Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle is provided that suppresses interruption of program updating due to power shortage. The vehicle is provided with a high-voltage system circuit (30), a low-voltage system circuit (40), a DC-DC converter (60), a control section (52a), and a wireless communication section (50a), the control section (52a) derives a time required for updating of a program related to an updating target device (44) based on information related to data for updating, and charges a low-voltage battery (42) in accordance with the derived time required for updating of the program related to the updating target device (44) by supplying output power of the high-voltage battery (32) to the low-voltage system circuit (40) with a voltage thereof lowered by the DC-DC converter (60), and an updating section (46) executes updating of the program related to the updating target device (44) using output power of the low-voltage battery (42) after charging of the low-voltage battery (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, a technology has been proposed to update (hereinafter referred to as "reprogramming") the program of electronic control devices (hereinafter also referred to as "ECUs") used to control the engine, motor, on-board devices and other components installed in a vehicle.

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

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-037059 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] In recent years, due to factors such as increased program size, there has been a trend towards longer reprogramming times. If reprogramming takes longer, the power required for reprogramming also increases. Therefore, if the battery is not fully charged during reprogramming, the update process may be interrupted due to insufficient power.

[0009] In view of such problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle capable of preventing program updates from being interrupted due to insufficient power.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] To solve the above problems, 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 whose output voltage is lower than that of the high-voltage battery, and an update unit that uses power supplied from the low-voltage battery to perform an update of a program related to an updated device; a DC-DC converter connected between the high-voltage system circuit and the low-voltage system circuit, capable of reducing the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery and supplying it to the low-voltage system circuit; a control unit that controls the high-voltage system circuit, the low-voltage system circuit, and the DC-DC converter; and a wireless communication unit that communicates with external devices. The system performs wireless communication and receives update data for updating the program related to the device being updated. Based on information related to the update data, the control unit calculates the time required to update the program related to the device being updated. It then supplies the low-voltage system circuit with the output power of the high-voltage battery by reducing its voltage using the DC-DC converter. This charges the low-voltage battery according to the calculated time required to update the program related to the device being updated. After the low-voltage battery is charged, the update unit uses the output power of the low-voltage battery to perform the update of the program related to the device being updated.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit can derive the time required to update the program related to the update target device based on at least one of the program capacity of the update data, the communication speed between the update unit and the update target device, and the write speed when writing the program to the update target device.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit can, in the presence of multiple update target devices, export the time required to update the program associated with each update target device.

[0014] In addition, the vehicle may include: an engine as a driving source and a motor connected to the high-voltage battery as a driving source.

[0015] Technical effect

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent program updates from being interrupted due to insufficient power. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of the vehicle used to illustrate this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the electrical system circuit controlled by the control device of this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the control of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery by the high-voltage battery control unit of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 These are diagrams illustrating the reprogramming execution confirmation screen, program selection screen, and reprogramming time determination screen of this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processes related to reprogramming in the vehicle described in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the reprogramming operation control process in the vehicle according to this embodiment.

[0023] Symbol Explanation

[0024] 10: Engine

[0025] 12: Motor

[0026] 22: Control device (control unit)

[0027] 30: High-voltage system circuits

[0028] 32: High-voltage battery

[0029] 40: Low-voltage system circuits

[0030] 42: Low-voltage battery

[0031] 44: Update the target device

[0032] 46: Update Department

[0033] 50a: Wireless Communications Department

[0034] 60: DC-DC converter

[0035] 102: Data Distribution Center (External Device) Detailed Implementation

[0036] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples for ease of understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention unless otherwise stated. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same function or structure are omitted by using the same symbols to avoid repetitive descriptions; furthermore, elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0037] Figure 1This is a functional block diagram illustrating the vehicle 1 of this embodiment. Here, a vehicle 1 having an engine 10 and a motor 12 as driving sources is illustrated. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equivalent to a so-called parallel hybrid vehicle, and the output shaft 14 is mainly rotated by the engine 10 as the power source. Although the three-phase AC motor 12 is also a power source, it only serves to assist the engine 10. The driving mode in which the engine 10 and the motor 12 are used in parallel is called the parallel driving mode.

