Vehicle control system and control method thereof, vehicle control device and storage medium

Abstract

Provided are a vehicle control system and a control method thereof, a vehicle control device, and a storage medium. The vehicle control system (1) can avoid electric shock caused by a battery (2) installed in a vehicle (3). The vehicle control system (1) controls a vehicle (3) capable of loading and unloading a battery (2), and comprises: a battery determination unit (103) for determining whether the battery (2) installed in the vehicle (3) has been immersed in water; and a lock release unit (104) for changing the state of the vehicle (3) from a locked state in which the battery (2) cannot be removed to a lock release state in which the battery (2) can be removed. If the battery determination unit (103) determines that the battery (2) installed in the vehicle (3) has been immersed in water, the lock release unit (104) does not change the state of the vehicle (3) to the lock release state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control system, a control method of a vehicle control system, a vehicle control device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Batteries mounted on vehicles are conventionally known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a battery cell that performs processing such as stopping charging and discharging when submergence in water is detected.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-013723

[0005] Batteries such as the battery unit described in Patent Document 1 are sometimes configured to be attachable to and detachable from a vehicle. In this case, if a submerged battery is detachable from the vehicle, a worker detaching the battery from the vehicle may be electrocuted. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent electric shock caused by a battery mounted on a vehicle.

[0007] A vehicle control system according to one embodiment of the present invention controls a vehicle in which a battery can be installed and removed, wherein the vehicle control system comprises: a determination unit that determines whether the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water; and a lock release unit that can change the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to a lock release state in which the battery can be removed, and when the determination unit determines that the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water, the lock release unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the lock release state.

[0008] The vehicle control system may include a notification unit configured to notify, when the determination unit determines that the battery has been immersed in water, that the battery mounted on the vehicle has been immersed in water.

[0009] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, the notification unit may be configured to perform notification to a cabin of the vehicle.

[0010] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, it can also be constructed so that the lock release part changes the state of the vehicle to the locked state by fixing the opening and closing body to a closed state, and changes the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state by making the opening and closing body into a state that can be opened and closed, and the opening and closing body can open and close the opening of the installation room for installing the battery.

[0011] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, the installation room may be an engine room, and the opening and closing body may be an engine hood.

[0012] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, the installation chamber may be a luggage room, and the opening and closing body may be a door of the luggage room.

[0013] In the vehicle control system, the lock release unit may be configured to change the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state when a predetermined input is made to the vehicle after the determination unit determines that the battery has been immersed in water.

[0014] In another mode of controlling a vehicle control system for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, the vehicle control system controls a vehicle capable of loading and unloading a battery, wherein, in the control method of the vehicle control system, the state of the vehicle can be changed from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed, and a determination is made as to whether the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water. If it is determined that the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water, the state of the vehicle is not changed to the unlocked state.

[0015] Another embodiment of a vehicle control device for achieving the above-mentioned purpose is a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle in which a battery can be installed and removed. The vehicle control device includes a lock release unit that can change the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed. If a determination unit determines that the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water, the lock release unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state.

[0016] A storage medium storing a program in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object, wherein the program causes a processor of a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle capable of attaching and detaching a battery to function as a lock release unit, wherein the lock release unit is capable of changing the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed, and wherein the lock release unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state if a determination unit determines that the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water.

[0017] Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent electric shock caused by a battery mounted on a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a vehicle control system.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle control system.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a holding device and a server device.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the operations of the vehicle control system and the server device.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operations of the holding device and the server device.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the operations of the vehicle control system, the battery, and the server device.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle control system.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle control system.

[0027] Description of labels

[0028] 1. 1A...Vehicle control system, 2...Battery, 3...Vehicle, 4...Holding device, 5...Server device, 10...Vehicle control device, 11...TCU, 12...First touch panel, 13...Lock mechanism, 14...GNSS, 15...Water detection sensor, 16...First communication unit, 17...Connection I / F, 18...Trunk opening switch, 40...Holding device control device, 41...Second communication unit, 42...Holding mechanism, 43...Second touch panel, 50...Third processor, 51...Third memory, 52...Third communication unit, 100...First processor, 101...First communication control unit, 102...Current position recognition unit, 103...Battery determination unit (determination unit), 104...Lock release unit, 105... 5…First display control unit (notification unit), 106…Recording unit, 107…Connection I / F processing unit, 110…First memory, 111…Control program (program), 112…Battery information, 400…Second processor, 401…Second communication control unit, 402…Receiving unit, 403…Second display control unit, 404…Holding mechanism control unit, 410…Second memory, 411…Control program, 501…Third communication control unit, 502…Processing unit, 503…Water submerged area identification unit, 504…Battery determination unit (determination unit), 511…Control program, NW…Communication network, P…User, ST…Lending return station, TR…Truck (truggage room, installation room), TRF…Truck cover (opening and closing body). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] [1. Overview of Vehicle Control Systems]

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , an overview of the vehicle control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0031] The vehicle control system 1 of the present embodiment is a system for controlling a vehicle 3 to which a battery 2 can be attached and detached, and is a system applied to the vehicle 3. The vehicle 3 includes the vehicle control system 1.

