Control device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a control device and a vehicle. An ECU (control device) is provided with: a terminal (first acquisition unit) for acquiring information (information based on a first time) for calculating the time required for arrival until the time at which charging is predicted to be executed; and a terminal (second acquisition unit) that acquires information (information based on the second time) for calculating the time required for temperature adjustment required for adjusting the temperature of the power storage device (battery) to an appropriate temperature suitable for charging. When the length of the required arrival time (first time) is equal to or less than the length of the required temperature adjustment time (second time), the ECU starts temperature adjustment of the power storage device so that the temperature of the power storage device becomes the appropriate temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle including a power storage device and a control device is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-044887. The control device manages the temperature of the power storage device so that the power storage device becomes a temperature suitable for charging when the vehicle reaches the destination. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-044887 described above, the timing of starting the temperature adjustment of the power storage device (battery) is not considered. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable that the time for performing the temperature adjustment becomes excessively long due to starting the temperature adjustment of the power storage device too early. In this case, deterioration of power consumption and the like occur.

[0004] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control device and a vehicle capable of starting the temperature adjustment of a battery at an appropriate timing.

[0005] The control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery, and the control device includes:

[0006] a first acquisition unit that acquires information based on a first time, where the first time is the time until the time when charging is predicted to be performed; and

[0007] a second acquisition unit that acquires information based on a second time, where the second time is the time required to adjust the temperature of the battery to an appropriate temperature for charging.

[0008] When the length of the first time based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit is less than or equal to the length of the second time based on the information acquired by the second acquisition unit, the control device causes the vehicle to start the temperature adjustment of the battery so that the temperature of the battery becomes an appropriate temperature.

[0009] As described above, the control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure causes the vehicle to start the temperature adjustment of the battery so that the temperature of the battery becomes an appropriate temperature when the length of the first time is less than or equal to the length of the second time. Thus, when the first time until the start of charging is greater than the second time required to adjust the temperature of the battery to an appropriate temperature, the start of the temperature adjustment of the battery can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the temperature adjustment of the battery from being performed for an excessively (unnecessarily) long time. Therefore, by configuring as described above, it is possible to start the temperature adjustment of the battery at an appropriate timing.

[0010] Preferably, when the length of the first time changes after the start of temperature adjustment and the length of the first time becomes greater than the total length of the second time and the predetermined time, the control device according to the first aspect stops the temperature adjustment of the vehicle. With such a configuration, when the temperature adjustment of the battery is not required due to the change (increase) in the length of the first time after the start of temperature adjustment, the continuation of the temperature adjustment of the battery can be suppressed. As a result, an increase in power consumption can be further suppressed.

[0011] Preferably, when the length of the first time becomes less than or equal to the length of the second time again after the completion of the temperature adjustment, the control device according to the first aspect causes the vehicle to start the temperature adjustment again. With such a configuration, even when the temperature adjustment needs to be performed again after the completion of the temperature adjustment, the temperature adjustment of the battery can be started at an appropriate timing.

[0012] Preferably, in the control device according to the above aspect, the first time includes information on the time required for the vehicle to reach a facility where charging is possible. With such a configuration, based on the time required for the vehicle to reach a facility where charging is possible, it is easy to start the temperature adjustment of the battery at an appropriate timing.

[0013] A vehicle according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a rechargeable battery and the control device according to the first aspect. Thereby, a vehicle capable of starting the temperature adjustment of the battery at an appropriate timing can be provided.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the temperature adjustment of the battery mounted on the vehicle can be started at an appropriate timing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the ECU of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control of the ECU of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 is a diagram showing changes in the time required to reach and the time required for temperature adjustment when the temperature adjustment of the power storage device is completed halfway.

[0020] Figure 5It is a graph showing the changes in the time required for arrival and the time required for temperature adjustment when the length of the time required for arrival is greater than the total length of the time required for temperature adjustment and a predetermined time.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an electric vehicle and a server as a modified example of an embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding parts and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0023] Structure of Electric Vehicle

[0024] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of an electric vehicle 100 equipped with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10 of the present embodiment. In addition, the ECU 10 and the electric vehicle 100 are examples of the "control device" and "vehicle" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0025] The electric vehicle 100 includes, for example, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), or an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0026] In addition to the ECU 10, the electric vehicle 100 further includes: a power storage device 20, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 30, a DCM (Data Communication Module) 40, and a temperature adjustment device 50. In addition, the power storage device 20 is an example of the "battery" of the present disclosure.

