vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle that charges highly accurately a vehicle-mounted power storage device in quick charging using an external power supply facility.SOLUTION: An ECU performs a process including the steps of: calculating a required current value (S102) when external charging is to be performed (YES in S100); activating a device in a vehicle (S108) when a minimum output current is obtained (YES in S104) and when the required current value is lower than the minimum output current (YES in S106); transmitting a sum of the required current value and a device current value (S112) when the sum of the required current value and a device current value is greater than or equal to the minimum output current; and stopping external charging (S118) when charging is complete (YES in S116).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] There is a known technique for controlling supplied power according to the presence or absence of operation of vehicle devices during external charging in which an in-vehicle power storage device is charged using an external power supply facility. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-063666) discloses a technique for controlling supplied power according to the presence or absence of operation of an air conditioner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In particular, during rapid charging among the above-described external charging, the lower limit value of the power supplied from the power supply facility to the vehicle may be large. Therefore, when the power required by the vehicle to charge the in-vehicle power storage device is lower than the lower limit value of the power supplied from the power supply facility, the in-vehicle power storage device may not be charged accurately.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle that accurately charges an in-vehicle power storage device during rapid charging using an external power supply facility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a power storage device charged by electric power supplied from a power source outside the vehicle, a control device that determines a required current value indicating a required value of the current supplied to the power storage device, and a device that consumes the electric power supplied to the power storage device. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value supplied to the device is less than a threshold value, the control device increases the power consumption of the device.

[0007] By doing so, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption of the device. Therefore, when the current supplied from the external power source is large, it is possible to prevent the current from flowing through the power storage device exceeding the required current value. As a result, the power storage device can be charged with high accuracy.

[0008] In one embodiment, the threshold value is the lower limit value of the current output from the power source outside the vehicle.

[0009] By doing so, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the lower limit value of the current output from the power source outside the vehicle, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption of the device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the current from flowing through the power storage device exceeding the required current value and charge the power storage device with high accuracy.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the threshold value is the measured value of the lower limit value of the current output from the power source outside the vehicle.

[0011] By doing so, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the measured value of the lower limit value of the current output from the power source outside the vehicle, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption of the device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the current from flowing through the power storage device exceeding the required current value and charge the power storage device with high accuracy.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the control device increases the power consumption so that the sum of the required current value and the device current value becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0013] In this way, when the sum of the required current and the device current value is less than the lower limit value of the current supplied from the external power source, the power consumption of the device can be increased to increase the device current value. Therefore, when the current supplied from the external power source is large, the current can be prevented from flowing beyond the required current value, and the power storage device can be charged with high accuracy.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle further includes a notification device that notifies the user of predetermined information. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the control device notifies the user using the notification device to start the operation of the device.

[0015] In this way, since the user is notified to start the operation of the device, the operation of the device can be started without giving the user a sense of discomfort.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle further includes a notification device that notifies the user of predetermined information. When the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the control device notifies the user using the notification device to increase the power consumption.

[0017] In this way, since the user is notified to increase the power consumption of the device, the power consumption can be increased without giving the user a sense of discomfort.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle further includes an input device that receives an operation from the user. When the control device receives, at the input device, a first operation indicating that the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and permits starting the operation of the device, the control device starts the operation of the device. When the control device receives, at the input device, a second operation indicating that the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and does not permit starting the operation of the device, the control device stops the device.

[0019] In this way, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the device according to the user's intention.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle further includes an input device that receives an operation from the user. When the control device receives, at the input device, a first operation indicating that the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and permits increasing the power consumption, the control device increases the power consumption. When the control device receives, at the input device, a second operation indicating that the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and does not permit increasing the power consumption, the control device maintains or decreases the power consumption.

[0021] In this way, it is possible to determine whether to increase the power consumption of the device according to the user's intention.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, after increasing the power consumption, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value becomes less than the threshold value, the control device stops the supply of power from the power source outside the vehicle before the power storage device reaches the fully charged state.

[0023] In this way, since the supply of power from the external power source is stopped before the power storage device reaches the fully charged state, it is possible to protect the power storage device by suppressing an increase in the load on the power storage device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle that accurately charges an in-vehicle power storage device during rapid charging using an external power supply facility.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0027] Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the charging system 1 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the charging system 1 includes a vehicle 200 and a charging stand 10 which is an external power supply facility of the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 may be any vehicle equipped with a power storage device that can be charged using power supplied from an external power source. For example, it may be an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0028] The vehicle 200 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100 which is a control device, a battery 214, an inverter 216, an MG (Motor Generator) 218, an inlet 220, a DC / DC converter 222, a heater 224 for air conditioning, and a seat heater 226.

