vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle that suppresses interruptions to program updates due to insufficient power and reprograms devices related to the power supply from a high-voltage battery to a low-voltage system circuit. The vehicle comprises a high-voltage system circuit, a low-voltage system circuit, and a DC-DC converter. A control unit that controls the high-voltage system circuit, the low-voltage system circuit, and the DC-DC converter determines whether the device to be updated is a specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage system circuit. If the device to be updated is a specific device, the DC-DC converter reduces the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery and supplies it to the low-voltage system circuit, thereby charging the low-voltage battery. After the low-voltage battery is charged and the specific device stops operating, the update unit uses the output power of the low-voltage battery to update the program related to the specific device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, technology has been proposed for updating (hereinafter also referred to as "reprogramming") programs of electronic control units (hereinafter also referred to as "ECUs") for controlling engines, motors, onboard devices, etc. installed in vehicles.

[0003] Typically, reprogramming is performed when the vehicle and the engine are stopped. Therefore, reprogramming is performed using power stored in a battery such as a 12V auxiliary battery (low-voltage battery) (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-166434 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] In recent years, due to increases in program capacity, reprogramming has tended to take longer. This increased reprogramming time increases the power required for reprogramming. Therefore, if the battery does not have sufficient power when reprogramming is performed, the program update may be interrupted due to insufficient power.

[0009] Therefore, if the charge level of the 12V auxiliary battery (low-voltage battery) is insufficient, reprogramming can be performed by reducing the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery used to drive the vehicle's motor and using it as reprogramming power. However, this method of using power supplied from the high-voltage battery as reprogramming power instead of the 12V auxiliary battery has the problem of being unable to reprogram devices related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage system circuits.

[0010] In view of such problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle capable of suppressing interruption of program update due to power shortage and executing reprogramming of devices related to power supply from a high-voltage battery to a low-voltage system circuit.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the vehicle of the present invention includes: a high-voltage system circuit including a high-voltage battery; a low-voltage system circuit including a low-voltage battery having an output voltage lower than that of the high-voltage battery; and an update unit for updating a program related to an update target device using power supplied from the low-voltage battery or the high-voltage battery;

[0013] a DC-DC converter connected between the high-voltage system circuit and the low-voltage system circuit and capable of reducing the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery and supplying the power to the low-voltage system circuit; and

[0014] a control unit that controls the high-voltage system circuit, the low-voltage system circuit, and the DC-DC converter,

[0015] The control unit determines whether the update target device is a specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage system circuit. If the update target device is the specific device, the control unit uses the DC-DC converter to reduce the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery and supply it to the low-voltage system circuit, thereby charging the low-voltage battery. After the low-voltage battery is charged, the operation of the specific device is stopped, and then the update unit uses the output power of the low-voltage battery to execute the update of the program related to the specific device.

[0016] In addition, when the update target device is not the specific device, the output power of the high-voltage battery can be reduced in voltage by using the DC-DC converter and supplied to the low-voltage system circuit, so that the update unit can use the output power of the high-voltage battery to perform an update of the program related to the update target device.

[0017] In addition, the vehicle may include a wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device. The control unit may derive the power required for updating the program related to the update target device based on information related to the update data when the wireless communication unit receives update data for updating the program related to the update target device, and determine whether the charge level of the low-voltage battery is insufficient relative to the derived power. When it is determined that the charge level of the low-voltage battery is sufficient relative to the derived power, the update unit uses the output power of the low-voltage battery to execute the update of the program related to the update target device. When it is determined that the charge level of the low-voltage battery is insufficient relative to the derived power, the update unit determines whether the update target device is the specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage system circuit.

[0018] In addition, the control unit may include: a high-voltage battery control unit, which controls the high-voltage battery; and a DC-DC converter control unit, which controls the DC-DC converter, and the specific device may include at least one of the high-voltage battery control unit and the DC-DC converter control unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the vehicle may include an engine as a driving source for traveling, and a motor connected to the high-voltage battery as a driving source for traveling.

