阅读说明：本技术 作业机械、作业附件及其组合体 (Work machine, work attachment, and assembly thereof ) 是由 克里斯蒂安·哈恩 比约恩·杜泽蒙德 于 2018-04-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种作业机械(1),其包括：作业附件连接装置(3、11a、15a、16a),其被构造成将作业附件(2)操作性地连接到作业机械(1),所述作业附件(2)设有作业工具(4),例如清扫机/旋转扫帚、吹雪机或铲斗；以及控制系统(10、11),其被配置成控制作业机械(1)的操作,并且在作业附件(2)经由作业附件连接装置(3)连接到作业机械(1)时控制作业附件(2)的操作。作业机械(1)还包括：至少第一电动马达(5),其被构造用于作业机械(1)的操作；第一可充电电池(7),其被配置成向第一电动马达(5)供应电力；电力电路(8),其连接第一电动马达(5)和第一可充电电池(7),其中,作业附件连接装置(3)包括连接到作业机械(1)的电力电路(8)的第一电连接器(15a),其中,第一电连接器(15a)被构造成连接到布置在作业附件(2)上的对应的电连接器(15b),其中,所述对应的电连接器(15b)连接到布置在作业附件(2)上的辅助可充电电池(17),以便在作业附件(2)经由作业附件连接装置(3)连接到作业机械(1)时允许辅助可充电电池(17)电连接到作业机械(1)的电力电路(8)。本发明还涉及上述类型的作业附件(2)、以及上述类型的作业机械(1)和作业附件(2)的组合体。(The invention relates to a working machine (1) comprising: a work attachment arrangement (3, 11a, 15a, 16a) configured to operatively connect a work attachment (2) to a work machine (1), said work attachment (2) being provided with a work tool (4), such as a sweeper/rotary broom, a snow blower or a bucket; and a control system (10, 11) configured to control operation of the work machine (1) and to control operation of the work attachment (2) when the work attachment (2) is connected to the work machine (1) via the work attachment connecting device (3). The work machine (1) further comprises: at least a first electric motor (5) configured for operation of the work machine (1); a first rechargeable battery (7) configured to supply electric power to the first electric motor (5); a power circuit (8) connecting the first electric motor (5) and the first rechargeable battery (7), wherein the work accessory connecting device (3) comprises a first electrical connector (15a) connected to the power circuit (8) of the work machine (1), wherein the first electrical connector (15a) is configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical connector (15b) arranged on the work accessory (2), wherein the corresponding electrical connector (15b) is connected to an auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) arranged on the work accessory (2) in order to allow the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) to be electrically connected to the power circuit (8) of the work machine (1) when the work accessory (2) is connected to the work machine (1) via the work accessory connecting device (3). The invention also relates to a work attachment (2) of the above-mentioned type and to a combination of a work machine (1) and a work attachment (2) of the above-mentioned type.)

1. A work machine (1), such as a loader vehicle, comprising:

-a work attachment connection device (3, 11a, 15a, 16a), said work attachment connection device (3, 11a, 15a, 16a) being configured to operatively connect a work attachment (2) to said work machine (1), said work attachment (2) being provided with a work tool (4), such as a sweeper/rotary broom, a snow blower or a bucket;

-a control system (10, 11), the control system (10, 11) being configured to control the operation of the work machine (1) and to control the operation of the work attachment (2) when the work attachment (2) is connected to the work machine (1) via the work attachment connecting device (3),

it is characterized in that

The work machine (1) further comprises:

-at least a first electric motor (5), the first electric motor (5) being configured for operation of the work machine (1);

-a first rechargeable battery (7), the first rechargeable battery (7) being configured to supply electric power to the first electric motor (5);

-a power circuit (8), the power circuit (8) connecting the first electric motor (5) and the first rechargeable battery (7),

wherein the work attachment connection device (3) comprises a first electrical connector (15a) connected to the power circuit (8) of the work machine (1),

wherein the first electrical connector (15a) is configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical connector (15b) arranged on the work attachment (2),

wherein the corresponding electrical connector (15b) is connected to an auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) arranged on the work attachment (2) in order to allow the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) to be electrically connected to the power circuit (8) of the work machine (1) when the work attachment (2) is connected to the work machine (1) via the work attachment connecting device (3).