[0029] The battery 214 may be any rechargeable power storage device, and includes, for example, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery having a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. Note that a capacitor may be used instead of the battery 214 as the power storage device.

[0030] The inverter 216 is configured to be able to convert the DC power of the battery 214 and the AC power of the MG 218 bidirectionally in response to a control signal from the ECU 100.

[0031] The MG 218 is a drive source for driving the drive wheels of the vehicle 200 and is configured by, for example, a three-phase AC rotating electric machine or the like.

[0032] The inlet 220 has a shape to which the connector 17 of the charging stand 10 can be attached. The inlet 220 is electrically connected to the battery 214.

[0033] The DC / DC converter 222 transforms DC power between the voltage of the battery 214 and auxiliary components including an auxiliary battery (not shown) or components such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 222 steps down the DC power from the battery 214 and outputs it to at least one of the auxiliary battery, the air conditioner heater 224, and the seat heater 226. When the air conditioner heater 224 is in a conductive state, the air conditioner heater 224 operates. The air conditioner heater 224, for example, becomes conductive when heating is in use and heats the air inside the vehicle cabin. Also, when the seat heater 226 is in a conductive state, the seat heater 226 operates. The seat heater 226, for example, heats the seats of the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0034] The DC / DC converter 222, the air conditioner heater 224, and the seat heater 226 all operate according to control signals from the ECU 100.

[0035] Sensors 102, 104, 106 for acquiring the voltage, current, and temperature of the battery 214 are connected to the ECU 100. The ECU 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (both not shown). Based on the signals received from each sensor, as well as information such as maps and programs stored in the memory, the ECU 100 controls each device (including the DC / DC converter 222, the air conditioner heater 224, and the seat heater 226) so that the vehicle 200 is in a desired state.

[0036] The ECU 100 has a function of sequentially calculating the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 214 based on the detection values of each sensor 102, 104, 106. As a method for calculating the SOC, various known methods can be adopted, such as a method based on current value integration (Coulomb count) or a method based on the estimation of the open circuit voltage (OCV). The ECU 100 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication unit 13 of the charging stand 10 described later.

[0037] The charging stand 10 includes a communication unit 13, a control unit 14, a charging unit 15, a cable 16, and a connector 17. The charging stand 10 includes, for example, a rapid charger that completes charging in a shorter time than normal charging by supplying charging power higher than normal charging.

[0038] When the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220 of the vehicle 200, the communication unit 13 performs wired communication with the ECU 100 of the vehicle 200 via the cable 16. The wired communication includes, for example, power line communication, CAN (Control Area Network) communication, or LAN communication, etc. Note that the communication unit 13 may communicate with the ECU 100 of the vehicle 200 by wireless communication of various standards (for example, Wifi, etc.).

[0039] The control unit 14 controls the operation of the charging unit 15 (for example, charging voltage and charging current). The control unit 14 includes, for example, a CPU and a memory (both not shown). The control unit 14 controls the charging unit 15 based on information received from the vehicle 200 using the communication unit 13 (such as the required current value described later) and information such as maps and programs stored in the memory. When the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220, the control unit 14 acquires information about the battery 214 (for example, information about SOC, charging voltage, and required current value) using the communication unit 13, or transmits information about the charging stand 10 (for example, information about available time, available charging power, and lower limit value of output current).

[0040] The charging unit 15 converts AC power from the utility power supply 400 into DC power in response to a control signal from the control unit 14. One end of the cable 16 is connected to the charging unit 15. A connector 17 is connected to the other end of the cable 16.

[0041] The connector 17 has a shape that can be attached to the inlet 220. When the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220, DC power can be supplied from the charging unit 15 to the battery 214 in response to a control signal from the control unit 14.

[0042] For example, when the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220 of the vehicle 200 in a stopped state, the charging stand 10 operates the charging unit 15 to convert AC power from the utility power supply 400 into DC power, and supplies the converted DC power to the battery 214. The ECU 100 transmits information about the SOC and the required current value calculated using the detected values of the sensors 102, 104, 106 to the control unit 14 during charging of the battery 214. For example, when the SOC is calculated, the ECU 100 calculates a required current value corresponding to the calculated SOC, the full charge capacity of the battery 214, or the battery temperature of the battery 214, etc., and transmits information about the SOC and the required current value, etc. to the control unit 14.