[0032] Battery 2 is a battery that can be loaned to user P. Battery 2 is a portable battery. Battery 2 can be attached to and removed from vehicle 3 that user P is riding in. Vehicle 3 is an electric vehicle powered by battery 2. In this embodiment, a four-wheeled vehicle is illustrated as vehicle 3, but vehicle 3 may also be a vehicle other than a four-wheeled vehicle. Vehicle 3 is provided with a slot SRA for inserting and removing battery 2. Battery 2 is installed in vehicle 3 by being inserted into slot SRA. In this embodiment, the location where battery 2 is installed is illustrated as the trunk TR of vehicle 3.

[0033] The trunk TR corresponds to an example of a "luggage room" and an "installation room".

[0034] Battery 2 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory for storing data, programs, and the like. If an abnormality occurs in battery 2, an error code corresponding to the type of abnormality occurring in battery 2 is recorded in the memory. The memory included in battery 2 includes information such as a battery ID, which serves as identification information for battery 2. When installed in vehicle 3, battery 2 of this embodiment can be communicatively connected to vehicle control device 10 included in vehicle 3 and can supply power to various components of vehicle 3.

[0035] When borrowing a battery 2 , the user P goes to the lending and returning station ST. The user P then takes the battery 2 placed at the lending and returning station ST out of the lending and returning station ST and mounts the taken-out battery 2 on the vehicle 3 as a driving source for the vehicle 3 .

[0036] The lending and returning station ST is a location where batteries 2 are loaned and returned. A holding device 4 is provided at the lending and returning station ST to hold the battery 2. The holding device 4 has a slot SRB formed therein to hold the battery 2. The holding device 4 communicates with a server device 5 via a communication network NW. The communication network NW can be any data communication network, such as a wide area communication network including a public line network.

[0037] When the battery 2 is installed in the vehicle 3, the vehicle control system 1 sets the state of the vehicle 3 to the locked state. The locked state is a state in which the battery 2 cannot be removed. In the present embodiment, the locked state is a state in which the trunk cover TRF is fixed in the closed state relative to the trunk TR. When a release operation is performed to instruct the removal of the closed state of the trunk cover TRF, the vehicle control system 1 sets the state of the vehicle 3 from the locked state to the unlocked state. As an example of the release operation, an operation of pressing the trunk open switch 18 located at the rear of the vehicle body or in the vehicle interior is cited as an example. The unlocked state is a state in which the battery 2 installed in the vehicle 3 can be removed. In the present embodiment, the unlocked state is a state in which the trunk cover TRF can be opened and closed freely relative to the trunk TR.

[0038] The trunk cover TRF corresponds to an example of an “opening and closing body”.

[0039] The vehicle control system 1 includes a water detection sensor 15. The water detection sensor 15 is a sensor for detecting whether the battery 2 installed in the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water. The water detection sensor 15 can be a capacitive sensor or a photoelectric sensor. For example, the water detection sensor 15 is located within the slot SRA, above the power supply connector of the battery 2 when inserted into the slot SRA. Alternatively, the water detection sensor 15 can be located within the trunk TR, above the power supply connector of the battery 2 when inserted into the slot SRA. The water detection sensor 15 outputs different detection values ​​when water is detected and when water is not detected.

[0040] The vehicle control system 1 determines whether the battery 2 installed in the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water based on the detection value of the water detection sensor 15. If the vehicle control system 1 determines that the battery 2 installed in the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water, the vehicle control system 1 does not set the state of the vehicle 3 to the unlocked state even if the unlocking operation is performed. In other words, the vehicle control system 1 maintains the state of the vehicle 3 in the locked state. If the vehicle control system 1 determines that the battery 2 installed in the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water, the vehicle control system 1 causes the first touch panel 12 to display information indicating that the battery 2 has been immersed in water. The first touch panel 12 is provided in the vehicle interior. For example, the vehicle control system 1 causes the first touch panel 12 to display a message such as "The battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water. Please have the dealer inspect it."

[0041] The vehicle control system 1 transmits battery information 112 to the server device 5 via the communication network NW at a predetermined period. The vehicle control system 1 also transmits the battery information 112 to the server device 5 when it determines that the battery 2 installed in the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water. The battery information 112 is information related to the battery 2 determined to have been immersed in water, and includes the battery ID of the battery 2 and flag information indicating that the battery 2 has been immersed in water.

[0042] User P returns a battery 2 to the loan return station ST. User P performs a return operation on the holding device 4 at the loan return station ST. The return operation includes inputting a user ID pre-assigned to user P into the holding device 4. The user ID is identification information for user P. Upon receiving the return operation, the holding device 4 determines whether the battery 2 loaned to user P has been immersed in water. If it is determined that it has been immersed in water, the battery 2 will not be returned. Furthermore, the holding device 4 causes the second touch panel 43 to display information indicating that the battery 2 has been immersed in water. On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery 2 has not been immersed in water, the holding device 4 will accept the return of the battery 2.

