Work machine

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to appropriately notify the residual capacity of a battery.　This work machine (1) comprises: a machine body (2); a battery (52) that is mounted on the machine body (2) and is capable of storing power; an electrical apparatus (E1) to which power is supplied from the battery (52); a battery monitoring device (63) capable of detecting the amount of remaining power stored in the battery (52) and the charging rate of the battery (52); a notification device (15) capable of executing a notification; a display device (16) capable of displaying information; and a control device (61) that controls the notification device (15) and the display device (16). The control device (61) controls the display device (16) to display an image indicating the charging rate, and controls the notification device (15) to perform a predetermined notification when the amount of remaining power becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

Description

Work machine

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

[0002] The electric work machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a battery, an electric motor driven by the power from the battery, and a controller that detects the remaining charge amount of the battery and gives a notification to prompt charging of the battery when the detected remaining charge amount is less than or equal to a preset value.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication "JP-A-2024-123609"

[0004] In the electric work machine (work machine) of Patent Document 1, a notification to prompt charging is given when the remaining charge amount is less than or equal to the set value. However, the remaining charge amount and the set value are defined as the ratio of the remaining capacity to the full charge capacity. Therefore, the case where the remaining power that can be output by the battery changes due to battery deterioration or the like is not considered.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a work machine capable of appropriately notifying the remaining capacity of a battery.

[0006] A work machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes a machine body, a battery mounted on the machine body and capable of storing electric power, an electric device supplied with power from the battery, a battery monitoring device capable of detecting the remaining electric power stored in the battery and the charging rate of the battery, a notification device capable of executing a notification, a display device capable of displaying information, and a control device that controls the notification device and the display device. The control device controls the display device to display an image indicating the charging rate, and when the remaining electric power becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, controls the notification device to give a predetermined notification.

[0007] According to the above work machine, the remaining capacity of the battery can be appropriately notified.

[0008] This is a schematic side view showing the work equipment. This is a block diagram explaining the work equipment. This is a diagram showing an example of the status display screen. This is a diagram explaining the changes in the indicator display. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the battery degradation state and the charge level indicated by the threshold display unit. This is the first diagram explaining the changes in the status display screen display. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the ambient temperature and a predetermined threshold. This is the second diagram explaining the changes in the status display screen display. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the ambient temperature and the first correction value. This is the third diagram explaining the changes in the status display screen display. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the degree of degradation and the second correction value.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <About the implement 1> Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing implement 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a backhoe as implement 1. For this reason, the implement 1 will be described using a backhoe as an example, but implement 1 is not limited to a backhoe and may be a construction work vehicle such as a compact track loader, or an agricultural work vehicle such as a combine harvester or rice transplanter.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the work machine 1 is equipped with a machine body 2 (turntable). The machine body 2 supports various devices and equipment that the work machine 1 is equipped with. For example, the machine body 2 is equipped with a driver's seat 11 in which an operator sits, and a protective mechanism 12 that protects the driver's seat 11. Operating devices 13 are provided around the driver's seat 11.

[0012] The operating device 13 includes hardware-type operating members such as levers and switches. The operating members may directly operate each device and equipment provided by the work machine 1, or they may output operating signals to a control device 61, etc., which will be described later, and indirectly operate each device and equipment via the control device 61, etc.

[0013] The work machine 1 is equipped with an operating device 3. The operating device 3 is a device that is installed on the machine body 2 and is capable of being operated. The operating device 3 includes a traveling device 4 and / or a work device 5 installed on the machine body 2.

[0014] The traveling device 4 is a device that moves the machine body 2 when it is activated. The traveling device 4 supports the machine body 2 so that it can rotate around the pivot axis C. The traveling device 4 has a traveling frame 21 (track frame) and a traveling mechanism 22. The traveling frame 21 is a structure to which the traveling mechanism 22 is attached around the periphery and which supports the machine body 2 on top. The traveling frame 21 supports the machine body 2 around the pivot axis C via a pivot bearing 23.

[0015] The running mechanism 22 is a mechanism that, when activated, imparts thrust to the machine body 2. The running mechanism 22 is, for example, a crawler-type running mechanism. The running mechanism 22 is provided on the left and right sides of the running frame 21, respectively. Note that the running mechanism 22 is not limited to a crawler-type running mechanism, but may also be a tire-type running mechanism, and its structure is not particularly limited.

[0016] The working device 5 is a device that performs work by being activated. The working device 5 has a boom 32, an arm 33, and a working tool 34. The boom 32 and the arm 33 are members that support the working tool 34. The base end of the boom 32 is pivotally attached to a swing bracket 31 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis. The swing bracket 31 is provided so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis relative to the machine body 2. The arm 33 is pivotally attached to the tip end of the boom 32 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis. The arm 33 supports the working tool 34 at its tip end.

[0017] The work tool 34 is a device used for performing work. The work tool 34 is pivotally attached to the tip of the arm 33 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis. Examples of work tools 34 include buckets, breakers, crushers, angle brooms, earth augers, pallet forks, sweepers, mowers, and snow blowers.

[0018] Furthermore, the work device 5 may also include a dozer device 35. The dozer device 35 is pivotally attached to the traveling device 4 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis.

[0019] The aforementioned operating device 3 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the work machine 1 moves using the traveling device 4, rotates the machine body 2 around the pivot axis C, and performs work using the work device 5. In other words, the machine body 2, which is supported by the traveling device 4 around the pivot axis C, can also be considered the work device 5 or a part thereof.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the work machine 1. As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a battery 52. ​​In this embodiment, the work machine 1 is an electric work machine driven by power supplied from the battery 52. ​​The battery 52 is mounted on the machine body 2 and is capable of storing electricity. The battery 52 is a secondary battery (storage battery) such as a lithium-ion battery that discharges (outputs) the stored electricity. The battery 52 has a plurality of cells inside, and these plurality of cells are electrically connected in series and / or parallel.

[0021] The number of batteries 52 provided by the work machine 1 is not particularly limited; the work machine 1 only needs to have one or more batteries 52. If the work machine 1 has multiple batteries 52, the multiple batteries 52 may be connected in series or in series, or they may be configured to allow switching between a battery 52 that is being discharged (discharged battery) and a battery 52 that is being charged (charged battery).

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with electrical equipment E1 that is powered by a battery 52. ​​Electrical equipment E1 is equipment that can be powered and operated by power supplied directly or indirectly from the battery 52. ​​Electrical equipment E1 includes, for example, an electric actuator 51 that is driven by power supplied from the battery 52.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with an electric actuator 51. The electric actuator 51 generates power to operate the actuator 3. The electric actuator 51 is a drive source that operates using electricity supplied from the battery 52. ​​The electric actuator 51 directly or indirectly operates the actuator 3 with the power it generates. Examples of the electric actuator 51 include an electric motor 51A and an electric cylinder.

[0024] In this embodiment, the electrical equipment E1 includes an electric motor 51A as the electric actuator 51. The electric motor 51A is driven by power supplied from the battery 52 and supplies power to the hydraulic pump 42. As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 includes a hydraulic oil tank 41, a hydraulic pump 42, a control valve 43, and a hydraulic actuator 45. The hydraulic pump 42 is a pump that discharges hydraulic oil. The hydraulic pump 42 is operated by the power generated by the electric actuator 51, sucks the hydraulic oil stored in the hydraulic oil tank 41, and discharges the hydraulic oil to the control valve 43.

[0025] The control valve 43 controls (adjusts) the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid that operates the hydraulic actuator 45. For example, the control valve 43 controls the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid output from the hydraulic pump 42 to the hydraulic actuator 45.

[0026] The control valve 43 has one or more control valves 44 corresponding to the hydraulic actuator 45. The control valves 44 adjust the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid that operates the hydraulic actuator 45 by changing the position of the spool in response to the operation of the operating device 13. The position of the spool of the control valves 44 is changed by pilot oil supplied from an operating valve that is directly operated by an operating member 13a included in the operating device 13, or by pilot oil supplied from a solenoid valve that is electrically operated by the operation of the operating member 13a.