[0027] The ECU 10 is a device that controls the electric vehicle 100. The ECU 10 communicates with various devices (ECUs) in the electric vehicle 100, for example, via CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. Thus, the ECU 10 receives various information from the various devices in the electric vehicle 100. In addition, the detailed structure of the ECU 10 will be described later.

[0028] The power storage device 20 (the power storage unit 21 described later) stores electric power for driving the electric vehicle 100 (for example, traveling). The power storage device 20 can be charged at rechargeable facilities (charging stations, charging piles, dealerships, etc.) provided at various locations.

[0029] The power storage device 20 includes a power storage unit 21 and a temperature sensor 22. The temperature sensor 22 detects the temperature of the power storage unit 21. In addition, the temperature sensor 22 may be provided outside the power storage device 20.

[0030] The HMI device 30 includes an in-vehicle navigation device or the like. The in-vehicle navigation device can display the current position of the electric vehicle 100 and the route to the searched destination (waypoint). In addition, the in-vehicle navigation device can obtain information on the distance to the destination (waypoint). In addition, the HMI device 30 communicates with the ECU 10 via CAN communication or the like.

[0031] The DCM 40 can communicate with external communication devices (such as servers and intelligent centers) of the electric vehicle 100. Thus, the ECU 10 can obtain external information via the DCM 40.

[0032] The temperature adjustment device 50 is a device for adjusting the temperature of the power storage device 20. The temperature adjustment device 50 includes a device for heating the power storage device 20 (such as a heater). In addition, the temperature adjustment device 50 may include a refrigerant circuit, a switching valve, etc. for exchanging heat between the refrigerant heated by the heat of the drive unit or the like in the electric vehicle 100 and the power storage device 20. In addition, the temperature adjustment device 50 may include a device for cooling the power storage device 20 (such as a radiator and a blower).

[0033] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the ECU 10. The ECU 10 includes a processor 1 and a memory 2.

[0034] In the memory 2, in addition to storing the programs executed by the processor 1, information used in the programs (such as maps, mathematical formulas, and various parameters) is also stored.

[0035] Terminals 1a and 1b are provided on the processor 1. Wiring 3 from outside the ECU 10 is connected to terminal 1a. Wiring 4 from outside the ECU 10 is connected to terminal 1b. In addition, terminals 1a and 1b are examples of the "first acquisition unit" and "second acquisition unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0036] For example, information from the HMI device 30 is input to terminal 1a via wiring 3. The above information from the HMI device 30 includes information for calculating the time until the moment when charging of the power storage device 20 is predicted to be performed. The above information includes information on the distance between the electric vehicle 100 and the rechargeable facility set as the destination or waypoint, speed information of the electric vehicle 100, traffic information, etc. In addition, the information for calculating the time until the moment when charging is predicted to be performed is an example of the "information based on the first time" of the present disclosure.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the time until the moment when it is predicted that charging of the power storage device 20 is to be performed is the time required for the electric vehicle 100 to reach a rechargeable facility set as a destination or a route (hereinafter referred to as the required arrival time). The processor 1 calculates the required arrival time based on the information acquired through the terminal 1a. In addition, the required arrival time is an example of the "first time" in the present disclosure.

[0038] For example, information such as information from the power storage device 20 is input to the terminal 1b through the wiring 4. The above-mentioned information from the power storage device 20 includes information for calculating the time required to adjust the temperature of the power storage device 20 to a temperature suitable for charging (hereinafter, appropriate temperature) (for example, 35°C) (hereinafter, temperature adjustment required time). The processor 1 calculates the temperature adjustment required time based on the information acquired through the terminal 1b. The above-mentioned information input to the terminal 1b includes: information on the current temperature of the power storage device 20 (detection value of the temperature sensor 22), information on the external air temperature, output of the temperature adjustment device 50, and predicted information on the change in air temperature (weather), etc. In addition, the information on the above-mentioned appropriate temperature may be stored in the memory 2 in advance, or may be appropriately calculated by the processor 1 based on information such as the external air temperature information. The information for calculating the temperature adjustment required time is an example of the "information based on the second time" in the present disclosure. In addition, the temperature adjustment required time is an example of the "second time" in the present disclosure.

