Vehicle and battery characteristic determination method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle and a battery characteristic determination method. An ECU executes a process including: acquiring a time (t (1)) required for charging a predetermined SOC from a pre-replacement battery pack; acquiring a time (t (2)) required for charging the predetermined SOC from the replaced battery pack; when it is determined that the magnitude of the difference between the time (t (1) and the time (t (2)) is equal to or greater than a threshold value (alpha), the determination flag is set to an ON state; and setting the determination flag to an OFF state when it is determined that the magnitude of the difference value is less than the threshold value (alpha).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle having a detachable battery and a method for determining characteristics of the battery. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-091879 discloses a technique for displaying the remaining charging time required until the battery is fully charged based on battery terminal voltage, battery temperature, and full charge voltage information. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in a vehicle equipped with a detachable battery, when the battery is replaced, due to the performance difference between the replaced battery and the reference battery of a predetermined specification, discomfort may sometimes be brought to the user. For example, when replacing the reference battery with a battery having low input / output, before and after the replacement, due to the change in output performance and the lengthening of the charging time, the user may sometimes feel discomfort.

[0004] The present disclosure can suppress discomfort to the user before and after battery replacement.

[0005] The vehicle according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition device that acquires battery information from a battery mounted on the vehicle as a power source, a notification device that notifies vehicle information related to the vehicle, and a control device that controls the notification device. After replacing the first battery mounted on the vehicle with the second battery, based on the battery information acquired from the second battery, if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery of a predetermined specification, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in characteristics before and after the replacement.

[0006] In this way, when replacing the first battery with the second battery, if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery of a predetermined specification, the difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after the replacement. Therefore, discomfort caused by the performance difference before and after battery replacement can be suppressed.

[0007] In the vehicle according to the above aspect, after connecting the second battery to the vehicle as a power source, if the magnitude of the difference between the value of a predetermined characteristic indicating the reference battery and the value of a predetermined characteristic indicating the second battery is greater than a threshold value, the control device may also use the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in characteristics.

[0008] In this way, after connecting to the vehicle as a power source, if the magnitude of the difference in characteristics is greater than the threshold value, the notification device is used to notify that there is a difference in characteristics, so that the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after the replacement. Therefore, discomfort caused by the performance difference before and after battery replacement can be suppressed.

[0009] In the vehicle of the above solution, the notification device may also be a display device. When the vehicle is started for the first time after replacing it with the second battery, if the magnitude of the difference is greater than the threshold value, the control device may also use the notification device to cause the display device to display an image including information indicating the existence of a difference in characteristics.

[0010] In this way, by displaying an image including information indicating the existence of a difference in characteristics on the display device, the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress discomfort caused to the user by the performance difference before and after replacement.

[0011] In the vehicle of the above solution, if the magnitude of the difference between the first time required for the SOC (State Of Charge) of the reference battery to change by a predetermined value and the second time required for the SOC of the second battery to change by the predetermined value is greater than the threshold value, the control device may also use the notification device to notify information indicating the existence of a difference in characteristics.

[0012] In this way, if the magnitude of the difference between the first time and the second time is greater than the threshold value, the difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress discomfort caused to the user by the performance difference before and after battery replacement.

[0013] In the vehicle of the above solution, if the magnitude of the difference between the first voltage of the reference battery and the second voltage of the second battery when the reference battery and the second battery have the same SOC is greater than the threshold value, the control device may also use the notification device to notify information indicating the existence of a difference in characteristics.

[0014] In this way, if the magnitude of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than the threshold value, the difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress discomfort caused to the user by the performance difference before and after battery replacement.

[0015] In the vehicle of the above solution, the control device may also use the notification device to notify information indicating the existence of a difference in characteristics when the supplier of the reference battery is different from the supplier of the second battery.

[0016] In this way, if the supplier of the reference battery is different from the supplier of the second battery, the difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress discomfort caused to the user by the performance difference before and after battery replacement.

[0017] In the vehicle of the above solution, the predetermined specifications may also include the specifications of the first battery.

[0018] In this way, if the specifications of the second battery are different from those of the first battery, the difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize the difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the user by the performance difference before and after battery replacement.

[0019] In the vehicle according to the above solution, the reference battery may also include the first battery before replacement. When the mounting position of the first battery is different from the mounting position of the second battery, the control device uses the notification device to notify the information indicating the difference in characteristics.

[0020] In this way, if the mounting position of the first battery is different from the mounting position of the second battery, the difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize the difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the user by the performance difference before and after battery replacement.

[0021] The method for determining the characteristics of a battery for being mounted as a power source in a vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: obtaining battery information from the second battery after replacing the first battery with the second battery, and based on the battery information of the second battery, if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery with a predetermined specification, notifying the information indicating the difference in characteristics before and after replacement.

