Vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle. The ECU performs a process including: calculating a required current value when external charging is to be performed; activating a device in the vehicle when the minimum output current is obtained and when the required current value is lower than the minimum output current; when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is greater than or equal to the minimum output current, sending the sum of the required current value and the device current value; and stopping the external charging when the charging is completed.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This non - provisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023 - 201365 filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 29, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle. Background art

[0004] A known technique controls power supply based on whether a device of a vehicle is operated during external charging in which an in - vehicle power storage device is charged using an external power supply facility. For example, Japanese Patent Laid - Open No. 2022 - 063666 discloses a technique for controlling power supply based on whether an air conditioner is operated. Summary of the invention

[0005] In the external charging as described above, especially during rapid charging, the power supplied from the power supply facility to the vehicle may have a large lower limit. If the power required for the vehicle to charge the in - vehicle power storage device is less than the lower limit of the power supplied from the power supply facility, the in - vehicle power storage device may not be charged with high precision.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle that charges an in - vehicle power storage device with high precision when rapidly charging using an external power supply facility.

[0007] A vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a power storage device charged with power supplied from a power source outside the vehicle, a controller that determines a required current value indicating a required value of the current supplied to the power storage device, and a device that consumes the power supplied to the power storage device. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value supplied to the device is less than a threshold value, the controller increases the power consumption in the device.

[0008] Therefore, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption in the device. This can prevent a current exceeding the required current value from flowing into the power storage device when the current supplied from the external power source is large. This enables high - precision charging of the power storage device.

[0009] In an embodiment, the threshold value is the lower limit of the current output from a power source outside the vehicle.

[0010] Therefore, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the lower limit of the current output from a power source outside the vehicle, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption in the device. This can prevent a current exceeding the required current value from flowing into the power storage device, thereby achieving high - precision charging of the power storage device.

[0011] In another embodiment, the threshold value is an actual measured value of the lower limit of the current output from a power source outside the vehicle.

[0012] Therefore, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the actual measured value of the lower limit of the current output from a power source outside the vehicle, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption in the device. This can prevent current exceeding the required current value from flowing into the power storage device, thereby achieving high-precision charging of the power storage device.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the controller increases the power consumption such that the sum of the required current value and the device current value is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

[0014] Therefore, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the lower limit of the current supplied from an external power source, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption in the device. This can prevent current exceeding the required current value from flowing when the current supplied from the external power source is large, thereby achieving high-precision charging of the power storage device.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle further includes a notification device that notifies a user of predetermined information. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the controller uses the notification device to notify the user that the operation of the device will be started.

[0016] Therefore, the user can be notified that the operation of the device is to be started, enabling the operation of the device to be started without causing any discomfort to the user.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle further includes a notification device that notifies a user of predetermined information. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the controller uses the notification device to notify the user that the power consumption will increase.

[0018] Therefore, the user can be notified that the power consumption of the device will increase, enabling the power consumption to be increased without causing any discomfort to the user.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle further includes an input device that receives an operation from the user. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and when a first operation indicating permission to start the operation of the device has been received in the input device, the controller starts the operation of the device. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and when a second operation indicating non-permission to start the operation of the device has been received in the input device, the controller stops the device.

[0020] Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the device according to the user's intention.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle further includes an input device that receives an operation from the user. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than a threshold value and when a first operation indicating permission to increase power consumption has been received in the input device, the controller increases the power consumption. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than a threshold value and when a second operation indicating non - permission to increase power consumption has been received in the input device, the controller maintains or reduces the power consumption.

[0022] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to increase the power consumption of the device according to the user's intention.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than a threshold value after increasing the power consumption, the controller stops supplying power from a power source outside the vehicle before the power storage device is fully charged.

[0024] Therefore, it is possible to stop supplying power from the external power source before the power storage device is fully charged, thereby suppressing an increase in the load on the power storage device to protect the power storage device.

[0025] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 An example configuration of a charging system is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 A flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 A diagram for explaining the relationship between the required current value and the minimum output current is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 A first flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU in a modification is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 A second flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU in a modification is shown.