[0027] The hydraulic actuator 45 is driven by the hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump 42. Examples of hydraulic actuators 45 include hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders. The operating equipment 3 (traveling device 4, working device 5) is operated by the drive of the hydraulic actuator 45.

[0028] In this embodiment, the work machine 1 includes, as hydraulic actuators 45, a travel motor 45a that drives the travel mechanism 22, a slewing motor 45b that rotates the machine body 2 around the slewing axis C, a swing cylinder 45c that rotates the swing bracket 31 around the vertical axis, a boom cylinder 45d that rotates the boom 32 around the horizontal axis, an arm cylinder 45e that rotates the arm 33 around the horizontal axis, a work tool cylinder 45f that rotates the work tool 34 around the horizontal axis, and a dozer cylinder 45g that rotates the dozer around the horizontal axis. The travel motor 45a and the slewing motor 45b are hydraulic motors. The swing cylinder 45c, boom cylinder 45d, arm cylinder 45e, work tool cylinder 45f, and dozer cylinder 45g are hydraulic cylinders.

[0029] The hydraulic actuator 45 provided in the work machine 1 is merely an example and is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the electric actuator 51 may directly operate the operating device 3; in such a case, the aforementioned hydraulic actuators 45 can be replaced with the electric actuator 51. In this case, each motor and cylinder may be replaced with an electric motor or electric cylinder, etc. For example, the travel motor 45a and the slewing motor 45b may be replaced with electric motors. The swing cylinder 45c, boom cylinder 45d, arm cylinder 45e, work tool cylinder 45f, and dozer cylinder 45g may be replaced with electric cylinders.

[0030] Furthermore, the electrical equipment E1 may include other devices besides the electric actuator 51 (electric motor 51A). For example, examples of electrical equipment E1 include the control device 61, air conditioning system, various electrical components, and various lamps, which will be described later. Unlike the electric actuator 51, these electrical devices E1 may be powered via a low-voltage battery 53 that stores power supplied from the battery 52. ​​The low-voltage battery 53 is a storage battery with a lower voltage than the battery 52.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a junction box 54, an inverter 55, a DC / DC converter 56, and a charger 57, etc. The junction box 54 is electrically connected to other electrical components. For example, the junction box 54 is electrically connected to the battery 52, inverter 55, DC / DC converter 56, and charger 57. The junction box 54 has an electrical circuit and a relay, etc., that can change the connection state of the electrical circuit.

[0032] The inverter 55 converts the DC power input from the battery 52 via the junction box 54 into three-phase AC power and supplies the three-phase AC power to the electric actuator 51. The inverter 55 is controlled by the control device 61, and the frequency, voltage, and current of the power supplied to the electric actuator 51 can be arbitrarily adjusted. The inverter 55 is electrically operated by a rotary operating member 13b included in the operating device 13.

[0033] The DC / DC converter 56 is a voltage converter that converts the voltage of the DC power input from the battery 52 via the junction box 54 to a different voltage. The DC / DC converter 56 is a step-down converter that converts the high voltage of the battery 52 to a predetermined low voltage corresponding to the electrical equipment E1 installed in the work machine 1. After voltage conversion, the DC / DC converter 56 supplies power to the low-voltage battery 53.

[0034] The charger 57 is electrically connected to the charging port 58 and junction box 54 provided on the work machine 1. A charging cable is connected to the charging port 58, and an external power source (commercial power, etc.) is connected via the charging cable. The charger 57 converts the three-phase AC power input from the external power source via the charging cable and charging port 58 into DC power, and supplies the DC power to the junction box 54. The charger 57 has a rectifier that converts the three-phase AC power into DC power, and an electronic circuit that adjusts the current and voltage of the DC power supplied to the junction box 54. The electronic circuit is composed of, for example, switching elements, diodes, resistors, and electrolytic capacitors.

[0035] <Regarding the control system of the work machine 1> As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a control device 61. The work machine 1 is also equipped with a storage device 62.

[0036] The control device 61 includes one or more processors. The control device 61 is a controller for the work machine 1 and performs various controls related to the work machine 1. The control device 61 is connected to each device and equipment mounted on the work machine 1 via an in-vehicle network such as CAN, ISOBUS, LIN, or FlexRay. The control device 61 includes one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, etc. One or more memories store (remember) software programs and various data to be executed by one or more processors. The control device 61 can read software programs from one or more memories using one or more processors and execute various processes based on those software programs. The control device 61 may also execute various processes based on predetermined logic circuits using one or more processors.

[0037] Processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0038] The control device 61 may perform various processes through the cooperation of multiple physically separated processors, and its configuration is not limited to the configuration described above. In such a case, the multiple processors are each mounted on one or more computers physically separated from the work machine 1, and these processors are connected to each other via a network such as an in-vehicle network, LAN, WAN, and the Internet.

[0039] Furthermore, the software program may be stored in a storage device 62 that is communicatively connected to the control device 61, or in an external server device connected via the network, and then installed into the memory from there.

[0040] The storage device 62 stores various information and data related to the work machine 1 in a read-write manner. The storage device 62 includes non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 62 is connected to the control device 61 in a communication manner, and the control device 61 can acquire various information and data stored in the storage device 62 and control various devices and equipment based on that information.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a battery management unit (BMU). The battery management unit 63 is located inside the corresponding battery 52. ​​The battery management unit 63 may be built into the corresponding battery 52 or installed on the outside of the battery 52.

[0042] The battery monitoring device 63 detects (monitors) the state of the battery 52. ​​For example, the battery monitoring device 63 has one or more sensors, which detect information such as the voltage, current, terminal voltage of the internal cells, and temperature of the battery 52. ​​Based on the information detected by the sensors, the battery monitoring device 63 can detect the state of the battery 52. ​​In this embodiment, detection includes not only cases where the physical quantity to be detected is directly detected by sensors, etc., but also cases where the physical quantity to be detected is calculated based on the physical quantity detected by sensors, etc.

[0043] For example, the battery monitoring device 63 can detect the remaining amount of energy stored in the battery 52. ​​The remaining amount of energy is the amount of energy stored in the battery 52 that can actually be supplied to the electrical equipment E1. For example, the remaining amount of energy is the actual remaining capacity (RM) [kWh] stored in the battery 52.

[0044] The battery monitoring device 63 subtracts the discharged power amount (discharge power amount) from the full charge capacity (FCC: Full Charge Capacity) [kWh] to detect the remaining power amount stored in the battery 52. The battery monitoring device 63 subtracts the discharge power amount from the current full charge capacity to detect the remaining power amount stored in the battery 52. The current full charge capacity is estimated based on the discharge power amount when discharging from the fully charged state (fully charged state) to the fully discharged state of the battery 52. Note that the current full charge capacity may be estimated based on the current and time required for charging the battery 52, the discharged current and time, etc., and the estimation method is not particularly limited.

[0045] The battery monitoring device 63 calculates the remaining power amount using, for example, a current measurement method (Coulomb counter method), a battery cell modeling method, an impedance track method, or the like.

[0046] Note that the remaining power amount may be the power amount that can actually be output considering the internal resistance of the battery 52 itself among the power amount stored in the battery 52, or the power amount that can actually be output from the inverter 55 considering the internal resistance of the battery 52 itself, the conversion efficiency of the inverter 55, etc.

[0047] The battery monitoring device 63 can detect the state of charge (SOC: State Of Charge) [%] of the battery 52 separately from the remaining power amount stored in the battery 52. The battery monitoring device 63 detects the state of charge based on the current full charge capacity and the remaining power amount of the battery 52. The battery monitoring device 63 divides the remaining power amount stored in the battery 52 by the current full charge capacity, calculates the ratio of the remaining power amount to the current full charge capacity, and detects the calculation result as the state of charge. In the following description, the case where the battery monitoring device 63 detects the state of charge as a percentage will be described.

