Vehicle and method for determining battery property

Abstract

To suppress a feeling of strangeness from being given to a user after and before replacing a battery.SOLUTION: An ECU executes a process which includes: a step (S100) of obtaining a time t(1) required for charging a predetermined SOC from a battery pack not yet replaced; a step (S102) of obtaining a time t(2) required for charging the predetermined SOC from the replaced battery pack; a step (S106) of setting a determination flag on a turn-on state, when it is determined that magnitude of a difference between the time t(1) and the time t(2) is above a threshold value α (YES in the S104); and a step (S108) of setting the determination flag on a turn-off state, when it is determined that the magnitude of the difference is smaller than the threshold value α (NO in the S104).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle equipped with a detachable battery.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-091879 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for displaying the remaining charging time required until full charge of a battery based on the terminal voltage of the battery, the battery temperature, and the full charge voltage information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a vehicle equipped with a detachable battery, when the battery is replaced, depending on the performance difference between the replaced battery and a reference battery with a predetermined specification, it may give the user a sense of discomfort. For example, when the battery is replaced with a battery having a lower input / output from the reference battery, the user may feel a sense of discomfort due to a change in output performance or an increase in charging time before and after the replacement.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle that suppresses giving the user a sense of discomfort before and after battery replacement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition device that acquires battery information from a battery mounted as a power source in the vehicle, a notification device that notifies vehicle information regarding the vehicle, and a control device that controls the notification device. The control device notifies, using the notification device, information indicating that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery of a predetermined specification based on the battery information acquired from the second battery after being replaced from the first battery mounted in the vehicle.

[0007] In this way, when replacing from the first battery to the second battery, if there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery of a predetermined specification, it is notified that there is a difference in characteristics, so that the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after battery replacement.

[0008] In one embodiment, the control device notifies, using the notification device, information indicating that there is a difference in characteristics if the magnitude of the difference between a value indicating a predetermined characteristic of the reference battery and a value indicating a predetermined characteristic of the second battery is greater than a threshold after the second battery is connected as a power source to the vehicle.

[0009] In this way, after being connected to the vehicle as a power source, if the magnitude of the difference in characteristics is greater than the threshold, it is notified using the notification device that there is a difference in characteristics, so that the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after battery replacement.

[0010] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the notification device is a display device. The control device causes the display device to display an image including information indicating that there is a difference in characteristics using the notification device when starting the vehicle for the first time after being replaced with the second battery if the magnitude of the difference is greater than the threshold.

[0011] In this way, by displaying an image including information indicating that there are differences in characteristics in the display device, the user can recognize that there are differences in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after replacement.

[0012] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, when the magnitude of the difference between the first time required for the control device to change the SOC (State Of Charge) of the reference battery by a predetermined value and the second time required for the control device to change the SOC of the second battery by a predetermined value is greater than a threshold value, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there are differences in characteristics.

[0013] In this way, when the magnitude of the difference between the first time and the second time is greater than the threshold value, it is notified that there are differences in characteristics, so that the user can recognize that there are differences in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after battery replacement.

[0014] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, when the magnitude of the difference between the first voltage of the reference battery and the second voltage of the second battery when the reference battery and the second battery have the same SOC is greater than a threshold value, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there are differences in characteristics.

[0015] In this way, when the magnitude of the difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than the threshold value, it is notified that there are differences in characteristics, so that the user can recognize that there are differences in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after battery replacement.

[0016] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, when the suppliers of the reference battery and the second battery are different, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there are differences in characteristics.

[0017] By doing so, since it is notified that there are differences in characteristics when the supplier of the reference battery is different from the supplier of the second battery, the user can recognize that there are differences in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after battery replacement.

[0018] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the predetermined specifications include the specifications of the first battery. By doing so, since it is notified that there are differences in characteristics when the specifications of the second battery are different from the specifications of the first battery, the user can recognize that there are differences in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after battery replacement.

[0019] Furthermore, in a certain embodiment, the reference battery includes the first battery before replacement. When the mounting positions of the first battery and the second battery are different, the control device notifies information indicating that there are differences in characteristics using the notification device.

