vehicle

Abstract

To display the status of temperature adjustment of a power storage device so as to be recognizable to a user.SOLUTION: An ECU executes processing including, while the vehicle is parked (YES in S100), a step of acquiring the battery temperature and the target temperature (S102), a step of activating the cooling device (S106) when it is determined that the battery temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature +α (YES in S104), and a step of executing a first display process (S108), and, when it is determined that the battery temperature is equal to or lower than the target temperature -β (NO in S104 and YES in S110), a step of activating the heating device (S112), and a step of executing a second display process (S114).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-044887 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for adjusting the temperature of a power storage device by heating or cooling it so that the temperature of the power storage device reaches a temperature that provides high charging efficiency when the destination is a charging location. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-044887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when electrical equipment used for heating or cooling to adjust the temperature of the power storage device is activated, it may generate operating noise, which may cause discomfort to users who are unable to recognize the cause of the operating noise.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle that displays the status of temperature adjustment of a power storage device in a manner that allows a user to recognize it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a power storage device that supplies electric power to a drive source, an adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of the power storage device so that it reaches a target temperature, and a display device that displays predetermined information. The display device displays, while the adjustment device is operating, operation information that indicates a deviation state between the temperature of the power storage device and the target temperature and an operation state of the adjustment device.

[0007] This allows the user to recognize the cause of the adjustment device's operation, and therefore prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable even when the adjustment device is activated.

[0008] In one embodiment, the display displays operating information while the vehicle is parked and the adjustment device is operating.

[0009] In this way, the user can be made aware of the cause of the operation of the adjustment device while the vehicle is parked, when it is easier to notice the generation of operating noise.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the display device displays the operating status when the vehicle is parked and the adjusting device is operating and the approach of a terminal capable of unlocking the vehicle is detected.

[0011] In this way, it is possible to prevent a user approaching the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable about the operation of the adjustment device.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the adjustment device adjusts the temperature of the power storage device using power from the power storage device or power from an external power source.

[0013] In this way, the user can recognize the factors that cause the adjustment device to operate using electricity.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the display device displays the deviation status using a bar graph or a pie chart.

[0015] In this way, the deviation state is displayed to the user in the form of a bar graph, which can prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable about the operation of the adjustment device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle that displays the status of temperature adjustment of a power storage device in a manner that is recognizable to a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a power transmission system. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by an ECU. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a display screen displayed on the display device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by an ECU in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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 designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] An example of the configuration of a power transmission system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power transmission system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the power transmission system 1 includes a vehicle 200, a power transmission stand 10 located outside the vehicle 200, and a terminal 300. The vehicle 200 may be any vehicle capable of transmitting power to an external facility, and may be, for example, an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0020] The vehicle 200 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100 which is a control device, a display device 110, a communication device 120, an adjustment device 150, a battery 214, an inverter 216, an MG (Motor Generator) 218, and an inlet 220.

[0021] The battery 214 may be any rechargeable power storage device, such as a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery with a liquid or solid electrolyte, or a large-capacity capacitor may be used instead of the battery 214.

[0022] The inverter 216 is configured to be able to convert DC power from the battery 214 and AC power from the MG 218 in both directions in response to a control signal from the ECU 100 .

[0023] The MG 218 is a drive source that drives the drive wheels 222 of the vehicle 200, and is configured by a three-phase AC rotating electric machine or the like. The MG 218 has a function as an electric motor that drives the vehicle 200 using the power of the battery 214, and a function as a generator that generates power (for example, regenerative power) for charging the battery 214.

[0024] The inlet 220 has a shape that allows the connector 17 of the power transmission stand 10 to be attached. The inlet 220 is electrically connected to the battery 214.

[0025] Sensors 102, 104, and 106 are connected to ECU 100 to acquire the voltage, current, and temperature of battery 214. ECU 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (neither of which are shown). ECU 100 controls each device based on signals received from each sensor and information such as maps and programs stored in the memory, so that vehicle 200 is in a desired state.

