Battery control device and battery control method

Abstract

The invention provides a battery control device and a battery control method, which can quickly perform necessary charging operation after updating operation of an in-vehicle device accompanying interruption of charging operation of an in-vehicle battery is finished, and can suppress reduction of charging efficiency and / or soundness of the in-vehicle battery. A battery control device is provided with: an acquisition unit that acquires prescribed information including information relating to an update operation relating to a program update of an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, and information relating to the remaining charge amount of a target battery; an execution unit that executes a charging operation; and a determination unit that determines whether the execution unit can execute the charging operation after the completion of the update operation, the execution unit stops the charging operation when the update operation starts, and the determination unit determines whether or not the execution unit can execute the charging operation during a period from the request of the update operation to the start of the update operation on the basis of at least the information on the remaining charging amount of the target battery. A start determination is made as to whether or not to start the charging operation after the started update operation ends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery control device and a battery control method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development that contributes to energy efficiency has been conducted in order to ensure that more people can use energy appropriately, sustainably, and in an advanced manner.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a remote version upgrade control system that stops charging when the version upgrade process of the vehicle-mounted ECU is being performed based on OTA, and resumes charging after the version upgrade is completed.

[0004] [Prior art literature]

[0005] [Patent Document]

[0006] Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 114879996 Summary of the invention

[0007] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0008] However, in this technology, it is a problem to prevent the reduction of the charging efficiency and health (SOH: State Of Health) of the vehicle battery. For example, when performing an update operation such as updating the program of the vehicle device through OTA (Over The Air), if the charging operation of the vehicle battery is interrupted, there is a concern that the charging efficiency and health of the vehicle battery will be reduced due to the increase in the number of charge and discharge times caused by the interruption.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application aims to enable the on-board battery to be charged quickly after the update operation is completed when the charging operation of the on-board battery is interrupted during the update operation of the on-board device, and to suppress the reduction of the charging efficiency and / or soundness of the on-board battery. Moreover, it is conducive to the efficiency of energy.

[0010] [Methods for solving the problem]

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a battery control device that controls a charging operation performed on a battery, namely, a target battery, mounted on a vehicle, wherein the battery control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires specified information, the specified information including information about an update operation and information about a remaining charge of the target battery, the update operation being an operation involving a program update of an on-board device mounted on the vehicle; an execution unit that executes the charging operation; and a judgment unit that judges whether the execution unit can execute the charging operation after the update operation is completed, the execution unit stopping the charging operation when the update operation starts, the judgment unit making a start judgment as to whether to start the charging operation after the update operation has been completed, based at least on the information about the remaining charge of the target battery, during a period from when the update operation is requested to when the update operation is started.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, in the start judgment, when the actual charge remaining amount of the target battery when the update action is required, that is, the actual charge remaining amount is below a first threshold value, the judgment unit judges to start the charging action after the update action is completed, and the first threshold value is predetermined to avoid an overcharge state of the target battery and thus avoid a shortening of the life of the target battery. When the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is required exceeds the first threshold value, the judgment unit judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the prescribed information includes information on a predicted value of the remaining charge of the target battery at the end of the update action, i.e., information on a predicted remaining charge, and information on a temperature range of the target battery within which a charging efficiency of the target battery becomes above a predetermined value, i.e., an appropriate temperature range, wherein the charging efficiency is a ratio of an increase in the remaining charge in the target battery to an amount of power supplied. In the start judgment, even if the actual remaining charge when the update action is required is below the first threshold, when the predicted remaining charge is above a second threshold predetermined as a remaining charge capable of ensuring the starting of the vehicle and the temperature of the target battery exceeds an upper limit temperature or is below a lower limit temperature of the appropriate temperature range, the judgment unit determines not to start the charging action after the end of the update action.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the actual charging remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the updating action, that is, the actual charging remaining amount, becomes below a third threshold value which is smaller than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action regardless of the result of the starting judgment in the judgment unit, and the third threshold value is predetermined as a charging remaining amount at which it is difficult to ensure the starting of the vehicle.

[0015] According to another scheme of the present invention, the prescribed information includes information on the predicted end time, which is the time when the update action is predicted to end, and information on the predicted non-use time period when the user of the vehicle is not using the vehicle. The judgment unit, in the start judgment, requires the actual charging balance at the time of the update action to be below the first threshold as a condition. When the predicted end time is not included in the non-use time period, it is judged that the charging action will not be started after the update action ends. When the predicted end time is included in the non-use time period, it is judged that the charging action will be started after the update action ends.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the prescribed information includes a predicted value of the remaining charge of the target battery at the end of the update action, i.e., information on the predicted remaining charge. In the start judgment, when the actual remaining charge when the update action is required is below the first threshold, and the predicted remaining charge is above a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold and is predetermined as a remaining charge that can ensure the starting of the vehicle, when the predicted end time is not included in the non-use time period, the judgment unit judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed, and when the predicted end time is included in the non-use time period, the judgment unit judges to start the charging action after the update action is completed.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the actual charging remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the updating action, that is, the actual charging remaining amount, becomes below a third threshold value which is smaller than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action regardless of the result of the starting judgment in the judgment unit, and the third threshold value is predetermined as a charging remaining amount at which it is difficult to ensure the starting of the vehicle.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, the prescribed information includes information on the predicted end time of the update action, and when the update action is requested, the acquisition unit obtains the departure time of the vehicle scheduled by the user when the update action is requested, that is, the first scheduled departure time, from a terminal device of the user of the vehicle, and the judgment unit judges in the start judgment that the charging action is started after the update action is completed when the actual charging balance when the update action is requested is less than the first threshold and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is more than a predetermined prescribed time, and judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed when the actual charging balance when the update action is requested is less than the first threshold and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is less than a predetermined prescribed time.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the prescribed information includes a predicted value of the remaining charge of the target battery at the end of the update action, i.e., information on the predicted remaining charge. In the start judgment, even if the actual remaining charge when the update action is required is below the first threshold and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is above the prescribed time, when the predicted remaining charge is above a second threshold which is smaller than the first threshold, the judgment unit judges not to start the charging action after the end of the update action, and the second threshold is predetermined as a remaining charge that can ensure the starting of the vehicle.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, when the judgment unit judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed because the actual charging remaining amount when the update action is required is less than the first threshold value, the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is more than the specified time, and the predicted charging remaining amount is more than the second threshold value, the acquisition unit acquires the second scheduled departure time from the user's terminal device at the end of the update action, the second scheduled departure time being the departure time of the vehicle scheduled by the user at the end of the update action, and when the time from the end time of the update action to the second scheduled departure time is longer than the specified time and the actual charging remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the update action, that is, the actual charging remaining amount is less than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action on the target battery regardless of the result of the start judgment in the judgment unit.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the target battery is charged by a high voltage battery mounted on the vehicle and having a higher output voltage than the target battery.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery control method is provided, which is executed by a computer of a battery control device, wherein the battery control device controls a charging action performed on a battery mounted on a vehicle, namely, a target battery, wherein the battery control method comprises: a first step of obtaining specified information, the specified information including information about an update action and information about the remaining charge of the target battery, the update action being an action involving a program update of an on-board device mounted on the vehicle; a second step of stopping the charging action when the update action starts; and a third step of judging whether the charging action can be performed after the update action ends, wherein in the third step, a judgment is made as to whether to start the charging action after the update action that has already started, based at least on the information about the remaining charge of the target battery, during the period from when the update action is requested to when the update action starts.

[0023] [Effects of the invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, even if the charging operation of the vehicle battery is interrupted during the updating operation of the vehicle device, the required charging of the vehicle battery can be performed quickly after the updating operation is completed, and the reduction in the charging efficiency and / or soundness of the vehicle battery can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle including a battery control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery control device and an update management device.

