JP2007015622A - Auxiliary motor driven type serving cart - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auxiliary motor driven type serving cart capable of sufficiently exhibiting performance inherent in a charging battery by discharging until battery capacity becomes below predetermined one or smaller once in a plurality of times, in the auxiliary motor driven type serving cart running using the chargeable charging battery as a drive source. <P>SOLUTION: In environment setting processing (S7), as a charge start condition of a battery 10, an optimal charging condition for calculating charging-needed battery capacity based on consumed battery capacity obtained in immediately before battery charging processing (S4) and a charging condition using predetermined charging-needed battery capacity can be set. Setting of the optimal charging condition enables discharging until the battery capacity becomes below reference charging-needed battery capacity, once in a plurality of times. Based on execution of battery charging processing (S4), when consumed battery capacity in a charging state storing region 32a to store data on battery capacity never become below the reference charging-needed battery capacity, execution of charging of the battery 10 is postponed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an auxiliary electric trolley that runs using a rechargeable battery as a drive source, and more particularly to a method for charging a rechargeable battery disposed in an auxiliary electric trolley.

  Conventionally, in hospitals and nursing homes, etc., a distribution car has been used to serve meals, and the distribution car is also large and very heavy in order to serve meals for many people. ing. Along with this, at present, an auxiliary electric function is added to such a large trolley. This auxiliary electric function is a function in which a motor is mounted on the main body of an auxiliary electric type wheeled vehicle, and when the user pulls or pushes the handle, the motor is driven using a rechargeable battery as a drive source and self-propelled by drive wheels It is. By making the layout vehicle self-propelled by this auxiliary electric function, it is possible to assist the user's travel operation and reduce the work burden of the layout work.

As an invention relating to such a device that runs on its own by a rechargeable battery, Patent Document 1 informs the necessity of charging when the capacity of the rechargeable battery falls below a certain voltage value and stops the auxiliary electric function. In addition, a self-propelled information providing device for preventing damage to a storage device such as a hard disk or a nonvolatile memory is described.
JP 2002-86372 A

  Here, when attention is paid to the battery of the auxiliary electric trolley, a storage battery such as a sealed lead-acid battery is used in such an auxiliary electric rig. In addition, during the time of serving, etc., the electric drive to the guest rooms, hospital rooms, classrooms, etc. discharges, while during meal preparation or at night, the battery is charged by being plugged in. The batteries are discharged and charged cyclically.

And the sealed lead acid battery used as a battery of an auxiliary electric distribution vehicle has the lead acid battery when it repeats a small amount of discharge and a use mode (hereinafter referred to as shallow charge / discharge) for recharging. There may be a phenomenon that the original battery capacity cannot be used and electricity cannot be taken out with some battery capacity of the original battery capacity (hereinafter referred to as a battery capacity reduction phenomenon).
Therefore, when such a battery capacity decrease phenomenon occurs, various problems such as the inability to secure a sufficient travel distance occur, and the auxiliary electric function cannot be used effectively. Occurs.

  At present, it is known that a method for dealing with a battery capacity reduction phenomenon is effective in that most of the battery capacity of a rechargeable battery is discharged. It is also known that the process of discharging most of the battery capacity of the rechargeable battery may be performed once for a plurality of times (for example, 10 times), and it is not necessary to discharge most of the battery capacity every time.

  Here, in the self-propelled information providing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, no measures for charging are performed until the capacity of the storage battery is reduced to a predetermined amount. That is, there are cases where shallow charge / discharge is repeated, and there is a high possibility that a battery capacity reduction phenomenon will occur due to repeated shallow charge / discharge. Then, in the self-propelled information providing device described in Patent Document 1, when the battery capacity reduction phenomenon occurs, the necessity of charging is notified together with the self-propelled stop and the storage device damage prevention measures, but only the notification is made. Only. Therefore, when the battery capacity decrease phenomenon occurs, the user must manage the battery capacity of the rechargeable battery by himself / herself and discharge it to cope with the battery capacity decrease phenomenon, and the user manages the battery capacity of the rechargeable battery. This burdens you with the troublesome work.

In addition, in the auxiliary electric type arrangement vehicle, the electric discharge is mainly caused by driving the driving wheel. However, performing the arrangement work without assistance by the auxiliary electric function is a heavy burden on the operator, and therefore, as much as possible. It is desirable to avoid it. In other words, in the auxiliary electric type allocation vehicle, the auxiliary electric function may become unusable during traveling. Therefore, the measure for traveling until the battery capacity of the rechargeable battery is completely used is not an appropriate measure.
Auxiliary electric trolleys are used for laying work in various usage environments, and the consumed electric capacity differs depending on various conditions such as the travel distance and the number of slopes in the travel route. For example, the battery capacity consumed in one serving operation differs greatly between a usage environment that requires long-distance traveling and a usage environment that frequently travels over a short distance. Similarly, a usage environment with many slopes consumes more electricity than a usage environment with a lot of flat land.
Therefore, when a battery capacity decrease phenomenon occurs, as described above, it is necessary to take appropriate discharge measures in accordance with the use environment of the auxiliary electric trolley while enabling the arrangement using the auxiliary electric function. It becomes.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and in an auxiliary electric power distribution vehicle capable of running using a rechargeable rechargeable battery as a drive source, the rechargeable battery originally exhibits its performance sufficiently. It is an object of the present invention to provide an auxiliary electric trolley that can appropriately execute the measures.

  In order to achieve the above object, an auxiliary electric distribution vehicle according to claim 1 is a main body having a storage portion for storing food placed on tableware, traveling means disposed at a lower portion of the main body, and the traveling means. A battery capacity of the rechargeable battery, comprising: a rechargeable battery used as a drive source for the power supply; and a connecting means for connecting the rechargeable battery and an external power source to enable charging to the rechargeable battery. Battery capacity measuring means for measuring battery capacity, first storage means for storing consumption data indicating the battery capacity consumed from the end of the charging process by the external power supply until the charging process is started again after being connected to the external power supply, Battery capacity data indicating the current battery capacity measured by the battery capacity measuring means, reference data indicating a predetermined battery capacity in the rechargeable battery, and a comparison target calculated based on the consumption data Comparing over data, characterized in that it comprises a charge control means for determining whether or not charging of the rechargeable battery.

  In addition, the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 2 is the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first storage means is a consumption acquired each time the charging process is performed on the rechargeable battery. A plurality of data is stored, and the charge control means, when none of the battery capacity at the start of the plurality of times of charging stored in the first storage means is less than the battery capacity indicated by the reference data, The charging of the rechargeable battery is postponed.

  And the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle according to claim 3 is a main body having a storage part for storing food placed on the tableware, traveling means disposed in the lower part of the main body, and a drive source for the traveling means. A plurality of setting data indicating a battery capacity when permitting charging of the rechargeable battery in an auxiliary electric trolley that is used and has a rechargeable rechargeable battery and a connecting means for connecting the rechargeable battery and an external power source. Second storage means for storing; selection means for selecting one setting data from a plurality of setting data stored in the second storage means; battery capacity measuring means for measuring the battery capacity of the rechargeable battery; Charge control means for comparing the battery capacity data indicating the current battery capacity measured by the battery capacity measurement means with the setting data selected by the selection means, and determining whether or not the rechargeable battery can be charged. , Characterized in that it comprises a.

  The auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 4 is the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 3, which is consumed from the end of the charging process by the external power source until the charging process is started again after being connected to the external power source. A first storage unit that stores a plurality of consumption data indicating the battery capacity that has been stored, and the charge control unit stores any of the battery capacities stored in the first storage unit at the start of multiple times of charging. When the battery capacity indicated by the data is not below, charging of the rechargeable battery is postponed.

