Control device and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a control device capable of suppressing abnormally performing of leakage detection processing by a plurality of replaceable batteries.SOLUTION: An ECU 18a (control device) includes: a processor 18e; and a communication part 18f that communicates with each of a plurality of battery packs 20 (batteries). Each of the plurality of packs 20 can perform leakage detection processing and can be replaced. The processor 18e selects one battery pack 20 to be caused to perform the leakage detection processing among the plurality of battery packs 20 on the basis of information on a communication start timing with each battery pack 20 acquired through the communication part 18f.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-101504 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle equipped with a replaceable battery pack.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although not specified in the above Patent Document 1, there may be a case where a plurality of battery packs that can execute leakage detection processing and are replaceable are mounted on a vehicle. In this case, it is conceivable that the leakage detection functions interfere with each other due to, for example, the leakage detection functions of each of the plurality of battery packs operating at the same timing. In this case, it becomes difficult to normally detect leakage.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control device and a vehicle capable of suppressing abnormal execution of leakage detection processing by a plurality of replaceable batteries.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for a vehicle equipped with a plurality of batteries, and includes a processor and a communication unit that communicates with each of the plurality of batteries. Each of the plurality of batteries is capable of executing a leakage detection process and is replaceable. The processor selects some of the plurality of batteries for which to execute the leakage detection process based on information regarding the plurality of batteries acquired through the communication unit.

[0007] In the control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, some of the plurality of batteries for which to execute the leakage detection process are selected. Thereby, compared with the case where the leakage detection functions of all of the plurality of batteries interfere with each other, the degree of interference between the batteries can be reduced. Therefore, in a vehicle equipped with a plurality of batteries that are capable of executing the leakage detection process and are replaceable, it is possible to suppress the abnormal execution of the leakage detection process.

[0008] In the control device according to the first aspect, preferably, the processor selects one of the plurality of batteries for which to execute the leakage detection process. With this configuration, since the leakage detection process can be executed on a single battery, it is possible to further suppress the interference between the leakage detection functions of the plurality of batteries.

[0009] In this case, preferably, the processor selects, as the battery for which to execute the leakage detection process, the battery whose communication with the communication unit was first started among the plurality of batteries. With this configuration, the battery for which to execute the leakage detection process can be easily selected based on the communication start timing.

[0010] In the control device according to the first aspect, preferably, the processor selects, as the battery for which to execute the leakage detection process, the battery disposed at a predetermined position of the vehicle among the plurality of batteries. With this configuration, the battery for which to execute the leakage detection process can be easily selected based on the mounting position of the battery.

[0011] The vehicle according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of batteries and the control device according to the first aspect. Thereby, it is possible to provide a vehicle capable of suppressing the abnormal execution of the leakage detection process.

Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the abnormal execution of the leakage detection process by a plurality of replaceable batteries.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] 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 the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0015] [First Embodiment] [Configuration of Battery Exchange System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery exchange system 900 including an electric vehicle 100 and a battery exchange device 200 according to the first embodiment. Note that the electric vehicle 100 is an example of the "vehicle" of the present disclosure.

[0016] The electric vehicle 100 includes a plurality (two in the first embodiment) of battery packs 20. The battery pack 20 stores electric power used to drive the electric vehicle 100. The two battery packs 20 are arranged side by side, for example, in the front-rear direction of the electric vehicle 100. Note that the battery pack 20 is an example of the "battery" in the present disclosure.

[0017] The electric vehicle 100 is, for example, a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), or an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0018] The battery swapping device 200 includes a battery swapping device main body 200a where battery swapping is performed, and a storage 200b in which a battery 201 is stored. The battery swapping device main body 200a is a device that performs battery swapping to replace the battery pack 20 mounted on the electric vehicle 100 with the battery 201. The storage 200b is provided adjacent to the battery swapping device main body 200a. An entrance / exit 202 for the electric vehicle 100 to enter and exit is provided in the battery swapping device 200 (the battery swapping device main body 200a).

[0019] The battery 201 stored in the storage 200b is moved to a temporary storage place 140 provided in the underfloor area S and then transported to the electric vehicle 100. Note that in the underfloor area S, a battery mounting table 131, a lifting / lowering unit 132, and a conveying unit 133, which will be described later, are provided.