[0048] <Regarding notification about battery 52> The control device 61 controls the notification device 15 to cause it to perform notification regarding the state of the battery 52 detected by the battery monitoring device 63. As shown in FIG. 2, the working machine 1 includes a notification device 15. The notification device 15 is a device capable of performing notification to an operator. The notification device 15 is communicably connected to the control device 61 and is controlled by the control device 61 to execute predetermined notification. The notification device 15 performs notification such as warning to the operator by light, sound, or the like.

[0049] When the remaining battery power amount becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the control device 61 controls the notification device 15 to cause it to perform predetermined notification. The predetermined threshold value is, for example, a predetermined fixed value defined in advance. The predetermined threshold value is a value (remaining battery power amount) [kWh] indicating that the remaining battery power amount of the battery 52 has become relatively small.

[0050] The predetermined threshold value may include a plurality of values (threshold values). When the predetermined threshold value includes a plurality of threshold values, the control device 61 controls the notification device 15 to cause it to perform predetermined notification when the remaining battery power amount becomes equal to or less than each threshold value. In the present embodiment, the predetermined threshold value includes a first threshold value and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value. Therefore, the control device 61 causes the notification device 15 to perform notification when the remaining battery power amount of the battery 52 is equal to or less than the first threshold value and when the remaining battery power amount of the battery 52 is equal to or less than the second threshold value, respectively.

[0051] In the present embodiment, a case where the predetermined threshold value includes two threshold values (the first threshold value and the second threshold value) will be described as an example, but the number of threshold values included in the predetermined threshold value is not limited to two.

[0052] The predetermined threshold value is defined based on the full charge capacity of the battery 52 in the initial state (also referred to as the initial full charge capacity). The initial full charge capacity is the full charge capacity when the battery 52 was initially shipped, and for example, the design capacity (DC: Design Capacity) [kWh] of the battery 52 can be adopted. Therefore, the initial full charge capacity is the full charge capacity when the state of health (SOH) [%] of the battery 52 is 100%. In the present embodiment, for the sake of explanation, a case where the initial full charge capacity is 30 kWh will be described as an example.

[0053] A predetermined threshold is defined based on the initial full charge capacity and a reference charge rate (reference charge rate). The first threshold is defined based on the initial full charge capacity (e.g., 30 kWh) and a predetermined first reference charge rate (e.g., 30%), which is 9 kWh in this embodiment. The second threshold is defined based on the initial full charge capacity and a predetermined second reference charge rate (e.g., 10%) that is smaller than the first reference charge rate, which is 3 kWh in this embodiment.

[0054] The predetermined threshold and reference charge level are predetermined values ​​stored in the storage device 62 and may be changeable by a predetermined input interface (user interface) such as the operating device 13.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 may be equipped with a display device 16 capable of displaying information. The display device 16 is a device that displays various information related to the work machine 1. For example, the display device 16 is arranged around the driver's seat 11. The display device 16 is a fixed display device or a tablet-type terminal device capable of displaying images. The display device 16 may be operated by a display operation member 13c included in the operation device 13, or it may be a touch panel display and operated by an operator performing a predetermined operation on the display image displayed on the display device 16.

[0056] The control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display information related to the work machine 1. The control device 61 acquires information about the work machine 1 via the in-vehicle network, converts this information into data (images) that can be displayed on the display device 16, and displays the converted data on the display device 16. For example, the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display an image indicating the charge level. To this end, the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display an image indicating the charge level, and also controls the notification device 15 to provide a predetermined notification when the remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0057] In this embodiment, the display device 16 also serves as the notification device 15. That is, the notification device 15 is the display device 16 which also serves as the notification device 15. The control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display a notification when the remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold. For this reason, when the remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold, the control device 61 displays an image indicating that the remaining power is below a predetermined threshold, along with an image indicating the charge rate. When an operator performs a predetermined operation on the display device 16, the control device 61 displays a screen (status display screen M1) showing the battery status, including the charge rate and notification, based on programs and image information stored in the storage device 62.

[0058] Figure 3 shows an example of the status display screen M1. In Figure 3, the display area 71 that mainly displays the battery status is shown. As shown in Figure 3, the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display a meter image 72 that indicates the charge rate. The control device 61 displays the meter image 72 that extends in a predetermined direction (extension direction) in the display area 71. In the example shown in Figure 3, the control device 61 displays it as an arc-shaped image that extends approximately left and right in the display area 71. The meter image 72 includes an indicator section 73 that indicates the charge rate of the battery 52. ​​The indicator section 73 is an arc-shaped bar image.

[0059] The control device 61 extends the indicator section 73 to one end in the extension direction when the battery 52 is fully charged (100%). As the battery 52's charge level decreases, the control device 61 retracts the indicator section 73 from one end to the other in the extension direction. When the battery 52 is completely discharged (0%), the control device 61 retracts the indicator section 73 to the other end in the extension direction.

[0060] Figure 4 illustrates the changes in the display of the indicator unit 73. The top diagram of Figure 4 shows the display area 71 when the charge level is 100%, the middle diagram of Figure 4 shows the display area 71 when the charge level is 30%, and the bottom diagram of Figure 4 shows the display area 71 when the charge level is 10%.

[0061] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the control device 61 extends the indicator section 73 in an arc shape toward the right side of the display area 71 as the battery 52's charge level approaches full charge, and retracts the indicator section 73 in an arc shape toward the left side of the display area 71 as the battery 52's charge level approaches zero.

[0062] In this embodiment, the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display a numerical display unit 74 that displays the charge rate numerically. The numerical display unit 74 is located on one side of the direction that intersects the extension direction of the meter image 72. The numerical display unit 74 is located, for example, below the meter image 72. In the example shown in Figure 3, the numerical display unit 74 displays a value with one or more decimal places, rounded to the second decimal place, as the charge rate, but the display method is not particularly limited.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display the scale image 75 in the vicinity of the meter image 72. For example, the control device 61 displays the scale image 75 alongside the meter image 72 (along the meter image 72). The scale image 75 is an image that corresponds to the charge level shown by the meter image 72 and indicates a predetermined threshold. The scale image 75 includes a portion (threshold display section 76, 77) that corresponds to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold. The threshold display sections 76, 77 indicate the charge level corresponding to the predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold includes a plurality of thresholds (first threshold and second threshold), so the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display a plurality of threshold display sections (first portion 76 and second portion 77) on the scale image 75.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 3, the control device 61 displays the scale image 75 as an arc-shaped image extending approximately left and right across the display area 71. The scale image 75 is an arc-shaped bar image. The scale image 75 and the meter image 72 are each positioned on a virtual circle passing through the same center X, and the radius of curvature of the scale image 75 and the radius of curvature of the meter image 72 are different.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the threshold indicators 76 and 77 indicate a charge level corresponding to a predetermined threshold at one end. The threshold indicators 76 and 77 also extend from one end (the charge level corresponding to the predetermined threshold) to the other end in the extension direction. The first portion 76 extends from the charge level corresponding to the first threshold to the charge level corresponding to the second threshold. The first portion 76 indicates a charge level corresponding to the range from the first threshold to the second threshold. The second portion 77 extends from the charge level corresponding to the second threshold to the charge level indicating complete discharge (0%). The second portion 77 indicates a charge level corresponding to the range from the second threshold to the charge level of complete discharge.

[0066] As described above, when the meter image 72 points to the threshold indicators 76 and 77 in the scale image 75, it can indicate that the charge level (remaining power) of the battery 52 has decreased, and that the charge level has fallen below the charge level corresponding to a predetermined threshold.

[0067] Furthermore, the control device 61 may display the parts 76 and 77 of the scale image 75 corresponding to remaining power below a predetermined threshold in a different color from the parts corresponding to remaining power exceeding the predetermined threshold (parts excluding the threshold display parts 76 and 77). For example, the control device 61 may display the first part 76 of the scale image 75 in yellow, the second part 77 in red, and the parts excluding the threshold display parts 76 and 77 in gray. Note that the colors of each part of the scale image 75 are merely examples and are not limited to the examples described above.