[0020] Technical Effects

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress interruption of program update due to power shortage and to execute reprogramming of devices related to power supply from a high-voltage battery to a low-voltage system circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram for explaining the vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an electric system circuit controlled by the control device of this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 1 is a diagram illustrating control of the target charging rate of the high-voltage battery by the high-voltage battery control unit of this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a diagram illustrating the reprogramming execution permission screen according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for explaining control processing related to reprogramming in the vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for explaining the reprogramming operation control process in the vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Explanation of symbols

[0029] 22: Control device (control unit)

[0030] 30: High voltage system circuit

[0031] 32: High voltage battery

[0032] 32a: High voltage battery control unit

[0033] 40: Low voltage system circuit

[0034] 42: Low voltage battery

[0035] 42a: Low voltage battery control unit

[0036] 44: Update target device

[0037] 46: Update Department

[0038] 50a: Wireless Communication Unit

[0039] 60: DC-DC converter

[0040] 60a: DC-DC converter control unit

[0041] 102: Data distribution center (external device) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following describes in detail preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the invention. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated with the same reference numerals to avoid repeated description. Furthermore, elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram for explaining vehicle 1 according to this embodiment. Here, vehicle 1 is illustrated as having an engine 10 and a motor 12 as driving sources. Vehicle 1 according to this embodiment corresponds to a so-called parallel hybrid vehicle, with engine 10 serving as the primary power source to rotate output shaft 14. While three-phase AC motor 12 also serves as a power source, it only assists engine 10. This driving mode in which both engine 10 and motor 12 are used is referred to as a combined mode.

[0044] Furthermore, during low-speed driving, such as when starting and / or accelerating, when the engine 10's rotational speed does not increase, the clutch 16 is released because the power and / or torque of the engine 10 does not increase, and the driving mode is switched from the combined mode to the EV (Electric Vehicle) mode, where only the motor 12 is used as the power source. It should be noted that even during driving conditions other than starting and / or accelerating, the combined mode and EV mode can be switched.

[0045] The ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) 18 is connected to the engine 10 by having an annular member, such as a belt 20, stretched across the output shaft 14 of the engine 10. It functions as a starter motor that transmits power to the engine 10 and assists in starting the engine 10, and also functions as an AC generator that generates regenerative power. The timing for starting the engine 10 includes not only when the vehicle 1 starts traveling but also when switching from EV mode to combined mode or when resuming from an idling stop.

[0046] The control device 22 includes a semiconductor integrated circuit including a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM storing programs, a RAM as a work area, etc. The control device 22 controls the entire vehicle 1 or various devices mounted on the vehicle 1. For example, the control device 22 controls the high voltage battery 32 (see Figure 2 ) and low voltage battery 42 (refer to Figure 2 ) of the electrical system circuit.

[0047] In addition, the control device 22 and the wireless communication unit 50a (see Figure 2 ) is connected to the vehicle 1 and can transmit and receive various data with external devices via the wireless communication unit 50a. The wireless communication unit 50a can communicate with the data distribution center 102 via the network 100. The data distribution center 102 is used to distribute data for controlling the update target device 44 (see the following) installed in the vehicle 1. Figure 2 The function of the present invention is to collect reprogramming information (hereinafter also referred to as "reprogramming information") required for updating the program of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "reprogramming" or "reprogramming"). The reprogramming information includes, for example, information specifying the target device 44 to be reprogrammed, i.e., the update target device 44, and information on update data used for reprogramming.

[0048] Furthermore, the control device 22 includes a car navigation system control unit 52a (see Figure 2 ), and the car navigation system control unit 52a can display various information such as map information on the display unit 24 connected to the control device 22.

[0049] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical system circuit controlled by the control device 22 of this embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the electrical system circuit mounted on the vehicle 1 includes a high-voltage system circuit 30, a low-voltage system circuit 40, and a DC-DC converter 60. The high-voltage system circuit 30 includes a high-voltage battery 32 and a high-voltage relay 34. The high-voltage relay 34 is a relay device that switches the electrical connection of the high-voltage battery 32 in the high-voltage system circuit 30 on and off.

