Vehicle control device, vehicle control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and a program which can reduce electrical power consumption by preventing an unintended headlight from lighting up and at the same time can enhance convenience of a user.SOLUTION: One type of an embodiment includes function of external power supply. In a vehicle which is capable of switching automatic selection mode and manual selection mode of turning on and off a headlight, a vehicle control device is provided with a controller. The controller switches from the automatic selection mode to the manual selection mode when starting the external power supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a vehicle, when an external power supply mode is selected by a user's operation or the like, a technique of supplying power from the vehicle to a device outside the vehicle has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventionally, there has been a risk of consuming unnecessary power and reducing user convenience. Specifically, in a vehicle, it is obligatory to equip a so-called auto-light function that automatically turns on the headlights when the surroundings of the vehicle become dark, such as at night. Therefore, for example, when the above external power supply is performed in a vehicle, when the surroundings of the vehicle become dark, the headlights turn on due to the auto-light function even though the vehicle is not running, consuming unnecessary power. In addition, when the headlights turn on, the user has to manually turn them off, resulting in a potential reduction in user convenience.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and a program that can prevent unintended headlight lighting, reduce power consumption, and improve user convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a vehicle having an external power supply function and capable of switching between an automatic selection mode and a manual selection mode for turning on and off the headlights. The vehicle control device includes a controller. When the external power supply starts, the controller switches from the automatic selection mode to the manual selection mode.

[0007] Further, the present invention provides a vehicle control device provided in the vehicle having an external power supply function for supplying power to the outside of the vehicle, the vehicle control device including a controller for controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the headlights of the vehicle. When the vehicle starts, the controller turns on or off the headlights according to the environment around the vehicle, and turns off the headlights when the external power supply starts.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unintended lighting of the headlights, reduce power consumption, and improve user convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the vehicle control device, vehicle control method, and program disclosed in the present application will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0011] (First Embodiment) First, a vehicle control method by the vehicle control device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the vehicle control method by the vehicle control device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, an example will be given in which the vehicle A according to the first embodiment is a plug-in vehicle such as a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) or an EV (Electric Vehicle). The vehicle A has a function of external power supply for supplying power to the outside of the vehicle A.

[0013] Specifically, the vehicle A includes a battery 18 (see FIG. 2 described later) and a power supply outlet 20. A plug B is connected to the power supply outlet 20. The plug B includes, for example, a dedicated plug corresponding to high voltage and high current. Thereby, power is supplied (fed) from the battery 18 to the external device 100 outside the vehicle via the plug B and the cable C. In this way, external power supply refers to supplying power from the vehicle A to the outside of the vehicle A (for example, electrical appliances such as home appliances, electronic devices such as personal computers and mobile phones). Note that "the outside of the vehicle A" does not mean only the outside of the vehicle cabin, but includes the outside and inside of the vehicle cabin. In other words, "the outside of the vehicle A" means an external device (external device 100) different from the electrical system of the vehicle A.

[0014] In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the power supply outlet 20 is provided on the side surface of the vehicle A, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be provided at an arbitrary location such as inside the vehicle cabin. Further, when the vehicle A is an HV (Hybrid Vehicle), the power supply outlet 20 is provided inside the vehicle cabin, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, for example, the power supply outlet 20 provided inside the vehicle cabin can be connected to the external device 100 without passing through a dedicated plug.

[0015] Also, hereinafter, the vehicle power supply shall refer to the "IG (Ignition) power supply". The state where this IG power supply is on may be expressed as "IG on". Similarly, the state where the IG power supply is off may be expressed as "IG off".

[0016] Here, vehicle A has a so-called auto-light function that automatically turns on the headlight 30 when the surroundings of vehicle A become dark at night or the like.