In the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, the charging process is started when the external power source and the rechargeable battery are connected via the connecting means. At this time, the battery capacity data indicating the battery capacity of the current rechargeable battery is measured by the battery capacity measuring means, the reference data indicating the predetermined battery capacity in the rechargeable battery, and the consumption stored in the first storage means The comparison target data is calculated based on the data.
Then, the charging control means determines whether or not the charging battery can be charged by comparing the battery capacity data with the comparison target data.
Thereby, the generation | occurrence | production prevention measure with respect to the phenomenon which restrict | limits the original performance of a rechargeable battery which arises by repeating shallow charge / discharge with respect to a rechargeable battery, and the measure for eliminating the phenomenon can be performed appropriately.
Here, it is possible to prevent and eliminate the phenomenon by discharging the battery capacity below the battery data specified in the reference data. This measure needs to be performed every time for charging. Instead, it is sufficient to perform it once every plural times.
In this respect, since the comparison target data fluctuates in accordance with the consumption data stored in the first storage means, it is possible to charge without always needing to discharge below the battery capacity defined in the reference data. . Furthermore, due to fluctuations in consumption data, it is possible to realize charging from the battery capacity below the standard data once every a plurality of times. In other words, since the occurrence prevention measures and the elimination measures for the above phenomenon can be executed at an appropriate time, the performance inherent in the rechargeable battery can always be exhibited, the auxiliary electric trolley can be used comfortably, and the laying work It can be performed.

Further, in the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 2, the first storage means in which a plurality of consumption data acquired each time the charging process is performed on the rechargeable battery is stored, and the charging control means If none of the battery capacities stored in the first storage means at the start of charging a plurality of times is less than the battery capacity indicated by the reference data, the charging of the charging battery is postponed.
Therefore, when there are no times less than the battery capacity indicated by the reference data in a plurality of times of charging stored in the first storage means, the charging is performed until the battery capacity data becomes equal to or less than the battery capacity indicated by the reference data. Not executed. That is, the number of times that charging can be performed at or above the battery capacity indicated by the reference data is limited to the number of times of charging stored in the first storage means. It will be discharged until it becomes.
As a result, it is possible to reliably take measures to prevent the occurrence of the phenomenon that limits the original performance of the rechargeable battery, which is caused by repeating shallow charging / discharging of the rechargeable battery, and to eliminate the phenomenon.

In the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 3, one setting data can be selected and set from the plurality of setting data stored in the second storage means by the selection means. The charge control means is selected by the selection means and battery capacity data indicating the current battery capacity measured by the battery capacity measurement means when an external power source and a rechargeable battery are connected via the connection means. By comparing the set data, it is determined whether or not the rechargeable battery can be charged.
Thereby, the user of the auxiliary electric trolley can set the condition for performing charging arbitrarily according to the environment that he / she uses, so the rechargeable battery according to the usage environment of the auxiliary electric rig Can be charged and the auxiliary electric trolley can be used comfortably.

In the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 4, a plurality of consumption data indicating battery capacity consumed from the end of the charging process by the external power source until the charging process is started again after being connected to the external power source is stored. And when the battery capacity at the start of charging a plurality of times stored in the first storage means does not fall below the battery capacity indicated by the reference data, Defer charging the rechargeable battery.
As a result, when charging based on the setting data selected by the selection means is performed, if there are no times less than the battery capacity indicated by the reference data in a plurality of times of charging stored in the first storage means, the battery Charging is not executed until the capacity data is equal to or less than the battery capacity indicated by the reference data. That is, the number of times that charging can be performed at or above the battery capacity indicated by the reference data is limited to the number of times of charging stored in the first storage means. It is discharged until it becomes.
As a result, it is possible to reliably take measures to prevent the occurrence of the phenomenon that limits the original performance of the rechargeable battery, which is caused by repeating shallow charging / discharging of the rechargeable battery, and to eliminate the phenomenon.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an auxiliary electric trolley according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an auxiliary electric trolley 1. FIG. 1 is a right side view of the auxiliary electric layouter 1, and hereinafter, the right side of FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the front surface of the auxiliary electric allocation vehicle 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1 includes a distribution vehicle main body 2 formed of a rectangular heat insulating box having both front and back surfaces opened. The inside of the distribution vehicle main body 2 is partitioned into three rooms in the front-rear direction by a heat insulating wall (not shown). Furthermore, each room is divided into two front and rear by a partition wall (not shown) configured by vertically stacking a plurality of heat insulating unit partition walls, so that a total of six rooms are formed.
The six rooms are, sequentially from the front, a refrigerated room 3a, two refrigerated rooms 4a and 4b, two refrigerated rooms 3b and 3c, and a warmed room 4c. And the storage part 5 is formed by the combination of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the warm room 4 which adjoin. More specifically, in this embodiment, from the front of the auxiliary electric trolley 1, a set of the refrigerator compartment 3a and the refrigerator compartment 4a, a pair of the refrigerator compartment 4b and the refrigerator compartment 3b, the refrigerator compartment 3c and the refrigerator compartment 4c. The three storage parts 5 comprised by these 3 groups are formed, and the double doors are provided in each of the storage parts 5.

A machine room 5a is provided in the upper part of the distribution vehicle main body 2 and houses a heating device for heating the warming chamber 4 and a refrigeration unit for cooling the refrigerating chamber 3 (not shown). The heating device and the refrigeration unit are driven by receiving power from an external power source 40 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, since the temperature control of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the warm compartment 4 is performed based on the power supply from the external power supply 40, the power supply from the external power supply 40 is performed when the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is moving. Therefore, the temperature control of the refrigerator compartment 3 and the refrigerator compartment 4 is not performed.
On the unit partition walls (not shown), arms extending toward the refrigerator compartment 3 and the refrigerator compartment 4 are arranged, respectively. At the time of serving, the tray placed separately from hot and cold food is sandwiched between adjacent unit partition walls and supported by arms, so the hot food placed on one tray is stored in the warming room. 4. Cold foods are respectively stored in the refrigerator compartment 3 and stored in a refrigerator or refrigeration, and are supported by an arm to prevent the dishes on the tray from being turned over.
In addition, a pair of left and right wheels are arranged on both the front and rear ends of the bottom surface of the distribution vehicle body 2. The wheel disposed in front of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 (right side in FIG. 1) is the free wheel 6, and the wheel disposed in the rear (left side in FIG. 1) is the drive wheel 7. A drive motor 8 capable of driving the drive wheel 7 in both forward and reverse directions is disposed in the vicinity of the drive wheel 7. The drive motor 8 will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 2, a control box 9 is formed on the front surface of the layout vehicle main body 2, and a control mechanism for controlling the drive motor 8 is provided inside the control box 9. A battery 10 serving as a driving source 1 is accommodated.
A handle 11 is supported on the control box 9 so as to be rotatable about the handle shaft 12 and is always urged to take a neutral posture standing upright. A hand brake 11 a is attached to the center of the handle 11, and when the hand brake 11 a is gripped, the drive wheel 7 is braked and the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is decelerated and stopped.
The auxiliary electric trolley 1 according to the present embodiment advances when the user rotates the handle 11 forward (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1) and pulls the handle 11 backward (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1). By rotating and pushing, it decelerates and stops.

In addition, an operation panel 13 that performs operations related to drive system control of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is disposed on the upper surface of the control box 9. Here, the operation panel 13 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is an enlarged explanatory view of the operation panel 13 of the auxiliary electric trolley 1.
The operation panel 13 is provided with a key switch 14, a manual travel button 15, an obstacle sensor changeover switch 16 and an emergency stop switch 17, a battery display lamp 18, a power lamp 14a, and an obstacle detection lamp 16a. Here, various switches and lamps will be described. First, the key switch 14 is a switch for switching on and off of the battery 10 that is a driving power source of the auxiliary electric power distribution vehicle 1 by inserting and rotating a key (not shown). The power lamp 14a is a lamp that is turned on in conjunction with the on / off of the key switch 14, and is turned on when the key switch 14 is turned on and turned off when the key switch is turned off. Thereby, the user is notified of the on / off state of driving in the auxiliary electric power distribution vehicle 1 by the lighting mode of the power lamp 14a.

