Vehicle control method and vehicle control device

Abstract

To almost uniformly heat a battery pack installed on a vehicle.SOLUTION: A first heat exchange plate includes a first cooling liquid layer and a first refrigerant layer and is capable of heat-exchanging with a first battery pack. A second heat exchange plate includes a second cooling liquid layer and a second refrigerant layer and is capable of heat-exchanging with a second battery pack. When first temperatures of a first battery pack and a second battery pack are lower than a first threshold temperature, the vehicle control device makes a refrigerant circulate in the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a first flow rate, and makes the refrigerant circulate in the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate. Then, when a second temperature of the refrigerant put into the first refrigerant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack, and a third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature higher than the first threshold temperature, the vehicle control device performs charging to the first battery pack and makes cooling liquid circulate in the first cooling liquid layer and the second cooling liquid layer in order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, it is known that the charging efficiency of secondary batteries decreases in low-temperature environments. Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle equipped with an external flow path, a PTC heater, four internal flow paths and temperature sensors corresponding to four batteries, external and internal control valves, and a control device that charges the four batteries while staggering the timing at which charging starts, and the control device supplies hot water heated by the PTC heater to the internal flow path of the battery that is below a first temperature, and if there are batteries being charged that are at a second temperature or higher and batteries that have not yet started charging that are below the first temperature, supplies hot water heated by heat exchange with the batteries being charged to the internal flow path of the batteries that have not yet started charging, and if there are no batteries that have not yet started charging, supplies hot water heated by heat exchange with the batteries being charged to the external flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-101151 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the temperature of the four batteries is controlled using only hot water, which makes it easy for the temperatures of the batteries to vary, making it difficult to heat the batteries approximately uniformly.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a technique for substantially uniformly heating a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is The car body and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack disposed along a first surface of the vehicle body; a second battery pack disposed along a second surface in the vehicle body; a first heat exchange plate disposed along the first surface in the vehicle body; a second heat exchange plate disposed along the second surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The first heat exchange plate is a third surface disposed along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack; a fourth surface disposed along the first surface and opposite the third surface; a first refrigerant layer in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first coolant layer in which coolant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; The second heat exchange plate is a fifth surface disposed along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack; a sixth surface disposed along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface; a second refrigerant layer in which the refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; a second coolant layer in which the coolant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface, when a first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a first flow rate and circulating the coolant through the second coolant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a second flow rate that is lower than the first flow rate, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, a vehicle control method is provided in which, when a third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged and the coolant is circulated sequentially through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is The car body and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack disposed along a first surface of the vehicle body; a second battery pack disposed along a second surface in the vehicle body; a first heat exchange plate disposed along the first surface in the vehicle body; a second heat exchange plate disposed along the second surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The first heat exchange plate is a third surface disposed along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack; a fourth surface disposed along the first surface and opposite the third surface; a first refrigerant layer in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first coolant layer in which coolant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; The second heat exchange plate is a fifth surface disposed along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack; a sixth surface disposed along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface; a second refrigerant layer in which the refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; a second coolant layer in which the coolant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface, when a first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a first flow rate and circulating the coolant through the second coolant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a second flow rate that is lower than the first flow rate, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, a vehicle control device is provided that, when a third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charges the first battery pack and circulates the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a rechargeable battery mounted on a vehicle can be heated substantially uniformly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a vehicle according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a left side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of an electric circuit provided in a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a first heat exchange plate and a first battery pack according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a second heat exchange plate and a second battery pack according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a first heat exchanger plate and a first battery pack according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a second heat exchanger plate and a second battery pack according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a first refrigerant layer according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a first coolant layer according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a first heating mode according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a second heating mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a cooling mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a first heating mode according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a second heating mode according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a cooling mode according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) <Vehicle configuration> Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a left side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0013] For ease of explanation, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the axis extending in the height direction of the vehicle 1 is referred to as the Z-axis. The axis perpendicular to the Z-axis (i.e., parallel to the ground) and extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle 1 is referred to as the Y-axis. The axis perpendicular to the Y-axis and Z-axis (i.e., the axis in the width direction of the vehicle 1) is referred to as the X-axis. For ease of explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as "up," the negative direction of the Z-axis as "down," the positive direction of the Y-axis as "front," the negative direction of the Y-axis as "rear," the positive direction of the X-axis as "right," and the negative direction of the X-axis as "left." These expressions also apply to other drawings that depict the X, Y, and Z axes. These directional expressions are used for ease of explanation and are not intended to limit the orientation of the structure during actual use.