[0026] The ECU 100 has a function of sequentially calculating the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 214 based on the detection values ​​of the sensors 102, 104, and 106. As a method for calculating the SOC, various known methods can be adopted, such as a method based on current value integration (coulomb counting) or a method based on open circuit voltage (OCV) estimation. The ECU 100 is configured to be able to communicate with a communication unit 13 of the power transmission stand 10, which will be described later.

[0027] The display device 110 is configured, for example, by a display unit of a touch panel display provided near the driver's seat. The display unit is configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like.

[0028] The communication device 120 is configured to be able to communicate between the ECU 100 and a terminal 300 outside the vehicle 200. The communication device 120 is configured, for example, by one or more antennas provided inside the vehicle 200. The communication device 120 is configured, for example, to transmit information from the ECU 100 to the terminal 300. The communication device 120 may also be configured to receive information from the terminal 300 and transmit the information to the ECU 100.

[0029] The adjustment device 150 is configured to adjust the temperature of the battery 214 in response to a control signal from the ECU 100. The adjustment device 150 includes a heating device 152 that heats the battery 214 and a cooling device 154 that cools the battery 214. The heating device 152 may be configured, for example, by an electric heater. The cooling device 154 may be configured, for example, by a cooling fan. The cooling device 154 may be configured, for example, by a radiator capable of heat exchange, a medium (e.g., coolant or gas), a pump that pressure-feeds the medium, and a cooling passage through which the medium circulates.

[0030] When raising the temperature of battery 214, ECU 100 operates heating device 152 while stopping cooling device 154. For example, ECU 100 operates heating device 152 when the temperature of battery 214 is lower than a predetermined temperature range including a target temperature.

[0031] When lowering the temperature of battery 214, ECU 100 stops heating device 152 and operates cooling device 154. Each of heating device 152 and cooling device 154 is configured to be operable using at least one of electric power supplied from vehicle 200 to inlet 220 (electric power from an external power source) and electric power supplied from battery 214, for example.

[0032] Furthermore, ECU 100 controls a door lock device (not shown). For example, when ECU 100 is able to communicate with a device (e.g., terminal 300) for requesting door locking or unlocking from outside vehicle 200 via communication device 120, and receives a door lock command or door unlock command from the device, ECU 100 controls the door lock device to enter a state according to the command. For example, ECU 100 controls the door lock device to unlock the doors when an unlock command is received. Furthermore, ECU 100 controls the door lock device to lock the doors when a lock command is received.

[0033] The ECU 100 can detect the position of the terminal 300 by using information received from the terminal 300. The ECU 100 detects the approach of the terminal 300 to the vehicle 200 according to the reception strength of a signal from the terminal 300 at the antenna of the communication device 120. For example, the ECU 100 can detect that the terminal 300 has approached within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 200 by being able to communicate with the terminal 300. The ECU 100 may unlock the door lock device when the approach of the terminal 300 is detected while the door lock device is locked.

[0034] The communication device 120 may include a plurality of antennas. The ECU 100 may detect that the terminal 300 has approached the vehicle 200 when the terminal 300 is located near one of the doors of the vehicle 200, depending on the difference in reception strength between the antennas (for example, the distance from each antenna).

[0035] Power transmission stand 10 is an electrical device that includes a communication unit 13, a control unit 14, a transmission unit 15, a cable 16, and a connector 17. Power transmission stand 10, for example, transmits power from a system power supply 400 to a battery 214 of vehicle 200 to charge battery 214, or transmits power from battery 214 to system power supply 400 to discharge battery 214.

[0036] When the connector 17 is connected to the inlet 220 of the vehicle 200, the communication unit 13 performs wired communication such as power line communication, CAN (Control Area Network) communication, or LAN communication with the ECU 100 of the vehicle 200 via the cable 16. Note that the communication may also be performed by wireless communication of various standards (for example, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0037] The control unit 14 controls the operation of the transmission unit 15 (for example, the transmission voltage and the transmission current) based on a control signal received from the ECU 100. The control unit 14 includes a CPU and a memory (neither of which are shown). The control unit 14 controls the transmission unit 15 based on information received from the vehicle 200 using the communication unit 13 and information such as maps and programs stored in the memory.