The obstacle sensor changeover switch 16 is a switch for switching between valid and invalid obstacle sensors (not shown). When the obstacle sensor is effective, when the presence of the obstacle or contact with the obstacle within a certain range (about 70 cm to 80 cm in this embodiment) is detected, the drive motor 8 is stopped and the drive wheel 7 is stopped. Auxiliary electric trolley 1 is stopped by locking.
In addition, although detailed description about the control at this time is omitted, it is described above by interrupting the main control program of the auxiliary electric allocation vehicle 1 to be described later and executing the stop processing program based on the obstacle sensor. The operation is realized.
On the other hand, when the obstacle sensor is invalid, the vehicle travels normally even when the obstacle exists within a certain range or when it comes into contact with the obstacle. That is, the obstacle sensor changeover switch 16 is a changeover switch that is used when the obstacle sensor is effective, the movement stops based on the control, and a desired operation cannot be performed. For example, if the obstacle sensor is in an effective state when bringing the auxiliary electric layout car 1 to the wall, the auxiliary electric layout car 1 detects the obstacle and stops. For this reason, it cannot approach to a wall by a passage and will disturb a passerby at the time of serving. In this regard, when the obstacle sensor changeover switch 16 is operated and the obstacle sensor is switched to be invalid, the auxiliary electric trolley 1 can be brought to the wall, and the arrangement can be performed without obstructing traffic. .
The obstacle detection lamp 16a is a lamp that lights up when an obstacle is detected by the obstacle sensor and notifies the user that there is an obstacle.

  The emergency stop switch 17 is a button for stopping the drive motor 8 and locking the drive wheel 7 by a user's operation, and for suddenly stopping the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1. When the emergency stop switch 17 is input, the auxiliary electric trolley 1 suddenly stops and the power supply from the battery 10 is stopped. Then, unless the input of the emergency stop switch 17 is released, the on / off operation of the key switch 14 is invalidated.

  The manual travel button 15 is a button that sequentially switches between enabling and disabling of the auxiliary electric function of the auxiliary electric allocation vehicle 1 as it is pressed. In an initial state after the power is turned on by the key switch 14, the manual travel button 15 is set to an off state. When the manual travel button 15 is turned on, the auxiliary electric function is disabled, and therefore the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1 is moved only by the user's power. On the other hand, when the manual travel button 15 is turned off and the auxiliary electric function is in an effective state, the drive motor 8 is driven in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 11 to assist the user's push operation and pull operation. Is made.

  The battery display lamp 18 notifies the user of the remaining amount of the battery 10 that is the drive system power supply of the auxiliary electric power distribution vehicle 1. The battery indicator lamp 18 according to the present embodiment is composed of five LEDs 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d and 18e arranged in a horizontal row on the operation panel 13, and informs the remaining battery capacity by its lighting mode. is there. Specifically, when all five LEDs are lit, the remaining battery level is 100%, so-called full charge, and the LEDs are turned off one by one from the right side to the left side. It will be displayed as 80%, 60%, 40% and 20%.

Here, the control relating to the driving of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the auxiliary electric trolley 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the drive system control of the auxiliary electric trolley 1, the battery 10, the operation panel 13, the handle 11, the motor drive circuit 28 and the LED lighting circuit 29 are connected to the control unit 27.

First, the control unit 27 will be described. The control unit 27 includes a CPU 30, a RAM 32 and a ROM 31. The CPU 30 is a central part of control related to driving of the auxiliary electric trolley 1. Various control programs such as a main control program of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 described later and a battery charge processing program described later are executed.
The ROM 31 includes various data such as various setting data relating to the traveling of the auxiliary electric trolley 1, various setting data relating to setting changes and setting content data corresponding to the setting items, various main processing programs, battery charging processing programs, and the like. The program is stored. Therefore, various controls relating to the auxiliary electric trolley 1 are performed by reading various control programs stored in the ROM 31 and executing them by the CPU 30.
The RAM 32 is a storage device that temporarily stores calculation results when executing various control programs. Here, the current environment setting state changed by the environment setting processing program described later is stored in the RAM 32 as backup data. By reading this backup data, the changed setting contents are always reflected in the setting of the auxiliary electric trolley 1.

The RAM 32 is formed with a charging status storage area 32a in which data relating to the battery capacity of the battery 10 is stored based on execution of a battery charging process (S4) described later. In the charging status storage area 32a, data related to the battery capacity acquired in the latest 10 battery charging processes (S4) is stored.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the charging status storage area 32a, battery capacity data at the time when the battery 10 is connected to the external power source 40 and charging of the battery 10 is started (hereinafter referred to as battery capacity data at the start of charging). The battery capacity data at the time when charging of the battery 10 is completed (hereinafter referred to as battery capacity data at the end of charging) is stored for each number of times of charging. Furthermore, for the consumed battery capacity data calculated by subtracting the current charging start battery capacity from the previous charging end battery capacity, and the required charging battery capacity data calculated based on the consumed battery capacity data, It is stored for each charge execution.
In the table shown in FIG. 5, “No. 1” indicates the data at the time of the 10th previous charging, and “No. 10” in the bottom column indicates the data acquired in the immediately preceding battery charging process (S 4). Is shown. Each data stored in the charging status storage area 32a is referred to in the battery charging process (S4), and is used when determining whether or not to charge the battery 10. Further, each time the battery 10 is charged, the stored content of the charging status storage area 32a is updated to the latest state. That is, when the battery charging process (S4) is executed with the storage contents of the charging status storage area 32a shown in FIG. 5, the data stored in “number 1” is deleted, and the data related to other numbers is carried forward. The data newly acquired in the battery charging process (S4) is stored in “number 10”.

Here, a handle 11 is connected to the control unit 27, and the handle 11 is supported so as to be rotatable about a handle shaft 12 that penetrates the control box 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the handle 11 is provided with a variable resistor 26 and a handle switch 23.
The variable resistor 26 is a device that changes the output voltage based on the rotation of the handle switch 23. Therefore, the control unit 27 can detect the amount of rotation of the handle 11 from the output voltage of the variable resistor 26, and can adjust the traveling speed of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 based on the amount of rotation of the handle 11. it can.
The handle switch 23 is a switch that detects that the handle 11 is fully rotated, and is fully rotated in the pulling direction of the handle 11 (arrow A direction in FIG. 1) and in the pushing direction (arrow B direction in FIG. 1). It is possible to detect both of the full rotations.
In the present embodiment, the environment setting processing program described later is used when the handle 11 is used to select various environment setting items.
Further, the key switch 14 and the manual travel button 15 are connected to the control unit 27 via the operation panel 13, but the key switch 14 and the manual travel button 15 have already been described. Description of is omitted.

Next, the battery 10 is connected to the control unit 27 and is used as a drive source when the auxiliary electric trolley 1 travels. In the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment, a sealed lead-acid battery is used as the battery 10 and can be charged by receiving power supply from the external power supply 40. In addition, if shallow charging / discharging is repeated with respect to the battery 10 which is this sealed lead-acid battery, as described above, a battery capacity reduction phenomenon may occur. In this case, the auxiliary electric function cannot be used.
The battery 10 is connected to the power connector 35, and the battery 10 can be charged by connecting to the external power source 40 disposed outside via the power connector 35.
A battery capacity detection circuit 34 is connected to the battery 10. The battery capacity detection circuit 34 is a circuit that detects the battery capacity remaining in the battery 10 and supplies the current value supplied to the battery 10 or the current value supplied from the battery 10. By multiplying the time, the battery capacity remaining in the battery 10 is detected. The value detected by the battery capacity detection circuit 34 is used when determining the lighting mode of the battery display lamp 18.
In addition, when a battery charge processing program to be described later is executed, the value of the battery capacity detected by the battery capacity detection circuit 34 is stored in the charge status storage area 32a of the RAM 32, and during the battery charge process (S4). Used for judgment.

The motor drive circuit 28 is a circuit that performs drive control of the drive motor 8. By controlling the driving state of the driving motor 8 via the motor driving circuit 28, the setting data is reflected when the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is traveling, and comfortable traveling is realized. The LED lighting circuit 29 is a circuit that controls the lighting mode of the five LEDs constituting the battery display lamp 18 disposed on the operation panel 13. In the present embodiment, the control unit 27 and the LED lighting circuit 29 allow the battery 10
In the setting mode, the user is notified whether the setting item is selected or the setting content is selected. Further, at this time, the user is notified of the currently selected option.