[0039] In addition, the structure of the ECU 10 is not limited to the above example. For example, the processor 1 may also receive the above-mentioned information from the HMI device 30 and the power storage device 20 through wireless communication.

[0040] Here, in conventional electric vehicles, there is a case where the temperature adjustment of the power storage device starts at an inappropriate timing. For example, there is a case where the temperature adjustment of the power storage device starts earlier. In this case, it is conceivable that the power consumption of the electric vehicle deteriorates because the time for performing the temperature adjustment becomes excessively long.

[0041] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the required arrival time calculated by the processor 1 is equal to or less than the length of the temperature adjustment required time calculated by the processor 1, the ECU 10 (processor 1) starts the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 so that the temperature of the power storage device 20 becomes an appropriate temperature. Specifically, when the required arrival time is equal to or less than the length of the temperature adjustment required time, the ECU 10 (processor 1) controls the temperature adjustment device 50 (for example, turns on the heater) to start the above-mentioned temperature adjustment.

[0042] Control flow of the ECU

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 3, describes the control process related to the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 performed by the ECU 10 (processor 1). In addition, the control of the ECU 10 of the present disclosure is not limited to Figure 3 the process shown. For example, the order of the steps can be swapped within the achievable range, and a certain step can also be omitted.

[0044] In S1, the ECU 10 determines whether a rechargeable facility is set as the destination or via-point in the HMI device 30. If a rechargeable facility is set (Yes in S1), the process proceeds to S2. If a rechargeable facility is not set (No in S1), the process ends. In addition, the determination process of S1 can also be executed whenever a destination (via-point) is set in the HMI device 30.

[0045] In S2, the ECU 10 determines whether the electric vehicle 100 has reached the rechargeable facility set as the destination or via-point in S1. The ECU 10 determines whether the electric vehicle 100 has reached the rechargeable facility, for example, by using a GPS (Global Positioning System) module (not shown) mounted on the electric vehicle 100. The GPS module can also be mounted on the HMI device 30 (car navigation device). If the electric vehicle 100 has reached the rechargeable facility (Yes in S2), the process ends. If the electric vehicle 100 has not reached the rechargeable facility (No in S2), the process proceeds to S3.

[0046] In S3, the ECU 10 obtains information for calculating the required arrival time through terminal 1a (refer to Figure 2 ). In S4, the ECU 10 uses the information in S3 to calculate the required arrival time. In addition, the calculation of the required arrival time is continuously executed until Figure 3 the processing of the process ends.

[0047] In addition, the required arrival time can also be calculated in the HMI device 30 (such as a car navigation device), and the information on the required arrival time is sent from the HMI device 30 to the ECU 10. In this case, the information sent from the HMI device 30 is an example of "information based on the first time".

[0048] In S5, the ECU 10 obtains information for calculating the required temperature adjustment time through terminal 1b (refer to Figure 2 ). In S6, the ECU 10 uses the information in S5 to calculate the required temperature adjustment time. In addition, the calculation of the required temperature adjustment time is continuously executed until Figure 3 the processing of the process ends.

[0049] Alternatively, the temperature adjustment required time may be calculated in the power storage device 20 (such as a battery ECU), and information on the temperature adjustment required time may be sent from the power storage device 20 to the ECU 10. In this case, the information sent from the power storage device 20 is an example of "information based on the second time".

[0050] In S7, the ECU 10 determines whether the length of the arrival required time calculated in S4 is less than or equal to the length of the temperature adjustment required time calculated in S6. If the length of the arrival required time is less than or equal to the length of the temperature adjustment required time (Yes in S7), the process proceeds to S8. If the arrival required time is greater than the temperature adjustment required time (No in S7), the process returns to S2.

[0051] In S8, the ECU 10 starts the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 in such a way that the temperature of the power storage device 20 becomes the above-mentioned appropriate temperature. Specifically, the ECU 10 starts the temperature adjustment (such as heating up) of the power storage device 20 by starting the control of the temperature adjustment device 50 (such as a heater).