[0031] Figure 6 A third flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU in a modification is shown.

[0032] Figure 7 A fourth flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU in a modification is shown.

[0033] Figure 8It is the fifth flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU in a modified example. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0035] Hereinafter, an example configuration of the charging system 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 An example configuration of the charging system 1 is shown. As Figure 1 shown, the charging system 1 includes a vehicle 200 and a charging pile 10, and the charging pile 10 is a power supply facility outside the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 can be any vehicle having a power storage device that can be charged with electric power supplied from an external power source, and for example, it can be a battery electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

[0036] The vehicle 200 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 100 as a controller, a battery 214, an inverter 216, an electric generator (MG) 218, an inlet 220, a direct current (DC) / DC converter 222, an air conditioner heater 224, and a seat heater 226.

[0037] The battery 214 can be any rechargeable power storage device, and includes, for example, secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries containing liquid or solid electrolytes. A capacitor can be used as the power storage device instead of the battery 214.

[0038] The inverter 216 is configured to bidirectionally convert the DC power of the battery 214 and the alternating current (AC) power of the MG 218 in response to a control signal from the ECU 100.

[0039] The MG 218 is a drive source for driving the drive wheels of the vehicle 200 and is composed of, for example, a three-phase AC rotating electric machine.

[0040] The inlet 220 is shaped to allow the connector 17 of the charging pile 10 to be attached to the inlet 220. The inlet 220 is electrically connected to the battery 214.

[0041] The DC / DC converter 222 converts DC power between the voltage of the battery 214 and an auxiliary battery (not shown) or auxiliary devices including the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 222 steps down the DC power from the battery 214 and outputs the DC power to at least any one of the auxiliary battery, the air conditioner heater 224, and the seat heater 226. When the air conditioner heater 224 is in the on state, the air conditioner heater 224 operates. The air conditioner heater 224 is in the on state, for example, during the use of heating, and heats the air in the passenger compartment. When the seat heater 226 is in the on state, the seat heater 226 operates. The seat heater 226 heats the seats of, for example, the driver and the front passenger.

[0042] The DC / DC converter 222, the air conditioner heater 224, and the seat heater 226 all operate in response to control signals from the ECU 100.

[0043] The ECU 100 is connected to the sensors 102, 104, 106 to obtain the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery 214. The ECU 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, neither of which is shown. The ECU 100 controls devices (including the DC / DC converter 222, the air conditioner heater 224, and the seat heater 226) to bring the vehicle 200 into a desired state based on signals received from the respective sensors and information such as maps and programs stored in the memory.

[0044] The ECU 100 has a function of sequentially calculating the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 214 based on the respective detection values of the sensors 102, 104, 106. The SOC can be calculated by various known methods, such as a method based on current value addition (Coulomb counting) or a method based on the estimation of the open circuit voltage (OCV). The ECU 100 is configured to communicate with the communication unit 13 of the charging pile 10, which will be described below.

[0045] The charging pile 10 includes a communication unit 13, a control unit 14, a charging unit 15, a cable 16, and a connector 17. The charging pile 10 includes, for example, a fast charger that completes charging in a shorter period than normal charging by supplying charging power higher than that of normal charging.

[0046] When the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220 of the vehicle 200, the communication unit 13 performs wired communication with the ECU 100 of the vehicle 200 via the cable 16. Examples of wired communication include power line communication, controller area network (CAN) communication, or LAN communication. The communication unit 13 can communicate with the ECU 100 of the vehicle 200 by various standard wireless communications (e.g., WiFi), for example.

[0047] The control unit 14 controls the operation of the charging unit 15 (e.g., charging voltage and charging current). The control unit 14 includes, for example, a CPU and a memory, neither of which is shown. The control unit 14 controls the charging unit 15 based on the information received from the vehicle 200 using the communication unit 13 (e.g., the required current value described below) and the information such as maps and programs stored in the memory. When the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220, the control unit 14 uses the communication unit 13 to obtain information about the battery 214 (e.g., information about the SOC, charging voltage, and required current value) and send information about the charging pile 10 (e.g., information about the available time, the charge power that can be supplied, and the lower limit of the output current).