The electric power supplied from the battery 10 that is a driving power source of the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1 is first supplied to the control unit 27 and then supplied to the motor driving circuit 28 and the LED lighting circuit 29 via the control unit 27. The motor drive circuit 28 connected to the control unit 27 operates the drive motor 8 based on a command from the CPU 30 and takes charge of the movement of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 by the drive wheels 7.
The motor drive circuit 28 is provided with an encoder 28 a that detects the current speed of the auxiliary electric trolley 1. Similarly, the LED lighting circuit 29 is connected to the control unit 27, and changes the lighting mode of the battery display lamp 18 based on a command from the CPU 30.
And the timer 33 is arrange | positioned at the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1 which concerns on this embodiment. This timer 33 is connected to the control unit 27 and measures the time during which a certain state is continued, such as the duration of the state where the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is not operated and the current supply time for the battery 10. To do.

Next, the main control program related to the auxiliary electric trolley 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the main control program of the auxiliary electric trolley 1.
When the key switch 14 of the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 is turned on, the execution of the main control program is started. First, it is determined whether there is backup data in the RAM 32 (S1). The backup data is setting data changed for each item, and this setting data is stored in the RAM 32 immediately before the end of the environment setting process (S7) (S33). When the backup data is stored in the RAM 32 (S1: YES), the process proceeds to S2 and the backup data is read from the RAM 32. Thereby, the setting data of each item changed before is reflected in the present setting state. When the backup data is not stored in the RAM 32 (S1: NO) and after the backup data is read (S3), the process proceeds to S3.

  In S3, a determination is made as to whether or not the power connector 35 is connected to the external power source 40. If the power connector 35 is connected to the external power source 40 (S3: YES), the process proceeds to the battery charging process (S4). The battery charging process (S4) will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings. After performing the battery charging process (S4), the process proceeds to S5. On the other hand, if the power connector 35 is not connected to the external power source 40, the process directly proceeds to S5.

In S5, a determination is made as to whether or not any operation has been performed on the auxiliary electric trolley 1. Here, the CPU 30 makes a determination in S5 based on whether or not a signal based on any operation performed by the handle 11, the operation panel 13, or the like is detected. If any operation is performed on the auxiliary electric trolley 1 (S5: YES), the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, when no operation is performed on the auxiliary electric trolley 1 (S5: NO), the process proceeds to S11.
Here, in S11, it is determined whether or not a period during which no operation is performed (hereinafter referred to as a no-operation period) exceeds a predetermined time. Here, the timer 33 starts measuring time when any operation is performed on the auxiliary electric trolley 1. When any operation is performed during the time measurement, the time measurement result is reset, and the time measurement is started from the time of the operation performed later. That is, the time measurement result of the timer 33 in S11 is the length of the no-operation period. Therefore, the CPU 30 compares the length of the non-operation period with the predetermined time by referring to the timer 33 in S11. When the non-operation period has passed the predetermined time (S11: YES), the main control program is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed (S11: NO), the process returns to S4 again.

And in S6 which transfers when some operation is performed with respect to the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1 (S5: YES), whether the manual travel button 15 was input and the handle | steering-wheel 11 rotated or not. Judgment about is made. That is, the CPU 30 determines whether or not a special operation by simultaneous operation of the handle 11 and the manual travel button 15 has been executed based on the change in the input signal of the manual travel button 15 and the output voltage from the variable resistor 26 from the reference value. Judgment is made. When the special operation by the steering wheel 11 and the manual travel button 15 is executed (S6: YES), the process proceeds to the environment setting process (S7). On the other hand, when the special operation is not executed (S6: NO), the process proceeds to S7.
Here, the environment setting process (S7) is a process for changing various settings related to the traveling of the auxiliary electric trolley 1. Since this environment setting process (S7) will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings, description thereof is omitted here.
After the environment setting process (S7) ends, the execution of the main control program is stopped.

In S8, it is determined whether or not the operation performed in S5 is only the rotation operation of the handle 11. When only the handle 11 is operated by the user (S8: YES), the process proceeds to the traveling process (S9).
In the traveling process (S9), the rotation direction control of the drive motor 8 based on the operation direction of the handle 11 and the rotation amount control of the drive motor 8 based on the rotation amount of the handle 11 are performed. Specifically, when the pulling operation of the handle 11 is performed, the auxiliary electric layouter 1 is moved forward, and when the pushing operation of the handle 11 is performed, the auxiliary electric layouter 1 is operated. Reverse drive is performed. At this time, the traveling speed is controlled according to the amount of rotation of the handle 11, and the higher the amount of rotation, the higher the speed is controlled. When the traveling speed becomes “0” by the hand brake 11a or the emergency stop switch 17, the traveling process (S9) is terminated.
Since the control related to the travel processing is already known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  On the other hand, when the input operation in S5 is not only the rotation operation of the handle 11 (for example, when the obstacle sensor changeover switch 16 is operated) (S8: NO), the process proceeds to S10. In S10, other processing is performed. That is, in S10, processing such as switching between valid / invalid of the obstacle sensor during auxiliary electric travel is performed. After the other processing (S12) is finished, the main control program is finished.

Next, the environment setting process (S7) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the environment setting processing program. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram regarding the lighting mode of the battery display lamp 18 and the setting contents when the environment setting process (S7) is performed.
In the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment, the environment setting process (S7) is performed to change three types of environment settings (maximum speed during pulling operation, battery 10 charging condition, acceleration pattern). be able to.

  Here, each setting item and its contents will be described with reference to FIG. First, the maximum speed at the time of the pulling operation is the maximum speed at which the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 travels when the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 is driven by auxiliary electric power. As shown in FIG. 8, in the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 in this embodiment, “speed (A)”, “speed (B)”, “speed (C)”, “speed (D)”, and “speed ( E) 5 types of maximum pulling operation maximum speed can be selected, where speed (A) is the minimum setting value for the maximum pulling operation speed, and in the order of speed (B) and speed (C). The maximum value of the pulling operation maximum speed is the speed (E), so that when the speed (E) is set, the driving assistance for the pulling operation is made at the fastest speed. The

Next, the setting item “charging condition” will be described. The setting item of “charging condition” defines a battery capacity (hereinafter referred to as “required charging battery capacity”) for charging the battery 10 as a charging condition. As shown in FIG. 8, the charging conditions that can be set in the auxiliary electric trolley 1 according to the present embodiment can be roughly classified into two conditions.
First, in the charging conditions indicated by “Charging Condition (A)”, “Charging Condition (B)”, “Charging Condition (C)”, and “Charging Condition (D)”, the required battery capacity is the respective charging condition. It is prescribed according to. That is, when “Charging Condition (A)”, “Charging Condition (B)”, “Charging Condition (C)”, and “Charging Condition (D)” are set, the time when the external power supply 40 is connected The battery 10 is charged when the battery capacity falls below the required battery capacity indicated by the set charging condition.
The battery capacity defined as the required battery capacity in the “charge condition (A)”, “charge condition (B)”, “charge condition (C)”, and “charge condition (D)” (A) ”,“ Charging condition (B) ”,“ Charging condition (C) ”,“ Charging condition (D) ”indicate large values in this order. For example, in the case of “charging condition (D)”, the charging is set to start even when the battery capacity of the battery 10 remains relatively large. In this case, since a large amount of battery capacity can always remain, it can be said that the charging conditions are suitable for use environments in which the battery is consumed intensively in one arrangement such as long distance running. In this way, the user can set charging conditions suitable for the usage environment.

Here, in the auxiliary electric trolley 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the charge conditions (for example, “charge condition (A)”) in which the required battery capacity is defined for each are defined. Different charging conditions “optimum charging conditions” can be set. Here, the “optimum charging condition” will be described.
In this setting item “optimum charging condition”, the required battery capacity suitable for the usage environment of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is calculated at any time. Specifically, in the “optimum charging condition”, a battery charging process (hereinafter referred to as a standard charging battery capacity) is used as a standard for a discharge amount that is most effective as a discharging process in the sealed lead-acid battery for the battery capacity lowering phenomenon (hereinafter referred to as a standard required battery capacity). By performing correction based on the consumed battery capacity data calculated by executing S4), the optimum required battery capacity is calculated. Then, by comparing the calculated required battery capacity with the battery capacity at the time when the external power supply 40 is connected, it is determined whether or not charging can be performed.

