Control device, vehicle, and control method

Abstract

The control device of the present invention is equipped with a control unit, which implements the following control: determining the connection between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit has a riding space in which a user can ride and is equipped with specified equipment, and is provided with a first path, and a fluid used in the specified equipment passes through the first path, the second unit is configured to be able to be separated from and connected to the first unit, and has a driving device of a vehicle formed by connecting to the first unit; and supplying the fluid existing in the first path to the second unit side so that it can absorb the heat generated by the driving device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a vehicle, and a control method. Background Art

[0002] It is known that there is a publicly available autonomous driving vehicle that is equipped with: a traveling unit without a cabin, and a structure that can be detachably mounted on the upper part of the traveling unit (for example, International Publication No. 2018 / 230720). Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for promoting heat dissipation of heat generated by a drive device in a vehicle in which a vehicle compartment unit and a travel unit equipped with drive wheels and a drive device for driving the drive wheels are detachably connected.

[0004] The first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device, which is equipped with a control unit, and the control unit implements the following control:

[0005] Determining the connection between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit having a riding space in which a user can ride and which is provided with a predetermined device, and having a first path through which a fluid used in the predetermined device passes, the second unit being configured to be separable from and connectable to the first unit, and having a driving device of a vehicle formed by connecting with the first unit; and

[0006] The fluid existing in the first path is supplied to the second unit side so as to absorb heat generated from the driving device.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle, equipped with:

[0008] a first unit having a boarding space in which a user can board and in which predetermined equipment is installed, and having a first path through which a fluid used in the predetermined equipment passes;

[0009] a second unit, the second unit being configured to be separable from and connectable to the first unit and having a driving device of a vehicle formed by connecting with the first unit;

[0010] a connecting member connecting the first unit and the second unit; and

[0011] A first control unit controls, when the first unit and the second unit are connected by the connection member, to supply the fluid in the first path to the second unit so as to absorb heat generated by the drive device.

[0012] The third embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method, comprising:

[0013] a determination step of determining the connection between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit having a riding space in which a user can ride and in which a predetermined device is provided, and having a first path through which a fluid used in the predetermined device passes, the second unit being configured to be separable from and connectable to the first unit and having a driving device of a vehicle formed by connecting to the first unit; and

[0014] A supplying step of supplying the fluid existing in the first path to the second unit side so as to absorb the heat generated from the driving device.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a technology can be provided for promoting heat dissipation of heat generated by a drive device in a vehicle having a vehicle compartment unit and a travel unit equipped with drive wheels and a drive device for driving the drive wheels, which can be separated and connected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Hereinafter, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like components, and in which:

[0017] Figure 1 An example of the outline of the vehicle according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 An example of an outline of the functional configuration of the control device is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 An example of a flowchart showing a process performed by the control device.

[0020] Figure 4 An example of an outline of the structure of a vehicle according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 An example of a flowchart showing a process executed by the control device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The equipment provided in the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a hot water supply device and an air conditioning device. In addition, the fluid according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes: feed water used in the air conditioning device, a heat medium for heat exchange with air supplied from the air conditioning device, and waste water generated in the first unit. In addition, the drive device of the second unit includes an electric motor, which drives the drive wheels of the vehicle formed by connecting the second unit to the first unit. In addition, the drive device includes a secondary battery that supplies power to the electric motor.

[0023] According to the control device as described above, the heat dissipation of the driving device provided in the second unit can be promoted by using the fluid existing in the first unit instead of providing the heat dissipation device in the second unit. That is, such a control device can suppress the unnecessary enlargement of the second unit which can be separated from and connected to the first unit on which the user can ride, and can promote the heat dissipation of the second unit.

[0024] <First Implementation Method>

[0025] (Structure of Vehicle 1)

[0026] Figure 1 An example of the outline of the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment is shown. The vehicle 1 is, for example, an electric car, and is equipped with a cabin unit 10 having a space in which a user can ride, and a travel unit 20 that can travel autonomously. The cabin unit 10 and the travel unit 20 can be separated and combined up and down. In the cabin unit 10 and the travel unit 20, for example, a mechanism capable of separation and combination can also be provided respectively to achieve separation and combination. In addition, the cabin unit 10 and the travel unit 20 can also be separated and combined by utilizing the magnetic force generated by an electromagnet, for example. Here, the cabin unit 10 is an example of the "first unit" of the present disclosure. In addition, the travel unit 20 is an example of the "second unit" of the present disclosure. In addition, in the following embodiments, various sensors provided in the vehicle 1 are equipped with a communication module capable of wireless communication, and wirelessly transmit measurement data to a control device 21 (to be described later) provided in the travel unit 20. In addition, various pumps provided in the vehicle 1 are equipped with a communication module capable of wireless communication, wirelessly receive an action control signal from the control device 21, and act according to the received action control signal. In addition, various valves provided in the vehicle 1 are equipped with a communication module capable of wireless communication, wirelessly receive an opening control signal from the control device 21, and open or close according to the received opening control signal.

