Vehicle control unit and vehicle control system

Abstract

A vehicle control unit includes a control section capable of being connected to a first power supply line of a vehicle, a load capable of being connected to the control section, a detachable internal rechargeable battery, and a housing configured to accommodate the control section and the internal rechargeable battery therein. The control section is configured to selectively supply to the load, depending on the situation, one of first power supply power supplied from the first power supply line and second power supply power supplied from the internal rechargeable battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control unit and a vehicle control system configured to be used by connecting to a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In an environment where people temporarily live outdoors, such as when people camp during leisure time, commercial power cannot be used in many cases because the environment is not indoors. However, in order to use various devices that facilitate life, such as lighting devices, heating devices, and cooling devices, power is generally required. In addition, for example, in the event of a disaster, it is also necessary to live outdoors temporarily, and thus a power source that can be used in life is required.

[0003] On the other hand, when living outdoors, the user usually stays in or near his or her own vehicle. In addition, since vehicles are usually equipped with a power source in many cases, such as an in-vehicle battery or a generator that generates electricity from the output of an engine, the power of the vehicle can be used for outdoor life.

[0004] For example, Patent Document JP-A-2020-117178 discloses the following technology: using a vehicle as a power source when the vehicle is in a disaster area. The vehicle of Patent Document JP-A-2020-117178 includes: a drive unit that can generate electricity using fuel and can output power for traveling; a power storage device configured to exchange power with the drive unit; a power supply device that can supply the power generated by the drive unit and / or the power from the power storage device to an external device; and a control device configured to control the drive unit and the power supply device. When the vehicle is in a disaster area, the control device performs a recommendation process for prompting the user to set a charging priority mode in which charging of the power storage device takes precedence over traveling.

[0005] In addition, Patent Document JP-A-2021-8755 discloses a technology for easily disconnecting and closing a switch during a power outage. An opening / closing body device includes: an opening / closing unit provided at the periphery of an opening; an opening / closing control unit configured to control the opening / closing unit; a conversion unit configured to perform DC-AC conversion on an external power source; and a switching unit configured to switch the power source during a power failure. The opening / closing control unit electrically controls each operation of disconnection, closing, and stopping of the opening / closing unit. The conversion unit converts the DC power input from the in-vehicle battery into AC power having the same voltage as that of the commercial power source and outputs the AC power. The switching unit supplies the power of the commercial power source to the opening / closing control unit and supplies the output of the conversion unit to the opening / closing control unit when the commercial power source is out of power.

[0006] In addition, Patent Document JP-UM-B-3231092 discloses a technique of a partial cooler for an open cockpit vehicle used by being mounted on a forklift. The partial cooler includes: a housing in which an external air inlet, a blower port, and a heat discharge port are provided, and in which a cooling unit, a blower fan, and a power supply unit are accommodated; and a housing mounting portion for detachably mounting the housing to the rear or side of an operation seat of the forklift. In addition, the power supply unit includes a conversion processing device that automatically converts the power supply voltage supplied from the forklift into the operating voltages of the cooling unit and the blower fan.

[0007] In addition, Patent Document JP-UM-B-3227324 discloses that in addition to a battery mounted on a vehicle, a sub-battery is provided, the sub-battery is charged via a cigarette lighter provided in the vehicle, and a booster circuit is used to generate 13.8 V from the sub-battery to operate electrical components.

[0008] However, in many cases, the situations where functions such as lighting, heating, and cooling are required during outdoor living are when the vehicle is parked. Therefore, when using lighting, heating, cooling, etc. through the operation of a device mounted on the vehicle or an external device connected to the power supply of the vehicle, there is a problem that the power stored in the in-vehicle battery may be consumed and the battery may run out. When the battery runs out, the vehicle falls into a state where it cannot run, and thus, it is necessary to charge the battery with the help of others such as roadside assistance.