[0027] Figure 3 The present invention is a flowchart showing the steps of a battery control method executed by a computer of a battery control device.

[0028] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A flowchart of specific processing steps of the start determination processing is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] [1. Implementation Method]

[0031] [1.1 Vehicle structure]

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle 2 having a battery control device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 2 includes a battery control device 1, a low voltage battery 3, a high voltage battery 4, and an update management device 5. The vehicle 2 is, for example, an electric vehicle that is driven by a driving motor 6. The high voltage battery 4 is, for example, a battery that supplies driving power to the driving motor 6. The high voltage battery 4 may be a battery that is charged by external power supply from a power supply device provided outside the vehicle 2, or a fuel cell that generates power by hydrogen fuel or the like.

[0033] The low voltage battery 3 is charged from the high voltage battery 4 having a higher output voltage than the low voltage battery 3. The low voltage battery 3 supplies the power required for starting the vehicle 2 and the power required for driving control of the vehicle 2 to various onboard devices 25 ( Figure 2 ).

[0034] The battery control device 1 controls the charging operation of the low voltage battery 3 with respect to the low voltage battery 3 as the target battery. The battery control device 1 communicates with a terminal device 8 of a user U of the vehicle 2 via a communication network 7 provided outside the vehicle 2. The terminal device 8 is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone.

[0035] The update management device 5 manages various vehicle-mounted devices 25 of the vehicle 2 (see Figure 2 ) and actions related to OTA-based program updates. Specifically, the update management device 5 communicates with the update management server 9 via the communication network 7, receives and stores update instructions and update programs for the vehicle-mounted device 25 from the update management server 9. The update management device 5 instructs the vehicle-mounted device 25, which is the update target, to install the above-stored update program at a specified time. The structure of the update management device 5 will be described later.

[0036] The vehicle 2 may also include a behavior tendency learning device 10 for learning the daily behavior tendency of the user U of the vehicle 2 when using the vehicle 2. The behavior tendency learning device 10 includes a computer and a memory. The behavior tendency learning device 10 performs machine learning on a time period of a day or a week when the user U does not use the vehicle 2 more often, i.e., a non-use time period, based on the location information of the vehicle 2 at each moment obtained from the navigation device 11 when the user U uses the vehicle 2, for example, by a computer. The machine learning can be performed using AI, for example. Alternatively, the non-use time period may be determined by a statistical processing method instead of machine learning.

[0037] The battery control device 1 can obtain the information of the non-use time period from the behavior tendency learning device 10 , and use the information for controlling the charging operation of the low voltage battery 3 .

[0038] The navigation device 11 includes a GPS receiver according to the prior art, determines the current position of the vehicle 2 , displays the current position of the vehicle 2 on a map, and guides the vehicle on a travel route to a destination.

[0039] [1.2 Update management device structure]

[0040] exist Figure 2 An example of the structure of the update management device 5 is shown in FIG.

[0041] The update management device 5 includes, for example, a first processor 30 and a first memory 31. The first memory 31 is composed of, for example, a volatile and / or nonvolatile semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk device.

[0042] The first processor 30 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, etc. The first processor 30 may also have a ROM in which a program is written, a RAM for temporarily storing data, etc. Furthermore, the first processor 30 includes a receiving unit 33, an updating unit 34, and a managing unit 35 as functional elements or functional units.

[0043] These functional elements of the first processor 30 are realized, for example, by the first processor 30 as a computer executing the first program 32 stored in the first memory 31. In addition, the first program 32 can be pre-stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the above-mentioned functional elements of the first processor 30 may be constituted by hardware each including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0044] The receiving unit 33 receives an update instruction and an update program for the in-vehicle device 25 from the update management server 9 , and stores the received update program in the first memory 31 .

[0045] The update unit 34 instructs the vehicle-mounted device 25, which is the update target, to install the above-stored update program at a specified timing. In the present embodiment, the above-specified timing is when the vehicle 2 is parked. The update unit 34 instructs the vehicle-mounted device 25 to install the update program on the condition that the update unit 34 receives permission to start the update operation (described later) from the judgment unit 45 at the above-specified timing. Thus, the update operation starts. In addition, the update unit 34 may also receive a notification of the completion of the installation of the above-mentioned update program from the vehicle-mounted device 25 when the installation of the update program in the vehicle-mounted device 25 is completed.

[0046] When the update unit 34 performs an update operation on the vehicle-mounted device 25, the management unit 35 sends information related to the update operation to the battery control device 1. For example, when the update unit 34 is about to start the update operation, the management unit 35 sends a notification of the start of the update operation, the time required for the update operation to be started, i.e., the update time, the number of vehicle-mounted devices 25 that are the objects of program update in the update operation, i.e., the number of updated units, and the predicted time when the update operation is to be completed, i.e., the predicted end time, to the battery control device 1. In addition, when the update unit 34 completes the update operation (i.e., when the installation of the update program in the vehicle-mounted device 25 is completed), the management unit 35 sends a notification of the end of the update operation to the battery control device 1. The notification of the end of the update operation may include the end time of the end of the update operation.

[0047] For example, when there are multiple update programs that are the objects of the update action executed by the update unit 34 (including the case where there is one or more vehicle-mounted devices 25 that are the objects), the management unit 35 sends information about the update time and the predicted end time of the overall update action of the multiple update programs to the battery control device 1.

[0048] For example, the manufacturer of the vehicle 2 may measure the update time for each update program in advance, and the update time may be attached to the corresponding update program and sent from the update management server 9. The management unit 35 can calculate the time required for each on-board device by adding up the update time required for the update program to be updated for each on-board device 25 to be updated, and use the longest time required for each on-board device as the overall update time required for the update operation.

[0049] [1.3 Structure of battery control device]

[0050] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a battery control device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0051] The battery control device 1 controls the charging operation for a target battery, which is one battery mounted on the vehicle 2. In the present embodiment, the target battery is the low voltage battery 3. In the present embodiment, the low voltage battery 3 is charged from the high voltage battery 4 via the charging and discharging device 22 having an appropriate voltage conversion circuit. Specifically, the battery control device 1 controls the charging operation from the high voltage battery 4 to the low voltage battery 3 by controlling the charging and discharging device 22.

[0052] The low voltage battery 3 supplies the power required for starting the vehicle 2 and / or the power required for driving control of the vehicle 2 to the communication device 24 and the vehicle-mounted device 25. The low voltage battery 3 includes: a remaining amount sensor 20, which detects the remaining amount of charge of the low voltage battery 3; and a battery temperature sensor 21, which detects the battery temperature of the low voltage battery 3 (for example, the temperature of the main body of the low voltage battery 3). The remaining amount of charge is, for example, the so-called SOC (State Of Charge), and the unit is the ratio of the current charge amount to the full charge amount.

[0053] The communication device 24 is a transceiver for the vehicle-mounted device including the battery control device 1 to communicate with other devices via the communication network 7 .

[0054] The vehicle-mounted device 25 is, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU) that includes a computer and operates by executing a program. Figure 2 Although three vehicle-mounted devices 25 are shown in FIG. 2 , the number of vehicle-mounted devices 25 included in the vehicle 2 is arbitrary. The vehicle-mounted devices 25 can each have a different function.

[0055] The charging and discharging device 22 also controls the charging operation of the high voltage battery 4, which is performed based on the power supplied from the power supply device outside the vehicle 2 via the connector 26 provided on the body of the vehicle 2. In addition, when the charging and discharging device 22 is not charging the high voltage battery 4, it supplies the power from the high voltage battery 4 to the running motor 6 via the running control device 23. The running control device 23 controls the power supply to the running motor 6 to control the running operation of the vehicle 2.

[0056] The battery control device 1 includes a second processor 40 and a second memory 41. The second memory 41 is composed of, for example, a volatile and / or nonvolatile semiconductor memory and / or a hard disk device.