[0017] In the prior art, for example, when the above external power supply is performed in a vehicle, when the surroundings of the vehicle become dark, the headlight lights up due to the auto-light function even though the vehicle is not running, consuming unnecessary power. Also, when the headlight lights up, the user has to manually turn off the headlight, and as a result, the convenience of the user may be reduced. Further, for example, when the user starts external power supply during the day, the headlight turns off because the surroundings of the vehicle are bright. After that, when the time passes while the external power supply is ongoing and the surroundings of the vehicle become dark, the headlight automatically lights up. At this time, there is also a possibility that the user is away from the vehicle and may not notice the lighting of the headlight, continuing to consume unnecessary power.

[0018] Therefore, in the vehicle control device 10 according to the present embodiment of the present invention, a configuration is adopted that can prevent the unintended lighting of the headlight 30, reduce power consumption, and improve the convenience of the user.

[0019] Specifically, vehicle A is a vehicle that can switch between an automatic selection mode and a manual selection mode for turning on and off the headlights 30. Hereinafter, the automatic selection mode may be referred to as the "automatic mode", and the manual selection mode may be referred to as the "manual mode". Specifically, vehicle A is equipped with a vehicle control system 1 including a vehicle control device 10. The vehicle control device 10 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the headlights 30 of vehicle A. The vehicle control device 10 has "automatic mode" and "manual mode" as modes for controlling the headlights 30.

[0020] The automatic mode is a mode in which the vehicle control device 10 (specifically, the controller 40 described later; see Figure 2) can select whether to turn on or off the headlights 30. Such an automatic mode is, for example, for realizing the above-described autolight function. Specifically, in the automatic mode, the vehicle control device 10 automatically turns off the headlights 30 when the surroundings of vehicle A are bright, such as during the day, and automatically turns on the headlights 30 when the surroundings of vehicle A become dark, such as at night.

[0021] The manual mode is a mode in which the user can select whether to turn on or off the headlights 30. In the manual mode, when the vehicle control device 10 receives a lighting instruction, for example, by a manual operation of the operation unit by the user, the vehicle control device 10 turns on the headlights 30. Also, when the vehicle control device 10 receives a extinguishing instruction, for example, by a manual operation of the operation unit by the user, the vehicle control device 10 turns off the headlights 30.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, when the vehicle A starts and enters the IG-on state, the above-described vehicle control device 10 selects "automatic mode" as the control mode of the headlight 30 (step S1). Next, when the vehicle control device 10 receives a power supply start instruction from the user, it starts external power supply. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 supplies (powers) power from the battery 18 (see FIG. 2) to the external device 100 via the plug B and the cable C. At the start of this external power supply, the vehicle control device 10 turns off the headlight 30 (step S2). After turning off the headlight 30, the vehicle control device 10 switches the control mode of the headlight 30 from the automatic mode to the manual mode (step S3).

[0023] Thus, the vehicle control device 10 according to this embodiment is configured to switch from the automatic mode to the manual mode at the start of external power supply. Specifically, the vehicle control device 10 is configured to turn off the headlight 30 and then switch from the automatic mode to the manual mode at the start of external power supply. In other words, when the vehicle A starts, the vehicle control device 10 turns on or off the headlight 30 according to the environment (e.g., brightness) around the vehicle A, and turns off the headlight 30 when starting external power supply.

[0024] As a result, for example, even if it gets dark around vehicle A during external power supply, the headlight 30 will not turn on, thus preventing the unintentional turning on of the headlight 30 and reducing power consumption. Also, since the headlight 30 does not automatically turn on, the user does not need to manually turn off the headlight 30, thereby improving the convenience for the user. Further, in this embodiment, since it is switched to the manual mode, for example, when the user wants to turn on the headlight 30 later, it becomes possible to turn on the headlight 30 by manually operating the operation unit. After that, when the user wants to turn off the headlight 30, it becomes possible to turn off the headlight 30 by manually operating the operation unit. That is, it becomes possible to turn on or off the headlight 30 in accordance with the user's intention, and as a result, the convenience for the user can be further improved. Note that after switching to the manual mode, if the user manually switches the lighting state of the headlight 30, it may be switched from the manual mode to the automatic mode.