[0027] (Structure of Carriage Unit 10)

[0028] The vehicle compartment unit 10 has a space where a user can ride, and a kitchen unit 101 is provided in the space. The kitchen unit 101 is provided with a hot water supply device 102 and a water supply tank 103 for storing water supply. In addition, the kitchen unit 101 is provided with a pipe 104 that connects the water supply tank 103 and the hot water supply device 102. In addition, a pump 18 that presses water from the water supply tank 103 to the hot water supply device 102 is provided in the middle of the pipe 104. In addition, the pipe 104 is branched in the middle, and the branched pipe 105 is provided so that its front end can be connected to the pipe provided in the travel unit 20. In addition, a valve 106 is provided in the middle of the pipe 105. By controlling the opening of the valve 106, the flow rate of the water supply flowing from the pipe 104 to the pipe 105 is adjusted. In addition, a temperature sensor 120 is provided in the pipe 104 near the outlet of the feed water tank 103. The temperature sensor 120 can measure the temperature of the feed water passing through the pipe 104. The pipe 104 is an example of the "first path" of the present disclosure.

[0029] The kitchen unit 101 includes a sink for using hot water produced by the hot water supply device 102 and a waste water tank 107 below the sink. Hot water used for a predetermined purpose in the sink flows into the waste water tank 107 as waste water and is stored.

[0030] In addition, the cabin unit 10 is equipped with an air conditioner 108, a circulation pipe that circulates between the waste water tank 107 and the air conditioner 108, and a pump 119 that pressurizes waste water from the waste water tank 107 to the air conditioner 108. When the waste water (an example of the heat medium in the present disclosure) stored in the waste water tank 107 is supplied to the air conditioner 108 through the circulation pipe, the waste water exchanges heat with the air passing through the outer surface of the circulation pipe in the air conditioner 108, thereby heating the air. In addition, the air further exchanges heat with a predetermined heat medium, is further heated, and is supplied to the interior of the cabin unit 10 as warm air.

[0031] In addition, the circulation piping from the air conditioner 108 to the waste water tank 107 is branched near the waste water tank 107, and water is discharged to the outside of the system from the branched piping. In addition, a valve 111 is provided in the middle of the branched piping. The opening degree of the valve 111 is controlled, thereby adjusting the flow rate of water discharged to the outside of the system among the water flowing in the circulation piping connecting the waste water tank 107 and the air conditioner 108. The valve 111 may be opened, for example, while the vehicle 1 is parked.

[0032] Furthermore, the vehicle compartment unit 10 is provided with a pipe 117 . The pipe 117 connects the pipe provided in the travel unit 20 and the water tank 103 .

[0033] (Structure of Travel Unit 20)

[0034] The travel unit 20 is equipped with a control device 21. An electronic control unit (ECU) having a CPU (central processing unit) and a memory is provided in the control device 21. In addition, the control device 21 is equipped with a communication module capable of wirelessly communicating with an external device, an external storage device, and a GPS (global positioning system) module.

[0035] In addition, the travel unit 20 is equipped with a driving motor 202. The driving motor 202 rotates each wheel equipped in the travel unit 20. However, the driving motor 202 may drive any pair of wheels in the front and rear pairs of wheels. In addition, the travel unit 20 is equipped with a steering motor. The steering motor outputs a power for changing the direction of the rotation axis along at least one pair of wheels in order to steer the vehicle 1. In addition, the travel unit 20 is equipped with an encoder capable of detecting the rotation angle and steering angle of the wheel. In addition, the travel unit 20 is equipped with an environmental sensor capable of detecting the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1. The environmental sensor, for example, emits ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, etc. in the direction of the detection object, and detects the existence, position, relative speed, etc. of obstacles in the direction of the detection object by using the difference between the emitted waves and the received reflected waves. Obstacles include, for example, pedestrians, bicycles, structures, buildings, etc. In addition, the environmental sensor may also include, for example, a microphone, and detects the presence of people around by frequency spectrum analysis of the frequency of the signal output from the microphone, or voice recognition, etc.

[0036] In the control device 21, the GPS module obtains the information of the current location and generates a path to the target location. In addition, the driving motor 202 and the steering motor are controlled so that the vehicle 1 moves along the generated path. In addition, when the driving motor 202 and the steering motor are controlled, the information of the rotation angle and the steering angle of the vehicle detected by the encoder is used. In addition, in the control device 21, the environment sensor obtains the obstacle information and corrects the originally generated path to avoid the obstacle. Through such processing, the travel unit 20 can autonomously travel from the current location to the target location.