[0022] In the method according to the above solution, after connecting the second battery as a power source to the vehicle, if the magnitude of the difference between the value of a predetermined characteristic representing the reference battery and the value of a predetermined characteristic representing the second battery is greater than a threshold value, the information indicating the difference in characteristics is notified.

[0023] The vehicle according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a notification device for notifying vehicle information related to the vehicle and a control device for controlling the notification device. The control device is configured to: obtain battery information from the battery mounted as a power source in the vehicle, and after replacing the first battery mounted in the vehicle with the second battery, based on the battery information obtained from the second battery, if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery with a predetermined specification, use the notification device to notify the information indicating the difference in characteristics before and after replacement.

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle that suppresses discomfort to the user before and after battery replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] 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 the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a battery replacement system for performing battery pack replacement.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing an example of a battery pack replacement method.

[0029] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A flowchart showing an example of a battery characteristic determination process.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a normal display of the energy flow during regenerative braking.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the display of the energy flow during regenerative braking.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing another example of the display of the energy flow during regenerative braking.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing an example of a battery characteristic determination process in a modified example.

[0034] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing another example of a battery characteristic determination process in a modified example.

[0035] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing yet another example of a battery characteristic determination process in a modified example.

[0036] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a vehicle in a modified example.

[0037] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing another example of the structure of a vehicle in a modified example. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0039] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the vehicle according to the present embodiment. Refer to Figure 1, the vehicle 100 is, for example, a sedan equipped with a vehicle body 10 and a battery pack 20. The vehicle body 10 is the part of the vehicle 100 other than the battery pack 20. The vehicle body 10 is provided with a vehicle drive device that serves as a drive source. The vehicle drive device includes an MG (Motor Generator) 11a and an inverter 11b. The vehicle drive device is configured to drive the vehicle 100 using the power output from the battery pack 20. The battery pack 20 is configured to be connectable to the inverter 11b. The vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric vehicle without an internal combustion engine. However, it is not limited thereto, and the vehicle 100 may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine or other electric vehicles. The vehicle body 10 may also be provided with a leakage detector 12.

[0040] The vehicle body 10 is provided with circuits CR11 and CR12. The battery pack 20 is provided with circuits CR21 and CR22. The circuit CR12 includes an auxiliary equipment battery 17. The circuit CR21 includes a battery 21. The battery 21 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery. The type of the secondary battery may be a liquid secondary battery or a all-solid-state secondary battery. A battery pack may be formed by a plurality of secondary batteries. The auxiliary equipment battery 17 corresponds to a low-voltage power source that outputs power with a voltage lower than that of the battery 21. A DC / DC converter 16 is provided between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR12.

[0041] The circuit CR11 in the vehicle body 10 includes the MG11a, the inverter 11b, a DC charging relay 14a, a DC charging port 14b, an AC charger 15a, and an AC charging port 15b. A BMS (Battery Management System) 22a is provided in the circuit CR21 in the battery pack 20.

[0042] The vehicle body 10 is further provided with a terminal T11 for detachably mounting the battery pack 20 and an SMR13 disposed between the terminal T11 and the vehicle drive device (inverter 11b). The circuit CR11 (high-voltage power line) is connected to the terminal T11 via the SMR13. The battery pack 20 is provided with a terminal T21 for detachably mounting the vehicle body 10 and an SMR23 disposed between the terminal T21 and the circuit CR21. The circuit CR21 (high-voltage power line) is connected to the terminal T21 via the SMR23. "SMR" represents a System Main Relay.

[0043] The terminal T21 of the battery pack 20 is connected to the terminal T11 of the vehicle body 10. The SMR23 of the battery pack 20 is disposed between the terminal T21 and the battery 21 in the battery pack 20.

[0044] The vehicle body 10 is also provided with a terminal T12 to which the battery pack 20 can be loaded and unloaded. A circuit CR12 (low-voltage power supply line) in the vehicle body 10 is connected to the terminal T12. A communication line CL1 ( Figure 1 the dashed line in) in the vehicle body 10 is also connected to the terminal T12. The battery pack 20 is also provided with a terminal T22. In the battery pack 20, a circuit CR22 (low-voltage power supply line) and a communication line CL2 ( Figure 1 the dashed line in) are connected to the terminal T22.

[0045] The auxiliary equipment battery 17 supplies power for driving auxiliary equipment mounted on the vehicle 100. The auxiliary equipment battery 17 outputs DC power to the circuit CR12 (low-voltage power supply line). In addition to the auxiliary equipment battery 17, the circuit CR12 also includes ECUs 18a, 18b, and 18c. The circuit CR22 also includes an ECU 28a. The auxiliary equipment battery 17 supplies power to the ECUs 18a to 18c and 28a connected to the low-voltage power supply line, for example. "ECU" represents an electronic control unit (Electronic Control Unit).