[0038] Furthermore, during low-speed driving, such as when starting and / or accelerating, the engine speed of 10 does not increase, so the clutch 16 is released, and the driving mode switches from the combined driving mode to EV (Electric Vehicle) mode, where only the motor 12 is used as the power source. It should be noted that even outside of starting and / or accelerating, the combined driving mode and EV mode can be switched according to the driving conditions.

[0039] The ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) 18 is connected to the engine 10 via a ring-shaped component such as a belt 20 tensioned between the engine 10 and the output shaft 14. It functions as a starter motor to transmit power to the engine 10 and assist in starting the engine 10, and also as an alternator for regenerative power generation. The timing for starting the engine 10 can be considered not only when the vehicle 1 begins to move, but also when switching from EV mode to a combined mode, or when resuming from idle stop, among other times.

[0040] The control device 22 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM storing programs, and RAM serving as a working area, among other semiconductor integrated circuits. The control device 22 controls the entire vehicle 1 or various devices mounted on the vehicle 1. For example, the control device 22 controls a high-voltage battery 32 (described later). Figure 2 ) and low-voltage battery 42 (refer to) Figure 2 The electrical system circuits of ) are divided into various parts.

[0041] Furthermore, the control device 22 and the wireless communication unit 50a (see reference) Figure 2 The wireless communication unit 50a is connected to an external device and can transmit and receive various data. The wireless communication unit 50a can communicate wirelessly with the data distribution center 102 via the network 100. The data distribution center 102 distributes reprogramming information (hereinafter also called "reprogramming information") required for updating (hereinafter also called "reprogramming") the program of the update target device 44 mounted on the vehicle 1. The reprogramming information includes, for example, specifying the object to be reprogrammed, namely the update target device 44 (see below). Figure 2 Information about the data used for reprogramming, including the data used for updating the program.

[0042] Furthermore, the control device 22 includes the car navigation system control unit 52a described later (see reference). Figure 2 Furthermore, 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.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the electrical system circuit controlled by the control device 22 of this embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the electrical system circuit installed in 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 for switching the electrical connection of the high-voltage battery 32 in the high-voltage system circuit 30 on / off.

[0044] Furthermore, the low-voltage system circuit 40 includes a low-voltage battery 42, a device to be updated 44, an update unit 46, and a vehicle load 48. The low-voltage battery 42 is a rechargeable battery with an output voltage lower than that of the high-voltage battery 32. The low-voltage battery 42 is, for example, a 12V auxiliary battery, supplying lower voltage (e.g., 12V) DC power to various on-board devices (auxiliaries) mounted in the vehicle 1. The update unit 46 functions as a program update tool that performs program updates (reprogramming) related to the device to be updated 44 based on instructions 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 perform reprogramming related to the device to be updated 44. It should be noted that the vehicle load 48 may include, for example, electrical loads such as door rearview mirror motors (not shown), power window motors, and radiator fan motors.

[0045] It should be noted that the device 44 to be updated specifically includes, for example, an engine control unit 10a that controls the engine 10, a motor control unit 12a that controls the motor 12, a high-voltage battery control unit 32a that controls the high-voltage battery 32, a high-voltage relay control unit 34a that controls the high-voltage relay 34, a low-voltage battery control unit 42a that controls the low-voltage battery 42, a wireless communication unit 50a that communicates wirelessly with the data distribution center 102 via the network 100, a car navigation system control unit 52a that controls the car navigation system, an IG power control unit 54a that controls the ignition power (IG power) of the vehicle 1 to IG-ON (READY-ON) or IG-OFF (READY-OFF) based on the user's operation, and a DC-DC converter control unit 60a that controls the operation of the DC-DC converter 60, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the 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 in the high-voltage system circuit 30, and supply the reduced voltage power to the low-voltage battery 42, the replacement device 44, the replacement unit 46, the vehicle load 48, etc. in the low-voltage system circuit 40.

[0047] The high-voltage battery control unit 32a sets a target charge rate (SOC) range for the high-voltage battery 32, namely, an upper limit and a lower limit of the target charge rate (SOC), and controls the charging and discharging of the high-voltage battery 32 based on this target charge rate range. Specifically, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a controls the charging and discharging of the high-voltage battery 32 in a manner that keeps the charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 within the aforementioned upper and lower limit range of the target charge rate.