2. The work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the work accessory connection device (3) comprises a second electrical connector (16a) connected to the power circuit (8) of the work machine (1), wherein the second electrical connector (16a) is configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical connector (16b) arranged on the work attachment (2) and connected to an electric work tool motor (18), wherein the electric work tool motor (18) is arranged on the work attachment (2) and is configured to directly or indirectly drive the work tool (4), in order to allow the electric work tool motor (18) to be electrically connected to the power circuit (8) of the work machine (1) when the work attachment (2) is connected to the work machine (1) via the work attachment connecting device (3).

3. A working machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control system comprises a control unit (10) and a control connection network (11), the control connection network (11) connecting the control unit (10) with components to be controlled by the control unit (10), wherein the control network (11) comprises a third connector (11a), the third connector (11a) being configured to be connected to a corresponding connector (11b) arranged on the working attachment (2) and connected to the electric working tool motor (18) in order to allow the control unit (10) to control the electric working tool motor (18) when the working attachment (2) is connected to the working machine (1) via the working attachment connecting device (3).

4. The work machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the work machine (1) further comprises a first bidirectional DC/DC converter (21) connected with the power circuit (8) and the first rechargeable battery (7), wherein the first bidirectional DC/DC converter (21) is configured to control the direction and intensity/magnitude of the current flowing between the power circuit (8) and the first rechargeable battery (7).

5. The work machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the work machine (1) further comprises a second bidirectional DC/DC converter (22) connected with the power circuit (8) and the first electrical connector (15a), wherein the second bidirectional DC/DC converter (22) is configured to control the direction and intensity/magnitude of the current flowing between the power circuit (8) and the first electrical connector (15a) and thereby control the direction and intensity/magnitude of the current flowing between the power circuit (8) and the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) when the work accessory (2) is connected to the work machine (1) via the work accessory connecting device (3).

6. The work machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the work machine (1) further comprises a charging connection part (23) connected to the first rechargeable battery (7), wherein the charging connection part (23) is configured to be connected to an external battery charging unit.

7. The work machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electric motor is configured for propelling the work machine (1).

8. A working machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the working machine (1) comprises an additional electric motor (6), the additional electric motor (6) being arranged to drive a hydraulic pump for powering a hydraulic system.

9. The work machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the work attachment connection device (3) is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the work attachment (2) to the vehicle.

10. The work machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the work machine (1) is provided with at least one lifting arm (26), which at least one lifting arm (26) is adapted to be attached and detached from different work accessories.

11. The work machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the work machine (1) is a loader vehicle.

12. A work attachment (2) for a work machine (1), wherein the work attachment comprises:

-a work tool (4), such as a sweeper/rotary broom, a snow blower or a bucket,

it is characterized in that

The work attachment (2) further comprises:

-an auxiliary rechargeable battery (17),

-an electrical connector (15b), said electrical connector (15b) being connected to said auxiliary rechargeable battery (17),

wherein the electrical connector (15b) is configured to be connected to an electrical circuit (8) arranged on the work machine (1) so as to allow the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) to be electrically connected to the electrical circuit (8) of the work machine (1) when the work attachment (2) is connected to the work machine.

13. The work attachment (2) according to claim 12, wherein the work attachment (2) further comprises an electric work tool motor (18), the electric work tool motor (18) being configured to directly or indirectly drive the work tool (4).

14. The work attachment (2) according to claim 13, wherein the work attachment (2) further comprises a second electrical connector (16b) connected to the electric work tool motor (18), wherein the second electrical connector (16b) is configured to be connected to the electrical power circuit (8) arranged on the work machine (1) in order to allow the electric work tool motor (18) to be electrically connected to the electrical power circuit (8) of the work machine (1) when the work attachment (2) is connected to the work machine (1).

15. A work attachment (2) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein an electrical connection is arranged between the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) and the electric work tool motor (18) such that the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) can operate as a power source for the electric work tool motor (18).

16. The work attachment (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the work attachment (2) further comprises an auxiliary charging connection component (24) connected to the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17), wherein the auxiliary charging connection component (24) is configured to be connected to an external battery charging unit.

17. The work attachment (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the work attachment (2) further comprises an auxiliary bidirectional DC/DC converter (22) connected to the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) and the electrical connector (15b), wherein the auxiliary bidirectional DC/DC converter (22) is configured to control the direction and intensity/magnitude of the current flowing between the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) and the electrical connector (15b) and thereby control the direction and intensity/magnitude of the current flowing between the power circuit (8) and the auxiliary rechargeable battery (17) when the work attachment (2) is connected to the work machine (1).