[0046] The ECU 18a is equivalent to a control device (EV-ECU) that comprehensively performs various controls related to the vehicle 100. The ECU 18b is equivalent to a control device (Plg-ECU) that detects the states of the DC insertion port 14b and the AC insertion port 15b, respectively. The ECU 18c is equivalent to a control device (Bat-C-ECU) that controls the DC charging relay 14a and the AC charger 15a. The ECU 28a is equivalent to a control device (Bat-ECU) that monitors the state of the battery 21 and controls the SMR 23.

[0047] Each ECU includes a processor and a storage device. The storage device is configured to be able to store the stored information. In the storage device, in addition to the program, various information used in the program is also stored. In this embodiment, various controls are executed by the processor executing the program stored in the storage device. However, these processes can also be executed only by hardware (electronic circuit) without using software.

[0048] In the vehicle 100, each ECU is connected in such a way that they can communicate with each other via an in-vehicle network (for example, CAN (Controller Area Network)). The ECU 18a obtains information from other ECUs, controls the inverter 11b, the DC / DC converter 16, and the SMRs 13 and 23, or sends control instructions to the ECU 18c and the ECU 28a.

[0049] The BMS 22a detects the state (such as current, voltage, temperature, etc.) of the battery 21 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 28a. The ECU 18a obtains the information indicating the battery state from the ECU 28a.

[0050] The DC / DC converter 16 steps down the DC power between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR12. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 16 steps down the DC power from the battery 21 and outputs it to the auxiliary device battery 17 and other auxiliary devices connected to the circuit CR12. The capacity of the battery 21 is larger than the capacity of the auxiliary device battery 17.

[0051] The battery pack 20 is assembled to the vehicle body 10 by connecting the terminals T21, T22 of the battery pack 20 to the terminals T11, T12, thereby constituting the vehicle 100. In the vehicle 100, the communication line CL1 of the vehicle body 10 is connected to the communication line CL2 of the battery pack 20. These communication lines constitute the in-vehicle network (for example, CAN) of the vehicle 100.

[0052] The MG 11a functions as a driving motor. The inverter 11b functions as a PCU (Power Control Unit) for the MG 11a. The inverter 11b drives the MG 11a using the power supplied from the battery 21 of each battery pack. The MG 11a converts the power into torque and rotates the drive wheels of the vehicle 100. In addition, the MG 11a performs regenerative power generation when the vehicle 100 decelerates, for example, and charges the battery 21.

[0053] Each of the DC charging port 14b and the AC charging port 15b has a terminal for detecting the connection / non-connection of a charging cable (plug) of an external power source (not shown), and outputs a signal indicating whether the charging cable is connected to the ECU 18b. The ECU 18a obtains the information indicating the state of the charging port from the ECU 18b and sends a control command to the ECU 18c. The AC charger 15a performs AC / DC conversion. The plug-in charging of the battery 21 is executed through the cooperation of the ECUs 18a to 18c.

[0054] The vehicle body 10 also includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 19a and a communication device 19b. In addition, the HMI 19a and the communication device 19b also receive power supply from the auxiliary device battery 17. The HMI 19a includes an input device and a display device provided in the passenger compartment. The HMI 19a may also include a touch panel display. The input device outputs a signal corresponding to the input from the user to the ECU 18a. The communication device 19b is capable of communicating with a server 380 ( Figure 2)(1) A method of wireless communication. In addition, various sensors (represented as in-vehicle sensor 19c) (not shown) are mounted on the vehicle body 10. ECU 18a is configured to obtain the detection results of these sensors directly or via other ECUs.

[0055] In this embodiment, HMI 19a includes a start switch. Generally, the start switch is called a "power switch" or an "ignition switch", etc. By operating the start switch, the user of the vehicle 100 can start or stop the control system (including each ECU) of the vehicle 100, or set the vehicle 100 to the Ready-ON state or the Ready-OFF state. Each operation can also be a remote control operation (e.g., a request based on wireless communication).

[0056] The Ready-ON state is a state in which the voltage of the battery 21 of the battery pack 20 connected to the vehicle body 10 is applied to the circuit CR11 of the vehicle body 10. In the Ready-ON state, SMR 13 becomes a closed state, and SMR 23 of the battery pack 20 also becomes a closed state, and power is supplied from the battery 21 connected to the closed SMR 23 to the vehicle drive device (MG 11a and inverter 11b). The Ready-OFF state is a state in which the voltage of the battery 21 is not applied to the circuit CR11. In the Ready-OFF state, SMR 13 becomes an open state, and power is not supplied from the battery 21 of the battery pack 20 to the vehicle drive device.

[0057] The battery pack 20 mounted on the vehicle 100 can be replaced with another battery pack. Figure 2 FIG. is an example of the structure of a battery replacement system for performing battery pack replacement. Figure 2 The battery replacement system 300 shown is installed at a battery replacement station, for example.