[0043] [2. Structure of vehicle control system]

[0044] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle control system 1 .

[0045] The vehicle control system 1 includes a vehicle control device 10 , a TCU (Telematics Control Unit) 11 , a first touch panel 12 , a locking mechanism 13 , a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) 14 , a water detection sensor 15 , a first communication unit 16 , a connection I / F (interface) 17 , and a trunk opening switch 18 .

[0046] The vehicle control device 10 is a device for controlling the vehicle 3. The vehicle control device 10 includes a first touch panel 12 provided in the vehicle 3 and may be, for example, a device called a display audio system (DA) or a car navigation system.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle control device 10 includes a first processor 100 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPC (Micro-processing Unit), and a first memory 110 (storage medium) for storing programs and data.

[0048] The first processor corresponds to an example of a “processor”.

[0049] The first processor 100 reads and executes the control program 111 stored in the first memory 110 to function as a first communication control unit 101 , a current position recognition unit 102 , a battery determination unit 103 , an unlocking unit 104 , a first display control unit 105 , a recording unit 106 , and a connection I / F processing unit 107 .

[0050] The control program 111 corresponds to an example of a “program.” The battery determination unit 103 of this embodiment corresponds to an example of a “determination unit.” The first display control unit 105 corresponds to an example of a “notification unit.”

[0051] The first memory 110 stores programs executed by the first processor 100 and data processed by the first processor 100. The first memory 110 stores a control program 111 executed by the first processor 100, battery information 112, and various other data. The first memory 110 includes a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the first memory 110 may include a volatile storage area to constitute a working area for the first processor 100.

[0052] The battery information 112 includes the battery ID and flag information of the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3. The flag information indicates whether the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water. The battery ID and flag indicated by the flag information are recorded or updated as appropriate by the recording unit 106.

[0053] The TCU 11, first touch panel 12, lock mechanism 13, GNSS 14, water detection sensor 15, first communication unit 16, connection I / F 17, and trunk opening switch 18 are connected to the vehicle control device 10. The vehicle control device 10 may also be connected to devices other than these.

[0054] The first touch panel 12 has a structure in which a liquid crystal display panel for displaying characters and images and a touch sensor for detecting contact with the liquid crystal display panel are superimposed. The first touch panel 12 is installed on the instrument panel of the vehicle 3, for example.

[0055] The locking mechanism 13 secures the trunk cover TRF in a closed state, that is, secures the trunk cover TRF in a state that closes the opening of the trunk TR. For example, the locking mechanism 13 includes a restricting member such as a snap hook that restricts the trunk cover TRF to the closed state, and the trunk cover TRF is secured in the closed state by setting the restricting member to the restricted state. When the trunk cover TRF transitions from the open state to the closed state, the locking mechanism 13 secures the trunk cover TRF in the closed state. The locking mechanism 13 releases the closed state of the trunk cover TRF under the control of a lock release unit 104, which will be described later. When the locking mechanism 13 has the structure of the example described above, the locking mechanism 13 releases the closed state of the trunk cover TRF by changing the restricting member from the restricted state to the unrestricted state under the control of the lock release unit 104.

[0056] The GNSS 14 measures the current position of the vehicle 3. When the vehicle 3 is equipped with a car navigation system (not shown), a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit included in the car navigation device can be used as the GNSS 14.

[0057] The water detection sensor 15 outputs a detection value to the vehicle control device 10 .

[0058] The first communication unit 16 includes communication hardware such as a connector and a communication circuit, and communicates with the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 .

[0059] The connection I / F 17 includes communication hardware such as a connector and a communication circuit that conform to a specified communication standard. It connects to a device other than an onboard device and communicates with that device. In this embodiment, the device connected to the connection I / F 17 is an off-vehicle fault detection device known as a scan tool. The off-vehicle fault detection device communicates with the vehicle 3 to detect faults in vehicle components. The off-vehicle fault detection device is used by dealers and the like.

[0060] The trunk opening switch 18 is a switch for changing the trunk cover TRF from a closed state to an openable and closable state. The trunk opening switch 18 outputs a signal indicating an operation of the trunk opening switch 18 to the vehicle control device 10 .

[0061] As described above, the first processor 100 functions as the first communication control unit 101 , the current position recognition unit 102 , the battery determination unit 103 , the lock release unit 104 , the first display control unit 105 , the recording unit 106 , and the connection I / F processing unit 107 .

[0062] The first communication control unit 101 communicates with the server device 5 via the TCU 11 .

[0063] The current position recognition unit 102 recognizes the current position of the vehicle 3 based on the positioning result of the GNSS 14 .

[0064] The battery determination unit 103 determines whether the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water based on the detection value of the water detection sensor 15. The battery determination unit 103 outputs the determination result to the lock release unit 104 and the recording unit 106.

