JP2014232581A - Industrial vehicle, and deterioration diagnosis method of fuel cell in industrial vehicle with fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an industrial vehicle capable of diagnosing a deterioration state of a fuel cell without trouble, easily, more safely and at lower cost without requiring any special diagnostic device or inspection facility for diagnosing the deterioration state of the fuel cell, and a deterioration diagnosis method of the fuel cell in the industrial vehicle with the fuel cell.SOLUTION: The industrial vehicle comprises: a fuel cell 11A; loading work means 30A and travel means 30B using power of the fuel cell; cell deterioration diagnosis means 20; and storage means. The storage means stores an initial load output property of the fuel cell in the case where a predetermined load is operated. After execution of deterioration diagnosis is instructed, the cell deterioration diagnosis means determines a deterioration state of the fuel cell on the basis of a diagnosis time load output property of the fuel cell which is detected in the case where the predetermined load is operated, and the initial load output property. The predetermined load which is operated and consumes power when determining the initial load output property and the diagnosis time load output property, is the loading work means which is operated in a travel stop state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell deterioration diagnosis method in an industrial vehicle and an industrial vehicle equipped with a fuel cell.

In recent years, various industrial vehicles such as forklifts and excavators are used in various places. Among these industrial vehicles, there are vehicles equipped with fuel cells.
Fuel cells generate electricity by using an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, but the deterioration progresses according to the usage time and the output decreases. When the load cannot be stably operated with the power of the fuel cell, or when it is determined that there is a high possibility that the load cannot be stably operated in the near future, the fuel cell is replaced.
Therefore, it is very important for workers and managers of industrial vehicles equipped with a fuel cell to know how much the fuel cell is currently deteriorated.
Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell is arranged on a driving device (chassis roller) provided with a load acting roller, and a diagnostic device separate from the vehicle is connected to check the state of the fuel cell. A diagnostic device and a diagnostic method for a fuel cell are disclosed. The diagnostic device described in Patent Document 1 is connected separately from the vehicle, and cannot travel on an actual road with the diagnostic device connected. Therefore, the wheels are rotated on the load acting roller of the driving device to drive the vehicle in a pseudo manner, and the power is output from the fuel cell in a predetermined operation pattern to diagnose the state of the fuel cell.
Patent Document 2 calculates a current / voltage characteristic indicating the relationship between the output current and output voltage of the fuel cell, diagnoses the deterioration state of the fuel cell based on the obtained current / voltage characteristic, and sets the diagnosed deterioration state. Accordingly, a fuel cell system is disclosed that corrects the control conditions of an auxiliary machine for supplying hydrogen and oxygen so that the system efficiency after deterioration is maximized.

JP 2004-179003 A JP 2004-164909 A

In general, when a fuel cell is generated, in order to prevent deterioration of the catalyst in the fuel cell, the no-load state is not preferable, and it is preferable to connect the load and consume power.
In Patent Document 1, a vehicle driving motor is used as a load that consumes electric power. In order to determine the deterioration state of the fuel cell mounted on the vehicle, a diagnostic device separate from the vehicle is required, and a driving device (inspection equipment such as a load acting roller) is also required. Although it is preferable to periodically diagnose the deterioration state of the fuel cell, a great amount of labor and cost are required for the diagnosis. In addition, since it is necessary to make a pseudo run on the load acting roller, it takes time and money to manage the safety.
Patent Document 2 describes that in order to collect current / voltage characteristic change data of a fuel cell, the current and voltage of the fuel cell are measured by a cell monitor while changing the current of the fuel cell at a predetermined increase rate. Has been. Since it is not possible to increase the output current of the fuel cell in the no-load state, in order to change the output current of the fuel cell at a predetermined increase rate, connect a load whose current consumption changes at the predetermined increase rate. There must be. Therefore, a dedicated device for making a diagnosis is required, which requires a lot of labor and cost.
The present invention was devised in view of the above points, and diagnoses the deterioration state of the fuel cell without requiring a special diagnostic device or inspection facility for diagnosing the deterioration state of the fuel cell. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle and an industrial vehicle including the fuel cell, which can be performed easily, safely, and at a lower cost.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle and an industrial vehicle equipped with the fuel cell according to the present invention takes the following means.
First, the first invention of the present invention is a fuel cell, a cargo handling work means for carrying out a cargo handling work using the power from the fuel cell, and a running means for running using the power from the fuel cell. And a battery deterioration diagnosis means capable of detecting the deterioration state of the fuel cell, and a storage means.
The storage means stores an initial load output characteristic that is an output characteristic of the fuel cell when a predetermined load is operated and power is consumed in an initial state of the fuel cell, and the battery deterioration diagnosis means Detects a load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis, which is an output characteristic of the fuel cell when the predetermined load is operated and power is consumed after the execution of the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell is instructed, and the storage means Determining the deterioration state of the fuel cell based on the initial load output characteristic stored in the storage and the detected load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis, and outputting information on a determination result, the initial load output characteristic and the The predetermined load that is operated to consume power by obtaining the load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis is the cargo handling work means that is operated when the traveling means is stopped and the traveling stop state.