18. The combination of a work machine (1) according to any one of claims 1-11 and a work attachment (2) according to claim 12, wherein the work attachment (2) is connected to the work machine (1) via the work attachment connecting device (3).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a work machine, such as a loader vehicle, comprising a work attachment configured to operatively attach a work attachment to the work machine, the work attachment being provided with a work implement, such as a sweeper/rotary broom, a snow blower or a bucket. The invention also relates to a work attachment of the kind described, and to a work machine and a work attachment combination of the kind described above. The invention relates in particular to electrically propelled and operated work machines.

The present invention is applicable to a working machine in the field of industrial construction machines or construction equipment, in particular, a loader vehicle, a wheel loader, and the like. Although the invention will be described in relation to an articulated wheel loader, the invention is not limited to this particular machine, but may also be used in other work machines connectable to a work attachment.

Background

There is an increasing interest in providing electric propulsion and power for vehicles. This also applies to construction vehicles, work machines, and the like. For work vehicles this usually means that the operation of the vehicle is also electric, i.e. the operation of the lifting arm, the lifting of the bucket, etc. Electric operation/propulsion of a vehicle typically involves one or more electric motors and one or more rechargeable electrical energy storage devices (often referred to as battery packs, or simply batteries).

Work vehicles typically have relatively high power requirements, and a challenge in electrifying such vehicles is to provide sufficient battery capacity so that the vehicle can operate for a sufficiently long period of time. This is especially a challenge for compact loader vehicles (which may not have room to accommodate large battery packs) that are connected to work accessories provided with work tools that require additional power, such as sweepers/rotary brooms or snow blowers.

US2002/0189435 discloses an example of a compact loader vehicle provided with a work attachment provided with a rotary broom. Both the loader and the broom are operated by hydraulic means.

There is a need for improvements in the field of electrification of loader work vehicles, such as the type disclosed in US2002/0189435, in particular work vehicles intended to be connected to work accessories provided with work tools requiring additional power.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrically operated work machine/loader vehicle, a work attachment and a combination thereof, which are capable of performing longer operations/works. According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a working machine according to claim 1.

The present invention relates to a work machine, such as a loader vehicle, comprising: a work attachment configured to operatively attach a work attachment to a work machine, the work attachment being provided with a work implement, such as a sweeper/rotary broom, a snow blower, or a bucket; and a control system configured to control operation of the work machine and to control operation of the work attachment when the work attachment is connected to the work machine via the work attachment connection device.

The present invention is characterized in that the work machine further includes: at least a first electric motor configured for operation of the work machine; a first rechargeable battery configured to supply power to the first electric motor; a power circuit connecting the first electric motor and the first rechargeable battery, wherein the work attachment connection device includes a first electrical connector connected to the power circuit of the work machine, wherein the first electrical connector is configured to connect to a corresponding electrical connector disposed on the work attachment, and wherein the corresponding electrical connector is connected to an auxiliary rechargeable battery disposed on the work attachment to allow the auxiliary rechargeable battery to be electrically connected to the power circuit of the work machine when the work attachment is connected to the work machine via the work attachment connection device.

Thus, the power circuit of the machine/loader may be connected to an auxiliary battery or an additional battery arranged on the work attachment. This allows the auxiliary battery to power the loader, i.e., the electrical energy storage capacity can be increased, and the operating time of the work machine can be extended. This may not only be useful in applications where a certain work implement requires a significantly higher battery capacity, such as a sweeper, but also, for example, in applications where a bucket or dipper is provided with an auxiliary battery to provide an additional source of electrical energy to the work machine. The auxiliary battery may be used for providing (additional) electric power for various electric motors or for providing electric power for a hydraulic pump on the working machine, which hydraulic pump may be used for driving various hydraulic motors arranged on said attachment or working machine.