[0068] Furthermore, when the remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold, the control device 61 may display the meter image 72 indicating the charge rate in a different color than when the remaining power exceeds the predetermined threshold. For example, when the remaining power exceeds a first threshold, the control device 61 displays the indicator portion 73 of the meter image 72 in blue. When the remaining power exceeds a second threshold but is below the first threshold, the control device 61 displays the indicator portion 73 of the meter image 72 in yellow. When the remaining power is below the second threshold, the control device 61 displays the indicator portion 73 of the meter image 72 in red. Note that the colors of the meter image 72 are merely examples and are not limited to those described above. Also, if the meter image 72 shows its outline, the control device 61 may change the color of the outline according to the remaining power, and the target of the color change is not particularly limited.

[0069] <Regarding the display of the scale image 75 in accordance with changes in full charge capacity> The scale image 75 indicates the charge rate corresponding to a predetermined threshold, and therefore indicates the reference charge rate when the battery 52 is in its initial state when shipped (SOH = 100%). As described above, the charge rate is detected based on the current full charge capacity and remaining power of the battery 52, and the predetermined threshold is a constant fixed value.

[0070] Figure 5 shows the relationship between the degradation state of the battery 52 and the charge level indicated by the threshold indicators 76 and 77. In Figure 5, the charge level indicated by the first section 76 is shown by a solid line, and the charge level indicated by the second section 77 is shown by a dashed line. Figure 5 also shows the case where the battery 52 is in its initial state upon shipment (SOH = 100%), has a full charge capacity of 30 kWh, the charge level indicated by the first section 76 is 30% (first reference charge level), and the charge level indicated by the second section 77 is 10% (second reference charge level).

[0071] Therefore, when the battery 52 deteriorates (SOH = 90%), the full charge capacity decreases (FCC = 27kWh), the charge rate indicated by the first part 76 increases to 33.33%, and the charge rate indicated by the second part 77 increases to 11.11%. When the battery 52 deteriorates further (SOH = 80%), the full charge capacity decreases (FCC = 24kWh), the charge rate indicated by the first part 76 increases to 37.50%, and the charge rate indicated by the second part 77 increases to 12.50%.

[0072] As described above, when the current full charge capacity decreases due to deterioration of the battery 52, the ratio of the predetermined threshold to the full charge capacity increases, and the charge rate indicated by the threshold display units 76 and 77 also increases. On the other hand, when the operator replaces the battery 52 of the work machine 1, improving the deterioration state of the battery 52 and increasing the current full charge capacity, the ratio of the predetermined threshold to the full charge capacity decreases, and the charge rate indicated by the threshold display units 76 and 77 also decreases.

[0073] Accordingly, the control device 61 changes the display of the scale image 75 (threshold display sections 76, 77) according to the degradation state of the battery 52 (current full charge capacity). The control device 61 changes the size of the sections 76, 77 in the scale image 75 that correspond to the remaining power amount below a predetermined threshold according to the degradation state of the battery 52 (current full charge capacity). The control device 61 increases the size of the threshold display sections 76, 77 as the battery 52 degrades (as the current full charge capacity decreases). The control device 61 decreases the size of the threshold display sections 76, 77 as the degradation of the battery 52 improves (as the current full charge capacity increases). In this embodiment, the size of the threshold display sections 76, 77 may refer to the dimensions of the threshold display sections 76, 77, the length in the extension direction of the threshold display sections 76, 77, or the position of the contour of the threshold display sections 76, 77. In the following description, the section corresponding to the remaining power amount below the first threshold refers to the first section 76 and the second section 77. The portion corresponding to the remaining power below the second threshold is referred to as the second portion 77.

[0074] Specifically, as the current full charge capacity decreases, the control device 61 moves one end of the threshold display units 76 and 77 in an arc shape toward one side in the extension direction. As the current full charge capacity increases, the control device 61 moves one end of the threshold display units 76 and 77 in an arc shape toward the other side of the display area 71.

[0075] Figure 6 is the first diagram illustrating the changes in the display of the status display screen M1. The top diagram of Figure 6 shows the display area 71 when the battery 52 is in its initial state after shipment (SOH = 100%), the middle diagram of Figure 6 shows the display area 71 when the battery 52 has deteriorated (SOH = 90%), and the bottom diagram of Figure 6 shows the display area 71 when the battery 52 has further deteriorated (SOH = 80%).

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 6, the control device 61 moves one end of the first portion 76 in an arc toward the right side of the display area 71 as the current full charge capacity decreases, transitioning from the upper to the lower diagram in Figure 6. The control device 61 also moves the other end of the first portion 76 and one end of the second portion 77 in an arc toward the right side of the display area 71 as the current full charge capacity decreases. As a result, the control device 61 increases the length of the threshold display sections 76 and 77 in the extension direction as the current full charge capacity decreases. In the example shown in Figure 6, the length of the first portion 76 and the second portion 77 in the extension direction increases as the current full charge capacity decreases.

[0077] Meanwhile, as the current full charge capacity increases, the control device 61 moves one end of the first portion 76 in an arc toward the left side of the display area 71, as shown in the transition from the lower diagram to the upper diagram of Figure 6. As the current full charge capacity increases, the control device 61 moves the other end of the first portion 76 and one end of the second portion 77 in an arc toward the left side of the display area 71. Therefore, as the current full charge capacity increases, the control device 61 shortens the length of the threshold display sections 76 and 77 in the extension direction. In the example shown in Figure 6, as the current full charge capacity increases, the length of the first portion 76 and the second portion 77 in the extension direction is shortened.

[0078] <Regarding the change of predetermined thresholds according to ambient temperature> In the embodiment described above, the case in which the predetermined threshold is a constant fixed value was explained as an example, but the control device 61 may set different predetermined thresholds according to predetermined conditions and control the notification device 15. For example, the control device 61 sets different predetermined thresholds according to ambient temperature and controls the notification device 15 based on the acquired predetermined thresholds.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2, the work machine 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 64. The temperature sensor 64 detects the ambient temperature around the machine body 2. The temperature sensor 64 may be a thermocouple, for example, that changes its resistance value in response to temperature changes. The temperature sensor 64 is placed in a location that is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the electric motor 51A, battery 52, etc. (for example, the roof of the protective mechanism 12). The temperature sensor 64 is connected to the control device 61 via wired or wireless communication and outputs the detection result (resistance value indicating ambient temperature) to the control device 61. The control device 61 can calculate the ambient temperature around the machine body 2 (ambient temperature) based on the detection result output from the temperature sensor 64 and calculation formulas pre-stored in the storage device 62.

[0080] The control device 61 sets different predetermined thresholds depending on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64, and controls the notification device 15 based on the set predetermined thresholds. The control device 61 sets a predetermined threshold that is larger when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 is a first temperature than when it is a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. The control device 61 sets a predetermined threshold that is larger for the remaining power as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 decreases.

[0081] The control device 61 sets a predetermined threshold corresponding to the outside temperature by obtaining a predetermined threshold corresponding to the outside temperature based on a predefined table showing the relationship between the outside temperature and a predetermined threshold, or by calculating a predetermined threshold based on the outside temperature and a predetermined calculation formula. The control device 61 may also set a predetermined threshold corresponding to the outside temperature by correcting a predetermined threshold that is a predefined fixed value.

[0082] Figure 7 shows the relationship between ambient temperature and predetermined thresholds. In Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents ambient temperature, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the predetermined threshold (remaining energy). In Figure 7, the first threshold is shown by a solid line, and the second threshold is shown by a dashed line. In the example shown in Figure 7, the predetermined thresholds (first and second thresholds) change continuously, increasing as the ambient temperature decreases and decreasing as the ambient temperature increases.

[0083] The predetermined threshold may change so that it gradually increases and then increases sharply as the outside temperature decreases, or it may change so that it increases sharply and then increases gradually. Furthermore, the predetermined threshold may change in steps in response to changes in the outside temperature.