In the first aspect of the invention, an industrial vehicle equipped with a fuel cell includes traveling means and cargo handling work means as loads that consume electric power. When performing the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell, the load handling means is operated to consume the predetermined power when the traveling is stopped to detect the load output characteristic during diagnosis, which is the output characteristic of the fuel cell.
In other words, the cargo handling means originally provided in the industrial vehicle is used as a diagnostic load. This eliminates the need for a special diagnostic load (special diagnostic device) and does not require traveling, so that it is safer and does not require inspection equipment (such as a load operating roller for simulated traveling). Therefore, the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell can be performed easily, safely, and at a lower cost without trouble. Further, since the power consumption of the cargo handling means is relatively large (for example, around 1 K [W]), it is very suitable for detecting the output characteristics of the fuel cell.
Then, by determining the deterioration of the fuel cell based on the load output characteristic at diagnosis and the initial load output characteristic, it is possible to appropriately determine the deterioration state.

  Next, a second invention of the present invention is the industrial vehicle according to the first invention, wherein the initial load output characteristic is a travel stop state in which the travel means is stopped in the initial state of the fuel cell. The output voltage of the fuel cell during the operation of the cargo handling work unit operated in the case, and the load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis is a traveling stop state in which the traveling unit is stopped when the deterioration diagnosis is instructed. It is the output voltage of the fuel cell during the operation of the cargo handling work means operated in the case.

In this second invention, the initial load output characteristic is the output voltage of the fuel cell during operation of the cargo handling means in the initial state of the fuel cell, and the load output characteristic at diagnosis is the operation of the cargo handling means during diagnosis of the fuel cell. The output voltage of the fuel cell inside.
In general, it is easier and more accurate to detect the output voltage than to detect the output current of the fuel cell. Therefore, determination of deterioration of the fuel cell based on the load output characteristic at diagnosis and the initial load output characteristic can be performed more easily and more accurately.

  Next, a third invention of the present invention is the industrial vehicle according to the first invention or the second invention, wherein the industrial vehicle is provided so as to be tiltable with respect to a vehicle body, and the mast. A fork lift that can be moved up and down along the forklift, and the loading / unloading work means that operates when detecting the initial load output characteristic and the load output characteristic during diagnosis changes the inclination angle of the mast. At least one of a tilt driving means for moving and a fork driving means for moving the fork up and down.

In this third invention, the industrial vehicle is a forklift, and the cargo handling work means is at least one of a tilt drive means and a fork drive means.
As a result, it is possible to perform the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell more safely and easily without trouble by operating an appropriate cargo handling operation means in the traveling stop state.

  Next, 4th invention of this invention is an industrial vehicle which concerns on any one of the said 1st invention-3rd invention, Comprising: The display means, The said determination result from the said battery deterioration diagnostic means The information output destination is the display means, and the battery deterioration diagnosis means automatically operates the predetermined load when instructed to execute the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell, and outputs the load output characteristic during diagnosis. Is detected to determine the deterioration state of the fuel cell, and information on the determination result including the determined deterioration state is displayed on the display means.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, when the execution of the deterioration diagnosis is instructed, the battery deterioration diagnosis means automatically operates the predetermined load for diagnosis, and displays the diagnosis result on the display means.
Thereby, the diagnosis of the deterioration state of the fuel cell can be performed easily and at low cost without requiring a special diagnostic device for diagnosing the deterioration state of the fuel cell.

Next, a fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to a fuel cell, a cargo handling work means for performing a cargo handling work using electric power from the fuel cell, and a battery deterioration diagnosis means capable of detecting a deterioration state of the fuel cell. And a storage unit, and a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with the fuel cell.
The storage means stores an initial load output characteristic which is an output characteristic of the fuel cell when a predetermined load is operated and electric power is consumed in an initial state of the fuel cell.
Then, after the execution of the fuel cell deterioration diagnosis is instructed, the battery deterioration diagnosis means outputs the fuel cell output characteristics when the predetermined load is operated to consume power. The diagnostic output characteristic detecting step for detecting the fuel cell, the battery deterioration diagnostic means, the initial load characteristic stored in the storage means, and the detected diagnostic load output characteristic based on the detected diagnostic load output characteristic. A determination step for determining a deterioration state; and a determination result output step for outputting information on the determination result of the determination step by the battery deterioration diagnosis means, and the initial load output characteristic and the diagnosis load output characteristic The fuel cell is operated when the travel means is stopped when the travel means is stopped. A deterioration diagnosis method of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped.

The fifth aspect of the invention is an invention that is a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell of an industrial vehicle, as opposed to the first aspect of the invention of an industrial vehicle.
Therefore, like the first invention, the cargo handling means originally provided in the industrial vehicle is used as a load for diagnosis, no special diagnostic device is required, and traveling is also safer, which is safer. No inspection equipment is required. Therefore, the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell can be performed easily, safely, and at a lower cost without trouble. Further, since the power consumption of the cargo handling means is relatively large (for example, around 1 K [W]), it is very suitable for detecting the output characteristics of the fuel cell.
Then, by determining the deterioration of the fuel cell based on the load output characteristic at diagnosis and the initial load output characteristic, it is possible to appropriately determine the deterioration state.