[0009] On the other hand, when a device for lighting, heating, cooling, etc. is used for a long time while the engine of the vehicle remains idling to prevent the vehicle's battery from running out, a large amount of fuel such as gasoline is consumed even though the vehicle is not moving. Therefore, there is a problem of an increased burden on the environment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure has been made, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle control unit by which it is possible to prevent the battery from running out when the vehicle is parked, and to use various devices that require power while the engine idling stops.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle control unit and the vehicle control system according to the present disclosure are characterized as follows.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle control unit is provided, including: a control unit that can be connected to a first power supply line of the vehicle; a load that can be connected to the control unit; a detachable internal rechargeable battery; and a housing configured to accommodate the control unit and the internal rechargeable battery therein, wherein the control unit is configured to selectively supply, according to circumstances, one of the first power supply power supplied from the first power supply line and the second power supply power supplied from the internal rechargeable battery to the load.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle control system is provided, including: the vehicle control unit as described above, an in-vehicle battery, and a first power supply line, wherein one end of the first power supply line is connected to the in-vehicle battery, and the control unit is configured to supply the power supply power of the in-vehicle battery as the first power supply power and supply the power supply power of the internal rechargeable battery as the second power supply power.

[0014] With the vehicle control unit and the vehicle control system according to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent battery depletion from occurring when the vehicle is parked. In addition, even when the vehicle is parked or in a stopped state with the engine idling stopped, power can be supplied to various devices (loads) that require power supply, enabling an improvement in convenience when people live in an outdoor environment, such as during rest time or in the event of a disaster.

[0015] The present disclosure has been briefly described above. The details of the present disclosure will be further clarified by reading the embodiments of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") described with reference to the accompanying drawings below. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 It is a circuit diagram showing a first configuration example of a vehicle control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a circuit diagram showing a second configuration example of a vehicle control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a circuit diagram showing a third configuration example of a vehicle control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the main operations of the control unit.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the display control. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0021] Specific embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1It is a circuit diagram showing a first configuration example of a vehicle control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a circuit diagram showing a second configuration example of a vehicle control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is a circuit diagram showing a third configuration example of a vehicle control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration of each vehicle control unit will be described below.

[0023] <First Configuration Example>

[0024] Figure 1 The vehicle control unit 100A shown includes a connector CN11, a unit main body 10, and a load module 15A. The connector CN11 of the vehicle control unit 100A is connected to a connector CN12 provided on the vehicle. The vehicle control unit 100A, together with the in-vehicle battery 23, the connector CN12, and the in-vehicle switch unit 26 installed on the vehicle, constitutes a vehicle control system 1A.

[0025] The connectors CN11 and CN12 are used to connect the power supply line 21, the communication line 22, and the ground GND. The power supply line 21 supplies the power (ACC) for the auxiliary system on the vehicle.

[0026] The power supply ACC is supplied by the in-vehicle battery 23. An alternator 24 as a generator of the vehicle is connected to the input side of the in-vehicle battery 23. Therefore, when the engine of the vehicle is running or when the vehicle is traveling, the in-vehicle battery 23 can be charged by the power output from the alternator 24.

[0027] In the case of a vehicle having a built-in high-voltage power supply such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, instead of the alternator 24, the output of the high-voltage power supply is connected to the in-vehicle battery 23 via a predetermined DC / DC converter.

[0028] When the ignition device of the vehicle is turned off, the power supply ACC is still supplied. If the power supply ACC is overused, there is a possibility that the in-vehicle battery 23 will be depleted and the engine may not be able to start. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the use of the power supply ACC.

[0029] Figure 1 The vehicle control unit 100A shown is configured as an optional device for the vehicle for the user to select according to needs, and can be easily connected to the vehicle, for example, by retrofit. When the user is using the vehicle while living outdoors, the vehicle control unit 100A enables the user of the vehicle to use a convenient lighting function.

[0030] That is, the load module 15A includes a large number of in-vehicle lighting light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 15a. These in-vehicle lighting LEDs 15a are lighting light sources installed in the vehicle, and may include, for example, ceiling lights, personal lights, in-vehicle decorative lighting, and sterilization lights (deep ultraviolet LEDs).

[0031] The unit main body 10 includes a control unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, and a built-in rechargeable battery 13 housed in a box-shaped housing 10a. When the built-in rechargeable battery 13 is relatively small, the unit main body 10 can be housed in the housing of the connector CN11 to be integrated therewith.