[0058] Refer to Figure 2 , the battery replacement system 300 is configured to remove the battery pack mounted on the vehicle 100 from the vehicle body 10 and install another battery pack on the vehicle body 10. In addition, the replacement of the battery pack includes the case where after removing the battery pack 20, another battery pack 20 is mounted on one of the plurality of mounting positions.

[0059] Hereinafter, the battery pack recovered from the vehicle 100 is referred to as "battery pack B1". In addition, the battery pack installed in place of the battery pack B1 on the vehicle 100 is referred to as "battery pack B2". Each of the battery packs B1 and B2 has Figure 1 the structure of the battery pack 20 shown. After being installed on the vehicle body 10, the battery pack B2 functions as the battery pack 20 ( Figure 1 ) in the vehicle 100.

[0060] Specifically, the battery replacement system 300 includes a first storage device 310, a second storage device 320, a recycling device 330, a filling device 340, a replacement device 350, a server 380, and a display device 390. The first storage device 310 stores a plurality of battery packs supplied to the vehicle. In addition to the pack storage section (e.g., repository), the first storage device 310 further includes a charger and a supply device. The second storage device 320 stores a plurality of battery packs recovered from a plurality of vehicles. In addition to the pack storage section (e.g., repository), the second storage device 320 further includes an inspection device and a sorting device. The server 380 includes a processor, a storage device, and a communication device, and functions as a control device. The storage device differentiates and stores information (e.g., specification information) related to each battery pack existing in the battery replacement system 300 according to the identification information (pack ID) of the battery pack. The display device 390 displays information according to an instruction from the server 380.

[0061] Next, Figures 1 to 4 a battery replacement method will be described. Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing an example of a method for replacing a battery pack. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 an example flowchart of the battery characteristic determination process. For example, after the vehicle 100 stops at a predetermined area within the battery replacement station, the ECU 18a starts Figure 3 the processing flow of S10 to S14 shown. The ECU 18a may also start this processing flow according to a request from a terminal (user terminal) of a user of the vehicle 100 or a request from an input device within the vehicle 100. The ECU 18a and the server 380 are configured to be able to perform wireless communication. The ECU 18a may also be an example of a control device.

[0062] In step (hereinafter, steps will be denoted as S) S10, the ECU 18a obtains information related to predetermined characteristics of the battery pack 20. The ECU 18a reads from the memory information on the specifications of a battery (hereinafter referred to as the reference battery) with predetermined specifications of the battery pack 20. The predetermined specifications include, for example, the specifications of the battery pack B1 before replacement. The predetermined specifications include the specifications of the initial battery mounted on the vehicle 100. As the predetermined specifications, for example, they include the model of the battery pack 20, the type of battery, the full charge capacity of the battery pack 20, the time required to charge the battery pack 20 and increase the state of charge (SOC: State Of Charge) indicating the charge state by a predetermined amount (hereinafter referred to as the predetermined SOC), a map showing the relationship between the SOC and the voltage of the battery pack 20, or information on the supplier of the battery pack 20, etc. The SOC represents, for example, the ratio of the current stored power to the stored power in the fully charged state as 0 to 100%.

[0063] In addition, for example, when information on a battery that determines a predetermined specification is stored in the memory of ECU 18a, and when ECU 18a uses the information received from the battery pack 20 to determine that the specification of the battery pack 20 currently mounted is the predetermined specification, the above information can also be received from the battery pack 20. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S11.

[0064] In S11, ECU 18a sends a signal requesting replacement of the battery pack (hereinafter referred to as "replacement request signal") to the server 380. The replacement request signal includes identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 100, specification information of the battery pack (battery pack B1) mounted on the vehicle 100, and information on the mounting position of the battery pack. The replacement request signal may also include the specification information of the vehicle body 10 instead of or in addition to the specification information of the battery pack B1.

[0065] In S12, ECU 18a determines whether the battery pack has been replaced. For example, ECU 18a may also determine that the battery pack has been replaced when it receives a replacement completion signal sent by the server 380 at the completion of the battery pack replacement. During the period when the replacement of the battery pack is not completed (in S12, "No"), the determination in S12 is repeatedly executed.

[0066] If the server 380 receives the above replacement request signal, it starts Figure 3 the processing flow of S31 to S33.

[0067] In S31, the server 380 selects a battery pack that conforms to the specification of the vehicle 100 (the specification of the battery pack B1 or the vehicle body 10) indicated by the replacement request signal from the battery packs (inventory) stored in the first storage device 310. If it is determined that there is no battery pack in the inventory that conforms to the specification of the vehicle 100, the server 380 may also cause the display device 390 to display a message explaining the situation and abort the battery replacement process. When a battery pack is selected in S31, the process proceeds to S32.

[0068] In S32, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 to remove the battery pack B1 from the vehicle body 10. As a result, the vehicle body 10 is separated from the battery pack B1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S33.