[0020] By doing so, since it is notified that there are differences in characteristics when the mounting positions of the first battery and the second battery are different, the user can recognize that there are differences in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after battery replacement.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle that suppresses giving the user a sense of discomfort before and after battery replacement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 is, for example, a passenger car including a vehicle body 10 and a battery pack 20. The vehicle body 10 is a part of the vehicle 100 other than the battery pack 20. The vehicle body 10 includes a vehicle drive device serving as a drive source. The vehicle drive device includes an MG (Motor Generator) 11a and an inverter 11b. The vehicle drive device is configured to run the vehicle 100 using the electric power output from the battery pack 20. The battery pack 20 is configured to be connectable to the inverter 11b. The vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric vehicle without an internal combustion engine. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vehicle 100 may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine, or may be another electric vehicle.

[0025] The vehicle body 10 includes circuits CR11 and CR12. The battery pack 20 includes circuits CR21 and CR22. The circuit CR12 includes an auxiliary battery 17. The circuit CR21 includes a battery 21. The battery 21 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery. The type of the secondary battery may be a liquid secondary battery or an all-solid-state secondary battery. A plurality of secondary batteries may form a battery pack. The auxiliary battery 17 corresponds to a low-voltage power source that outputs electric power at a voltage lower than that of the battery 21. A DC / DC converter 16 is provided between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR12.

[0026] The circuit CR11 in the vehicle body 10 includes an MG11a, an inverter 11b, a DC charging relay 14a, a DC inlet 14b, an AC charger 15a, and an AC inlet 15b. A BMS (Battery Management System) 22a is provided in the circuit CR21 in the battery pack 20.

[0027] The vehicle body 10 further includes a terminal T11 to which the battery pack 20 is detachable, and an SMR13 disposed between the terminal T11 and the vehicle drive device (inverter 11b). The circuit CR11 (high-voltage power line) is connected to the terminal T11 via the SMR13. The battery pack 20 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. "SMR" means System Main Relay.

[0028] The terminal T21 of the battery pack 20 is connected to the terminal T11 of the vehicle body 10. The SMR23 of the battery pack 20 is disposed between the terminal T21 and the battery 21 in the battery pack 20.

[0029] The vehicle body 10 further includes a terminal T12 to which the battery pack 20 is detachable. The circuit CR12 (low-voltage power line) inside the vehicle body 10 is connected to the terminal T12. The communication line CL1 (dashed line in FIG. 1) inside the vehicle body 10 is also connected to the terminal T12. The battery pack 20 further includes a terminal T22. In the battery pack 20, the circuit CR22 (low-voltage power line) and the communication line CL2 (dashed line in FIG. 1) are connected to the terminal T22.

[0030] The accessory battery 17 supplies power for driving accessories mounted on the vehicle 100. The accessory battery 17 outputs DC power to the circuit CR12 (low-voltage power line). The circuit CR12 further includes ECUs 18a, 18b, 18c in addition to the accessory battery 17. The circuit CR22 further includes an ECU 28a. The accessory battery 17 supplies power to each of the ECUs 18a to 18c, 28a connected to the low-voltage power line, for example. "ECU" means Electronic Control Unit.

[0031] ECU 18a corresponds to a control device (EV-ECU) that overall controls various controls related to the vehicle 100. ECU 18b corresponds to a control device (Plg-ECU) that detects the states 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 28a corresponds to a control device (Bat-ECU) that monitors the state of the battery 21 and controls the SMR 23.

[0032] Each ECU includes a processor and a storage device. The storage device is configured to be able to store the stored information. In addition to programs, various information used in the programs is stored in the storage device. In this embodiment, various controls are executed by the processor executing the programs stored in the storage device. However, these processes may be executed only by hardware (electronic circuits) without using software.

[0033] In the vehicle 100, each ECU is communicably connected to each other via an in-vehicle network (for example, CAN (Controller Area Network)). ECU 18a acquires information from other ECUs, controls the inverter 11b, the DC / DC converter 16, and the SMRs 13 and 23, and transmits control commands to ECU 18c and ECU 28a.

[0034] The BMS 22a detects the state (current, voltage, temperature, etc.) of the battery 21 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 28a. The ECU 18a acquires information indicating the battery state from the ECU 28a.

[0035] The DC / DC converter 16 performs DC power transformation between the circuit CR11 and the circuit CR12. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 16 steps down the DC power from the battery 21 and outputs it to the auxiliary battery 17 and other auxiliary devices connected to the circuit CR12. The capacity of the battery 21 is larger than the capacity of the auxiliary battery 17.