[0025] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the vehicle control system 1 including the vehicle control device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle control system 1 including the vehicle control device 10 according to the first embodiment. Note that in FIG. 2, only the components necessary for explaining the features of this embodiment are represented as functional blocks, and the description of general components is omitted.

[0026] In other words, each component illustrated in FIG. 2 is conceptually functional, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. For example, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each functional block is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage situations.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle control system 1 includes a vehicle control device 10, a running system 11, an operation unit 12, an accelerator sensor 13, a brake sensor 14, a steering angle sensor 15, a vehicle speed sensor 16, an illuminance sensor 17, a battery 18, a power outlet 20, and headlights 30.

[0028] The running system 11 is various devices that constitute the running system mechanism of vehicle A. The running system 11 includes, for example, a running motor and an inverter.

[0029] The operation unit 12 is a group of operation components that receives operations by the user. The operation unit 12 receives, for example, an operation by the user to turn on or off the ignition (IG) power supply. The operation component for turning on or off this IG power supply is realized, for example, by a push button, but is not limited thereto, and may be realized by, for example, a cylinder key. When the operation unit 12 receives an operation from the user to turn on the IG power supply, it outputs a signal indicating an IG on instruction to the vehicle control device 10. When the operation unit 12 receives an operation from the user to turn off the IG power supply, it outputs a signal indicating an IG off instruction to the vehicle control device 10.

[0030] Further, the operation unit 12 receives, for example, an operation by the user that is required when external power supply is performed. In other words, the operation unit 12 receives an operation by the user to start or end external power supply. The operation component for starting or ending this external power supply is realized, for example, by a push button, but is not limited thereto. When the operation unit 12 receives an operation from the user to start external power supply, it outputs a signal indicating a power supply start instruction to the vehicle control device 10. When the operation unit 12 receives an operation from the user to end external power supply, it outputs a signal indicating a power supply end instruction to the vehicle control device 10.

[0031] In addition, the operation unit 12 receives an operation by which the user turns on or off the headlight 30, for example. The operation component for turning on or off the headlight 30 is realized by, for example, a lever (specifically, a rotary switch of the lever), but is not limited thereto, and may be realized by, for example, a push button. When the operation unit 12 receives an operation to turn on the headlight 30 from the user, the operation unit 12 outputs a signal indicating a turn-on instruction to the vehicle control device 10. When the operation unit 12 receives an operation to turn off the headlight 30, the operation unit 12 outputs a signal indicating a turn-off instruction to the vehicle control device 10.

[0032] The accelerator sensor 13 detects the operation amount of the accelerator (specifically, the accelerator pedal). The accelerator sensor 13 outputs a signal indicating the detected operation amount of the accelerator to the vehicle control device 10. The brake sensor 14 outputs a signal indicating the operation amount of the brake (specifically, the brake pedal). The brake sensor 14 outputs a signal indicating the detected operation amount of the brake to the vehicle control device 10. The steering angle sensor 15 detects the steering angle of the steering wheel. The steering angle sensor 15 outputs a signal indicating the detected steering angle of the steering wheel to the vehicle control device 10.

[0033] The vehicle speed sensor 16 detects the speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle A. The vehicle speed sensor 16 outputs a signal indicating the detected vehicle speed to the vehicle control device 10. The illuminance sensor 17 detects the illuminance around the vehicle A. The illuminance sensor 17 outputs a signal indicating the detected illuminance to the vehicle control device 10. Note that such illuminance is used for a determination process as to whether the current surrounding environment of the vehicle A is bright enough for the headlight 30 to be turned on or not bright enough, which will be described later.

