Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle is provided in which a motor is inhibited from malfunctioning in association with execution of reprogramming. The vehicle is provided with: a high-voltage system circuit including a high-voltage battery, an inverter that converts direct-current electric power supplied from the high-voltage battery into alternating-current electric power and outputs the alternating-current electric power to a motor that is a drive source for running; a low-voltage system circuit including a low-voltage battery that outputs a voltage lower than the high-voltage battery, and an update unit that executes updating of a program related to an update target device using electric power supplied from the low-voltage battery or the high-voltage battery; a DC-DC converter that is connected between the high-voltage system circuit and the low-voltage system circuit and is capable of reducing a voltage of output electric power of the high-voltage battery and supplying the output electric power to the low-voltage system circuit; and a control unit that, when the output voltage from the high-voltage battery is reduced by the DC-DC converter and supplied to the low-voltage system circuit and updating of the program is started by the update unit, restricts operation of the inverter with the start of the updating of the program as a trigger.

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 "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. 2017-166434 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] In recent years, due to the increase in program size, there has been a trend of longer reprogramming times. If the reprogramming time is longer, the power required for reprogramming will also increase. Therefore, if the battery does not have sufficient power stored during reprogramming, the program update may be interrupted due to insufficient power.

[0009] Therefore, if the 12V auxiliary battery (low-voltage battery) is undercharged, reprogramming can be performed by reducing the output voltage of the high-voltage battery used to drive the vehicle's motor. However, when the high-voltage battery's relay is connected to supply power for reprogramming, the high-voltage battery's power may be accidentally supplied from the inverter to the driving motor, causing the motor to malfunction.

[0010] In view of such problems, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle capable of suppressing malfunctions of the motor in association with the execution of reprogramming.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] To solve the above problems, the vehicle of the present invention includes: a high-voltage system circuit including a high-voltage battery and an inverter that converts DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery into AC power and outputs it to a motor as a driving source; 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 or the high-voltage battery to perform updates 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; and a control unit that, when the DC-DC converter reduces the output voltage from the high-voltage battery and supplies it to the low-voltage system circuit, and the update unit starts updating the program related to the updated device, limits the operation of the inverter by triggering the start of the program update.

[0013] Furthermore, when the update of the program related to the updated target device begins, the control unit can monitor whether there is current flowing from the inverter to the motor, and if the current is detected, restrict the operation of the inverter.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit can limit the operation of the inverter by shutting off the control power supply to the inverter.

[0015] Furthermore, the control unit can limit the operation of the inverter by shutting off the DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery to the inverter.

[0016] In addition, the vehicle may also have an engine as a driving force.

[0017] Technical effect

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the situation where the motor malfunctions in association with the execution of reprogramming. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of the vehicle used to illustrate this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the electrical system circuit controlled by the control device of this embodiment.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the screen that allows reprogramming execution in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processes related to reprogramming in the vehicle described in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the reprogramming operation control process in the vehicle according to this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the reprogramming control process in a modified vehicle.

[0026] Symbol Explanation

[0027] 22: Control device (control unit)

[0028] 30: High-voltage system circuits

[0029] 32: High-voltage battery

[0030] 38: Monitor the ECU

[0031] 40: Low-voltage system circuits

[0032] 42: Low-voltage battery

[0033] 44: Update the target device

[0034] 46: Update Department

[0035] 60: DC-DC converter 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 1 This 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 via the wireless communication unit 50a. The wireless communication unit 50a can communicate wirelessly with the data distribution center 102 via the network 100. The data distribution center 102 functions to distribute reprogramming information (hereinafter also referred to as "reprogramming information") required for controlling the update of 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 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 2This 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, a high-voltage relay 34, an inverter 36, an inverter relay 37, and a monitoring ECU 38. 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. The inverter 36 converts the DC power from the high-voltage battery 32 into AC power and outputs it to the motor 12. Furthermore, the inverter relay 37 is a relay device for switching the electrical connection of the inverter 36 in the high-voltage system circuit 30 on / off. The monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 controls the high-voltage relay 34, the inverter relay 37, and the inverter control power relay 49 (described later). Furthermore, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 monitors the current flowing from the inverter 36 to the motor 12.