[0048] The charging unit 15 converts the AC power from the grid power supply 400 into DC power in response to a control signal from the control unit 14. One end of the cable 16 is connected to the charging unit 15. The connector 17 is connected to the other end of the cable 16.

[0049] The connector 17 is shaped to be attachable to the inlet 220. When the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220, the DC power can be supplied from the charging unit 15 to the battery 214 in response to a control signal from the control unit 14.

[0050] For example, when the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220 of the stopped vehicle 200, the charging pile 10 operates the charging unit 15 to convert the AC power from the grid power supply 400 into DC power and supply the converted DC power to the battery 214. During the charging of the battery 214, the ECU 100 sends information about the SOC and the required current value calculated using the respective detection values of the sensors 102, 104, and 106 to the control unit 14. For example, when calculating the SOC, the ECU 100 calculates the required current value corresponding to the calculated SOC, the full charge capacity of the battery 214, or the battery temperature of the battery 214, and sends information about the SOC, the required current value, etc. to the control unit 14.

[0051] During fast charging using the charging pile 10 as described above, the output current (hereinafter referred to as the minimum output current) supplied from the charging pile 10 to the vehicle 200 may have a large lower limit. Therefore, when the required current value for the vehicle 200 to charge the battery 214 is lower than the minimum output current, the battery 214 may not be charged with high precision.

[0052] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the sum of the required current value and the current value supplied to the devices (specifically, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226) installed in the vehicle 200 (hereinafter referred to as the device current value) is less than the threshold value, the ECU 100 increases the power consumption in the devices. In the present embodiment, the threshold value represents the minimum output current. In addition, the device current value may be zero (the device in question is stopped).

[0053] As a result, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the minimum output current, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption in the devices. Therefore, when the minimum output current is large, it is possible to prevent a current exceeding the required current value from flowing to the battery 214. Therefore, the battery 214 can be charged with high precision.

[0054] The following will refer to Figure 2 Describe the example processing executed in the ECU 100. Figure 2 FIG. is a flowchart showing the example processing executed in the ECU 100. The series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeated at each predetermined cycle.

[0055] In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 100, the ECU 100 determines whether to perform external charging. For example, when the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220, the ECU 100 determines to perform external charging. For example, when the ECU 100 receives an ON signal output when the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220 from a connection detection circuit (not shown) provided in the inlet 220, the ECU 100 determines that the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220. When the ECU 100 determines to perform external charging (Yes in S100), the process moves to S102.

[0056] In S102, the ECU 100 calculates the required current value Ia. The ECU 100 calculates the required current value Ia based on at least any one of, for example, the SOC of the battery 214, the full charge capacity of the battery 214, and the battery temperature of the battery 214. The ECU 100 can calculate the required current value Ia from the SOC, the full charge capacity, and the battery temperature, for example, using a map, a function, etc. showing the relationship between the SOC, the full charge capacity, the battery temperature, and the required current value Ia. Alternatively, the ECU 100 can calculate a reference value of the required current value Ia from the SOC, for example, using a map or a function showing the relationship between the SOC and the reference value of the required current value Ia, and calculate the required current value Ia by correcting the calculated reference value using the full charge capacity and the battery temperature. Then, the process moves to S104.

[0057] In S104, the ECU 100 determines whether the minimum output current Imin has been obtained from the charging pile 10. When receiving the information including the minimum output current Imin from the charging pile 10, the ECU 100 determines that the minimum output current Imin has been obtained from the charging pile 10. When the ECU 100 determines that the minimum output current Imin has been obtained from the charging pile 10 (Yes in S104), the process moves to S106.

[0058] In S106, the ECU 100 determines whether the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin. When the ECU 100 determines that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S106), the process moves to S108.