[0069] In addition, although not shown in the flowchart, a reuse process is performed on the disassembled battery pack B1. Specifically, the recycling device 330 transports (recycles) the battery pack B1 from the replacement device 350 to the second storage device 320. Then, the multiple battery packs stored in the second storage device 320 are sequentially inspected by the inspection device, and the sorting device sorts these battery packs according to the inspection results for each use. Each battery pack is reused according to the corresponding use (for vehicle use, for stationary use, etc.). However, the battery packs that cannot be reused are discarded. The battery packs (for vehicle use) to be reused in the battery replacement system 300 are transported by the filling device 340 to the first storage device 310. The transported battery packs are filled into the first storage device 310.

[0070] In S33, the server 380 controls the charger of the first storage device 310 to charge the battery pack B2 selected in S31. However, the charging timing can be appropriately changed. The charged battery pack can also be filled into the first storage device 310. If the charging is completed, the server 380 controls the supply device of the first storage device 310 to transport (supply) the battery pack B2 from the first storage device 310 to the replacement device 350. Then, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 to install the battery pack B2 on the vehicle body 10. At this time, the SMR23 of the installed battery pack B2 becomes an open circuit state. After that, the server 380 sends a signal indicating the completion of the battery pack installation (hereinafter referred to as "replacement completion signal") to the ECU18a.

[0071] In Figure 2 an example of disassembling the battery pack and installing the battery pack at different positions is shown. Before disassembling the battery pack, before installing the battery pack, or in both cases, the vehicle position can also be adjusted. The vehicle can also be moved by a transport device (for example, a conveyor belt type transport device) or a transport robot not shown in the figure. However, the battery pack can also be disassembled and installed at the same position. The battery pack replacement (disassembly and installation) can also be performed while the vehicle is stationary. The transport methods of the recycling device 330, the supply device, and the filling device 340 are also arbitrary. These transport methods can be either the conveyor belt type or the method using a transport robot. In addition, the user can manually replace the battery pack (power storage device) without the battery replacement system (station) communicating with the vehicle.

[0072] For example, if the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10, the terminals T21 and T22 of the battery pack B2 are respectively connected to the terminals T11 and T12 of the vehicle body 10. Thereby, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B2 become Figure 1The connection state shown. By installing the battery pack B2 to the vehicle body 10, the low-voltage power supply lines (circuits CR12, CR22) and communication lines (communication lines CL1, CL2) are connected between the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B2. Then, in the battery pack B2, the processing flow of S21 to S24 shown starts. Figure 3 The processing flow of S21 to S24 shown.

[0073] In S21, the ECU28a is started by the power supplied from the power supply (auxiliary device battery 17) inside the vehicle body 10. After that, the processing transfers to S22.

[0074] In S22, the ECU28a sends the information indicating the state of the battery pack (hereinafter referred to as "state information") to the ECU18a. The state information includes, for example, the information about the specifications of the battery pack and the information about the current voltage of the battery 21 detected by the BMS22a. The voltage of the battery 21 can vary according to the SOC of the battery 21. After that, the processing transfers to S23.

[0075] In S23, the ECU28a determines whether an SMR turn-on instruction is received from the vehicle body 10. The ECU28a maintains the state of keeping the SMR23 in the open state and waits for the SMR turn-on instruction from the vehicle body 10 in S23. Then, if the ECU28a receives the SMR turn-on instruction (Yes in S23), the processing transfers to S24.

[0076] In S24, the ECU28a switches the SMR23 from the open state (cut-off state) to the closed state (connected state).

[0077] On the other hand, when the battery pack B2 is installed on the vehicle body 10, the ECU18a receives a replacement completion signal (S33) from the server 380. Thus, in S12, it is judged as "Yes", and the processing advances to S13.

[0078] In S13, the ECU18a determines whether the above state information is received from the ECU28a of the battery pack B2. Then, if the ECU18a receives the above state information from the battery pack B2 (Yes in S13), the processing transfers to S14.

[0079] In S14, the ECU 18a executes battery characteristic determination processing. When replacing the battery pack 20, due to the performance difference between the replaced battery pack B2 and the reference battery, it sometimes causes discomfort to the user. For example, when replacing with a battery pack having an input-output ratio lower than that of the reference battery, before and after the replacement, due to the change in output performance and the lengthening of the charging time, the user sometimes feels discomfort. Therefore, the ECU 18a executes the following processing as battery characteristic determination processing: after replacing the battery pack B1 mounted on the vehicle 100 with the battery pack B2, based on the battery information obtained from the battery pack B2, it determines whether there is a difference in characteristics between the battery pack B2 and the reference battery.

[0080] Next, with reference to Figure 4 , the battery characteristic determination processing will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing Figure 3 an example of the battery characteristic determination processing.