[0044] In addition, the low-voltage system circuit 40 includes a low-voltage battery 42, a device to be updated 44, an update unit 46, a vehicle load 48, and an inverter control power relay 49. 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 is 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. In addition, the inverter control power relay 49 is a relay device that switches the electrical connection of the inverter control power supply 36a supplied from the low voltage system circuit 40 to the inverter 36.

[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 the range of the target charge rate (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 32, namely the upper limit and lower limit of the target charge rate (SOC), and controls the charging and discharging of the high-voltage battery 32 based on the 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 charge 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 and schedules reprogramming, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a changes the lower limit of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a value higher than the normal lower limit (the normal value of the lower limit of the SOC) (the reprogramming schedule preparation value). On the other hand, the upper limit of the SOC is set to the normal value of the upper limit of the SOC.

[0050] In detail, 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 is scheduled. Then, based on the received reprogramming information, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a calculates the power required for reprogramming related to the updated target device 44 (hereinafter also referred to as "power required for reprogramming").

[0051] Specifically, the reprogramming information includes various information such as the program capacity 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 high-voltage battery control unit 32a derives the power required for reprogramming based on all or part of this various information.

[0052] Then, based on the derived power required for reprogramming, 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 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). Here, it is preferable that the higher the derived power required for reprogramming, the higher the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate (reprogramming reservation preparation value) is set to. As a result, the high-voltage battery 32 is fully charged to ensure a charge amount exceeding the power required for reprogramming, thus preventing insufficient power during reprogramming.

[0053] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a outputs the power required for reprogramming related to the updated target device 44 based on reprogramming information, and 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 based on the output power required for reprogramming. 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 the execution of reprogramming, 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%.

[0054] Alternatively, the reprogramming information may include required power information related to the power needed for reprogramming the target device 44. In this case, 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 based on the required power information.

[0055] Then, after setting the lower limit of the SOC of the target charge rate of the high-voltage battery 32 as 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, when reprogramming is scheduled, if the user performs an operation to set the vehicle 1 to READY-OFF (IG-OFF operation), the update unit 46 checks the charge levels of the low-voltage battery 42 and the high-voltage battery 32.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a of this embodiment. When the low-voltage battery 42 is charged to a level higher than or equal to the charge required for reprogramming the device to be updated 44, and reprogramming of the device to be updated 44 can be performed using the low-voltage battery 42, or when the high-voltage battery 32 is charged to a level higher than or equal to the reprogramming reservation preparation value, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the car navigation system control unit 52a displays a reprogramming execution permission screen 24a, requesting the user to allow reprogramming, on the display unit 24.

[0057] The reprogramming execution permission 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 reprogramming (yes or no).

[0058] Then, if the user presses the "Yes" button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a to allow reprogramming, the reprogramming process begins. 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 process does not begin.

[0059] If reprogramming work begins, and if the reprogramming related to the updated target device 44 can be performed using the low-voltage battery 42, the update unit 46 uses the power of the low-voltage battery 42 to perform the reprogramming of the updated target device 44.

[0060] On the other hand, if the low-voltage battery 42 is not sufficiently charged and cannot be used to perform reprogramming related to the updated device 44, the high-voltage relay control unit 34a connects the high-voltage relay 34 to perform reprogramming using the high-voltage battery 32, enabling the 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 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.

[0061] Then, the update unit 46 uses the power supplied from the high-voltage battery 32 to the low-voltage system circuit 40 to begin reprogramming the update target device 44. At this time, triggered by the start of reprogramming, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 restricts the operation of the inverter 36.

[0062] Specifically, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 disconnects the inverter relay 37 to prevent the DC power from the high-voltage battery 32 from being supplied to the inverter 36. Alternatively, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 disconnects the inverter control power relay 49 to prevent the power from the inverter control power supply 36a from being supplied to the inverter 36 from the low-voltage system circuit 40. In particular, during the reprogramming of equipment related to the control of the inverter 36, due to faults related to program updates, the output power of the high-voltage battery 32 may be accidentally supplied from the inverter 36 to the motor 12, causing the motor 12 to malfunction. As described above, by limiting the operation of the inverter 36 by triggering the start of reprogramming, the accidental supply of power from the inverter 36 to the motor 12 can be suppressed, thus preventing the motor 12 from malfunctioning.