[0036] When the terminals T21 and T22 of the battery pack 20 are connected to the terminals T11 and T12, the battery pack 20 is mounted on the vehicle body 10, and the vehicle 100 is configured. In the vehicle 100, the communication line CL1 of the vehicle body 10 and the communication line CL2 of the battery pack 20 are connected. These communication lines constitute the in-vehicle network (e.g., CAN) of the vehicle 100.

[0037] MG11a functions as a motor for driving. The inverter 11b functions as a PCU (Power Control Unit) for MG11a. The inverter 11b drives MG11a using the power supplied from the battery 21 of each battery pack. MG11a converts the power into torque and rotates the drive wheels of the vehicle 100. Also, MG11a performs regenerative power generation, for example, when the vehicle 100 decelerates, and charges the battery 21.

[0038] Each of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b has a terminal for detecting the connection / disconnection of a charging cable (plug) of an external power source (not shown), and outputs a signal indicating whether the charging cable is connected to the ECU18b. The ECU18a acquires information indicating the inlet state from the ECU18b and transmits a control command to the ECU18c. The AC charger 15a performs AC / DC conversion. Plug-in charging of the battery 21 is executed by the cooperation of the ECUs 18a to 18c.

[0039] The vehicle body 10 further includes an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 19a and a communication device 19b. Note that the HMI 19a and the communication device 19b also receive power supply from the auxiliary battery 17. The HMI 19a includes an input device and a display device provided in the vehicle interior. The HMI 19a may include a touch panel display. The input device outputs a signal corresponding to an input from the user to the ECU 18a. The communication device 19b is configured to be capable of wireless communication with a server 380 (Fig. 2) described later. In addition, various sensors (typically referred to as in-vehicle sensors 19c) (not shown) are also mounted on the vehicle body 10. The ECU 18a is configured to acquire the detection results of these sensors directly or via other ECUs.

[0040] In this embodiment, the HMI 19a includes a start switch. Generally, a start switch is referred to as a "power switch" or an "ignition switch" etc. The user of the vehicle 100 can start or stop the control system (including each ECU) of the vehicle 100, or set the vehicle 100 to the Ready-ON state or the Ready-OFF state by operating the start switch. Each operation may be a remote operation (for example, a request by wireless communication).

[0041] The Ready-ON state is a state in which the voltage of the battery 21 of the battery pack 20 connected to the vehicle body 10 is applied to the circuit CR11 of the vehicle body 10. In the Ready-ON state, the SMR13 is in the closed state, and the SMR23 of the battery pack 20 is also in the closed state, and power is supplied from the battery 21 connected to the closed SMR23 to the vehicle drive device (MG11a and inverter 11b). The Ready-OFF state is a state in which the voltage of the battery 21 is not applied to the circuit CR11. In the Ready-OFF state, the SMR13 is in the open state, and no power is supplied from the battery 21 of the battery pack 20 to the vehicle drive device.

[0042] The battery pack 20 mounted on the vehicle 100 is replaceable with another battery pack. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery replacement system for performing battery pack replacement. The battery replacement system 300 shown in FIG. 2 is implemented, for example, at a battery replacement station.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery replacement system 300 is configured to remove the battery pack mounted on the vehicle 100 from the vehicle body 10 and attach another battery pack to the vehicle body 10. Also, the replacement of the battery pack includes the case where the battery pack 20 is mounted at any one of a plurality of mounting positions after the battery pack 20 is removed.

[0044] Hereinafter, the battery pack recovered from the vehicle 100 is referred to as "battery pack B1". Also, the battery pack attached to the vehicle 100 in place of the battery pack B1 is referred to as "battery pack B2". Each of the battery packs B1 and B2 has the configuration of the battery pack 20 shown in FIG. 1. The battery pack B2 after being attached to the vehicle body 10 functions as the battery pack 20 (FIG. 1) in the vehicle 100.

[0045] Specifically, the battery replacement system 300 includes a first storage device 310, a second storage device 320, a recovery device 330, a charging device 340, an exchange device 350, a server 380, and a display device 390. The first storage device 310 stores a plurality of battery packs to be supplied to vehicles. The first storage device 310 includes a charger and a supply device in addition to a pack storage unit (for example, a storage). The second storage device 320 stores a plurality of battery packs recovered from a plurality of vehicles. The second storage device 320 includes an inspection device and a sorting device in addition to a pack storage unit (for example, a storage). The server 380 includes a processor, a storage device, and a communication device, and functions as a control device. The storage device stores information (for example, specification information) regarding each battery pack existing in the battery replacement system 300, distinguished by the identification information (pack ID) of the battery pack. The display device 390 displays information according to an instruction from the server 380.

