Environment-friendly vehicle and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an eco-friendly vehicle and a control method of the eco-friendly vehicle, which optimizes a temperature of a battery of the eco-friendly vehicle towing a to-be-towed vehicle. The control method of the eco-friendly vehicle includes: measuring, by a controller, a battery temperature during a towing travel in a state in which the to-be-towed vehicle is connected; applying, by the controller, the measured battery temperature to a predetermined function to obtain a tendency of a battery temperature change; predicting, by the controller, a point in time at which the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined reference temperature based on the tendency of the battery temperature change; and starting, by the controller, cooling of the battery before the predicted point in time at which the predetermined reference temperature is exceeded is reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle, and more specifically, to an environmentally friendly vehicle having a towing device capable of towing a vehicle to be towed and using battery power as energy. Background Technology

[0002] As the population enjoys leisure activities such as camping and travel, the demand for trailers that are separately attached to vehicles for storing various items or for mobile accommodation is also increasing.

[0003] Typically, trailers are attached to vehicles using a coupling device located at the rear of the vehicle and move by the vehicle's traction. That is, a typical trailer only has wheels and axles and does not generate its own power to drive the wheels.

[0004] As mentioned above, since a typical trailer does not have its own separate power source for driving the wheels, the overload of the towing vehicle's power system caused by the trailer's weight can become a problem when the trailer is being towed. When the vehicle towing the trailer is an environmentally friendly vehicle equipped with a motor and battery, the battery temperature can rise excessively due to the overload caused by towing the trailer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is optimizing the battery temperature of environmentally friendly vehicles that tow other vehicles.

[0006] Other aspects of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a control method for an environmentally friendly vehicle is provided, comprising: measuring battery temperature during traction driving while the vehicle to be towed is connected, by means of a controller; applying the measured battery temperature to a predetermined function by means of the controller to obtain a trend of battery temperature change; predicting, by means of the controller, a time point at which the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature based on the trend of battery temperature change; and starting to cool the battery before reaching the predicted time point at which the predetermined reference temperature is exceeded by means of the controller.

[0008] The method may further include: comparing the learned fuel economy of the environmentally friendly vehicle with the current fuel economy via a controller, and determining that the vehicle to be towed is connected to the environmentally friendly vehicle in response to the current fuel economy being relatively lower than the learned fuel economy.

[0009] The method may further include: confirming the connection of the vehicle to be towed by the user through information directly input by the user interface via the controller.

[0010] The method may further include: comparing the braking current through a controller, and determining that the vehicle to be towed is connected to the environmental protection vehicle when the braking current increases by a predetermined amount.

[0011] The method may further include: comparing the current consumption of the battery through a controller, and determining that the vehicle to be towed is connected to the environmental protection vehicle when the current consumption of the battery increases by more than a preset amount.

[0012] The method may further include: determining, by a controller, that the vehicle to be towed is connected to the environmental protection vehicle based on a towing sign generated when the environmental protection vehicle and the vehicle to be towed are connected.

[0013] The method may further include: using a controller to immediately begin cooling the battery when the battery temperature has exceeded a predetermined reference temperature.

[0014] The method may further include: using a controller, waiting before the predicted time point of exceeding the predetermined reference temperature is reached, while the battery temperature has not yet exceeded the predetermined reference temperature, and then starting to cool the battery before the predicted time point of exceeding the predetermined reference temperature is reached.

[0015] Regression analysis can be used to provide predefined functions.

[0016] Regression analysis can include Lagrange interpolation or least squares methods.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an environmentally friendly vehicle is provided, comprising: a motor configured to drive wheels; a battery configured to store electrical energy for driving the motor; a battery cooler configured to cool the battery; and a controller configured to measure the battery temperature during traction travel while a towed vehicle is connected, apply the measured battery temperature to a predetermined function to obtain a trend of battery temperature change, predict a time point at which the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature based on the trend of battery temperature change, and begin cooling the battery before reaching the predicted time point at which the temperature exceeds the predetermined reference temperature.

[0018] The controller can be configured to compare the learned fuel economy of the environmentally friendly vehicle with the current fuel economy, and determine that the vehicle to be towed is connected to the environmentally friendly vehicle when the current fuel economy is relatively lower than the learned fuel economy.

[0019] The controller can be configured to identify the connection of the vehicle to be towed by information directly entered by the user through the user interface.

[0020] The controller can be configured to compare the braking current and determine that the vehicle to be towed is connected to the environmental protection vehicle when the braking current increases by a preset amount.