[0034] The battery 18 is a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle A. The battery 18 includes a driving battery (not shown) and an auxiliary battery, but is not limited thereto. The battery 18 supplies power to the drive system 11, the headlight 30, and the like. Further, during external power supply, the battery 18 supplies power to the external device 100 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] The power supply socket 20 is an interface provided in the vehicle A and serves as the insertion port for the plug B (see FIG. 1) used during external power supply. Note that the power supply socket 20 is shared with the inlet to which the charging plug is connected when charging the battery 18, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] The headlight 30 is a lighting device mounted on the vehicle A and irradiates light around the vehicle A including the front of the vehicle A.

[0037] The vehicle control device 10 includes a controller (control unit) 40 and a storage unit 50. The storage unit 50 is realized by a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a flash memory. Various data and various programs are stored in such a storage unit 50.

[0038] The controller 40 corresponds to a so-called processor. The controller 40 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), or the like. The controller 40 executes a program according to an embodiment (not shown) stored in the storage unit 50, using the RAM as a work area. Further, the controller 40 can be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0039] The controller 40 controls the vehicle A based on the outputs from the operation unit 12 and the various sensors 13 to 17. For example, when the controller 40 receives a signal indicating an IG-on instruction by an operation of the operation unit 12 by a user, for example, the controller 40 starts the vehicle A (specifically, starts various devices of the vehicle A) and sets the vehicle A to the IG-on state.

[0040] Here, when the controller 40 receives a signal indicating an IG - ON instruction while the brake is operated, it turns on the IG of vehicle A and makes it in a drivable state, in other words, makes it in the "Ready - on" state. On the other hand, when the controller 40 receives a signal indicating an IG - ON instruction while the brake is not operated, it turns on the IG of vehicle A but does not make it in a drivable state, in other words, makes it in the "Ready - off" state. External power supply can be performed when vehicle A is in the "IG - on" state and in the "Ready - off" state where it is not in a drivable state, but it is not limited to this case.

[0041] Note that the signal indicating an IG - ON instruction when shifting to a drivable state (Ready - on state) or an IG - on state is, for example, in the case of a vehicle with a cylinder key, a switch input signal input by turning the cylinder key to the ST (start) position. At this time, the condition that the brake is operated does not have to be included. Also, in the case of a push - start vehicle, the signal indicating an IG - ON instruction is a switch input signal input by pressing the Power switch. These switch input signals are also called ST signals.

[0042] Also, in the case of a vehicle with a cylinder key, the brake operation input when shifting to a drivable state (Ready - on state) may not be required (that is, it does not have to be included in the shift conditions). The shift to the IG - on state in the case of a vehicle with a cylinder key is performed by turning the cylinder key to the IG position (not turning it to the ST position).

[0043] Also, when the controller 40 receives a signal indicating an IG - OFF instruction, for example, by an operation of the operation unit 12 by the user, it turns off the IG power supply and shuts down vehicle A.

[0044] The controller 40 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the headlight 30. Also, as modes for controlling the headlight 30, the controller 40 has the above - described automatic mode and manual mode.

[0045] In the automatic mode, the controller 40 turns on or off the headlight 30 according to the output of the illuminance sensor 17. For example, when the illuminance around the vehicle A detected by the illuminance sensor 17 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value indicating that the ambient environment of the vehicle A requires the headlight 30 to be turned on, in other words, when it is dark around the vehicle A at night or the like, the controller 40 turns on the headlight 30. When the illuminance around the vehicle A is greater than the predetermined value, in other words, when it is bright around the vehicle A during the day or the like, the controller 40 turns off the headlight 30.

[0046] Also, in the manual mode, when the controller 40 receives a signal indicating a lighting instruction, for example, by an operation of the operation unit 12 by the user, the controller 40 turns on the headlight 30. Also, when the controller 40 receives a signal indicating a turning-off instruction, for example, by an operation of the operation unit 12 by the user, the controller 40 turns off the headlight 30. The controller 40 selects the above-described automatic mode and manual mode, and such selection processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0047] The controller 40 controls external power supply. For example, when the controller 40 receives a signal indicating a power supply start instruction by an operation of the operation unit 12 by the user, the controller 40 starts external power supply. Also, when the controller 40 receives a signal indicating a power supply end instruction by an operation of the operation unit 12 by the user, the controller 40 ends external power supply.

