Battery control device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a battery control device, a control method, and a non-transitory storage medium. The battery control device of the present application controls a battery connected to a power supply line via a relay, and includes a detection unit that detects a predetermined signal, and a control unit that starts a predetermined function when it is determined based on the detection of the predetermined signal that any one of at least three predetermined start conditions is satisfied, and stops the predetermined function when it is determined that none of the three start conditions is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery control device, control method, and non-transitory storage medium for controlling a battery mounted on a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-166442 discloses a battery diagnostic device for diagnosing the state of a battery installed in a vehicle. In this battery diagnostic device, the device performs the following operations: based on the state of the ignition switch, it determines whether the vehicle is stationary and performs battery diagnostic processing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To prevent the battery's charge level from decreasing during parking, it is preferable to stop the activated battery diagnostic device after diagnosing the battery's condition. The vehicle being parked can be determined by turning off the ignition switch.

[0004] However, there are also vehicles where the battery diagnostic device cannot directly detect the ignition switch status. Therefore, there is room for research into the control of starting and stopping the battery diagnostic device in such vehicles.

[0005] This disclosure is an invention made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a battery control device, control method, and non-temporary storage medium that can suppress the decrease of battery charge rate even when the state of the ignition switch cannot be directly detected.

[0006] The battery control device involved in the first aspect of the present invention is a battery control device that controls a battery connected to a power line via a relay.

[0007] The battery control device includes:

[0008] The testing department is responsible for testing the specified signals;

[0009] The control unit starts the specified function if it determines, based on the detection of a specified signal, that at least one of the three pre-defined start conditions is met, and stops the specified function if it determines that none of the three start conditions are met.

[0010] According to the battery control device disclosed herein, since it can start and stop based on three starting conditions even when the state of the ignition switch cannot be directly detected, the decrease in the battery's charge rate can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like symbols denote like elements, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of the battery control device and its peripheral components involved in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 A timing diagram illustrating the first start-stop control mode;

[0014] Figure 3 A timing diagram illustrating the second start-stop control mode;

[0015] Figure 4 A timing diagram illustrating the third start-stop control mode;

[0016] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the sequence of diagnostic processes performed by the battery control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The battery control device disclosed herein performs start-up and shutdown by detecting signals other than the state of the ignition switch. Therefore, even without directly detecting the state of the ignition switch, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the battery's charge capacity.

[0018] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Implementation

[0020] structure

[0021] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a battery control device 100 and its peripheral components according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The illustrated functional block includes a battery pack 400 with a battery control device 100, a relay 200, and a battery 300, and other control devices 500. As an example, the battery pack 400 is used in vehicles such as automobiles that use an internal combustion engine as a power source, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that use an electric motor as a power source.

[0022] The storage battery 300 is used to supply power to the vehicle's power line 600 via the relay 200. This storage battery 300 can be configured, for example, by connecting multiple units C, which are rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries (LiB), in series. The storage battery 300 can be used as an auxiliary battery for supplying power to devices unrelated to the vehicle's propulsion.

[0023] Relay 200 is a switching device capable of switching between a conducting state (ON) that connects the contacts and a non-conducting state (OFF) that disconnects the contacts. For this relay 200, a normally open, single-pole, single-throw mechanical relay can be used, for example. Relay 200 is disposed between battery 300 and power line 600, and the connection state (ON / OFF) of relay 200 is switched based on the control of battery control device 100.

[0024] The other control device 500 is an electronic control unit (HV-ECU, etc.) that controls the hybrid driving of the vehicle. This other control device 500 is capable of LIN-based communication with the battery control unit 100. The other control device 500 inputs an IG signal indicating the state of the ignition switch and outputs a communication signal based on the state of the ignition switch to the battery control unit 100. Furthermore, the other control device 500 can request checks on the instrument cluster ECU, etc., based on diagnostic results of the starting-related circuits notified from the battery control unit 100.