[0057] The second processor 40 is, for example, a computer including a CPU, etc. The second processor 40 may also be a structure including a ROM in which a program is written, a RAM for temporarily storing data, etc. Furthermore, the second processor 40 includes an acquisition unit 43, an execution unit 44, and a determination unit 45 as functional elements or functional units.

[0058] These functional elements of the second processor 40 are realized, for example, by the second processor 40 as a computer executing the second program 42 stored in the second memory 41. In addition, the second program 42 can be pre-stored in any computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, all or part of the above-mentioned functional elements of the second processor 40 can also be constituted by hardware each including one or more electronic circuit components.

[0059] The acquisition unit 43 acquires predetermined information including information on an update operation which is an operation related to program update of the vehicle-mounted device 25 mounted on the vehicle 2 and information on the remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 which is a target battery.

[0060] The information on the update action may include information on the time required for the update action, namely, the update time, and the predicted end time, namely, the time when the update action is predicted to end.

[0061] As described above, when the update management device 5 (more specifically, the management unit 35 of the update management device 5) is about to start the update operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25, it sends a notification of the start of the update operation, the time required for the update operation to be started, that is, the update time, the number of vehicle-mounted devices 25 that are the objects of program update in the update operation, that is, the update number, and the predicted time when the update operation is to be completed, that is, the predicted end time, to the battery control device 1. In addition, when the update operation being executed is completed, the update management device 5 sends a notification of the end of the update operation to the battery control device 1. The acquisition unit 43 receives and acquires these notifications and information sent by the update management device 5.

[0062] The acquisition unit 43 acquires information on the time required for updating and the estimated end time from among the above information transmitted from the update management device 5 as predetermined information.

[0063] In addition, the information about the remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3 included in the above-mentioned specified information may include the actual remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3, i.e., the actual remaining charge and / or the predicted value of the remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3 at the end of the update action, i.e., the predicted remaining charge.

[0064] Specifically, when an update action is requested (hereinafter, also referred to as "update action is requested") and when the update action is completed, the acquisition unit 43 acquires the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is requested and the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is completed from the remaining amount sensor 20 provided to the low-voltage battery 3. Here, "when an update action is requested" (update action is requested) means when the battery control device 1 receives "notification of the intention to start the update action" from the update management device 5.

[0065] In addition, the acquisition unit 43 calculates and acquires the above-mentioned predicted remaining charge amount based on the above-mentioned number of updated units and the time taken for updating received from the update management device 5, the predicted value of the average power consumption per hour in the updating action of each on-board device 25, that is, the average power during updating, and the actual remaining charge amount when the updating action is required. For example, the acquisition unit 43 multiplies the above-mentioned number of updated units by the average power during updating and the time taken for updating, and calculates the total amount of discharge of the low-voltage battery 3 in the updating action, that is, the discharge amount during updating. And, the acquisition unit 43 calculates the predicted remaining charge amount based on the above-mentioned actual remaining charge amount and the discharge amount during updating according to the prior art. Here, the above-mentioned average power during updating can be calculated in advance and stored in the second memory 41.

[0066] The prescribed information acquired by the acquisition unit 43 may also include information on an appropriate temperature range, which is a temperature range in which the ratio of the increase in the remaining charge amount in the low-voltage battery 3 to the power supply amount, that is, the charging efficiency becomes a predetermined value or more. For example, the information on the appropriate temperature range can be predetermined and stored in the second memory 41. The acquisition unit 43 can read and acquire the information on the appropriate temperature range from the second memory 41. The appropriate temperature range can be represented by, for example, an upper limit temperature and a lower limit temperature of the appropriate temperature range. The appropriate temperature range can be defined as, for example, a temperature range above the lower limit temperature and below the upper limit temperature.

[0067] The acquisition unit 43 also acquires information of a non-use time period from the behavioral tendency learning device 10 as the predetermined information, the non-use time period being a time period during which the user U of the vehicle 2 is predicted not to use the vehicle 2. The non-use time period may be periodically acquired from the behavioral tendency learning device 10 and stored in the second memory 41. The acquisition unit 43 can read and acquire the non-use time period from the second memory 41.

[0068] Furthermore, when the update operation is requested, the acquisition unit 43 acquires, as the prescribed information, the first scheduled departure time of the vehicle 2 scheduled by the user U when the update operation is requested, from the terminal device 8 of the user U of the vehicle 2. Furthermore, when the update operation is completed, the acquisition unit 43 acquires, as the prescribed information, the second scheduled departure time of the vehicle 2 scheduled by the user U after the update operation is completed, from the terminal device 8 of the user U of the vehicle 2.

[0069] The execution unit 44 executes the charging operation from the high voltage battery 4 to the low voltage battery 3. The execution unit 44 stops the charging operation for the low voltage battery 3 when the update operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25 starts. For example, the execution unit 44 stops the charging operation for the low voltage battery 3 before instructing the vehicle-mounted device 25 to install the update program in response to the update management device 5 receiving the permission to start the update operation (described later) from the judgment unit 45.

[0070] In addition, in the present embodiment, the execution unit 44 starts the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 after the update operation is completed according to the result of the start judgment in the judgment unit 45 described later. When the judgment unit 45 judges in the start judgment that the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 is started after the update operation is completed, the execution unit 44 immediately starts the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 after the update operation is completed. Moreover, when the judgment unit 45 judges in the start judgment that the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 is not started after the update operation is completed, even if the update operation is completed, the execution unit 44 does not start the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 until other predetermined conditions (such as the vehicle is in motion, etc.) are met.

[0071] However, when the actual charge remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 is below the third threshold at the end of the updating operation, the execution unit 44 immediately starts charging the low-voltage battery 3 regardless of the result of the start judgment in the judgment unit 45, wherein the third threshold is predetermined as a charge remaining amount that makes it difficult to ensure the starting of the vehicle 2.

[0072] Thus, when the remaining charge amount of the target battery decreases to a level that makes it difficult to start the vehicle after the refresh operation is completed, the remaining charge amount of the target battery can be quickly restored to a level that can start the vehicle.

[0073] Here, the third threshold value is a value smaller than a second threshold value described later that is predetermined as a remaining charge amount that can ensure the start of the vehicle 2. The third threshold value can be predetermined and stored in the second memory 41, for example.

[0074] The judgment unit 45 judges whether the execution unit 44 can execute the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 after the update operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25 is completed. In the present embodiment, in particular, the judgment unit 45 makes a start judgment on whether to start the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 after the completion of the above-mentioned update operation, based on at least information about the remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3, and during the period from the request for the update operation to the start. Here, "the period from the request for the update operation to the start" specifically refers to the period from the battery control device 1 receiving the "notification of the intention to start the update operation" from the update management device 5 to the update management device 5 instructing the vehicle-mounted device 25 to install the update program.

[0075] When the start determination is completed, the determination unit 45 can grant update start permission to the update management device 5. In response to receiving the update start permission, the update management device 5 instructs the vehicle-mounted device 25 to install the update program and starts the update operation.

[0076] In this way, in the battery control device 1, when the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 is interrupted during the updating operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25, it is determined whether the charging operation can be restarted after the updating operation is completed, at least based on the remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3, before the updating operation starts. As a result, in the battery control device 1, it is possible to quickly perform the required charging of the low-voltage battery 3 after the updating operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25 is completed, and to avoid overcharging of the low-voltage battery 3 and / or reduce the number of charge and discharge cycles, thereby suppressing the reduction in the charging efficiency and / or soundness of the target battery.