[0038] The transmission unit 15 converts AC power from the power system 400 into DC power and converts DC power from the battery 214 into AC power in response to a control signal from the control unit 14. One end of a cable 16 is connected to the transmission unit 15. The other end of the cable 16 is connected to a connector 17.

[0039] Connector 17 has a shape that allows it to be attached to inlet 220. When connector 17 is attached to inlet 220, it is in one of a first state in which DC power can be supplied from transmission unit 15 to battery 214, and a second state in which AC power can be supplied from transmission unit 15 to grid power supply 400, based on a control signal received from ECU 100 at control unit 14. For example, when requesting external charging, ECU 100 sends a control signal to control unit 14 so that the first state is established when connector 17 is attached to inlet 220. For example, when requesting discharge to power transmission stand 10, ECU 100 sends a control signal to control unit 14 so that the second state is established when connector 17 is attached to inlet 220.

[0040] For example, when the SOC of battery 214 is lower than a threshold value, ECU 100 requests rapid charging. Furthermore, when transmitting power between vehicle 200 and a facility (e.g., home) where power transmission stand 10 is installed (hereinafter referred to as V2H: Vehicle to Home), ECU 100 requests discharging of battery 214 when using battery 214 as a power source for the facility, and requests charging when storing surplus power in battery 214.

[0041] During power transmission using the battery 214, the ECU 100 calculates the SOC and the temperature of the battery 214 using the detection values ​​of the sensors 102, 104, and 106. In the vehicle 200 described above, when the adjustment device 150 (heating device 152 or cooling device 154) operates to adjust the temperature of the battery 214, an operating noise may be generated. Therefore, if a user in the vehicle 200 cannot recognize the cause of the operating noise, the user may feel uncomfortable.

[0042] Therefore, in this embodiment, the display device 110 displays operation information indicating the deviation state between the temperature of the battery 214 and the target temperature and the operation state of the adjustment device 150 while the adjustment device 150 is operating.

[0043] In this way, the user can recognize the cause of the operation of the adjustment device 150. Therefore, even if the adjustment device 150 is operated, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0044] An example of processing executed by the ECU 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU 100.

[0045] In step (hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as S) 100, ECU 100 determines whether or not the vehicle is parked. For example, ECU 100 may determine that the vehicle is parked when the shift position is in the parking position. Alternatively, ECU 100 may determine that the vehicle is parked when vehicle 200 is stopped (vehicle speed is zero) and the parking brake is activated. Alternatively, ECU 100 may determine that the vehicle is parked when connector 17 is attached to inlet 220. If it is determined that the vehicle is parked (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0046] In S102, ECU 100 acquires the battery temperature and the target temperature. ECU 100 acquires the battery temperature using, for example, the detection result of sensor 106. ECU 100 acquires the predetermined target temperature by, for example, reading it from a memory. ECU 100 may set the target temperature depending on, for example, the state of vehicle 200, the temperature environment, etc. ECU 100 may detect the outside air temperature using, for example, an outside air temperature sensor (not shown), and set the target temperature using the detected outside air temperature. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S104.

[0047] In S104, ECU 100 determines whether the battery temperature is equal to or greater than the target temperature plus a first value α. First value α is a predetermined value that is set for determining whether battery 214 is in a high temperature state. If it is determined that the battery temperature is equal to or greater than the target temperature plus first value α (YES in S104), the process proceeds to S106.

[0048] In S106, ECU 100 activates adjustment device 150 (cooling device 154). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S108.

[0049] At S108, ECU 100 executes a first display process. ECU 100 displays, on the display screen of display device 110, text information indicating that adjustment device 150 (specifically, cooling device 154) is operating and the control being performed by the operation of adjustment device 150, and an image indicating the deviation state between the target temperature and the current battery temperature. Details of the display content on the display screen of display device 110 will be described later. Thereafter, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery temperature is lower than the value obtained by adding first value α to the target temperature (NO at S104), the process proceeds to S110.