[0065] The unlocking unit 104 controls the locking mechanism 13 to release the trunk lid TRF from its closed position, changing the vehicle 3's state from the locked state to the unlocked state. If a release operation is performed and the flag information in the battery information 112 stored in the first memory 110 indicates that the vehicle 3 has not been immersed in water, the unlocking unit 104 changes the vehicle 3's state from the locked state to the unlocked state. On the other hand, if the flag information indicates that the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water, the unlocking unit 104 does not change the vehicle 3's state to the unlocked state even if a release operation is performed. In this case, if a release operation is performed after the connection I / F processing unit 107 receives a predetermined input from an off-vehicle fault inspection device, the unlocking unit 104 changes the vehicle 3's state to the unlocked state. An example of the predetermined input is changing the flag information indicated by the flag information to indicate that the vehicle has not been immersed in water.

[0066] The first display control unit 105 causes various information to be displayed on the first touch panel 12 .

[0067] The recording unit 106 records the battery ID of the battery 2 installed in the vehicle 3 in the battery information 112 stored in the first memory 110. The recording unit 106 reads the battery ID from the battery 2 via the first communication unit 16 and records it in the battery information 112. In addition, if the battery determination unit 103 determines that the battery 2 has been immersed in water, the recording unit 106 changes the flag indicated in the flag information to a flag indicating that the battery has been immersed in water.

[0068] The connection I / F processing unit 107 determines whether the external fault inspection device is connected to the connection I / F 17. Furthermore, the connection I / F processing unit 107 receives predetermined input regarding the unlocked state from the external fault inspection device via the connection I / F 17. Upon receiving the predetermined input, the connection I / F processing unit 107 outputs this information to the recording unit 106. The recording unit 106 changes the flag indicated by the flag information to a flag indicating that the vehicle 3 has not been immersed in water. Thus, the unlocking unit 104 can change the state of the vehicle 3 to the unlocked state, triggered by the unlocking operation, by receiving the predetermined input from the connection I / F processing unit 107. The connection I / F processing unit 107 transmits various information to the external fault inspection device via the connection I / F 17.

[0069] [3. Structure of the Holding Device and Server Device]

[0070] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the holding device 4 and the server device 5 .

[0071] First, the structure of the holding device 4 will be described.

[0072] The holding device 4 includes a holding device control device 40 , a second communication unit 41 , a holding mechanism 42 , and a second touch panel 43 .

[0073] The holding device control device 40 includes a second processor 400 such as a CPU or an MPC, and a second memory 410 for storing programs and data.

[0074] The second processor 400 reads and executes the control program 411 stored in the second memory 410 , thereby functioning as a second communication control unit 401 , a reception unit 402 , a second display control unit 403 , and a holding mechanism control unit 404 .

[0075] The second memory 410 stores programs executed by the second processor 400 and data processed by the second processor 400. The second memory 410 stores a control program 411 executed by the second processor 400 and various other data. The second memory 410 includes a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the second memory 410 may include a volatile storage area to constitute a working area for the second processor 400.

[0076] The holding device control device 40 is connected to the second communication unit 41 , the holding mechanism 42 , and the second touch panel 43 .

[0077] The second communication unit 41 includes a communication device including an antenna, an RF circuit, an encoder, a decoder, etc. The second communication unit 41 communicates with the server device 5 via the communication network NW. The communication standard of the second communication unit 41 may be a wired communication standard or a wireless communication standard.

[0078] The holding mechanism 42 includes a member forming the groove SRB, a locking mechanism for fixing the battery 2 inserted into the groove SRB so as to be non-detachable, and the like.

[0079] The second touch panel 43 is a touch panel having a structure in which a liquid crystal display panel for displaying characters and images and a touch sensor for detecting contact with the liquid crystal display panel are overlapped.

[0080] As described above, the second processor 400 functions as the second communication control unit 401 , the reception unit 402 , the second display control unit 403 , and the holding mechanism control unit 404 .

[0081] The second communication control unit 401 communicates with the server device 5 connected to the communication network NW via the second communication unit 41 .

[0082] The accepting unit 402 accepts various inputs from the user P via the second touch panel 43 .

[0083] The second display control unit 403 causes various information to be displayed on the second touch panel 43 .

[0084] The holding mechanism control unit 404 controls the holding mechanism 42 to change the state of each slot SRB from a state in which the battery 2 cannot be removed to a state in which the battery 2 can be removed. Furthermore, the holding mechanism control unit 404 controls the holding mechanism 42 to change the state of each slot SRB from a state in which the battery 2 can be removed to a state in which the battery 2 cannot be removed.

[0085] Next, the configuration of the server device 5 will be described.

[0086] The server device 5 includes a third processor 50 such as a CPU or an MPC, a third memory 51 for storing programs and data, and a third communication unit 52 .

[0087] The third processor 50 functions as a third communication control unit 501 and a processing unit 502 by reading and executing the control program 511 stored in the third memory 51 .