[0059] In S108, the ECU 100 activates the devices in the vehicle so that the minimum output current Imin is exceeded. Specifically, the ECU 100 activates the predetermined devices in the vehicle 200. In this embodiment, for example, the ECU 100 turns on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. Then, the process moves to S110.

[0060] In S110, the ECU 100 determines whether the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib flowing to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 by turning on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin. For example, the ECU 100 uses a current sensor (not shown) etc. to detect the current flowing to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 as the device current value Ib. When the ECU 100 determines that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S110), the process moves to S112.

[0061] In S112, the ECU 100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib as the final required value to the charging pile 10. When receiving the final required value, the control unit 14 of the charging pile 10 controls the charging unit 15 to output the current of the received required value. Then, the process moves to S116. When the ECU 100 determines that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin (No in S110), the process moves to S114.

[0062] In S114, the ECU 100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia, the device current value Ib, and the current value Ic for activating devices other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 that can be activated as the final required value to the charging pile 10. Examples of devices other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 that can be activated include predetermined electrical devices in the lighting devices, audio devices, navigation systems, and other devices inside and outside the vehicle. Then, the process moves to S116.

[0063] In S116, the ECU 100 determines whether charging is complete. For example, when the SOC of the battery 214 has reached a threshold corresponding to a predetermined state of charge (e.g., full charge state, or state of charge before becoming fully charged), the ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete. For example, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin, the ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete when the SOC has reached the threshold corresponding to the full charge state. Alternatively, for example, when performing charging according to its natural process described later, the ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete when the SOC has reached the threshold corresponding to the state of charge before becoming fully charged. Alternatively, the ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete when a request to stop charging is received from the user. Alternatively, the ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete when a predetermined stop condition (such as the battery temperature exceeding a threshold) is met. When the ECU 100 determines that charging is complete (Yes in S116), the process moves to S118.

[0064] In S118, the ECU 100 stops charging. For example, the ECU 100 stops charging by requesting the charging pile 10 to stop charging. Then, the process terminates. When the ECU 100 determines that the minimum output current Imin is not obtained (No in S104), or when the ECU 100 determines that the required current value Ia is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (No in S106), the process moves to S120.

[0065] In S120, the ECU 100 performs charging according to its natural process. Specifically, the ECU 100 requires the charging pile 10 to perform charging without sending a required value, and charges the battery 214 with the current supplied from the charging pile 10. When performing charging according to its natural process, the ECU 100 stops devices unrelated to charging (e.g., the air conditioner heater 224, the seat heater 226, and any other devices). Then, the process moves to S116. When the ECU 100 determines that charging is not performed (No in S100), the process terminates. When the ECU 100 determines that charging is not complete (No in S116), the process returns to S116.

[0066] An example operation of the ECU 100 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

[0067] For example, when external charging is to be performed by attaching the connector 17 to the inlet 220 (Yes in S100), the ECU 100 calculates the required current value Ia based on the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When communication is performed between the charging pile 10 and the ECU 100 and the minimum output current Imin is obtained from the charging pile 10 (Yes in S104), the ECU 100 determines whether the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (S106). When the ECU 100 determines that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S106), the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on (S108).

[0068] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram for illustrating the relationship between the required current value Ia and the minimum output current Imin. Figure 3 An example of the required current value and the minimum output current in the form of a bar graph is shown. As Figure 3 shown, even when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, by turning on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 to add the device current value Ib ( Figure 3 the bold frame in ), the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin. When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S110), the ECU 100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib as the final required value to the charging pile 10 (S112).

[0069] Therefore, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied from the charging pile 10. At this time, since the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on, the current corresponding to the device current value Ib of the current supplied from the charging pile 10 is supplied to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, and the current corresponding to the required current value Ia is used to charge the battery 214. Therefore, the charging pile 10 provides a current greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin, and the battery 214 is charged with the required current value Ia.

[0070] Conversely, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin (No in S110), the sum of the required current value Ia, the device current value Ib, and the current value Ic of the devices other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 is sent as the final required value to the charging pile 10 (S114). In this case, the minimum output current Imin is supplied from the charging pile 10.