[0025] The battery control device 100 can control the state of the relay 200 and the state of the battery 300, and can control the start and stop states of its own functions. The battery control device 100 includes: a voltage measurement circuit 110, a current measurement circuit 120, a current increase detection circuit 130, a jump start detection circuit 140, and a control circuit 150.

[0026] The voltage measurement circuit 110 is a circuit (VB) used to measure the voltage of the battery 300, and more specifically, the voltage of each battery cell C constituting the battery 300. In the voltage measurement, a voltage sensor (not shown) or similar device can be used. The measured voltage of the battery 300 is utilized in the control circuit 150.

[0027] The current measurement circuit 120 is a circuit (IB) for measuring the current of the battery 300, specifically the current flowing out of the battery 300 and the current flowing into the battery 300. In the current measurement, a device such as a current sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the current flowing in a load R connected in series with the battery 300 can be used. This current measurement circuit 120 is configured in hardware to perform current measurement regardless of the start / stop state of the control circuit 150. The measured current of the battery 300 is output to the current increase detection circuit 130.

[0028] The current increase detection circuit 130 is a circuit (first circuit) that receives the measured current value of the battery 300 from the current measurement circuit 120 and detects changes in the outflow current of the battery 300 based on the increase or decrease. Specifically, the current increase detection circuit 130 detects whether the outflow current of the battery 300 is above a predetermined first threshold. This current increase detection circuit 130 is configured in hardware to detect changes in current regardless of the start / stop state of the control circuit 150. The information detected by the current increase detection circuit 130 is output to the control circuit 150.

[0029] The jump start detection circuit 140 is a second circuit that detects a jump start state based on changes in the voltage value of the power line 600, which serves as the terminal voltage of the battery control device 100. Here, jump start refers to the situation where, in the event that the relay 200 is disconnected due to an abnormality in the battery 300, an external charger (not shown) is connected to the power line 600 to start the vehicle instead of the battery 300. Specifically, the jump start detection circuit 140 detects whether the voltage of the power line 600 is above a predetermined second threshold. This jump start detection circuit 140 is configured in hardware to detect voltage changes regardless of the start / stop state of the control circuit 150. The information detected by the jump start detection circuit 140 is output to the control circuit 150.

[0030] The control circuit 150 is a circuit used to control the state of the relay 200 and the state of the battery 300 based on information obtained from the voltage measurement circuit 110, the current measurement circuit 120, the current increase detection circuit 130, and the jump start detection circuit 140. This control circuit 150 includes a detection unit 151, a control unit 152, a diagnostic unit 153, and a notification unit 154.

[0031] The detection unit 151 is capable of detecting a specified signal input to the control circuit 150. Examples of signals detected by the detection unit 151 include the signal output by the current increase detection circuit 130 indicating the current value of the battery 300, the signal output by the jump start detection circuit 140 indicating the voltage value of the power line 600, and communication signals transmitted from other control devices 500 as described later.

[0032] In addition to controlling the states of the relay 200 and the battery 300, the control unit 152 can also perform appropriate switching between a start-up state (wake-up) where all functions are activated, and a stop state (sleep) where only some functions are activated to suppress power consumption. Examples of functions that operate even in the stop state include receiving the output of the current increase detection circuit 130, receiving the output of the jump start detection circuit 140, and receiving communication signals (e.g., LIN communication-based signals) from other control devices 500.

[0033] The diagnostic unit 153 can diagnose starting-related circuits after the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off (IG-OFF). Specifically, as starting-related circuits, the diagnostic unit 153 diagnoses the current increase detection circuit 130 and the jump start detection circuit 140. Examples of diagnostic findings include: an abnormality where the output of the current increase detection circuit 130 is fixed (state fixation) when the outflow current from the battery 300 is high or low; and an abnormality where the output of the jump start detection circuit 140 is fixed (state fixation) when the voltage on the power line 600 is high or low. Furthermore, if the diagnostic unit 153 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the starting-related circuit, it invalidates the starting conditions affected by that abnormality.