[0050] In addition, the low-voltage system circuit 40 includes a low-voltage battery 42, an update target device 44, an update unit 46, and a vehicle load 48. The low-voltage battery 42 is a rechargeable battery whose output voltage is lower than the output voltage of the high-voltage battery 32. The low-voltage battery 42 is, for example, a 12V auxiliary battery, which supplies DC power of a relatively low voltage (for example, 12V) to various on-board devices (auxiliary devices) mounted on the vehicle 1. The update unit 46 is a program update tool that executes an update (reprogramming) of a program related to the update target device 44 based on an instruction from the control device 22. The update unit 46 uses power supplied from the low-voltage battery 42 or the high-voltage battery 32 to execute reprogramming related to the update target device 44. It should be noted that the so-called vehicle load 48 can include, for example, electrical loads such as door mirror motors, power window motors, and radiator fan motors (not shown).

[0051] It should be noted that the update target devices 44 specifically include, for example, the engine control unit 10a that controls the engine 10, the motor control unit 12a that controls the motor 12, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a that controls the high-voltage battery 32, the high-voltage relay control unit 34a that controls the high-voltage relay 34, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a that controls the low-voltage battery 42, the wireless communication unit 50a that communicates with the data distribution center 102 by wireless via the network 100, the car navigation system control unit 52a that controls the car navigation system, the IG power supply control unit 54a that controls the ignition power supply (IG power supply) of the vehicle 1 to IG-ON (READY-ON) or IG-OFF (READY-OFF) based on user operations, and the DC-DC converter control unit 60a that controls the operation of the DC-DC converter 60.

[0052] Furthermore, a DC-DC converter 60 is connected between the high-voltage system circuit 30 and the low-voltage system circuit 40. The DC-DC converter 60 can reduce the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery 32 of the high-voltage system circuit 30 and supply the reduced-voltage power to the low-voltage battery 42 of the low-voltage system circuit 40, the update target device 44, the update unit 46, the vehicle load 48, and the like.

[0053] The high voltage battery control unit 32 a sets a target state of charge (SOC) range for the high voltage battery 32 , that is, an upper limit and a lower limit of the target state of charge (SOC), and controls charging and discharging of the high voltage battery 32 based on the target state of charge (SOC) range.

[0054] Figure 3 3 is a diagram illustrating the control of the target charging rate of the high voltage battery 32 by the high voltage battery control unit 32a. Figure 3As shown in (a), during normal operation when reprogramming is not scheduled, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a sets the target charging rate range to a normal SOC upper limit and a normal SOC lower limit. The normal SOC upper limit can be set to, for example, 90% when the high-voltage battery 32 is fully charged, for example, 100%. Furthermore, the normal SOC lower limit can be set to, for example, 50% when the high-voltage battery 32 is fully charged, for example, 100%. It should be noted that the specific values ​​of the normal SOC lower limit and SOC upper limit are not limited to these numerical examples.

[0055] Then, when the wireless communication unit 50a receives reprogramming information from the data distribution center 102 via the network 100 and schedules reprogramming, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a changes the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a value (reprogramming reservation preparation value) higher than the normal lower limit value (normal SOC lower limit value). Meanwhile, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a sets the SOC upper limit value to the normal SOC upper limit value.

[0056] Specifically, when the wireless communication unit 50a receives reprogramming information from the data distribution center 102 via the network 100, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a determines that reprogramming has been scheduled. Based on the received reprogramming information, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a then derives the power required for reprogramming the target device 44 (hereinafter also referred to as "reprogramming power").

[0057] Specifically, the reprogramming information includes various information such as the program capacity of the update target device 44, the writing speed of the update program to the update target device 44, the power consumption per unit time during the reprogramming process, and the communication speed between the update unit 46 and the update target device 44. The high-voltage battery control unit 32a derives the power required for reprogramming based on all or part of this information.