[0071] When the minimum output current Imin is not obtained (No in S104) or when the required current value Ia is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (No in S106), charging is performed according to its natural process (S120).

[0072] When the SOC of the battery 214 becomes a fully charged state or a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, the ECU 100 determines that charging is completed (Yes in S116), and stops charging (S118).

[0073] As described above, in the vehicle 200 according to the present embodiment, when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, the device current value Ib can be increased by increasing the power consumption in the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. Therefore, when the minimum output current is large, it is possible to prevent a current exceeding the required current value from flowing to the battery 214. Therefore, the battery 214 can be charged with high precision. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle that charges an in-vehicle power storage device with high precision during fast charging using an external power supply facility.

[0074] In addition, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin, it is possible to prevent the current from flowing exceeding the required current value by activating any other device other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 to increase the power consumption, for example.

[0075] A modification will be described below.

[0076] Although the above-described embodiment has described that the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are activated according to the comparison result between the required current value Ia and the minimum output current Imin when the activation amount of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 can be adjusted, for example, the activation amount of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 can be adjusted to increase the power consumption so that the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib are equal to the minimum output current Imin or a predetermined value larger than the minimum output current Imin.

[0077] In addition, although the above embodiments have described that when the required current value Ia is lower than the minimum output current Imin, both the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are in the on state, the ECU 100 can individually select any single device, and when, for example, the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib of at least one of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin, the selected device is made to be in the on state. In this case, the ECU 100 can select the device to be turned on by presetting the priority order between the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. When the priority of the air conditioner heater 224 is set to be higher than the priority of the seat heater 226, the ECU 100 can, for example, turn on the air conditioner heater 224 when the required current value Ia is lower than the minimum output current Imin, and in this case, further turn on the seat heater 226 when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin.

[0078] In addition, although the above embodiments have described that when the minimum output current Imin is received from the charging pile 10, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are activated according to the comparison result between the required current value Ia and the minimum output current Imin, even when the ECU 100 does not receive the minimum output current Imin from the charging pile 10, the ECU 100 can, for example, activate the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 according to the comparison result between the required current value Ia and the actually measured value of the minimum output current Imin. The ECU 100 can use the charging history longer than or equal to a predetermined period to detect the actually measured value of the minimum output current Imin. Similarly, by doing so, the battery 214 can be charged with high precision.

[0079] In addition, although the above embodiments have described that when the minimum output current Imin is obtained and the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are activated, in the case where the minimum output current Imin is not obtained, the devices installed in the vehicle 200 (for example, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226) can be operated such that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Although this modification example describes the predetermined value as, for example, 10 A, it is not particularly limited to 10 A.

[0080] Figure 4 is the first flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU 100 in the modification example. In addition to the following description, Figure 4The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, and S120 in the flowchart shown are respectively the same in content as Figure 2 the processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, and S120 in the flowchart shown. Therefore, their detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0081] When ECU100 determines that the minimum output current Imin has not been obtained (No in S104), the process moves to S200.

[0082] In S200, ECU100 activates the devices installed in vehicle 200 such that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib exceeds 10A. Specifically, when the device current value Ib when only the air conditioner heater 224 is operating is greater than or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the required current value Ia from 10A, ECU100 operates only the air conditioner heater 224. When the device current value Ib is less than the value obtained by subtracting the required current value Ia from 10A, in addition to the air conditioner heater 224, ECU100 also operates the seat heater 226. Then, the process moves to S202.

[0083] In S202, ECU100 determines whether the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than 10A. When ECU100 determines that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than 10A (Yes in S202), the process moves to S204.

[0084] In S204, ECU100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib as the final required value to the charging pile 10. Then, the process moves to S116. When ECU100 determines that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than or equal to 10A (No in S202), the process moves to S120.

[0085] Therefore, for example, when ECU100 determines to perform external charging by attaching the connector 17 to the inlet 220 (Yes in S100), ECU100 calculates the required current value Ia based on the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). For example, when the minimum output current Imin has not been obtained (No in S104), the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on such that it exceeds 10A (S200).

