Vehicle control device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device capable of completing defrosting of a charging inlet at the timing of removing a charging connector, as well as capable of suppressing power consumption of a heater.SOLUTION: A charging control unit 10 determines, on the basis of a charging state of a battery or a setting of a user, a predicted time which is a time at which a charging connector 21 is predicted to be removed from a charging inlet 4 (step S1). The charging control unit 10 calculates, on the basis of an outside air temperature, a thawing time at which a temperature of the charging inlet 4 rises from a freezing temperature to a thawing temperature by operation of a heater 5 (step S5). The charging control unit 10 starts the operation of the heater 5 so that the thawing time coincides with the predicted time (step S8).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for preventing freezing of a charging inlet by providing a heater near the charging inlet and heating the heater according to the amount of snow accumulation in a vehicle that performs external charging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the heater is stopped after the freezing of the charging inlet is released, there is a problem that the charging inlet freezes again when the connector is actually removed from the charging inlet. On the other hand, when the heater is continuously energized until the connector is actually removed from the charging inlet, there is a problem that the power consumption increases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device that can complete the defrosting of a charging inlet at the timing of removing a charging connector and can suppress the power consumption of a heater.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle control device according to the present invention is a vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, comprising a charging inlet to which a charging connector connected to an external power source is connected, a battery charged by electric power supplied from the external power source via the charging inlet, and a heater for raising the temperature of the charging inlet. The vehicle control device is provided with a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater. The control unit calculates a defrosting time at which the charging inlet is heated by the operation of the heater to rise from the freezing temperature to the defrosting temperature based on the outside air temperature, determines a predicted time which is the time when the removal of the charging connector from the charging inlet is predicted based on the state of charge of the battery or user settings, and starts the operation of the heater so that the defrosting time coincides with the predicted time.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] The present invention can provide a vehicle control device capable of completing defrosting of the charging inlet at the timing of removing the charging connector and suppressing the power consumption of the heater.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, comprising a charging inlet to which a charging connector connected to an external power source is connected, a battery charged by power supplied from the external power source via the charging inlet, and a heater for raising the temperature of the charging inlet. The vehicle control device is provided with a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater. The control unit calculates the defrosting time when the charging inlet is heated by the operation of the heater from the freezing temperature to the defrosting temperature based on the outside air temperature, determines the predicted time, which is the time when the removal of the charging connector from the charging inlet is predicted, based on the state of charge of the battery or user settings, and starts the operation of the heater so that the defrosting time coincides with the predicted time. Thereby, the vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention can complete the defrosting of the charging inlet at the timing of removing the charging connector and can suppress the power consumption of the heater.

Example

[0010] Hereinafter, a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a charging inlet 4 to which a charging connector 21 connected to a commercial power source 22 as an external power source is connected, a battery 2 charged by power supplied from the commercial power source 22 via the charging inlet 4, and a heater 5 disposed in the vicinity of the charging inlet 4 for raising the temperature of the charging inlet 4.

[0012] The vehicle 1 can receive power supply from the commercial power source 22 by connecting the charging connector 21 connected to the commercial power source 22 by a cable 23 to the charging inlet 4.

[0013] The vehicle 1 is provided with a charging control unit 10 for controlling the operation of the heater 5.

[0014] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a charger 3. This charger 3 converts AC power from the commercial power supply 22 into DC power, supplies the converted DC power to the battery 2, and charges the battery 2. The charger 3 is controlled by a charge control unit 10.

[0015] The heater 5 is installed near the charging inlet 4. The heater 5 is controlled by the charge control unit 10.

[0016] Vehicle 1 is equipped with an outside air temperature sensor 11. The outside air temperature sensor 11 detects the outside air temperature.

[0017] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a timer 12. The timer 12 can arbitrarily set the time when the user plans to use Vehicle 1 (or the time from the current time).

[0018] The charge control unit 10 acquires the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 2, controls the charger 3 so as to reach a predetermined sufficient state of charge, and performs charging. It is preferable that the charge control unit 10 controls to perform optimal charging considering the life of the battery 2. The charge control unit 10 calculates the charging completion time.

[0019] The charge control unit 10 is composed of a computer unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory for storing backup data, an input port, and an output port. In the ROM of the computer unit, a program for causing the computer unit to function as the charge control unit 10 is stored together with various constants and various maps. That is, when the CPU executes the program stored in the ROM using the RAM as a work area, the computer unit functions as the charge control unit 10 in this embodiment.

[0020] The charging control unit 10 calculates the defrosting time when the charging inlet 4 is heated from the freezing temperature to the defrosting temperature by the operation of the heater 5 based on the outside air temperature. Further, the charging control unit 10 determines a predicted time, which is the time when the removal of the charging connector 21 from the charging inlet 4 is predicted, based on the state of charge of the battery 2 or the user's settings. Then, the charging control unit 10 starts the operation of the heater 5 so that the defrosting time coincides with the predicted time.

[0021] The charging control unit 10 calculates the defrosting time (also referred to as the freezing prevention completion time) required for the charging inlet 4 to be heated from the freezing temperature to the defrosting temperature by the operation of the heater 5. Further, the charging control unit 10 calculates the defrosting time based on the outside air temperature and the temperature rising characteristics of the heater 5 at the outside air temperature.