[0014] 1 and 2, a vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2, wheels 3, an electric motor 4, a control device 10, a first heat exchanger plate 100, a second heat exchanger plate 200, a first battery pack 11, and a second battery pack 12. The control device 10 may be read as a vehicle control device.

[0015] The wheels 3 are coupled to the vehicle body 2. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show a car in which the vehicle 1 has four wheels 3, the vehicle 1 may have at least one wheel 3. For example, the vehicle 1 may be a motorcycle (bike) having two wheels 3, or a vehicle having three or five or more wheels 3. Furthermore, one of the wheels 3 provided on the vehicle 1 may be referred to as the first wheel 3a, and another wheel of the wheels 3 other than the first wheel 3a may be referred to as the second wheel 3b. The first wheel 3a may be a front wheel of the vehicle 1, and the second wheel 3b may be a rear wheel of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 can move in a predetermined direction (for example, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1) by the first wheel 3a and the second wheel 3b.

[0016] The electric motor 4 drives at least one wheel 3 (for example, the first wheel 3a) using power supplied from the secondary battery. The vehicle 1 includes at least one electric motor 4. The vehicle 1 may be configured such that the electric motor 4 drives the front wheels (i.e., front-wheel drive). Alternatively, the vehicle 1 may be configured such that the electric motor 4 drives the rear wheels (i.e., rear-wheel drive), or such that the electric motor 4 drives both the front and rear wheels (i.e., four-wheel drive). Alternatively, the vehicle 1 may be configured such that multiple electric motors 4 each drive a wheel 3 individually. The electric motor 4 may be installed in a motor room (engine room) located at the front of the vehicle 1.

[0017] The control device 10 performs various controls of the vehicle 1. The control device 10 may be interpreted as a vehicle control device, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), a processor, a controller, or the like.

[0018] The first heat exchange plate 100 and the first battery pack 11, and the second heat exchange plate 200 and the second battery pack 12 are housed in the vehicle body 2.

[0019] The first heat exchange plate 100 and the second heat exchange plate 200 may be arranged along a predetermined direction (for example, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1). Furthermore, the first heat exchange plate 100 and the second heat exchange plate 200 may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction (for example, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1), and the perpendicular direction may be a horizontal direction (for example, the width direction of the vehicle 1).

[0020] The first battery pack 11 and the second battery pack 12 each include one or more secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged. An example of a secondary battery is a lithium-ion battery. The secondary battery supplies (discharges) stored power to the electric motor 4 and the like. The secondary battery may store (charge) power generated by the electric motor 4 using regenerative energy. The first heat exchange plate 100 and the first battery pack 11, and the second heat exchange plate 200 and the second battery pack 12 may be housed under the floor in the center of the vehicle body 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The configurations of the first heat exchange plate 100 and the second heat exchange plate 200 will be described in detail later.

[0021] <Electric circuit configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electric circuit included in the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0022] The first battery pack 11 and the second battery pack 12 each including a secondary battery have a high-voltage connector and a low-voltage connector, which will be referred to as electrical connectors in the present disclosure without distinction between the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector.

[0023] A high-voltage distributor may be connected to the high-voltage connector. A drive inverter, an electric compressor, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, an on-board charger, and a quick charge port may be connected to the high-voltage distributor. A controller area network (CAN) and a 12V power supply system may be connected to the low-voltage connector.

[0024] The drive inverter may be connected to the electric motor 4. That is, the power output from the secondary battery may be supplied to the electric motor 4 via a high-voltage connector, a high-voltage distributor, and the drive inverter.

[0025] <Configuration of the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate> FIG. 4(a) is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the first battery pack 11 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4(b) is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the second heat exchanger plate 200 and the second battery pack 12 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the first battery pack 11 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the second heat exchanger plate 200 and the second battery pack 12 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4(a), and FIG. 5(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4(b).

[0026] The first heat exchange plate 100 and the second heat exchange plate 200 may have a flat, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first heat exchange plate 100 and the second heat exchange plate 200 may be interpreted as heat exchangers.