[0020] A vehicle stop area 203 is provided in the battery swapping device 200. The battery swapping device 200 performs battery swapping while the electric vehicle 100 is stopped in the vehicle stop area 203. For example, in response to an operation by the user to instruct the start of battery swapping work in a navigation system (not shown) of the electric vehicle 100, an instruction signal to start the battery swapping work is transmitted from the electric vehicle 100 to the battery swapping device 200. The battery swapping device 200 starts controlling the battery swapping work in response to receiving the above instruction signal.

[0021] The elevating part 132 raises and lowers the electric vehicle 100 by ascending and descending while holding the electric vehicle 100 from below. The elevating part 132 includes a pair of elevating bars 132a. The electric vehicle 100 is supported from below by the pair of elevating bars 132a. Battery replacement (attachment and detachment of the battery) is performed while the electric vehicle 100 is horizontally held by the pair of elevating bars 132a.

[0022] The battery mounting table 131 is configured to be able to ascend and descend in the Z direction. When the battery mounting table 131 ascends to the height position of the bottom of the electric vehicle 100, the battery pack 20 removed from the electric vehicle 100 is mounted on the battery mounting table 131. Also, when the battery mounting table 131 on which the battery 201 is mounted ascends to the height position of the bottom of the electric vehicle 100, the battery 201 is attached to the electric vehicle 100.

[0023] The battery mounting table 131 raises and lowers the battery packs 20 one by one. The battery mounting table 131 can move to a position corresponding to each of the two battery placement positions in the electric vehicle 100 by moving in the X direction. Thereby, the two battery packs 20 are exchanged (attached and detached) in order.

[0024] The conveying part 133 is configured to be able to convey the battery (201, 20). Specifically, the conveying part 133 conveys the battery pack 20 removed from the electric vehicle 100 and mounted on the battery mounting table 131 to the temporary storage place 140. Also, the conveying part 133 conveys the battery 201 conveyed from the storage 200b to the temporary storage place 140 to the battery mounting table 131.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electric vehicle 100 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the electric vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 10 in addition to two battery packs 20. The vehicle body 10 is the part of the electric vehicle 100 other than the battery pack 20.

[0026] The vehicle body 10 includes a circuit CR11 and a circuit CR12. The battery pack 20 includes a circuit CR21 and a circuit CR22. The circuit CR21 corresponds to a first high-voltage circuit configured to apply a voltage (high voltage) from the battery cell 21 to the circuit CR11. The circuit CR11 corresponds to a second high-voltage circuit that receives the application of the voltage (high voltage) from the battery cell 21. The circuit CR12 corresponds to a first low-voltage circuit configured to apply a voltage (low voltage) from the auxiliary battery 17 to the circuit CR22. The circuit CR22 corresponds to a second low-voltage circuit that receives the application of the voltage (low voltage) from the auxiliary battery 17. A DC / DC converter 16 is provided between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR12.

[0027] The circuit CR11 in the vehicle body 10 has an MG (Motor Generator) 11a, an inverter 11b, a leakage detector 12, a DC charging relay 14a, a DC inlet 14b, an AC charger 15a, and an AC inlet 15b.

[0028] The circuit CR21 in the battery pack 20 is provided with a BMS (Battery Management System) 22a and a leakage detector 22b.

[0029] The vehicle body 10 further includes two terminals T11 to which the battery pack 20 is detachable, and an SMR13 disposed between each terminal T11 and the circuit CR11. The circuit CR11 (high-voltage power line) is connected to each terminal T11 via the SMR13.

[0030] The battery pack 20 further includes a terminal T21 to which the vehicle body 10 is detachable, 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. Note that "SMR" means a System Main Relay.

[0031] The battery cell 21 is composed of a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery, for example. The type of the secondary battery may be a liquid secondary battery or an all-solid-state secondary battery. A plurality of secondary batteries may form a battery pack.

[0032] The vehicle body 10 further includes two terminals T12. The circuit CR12 (low-voltage power supply line) in the vehicle body 10 is connected to each terminal T12. Also, the communication line CL1 in the vehicle body 10 is connected to each terminal T12. The battery pack 20 further includes a terminal T22. The circuit CR22 (low-voltage power supply line) in the battery pack 20 is connected to the terminal T22. Also, the communication line CL2 in the battery pack 20 is connected to the terminal T22.