  Next, a sixth invention of the present invention is a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with the fuel cell according to the fifth invention, wherein the initial load output characteristic is an initial state of the fuel cell. The output voltage of the fuel cell during the operation of the cargo handling work means that was operated when the travel means was stopped at the time when the travel means was stopped, and the load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis is when the deterioration diagnosis is instructed The output voltage of the fuel cell during the operation of the cargo handling work means that is operated when the traveling means is stopped.

The sixth aspect of the invention is an invention that is a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell of an industrial vehicle, as opposed to the second aspect of the invention of an industrial vehicle.
Therefore, as in the second invention, it is possible to easily and appropriately determine the deterioration of the fuel cell based on the load output characteristic at diagnosis and the initial load output characteristic.

  Next, a seventh invention of the present invention is a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle comprising the fuel cell according to the fifth or sixth invention, wherein the industrial vehicle is A fork lift having a mast that can be tilted and a fork that can be moved up and down along the mast, and is operated when detecting the initial load output characteristic and the load output characteristic during diagnosis The cargo handling work means is at least one of a tilt driving means for changing an inclination angle of the mast and a fork driving means for moving the fork up and down.

The seventh aspect of the invention is an invention that is a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell of an industrial vehicle, as opposed to the third aspect of the invention of an industrial vehicle.
Therefore, as in the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to safely and easily diagnose the deterioration of the fuel cell without trouble by operating an appropriate cargo handling operation means in the traveling stop state.

  Next, an eighth invention of the present invention is a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with the fuel cell according to any one of the fifth to seventh inventions, wherein the battery deterioration When the execution of the fuel cell deterioration diagnosis is instructed by using a display means capable of displaying information on the determination result from the diagnosis means, the battery deterioration diagnosis means automatically operates the predetermined load. The diagnostic output load characteristic is detected to determine the deterioration state of the fuel cell, and information on the determination result including the determined deterioration state is displayed on the display means.

The eighth aspect of the invention is an invention that is a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell of an industrial vehicle, as opposed to the fourth aspect of the invention of an industrial vehicle.
Therefore, similarly to the fourth invention, the diagnosis of the deterioration state of the fuel cell can be performed easily and at low cost without the need for a special diagnostic device for diagnosing the deterioration state of the fuel cell. it can.

It is a side view explaining the example of the industrial vehicle of this invention. It is an electrical block diagram of the industrial vehicle of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the process sequence of a battery deterioration diagnostic means. It is a graph explaining the example of the output characteristic (current / voltage characteristic) of a fuel cell.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated using drawing.
● [Overall configuration of industrial vehicle 1 (Fig. 1) and connection of electrical devices (Fig. 2)]
FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of an industrial vehicle 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electric machine in which the electric devices are connected.
In the description of the present embodiment, a forklift is used as an example of an industrial vehicle. However, the industrial vehicle of the present invention is not limited to a forklift, and cargo handling work is performed with electric power from a fuel cell when the vehicle is stopped. It is possible to apply to various industrial vehicles which perform.

First, the whole structure of the industrial vehicle 1 is demonstrated using FIG.
A mast 45 is provided at the front of the vehicle body of the industrial vehicle 1. The mast 45 is supported by the vehicle body via a piston rod 53 and a tilt cylinder 52 so that the lower end of the mast 45 can rotate with respect to the vehicle body so as to be tiltable back and forth with respect to the vehicle body.
The mast 45 includes a pair of left and right outer masts 45B that can tilt back and forth with respect to the vehicle body, and a pair of left and right inner masts 45A that slide up and down in the outer mast 45B along the longitudinal direction of the outer mast 45B.
The tilt cylinder 52 and the piston rod 53 are a hydraulic drive means provided in a pair of left and right, and the piston rod 53 reciprocates in the tilt cylinder 52 by the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied by driving the cargo handling pump 30A. .
The vehicle controller 25 tilts the mast 45 forward and backward by controlling the hydraulic pressure of hydraulic oil to the tilt cylinder 52 based on the operation amount of the tilt lever 51 provided in the driver's seat.

A lift cylinder 42 and a piston rod 43, which are hydraulic drive means, are provided behind the outer mast 45B. The piston rod 43 is located inside the lift cylinder 42 by the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied by driving the cargo handling pump 30A. Move back and forth.
The tip of the piston rod 43 is connected to the upper part of the inner mast 45A. When the piston rod 43 rises, the inner mast 45A rises.
A chain wheel 46 is provided at the upper end portion of the inner mast 45 </ b> A, and a chain 47 is hung on the chain wheel 46. One end of the chain 47 is fixed to the outer mast 45B, and the other end of the chain 47 is fixed to the lift bracket 48.

