Vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle capable of achieving a balance between the time required for charging a storage battery and the use of an air conditioning device without compromising convenience. A control device (20) notifies a destination arrival time based on the time required for charging in a state in which the air conditioning device (18) is operated in the case where charging is included in a travel schedule, and before charging is performed, suggests allowing the use of the air conditioning device (18) to be limited during charging. The control device (20) changes and notifies the destination arrival time based on the time required for charging in a state in which the use of the air conditioning device (18) is limited in the case where the suggestion is accepted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a storage battery. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, efforts to achieve a low-carbon or decarbonized society have become increasingly active as a concrete countermeasure to global climate change. For vehicles, there is also a strong demand to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and the electrification of power sources is rapidly developing. Specifically, the development of vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles is underway, which have an electric motor as the vehicle's power source and a battery as a secondary battery that supplies power to the electric motor.

[0003] In such vehicles, both normal charging (connected to an external power source to charge the battery) and fast charging (using a larger current than normal charging) can be performed (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, since the battery generates heat during charging and discharging, proper cooling is necessary. The battery is particularly prone to overheating during fast charging. When the battery heats up above a specified temperature, the output will be limited for safety reasons.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-046701

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-112932

[0007] On the other hand, vehicles are equipped with air conditioning systems (so-called air conditioners) to allow passengers to spend their time comfortably inside the vehicle. Since air conditioning systems require a relatively large amount of electricity, if the air conditioner is running while charging, it cannot properly cool the battery, sometimes resulting in additional charging time. In particular, in vehicles equipped with cooling systems that exchange heat between the refrigerant in the air conditioning cooling circuit (refrigeration cycle) and the refrigerant in the battery cooling circuit, cooling performance is limited. Therefore, there is still room for consideration in achieving a balance between the battery charging time and the use of the air conditioning system.

[0008] The time required for battery charging and the use of air conditioning should preferably be determined based on the passengers' preferences; making a uniform decision on the vehicle side may compromise the vehicle's convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention provides a vehicle that achieves a balance between the time required to charge the battery and the use of the air conditioning system without compromising convenience.

[0010] This invention relates to a vehicle comprising:

[0011] A storage battery is a device that stores electricity using power from an external source.

[0012] A cooling system comprising a battery cooling device for cooling the battery, an air conditioning device for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle, and a heat exchange section for exchanging heat between the refrigerant in the battery cooling device and the refrigerant in the air conditioning device; and

[0013] A control device that controls the cooling device, the charging of the battery, and the temperature of the battery, wherein,

[0014] The control device:

[0015] If charging is included in the travel plan, the destination arrival time is notified based on the charging time required while the air conditioning unit is running.

[0016] Before performing the charging process, it is recommended to allow for the restriction of the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process.

[0017] If the suggestion is accepted, the arrival time at the destination will be changed based on the charging time required under the restricted use of the air conditioning unit, and notification will be given.

[0018] According to the present invention, a balance can be achieved between the time required to charge the battery and the use of the air conditioning unit without compromising the convenience of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of vehicle 10.

[0020] Figure 2 A diagram showing the structure of the cooling device 16.

[0021] Figure 3 A diagram showing the structure of navigation device 17.

[0022] Figure 4 As an example of the display unit 174, the display unit 174 displays a travel schedule and a chart containing the required time for each section.

[0023] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of the recommendations displayed on display unit 174 in the control of air conditioning usage restrictions.

[0024] Figure 6 A graph showing the time required for changes due to air conditioning usage restrictions.

[0025] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the recommended control procedures for air conditioning usage restrictions.

[0026] Figure 8 This diagram shows an example of a notification displayed on display unit 174 during air conditioner usage reconfirmation control.

[0027] Figure 9 A graph showing the time required for changes due to the lifting of restrictions on air conditioning use.