[0034] The starting condition refers to the condition used to activate a portion of functions that have been suspended to suppress power consumption, thus setting the system to a starting state (wake-up). The starting condition can include situations where the outflow current from the battery 300 output by the current increase detection circuit 130 exceeds a first threshold, the voltage of the power line 600 output by the jump start detection circuit 140 exceeds a second threshold, and a signal initiating LIN communication is input from another control device 500. Alternatively, the starting condition can also be the arrival of a timer-defined periodic check of the battery 300's status, implemented when the ignition switch is in the IG-OFF state.

[0035] The notification unit 154 can notify other control devices 500, etc., of the diagnostic results (normal / abnormal) of the start-related circuits performed in the diagnostic unit 153. This notification can utilize LIN communication or similar methods.

[0036] The battery control device 100 described above can typically be configured as an electronic control unit (such as an auxiliary LiB ECU), including a processor such as a microcomputer, a memory, and input / output interfaces. This electronic control unit reads and executes programs stored in the memory via the processor, thereby realizing all or part of the functions of the control circuit 150 described above.

[0037] control

[0038] [1] Start / stop control

[0039] Further reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 ,as well as Figure 4 Here are a few explanations of the start-up and stop control implemented by the battery control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0040] [1-1] First start-stop control mode

[0041] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram illustrating the first start-stop control mode implemented by the control circuit 150. This first start-stop control mode uses changes in the outflow current of the battery 300 as the start-triggered mode.

[0042] Step S201

[0043] The driver or other vehicle user holds the electronic key and approaches the vehicle. Because this approach triggers ID verification between the vehicle and the electronic key, and processes such as illuminating interior lights upon successful verification, current is consumed by the designated electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the power line 600. Therefore, the current flowing from the battery 300 to the power line 600 increases.

[0044] Step S202

[0045] When the current flowing out (supplying) from the battery 300 to the power line 600 exceeds a first threshold, the current increase detection circuit 130 will detect the increase in outflow current. This detection result is obtained by the control circuit 150.

[0046] Step S203

[0047] The control circuit 150 identifies when the outflow current from the battery 300 exceeds a first threshold, thereby transitioning itself from a stopped state (sleep) to a started state (wake-up) and activating all functions. Thus, even when the state of the ignition switch cannot be directly detected, the control circuit 150 can still be activated.

[0048] Step S204

[0049] When the user sets the ignition switch to the ON state (IG-ON) in order to use the vehicle, the IG signal indicating IG-ON is input to other control devices 500.

[0050] Step S205

[0051] Based on the input of the IG signal indicating IG-ON, other control devices 500 are activated. The activated other control devices 500 begin LIN communication with the control circuit 150 of the battery control device 100 via an in-vehicle network such as LIN.

[0052] Step S206

[0053] When the user turns the ignition switch to the IG-OFF position to end the use of the vehicle, the IG signal indicating IG-OFF is input to the other control device 500. Then, based on the IG signal indicating IG-OFF, the other control device 500 issues a notification to the control circuit 150 of the battery control device 100 to instruct the start-related circuit diagnostic control to begin.

[0054] Step S207

[0055] Control circuit 150 performs diagnostic control on circuits related to starting and notifies other control devices 500 of the diagnostic results. Furthermore, regarding this diagnostic control, [the system / mechanism] will use [the appropriate technology / method]. Figure 5 This will be discussed in the following text.

[0056] Step S208

[0057] After receiving the diagnostic results of the circuit related to starting from the control circuit 150, the other control device 500 notifies the control circuit 150 of the intention to terminate LIN communication via the in-vehicle network and stops its own operation.

[0058] Step S209

[0059] The control circuit 150 detects LIN disconnection based on a notification received from another control device 500 indicating the intention to terminate LIN communication.

[0060] Step S210

[0061] After the user finishes using the vehicle, they leave the vehicle and walk away. Since this separation action eliminates the need for ID verification between the vehicle and the electronic key, the current consumption of the designated electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the power line 600 disappears. Therefore, the current flowing from the battery 300 to the power line 600 decreases.