[0048] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the control of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 by the high-voltage battery control unit 32a. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 As shown in (a), under normal circumstances where reprogramming is not scheduled, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a sets a normal SOC upper limit and a normal SOC lower limit as a range of target charging rates. The normal SOC upper limit can be set, for example, to 90% when the high-voltage battery 32 is fully charged to 100%. Furthermore, the normal SOC lower limit can be set, for example, to 50% when the high-voltage battery 32 is fully charged to 100%. It should be noted that the specific values ​​of the normal SOC lower limit and SOC upper limit are not limited to these specific examples.

[0049] Then, 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 changes the lower limit of the SOC (State of Charge) of the target charge rate range of the high-voltage battery 32 to a value higher than the normal lower limit (normal SOC lower limit) (reprogramming reservation preparation value). On the other hand, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a sets the upper limit of the SOC to the normal upper limit.

[0050] In detail, when the wireless communication unit 50a receives reprogramming information from the data distribution center 102 via the network 100, the control device 22, based on the received reprogramming information, calculates the time required for reprogramming related to the updated target device 44 (hereinafter also referred to as "reprogramming time"). Furthermore, based on the calculated reprogramming time, the control device 22 calculates the maximum time required to charge the low-voltage battery 42 using the high-voltage battery 32 (hereinafter also referred to as "charging time").

[0051] More specifically, the reprogramming information includes various information such as the program size related to the update target device 44, the write speed when writing 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 control device 22 derives the reprogramming time based on all or some of this various information.

[0052] For example, the control device 22 divides the program capacity related to the update target device 44 by the communication speed between the update unit 46 and the update target device 44 to derive the time for transmitting the update program from the update unit 46 to the update target device 44. Furthermore, the control device 22 divides the program capacity related to the update target device 44 by the write speed when writing the update program to the update target device 44 to derive the time for writing the update program to the update target device 44. Then, the control device 22 adds these times together to derive the time required for reprogramming. In addition, the control device 22 estimates the power required for reprogramming from the reprogramming time and derives the charging time based on this estimated power.

[0053] At this time, when the wireless communication unit 50a receives multiple reprogramming messages from the data distribution center 102 via the network 100, the control device 22, based on each of the received reprogramming messages, derives the time required for reprogramming related to the updated target device 44 (reprogramming time). Furthermore, the control device 22, based on each derived reprogramming time, derives the charging time.

[0054] Then, based on the derived reprogramming time, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a of the control device 22, as follows: Figure 3 As shown in (b), the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 is changed to a reprogramming reservation preparation value that is higher than the normal value. For example, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a sets the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a reprogramming reservation preparation value (e.g., 70% of a full charge) that is higher than the normal value (e.g., 50% of a full charge). Thus, the charging of the high-voltage battery 32 is controlled by the high-voltage battery control unit 32a in a way that the charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 is higher than or equal to the reprogramming reservation preparation value. Here, it is preferable that the longer the reprogramming time derived above is, the larger the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate (reprogramming reservation preparation value) is set to. Thus, the high-voltage battery 32 is fully charged to ensure a charge amount greater than the power required for reprogramming, and therefore, insufficient power during reprogramming can be prevented.

[0055] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a calculates the reprogramming time required for the device 44 to be updated based on the reprogramming information, and changes the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 based on the calculated reprogramming time. 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, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a can set a predetermined lower limit of SOC as the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 (reprogramming reservation preparation value). For example, the lower limit of SOC of the target charge rate as the reprogramming reservation preparation value can also be preset to 70% when the full charge of the high-voltage battery 32 is set to 100%.

[0056] Alternatively, the reprogramming information may include required time information, which contains the time needed for reprogramming related to the target device 44. In this case, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a changes the lower limit of the target charge rate (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 32 based on the required time information. For example, on the data distribution center 102 side, the time for transmitting the update program from the update unit 46 to the target device 44 is pre-determined by dividing the program capacity related to the target device 44 by the communication speed between the update unit 46 and the target device 44. Furthermore, on the data distribution center 102 side, the time for writing the update program to the target device 44 is pre-determined by dividing the program capacity related to the target device 44 by the write speed when writing the update program to the target device 44. Then, on the data distribution center 102 side, the time obtained by pre-summing these times can be included as part of the required time information in the reprogramming information.