[0033] The auxiliary battery 17 is an in-vehicle battery that supplies power for driving auxiliary devices mounted on the vehicle 100. The auxiliary battery 17 outputs DC power to the circuit CR12 (low-voltage power supply line). The circuit CR12 further includes ECUs 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d in addition to the auxiliary battery 17. The circuit CR22 further includes ECUs 28a and 28b. The auxiliary battery 17 supplies power to each of ECUs 18a to 18d and 28a, 28b connected to the low-voltage power supply line, for example. Note that "ECU" means an Electronic Control Unit. Also, ECU 18a is an example of the "control device" in the present disclosure.

[0034] ECU 18a corresponds to a control device (EV-ECU) that overall controls various controls related to the vehicle 100. ECU 18a has a processor 18e and a communication unit 18f. The communication unit 18f receives information of each of the plurality of battery packs 20 through communication via the communication line CL1. Specifically, the communication unit 18f receives information from each of ECU 28a and ECU 28b.

[0035] ECU 18b corresponds to a control device (Plg-ECU) that detects the state of each of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b. ECU 18c corresponds to a control device (Bat-C-ECU) that controls the DC charging relay 14a and the AC charger 15a. ECU 18d corresponds to a control device that monitors the leakage state of the circuit CR11.

[0036] ECU 28a corresponds to a control device (Bat-ECU) that monitors the state of the battery cell 21 and controls the SMR 23. ECU 28b corresponds to a control device that monitors the leakage state of the circuit CR21. Each ECU is communicably connected to each other via an in-vehicle network (for example, CAN (Controller Area Network)).

[0037] The leakage detector 12 detects the leakage state regarding the circuit CR11 and outputs the detected leakage state to the ECU 18d. The BMS 22a detects the state (such as current, voltage, temperature, etc.) of the battery cell 21 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 28a. The leakage detector 22b detects the leakage state regarding the circuit CR21 and outputs the detected leakage state to the ECU 28b. In a state where the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR21 are connected, the leakage detector 12 or 22b detects the leakage state of the circuit formed by the circuits CR11 and CR21. The ECU 18a acquires information indicating the battery state and the leakage state from the ECU 18d, 28a, and 28b. Note that the leakage detection process is constantly executed when the electric vehicle 100 is driven (during traveling, charging, etc.).

[0038] Each of the SMR 13 and the SMR 23 switches the connection / interruption of the circuit between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR21. When applying the voltage of the battery cell 21 to the circuit CR11, the ECU 18a sets both the SMR 13 and the SMR 23 to the closed state (connected state). When not applying the voltage of the battery cell 21 to the circuit CR11, the ECU 18a sets at least one of the SMR 13 and the SMR 23 to the open state (interrupted state). Note that when the electric vehicle 100 is driven (during traveling, charging, etc.), the SMR 13 and the two SMR 23s are set to the closed state.

[0039] The terminals T21 and T22 of the battery pack 20 are each detachably configured to the terminals T11 and T12 of the vehicle body 10. By connecting the terminals T21 and T22 to the terminals T11 and T12 respectively, the battery pack 20 is mounted on the vehicle body 10.

[0040] MG11a functions as a motor for driving the electric vehicle 100. The inverter 11b functions as a PCU (Power Control Unit) for MG11a. The inverter 11b drives MG11a using the power supplied from the battery cell 21.

[0041] Each of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b has a terminal for detecting the connection / disconnection of a charging cable (charging plug), and outputs a signal indicating whether the charging cable is connected to the ECU 18b. The ECU 18a acquires information indicating the inlet state from the ECU 18b and transmits a control command to the ECU 18c. In the vehicle 100, charging control is executed by the cooperation of the ECUs 18a to 18c.

[0042] Here, in a conventional vehicle, each leakage detection function of a plurality of battery packs may interfere with each other due to the operation of each leakage detection function at the same timing. Leakage detection means detecting the insulation resistance value when leakage is intentionally generated and determining whether there is an abnormality in the insulation resistance value. Therefore, the interference of the leakage detection functions with each other means that the insulation resistance value is abnormally detected due to the intentional generation of leakage in a plurality of battery packs. In this case, it becomes difficult to normally detect leakage.

[0043] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the ECU 18a (processor 18e) selects a battery pack 20 that executes the leakage detection process among the plurality of battery packs 20. Specifically, the ECU 18a determines one battery pack 20 that executes the leakage detection process and one battery pack 20 that does not execute the leakage detection process. As a result, the leakage detection process is executed only in one of the plurality of battery packs 20, so it is possible to suppress the interference between the leakage detection functions.