[0063] Then, if the 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.

[0064] (Control methods)

[0065] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing related to reprogramming in vehicle 1 of this embodiment.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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 update target device 44. When the data distribution center 102 determines that it is necessary to reprogram the update target device 44, it distributes reprogramming information containing reprogramming data for performing the reprogramming to each vehicle 1 via the network 100.

[0068] If the determination result in 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 turned on (step S105). If the reprogramming data reception completion flag is turned on, although the vehicle 1 has received the reprogramming data, the reprogramming has not been performed using the reprogramming data, thus indicating that the reprogramming needs to be performed (the reprogramming has been scheduled).

[0069] 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)).

[0070] 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.

[0071] On the other hand, if the determination result of S105 is that the reprogramming data reception completion flag is enabled (yes in step S105), then proceed to S117 as described later.

[0072] 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).

[0073] Next, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a of the control device 22, based on the reprogramming information received from the data distribution center 102, outputs the power required for reprogramming related to the updated target device 44 (step S113), and sets the reprogramming data reception completion flag to "on" (step S115). That is, if the wireless communication unit 50a receives reprogramming data, the reprogramming data reception completion flag is turned on, and a reprogramming is scheduled. It should be noted that the reprogramming data reception completion flag will not be turned off until the reprogramming is completed.

[0074] Furthermore, if in step S105 the reprogramming data reception completion flag is determined to be enabled (Yes in step S105), and in step S115 the reprogramming data reception completion flag is enabled, the high-voltage battery control unit 32a of the control device 22 determines that a reprogramming has been scheduled, and based on the derived power required for reprogramming related to the updated target device 44, changes the lower limit of the target charge rate (SOC) of the high-voltage battery 32 to a reprogramming schedule preparation value higher than the normal value, and sets the upper limit of the SOC to the normal value (step S117). As a result, during subsequent driving of the vehicle 1, the high-voltage battery 32 is charged within the specific target charge rate range at the time of the reprogramming schedule (see step S117). Figure 3 (b)

[0075] 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 S119).

[0076] 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 above the charge level required for reprogramming related to the device 44 to be updated, that is, whether the reprogramming can be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (step S121).

[0077] If the result is that reprogramming cannot be performed using the low-voltage battery 42 (No in step S121), the control device 22 checks the charge amount of the high-voltage battery 32 and determines whether the charge amount (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).

[0078] If the result is that the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 is above 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 vehicle navigation system control unit 52a of the control device 22 will display the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a (see reference). Figure 4 The image is displayed on the display unit 24 (step S125).

[0079] 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 result is that the "Yes" button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a has been operated and the user has allowed reprogramming (yes in step S127), the control device 22 uses the update unit 46 to perform reprogramming work control processing (step S200). The reprogramming work control processing (step S200) will be described later. If the reprogramming work control processing (step S200) ends, the control device 22 turns off the reprogramming data reception completion flag and ends the process.

[0080] On the other hand, if the "No" button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a is operated in S127 above, or if neither the "Yes" nor "No" button on the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a is operated by the user (step S127), the control device 22 will not perform the reprogramming operation and will end the process. Furthermore, if the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 is less than the reprogramming reservation preparation value in S123 above (step S123 "No"), the control device 22 will also not perform the reprogramming operation and will end the process.

[0081] (Reprogramming job control processing)

[0082] 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.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, firstly, 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 S201).

[0084] If, as a result, 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 uses the power of the low-voltage battery 42 to perform reprogramming of the target device 44 (step S203). Then, if the reprogramming is completed (yes in step S205), the process ends.

[0085] On the other hand, if 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 S207), 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 S209). 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, reprogramming of the updated target device 44 can be performed using the power supplied from the high-voltage battery 32.

[0086] Next, the control device 22 instructs the update unit 46 to perform reprogramming, and the update unit 46 uses the power of the high-voltage battery 32 to begin reprogramming the target device 44 (step S211).