[0081] In S100, the ECU 18a obtains the time t(1) required for charging the reference battery at a predetermined SOC. The ECU 18a obtains the time t(1) from the storage area stored in S10. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S102.

[0082] In S102, the ECU 18a obtains the time t(2) required for charging the predetermined SOC from the status information received from the replaced battery pack B2 in S13. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S104. In the memory of the ECU 28a of the replaced battery pack B2, for example, information such as the time t(2) required for charging the predetermined SOC in the new product state (initial state) is pre-stored.

[0083] In S104, the ECU 18a determines whether the magnitude of the difference between the time t(2) and the time t(1), |t(2) - t(1)|, is equal to or greater than the threshold value α. If it is determined that the magnitude of the difference between the time t(2) and the time t(1) is equal to or greater than the threshold value α (in S104, "Yes"), the process proceeds to S106.

[0084] In S106, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag indicating that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement to the ON state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S15. On the other hand, if it is determined that the magnitude of the difference between the time t(2) and the time t(1) is less than the threshold value α (in S104, "No"), the process proceeds to S108.

[0085] In S108, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag indicating that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement to the OFF state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S15.

[0086] In S15, the ECU 18a determines whether there are differences in the characteristics of the battery pack before and after replacement. For example, when the determination flag is in the ON state, the ECU 18a determines that there are differences in the characteristics before and after replacement. On the other hand, when the determination flag is in the OFF state, the ECU 18a determines that there are no differences in the characteristics before and after replacement. When it is determined that there are differences in the characteristics before and after replacement (Yes in S15), the process proceeds to S16. In addition, when it is determined that there are no differences in the characteristics before and after replacement (No in S15), this process ends.

[0087] In S16, the ECU 18a performs a display process. As the display process, the ECU 18a performs the following process: Instead of the normal energy flow-related image, the display device of the HMI 19a displays an energy flow-related image showing that there are differences in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement.

[0088] Figure 5 is an example of the normal display showing the energy flow during regenerative braking. As Figure 5 shown, for example, when the battery pack B2 is mounted on the vehicle body 10, an image of the vehicle 100 including the wheels 40, the MG11a, and the battery pack 20 is displayed on the display device of the HMI 19a. These displays are also shown, for example, during the driving of the vehicle 100. For example, when regenerative braking is performed in the vehicle 100, by showing arrows from the wheels 40 that become the drive wheels to the MG11a and from the MG11a to the battery pack 20, the flow of regenerative power (energy flow) is displayed to the user. At this time, in the image, for example, text information regarding the rated voltage of the battery pack 20 is displayed.

[0089] Figure 6 is an example of the display showing the energy flow during regenerative braking. When it is determined that there are differences in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement, instead of the image corresponding to the normal display Figure 5 shown, the image shown in Figure 6 may be displayed. The image used when it is determined that there are differences in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement and the image corresponding to the normal display Figure 5 shown only need to display the replaced battery pack 20 in a different manner. For example, as Figure 6As shown, as an image used when it is determined that there are differences in the characteristics of the battery pack before and after replacement, an image that includes the text information of the supplier in addition to the rated voltage of the replaced battery pack 20 can also be displayed. Alternatively, an image that includes the text information of the supplier of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement can be displayed, or an image that includes the text information indicating that the battery pack has been changed from a battery pack of a predetermined specification to a battery pack of a different specification from the predetermined specification can be displayed, an image that includes the text information indicating that the battery pack has been changed from a low-capacity battery pack to a high-capacity battery pack can be displayed, and an image that includes the text information indicating that the charging time required to charge the predetermined SOC has become longer due to the replacement of the battery pack can also be displayed.

[0090] Figure 7 FIG. is another example of a display showing the energy flow during regenerative braking. When it is determined that there are differences in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement, instead of the image corresponding to the normal display Figure 5 shown, the image Figure 7 shown can be displayed. As an image used when it is determined that there are differences in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement, an image that includes the text information indicating that the battery pack has been replaced from a battery pack with a high rated voltage to a battery pack with a low voltage before and after replacement can also be displayed, and the Figure 7 color of the portion shown by the diagonal area is changed.

[0091] In addition, after the battery pack 20 is installed in the vehicle body 10, it is also possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the replaced battery pack by detecting various states such as the voltage of the installed battery pack 20.

[0092] As described above, according to the vehicle 100 of the present embodiment, when replacing the battery pack B1 with the battery pack B2, if there are differences in characteristics between the battery pack B2 and the reference battery of a predetermined specification, the difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize the differences in the characteristics of the battery pack before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the user due to the performance differences before and after the replacement of the battery pack 20. Therefore, a vehicle that suppresses discomfort to the user before and after battery replacement can be provided. In other words, the vehicle obtains a new function of monitoring the characteristics of the battery 20 before and after replacement and issuing a warning when there are differences in characteristics.