[0028] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the process of reconfirming air conditioner usage control.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 10 vehicles

[0031] 16 Cooling devices

[0032] 18 air conditioning units

[0033] 19. Battery cooling circuit (battery cooling device)

[0034] 20 control devices

[0035] 50 external power supply

[0036] 189 Cooler (Heat Exchange Section)

[0037] BAT batteries Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the vehicle of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

[0039]

vehicle

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of vehicle 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 includes, for example, a motor (MOT), drive wheels (DW), a power control unit (Power Control Unit) 11, a battery (BAT), a battery sensor 12, a charging port 13, a charger 14, a communication device 15, a cooling device 16, a navigation device 17, and a control device 20. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the diagram, thick solid lines represent mechanical connections, double-dotted lines represent electrical wiring, and thin solid arrows represent control or detection signals. Control or detection signals are transmitted via CAN (Controller Area Network) communication lines, multiplex communication lines, serial communication lines, wireless communication networks, etc. Additionally, Figure 1The structure shown is an example; you can omit part of the structure or add other structures.

[0041] The motor MOT is, for example, a three-phase AC motor. The output of the motor MOT is transmitted to the drive wheels DW, and the vehicle's kinetic energy is used to generate electricity when the vehicle decelerates.

[0042] The power conversion device 11 includes, for example, an inverter 110 and a DC-DC converter 112. The DC-DC converter 112 boosts the power supplied by the battery BAT and outputs it to the inverter 110, and steps down the power supplied by the inverter 110 and outputs it to the battery BAT. The inverter 110 converts the DC power supplied by the DC-DC converter 112 into AC power and outputs it to the motor MOT, and converts the AC power generated by the motor MOT into DC power and outputs it to the DC-DC converter 112.

[0043] The battery BAT is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The battery BAT is charged using power supplied from an external power source 50 located outside the vehicle 10, such as a fast charger. The battery BAT primarily supplies power to the motor MOT. The battery sensors 12 include, for example, voltage sensors, current sensors, and temperature sensors. The voltage, current, and temperature sensors detect the current, voltage, and temperature values ​​of the battery BAT, respectively. The battery sensors 12 output the detected current, voltage, and temperature values ​​to the control device 20.

[0044] The charging port 13 is connected (inserted) to the external power source 50 via a charging cable. However, the connection between the vehicle 10 and the external power source 50 is not limited to this. For example, a structure such as a receiving coil capable of receiving power from the external power source 50 in a contactless manner could be provided on the vehicle 10.

[0045] Charger 14 is positioned between battery BAT and charging port 13. Charger 14 converts alternating current (AC) from external power source 50 via charging port 13, for example, during normal charging, into direct current (DC). Charger 14 then outputs the converted DC current to battery BAT.

[0046] The communication device 15 includes a wireless module for connecting to a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network. The communication device 15 communicates with a weather information server 60, for example, via a network such as the Internet or Ethernet.

[0047] Cooling device

[0048] like Figure 2As shown, the cooling device 16 includes an air conditioning unit (air conditioner) 18 and a battery cooling circuit 19. Hereinafter, the air conditioning unit 18 will be referred to as the air conditioner 18. The air conditioner 18 has a cooling cycle 180, which adjusts the environment inside the vehicle by adjusting the state of the air inside the vehicle. The operation of the air conditioner 18 is controlled by a cooling control unit 23 (described later) that accepts operation from passengers (hereinafter also referred to as users). In the battery cooling circuit 19, refrigerant flows in the refrigerant flow path to cool the battery BAT, charger 14, and power conversion device 11. Alternatively, a heater may be provided in the battery cooling circuit 19 to heat the battery BAT. The operation of the battery cooling circuit 19 is controlled by the cooling control unit 23 (described later) to maintain the temperature of the battery BAT within a specified range. In the cooling device 16, the cooling cycle 180 of the air conditioner 18 and the battery cooling circuit 19 are configured such that the refrigerants can exchange heat with each other via a cooler 189.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 More specifically, the refrigeration cycle 180 of the air conditioner 18 includes a compressor 181, a condenser 182, an expansion valve 183, and an evaporator 184 connected in series, and a second flow path 185b with an additional expansion valve 186 and a cooler 189, arranged in parallel with the first flow path 185a with the expansion valve 183 and the evaporator 184. Furthermore, a shut-off valve 187 is provided between the branch 185c of the first flow path 185a and the second flow path 185b and the expansion valve 183. By setting the shut-off valve 187 to the open state, the refrigerant flows to both the first flow path 185a and the second flow path 185b; by setting it to the closed state, the refrigerant flows only to the second flow path 185b.