[0046] Hereinafter, a battery replacement method will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for replacing a battery pack. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the battery characteristic determination process of FIG. 3. For example, after the vehicle 100 parks in a predetermined area within the battery replacement station, the ECU 18a starts the processing flow of S10 to S14 shown in FIG. 3. The ECU 18a may start the processing flow in response to a request from a terminal (user terminal) of the user of the vehicle 100 or a request from an input device within the vehicle 100. The ECU 18a and the server 380 are configured to be able to communicate wirelessly.

[0047] In step 10 (hereinafter, steps are described as S), the ECU 18a acquires information regarding predetermined characteristics of the battery pack 20. The ECU 18a reads out from the memory information about the specifications of a battery with predetermined specifications of the battery pack 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a reference battery). The predetermined specifications include, for example, the specifications of the battery pack B1 before replacement. The predetermined specifications include the specifications of the initial battery installed in the vehicle 100. Examples of the predetermined specifications include the model of the battery pack 20, the type of battery, the full charge capacity of the battery pack 20, the time required to charge the battery pack 20 to increase the state of charge (SOC) indicating the charge state by a predetermined amount (hereinafter, referred to as a predetermined SOC), a map showing the relationship between the SOC and the voltage of the battery pack 20, or information about the supplier of the battery pack 20. The SOC is, for example, the ratio of the current stored power to the stored power at full charge state, represented as 0 to 100%.

[0048] Note that, for example, when information for specifying a battery with predetermined specifications is stored in the memory of the ECU 18a and the specifications of the installed battery pack 20 are the predetermined specifications using the information received from the battery pack 20, the above-described information may be received from the battery pack 20. The subsequent process proceeds to S11.

[0049] In S11, the ECU 18a transmits a signal requesting replacement of the battery pack (hereinafter referred to as "replacement request signal") to the server 380. The replacement request signal includes the identification information (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 100, the specification information of the battery pack (battery pack B1) mounted on the vehicle 100, and information about the mounting position of the battery pack. The replacement request signal may include the specification information of the vehicle body 10 instead of or in addition to the specification information of the battery pack B1.

[0050] In S12, the ECU 18a determines whether the battery pack has been replaced. For example, the ECU 18a may determine that the battery pack has been replaced when it receives a replacement completion signal transmitted from the server 380 when the replacement of the battery pack is completed. While the replacement of the battery pack is not finished (NO in S12), the determination in S12 is repeatedly executed.

[0051] When the server 380 receives the above replacement request signal, it starts the processing flow of S31 to S33 in FIG. 3.

[0052] In S31, the server 380 selects a battery pack that matches the specification of the vehicle 100 (the specification of the battery pack B1 or the vehicle body 10) indicated by the replacement request signal from among the battery packs (inventory) held by the first storage device 310. If it is determined that there is no battery pack that matches the specification of the vehicle 100 in the inventory, the server 380 may display a message for situation explanation on the display device 390 and abort the battery replacement process. If a battery pack is selected in S31, the process proceeds to S32.

[0053] In S32, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 so that the battery pack B1 is removed from the vehicle body 10. Thereby, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B1 are separated. Then the process proceeds to S33.

[0054] Although not shown in the flowchart, a reuse process is executed for the removed battery pack B1. Specifically, the recovery device 330 conveys (recovers) the battery pack B1 from the replacement device 350 to the second storage device 320. Then, the plurality of battery packs stored in the second storage device 320 are inspected in order by an inspection device, and a sorting device sorts those battery packs according to their uses. Each battery pack is reused for the corresponding use (such as in-vehicle use or stationary use). However, battery packs that cannot be reused are discarded. The battery packs (for in-vehicle use) reused in the battery replacement system 300 are conveyed to the first storage device 310 by the filling device 340. The conveyed battery packs are filled in the first storage device 310.

