of the swivel frame 40 shown in Figure 3 is just an example, and the shape of the swivel frame 40 can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the case of the swivel frame 40 shown in Figure 3, the rear part of the swivel frame 40 is formed in an arc shape, but the rear part of the swivel frame 40 may be formed in a straight line.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the slewing frame 40 includes a slewing base plate 41, reinforcing ribs 42, and a support bracket 43. The slewing base plate 41 is located at the bottom of the slewing frame 40 and constitutes the bottom of the machine body 2. The reinforcing ribs 42 are erected on the upper surface of the slewing base plate 41 and reinforce the slewing base plate 41. The support bracket 43 is provided at the front of the slewing base plate 41. A swing bracket 24 (see Figures 1 and 2) is mounted on the support bracket 43 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis (an axis extending in the vertical direction).

[0022] A swivel motor 6 is positioned on the swivel base plate 41. An opening 41a is formed in the swivel base plate 41 at a position corresponding to the swivel axis X1, where a swivel joint 25, described later, is positioned. Around the opening 41a of the swivel base plate 41, mounting holes 41b are provided for attaching a support mechanism 50 (swivel bearing 5 or extension member 51), described later. The support mechanism 50 is attached to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41 by bolts inserted through the mounting holes 41b.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, a travel frame 11 is positioned below the slewing frame 40. As shown in Figure 4, the travel frame 11 has a center frame 11a, a first side frame 11b, and a second side frame 11c. The first side frame 11b is positioned to the left of the center frame 11a. The second side frame 11c is positioned to the right of the center frame 11a. The center frame 11a connects the first side frame 11b and the second side frame 11c. The first side frame 11b and the second side frame 11c are equipped with the travel mechanism 12 described above.

[0024] The upper surface of the center frame 11a is located above the first side frame 11b and the second side frame 11c. A swivel joint 25 is attached near the center of the center frame 11a. The swivel joint 25 is a rotating joint that enables the supply and discharge of hydraulic fluid between a hydraulic actuator (travel motor 17) located in the travel mechanism 12 and a control valve 32 located on the machine body 2. The upper part of the center frame 11a is supported so that the machine body 2 can rotate around its vertical axis via a support mechanism 50, which will be described later. The center frame 11a is provided with mounting holes 11d for attaching the support mechanism 50. The support mechanism 50 (swivel bearing 5 or extension member 51) is attached to the center frame 11a by bolts inserted through the mounting holes 11d.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the support mechanism 50 has a slewing bearing 5. As shown in Figure 6, the slewing bearing 5 has an outer ring 5a attached to the slewing frame 40 and an inner ring 5b attached to the travel frame 11. The outer ring 5a is attached to the lower surface of the slewing base plate 41 by bolts inserted through mounting holes 41b (see Figure 3). The inner ring 5b is attached to the travel frame 11 via an extension member 51, which will be described later.

[0026] An inner gear 50c is formed on the inner circumference side of the inner ring 5b. A pinion 35, which is mounted on the rotating shaft of the slewing motor 6, engages with the inner gear 50c. As a result, when the slewing motor 6 is driven, the outer ring 5a rotates relative to the inner ring 5b, and the slewing frame 40 rotates relative to the travel frame 11.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the support mechanism 50 has an extension member 51. Figure 5 is a simplified view of Figure 1. The extension member 51 is positioned between the slewing frame 40 and the traveling frame 11, extending the distance between the slewing frame 40 and the traveling frame 11. The extension member 51 is a cylindrical member. The extension member 51 is provided protruding upward from the upper surface of the traveling frame 11 (center frame 11a). The extension member 51 is connected to the traveling frame 11. The extension member 51 is connected to the upper surface of the center frame 11a. The extension member 51 is attached to the upper surface of the center frame 11a by a bolt inserted through a mounting hole 11d (see Figure 4). The extension member 51 is positioned below the slewing bearing 5. The inner ring 5b of the slewing bearing 5 is fixed to the upper part of the extension member 51. The outer diameter of the extension member 51 is preferably less than or equal to the outer diameter of the slewing bearing 5, but it may be larger than the outer diameter of the slewing bearing 5.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the slewing work machine 1 is equipped with a battery 60. The battery 60 is a structure that can store electricity and output the stored power. Specifically, the battery 60 is a rechargeable secondary battery consisting of, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery. The battery 60 is a battery pack in which multiple batteries are housed in a casing.