[0086] When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than 10 A (Yes in S202), the ECU 100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib as the final required value to the charging pile 10 (S204).

[0087] Therefore, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied from the charging pile 10. At this time, since the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on, the current corresponding to the device current value Ib in the current supplied from the charging pile 10 is supplied to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, and the current corresponding to the required current value Ia is used to charge the battery 214. As a result, even if the minimum output current Imin from the charging pile 10 is not obtained, the battery 214 is charged at the required current value Ia. Therefore, the battery 214 can be charged with high precision.

[0088] In addition, although the embodiment has described that external charging is performed while operating the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, the user may be allowed to preset whether to perform external charging.

[0089] Figure 5 FIG. is a second flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU 100 in a modified example. Except for the following description, Figure 5 the processes of S100, S102, S104, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S200, S202, and S204 in the shown flowchart are respectively the same in content as Figure 4 the processes of S100, S102, S104, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S200, S202, and S204 in the shown flowchart. Therefore, their detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0090] When the ECU 100 determines to perform external charging (Yes in S100), the process moves to S300.

[0091] In S300, the ECU 100 determines whether there is a setting to continue external charging. The ECU 100 determines that there is a setting to continue external charging when, even when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, the user has previously set to continue external charging by activating the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. The ECU 100 sets a predetermined flag to the ON state when receiving an operation for continuous execution of external charging provided in the input device in the vehicle 200, for example. When the predetermined flag is in the ON state, the ECU 100 determines that there is a setting to continue external charging. When the ECU 100 determines that there is a setting to continue external charging (Yes in S300), the process moves to S102. When the ECU 100 determines that there is no setting to continue external charging (No in S300), the process moves to S302.

[0092] In S302, the ECU 100 performs charging in its natural process. Since the process of charging in its natural process is the same as the process in S120 of the flowchart shown, its detailed description will not be repeated. Then, the process moves to S116. When the minimum output current Imin is obtained in S104 (Yes in S104), the process moves to S304. Figure 2 When the minimum output current Imin is obtained in S104 (Yes in S104), the process moves to S304.

[0093] In S304, the ECU 100 determines whether the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin. When the ECU 100 determines that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S304), the process moves to S108. When the ECU 100 determines that the required current value Ia is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (No in S304), the process moves to S114. In addition, after the process S108, the process moves to S306.

[0094] In S306, the ECU 100 notifies the user that the devices installed in the vehicle 200 are being activated. The ECU 100 displays, for example, an image or text information indicating that the devices in the vehicle (specifically, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226) are being operated on the display device provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200, thereby notifying the user that the devices installed in the vehicle 200 are being activated. Then, the process moves to S110.

[0095] Therefore, for example, when the ECU 100 determines that external charging is to be performed by attaching the connector 17 to the inlet 220 (Yes in S100), the ECU 100 determines whether there is a setting to continue performing external charging even by operating the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 (S300). When the ECU 100 determines that there is a setting to continue performing external charging (Yes in S300), the ECU 100 calculates the required current value Ia based on the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When the minimum output current Imin is obtained (Yes in S104) and when the ECU 100 determines that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S304), the ECU 100 turns on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 (S108).

[0096] Subsequently, the ECU 100 notifies that the adjustment heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are being activated (S306). When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S110), the ECU 100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib to the charging pile 10 as the final required value (S112). Accordingly, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied from the charging pile 10.

[0097] Therefore, since the user can preset whether to continue performing external charging, it is possible to determine whether to operate the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 according to the user's intention. In addition, since the user is notified that the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are being activated when the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on, the operation of the device can be started without causing any discomfort to the user. Although as an example, this modification has described the case where charging is performed according to its natural process when the ECU 100 determines that there is no setting to continue performing external charging, external charging can be stopped when it is determined that there is no setting to continue performing external charging, or external charging can be stopped when it is determined that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin.

[0098] In addition, although the above embodiment has described that external charging is performed with the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 turned on when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, the user can be asked whether to allow continuous external charging with the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 turned on after the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220.