[0027] The first battery pack 11 is arranged along the first surface. The first heat exchanger plate 100 is arranged along the first surface. The first surface may be the floor surface of the vehicle body 2. The second battery pack 12 is arranged along the second surface. The second heat exchanger plate 200 is arranged along the second surface. The second surface may be the floor surface of the vehicle body 2.

[0028] 5(a), the first heat exchanger plate 100 has a third surface 103 arranged along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack 11, and a fourth surface 104 arranged along the first surface and opposite the third surface 103. The members of the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104 may be made of metal, for example, aluminum. However, the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104 are not limited to being made of metal and may be made of other materials.

[0029] 5(a), the first heat exchange plate 100 includes a first refrigerant layer 110 in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104, and a first coolant layer 120 in which a coolant circulates between the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104. An example of the refrigerant is hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). An example of the coolant is antifreeze containing ethylene glycol.

[0030] 5(a), in this embodiment, a first coolant layer 120 is disposed on the first coolant layer 110, and a first battery pack 11 is disposed on the first coolant layer 120. However, a configuration in which the first coolant layer 110 is disposed on the first coolant layer 120, and the first battery pack 11 is disposed on the first coolant layer 110 may also be used.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4( a ), the first heat exchange plate 100 has a first refrigerant input port 111 through which the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant layer 110 and a first refrigerant output port 112 through which the refrigerant exits the first refrigerant layer 110 .

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the first heat exchange plate 100 has a first coolant input portion 121 through which the coolant enters the first coolant layer 120 and a first coolant output portion 122 through which the coolant exits the first coolant layer 120.

[0033] 5(b), the second heat exchange plate 200 has a fifth surface 205 arranged along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack 12, and a sixth surface 206 arranged along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface 205. The members of the fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206 may be made of metal, for example, aluminum. However, the fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206 are not limited to being made of metal and may be made of other materials.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5(b), the second heat exchange plate 200 has a second refrigerant layer 210 in which a refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206, and a second coolant layer 220 in which a coolant circulates between the fifth surface 205 and the sixth surface 206.

[0035] 5(b), in this embodiment, the second coolant layer 220 is disposed on the second coolant layer 210, and the second battery pack 12 is disposed on the second coolant layer 220. However, the second coolant layer 210 may be disposed on the second coolant layer 220, and the second battery pack 12 may be disposed on the second coolant layer 210.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4( b ), the second heat exchange plate 200 has a second refrigerant input port 211 through which the refrigerant enters the second refrigerant layer 210 and a second refrigerant output port 212 through which the refrigerant exits the second refrigerant layer 210 .

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the second heat exchange plate 200 has a second coolant input portion 221 through which the coolant enters the second coolant layer 220 and a second coolant output portion 222 through which the coolant exits the second coolant layer 220.

[0038] 6 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the first refrigerant layer 110 according to Embodiment 1. The second refrigerant layer 210 may also have a similar configuration.

[0039] 6, the first refrigerant layer 110 includes a first refrigerant path 113 extending in a predetermined direction (e.g., the Y direction), a second refrigerant path 114 arranged along the first refrigerant path (e.g., parallel to the first refrigerant path), and a plurality of branch refrigerant paths 115 connecting the first refrigerant path 113 and the second refrigerant path 114. The refrigerant that has entered the first refrigerant input port 111 travels through the first refrigerant path 113 and also travels to the second refrigerant path 114 via the plurality of branch refrigerant paths 115, and then exits from the first refrigerant output port 112. In this embodiment, the first refrigerant path 113, the second refrigerant path 114, and the branch refrigerant path 115 may be collectively referred to as the refrigerant path.

[0040] In a plan view, the first battery pack 11 may be disposed above the branch refrigerant path 115. This allows the refrigerant flowing through the branch refrigerant path 115 of the first refrigerant layer 110 to efficiently exchange heat with the first battery pack 11 via the coolant flowing through the first coolant layer 120.

[0041] 7 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the first coolant layer 120 according to embodiment 1. The second coolant layer 220 may also have a similar configuration.

[0042] 7, the first coolant layer 120 includes a first coolant path 123 extending in a predetermined direction (e.g., the Y direction), a second coolant path 124 arranged along the first coolant path 123 (e.g., parallel to the first coolant path 123), and a third coolant path 125 connecting the first coolant path 123 and the second coolant path 124. The coolant that enters through the first coolant input port 121 travels sequentially through the first coolant path 123, the third coolant path 125, and the second coolant path 124, and then exits through the first coolant output port 122. In this embodiment, the first coolant path 123, the third coolant path 125, and the second coolant path 124 may be collectively referred to as the coolant path.