[0037] In addition, the travel unit 20 is provided with a water cooling jacket 203 that covers the outer surface of the drive motor 202. The inside of the water cooling jacket 203 is formed with a structure that allows water to pass through. The water passing through the inside of the water cooling jacket 203 absorbs the heat generated from the drive motor 202 and cools the drive motor 202. In addition, the travel unit 20 is provided with a pipe 204 that is connected to the inlet of the water cooling jacket 203 and allows water to flow into the water cooling jacket 203. The pipe 204 is provided so that its front end can be connected to the front end of the pipe 105 provided in the vehicle body unit 10. In addition, the travel unit 20 is provided with a pipe 206 that is connected to the outlet of the water cooling jacket 203 and allows the water that has passed through the water cooling jacket 203 to pass through. The pipe 206 is provided so that its front end can be connected to the front end of the pipe 117 provided in the vehicle body unit 10. In addition, the pipe 206 is provided with a pump 217, and the pump 217 pressurizes water from the water cooling jacket 203 to the pipe 117 provided in the vehicle compartment unit 10. In addition, the travel unit 20 is provided with a temperature sensor 209 near the drive motor 202 for measuring the temperature near the drive motor 202. In addition, the travel unit 20 is provided with a battery 208. The battery 208 supplies power to the drive motor 202.

[0038] In addition, the travel unit 20 is equipped with a connection member 210A that connects the front port of the pipe 204 to the front port of the pipe 105 on the side of the vehicle body unit 10. In addition, the connection member 210A is provided with a connection detection sensor 211A that can detect the connection state of the front port of the pipe 204 and the front port of the pipe 105. Similarly, the travel unit 20 is equipped with a connection member 210B that connects the front port of the pipe 206 to the front port of the pipe 117 on the side of the vehicle body unit 10. In addition, the connection detection sensor 211A and the connection detection sensor 211B are provided with a connection detection sensor 211B that can detect the connection state of the front port of the pipe 206 and the front port of the pipe 117. In addition, the connection detection sensor 211A and the connection detection sensor 211B include, for example, a mechanical switch, a circuit for confirming conductivity, an optical waveguide for confirming the presence or absence of light arrival, and the like.

[0039] In the vehicle 1 as described above, when the valve 106 provided in the middle of the pipe 105 is closed, the supply of water from the water supply tank 103 to the travel unit 20 side via the pipe 105 is suppressed. In this case, since water is not supplied to the travel unit 20 side, it is needless to say that water does not flow back to the cabin unit 10 side through the pipe 206 of the travel unit 20. That is, the water stored in the water supply tank 103 is used only in the cabin unit 10 side. More specifically, the water stored in the water supply tank 103 is pumped to the hot water supplier 102 by the pump 118, and then heated by the hot water supplier 102 to become hot water. Then, the hot water is used for a predetermined purpose in the water tank, and then stored in the waste water tank 107. The warm water stored in the waste water tank 107 is pumped to the air conditioner 108 by the pump 119, and is used to generate warm air.

[0040] (Functional Structure of Control Device 21)

[0041] Figure 2 This is an example of the outline of the functional configuration of the control device 21. The CPU of the ECU executes a computer program that is executable and expanded in the memory, thereby realizing various functions described below.

[0042] The control device 21 is equipped with a communication unit 221. The communication unit 221 is formed to include a communication module. The communication unit 221 wirelessly communicates with a control object according to a prescribed communication standard, and the control object includes various sensors (including the temperature sensor 120, the temperature sensor 209, the connection detection sensor 211A, and the connection detection sensor 211B) arranged in the vehicle 1, the valve 106, and the pumps 118, 119, and 217.

[0043] In addition, the control device 21 is equipped with a temperature determination unit 222. The temperature determination unit 222 determines whether the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 209 provided near the drive motor 202 exceeds the determination criterion. In addition, the determination criterion is set to a value at which the influence caused by heat does not affect the driving of the drive motor, for example, it is set to a value at a level that does not burn out the coil inside the drive motor 202. In addition, the temperature determination unit 222 determines whether the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 120 provided in the piping 104 of the vehicle compartment unit 10 is lower than the above-mentioned determination criterion.

[0044] In addition, the control device 21 is equipped with a connection determination unit 223. The connection determination unit 223 determines whether the vehicle compartment unit 10 and the travel unit 20 are connected. More specifically, when the signal generated by the connection detection sensor 211A indicating the connection state between the front port of the piping 105 and the front port of the piping 204, and the signal generated by the connection sensor 211B indicating the connection state between the front port of the piping 117 and the front port of the piping 206 are both shown to be connected, it is determined that the vehicle compartment unit 10 and the travel unit 20 are connected.

[0045] In addition, the control device 21 is equipped with a control unit 224. The control unit 224 generates an opening control signal for controlling the opening of the valve 106 provided in the vehicle 1. In addition, the control unit 224 also generates an opening control signal for controlling the opening of valves other than the valve 106 provided in the vehicle 1. In addition, the control unit 224 generates an operation control signal for operating the pump 118, the pump 119, and the pump 217 provided in the vehicle 1. In addition, the control unit 224 is an example of the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

[0046] (Processing Flow of Control Device 21)

[0047] Next, the flow of processing performed by the control device 21 will be described. Figure 3 An example of a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control device 21. In addition, the pump 118 is a device that operates to supply feed water from the feed water tank 103 to the hot water supply device 102. In addition, the pump 119 is a device that operates to circulate waste water between the waste water tank 107 and the air conditioner 108. In addition, a signal indicating the connection state is periodically transmitted from the connection detection sensor 211A and the connection detection sensor 211B to the communication unit 221.