[0052] Alternatively, the ECU 10 may also reduce the output of the temperature adjustment device 50 so that the temperature adjustment required time approaches the arrival required time (for example, becomes equal).

[0053] In S9, the ECU 10 determines whether the temperature adjustment started in S8 is completed by whether the temperature of the power storage device 20 has reached the appropriate temperature. If the temperature adjustment is completed (Yes in S9), the process returns to S2. If the temperature adjustment is not completed (No in S9), the process proceeds to S10.

[0054] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the changes in the arrival required time and the temperature adjustment required time when the temperature adjustment is completed halfway in S9. In Figure 4 In the example shown, the rechargeable facility is set as the destination or via point at time t0. At time t1, the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 is started because the arrival required time becomes less than or equal to the temperature adjustment required time. And, by performing the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20, the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 is completed at time t2 before the electric vehicle 100 arrives at the rechargeable facility. Then, the ECU 10 stops the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20.

[0055] Since the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 stops at time t2, the difference between the temperature of the power storage device 20 and the above-mentioned appropriate temperature gradually increases. Along with this, the temperature adjustment required time also gradually increases. And, at time t3, the arrival required time becomes less than or equal to the temperature adjustment required time again. Thus, the ECU 10 starts the control of the temperature adjustment device 50 at time t3 in such a way that the temperature of the power storage device 20 becomes the appropriate temperature and starts the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 again.

[0056] Refer again to Figure 3 , in S10, the ECU 10 determines whether the length of the required arrival time is greater than the total length of the temperature adjustment required time and a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes). When the length of the required arrival time is greater than the above total length (Yes in S10), the process proceeds to S11. When the length of the required arrival time is less than or equal to the above total length (No in S10), the process returns to S9. In addition, the case where the length of the required arrival time is greater than the above total length includes the case where the rechargeable facility set as the destination or via point has been changed, etc. The case where the length of the required arrival time is greater than the above total length includes the case where the distance to the rechargeable facility has changed in the case where the route to the rechargeable facility has been changed, etc. In addition, the above predetermined time may be a time other than 30 minutes. In addition, the above predetermined time may be a preset fixed value or may be appropriately calculated by the processor 1 based on predetermined information.

[0057] In S11, the ECU 10 stops the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20. Then, the process returns to S2.

[0058] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the changes in the required arrival time and the temperature adjustment required time when the length of the required arrival time is greater than the above total length in S10. In Figure 5 the example shown, the rechargeable facility is set as the destination or via point at time t10. At time t11, the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 starts because the required arrival time becomes less than or equal to the temperature adjustment required time.

[0059] Then, at time t12, due to a change in the route to the rechargeable facility or the like, the length of the required arrival time becomes greater than the above total length. In this case, the ECU 10 stops the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20. In addition, in Figure 5 the example shown, the ECU 10 restarts the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 at time t13 when the required arrival time becomes less than or equal to the temperature adjustment required time again.

[0060] As described above, in the present embodiment, the ECU 10 starts the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 in a manner that makes the temperature of the power storage device 20 an appropriate temperature when the length of the time required to reach the temperature is less than the length of the time required for temperature adjustment. Thus, before the electric vehicle 100 is charged at the charging facility, the temperature of the power storage device 20 can be made close to (reach) an appropriate temperature. As a result, the charging efficiency of the power storage device 20 can be improved. In addition, it is possible to suppress the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 when the length of the time required to reach the temperature is greater than the length of the time required for temperature adjustment. As a result, it is possible to suppress the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 from being performed for an excessively long period of time. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the power consumption of the electric vehicle 100.

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the length of the required time to reach the temperature changes after the start of temperature adjustment and the length of the required time to reach the temperature becomes longer than the total length of the required temperature adjustment time and the scheduled time, the ECU 10 stops the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20. Thus, when the required time to reach the temperature increases due to a change in the route to the chargeable facility or a change in the chargeable facility scheduled to perform charging, etc., it is possible to prevent the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 from being excessively prolonged due to continued temperature adjustment.