[0050] In the battery cooling circuit 19, the refrigerant pump EWP, cooler 189, battery BAT, charger 14, power conversion device 11 and radiator 30 are connected in series.

[0051] In cooler 189, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant in refrigeration cycle 180 and the refrigerant in battery cooling circuit 19. Therefore, in cooling device 16, the cooling capacity of refrigeration cycle 180 of air conditioner 18 is allocated for both air conditioning and battery cooling. That is, when air conditioner 18 is not in use (air conditioner off), shut-off valve 187 is closed, allowing all the cooling capacity of refrigeration cycle 180 to be used for battery cooling. On the other hand, when air conditioner 18 is in use (air conditioner on), shut-off valve 187 is open, reducing the amount of cooling capacity from refrigeration cycle 180 available for battery cooling that is allocated to air conditioning. Therefore, the amount of cooling capacity from refrigeration cycle 180 available for battery cooling depends on whether air conditioner 18 is on or off.

[0052] Navigation device

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 3 An example of the structure of the navigation device 17 will be described. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the navigation device 17 includes a processor 171, a memory 172, a GPS unit 173, a display unit 174, an operation unit 175, and an interface 176. Furthermore, each of the components 171 to 176 is connected via a bus 177.

[0054] Processor 171 is, for example, a CPU responsible for the overall control of navigation device 17. Memory 172 includes, for example, main memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as flash memory, i.e., auxiliary memory. Main memory serves as the working area of ​​processor 171. Auxiliary memory stores various programs that enable navigation device 17 to operate. Programs stored in auxiliary memory are loaded into main memory and executed by processor 171.

[0055] In addition, the auxiliary memory of the navigation device 17 also stores map data for determining the current location of the vehicle 10 and providing route guidance to the destination. Although detailed descriptions are omitted, the map data includes road data representing the roads that the vehicle 10 can travel on, facility data representing information related to various facilities, etc.

[0056] GPS unit 173 receives GPS signals (radio waves) from GPS satellites to determine the current location of vehicle 10. The current location determined by GPS unit 173 is used when determining the current location of vehicle 10.

[0057] The display unit 174 is configured to include a display for displaying characters and images, a graphics controller for controlling the display as a whole, and a buffer memory such as video RAM (VRAM) for temporarily recording image data of the images displayed on the display. The display is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display.

[0058] The operation unit 175 inputs the operation signal corresponding to the operation received from the user to the internal components of the navigation device 17 (e.g., the processor 171). The operation unit 175 may be, for example, a touch panel. Alternatively, the operation unit 175 may also be a remote control, keyboard, mouse, or the like with multiple keys.

[0059] Interface 176 controls the input and output of data between the navigation device 17 and an external source (e.g., the charging control unit 24). Interface 176 is controlled by processor 171. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the navigation device 17 can also be implemented through the functions of a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet owned by the user of the vehicle 10.

[0060] [Control Device]

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the control device 20 includes a motor control unit 21, a battery control unit 22, a cooling control unit 23, and a charging control unit 24. The control device 20 is implemented by an electronic control unit (ECU) equipped with a processor, memory, interface, etc. Alternatively, the motor control unit 21, the battery control unit 22, the cooling control unit 23, and the charging control unit 24 may each be configured as separate control devices.