The lift bracket 48 is configured to be slidable along the inner mast 45 </ b> A (or outer mast 45 </ b> B), and is suspended from the chain 47. A fork 49 is attached to the lift bracket 48.
Therefore, when the piston rod 43 is raised, the inner mast 45A is raised, the chain 47 is wound up, and the lift bracket 48 to which the fork 49 is attached is raised.
The vehicle controller 25 moves the fork 49 up and down by controlling the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil to the lift cylinder 42 based on the operation amount of the lift lever 41 provided in the driver's seat.

Further, the industrial vehicle 1 includes a fuel cell unit 10 having a fuel cell system 11 and a fuel cell controller 15, and electric power from the fuel cell unit 10 is supplied to a traveling motor 30B and a cargo handling pump 30A.
The industrial vehicle 1 includes a vehicle controller 25.
The vehicle controller 25 controls the traveling motor 30B based on the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 31 from the worker and outputs a control signal for requesting power supply to the fuel cell controller 15, and the lift lever 41 from the worker. In addition, the cargo handling pump 30A is controlled based on the operation amount of the tilt lever 51 and a control signal for requesting the fuel cell controller 15 to supply power is output.
The traveling motor 30 </ b> B rotates the drive wheels of the industrial vehicle 1, and the cargo handling pump 30 </ b> A pumps hydraulic oil supplied to the tilt cylinder 52 and the lift cylinder 42.
Further, in the industrial vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the “loading work means” includes the cargo handling pump 30A that pumps hydraulic oil using electric power from the fuel cell, and the inclination angle of the mast 45 using the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil. Tilt drive means including a tilt cylinder 52 and a piston rod 53 to be changed, a cargo handling pump 30A that pumps hydraulic oil using electric power from the fuel cell, and a fork 49 that moves up and down using hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil. The fork drive means including the lift cylinder 42 and the piston rod 43 corresponds to the lift cylinder 42 and the piston rod 43.
Further, in the industrial vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the “traveling means” corresponds to the traveling motor 30 </ b> B that rotationally drives the drive wheels using the electric power from the fuel cell.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, each electrical device mounted on the industrial vehicle 1 and electrical connection between the electrical devices will be described.
The fuel cell unit 10 includes a fuel cell system 11, a first output voltage detection means 12V, a first output current detection means 12A, a DC-DC converter 13, a second output voltage detection means 13V, a capacitor 14, a fuel cell controller 15, and the like. Have.
The fuel cell system 11 includes a fuel cell 11A, a compressor 11B that supplies atmospheric oxygen to the fuel cell 11A, and a hydrogen tank 11C that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell 11A.
On the path from the fuel cell 11A to the DC-DC converter 13, the first output voltage detection means 12V capable of detecting the voltage of the power supplied from the fuel cell 11A and the current of the power supplied from the fuel cell 11A are detected. Possible first output current detection means 12A is provided.
Then, the fuel cell controller 15 outputs a control signal to the fuel cell system 11 based on the power supply request signal from the vehicle controller 25, controls the supply amount of oxygen and hydrogen, and supplies the requested power to the fuel cell. Power is generated at 11A. Further, the fuel cell controller 15 takes in detection signals from the first output voltage detection means 12V and the first output current detection means 12A, detects the voltage and current supplied from the fuel cell 11A, and based on the detected voltage and current. Thus, the fuel cell system 11 is feedback-controlled.

The power generated by the fuel cell 11A is input to the DC-DC converter 13, and the DC-DC converter 13 stabilizes the DC power input from the fuel cell 11A (for example, a constant voltage of 48V). Convert to and output.
The fuel cell controller 15 receives the detection signal from the second output voltage detection means 13V, detects the output voltage from the DC-DC converter 13, and feeds back the DC-DC converter 13 so that a desired voltage is output. Control.
A capacitor 14 for smoothing and stabilizing the current is connected to both ends of the output of the DC-DC converter 13.

The output from the DC-DC converter 13, which is the output from the fuel cell unit 10, is connected to each of the cargo handling inverter 22A and the traveling inverter 22B.
Further, third output voltage detection means 21V is connected to both ends of the output from the DC-DC converter 13, and the vehicle controller 25 takes in the detection signal from the third output voltage detection means 21V, and DC-DC. The output voltage from the converter 13 is detected.
The vehicle controller 25 controls the traveling inverter 22B based on the output voltage from the DC-DC converter 13 detected by using the third output voltage detecting means 21V and the depression amount of the accelerator pedal 31, and thereby the traveling motor. AC power for appropriately driving 30B is output from the traveling inverter 22B.
The vehicle controller 25 controls the cargo handling inverter 22A based on the output voltage from the DC-DC converter 13 detected using the third output voltage detection means 21V and the operation amounts of the tilt lever 51 and the lift lever 41. Thus, AC power for appropriately driving the cargo handling pump 30A is output from the cargo handling inverter 22A.