[0088] The third memory 51 is a memory that stores programs executed by the third processor 50 and data processed by the third processor 50. The third memory 51 stores a control program 511 executed by the third processor 50, a battery information database 512, a user database 513, and various other data. The third memory 51 includes a nonvolatile storage area. Alternatively, the third memory 51 may include a volatile storage area to constitute a working area for the third processor 50.

[0089] The battery information DB 512 stores the battery information 112 .

[0090] The user DB 513 stores information of the user P for each user P. The information of the user P includes a user ID and a battery ID of the battery 2 lent to the user P.

[0091] The third communication unit 52 includes a communication device including a connector, a communication circuit, etc. The communication standard of the third communication unit 52 may be a wired communication standard or a wireless communication standard. The third communication unit 52 communicates with the holding device 4 and the vehicle control system 1 via the communication network NW.

[0092] As described above, the third processor 50 functions as the third communication control unit 501 and the processing unit 502 .

[0093] The third communication control unit 501 communicates with the holding device 4 and the vehicle control system 1 via the third communication unit 52 .

[0094] The processing unit 502 performs database-related processing, such as storing records, determining information contained in records, and updating records. When the third communication control unit 501 receives the battery information 112 from the vehicle control system 1, the processing unit 502 updates the battery information 112 recorded in the battery information 112 with the received battery information 112. The processing unit 502 updates the battery information 112 with the battery ID contained in the received battery information 112.

[0095] [4. Operations of the Vehicle Control System, Holding Device, and Server Device]

[0096] Next, the operations of the vehicle control system 1 , the holding device 4 , and the server device 5 will be described.

[0097] Figure 4 Flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle control system 1 and the server device 5. Figure 4 Flowchart FA shows the operation of the vehicle control system 1 , and flowchart FB shows the operation of the server device 5 .

[0098] As shown in the flowchart FA, the battery determination unit 103 of the vehicle control system 1 determines whether the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water (step SA1 ).

[0099] When the battery determination unit 103 determines that the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has not been immersed in water (step SA1 : No), the process of step SA1 is performed again.

[0100] On the other hand, when the battery determination unit 103 determines that the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water (step SA1 : Yes), the recording unit 106 changes the flag indicated by the flag information of the battery information 112 to a flag indicating immersion in water (step SA2 ).

[0101] Therefore, even if the release operation is performed, the lock release unit 104 does not change the state of the vehicle 3 to the lock release state.

[0102] Next, the first communication control unit 101 transmits the battery information 112 stored in the first memory 110 to the server device 5 (step SA3 ).

[0103] The display in step SA3 may be performed when the user of vehicle 3 performs a predetermined action on vehicle 3. The predetermined action may be when the user of vehicle 3 touches a door or when the user of vehicle 3 unlocks a door.

[0104] Next, the first display control unit 105 causes the first touch panel 12 to display information indicating that the battery 2 has been immersed in water (step SA4 ).

[0105] As shown in flowchart FB, the third communication control unit 501 of the server device 5 receives the battery information 112 from the vehicle 3 (step SB1 ).

[0106] Next, the processing unit 502 stores the battery information 112 received in step SB1 in the battery information DB 512 (step SB2 ).

[0107] Figure 5 Flowchart showing the operation of the holding device 4 and the server device 5. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , flowchart FC shows the operation of the holding device 4 , and flowchart FD shows the operation of the server device 5 .

[0108] As shown in the flowchart FC, the reception unit 402 of the holding device 4 receives a return operation from the user P (step SC1 ).

[0109] Next, the second communication control unit 401 transmits confirmation request information to the server device 5 (step SC2). The confirmation request information is information requesting confirmation of whether the battery 2 to be returned has been immersed in water. The confirmation request information includes the user ID input in the return operation accepted in step SC1.

[0110] As shown in flowchart FD, the third communication control unit 501 of the server device 5 receives confirmation request information from the holding device 4 (step SD1).

[0111] The processing unit 502 performs confirmation processing based on the confirmation request information received in step SD1 (step SD2).

[0112] During the confirmation process, the processing unit 502 refers to the user DB 513 to identify the battery ID corresponding to the user ID included in the confirmation request information. Next, during the confirmation process, the processing unit 502 determines whether the battery information 112 including the identified battery ID is stored in the battery information DB 512. If the flag information included in the battery information 112 indicates that the battery 2 to be returned has been immersed in water, the processing unit 502 determines that the battery 2 to be returned has not been immersed in water. Otherwise, the processing unit 502 determines that the battery 2 to be returned has not been immersed in water.

[0113] When the processing unit 502 performs the confirmation process, the third communication control unit 501 transmits the processing result information indicating the processing result of the confirmation process to the holding device 4 (step SD3). The processing result information indicates whether the battery 2 to be returned has been immersed in water.

[0114] As shown in flowchart FC, the second communication control unit 401 receives processing result information from the server device 5 (step SC3).

[0115] Next, the second display control unit 403 determines whether the processing result information received in step SC3 indicates that the device has been immersed in water (step SC4 ).