[0048] (S1001)

[0049] In step S1001, the connection determination unit 223 uses a signal indicating the connection status between the front port of the piping 204 and the front port of the piping 105 sent by the connection detection sensor 211A, and a signal indicating the connection status between the front port of the piping 206 and the front port of the piping 117 sent by the connection detection sensor 211B, to determine whether the car unit 10 and the travel unit 20 are connected (an example of the "determination process" disclosed in the present invention).

[0050] (S1002)

[0051] When, in step S1001, the signal indicating the connection state between the front port of the pipe 105 and the front port of the pipe 204, and the signal indicating the connection state between the front port of the pipe 117 and the front port of the pipe 206 are both signals indicating connection, and it is determined that the vehicle body unit 10 and the travel unit 20 are connected, in step S1002, the communication unit 221 receives temperature information in the vicinity of the drive motor 202 from the temperature sensor 209. In addition, the communication unit 221 receives temperature information of the feed water passing through the pipe 104 from the temperature sensor 120.

[0052] (S103)

[0053] In step S1003, the temperature determination unit 222 determines whether the temperature near the drive motor 202 received in step S1002 exceeds the determination criterion. In addition, when it is determined that the temperature near the drive motor 202 exceeds the determination criterion, the temperature determination unit 222 further determines whether the temperature of the feed water passing through the pipe 104 measured by the temperature sensor 120 is lower than the determination criterion. Here, the determination criterion for determining the temperature of the feed water passing through the pipe 104 may be the same as the determination criterion for determining the temperature near the drive motor 202, or a value lower than the determination criterion may be used.

[0054] (S1004)

[0055] When it is determined in step S1003 that the temperature near the driving motor 202 is higher than the determination reference, and further when it is determined that the temperature of the feed water passing through the pipe 104 is lower than the determination reference, in step S1004, the control unit 224 generates an opening control signal instructing to open the valve 106. In addition, the control unit 224 generates an operation control signal to operate the pump 217. In addition, the communication unit 221 transmits the opening control signal of the valve 106 and the operation control signal of the pump 217 generated by the control unit 224 to each device (an example of the "supply process" of the present disclosure).

[0056] (Description of water flow)

[0057] Next, the water flow in the vehicle 1 is described. Here, the vehicle 1 is in motion, and in step S1001, it is determined that the cabin unit 10 and the travel unit 20 are connected. In step S1003, the temperature determination unit 222 determines that the temperature near the drive motor 202 received in step S1002 is higher than the determination reference, and further, the temperature of the feed water passing through the pipe 104 measured by the temperature sensor 120 is lower than the determination reference.

[0058] In the above-described case, by executing the process of step S1004 in the control device 21, the valve 106 is opened. Therefore, at least a part of the supply water flowing from the water tank 103 to the hot water supply device 102 flows into the pipe 204 provided in the travel unit 20 through the pipe 105. And the supply water passing through the pipe 204 flows into the water cooling jacket 203. And the water flowing into the water cooling jacket 203 absorbs the heat generated from the driving motor 202. And the warm water heated by absorbing the heat flows out to the pipe 206. Here, the pump 217 provided in the middle of the pipe 206 operates according to the operation control signal received from the control device 21. Therefore, the warm water flowing out from the water cooling jacket 203 to the pipe 206 flows into the pipe 117 provided in the vehicle compartment unit 10. And the warm water passing through the pipe 117 flows into the water tank 103.

[0059] That is, the warm water that has absorbed the heat generated by the driving motor 202 is mixed with the feed water supplied from the feed water tank 103 to the hot water supplier 102. Then, the mixed water is heated by the hot water supplier 102 to generate hot water.

[0060] In addition, the generated hot water is used for a predetermined purpose in the water tank and stored in the waste water tank 107. Furthermore, the warm water stored in the waste water tank 107 is pumped to the air conditioner 108 by the pump 119 and used to generate warm air. That is, the warm water that absorbs the heat generated by the driving motor 202 is also mixed with the warm water used to generate warm air in the air conditioner 108. In addition, the pump 118 and the valve 106 are an example of the "first control unit" of the present disclosure. In addition, the pump 217 is an example of the "second control unit" of the present disclosure.

[0061] (Effects of the First Embodiment)

[0062] In the case of an electric vehicle, the heat generated from the driving motor 202 during driving becomes a problem. Therefore, although it is considered to provide a cooling function corresponding to the heat generation, in a vehicle in which the driving unit 20 and the cabin unit 10 can be separated and combined, it is considered that it is not easy to provide a sufficient heat dissipation mechanism in the driving unit 20 due to the size restriction of the driving unit 20. However, in the vehicle 1 as described above, water is stored in the water supply tank 103 in the cabin unit 10, and part of the water flowing to the hot water supply 102 is supplied to the water cooling jacket 203 covering the driving motor 202 provided in the driving unit 20. Therefore, according to the vehicle 1 as described above, a simple heat dissipation structure (water cooling jacket 203) can be provided in the driving unit 20, and the heat dissipation of the driving motor 202 can be promoted by using the water stored in the cabin unit 10. In addition, although the heat dissipation of the driving motor 202 is promoted in this way, since no heat dissipation device is provided in the driving unit 20, the enlargement of the driving unit 20 is suppressed.