[0077] In the present embodiment, as threshold values ​​related to the remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3 used by the judgment unit 45 at the start of judgment, three threshold values, namely, a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and a third threshold value, are predetermined. The first threshold value is a threshold value predetermined to avoid an overcharge state of the low-voltage battery 3 and thus avoid shortening the life of the low-voltage battery 3, and is, for example, 80%. The second threshold value is a threshold value predetermined as a remaining charge that can ensure the start of the vehicle 2, and is, for example, 30%. Here, the so-called "remaining charge that can ensure the start of the vehicle 2" specifically refers to, for example, the minimum remaining charge that the low-voltage battery 3 should maintain in order to accurately supply the power required for the start of the vehicle 2 to the onboard device 25.

[0078] In addition, as described above, the third threshold is a threshold value predetermined as a charge remaining amount that makes it difficult to ensure the start of the vehicle 2, and is, for example, 20%. Here, the so-called "charge remaining amount that makes it difficult to ensure the start of the vehicle 2" specifically refers to, for example, a charge remaining amount below which, if the charge remaining amount is lower than the above-mentioned charge remaining amount, there is a possibility that the low-voltage battery 3 cannot accurately supply the electric power required for starting the vehicle 2 to the on-board device 25.

[0079] The second threshold is determined to be a value smaller than the first threshold, and the third threshold is determined to be a value smaller than the second threshold. The first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold can be predetermined and stored in the second memory 41, for example. In addition, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold can be defined to vary depending on conditions such as the outside air temperature.

[0080] In this embodiment, the determination unit 45 operates in three operation modes. For example, the determination unit 45 operates in one of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode according to the operation mode designation information determined in advance and stored in the second memory 41 .

[0081] In this embodiment, the judgment unit 45 determines that the actual remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required is less than the first threshold value as a condition, and determines that the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 is started after the update action is completed, as a common action in the above three action modes. In addition, when the actual remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required exceeds the first threshold value in the start judgment, the judgment unit 45 determines that the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 is not started after the update action is completed.

[0082] Thus, in the battery control device 1 , overcharging of the target battery after the refresh operation can be reliably avoided.

[0083] Hereinafter, the start determination performed by the determination unit 45 in each of the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode will be described in sequence.

[0084] [1.3.1 First operation mode]

[0085] In the first operation mode, the conditions for starting the determination by the determination unit 45 include the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 , the estimated remaining charge amount at the end of the update, and the appropriate temperature range as the predetermined information acquired by the acquisition unit 43 .

[0086] Specifically, in the start determination, first, when the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 when the refresh operation is requested exceeds the first threshold, the determination unit 45 determines not to start charging the low voltage battery 3 after the refresh operation is completed.

[0087] In the first action mode, in particular, in the start judgment, even if the actual remaining charge amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required is below the first threshold value, when the predicted remaining charge amount of the low-voltage battery 3 in the update action is above the second threshold value and the battery temperature of the low-voltage battery 3 exceeds the upper limit temperature of the appropriate temperature range or is lower than the lower limit temperature, the judgment unit 45 also judges that the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 will not be started after the update action is completed.

[0088] On the other hand, in the start judgment, when the actual charge remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required is below the first threshold, the predicted charge remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 in the update action is above the second threshold, and the battery temperature of the low-voltage battery 3 is above the lower limit temperature and below the upper limit temperature of the appropriate temperature range, the judgment unit 45 judges to start the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 after the update action is completed.

[0089] Thus, in the first operation mode, when it is expected that a charge margin sufficient to ensure vehicle startup is secured in the low-voltage battery 3 after the update operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25 is completed, the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 is not started after the update operation if the temperature condition is not a good charging efficiency, and the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 is started after the update operation if the temperature condition is a good charging efficiency. Thus, in the first operation mode, a decrease in the charging efficiency and / or soundness of the target battery can be effectively suppressed.

[0090] Furthermore, in the start judgment, when the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 when the update action is requested is less than the first threshold and the predicted remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 when the update is completed is less than the second threshold, the judgment unit 45 judges to start charging the low voltage battery 3 after the update action is completed.

[0091] Thus, when it is expected that it will be difficult to ensure a charge margin sufficient for starting the vehicle in the low voltage battery 3 after the updating operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25 is completed, charging of the low voltage battery 3 can be resumed immediately after the updating operation is completed.

[0092] Furthermore, as described above, when the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 becomes equal to or less than the third threshold value at the end of the updating operation, the execution unit 44 starts charging the low voltage battery 3 regardless of the result of the start determination in the determination unit 45 .

[0093] [1.3.2 Second operation mode]

[0094] In the second operation mode, the conditions for starting the determination by the determination unit 45 include the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 , the predicted end time of the update operation, the predicted remaining charge amount at the end of the update, and the information of the non-use time period of the user U as the prescribed information acquired by the acquisition unit 43 .

[0095] Specifically, in the start determination, first, when the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 when the refresh operation is requested exceeds the first threshold, the determination unit 45 determines not to start charging the low voltage battery 3 after the refresh operation is completed.

[0096] In the second action mode, in particular, the determination unit 45 uses the actual charging remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required to be below the first threshold as a condition in the start judgment, and when the predicted end time of the update action is not included in the non-use time period of the user U, it is judged that the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 will not be started after the update action is completed.

[0097] On the other hand, when starting the judgment, the judgment unit 45 uses the actual charging remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required to be below the first threshold as a condition, and when the predicted end time of the update action is included in the non-use time period of the user U, it is judged that the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 will be started after the update action is completed.

[0098] That is, in the second operation mode, when the predicted end time of the update operation is not included in the non-use time period of the vehicle 2 of the user U, and there is a high possibility that the vehicle starts to travel soon after the update operation is completed, the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 can be appropriately started according to the prior art after the start of travel, so the charging operation immediately after the update operation is completed is not performed. As a result, in the second operation mode, it is possible to avoid the overcharge state of the low-voltage battery 3 as a condition, and to suppress the increase of the charge and discharge cycle of the low-voltage battery 3, thereby effectively suppressing the decline in the soundness of the low-voltage battery 3.

[0099] More specifically, in the start judgment, when the actual charging remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required is below the first threshold, and the predicted charging remaining amount when the update ends is above the second threshold, when the predicted end time of the update action is not included in the non-use time period of the user U, the judgment unit 45 judges that the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 will not be started after the update action ends.

[0100] In addition, in the start judgment, when the actual charging remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required is below the first threshold, and the predicted charging remaining amount at the end of the update is above the second threshold, when the predicted end time of the update action is included in the non-use time period of the user U, the judgment unit 45 judges to start the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 after the update action is completed.

[0101] In this way, it is possible to avoid the overcharge state of the low-voltage battery 3 as a condition, ensure a charge margin that can guarantee vehicle starting after the update action is completed, and suppress the increase of the charge and discharge cycle of the low-voltage battery 3, thereby effectively suppressing the decline in the health of the low-voltage battery 3.

[0102] In the start judgment, when the actual remaining charge of the low voltage battery 3 when the refresh operation is requested is less than the first threshold and the predicted remaining charge when the refresh operation is completed is less than the second threshold, the judgment unit 45 judges to start charging the low voltage battery 3 after the refresh operation is completed.

[0103] Thus, when it is expected that it will be difficult to ensure a charge margin sufficient for starting the vehicle in the low voltage battery 3 after the updating operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25 is completed, charging of the low voltage battery 3 can be resumed immediately after the updating operation is completed.

[0104] Furthermore, as described above, when the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 becomes equal to or less than the third threshold value at the end of the updating operation, the execution unit 44 starts charging the low voltage battery 3 regardless of the result of the start determination in the determination unit 45 .

[0105] [1.3.3 Third operation mode]

[0106] In the third operation mode, the conditions used by the determination unit 45 in the start determination include the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 as the specified information acquired by the acquisition unit 43, the predicted end time of the update operation, the predicted remaining charge amount at the end of the update, the first scheduled departure time of the user U, and the second scheduled departure time.