[0043] During rapid charging using such a charging stand 10, the lower limit value of the output current supplied from the charging stand 10 to the vehicle 200 (hereinafter referred to as the minimum output current) may be large. Therefore, when the required current value required by the vehicle 200 to charge the battery 214 is less than the minimum output current, the battery 214 may not be charged accurately.

[0044] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the sum of the required current value and the current value supplied to the devices mounted on the vehicle 200 (specifically, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226) (hereinafter referred to as the device current value) is less than the threshold value, the power consumption of the devices is increased. In the present embodiment, the threshold value indicates the minimum output current. Further, the device current value includes the case where it is zero (when the device is stopped).

[0045] By doing so, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the minimum output current, the device current value can be increased by increasing the power consumption of the devices. Therefore, when the minimum output current is large, it is possible to prevent a current from flowing through the battery 214 in excess of the required current value. As a result, the battery 214 can be charged accurately.

[0046] An example of the processing executed in the ECU 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed in the ECU 100. A series of processes shown in this flowchart are repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0047] In step (hereinafter, steps are described as S) 100, the ECU 100 determines whether to execute external charging. For example, the ECU 100 determines to execute external charging when the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220. For example, when the ECU 100 receives an on signal output when the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220 from a connection detection circuit (not shown) provided in the inlet 220, the ECU 100 determines that the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220. When it is determined to execute external charging (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0048] In S102, the ECU 100 calculates a required current value Ia. For example, the ECU 100 calculates the required current value Ia based on at least any one of the SOC of the battery 214, the full charge capacity of the battery 214, and the battery temperature of the battery 214. For example, the ECU 100 may calculate the required current value Ia from the SOC, the full charge capacity, and the battery temperature using a map or function showing the relationship between the SOC, the full charge capacity, the battery temperature, and the required current value Ia. Alternatively, for example, the ECU 100 may calculate a reference value of the required current value Ia from the SOC using a map or function showing the relationship between the SOC and the reference value of the required current value Ia, and correct the calculated reference value using the full charge capacity and the battery temperature to calculate the required current value Ia. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S104.

[0049] In S104, the ECU 100 determines whether it has acquired the minimum output current Imin from the charging stand 10. When the ECU 100 receives information including the minimum output current Imin from the charging stand 10, it determines that it has acquired the minimum output current Imin from the charging stand 10. If it is determined that the minimum output current Imin has been acquired from the charging stand 10 (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S106.

[0050] In S106, the ECU 100 determines whether the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin. If it is determined that the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S108.

[0051] In S108, the ECU 100 operates the in-vehicle devices so as to exceed the minimum output current Imin. Specifically, the ECU 100 operates the predetermined devices in the vehicle 200. In the present embodiment, for example, the ECU 100 turns on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. Then the process proceeds to S110.

[0052] In S110, the ECU 100 determines whether the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib flowing through the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 when the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on is equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin. The ECU 100 detects, for example, the current flowing through the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 as the device current value Ib using a current sensor (not shown). If it is determined that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S112.

[0053] In S112, the ECU 100 transmits the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib to the charging stand 10 as the final required value. When the control unit 14 of the charging stand 10 receives the final required value, it controls the charging unit 15 so that the current of the received required value is output. Then the process proceeds to S116. If it is determined that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (NO in S110), the process proceeds to S114.

[0054] In S114, the ECU 100 transmits the sum of the required current value Ia, the device current value Ib, and the current value Ic when operating devices other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 to the charging stand 10 as the final required value. Devices that can be operated other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 include, for example, predetermined electrical devices such as in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle lighting devices, audio devices, and navigation systems. Then the process proceeds to S116.

[0055] In S116, the ECU 100 determines whether charging is complete. The ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete, for example, when the SOC of the battery 214 reaches a threshold corresponding to a predetermined charging state (for example, a fully charged state or a charging state before reaching the fully charged state). The ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete, for example, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin and the SOC reaches a threshold corresponding to the fully charged state. Alternatively, the ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete, for example, when the so-called natural charging described later is executed and the SOC reaches a threshold corresponding to a charging state before reaching the fully charged state. Alternatively, the ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete when it receives a charging stop request from the user. Alternatively, the ECU 100 may determine that charging is complete when a predetermined stop condition such as the battery temperature exceeding a threshold is satisfied. If it is determined that charging is complete (YES in S116), the process proceeds to S118.