[0032] The control unit 11 is implemented by an electronic circuit having, for example, a microcomputer as the main body, and has a wired communication function. The control unit 11 is also capable of performing wireless communication by using the wireless communication unit 12. The microcomputer of the control unit 11 can perform various controls, including turning on and off each in-vehicle lighting LED 15a in the load module 15A, by executing a pre-built-in program, for example.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 12 is a communication module that implements wireless communication corresponding to a standard communication specification such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), and is capable of performing relatively short-distance wireless communication. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 12 is used to implement communication with the smart key 30 and the like.

[0034] The built-in rechargeable battery 13 is housed in the housing 10a in a detachable or replaceable state. The built-in rechargeable battery 13 is implemented by, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The built-in rechargeable battery 13 is connected to the control unit 11 and the load module 15A to supply power thereto. A charging cable 19 is connected to the charging circuit of the built-in rechargeable battery 13.

[0035] The charging cable 19 is used to connect the vehicle to the external power device 31 when the vehicle is parked near a place where the external power device 31 is installed. The power supplied from the external power device 31 can be supplied to the built-in rechargeable battery 13 in the unit main body 10 via the charging cable 19 to charge the built-in rechargeable battery 13.

[0036] Figure 1 The shown load module 15A includes a charging status LED 15b. The charging status LED 15b is implemented by a multi-color LED, and is used to display the remaining power stored in the built-in rechargeable battery 13 by color difference.

[0037] In Figure 1 In the shown vehicle, various switches (SW) are installed at positions operable by a user such as a driver. These switches are included in the in-vehicle switch unit 26.

[0038] An electronic control unit (ECU) 25 installed in a vehicle can read the states of each switch in an in-vehicle switch unit 26. Electric power is supplied from the output of an in-vehicle battery 23 to the power input of the ECU 25.

[0039] The ECU 25 has a communication function corresponding to a communication standard such as Controller Area Network (CAN) of the vehicle, and can communicate with a vehicle control unit 100A, other in-vehicle ECUs, etc. via a communication line 22. The communication line 22 of the ECU 25 is connected to a control unit 11 in a wired manner via connectors CN12 and CN11.

[0040] The smart key 30 has a function of performing locking or unlocking of a vehicle door by wireless communication, similar to a common smart key for a vehicle. Figure 1 The smart key 30 shown also includes a switch to which the function of turning on and off an in-vehicle lighting device in the vehicle control unit 100A is assigned.

[0041] The smart key 30 includes a communication module that enables wireless communication corresponding to standards such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and can perform wireless communication with a wireless communication unit 12 in the vehicle control unit 100A. Instead of the smart key 30, a dedicated remote control switch or a smart phone that is only dedicated to the operation function of the vehicle control unit 100A can be used. A smart phone is usually equipped with a wireless communication function with standards such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, enabling wireless communication with the unit main body 10 through a dedicated application built in for operating the vehicle control unit 100A to operate the vehicle control unit 100A.

[0042] As Figure 1 shown, a wiring harness 16 connected to a load module 15A includes a connector CN22. In addition, since a connector CN21 provided in the unit main body 10 has a shape that can be mated with the connector CN22, the unit main body 10 and the load module 15A can be connected via the connectors CN21 and CN22.

[0043] Therefore, when the load module 15A is pre-installed in a vehicle as an in-vehicle function, the function of the vehicle control unit 100A can be achieved only by adding the unit main body 10 to the vehicle and connecting the connectors CN21 and CN22.

[0044] Even when the load module 15A is not pre-installed in the vehicle, the vehicle control unit 100A can be used by newly adding the unit main body 10 and the load module 15A.

[0045] The unit main body 10 and the load module 15A can be directly connected to each other without placing the connectors CN21 and CN22 therebetween. Alternatively, the power line 21, the communication line 22, and the ground GND can be directly connected to the unit main body 10 without placing the connectors CN11 and CN12 therebetween.

[0046] <Second configuration example>

[0047] Figure 2 The vehicle control unit 100B shown includes a connector CN11, a unit main body 10, and a load module 15B. The connector CN11 of the vehicle control unit 100B is connected to a connector CN12 provided on the vehicle. The vehicle control unit 100B, together with the in-vehicle battery 23, the connector CN12, and the in-vehicle switch unit 26 mounted on the vehicle, constitutes a vehicle control system 1B.

[0048] The connectors CN11 and CN12 are used to connect the power line 21, the communication line 22, and the ground GND. The power line 21 supplies the power ACC for the auxiliary system on the vehicle.