[0107] As described above, the first scheduled departure time is the departure time of the vehicle 2 scheduled by the user U when the update operation is requested. In addition, the second scheduled departure time is the departure time of the vehicle 2 scheduled by the user U when the update operation is completed.

[0108] Specifically, in the start determination, first, when the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 when the refresh operation is requested exceeds the first threshold, the determination unit 45 determines not to start charging the low voltage battery 3 after the refresh operation is completed.

[0109] In the third action mode, in particular, in the start judgment, when the actual charge remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required is below the first threshold value, and the time from the predicted end time of the update action to the first scheduled departure time of the user U is longer than a predetermined specified time, the judgment unit 45 judges to start the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 after the update action is completed.

[0110] On the other hand, in the start judgment, when the actual charge remaining amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required is below the first threshold value, and the time from the predicted end time of the update action to the first scheduled departure time of the user U is less than a predetermined specified time, the judgment unit 45 judges that the charging action of the low-voltage battery 3 will not be started after the update action is completed.

[0111] That is, in the third operation mode, when the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is less than the prescribed time and there is a high possibility that the vehicle starts running soon after the update operation is completed, the charging operation of the target battery can be appropriately started according to the prior art after the start of the running, so the immediate charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 after the update operation is completed is not performed. Therefore, according to the third operation mode, it is possible to prevent the overcharge state of the low-voltage battery 3 as a condition and suppress the increase of the charge and discharge cycle of the low-voltage battery 3, thereby effectively suppressing the decline in the soundness of the low-voltage battery 3.

[0112] However, as an exceptional condition, in the start judgment, even if the actual remaining charge amount of the low-voltage battery 3 when the update action is required is below the first threshold value and the time from the predicted end time of the update action to the first scheduled departure time of the user U is above the predetermined specified time, when the predicted remaining charge amount at the end of the update is above the second threshold value, the judgment unit 45 also judges not to start the charging action on the low-voltage battery 3 after the update action is completed.

[0113] By applying this exceptional condition, even if the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is longer than the prescribed time and there is a low possibility that the vehicle will start traveling soon after the update operation is completed, the low-voltage battery 3 is not immediately charged after the update operation is completed if it is estimated that a charge margin sufficient to ensure vehicle starting can be ensured at the end of the update operation.

[0114] In this way, it is possible to avoid the overcharge state of the low-voltage battery 3 as a condition, ensure a charge margin that can guarantee vehicle starting after the update action is completed, and suppress the increase of the charge and discharge cycle of the low-voltage battery 3, thereby more effectively suppressing the decline in the health of the low-voltage battery 3.

[0115] Furthermore, even if the determination unit 45 determines that the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 will not be started after the update operation is completed due to the satisfaction of the exceptional condition, if the prescribed exceptional restoration condition is satisfied after the actual completion of the update operation, the execution unit 44 starts the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 regardless of the determination in the determination unit 45. Specifically, the exceptional restoration condition is that the time from the actual completion time of the update operation to the second scheduled departure time of the user U is longer than the prescribed time, and the actual remaining charge amount of the low-voltage battery 3 at the completion of the update operation is less than the second threshold value.

[0116] By applying this exceptional recovery condition, it is further determined whether the low voltage battery 3 needs to be charged immediately based on the actual remaining charge at the end of the update operation and the latest departure time scheduled by the user. As a result, the low voltage battery 3 can be charged quickly as needed based on a more reliable determination after the end of the update operation.

[0117] Furthermore, as described above, when the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 becomes equal to or less than the third threshold value at the end of the updating operation, the execution unit 44 starts charging the low voltage battery 3 regardless of the result of the start determination in the determination unit 45 .

[0118] [1.4 Operation of the battery control device]

[0119] Next, the operation of the battery control device 1 will be described. Figure 3 1 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a battery control method executed by the second processor 40 which is a computer of the battery control device 1 . Figure 3 The processing shown is started when the power of the battery control device 1 is turned on, and is then repeatedly executed until the power is turned off. Figure 3 The processing performed by the battery control device 1 is taken out and shown as the processing when the update operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25 is executed in the update management device 5. When the update operation of the vehicle-mounted device 25 is not executed, the battery control device 1 performs the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 when a predetermined condition is met (for example, the vehicle 2 is driving, etc.) according to the prior art.

[0120] Reference Figure 3 When the process starts, the acquisition unit 43 of the battery control device 1 determines whether a notification of starting the update operation is received from the update management device 5, that is, whether there is a request for the update operation (S100). Then, when there is no request for the update operation (S100, No), the acquisition unit 43 returns to step S100 to repeat the process and wait until there is a request for the update operation.

[0121] On the other hand, when receiving a notification of starting the update operation from the update management device 5, that is, when there is a request for the update operation (S100, Yes), the acquisition unit 43 starts acquiring predetermined information based on the information related to the update operation received from the update management device 5 (S102). The predetermined information is specifically as described above. In addition, the execution unit 44 stops the charging operation of the low-voltage battery 3 as the target battery (S104).

[0122] Next, the determination unit 45 executes a start determination process (S106) for determining whether to start charging the low voltage battery 3 as the target battery after the started update operation is completed. As described above, the start determination is performed from the time when the update operation is requested to the time when the update operation is started, based at least on the information on the remaining charge of the target battery.

[0123] As described above, the result of the start judgment is either a judgment of "starting the charging operation after the update operation is completed" or a judgment of "not starting the charging operation after the update operation is completed". Hereinafter, the judgment result of "starting the charging operation after the update operation is completed" is referred to as "start permission", and the judgment result of "not starting the charging operation after the update operation is completed" is referred to as "stop maintenance". In addition, the judgment result of "not starting the charging operation after the update operation is completed" made by the judgment unit 45 in the third operation mode by applying the above-mentioned exception condition is distinguished from other "stop maintenance" and is referred to as "exceptional stop maintenance".

[0124] Next, the determination unit 45 sends update start permission (hereinafter referred to as "update start permission") to the update management device 5 (S108). As described above, in response to receiving the update start permission, the update management device 5 instructs the vehicle-mounted device 25 to install the update program and starts the update operation.

[0125] Next, the execution unit 44 determines whether the update operation is completed (S110). Whether the update operation is completed can be determined by whether the acquisition unit 43 receives a notification indicating that the update operation is completed from the update management device 5. If the update operation is not completed (S110, No), the execution unit 44 returns to step S110 and repeats the process until the update operation is completed.

[0126] On the other hand, when the updating operation is completed ( S110 , Yes), the execution unit 44 determines whether the current (ie, when the updating operation is completed) actual charge remaining amount of the low voltage battery 3 is equal to or less than the third threshold value ( S112 ).

[0127] Then, when the actual remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3 exceeds the third threshold value (S112, No), the execution unit 44 determines whether the result of the start determination in the start determination process of step S106 is "start permission" (S114). Then, when the result of the start determination is "start permission" (S114, Yes), the execution unit 44 starts the charging operation for the low-voltage battery 3 (S122), and ends this process.

[0128] On the other hand, when the actual remaining charge amount of the low voltage battery 3 is equal to or less than the third threshold value in step S112 ( S112 , YES), the execution unit 44 shifts the process to step S122 and starts charging the low voltage battery 3 as the target battery.

[0129] On the other hand, when the result of the start determination in step S114 is not "start permission" (S114, No), the execution unit 44 determines whether the result of the start determination is "exceptional stop maintenance" (S116).

[0130] Then, when the result of the start judgment is "exceptional stop maintenance" (S116, yes), the acquisition unit 43 acquires the second scheduled departure time from the terminal device 8 of the user U (S118). Next, the execution unit 44 determines whether the above-mentioned exceptional recovery condition is satisfied (S120). As described above, the exceptional recovery condition is that the time from the actual end time of the update operation to the second scheduled departure time is longer than the prescribed time, and the actual remaining charge of the low-voltage battery 3 at the end of the update operation is less than the second threshold value.