[0116] When the second display control unit 403 determines in step SC4 that the processing result information indicates that the battery 2 to be returned was immersed in water (step SC4 : Yes), it causes the second touch panel 43 to display information indicating that the battery 2 to be returned was immersed in water (step SC5 ).

[0117] For example, the second display control unit 403 causes the second touch panel 43 to display a message stating that “The battery layer to be returned has been submerged in water. Please have it inspected by the dealer.”

[0118] On the other hand, if the second display control unit 403 determines that the processing result information does not indicate that the battery 2 has been immersed in water (step SV4: No), the holding mechanism control unit 404 accepts the return of the battery 2 (step SC6). In other words, the holding mechanism control unit 404 controls the holding mechanism 42 so that the holding device 4 is in a state where the battery 2 can be inserted into the slot SRB.

[0119] [5. Second embodiment]

[0120] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0121] Regarding the configuration of each portion of the second embodiment, the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] The battery 2 of the second embodiment determines whether it has been immersed in water by itself. The battery 2 of the second embodiment includes a water detection sensor and determines whether the battery 2 has been immersed in water based on the detection value of the sensor. If the battery 2 of the second embodiment determines that the battery 2 has been immersed in water, it outputs an error code corresponding to the submersion condition to the vehicle control device 10 of the vehicle 3 in which the battery 2 is installed.

[0123] Figure 6 Flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle control system 1, the battery 2 and the server device 5. Figure 6 Flowchart FE shows the operation of the vehicle control system 1 , flowchart FF shows the operation of the battery 2 , and flowchart FG shows the operation of the server device 5 .

[0124] exist Figure 6 In, with Figure 4 The same steps in the flowchart shown are marked with the same step numbers, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0125] As shown in the flowchart FF, the battery 2 determines whether it has been immersed in water (step SF1).

[0126] When the battery 2 determines that it has been immersed in water (step SF1 : Yes), an error code corresponding to the immersion in water is transmitted to the vehicle control device 10 (step SF2 ).

[0127] As shown in the flowchart FE, the first communication control unit 101 receives an error code from the battery 2 (step SE1).

[0128] [6. Third embodiment]

[0129] Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0130] Regarding the configuration of each portion of the third embodiment, the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0131] The vehicle control system 1A of the third embodiment is different from the vehicle control system 1 of the above-described embodiment in that the vehicle 3 is not provided with the system.

[0132] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle control system 1A according to the third embodiment.

[0133] A vehicle control system 1A according to the third embodiment includes a vehicle 3 and a server device 5 .

[0134] like Figure 7 As shown, the first processor 100 of the vehicle control system 1A of the third embodiment may not function as the battery determination unit 103. Figure 7 As shown, the vehicle control device 10 of the third embodiment may not be connected to the water detection sensor 15 .

[0135] The third processor 50 of the server device 5 according to the third embodiment also functions as a submerged area identification unit 503 and a battery determination unit 504 .

[0136] In the third embodiment, the battery determination section 504 corresponds to an example of a “determination section”.

[0137] The flooded area identification unit 503 identifies the location and range of a flooded area. A flooded area refers to an area where the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 may be submerged in water. For example, the flooded area identification unit 503 identifies a flooded area in the following manner. The server device 5 receives information on the location and range of an area where precipitation exceeds a predetermined value from a weather server, for example. The flooded area identification unit 503 identifies the location and range of the flooded area based on the information received from the weather server.

[0138] The battery determination unit 504 of the third embodiment determines whether the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has been submerged in water. The first communication control unit 101 of the third embodiment transmits current location information indicating the current location identified by the current location identification unit 102 to the server device 5 at a predetermined period. If the current location indicated by the current location information received from the vehicle 3 is within the submerged area identified by the submerged area identification unit 503, the battery determination unit 504 determines that the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has been submerged in water. On the other hand, if the current location indicated by the current location information received from the vehicle 3 is not within the submerged area identified by the submerged area identification unit 503, the battery determination unit 504 determines that the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has not been submerged in water.

[0139] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle control system 1A.

[0140] exist Figure 8 Flowchart FH shows the operation of the vehicle 3 , and flowchart FI shows the operation of the server device 5 .

[0141] exist Figure 8 In, with Figure 4 The same steps in the flowchart shown are marked with the same step numbers, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0142] As shown in flowchart FH, the first communication control unit 101 transmits current position information indicating the current position recognized by the current position recognition unit 102 to the server device 5 (step SH1).

[0143] As shown in the flowchart FI, the third communication control unit 501 receives current position information from the vehicle 3 (step SI1).

[0144] Next, the battery determination unit 504 determines whether the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water based on the current position information received in step SI1 (step SI2 ).

[0145] When the battery determination unit 504 determines that the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 3 has not been immersed in water (step SI2 : NO), the third processor 50 ends the present process.

[0146] On the other hand, if the battery determination unit 504 determines that the battery 2 installed in the vehicle 3 has been immersed in water (step SI2: Yes), the third communication control unit 501 transmits state maintenance instruction information to the vehicle 3 (step SI3). The state maintenance instruction information is information instructing that the state of the vehicle 3 be maintained in the locked state.