[0063] In addition, according to the above-mentioned vehicle 1, the warm water that has passed through the water cooling jacket 203 and absorbed the heat generated by the driving motor 202 flows into the water supply tank 103 and is mixed with the feed water originally stored in the water supply tank 103. Then, the mixed water is heated by the hot water supplier 102. That is, by utilizing the heat generated by the driving motor 202, the energy used to heat the water in the hot water supplier 102 can be saved.

[0064] In addition, the warm water heated in the hot water supply device 102 is used for a predetermined purpose in a sink provided in the kitchen 101. The warm water is stored in the waste water tank 107 and then circulated between the air conditioner 108. That is, by utilizing the heat generated by the driving motor 202, the energy for generating warm air in the air conditioner 108 can be saved.

[0065] According to the vehicle 1 as described above, heat is stored in the waste water tank 107. Therefore, even when the drive motor 202 does not generate heat, the warm water stored in the waste water tank 107 is sent to the air conditioner 108, thereby saving energy for generating warm air in the air conditioner 108.

[0066] <Modification>

[0067] In the first embodiment described above, the degree of opening of the valve 106 may be adjusted according to the temperature of the drive motor 202 and the value of the feed water temperature passing through the pipe 104. According to such a control device 21, the flow rate of the feed water flowing from the cabin unit 10 side to the water cooling jacket 203 of the travel unit 20 may be adjusted according to the temperature of the drive motor 202 and the value of the feed water temperature passing through the pipe 104. In addition, the water may be passed from the cabin unit 10 side to the travel unit 20 side regardless of the value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 209 provided on the drive motor 202.

[0068] In addition, the cabin unit 10 may be configured to supply at least a portion of the warm air generated in the air conditioner 108 to the interior of the waste water tank 107. According to such a cabin unit 10, at least a portion of the waste water stored in the waste water tank 107 is evaporated by the warm air. Therefore, the amount of waste water discharged from the valve 111 is reduced, and the treatment of the waste water becomes easy.

[0069] Alternatively, the warm water passing through the water jacket 203 may not flow back to the cabin unit 10. Alternatively, the refrigerant used in the air conditioner 108 provided in the cabin unit 10 may flow into the water jacket 203 of the travel unit 20.

[0070] <Second Implementation Method>

[0071] (Structure of Carriage Unit 10A)

[0072] Figure 4 An example of an outline of the structure of a vehicle 1A according to a second embodiment is shown. The cabin unit 10A of the vehicle 1A according to the second embodiment is equipped with a kitchen unit 101A. In addition, in the kitchen unit 101A, a water supply tank 103 is provided in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In addition, the water stored in the water supply tank 103 is used for a predetermined purpose and becomes waste water. In addition, in the kitchen unit 101A, a waste water tank 107A for storing waste water is provided. In addition, a pipe 115 for discharging waste water is connected to the waste water tank 107A. In addition, the pipe 115 is provided so that its front end can be connected to the pipe provided in the travel unit 20A. In addition, a pump 112 is provided in the middle of the pipe 115. By controlling the operation of the pump 112, the flow rate of waste water discharged from the waste water tank 107A is adjusted. In addition, the pipe 115 is an example of the "first path" of the present disclosure.

[0073] (Structure of Travel Unit 20A)

[0074] The travel unit 20A has the same components as the travel unit 20 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the travel unit 20A is equipped with a temperature sensor 209A near the battery 208A for measuring the temperature near the battery 208A. In addition, the travel unit 20A is provided with a cooling plate 215 in contact with the surface of the battery 208A. And inside the cooling plate 215, a flow tube through which water can pass is laid in a meandering manner along the plate plane. That is, the water flowing in the flow tube can exchange heat with the surface of the battery 208A via the cooling plate 215.

[0075] In addition, the travel unit 20A is provided with a pipe 204A connected to the flow pipe inlet of the cooling plate 215 so that water flows into the flow pipe. The pipe 204A is provided so that its front end can be connected to the front end of the pipe 115 provided in the vehicle body unit 10A. In addition, the travel unit 20A is provided with a waste water tank 225 for storing waste water passing through the flow pipe of the cooling plate 215 and a pump 227 for pressurizing waste water from the flow pipe of the cooling plate 215 to the waste water tank 225.

[0076] Here, in the wastewater tank 225, the pollutants contained in the wastewater are decomposed by microorganisms. In addition, a temperature sensor 226 capable of measuring the temperature of the stored wastewater is provided inside the wastewater tank 225. In addition, in the travel unit 20A, a pipe connecting the flow pipe of the cooling plate 215 and the wastewater tank 225 and a branch pipe branching from the pipe and merging with the pipe 204A are provided. In addition, a valve 216 is provided in the branch pipe. By controlling the opening of the valve 216, the flow rate of the wastewater flowing from the flow pipe outlet of the cooling plate 215 to the wastewater tank 225, which merges with the pipe 204A and flows again into the flow pipe inlet of the cooling plate 215 is adjusted.