Further, the vehicle controller 25 is connected to the fuel cell controller 15 through the communication line T1 so as to be able to transmit / receive to / from the fuel cell controller 15, and can transmit / receive various information to / from the fuel cell controller 15. For example, the vehicle controller 25 can transmit a power supply request signal and receive the output voltage and output current of the fuel cell.
Further, the vehicle controller 25 is connected with a deterioration diagnosis button 23 for instructing execution of deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell 11A and display means 24 (liquid crystal display monitor or the like) for displaying various information from the vehicle controller 25. Has been.

The industrial vehicle 1 of the present invention is specially designed to diagnose the deterioration state of the fuel cell by providing at least one of the vehicle controller 25 or the fuel cell controller 15 with the function of the battery deterioration diagnosis means 20 for performing the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell. Therefore, it is possible to easily, safely, and cost-effectively diagnose the deterioration state of the fuel cell without requiring a simple diagnostic device. The battery deterioration diagnosis means 20 can be provided separately from the vehicle controller 25 or the fuel cell controller 15. However, in order to reduce the cost, at least one of the vehicle controller 25 or the fuel cell controller 15 is provided. It is preferable to provide a function of battery deterioration diagnosis means.
Hereinafter, a processing procedure of the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 will be described.

[Processing procedure of the battery deterioration diagnosis means 20 (FIG. 3)]
Next, a processing procedure of fuel cell deterioration diagnosis by the battery deterioration diagnosis means 20 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The process is started, for example, at regular time intervals (such as every 100 ms).

In step S10, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 determines whether there is a deterioration diagnosis instruction. When the deterioration diagnosis button 23 is operated by the operator (Yes), the process proceeds to step S15, and when the deterioration diagnosis button 23 is not operated (No), the process ends.
When the process proceeds to step S15, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 detects, for example, the control state of the traveling inverter 22B and the rotation state of the wheels, and determines whether or not the industrial vehicle is in a traveling stop state. When the vehicle is in the travel stop state (Yes), the process proceeds to step S20, and when the vehicle is not in the travel stop state (No), the process proceeds to step S90D. In addition, the determination method of the driving | running | working stop state of a vehicle is not specifically limited.
When the process proceeds to step S90D, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 displays on the display unit 24, for example, “Fuel cell deterioration diagnosis cannot be executed while the vehicle is running. Is displayed and the process is terminated.

When the process proceeds to step S20, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 determines whether or not the initial characteristics are stored in the storage unit. The initial characteristic is the output characteristic of the fuel cell (corresponding to the initial load output characteristic) when the cargo handling means is operated and power is consumed in the initial state of the fuel cell. The cargo handling work means is a mast tilting operation and a fork lifting operation via the cargo handling pump 30A that can consume electric power when the vehicle is stopped, and hereinafter, the mast tilting operation will be described as an example.
As the storage means, the storage means provided in the vehicle controller 25 or the fuel cell controller 15 is used.
The battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 proceeds to step S25 when the initial characteristic is stored in the storage unit (Yes), and proceeds to step S40B when the initial characteristic is not stored in the storage unit (No).

When the process proceeds to step S25, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 displays on the display unit 24 a screen prompting selection of the initial characteristic storage mode or the deterioration diagnosis mode, and then proceeds to step S30. The initial characteristic storage mode is a mode in which the initial load output characteristic in the initial state of the fuel cell is stored in the storage means at the time of replacement of the fuel cell, and the deterioration diagnosis mode is for diagnosing the current deterioration state of the fuel cell. In this mode, the display unit 24 displays the result.
In step S30, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 determines whether the selection is completed. When the selection is completed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S35, and when the selection is not completed (No), the process returns to step S30.
In step S35, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 determines whether or not the deterioration diagnosis mode is selected. When the deterioration diagnosis mode is selected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S40A, and when the deterioration diagnosis mode is not selected (No (when the initial characteristic storage mode is selected)), the process proceeds to step S40B.
When the process proceeds to step S40A, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 stores that the current process is in the deterioration diagnosis mode, displays on the display unit 24 such as “execute the deterioration diagnosis mode”, and then proceeds to step S45. move on.
When the process proceeds to step S40B, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 stores that the current process is in the initial characteristic storage mode, displays a message such as “execute the initial characteristic storage mode” on the display unit 24, and the step Proceed to S45.

When the process proceeds to step S45, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 displays on the display unit 24 an instruction for the operation of the cargo handling work unit (in this case, the mast tilting operation), and the process proceeds to step S50. For example, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 causes the display unit 24 to display “Please confirm the safety of the surroundings and operate the tilt lever to tilt the mast”.
In step S50, the battery deterioration diagnosis means 20 determines whether or not the cargo handling work means has been operated. When the cargo handling work means is operated (Yes), the process proceeds to step S55, and when the cargo handling work means is not operated (No), the process returns to step S45.
In step S55, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 displays that measurement is in progress, measures the output characteristics of the fuel cell, and proceeds to step S65. For example, the output characteristic to be measured is the output voltage detected by the first output voltage detection means 12V.
Note that the output voltage may be detected a plurality of times, and an average value thereof may be obtained and used for subsequent processing.
The process of step S55 corresponds to a diagnostic output characteristic detection step.
FIG. 4 shows an “initial characteristic” (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4) which is a current / voltage characteristic in an initial state of the fuel cell, and a “A” which is a current / voltage characteristic in a state where the fuel cell is deteriorated by A%. % Deterioration Characteristics ”(indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 4) and“ B% Degradation Characteristics ”(in FIG. 4), which is a current / voltage characteristic when the fuel cell is B% degraded (B> A). An example of display by a two-dot chain line) is shown. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents the output current of the fuel cell, and the vertical axis represents the output voltage of the fuel cell.
The output characteristics of the fuel cell tend to move downward relative to the initial characteristics as the deterioration progresses.