[0062] The motor control unit 21 controls the motor MOT based on the amount of input to the accelerator pedal. The battery control unit 22 calculates the SOC (State of Charge) of the battery BAT based on the output of the battery sensor 12 mounted on the battery BAT. The cooling control unit 23 controls the cooling device 16 based on the output of the battery sensor 12 to cool the battery BAT, and controls the air conditioning unit 18 according to user input. The charging control unit 24 controls the charger 14 during normal charging and communicates with the external power source 50 to control the charging of the battery BAT during fast charging. Furthermore, the charging control unit 24 is configured to communicate with the navigation device 17.

[0063] [It is recommended to control the use of air conditioners]

[0064] In this vehicle 10 configuration, when a user registers a destination in the navigation device 17, a planned travel route from the vehicle 10's current location to the destination is displayed on the display unit 174. This planned travel route includes charging at a charging station CS located on or near the travel route, taking into account the battery's state of charge (SOC). Additionally, the estimated travel time is displayed on the display unit 174 along with the travel route. The planned travel route can be displayed as a single route, or the user can select from multiple routes.

[0065] Figure 4 As an example of the display unit 174, the display unit 174 displays a travel schedule and a graph containing the required time for each travel schedule interval.

[0066] For example, if the current location of vehicle 10 is set as location A and the destination is set as location D, the driving plan includes charging at charging station CS at location C, which is located between location A and location D. Thus, the user can drive vehicle 10 to the destination (location D) without worrying about vehicle 10 being unable to drive due to insufficient power (the so-called "running out of power"). Furthermore, if charging is not required until reaching the destination, the driving plan may of course not include charging.

[0067] like Figure 4As shown, the display unit 174 displays: the estimated travel time from the current location (location A) to location C (where the charging station is located) (75 minutes), the charging time at charging station CS (25 minutes), the estimated travel time from location C to the destination (location D) (60 minutes), the total travel distance (250 kilometers), and the total estimated travel time (150 minutes). This allows the user to accurately know the arrival time at their destination, including the charging time. Furthermore, the information displayed on the display unit 174 only needs to include the travel route to the destination and the estimated travel time; additional information and planning can be modified as needed. Moreover, the travel route and estimated travel time do not necessarily need to be displayed on the same screen; they can be displayed separately by switching screens.

[0068] The charging time indicates the time required to charge the air conditioner 18 at the charging station CS, assuming the air conditioner 18 is in use. As described above, in the cooling device 16, the cooling capacity of the cooling cycle 180 of the air conditioner 18 is allocated for both air conditioning and battery cooling; therefore, the charging time will vary depending on the usage of the air conditioner 18.

[0069] To explain more specifically, as mentioned above, the battery BAT heats up during charging. When the battery temperature reaches a specified temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the output limit temperature) due to the heat generated by the battery BAT, the output of the battery BAT will be limited for safety reasons. With the output of the battery BAT limited, the current supplied to the battery BAT from the external power source 50 decreases during charging. Especially during fast charging, the temperature of the battery BAT tends to rise due to the large current supplied.

[0070] Therefore, when the cooling performance of the battery is insufficient due to the use of air conditioner 18, the battery temperature reaches above the output limit temperature, the current supplied to the battery BAT is limited, and the charging time is correspondingly extended. On the other hand, if the battery BAT can be adequately cooled by the battery cooling circuit 19 by turning off air conditioner 18, the output of battery BAT is no longer limited, and the charging time is shortened.

[0071] Therefore, before charging, the charging control unit 24 sends a display instruction to the navigation device 17. This display instruction indicates that if the cooling performance for the battery is below the cooling capacity required to maintain the battery temperature below the output limit temperature, the charging time will be shortened by limiting the use of the air conditioner 18. Additionally, the charging control unit 24 sends a display instruction to the navigation device 17 suggesting that the air conditioner 18 be turned off. Thus, for example, at location B (not shown) located between location A and location C, such as... Figure 5As shown, the display unit 174 displays the suggestion, "Are you in a hurry? Limiting the use of the air conditioner during charging will shorten the time required for fast charging." Additionally, the display unit 174 displays "Allow" and "Disallow" icons. That is, the charging control unit 24 suggests that the user allow the use of the air conditioner 18 to be limited during charging.