[0058] Then, based on the derived required reprogramming power, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a changes the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a reprogramming reserve value that is higher than the normal value. For example, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a sets the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a reprogramming reserve value (e.g., 70% of a full charge) that is higher than the normal value (e.g., 50% of a full charge). Preferably, the greater the derived required reprogramming power, the greater the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate (reprogramming reserve value). This allows the high-voltage battery 32 to be fully charged, ensuring a charge level exceeding the required reprogramming power, thereby preventing power shortages during reprogramming.

[0059] In this embodiment, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a derives the required reprogramming power for the update target device 44 based on the reprogramming information, and the high-voltage battery control unit 32a changes the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 based on the derived required reprogramming power. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the wireless communication unit 50a receives reprogramming information from the data distribution center 102 via the network 100 and schedules reprogramming, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a may set a predetermined SOC lower limit value as the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 (reprogramming reservation preparation value). For example, the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate, which serves as the reprogramming reservation preparation value, may be preset to 70%, assuming that the full charge of the high-voltage battery 32 is 100%.

[0060] Alternatively, part of the reprogramming information may include required power information regarding the power required for reprogramming the update target device 44. In this case, the high voltage battery control unit 32a changes the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high voltage battery 32 based on the required power information.

[0061] After the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 is changed to the reprogramming scheduled preparation value, the high-voltage battery 32 is charged until the charge level reaches or exceeds the reprogramming scheduled preparation value. Next, when reprogramming is scheduled, if the user performs a READY-OFF operation (IG-OFF operation) to turn the vehicle 1 READY-OFF, the update unit 46 checks the charge levels of the low-voltage battery 42 and the high-voltage battery 32.

[0062] Figure 4 24a of the present embodiment. When the charge level of the low voltage battery 42 is equal to or higher than the power required for reprogramming the update target device 44, and reprogramming of the update target device 44 can be performed using the low voltage battery 42, or when the charge level of the high voltage battery 32 is equal to or higher than the reprogramming reservation preparation value, Figure 4 As shown, the car navigation system control unit 52a displays a reprogramming execution permission screen 24a on the display unit 24 for requesting the user to permit execution of reprogramming.

[0063] The reprogramming execution permission screen 24a displays, for example, a message such as "If you execute reprogramming, the vehicle 1 will not be usable until reprogramming is completed" and a button image allowing the user to select whether to execute reprogramming (yes or no).

[0064] Then, if the user presses the Yes button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a to permit reprogramming, the reprogramming operation starts. On the other hand, if the user presses the No button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a to refuse reprogramming, or if the user does not press either the Yes or No button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a, the reprogramming operation does not start.

[0065] When the reprogramming operation starts, if reprogramming of the update target device 44 can be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 , the update unit 46 reprograms the update target device 44 using power from the low-voltage battery 42 .

[0066] On the other hand, if the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is insufficient and reprogramming of the update target device 44 cannot be performed using the low-voltage battery 42, the high-voltage relay control unit 34a connects the high-voltage relay 34 to enable power from the high-voltage battery 32 to be output to the DC-DC converter 60 in order to perform reprogramming using the high-voltage battery 32. The DC-DC converter control unit 60a then starts the operation of the DC-DC converter 60, steps down the voltage of the power output from the high-voltage battery 32, and supplies the stepped-down power to the low-voltage system circuit 40.

[0067] At this time, the update unit 46 determines whether the update target device 44 to be reprogrammed is a specific device that requires power supply from the high-voltage battery 32. The specific device is, for example, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a, the DC-DC converter control unit 60a, and the high-voltage relay control unit 34a.

[0068] Then, if the update target device 44 to be reprogrammed is not a specific device that requires power from the high-voltage battery 32, the update unit 46 reprograms the update target device 44 using the power supplied from the high-voltage battery 32 to the low-voltage system circuit 40. When reprogramming is completed, the DC-DC converter control unit 60a terminates the operation of the DC-DC converter 60, and the high-voltage relay control unit 34a disconnects the high-voltage relay 34.