[0029] Figures 5 to 18 are schematic diagrams showing specific examples (first to third embodiments) of the battery mounting structure 60. Hereinafter, specific examples of the battery mounting structure 60 will be described based on Figures 5 to 18. However, the battery mounting structure 60 is not limited to the specific examples shown in Figures 5 to 18.

[0030] First, I will explain the matters common to the first to third embodiments. The battery 60 is located between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11. In other words, the battery 60 is located below the slewing frame 40 and above the travel frame 11. The upper end of the battery 60 is lower than the lower surface of the slewing frame 40. The lower end of the battery 60 is higher than the upper surface of the travel frame 11. The battery 60 is located around the slewing bearing 5. The battery 60 is located around the extension member 51.

[0031] The number of batteries 60 positioned between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11 may be one or multiple. In the illustrated example (see Figure 7, etc.), there are nine batteries 60, but the number of batteries 60 is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate depending on the size and specifications of the slewing work machine 1.

[0032] Multiple batteries 60 are distributed around the slewing bearing 5 and extension member 51 (see Figure 7, etc.). Specifically, the batteries 60 are arranged in front of, behind, to the left and to the right of the slewing bearing 5 and extension member 51. However, it is sufficient for the batteries 60 to be arranged in at least one (preferably two or more) of the front, rear, left and right directions of the slewing bearing 5 and extension member 51.

[0033] Figures 5 to 8 show a first embodiment of the battery 60 mounting structure. In the first embodiment, the battery 60 is attached to the lower surface of the swivel frame 40. Specifically, the battery 60 is attached to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41. As a result, the battery 60 rotates together with the swivel frame 40 as the swivel frame 40 rotates. The battery 60 may be directly attached to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41, or, as shown in Figure 9, it may be attached to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41 while housed in a case 61.

[0034] In the mounting structure shown in Figure 9, the case 61 has a lower plate 61a that supports the battery 60 from below and a side plate 61b that covers the periphery of the battery 60. A flange portion 61c extending horizontally outward is formed at the upper end of the side plate 61b. A through hole is formed in the flange portion 61c, and the case 61 is attached to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41 (the lower surface of the swivel frame 40) by screwing a bolt BL inserted through the through hole into a screw hole formed in the swivel base plate 41.

[0035] In this way, the case 61 is attached to the underside of the slewing frame 40, and the battery 60 housed in the case 61 is attached to the underside of the slewing frame 40. By removing bolt BL, the case 61 can be removed from the underside of the slewing frame 40, and the battery 60 can be removed from the underside of the slewing frame 40. This allows the battery 60 to be replaced.

[0036] As shown by the dashed line (two-dot dashed line) in Figure 9, a lid 61d that can be opened and closed can be provided on the side plate 61b of the case 61. In this case, by opening the lid 61d of the case 61, the battery 60 can be removed horizontally from the case 61 without removing the case 61 from the swivel frame 40. Therefore, the battery 60 replacement work becomes easier.