[0087] At this time, triggered by the start of reprogramming, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 restricts the operation of the inverter 36 (step S215). Specifically, as described above, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 disconnects the inverter relay 37 so that DC power from the high-voltage battery 32 is not supplied to the inverter 36. Alternatively, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 disconnects the inverter control power relay 49 so that inverter control power 36a is not supplied to the inverter 36.

[0088] Subsequently, if the reprogramming process is completed (yes in step S217), the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 releases the restriction on the operation of the inverter 36. Specifically, when the connection of the inverter relay 37 is disconnected, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 turns on the connection of the inverter relay 37.

[0089] Alternatively, if the inverter control power relay 49 is disconnected, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 will reconnect the inverter control power relay 49. Next, the DC-DC converter control unit 60a will stop the operation of the DC-DC converter 60 (step S221), the high voltage relay control unit 34a will disconnect the high voltage relay 34 (step S223), and the process will end.

[0090] As explained above, in this embodiment, the operation of the inverter 36 is restricted by triggering the start of reprogramming. This suppresses the possibility of malfunction in the inverter 36.

[0091] The control method for reprogramming processing in vehicle 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0092] Previously, the power used during reprogramming was typically provided by the low-voltage battery 42. However, when the state of charge (SOC) of the low-voltage battery 42 decreases, insufficient power may sometimes be required to perform the reprogramming. If the reprogramming is interrupted due to insufficient power, it will adversely affect the normal operation of the vehicle 1, and depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to replace the update object device 44 itself, which is the object to be reprogrammed.

[0093] 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 impede convenience. Therefore, it is not preferable to supply power from an external power source when performing reprogramming.

[0094] 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 state of charge (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 performed during parking.

[0095] 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). This allows the charge level of the high-voltage battery 32 to be set to the amount required for reprogramming during the reprogramming process, thus preventing reprogramming from being interrupted due to insufficient power.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Furthermore, as described above, when receiving reprogramming data using the wireless communication unit 50a, the control device 22 calculates the power required for reprogramming related to the target device 44 based on the reprogramming data, and changes the lower limit of the target charging rate of the high-voltage battery 32 based on the calculated power. This ensures that the high-voltage battery 32 is adequately charged, guaranteeing a charge level exceeding the power required for reprogramming, thus suppressing insufficient power during reprogramming.

[0098] As described above, in the case of parallel hybrid powertrain, charging of the high-voltage battery 32 cannot be performed during parking. As in this embodiment, by changing the lower limit of the SOC of the target charging rate of the high-voltage battery 32 to a reprogramming reservation preparation value based on a reprogramming reservation, it is possible to suppress reprogramming interruptions due to insufficient power. Therefore, this is particularly effective in the case of parallel hybrid powertrain.

[0099] Furthermore, in the past, when the 12V auxiliary battery (low-voltage battery 42) was undercharged, and reprogramming was performed by reducing the voltage of the output power of the high-voltage battery 32 used to drive the motor 12, the power of the high-voltage battery 32 might be accidentally supplied from the inverter 36 to the motor 12, causing the motor 12 to malfunction.

[0100] Therefore, in this embodiment, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 restricts the operation of the inverter 36 when the reprogramming begins. This prevents unintended power supply from the inverter 36 to the motor 12, thus preventing malfunctions of the motor 12.

[0101] Specifically, at this time, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 disconnects the inverter relay 37 so that the DC power from the high-voltage battery 32 is not supplied to the inverter 36. That is, by preventing the DC power from the high-voltage battery 32 from being supplied to the inverter 36, it is possible to suppress the accidental supply of power from the inverter 36 to the motor 12, and thus, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the motor 12.

[0102] Alternatively, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 disconnects the inverter control power relay 49, so that power is not supplied from the inverter control power supply 36a to the inverter 36. That is, by preventing power from being supplied from the inverter control power supply 36a to the inverter 36, it is possible to suppress the accidental supply of power from the inverter 36 to the motor 12, and thus, it is possible to suppress the motor 12 from malfunctioning.

[0103] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, when reprogramming cannot be performed using the low-voltage battery 42, reprogramming can be performed using the high-voltage battery 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress reprogramming interruptions due to insufficient power, which is particularly effective in the case of parallel hybrid power systems.