[0072] If the user wants to shorten the charging time, they can select "Allow" to shorten the time required to reach their destination. In this case, the charging control unit 24 changes the destination arrival time based on the charging time required under the condition that the use of the air conditioner 18 is restricted, and displays it on the display unit 174.

[0073] Figure 6 A graph showing the time required to adjust for changes due to air conditioning usage restrictions. (e.g.) Figure 6 As shown, the charging time required at the charging station CS is changed and displayed on the display unit 174 (25 minutes → 15 minutes).

[0074] On the other hand, if a user wants to stay in the car and use the air conditioning 18 while charging, they can select "Disallow." Although this won't shorten the charging time, it allows them to continue using the air conditioning 18 while charging. This allows users to shorten charging time and arrival time according to their own wishes. Furthermore, if there is extra time and the user wishes to use the air conditioning 18, they can continue using it, thus not reducing the convenience of the vehicle 10.

[0075] Thus, the charging control unit 24 determines the necessity of the recommendation based on the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 18 in the cooling device 16 and the cooling capacity of the battery cooling circuit 19 in the cooling device 16. Furthermore, if the battery BAT can be adequately cooled by the battery cooling circuit 19 even when the air conditioner 18 is used, i.e., if the battery BAT can be maintained below the output limit temperature, the above recommendation is not necessary.

[0076] For example, in areas where the charging station is located, where temperatures are low, the above recommendations may not be necessary. Therefore, if Figure 1 As shown, the charging control unit 24 preferably obtains weather information from the weather information server 60 via the communication device 15, and determines the necessity of the aforementioned suggestion based on the weather information. In this way, if it is known in advance based on the weather information that the battery temperature is prone to rise and there is no need to restrict the use of the air conditioner 18, the aforementioned suggestion will not be made, thereby avoiding unnecessary suggestions to the user.

[0077] Furthermore, when the user selects "Allow" for the above suggestion, the charging control unit 24 preferably displays tourist information about the vicinity of the charging station CS, such as sightseeing information, restaurant information, and shopping information, on the display unit 174. This guides the user from inside the vehicle where the use of the air conditioner 18 is restricted to the outside, reducing the user's chances of using the air conditioner 18 during the charging process described later.

[0078] In addition, the location B for making the above suggestions can coincide with location A, or it can be between location A and location C, or it can be just before arriving at location C, or when arriving at location C.

[0079] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the recommended control procedures for air conditioning usage restrictions.

[0080] The navigation device 17 first notifies the arrival time of the destination based on the input destination (S01). Then, the charging control unit 24 accesses the weather information server 60 and obtains weather information for the area where the charging station CS is scheduled to be charged (S02). Based on the obtained weather information, the charging control unit 24 determines whether it is necessary to restrict the use of the air conditioner 18 (S03). If it is not necessary to restrict the use of the air conditioner 18 (S03, No), the process ends. If it is necessary to restrict the use of the air conditioner 18 (S03, Yes), a suggestion to restrict the use of the air conditioner 18 is made (S04). If the user does not accept the suggestion to restrict the use of the air conditioner 18 (S05, No), the process ends. On the other hand, if the user allows the suggestion to restrict the use of the air conditioner 18 (S05, Yes), the charging control unit 24 changes the arrival time of the destination (S06) and notifies the user of the changed arrival time (S07).

[0081] [Air Conditioner Usage Reconfirmation Control]

[0082] Next, the air conditioner usage reconfirmation control will be explained. The air conditioner usage reconfirmation control is a control that assumes a user requests to use the air conditioner 18 while the battery BAT is being charged under a state where the use of the air conditioner 18 is restricted.

[0083] In this situation, the charging control unit 24 notifies that the use of the air conditioner 18 is restricted during the charging process. For example, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the display unit 174 displays "Air conditioning operation is limited. Battery cooling takes priority, therefore air conditioning operation is limited," along with "OK" and "Air conditioning priority" icons. This reminder encourages the user to reconsider.