[0099] Figure 6 FIG. 3 is a third flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU 100 in the modification. Figure 6The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S200, S202, and S204 in the flowchart shown respectively corresponds to Figure 4 the processing of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S200, S202, and S204 in the flowchart shown, except as described below. Therefore, its detailed description will not be repeated.

[0100] When the ECU100 determines to perform external charging (Yes in S100), the processing moves to S400.

[0101] In S400, the ECU100 determines whether there is user permission. For example, the ECU100 causes a display device provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200 or a user terminal capable of communicating with the vehicle 200 (e.g., a portable terminal such as a smart phone) to display a screen for accepting a selection operation of whether to continue external charging when operating devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. When the user performs this selection operation, information about this acceptance operation is sent to the ECU100. In the screen for accepting the selection operation, in addition to or instead of accepting permission to continue external charging when operating devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, permission to increase the power consumption of such devices to continue external charging can be accepted in the screen for accepting this selection operation. The ECU100 uses the information about this acceptance operation to determine whether there is user permission. When the ECU100 determines that there is user permission (Yes in S400), the processing moves to S102. When the ECU100 determines that there is no user permission (No in S400), the processing moves to S120.

[0102] Therefore, when external charging is to be performed by attaching the connector 17 to the inlet 220 (Yes in S110), the ECU 100 determines whether there is user permission (S400). For example, a screen for asking whether to continue external charging when operating devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 is displayed on a display device provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200. When the user performs an operation to permit continuous external charging, the ECU 100 determines that there is user permission (Yes in S400), and the ECU 100 calculates a required current value Ia based on the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When the minimum output current Imin is obtained (Yes in S104) and when the ECU 100 determines that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S106), the ECU 100 turns on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 (S108).

[0103] When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S110), the ECU 100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib to the charging pile 10 as the final required value (S112). As a result, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied to the charging pile 10.

[0104] Thus, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the device according to the user's intention. Although the above modification example has described determining whether there is user permission to operate the device (for example, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226), it is also possible to determine whether there is user permission to increase the power consumption of the device. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to increase the power consumption of the device according to the user's intention.

[0105] In addition, although the above embodiment has described that when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, external charging is to be performed with the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 turned on, when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, the user may be asked whether to continue external charging.

[0106] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a fourth flowchart showing an example process performed by the ECU 100 in the modification example. Figure 7 The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S200, S202, and S204 in the shown flowchart are respectively the same as Figure 4The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S200, S202, and S204 in the shown flowchart is the same, except for the following description. Therefore, their detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0107] When the ECU100 determines that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S106), the process moves to S500.

[0108] In S500, the ECU100 determines whether there is user permission. The method for determining whether there is permission is the same as the Figure 6 processing in S400 of. Therefore, its detailed description will not be repeated. When the ECU100 determines that there is user permission (Yes in S500), the process moves to S108. When the ECU100 determines that there is no user permission (No in S500), the process moves to S120.

[0109] Therefore, when external charging is to be performed by attaching the connector 17 to the inlet 220 (Yes in S110), the ECU100 calculates the required current value Ia (S102) from the SOC of the battery 214, etc. When the minimum output current Imin is obtained (Yes in S104) and when the ECU100 determines that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S106), the ECU100 determines whether there is user permission (S500). For example, a screen for asking whether to continue external charging when operating devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 is displayed on the display device provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200. When the user performs an operation allowing continuous external charging, the ECU100 determines that there is user permission (Yes in S500) and turns on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 (S108).

[0110] When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S110), the ECU100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib as the final required value to the charging pile 10 (S112). As a result, current according to the required value is supplied to the charging pile 10. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the device according to the user's intention.

[0111] In addition, although the above embodiments have described that when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin even after the power consumption is increased, external charging is performed while activating any other device except the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, external charging can be stopped when the battery 214 enters a predetermined state of charge before becoming fully charged.

[0112] Therefore, an increase in the load on the battery 214 can be suppressed to protect the battery 214.