This design also allows: when the work accessory is connected to the work machine, the current between the power circuit and each of the first battery and the auxiliary battery may be controlled, i.e., the degree to which each battery should deliver electrical energy to the power circuit, or the degree to which each battery should be supplied with electrical energy from the power circuit (from another battery or from a charging unit connected to the power circuit) may be controlled. By way of example, such a design enables the use of an auxiliary battery to operate and propel the work machine; for example, a path (close) to the first battery that is not charged may be closed/disconnected and the auxiliary battery may be used to propel the vehicle "home" to the charging unit. As another example, it allows for charging two batteries simultaneously, wherein the current fed to the batteries may be adapted to the specific capacity, charging state, etc. of each battery. Of course, separate charging of the two batteries is also possible, which is particularly useful when the work attachment is electrically and mechanically disconnected from the work machine; a first work accessory with an uncharged auxiliary battery may be disconnected from the vehicle and charging commenced, and a second work accessory with a fully charged auxiliary battery (or another work accessory without a battery) may be connected to the vehicle. The bi-directional DC/DC converter may be used to enable control of current between the power circuit and each of the first battery and the auxiliary battery when the work attachment is connected to the work machine. Converters of this type are known in this respect.

The first battery and the auxiliary battery may be different or of the same type, capacity, voltage, etc.; the term "auxiliary" is not intended to denote any particular difference between the batteries, but merely to give the batteries a different name to enhance clarity.

The term "battery" refers to an electrical energy storage device that generally includes a plurality of electrically connected battery cells. The cells may be arranged in groups to form a plurality of sub-cells, which in turn may be connected in various ways. The cells and sub-cells may be arranged in what is commonly referred to as a battery pack, which is also one example of an electrical energy storage device encompassed by the term "battery". Batteries (electrical energy storage devices) typically include electronics, such as a Battery Management System (BMS), for controlling the charging, balancing, etc., of the cells and one or more components of the cells. In this regard, batteries, battery packs, electric energy storage devices, BMS, and the like are well known.

According to one embodiment, the work attachment connection device comprises a second electrical connector connected to the power circuit of the work machine, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to be connected to a corresponding electrical connector arranged on the work attachment and connected to the electric work tool motor, wherein the electric work tool motor is arranged on the work attachment and configured to directly or indirectly drive the work tool in order to allow the electric work tool motor to be electrically connected to the power circuit of the work machine when the work attachment is connected to the work machine via the work attachment connection device.

Thus, an electric motor on the work attachment, which may be arranged to drive, for example, the rotary broom, may be connected to the power circuit of the vehicle and powered by either or both of the first battery and the auxiliary battery. This greatly prolongs the operating time of the vehicle as compared to the case where a single vehicle battery is used to power both the vehicle and the work tool of the work accessory.

According to another embodiment, the control system comprises a control unit and a control connection network connecting the control unit with components to be controlled by the control unit, wherein the control network comprises a third connector configured to be connected to a corresponding connector arranged on the work attachment and connected to the electric work tool motor for allowing the control unit to control the electric work tool motor when the work attachment is connected to the work machine via the work attachment connection device.

Thus, it is the control unit that can control the electric motor arranged on the work attachment. The third connector and a corresponding connector disposed on the work attachment may be configured for wireless communication.

According to another embodiment, the work machine further comprises a first bidirectional DC/DC converter connected to the power circuit and the first rechargeable battery, wherein the first bidirectional DC/DC converter is configured to control the direction and intensity/magnitude of current flowing between the power circuit and the first rechargeable battery.

As described above, this can be used to control: whether electrical energy will be delivered (at a certain rate) from the first battery to the power circuit (e.g., during normal operation of the work machine, or when a charging unit is connected to the first battery to also allow charging of the auxiliary battery through the power circuit); whether electrical energy will be supplied (at a certain rate) from the power circuit to the first battery (e.g., to allow charging of the first battery from a charging unit connected to the power circuit, but at another part of the power circuit, such as at an auxiliary battery, or to allow charging from an auxiliary battery that is more fully charged than the first battery); or whether the first battery will be electrically disconnected from the power circuit (e.g., to avoid current leakage when the work machine is not operating or when it is preferred to use only the auxiliary battery).

A bidirectional DC/DC converter is able to internally process the voltage difference in order to direct the current in a desired direction, regardless of the voltage (within reasonable limits) of the two input/output systems or components connected to the converter, i.e. the first battery and the power circuit in this case. Typically, the voltage of both the first battery and the power circuit is about 48V. In both systems/components, the voltage may vary slightly around 48V, depending on, for example, the charge level of the battery and the current power output in the power circuit. This can be handled by a bi-directional DC/DC converter.