[0050] In S110, ECU 100 determines whether the battery temperature is equal to or lower than the value obtained by subtracting second value β from the target temperature. Second value β is a predetermined value that is set to determine whether battery 214 is in a low temperature state. Second value β may be the same as or different from first value α. If it is determined that the battery temperature is equal to or lower than the value obtained by subtracting second value β from the target temperature (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S112.

[0051] In S112, ECU 100 activates adjustment device 150 (heating device 152). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S114.

[0052] In S114, ECU 100 executes a second display process. ECU 100 displays, on the display screen of display device 110, text information indicating that adjustment device 150 (specifically, heating device 152) is operating and the control being performed by adjustment device 150, and an image indicating the deviation state between the target temperature and the current battery temperature. Then, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the battery temperature is higher than the value obtained by subtracting second value β from the target temperature (NO in S110), the process proceeds to S116.

[0053] In S116, ECU 100 stops the operation of adjustment device 150. If it is determined that the vehicle is not parked (NO in S100), this process ends.

[0054] An example of the operation of ECU 100 based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on display device 110. Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of a display screen displayed on display device 110.

[0055] If the vehicle 200 is parked (YES in S100), the ECU 100 acquires the battery temperature and the target temperature (S102) and determines whether the battery temperature is equal to or greater than the target temperature plus a first value α (S104).

[0056] For example, if the battery temperature is lower than the target temperature +α (NO in S104) and is equal to or lower than the target temperature −β (YES in S110), the heating device 152 is activated (S112). Then, the second display process is executed (S114).

[0057] 3, when the second display process is executed, text information indicating a display item "Display of battery temperature" at the top of the screen and text information "Pre-heating of battery (heating device operating)" at the center of the screen are displayed on the display screen of the display device 110. Note that the text information includes at least information indicating that the heating device 152 is operating to raise the temperature of the battery 214.

[0058] Below the display position of the text information "Pre-heating battery (heating device operating)", a bar graph with the horizontal direction as the length direction is displayed. On the display screen, the text information "Target temperature" is placed at the top center of the bar graph, the text information "Low temperature" is placed at the top left of the bar graph, and the text information "High temperature" is placed at the top right of the bar graph. In addition, on the display screen, a triangular mark with its apex pointing downward is placed between the bar graph and the text information "Target temperature".

[0059] In the bar graph, a first region from the lower limit value on the low temperature side to the current temperature of battery 214 is shown by a shaded region, and a second region from the upper limit value on the high temperature side to the current temperature of battery 214 is shown by a non-shaded region. That is, the boundary line between the shaded first region and the non-shaded second region indicates the current temperature of battery 214. Note that Fig. 3 shows a state in which the current temperature of battery 214 is lower than target temperature -β.

[0060] This allows the user to recognize on the display screen that the current temperature of battery 214 is lower than the target temperature, that pre-warming of battery 214 is in progress, and that heating device 152 is in operation. Therefore, the user can recognize the cause of operation of adjustment device 150 from the information displayed on the display screen.

[0061] On the other hand, if the battery temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature +α (YES in S102), the cooling device 154 is put into an operating state (S104), and the first display process is executed (S106).

[0062] 4, when the first display process is executed, text information indicating a display item "Display of battery temperature" at the top of the screen and text information "Cooling battery (cooling device operating)" at the center of the screen are displayed on the display screen of display device 110. Note that the text information includes at least information indicating that cooling device 154 is operating to lower the temperature of battery 214.

[0063] A bar graph is displayed below the display position of the text information "Battery cooling (cooling device operating)." The text information and marks arranged around the bar graph are similar to the text information and marks arranged around the bar graph in FIG. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0064] Furthermore, the first and second regions in the bar graph are similar to the first and second regions in the bar graph of Fig. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In Fig. 4, it is assumed that the current temperature of battery 214 is shown to be higher than the target temperature + α.

[0065] This allows the user to recognize on the display screen that the current temperature of battery 214 is higher than the target temperature, that battery 214 is being cooled, and that cooling device 154 is in operation. Therefore, the user can recognize the cause of operation of adjustment device 150 from the information displayed on the display screen.