[0022] Specifically, the charging control unit 10 acquires the outside air temperature from the outside air temperature sensor 11 and refers to the temperature rising characteristics of the heater 5 (see FIG. 2). Then, the charging control unit 10 calculates the time (freezing prevention completion time) required to heat up to the temperature (defrosting temperature) set to prevent freezing by the operation of the heater 5 based on the outside air temperature and the temperature rising characteristics.

[0023] Then, the charging control unit 10 starts the operation of the heater 5 from before by the defrosting time at the predicted time.

[0024] That is, the charging control unit 10 operates the heater 5 from before by the freezing prevention completion time with respect to the time when the charging completion time is reached. Thereby, the charging completion time and the time to reach the freezing prevention completion temperature can be made the same time.

[0025] The above predicted time is the time when the charging of the battery 2 is completed. Or, the predicted time is the scheduled use time of the vehicle 1 set by a user such as a driver. When the predicted time is the scheduled use time, the scheduled use time is set in advance in the timer 12 by the user.

[0026] The charging control unit 10 can make the start time of using the vehicle 1 and the time of reaching the anti-freezing completion temperature the same time by operating the heater 5 starting from a time before the anti-freezing completion time set by the timer 12.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, the temperature rising characteristics of the heater 5 will be described. The heater 5 has the temperature rising characteristics shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the vertical axis represents the temperature of the charging inlet 4 (hereinafter also referred to as the inlet temperature), and the horizontal axis represents time. The inlet temperature is assumed to be equal to the outside air temperature. The temperature rising characteristics of the heater 5 are obtained in advance by experiments or empirical methods and stored in the charging control unit 10.

[0028] In FIG. 2, the thawing completion temperature threshold is the boundary of the inlet temperature at which freezing is eliminated. The anti-freezing target temperature is a temperature that is higher than the thawing completion temperature by a predetermined temperature as a margin. This anti-freezing target temperature is set so that it can maintain a non-frozen state without hunting at the boundary. When the purpose is to always be in a non-frozen state, the heater 5 is controlled to maintain the anti-freezing target temperature. The anti-freezing target temperature or the thawing completion temperature threshold corresponds to the thawing temperature in the present invention.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet temperature rises faster when the outside air temperature is -10°C than when the outside air temperature is -30°C. Note that the inlet temperature when the outside air temperature is -20°C changes between the curve when the outside air temperature is -30°C and the curve when the outside air temperature is -10°C.

[0030] When the outside air temperature is -10°C, the operation of the heater 5 starts at time t1, and the inlet temperature rises to the thawing completion temperature threshold at time t2 and the thawing is completed. In this case, it takes Y hours to complete the thawing. Also, when the outside air temperature is -30°C, the operation of the heater 5 starts at time t1, and the inlet temperature rises to the thawing completion temperature threshold at time t3 and the thawing is completed. In this case, it takes X hours to complete the thawing. Thus, the lower the outside air temperature, the gentler the rise of the inlet temperature and the longer the time required to complete the thawing.

[0031] By referring to the temperature increase characteristics of the heater 5, the charge control unit 10 determines whether the charge inlet 4 is frozen based on the outside air temperature and the inlet temperature during the operation of the heater 5. When the charge inlet 4 is frozen, the charge control unit 10 can predict whether it takes time required for defrosting. Therefore, by starting the operation of the heater 5 at a time retrogressed by the time required for defrosting from the predicted time (charge completion time or scheduled use time of the vehicle 1), defrosting can be completed at the predicted time.

[0032] Here, an example will be described in a case where the user sets a timer so that the charging of the battery 2 is completed at 8:00 am and also sets the operation of the heater 5 for preventing the charge inlet 4 from freezing. In this embodiment, the minimum temperature at which proper operation of the heater 5 can be guaranteed and the defrosting time can be accurately estimated is -30°C. Assuming the minimum temperature of the usage environment is -30°C and the longest defrosting time is X hours. Note that the longest defrosting time can be appropriately set based on the performance of the heater 5 used and the assumed usage environment. The charge control unit 10 activates the related ECU at a timing retrogressed by the longest defrosting time X hours from 8:00 am and measures the outside air temperature. When the outside air temperature is -10°C, the charge control unit 10 calculates that the actual time required for defrosting is Y hours and shuts down the related ECU once. Then, the charge control unit 10 restarts the related ECU at a time retrogressed by Y hours from 8:00 am to start the operation of the heater 5. Then, the charge control unit 10 continues the operation of the heater 5 for Y hours, and at 8:00 am when the charging of the battery 2 is completed, the defrosting of the charge inlet 4 is also completed, and the heater 5 is stopped.