[0084] Therefore, when the predetermined threshold increases, the ratio of the predetermined threshold to the full charge capacity increases, and the charge rate indicated by the threshold display units 76 and 77 also increases. Conversely, when the predetermined threshold decreases, the ratio of the predetermined threshold to the full charge capacity decreases, and the charge rate indicated by the threshold display units 76 and 77 also decreases.

[0085] Accordingly, the control device 61 increases the size of the threshold display units 76 and 77 as the predetermined threshold increases (as the ambient temperature decreases). The control device 61 decreases the size of the threshold display units 76 and 77 as the predetermined threshold decreases (as the ambient temperature increases). Specifically, as the ambient temperature decreases, the control device 61 moves one end of the threshold display units 76 and 77 in an arc shape toward one side in the stretching direction. On the other hand, as the ambient temperature rises, the control device 61 moves one end of the threshold display units 76 and 77 in an arc shape toward the other side in the stretching direction.

[0086] Figure 8 is the second figure illustrating the changes in the display of the status display screen M1. Figure 8 shows the changes in the display of the status display screen M1 when the current full charge capacity of the battery 52 is constant (30 kWh) and the ambient temperature changes. The top figure of Figure 8 shows the display area 71 when the ambient temperature is relatively high (40°C), the middle figure of Figure 8 shows the display area 71 when the ambient temperature is not relatively high (20°C), and the bottom figure of Figure 8 shows the display area 71 when the ambient temperature is low (0°C).

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 8, as the ambient temperature decreases, the control device 61 moves one end of the first portion 76 in an arc toward the right side of the display area 71, as shown in the transition from the upper to the lower diagram of Figure 8. As the ambient temperature decreases, the control device 61 moves the other end of the first portion 76 and one end of the second portion 77 in an arc toward the right side of the display area 71. As a result, the control device 61 increases the length of the scale image 75 in the extension direction as the ambient temperature decreases. In the example shown in Figure 8, as the ambient temperature decreases, the length of the second portion 77 in the extension direction increases.

[0088] Meanwhile, as the ambient temperature increases, the control device 61 moves one end of the scale image 75 in an arc towards the left side of the display area 71. In the example shown in Figure 8, as the view transitions from the lower to the upper diagram in Figure 8, the control device 61 moves one end of the first portion 76 in an arc towards the left side of the display area 71 as the ambient temperature increases. As the ambient temperature increases, the control device 61 moves the other end of the first portion 76 and one end of the second portion 77 in an arc towards the left side of the display area 71. Therefore, as the ambient temperature rises, the control device 61 shortens the length of the scale image 75 in the extension direction. In the example shown in Figure 8, as the ambient temperature rises, the length of the second portion 77 in the extension direction is shortened.

[0089] <Regarding correction of remaining power amount according to ambient temperature and modification of scale image 75> The control device 61 may correct the remaining power amount according to the temperature and control the notification device 15 based on the corrected remaining power amount. The control device 61 controls the display device 16 to change and display the scale image 75 according to the corrected remaining power amount (charge rate).

[0090] The control device 61 corrects the remaining power so that when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 is the first temperature, it is less than when the temperature is a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. The control device 61 corrects the remaining power so that it decreases as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 decreases.

[0091] In this embodiment, the control device 61 acquires a different first correction value depending on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64, and corrects the remaining power stored in the battery 52 based on the acquired first correction value. The control device 61 also corrects the current full charge capacity based on the acquired first correction value. The control device 61 acquires the current full charge capacity from the battery monitoring device 63.

[0092] The control device 61 corrects the current remaining power by subtracting a first correction value from the current remaining power. The control device 61 also corrects the current full charge capacity by subtracting a first correction value from the current full charge capacity. In other words, the control device 61 subtracts the same amount (the first correction value) from both the current remaining power and the full charge capacity.

[0093] The control device 61 acquires a first correction value that is larger when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 is a first temperature than when the temperature is a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The control device 61 acquires a first correction value that increases as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 decreases.

[0094] The control device 61 acquires a first correction value corresponding to the ambient temperature based on a predefined table showing the relationship between ambient temperature and the first correction value. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between ambient temperature and the first correction value. In Figure 9, the horizontal axis shows the ambient temperature, and the vertical axis shows the magnitude of the first correction value (remaining power). In the example shown in Figure 9, the first correction value changes in steps, increasing as the ambient temperature decreases and decreasing as the ambient temperature increases.

[0095] Furthermore, the first correction value may change continuously in response to changes in the outside temperature. Also, the first correction value may change so that it gradually increases and then increases sharply as the outside temperature decreases, or so that it increases sharply and then increases gradually.

[0096] Based on the above, the control device 61 calculates the charge rate based on the corrected current remaining power and full charge capacity, and corrects the charge rate accordingly.

[0097] Figure 10 is the third figure illustrating the changes in the display of the status display screen M1. Figure 10 shows the changes in the display of the status display screen M1 when the ambient temperature changes, assuming that the current full charge capacity of the battery 52 is constant (30 kWh), the remaining stored energy is 3 kWh, and the ambient temperature changes. The top of Figure 10 shows the display area 71 when the ambient temperature is relatively high (40°C), the middle of Figure 10 shows the display area 71 when the ambient temperature is not relatively high (20°C), and the bottom of Figure 10 shows the display area 71 when the ambient temperature is low (0°C). For the sake of explanation, the first correction value when the ambient temperature is 40°C is zero, the first correction value when the ambient temperature is 30°C is 0.3 kWh, and the first correction value when the ambient temperature is 0°C is 0.6 kWh.

[0098] When the ambient temperature is 20°C, the first correction value is 0.3 kWh, so the control device 61 corrects the full charge capacity to 29.7 kWh and the remaining energy to 2.7 kWh. As a result, the control device 61 corrects the charge rate (10%) to 9.09% based on the corrected remaining energy and full charge capacity. Then, as the control device 61 corrects the charge rate, the charge rate indicated by the first part 76 increases to 30.30%, and the charge rate indicated by the second part 77 increases to 10.10%.

[0099] When the ambient temperature is 0°C, the first correction value is 0.6 kWh, so the control device 61 corrects the full charge capacity to 29.4 kWh and the remaining energy to 2.4 kWh. As a result, the control device 61 corrects the charge rate (10%) to 8.16% based on the corrected remaining energy and full charge capacity. Then, as the control device 61 corrects the charge rate, the charge rate indicated by the first part 76 increases to 30.61%, and the charge rate indicated by the second part 77 increases to 10.20%.

[0100] As described above, when the outside temperature decreases and the current remaining energy and full charge capacity decrease by the same amount due to the correction, the ratio of remaining energy to full charge capacity decreases, and the charging rate also decreases. When the outside temperature rises and the current remaining energy and full charge capacity increase by the same amount due to the correction, the ratio of remaining energy to full charge capacity increases, and the charging rate also increases.

[0101] Accordingly, as the ambient temperature decreases, the control device 61 moves one end of the indicator portion 73 in an arc shape toward the other side in the stretching direction. On the other hand, as the ambient temperature rises, the control device 61 moves one end of the indicator portion 73 in an arc shape toward the other side in the stretching direction.

[0102] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 10, the control device 61 moves one end of the indicator section 73 in an arc shape toward the left side of the display area 71 as the ambient temperature decreases, transitioning from the upper diagram to the lower diagram in Figure 10. For this reason, the control device 61 shortens the length of the indicator section 73 in the extension direction as the ambient temperature decreases.

[0103] Meanwhile, as the ambient temperature rises, the control device 61 moves one end of the indicator section 73 in an arc shape toward the right side of the display area 71, as shown in the transition from the lower diagram to the upper diagram of Figure 10. Therefore, as the ambient temperature rises, the control device 61 increases the length of the indicator section 73 in the extension direction.

[0104] Furthermore, as described above, when the ambient temperature decreases and the current full charge capacity decreases due to the correction, the ratio of the predetermined threshold to the full charge capacity increases, and the charge rate indicated by the scale image 75 also increases. When the ambient temperature rises and the current full charge capacity increases due to the correction, the ratio of the predetermined threshold to the full charge capacity decreases, and the charge rate indicated by the scale image 75 also decreases.