[0037] Figure 10 shows a modified example of the first embodiment of the battery 60 mounting structure. In this modified example, the extension member 51 is provided protruding downward from the lower surface of the slewing frame 40. The extension member 51 is connected to the slewing frame 40. Specifically, the extension member 51 is connected to the lower surface of the slewing base plate 41. The extension member 51 is attached to the lower surface of the slewing base plate 41 by a bolt inserted through a mounting hole 41b (see Figure 3). As a result, the extension member 51 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the slewing frame 40. The extension member 51 is positioned above the slewing bearing 5. The outer ring 5a of the slewing bearing 5 is fixed to the lower part of the extension member 51. The inner ring 5b of the slewing bearing 5 is fixed to the upper surface of the travel frame 11 (center frame 11a). The inner ring 5b is attached to the upper surface of the center frame 11a by a bolt inserted through a mounting hole 11d (see Figure 4). The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0038] Figures 11 to 13 show a second embodiment of the battery 60 mounting structure. A support frame 53 is positioned between the swivel frame 40 and the travel frame 11 to support the battery 60 from below. The support frame 53 is positioned below the swivel frame 40 and above the travel frame 11. The support frame 53 is a flat plate-shaped frame having a central hole 53a (see Figure 13) and is positioned around the extension member 51. The support frame 53 is positioned parallel to the swivel frame 40. The support frame 53 is connected to the swivel frame 40 by a connecting member 54 (see Figure 12) that extends in the vertical direction.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 13, the support frame 53 is attached to the swivel frame 40, but the support frame 53 may also be attached to the travel frame 11. In this case, the connecting member 54 is positioned to extend upward from the upper surface of the travel frame 11 (center frame 11a) and is connected to the support frame 53.

[0040] The battery 60 is positioned between the slewing frame 40 and the support frame 53. The battery 60 is mounted on the upper surface of the support frame 53. This allows the battery 60 to be stably supported between the slewing frame 40 and the support frame 53. The battery 60 can be attached to and detached from the space between the slewing frame 40 and the support frame 53 by moving it horizontally along the upper surface of the support frame 53. This allows the battery 60 to be replaced.

[0041] Figure 14 shows a modified example of the second embodiment of the battery 60 mounting structure. In this modified example, the extension member 51 is provided protruding downward from the lower surface of the swivel frame 40. The extension member 51 is connected to the swivel frame 40. Specifically, the extension member 51 is connected to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41. As a result, the extension member 51 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the swivel frame 40. The extension member 51 is positioned above the swivel bearing 5. The outer ring 5a of the swivel bearing 5 is fixed to the lower part of the extension member 51. The inner ring 5b of the swivel bearing 5 is fixed to the upper surface of the travel frame 11 (center frame 11a). The support frame 53 is positioned around the swivel bearing 5. The other configurations are the same as in the second embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0042] Figures 15 to 17 show a third embodiment of the battery 60 mounting structure. The mounting structure of the third embodiment includes a suspension member 55 that suspends the battery 60 below the swivel frame 40. The suspension member 55 is attached to the swivel frame 40. Specifically, the suspension member 55 is fixed to the lower surface of the swivel frame 40. The suspension member 55 has a plurality of vertical portions 56 that extend downward from the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41, and a horizontal portion 57 that extends horizontally to connect the lower ends of a pair of vertical portions 56. The upper ends of the vertical portions 56 are fixed to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41. The horizontal portion 57 supports the lower surface of the battery 60.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the suspension member 55 includes a first suspension member 55A, a second suspension member 55B, a third suspension member 55C, and a fourth suspension member 55D. The number and arrangement of the suspension members 55 are appropriately changed according to the number and arrangement of the batteries 60. The first suspension member 55A to the fourth suspension member 55D each have a pair of vertical members and a horizontal member connecting the lower ends of the pair of vertical portions.

[0044] The pair of vertical portions 56A of the first suspension member 55A extend in the vertical direction at the left front and right front of the swivel board 41. The horizontal portion 57A of the first suspension member 55A extends in the front-rear direction so as to connect the lower ends of the pair of vertical portions 56A. The pair of vertical portions 56B of the second suspension member 55B extend in the vertical direction at the left rear and right rear of the swivel board 41. The horizontal portion 57B of the second suspension member 55B extends in the front-rear direction so as to connect the lower ends of the pair of vertical portions 56B.