When the process proceeds to step S65, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 determines whether or not the cargo handling work unit operates stably and the output power of the fuel cell is stably output. If stable (Yes), the process proceeds to step S70, and if not stable (No), the process proceeds to step S85.
When the process proceeds to step S85, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 determines whether or not the unstable state is not released even after a predetermined time has elapsed. When the unstable state is released (Yes), the process returns to Step S55, and when the unstable state is not released (No), the process proceeds to Step S90C.
When the process proceeds to step S90C, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 determines that the deterioration of the fuel cell has progressed to such an extent that the cargo handling unit cannot be stably operated, and displays on the display unit 24 a prompt to replace the fuel cell (for example, “ "The fuel cell has reached the end of its life. Replace the fuel cell.") And finish the process.

When the process proceeds to step S70, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 determines whether or not the current diagnosis is the deterioration diagnosis mode. If the current diagnosis is the deterioration diagnosis mode (Yes), the process proceeds to step S75. If the current diagnosis is not the deterioration diagnosis mode (No (in the initial characteristic storage mode)), the process proceeds to step S80.
When the process proceeds to step S80, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 stores the measured output voltage in the storage unit as an initial characteristic (initial load output characteristic), and proceeds to step S90B.
In step S90B, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 displays a display indicating that the initial characteristics of the fuel cell are stored in the storage unit (for example, “The initial characteristics of the fuel cell have been stored”). Exit.
When the process proceeds to step S75, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 compares the output characteristic (output voltage) of the fuel cell measured this time with the output voltage of the initial characteristic stored in the storage unit, and the fuel cell The deterioration state (deterioration level) is determined, and the process proceeds to step S90A.
The process in step S75 corresponds to a determination step.
Then, in step S90A, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 displays the determined deterioration state (deterioration level) on the display unit (for example, “The fuel cell is currently in the A% deterioration state. Please replace. ”Is displayed) to finish the process.
The process of step S90A corresponds to a determination result output step.

FIG. 4 shows that the output during operation of the cargo handling means is at the position P0 when the fuel cell is in the initial state, and the output during operation of the cargo handling means when the fuel cell is in the A% deteriorated state is the point P1. This indicates that the output during operation of the cargo handling work means was at the position of point P2 when the fuel cell was in the B% deteriorated state. It should be noted that B%> A%, the point P0 is (current, voltage) = (I0, V0), the point P1 is (current, voltage) = (I1, V1), and the point P2 is (current, Voltage) = (I2, V2).
Here, since the cargo handling means is the same (in this case, the tilt operation is the same), the power (voltage × current) consumed by the cargo handling means is the same. Accordingly, the area of the square V0-P0-I0-O, the area of the square V1-P1-I1-O, and the area of the square V2-P2-I2-O are the same.
In the initial characteristic storage mode, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 stores (voltage) = (V0) in the storage unit as the initial load output characteristic in step S80.
Further, in the deterioration diagnosis mode, for example, when the (voltage) measured this time is (V1), the battery deterioration diagnosis means 20 is 100 (%) − V1 / V0 (%) = A (which is a decrease in voltage. %) To calculate that the state is A% deteriorated.
In the output characteristics of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 4, in the region A where the current is very small, it is difficult to detect the difference between the initial characteristics and the characteristics at the time of deterioration. Then, since it measures in this area | region A, it is not preferable.
In the output characteristics of the fuel cell shown in FIG. 4, in the region B where the current is relatively larger than the region A, the difference between the initial characteristics and the characteristics at the time of deterioration becomes large, so that the deterioration is easier and more accurate. The state can be detected. The cargo handling pump used in the tilting operation for tilting the mast and the lifting operation for lifting the fork has a power consumption of about 1 KW and is very preferable because it can consume an appropriate amount of power.

In addition, the display in step S90A is not limited to the display of the numerical value of the deterioration state “A% deterioration state”, but indicates the position corresponding to the current state from the initial state to the replacement required after the pointer moves. Alternatively, “good” or “replacement required” or the like may be selectively displayed, and any information can be used as long as information regarding the determination result (information regarding deterioration) is displayed. Also good.
In the industrial vehicle described in the present embodiment, it is recommended to replace the fuel cell in a 14% deteriorated state where a guaranteed output of cargo handling work can be safely obtained. It becomes a state. When the obtained deterioration state of the fuel cell is 14% or more, for example, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit may output an alarm display or the like from the display unit so as to prompt the replacement of the fuel cell.