[0055] In S33, the server 380 controls the charger of the first storage device 310 so that the battery pack B2 selected in S31 is charged. However, the charging timing can be changed as appropriate. A charged battery pack may be filled in the first storage device 310. When charging is completed, the server 380 controls the supply device of the first storage device 310 so that the battery pack B2 is conveyed (supplied) from the first storage device 310 to the replacement device 350. Subsequently, the server 380 controls the replacement device 350 so that the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10. At this time, the SMR23 of the attached battery pack B2 is in an open state. After that, the server 380 transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "replacement completion signal") indicating the completion of the attachment of the battery pack to the ECU18a.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows an example in which the removal and attachment of the battery pack are performed at different positions. Before the removal of the battery pack, before the attachment of the battery pack, or both, the adjustment of the vehicle position may be performed. A transport device (for example, a conveyor-type transport device) or a transport robot (not shown) may move the vehicle. However, the removal and attachment of the battery pack may be performed at the same position. The replacement (removal and attachment) of the battery pack may be performed while the vehicle is stationary. The transport method of each of the recovery device 330, the supply device, and the filling device 340 is also arbitrary. These transport methods may be a conveyor method or a method using a transport robot. Note that the user may manually replace the battery pack (power storage device) without communication between the battery replacement system (station) and the vehicle.

[0057] For example, when the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10, the terminals T21 and T22 of the battery pack B2 are connected to the terminals T11 and T12 of the vehicle body 10, respectively. Thereby, the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B2 are in the connection state shown in FIG. 1. When the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10, a low-voltage power line (circuits CR12 and CR22) and a communication line (communication lines CL1 and CL2) are connected between the vehicle body 10 and the battery pack B2. Then, in the battery pack B2, the processing flows S21 to S24 shown in FIG. 3 are started.

[0058] In S21, the ECU 28a is activated by the power supplied from the power source (auxiliary battery 17) in the vehicle body 10. The subsequent process proceeds to S22.

[0059] In S22, the ECU 28a transmits information indicating the state of the battery pack (hereinafter referred to as "state information") to the ECU 18a. The state information includes, for example, information about the specifications of the battery pack and information about the current voltage of the battery 21 detected by the BMS 22a. The voltage of the battery 21 may vary according to the SOC of the battery 21. The subsequent process proceeds to S23.

[0060] In S23, the ECU 28a determines whether it has received an SMR on command from the vehicle body 10. The ECU 28a waits for the SMR on command from the vehicle body 10 in S23 while keeping the SMR 23 in the open state. When the ECU 28a receives the SMR on command (YES in S23), the process proceeds to S24.

[0061] In S24, the ECU 28a switches the SMR 23 from the open state (cut-off state) to the closed state (connected state).

[0062] On the other hand, when the battery pack B2 is attached to the vehicle body 10, the ECU 18a receives a replacement completion signal (S33) from the server 380. As a result, it is determined YES in S12 and the process proceeds to S13.

[0063] In S13, the ECU 18a determines whether it has received the above state information from the ECU 28a of the battery pack B2. When the ECU 18a receives the above state information from the battery pack B2 (YES in S13), the process proceeds to S14.

[0064] In S14, the ECU 18a executes a battery characteristic determination process. When the battery pack 20 is replaced, depending on the difference in performance between the replaced battery pack B2 and the reference battery, it may give the user a sense of discomfort. For example, when the battery pack is replaced with one having lower input / output than the reference battery, the user may feel discomfort due to a change in output performance or an increase in charging time before and after the replacement. Therefore, the ECU 18a executes, as a battery characteristic determination process, a process of determining whether there is a difference in characteristics between the battery pack B2 and the reference battery based on the battery information obtained from the battery pack B2 after the battery pack B1 mounted on the vehicle 100 is replaced with the battery pack B2.

[0065] Hereinafter, the battery characteristic determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the battery characteristic determination process of FIG. 3.

[0066] At S100, the ECU 18a obtains the time t(1) required to charge the reference battery to a predetermined SOC. The ECU 18a obtains the time t(1) from the storage area stored at S10. The subsequent process proceeds to S102.

[0067] At S102, the ECU 18a obtains the time t(2) required to charge to a predetermined SOC from the status information received from the battery pack B2 after replacement at S13. The subsequent process proceeds to S104. In the memory of the ECU 28a of the battery pack B2 after replacement, information such as the time t(2) required to charge to a predetermined SOC in a new state (initial state) is stored in advance, for example.