[0105] Accordingly, the control device 61 changes the display of the scale image 75 (threshold display sections 76, 77) according to the corrected remaining power (charge rate). The control device 61 changes the size of the sections 76, 77 in the scale image 75 that correspond to the remaining power below a predetermined threshold, according to the corrected remaining power (charge rate). The control device 61 increases the size of the threshold display sections 76, 77 as the remaining power decreases due to correction (as the ambient temperature decreases). The control device 61 decreases the size of the threshold display sections 76, 77 as the remaining power decreases due to correction (as the ambient temperature increases). Specifically, as the ambient temperature decreases, the control device 61 moves one end of the threshold display sections 76, 77 in an arc shape toward one side in the extension direction. On the other hand, as the ambient temperature increases, the control device 61 moves one end of the threshold display sections 76, 77 in an arc shape toward the other side in the extension direction.

[0106] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 10, as the ambient temperature decreases, the control device 61 moves one end of the first portion 76 in an arc toward the right side of the display area 71, transitioning from the upper to the lower view in Figure 10. As the ambient temperature decreases, the control device 61 moves the other end of the first portion 76 and one end of the second portion 77 in an arc toward the right side of the display area 71. As a result, the control device 61 increases the length of the scale image 75 in the extension direction as the ambient temperature decreases. In the example shown in Figure 10, as the ambient temperature decreases, the length of the first portion 76 and the second portion 77 in the extension direction increases.

[0107] Meanwhile, as the ambient temperature rises, the control device 61 moves one end of the first portion 76 in an arc toward the left side of the display area 71, as shown in the transition from the lower diagram to the upper diagram of Figure 10. As the ambient temperature rises, the control device 61 moves the other end of the first portion 76 and one end of the second portion 77 in an arc toward the left side of the display area 71. Therefore, as the ambient temperature rises, the control device 61 shortens the length of the scale image 75 in the extension direction. In the example shown in Figure 10, as the ambient temperature rises, the length of the first portion 76 and the second portion 77 in the extension direction becomes shorter.

[0108] <Regarding correction of remaining power amount according to the deterioration state of battery 52 and modification of scale image 75> In the embodiment described above, the case in which the battery monitoring device 63 calculates the charge rate based on the current full charge capacity was explained, but the full charge capacity used by the battery monitoring device 63 to calculate the charge rate is not limited to this. For example, the battery monitoring device 63 may use the rated capacity of the battery 52 as the full charge capacity used to calculate the charge rate. Alternatively, the battery monitoring device 63 may use the effective capacity obtained by subtracting the charge / discharge range limited for battery deterioration and safety from the rated capacity as the full charge capacity used to calculate the charge rate.

[0109] In such a case, the control device 61 may correct the remaining power amount according to the degree of degradation of the battery 52 and control the notification device 15 based on the corrected remaining power amount. In this embodiment, the degree of degradation is a predetermined index value that increases as the battery 52 degrades. The control device 61 may calculate the degree of degradation based, for example, the state of health (SOH) of the battery 52, the voltage of the battery 52, the total operating time of the battery 52, or the number of charging cycles. For example, the degree of degradation increases when the state of health (SOH) decreases, the voltage of the battery 52 decreases, the total operating time of the battery 52 increases, or the number of charging cycles increases.

[0110] The control device 61 corrects the remaining power so that when the degree of degradation of the battery 52 is at the first degree, it is less than when the degree of degradation is at the second degree, which is lower than the first degree. The control device 61 corrects the remaining power so that it decreases as the degree of degradation of the battery 52 increases.

[0111] In this embodiment, the control device 61 acquires a second correction value that varies depending on the degree of degradation of the battery 52, and corrects the amount of remaining power stored in the battery 52 based on the acquired second correction value. The control device 61 also corrects the full charge capacity based on the acquired second correction value.

[0112] The control device 61 corrects the current remaining power by subtracting a second correction value from the current remaining power. The control device 61 also corrects the current full charge capacity by subtracting a second correction value from the current full charge capacity. In other words, the control device 61 subtracts the same amount (second correction value) from both the current remaining power and the full charge capacity.

[0113] The control device 61 obtains a second correction value that is larger when the degree of degradation of the battery 52 is at the first degree than when the degree of degradation is at the second degree, which is lower than the first degree. The control device 61 obtains a second correction value that increases as the degree of degradation increases.

[0114] The control device 61 acquires a second correction value corresponding to the degree of degradation based on a predefined table that shows the relationship between the degree of degradation and the second correction value. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the degree of degradation and the second correction value. In Figure 11, the horizontal axis shows the degree of degradation, and the vertical axis shows the magnitude of the second correction value (remaining power). In the example shown in Figure 11, the second correction value changes continuously, becoming larger as the degree of degradation increases and smaller as the degree of degradation decreases.

[0115] Furthermore, the second correction value may change gradually in accordance with the change in the degree of deterioration. Also, the second correction value may change so that it increases gradually and then increases sharply as the degree of deterioration increases, or it may change so that it increases sharply and then increases gradually.

[0116] Based on the above, the control device 61 calculates the charge rate based on the corrected current remaining power and full charge capacity, and corrects the charge rate as well. Accordingly, as the degree of deterioration increases, the control device 61 moves one end of the indicator portion 73 in an arc shape toward the other side in the stretching direction. On the other hand, as the degree of deterioration decreases, the control device 61 moves one end of the indicator portion 73 in an arc shape toward one side in the stretching direction.

[0117] Therefore, as explained using Figure 10, the control device 61 moves one end of the indicator section 73 in an arc shape toward the left side of the display area 71 as the degree of deterioration increases, transitioning from the upper diagram to the lower diagram in Figure 10. For this reason, the control device 61 shortens the length of the indicator section 73 in the extension direction as the degree of deterioration increases.

[0118] On the other hand, the control device 61 moves one end of the indicator section 73 in an arc shape toward the right side of the display area 71 as the degree of deterioration decreases, as shown in the transition from the lower diagram to the upper diagram of Figure 10. Therefore, the control device 61 increases the length of the indicator section 73 in the extension direction as the degree of deterioration decreases.

[0119] Furthermore, as described above, when the degree of degradation increases and the current full charge capacity decreases due to correction, the ratio of the predetermined threshold to the full charge capacity increases, and the charge rate indicated by the scale image 75 also increases. When the degree of degradation decreases and the current full charge capacity increases due to correction, the ratio of the predetermined threshold to the full charge capacity decreases, and the charge rate indicated by the scale image 75 also decreases.

[0120] Accordingly, the control device 61 changes the display of the scale image 75 (threshold display sections 76, 77) according to the corrected remaining power (charge rate). The control device 61 changes the size of the sections 76, 77 in the scale image 75 that correspond to the remaining power below a predetermined threshold, according to the corrected remaining power (charge rate). The control device 61 increases the size of the threshold display sections 76, 77 as the remaining power decreases due to correction (as the degree of degradation increases). The control device 61 decreases the size of the threshold display sections 76, 77 as the remaining power decreases due to correction (as the degree of degradation decreases). Specifically, the control device 61 moves one end of the threshold display sections 76, 77 in an arc shape toward one side in the extension direction as the degree of degradation increases. On the other hand, the control device 61 moves one end of the threshold display sections 76, 77 in an arc shape toward the other side in the extension direction as the degree of degradation decreases.

[0121] Therefore, as explained using Figure 10, the control device 61 moves one end of the first portion 76 in an arc towards the right side of the display area 71 as the degree of deterioration increases, transitioning from the upper to the lower view in Figure 10. The control device 61 also moves the other end of the first portion 76 and one end of the second portion 77 in an arc towards the right side of the display area 71 as the degree of deterioration increases. As a result, the control device 61 increases the length of the scale image 75 in the extension direction as the degree of deterioration increases. In the example shown in Figure 10, the length of the first portion 76 and the second portion 77 in the extension direction increases as the degree of deterioration increases.