  Here, in the sealed lead-acid battery used as the battery 10, it is known that when the battery capacity reduction phenomenon occurs, the battery capacity reduction phenomenon can be eliminated by discharging 50% or more. In the above, 50% of the fully charged battery capacity is set as the standard required battery capacity.

Finally, the setting item “power off time” will be described. The “power-off time” in the present embodiment relates to an auto power-off function that automatically cuts off the power supply from the battery 10 to the drive system when the auxiliary electric trolley 1 remains stationary for a predetermined time. It sets the time until auto power-off is made. The power-off time according to the present embodiment can be selected from five types of power-off times of “time D” and “time E”. For example, when the power-off time is set to 1 hour, the power supply from the battery 10 is automatically cut off when the stationary state continues for 1 hour. The setting value in the present embodiment is such that “time A” is the minimum value in the setting value of the power-off time, and the standby state is set to continue for a long time in order of “time B” and “time C”. ing.
By making it possible to select and set from five types of power-off time, it is possible to set an optimum power-off time corresponding to the usage environment of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 and use the auxiliary electric rig 1 more economically. It becomes possible.

Returning to FIG. 7, the environment setting process (S7) will be described. When the process proceeds to the environment setting process (S7), first, in S20, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the manual travel button 15 is operated. By operating the manual travel button 15 in the setting mode, the setting items for the maximum pulling operation speed, the charging condition, and the power-off time are selected.
Here, at the beginning of the transition to the environment setting process (S7), first, the maximum pulling operation speed can be set. At this time, only the LED 18a of the battery display lamp 18 is turned on, and the other LEDs 18b, 18c, 18d, and 18e are turned off. When the manual travel button 15 is pressed in this state (S20: YES), the state shifts from a state where the maximum pulling operation speed can be set to a state where the charging condition can be set (S24). If the manual travel button 15 is not pressed (S20: NO), the process proceeds to S21.

In S21, display change processing is performed. In the display change process here, the LEDs 18a to 18e are lit to indicate the current setting contents (see FIG. 8). Based on the determination whether the handle switch 23 is turned on (S22), the lighting display mode of the battery display lamp 18 is changed. When the handle switch 23 is turned on (S22: YES), the lighting state of the battery indicator lamp 18 is changed to a lighting state indicating that a setting item can be selected and a blinking lighting state indicating that a setting content can be selected. Change to
If the setting contents can be selected when the handle switch 23 is turned on, the setting contents selectable state is maintained, the blinking LED is turned off, and the right adjacent LED is blinked. Specifically, when the LED 18e disposed at the right end is blinking and lit, the LED 18e is turned off and the LED 18a disposed at the left end is blinked and lit. After the display change process (S21), the process proceeds to S22.

  In S22, it is determined whether or not the handle 11 is turned and the handle switch 23 is turned on. When the handle switch 23 is turned on (S22: YES), the setting value of the pulling operation maximum speed is changed to another setting value (S23). Specifically, when the handle switch 23 is turned on while the speed C is currently selected, the speed D is changed to the selected state. If the handle switch 23 is not turned on (S22: NO), the process returns to S20.

  In S20, when the manual travel button 15 is pressed and the state where the pulling operation maximum speed can be selected shifts to the state where the charging condition can be selected, it is determined whether the manual travel button 15 is turned on. (S24). By determining whether or not the manual travel button 15 is pressed in S24, it is selected whether to set the charging condition or shift to the power-off time setting. When the manual travel button 15 is pressed (S24: YES), the process proceeds to a state in which the setting of the power off time can be changed (S28). If the manual travel button 15 is not pressed (S24: NO), the process proceeds to a state (S25) in which the charging condition setting is changed.

In S25, a display change process related to the charging condition is performed. This display change process is similar to the display change process in S21. In the display change process in S25, based on the input of the manual travel button 15 in S20, the lighting mode of the battery display lamp 18 is changed to a lighting mode indicating a setting item “charging condition” that can be set currently. That is, the LED 18b is turned on and the other LEDs are turned off.
Further, when the handle switch 23 is turned on in a state in which the setting content corresponding to the charging condition can be selected (S26: YES), the LED corresponding to the setting value changed in S27 is flashed and lit. Turn off the LED. Specifically, when the charging condition is changed from “charging condition (A)” to “charging condition (B)”, the LED 18 c is turned on from the state in which the LED 18 b blinks and the other LEDs are turned off. The display change process is performed in such a state that is blinking on and the other LEDs are off. If the handle switch 23 is not turned on in S26, the current lighting state of the battery indicator lamp 18 is maintained, and the process proceeds to S26.

  In S26, based on the turning operation of the handle 11, it is determined whether or not the handle switch 23 is turned on. If the handle switch 23 is turned on (S26: YES), the charging condition set value is changed to another set value (S27). Specifically, when the handle switch 23 is turned on while the “optimum charging condition” is currently selected, the state is changed to the state where the “charging condition (A)” is selected. If the handle switch 23 is not turned on (S26: NO), the process returns to S24.

  In S24, when the manual travel button 15 is pressed (S24: YES) and the state where the charging condition can be selected shifts to a state where the power-off time can be selected, whether or not the manual travel button 15 is turned on. Is determined (S28). By determining whether or not the manual travel button 15 is pressed in S28, it is selected whether or not to change the acceleration pattern setting. When the manual travel button 15 is pressed (S28: YES), the process proceeds to S32. If the manual travel button 15 is not pressed (S28: NO), the acceleration pattern setting is changed, and the process proceeds to S29.

In S29, display change processing relating to the acceleration pattern is performed. In the display change process in S29, the lighting mode of the battery display lamp 18 is changed to the lighting mode indicating the setting item “power-off time” that can be currently set based on the input of the manual travel button 15 in S28. That is, the LED 18c is turned on and the other LEDs are turned off.
Further, when the handle switch 23 is turned on in a state where the setting content corresponding to the power-off time can be selected (S30: YES), the LED corresponding to the setting value changed in S31 is lit in a flashing manner, and the others. Turn off the LED. Specifically, when the power-off time is changed from the time (A) to the time (B), the LED 18a is flashed and the LED 18b is flashed and turned on from the other LEDs are turned off. The display change process is performed while the other LEDs are turned off. If the handle switch 23 is not turned on in S30, the current lighting state of the battery display lamp 18 is maintained, and the process proceeds to S30.

  In S30, based on the turning operation of the handle 11, it is determined whether or not the handle switch 23 is turned on. When the handle switch 23 is turned on (S30: YES), the setting of the power-off time is changed to another setting (S31). Specifically, when the handle switch 23 is turned on while the time (A) is currently selected, the time (B) is selected. If the handle switch 23 is not turned on (S30: NO), the process returns to S28.

  If the manual travel button 15 is pressed in S28 (S28: YES), it is determined whether or not a special operation has been performed by simultaneous input of various switches provided on the handle 11 and the operation panel 13. (S32). In the present embodiment, performing the input operation of the manual travel button 15 simultaneously with the full rotation of the handle 11 is a special operation. If no special operation has been performed (S32: NO), the process proceeds to S20, and the setting item and the setting content can be changed again. When the special operation is executed (S32: YES), the process proceeds to S33.

In S33, the setting value changed in the environment setting process (S7) is stored in the RAM 32. After all the changed settings are stored in the RAM 32, the environment setting process (S7) is terminated and the process returns to the main control program.
Here, the setting data stored in the RAM 32 in S33 becomes backup data, and is read from the RAM 32 in S2 when the key switch 14 is turned on and the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1 is started next time. Thereby, the setting changed by the environment setting processing program is reflected in each setting item of the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1, and can be adapted to various use conditions of the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1.