[0068] At S104, the ECU 18a determines whether the magnitude of the difference |t(2) - t(1)| between the time t(2) and the time t(1) is greater than or equal to a threshold value α. If it is determined that the magnitude of the difference between the time t(2) and the time t(1) is greater than or equal to the threshold value α (YES at S104), the process proceeds to S106.

[0069] At S106, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag indicating that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement to the ON state. The subsequent process proceeds to S15. On the other hand, if it is determined that the magnitude of the difference between the time t(2) and the time t(1) is smaller than the threshold value α (NO at S104), the process proceeds to S108.

[0070] At S108, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag indicating that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement to the OFF state. The subsequent process proceeds to S15.

[0071] At S15, the ECU 18a determines whether there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack before and after replacement. For example, when the determination flag is in the ON state, the ECU 18a determines that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. On the other hand, when the determination flag is in the OFF state, the ECU 18a determines that there is no difference in characteristics before and after replacement. If it is determined that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement (YES at S15), the process proceeds to S16. Note that if it is determined that there is no difference in characteristics before and after replacement (NO at S15), this process ends.

[0072] At S16, the ECU 18a executes a display process. As the display process, the ECU 18a executes a process of causing an image related to the energy flow indicating that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement to be displayed on the display device of the HMI 19a instead of the image related to the normal energy flow.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a normal display of the energy flow during regenerative braking. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the battery pack B2 is mounted on the vehicle body 10, an image of the vehicle 100 including the wheels 40, the MG11a, and the battery pack 20 is displayed on the display device of the HMI 19a. These displays are also displayed, for example, during the operation of the vehicle 100. For example, when regenerative braking is performed in the vehicle 100, an arrow from the wheel 40 serving as a driving wheel to the MG11a and an arrow from the MG11a to the battery pack 20 are displayed, thereby displaying the flow of regenerative power (energy flow) to the user. At this time, character information about the rated voltage of the battery pack 20, for example, is displayed in the image.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the energy flow during regenerative braking. When it is determined that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement, the image shown in FIG. 6 may be displayed instead of the image shown in FIG. 5 corresponding to the normal display. The image used when it is determined that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement may be displayed in a different manner for the battery pack 20 after replacement as compared with the image shown in FIG. 5 corresponding to the normal display. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, as an image used when it is determined that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack before and after replacement, an image including the character information of the supplier in addition to the rated voltage of the battery pack 20 after replacement may be displayed. Alternatively, an image including the character information of the supplier of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement may be displayed, or an image including the character information indicating that the battery pack has been changed from a battery pack with a predetermined specification to a battery pack with a different specification may be displayed, or an image including the character information indicating that the battery pack has been changed from a low-capacity battery pack to a high-capacity battery pack may be displayed, or an image including the character information indicating that the charging time required to charge by a predetermined SOC has become longer due to the replacement of the battery pack may be displayed.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the energy flow during regenerative braking. When it is determined that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement, the image shown in FIG. 7 may be displayed instead of the image shown in FIG. 5 corresponding to the normal display. As an image used when it is determined that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement, an image including the character information indicating that the rated voltage of the battery pack has been changed from a high-voltage battery pack to a low-voltage battery pack before and after replacement may be displayed, and the color of the portion shown in the hatched area of FIG. 7 may be changed.

[0076] Note that after the battery pack 20 is attached to the vehicle body 10, it may be determined whether there is an abnormality in the battery pack after replacement by detecting various states such as the voltage of the attached battery pack 20.

[0077] As described above, according to the vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment, when the battery pack B1 is replaced with the battery pack B2, if there is a difference in characteristics between the battery pack B2 and the reference battery of a predetermined specification, the user is notified that there is a difference in characteristics. Therefore, the user can recognize that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after replacing the battery pack 20. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle that suppresses giving the user a sense of discomfort before and after replacing the battery.

[0078] Furthermore, after the replaced battery pack B2 is connected to the vehicle body 10 as a power source, if the magnitude of the characteristic difference |t(2) - t(1)| indicated by the time required to charge to a predetermined SOC is equal to or greater than the threshold value α, the difference in characteristics is displayed using the display device of the HMI19a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after replacing the battery pack.