[0021] The controller can be configured to compare the current consumption of the battery and determine that the vehicle to be towed is connected to the environmental protection vehicle when the current consumption of the battery increases by more than a preset amount.

[0022] The controller can be configured to determine that the vehicle to be towed is connected to the environmental protection vehicle based on the towing sign generated when the environmental protection vehicle and the vehicle to be towed are connected.

[0023] The controller can be further configured to immediately begin cooling the battery in response to the battery temperature exceeding a predetermined reference temperature.

[0024] The controller can be configured to wait until the predicted time point of exceeding the predetermined reference temperature is reached in response to a situation where the battery temperature has not yet exceeded the predetermined reference temperature, and then begin cooling the battery before the predicted time point of exceeding the predetermined reference temperature is reached.

[0025] Regression analysis can be used to provide predefined functions.

[0026] Regression analysis can include Lagrange interpolation or least squares methods.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling an environmentally friendly vehicle is provided, comprising: measuring battery temperature during traction driving while the vehicle to be towed is connected, by means of a controller; applying the measured battery temperature to a predetermined function by means of the controller to obtain a trend of battery temperature change; predicting, by means of the controller, a time point at which the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature based on the trend of battery temperature change; immediately initiating battery cooling by means of the controller in response to the condition that the battery temperature has exceeded the predetermined reference temperature; and waiting before reaching the predicted time point of exceeding the predetermined reference temperature by means of the controller in response to the condition that the battery temperature has not yet exceeded the predetermined reference temperature, and then initiating battery cooling before reaching the predicted time point of exceeding the predetermined reference temperature. Attached Figure Description

[0028] These and / or other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a view showing the state of a vehicle to be towed connected to an environmental protection vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a view illustrating a vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4This is a view showing an example of a message used to confirm whether a vehicle to be towed is connected to an environmentally friendly vehicle.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a view showing an example of a message sent to the user to confirm whether to activate battery optimization mode.

[0034] Figure 6A and 6B This is a view showing an example of messages indicating whether the battery optimization mode is on or off.

[0035] Figure 7A and 7B This is a view showing an example of a battery temperature trend line.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a view showing an example of the messages that appear when battery optimization mode is activated.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a view showing an example of a message used to identify whether a traction trip has ended. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 This is a view showing the state of a vehicle to be towed connected to an environmental protection vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 According to embodiments of this disclosure, the environmental protection vehicle 100 is the main body for towing the vehicle 150 to be towed, and the vehicle 150 to be towed is the object to be towed by the environmental protection vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle 150 to be towed may include a camping trailer, a cargo transport trailer, or a jet ski transport loader.

[0040] Environmentally friendly vehicles 100 are vehicles that use battery power as their energy source, and can be electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0041] The environmental protection vehicle 100 and the vehicle to be towed 150 can be communicatively connected. The environmental protection vehicle 100 and the vehicle to be towed 150 exchange driving information, vehicle status information and towing status information through mutual communication.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a view illustrating a vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 In this context, controller 202 may be a vehicle control unit (VCU).

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, the battery manager (battery management system, BMS) 204 is communicatively connected to the input side of the controller 202, which is configured to control the entire environmentally friendly vehicle 100. The battery manager 204 can send the status information of the battery 212 to the controller 202. The status information of the battery 212 received by the controller 202 from the battery manager 204 may include the temperature information of the battery 212.

[0044] Additionally, the controller 202 can receive driving status information generated during the operation of the environmentally friendly vehicle 100 from the driving sensor 206. For example, the controller 202 can obtain information related to the speed, acceleration / deceleration, and braking of the environmentally friendly vehicle 100 or the vehicle to be towed 150 through the driving sensor 206.

[0045] In addition, the controller 202 can communicate with the vehicle to be towed 150 to exchange driving information, vehicle status information and towing status information of the environmental protection vehicle 100 and the vehicle to be towed 150.

[0046] The battery cooler 210 and the display 208 are communicatively connected to the output side of the controller 202.

[0047] Battery cooler 210 is a device for controlling the temperature of battery 212 at a desired optimal temperature. When the towing vehicle 150 is connected to the environmental protection vehicle 100, the current consumption of the battery 212 installed in the environmental protection vehicle 100 increases significantly due to the significantly increased driving load of the environmental protection vehicle 100. As a result, the temperature of battery 212 may rise significantly. Therefore, when the temperature of battery 212 rises excessively during the operation of the environmental protection vehicle 100, battery cooler 210 operates to cool battery 212, thereby reducing the temperature of battery 212. In embodiments of this disclosure, controller 202 can execute a battery optimization mode during the towing (towing) operation of the environmental protection vehicle 100, and predict the temperature of battery 212 in the battery optimization mode and pre-activate battery cooler 210 to manage and keep the temperature of battery 212 within the optimal temperature range.