In the above description, the mast tilting operation has been described as an example of the cargo handling operation means. However, at least one of the mast tilting operation and the fork lifting / lowering operation may be performed at the time of deterioration diagnosis using the cargo handling operation means.
In addition, since the cargo handling means originally provided by industrial vehicles is used as a diagnostic load, no special diagnostic load (special diagnostic device) is required and traveling is also safer and safer. And the like (such as a load acting roller for simulated driving) are also unnecessary. Therefore, the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell can be performed easily, safely, and at a lower cost without trouble. Further, since the power consumption of the cargo handling means is relatively large (for example, around 1 K [W]), it is very suitable for detecting the output characteristics of the fuel cell.
A general fuel cell has a configuration in which a plurality of cells are connected in series, and the sum of the output voltages of the cells becomes the output voltage of the fuel cell. The fuel cell controller 15 and the battery deterioration diagnosis unit 20 can detect the output voltage of each cell. Using this configuration, when the battery deterioration diagnosis means 20 stores the initial load output characteristic, the output characteristic (output voltage for each cell) is stored for each cell, and when detecting the load output characteristic during diagnosis at the time of deterioration diagnosis The output characteristics (output voltage for each cell) may be detected for each cell, and the deterioration state may be determined for each cell.
The industrial vehicle 1 of the present invention has a deterioration diagnosis button 23 added to a conventional industrial vehicle equipped with a fuel cell (the display means 24 also includes a conventional industrial vehicle), and the fuel cell controller 15 or the vehicle. Since the function of the battery deterioration diagnosis means 20 is added to at least one of the fuel cell controller 15 and the vehicle controller 25 by changing the program of the controller 25, it can be realized more easily and at a lower cost. .
If a display device (such as a touch panel) capable of touch input is used as the display means 24, the deterioration diagnosis button can be omitted.

In the above description, the deterioration state is determined by using only the voltage in the voltage and current which are the output characteristics of the fuel cell. However, the deterioration state may be determined by using the current.
In this case, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit takes in the output current detected by the first output current detection unit 12A in step S55 (the average value may be obtained by taking in a plurality of times).
In step S80, the battery deterioration diagnosis unit stores the detected output current as an initial characteristic (initial load output characteristic), and in step S75, stores the output current measured this time and the initial characteristic (initial load output characteristic). The deterioration state (deterioration level) of the fuel cell is determined by comparing the output current.
For example, when the output current of the initial characteristic is I0 and the output current detected in the deterioration diagnosis mode is I1, I1 / I0 (%) − 100 (%) = A (%), which is an increase in current, is calculated. , A% degradation state is calculated.
Further, in the voltage and current that are the output characteristics of the fuel cell, the deterioration state may be determined using both the voltage and the current.
In the above description, the operator operates the cargo handling means and measures the output characteristics of the fuel cell by the battery deterioration diagnosis means. However, when the execution of the fuel cell deterioration diagnosis is instructed, the battery deterioration diagnosis means Then, the cargo handling operation means may be automatically operated, and the battery deterioration diagnosis means may measure the output characteristics of the fuel cell and determine the deterioration state, and display information on the determination result including the determined deterioration state. In this case, the operator only has to operate the deterioration diagnosis button, and the battery deterioration diagnosis means automatically performs deterioration diagnosis including the operation of the cargo handling work means, which is very convenient.

Further, using the cargo handling work means, the battery deterioration detecting means, and the storage means, the initial load output characteristics are stored in the storage means, the diagnostic output characteristics detection step in step S55, and the determination step in step S75. The present invention can also be provided as a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, including the determination result output step of Step S90A.
In this case as well, the predetermined load that is operated when consuming the initial load output characteristic and the load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis and consumes power is the cargo handling work means that is operated when the traveling means is stopped and The deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell can be performed easily, safely, and at low cost without trouble.

The deterioration diagnosis method for a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle and an industrial vehicle equipped with a fuel cell according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration, structure, shape, processing, etc. described in the present embodiment, and does not change the gist of the present invention. Various changes, additions and deletions can be made.
In the description of the present embodiment, a forklift is used as an example of an industrial vehicle equipped with a fuel cell. However, the deterioration diagnosis method for a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle and an industrial vehicle equipped with a fuel cell according to the present invention is a traveling vehicle. The present invention can be applied to various industrial vehicles that perform cargo handling work using the power of the fuel cell in a stopped state.
In the description of the present embodiment, the example in which the function of the battery deterioration diagnosis unit is provided in at least one of the vehicle controller 25 or the fuel cell controller 15 is described. However, the battery deterioration is separate from the vehicle controller 25 and the fuel cell controller 15. You may comprise as a diagnostic apparatus.
The numerical values used in the description of the present embodiment are examples, and are not limited to these numerical values.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Industrial vehicle 10 Fuel cell unit 11 Fuel cell system 11A Fuel cell 13 DC-DC converter 14 Capacitor 15 Fuel cell controller 20 Battery deterioration diagnostic means 22A Cargo handling inverter 22B Traveling inverter 23 Degradation diagnostic button 24 Display means 25 Vehicle controller 30A Cargo handling Pump 30B travel motor 41 lift lever 42 lift cylinder 43 piston rod 45 mast 46 chain wheel 47 chain 48 lift bracket 49 fork 51 tilt lever 52 tilt cylinder 53 piston rod