[0056] At S118, the ECU 100 stops charging. The ECU 100 stops charging, for example, by requesting the charging stand 10 to stop charging. Thereafter, the process ends. If it is determined that the minimum output current Imin cannot be obtained (NO at S104), or if it is determined that the requested current value Ia is not less than the minimum output current Imin (NO at S106), the process proceeds to S120.

[0057] At S120, the ECU 100 performs the charging as it goes. Specifically, the ECU 100 requests the execution of charging without sending a requested value to the charging stand 10, and charges the battery 214 using the current supplied from the charging stand 10. When the ECU 100 performs the charging as it goes, devices not related to charging (for example, the air - conditioning heater 224, the seat heater 226, and other devices) are put into a stopped state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S116. If it is determined that charging is not executed (NO at S100), this process ends. Also, if it is determined that charging is not complete (NO at S116), the process returns to S116.

[0058] An example of the operation of the ECU 100 based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

[0059] For example, when the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220 and external charging is executed (YES at S100), the requested current value Ia is calculated from the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When communication is performed between the charging stand 10 and the ECU 100 and the minimum output current Imin is obtained from the charging stand 10 (YES at S104), it is determined whether the requested current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (S106). If it is determined that the requested current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (YES at S106), the air - conditioning heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on (S108).

[0060] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the required current value Ia and the minimum output current Imin. In FIG. 3, an example of the required current value and the minimum output current is shown as a bar graph. As shown in FIG. 3, even when the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin, by turning on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, the device current value Ib portion (the thick frame in FIG. 3) is added, so that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib becomes equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin. When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib becomes equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S110), the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is transmitted to the charging stand 10 as the final required value (S112).

[0061] As a result, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied from the charging stand 10. At this time, since the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are in a conductive state, a current corresponding to the device current value Ib among the currents supplied from the charging stand 10 is supplied to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, and a current corresponding to the required current value Ia is used for charging the battery 214. Thereby, a current of at least the minimum output current Imin is supplied from the charging stand 10, and the battery 214 is charged with the required current value Ia.

[0062] On the other hand, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (NO in S110), the sum of the required current value Ia, the device current value Ib, and the current value Ic of devices other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 is transmitted to the charging stand 10 as the final required value (S114). In this case, a minimum output current Imin is supplied from the charging stand 10.

[0063] Also, when the minimum output current Imin is not obtained (NO in S104), or when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin (NO in S106), charging is performed as it is (S120).

[0064] When it is determined that charging is completed (YES in S116) because the SOC of the battery 214 reaches the fully charged state or a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, charging is stopped (S118).

[0065] As described above, according to the vehicle 200 according to the present embodiment, when the required current value Ia is less than the minimum output current Imin, the device current value Ib can be increased by increasing the power consumption of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. Therefore, when the minimum output current is large, it is possible to prevent a current from flowing through the battery 214 exceeding the required current value. As a result, the battery 214 can be charged with high accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can accurately charge an in-vehicle power storage device during rapid charging using an external power supply facility.

[0066] Furthermore, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is smaller than the minimum output current Imin, it is possible to prevent a current from flowing through the battery 214 exceeding the required current value by increasing the power consumption by operating other devices in addition to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226.

[0067] Hereinafter, a modified example will be described.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are described as being operated according to the comparison result between the required current value Ia and the minimum output current Imin. However, for example, when the operation amounts of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 can be adjusted, the operation amounts of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 may be adjusted so that the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib are the same as the minimum output current Imin or larger than the minimum output current Imin by a predetermined value, thereby increasing the power consumption.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that when the required current value Ia is lower than the minimum output current Imin, both the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are brought into a conductive state. However, for example, when the sum of the device current of at least any one of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 and the required current value Ia is equal to or higher than the minimum output current Imin, the ECU 100 may select and bring into a conductive state only any one of the devices. In this case, the ECU 100 may select a device to be brought into a conductive state by presetting a priority order between the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. For example, when the ECU 100 sets the priority order of the air conditioner heater 224 higher than that of the seat heater 226, when the required current value Ia is lower than the minimum output current Imin, the air conditioner heater 224 is brought into a conductive state. In that case, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is lower than the minimum output current Imin, the seat heater 226 may further be brought into a conductive state.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that when receiving the minimum output current Imin from the charging stand 10, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are operated according to the comparison result between the required current value Ia and the minimum output current Imin. However, the ECU 100 may, for example, also operate the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 according to the comparison result between the required current value Ia and the actually measured value of the minimum output current Imin even when not receiving the minimum output current Imin from the charging stand 10. The ECU 100 may, for example, detect the actually measured value of the minimum output current Imin using a charging history over a predetermined period or longer. Even in this way, the battery 214 can be charged with high accuracy.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the minimum output current Imin is obtained and the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are described as being operated. However, when the minimum output current Imin is not obtained, devices mounted on the vehicle 200 (for example, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226) may be operated so that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this modification example, the predetermined value is described as being 10 A, for example, but is not particularly limited to 10 A.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a first flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the ECU 100 in the modification example. The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, and S120 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 are the same as the processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, and S120 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, respectively, except as described below. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0073] When it is determined that the minimum output current Imin is not obtained (NO in S104), the process proceeds to S200.