[0062] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the ECU 10 of the electric vehicle 100 performs the control of adjusting the temperature of the power storage device 20 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A server or the like provided outside the electric vehicle 100 may perform the above control.

[0063] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the server 200 includes a communication unit 210 for communicating with the DCM 40 of the electric vehicle 100A. The server 200 receives the location information of the electric vehicle 100A, the information of the destination (via), the information for calculating the time required for arrival, and the information for calculating the time required for temperature adjustment from the electric vehicle 100A via the communication unit 210. Based on the plurality of information received from the electric vehicle 100A, the server 200 transmits to the electric vehicle 100A a message for executing (or stopping) the temperature adjustment (execution) of the power storage device 20. Figure 3 ECU10A of the electric car 100A does not perform control related to the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20. In addition, the server 200 is an example of a "control device" of the present disclosure. In this case, the communication unit 210 is an example of a "first acquisition unit" and a "second acquisition unit" of the present disclosure. In addition, the communication unit (first acquisition unit) that receives information for calculating the time required for arrival and the communication unit (second acquisition unit) that receives information for calculating the time required for temperature adjustment can also be separately provided on the server.

[0064] In addition, the server 200 may receive only a part of the plurality of information received from the electric vehicle 100A. That is, it may also be the case that Figure 3 a part of the plurality of steps of Figure 3 is executed by the electric vehicle 100A, and the remaining steps are executed by the server 200. For example, it may also be the case that the calculation of the required arrival time and the required temperature adjustment time is executed by the server 200. In addition, it may also be the case that the electric vehicle 100A that has received the information on the required arrival time and the required temperature adjustment time from the server 200 executes the control of the above temperature adjustment. In this case, the DCM 40 corresponds to the "first acquisition unit" and the "second acquisition unit" of the present disclosure.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the required arrival time for the electric vehicle 100 to reach the rechargeable facility is used as information on the time until charging is performed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the time until the reserved charging time may be used as information on the time until charging is performed. In addition, the sum of the required arrival time and a predetermined time (for example, the time required for preparation for charging in the rechargeable facility) may be used as information on the time until charging is performed. That is, the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 may also be started when the length of the above sum is less than or equal to the required temperature adjustment time.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which after the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 is completed, the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 is started again when the length of the required arrival time becomes less than or equal to the length of the required temperature adjustment time again, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. After the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 is completed, the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 may not be started again before reaching the rechargeable facility.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the terminal 1a that receives information for calculating the required arrival time and the terminal 1b that receives information for calculating the required temperature adjustment time are separately provided in the processor 1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Information for calculating the required arrival time and information for calculating the required temperature adjustment time may also be received by a common terminal provided in the processor.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 is performed based on the information on the destination or the route input to the HMI device 30 (vehicle navigation device), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature adjustment of the power storage device 20 may also be performed based on the information on the destination or the route input to the user's portable terminal (such as a smartphone).

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the temperature adjustment is started when the required arrival time is less than or equal to the required temperature adjustment time (see Figure 3Examples of S7) are given, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Temperature adjustment may also be started when the required time has reached the sum of the temperature adjustment required time and a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) or less.

[0070] In addition, the structures (processes) of the above-described embodiments and the above-described respective modified examples may also be combined with each other.

[0071] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is represented not by the description of the above-described embodiments but by the scope of claims for the invention, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for the invention.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery, the control device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires information based on a first time, the first time being a time until a time when the charging is predicted to be performed; and a second acquisition unit that acquires information based on a second time, wherein the second time is a time required to adjust the temperature of the battery to an appropriate temperature suitable for the charging; The control device causes the vehicle to start adjusting the temperature of the battery so that the temperature of the battery reaches the appropriate temperature when the length of the first time based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit is less than or equal to the length of the second time based on the information acquired by the second acquisition unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: When the length of the first time changes after the temperature adjustment is started and the length of the first time becomes longer than the sum of the second time and a predetermined time, the temperature adjustment of the vehicle is stopped.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the length of the first time becomes equal to or shorter than the length of the second time again after the temperature adjustment is completed, the temperature adjustment of the vehicle is restarted.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first time includes information on the time required for the vehicle to reach a facility where the charging can be performed.

5. A vehicle comprising: rechargeable batteries; and The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

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