[0062] Step S211

[0063] When the current flowing from the battery 300 to the power line 600 becomes less than a first threshold, the current increase detection circuit 130 detects a decrease in the outflow current. This detection result is obtained by the control circuit 150, which then conveys the information that the outflow current of the battery 300 is less than the first threshold.

[0064] Step S212

[0065] In the jump start detection circuit 140, since the relay 200 is not in a disconnected state and there is no connection to an external charger for jump start, a voltage lower than the second threshold is detected (no jump start is detected). This detection result is obtained by the control circuit 150, which conveys the information that the voltage on the power line 600 is lower than the second threshold.

[0066] Step S213

[0067] For the control circuit 150, since communication with other control devices 500 is cut off, the outflow current of the battery 300 becomes less than the first threshold (the state where the dark current has stabilized), and the voltage of the power line 600 is less than the second threshold, it will change from the starting state (wake-up) to the stopping state (sleep), thereby stopping some functions. Thus, even when the state of the ignition switch cannot be directly detected, the control circuit 150 can be stopped.

[0068] [1-2] Second start-stop control mode

[0069] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram illustrating a second start-stop control mode implemented by the control circuit 150. This second start-stop control mode is a mode in which communication between the control circuit 150 and other control devices 500 is initiated as a start-trigger mechanism.

[0070] Step S301

[0071] When a driver or other vehicle user sets the ignition switch to the ON state (IG-ON) to use the vehicle, the IG signal indicating IG-ON is input to other control devices 500.

[0072] Step S302

[0073] Based on the input of the IG signal indicating IG-ON, other control devices 500 are activated. The activated other control devices 500 notify the control circuit 150 of the battery control device 100 to begin LIN communication via an in-vehicle network such as LIN.

[0074] Step S303

[0075] The control circuit 150 detects LIN activation based on a notification received from another control device 500 indicating the start of LIN communication.

[0076] Step S304

[0077] The control circuit 150 detects when LIN communication has been initiated with other control devices 500 and transitions itself from a stopped state (sleep) to an activated state (wake-up), thereby activating all functions. Thus, the control circuit 150 can be activated even when the state of the ignition switch cannot be directly detected.

[0078] Step S305

[0079] When the user turns the ignition switch to the IG-OFF position to end the use of the vehicle, the IG signal indicating IG-OFF is input to the other control device 500. Then, based on the IG signal indicating IG-OFF, the other control device 500 issues a notification to the control circuit 150 of the battery control device 100 to instruct the start-related circuit diagnostic control to begin.

[0080] Step S306

[0081] Control circuit 150 performs diagnostic control on circuits related to starting and notifies other control devices 500 of the diagnostic results. Furthermore, regarding this diagnostic control, [the system / mechanism] will use [the appropriate technology / method]. Figure 5 The following is a further description.

[0082] Step S307

[0083] After receiving the diagnostic results of the circuit related to starting from the control circuit 150, the other control device 500 notifies the control circuit 150 of the intention to terminate LIN communication via the in-vehicle network and stops its own operation.

[0084] Step S308

[0085] The control circuit 150 detects LIN disconnection based on a notification received from another control device 500 indicating the intention to terminate LIN communication.

[0086] Step S309

[0087] The control circuit 150 identifies a situation where the current flowing from the battery 300 to the power line 600 is less than a first threshold based on the detection of a decrease in the outflow current in the current increase detection circuit 130.

[0088] Step S310

[0089] The control circuit 150 identifies a situation where the voltage of the power line 600 is less than the second threshold based on the absence of a jump start detected in the jump start detection circuit 140.

[0090] Step S311

[0091] For the control circuit 150, since communication with other control devices 500 is cut off, the outflow current of the battery 300 becomes less than the first threshold (the state where the dark current has stabilized), and the voltage of the power line 600 is less than the second threshold, it will change from the starting state (wake-up) to the stopping state (sleep), thereby stopping some functions. Thus, even when the state of the ignition switch cannot be directly detected, the control circuit 150 can be stopped.