[0074] In S200, the ECU 100 operates the devices mounted on the vehicle 200 so that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib exceeds 10 A. Specifically, when the device current value Ib when only the air conditioner heater 224 is operated is equal to or greater than the value obtained by subtracting the required current value Ia from 10 A, the ECU 100 operates only the air conditioner heater 224. When the device current value Ib is less than the value obtained by subtracting the required current value Ia from 10 A, the ECU 100 operates the seat heater 226 in addition to the air conditioner heater 224. Then the process proceeds to S202.

[0075] In S202, the ECU 100 determines whether the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than 10 A. If it is determined that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than 10 A (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S204.

[0076] In S204, the ECU 100 transmits the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib to the charging stand 10 as the final required value. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S116. If it is determined that the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is 10 A or less (NO in S202), the process proceeds to S120.

[0077] In this way, for example, when it is determined that the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220 and external charging is to be executed (YES in S100), the required current value Ia is calculated from the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When the minimum output current Imin is not obtained (NO in S104), the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are brought into a conductive state so as to exceed 10 A (S200).

[0078] If the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is greater than 10 A (YES in S202), the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is transmitted to the charging stand 10 as the final required value (S204).

[0079] As a result, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied from the charging stand 10. At this time, since the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are in a conductive state, a current corresponding to the device current value Ib among the currents supplied from the charging stand 10 is supplied to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, and a current corresponding to the required current value Ia is used for charging the battery 214. Thereby, even when the minimum output current Imin from the charging stand 10 is not obtained, the battery 214 can be charged with the required current value Ia. Therefore, the battery 214 can be charged with high accuracy.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin, it has been described that the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are operated to perform external charging. However, it may be possible to allow the user to preset whether to perform external charging or not in advance.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the ECU 100 in the modification. The processing of S100, S102, S104, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S200, S202, and S204 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the processing of S100, S102, S104, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S200, S202, and S204 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, except as described below. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0082] When it is determined to execute external charging (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S300.

[0083] In S300, the ECU 100 determines whether there is a setting to continue the execution of external charging. The ECU 100 determines that there is a setting to continue the execution of external charging when it is preset by the user to continue the execution of external charging by operating the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 even when the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin. For example, when the ECU 100 receives an operation for setting to continue the execution of external charging in an input device provided in the vehicle 200, it sets a predetermined flag to the ON state. The ECU 100 determines that there is a setting to continue the execution of external charging when the predetermined flag is in the ON state. When it is determined that there is a setting to continue the execution of external charging (YES in S300), the process proceeds to S102. Note that when it is determined that there is no setting to continue the execution of external charging (NO in S300), the process proceeds to S302.

[0084] In S302, the ECU 100 performs the natural charging. Since the process of natural charging is the same as the process of S120 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The subsequent process proceeds to S116. When the minimum output current Imin is obtained in S104 (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S304.

[0085] In S304, the ECU 100 determines whether the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin. If it is determined that the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S108. Also, if the required current value Ia is equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin (NO in S304), the process proceeds to S114. Further, after the process of S108, the process proceeds to S306.

[0086] In S306, the ECU 100 notifies the user that the devices mounted on the vehicle 200 are in operation. For example, the ECU 100 notifies the user that the devices mounted on the vehicle 200 are in operation by displaying an image or character information indicating that the in-vehicle devices (specifically, the air-conditioning heater 224 and the seat heater 226) are in operation on a display device provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200. The subsequent process proceeds to S110.