[0045] The pair of vertical portions 56C of the third suspension member 55C extend in the vertical direction at the left front and left rear of the swivel board 41. The horizontal portion 57C of the third suspension member 55C extends in the left-right direction so as to connect the lower ends of the pair of vertical portions 56C. The pair of vertical portions 56D of the fourth suspension member 55D extend in the vertical direction at the right front and right rear of the swivel board 41. The horizontal portion 57D of the fourth suspension member 55D extends in the left-right direction so as to connect the lower ends of the pair of vertical portions 56D.

[0046] The first suspension member 55A and the second suspension member 55B are arranged parallel to each other with the swivel bearing 5 interposed therebetween. The third suspension member 55C and the fourth suspension member 55D are arranged parallel to each other with the swivel bearing 5 interposed therebetween. The horizontal portion 57A of the first suspension member 55A and the horizontal portion 57B of the second suspension member 55B intersect the horizontal portion 57C of the third suspension member 55C and the horizontal portion 57D of the fourth suspension member 55D.

[0047] The battery 60 is supported on the horizontal portion 57A of the first suspension member 55A, on the horizontal portion 57B of the second suspension member 55B, on the horizontal portion 57C of the third suspension member 55C, and on the horizontal portion 57D of the fourth suspension member 55D.

[0048] The attachment structure of the third embodiment includes a protective frame 58 that surrounds the periphery of the battery 60. The protective frame 58 is a frame-shaped frame. The protective frame 58 is disposed around the swivel bearing 5. The protective frame 58 surrounds the periphery of a battery group composed of a plurality of batteries 60. By surrounding the periphery (outer periphery) of the battery 60 with the protective frame 58, it is possible to prevent the battery 60 from contacting or falling off other objects during the movement or operation of the swing work machine 1.

[0049] The protective frame 58 is detachably provided with respect to the suspension member 55. For example, the protective frame 58 is fastened to the vertical portion 56 of the suspension member 55 by bolts. In this case, by removing the bolts, the protective frame 58 can be removed from the suspension member 55. By removing the protective frame 58 from the suspension member 55 and moving the battery 60 along the upper surface of the horizontal portion 57, the battery 60 can be removed. Thereby, the replacement work of the battery 60 can be performed.

[0050] The protective frame 58 may be detachably provided with respect to the swing frame 40. In this case, the protective frame 58 can be fastened to the swing substrate 41 by bolts, for example. In this case, by removing the protective frame 58 from the swing substrate 41 and moving the battery 60 along the upper surface of the horizontal portion 57, the battery 60 can be removed.

[0051] Figure 18 shows a modified example of the third embodiment of the battery 60 mounting structure. In this modified example, the extension member 51 is provided protruding downward from the lower surface of the swivel frame 40. The extension member 51 is connected to the swivel frame 40. Specifically, the extension member 51 is connected to the lower surface of the swivel base plate 41. As a result, the extension member 51 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the swivel frame 40. The extension member 51 is positioned above the swivel bearing 5. The outer ring 5a of the swivel bearing 5 is fixed to the lower part of the extension member 51. The inner ring 5b of the swivel bearing 5 is fixed to the upper surface of the travel frame 11 (center frame 11a). The protective frame 58 is positioned around the extension member 51. The other configurations are the same as in the third embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0052] The protective frame 58 described above can also be used in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and its modified forms. In this case, the protective frame 58 is detachably provided to the swivel frame 40 so as to surround the battery 60.

[0053] In the above-described embodiments (first to third embodiments and their variations), the slewing work machine 1 is positioned between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11. This allows the center of gravity of the slewing work machine 1 to be lowered compared to the case where the battery 60 is positioned on the slewing frame 40. As a result, the stability of the slewing work machine 1 during travel and operation is improved. Furthermore, since the battery 60 is positioned above the travel frame 11, it is possible to prevent foreign matter such as mud from adhering to the battery 60 or damage to the battery 60 from collisions with foreign matter while the slewing work machine 1 is traveling.

[0054] In the first to third embodiments described above, the extension member 51 and the travel frame 11 are made of separate members (see Figures 6, 12, and 16), but the extension member 51 may be formed integrally with the travel frame 11. In other words, the extension member 51 may be formed as part of the travel frame 11.