[0044] Even if a leakage occurs in the battery pack 20 that does not execute the leakage detection process, the presence or absence of leakage can be detected by the vehicle-side leakage detector 12 (18d). Based on this information and the leakage detection result by the battery pack 20 that executes the leakage detection process, it is possible to identify the battery pack 20 in which the leakage has occurred.

[0045] <ECU Sequence> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a method for selecting a battery pack 20 that executes the leakage detection process by the ECU 18a (electric vehicle 100) will be described. Before the sequence of FIG. 3 is started, the two battery packs 20 are removed from the electric vehicle 100. For convenience of explanation, the two battery packs 20 are referred to as battery pack A and battery pack B, respectively.

[0046] In step S1, the ECU 18a (EV-ECU) is activated. At this time, the ECU 18a is supplied with power from the auxiliary battery 17.

[0047] In step S2, the ECU 18a (communication unit 18f) starts communication. Specifically, the ECU 18a (communication unit 18f) starts communication with other ECUs (18b, 18c, 18d, etc.) in the electric vehicle 100.

[0048] In step S3, the ECU 18a (processor 18e) determines whether communication is connected to either one of the battery packs A and B. When communication is connected to either one of the battery packs A and B (Yes in S3), the process proceeds to step S4. When communication has not been connected to either of the battery packs A and B yet (No in S3), the process of step S3 is repeated.

[0049] Here, it is assumed that due to the battery pack A being attached to the electric vehicle 100 earlier than the battery pack B, in step S21, the ECUs (28a and 28b) of the battery pack A are activated earlier than the ECUs of the battery pack B.

[0050] In step S22, the ECUs (28a and 28b) of the battery pack A start communication. As a result, communication between the ECUs (28a and 28b) of the battery pack A and the ECU 18a of the electric vehicle 100 becomes possible. That is, the ECU 18a communicates with the ECUs (28a and 28b) of the battery pack A earlier than with the ECUs (28a and 28b) of the battery pack B. Note that the information that the battery pack A communicates with the ECU 18a earlier than the battery pack B is an example of the "information regarding a plurality of batteries" of the present disclosure.

[0051] Due to the battery pack B being attached to the electric vehicle 100 later than the battery pack A, in step S41, the ECUs (28a and 28b) of the battery pack B are activated later than the ECUs of the battery pack A.

[0052] In step S42, the ECUs (28a and 28b) of the battery pack B start communication. As a result, communication between the ECUs (28a and 28b) of the battery pack B and the ECU 18a of the electric vehicle 100 becomes possible.

[0053] When the communication of the ECU of the battery pack A is started, the process of the ECU 18a of the electric vehicle 100 shifts from step S3 to step S4. In step S4, the ECU 18a selects the battery pack A as the main battery pack 20. Also, the ECU 18a selects the battery pack B as the sub-battery pack 20. Along with this, the ECU 18a decides to execute a leakage detection process on the battery pack A.

[0054] In step S5, the ECU 18a transmits, through the communication unit 18f, a command signal to turn on the leakage detection function to the ECU (28a and / or 28b) of the battery pack A. As a result, the above command signal to turn on the leakage detection function is received by the ECU 28b. Next, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0055] In step S23, the battery pack A (ECU 28b) turns on the leakage detection function (executes the leakage detection process). After that, the process of the battery pack A ends.

[0056] In step S6, the ECU 18a determines whether the communication with the battery pack B (28a, 28b) is connected. If the communication with the battery pack B is connected (Yes in S6), the process proceeds to step S7. If the communication with the battery pack B is not connected (No in S6), the process of step S6 is repeated.

[0057] In step S7, the ECU 18a transmits, through the communication unit 18f, a command signal to turn off the leakage detection function to the ECU (28a and / or 28b) of the battery pack B. As a result, the above command signal to turn off the leakage detection function is received by the ECU 28b. After that, the process of the ECU 18a ends.

[0058] In step S43, the battery pack B (ECU 28b) turns off the leakage detection function. Note that if the leakage detection function of the battery pack B is off at the start of communication of the battery pack B, the processes of steps S7 and S43 may not be performed. After that, the process of the battery pack B ends.

[0059] As described above, in the first embodiment, the processor 18e selects one battery pack 20 out of the plurality of battery packs 20 to execute the leakage detection process. Thereby, it is possible to suppress each of the plurality of battery packs 20 from simultaneously executing the leakage detection process. As a result, it is possible to suppress the plurality of leakage detection processes from interfering with each other. As a result, it is possible to suppress the leakage detection process from being executed abnormally.