[0113] In addition, the above embodiments have described that when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin, external charging is performed while activating any other device except the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. However, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin and when there is user permission, external charging can be performed while activating any other device except the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, and when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin and when there is no user permission, the air conditioner heater 224, the seat heater 226, and any other device can be stopped.

[0114] Figure 8 is a fifth flowchart showing an example process executed by the ECU 100 in a modified example. Figure 8 The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, and S120 in the shown flowchart are respectively the same as Figure 2 the processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, and S120 in the shown flowchart, except for the following description. Therefore, their detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0115] When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin (No in S110), the process moves to S600.

[0116] In S600, the ECU 100 determines whether there is user permission. The method of determining whether there is permission is the same as Figure 6 the process in S400. Therefore, its detailed description will not be repeated. When the ECU 100 determines that there is user permission (Yes in S600), the process moves to S114. When the ECU 100 determines that there is no user permission (No in S600), the process moves to S120.

[0117] Therefore, when external charging is to be performed by attaching the connector 17 to the inlet 220 (Yes in S110), the ECU 100 calculates the required current value Ia from the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When the minimum output current Imin is obtained (Yes in S104) and the ECU 100 determines that the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S106), the ECU 100 turns on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 (S108).

[0118] When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than or equal to the minimum output current Imin (Yes in S110), the ECU 100 sends the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib to the charging pile 10 as the final required value (S112). As a result, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied to the charging pile 10.

[0119] Conversely, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin (No in S110), the ECU 100 determines whether there is user permission (S600). For example, a screen for asking whether to continue external charging when operating devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 is displayed on a display device provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200. When the user performs an operation permitting continuous external charging, the ECU 100 determines that there is user permission (Yes in S600), and sends the sum of the required current value Ia, the device current value Ib, and the current value Ic of devices other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 to the charging pile 10 as the final required value (S114). In this case, the minimum output current Imin is supplied from the charging pile 10. When it is determined that there is no user permission (No in S600), the ECU 100 performs charging according to its natural process (S120). As a result, the air conditioner heater 224, the seat heater 226, and any other devices are stopped. This can reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the devices according to the user's intention. When the ECU 100 determines that there is no user permission, the process can move to S112. This stops any other devices, thereby maintaining power consumption.

[0120] The above-described plurality of modified examples can be appropriately combined in whole or in part for implementation.

[0121] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in every respect and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the terms of the claims and is intended to include any modified examples within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a power storage device that is charged with electric power supplied from a power source external to the vehicle; a controller that determines a required current value indicating a required value of current supplied to the power storage device; as well as a device for consuming the electric power supplied to the power storage device, Wherein, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value supplied to the device is less than a threshold value, the controller increases power consumption in the device.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The threshold value is a lower limit of a current output from the power source outside the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The threshold value is an actually measured value of a lower limit of the current output from the power source outside the vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the controller increases the power consumption so that the sum of the required current value and the device current value is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a notification device for notifying a user of predetermined information, in, When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is smaller than the threshold value, the controller uses the notification device to notify the user that the operation of the device will be started.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a notification device for notifying a user of predetermined information, in, When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is smaller than the threshold value, the controller uses the notification device to notify the user that the power consumption will be increased.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an input device for accepting an operation from a user, in, The controller starting the operation of the device when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and when a first operation has been accepted in the input device, the first operation indicating permission to start the operation of the device, and The device is stopped when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is smaller than the threshold value and when a second operation indicating that the start of the operation of the device is not permitted has been accepted in the input device.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an input device for receiving an operation from a user, in, The controller increasing the power consumption when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and when a first operation has been accepted in the input device, the first operation indicating that the increase in the power consumption is permitted, and The power consumption is maintained or reduced when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is smaller than the threshold value and when a second operation has been accepted in the input device, the second operation indicating that an increase in the power consumption is not permitted.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: When the sum of the required current value and the device current value after increasing the power consumption is less than the threshold value, the controller stops supplying power from the power source outside the vehicle before the power storage device is fully charged.

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