[0049] Therefore, except that the type and quantity of the loads of the load module 15B are different, Figure 2 the configuration of the vehicle control unit 100B shown is Figure 1 substantially the same as the configuration of the vehicle control unit 100A shown. That is to say, the two types of vehicle control units 100A and 100B can be easily selected and replaced by the user as needed.

[0050] Figure 2 The load module 15B shown in includes a plurality of in-vehicle heater system loads 15c. Typical examples of the in-vehicle heater system loads 15c that can be mounted on the load module 15B include seat heaters, armrest heaters, and foot heaters.

[0051] The load module 15B also includes a charge status LED 15b.

[0052] The wiring harness 16 connected to the load module 15B includes a connector CN22. In addition, since the connector CN21 provided in the unit main body 10 has a shape that can be mated with the connector CN22, the unit main body 10 and the load module 15B can be connected via the connectors CN21 and CN22.

[0053] Therefore, when the load module 15B is pre-installed on the vehicle as an in-vehicle function, the function of the vehicle control unit 100B can be realized only by adding the unit main body 10 to the vehicle and connecting the connectors CN21 and CN22.

[0054] Even when the load module 15B is not pre-installed in the vehicle, the vehicle control unit 100B can be used by newly adding the unit body 10 and the load module 15B.

[0055] The unit body 10 and the load module 15B can be directly connected to each other without placing the connectors CN21 and CN22 therebetween. Alternatively, the power line 21, the communication line 22, and the ground GND can be directly connected to the unit body 10 without the connectors CN11 and CN12 therebetween.

[0056] <Third Configuration Example>

[0057] Figure 3 The vehicle control unit 100C shown includes the connector CN11, the unit body 10, and the load module 15C. The connector CN11 of the vehicle control unit 100C is connected to the connector CN12 provided on the vehicle. The vehicle control unit 100C, together with the in-vehicle battery 23, the connector CN12, and the in-vehicle switch unit 26 installed on the vehicle, constitutes the vehicle control system 1C.

[0058] The connectors CN11 and CN12 are used to connect the power line 21, the communication line 22, and the ground GND. The power line 21 supplies the power ACC for the auxiliary system on the vehicle.

[0059] Therefore, in addition to the load module 15C, Figure 3 the configuration of the vehicle control unit 100C shown is basically the same as the configurations of the vehicle control units 100A and 100B. That is, the three types of vehicle control units 100A, 100B, and 100C can be easily selected and replaced by the user as needed.

[0060] Figure 3 The load module 15C shown includes a plurality of in-vehicle motor system loads 15d. A typical example of the in-vehicle motor system load 15d that can be installed on the load module 15C is a small fan (with a swinging function).

[0061] The load module 15C also includes a charge status LED 15b.

[0062] The wiring harness 16 connected to the load module 15C includes the connector CN22. In addition, since the connector CN21 provided in the unit body 10 has a shape that can be mated with the connector CN22, the unit body 10 and the load module 15C can be connected via the connectors CN21 and CN22.

[0063] Therefore, when the load module 15C is pre-installed on the vehicle as an in-vehicle function, the function of the vehicle control unit 100C can be achieved only by adding the unit body 10 to the vehicle and connecting the connectors CN21 and CN22.

[0064] Even when the load module 15C is not pre-installed in the vehicle, the vehicle control unit 100C can be used by newly adding the unit main body 10 and the load module 15C.

[0065] The unit main body 10 and the load module 15C can be directly connected to each other without placing the connectors CN21 and CN22 therebetween. Alternatively, the power line 21, the communication line 22, and the ground GND can be directly connected to the unit main body 10 without the connectors CN11 and CN12 therebetween.

[0066] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the main operations of the controllers 11 in the vehicle control units 100A, 100B, and 100C. The operations in Figure 4 will be described below.

[0067] In S10, the control unit 11 identifies the connection state of the load module connected downstream of the connector CN21. For example, it detects the type of the connector CN22 connected to the connector CN21, whether a load is connected to each terminal of the connector CN22, the impedance of the load connected to each terminal, etc. Thus, it is possible to grasp which one of the load modules 15A, 15B, and 15C is connected, and it is possible to specify the position of the terminal to which the load is connected. By reflecting the identification result in the control of the control unit 11, it is possible to execute control suitable for the respective characteristics of the load modules 15A, 15B, and 15C.