[0087] In this way, for example, when it is determined that the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220 and external charging is to be performed (YES in S100), it is determined whether there is a setting to continue the external charging even if the air-conditioning heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are operated (S300). If it is determined that there is a setting to continue the external charging (YES in S300), the required current value Ia is calculated from the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When the minimum output current Imin is obtained (YES in S104) and it is determined that the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S304), the air-conditioning heater 224 and the seat heater 226 become conductive (S108).

[0088] Then, it is notified that the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are in operation (S306). When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S110), the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is transmitted to the charging stand 10 as the final required value (S112). As a result, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied from the charging stand 10.

[0089] In this way, since the user can preset whether to continue external charging or not, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the operations of the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 in accordance with the user's intention. Further, when the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on, the user is notified that they are in operation, so that the operation of the device can be started without giving the user a sense of discomfort. In this modification, although the case where charging is executed as a matter of course when it is determined that there is no setting to continue external charging has been described as an example, when it is determined that there is no setting to continue external charging, external charging may be stopped, or charging may be stopped when it is determined that the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that when the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin, the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on and external charging is executed. However, after the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220, the user may be asked whether to continue external charging with the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 turned on.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a third flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the ECU 100 in the modification. The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S200, S202, and S204 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the processing of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S200, S202, and S204 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, except as described below. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0092] When it is determined that external charging is being executed (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S400.

[0093] In S400, the ECU 100 determines whether there is user permission. The ECU 100 causes, for example, a display device provided in the interior of the vehicle 200 or a user terminal capable of communicating with the vehicle 200 (for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone) to display a screen for receiving a selection operation as to whether to continue external charging by operating devices such as the air-conditioning heater 224 and the seat heater 226. When the user performs a selection operation, information about the received operation is transmitted to the ECU 100. In the screen for receiving the selection operation, in addition to or instead of receiving permission as to whether to continue external charging by operating devices such as the air-conditioning heater 224 and the seat heater 226, permission as to whether to continue external charging by increasing the power consumption of the device may be received. The ECU 100 determines whether there is user permission using the information about the received operation. When it is determined that there is user permission (YES in S400), the process proceeds to S102. When it is determined that there is no user permission (NO in S400), the process proceeds to S120.

[0094] In this way, when the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220 and external charging is executed (YES in S110), it is determined whether there is user permission (S400). For example, a screen is displayed on a display device provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200 to inquire whether to continue the execution of external charging by operating devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. When an operation is performed by the user to permit the continuation of the execution of external charging, it is determined that there is user permission (YES in S400), and the required current value Ia is calculated from the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When the minimum output current Imin is obtained (YES in S104) and it is determined that the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S106), the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on (S108).

[0095] When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S110), the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is transmitted to the charging stand 10 as the final required value (S112). As a result, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied to the charging stand 10.

[0096] Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the device in accordance with the user's intention. In the above-described modification, it has been described that it is determined whether there is user permission to operate devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, but for example, it may be determined whether there is user permission to increase the power consumption of the device. In this way, it is possible to determine whether to increase the power consumption of the device in accordance with the user's intention.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that when the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin, the external charging is executed by turning on the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226, but when the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin, the user may be asked whether to continue the execution of external charging.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a fourth flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU 100 in the modification. The processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S200, S202, and S204 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 are the same as the processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S120, S200, S202, and S204 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, respectively, except as described below. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0099] When it is determined that the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S500.

[0100] In S500, the ECU 100 determines whether there is user permission. The method for determining permission is the same as the process of S400 in FIG. 6. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. When it is determined that there is user permission (YES in S500), the process proceeds to S108. Note that when it is determined that there is no user permission (NO in S500), the process proceeds to S120.

[0101] In this way, when the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220 and external charging is executed (YES in S110), the required current value Ia is calculated from the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When the minimum output current Imin is obtained (YES in S104) and it is determined that the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S106), it is determined whether there is user permission (S500). For example, a screen is displayed on a display device provided in the vehicle interior of the vehicle 200 to inquire whether to continue the execution of external charging by operating devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. When an operation to permit the continuation of the execution of external charging is performed by the user, it is determined that there is user permission (YES in S500), and the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are brought into a conductive state (S108).

[0102] When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S110), the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is transmitted to the charging stand 10 as the final required value (S112). As a result, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied to the charging stand 10. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the device in accordance with the user's intention.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin even after increasing the power consumption, it has been described that external charging is performed by operating other devices in addition to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. However, external charging may be stopped when a predetermined charging state before the battery 214 is fully charged is reached.