[0079] Hereinafter, modified examples will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the case where one battery pack 20 is mounted on the vehicle 100 has been described as an example. However, two or more battery packs 20 may be mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the time required to charge the SOC by a predetermined amount has been described as a predetermined characteristic of the battery pack 20, and the battery characteristic determination process for determining the difference in characteristics between the replaced battery pack and the reference battery has been described. However, the characteristics of the battery pack are not limited to the time as described above. The characteristics of the battery pack may be, for example, the voltage of the battery pack 20 at a predetermined SOC. The ECU18a may determine that there is a difference in characteristics, for example, if the magnitude of the difference in the voltage of the battery pack 20 at the same SOC between the replaced battery pack and the reference battery is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of battery characteristic determination processing in a modified example. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed, for example, as the battery characteristic determination processing of S14 in the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0082] At S200, the ECU 18a acquires the SOC(2) and the battery voltage V(2) of the battery pack B2 after replacement. The ECU 18a acquires, for example, the SOC(2) and the battery voltage V(2) of the battery pack B2 after replacement included in the state information received from the ECU 28a. Then the process proceeds to S202.

[0083] At S202, the ECU 18a acquires the battery voltage V(1) corresponding to the SOC(2) of the reference battery. The ECU 18a reads out the battery voltage V(1) corresponding to the SOC(2) of the reference battery from the battery information stored in the memory. Then the process proceeds to S204.

[0084] At S204, the ECU 18a determines whether or not the magnitude of the difference in battery voltage |V(2) - V(1)| is equal to or greater than the threshold value β. If it is determined that the magnitude of the difference in battery voltage is equal to or greater than the threshold value β (YES at S204), the process proceeds to S206.

[0085] At S206, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag to the ON state. Then the process proceeds to S15. Note that, if it is determined that the magnitude of the difference in battery voltage is less than the threshold value β (NO at S204), the process proceeds to S208.

[0086] At S208, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag to the OFF state. Then the process proceeds to S15.

[0087] In this way, since it is notified that there is a difference in characteristics when the magnitude of the difference between the battery voltage V(1) and the battery voltage V(2) is equal to or greater than the threshold value β, the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after battery replacement.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the time required to charge the SOC to a predetermined SOC is defined as a predetermined characteristic, and the battery characteristic determination process for determining the difference in characteristics between the battery packs 20 before and after replacement is executed. However, the predetermined characteristic is not limited to the time as described above. The predetermined characteristic may be, for example, the supplier of the battery pack 20. The ECU 18a may determine that there is a difference in the characteristics of the battery pack 20 if, for example, the supplier of the battery pack 20 after replacement is different from the supplier of the reference battery.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the battery characteristic determination process in the modification. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed, for example, as the battery characteristic determination process in S14 in the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0090] In S300, the ECU 18a acquires the supplier of the reference battery (hereinafter referred to as the first supplier) from the memory. The subsequent process proceeds to S302.

[0091] In S302, the ECU 18a acquires the supplier of the battery pack B2 after replacement (hereinafter referred to as the second supplier). The ECU 18a acquires information about the supplier of the battery pack B2 after replacement, for example, from the status information received from the ECU 28a. The subsequent process proceeds to S304.

[0092] In S304, the ECU 18a determines whether the first supplier and the second supplier are different. If it is determined that the first supplier and the second supplier are different (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S306.

[0093] In S306, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag to the ON state. The subsequent process proceeds to S15. Note that if it is determined that the first supplier and the second supplier are the same (NO in S304), the process proceeds to S308.

[0094] In S308, the ECU18a sets the determination flag to the off state. The subsequent process proceeds to S15.

[0095] By doing so, since it is notified that there are differences in characteristics when the first supplier and the second supplier are different, the user can recognize that there are differences in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after the replacement of the battery pack 20.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the time required to charge the SOC by a predetermined SOC is defined as a predetermined characteristic, and the battery characteristic determination process for determining the difference in characteristics of the battery pack 20 before and after replacement has been described. However, the predetermined characteristic is not limited to the time as described above. The predetermined characteristic may be, for example, the mounting position of the battery pack 20, and the reference battery may include the battery pack B1. For example, when a plurality of battery packs can be mounted on the vehicle 100, a plurality of mounting positions are set. When less than the upper limit number of battery packs are mounted on the vehicle 100, the mounting position after replacement may be different from the mounting position before replacement.