[0122] Meanwhile, as the degree of deterioration decreases, the control device 61 moves one end of the first portion 76 in an arc shape toward the left side of the display area 71, as shown in the transition from the lower diagram to the upper diagram of Figure 10. As the degree of deterioration decreases, the control device 61 moves the other end of the first portion 76 and one end of the second portion 77 in an arc shape toward the left side of the display area 71. Therefore, as the degree of deterioration decreases, the control device 61 shortens the length of the scale image 75 in the extension direction. In the example shown in Figure 10, as the degree of deterioration decreases, the length of the first portion 76 and the second portion 77 in the extension direction becomes shorter.

[0123] (Other variations) In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the battery 52 is directly mounted on the aircraft body 2 was explained, but the battery 52 only needs to be able to supply power to the electric actuator 51. For this reason, the battery 52 does not have to be directly mounted on the aircraft body 2. For example, the battery 52 may be mounted on a cargo bed connected to the aircraft body 2 or on another vehicle.

[0124] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains the case in which the work machine 1 is operated by an operating device 13 provided on the machine body 2, the invention is not limited to this, and the work machine 1 may be operated by a remote control device located at a remote location, or it may operate autonomously based on information about the work machine 1 and the surrounding environment.

[0125] In the embodiments described above, the case where the notification device 15 is a display device 16 was explained, but the notification device 15 is not limited to a display device 16. For example, the notification device 15 may be a lamp that notifies the worker of information by light, or a speaker that notifies the worker of information by sound, or existing technologies can be applied. Furthermore, the notification device 15 does not have to be mounted on the work machine 1, but may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In such a case, the work machine 1 is equipped with a communication device that can communicate directly or indirectly with the mobile terminal and transmits the information necessary for notification to the mobile terminal.

[0126] In the embodiment described above, when the remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold, the display device 16 displays an image indicating that the remaining power is below a predetermined threshold along with an image indicating the charge rate. However, the notification device 15 may notify the charge rate without displaying an image indicating the charge rate. Furthermore, the notification regarding the charge rate and the notification regarding the remaining power may be performed by a common notification device 15, or by different notification devices 15. In such a case, the control device 61 controls the first notification device 15 and the second notification device 15, controlling the first notification device 15 to notify the charge rate, and when the remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold, controlling the second notification device 15 to make a predetermined notification.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the control device 61 was described as controlling the notification device 15 to provide notification based on the remaining power amount. However, the control device 61 may provide notification based on the current value of the power stored in the battery 52 instead of the remaining power amount. In this case, each remaining power amount (power) in the above-described embodiment should be replaced with a current value (current). Alternatively, the control device 61 may provide notification based on the voltage value of the power stored in the battery 52 instead of the remaining power amount. In this case, each remaining power amount (power) in the above-described embodiment should be replaced with a voltage value (voltage).

[0128] In the embodiments described above, the meter image 72 and scale image 75 were explained using the status display screen M1 shown in Figure 3 as an example, but the display form is not particularly limited. For example, the extension direction is not limited to the left and right direction, but may also be the up and down direction or the diagonal direction. The meter image 72 and scale image 75 may be straight strip-shaped images rather than arc-shaped images. The threshold display units 76 and 77 may indicate the charge level corresponding to a predetermined threshold using arrows, triangular icons, etc.

[0129] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a work machine 1 as described in the following items.

[0130] (Item 1) A work machine 1 comprising: a machine body 2; a battery 52 mounted on the machine body 2 and capable of storing power; an electrical device E1 supplied with power from the battery 52; a battery monitoring device 63 capable of detecting the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 52 and the charge rate of the battery 52; a notification device 15 capable of issuing notifications; a display device 16 capable of displaying information; and a control device 61 that controls the notification device 15 and the display device 16, wherein the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display an image indicating the charge rate, and controls the notification device 15 to issue a predetermined notification when the remaining amount of power falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0131] According to the work machine 1 related to item 1, the worker can easily recognize the percentage (charge rate) of the total power (fully charged capacity) that the battery 52 can output by checking the image displayed on the display device 16. Furthermore, since the remaining capacity of the battery 52 when the notification device 15 makes a notification is the same amount of remaining power, even if the amount of remaining power that the battery 52 can output changes due to deterioration of the battery 52, the amount of remaining power that the work machine 1 can consume from the time the notification device 15 makes a notification does not change. As a result, the worker can appropriately perform actions related to work with the work machine 1 and charging the battery 52 based on the remaining power amount notification from the notification device 15, in addition to the charge rate display on the display device 16.

[0132] (Item 2) The work machine 1 described in Item 1, wherein the notification device 15 is the display device 16 which also serves as the notification device 15, and the control device 61 controls the display device 16 when the remaining power amount falls below a predetermined threshold and causes it to display the notification.

[0133] According to the work machine 1 related to item 2, the worker can easily recognize the charge level and notification by checking the display on the display device 16.

[0134] (Item 3) The work machine 1 according to Item 2, wherein when the remaining power amount falls below the predetermined threshold, the control device 61 displays an image indicating that the remaining power amount is below the predetermined threshold, along with an image indicating the charge rate.

[0135] According to the work machine 1 related to item 3, the worker can easily recognize the charge level when the remaining power is below a predetermined threshold. Therefore, the worker can perform work with the work machine 1 while taking into account the number of charging cycles and time for the battery 52.

[0136] (Item 4) The work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display a meter image 72 showing the charge rate and a scale image 75 in the vicinity of the meter image 72 that corresponds to the charge rate shown by the meter image 72 and shows a predetermined threshold.

[0137] According to the work machine 1 related to item 4, the operator can easily grasp the charge level when the amount of energy is at a predetermined threshold. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the charge level until the amount of energy falls below the predetermined threshold, and the charge level from when the amount of energy falls below the predetermined threshold until it becomes zero.

[0138] (Item 5) The work machine 1 according to Item 4, wherein the control device 61 displays the parts 76 and 77 in the scale image 75 corresponding to the remaining power amount below a predetermined threshold in a different color from the parts corresponding to the remaining power amount exceeding the predetermined threshold.

[0139] According to the work machine 1 related to item 5, the operator can immediately recognize whether the remaining power is below a predetermined threshold by checking the color of the scale image 75.

[0140] (Item 6) The work machine 1 according to Item 4 or 5, wherein when the remaining power amount falls below the predetermined threshold, the control device 61 displays the meter image 72 indicating the charge rate in a different color than when the remaining power amount exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0141] According to the work machine 1 related to item 6, the worker can immediately recognize whether the remaining power is below a predetermined threshold simply by checking the color of the meter image 72.

[0142] (Item 7) The work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 6, comprising a temperature sensor 64 for detecting the temperature around the machine body 2, wherein the control device 61 sets different predetermined thresholds according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64, and controls the notification device 15 based on the set predetermined thresholds.

[0143] According to the work machine 1 related to item 7, even if the amount of remaining power that the battery 52 can output changes due to the ambient temperature of the battery 52, the notification device 15 can notify an appropriate amount of remaining power.

[0144] (Item 8) The control device 61 sets a predetermined threshold that is greater when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 is a first temperature than when the temperature is a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature, as described in Item 7 for the work machine 1.

[0145] According to the work machine 1 related to item 8, the notification device 15 provides notification when the remaining capacity (remaining power) of the battery 52 is higher when the ambient temperature around the battery 52 is lower than when the ambient temperature around the battery 52 is higher. When the ambient temperature of the battery 52 decreases, the amount of remaining power that the battery 52 can output may decrease, but even if the ambient temperature changes, the notification device 15 can suppress changes in the amount of remaining power of the battery 52 that the work machine 1 can consume after it has given notification. As a result, the worker can take appropriate action based on the notification from the notification device 15.

[0146] (Item 9) The remaining power is the amount of power that can actually be supplied to the electrical equipment E1 from the amount of power stored in the battery 52, as described in any one of Items 1 to 8.

[0147] According to the work machine 1 related to item 9, the worker can act more appropriately based on the notification from the notification device 15.