[0084] The user can use the air conditioner 18 by selecting "Air Conditioner Priority" when they wish to use the air conditioner 18. In this case, the charging control unit 24 limits the current supplied to the battery BAT and sends a display instruction to the navigation device 17, which is used to change and display the destination arrival time based on the charging time required when the air conditioner 18 is used again.

[0085] Figure 9 A graph showing the time required for changes due to the lifting of restrictions on air conditioning use. (e.g.) Figure 9 As shown, the display unit 174 changes and displays the charging time required at the charging station CS (15 minutes → 20 minutes). In this way, as a result of reconsideration, the convenience of the vehicle 10 is improved by meeting the user's wishes when the user wishes to remove the restrictions on the use of the air conditioner 18.

[0086] On the other hand, if the user wishes to continue restricting the use of air conditioner 18 after receiving the notification, the user selects "OK". Thus, the charging control unit 24 continues to restrict the use of air conditioner 18.

[0087] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the process of reconfirming air conditioner usage control.

[0088] The charging control unit 24 first starts charging after the charging cable is connected to the charging port 13 (S11). The charging control unit 24 monitors for any input indicating a desire to use the air conditioner 18 during the charging process (S12). If no input indicates a desire to use the air conditioner 18 (S12, No), monitoring continues until such input is received. Furthermore, the process ends when charging is complete. If an input indicates a desire to use the air conditioner 18 (S12, Yes), a confirmation notification is sent (S13). As a result, if the user does not wish to use the air conditioner 18 (S14, No), the use of the air conditioner 18 remains restricted (S15). On the other hand, if the user wishes to use the air conditioner 18 (S14, Yes), the restriction on the use of the air conditioner 18 is lifted (S16), and the charging control unit 24 changes the destination arrival time (S17) and notifies the user of the changed arrival time (S18).

[0089] The embodiments described above illustrate the methods for implementing the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0090] At least the following items are described in this specification. Additionally, the components corresponding to the above embodiments are shown in parentheses, but the scope is not limited thereto.

[0091] (1) A vehicle (vehicle 10) comprising:

[0092] Storage battery (storage battery BAT) that can store electricity using power from an external power source (external power source 50);

[0093] A cooling device (cooling device 16) includes a battery cooling device (battery cooling circuit 19) for cooling the battery, an air conditioning device (air conditioning device 18) for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle, and a heat exchange section (cooler 189) for exchanging heat between the refrigerant in the battery cooling device and the refrigerant in the air conditioning device; and

[0094] Control device (control device 20) controls the cooling device, the charging of the battery, and the temperature of the battery, wherein,

[0095] The control device:

[0096] If charging is included in the travel plan, the destination arrival time is notified based on the charging time required while the air conditioning unit is running.

[0097] Before performing the charging process, it is recommended to allow for the restriction of the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process.

[0098] If the suggestion is accepted, the arrival time at the destination will be changed based on the charging time required under the restricted use of the air conditioning unit, and notification will be given.

[0099] According to (1), by notifying the destination arrival time, including the charging time, users can obtain a more accurate arrival time. Furthermore, if the user allows restrictions on the use of the air conditioning, the arrival time can be adjusted based on the shortened charging time, allowing the user to shorten both the charging time and arrival time as desired. Additionally, if the user has ample time and wishes to use the air conditioning, they can do so without compromising vehicle convenience. Thus, even without increasing the size of the air conditioning and battery cooling systems, a balance can be achieved between the battery charging time and the use of the air conditioning without sacrificing convenience.

[0100] (2) The vehicle according to (1), wherein,

[0101] The control device:

[0102] Determine the necessity of restricting the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process.

[0103] If it is necessary to restrict the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process, then the suggestion shall be made.

[0104] If it is not necessary to restrict the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process, then the recommendation is not made.

[0105] According to (2), if there is no need to restrict the use of air conditioning units, no advice will be given, thus avoiding unnecessary advice to users.