Claims (8)

A fuel cell;
Cargo handling means for carrying out cargo handling work using electric power from the fuel cell;
Traveling means for traveling using electric power from the fuel cell;
A battery deterioration diagnosis means capable of detecting a deterioration state of the fuel cell;
An industrial vehicle comprising storage means,
The storage means stores an initial load output characteristic which is an output characteristic of the fuel cell when a predetermined load is operated in the initial state of the fuel cell and power is consumed,
The battery deterioration diagnosis means detects a load output characteristic during diagnosis, which is an output characteristic of the fuel cell when the predetermined load is operated and power is consumed after an instruction to execute the deterioration diagnosis of the fuel cell is given. And determining a deterioration state of the fuel cell based on the initial load output characteristic stored in the storage means and the detected load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis, and outputting information on a determination result,
The predetermined load that is operated when consuming the initial load output characteristic and the load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis and consumes electric power is the cargo handling work means that is operated when the traveling means is stopped and in a traveling stop state. ,
Industrial vehicle. The industrial vehicle according to claim 1,
The initial load output characteristic is an output voltage of the fuel cell during operation of the cargo handling work unit that is operated when the traveling unit is stopped in the initial state of the fuel cell.
The diagnostic load output characteristic is an output voltage of the fuel cell during operation of the cargo handling work means operated when the traveling means is stopped when the traveling diagnosis is instructed.
Industrial vehicle. An industrial vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,
The industrial vehicle is a forklift having a mast that can be tilted with respect to a vehicle body, and a fork that can be moved up and down along the mast,
The loading / unloading work means operated when detecting the initial load output characteristic and the load output characteristic at diagnosis is at least one of a tilt driving means for changing an inclination angle of the mast and a fork driving means for moving the fork up and down. Is,
Industrial vehicle. The industrial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A display means,
The output destination of the information on the determination result from the battery deterioration diagnosis unit is the display unit,
When the execution of the fuel cell deterioration diagnosis is instructed, the battery deterioration diagnosis means automatically operates the predetermined load to detect the diagnosis load output characteristic to determine the deterioration state of the fuel cell. Displaying information on the determination result including the determined deterioration state on the display means;
Industrial vehicle. A fuel cell;
Cargo handling means for carrying out cargo handling work using electric power from the fuel cell;
A battery deterioration diagnosis means capable of detecting a deterioration state of the fuel cell;
In a method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, using storage means,
The storage means stores an initial load output characteristic which is an output characteristic of the fuel cell when a predetermined load is operated in the initial state of the fuel cell and power is consumed,
After the execution of the fuel cell deterioration diagnosis is instructed, the battery deterioration diagnosis means outputs a load output characteristic at diagnosis which is an output characteristic of the fuel cell when the predetermined load is operated and power is consumed. A diagnostic output characteristic detection step to detect;
A determination step of determining a deterioration state of the fuel cell based on the initial load characteristic stored in the storage unit and the detected load output characteristic at diagnosis in the battery deterioration diagnosis unit;
A determination result output step of outputting information related to the determination result of the determination step in the battery deterioration diagnosis means;
The predetermined load that is operated when consuming the initial load output characteristic and the load output characteristic at the time of diagnosis and consumes electric power is the cargo handling work means that is operated when the traveling means is stopped and in a traveling stop state. ,
A method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with the fuel cell. A method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle comprising the fuel cell according to claim 5,
The initial load output characteristic is an output voltage of the fuel cell during operation of the cargo handling work unit that is operated when the traveling unit is stopped in the initial state of the fuel cell.
The diagnostic load output characteristic is an output voltage of the fuel cell during operation of the cargo handling work means operated when the traveling means is stopped when the traveling diagnosis is instructed.
A method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with the fuel cell. A method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle comprising the fuel cell according to claim 5 or 6,
The industrial vehicle is a forklift having a mast that can be tilted with respect to a vehicle body, and a fork that can be moved up and down along the mast,
The loading / unloading work means operated when detecting the initial load output characteristic and the load output characteristic at diagnosis is at least one of a tilt driving means for changing an inclination angle of the mast and a fork driving means for moving the fork up and down. Is,
A method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with the fuel cell. A method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle comprising the fuel cell according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
Using display means capable of displaying information on the determination result from the battery deterioration diagnosis means,
When the execution of the fuel cell deterioration diagnosis is instructed, the battery deterioration diagnosis means automatically operates the predetermined load to detect the diagnosis load output characteristic to determine the deterioration state of the fuel cell. And displaying information on the determination result including the determined deterioration state on the display means.
A method for diagnosing deterioration of a fuel cell in an industrial vehicle equipped with the fuel cell.

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