[0069] On the other hand, if the update target device 44, which is the target of reprogramming, is a specific device that requires power from the high-voltage battery 32, it is impossible to reprogram the update target device 44 using the update unit 46 while power is supplied from the high-voltage battery 32 to the low-voltage system circuit 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, power is temporarily supplied from the high-voltage battery 32 to the low-voltage battery 42 via the DC-DC converter 60 using the update target device 44 (specific device) to fully charge the low-voltage battery 42. Then, after charging of the low-voltage battery 42 is completed, the power supply from the high-voltage battery 32 is stopped, and after the operation of the update target device 44 (specific device) is completed, the update target device 44 (specific device) is reprogrammed using power from the low-voltage battery 42.

[0070] Specifically, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a charges the low-voltage battery 42 until the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 reaches a level sufficient to reprogram the target device 44 using the low-voltage battery 42. At this point, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a can determine the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 based on the power required for reprogramming the target device 44, as determined by the high-voltage battery control unit 32a. This example is not limiting, and the low-voltage battery control unit 42a may also charge the low-voltage battery 42 to a predetermined charge level set in advance. For example, the predetermined charge level may be set to 90% of the full charge level of the low-voltage battery 42, where 100% is considered full charge.

[0071] When the low-voltage battery 42 is fully charged, the DC-DC converter control unit 60a terminates the operation of the DC-DC converter 60, and the high-voltage relay control unit 34a disconnects the high-voltage relay 34. The update unit 46 then reprograms the update target device 44 using the power from the fully charged low-voltage battery 42.

[0072] (Control Method)

[0073] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for explaining a control process related to reprogramming in the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, first, the IG power supply control unit 54a of the control device 22 turns on the IG power supply based on a user operation, and controls the vehicle 1 to be in a READY-ON (IG-ON) state (S101).

[0075] Next, the control device 22 wirelessly communicates with the data distribution center 102 via the wireless communication unit 50a, thereby confirming whether there is any reprogramming data distributed from the data distribution center 102 that has not been received by the vehicle 1 (S103). Here, the reprogramming data includes update data for updating the program associated with the update target device 44. When the need to reprogram the update target device 44 arises, the data distribution center 102 distributes reprogramming information including the reprogramming data for executing the reprogramming to each vehicle 1 via the network 100.

[0076] If the result of determination in step S103 is that there is no unreceived reprogramming data (No in step S103), the high-voltage battery control unit 32a of the control device 22 determines whether the reprogramming data reception completion flag is on (step S105). If the reprogramming data reception completion flag is on, although the vehicle 1 has received the reprogramming data, reprogramming has not yet been performed using the reprogramming data, indicating that reprogramming is required (reprogramming has been scheduled).

[0077] If the result of determination in S105 is that the reprogramming data reception completion flag is on (No in step S105), reprogramming is not required, and therefore the high voltage battery control unit 32a sets the SOC lower limit value and the SOC upper limit value of the high voltage battery 32 to normal values ​​(step S107). As a result, during the subsequent driving of the vehicle 1, the high voltage battery 32 is charged within the normal target charging rate range (see Figure 3 (a)).

[0078] Then, the IG power supply control unit 54a of the control device 22 controls the vehicle 1 to be READY-OFF (IG-OFF) based on the user's operation (step S109), and ends the control process.

[0079] On the other hand, if the result of determination in S105 is that the reprogramming data reception completion flag is on (YES in step S105 ), the process proceeds to S117 described later.

[0080] In addition, when the judgment result of the above S103 is that there is unreceived reprogramming data and reprogramming data needs to be received from the data distribution center 102 (step S103 is), the control device 22 receives reprogramming information containing reprogramming data from the data distribution center 102 through the network 100 and the wireless communication unit 50a (step S111).

[0081] Next, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a of the control device 22 calculates the power required for reprogramming the target device 44 based on the reprogramming information received from the data distribution center 102 (step S113) and turns on the reprogramming data reception completion flag (step S115). Specifically, if the wireless communication unit 50a receives the reprogramming data, the reprogramming data reception completion flag turns on, rescheduling the reprogramming. Note that the reprogramming data reception completion flag remains on until reprogramming is complete.