[0097] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing still another example of the battery characteristic determination process in the modification. The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is executed, for example, as the battery characteristic determination process of S14 in the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0098] In S400, the ECU18a acquires from the memory the mounting position of the battery pack B1 before replacement (hereinafter referred to as the first mounting position). Information about the mounting position of the battery pack B1 before replacement is stored in the memory of the ECU18a. The subsequent process proceeds to S402.

[0099] In S402, the ECU 18a acquires the mounting position of the battery pack B2 after replacement (hereinafter referred to as the second mounting position). The ECU 18a acquires, for example, information about the mounting position of the battery pack B2 after replacement received from the server 380 or the like. The subsequent process proceeds to S404.

[0100] In S404, the ECU 18a determines whether the first mounting position and the second mounting position are different. If it is determined that the first mounting position and the second mounting position are different (YES in S404), the process proceeds to S406.

[0101] In S406, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag to the on state. The subsequent process proceeds to S15. If it is determined that the first mounting position and the second mounting position are the same mounting position (NO in S404), the process proceeds to S408.

[0102] In S408, the ECU 18a sets the determination flag to the off state. The subsequent process proceeds to S15.

[0103] By doing so, since it is notified that there is a difference in characteristics when the mounting position is different in the battery pack 20 before and after replacement, the user can recognize that there is a difference in characteristics before and after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference in performance before and after replacing the battery pack 20.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that an image indicating that there is a difference in characteristics of the battery pack 20 is displayed on the display device of the HMI 19a, but the above-described image may be displayed on the display device of the user terminal. The user terminal may be, for example, a mobile terminal carried by the user of the vehicle 100. Examples of the mobile terminal include a smartphone, a laptop, a portable game machine, a wearable device, or an electronic key.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the vehicle 100 is a passenger car has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to passenger cars. For example, the vehicle 100 may be a bus, a truck, or a work vehicle (e.g., a tractor, a combine, or a forklift). Furthermore, the vehicle 100 may be configured to be capable of autonomous driving or remote driving so as to be driverless.

[0106] Furthermore, the configuration of the vehicle body shown in FIG. 1 can be appropriately changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the SMR13 of the vehicle body 10 may be omitted, or as shown in FIG. 12, the SMR23 of the battery pack 20 may be omitted. Also, at least one of the DC inlet 14b and the AC inlet 15b may be omitted, or they may be changed to a single inlet common to AC / DC. These inlets may be configured to enable bidirectional power transmission. The vehicle body may perform external power supply (V2X: Vehicle to Everything) using the power output from the attached battery pack.

[0107] Note that the above-described modifications may be implemented by appropriately combining all or part of them. The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims be included.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] 10 Vehicle body, 18a, 28a ECU, 20 Battery pack, 21 Battery, 23 SMR, 100 Vehicle, 300 Battery exchange system, 350 Exchange device.

Claims

1. An acquisition device that acquires battery information from a battery mounted as a power source in a vehicle; A notification device that notifies vehicle information regarding the vehicle; A control device that controls the notification device, wherein the control device, when there is a difference in characteristics between the second battery and a reference battery with a predetermined specification based on the battery information acquired from the second battery after the first battery mounted in the vehicle is replaced with the second battery, notifies information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristics before and after the replacement using the notification device.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device, when the magnitude of the difference between a value indicating a predetermined characteristic of the reference battery and a value indicating the predetermined characteristic of the second battery is greater than a threshold value after the second battery is connected as the power source to the vehicle, notifies information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristics using the notification device.

3. The notification device is a display device, and the vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the control device, when the magnitude of the difference is greater than the threshold value when the vehicle is first started after being replaced with the second battery, causes an image including information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristics to be displayed on the display device using the notification device.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device, when the magnitude of the difference between a first time required to change the state of charge (SOC) of the reference battery by a predetermined value and a second time required to change the SOC of the second battery by the predetermined value is greater than a threshold value, notifies information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristics using the notification device.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device, when the magnitude of the difference between a first voltage of the reference battery and a second voltage of the second battery when the reference battery and the second battery have the same SOC is greater than a threshold value, notifies information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristics using the notification device.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device, when the suppliers of the reference battery and the second battery are different, notifies information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristics using the notification device.

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

8. The reference battery includes the first battery before replacement, The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the mounting positions of the first battery and the second battery are different, the control device uses the notification device to notify information indicating that there is a difference in the characteristics.

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