  As described above, by executing the environment setting process (S7) of the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment, the setting items “pull operation maximum speed” and “power off time” of the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 are set. Can be selected and changed by the user. Therefore, it is possible to drive the auxiliary electric trolley 1 with settings adapted to each use environment. In particular, since the user can arbitrarily set the charging condition for the setting item “charging condition”, the battery 10 can be charged with the setting according to the use environment.

Next, a battery charging process program executed in the battery charging process (S4) in the main control program of the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the battery charge processing program.
As described above, when the battery 10 and the external power supply 40 are connected via the power connector 35, the battery charging process (S4) is performed, and the battery charging process program is executed.
When the process proceeds to the battery charging process (S4), the CPU 30 first measures the current battery capacity of the battery 10 by the battery capacity detection circuit 34, and stores it in the RAM 32 as battery capacity data at the start of charging (S41). At this time, the battery capacity data at the start of charging is stored in the RAM 32, but is stored in a storage area different from the charging status storage area 32a.

  Next, in S <b> 42, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the “charging condition” set in the environment setting process (S <b> 7) is the “optimum charging condition”. At this time, the CPU 30 makes a determination by referring to the backup data and reading the setting of the charging condition. When the charging condition is set to “optimum charging condition” (S42: YES), the process proceeds to S43. On the other hand, the other charging conditions ("charging condition (A)", "charging condition (B)", "charging condition (C)", "charging condition (D)") where the charging condition is not "optimum charging condition" Is set (S42: NO), the process proceeds to S44.

In S43, the required battery capacity calculation process is performed based on the fact that the “optimum charging condition” is set as the charging condition.
Here, the required battery capacity calculation process (S34) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the required battery capacity calculation process (S34), the standard required battery capacity plus the previous consumed battery capacity is calculated as the required battery capacity.
Specifically, in the case of the charging status storage area 32a shown in FIG. 5, the battery capacity data at the start of charging and the battery capacity data at the end of charging for the previous 10 times are stored in the charging status storage area 32a. The data of the battery capacity stored in “10” is data acquired when executed in the latest battery charging process (S4).
Therefore, in the required battery capacity calculation process (S43), the current required battery capacity data is calculated by adding the consumed battery capacity data stored in "No. 10" to the standard required battery capacity data.
That is, in the required battery capacity calculation process (S43) in this case, first, the CPU 30 determines the "number 10" from the battery capacity data (90%) at the end of the charge in the battery charge process (S4) of "number 9". Refer to the consumed battery capacity data (35%) in “number 10” calculated by subtracting the battery capacity data (55%) at the start of charging.
Then, by adding the referred battery capacity data (35%) to the standard chargeable battery capacity data (50%), in the current battery charging process (S4), it is determined whether or not charging can be performed. Chargeable battery capacity data (85%) used for the calculation is calculated.
After the required battery capacity data calculated in this way is stored in the RAM 32, the required battery capacity calculation process (S43) is terminated, and the process proceeds to S45.

On the other hand, when any one of “charging condition (A)”, “charging condition (B)”, “charging condition (C)”, and “charging condition (D)” is set as the charging condition, the process proceeds to S44. In, a chargeable battery capacity selection process is executed.
Here, as described above, the charging battery capacity required is defined for “charging condition (A)”, “charging condition (B)”, “charging condition (C)”, and “charging condition (D)”. Stored in the ROM 31. Therefore, in this required battery capacity selection process (S44), the backup data is referred to, and the process of reading the required battery capacity data corresponding to the set charging condition from the ROM 31 is performed. After the required battery capacity read based on the set charging condition is stored in the RAM 32, the required battery capacity selection process (S44) is terminated, and the process proceeds to S45.

  In S45, the CPU 30 reads out the battery capacity data at the start of charging acquired in S41 and the required battery capacity data determined in S43 or S44 from the RAM 32, and determines whether the battery capacity data at the start of charging and the required battery capacity data are large or small. Make a comparison. Here, when the battery capacity at the start of charging exceeds the required battery capacity data (S45: NO), it is determined that the auxiliary electric trolley 1 can sufficiently travel with the current battery capacity, and the battery 10 The battery charging process (S4) is terminated without charging. On the other hand, when the battery capacity data at the start of charging is lower than the required battery capacity data (S45: YES), the process proceeds to S46.

  Subsequently, in S46, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the battery 10 has been discharged until the standard required battery capacity (50%) or less in the last 10 chargings of the battery 10. That is, the CPU 30 refers to all the battery capacity data at the start of use stored in the charging status storage area 32a, and determines whether or not the battery capacity data at the start of use is 50% or less. If the battery capacity data at the start of use of the charge status storage area 32a includes 50% or less (S46: YES), the battery capacity is discharged until at least one out of 10 times is 50% or less. Since the reduction phenomenon is eliminated and the preventive measures are taken, the process proceeds to S48. On the other hand, if the battery capacity data at the start of use of the charging status storage area 32a has never been less than 50% (S46: NO), the process proceeds to S47.

Next, in S47, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the current charging start battery capacity data acquired in S41 is 50% or less. When the battery capacity at the start of charging this time is 50% or less (S47: YES), the process proceeds to S48. On the other hand, when the battery capacity data at the start of charging this time is not 50% or less (S47: NO), the battery charging process (S4) is terminated without charging the battery 10.
That is, by performing the determination in S47, the battery 10 is discharged to 50% or less between 10 charges stored in the charge status storage area 32a and 11 times including the current battery charging process. It is possible to determine whether or not
If the battery capacity at the start of use in the current battery charging process (S4) is not 50% or less, the battery charging process (S4) is terminated without charging the battery 10. In this regard, also in the next battery charging process (S4), the battery 10 is not charged in the same manner even when the battery capacity at the start of charging is not 50% or less. Therefore, the battery capacity at the start of charging does not become 50% or less, and the number of times that shallow charging / discharging is repeated is limited to 10 times, so that it is possible to sufficiently prevent the phenomenon of battery capacity reduction. . Further, even when the battery capacity reduction phenomenon occurs, since the deep discharge is surely performed to 50% or less, the battery capacity reduction phenomenon can be solved.

  In S <b> 48, the CPU 30 supplies power from the external power supply 40 to the battery 10 and starts charging the battery 10. After the charging of the battery 10 is started, in S49, it is determined whether or not the external power source 40 and the power connector 35 that connects the battery 10 are removed. That is, a determination is made as to whether charging of the battery 10 has been interrupted. When the charging of the battery 10 is interrupted (S49: YES), the process proceeds to S51. On the other hand, when the charging of the battery 10 is continued (S49: NO), the process proceeds to S50.

Next, in S50, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the battery 10 is fully charged. At this time, the CPU 30 detects the current battery capacity by the battery capacity detection circuit 34 and makes the determination based on whether or not the battery capacity has reached 100%. When the battery 10 has not been fully charged yet (S50: NO), the process returns to S48 again, and the charging of the battery 10 is continued. On the other hand, when the full charge to the battery 10 is completed (S50: YES), the process proceeds to S51.
In S51, battery capacity data at the end of charging is acquired and stored in the charging status storage area 32a. In addition, by acquiring the battery capacity data at the end of charging in S51, the battery capacity data at the start of charging temporarily stored in the RAM 32 is stored in the charging status storage area 32a. That is, when the charging of the battery 10 is completed, the stored contents of the charging status storage area 32a are updated. After updating the storage contents of the charging status storage area 32a, the battery charging process (S4) is terminated.

  Here, based on the determination results of S45 and S47, when charging of the battery 10 is not executed, the battery capacity data at the start of charging acquired in S41 is erased from the RAM 32, and the stored contents of the charging status storage area 32a are stored. No updates are made. Therefore, when the battery 10 is not charged (S48), it is not counted as the number of times the battery 10 is charged.

Next, the effect of the battery charging process (S4) will be described by describing in detail the variation of the battery capacity in the auxiliary electric trolley 1 according to the present embodiment with reference to the drawings.
First, fluctuations in battery capacity when using the auxiliary electric trolley 1 for which “optimum charging condition” is set as the charging condition will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing fluctuations in battery capacity when “optimum charging condition” is set.