[0147] As shown in flowchart FH, the first communication control unit 101 determines whether or not the state maintenance instruction information is received from the server device 5 (step SH2).

[0148] When the first communication control unit 101 determines that the state maintenance instruction information has not been received from the server device 5 (step SH2 : NO), the first processor 100 ends this process.

[0149] On the other hand, when the first communication control unit 101 determines that the state maintenance instruction information is received from the server device 5 (step SH2 : YES), the recording unit 106 changes the flag indicated by the flag information of the battery information 112 to a flag indicating immersion in water (step SA2 ).

[0150] [7. Other Implementation Methods]

[0151] In the above-described embodiments, the trunk TR is exemplified as the installation chamber for installing the battery 2, and the trunk cover TRF is exemplified as the opening and closing member. However, the installation chamber may also be the engine compartment. In this case, the opening and closing member is the engine hood. In this case, the locking mechanism 13 includes a restricting member that restricts the engine hood 6 to the closed state. By restricting the restricting member to the restricted state, the engine hood 6 is fixed in the closed state.

[0152] In the above-described embodiments, the unlocking unit 104 is configured to change the state of the vehicle 3 from the locked state to the unlocked state by releasing the closed state of the opening and closing body. However, the unlocking unit 104 may also be configured to change the state of the vehicle 3 from the locked state to the unlocked state by changing the state of the restricting member that restricts the insertion and removal of the battery 2 from the restricted state to the unlocked state.

[0153] In the above embodiments, the first display control unit 105 is exemplified as the "notification unit." However, the "notification unit" is not limited to a unit that performs display functions and may also be a unit that outputs sound, for example. If the "notification unit" is a unit that outputs sound, the vehicle control system 1 includes a speaker.

[0154] In the above-described embodiments, information indicating that the battery 2 has been immersed in water is displayed on the first touch panel 12. However, the device displaying this information is not limited to the first touch panel 12, and may be a device displaying a meter, for example.

[0155] In each of the above-described embodiments, the vehicle 3 using the battery 2 as a driving source is exemplified. However, the vehicle 3 may be any vehicle as long as the battery 2 is detachable.

[0156] The first processor 100, the second processor 400, and the third processor 50 may be composed of multiple processors or a single processor. The first processor 100, the second processor 400, and the third processor 50 may also be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, the first processor 100, the second processor 400, and the third processor 50 may be composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0157] Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 7The structures of the various components shown are merely examples, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessary to install the hardware corresponding to each component; of course, the functions of each component can be implemented by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, a portion of the functions implemented by software in the above-described embodiments can be implemented in hardware, or a portion of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented in software. Furthermore, the specific details of the vehicle control system 1, 1A, vehicle 3, retention device 4, server device 5, and other components of the vehicle control device 10 can be arbitrarily modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0158] Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 The step units of the actions shown are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the actions. The actions are not limited by the method of division or name of the processing units. They can be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Alternatively, they can be divided so that one step unit contains more processing. In addition, the order of the steps can be appropriately changed within the scope of the scope that does not affect the main purpose of the present invention.

[0159] [8. Structure supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0160] The above-mentioned embodiment supports the following structure.

[0161] (Structure 1) A vehicle control system, a vehicle control system that controls a vehicle capable of loading and unloading a battery, wherein the vehicle control system comprises: a determination unit that determines whether the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water; and a lock release unit that can change the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to a lock release state in which the battery can be removed, and when the determination unit determines that the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water, the lock release unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the lock release state.

[0162] According to the vehicle control system of Configuration 1, a battery determined to have been immersed in water can be prevented from being removed from the vehicle, thereby preventing electric shock caused by the battery mounted on the vehicle.

[0163] (Structure 2) The vehicle control system according to Structure 1, wherein the vehicle control system includes a notification unit that notifies the vehicle that the battery has been immersed in water when the determination unit determines that the battery has been immersed in water.

[0164] According to the vehicle control system of configuration 2, an operator who wants to remove the battery can recognize that the battery has been immersed in water. Therefore, the possibility of the operator touching the battery can be reduced, and electric shock caused by the battery installed in the vehicle can be further avoided.

[0165] (Structure 3) The vehicle control system according to Structure 2, wherein the notification unit performs notification to a cabin of the vehicle.

[0166] According to the vehicle control system of configuration 3, the vehicle user can recognize that the battery has been immersed in water. Therefore, the possibility of the vehicle user touching the battery can be reduced, and thus electric shock caused by the battery installed in the vehicle can be further avoided.

[0167] (Structure 4) A vehicle control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the lock release portion changes the state of the vehicle to the locked state by fixing the opening and closing body to a closed state, and changes the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state by making the opening and closing body openable and closable, and the opening and closing body can open and close the opening of the installation room for installing the battery.

[0168] According to the vehicle control system of Configuration 4, the vehicle can be placed in a state where the battery is inaccessible, thereby further preventing electric shock caused by the battery mounted on the vehicle.