[0057] Then, after setting the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to the reprogramming reservation preparation value, the high-voltage battery 32 is charged until it reaches a charge level higher than or equal to the reprogramming reservation preparation value. Next, if the user performs an operation to set the vehicle 1 to READY-OFF (IG-OFF operation) when reprogramming information has been received, the update unit 46 confirms the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32.

[0058] Figure 4 These figures illustrate the reprogramming execution confirmation screen 24a, the program selection screen 24b, and the reprogramming time determination screen 24c of this embodiment. When the high-voltage battery 32 has a charge level of 24a or higher than the reprogramming reservation preparation value but reprogramming has not yet been scheduled, such as... Figure 4 As shown in (a), the car navigation system control unit 52a displays a reprogramming execution confirmation screen 24a on the display unit 24, requesting the user to confirm the reprogramming.

[0059] The reprogramming execution confirmation screen 24a displays a prompt such as "If reprogramming is performed, vehicle 1 will be unusable until the reprogramming is completed," and a button image that allows the user to choose whether to perform the reprogramming (yes or no).

[0060] Then, if the user presses the "Yes" button on the reprogramming execution confirmation screen 24a to allow reprogramming, then as follows Figure 4 As shown in (b), the car navigation system control unit 52a displays the program selection screen 24b of the update target device 44, which allows the user to select the execution target for reprogramming, on the display unit 24.

[0061] The program selection screen 24b displays, for example, the estimated time required for each of the update target devices 44 that are to be reprogrammed, a checkbox for the user to select which update target device 44 to reprogram, and a button image ("Select Program" or "Cancel") for the user to confirm the selection operation of the update target device 44. The estimated time required for each of the update target devices 44 that are to be reprogrammed is the sum of the reprogramming time and charging time for each of the update target devices 44 derived from the control device 22.

[0062] When the user presses the program selection button on the program selection screen 24b, such as Figure 4 As shown in (c), the car navigation system control unit 52a displays a reprogramming time determination screen 24c on the display unit 24, which allows the user to select the execution time of the reprogramming.

[0063] The reprogramming time determination screen 24c displays, for example, the total estimated time required for each of the update target devices 44 selected by the user as the execution target for reprogramming, i.e., the total estimated time required, the time when the user can select to schedule the reprogramming (hereinafter also referred to as the reprogramming time), and a button image ("Schedule Program Update" or "Cancel") that the user can choose whether to confirm the scheduling of the reprogramming of the update target device 44.

[0064] Then, if the user presses the "Schedule Program Update" button on the reprogramming time determination screen 24c, the reprogramming process begins if the scheduled time arrives. On the other hand, if the user does not press the "Schedule Program Update" button on the reprogramming time determination screen 24c—that is, if the "No" button is pressed on the reprogramming execution confirmation screen 24a, the "Cancel" button is pressed on the program selection screen 24b, and the "Cancel" button is pressed on the reprogramming time determination screen 24c—the reprogramming process does not begin.

[0065] If the scheduled time arrives and reprogramming begins, the IG power control unit 54a of the control device 22 will turn on the IG power without user intervention and control the vehicle 1 to the READY-ON (IG-ON) state. Then, if it is possible to perform reprogramming related to the device to be updated 44 using the low-voltage battery 42, the update unit 46 will use the power of the low-voltage battery 42 to perform the reprogramming of the device to be updated 44.

[0066] On the other hand, if the low-voltage battery 42 is not sufficiently charged and cannot be used to perform reprogramming related to the device being updated 44, the high-voltage relay control unit 34a connects the high-voltage relay 34 to charge the low-voltage battery 42, allowing power from the high-voltage battery 32 to be output to the DC-DC converter 60. Then, the DC-DC converter control unit 60a starts operating 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. After charging of the low-voltage battery 42 is complete, the power supply from the high-voltage battery 32 is stopped, and the power from the low-voltage battery 42 is used to perform the reprogramming of the device being updated 44 (specific device).

[0067] Specifically, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a charges the low-voltage battery 42 until the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 is sufficient to perform reprogramming of all the update target devices 44 selected by the user in the program selection screen 24b. At this time, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a can determine the charge level of the low-voltage battery 42 based on the total time required for reprogramming each update target device 44 selected by the user in the program selection screen 24b. It should be noted that, not limited to this example, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a may also charge the low-voltage battery 42 to a preset predetermined charge level. For example, this predetermined charge level may be preset to 90% when the full charge of the low-voltage battery 42 is set to 100%.