[0077] In addition, the travel unit 20A is equipped with a discharge pipe connected to the waste water tank 225 and capable of discharging waste water from the waste water tank 225 to the outside of the system. In addition, a valve 207 is provided in the middle of the discharge pipe. By controlling the opening of the valve 207, the flow rate of waste water discharged from the waste water tank 225 to the outside of the system is adjusted.

[0078] In addition, the travel unit 20A is provided with a connection member 210C that connects the front port of the pipe 204A to the front port of the pipe 115 on the cabin unit 10A side. The connection member 210C is provided with a connection detection sensor 211C that can detect the connection state between the front port of the pipe 204A and the front port of the pipe 115 on the cabin unit 10A side.

[0079] (Processing Flow of Control Device 21A)

[0080] Next, the flow of processing performed by the control device 21A will be described. Figure 5 An example of a flowchart showing the processing performed by the control device 21A. The pump 112 and the pump 227 are not operated at first, and the valve 216 is closed at first. In addition, the details of the processing performed in each step are shown below by way of example.

[0081] (S1001A)

[0082] In step S1001A, the connection determination unit 223A determines whether the cabin unit 10A and the travel unit 20A are connected using a signal indicating the connection status between the front port of the piping 115 and the front port of the piping 204A sent by the connection detection sensor 211C (an example of the "determination process" of the present disclosure).

[0083] (S1002A)

[0084] When in step S1001A, the signal indicating the connection status between the front port of the piping 115 and the front port of the piping 204A is a signal indicating that they are connected, and it is determined that the car unit 10A and the travel unit 20A are connected, in step S1002A, the communication unit 221A receives temperature information near the battery 208A from the temperature sensor 209A.

[0085] (S1003A)

[0086] In step S1003A, it is determined whether the temperature near battery 208A received in step S1002A is higher than a determination criterion. Here, the determination criterion is set to a value that does not affect battery 208A due to heat, and is set to such a temperature when it is known that the failure rate of battery 208A increases sharply.

[0087] (S1004A)

[0088] When it is determined in step S1003A that the temperature near the battery 208A is higher than the determination reference, in step S1004A, the control unit 224A generates an action control signal instructing the pump 112 to be actuated. And the communication unit 221A sends the generated action control signal to the pump 112. In addition, the control unit 224A generates an action control signal instructing the pump 227 to be actuated. And the communication unit 221A sends the generated action control signal to the pump 227. Here, the pump 112 is an example of the "first control unit" of the present disclosure. In addition, this step S1004A is an example of the "supply process" of the present disclosure.

[0089] (S1005A)

[0090] In step S1005A, the communication unit 221A receives temperature information of the waste water stored in the waste water tank 225 from the temperature sensor 226. When the temperature in the waste water tank 225 received from the temperature sensor 226 is lower than the temperature near the battery 208A received from the temperature sensor 209A in step S1002A, the control unit 224A generates an opening control signal for instructing to open the valve 216. The generated opening control signal is transmitted to the valve 216 by the communication unit 221A. In addition, when the temperature of the waste water stored in the waste water tank 225 received by the temperature sensor 226 is lower than the temperature near the battery 208A by a predetermined value or more, the opening control signal for opening the valve 216 may be generated. In addition, when the temperature of the waste water stored in the waste water tank 225 is lower than the temperature near the battery 208A and lower than the temperature at which the decomposition reaction by microorganisms proceeds rapidly, the opening control signal for opening the valve 216 may be generated.

[0091] (Description of wastewater flow)

[0092] Next, the wastewater flow is described. In addition, here, the vehicle 1A is parked, and power is supplied to the battery 208A from the external power supply device, and the battery 208A is in the process of charging. In step S1003A, the temperature determination unit 222A determines that the temperature near the battery 208A received in step S1002A is higher than the determination reference.

[0093] In this case, by executing the process of step S1004A in the control device 21A, the pump 112 is operated. Therefore, the waste water stored in the waste water tank 107A is pressure-sent to the pipe 204A provided in the travel unit 20A through the pipe 115. Then, the waste water passing through the pipe 204A flows into the flow pipe of the cooling plate 215. Then, the waste water flowing into the flow pipe of the cooling plate 215 absorbs the heat generated by the battery 208A arranged in contact with the cooling plate 215 through the cooling plate 215. Then, the waste water that has absorbed the heat is pressure-sent to the waste water tank 225 by the pump 227.