[0092] [1-3] Third start-stop control mode

[0093] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram used to explain the third start-stop control mode implemented by the control circuit 150. This third start-stop control mode uses the change in voltage on the power line 600 when the relay 200 is disconnected as the start-trigger mode.

[0094] Step S401

[0095] In order to start the vehicle, the driver or other vehicle user connects an external charger (not shown) to the power line 600. This connection generates voltage on the power line 600, which becomes the terminal voltage.

[0096] Step S402

[0097] When the voltage of the power line 600 exceeds the second threshold, a jump start is detected by the jump start detection circuit 140 (jump start detected). The detection result is obtained by the control circuit 150, which conveys the information that the voltage of the power line 600 has exceeded the second threshold.

[0098] Step S403

[0099] The control circuit 150 identifies when the voltage on the power line 600 exceeds the second threshold and transitions itself from a stopped state (sleep) to a started state (wake-up), thereby activating all functions. Thus, the control circuit 150 can be activated even when the state of the ignition switch cannot be directly detected.

[0100] Step S404

[0101] When the user sets the ignition switch to the ON state (IG-ON) in order to use the vehicle, the IG signal indicating IG-ON is input to other control devices 500.

[0102] Step S405

[0103] Based on the input of the IG signal indicating IG-ON, other control devices 500 are activated. The activated other control devices 500 begin LIN communication with the control circuit 150 of the battery control device 100 via an in-vehicle network such as LIN.

[0104] Step S406

[0105] When the user turns the ignition switch to the IG-OFF position to end the use of the vehicle, the IG signal indicating IG-OFF is input to the other control device 500. Then, based on the IG signal indicating IG-OFF, the other control device 500 issues a notification to the control circuit 150 of the battery control device 100 to instruct the start-related circuit diagnostic control to begin.

[0106] Step S407

[0107] Control circuit 150 performs diagnostic control on circuits related to starting and notifies other control devices 500 of the diagnostic results. Furthermore, regarding this diagnostic control, [the system / mechanism] will use [the appropriate technology / method]. Figure 5 The following is a further description.

[0108] Step S408

[0109] After receiving the diagnostic results of the circuit related to starting from the control circuit 150, the other control device 500 notifies the control circuit 150 of the intention to terminate LIN communication via the in-vehicle network and stops its own operation.

[0110] Step S409

[0111] The control circuit 150 detects LIN disconnection based on a notification received from another control device 500 indicating the intention to terminate LIN communication.

[0112] Step S410

[0113] The control circuit 150 identifies when the current flowing out of the battery 300 to the power line 600 is less than a first threshold, based on the absence of detection of an increase or decrease in the outflow current in the current increase detection circuit 130.

[0114] Step S411

[0115] After the user finishes using the vehicle, they disconnect the external charger from the power cord 600. Upon disconnection, the voltage on the power cord 600, which serves as the terminal voltage, disappears (or decreases).

[0116] Step S412

[0117] In the jump start detection circuit 140, a voltage lower than the second threshold is detected (no jump start is detected). This detection result is obtained by the control circuit 150, which conveys the information that the voltage on the power line 600 is lower than the second threshold.

[0118] Step S413

[0119] For the control circuit 150, since communication with other control devices 500 is cut off, the outflow current of the battery 300 becomes less than the first threshold (the state where the dark current has stabilized), and the voltage of the power line 600 is less than the second threshold, it will change from the starting state (wake-up) to the stopping state (sleep), thereby stopping some functions. Thus, even when the state of the ignition switch cannot be directly detected, the control circuit 150 can be stopped.

[0120] [2] Diagnostic control

[0121] Further reference Figure 5 The diagnostic control implemented by the battery control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the processing sequence of diagnostic control of the start-related circuits executed by each structure of the control circuit 150.

[0122] Figure 5 The diagnostic control illustrated is initiated after the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off (IG-OFF).

[0123] Step S501

[0124] The control unit 152 determines whether it has received a diagnostic start notification based on IG-OFF from another control device 500. The diagnostic start notification is sent and received via LIN communication. If the control unit 152 receives the diagnostic start notification (step S501 is yes), the process proceeds to step S502.