According to another embodiment, the work machine further comprises a second bidirectional DC/DC converter connected to the power circuit and the first electrical connector, wherein the second bidirectional DC/DC converter is configured to control a direction and an intensity/magnitude of current flowing between the power circuit and the first electrical connector, thereby controlling the direction and the intensity/magnitude of current flowing between the power circuit and the auxiliary rechargeable battery when the work accessory is connected to the work machine via the work accessory connecting device.

This may be used to control whether electrical energy will be delivered to/supplied from/to the auxiliary battery from/to the power circuit in a corresponding manner as described above in relation to the first battery.

The advantage of using both the first and second bi-directional DC/DC converters is that it is able to fully control the current flowing into/from the power circuit from both batteries when the work attachment is connected to the work machine. This may be used during operation (e.g., by using an auxiliary battery to fully or partially power propulsion of the vehicle) and during charging (e.g., by distributing charging current between two batteries in response to individual and possibly deviating battery states, such as state of charge, capacity, desired charging current, etc.).

The control unit is preferably configured to control each of the first and second bidirectional DC/DC converters and thus the flow of current between each battery and the power circuit. The control unit may be arranged to follow certain predetermined control rules, which may differ depending on the type of work accessory/work tool connected to the work machine (in particular the power demand of the work tool), the charge level of the battery, the operating state of the vehicle (operating or charging), the distance from the charging unit, etc. The control unit can in turn be manually controlled by a driver of the working machine. The control unit is preferably also configured to control the operation of all motors and other controllable components of the work machine and the work attachment.

The second bidirectional DC/DC converter may be disposed on the work attachment, rather than on the work machine.

According to another embodiment, the work machine further comprises a charging connection component connected to the first rechargeable battery, wherein the charging connection component is configured to be connected to an external battery charging unit. In principle, the charging connection member may be connected to a certain point of the power circuit and thus to the first battery via the power circuit. However, the charging connection means are preferably more or less directly connected to the first battery, wherein the first DC/DC converter is arranged between the charging connection means and the rest of the power circuit, such that the first DC/DC converter can adjust the magnitude of the charging current that should be allowed to pass to the rest of the power circuit. Furthermore, connecting the first DC/DC converter directly to the first battery allows charging the first battery even if the control unit and/or the first DC/DC converter is switched off/off.

According to another embodiment, the first electric motor is configured for propulsion of the work machine. This may be one central electric motor or the first electric motor may be one of several (typically four) electric hub motors arranged at each wheel of the vehicle. The first electric motor may be configured to propel the vehicle in an indirect manner by operating as an electrical power source for hydraulic propulsion of the vehicle. In principle, the propulsion of the vehicle need not be based on electric power (i.e. battery + electric motor), or the first electric motor is configured for the propulsion of the work machine (which may be configured for other operational tasks, such as powering a hydraulic pump for hydraulic steering of the vehicle). However, electrically propelled work machines have relatively high power output requirements, and the idea of using an auxiliary battery arranged on the work attachment is primarily important for such vehicles.

The work machine may comprise at least one additional electric motor arranged to drive at least one hydraulic pump to power the hydraulic system. Such hydraulic systems may be used for vehicle steering, moving lift arms, driving work tools, and the like.

According to another embodiment, the work attachment connection device is configured to mechanically and electrically connect a work attachment to a vehicle. In the case where the work attachment does not contain any battery or other electronic device, it may be sufficient that the work attachment is only mechanically connected. In one example, the work machine may be used with a work attachment provided with an auxiliary battery and an electrically driven work tool consistent with that described above. By using only the auxiliary battery and leaving the first battery fully charged, the work attachment may be disconnected when the charge level of the auxiliary battery becomes low. When charging the auxiliary battery, the work machine may be used with another work accessory that does not require any electrical power or connection (or with another work accessory with a charged auxiliary battery). In any case, the work attachment connection device may also be provided with a hydraulic connector for connecting to any hydraulically driven component on the work attachment.

According to another embodiment the work machine is provided with at least one lifting arm adapted to be attached to and detached from different work accessories. Thus, the work attachment connection device is arranged in connection with the lifting arm. Typically, the work machine is provided with two parallel, spaced apart lift arms.

According to another embodiment, the work machine is a loader vehicle. The work machine may be an articulated vehicle including a pivot joint in its construction.