[0033] In addition, when the heater 5 is stopped after the defrosting of the charging inlet 4 is completed, there is a concern that it may freeze again before the charging connector 21 is removed from the charging inlet 4 and the vehicle 1 is used. Therefore, the operation of the heater 5 may be continued with the anti-freezing target temperature as the target even after the defrosting is completed. Here, the possibility of refreezing after the heater 5 is stopped can be determined according to whether the inlet temperature rapidly rises immediately after the start of operation and reaches the anti-freezing target temperature early when the operation of the heater 5 is started at a time Y hours back from 8:00 am. If the inlet temperature rapidly rises immediately after the start of operation of the heater 5 and reaches the anti-freezing target temperature early, it can be determined that the possibility of refreezing after the heater 5 is stopped is low.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, the flow of the operation of the charge control unit 10 will be described. This operation exemplifies the control of the heater 5 when the outside air temperature is -10°C.

[0035] In FIG. 3, first, the charge control unit 10 calculates the time T when charging is completed (step S1).

[0036] Next, the charge control unit 10 acquires the outside air temperature at time T-X (step S2). Here, it is assumed that the acquired outside air temperature is -10°C.

[0037] Next, the charge control unit 10 determines whether the outside air temperature is higher than -30°C (step S3).

[0038] When the outside air temperature is not higher than -30°C (NO in step S3), the charge control unit 10 operates the heater 5 (step S4) and ends the current operation.

[0039] When the outside air temperature is higher than -30°C (YES in step S3), the charge control unit 10 calculates the time Y required for defrosting (step S5) and shuts down the related ECUs (step S6).

[0040] Next, the charge control unit 10 activates the related ECU at time T - Y (step S7), operates the heater 5 (step S8), and ends the current operation.

[0041] As described above, in the vehicle control device according to the present embodiment, the charge control unit 10 calculates the defrosting time when the charging inlet 4 is heated from the freezing temperature to the defrosting temperature by the operation of the heater 5 based on the outside air temperature. Further, the charge control unit 10 determines the predicted time, which is the time when the removal of the charging connector 21 from the charging inlet 4 is predicted, based on the state of charge of the battery or the user's settings. Then, the charge control unit 10 starts the operation of the heater 5 so that the defrosting time coincides with the predicted time.

[0042] Thereby, by starting the operation of the heater 5 so that the defrosting time coincides with the predicted time, it is possible to complete the defrosting of the charging inlet 4 at the predicted time when the removal of the charging connector 21 is predicted. Also, the power consumption of the heater 5 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to complete the defrosting of the charging inlet 4 at the timing of removing the charging connector 21 and suppress the power consumption of the heater 5.

[0043] Also, in the vehicle control device according to the present embodiment, the charge control unit 10 calculates the defrosting time required for the charging inlet 4 to be heated from the freezing temperature to the defrosting temperature by the operation of the heater 5, and starts the operation of the heater 5 from before by the defrosting time at the predicted time.

[0044] Thereby, by operating the heater 5 so that the charging inlet 4 is heated to the defrosting temperature at the timing of removing the charging connector 21, it is possible to complete the defrosting of the charging inlet 4 and suppress the power consumption of the heater 5.

[0045] Also, in the vehicle control device according to the present embodiment, the charge control unit 10 calculates the defrosting time based on the outside air temperature and the temperature rising characteristics of the heater 5 at the outside air temperature.

[0046] Accordingly, it is possible to complete the defrosting by operating the heater 5 so that the defrosting temperature is reached at the timing of removing the charging connector 21 according to the outside air temperature and the temperature rising characteristics of the heater 5, and it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the heater 5.

[0047] Further, in the vehicle control device according to the present embodiment, the predicted time is the time when the charging of the battery is completed.

[0048] Accordingly, it is possible to complete the defrosting of the charging inlet 4 at the timing when the charging of the battery 2 is completed and the removal of the charging connector 21 is predicted, and it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the heater 5.

[0049] Further, in the vehicle control device according to the present embodiment, the predicted time is the scheduled time of use of the vehicle set by the user.

[0050] Accordingly, it is possible to complete the defrosting of the charging inlet 4 at the timing when the use of the vehicle 1 is scheduled, and it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the heater 5.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make changes without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that all such modifications and equivalents be included in the following claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 1 Vehicle 2 Battery 4 Charging Inlet 5 Heater 10 Charging Control Unit (Control Unit) 21 Charging Connector 22 Commercial Power Supply (External Power Supply)

Claims

1. A charging inlet to which a charging connector connected to an external power source is connected, A battery charged by electric power supplied from the external power source via the charging inlet, A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, comprising a heater for raising the temperature of the charging inlet, comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater, The control unit calculates a defrosting time at which the charging inlet is heated from a freezing temperature to a defrosting temperature by the operation of the heater, based on the outside air temperature, determines a predicted time, which is a time at which removal of the charging connector from the charging inlet is predicted, based on the state of charge of the battery or user settings, and starts the operation of the heater so that the defrosting time coincides with the predicted time. A vehicle control device characterized by this.

2. The control unit calculates a defrosting time required for the charging inlet to be heated from a freezing temperature to a defrosting temperature by the operation of the heater, and starts the operation of the heater a time before by the defrosting time of the predicted time. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The control unit calculates the defrosting time based on the outside air temperature and the temperature rising characteristics of the heater at the outside air temperature. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The predicted time is a time when charging of the battery is completed. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by this.

5. The predicted time is a scheduled time of use of the vehicle set by the user. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by this.

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