[0125] Step S502

[0126] The diagnostic unit 153 performs a diagnostic check on the circuits related to startup based on the notification that diagnostics has begun. In this embodiment, the diagnostic unit 153 focuses on the current increase detection circuit 130 and the jump start detection circuit 140, determining whether each circuit is normal or abnormal. More specifically, if the input of the current increase detection circuit 130 is forcibly switched between being on and off, and the outflow current does not change according to this switch, the current increase detection circuit 130 is determined to be abnormal (with a fixed state). Similarly, if the input of the jump start detection circuit 140 is forcibly switched between being on and off, and the voltage does not change according to this switch, the jump start detection circuit 140 is determined to be abnormal (with a fixed state). When the diagnostic unit 153 performs a diagnostic check on the circuits related to startup, the process proceeds to step S503.

[0127] Step S503

[0128] For the diagnostic unit 153, as a result of the diagnosis, it determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the circuits related to starting, namely the current increase detection circuit 130 and the jump start detection circuit 140. Regarding the occurrence of abnormalities, as described above. If the diagnostic unit 153 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the circuits related to starting (step S503, Yes), the process proceeds to step S504; if it determines that no abnormality has occurred in the circuits related to starting (step S503, No), the process proceeds to step S506.

[0129] Step S504

[0130] The notification unit 154 notifies an external device of the battery control unit 100 of a situation where an abnormality has occurred in the circuit related to starting. This notification may be a negative statement indicating an abnormality in a particular circuit, or it may show the contents of one or more circuits where the abnormality occurred. The external device of the battery control unit 100 may be, for example, another control device 500. The notification of the abnormality is sent and received via LIN communication. When an abnormality is notified externally via the notification unit 154, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0131] Step S505

[0132] The control unit 152 disables start-up conditions affected by the presence of an abnormal circuit. Specifically, if the abnormal circuit is the current increase detection circuit 130, the start-up condition where the outflow current of the battery 300 is above a first threshold will be affected. Therefore, in this case, control is performed such that the output of the current increase detection circuit 130 is forcibly reduced to zero, and the control circuit 150 does not start under this start-up condition (start-up factor shielding). Furthermore, if the abnormal circuit is the jump start detection circuit 140, the start-up condition where the voltage of the power line 600 is above a second threshold will be affected. Therefore, in this case, control is performed such that the output of the jump start detection circuit 140 is forcibly reduced to zero, and the control circuit 150 does not start under this start-up condition (start-up factor shielding). By performing this start-up factor shielding, it is possible to prevent a situation where current consumption cannot be completed in the fixed-state connection, resulting in insufficient power in the battery 300. When the starting conditions affected by the presence of an abnormal circuit are invalidated by the control unit 152, this diagnostic control ends.

[0133] Step S506

[0134] The notification unit 154 will notify the external battery control device 100 that no abnormalities have occurred in the starting-related circuitry. The notification of no abnormalities is transmitted and received via LIN communication. This diagnostic control ends when the external notification is sent via the notification unit 154 that no abnormalities have occurred.

[0135] Functions and effects

[0136] As described above, in the battery control device 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure, if it is determined, based on the detection signal of the outflow current of the battery 300, the detection signal of the voltage of the power line 600, and the communication signal output by other control devices 500, that any one of the following conditions is met: (a) the outflow current of the battery 300 is above a first threshold, (b) the voltage of the power line 600 is above a second threshold, or (c) communication with other control devices 500 has begun, the prescribed function is set to a start state (wake-up). Furthermore, in the battery control device 100 according to this embodiment, if it is determined that none of the above-mentioned start conditions (a), (b), and (c) are met, the prescribed function is set to a stop state (sleep). Based on this start-stop control, even when the battery control device 100 cannot directly detect the state of the ignition switch, the start and stop of the control circuit 150 can be appropriately controlled.