[0104] By doing so, it is possible to suppress an increase in the load on the battery 214 and protect the battery 214.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that external charging is performed by operating other devices in addition to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin. However, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin and there is user permission, external charging is performed by operating other devices in addition to the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin and the user does not give permission, the air conditioner heater 224, the seat heater 226, and other devices may be stopped.

[0106] FIG. 8 is a fifth flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the ECU 100 in the modified example. The processing of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, and S120 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the processing of S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, and S120 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, respectively, except as described below. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0107] If the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is less than the minimum output current Imin (NO in S110), the process proceeds to S600.

[0108] In S600, the ECU 100 determines whether there is user permission. The method for determining permission is the same as the processing of S400 in FIG. 6. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that there is user permission (YES in S600), the process proceeds to S114. Note that if it is determined that there is no user permission (NO in S600), the process proceeds to S120.

[0109] In this way, when the connector 17 is attached to the inlet 220 and external charging is executed (YES in S110), the required current value Ia is calculated from the SOC of the battery 214, etc. (S102). When the minimum output current Imin is obtained (YES in S104) and it is determined that the required current value Ia is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S106), the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 are turned on (S108).

[0110] When the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib becomes equal to or greater than the minimum output current Imin (YES in S110), the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is transmitted to the charging stand 10 as the final required value (S112). As a result, a current corresponding to the required value is supplied to the charging stand 10.

[0111] On the other hand, when the sum of the required current value Ia and the device current value Ib is smaller than the minimum output current Imin (NO in S110), it is determined whether there is user permission (S600). For example, a screen is displayed on a display device provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 200 to inquire whether to continue external charging by operating devices such as the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226. When an operation to permit the continuation of external charging is performed by the user, it is determined that there is user permission (YES in S600), and the sum of the required current value Ia, the device current value Ib, and the current value Ic of devices other than the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 is transmitted as the final required value to the charging stand 10 (S114). In this case, the minimum output current Imin is supplied from the charging stand 10. Also, when it is determined that there is no user permission (NO in S600), the charging proceeds as it is (S120). Therefore, the air conditioner heater 224, the seat heater 226, and other devices are stopped. As a result, the power consumption by the air conditioner heater 224 and the seat heater 226 can be reduced. In this way, it is possible to determine whether to start the operation of the device in accordance with the user's intention. Note that when it is determined that there is no user permission, the process may be transferred to S112. By doing so, since other devices are stopped, the power consumption can be maintained.

[0112] In addition, the above-described modified examples may be implemented by appropriately combining all or part of them.

[0113] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0114] 1 Charging system, 10 Charging stand, 13 Communication unit, 14 Control unit, 15 Charging unit, 16 Cable, 17 Connector, 100 ECU, 102, 104, 106 Sensor, 200 Vehicle, 214 Battery, 216 Inverter, 218 MG, 220 Inlet, 222 DC / DC converter, 224 Heater for air conditioning, 226 Seat heater, 400 Utility power supply.

Claims

1. A power storage device charged by electric power supplied from a power source outside the vehicle, a control device that determines a required current value indicating a required value of the current supplied to the power storage device, and a device that consumes the electric power supplied to the power storage device, wherein the control device increases the power consumption of the device when the sum of the required current value and the device current value supplied to the device is less than a threshold value.

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

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

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

5. The vehicle further includes a notification device that notifies a user of predetermined information, and when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the control device notifies the user to start the operation of the device using the notification device.

6. The vehicle further includes a notification device that notifies a user of predetermined information, and when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value, the control device notifies the user to increase the power consumption using the notification device.

7. The vehicle further includes an input device that receives an operation from the user, and the control device starts the operation of the device when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and a first operation indicating permission to start the operation of the device is received at the input device, and when the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and a second operation indicating non - permission to start the operation of the device is received at the input device, the device is stopped.

8. The vehicle further includes an input device that receives an operation from the user, and the control device When the input device receives a first operation indicating that the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and allowing the power consumption to increase, increase the power consumption, The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the input device receives a second operation indicating that the sum of the required current value and the device current value is less than the threshold value and not allowing the power consumption to increase, the power consumption is maintained or decreased.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein after increasing the power consumption, when the sum of the required current value and the device current value becomes less than the threshold value, the control device stops the supply of power from a power source outside the vehicle before the power storage device reaches a fully charged state.

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