[0131] Then, when the exceptional recovery condition is satisfied (S120, Yes), the execution unit 44 transfers the process to step S122 and starts charging the low voltage battery 3 as the target battery. On the other hand, when the exceptional recovery condition is not satisfied (S120, No), the charging operation for the low voltage battery 3 is not started and the process ends.

[0132] On the other hand, when the result of the start determination in step S116 is not "exceptional stop maintenance" (S116, No), the execution unit 44 does not determine the exceptional recovery condition in step S120, and ends the process without starting the charging operation for the low voltage battery 3.

[0133] here, Figure 3 Steps S102 and S104 in correspond to the first step and the second step in the present disclosure. In addition, Figure 3 Step S106 in corresponds to the third step in the present disclosure.

[0134] Next, Figure 3 The specific processing of the start judgment processing (step S106) is explained. Figure 44 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the start determination process executed by the determination unit 45 .

[0135] When the process starts, the judgment unit 45 first judges whether the actual remaining charge of the low voltage battery 3 when the update action is required exceeds the first threshold value (S200). When the actual remaining charge when the update action is required exceeds the first threshold value (S200, yes), the judgment unit 45 sets the judgment result to "stop maintenance" (S222). That is, the judgment unit 45 judges that "the charging action will not be started after the update action is completed". Then, the judgment unit 45 returns the process to Figure 3 Step S108.

[0136] On the other hand, when the actual remaining charge amount when the update action is requested is less than the first threshold value (S200, No), the determination unit 45 further determines whether the actual remaining charge amount when the update action is requested is less than the third threshold value (S202). Then, when the actual remaining charge amount is less than the third threshold value (S202, Yes), the determination unit 45 sets the determination result to "start permission" (S220). That is, the determination unit 45 determines that "start the charging action after the update action is completed". Then, the determination unit 45 returns the processing to Figure 3 Step S108.

[0137] On the other hand, when the actual remaining charge amount at the time of the update operation request exceeds the third threshold value in step S202 ( S202 , No), the determination unit 45 determines whether the designated operation mode (hereinafter, designated operation mode) is the first operation mode ( S204 ).

[0138] Then, when the designated operation mode is the first operation mode (S204, Yes), the determination unit 45 determines whether the predicted charge remaining amount at the end of the update is greater than or equal to the second threshold value (S206). Furthermore, when the predicted charge remaining amount at the end of the update is greater than or equal to the second threshold value (S206, Yes), the determination unit 45 determines whether the battery temperature of the low-voltage battery 3 is outside the appropriate temperature range (S208). Here, "the battery temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range" means that the battery temperature exceeds the upper limit temperature of the appropriate temperature range or is less than the lower limit temperature.

[0139] When the battery temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range (S208, Yes), the determination unit 45 sets the determination result to "stop maintenance" (S222).

[0140] On the other hand, when the predicted charge remaining amount is less than the second threshold value in step S206 (S206, No) and when the battery temperature is within the appropriate temperature range in step S208 (S208, No), the determination unit 45 sets the determination result to "start permission" (S220).

[0141] On the other hand, when the designated operation mode is not the first operation mode in step S204 ( S204 , No), the determination unit 45 determines whether the designated operation mode is the second operation mode ( S210 ).

[0142] Then, when the designated operation mode is the second operation mode (S210, Yes), the determination unit 45 determines whether the predicted remaining charge amount at the end of the update is greater than or equal to the second threshold value (S212). Then, when the predicted remaining charge amount is greater than or equal to the second threshold value (S212, Yes), the determination unit 45 determines whether the predicted end time of the update operation is included in the non-use time period of the user U (S214). Then, when the predicted end time is not included in the non-use time period (S214, No), the determination unit 45 sets the determination result to "stop maintenance" (S222).

[0143] On the other hand, when the predicted charge remaining amount is less than the second threshold in step S212 (S212, No) and when the predicted end time is included in the non-use time period in step S214 (S214, Yes), the determination unit 45 sets the determination result to "start permission" (S220).

[0144] On the other hand, when the designated operation mode is not the second operation mode in step S210 (S210, No), the determination unit 45 executes the third operation mode. That is, the determination unit 45 determines whether the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is longer than a predetermined time (S216).

[0145] Then, when the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is less than the predetermined time (S216, No), the determination unit 45 sets the determination result to "stop maintenance" (S222).

[0146] On the other hand, when the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is longer than the predetermined time (S216, YES), the determination unit 45 determines whether the above-mentioned exceptional condition is satisfied (S218). As described above, the exceptional condition is that the predicted charge remaining amount at the end of the update is greater than the second threshold.

[0147] Then, when the exceptional condition is satisfied (S218, Yes), the determination unit 45 determines that "the charging operation will not be started after the update operation is completed", and sets the determination result to "exceptional stop maintenance". On the other hand, when the exceptional condition is not satisfied (S218, No), the determination unit 45 sets the determination result to "start permission" (S220).

[0148] [2. Other embodiments]

[0149] The behavior tendency learning device 10 does not necessarily need to be mounted on the vehicle 2 , and may be a server device connected to the vehicle 2 via the communication network 7 in a communicable manner.

[0150] In addition, the target battery may also be a high-voltage battery 4. When the target battery is a high-voltage battery 4, the battery control device 1 can interrupt the external power supply to the high-voltage battery 4 from the power supply device outside the vehicle 2 when the update action is requested or when the update action is started, and determine whether the external power supply action to the high-voltage battery 4 can be resumed after the update action is completed.

[0151] Furthermore, the determination unit 45 may determine whether to start the charging operation for the target battery after the update operation is completed, based on the information on the remaining charge amount of the target battery, during the period from the start to the end of the update operation.

[0152] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0153] [3. Structure supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0154] The above-mentioned embodiment supports the following structure.

[0155] (Structure 1) A battery control device that controls a charging action performed on a battery mounted on a vehicle, namely, a target battery, wherein the battery control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires specified information, the specified information including information about an update action and information about a remaining charge of the target battery, the update action being an action involving a program update of an on-board device mounted on the vehicle; an execution unit that executes the charging action; and a judgment unit that judges whether the execution unit can execute the charging action after the update action is completed, the execution unit stopping the charging action when the update action starts, the judgment unit making a start judgment as to whether to start the charging action after the update action that has already started, based at least on the information about the remaining charge of the target battery, during the period from when the update action is requested to when the update action is started.

[0156] According to the battery control device of structure 1, when the charging operation of the target battery is interrupted during the update operation of the vehicle-mounted device, it is determined whether to restart the charging operation after the update operation is completed before the update operation starts, at least based on the charge remaining amount of the target battery. Therefore, the required charging of the target battery can be quickly performed after the update operation is completed, and overcharging of the target battery can be avoided and / or the number of charge and discharge cycles can be reduced, thereby suppressing the reduction in the charging efficiency and / or health of the target battery.

[0157] (Structure 2) A battery control device according to Structure 1, wherein, in the start judgment, when the actual charge remaining amount of the target battery when the update action is required, that is, the actual charge remaining amount is below a first threshold value, the judgment unit judges to start the charging action after the update action is completed, and the first threshold value is predetermined to avoid an overcharge state of the target battery and thus avoid a shortening of the life of the target battery. When the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is required exceeds the first threshold value, the judgment unit judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed.

[0158] According to the battery control device of the second configuration, overcharging of the target battery after the refresh operation can be reliably avoided.