[0104] (Reprogramming control process for variant examples)

[0105] In the above Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the operation of inverter 36 is limited by the start of reprogramming, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 7 This is a description of a modified embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the reprogramming operation control process in vehicle 1. Figure 5 The flowchart for step S200 is as follows. The following only refers to the steps described above. Figure 6 The differences will be explained.

[0106] If the control device 22 instructs the update unit 46 to perform reprogramming, the update unit 46 uses power from the high-voltage battery 32 to begin reprogramming the target device 44 (step S211). Then, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22, triggered by the start of reprogramming, monitors the output current of the inverter 36 (step S213). The monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 continuously monitors the output current of the inverter 36 until the reprogramming process is completed. Then, if the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 detects the output current of the inverter 36 (as detected in step S213), it restricts the operation of the inverter 36, triggered by the detection of the inverter's output current (step S215).

[0107] Specifically, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 disconnects the inverter relay 37 so that DC power from the high-voltage battery 32 is not supplied to the inverter 36. Alternatively, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 disconnects the inverter control power relay 49 so that inverter control power 36a is not supplied from the low-voltage system circuit 40 to the inverter 36.

[0108] Then, if the reprogramming process is completed (yes in step S217), the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 releases the restriction on the operation of the inverter 36 (step S219). Specifically, if the inverter relay 37 is disconnected, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 turns on the inverter relay 37. Alternatively, if the inverter control power relay 49 is disconnected, the monitoring ECU 38 of the control device 22 turns on the inverter control power relay 49.

[0109] Next, the DC-DC converter control unit 60a terminates the operation of the DC-DC converter 60 (step S221), the high voltage relay control unit 34a disconnects the high voltage relay 34 (step S223), and the process ends.

[0110] As explained above, in the modified example, the operation of the inverter 36 is limited by detecting the output current of the inverter 36. This suppresses the possibility of malfunction of the inverter 36. Furthermore, during periods when the output current of the inverter 36 is not detected, the inverter relay 37 and / or the inverter control power relay 49 are not disconnected, thus preventing a shortened lifespan of the inverter relay 37 and / or the inverter control power relay 49.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and variations, the case where the updating target device 44 does not include the monitoring ECU 38 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible to configure the updating target device 44 to include the monitoring ECU 38. In this case, another second monitoring ECU with the same function as the monitoring ECU 38 is provided. That is, when reprogramming the monitoring ECU 38, the operation of the inverter 36 is restricted by the second monitoring ECU. In this way, all devices of the vehicle 1 can be set as objects of reprogramming. It should be noted that the number of devices with the function of monitoring ECU 38 is not particularly limited, and can be three or more.

[0112] 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.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it is set that reprogramming begins immediately upon user permission, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible that the user arbitrarily specifies the actual time for reprogramming execution upon user permission. In this case, if the user-defined time is reached, the update unit 46 begins reprogramming. It should be noted that if, when the user-defined time is reached, reprogramming cannot be performed due to the vehicle 1 being in motion, etc., it is also possible that the reprogramming execution permission screen 24a is displayed again after the vehicle 1 stops to request user permission for reprogramming.

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] Industrial availability

[0117] This invention can be applied to vehicles.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, have: A high-voltage system circuit includes a high-voltage battery and an inverter that converts DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery into AC power and outputs it to a motor that serves as a driving source. 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 or the high-voltage battery to perform an update related to the updated device. A DC-DC converter, connected between the high-voltage system circuit and the low-voltage system circuit, is capable of reducing the voltage of the output power from the high-voltage battery and supplying it to the low-voltage system circuit; and The control unit, when supplying the low-voltage system circuit with a reduced output voltage from the high-voltage battery via the DC-DC converter, and when initiating an update of the program related to the updated target device via the update unit, restricts the operation of the inverter by triggering the start of the program update.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the control unit begins updating the program related to the device to be updated, it monitors whether there is current flowing from the inverter to the motor, and if the current is detected, it restricts the operation of the inverter.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit restricts the operation of the inverter by shutting off the control power supply to the inverter.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit limits the operation of the inverter by shutting off the DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery to the inverter.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The vehicle also has an engine as a driving force.

6. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vehicle also has an engine as a driving force.

7. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vehicle also has an engine as a driving force.

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