[0048] Display 208 can be an audio-visual navigation (AVN) system or a display cluster. Controller 202 can display various guidance messages or questions on display 208 and receive input from the user (driver). For this purpose, display 208 can utilize touch input methods.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The vehicle control method shown is based on Figure 1 and Figure 2The device is configured to perform this function and controls the battery cooler 210 based on whether the environmental vehicle 100 is being towed, so as to keep the temperature of the battery 212 within the optimal temperature range.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown in 302, when the engine of the environmental protection vehicle 100 is started or when the environmental protection vehicle 100 starts to move, the controller 202 can identify whether the environmental protection vehicle 100 is being towed. The controller 202 can use the following methods to identify whether the environmental protection vehicle 100 is being towed.

[0051] The first method is to compare the learned fuel economy with the current actual fuel economy. When the current actual fuel economy is significantly lower than the learned fuel economy, it can be identified that the vehicle to be towed 150 is connected to the environmental protection vehicle 100 and is being towed.

[0052] The second method is direct user input. By guiding the user (driver) to directly input whether to tow is required through the user interface displayed on the monitor 208, it can be determined from the user input whether the vehicle 150 to be towed is connected.

[0053] The third method utilizes a comparison of braking current. When the environmental protection vehicle 100 and the vehicle to be towed 150 are communicatively connected, when the environmental protection vehicle 100 brakes, the brake lights of the vehicle to be towed 150 are also activated, resulting in a significantly increased braking current compared to the non-towing driving situation. Therefore, the increase in braking current can be used to identify whether the vehicle to be towed 150 is connected.

[0054] The fourth method utilizes battery current comparison. A battery current graph for each motor torque or each battery temperature is pre-established, and changes in battery current (current consumption) are used to identify whether the vehicle to be towed 150 is connected. During the towing of the vehicle to be towed 150 by the environmental protection vehicle 100, the current consumption of battery 212 is relatively large, so changes in battery current can be used to identify whether the vehicle to be towed 150 is connected.

[0055] The fifth method is to confirm whether the controller 202 has received a towing sign. When the vehicle to be towed 150 is connected to the environmental protection vehicle 100, the environmental protection vehicle 100 and the vehicle to be towed 150 are mechanically connected and electrically connected, enabling communication between them. At this time, a towing sign is generated and sent to the controller 202. The controller 202 can identify that the vehicle to be towed 150 is connected to the environmental protection vehicle 100 by receiving the towing sign.

[0056] At 304, after identifying whether the environmental protection vehicle 100 is towing using any of the first, third, fourth, and fifth methods described above, the controller 202 can display a guidance message on the display 208, allowing the user to confirm whether towing has actually occurred. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, by displaying a message such as “Trailer connection identified. Is the trailer actually connected?” and allowing the user to select a “Yes” or “No” button, it can be confirmed whether the vehicle to be towed 150 (e.g., a trailer) is actually connected.

[0057] In the second of the four methods mentioned above, since the user directly inputs whether to tow, the process of confirming with the user whether to tow can be omitted.

[0058] return Figure 3 When the vehicle to be towed 150 is actually connected to the environmentally friendly vehicle 100 ("Yes" in 306), at 308, the controller 202 can confirm with the user (driver) whether to enter the battery optimization mode that considers connecting the vehicle to be towed 150. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, by displaying the message "Do you want to activate battery optimization mode?" on the display 208 and allowing the user to select the "Yes" or "No" button, the user's intention to activate battery optimization mode can be confirmed.

[0059] return Figure 3 When the user selects to execute the battery optimization mode ("Yes" in 310), in 312, the controller 202 can display a battery optimization mode boot message on the display 208 before the battery optimization mode is initiated. For example, when the user selects to execute the battery optimization mode, such as... Figure 6A As shown, by displaying a guiding message on display 218 such as "When Battery Optimization Mode is activated, the battery is cooled to optimize the battery. (This may reduce driving range)," the user is guided to understand that the battery can be cooled in Battery Optimization Mode, and that the driving range may be reduced due to battery cooling.