First, the relationship between the state of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 in FIG. 10 and the battery capacity fluctuation will be described. In the state in which the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is used for laying and electric driving is performed, the battery capacity decreases with electric driving. That is, a period indicated by a straight line inclined to the lower right in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 10 indicates a period during which the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is traveling.
Next, when the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is stopped and the battery 10 is not charged, the battery capacity does not fluctuate. Therefore, in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 10, a straight line extending in the horizontal direction is used. Indicated. In this state, the battery 10 and the external power source 40 are connected via the power connector 35 as well as the state where the battery 10 is simply stopped. A state where the charging (S49) is not executed is also included.
In the battery charging process (S4), when the battery 10 is being charged (S49), the battery capacity increases with the passage of time.

In FIG. 10, a period from when the charging of the battery 10 is completed to when the charging of the battery 10 is completed again after consumption of the battery capacity associated with the traveling of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 is defined as a battery consumption period. Call. In the example shown in FIG. 10, since charging / discharging of the battery 10 is performed three times, “battery consumption period (1)”, “battery consumption period (2)”, “battery consumption period (3)”, respectively. I will call it.
In FIG. 10, it is assumed that the battery at the start of charging shows a value lower than 50% three times before the “battery consumption period (1)”.

  Here, in FIG. 10, the required battery capacity is indicated by a broken line. As described above, the rechargeable battery capacity is calculated by adding the last consumed battery capacity to the standard rechargeable battery capacity (50%). That is, the required battery capacity during the battery consumption period (2) is determined by adding the consumed battery capacity during the battery consumption period (1) to the standard required battery capacity. Similarly, the required battery capacity during the battery consumption period (1) is calculated by adding the immediately preceding consumed battery capacity to the standard required battery capacity.

Next, the fluctuation of the battery capacity shown in FIG. 10 will be described in detail based on the above contents.
First, the battery consumption period (1) will be described. In the battery consumption period (1), the battery capacity decreases from the battery capacity at the end of charging immediately before that (in this case, 100% as shown in FIG. 10) due to the traveling of the auxiliary electric trolley 1 accompanying the layout. Go.
When the arrangement is finished and the traveling is stopped, the battery capacity is not consumed. If the battery is connected to the external power supply 40 via the power connector 35 at this time, the process proceeds to the above-described battery charging process (S4). However, as shown in FIG. Since (battery capacity at the start of charging) is larger than the required battery capacity (S45: NO), the battery 10 is not charged (S48). Therefore, also in this case, the battery capacity does not fluctuate.
Then, in the battery consumption period (1), the layout work by the auxiliary electric power distribution vehicle 1 is performed again. However, since the battery capacity before and after the distribution has not decreased below the required battery capacity, the battery 10 Charging will not be performed.

Next, the change in the battery capacity after the end of the third arrangement work in the battery consumption period (1) will be described. When the battery 10 is connected to the external power supply 40 after the end of the arrangement work, the process proceeds to the battery charging process (S4). To do. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the battery capacity (battery capacity at the start of charging) at the time when the battery 10 and the external power source 40 are connected is lower than the required battery capacity (S45: YES), as described above. Since the battery capacity at the start of use is 50% or less during the last 10 times (S46: YES), the battery 10 is charged (S48).
Therefore, in the battery consumption period (1), when the third arrangement work is finished and the battery 10 and the external power supply 40 are connected, the charging of the battery 10 is started. As shown in FIG. Gradually recovers over time.

Next, taking the battery consumption period (2) as an example, calculation of the required battery charge amount in the “optimum charging condition” will be described.
As described above, the required battery capacity in the battery consumption period (2) is calculated based on the consumed battery capacity and the standard required battery capacity in the battery charging process (S4) performed immediately before. That is, the required battery capacity in the battery consumption period (2) is calculated based on the battery capacity consumed in the battery consumption period (S1) and the standard required battery capacity.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the battery capacity obtained by adding the battery capacity consumed (B) in the battery consumption period (1) to the standard battery capacity required for charging (50%) is the battery that needs charging in the battery consumption period (2). It becomes capacity.
Here, since the battery capacity is consumed until the battery capacity becomes close to 50% in the battery consumption period (1), the required battery capacity in the battery consumption period (2) is calculated as a value close to substantially full charge. Therefore, in the battery consumption period (2), when one arrangement work is completed, the battery capacity is less than the required battery capacity. Therefore, when the battery 10 and the external power supply 40 are connected, the battery 10 is charged.
In the battery consumption period (2), the connection of the power connector 35 is released before the battery 10 is fully charged. Therefore, the battery capacity at the end of charging in the battery consumption period (2) is not 100%.

In the battery consumption period (3), the required battery capacity is calculated based on the consumed battery capacity and the standard required battery capacity in the battery consumption period (2).
As shown in FIG. 10, in the battery consumption period (2), the required battery capacity indicates a value close to 100%, and thus the consumed battery capacity indicates a relatively small value.
Therefore, the required battery capacity during the battery consumption period (3) results in a value in the vicinity of the standard required battery capacity (50%).
Thereby, in the battery consumption period (3), the battery 10 is not charged until the second arrangement work, and the battery capacity is less than the required battery capacity when the third arrangement work is completed. Will be charged.
At this time, as described above, the required battery capacity during the battery consumption period (3) shows a value in the vicinity of the standard required battery capacity (50%). The result is that the battery capacity is consumed until it falls below the capacity (50%).

As described with reference to FIG. 10, when the charging condition is set to “optimum charging condition”, the value of the required battery capacity varies depending on the battery consumption period. Charging is executed under various conditions. In this respect, once in a plurality of times, the battery is discharged until it falls below the standard chargeable battery capacity (50%), so that measures for preventing and eliminating the battery capacity decrease phenomenon can be appropriately taken.
Furthermore, as described above, when the battery capacity at the start of charging in the last 10 charges stored in the charging status storage area 32a does not fall below the standard required battery capacity (50%) (for example, FIG. 5), the battery 10 is not charged until the battery capacity becomes 50% or less.
In other words, since the battery is discharged at least once during the 11th charge until it falls below the standard chargeable battery capacity, it is possible to reliably take measures against the battery capacity decrease phenomenon, and the battery 10 has sufficient performance. It can be demonstrated.

Next, a charging condition other than “optimum charging condition” (any one of “charging condition (A)”, “charging condition (B)”, “charging condition (C)”, “charging condition (D)”) is set. The fluctuation of the battery capacity in the case of being performed will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram relating to battery capacity fluctuations when charging conditions other than “optimum charging conditions” are set.
As described above, in the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment, “charging condition (A)”, “charging condition (B)”, “charging condition (C)”, and “charging condition (D)” are set. When set, the required battery capacity according to the set charging condition is set (see FIG. 11).
Since the battery charging process (S4) is executed based on the set charging condition, in principle, when there is a battery capacity greater than the required battery capacity indicated by the set charging condition, The battery 10 is not charged.

For example, in the case shown in FIG. 11, since the “charging condition (A)” is set, the auxiliary is performed in any of the battery consumption period (1), the battery consumption period (2), and the battery consumption period (3). Charging is performed only when the battery capacity at the time when the electric power distribution vehicle 1 finishes the layout work and is connected to the external power supply 40 is smaller than the chargeable battery capacity defined in “Charging Conditions (A)”. Is executed.
In the case illustrated in FIG. 11, unlike the case where the “optimum charging condition” is set, the battery 10 is charged based on the set charging condition even in a different battery consumption period. Therefore, in principle, a constant battery capacity always remains in the battery 10. Therefore, the user of the auxiliary electric wheelchair 1 uses the auxiliary electric wheelchair 1 without setting the auxiliary electric function during the arrangement work by setting the charging condition according to the use environment. Can be arranged comfortably.