[0068] In S11, in order to grasp whether there is a margin in the power supply on the vehicle side including the in-vehicle battery 23, the control unit 11 identifies whether the vehicle is generating power. For example, it is possible to identify whether the alternator 24 is generating power by comparing the voltage of the power line 21 with a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, it is possible to obtain information indicating whether the vehicle is generating power from the ECU 25 by using the communication of the communication line 22.

[0069] When the vehicle is generating power, the process proceeds from S11 to S12. Then, in S12, the control unit 11 selects the power ACC of the power line 21 on the vehicle side as the power supply source for the control unit 11 and each load of the load module. In addition, in S13, the control unit 11 selects the power ACC of the power line 21 on the vehicle side as the power supply source for charging the built-in rechargeable battery 13.

[0070] On the other hand, when the vehicle is not generating power, the process proceeds from S11 to S14. Then, in S14, the control unit 11 selects the power output from the built-in rechargeable battery 13 as the power supply source for the control unit 11 and each load of the load module.

[0071] When the charging input of the built-in rechargeable battery 13 is connected to the external power supply device 31 via the charging cable 19, the process proceeds from S15 to S16, and the control unit 11 selects the power of the external power supply device 31 as the power supply source for charging the built-in rechargeable battery 13.

[0072] In S17, the control unit 11 manages the charging state and storage state of the built-in rechargeable battery 13. For example, the actual state of the built-in rechargeable battery 13 is grasped by monitoring values such as the charging current, discharge current, and output voltage in the built-in rechargeable battery 13 and their changes. Next, in S18, the control unit 11 reflects the charging state and storage state of the built-in rechargeable battery 13 in the display of the charging state LED 15b. In this embodiment, the difference between the charging state and the storage state is indicated by the difference in the color of the light emitted from the charging state LED 15b.

[0073] In S19, the control unit 11 communicates with the ECU 25 via the communication line 22 and reads the state of each switch of the in-vehicle switch unit 26. In S20, the control unit 11 performs wireless communication with the smart key 30 at a relatively short distance using the wireless communication unit 12.

[0074] In S21, the control unit 11 identifies whether a user such as a driver is riding in his or her own vehicle. For example, it is possible to identify whether a user is riding in his or her own vehicle by detecting whether each seat is occupied or by detecting whether the smart key 30 is near the driver's seat.

[0075] When the user is riding in his or her own vehicle, the control unit 11 turns on and off each load in the load module according to the operation state of the in-vehicle switches included in the in-vehicle switch unit 26 (S22). That is, the control unit 11 supplies power when each load is turned on and cuts off the supply of power when each load is turned off.

[0076] On the other hand, when the user is outside the vehicle, the control unit 11 turns on and off each load according to the switch operation state of the smart key 30 (S23).

[0077] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing display control. That is, Figure 4 The details of step S18 in Figure 5 are shown in Figure 5 The operations shown in

[0078] The control unit 11 compares the remaining amount Rb (%) of the power stored in the built-in rechargeable battery 13 with the predetermined thresholds 10 and 90. When "90 < Rb", the process proceeds to S32, when "10 < Rb ≤ 90", the process proceeds to S33, and when "10 ≥ Rb", the process proceeds to S34.

[0079] The remaining amount of power Rb can be estimated by calculating based on, for example, a change in voltage or the amount of power consumed from a reference state such as a fully charged state (100%) of the built-in rechargeable battery 13.

[0080] When "90 < Rb", the control unit 11 performs display control to turn on the charging status LED 15b in green. When "10 < Rb ≤ 90", display control is performed to turn on the charging status LED 15b in yellow. When "10 ≥ Rb", display control is performed to turn on the charging status LED 15b in red.

[0081] As described above, when using any one of the vehicle control units 100A, 100B, and 100C according to the present embodiment, functions such as lighting, heating, and cooling that are required when the user lives in an outdoor environment on or near the vehicle can be conveniently used, and the vehicle's battery depletion can be effectively prevented.