[0060] Conversely, when the user does not select to execute the battery optimization mode ("No" in 310), the controller 202 can maintain normal control without activating the battery optimization mode. Additionally, to inform the user of potential issues (battery temperature rise) that may occur when the towed vehicle 150 is connected (in towing mode) and the battery optimization mode is not activated, such as... Figure 6BAs shown, by displaying a guiding message such as "Battery optimization mode is off, battery cooling is performed in normal mode without additional cooling. (Battery temperature may rise rapidly)", the user can be guided to understand that battery optimization mode is not being performed while the towed vehicle 150 is connected, and that the temperature of battery 212 may rise rapidly due to the lack of battery optimization mode.

[0061] return Figure 3 In section 314, controller 202 can initiate battery optimization mode and generate a battery temperature trend line in response to user selection to execute battery optimization mode. Controller 202 can generate the battery temperature trend line by reflecting a battery temperature trend line function. This battery temperature trend line function can be obtained using regression analysis. Regression analysis is a method of obtaining a model and measuring fitness between two variables for observed continuous variables, such as Lagrange interpolation or least squares. In regression analysis, since accuracy increases with data accumulation, a more accurate battery temperature trend line can be generated as the traction distance of the environmentally friendly vehicle 100 increases.

[0062] Figure 7A and 7B This is a view showing an example of a battery temperature trend line.

[0063] like Figure 7A As shown, the battery temperature was measured and stored at each time point during traction driving, and a battery temperature trend function was generated by reflecting the battery temperature data at each time point onto a battery temperature trend function applied using regression analysis. Figure 7B The battery temperature trend line is shown. Using the battery temperature trend line, you can predict how the battery temperature will change from the current point in time to the near future.

[0064] return Figure 3 In section 318, controller 202 can identify whether the current temperature of battery 212 is below a predetermined optimal temperature. Controller 202 can manage battery 212 in two different ways depending on whether the current temperature of battery 212 is below or above the predetermined optimal temperature.

[0065] When the current temperature of battery 212 is below the predetermined optimal temperature ("Yes" in 318), controller 202 can predict the time point when the temperature of battery 212 will exceed the predetermined optimal temperature from the battery temperature trend line. Then, at 320, cooling of battery 212 is performed in advance before the expected time point when battery 212 will exceed the predetermined optimal temperature. Since the temperature of battery 212 is below the predetermined optimal temperature, it is not necessary to start cooling battery 212 for temperature management. Therefore, unnecessary driving of battery cooler 210 can be prevented. In this state, when it is predicted from the battery temperature trend line that the temperature of battery 212 will exceed the predetermined optimal temperature, by driving battery cooler 210 in advance to cool battery 212 before the predicted time exceeding the prediction is reached, the temperature of battery 212 can be pre-optimized before the temperature of battery 212 exceeds the predetermined optimal temperature.

[0066] In operation 318, when the current temperature of battery 212 exceeds the predetermined optimal temperature (No in 318), in 322, controller 202 immediately activates battery cooler 210 to cool battery 212. Since the current temperature of battery 212 has already exceeded the predetermined optimal temperature, battery cooler 210 is immediately activated to quickly reduce the temperature of battery 212 below the optimal temperature. At this time, as... Figure 8 As shown, the controller 202 can display messages such as "Current battery temperature is high. The battery is being cooled to optimize its performance. (Driving range may be reduced)" to inform the user (driver) of the current status of the battery 212 and the possibility of a reduction in driving range. Cooling using the battery cooler 210 is continuously performed until the temperature of the battery 212 drops below a predetermined optimal temperature.

[0067] When the temperature of battery 212 drops below a predetermined optimal temperature, at 324, controller 202 can confirm whether the towing of environmentally friendly vehicle 100 has ended. The method for confirming whether the towing of environmentally friendly vehicle 100 has ended can be any of the five methods mentioned in the description of operation 302 above. For example, it can utilize any of the following methods: comparing existing learned fuel economy with current fuel economy (the first method of 302), using direct user input (the second method of 302), comparing braking current (the third method of 302), comparing battery current (the fourth method of 302), and deleting (identifying) the towing sign (the fifth method of 302). In the second method, such as... Figure 9 As shown, this could involve a process of confirming to the user whether the towing has actually ended by displaying a message such as "Has the towing ended?". In the case of the fifth method, the end of towing can be confirmed by deleting (removing) the towing sign that has occurred.

[0068] return Figure 3 When it is determined that the traction of the environmental protection vehicle 100 has not been completed and continues ("No" in 324), the controller 202 can return to the battery temperature trend line generation operation 314 and continue to generate the battery temperature trend line.

[0069] When it is determined that the traction of the environmentally friendly vehicle 100 is completed ("Yes" in 324), in 326, the controller 202 can end the battery optimization mode and switch to the previous battery management mode (e.g., the battery management mode during non-traction driving).