[0093] Furthermore, if, after connecting the replaced battery pack B2 as a power source to the vehicle body 10, the magnitude of the difference in characteristics |t(2) - t(1)| represented by the time required to charge the predetermined SOC is equal to or greater than the threshold value α, the display device of the HMI 19a is used to display that there are differences in characteristics, so that it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the user due to the performance differences before and after the replacement of the battery pack.

[0094] Next, modification examples will be described.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, as an example, the case where one battery pack 20 is mounted on the vehicle 100 has been described, but two or more battery packs 20 may be mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the time required to charge the SOC to the predetermined SOC has been described as a predetermined characteristic of the battery pack 20, and the battery characteristic determination process for determining the difference in characteristics between the replaced battery pack and the reference battery has been performed. However, the characteristic of the battery pack is not limited to the time as described above. As a characteristic of the battery pack, for example, it may be the voltage of the battery pack 20 at a predetermined SOC. For example, if the magnitude of the difference in the voltage of the battery pack 20 at the same SOC between the replaced battery pack and the reference battery is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the ECU 18a may also determine that there is a difference in characteristics.

[0097] Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing an example of the battery characteristic determination process in the modification example. Figure 8 The process shown in the flowchart is performed, for example, as Figure 3 the battery characteristic determination process of S14 in the flowchart of

[0098] In S200, the ECU 18a acquires the SOC (2) and the battery voltage V (2) of the replaced battery pack B2. The ECU 18a acquires, for example, the SOC (2) and the battery voltage V (2) of the replaced battery pack B2 included in the status information received from the ECU 28a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S202.

[0099] In S202, the ECU 18a acquires the battery voltage V (1) corresponding to the SOC (2) of the reference battery. The ECU 18a reads out the battery voltage V (1) corresponding to the SOC (2) of the reference battery from the battery information stored in the memory. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S204.

[0100] In S204, the ECU 18a determines whether the magnitude of the battery voltage difference |V (2) - V (1)| is equal to or greater than the threshold value β. If it is determined that the magnitude of the battery voltage difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value β (Yes in S204), the process proceeds to S206.

[0101] In S206, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag to the ON state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S15. In addition, if it is determined that the magnitude of the battery voltage difference is less than the threshold value β (No in S204), the process proceeds to S208.

[0102] In S208, the ECU18a sets the determination flag to the OFF state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S15.

[0103] In this way, if the magnitude of the difference between the battery voltage V(1) and the battery voltage V(2) is equal to or greater than the threshold β, a difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress discomfort to the user due to the performance difference before and after battery replacement.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the time required to charge the SOC to the predetermined SOC is described as a predetermined characteristic, and the battery characteristic determination process for determining the difference in characteristics in the battery pack 20 before and after replacement is performed. However, the predetermined characteristic is not limited to the time as described above. The predetermined characteristic may be, for example, the supplier of the battery pack 20. For example, if the supplier of the battery pack 20 after replacement is different from the supplier of the reference battery, the ECU18a may determine that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack 20.

[0105] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing another example of the battery characteristic determination process in the modified example. Figure 9 The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 is executed as the battery characteristic determination process in S14 in the flowchart of

[0106] In S300, the ECU18a acquires the supplier of the reference battery (hereinafter referred to as the first supplier) from the memory. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S302.

[0107] In S302, the ECU18a acquires the supplier of the battery pack B2 after replacement (hereinafter referred to as the second supplier). The ECU18a acquires information about the supplier of the battery pack B2 after replacement, for example, from the status information received from the ECU28a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S304.

[0108] In S304, the ECU18a determines whether the first supplier and the second supplier are the same. If it is determined that the first supplier and the second supplier are different (in S304, "No"), the process proceeds to S306.

[0109] In S306, the ECU18a sets the determination flag to the ON state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S15. In addition, if it is determined that the first supplier and the second supplier are the same (in S304, "Yes"), the process proceeds to S308.

[0110] In S308, the ECU18a sets the determination flag to the OFF state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S15.

[0111] In this way, if the first supplier is different from the second supplier, the difference in characteristics is notified, so that the user can recognize the difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the user by the performance difference before and after the replacement of the battery pack 20.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the time required to charge the SOC to the predetermined SOC is described as the predetermined characteristic, and the battery characteristic determination process for determining the difference in characteristics between the battery packs 20 before and after replacement is performed. However, the predetermined characteristic is not limited to the time as described above. The predetermined characteristic may be, for example, the mounting position of the battery pack 20, and the reference battery includes the battery pack B1. For example, when multiple battery packs can be mounted on the vehicle 100, multiple mounting positions are set. When the number of battery packs mounted on the vehicle 100 is less than the upper limit, the mounting position after replacement may be different from the mounting position before replacement.

[0113] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing still another example of the battery characteristic determination process in the modified example. Figure 10 The process shown in the flowchart is performed, for example, as Figure 3 the battery characteristic determination process of S14 in the flowchart.