[0082] Furthermore, when it is determined in the above step S105 that the reprogramming data reception completion flag is on (yes in step S105), and when the reprogramming data reception completion flag is turned on in the above step S115, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a of the control device 22 determines that reprogramming is scheduled, and based on the derived power required for reprogramming related to the update target device 44, changes the SOC lower limit value of the target charging rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a reprogramming reservation preparation value higher than the normal value, and sets the SOC upper limit value to the normal value (step S117). As a result, during the subsequent driving process of the vehicle 1, the high-voltage battery 32 is charged within the range of the special target charging rate at the time of reprogramming reservation (see Figure 3 (b)).

[0083] Thereafter, when the vehicle 1 stops, for example, the IG power supply control unit 54a of the control device 22 controls the vehicle 1 to be READY-OFF (IG-OFF) based on the user's operation (step S119).

[0084] Next, the control device 22 confirms the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 and determines whether the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is greater than the power required for reprogramming of the update target device 44, that is, whether reprogramming can be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (step S121).

[0085] If the result is that reprogramming cannot be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (No in step S121), the control device 22 confirms the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 and determines whether the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 (actual SOC) is above the reprogramming reservation preparation value (SOC lower limit value of the target charging rate) (step S123).

[0086] If the result shows that the charge level of the high voltage battery 32 is equal to or higher than the reprogramming reservation preparation value (Yes in step S123), and if reprogramming can be performed using the low voltage battery 42 (Yes in step S121), the car navigation system control unit 52a of the control device 22 displays the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a (see Figure 4 ) is displayed on the display unit 24 (step S125).

[0087] Next, the control device 22 determines whether the user has operated the "Yes" button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a (step S127). If the "Yes" button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a has been operated and the user has permitted reprogramming ("Yes" in step S127), the control device 22 uses the update unit 46 to execute the reprogramming operation control process (step S200). The reprogramming operation control process (step S200) will be described later. If the reprogramming operation control process (step S200) is completed, the control device 22 turns off the reprogramming data reception completion flag and ends the process.

[0088] On the other hand, if the No button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a is pressed in S127 above, or if neither the Yes nor No buttons on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a are pressed by the user (step S127), the control device 22 does not perform the reprogramming operation and ends the process. Furthermore, if the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 is less than the reprogramming reservation preparation value in S123 above (No in step S123), the control device 22 also does not perform the reprogramming operation and ends the process.

[0089] (Reprogramming job control processing)

[0090] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the reprogramming operation control process ( Figure 5 Flowchart of step S200).

[0091] like Figure 6 As shown, first, the control device 22 confirms the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 and determines whether the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is greater than the power required for reprogramming related to the update target device 44, that is, whether reprogramming can be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (step S201).

[0092] If the result indicates that reprogramming cannot be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (No in step S201), the high-voltage relay control unit 34a of the control device 22 connects the high-voltage relay 34 (step S203), and the DC-DC converter control unit 60a starts the operation of the DC-DC converter 60, reducing the voltage of the output power from the high-voltage battery 32 and supplying the reduced-voltage power to the low-voltage system circuit 40 (step S205). As a result, the low-voltage battery 42 can be charged using the power supplied from the high-voltage battery 32. Furthermore, in the low-voltage system circuit 40, the update target device 44 can be reprogrammed using the power supplied from the high-voltage battery 32.

[0093] Next, the control device 22 determines whether the update target device 44 to be reprogrammed is a specific device that requires power supply from the high-voltage battery 32 (step S207). Specifically, as described above, the specific device is, for example, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a or the DC-DC converter control unit 60a.