[0106] (3) The vehicle according to (2), wherein,

[0107] The control device:

[0108] It is configured to obtain meteorological information, and

[0109] The necessity is determined based on the meteorological information of the region where the charging is performed.

[0110] According to (3), the situation where the battery temperature is likely to rise can be known in advance.

[0111] (4) The vehicle according to (3), wherein,

[0112] The determination of necessity is based on the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit and the cooling capacity of the battery cooling unit in the cooling system.

[0113] According to (4), by judging the above necessity based on the cooling capacity of the battery cooling device obtained by subtracting the cooling capacity used by the air conditioning device from the cooling capacity of the cooling device, the necessity of restricting the use of the air conditioning device can be appropriately judged.

[0114] (5) The vehicle according to (4), wherein,

[0115] The control device:

[0116] When the battery temperature reaches or exceeds a specified value, the charging current is limited.

[0117] The recommendation is made when the cooling capacity of the battery cooling device in the cooling system is sufficient to maintain the battery temperature below the specified value.

[0118] According to (5), when the battery temperature reaches a specified value or above, the charging current is limited and the charging time becomes longer. Therefore, by suggesting that the use of the air conditioning unit be restricted only when the charging time becomes longer, it is possible to avoid making unnecessary suggestions to the user.

[0119] (6) The vehicle according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein,

[0120] The charging method is fast charging.

[0121] According to (6), the battery temperature tends to rise during fast charging, so this control is more effective during fast charging.

[0122] (7) The vehicle according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0123] If the control device confirms a willingness to use the air conditioning unit when the suggestion is accepted and the charging process is underway, it will notify that the use of the air conditioning unit is restricted during the charging process.

[0124] According to (7), reminding users can prompt them to reconsider.

[0125] (8) The vehicle according to (7), wherein,

[0126] The control device:

[0127] If, after the notification, it is confirmed that there is a desire to continue using the air conditioning unit, the restriction on the use of the air conditioning unit will be lifted, and

[0128] The arrival time at the destination will be changed and notification will be given based on the charging time required when the use of the air conditioning unit is unrestricted.

[0129] According to (8), as a result of reconsideration, the convenience of the vehicle is improved by meeting the user's wishes when the user wishes to remove the restrictions on the use of the air conditioning unit.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: A storage battery is a device that stores electricity using power from an external source. A cooling system comprising a battery cooling device for cooling the battery, an air conditioning device for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle, and a heat exchange section for exchanging heat between the refrigerant in the battery cooling device and the refrigerant in the air conditioning device; and A control device that controls the cooling device, the charging of the battery, and the temperature of the battery, wherein, The control device: If charging is included in the travel plan, the destination arrival time is notified based on the charging time required while the air conditioning unit is running. Before performing the charging process, it is recommended to allow for the restriction of the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process. If the suggestion is accepted, the arrival time at the destination will be changed based on the charging time required under the restricted use of the air conditioning unit, and notification will be given.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control device: Determine the necessity of restricting the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process. If it is necessary to restrict the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process, then the suggestion shall be made. If it is not necessary to restrict the use of the air conditioning unit during the charging process, then the recommendation is not made.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The control device: It is configured to obtain meteorological information, and The necessity is determined based on the meteorological information of the region where the charging is performed.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The determination of necessity is based on the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit and the cooling capacity of the battery cooling unit in the cooling system.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The control device: When the battery temperature reaches or exceeds a specified value, the charging current is limited. The recommendation is made when the cooling capacity of the battery cooling device in the cooling system is sufficient to maintain the battery temperature below the specified value.

6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The charging method is fast charging.

7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, If the control device confirms a willingness to use the air conditioning unit when the suggestion is accepted and the charging process is underway, it will notify that the use of the air conditioning unit is restricted during the charging process.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The control device: If, after the notification, it is confirmed that there is a desire to continue using the air conditioning unit, the restriction on the use of the air conditioning unit will be lifted, and The arrival time at the destination will be changed and notification will be given based on the charging time required when the use of the air conditioning unit is unrestricted.

Images