[0114] In S400, the ECU 18a acquires the mounting position of the battery pack B1 before replacement (hereinafter referred to as the first mounting position) from the memory. Information about the mounting position of the battery pack B1 before replacement is stored in the memory of the ECU 18a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S402.

[0115] In S402, the ECU 18a acquires the mounting position of the battery pack B2 after replacement (hereinafter referred to as the second mounting position). The ECU 18a acquires, for example, information about the mounting position of the battery pack B2 after replacement received from the server 380 or the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S404.

[0116] In S404, the ECU 18a determines whether the first mounting position is the same as the second mounting position. If it is determined that the first mounting position is different from the second mounting position (in S404, "no"), the process proceeds to S406.

[0117] In S406, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag to the ON state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S15. In addition, if it is determined that the first mounting position and the second mounting position are the same mounting position (in S404, "yes"), the process proceeds to S408.

[0118] In S408, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag to the OFF state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S15.

[0119] In this way, if there are differences in the mounting positions between the battery packs 20 before and after replacement, the differences in characteristics are notified, so that the user can recognize the differences in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the user by the performance differences between before and after the replacement of the battery pack 20.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it is described that the display device of the HMI 19a displays an image indicating the difference in characteristics of the battery pack 20, but the above image may also be displayed on the display device of the user terminal. As the user terminal, for example, it may also be a mobile terminal carried by the user of the vehicle 100. As the mobile terminal, for example, it includes a smart phone, a laptop computer, a portable game console, a wearable device, or an electronic key.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as an example, the case where the vehicle 100 is a sedan is described, but it is not particularly limited to a sedan. For example, the vehicle 100 may also be a bus, a truck, or a work vehicle (for example, a tractor, a combine harvester, or a forklift). Furthermore, the vehicle 100 may also be configured to be capable of performing driverless driving through autonomous driving or remote driving.

[0122] Furthermore, Figure 1 the structure of the body shown can be appropriately changed. For example, the SMR 13 of the body 10 can be omitted as shown in Figure 11 or, the SMR 23 of the battery pack 20 can be omitted as shown in Figure 12 . In addition, at least one of the DC insertion port 14b and the AC insertion port 15b can be omitted, or they can be changed to one AC / DC shared insertion port. These insertion ports can also be configured to be capable of bidirectional power transmission. The body can also use the power output from the installed battery pack to perform external power supply (V2X: Vehicle to Everything: vehicle networking).

[0123] In addition, the above-described modification examples can also be implemented by appropriately combining all or a part of them. It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is represented not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: An acquisition device that acquires battery information from a battery mounted on the vehicle as a power source; A notification device that notifies vehicle information related to the vehicle; And A control device that controls the notification device, Wherein, After replacing the first battery mounted on the vehicle with the second battery, based on the battery information obtained from the second battery, if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery of a predetermined specification, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in characteristics before and after the replacement.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that After connecting the second battery as the power source to the vehicle, if the magnitude of the difference between a value of a predetermined characteristic of the reference battery and a value of the predetermined characteristic of the second battery is greater than a threshold value, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristic.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that The notification device is a display device, When starting the vehicle for the first time after replacing it with the second battery, if the magnitude of the difference is greater than the threshold value, the control device uses the notification device to cause the display device to display an image including information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristic.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that If the magnitude of the difference between a first time required to change the state of charge of the reference battery by a predetermined value and a second time required to change the state of charge of the second battery by the predetermined value is greater than a threshold value, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristic.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that If the magnitude of the difference between a first voltage of the reference battery and a second voltage of the second battery when the reference battery and the second battery are in the same state of charge is greater than a threshold value, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristic.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that In the case where the supplier of the reference battery is different from the supplier of the second battery, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristic.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined specification includes the specification of the first battery.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The reference battery includes the first battery before replacement, In the case where the mounting position of the first battery is different from the mounting position of the second battery, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristic.

9. A method for determining the characteristics of a battery used as a power source in a vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: Obtaining battery information from the second battery after replacing the first battery with the second battery, Based on the battery information of the second battery, if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery of a predetermined specification, notifying information indicating that there is a difference in characteristics before and after the replacement.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein after connecting the second battery as the power source to the vehicle, if the magnitude of the difference between the value of a predetermined characteristic representing the reference battery and the value of the predetermined characteristic representing the second battery is greater than a threshold value, information indicating the existence of the difference in the characteristic is notified.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, comprising: a notification device that notifies vehicle information related to the vehicle; and a control device that controls the notification device, wherein the control device is configured to: acquire battery information from a battery mounted on the vehicle as a power source, and after replacing the first battery mounted on the vehicle with a second battery, based on the battery information acquired from the second battery, if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery of a predetermined specification, use the notification device to notify information indicating the existence of the difference in the characteristics before and after the replacement.

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