[0068] Then, if 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. Afterward, the update unit 46 uses the power from the fully charged low-voltage battery 42 to reprogram the update target device 44. Then, if the reprogramming of the update target device 44 is completed, the IG power control unit 54a of the control device 22 controls the vehicle 1 to READY-OFF (IG-OFF) without user operation.

[0069] (Control methods)

[0070] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processes related to reprogramming in vehicle 1 of this embodiment. Figure 5 The image shows the entire processing flow in vehicle 1.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, firstly, the IG power control unit 54a of the control device 22 turns on the IG power based on the user's operation, and controls the vehicle 1 to the READY-ON (IG-ON) state (S101).

[0072] 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 in the reprogramming data distributed from the data distribution center 102 that has not been received by the vehicle 1 (S103). Here, the reprogramming data is data containing update data for updating the program related to the device 44 to be updated. When the data distribution center 102 determines that it is necessary to reprogram the device 44 to be updated, it distributes reprogramming information containing reprogramming data for performing the reprogramming to each vehicle 1 via the network 100.

[0073] If the determination result in S103 is that there is no unreceived reprogramming data (No in step S103), the control device 22 determines whether the reprogramming data reception completion flag is enabled (step S105). If the reprogramming data reception completion flag is enabled, although the vehicle 1 has received all the reprogramming data, it has not used the reprogramming data to perform reprogramming, thus indicating that it is in a state where the reprogramming needs to be performed (a state where reprogramming has been scheduled).

[0074] If the determination result of S105 is that the reprogramming data reception completion flag is off (No in step S105), reprogramming is not required. Therefore, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a sets the lower and upper limits of the SOC of the high-voltage battery 32 to normal values ​​(step S107). As a result, during subsequent driving of the vehicle 1, the high-voltage battery 32 is charged within the normal target charging rate range (see reference). Figure 3 (a)

[0075] Then, the IG power control unit 54a of the control device 22 controls the vehicle 1 to READY-OFF (IG-OFF) based on the user's operation (step S109) and ends the control process.

[0076] On the other hand, if the determination result of S105 is that the reprogramming data reception completion flag is enabled (yes in step S105), proceed to S119 as described later.

[0077] Furthermore, if the determination result of S103 above is that there is unreceived reprogramming data and it is necessary to receive reprogramming data from the data distribution center 102 (yes in step S103), 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).

[0078] Next, based on the reprogramming information received from the data distribution center 102, the control device 22 derives the time required for reprogramming related to the updated target device 44 (step S113), and based on the derived reprogramming time, derives the longest time required to charge the low-voltage battery 42 using the high-voltage battery 32, i.e., the charging time (step S115), and sets the reprogramming data reception completion flag to "on" (step S117). It should be noted that the reprogramming data reception completion flag will not be turned off until the reprogramming related to all received reprogramming data is completed.

[0079] Furthermore, if the reprogramming data reception completion flag is determined to be enabled in step S105 (yes in step S105), and if the reprogramming data reception completion flag is enabled in step S117, based on the reprogramming time required derived in step S113, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a of the control device 22 changes the lower limit of the target charge rate (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 32 to a reprogramming reservation preparation value higher than the normal value, and sets the upper limit of the SOC to the normal value (step S119). As a result, during subsequent driving of the vehicle 1, the high-voltage battery 32 is charged within a specific target charge rate range (see step S119). Figure 3 (b).

[0080] Subsequently, when vehicle 1 stops, the IG power control unit 54a of control device 22 controls vehicle 1 to READY-OFF (IG-OFF) based on the user's operation (step S121).

[0081] Next, the control device 22 confirms the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 and determines whether the charge level (actual SOC) of the high-voltage battery 32 is above the reprogramming reservation preparation value (the lower limit of SOC for the target charge rate) (step S123).