[0082] That is, when the vehicle is in a parked state or an idling stop state, the control unit 11 supplies power to the load modules 15A, 15B, 15C, etc. by using the power of the built-in rechargeable battery 13, so that the power stored in the in-vehicle battery 23 can be avoided from being consumed. In addition, when the alternator 24 generates electricity as in the case where the vehicle is in a driving state, the built-in rechargeable battery 13 can be charged by using the vehicle-side power supply, so that sufficient power can be stored in the built-in rechargeable battery 13 before using the functions of the load modules 15A, 15B, and 15C. In addition, since the built-in rechargeable battery 13 can be disassembled or replaced, even when the power stored in the built-in rechargeable battery 13 is consumed, the power of the built-in rechargeable battery 13 can be continuously used by replacement.

[0083] In addition, the unit main body 10 can be connected to the vehicle-side connector CN12 by using the standard connector CN11, and the power line 21, the communication line 22, and the ground can be connected to the standard connector CN11, so that the user of the vehicle can selectively use the functions of the vehicle control units 100A, 100B, and 100C as needed.

[0084] In addition, when the load modules 15A, 15B, and 15C are connected by using the standardized connectors CN21 and CN22, the unit main body 10 with the same function can be connected to any one of the vehicle control units 100A, 100B, and 100C, so that convenience can be improved and costs can be reduced by using standardized components.

[0085] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. Additionally, the materials, shapes, dimensions, quantities, arrangement positions, etc. of the corresponding constituent elements in the above embodiments are set as needed and are not limited, as long as the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0086] Here, the characteristics of the vehicle control unit and the vehicle control system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be briefly outlined in the following [1] to [7].

[0087] [1] A vehicle control unit (100A, 100B, 100C) includes:

[0088] A control unit (11) that can be connected to a first power supply line (power supply line 21, ACC) of the vehicle;

[0089] A load (interior lighting LED 15a or in-vehicle heater system load 15c or in-vehicle motor system load 15d) that can be connected to the control unit;

[0090] A detachable internal rechargeable battery (built-in rechargeable battery 13); and

[0091] A housing (10a) configured to accommodate the control unit and the internal rechargeable battery therein;

[0092] wherein the control unit is configured to selectively supply, according to circumstances, either the first power supply power supplied from the first power supply line or the second power supply power supplied from the internal rechargeable battery to the load (S11, S12, S14).

[0093] According to the vehicle control unit having the configuration of [1], the first power supply power on the vehicle and the second power supply power supplied from the internal rechargeable battery can be selectively used as the power supply to be supplied to the load according to circumstances. Therefore, even when there is a possibility of battery depletion on the vehicle side, the second power supply power can be used to operate the load. In addition, even when the power stored in the internal rechargeable battery is consumed, the stored power can be restored by charging the internal rechargeable battery when the load is not in use. Furthermore, the internal rechargeable battery can be replaced by being detached, so that the power supply can be supplied to the load almost continuously for a long period of time.

[0094] [2] The vehicle control unit according to [1], further includes:

[0095] A first connector (CN11) that can be connected to the first power supply line (power supply line 21, ACC);

[0096] wherein the control unit (11) is supplied with the first power supply power via the first connector.

[0097] According to a vehicle control unit configured with [2], when the shape etc. of the first connector is standardized, multiple vehicle control units capable of connecting different types and multiple types of loads can be connected, and it is easy to selectively use them according to the applications of each user.

[0098] [3] The vehicle control unit according to [1] or [2] further includes:

[0099] An external power connection unit (charging cable 19) configured to connect an external power line of a power supply device (external power supply device 31) outside the vehicle to a charging circuit of an internal rechargeable battery;

[0100] Wherein, the control unit is configured to selectively supply one of the first power supplied from the first power line and the third power supplied from the external power line to the charging circuit of the internal rechargeable battery according to the situation (S13, S15, S16).

[0101] According to the vehicle control unit configured with [3], the third power can be used to charge the internal rechargeable battery in an environment where a predetermined power supply device can be used. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power stored in the in-vehicle battery from being consumed by charging the internal rechargeable battery. In addition, even in an environment where the power supply device cannot be used, when there is a surplus of power on the vehicle side, the internal rechargeable battery can be charged using the first power.

[0102] [4] The vehicle control unit according to any one of [1] to [3],

[0103] Wherein, the control unit is configured to grasp the charging state of the internal rechargeable battery (S17) and output information indicating the charging state (S18).