[0094] In the wastewater tank 225, the pollutants contained in the wastewater are decomposed by microorganisms. Here, since the wastewater stored in the wastewater tank 225 absorbs the heat generated by the battery 208A during charging, the decomposition process can be promoted. Here, when the temperature in the wastewater tank 225 is lower than the temperature near the battery 208A, the valve 216 is opened, and part of the wastewater that absorbs the heat generated by the battery 208A flows into the flow pipe of the cooling plate 215 of the battery 208A again. Therefore, the temperature of the wastewater flowing out of the flow pipe of the cooling plate 215 rises. Therefore, the temperature of the wastewater flowing into the wastewater tank 225 rises. Therefore, the decomposition process in the wastewater tank 225 can be promoted. In addition, since the wastewater stored in the wastewater tank 225 absorbs the heat generated by the battery 208A during charging, part of the wastewater is dried. And when the valve 207 is opened, the wastewater stored in the wastewater tank 225 is discharged to the outside of the system.

[0095] In addition, as in the first embodiment, a pipe may be provided to allow the waste water heated by absorbing heat in the flow tube of the cooling plate 215 to flow back to the waste water tank 107A on the vehicle compartment unit 10A side. In addition, a valve may be provided in the middle of the pipe, and the flow rate of the waste water flowing back to the vehicle compartment unit 10A side may be adjusted by controlling the opening of the valve.

[0096] (Effects of the Second Embodiment)

[0097] In the case of an electric vehicle, it is considered that when the mounted battery 208A is rapidly charged, heat is generated from the battery 208A. Therefore, it is considered to provide a cooling function corresponding to the heat generation. However, in the vehicle 1A in which the travel unit 20A and the cabin unit 10A can be separated, it is considered that it is not easy to provide a sufficient heat dissipation mechanism in the travel unit 20A due to the size restriction of the travel unit 20A. However, in the vehicle 1A as described above, the water stored in the waste water tank 107A of the cabin unit 10A is supplied to the flow pipe of the cooling plate 215, and the cooling plate 215 is provided to contact the battery 208A provided in the travel unit 20A. Therefore, according to the vehicle 1A as described above, by providing a simple heat dissipation structure (cooling plate 215) in the travel unit 20A, and using the water stored in the waste water tank 107A of the cabin unit 10A, it is possible to promote the heat dissipation of the battery 208A during charging. Furthermore, since heat dissipation of the battery 208A during charging is promoted, and no heat dissipation device is provided in the travel unit 20A, an increase in the size of the travel unit 20A can be suppressed.

[0098] In addition, in the vehicle 1A as described above, the pollutants contained in the wastewater are decomposed by microorganisms. Therefore, when the wastewater is discharged from the vehicle 1A, the treatment of the wastewater becomes easy. In addition, the wastewater stored in the wastewater tank 225 absorbs the heat generated by the battery 208A, and decomposes the pollutants in a state where the temperature rises compared to the case where the wastewater is stored in the wastewater tank 107A. Therefore, the decomposition reaction can be promoted. In addition, as shown in step S1005A, when the temperature in the wastewater tank 225 is lower than the temperature near the battery 208A, the valve 216 is opened, and the wastewater that absorbs the heat generated by the battery 208A flows into the flow tube of the cooling plate 215 again, absorbing the heat generated by the battery 208A. Therefore, the temperature of the wastewater flowing into the wastewater tank 225 rises, and the decomposition reaction of the pollutants contained in the wastewater is promoted.

[0099] In addition, since the waste water stored in the waste water tank 225 absorbs the heat generated by the battery 208A, at least a part of the waste water is dried. Therefore, the amount of waste water stored in the waste water tank 107A can be reduced and discharged. In this respect, the vehicle 1A is a vehicle that is easy to handle waste water.

[0100] Alternatively, waste water stored in the waste water tank 107A may be configured to absorb the driving heat generated by the driving motor 202 during driving. With such a configuration, heat dissipation of the driving motor 202 can be promoted.

[0101] The above-described embodiment is ultimately an example, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate changes without departing from the gist of the disclosure.

[0102] Furthermore, the structures and processes described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0103] In addition, the processing described as being performed by one device may be shared and implemented by multiple devices. Alternatively, the processing described as being performed by different devices may be implemented by one device. In a computer system, the hardware structure (server structure) used to implement various functions can be flexibly changed.

[0104] The present disclosure can also be implemented by providing a computer program that installs the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage media include, for example: any type of disk (floppy disk (registered trademark), hard disk (HDD)), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, optical card, and any type of medium suitable for accommodating electronic instructions.