[0048] The controller 40 controls the running system 11 according to a signal indicating the operation amount of the accelerator output from the accelerator sensor 13, a signal indicating the operation amount of the brake output from the brake sensor 14, and a signal indicating the steering angle of the steering wheel output from the steering angle sensor 15. Thereby, the controller 40 controls the running of the vehicle A.

[0049] Next, the processing procedure executed by the controller 40 of the vehicle control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the controller 40 according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 3 is a flowchart mainly showing the control processing of the headlight 30 among various processes executed by the controller 40.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 40 of the vehicle control device 10 determines whether the vehicle A has started (step S10). Specifically, the controller 40 determines whether the vehicle A has started and is in the IG-on state.

[0051] If the controller 40 determines that the vehicle A has not started (step S10, No), the process of step S10 is repeated. On the other hand, if the controller 40 determines that the vehicle A has started (step S10, Yes), it selects "automatic mode" as the control mode of the headlight 30 (step S11).

[0052] Next, the controller 40 determines whether the vehicle A is in a drivable state, that is, in the Ready-on state (step S12). If the controller 40 determines that the vehicle A is in a drivable state (step S12, Yes), it skips the subsequent processing, that is, remains in the automatic mode.

[0053] On the other hand, if the controller 40 determines that the vehicle A is not in a drivable state (step S12, No), that is, in the Ready-off state, it determines whether external power supply has started (step S13). If the controller 40 determines that external power supply has not started (step S13, No), it returns to the process of step S12.

[0054] On the other hand, if the controller 40 determines that external power supply has started (step S13, Yes), it turns off the headlight 30 (step S14). Next, the controller 40 switches the control mode of the headlight 30 from the automatic mode to the manual mode (step S15).

[0055] Next, the controller 40 determines whether the external power supply has ended (step S16). When the controller 40 determines that the external power supply has not ended (step S16, No), the process of step S16 is repeated. On the other hand, when the controller 40 determines that the external power supply has ended (step S16, Yes), it determines whether the IG has been turned off (step S17). Specifically, the controller 40 receives a signal indicating an IG off instruction from the operation unit 12 and determines whether the IG power supply has been turned off.

[0056] When the controller 40 determines that the IG has not been turned off (step S17, No), the process of step S17 is repeated. On the other hand, when the controller 40 determines that the IG has been turned off (step S17, Yes), it turns off the headlight 30 (step S18) and ends the process.

[0057] Also, when an operation for driving the vehicle A next time is performed by the user, the controller 40 switches from the manual mode to the automatic mode. Specifically, when the IG is turned off after the external power supply ends (or during the external power supply), the controller 40 ends the process in the manual mode. When the user drives the vehicle A next time, the user turns on the IG power supply to the operation unit 12 to start the vehicle A. In such a case, since the controller 40 determines that the vehicle A has started in the process of step S10, it selects the automatic mode in the process of step S11. Thus, the controller 40 according to the present embodiment switches from the manual mode to the automatic mode when an operation for driving the vehicle A is performed by the user after switching to the manual mode.

[0058] Thereby, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the next driving of the vehicle A from being performed in the manual mode. In other words, since it is switched to the automatic mode, the autolight can surely function when the vehicle A is driven next time.

[0059] As described above, in the first embodiment, in the vehicle A having the function of external power supply and capable of switching between the automatic selection mode (automatic mode) and the manual selection mode (manual mode) of turning on and off the headlight 30, the vehicle control device 10 includes a controller 40. When the external power supply starts, the controller 40 switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode.