[0148] (Item 10) The work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 6, 9, comprising a temperature sensor 64 for detecting the temperature around the machine body 2, wherein the control device 61 corrects the remaining power amount according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 and controls the notification device 15 based on the corrected remaining power amount.

[0149] According to the work machine 1 related to item 10, even if the amount of remaining power that the battery 52 can output changes due to the ambient temperature of the battery 52, the notification device 15 can notify an appropriate amount of remaining power.

[0150] (Item 11) The work machine 1 according to Item 10, wherein the control device 61 corrects the amount of remaining power so that when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 64 is a first temperature, it is less than when the temperature is a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0151] According to the work machine 1 related to item 11, the notification device 15 provides notification at a time earlier than when the ambient temperature of the battery 52 is high, and before the amount of remaining power detected by the battery monitoring device 63 falls below a predetermined threshold. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature of the battery 52 decreases, the amount of remaining power that the battery 52 can output may decrease. However, even if the ambient temperature changes, the notification device 15 can suppress changes in the amount of remaining power of the battery 52 that the work machine 1 can consume after it has given notification. As a result, the worker can take appropriate action based on the notification from the notification device 15.

[0152] (Item 12) The work machine 1 according to Item 11, wherein the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display a meter image 72 showing the charge rate and a scale image 75 in the vicinity of the meter image 72 that corresponds to the charge rate shown by the meter image 72 and shows a predetermined threshold, and displays the parts 76 and 77 in the scale image 75 corresponding to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold in a different color from the parts corresponding to the remaining power amount above the predetermined threshold, and changes the size of the parts 76 and 77 in the scale image 75 corresponding to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold in accordance with the corrected remaining power amount.

[0153] According to the work machine 1 related to item 12, the operator can easily grasp the charge level when the amount of energy is at a predetermined threshold. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the charge level until the amount of energy falls below the predetermined threshold, and the charge level from below the predetermined threshold until the amount of energy becomes zero. In addition, the operator can immediately recognize whether the remaining energy is below the predetermined threshold simply by checking the color of the meter image 72. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the discrepancy between the charge level corresponding to the predetermined threshold and the charge level corresponding to the corrected remaining energy.

[0154] (Item 13) The work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 6, 9, wherein the control device 61 corrects the remaining power amount according to the degree of deterioration of the battery 52 and controls the notification device 15 based on the corrected remaining power amount.

[0155] According to the work machine 1 related to item 13, when the battery 52 deteriorates, the amount of remaining power that the battery 52 can output may decrease. However, even when the battery 52 deteriorates, the notification device 15 can suppress changes in the amount of remaining power that the work machine 1 can consume from the battery 52 after it has issued a notification. This allows the worker to take appropriate action based on the notification from the notification device 15.

[0156] (Item 14) The work machine 1 according to Item 13, wherein the control device 61 controls the display device 16 to display a meter image 72 showing the charge rate and a scale image 75 in the vicinity of the meter image 72 that corresponds to the charge rate shown by the meter image 72 and shows a predetermined threshold, the color of the portions 76 and 77 in the scale image 75 corresponding to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold is different from the color of the portion corresponding to the remaining power amount above the predetermined threshold, and the size of the portions 76 and 77 in the scale image 75 corresponding to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold is changed and displayed according to the corrected remaining power amount.

[0157] According to the work machine 1 related to item 14, the operator can easily grasp the charge level when the amount of energy is at a predetermined threshold. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the charge level until the amount of energy falls below the predetermined threshold, and the charge level from below the predetermined threshold until the amount of energy becomes zero. In addition, the operator can immediately recognize whether the remaining energy is below the predetermined threshold simply by checking the color of the meter image 72. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the discrepancy between the charge level corresponding to the predetermined threshold and the charge level corresponding to the corrected remaining energy.

[0158] (Item 15) A work machine 1 according to any one of items 1 to 14, comprising a hydraulic pump 42 for discharging hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic actuator 45 driven by the hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump 42, and a work device 5 that operates by the drive of the hydraulic actuator 45, wherein the electrical equipment E1 includes an electric motor 51A that is driven by power supplied from the battery 52 and supplies power to the hydraulic pump 42.

[0159] According to the work device 1 related to item 15, the worker can perform the work using the work device 5 appropriately based on the display of the charge level by the display device 16 and the notification by the notification device 15.

[0160] Having described the present invention 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.

[0161] 1: Work machine 2: Machine body (turntable) 5: Work device 15: Notification device 16: Display device 42: Hydraulic pump 45: Hydraulic actuator 51A: Electric motor 52: Battery 61: Control device 63: Battery monitoring device 64: Temperature sensor 72: Meter image 75: Scale image 76: First part (threshold display unit) 77: Second part (threshold display unit) E1: Electrical equipment

Claims

1. An operating machine comprising: a machine body; a battery mounted on the machine body and capable of storing power; electrical equipment supplied with power from the battery; a battery monitoring device capable of detecting the remaining amount of power stored in the battery and the charge level of the battery; a notification device capable of issuing notifications; a display device capable of displaying information; and a control device that controls the notification device and the display device, wherein the control device controls the display device to display an image indicating the charge level, and controls the notification device to issue a predetermined notification when the remaining amount of power falls below a predetermined threshold.

2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification device is a display device that also serves as the notification device, and the control device controls the display device when the remaining power amount falls below a predetermined threshold, causing it to display the notification.

3. The work machine according to claim 2, wherein when the remaining power amount falls below a predetermined threshold, the control device displays an image indicating that the remaining power amount is below a predetermined threshold, along with an image indicating the charge rate.

4. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the display device to display a meter image indicating the charge rate and a scale image in the vicinity of the meter image that corresponds to the charge rate indicated by the meter image and indicates a predetermined threshold.

5. The work machine according to claim 4, wherein the control device displays the color of the portion of the scale image corresponding to the remaining power amount below a predetermined threshold as different from the color of the portion corresponding to the remaining power amount exceeding the predetermined threshold.

6. The work machine according to claim 4, wherein the control device, when the remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold, displays the color of the meter image indicating the charge rate differently from the color when the remaining power exceeds the predetermined threshold.

7. The work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature around the machine body, wherein the control device sets different predetermined thresholds according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and controls the notification device based on the set predetermined thresholds.

8. The work machine according to claim 7, wherein the control device sets a predetermined threshold that is greater when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is a first temperature than when the temperature is a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature.

9. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the remaining power is the amount of power that can actually be supplied to the electrical equipment out of the amount of power stored in the battery.

10. The work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 9, comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature around the machine, wherein the control device corrects the remaining power amount according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the notification device based on the corrected remaining power amount.

11. The work machine according to claim 10, wherein the control device corrects the amount of remaining power so that when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is a first temperature, it is less than when the temperature is a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

12. The work machine according to claim 11, wherein the control device controls the display device to display a meter image showing the charge rate and a scale image near the meter image that corresponds to the charge rate shown by the meter image and shows a predetermined threshold, the color of the portion of the scale image corresponding to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold is different from the color of the portion corresponding to the remaining power amount above the predetermined threshold, and the size of the portion of the scale image corresponding to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold is changed and displayed according to the corrected remaining power amount.

13. The work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 9, wherein the control device corrects the remaining power amount according to the degree of battery degradation and controls the notification device based on the corrected remaining power amount.

14. The work machine according to claim 13, wherein the control device controls the display device to display a meter image showing the charge rate and a scale image near the meter image that corresponds to the charge rate shown by the meter image and shows a predetermined threshold, the color of the portion of the scale image corresponding to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold is different from the color of the portion corresponding to the remaining power amount above the predetermined threshold, and the size of the portion of the scale image corresponding to the remaining power amount below the predetermined threshold is changed and displayed according to the corrected remaining power amount.

15. The work machine according to claim 1, comprising: a hydraulic pump for discharging hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator driven by the hydraulic fluid discharged by the hydraulic pump; and a work device operated by the drive of the hydraulic actuator, wherein the electrical equipment includes an electric motor that is driven by power supplied from the battery and supplies power to the hydraulic pump.

Images