[0055] Furthermore, in the modified forms of the first to third embodiments, the extension member 51 and the swivel frame 40 are composed of separate members (see Figures 10, 14, and 18), but the extension member 51 may be formed integrally with the swivel frame 40. In other words, the extension member 51 may be formed as part of the swivel frame 40.

[0056] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the extension member 51 is positioned above or below the slewing bearing 5, but the extension member 51 may be positioned above and below the slewing bearing 5. In this case, the extension member 51 positioned above the slewing bearing 5 is connected to the slewing frame 40 and the outer ring 5a, and the extension member 51 positioned below the slewing bearing 5 is connected to the travel frame 11 and the inner ring 5b.

[0057] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the slewing bearing 40 has its outer ring 5a attached to the slewing frame 40 and its inner ring 5b attached to the travel frame 11. However, the outer ring 5a may be attached to the travel frame 11 and the inner ring 5b may be attached to the slewing frame 40. In other words, the slewing bearing 40 may have its outer ring 5a attached to one of the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, and its inner ring 5b attached to the other of the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11.

[0058] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the support mechanism 50 has a slewing bearing 5 and an extension member 51, but the support mechanism 50 does not have to have an extension member 51. In this case, the battery 60 is arranged around the slewing bearing 5. In this case, by increasing the height (thickness) of the slewing bearing 5 located between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, a wider space for arranging the battery 60 can be secured between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, and the battery 60 can be arranged in that space.

[0059] However, it is preferable that the support mechanism 50 has an extension member 51. By having an extension member 51 in the support mechanism 50, it becomes easier to secure a longer distance between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, and thus easier to secure a wider space for arranging the battery 60 between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11.

[0060] The length (height) of the extension member 51 is preferably longer than the height (thickness) of the swivel base plate 41. The length of the extension member 51 is preferably longer than the height (thickness) of the swivel bearing 5. The length of the extension member 51 is preferably longer than the thickness of the crawler belt 16. The length of the extension member 51 can be set to be, for example, greater than or equal to the height of the center frame 11a of the travel frame 11 (height from the top surface of the side frame).

[0061] By increasing the length of the extension member 51, the distance between the swivel frame 40 and the travel frame 11 can be extended, thereby increasing the size (thickness) of the battery 60 that is placed between the swivel frame 40 and the travel frame 11.

[0062] The distance (vertical distance) between the slewing frame 40 extended by the extension member 51 and the traveling frame 11 can be, for example, greater than or equal to the height of the traveling frame 11, or greater than or equal to the height of the traveling mechanism 12.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the number of batteries 60 positioned in front of the support mechanism 50 (swivel bearing 5, extension member 51) is the same as the number of batteries 60 positioned behind the support mechanism 50. However, depending on the shape and size of the swivel base plate 41, the number of batteries 60 positioned behind the support mechanism 50 may be greater than the number of batteries 60 positioned in front of the support mechanism 50 (see Figure 19).

[0064] By arranging them in this way, the weight of the battery 60 located behind the support mechanism 50 becomes greater than the weight of the battery 60 located in front of the support mechanism 50. This allows the weight of the battery 60 to be concentrated towards the rear of the machine 2, making it possible to reduce the size or omit the weight 7 that is placed at the rear of the machine 2 to balance the weight with the work device 20.

[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the battery 60 is located below the slewing frame 40, but the battery 60 may also be located above and below the slewing frame 40. In other words, a portion of the battery 60 may be located above the slewing frame 40, and the remaining portion of the battery 60 may be located below the slewing frame 40. The battery 60 located above the slewing frame 40 is located on the slewing base plate 41. In this case, for example, the battery located above the slewing frame 40 and the battery located below the slewing frame 40 can be placed in a position that overlaps in a plan view. By arranging the battery 60 above and below the slewing frame 40, the number and capacity of the batteries 60 can be increased. In addition, since the number of batteries 60 located between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11 can be reduced, it becomes unnecessary to significantly increase the height of the extension member 51, and the increase in the height of the slewing work machine 1 due to the provision of the extension member 51 can be suppressed.