[0082] If the result shows that the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 is above the reprogramming reservation preparation value (Yes in step S123), the control device 22 determines whether the reprogramming reservation completion flag is off (step S125). If the reprogramming reservation completion flag is on, it means that the user has scheduled the reprogramming operation through the user's operation. If the result shows that the reprogramming reservation completion flag is off (Yes in step S125), the car navigation system control unit 52a of the control device 22 executes the reprogramming execution confirmation screen 24a on the display unit 24 according to the user's operation (see...). Figure 4 The display of (step S127), program selection screen 24b (refer to) Figure 4 The display of ) (step S129), and the reprogramming timing determination screen 24c (refer to Figure 4 The display of (step S131).

[0083] Then, the control device 22 determines whether the user has finally operated the reprogramming time determination screen 24c's scheduled program update button (step S133). If the result is that the user has scheduled the reprogramming rework by operating the reprogramming time determination screen 24c's scheduled program update button (yes in step S133), the control device 22 activates the reprogramming scheduled completion flag (step S135).

[0084] If the user does not press the button to update the reprogramming schedule on the screen 24c in step S133 (No in step S133), and if the user determines in step S123 that the charge of the high-voltage battery 32 is less than the reprogramming schedule preparation value (No in step S123), the control device 22 will not perform the reprogramming operation and will end the process.

[0085] On the other hand, if the reprogramming reservation completion flag is determined to be enabled in step S125 above, and if the reprogramming reservation completion flag is enabled in step S135 above, the process proceeds to the reprogramming work control process (step S200). Details of the reprogramming work control process (step S200) will be described later.

[0086] (Reprogramming job control processing)

[0087] Figure 6 This is used to explain the above-described reprogramming operation control process in vehicle 1 of this embodiment. Figure 5 The flowchart of step S200).

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, firstly, the control device 22 determines whether the current time is the reservation time reserved by the user in the reprogramming time determination screen 24c (step S201).

[0089] If the determination result of step S201 above is that the current time is not the reservation time reserved by the user in the reprogramming time determination screen 24c (No in step S201), the process ends.

[0090] Furthermore, if the determination result of step S201 is that the current time is the reservation time reserved by the user in the reprogramming time determination screen 24c, the IG power control unit 54a of the control device 22 will turn on the IG power without the user's operation and control the vehicle 1 to the READY-ON (IG-ON) state (step S205).

[0091] Then, 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 above the amount of power required for reprogramming related to the device 44 to be updated, that is, whether the low-voltage battery 42 can be used to perform reprogramming (step S207).

[0092] If the result is that reprogramming cannot be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (No in step S207), the high-voltage relay control unit 34a of the control device 22 connects the high-voltage relay 34 (step S209), and the DC-DC converter control unit 60a starts the operation of the DC-DC converter 60, thereby 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 S211). As a result, the low-voltage battery 42 can be charged using the power supplied from the high-voltage battery 32.

[0093] Then, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a of the control device 22 determines whether charging of the low-voltage battery 42 using power output from the high-voltage battery 32 is complete (step S213). Specifically, the low-voltage battery control unit 42a charges the low-voltage battery 42 until the amount of charge on the low-voltage battery 42 is sufficient to perform all the reprogramming related to the update target device 44 selected by the user in the program selection screen 24b.

[0094] If the result is that the low-voltage battery 42 has been charged (in step S213), the DC-DC converter control unit 60a of the control device 22 terminates the operation of the DC-DC converter 60 (in step S215), and the high-voltage relay control unit 34a disconnects the connection of the high-voltage relay 34 (in step S217).

[0095] Then, if the connection of the high-voltage relay 34 is disconnected in step S217 above, and if it is determined in step S207 above that reprogramming can be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (Yes in step S207), the control device 22 instructs the update unit 46 to perform reprogramming, and the update unit 46 uses the power of the low-voltage battery 42 to perform reprogramming of the update target device 44 (step S219). Then, if the reprogramming execution is completed (Yes in step S221), the control device 22 turns off the reprogramming reservation completion flag (step S223).

[0096] Next, the control device 22 determines whether the reprogramming related to all the reprogramming information received in step S111 has ended (step S225). If the result is that the reprogramming related to all the reprogramming information received in step S225 has ended (yes in step S225), the control device 22 turns off the reprogramming data reception completion flag (step S227).

[0097] Then, if the reprogramming data reception completion flag is turned off in step S227 above, and if it is determined in step S225 above that the reprogramming related to the received reprogramming information has not been completely completed, the IG power control unit 54a of the control device 22 controls the vehicle 1 to READY-OFF (IG-OFF) without the user's operation (step S229), and ends the control process.