[0060] Further, the vehicle control device 10 according to the first embodiment is a device provided in the vehicle A having the function of external power supply for supplying power to the outside of the vehicle A. The vehicle control device 10 includes a controller 40 that controls the lighting and extinguishing of the headlight 30 of the vehicle A. When the vehicle A starts, the controller 40 turns on or off the headlight 30 according to the environment around the vehicle A, and turns off the headlight 30 when the external power supply starts.

[0061] Thereby, for example, even if the surroundings of the vehicle A become dark during external power supply, the headlight 30 does not light up, so that the unintended lighting of the headlight 30 can be prevented and the power consumption can be reduced. Further, since the headlight 30 does not light up automatically, the user does not need to manually turn off the headlight 30, thus improving the convenience for the user.

[0062] (Modification example) Next, the vehicle control device 10 according to the modification example will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the controller 40 of the vehicle control device 10 according to the modification example. In the following, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, in the controller 40 according to the second embodiment, when it is determined that the external power supply has started (step S13, Yes), it is determined whether the current surroundings of the vehicle are daytime (step S13a).

[0064] For example, the controller 40 can determine whether it is daytime according to the output of the illuminance sensor 17. Specifically, when the illuminance around vehicle A detected by the illuminance sensor 17 is greater than a predetermined value indicating that the ambient environment of vehicle A requires the headlights 30 to be turned on, the controller 40 determines that it is daytime. On the other hand, when the illuminance around vehicle A is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the controller 40 determines that it is not daytime, in other words, it determines that it is nighttime.

[0065] In the above, an example where the determination of whether it is daytime is made according to the illuminance around vehicle A is shown, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be made according to other information such as the current time. That is, when the current time is in a time zone indicating daytime set in advance, the controller 40 determines that it is daytime, while when it is outside the time zone indicating daytime, the controller 40 may determine that it is not daytime.

[0066] When the controller 40 determines that it is daytime (step S13a, Yes), in step S14, it turns off the headlights 30, and then in step S15, it switches the control mode of the headlights 30 from the automatic mode to the manual mode. On the other hand, when the controller 40 determines that it is not daytime (step S13a, No), that is, when it determines that it is nighttime, it skips the processes of step S14 and step S15. Therefore, the controller 40 keeps the control mode of the headlights 30 in the automatic mode.

[0067] In this way, when the external power supply is started during the daytime, the controller 40 according to the modified example turns off the headlights 30 and then switches from the automatic mode to the manual mode. Thereby, for example, even if the user starts the external power supply during the daytime and then the time passes while the external power supply is on and the surroundings of vehicle A become dark, the headlights 30 do not turn on, so that the unintended lighting of the headlights 30 can be prevented and the power consumption can be reduced. Since other effects in the modified example are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

[0068] (Second Embodiment) Next, the vehicle control device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the controller 40 of the vehicle control device 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0069] In the second embodiment, external power supply is also performed when the vehicle A is in the "IG on" state and in the "Ready on" state where it is in a drivable state, and the headlight 30 is controlled during such external power supply. Further, since such external power supply is mainly performed from the power outlet 20 provided in the vehicle interior to the external device 100, it may be described as "interior external power supply" hereinafter.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, when the controller 40 according to the second embodiment determines that the vehicle A is in a drivable state (step S12, Yes), that is, when it determines that it is in the Ready on state, it determines whether or not the interior external power supply has been started (step S19).

[0071] When the controller 40 determines that the interior external power supply has been started, for example, by receiving a power supply start instruction from the user (step S19, Yes), it determines whether or not the determination conditions for switching from the automatic mode to the manual mode are satisfied (step S20).

[0072] More specifically, when the vehicle A is in a drivable state, since there is a possibility that driving may be started by the operation of the user, it is preferable that the control mode of the headlight 30 is the automatic mode. However, when the user has no intention of driving, even though the vehicle does not move, the headlight 30 lights up due to the auto-light function when the surroundings of the vehicle become dark, consuming unnecessary power.