[0066] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a swivel work machine 1 as described in the following items.

[0067] (Item 1) A rotating work machine 1 comprising a machine body 2 having a rotating frame 40 that rotates around an axis in the vertical direction, a lower traveling body 10 having a traveling frame 11 positioned below the rotating frame 40, a battery 60, and an electric device (electric motor 30) that is driven by power supplied from the battery 60, wherein the battery 60 is positioned between the rotating frame 40 and the traveling frame 11.

[0068] With this slewing work machine 1, the battery 60 is positioned between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, eliminating the need to secure a large space for the battery 60 at the rear of the machine body 2. This allows for ample space around the operator at the front of the machine body 2, eliminating the need to extend the machine body 2 rearward and improving the compactness of the slewing mechanism. Furthermore, when replacing the battery 60, it is not necessary to remove the driver's seat, structural members, electrical components, etc., surrounding the battery 60, as is the case when the battery 60 is positioned on the machine body 2, making the battery replacement work easier. In addition, compared to the case where the battery 60 is positioned on the slewing frame 40, the center of gravity of the slewing work machine 1 can be lowered, improving stability during travel and operation.

[0069] (Item 2) The slewing work machine 1 according to Item 1, wherein the battery 60 rotates together with the slewing frame 40 as the slewing frame 40 rotates.

[0070] This slewing work machine 1 makes it possible to easily connect the battery 60 with the electrical equipment (electric motor 30, etc.) on the slewing frame 40. Specifically, the slip rings used to electrically connect the electrical equipment on the slewing frame 40 and the battery 60 can be omitted.

[0071] (Item 3) The slewing work machine 1 according to Item 1 or 2, comprising an extension member 51 disposed between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11 to extend the distance between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, wherein the battery 60 is disposed around the extension member 51.

[0072] With this rotating work machine 1, the extension member 51 allows the distance between the rotating frame 40 and the traveling frame 11 to be increased. As a result, it becomes possible to increase the size (thickness) of the battery 60 that is placed between the rotating frame 40 and the traveling frame 11.

[0073] (Item 4) The slewing work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the battery 60 is attached to the lower surface of the slewing frame 40.

[0074] With this slewing work machine 1, the battery 60 is attached to the underside of the slewing frame 40, eliminating the need for a member to support the battery 60 from below. Therefore, the space between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11 can be effectively utilized for the placement of the battery 60.

[0075] (Item 5) A slewing work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising a support frame 53 attached to the travel frame or the slewing frame and positioned between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, wherein the support frame 53 supports the battery 60 from below.

[0076] With this rotating work machine 1, the support frame 53 supports the battery 60 from below, allowing the battery 60 to be stably positioned between the rotating frame 40 and the travel frame 11.

[0077] (Item 6) A slewing work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 5, comprising a protective frame 58 surrounding the battery 60.

[0078] With this slewing work machine 1, the protective frame 58 surrounds the battery 60, preventing the battery 60 from coming into contact with other objects or falling off while the slewing work machine 1 is moving or working.

[0079] (Item 7) A slewing work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 6, comprising a suspension member 55 attached to the slewing frame 40 and suspending the battery 60 below the slewing frame 40.

[0080] With this slewing work machine 1, the battery 60 is suspended below the slewing frame 40 by a suspension member 55, eliminating the need for a member to support the battery 60 from below. Therefore, the space between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11 can be effectively utilized for the placement of the battery 60.

[0081] (Item 8) A slewing work machine 1 according to any one of Items 1 to 7, comprising a slewing bearing 5 having an outer ring 5a attached to one of the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, and an inner ring 5b attached to the other of the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11, wherein the battery 60 is arranged around the slewing bearing 5.

[0082] With this slewing work machine 1, the space around the slewing bearing 5 can be effectively utilized to position the battery 60 between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11.