[0098] As explained above, in this embodiment, if reprogramming data is received, by changing the lower limit of the SOC to a higher value than usual, the possibility of reprogramming interruption due to insufficient reserve of the high-voltage battery 32 or the low-voltage battery 42 during reprogramming can be suppressed. This effect will be described in detail below.

[0099] In conventional technology, the power used to perform reprogramming is usually provided by a low-voltage battery 42. However, when the state of charge (SOC) of the low-voltage battery 42 decreases, there may be insufficient power to perform reprogramming. If reprogramming is interrupted due to insufficient power, it will adversely affect the normal operation of the vehicle 1, and depending on the situation, it may be necessary to replace the update object device 44 itself, which is the object to be reprogrammed.

[0100] On the other hand, when receiving reprogramming data using wireless communication and performing reprogramming based on the received reprogramming data, connecting vehicle 1 to an external power source via wired connection would hinder convenience. Therefore, it is not preferable to supply power from an external power source when performing reprogramming.

[0101] Therefore, in electric vehicles (HEVs, EVs) equipped with a high-voltage battery 32 for motor drive, if the power required for reprogramming in the low-voltage battery 42 is insufficient, it is possible to reduce the output voltage of the high-voltage battery 32 for reprogramming. However, if the SOC of the high-voltage battery 32 has already decreased when reprogramming begins, reprogramming cannot be performed. In particular, this problem is prone to occur in parallel hybrid vehicles where charging of the high-voltage battery 32 cannot be implemented during parking.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the control device 22 schedules a reprogramming related to the device 44 to be updated, it changes the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a value higher than the normal lower limit (the normal SOC lower limit) (reprogramming schedule preparation value). Thus, when performing reprogramming, the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 can be set to the charge level required for performing the reprogramming, thereby suppressing the possibility of reprogramming being interrupted due to insufficient power.

[0103] Furthermore, as described above, when the wireless communication unit 50a receives reprogramming data related to the device to be updated 44, the control device 22 determines that a reprogramming related to the device to be updated 44 has been scheduled. Therefore, the lower limit of the target charge rate (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 32 can be quickly changed to a reprogramming schedule value. Thus, after reprogramming is scheduled, when controlled to IG-OFF, the high-voltage battery 32 is essentially in a fully charged state.

[0104] Furthermore, as described above, when reprogramming data is received using the wireless communication unit 50a, the control device 22 calculates the time required for reprogramming related to the device to be updated 44 based on the reprogramming data, and charges the low-voltage battery 42 according to the calculated time. After the low-voltage battery 42 is charged, the update unit 46 uses the output power of the low-voltage battery 42 to perform the program update related to the device to be updated 44. This effectively suppresses insufficient power during reprogramming.

[0105] Furthermore, as described above, the control device 22 calculates the time required for reprogramming the device 44 based on at least one of the program size of the update data, the communication speed between the update unit 46 and the device 44 to be updated, and the write speed when writing the update program to the device 44. Therefore, the time required for reprogramming the device 44 to be updated can be accurately calculated.

[0106] Furthermore, as described above, when there are multiple update target devices 44, the control device 22 calculates the time required for reprogramming each update target device 44, and charges the low-voltage battery 42 based on the calculated update time required for the programs related to each update target device 44. Therefore, reprogramming of all update target devices 44 selected by the user in the program selection screen 24b can be performed at once, thus enabling efficient reprogramming.