[0066] As described above, in vehicle 200 according to the present embodiment, when adjustment device 150 is operating using power from an external power source or power from battery 214, display device 110 displays operation information indicating the deviation state between the temperature of battery 214 and the target temperature and the operation state of adjustment device 150, allowing the user to recognize the cause of the operation of adjustment device 150. Therefore, even when adjustment device 150 is operating, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle that displays the status of temperature adjustment of the power storage device in a manner that is recognizable to the user.

[0067] Furthermore, the display device 110 displays the operation information while the vehicle 200 is parked and the adjustment device 150 is operating, allowing the user to recognize the cause of the operation of the adjustment device 150 while the vehicle is parked, when the generation of operating sounds is easy to recognize.

[0068] Furthermore, since display device 110 displays the deviation state between the target temperature and the current temperature of battery 214 using a bar graph, it is possible to prevent the operation of adjustment device 150 from making the user feel uncomfortable.

[0069] Modifications will be described below. In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the first display process or the second display process is executed when the adjustment device 150 is activated while the vehicle 200 is parked. However, for example, when the adjustment device 150 is activated while the vehicle 200 is parked, if the approach of the terminal 300 to the vehicle 200 is detected, the operation information may be displayed on the display device 110.

[0070] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by ECU 100 in the modified example. Note that, except as described below, the contents of the processing at S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, and S116 in Fig. 5 are the same as the contents of the processing at S100, S102, S104, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, and S116 in Fig. 2, respectively. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0071] Once the cooling device 154 is activated (S106), the process proceeds to S200.

[0072] In S200, ECU 100 determines whether terminal 300 is approaching vehicle 200. The method for detecting approach has been described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that terminal 300 is approaching vehicle 200 (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S108. If it is determined that terminal 300 is not approaching vehicle 200 (NO in S200), this process is terminated. On the other hand, when heating device 152 enters an operating state (S112), the process then proceeds to S202.

[0073] In S202, ECU 100 determines whether or not terminal 300 is approaching vehicle 200. If it is determined that terminal 300 is approaching vehicle 200 (YES in S202), the process proceeds to S114. If it is determined that terminal 300 is not approaching vehicle 200 (NO in S202), this process ends.

[0074] In this way, when the heating device 152 or the cooling device 154 is operating, if the terminal 300 approaches the vehicle 200 (YES in S200 or YES in S202), operation information is displayed on the display screen of the display device 110 (S108 or S114), thereby preventing the user carrying the terminal 300 from feeling uncomfortable about the operation of the adjustment device 150.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the adjustment device 150 is stopped when the battery temperature falls outside the range from the target temperature +α to the target temperature -β. However, for example, the ECU 100 may stop the adjustment device 150 when the temperature of the battery 214 reaches the target temperature while the adjustment device 150 is operating.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the deviation state between the current temperature of the battery 214 and the target temperature is displayed using a bar graph has been described as an example, but it may also be displayed using a pie chart.

[0077] The above-described modifications may be implemented in whole or in part in appropriate combination. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 Power transmission system, 10 Power transmission stand, 13 Communication unit, 14 Control unit, 15 Transmission unit, 16 Cable, 17 Connector, 100 ECU, 102, 104, 106 Sensor, 110 Display unit, 120 Communication unit, 150 Adjustment unit, 152 Heating unit, 154 Cooling unit, 200 Vehicle, 214 Battery, 216 Inverter, 218 MG, 220 Inlet, 222 Drive wheel, 300 Terminal, 400 System power supply.

Claims

1. a power storage device that supplies power to the drive source; an adjusting device for adjusting the temperature of the power storage device so that it reaches a target temperature; a display device that displays predetermined information, The display device displays, while the adjustment device is operating, operation information indicating a deviation state between the temperature of the power storage device and the target temperature and an operation state of the adjustment device.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the display device displays the operation information while the vehicle is parked and the adjustment device is operating.

3. 3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the display device displays the operation status when the approach of a terminal capable of unlocking the vehicle to the vehicle is detected while the vehicle is parked and the adjustment device is operating.

4. 4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment device adjusts the temperature of the power storage device using power from the power storage device or power from an external power source.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein the display device displays the deviation state using a bar graph or a pie chart.

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