[0137] Furthermore, in the battery control device 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure, in the diagnostic control of the hardware (HW) circuits related to starting, if a fixed abnormality occurs in the current increase detection circuit 130 that causes the battery control device 100 to continue operating, or in the jump start detection circuit 140, a process is implemented to shield the starting cause (functional invalidation or forced termination, etc.) so that the circuit with the abnormality does not start. Through this shielding control, the waste current consumption generated by the battery control device 100 can be avoided, thereby preventing insufficient power of the battery 300.

[0138] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure can be understood not only as a battery control device, but also as a control method executed by a battery control device having a processor and a memory, a control program of the control method, a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing the control program, or a vehicle equipped with a battery control device, etc.

[0139] This invention can be used as a battery control device for controlling a battery mounted on a vehicle.

Claims

1. A battery control device mounted on a vehicle and controlling a battery connected to a power line via a relay, the battery control device comprising: The detection unit detects the current value of the battery. The control unit starts the prescribed function when it determines, based on the detection of the current value of the battery, that at least one of the three pre-defined starting conditions is met, and stops the prescribed function when it determines that none of the three starting conditions are met. The diagnostic unit, after the vehicle's ignition is disconnected, diagnoses the presence or absence of a fixed state in the starting circuitry, wherein one of the three starting conditions is that the battery's outflow current exceeds a first threshold. If the diagnostic unit determines that an abnormality with a fixed state has occurred in the circuit related to the start-up, it sets the start-up conditions affected by the abnormality to invalid.

2. A battery control device mounted on a vehicle and controlling a battery connected to a power line via a relay, the battery control device comprising: The detection unit detects the voltage value of the power line; The control unit starts the specified function when it determines, based on the detection of the voltage value of the power line, that at least one of the three pre-defined starting conditions is met, and stops the specified function when it determines that none of the three starting conditions are met. The diagnostic unit diagnoses the presence or absence of a fixed state in the starting-related circuits after the vehicle's ignition is disconnected. One of the three starting conditions is that, when the relay is disconnected, the voltage of the power line becomes above the second threshold. If the diagnostic unit determines that an abnormality with a fixed state has occurred in the circuit related to the start-up, it sets the start-up conditions affected by the abnormality to invalid.

3. The battery control device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The diagnostic unit determines whether the state of the first circuit that detects the outflow current of the battery is fixed.

4. The battery control device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The diagnostic unit determines whether the state of the second circuit that detects the voltage applied to the power line is fixed.

5. The battery control device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes a notification unit, which notifies the outside of the occurrence of the abnormality when the diagnostic unit determines that a fixed abnormality has occurred in the circuit related to the start-up.

6. A control method, wherein the control method is executed by a computer of a battery control device mounted on a vehicle and controlling a battery connected to a power line via a relay, the control method comprising: The current value of the battery is detected; If, based on the detection of the current value of the battery, it is determined that any one of at least three pre-defined starting conditions is met, the specified function is started. If, based on the detection of the current value of the battery, it is determined that none of the three starting conditions are met, the specified function is stopped. After the vehicle's ignition is disconnected, a diagnosis is made as to whether the state of the circuits related to starting is fixed. If it is determined that an abnormality with a fixed state has occurred in the circuit related to the start-up, the start-up conditions affected by the abnormality will be set to invalid. One of the three starting conditions is that the outflow current of the battery becomes above a first threshold.

7. A non-transitory storage medium storing commands executable by a computer of a battery control device mounted in a vehicle and connected to a power supply line via a relay, the commands causing the computer to perform the following functions: The function of detecting the current value of the battery; The function that starts the specified function when it is determined, based on the detection of the current value of the battery, that any one of at least three pre-defined starting conditions is met; The function that stops the specified function when it is determined, based on the detection of the current value of the battery, that none of the three starting conditions are met. After the vehicle's ignition is disconnected, it has the function of diagnosing whether the state of the circuit related to starting is fixed. If it is determined that an abnormality with a fixed state has occurred in the circuit related to the start-up, the start-up conditions affected by the abnormality are set to invalid. One of the three starting conditions is that the outflow current of the battery becomes above a first threshold.

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