[0159] (Structure 3) A battery control device according to Structure 2, wherein the specified information includes a predicted value of the charge remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the update action, i.e., information on the predicted charge remaining amount, and information on the temperature range of the target battery within which the charging efficiency of the target battery becomes above a predetermined specified value, i.e., information on an appropriate temperature range, wherein the charging efficiency is a ratio of an increase in the charge remaining amount in the target battery to an amount of power supplied, and in the start judgment, even if the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is required is below the first threshold value, when the predicted charge remaining amount is above a second threshold value predetermined as a charge remaining amount capable of ensuring the starting of the vehicle and the temperature of the target battery exceeds an upper limit temperature of the appropriate temperature range or is below a lower limit temperature, the judgment unit also judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed.

[0160] According to the battery control device of structure 3, when it is expected that the remaining charge amount that can guarantee the vehicle start is ensured after the update action is completed, the charging action is not started after the update action. When it is difficult to ensure the remaining charge amount that can guarantee the vehicle start, the charging action is started after the update action if the temperature condition is good for charging efficiency. As a result, in the battery control device of structure 3, it is possible to effectively suppress the reduction in the charging efficiency and / or soundness of the target battery.

[0161] (Structure 4) A battery control device according to Structure 3, wherein, when the actual charging remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the updating action, i.e., the actual charging remaining amount, becomes below a third threshold value which is smaller than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action regardless of the result of the starting judgment in the judgment unit, and the third threshold value is predetermined as a charging remaining amount at which it is difficult to ensure the starting of the vehicle.

[0162] According to the battery control device of configuration 4, when the remaining charge level of the target battery decreases to a level that makes it difficult to start the vehicle after the refresh operation is completed, the remaining charge level of the target battery can be quickly restored to a level that can start the vehicle.

[0163] (Structure 5) A battery control device according to Structure 2, wherein the prescribed information includes information on the predicted end time, which is the time when the update action is predicted to end, and information on the predicted non-use time period when the user of the vehicle is not using the vehicle, and the judgment unit, in the start judgment, requires that the actual charging remainder at the time of the update action be below the first threshold as a condition, and when the predicted end time is not included in the non-use time period, it is judged that the charging action will not be started after the update action is completed, and when the predicted end time is included in the non-use time period, it is judged that the charging action will be started after the update action is completed.

[0164] In the battery control device of configuration 5, when the predicted end time is not included in the non-use time period and there is a high possibility that the vehicle will start running soon after the update operation is completed, the charging operation of the target battery can be appropriately started according to the conventional technology after the start of the running, so the charging operation immediately after the update operation is completed is not performed. Therefore, according to the battery control device of configuration 5, it is possible to suppress the increase of the charge and discharge cycle of the target battery under the condition of avoiding the overcharge state of the target battery, and effectively suppress the reduction of the health of the target battery.

[0165] (Structure 6) A battery control device according to Structure 5, wherein the prescribed information includes a predicted value of the charge remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the update action, i.e., information on the predicted charge remaining amount; and in the start judgment, when the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is required is below the first threshold value, and the predicted charge remaining amount is above a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value and is predetermined as a charge remaining amount that can ensure the starting of the vehicle, if the predicted end time is not included in the non-use time period, the judgment unit judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed, and when the predicted end time is included in the non-use time period, the judgment unit judges to start the charging action after the update action is completed.

[0166] According to the battery control device of structure 6, it is possible to avoid the overcharge state of the target battery, ensure the charging margin that can guarantee the vehicle starting after the update action is completed, and suppress the increase of the charge and discharge cycle of the target battery, thereby effectively suppressing the decline in the health of the target battery.

[0167] (Structure 7) A battery control device according to Structure 6, wherein, when the actual charging remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the updating action, i.e., the actual charging remaining amount, becomes below a third threshold value which is smaller than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action regardless of the result of the starting judgment in the judgment unit, and the third threshold value is predetermined as a charging remaining amount at which it is difficult to ensure the starting of the vehicle.

[0168] According to the battery control device of Configuration 7, when it is predicted that it will be difficult to ensure a charge balance sufficient for starting the vehicle in the target battery after the refresh operation is completed, charging of the target battery can be resumed immediately after the refresh operation is completed.

[0169] (Structure 8) A battery control device according to Structure 2, wherein the prescribed information includes information on the predicted end time of the update action, and when the update action is requested, the acquisition unit obtains the departure time of the vehicle scheduled by the user when the update action is requested, i.e., the first scheduled departure time, from a terminal device of a user of the vehicle, and the judgment unit judges in the start judgment that the charging action is started after the update action is completed when the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is requested is less than the first threshold value and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is more than a predetermined prescribed time, and judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed when the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is requested is less than the first threshold value and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is less than a predetermined prescribed time.

[0170] In the battery control device of configuration 8, when the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is less than the prescribed time and there is a high possibility that the vehicle will start running soon after the update operation is completed, the charging operation of the target battery can be appropriately started according to the prior art after the start of the running, so the charging operation immediately after the update operation is completed is not performed. Therefore, according to the battery control device of configuration 8, it is possible to prevent the overcharge state of the target battery and suppress the increase of the charge and discharge cycle of the target battery, thereby effectively suppressing the reduction of the health of the target battery.

[0171] (Structure 9) A battery control device according to Structure 8, wherein the prescribed information includes a predicted value of the charge remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the update action, i.e., information on the predicted charge remaining amount; and in the start judgment, even if the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is required is below the first threshold value and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is above the prescribed time, when the predicted charge remaining amount is above a second threshold value which is smaller than the first threshold value, the judgment unit also judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed, and the second threshold value is predetermined as a charge remaining amount that can ensure the starting of the vehicle.

[0172] In the battery control device of configuration 9, even when the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is longer than the prescribed time and the possibility of starting the vehicle running soon after the update operation is low, if it is predicted that the remaining charge that can ensure the vehicle start can be ensured at the end of the update operation, the charging operation immediately after the update operation is not performed. Therefore, in the battery control device of configuration 9, it is possible to ensure the remaining charge that can ensure the vehicle start after the update operation is completed under the condition of avoiding the overcharge state of the target battery, and suppress the increase of the charge and discharge cycle of the target battery, thereby more effectively suppressing the decline in the health of the target battery.

[0173] (Structure 10) A battery control device according to Structure 9, wherein, when the judgment unit judges not to start the charging action after the end of the update action because the actual charging remaining amount when the update action is required is less than the first threshold value, the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is more than the prescribed time, and the predicted charging remaining amount is more than the second threshold value, the acquisition unit acquires the second scheduled departure time from the user's terminal device at the end of the update action, the second scheduled departure time being the departure time of the vehicle scheduled by the user at the end of the update action, and when the time from the end time of the update action to the second scheduled departure time is longer than the prescribed time and the actual charging remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the update action, that is, the actual charging remaining amount is less than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action on the target battery regardless of the result of the start judgment in the judgment unit.

[0174] In the battery control device of configuration 10, whether or not an immediate charging operation of the target battery is required is determined based on the actual remaining charge amount at the end of the update operation and the latest departure time scheduled by the user. Therefore, according to the battery control device of configuration 10, the target battery can be charged quickly as needed based on a more reliable determination after the end of the update operation.

[0175] (Structure 11) The battery control device according to any one of Structures 1 to 10, wherein the target battery is charged by a high voltage battery mounted on the vehicle and having a higher output voltage than the target battery.

[0176] The battery control device of configuration 11 can control the charging operation of a target battery charged from another high voltage battery mounted on the vehicle (for example, a battery supplying power to a driving device of the vehicle), thereby achieving efficient use of electric power resources in the vehicle.

[0177] (Structure 12) A battery control method, which is executed by a computer of a battery control device, wherein the battery control device controls a charging action performed on a battery mounted on a vehicle, namely, a target battery, wherein the battery control method comprises: a first step of obtaining specified information, the specified information including information about an update action and information about the remaining charge of the target battery, the update action being an action involving a program update of an on-board device mounted on the vehicle; a second step of stopping the charging action when the update action starts; and a third step of judging whether the charging action can be performed after the update action ends, wherein in the third step, a judgment is made as to whether to start the charging action after the update action that has already started, based at least on the information about the remaining charge of the target battery, during the period from when the update action is requested to when the update action starts.