The invention also relates to a work attachment for a work machine, wherein the work attachment comprises a work implement, such as a sweeper/rotary broom, a snow blower or a bucket. The work attachment of the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises an auxiliary rechargeable battery and an electrical connector connected to the auxiliary rechargeable battery, wherein the electrical connector is configured to be connected to an electrical circuit arranged on the work machine so as to allow the auxiliary rechargeable battery to be electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the work machine when the work attachment is connected to the work machine.

According to one embodiment, the work attachment further comprises an electric work tool motor configured to directly or indirectly drive the work tool.

According to another embodiment, the work attachment further comprises a second electrical connector connected to the electric work tool motor, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to be connected to an electrical circuit arranged on the work machine so as to allow the electric work tool motor to be electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the work machine when the work attachment is connected to the work machine.

According to another embodiment, an electrical connection is disposed between the auxiliary rechargeable battery and the electric work tool motor such that the auxiliary rechargeable battery may operate as a source of electrical power for the electric work tool motor. That is, the connection between the auxiliary battery and the work tool motor need not be through the work machine as described above.

According to another embodiment, the work attachment further comprises an auxiliary charging connection component connected to an auxiliary rechargeable battery, wherein the auxiliary charging connection component is configured to be connected to an external battery charging unit. The auxiliary charging connection member may also be used to charge the first battery when the work attachment is connected to the work machine.

According to another embodiment, the work accessory further comprises an auxiliary bidirectional DC/DC converter connected to the auxiliary rechargeable battery and the electrical connector, wherein the auxiliary bidirectional DC/DC converter is configured to control a direction and an intensity/magnitude of current flowing between the auxiliary rechargeable battery and the electrical connector, thereby controlling the direction and the intensity/magnitude of current flowing between the power circuit and the auxiliary rechargeable battery when the work accessory is connected to the work machine. As described above, the auxiliary bidirectional DC/DC converter may alternatively be arranged on the work machine.

The invention also relates to a combination of a work machine of the above-mentioned type and a work attachment of the above-mentioned type, wherein the work attachment is connected to the work machine via a work attachment connection device.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

Drawings

The following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings by way of example.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a combination of a work machine and a work attachment, and

fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the electrical connections and components according to the embodiment of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a work machine in the form of a loader vehicle 1, in particular an articulated wheel loader, which is operatively connected to a work attachment 2 via a work attachment connection device 3, which work attachment connection device 3 is arranged on a pair of lifting arms 26 on the loader vehicle 1. The work attachment connection device 3 includes electrical and mechanical connections. The work attachment 2 is provided with an electrically driven work tool in the form of a sweeper/rotary broom 4. The loader vehicle 1 is fully electrically operated and propelled.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the electrical connections and components of the work attachment 2 and the loader vehicle 1 according to fig. 1. As shown in fig. 2, the loader vehicle 1 is provided with a first electric motor 5 arranged for propelling the loader vehicle 1, and an additional electric motor 6 arranged to drive a hydraulic pump (not shown) for powering a hydraulic system (not shown), for example for steering of the loader vehicle 1 and movement of the lifting arm 26.

The first rechargeable battery 7 is configured to supply electric power to the electric motors 5, 6 via a power circuit 8 connecting the electric motors 5, 6 and the first rechargeable battery 7. The motors 5, 6 are connected to the power circuit 8 via DC/ AC converters 31, 32. All electric motors in this example operate with AC current/voltage.

In addition to the mechanical connection for mechanically connecting the work attachment 2 to the loader vehicle 1, the work attachment connection device 3 also comprises a first electrical connector 15a connected to the power circuit 8 of the loader vehicle 1. The first electrical connector 15a is connected to a corresponding electrical connector 15b arranged on the work attachment 2, wherein the corresponding electrical connector 15b is connected to an auxiliary rechargeable battery 17 arranged on the work attachment 2. Thus, when the work attachment 2 is connected to the loader vehicle 1 via the work attachment connecting device 3, the electrical connection of the auxiliary rechargeable battery 17 to the power circuit 8 of the loader vehicle 1 is established.

The work accessory connection device 3 further comprises a second electrical connector 16a connected to the power circuit 8 of the loader vehicle 1. The second electrical connector 16a is connected to a corresponding electrical connector 16b, which corresponding electrical connector 16b is arranged on the work attachment 2 and is connected to the electric work tool motor 18 via another DC/AC converter 33. An electric work tool motor 18 is arranged on the work attachment 2 and is configured to drive the sweeper/rotary broom 4. Thus, when the work attachment 2 is connected to the loader vehicle 1 via the work attachment connecting device 3, an electrical connection of the electric work tool motor 18 to the power circuit 8 of the loader vehicle 1 is established.