[0083] (Item 9) The slewing work machine 1 according to Item 3, comprising a slewing bearing 5 having an outer ring 5a attached to one of the slewing frame 40 and the traveling frame 11, and an inner ring 5b attached to the other of the slewing frame 40 and the traveling frame 11, wherein the extension member 51 is positioned above or below the slewing bearing 5.

[0084] With this slewing work machine 1, the extension member 51 can expand the space between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11 above or below the slewing bearing 5, thereby providing a larger space between the slewing frame 40 and the travel frame 11 for arranging the battery 60.

[0085] (Item 10) The extension member 51 is connected to the slewing frame 40, as described in Item 3 for the slewing work machine 1.

[0086] With this rotating work machine 1, the rigidity of the extension member 51 can be improved by connecting the extension member 51 to the rotating frame 40, making it less likely for the extension member 51 to deform or break.

[0087] (Item 11) The extension member 51 is connected to the travel frame 11, as described in Item 3, for the slewing work machine 1.

[0088] With this rotating work machine 1, the rigidity of the extension member 51 can be improved by connecting it to the travel frame 11, making it less likely for the extension member 51 to deform or break.

[0089] (Item 12) The slewing work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the battery 60 is located above and below the slewing frame 40.

[0090] With this slewing work machine 1, the number of batteries 60 that can be mounted can be increased by arranging the batteries 60 above and below the slewing frame 40. Therefore, the total capacity of the batteries 60 mounted on the slewing work machine 1 can be increased. In addition, since batteries 60 can also be placed above the slewing frame 40, it is not necessary to significantly increase the height of the extension member 51 to accommodate the batteries 60, and the height of the slewing work machine 1 equipped with the extension member 51 can be kept low.

[0091] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included.

[0092] 1. Swivel work machine 2. Machine body 5. Swivel bearing 5a. Outer ring 5b. Inner ring 10. Lower travel body 11. Travel frame 30. Electric equipment (electric motor) 40. Swivel frame 51. Extension member 53. Support frame 55. Suspension member 58. Protective frame 60. Battery

Claims

1. A rotating work machine comprising: a machine body having a slewing frame that rotates about an axis in the vertical direction; a lower traveling body having a traveling frame disposed below the slewing frame; a battery; and an electric device driven by power supplied from the battery, wherein the battery is located between the slewing frame and the traveling frame.

2. The slewing work machine according to claim 1, wherein the battery rotates together with the slewing frame in accordance with the rotation of the slewing frame.

3. The slewing work machine according to claim 1, further comprising an extension member disposed between the slewing frame and the travel frame to extend the distance between the slewing frame and the travel frame, wherein the battery is disposed around the extension member.

4. The slewing work machine according to claim 1, wherein the battery is attached to the lower surface of the slewing frame.

5. The slewing work machine according to claim 1, further comprising a support frame attached to the travel frame or the slewing frame and positioned between the slewing frame and the travel frame, wherein the support frame supports the battery from below.

6. The slewing work machine according to claim 1, further comprising a protective frame surrounding the battery.

7. The slewing work machine according to claim 1, further comprising a suspension member attached to the slewing frame and suspending the battery below the slewing frame.

8. A slewing work machine according to claim 1, comprising a slewing bearing having an outer ring attached to one of the slewing frame and the travel frame, and an inner ring attached to the other of the slewing frame and the travel frame, wherein the battery is arranged around the slewing bearing.

9. The slewing work machine according to claim 3, comprising a slewing bearing having an outer ring attached to one of the slewing frame and the traveling frame, and an inner ring attached to the other of the slewing frame and the traveling frame, wherein the extension member is positioned above or below the slewing bearing.

10. The slewing work machine according to claim 3, wherein the extension member is connected to the slewing frame.

11. The slewing work machine according to claim 3, wherein the extension member is connected to the travel frame.

12. The slewing work machine according to claim 1, wherein the battery is located above and below the slewing frame.

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