[0169] (Structure 5) The vehicle control system according to Structure 4, wherein the installation room is an engine room, and the opening and closing body is an engine hood.

[0170] According to the vehicle control system of Configuration 5, the vehicle can be placed in a state where the battery mounted in the engine room cannot be touched, thereby preventing electric shock caused by the battery mounted in the engine room.

[0171] (Structure 6) The vehicle control system according to Structure 4, wherein the installation room is a luggage room, and the opening and closing body is a door of the luggage room.

[0172] According to the vehicle control system of Configuration 6, the vehicle can be placed in a state where the battery installed in the luggage room cannot be touched, thereby preventing electric shock caused by the battery installed in the luggage room.

[0173] (Structure 7) A vehicle control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 6, wherein when a prescribed input is made to the vehicle after the determination unit determines that the battery has been immersed in water, the lock release unit changes the state of the vehicle to the lock release state.

[0174] According to the vehicle control system of configuration 7, a person who can make a predetermined input, such as a dealer, can remove a battery that has been submerged in water. Therefore, it is possible to avoid electric shock caused by a battery installed in a vehicle and to avoid being unable to handle a battery that has been submerged in water.

[0175] (Structure 8) A control method for a vehicle control system, wherein the vehicle control system controls a vehicle capable of loading and unloading a battery, wherein the control method for the vehicle control system can change the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed, and a determination is made as to whether the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water. If it is determined that the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water, the state of the vehicle is not changed to the unlocked state.

[0176] According to the control method of the vehicle control system of Configuration 8, the same effects as those of the vehicle control system of Configuration 1 are achieved.

[0177] (Structure 9) A vehicle control device that controls a vehicle capable of loading and unloading a battery, wherein the vehicle control device includes a lock release unit that can change the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to a lock release state in which the battery can be removed, and when a determination unit determines that the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water, the lock release unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the lock release state.

[0178] According to the vehicle control device of Configuration 9, the same effects as those of the vehicle control system of Configuration 1 are achieved.

[0179] (Structure 10) A storage medium storing a program that causes a processor of a vehicle control device that controls a vehicle capable of loading and unloading a battery to function as a lock release unit, wherein the lock release unit is capable of changing the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed, and in a case where a determination unit determines that the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water, the lock release unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state.

[0180] According to the storage medium storing the program of the configuration 10, the same effects as those of the vehicle control system of the configuration 1 are achieved.

Claims

1. A vehicle control system that controls a vehicle in which batteries can be loaded and unloaded, wherein: The vehicle control system comprises: a determination unit that determines whether the battery mounted on the vehicle has been immersed in water; and a lock releasing unit capable of changing the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed, When the determination unit determines that the battery mounted on the vehicle has been immersed in water, the lock release unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state. The lock release portion changes the state of the vehicle to the locked state by fixing the opening and closing body in a closed state, and changes the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state by making the opening and closing body openable and closable, and the opening of the installation chamber where the battery is installed is opened and closed.

2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle control system includes a notification unit configured to notify, when the determination unit determines that the battery has been immersed in water, that the battery mounted on the vehicle has been immersed in water.

3. The vehicle control system according to claim 2, wherein: The notification unit performs notification to the interior of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein: The installation room is the engine room, The opening and closing body is an engine hood.

5. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein: The installation room is a luggage room, The opening and closing body is a door of the luggage room.

6. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The lock release unit changes the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state when a predetermined input is made to the vehicle after the determination unit determines that the battery has been immersed in water.

7. A method for controlling a vehicle control system, wherein the vehicle control system controls a vehicle in which batteries can be loaded and unloaded, wherein: In the control method of the vehicle control system, The vehicle can be changed from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed. determining whether the battery installed in the vehicle has been immersed in water, If it is determined that the battery mounted on the vehicle has been immersed in water, not changing the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state; The vehicle is in the locked state by fixing the opening and closing body in the closed state, and is in the unlocked state by making the opening and closing body openable and closable. The opening and closing body can open and close the opening of the installation chamber where the battery is installed.

8. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle in which a battery can be attached or detached, wherein: The vehicle control device includes a lock release unit capable of changing the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed. When the determination unit determines that the battery mounted on the vehicle has been immersed in water, the unlocking unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state. The lock release portion changes the state of the vehicle to the locked state by fixing the opening and closing body in a closed state, and changes the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state by making the opening and closing body openable and closable, and the opening of the installation chamber where the battery is installed is opened and closed.

9. A storage medium storing a program for causing a processor of a vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle in which a battery can be attached or detached to function as a lock releasing unit. The unlocking unit can change the state of the vehicle from a locked state in which the battery cannot be removed to an unlocked state in which the battery can be removed. When the determination unit determines that the battery mounted on the vehicle has been immersed in water, the unlocking unit does not change the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state. The lock release portion changes the state of the vehicle to the locked state by fixing the opening and closing body in a closed state, and changes the state of the vehicle to the unlocked state by making the opening and closing body openable and closable, and the opening of the installation chamber where the battery is installed is opened and closed.

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