Claims

1. A control device, wherein: A control unit is provided, which implements the following control: Determining the connection between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit having a passenger space in which a user can ride and provided with a predetermined device, and being provided with a fluid supply tank and a first path, the fluid supply tank supplying a fluid to the predetermined device, the fluid used in the predetermined device passing through the first path, the second unit being configured to be separable from and connectable to the first unit, and having a driving device of a vehicle formed by connecting with the first unit; as well as supplying the fluid existing in the first path provided in the first unit to the second unit side so as to absorb the heat generated from the driving device included in the second unit, The fluid comprises water, The driving device includes a secondary battery for supplying power to an electric motor that drives a driving wheel of the vehicle, The control unit implements the following control: supplying water existing in the first path to the secondary battery side of the second unit when the secondary battery is charged; determining whether the temperature of the waste water that has absorbed the heat generated by the secondary battery is lower than the temperature near the secondary battery and lower than a predetermined temperature at which a decomposition reaction of pollutants contained in the waste water occurs by microorganisms; as well as When it is determined that the temperature of the waste water is lower than the temperature near the secondary battery and lower than a predetermined temperature at which the decomposition reaction occurs, a part of the waste water is supplied again to the secondary battery side.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit further performs control to adjust the supply amount of the fluid supplied from the first path to the second unit side based on the temperature of the drive device.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit further performs control to recover the fluid that has absorbed the heat generated by the drive device to the first unit side.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein: The prescribed equipment includes a hot water supply device, The control unit performs control to recover water that has absorbed heat generated by the driving device in the first path that supplies water to the hot water supply device.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein: The prescribed equipment includes air conditioning equipment, The control unit performs control to recover a fluid that has absorbed heat generated from the drive device, with respect to the first path through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with air supplied from the air conditioner passes.

6. A control device as claimed in claim 5, wherein: The control unit performs control to recover the water that has absorbed the heat generated by the driving device so as to be heat-exchanged with waste water used in the predetermined device.

7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein: The drive device includes an electric motor that drives drive wheels of the vehicle.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit performs control to supply a part of the fluid to the second unit side when the temperature of the motor exceeds a predetermined temperature and the temperature of the fluid in the first path is lower than the predetermined temperature.

9. A vehicle, wherein: Equipped with: A first unit having a boarding space in which a user can board and in which a predetermined device is installed, and a fluid supply tank and a first path are provided, wherein the fluid supply tank supplies a fluid to the predetermined device, and the fluid used in the predetermined device passes through the first path; a second unit, the second unit being configured to be separable from and connectable to the first unit and having a driving device of a vehicle formed by connecting with the first unit; a connecting member connecting the first unit and the second unit; as well as a first control unit that controls, when the first unit and the second unit are connected by the connecting member, to supply the fluid in the first path provided in the first unit to the second unit so as to absorb heat generated by the driving device of the second unit, The fluid comprises water, The driving device includes a secondary battery for supplying power to an electric motor that drives a driving wheel of the vehicle, The first control unit implements the following control: supplying the fluid existing in the first path to the second cell side when the secondary battery is charged; determining whether the temperature of the waste water that has absorbed the heat generated by the secondary battery is lower than the temperature near the secondary battery and lower than a predetermined temperature at which a decomposition reaction of pollutants contained in the waste water occurs by microorganisms; as well as When it is determined that the temperature of the waste water is lower than the temperature near the secondary battery and lower than a predetermined temperature at which the decomposition reaction occurs, a part of the waste water is supplied again to the secondary battery side.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein: The first control unit further performs control to adjust the supply amount of the fluid supplied from the first path to the second unit side based on the temperature of the drive device.

11. A vehicle as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein: A second control unit is further provided for executing control to recover the fluid that has absorbed the heat generated by the driving device to the first unit side.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein: The prescribed equipment includes a hot water supply device, The second control unit performs control to recover water that has absorbed heat generated by the driving device in the first path that supplies water to the hot water supply device.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein: The prescribed equipment includes air conditioning equipment, The second control unit performs control to recover fluid that has absorbed heat generated from the drive device, with respect to the first path through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with air supplied from the air conditioner passes.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein: The second control unit performs control to recover the water that has absorbed the heat generated by the driving device so as to be able to exchange heat with waste water used in the predetermined device.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein: The drive device includes an electric motor that drives drive wheels of the vehicle.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: The first control unit performs control to supply a part of the fluid to the second unit side when the temperature of the electric motor exceeds a predetermined temperature and the temperature of the fluid in the first path is lower than the predetermined temperature.

17. A control method, wherein: The control method comprises: a determination step of determining the connection between a first unit and a second unit, the first unit having a riding space in which a user can ride and in which a predetermined device is provided, and being provided with a fluid supply tank and a first path, the fluid supply tank supplying a fluid to the predetermined device, the fluid used in the predetermined device passing through the first path, the second unit being configured to be separable from and connectable to the first unit, and having a driving device of a vehicle formed by connecting to the first unit; and a supplying step of supplying the fluid existing in the first path provided in the first unit to the second unit side so as to absorb the heat generated from the driving device included in the second unit, The fluid comprises water, The driving device includes a secondary battery for supplying power to an electric motor that drives a driving wheel of the vehicle, The control method further comprises: supplying water existing in the first path to the secondary battery side of the second unit when the secondary battery is charged; determining whether the temperature of the waste water that has absorbed the heat generated by the secondary battery is lower than the temperature near the secondary battery and lower than a predetermined temperature at which a decomposition reaction of pollutants contained in the waste water occurs by microorganisms; and When it is determined that the temperature of the waste water is lower than the temperature near the secondary battery and lower than a predetermined temperature at which the decomposition reaction occurs, a part of the waste water is supplied again to the secondary battery side.

Images