[0104] According to the vehicle control unit configured with [4], the user can grasp the charging state of the internal rechargeable battery. Therefore, the user can easily determine whether the internal rechargeable battery needs to be charged or replaced based on the power consumed by the load to be used and the information about the charging state of the internal rechargeable battery.

[0105] [5] The vehicle control unit according to any one of [1] to [4],

[0106] Wherein, the control unit is configured to apply the first power supplied from the first power line to the charging circuit of the internal rechargeable battery to perform a charging operation of the internal rechargeable battery when the power generation function of the vehicle is in operation (S11, S13).

[0107] A vehicle control unit configured as in [5] can charge an internal rechargeable battery by applying first power from the vehicle side when the vehicle is in motion or when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling.

[0108] [6] The vehicle control unit according to any one of [1] to [5],

[0109] wherein the control unit includes a wireless communication unit (12) configured to communicate with a predetermined wireless remote control unit (intelligent key 30) capable of receiving an input operation.

[0110] According to the vehicle control unit configured as in [6], even when the user is not close to the vehicle, the user can give an instruction to the control unit by operating the wireless remote control unit.

[0111] [7] A vehicle control system (1A, 1B, 1C) includes:

[0112] The vehicle control unit according to any one of [1] to [6];

[0113] An in-vehicle battery (23); and

[0114] A first power line (power line 21, ACC);

[0115] wherein one end of the first power line is connected to the in-vehicle battery, and

[0116] wherein the control unit is configured to supply the power of the in-vehicle battery as the first power and supply the power of the internal rechargeable battery as the second power.

[0117] According to the vehicle control system configured as in [7], the first power supplied from the in-vehicle battery and the second power supplied from the internal rechargeable battery can be selectively used as the power to be supplied to the load according to the situation. Therefore, even when there is a possibility of battery depletion on the vehicle side, the second power can be used to operate the load. In addition, even when the power stored in the internal rechargeable battery is consumed, the amount of the stored power can be restored by charging the internal rechargeable battery when the load is not in use. In addition, the internal rechargeable battery can be replaced by being removed, so that the power can be supplied to the load almost continuously for a long period of time.

Claims

1. A vehicle control unit, comprising: A control unit that can be connected to the first power supply line of the vehicle; A detachable internal rechargeable battery; A housing configured to accommodate the control unit and the internal rechargeable battery therein; A connector CN21 that is connected to the control unit; A plurality of load modules, each load module of the plurality of load modules includes a load, and the type and / or quantity of the loads in each load module of the plurality of load modules are different; and A connector CN22 that is connected to any one of the plurality of load modules, wherein the control unit is connected to one of the plurality of load modules by connecting the connector CN21 to the connector CN22, wherein the control unit is configured to selectively supply to the load one of the first power supply power supplied from the first power supply line and the second power supply power supplied from the internal rechargeable battery according to the situation, and wherein the control unit grasps the load module connected to the control unit among the plurality of load modules and designates the position of the terminal to which the load is connected by detecting the type of the connector CN22, whether the load is connected to each terminal of the connector CN22, or the impedance of the load connected to each terminal of the connector CN22.

2. The vehicle control unit according to claim 1, further comprising: A first connector that can be connected to the first power supply line; wherein the first power supply power is supplied to the control unit via the first connector.

3. The vehicle control unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: An external power connection unit configured to connect an external power supply line of an external power supply device outside the vehicle to a charging circuit of the internal rechargeable battery; wherein the control unit is configured to selectively supply to the charging circuit of the internal rechargeable battery one of the first power supply power supplied from the first power supply line and the third power supply power supplied from the external power supply line according to the situation.

4. The vehicle control unit according to claim 1 or 2, Among them, the control unit is configured to grasp the charging state of the internal rechargeable battery and output information indicating the charging state.

5. The vehicle control unit according to claim 1 or 2, Among them, the control unit is configured to apply the first power supply power supplied from the first power supply line to the charging circuit of the internal rechargeable battery to perform a charging operation of the internal rechargeable battery when the power generation function of the vehicle is operating.

6. A vehicle control system, comprising: The vehicle control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5; An in-vehicle battery; And The first power supply line; wherein one end of the first power supply line is connected to the in-vehicle battery, and Among them, the control unit is configured to supply the power of the in-vehicle battery as the first power, and supply the power of the internal rechargeable battery as the second power.

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