[0178] According to the battery control method of structure 12, when the charging operation of the target battery is interrupted during the update operation of the vehicle-mounted device, it is determined during the execution of the update operation whether the charging operation can be restarted after the update operation is completed, at least based on the charge remaining amount of the target battery. Therefore, the required charging of the target battery can be quickly performed after the update operation is completed, and overcharging of the target battery can be avoided and / or the number of charge and discharge cycles can be reduced, thereby suppressing the reduction in the charging efficiency and / or health of the target battery.

[0179] Description of Reference Numerals

[0180] 1…battery control device, 2…vehicle, 3…low-voltage battery (target battery), 4…high-voltage battery, 5…update management device, 6…driving motor, 7…communication network, 8…terminal device, 9…update management server, 10…behavior tendency learning device, 11…navigation device, 20…remaining capacity sensor, 21…battery temperature sensor, 22…charging and discharging device, 23…driving control device, 24…communication device, 25…vehicle-mounted device, 26…connector, 30…first processor, 31…first memory, 32…first program, 33…receiving unit, 34…updating unit, 35…management unit, 40…second processor, 41…second memory, 42…second program, 43…acquisition unit, 44…execution unit, 45…judgment unit, U…user.

Claims

1. A battery control device for controlling a charging operation of a battery mounted on a vehicle, namely, a target battery, wherein: The battery control device has: an acquisition unit that acquires prescribed information including information on an update action related to a program update of an onboard device mounted on the vehicle and information on a remaining charge amount of the target battery; an execution unit, which executes the charging action; as well as a determination unit configured to determine whether the execution unit can execute the charging operation after the update operation is completed; The execution unit stops the charging operation when the updating operation starts. The determination unit makes a start determination of whether to start the charging operation after the started updating operation is completed, based on at least information on the remaining charge amount of the target battery, during a period from when the updating operation is requested to when the updating operation is started.

2. The battery control device according to claim 1, wherein: In the initial judgment, The determination unit determines to start the charging operation after the completion of the updating operation when the actual remaining charge amount of the target battery when the updating operation is requested, that is, the actual remaining charge amount is below a first threshold value, wherein the first threshold value is predetermined to avoid an overcharge state of the target battery and thus avoid shortening the life of the target battery, When the actual remaining charge amount at the time when the updating operation is requested exceeds a first threshold value, the determination unit determines not to start the charging operation after the updating operation is completed.

3. The battery control device according to claim 2, wherein: The prescribed information includes information on the predicted remaining charge amount, which is a predicted value of the remaining charge amount of the target battery when the updating operation is completed, and information on the temperature range of the target battery within which the charging efficiency of the target battery becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined prescribed value, which is a ratio of an increase in the remaining charge amount of the target battery to a power supply amount. In the initial judgment, Even if the actual charging remaining amount when the update action is required is below the first threshold, when the predicted charging remaining amount is above a second threshold predetermined as a charging remaining amount capable of ensuring the starting of the vehicle and the temperature of the target battery exceeds the upper limit temperature of the appropriate temperature range or is below the lower limit temperature, the judgment unit determines not to start the charging action after the update action is completed.

4. The battery control device according to claim 3, wherein: When the actual charging remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the updating action, i.e., the actual charging remaining amount, becomes below a third threshold value which is smaller than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action regardless of the result of the starting judgment in the judgment unit, and the third threshold value is predetermined as a charging remaining amount at which it is difficult to ensure the starting of the vehicle.

5. The battery control device according to claim 2, wherein: The predetermined information includes information on a predicted end time, which is a time when the updating operation is predicted to end, and information on a non-use time period when a user of the vehicle is predicted not to use the vehicle. In the start judgment, the judging unit The actual remaining charge amount when the updating operation is requested is equal to or less than the first threshold value as a condition, When the predicted end time is not included in the non-use time period, it is determined that the charging operation is not to be started after the updating operation is completed, When the predicted end time is included in the non-use time period, it is determined that the charging operation is to be started after the updating operation is completed.

6. The battery control device according to claim 5, wherein: The predetermined information includes information on the predicted remaining charge amount, which is a predicted value of the remaining charge amount of the target battery when the updating operation is completed. In the start judgment, when the actual charge remaining amount when the update action is requested is less than the first threshold value and the predicted charge remaining amount is greater than a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value and predetermined as a charge remaining amount capable of ensuring the start of the vehicle, When the predicted end time is not included in the non-use time period, the determination unit determines not to start the charging operation after the update operation is completed. When the predicted end time is included in the non-use time period, the determination unit determines to start the charging operation after the updating operation is completed.

7. The battery control device according to claim 6, wherein: When the actual charging remaining amount of the target battery at the end of the updating action, i.e., the actual charging remaining amount, becomes below a third threshold value which is smaller than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action regardless of the result of the starting judgment in the judgment unit, and the third threshold value is predetermined as a charging remaining amount at which it is difficult to ensure the starting of the vehicle.

8. The battery control device according to claim 2, wherein: The predetermined information includes information on a predicted end time, which is a time when the updating operation is predicted to end. When the update operation is requested, the acquisition unit acquires, from a terminal device of a user of the vehicle, a first scheduled departure time of the vehicle which is scheduled by the user when the update operation is requested, In the start judgment, the judging unit when the actual remaining charge amount at the time when the updating action is requested is less than or equal to the first threshold value and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is more than a predetermined time, determining to start the charging action after the updating action is completed; When the actual remaining charge amount when the updating operation is requested is less than or equal to the first threshold value and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is less than a predetermined time, it is determined not to start the charging operation after the updating operation is completed.

9. The battery control device according to claim 8, wherein: The predetermined information includes information on the predicted remaining charge amount, which is a predicted value of the remaining charge amount of the target battery when the updating operation is completed. In the start judgment, even when the actual charging remaining amount when the update action is required is below the first threshold value and the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is above the specified time, when the predicted charging remaining amount is above a second threshold value which is smaller than the first threshold value, the judgment unit judges not to start the charging action after the update action is completed, and the second threshold value is predetermined as a charging remaining amount that can ensure the starting of the vehicle.

10. The battery control device according to claim 9, wherein: When the determination unit determines not to start the charging operation after the update operation is completed because the actual charge remaining amount when the update operation is requested is less than the first threshold value, the time from the predicted end time to the first scheduled departure time is more than the specified time, and the predicted charge remaining amount is more than the second threshold value, The acquisition unit acquires a second scheduled departure time from the terminal device of the user when the updating operation is completed, the second scheduled departure time being the departure time of the vehicle scheduled by the user when the updating operation is completed. When the time from the end time of the update action to the second scheduled departure time is longer than the specified time and the actual remaining charge amount of the target battery at the end of the update action, that is, the actual remaining charge amount is less than the second threshold value, the execution unit starts the charging action on the target battery regardless of the result of the start judgment in the judgment unit.

11. The battery control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The target battery is charged by a high voltage battery mounted on the vehicle and having a higher output voltage than the target battery.

12. A battery control method, the battery control method being executed by a computer of a battery control device, the battery control device controlling a charging operation to a battery mounted on a vehicle, namely a target battery, wherein: The battery control method has the following features: The first step is to obtain predetermined information, the predetermined information including information on an update action and information on the remaining charge amount of the target battery, the update action being an action related to a program update of an onboard device mounted on the vehicle; The second step is to stop the charging action when the updating action starts; as well as The third step is to determine whether the charging action can be performed after the updating action is completed. In the third step, based on at least information on the remaining charge amount of the target battery, a start determination is made as to whether to start the charging operation after the refresh operation that has already started is completed during a period from when the refresh operation is requested to when the refresh operation is started.

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