[0073] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when a determination condition indicating that the user has no intention of driving is satisfied, after turning off the headlight 30, the mode is switched from the automatic mode to the manual mode. As a result, since the headlight 30 is not lit when the vehicle is not running, power consumption can be reduced.

[0074] Specifically, as examples of the determination conditions, the following <Determination Condition 1> to <Determination Condition 3> can be cited. When the controller 40 satisfies at least any one of <Determination Condition 1> to <Determination Condition 3>, it is determined (estimated) that the user has no intention of driving.

[0075] <Determination Condition 1> The vehicle speed is 0 (zero). There is an instruction to start power supply for indoor and outdoor power supply. After the vehicle is started and in a drivable state, the shift lever has not been operated.

[0076] <Determination Condition 2> The vehicle speed is 0 (zero). There is an instruction to start power supply for indoor and outdoor power supply. After the vehicle is started and in a drivable state, the elapsed time since the shift lever was placed in the parking range exceeds the threshold value.

[0077] <Determination Condition 3> The vehicle speed is 0 (zero). Power is being supplied inside the vehicle. The elapsed time since the shift lever was placed in the parking range exceeds the threshold value.

[0078] Incidentally, the above-mentioned threshold value is a preset value and is set to a value (for example, 10 minutes) that is presumed that the user has no intention of driving, but it is not limited to this and can be set to any value. Further, each of the above conditions may include other contents, for example, the parking brake is on. Further, the operation of the shift lever may be an operation of another operation unit corresponding to the shift operation, for example, an operation of a shift button. Further, in a vehicle or the like that does not have a parking range, instead of the condition of whether the shift position is in the parking range, for example, a condition of whether the shift position is in the neutral range and the parking brake is operating may be used.

[0079] When the controller 40 determines that the above-described determination condition is not satisfied (step S20, No), since it is determined that the user has an intention to drive, the process returns to step S19. On the other hand, when the controller 40 determines that the determination condition is satisfied (step S20, Yes), that is, when it is determined that the user has no intention of driving, the headlight 30 is turned off (step S21). Next, the controller 40 switches the control mode of the headlight 30 from the automatic mode to the manual mode (step S22).

[0080] Next, the controller 40 determines whether or not an end determination condition for confirming that the user has an intention to drive and ending the switching to the manual mode is satisfied (step S23). More specifically, since the vehicle A is in a drivable state, when it is confirmed that the user has an intention to drive, it is preferable to return the control mode of the headlight 30 from the manual mode to the automatic mode.

[0081] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when an end determination condition indicating that the user's intention to drive has been confirmed is satisfied, the control mode of the headlight 30 is switched from the manual mode to the automatic mode. As a result, when the vehicle A travels, it can be set to the automatic mode, in other words, the auto light function can be enabled.

[0082] Examples of the end determination conditions include the following <End Determination Condition 1> to <End Determination Condition 3>. When at least any one of <End Determination Condition 1> to <End Determination Condition 3> is satisfied, the controller 40 determines (estimates) that the user has the intention to drive.

[0083] <End Determination Condition 1> The shift lever is in a range other than the parking range.

[0084] <End Determination Condition 2> There is an instruction to stop power supply for indoor and outdoor power supply.

[0085] <End Determination Condition 3> The vehicle speed is greater than 0 (zero).

[0086] In addition, each of the above conditions may include other contents, such as the parking brake being released.

[0087] When it is determined that the above-described end determination condition is not satisfied (step S23, No), the controller 40 returns to the process of step S23. On the other hand, when it is determined that the end determination condition is satisfied (step S23, Yes), that is, when it is determined that the user has the intention to drive, the controller 40 switches the control mode of the headlight 30 from the manual mode to the automatic mode (step S24).