[0060] Also, in the first embodiment, the processor 18e selects, as the battery pack 20 to execute the leakage detection process, the battery pack 20 in which communication with the communication unit 18f is first started among the plurality of battery packs 20. Thereby, it is possible to start the execution of the leakage detection process relatively early as compared with the case where the leakage detection process is executed on the battery pack 20 in which communication was started last.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the battery pack 20 to execute the leakage detection process is selected based on the timing at which the communication of the battery pack 20 is started, the battery pack 20 to execute the leakage detection process is selected based on the position where each battery pack 20 is mounted. For the same configuration as in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and repeated description will not be made.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the vehicle body 10A of the electric vehicle 100A and a plurality of battery packs 20. The vehicle body 10A includes an ECU 118a instead of the ECU 18a of the first embodiment. The ECU 118a has a processor 118e and a communication unit 118f. Note that the ECU 118a is an example of the "control device" of the present disclosure. Also, the processor 118e and the communication unit 118f are examples of the "processor" and the "communication unit" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0063] The vehicle body 10A includes one terminal T12 and one terminal T12A. That is, the vehicle body 10A includes the terminal T12A instead of one of the two terminals T12 provided in the vehicle body 10 in the first embodiment.

[0064] The terminal T12 and the terminal T12A have different resistance values from each other. Specifically, the terminal T12 has a plurality (for example, 10) of identical pins (not shown). The terminal T12A has a plurality (for example, 9) of pins identical to those of the terminal T12 and a pin (for example, 1) having a different resistance value from those of the above pins.

[0065] Thereby, the resistance value between the battery pack 20 connected to the terminal T12 and the ECU 118a is different from the resistance value between the battery pack 20 connected to the terminal T12A and the ECU 118a. The above resistance value is calculated by the ECU 28a based on detection values such as voltage sensors (not shown) provided in each battery pack 20. Each battery pack 20 (ECU 28a) transmits the information on the calculated resistance value to the ECU 118a. Note that the information on the above resistance value is an example of the "information on a plurality of batteries" in the present disclosure.

[0066] The ECU 118a detects the terminal (12 or 12A) to which each battery pack 20 is connected based on the information on the resistance value transmitted from each battery pack 20. Note that the ECU 118a is configured to transmit a command signal for executing a leakage detection process to the battery pack 20 mounted at the position corresponding to the terminal T12A.

[0067] <Sequence of ECU> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a method for selecting the battery pack 20 that causes the ECU 118a to execute the leakage detection process will be described. Note that before the sequence of FIG. 5 starts, the plurality of battery packs 20 are removed from the electric vehicle 100A. Also, steps in which the same processing as that of the sequence of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3) is performed will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the battery pack A is connected to the terminal T12A and the battery pack B is connected to the terminal T12.

[0068] In step S32 after step S21, the battery pack A (ECU 28a) calculates the resistance value between the battery pack A and the ECU 118a (for example, the resistance value of the connection portion between the terminal T12A and the terminal T22).

[0069] In step S33, the battery pack A (ECU 28a) transmits the information on the resistance value calculated in step S32 to the electric vehicle 100A (ECU 118a).

[0070] In step S52 after step S41, the battery pack B (ECU 28a) calculates the resistance value between the battery pack B and the ECU 118a (for example, the resistance value of the connection portion between the terminal T12 and the terminal T22).

[0071] In step S53, the battery pack B (ECU 28a) transmits the information on the resistance value calculated in step S52 to the electric vehicle 100A (ECU 118a).

[0072] In step S13, the ECU 118a of the electric vehicle 100A compares the resistance value in step S32 with the resistance value in step S53. Thereby, the ECU 118a detects the mounting position of each of the battery pack A and the battery pack B. For example, the ECU 118a may have in advance the correct data of the resistance value corresponding to the terminal T12A and the correct data corresponding to the terminal T12, and compare the resistance values in steps S32 and S53 with the above correct data. Further, the ECU 118a may detect the mounting position based on the magnitude relationship between the resistance value in step S32 and the resistance value in step S53. Next, the process proceeds to step S4. In the second embodiment, after step S5, the process does not proceed to step S6 of the first embodiment, but proceeds to step S7.

[0073] Note that since other configurations and processes are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, repeated description will not be given.

[0074] In the first and second embodiments described above, an example in which one of the two battery packs 20 is selected as the battery pack 20 that executes the leakage detection process has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. One of three or more battery packs 20 may be selected. Also, a plurality (less than the total number of battery packs 20) of the three or more battery packs 20 may be selected.