Here, when the charging condition using the specified required battery capacity is set, the standard required battery capacity is set once every plural times, unlike the case where the above-mentioned “optimum charging condition” is set. There is a case where shallow charge / discharge is repeated without being discharged until it falls below. As a result, it is conceivable that a battery capacity decrease phenomenon occurs, and there is a possibility that a problem based on the battery capacity decrease phenomenon occurs.
In this regard, in the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 9, even when the charging condition using the specified required battery capacity is set, the charging state storage is performed. In 10 times of charging stored in the area 32a, when there is no time when the battery capacity at the start of charging becomes 50% or less, the next charging is performed until the battery capacity becomes 50% or less. Not executed.
Therefore, even in the case of setting to use the required required battery capacity, the battery will be discharged once every 11 times until it falls below the standard required battery capacity. In the case where the battery capacity is reduced, problems due to the battery capacity decrease phenomenon can be solved, and when the battery capacity decrease phenomenon has not yet occurred, the occurrence of the battery capacity decrease phenomenon can be prevented.

  As described above in detail, in the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to the present invention, the required battery capacity based on the consumed battery capacity data acquired in the immediately preceding battery charging process (S4) and the standard required battery capacity data. And “charging condition (A)” to “charging condition (D)” using a prescribed required battery capacity can be selected. Thereby, since the conditions which charge with respect to the battery 10 can be selected arbitrarily, the user of the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle 1 can set the charging conditions according to the environment which he uses.

  In the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment, when the “optimum charging condition” is set, whether or not the battery 10 can be charged is determined based on the immediately preceding consumed battery capacity and the standard required battery capacity. Is determined. In this respect, since the required battery capacity also fluctuates based on the fluctuation of the consumed battery capacity, the charging can be started once in a plurality of times from the discharged state until it falls below the standard required battery capacity. As a result, it is possible to appropriately take measures against the battery capacity decrease phenomenon, so that the performance inherent to the battery 10 can be sufficiently exhibited. As a result, the user can comfortably use the auxiliary electric layout car for the layout work.

  Further, in the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to the present embodiment, it is arbitrarily selected from “charging condition (A)” to “charging condition (D)” in which the required battery capacity is defined for each by the environment setting process (S7). One charging condition can be selected. Thereby, the user can arbitrarily select a setting suitable for the usage environment of the auxiliary electric trolley. That is, since charging can be started with the battery capacity desired by the user, the auxiliary electric power distribution vehicle 1 can be used in a state where the desired battery capacity is secured. As a result, the stoppage of the auxiliary electric function due to running out of the battery does not occur during the use of the auxiliary electric arrangement vehicle, and the arrangement work can be performed comfortably using the auxiliary electric arrangement vehicle.

Furthermore, in the auxiliary electric trolley 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the “optimum charging condition” is set as the charging condition, “charging condition (A)” to “charging condition (D)”. Even if any of the above is set, if the battery capacity data at the start of charging stored in the charging status storage area 32a does not have 50% or less, it is acquired by the battery capacity detection circuit 34. The battery 10 is not charged until the current battery capacity (S41) becomes equal to or less than the standard required battery capacity (50%).
As a result, at least the number of times shallow charging / discharging is repeated is limited to 10 times, so that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a battery capacity reduction phenomenon. Further, even when the battery capacity decrease phenomenon occurs less than 10 times, the battery capacity decrease phenomenon can be reliably eliminated because the battery capacity is surely discharged to the standard required battery capacity or less.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, when the “optimum charging condition” is set, the required battery capacity is calculated based on the consumed battery capacity in the battery charging process (S4) performed immediately before. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the rechargeable battery capacity may be calculated based on the consumed battery capacity stored in the charging status storage area 32a. In this case, the maximum value of the consumed battery capacity stored in the charging status storage area 32a may be used, or an average value may be used. When the maximum value of the consumed battery capacity is used, the maximum value of the consumed battery capacity in the usage environment is adopted, so that the maximum value of the consumed battery capacity is always secured in the battery 10. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the auxiliary electric function from being stopped during the layout work.
Further, the calculation is not limited to the calculation of the consumed battery capacity in all 10 times stored in the charging status storage area 32a, but a part of the consumed battery capacity stored in the charging status storage area 32a (for example, , The latest three times).

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the battery capacity required for charging is calculated using the battery capacity as it is, but the battery capacity is corrected based on the traveling state of the auxiliary electric trolley 1. It is good also as a structure which calculates a required battery capacity using a thing. For example, the running time may be measured by the timer 33, and the correction based on the measured running time may be performed on the battery consumption capacity, the running speed measured by the encoder 28a disposed in the motor drive circuit 28, The battery capacity may be corrected based on conditions such as acceleration. It is possible to perform correction based on both the correction based on the travel time and the correction based on conditions such as travel speed and acceleration.

  In the present embodiment, the battery is charged when there is no time when the battery capacity at the start of charging becomes equal to or less than the standard required battery capacity (50%) in 10 times of charging stored in the charging status storage area 32a. However, the number of charges to be determined can be changed as appropriate. For example, by changing from 10 charges to a small number such as 5 times, a measure against a battery capacity decrease phenomenon (discharge until reaching 50% or less) can be frequently performed. In this case, the battery capacity decrease phenomenon can be prevented reliably, and the performance inherent to the battery 10 can be sufficiently exhibited.

It is explanatory drawing of the auxiliary electric type allocation vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a right view of the auxiliary electric type allocation vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the operation panel of the auxiliary electric type allocation vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram of the auxiliary electric allocation vehicle according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the charge condition memory area formed in RAM of the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the main control program of the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the environment setting process program of the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing regarding the setting item and setting content of the auxiliary electric type allocation vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the battery charge processing program of the auxiliary electric distribution vehicle according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation | variation of the battery capacity of the auxiliary | assistant electrically-driven arrangement vehicle at the time of "optimum charge condition" setting. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation | variation of the battery capacity | capacitance of the auxiliary electric type allocation vehicle at the time of "charge condition (A)" setting.

Explanation of symbols

1 Auxiliary electric barge
2 The car body
7 Drive wheels
8 Drive motor
10 battery
11 Handle
23 Handle switch
30 CPU
30 CPU
31 ROM
32 RAM
32a Charging status storage area
35 Power connector
40 External power supply

Claims (4)

A main body having a storage portion for storing food placed on the tableware;
Traveling means disposed in the lower part of the main body;
A rechargeable battery used as a drive source for the travel means;
In the auxiliary electric barge having the connection means for connecting the rechargeable battery and an external power source and enabling charging to the rechargeable battery,
Battery capacity measuring means for measuring the battery capacity of the rechargeable battery;
First storage means for storing consumption data indicating a battery capacity consumed from the end of the charging process by the external power source until the charging process is started again after being connected to the external power source;
Compare battery capacity data indicating the current battery capacity measured by the battery capacity measuring means, reference data indicating a predetermined battery capacity in the rechargeable battery, and comparison target data calculated based on the consumption data, And a charge control means for determining whether or not the rechargeable battery can be charged. In the auxiliary electric wheeled vehicle according to claim 1,
The first storage means stores a plurality of consumption data acquired each time the charging process for the charging battery is executed,
The charge control means postpones charging of the rechargeable battery when none of the battery capacities stored in the first storage means at the start of multiple times of charge is less than the battery capacity indicated by the reference data. Auxiliary electric trolley car. A main body having a storage portion for storing food placed on the tableware;
Traveling means disposed in the lower part of the main body;
A rechargeable battery that is used as a drive source for the travel means;
In an auxiliary electric trolley having connection means for connecting the rechargeable battery and an external power source,
Second storage means for storing a plurality of setting data indicating battery capacity when permitting charging of the rechargeable battery;
Selecting means for selecting one setting data from a plurality of setting data stored in the second storage means;
Battery capacity measuring means for measuring the battery capacity of the rechargeable battery;
Battery capacity data indicating the current battery capacity measured by the battery capacity measuring means, and setting control data selected by the selection means, and charge control means for determining whether or not the charging battery can be charged. Auxiliary electric trolley car characterized by that. In the auxiliary electric trolley according to claim 3,
First storage means for storing a plurality of consumption data indicating the battery capacity consumed from the end of the charging process by the external power source until the charging process is started again after being connected to the external power source;
The charge control means postpones charging of the rechargeable battery when none of the battery capacities stored in the first storage means at the start of multiple times of charge is less than the battery capacity indicated by the reference data. Auxiliary electric trolley car.

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