A charging connection part 23 configured to be connected to an external battery charging unit is arranged on the loader vehicle 1 and connected to the first rechargeable battery 7. An auxiliary charging connection part 24 configured to be connected to an external battery charging unit is disposed on the work attachment 2 and connected to the auxiliary rechargeable battery 17.

The loader vehicle 1 further comprises a first bidirectional DC/DC converter 21 connected to the power circuit 8 and to the first rechargeable battery 7; the power circuit 8 and the first rechargeable battery 7 are connected via said first bidirectional DC/DC converter 21. The first bidirectional DC/DC converter 21 is configured to control the direction and intensity/magnitude of the current flowing between the power circuit 8 and the first rechargeable battery 7.

The loader vehicle 1 further comprises a second bidirectional DC/DC converter 22 connected to the power circuit 8 and to the first electrical connector 15 a; the power circuit 8 and the first electrical connector 15a are connected via said second bidirectional DC/DC converter 22. The second bidirectional DC/DC converter 22 is configured to control the direction and intensity/magnitude of the current flowing between the power circuit 8 and the first electrical connector 15a, thereby controlling the direction and intensity/magnitude of the current flowing between the power circuit 8 and the auxiliary rechargeable battery 17 when the work accessory 2 is connected to the loader vehicle 1 via the work accessory connecting device 3.

The loader vehicle further comprises a control system configured to control operation of the loader vehicle 1 and to control operation of the work attachment 2 when the work attachment 2 is connected to the loader vehicle 1 via the work attachment connection device 3. The control system comprises a control unit 10 and a control connection network 11, which control connection network 11 connects the control unit 10 with the components to be controlled by the control unit 10, such as the electric motors 5, 6, 18 (via their DC/ AC converters 31, 32, 33) and the first and second bidirectional DC/ DC converters 21, 22. The third connector 11a arranged at the work attachment connecting device 3 is configured to be connected to a corresponding connector 11b, which corresponding connector 11b is arranged on the work attachment 2. The corresponding connector 11b is connected to the electric work tool motor 18 via a converter 33 in order to allow the control unit 10 to control the electric work tool motor 18 when the work attachment 2 is connected to the loader vehicle 1 via the work attachment connection device 3.

The control unit 10 may be connected in a controlled manner to other components such as the batteries 7, 17 (e.g. BMS connected to the batteries to obtain information about the state of charge, temperature, etc.), charging connection components 23, 24 (to obtain information about whether the charging unit is connected, etc.) and other components not shown in fig. 2, such as components related to the steering of the loader vehicle 1.

In this case, the loader vehicle 1 is an articulated vehicle comprising a pivot joint in its construction.

In this example, the nominal voltage of the batteries 7, 17 and the power circuit 8 are all 48V.

The two batteries 7, 17 are connected to the power circuit 8 via respective first and second bidirectional DC/ DC converters 21, 22, the first and second bidirectional DC/ DC converters 21, 22 being capable of controlling the extent and direction to which current (i.e. electrical energy) will flow between each battery 7, 17 and the power circuit 8. This means that during operation of the combination of the loader vehicle 1 and the work attachment 2, it is possible to control how much each battery 7, 17 should contribute to the power output.

Each battery 7, 17 may be used individually to power the loader vehicle 1 (i.e., motors 5 and 6) and the work attachment (i.e., work tool motor 18). The two batteries 7, 17 may be used simultaneously as power sources to the same or different extents. In many cases it is advantageous to use the auxiliary battery 17 until it reaches a certain minimum charge level and then switch to the first battery 7. In this way, the loader vehicle can still be operated after disconnecting the work attachment 2. In any case, the extra capacity of electric energy provided by the auxiliary battery 17 extends the operating time of the combination of the vehicle 1 and the work attachment 2, compared to the case where the work attachment 2 is not provided with any auxiliary battery.

If the combination of the vehicle 1 and the work attachment 2 is charged when the vehicle 1 and the work attachment 2 are connected to each other, in principle any charging connection means 24 may be used, although it is preferred to use a charging connection means 23 arranged on the loader vehicle 1 to charge mainly the first battery 7. The loader vehicle 1 and the work attachment 2 may be disconnected and individually charged via the corresponding charging connection member 24.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; rather, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims set forth below.