[0075] In the first embodiment, an example in which the battery pack 20 that first starts communication with the ECU 18a is selected as the battery pack 20 that executes the leakage detection process has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the battery pack 20 that last starts communication with the ECU 18a may be selected.

[0076] In the second embodiment, an example in which the battery pack 20 mounted at a predetermined position (the position corresponding to the terminal T12A) is detected based on the resistance value between terminals (12 / 12A) has been shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the position of each battery pack 20 may be detected based on GPS (Global Positioning System) modules mounted on each of the plurality of battery packs.

[0077] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which the vehicle body 10 (10A) is provided with a leakage detection function (12, 18d) has been shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The vehicle body may not be provided with a leakage detection function.

[0078] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which the battery pack 20 for executing the leakage detection process is selected based on predetermined information (communication start timing, mounting position) regarding the battery pack 20 has been shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The battery pack 20 for executing the leakage detection process may be randomly selected.

[0079] In the above-described second embodiment, although it was not described that there was any particular difference between the battery mounting position corresponding to the terminal T12A and the battery mounting position corresponding to the terminal T12, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the battery mounting position corresponding to the terminal T12A may be a position where the temperature of the battery pack is more likely (or less likely) to rise than the battery mounting position corresponding to the terminal T12. In this case, it is possible to execute the leakage detection process on the battery pack whose temperature is more likely (or less likely) to rise.

[0080] In the above-described first embodiment, an example in which communication between the ECU of the mounted battery pack 20 and the ECU of the vehicle body 10 is started in response to the battery pack 20 being mounted on the vehicle body 10 has been shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the above communication may be started in response to the ignition power being turned on after a plurality of battery packs 20 are mounted on the vehicle body 10.

[0081] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which the ECU18a (118a) directly communicates with each of the plurality of battery packs 20 (ECU28a and 28b) has been shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The ECU18a (118a) may indirectly communicate with the plurality of battery packs 20 (ECU28a and 28b) through, for example, a master ECU that oversees the plurality of battery packs 20.

[0082] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which a command signal for executing the leakage detection process is transmitted to the battery pack 20 has been shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the leakage detection process is automatically started in response to the start of communication in the battery pack, the command signal for executing the leakage detection process may not be transmitted to the battery pack. In this case, a command signal for not executing the leakage detection process needs to be transmitted to any one of the battery packs.

[0083] In the above-described first (second) embodiment, an example in which the battery pack 20 (the battery pack 20 arranged at a predetermined position) in which communication has been started first is made to execute the leakage detection process has been shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The selection criteria for the battery pack 20 to execute the leakage detection process may not be limited to the above example. For example, the battery pack 20 with a low SOH (State Of Health) may be made to execute the leakage detection process.

[0084] In the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which SMRs (13, 23) are provided in each of the vehicle body 10 (10A) and the battery pack 20 has been shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle body 10B in which the SMR 13 is not provided may be used for the electric vehicle. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, two battery packs 20A in which the SMR 23 is not provided may be mounted on the electric vehicle. Note that FIGS. 6 and 7 show modified examples based on the configuration of the first embodiment, but the above modified examples may be applied to the configuration of the second embodiment. Also, the battery pack 20A is an example of the "battery" of the present disclosure.

[0085] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is shown by the claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0086] 18a, 118a ECU (control device), 18e, 118e processor, 18f, 118f communication unit, 20, 20A battery pack (battery), 100, 100A electric vehicle (vehicle).

Claims

1. A control device for a vehicle equipped with a plurality of batteries, a processor, and a communication unit that communicates with each of the plurality of batteries, each of the plurality of batteries is capable of executing a leakage detection process and is replaceable, the processor selects, based on information regarding the plurality of batteries acquired through the communication unit, a part of the plurality of batteries for which the leakage detection process is to be executed, a control device.

2. The processor selects one battery among the plurality of batteries for which the leakage detection process is to be executed, the control device according to claim 1.

3. The processor selects, as the battery for which the leakage detection process is to be executed, the battery among the plurality of batteries for which communication with the communication unit was first started, the control device according to claim 2.

4. The processor selects, as the battery for which the leakage detection process is to be executed, the battery among the plurality of batteries that is disposed at a predetermined position of the vehicle, the control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a plurality of batteries, and a vehicle comprising the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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