[0107] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it is self-evident that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art will conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and understand that these modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0108] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, if the vehicle 1 is unable to perform reprogramming due to being in motion or other reasons when the time set by the user in the reprogramming time determination screen 24c is reached, it can also be configured to display the reprogramming execution confirmation screen 24a, program selection screen 24b, and reprogramming time determination screen 24c again after the vehicle 1 stops, and request the user to schedule reprogramming again.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if communication charges are incurred when the wireless communication unit 50a receives reprogramming information from the data distribution center 102 via the network 100, the display unit 24 may be configured to display a screen requesting the user to allow the network 100 to receive reprogramming information from the data distribution center 102.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the wireless communication unit 50a receives reprogramming information from the data distribution center 102 via the network 100, and the user presses the scheduled program update button on the reprogramming time determination screen 24c, then if the scheduled time arrives, charging of the low-voltage battery 42 and reprogramming of the target device 44 will begin. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the timing for the wireless communication unit 50a to receive the reprogramming information can also be set from the scheduled time selected by the user on the reprogramming time determination screen 24c. In this case, the estimated time required displayed on the program selection screen 24b becomes the time obtained by adding the time required for reprogramming and charging for each target device 44 derived by the control device 22 to the time required for the wireless communication unit 50a to receive the reprogramming information from the data distribution center 102 via the network 100.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a reprogramming instruction is received and a reprogramming is scheduled, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a changes the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a higher value than usual (reprogramming schedule preparation value), while setting the upper limit of the SOC to the usual value. However, the present invention is not limited to this example; it is also possible to change both the upper limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a higher value than usual and the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a higher value than usual (reprogramming schedule preparation value).

[0112] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described a parallel hybrid vehicle 1, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention is applicable to various vehicle types, including electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and non-plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (hybrid vehicles).

[0113] Industrial availability

[0114] This invention can be applied to vehicles.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, have: High-voltage system circuitry, including a high-voltage battery; A low-voltage system circuit includes a low-voltage battery whose output voltage is lower than that of the high-voltage battery, and an update unit that uses power supplied from the low-voltage battery to perform an update related to a device being updated. A DC-DC converter is connected between the high-voltage system circuit and the low-voltage system circuit, and is capable of reducing the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery to supply the low-voltage system circuit. The control unit controls the high-voltage system circuit, the low-voltage system circuit, and the DC-DC converter; as well as The wireless communication unit communicates wirelessly with external devices and receives update data for updating the program related to the device being updated. The control unit calculates the time required to update the program related to the update target device based on at least one of the program capacity of the update data, the communication speed between the update unit and the update target device, and the write speed when writing the program to the update target device. After the control unit outputs the time required to update the program related to the device to be updated, it sets the lower limit of the target charging rate of the high-voltage battery as a reprogramming reservation preparation value, such that it is higher than the usual lower limit and becomes larger as the required time increases. The usual lower limit is the value set under normal circumstances when the program update is not scheduled. The control unit charges the high-voltage battery until the high-voltage battery reaches a charge level exceeding the reprogramming reservation preparation value. When the high-voltage battery is charged to a level greater than or equal to the reprogramming reservation preparation value and the ignition power is turned off, the control unit determines whether the user should schedule the program update. If the control unit determines that the user has scheduled a program update and the scheduled time based on the user's operation has arrived, it will turn on the vehicle's ignition power without the user's operation, and determine whether the low-voltage battery has enough charge for reprogramming. If the low-voltage battery has enough charge for reprogramming, it will charge the low-voltage battery. When the low-voltage battery's charge level is less than the amount of power required for reprogramming, the control unit uses the DC-DC converter to reduce the voltage of the high-voltage battery's output power and supply it to the low-voltage system circuit. This allows the low-voltage battery to be charged according to the estimated time required to update the program related to the device being updated. After the low-voltage battery is charged, the updating unit uses the output power of the low-voltage battery to perform an update of the program related to the device to be updated. When the program update related to the device being updated is completed, the control unit shuts off the vehicle's ignition power without user intervention. When all updates to the program related to the device to be updated are completed, the control unit sets the lower limit of the target charging rate to the normal lower limit.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the control unit calculates the time required to update the program related to the device being updated, it sets the lower limit of the target charging rate of the high-voltage battery to a reprogramming reservation preparation value that is higher than the usual lower limit, which is the value set under normal circumstances when no program update is scheduled. Simultaneously, it sets the upper limit of the target charging rate of the high-voltage battery to a reprogramming reservation upper limit that is higher than the usual upper limit, which is the value set under normal circumstances when no program update is scheduled. The control unit charges the high-voltage battery until the high-voltage battery reaches a charge level that is above the reprogramming reservation preparation value and below the reprogramming reservation upper limit value. When all updates to the program related to the device to be updated are completed, the control unit sets the lower limit and upper limit of the target charging rate to the normal lower limit and the normal upper limit.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the presence of multiple update target devices, the control unit calculates the time required to update the program associated with each update target device.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle includes: an engine as a driving source and a motor connected to the high-voltage battery as a driving source.

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