[0094] If the result shows that the update target device 44, which is the target of reprogramming, is not a specific device that requires power supply from the high-voltage battery 32, the control device 22 instructs the update unit 46 to execute reprogramming. The update unit 46 starts reprogramming the update target device 44 using power from the high-voltage battery 32 (step S209). Thereafter, if the reprogramming is completed (yes in step S211), the DC-DC converter control unit 60a terminates the operation of the DC-DC converter 60 (step S213), and the high-voltage relay control unit 34a disconnects the high-voltage relay 34 (step S215), thereby terminating the process.

[0095] On the other hand, if the update target device 44 to be reprogrammed is a specific device that requires power from the high-voltage battery 32 (YES in step S207), the low-voltage battery control unit 42a of the control device 22 determines whether charging of the low-voltage battery 42 using the power output from the high-voltage battery 32 is complete (step S217). Specifically, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a determines whether the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is greater than or equal to the charge level determined based on the power required for reprogramming of the update target device 44, as derived by the high-voltage battery control unit 32a.

[0096] If the result shows that charging of the low-voltage battery 42 is completed (yes in step S217), the DC-DC converter control unit 60a of the control device 22 ends the operation of the DC-DC converter 60 (step S219), and the high-voltage relay control unit 34a disconnects the high-voltage relay 34 (step S221).

[0097] Then, if the high-voltage relay 34 is disconnected in step S221, and if it is determined in step S201 that reprogramming can be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (Yes in step S201), the control device 22 instructs the update unit 46 to perform reprogramming. The update unit 46 reprograms the update target device 44 using power from the low-voltage battery 42 (step S223). If reprogramming is completed (Yes in step S225), the process ends.

[0098] The above describes the control method of the reprogramming process in the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment. According to the present embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0099] Conventionally, the power used for reprogramming is typically supplied by the low-voltage battery 42. However, when the SOC of the low-voltage battery 42 decreases, the power required for reprogramming may be insufficient. If reprogramming is interrupted due to insufficient power, normal operation of the vehicle 1 may be adversely affected, and in some cases, the target device 44 to be reprogrammed may need to be replaced.

[0100] On the other hand, when receiving reprogramming data by wireless communication and performing reprogramming based on the received reprogramming data, if the vehicle 1 is connected to an external power supply by wire, convenience is hindered. Therefore, it is not preferred to supply power from an external power supply during reprogramming.

[0101] Therefore, in an electric vehicle equipped with a high-voltage battery 32 for driving the motor, if the low-voltage battery 42 lacks the power required for reprogramming, one approach is to lower the output voltage of the high-voltage battery 32 for reprogramming. However, this situation presents a problem in that specific devices related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery 32 to the low-voltage system circuit 40 cannot be reprogrammed.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, a determination is made as to whether the update target device 44 is a specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery 32 to the low-voltage system circuit 40. If the update target device 44 is a specific device, the DC-DC converter 60 reduces the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery 32 and supplies it to the low-voltage system circuit 40, thereby charging the low-voltage battery 42. After the low-voltage battery 42 is charged, the operation of the specific device is stopped, and then the update unit 46 uses the output power of the low-voltage battery 42 to reprogram the specific device. This prevents program updates from being interrupted due to power shortages, and allows reprogramming of the specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery 32 to the low-voltage system circuit 40 to be performed.

[0103] Furthermore, when the update target device 44 is not a specific device, the DC-DC converter 60 reduces the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery 32 and supplies it to the low-voltage system circuit 40. This allows the update unit 46 to use the output power of the high-voltage battery 32 to update the program associated with the update target device 44. Consequently, when the update target device 44 is not a specific device, charging of the low-voltage battery 42 is unnecessary, thereby shortening the time required for reprogramming.

[0104] Furthermore, as described above, the control device 22 determines whether the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is greater than the amount required to reprogram the target device 44. If the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is determined to be sufficient for reprogramming, the update unit 46 uses the output power of the low-voltage battery 42 to reprogram the specific device. On the other hand, if the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is determined to be insufficient for reprogramming, the update unit 46 determines whether the target device 44 is a specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery 32 to the low-voltage system circuit 40. Consequently, if the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is greater than the amount required to reprogram the target device 44, charging of the low-voltage battery 42 is unnecessary, thereby shortening the time required for reprogramming.