[0088] Next, the controller 40 determines whether the IG is turned off (step S25). When it is determined that the IG is not turned off (step S25, No), the controller 40 returns to the process of step S12. Also, when it is determined that the IG is turned off (step S25, Yes), the controller 40 proceeds to step S18 to turn off the headlight 30 and ends the process.

[0089] Also, when it is determined that the indoor and outdoor power supply has not been started (step S19, No), the controller 40 executes the process of step S25.

[0090] Thus, in the second embodiment, when external power supply is in progress and vehicle A is in a state where it can run, if a determination condition indicating that the user has no intention of running is satisfied, after turning off the headlight 30, the mode is switched from the automatic mode to the manual mode. Thereby, in the second embodiment, since the headlight 30 is not lit when not running, power consumption can be reduced.

[0091] Also, the determination condition is that the shift lever has not been operated since vehicle A was started and became in a state where it can run. Further, the determination condition is that the elapsed time since the shift lever was placed in the parking range after vehicle A was started and became in a state where it can run exceeds a preset threshold value. Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine that the user has no intention of running.

[0092] Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. For this reason, the broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments represented and described as above. Therefore, various changes are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0093] 10 Vehicle control device 30 Headlight 40 Controller

Claims

1. In a vehicle having an external power supply function and capable of switching between an automatic selection mode and a manual selection mode for turning on and off the headlights, a controller for switching from the automatic selection mode to the manual selection mode at the start of the external power supply is provided. Vehicle control device.

2. The controller switches from the automatic selection mode to the manual selection mode after turning off the headlights at the start of the external power supply. The vehicle control device according to claim 1.

3. The controller switches from the manual selection mode to the automatic selection mode when an operation for running the vehicle is performed by the user after switching to the manual selection mode. The vehicle control device according to claim 1.

4. The controller switches from the automatic selection mode to the manual selection mode after turning off the headlights when starting the external power supply during the day. The vehicle control device according to claim 1.

5. The controller switches from the automatic selection mode to the manual selection mode after turning off the headlights when a determination condition indicating that the user has no intention of running is satisfied while the external power supply is in progress and the vehicle is in a drivable state. The vehicle control device according to claim 1.

6. The determination condition is that the shift lever has not been operated since the vehicle has started and is in a drivable state. The vehicle control device according to claim 5.

7. The determination condition is that the elapsed time since the shift lever has been in the parking range after the vehicle has started and is in a drivable state exceeds a preset threshold value. The vehicle control device according to claim 5.

8. A vehicle control device provided in the vehicle having an external power supply function for supplying power to the outside of the vehicle, comprising a controller for controlling turning on and off of the headlights of the vehicle, the controller turns on or off the headlights according to the environment around the vehicle when the vehicle starts, and turns off the headlights when starting the external power supply. Vehicle control device.

9. A vehicle control method executed by a controller of a vehicle control device provided in a vehicle having an external power supply function and capable of switching between an automatic selection mode and a manual selection mode for turning on and off the headlights, When starting the external power supply, switch from the automatic selection mode to the manual selection mode. Vehicle control method.

10. A vehicle control method executed by a controller of a vehicle control device provided in the vehicle having a function of external power supply for supplying power to the outside of the vehicle, while controlling the lighting and extinguishing of headlights of the vehicle, when the vehicle starts, according to the environment around the vehicle, turn on or off the headlights, and turn off the headlights when starting the external power supply. Vehicle control method.

11. In a computer provided in a vehicle having a function of external power supply and capable of switching between an automatic selection mode and a manual selection mode for lighting and extinguishing headlights, when starting the external power supply, switch from the automatic selection mode to the manual selection mode. A program for causing the computer to execute this.

12. In a computer provided in the vehicle having a function of external power supply for supplying power to the outside of the vehicle, while controlling the lighting and extinguishing of headlights of the vehicle, when the vehicle starts, according to the environment around the vehicle, turn on or off the headlights, and turn off the headlights when starting the external power supply. A program for causing the computer to execute this.

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