[0070] According to aspects of this disclosure, the temperature of the battery of an environmentally friendly vehicle that tows a vehicle being towed can be optimized.

[0071] The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of technical ideas. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, changes, and substitutions can be made without departing from the essential characteristics. Therefore, the above-disclosed embodiments and drawings are not intended to limit the technical ideas, but rather to describe the technical ideas of this disclosure. The scope of the technical ideas is not limited by the embodiments and drawings. The scope of protection should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method of an environmentally friendly vehicle, comprising: identifying, by a controller, whether the environmentally friendly vehicle is being towed; measuring, by the controller, a battery temperature during a towing travel in a state in which a towed vehicle is connected; applying, by the controller, the measured battery temperature to a predetermined function to obtain a tendency of a battery temperature change; predicting, by the controller, a time point at which the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined reference temperature based on the tendency of the battery temperature change; and starting, by the controller, cooling of the battery before the predicted time point is reached.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: comparing, by the controller, an acquired fuel economy of the environmentally friendly vehicle with a current fuel economy, and determining that the towed vehicle is connected to the environmentally friendly vehicle when the current fuel economy is lower than the acquired fuel economy.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: confirming, by the controller, the connection of the towed vehicle from information directly input by a user through a user interface.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: comparing, by the controller, a braking current, and determining that the towed vehicle is connected to the environmentally friendly vehicle when the braking current increases by more than a predetermined amount.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: comparing, by the controller, a current consumption of the battery, and determining that the towed vehicle is connected to the environmentally friendly vehicle when the current consumption of the battery increases by more than a predetermined amount.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the controller, that the towed vehicle is connected to the environmentally friendly vehicle from a towing flag generated when the environmentally friendly vehicle and the towed vehicle are connected.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: starting, by the controller, cooling of the battery immediately when the temperature of the battery exceeds the predetermined reference temperature.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: waiting, by the controller, until the predicted time point is reached when the temperature of the battery has not yet exceeded the predetermined reference temperature, and then starting cooling of the battery before the predicted time point is reached.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the predetermined function is determined using regression analysis.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: the regression analysis includes Lagrange interpolation or least squares method.

11. An environmentally friendly vehicle, comprising: a motor; a battery storing electric power for driving the motor; a battery cooler cooling the battery; and a controller identifying whether the environmentally friendly vehicle is being towed, measuring a temperature of the battery during a towing travel in a state in which a towed vehicle is connected, applying the measured battery temperature to a predetermined function to obtain a tendency of a battery temperature change, predicting a time point at which the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined reference temperature based on the tendency, and starting cooling of the battery before the predicted time point is reached. ​ ​ 12. The environmental vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the controller compares the acquired fuel economy of the environmental vehicle with a current fuel economy, and determines that the towed vehicle is connected to the environmental vehicle when the current fuel economy is lower than the acquired fuel economy.

13. The environmental vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the controller confirms the connection of the towed vehicle by information directly input by a user through a user interface.

14. The environmental vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the controller compares a braking current, and determines that the towed vehicle is connected to the environmental vehicle when the braking current increases by more than a predetermined amount.

15. The environmental vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the controller compares a current consumption of the battery, and determines that the towed vehicle is connected to the environmental vehicle when the current consumption of the battery increases by more than a predetermined amount.

16. The environmental vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the controller determines that the towed vehicle is connected to the environmental vehicle by a tow flag generated when the environmental vehicle and the towed vehicle are connected.

17. The environmental vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the controller starts cooling the battery immediately when the temperature of the battery exceeds the predetermined reference temperature.

18. The environmental vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the controller waits until the predicted time point is reached when the temperature of the battery has not yet exceeded the predetermined reference temperature, and then starts cooling the battery before the predicted time point is reached.

19. The environmental vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined function is determined using regression analysis.

20. The environmental vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the regression analysis includes Lagrange interpolation or least squares method.

21. A control method of an environmental vehicle, comprising: identifying, by a controller, whether the environmental vehicle is being towed; measuring, by the controller, a battery temperature during a towing travel in a state where a towed vehicle is connected; applying, by the controller, the measured battery temperature to a predetermined function to obtain a tendency of a battery temperature change; predicting, by the controller, a time point at which the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined reference temperature, based on the tendency of the battery temperature change; starting, by the controller, cooling of the battery immediately when the temperature of the battery exceeds the predetermined reference temperature; and waiting, by the controller, until the predicted time point is reached when the temperature of the battery has not yet exceeded the predetermined reference temperature, and then starting cooling of the battery before the predicted time point is reached.

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