[0105] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is apparent that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various variations and modifications within the scope of the claims and will understand that these variations and modifications naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0106] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, reprogramming is immediately initiated when the user permits reprogramming, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the user permits reprogramming, the user may arbitrarily specify the time for actually executing reprogramming. In this case, when the user-set time arrives, the update unit 46 begins reprogramming. It should be noted that if reprogramming cannot be executed due to, for example, the vehicle 1 being in motion when the user-set time arrives, the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a may be displayed again after the vehicle 1 stops to request the user to permit reprogramming.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, upon receiving reprogramming information and reprogramming being scheduled, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a changes the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a value higher than normal (the reprogramming reservation preparation value), while simultaneously setting the corresponding SOC upper limit value to the normal value. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the SOC upper limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 may be changed to a value higher than normal, while simultaneously changing the SOC lower limit value of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a value higher than normal (the reprogramming reservation preparation value).

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vehicle 1 is described as a parallel hybrid vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is applicable to various vehicle types, such as electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), and non-plug-in hybrid vehicles (hybrid vehicles).

[0109] Industrial applicability

[0110] The present invention can be utilized in vehicles.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that: have: a high voltage system circuit, which includes a high voltage battery; a low-voltage system circuit including a low-voltage battery having an output voltage lower than that of the high-voltage battery, and an update unit that updates a program related to an update target device using power supplied from the low-voltage battery or the high-voltage battery; a DC-DC converter connected between the high-voltage system circuit and the low-voltage system circuit and capable of reducing the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery and supplying the power to the low-voltage system circuit; and a control unit that controls the high-voltage system circuit, the low-voltage system circuit, and the DC-DC converter, The control unit determines whether the update target device is a specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage system circuit. If the update target device is the specific device, the control unit uses the DC-DC converter to reduce the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery and supply it to the low-voltage system circuit, thereby charging the low-voltage battery. After the low-voltage battery is charged, the operation of the specific device is stopped, and then the update unit uses the output power of the low-voltage battery to execute the update of the program related to the specific device.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that When the update target device is not the specific device, the output power of the high-voltage battery is reduced in voltage by the DC-DC converter and supplied to the low-voltage system circuit, thereby allowing the update unit to use the output power of the high-voltage battery to execute an update of the program related to the update target device.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device is provided. The control unit, when the wireless communication unit receives update data for updating the program related to the update target device, derives the power required for updating the program related to the update target device based on information related to the update data, and determines whether the charged amount of the low-voltage battery is insufficient relative to the derived power. When it is determined that the charged amount of the low-voltage battery is sufficient relative to the derived power, the update unit uses the output power of the low-voltage battery to execute the update of the program related to the update target device. When it is determined that the charged amount of the low-voltage battery is insufficient relative to the derived power, it is determined whether the update target device is the specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage system circuit.

4. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that A wireless communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external device is provided. The control unit, when the wireless communication unit receives update data for updating the program related to the update target device, derives the power required for updating the program related to the update target device based on information related to the update data, and determines whether the charged amount of the low-voltage battery is insufficient relative to the derived power. When it is determined that the charged amount of the low-voltage battery is sufficient relative to the derived power, the update unit uses the output power of the low-voltage battery to execute the update of the program related to the update target device. When it is determined that the charged amount of the low-voltage battery is insufficient relative to the derived power, it is determined whether the update target device is the specific device related to the power supply from the high-voltage battery to the low-voltage system circuit.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The control unit includes: a high voltage battery control unit that controls the high voltage battery; and a DC-DC converter control unit that controls the DC-DC converter. The specific device includes at least one of the high voltage battery control section and the DC-DC converter control section.

6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The vehicle includes an engine as a driving source for traveling, and a motor connected to the high-voltage battery as a driving source for traveling.

7. The vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that The vehicle includes an engine as a driving source for traveling, and a motor connected to the high-voltage battery as a driving source for traveling.

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