[0043] Heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110 and the coolant flowing through the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, thereby substantially uniforming the temperature of the third surface 103. This allows the temperature of the first battery pack 11, which can exchange heat with the third surface 103, to be substantially uniformly regulated. Note that temperature regulation includes both heating and cooling, and refers to maintaining an appropriate temperature. Similarly, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210 and the coolant flowing through the coolant path of the second coolant layer 220, thereby substantially uniforming the temperature of the fifth surface 205. This allows the temperature of the second battery pack 12, which can exchange heat with the fifth surface 205, to be substantially uniformly regulated.

[0044] <First heating mode> FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the first heating mode according to the first embodiment.

[0045] The first heating mode is implemented when the temperatures of the first battery pack 11 and the second battery pack 12 are equal to or lower than a first threshold temperature. The first threshold temperature corresponds to the lower limit of the temperature appropriate for efficient charging of the secondary battery, and is, for example, 5°C. However, the first threshold temperature may be lower or higher than 5°C. The temperature of the first battery pack 11 may be measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) attached to the first battery pack 11. The temperature of the second battery pack 12 may be measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) attached to the second battery pack 12.

[0046] In the first heating mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer 110 of the first heat exchanger plate 100 at a first flow rate. In the first heating mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer 110 is higher than the temperature of the first battery pack 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit in the first heating mode, which circulates the refrigerant in the following order: a compressor 31 that compresses the refrigerant; a first refrigerant input port 111; a refrigerant path in the first refrigerant layer 110; a first refrigerant output port 112; and an expansion valve 32 that expands the refrigerant. For example, a refrigerant at 80°C enters the first refrigerant input port 111, and as it moves through the refrigerant path in the first refrigerant layer 110, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the first coolant layer 120, and the refrigerant at, for example, 50°C exits the first refrigerant output port 112. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 8 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0047] In the first heating mode, the refrigerant may be circulated through the second refrigerant layer 210 of the second heat exchange plate 200 at a second flow rate that is smaller than the first flow rate. However, the second flow rate may be zero. In other words, in the first heating mode, the refrigerant may be flowed slightly through the second refrigerant layer 210 of the second heat exchange plate 200, or may not be flowed at all.

[0048] Additionally, in the first heating mode, the coolant is circulated through the first coolant layer 120 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , in the first heating mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant in the following order: a pump 41 that moves the coolant; a heater 42 that heats the coolant; a first coolant input port 121; the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120; and a first coolant output port 122. Here, the control device 10 may operate the heater 42 to heat the coolant. For example, coolant at 40° C. enters the first coolant input port 121 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first refrigerant layer 110 and the first battery pack 11 (i.e., heats the first battery pack 11) as it moves through the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, and then coolant at 20° C. is discharged from the first coolant output port 122. The control device 10 may configure the coolant circuit shown in FIG. 8 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0049] The first heating mode may continue until the temperature of the first battery pack 11 becomes higher than a charge threshold temperature. The charge threshold temperature may be higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., 5°C) or may be the same as the first threshold temperature. As a result, the first battery pack 11 is heated in the first heating mode until the temperature becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. When the temperature of the first battery pack 11 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature, charging may be started.

[0050] In this way, in the first heating mode, the first battery packs 11 arranged on the first heat exchange plate 100 are heated with little temperature variation because they exchange heat with the third surface 103, the temperature of which is made substantially uniform by the first coolant layer 120. Therefore, the first battery packs 11 can be efficiently heated above the charge threshold temperature.

[0051] <Second heating mode> FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the second heating mode according to the first embodiment.

[0052] The second heating mode is started when the temperature of the first battery pack 11 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature in the first heating mode. As described above, the charge threshold temperature may be higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., 5°C) or may be the same as the first threshold temperature.

[0053] In the second heating mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the second refrigerant layer 210 of the second heat exchange plate 200 at a fourth flow rate. Here, in the second heating mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer 210 is higher than the temperature of the second battery pack 12. Specifically, in the second heating mode, the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit as shown in FIG. 9 , in which the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 31, the second refrigerant input port 211, the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, the second refrigerant output port 212, and the expansion valve 32 in this order. For example, a refrigerant at 80°C enters the second refrigerant input port 211 and exchanges heat with the coolant in the second coolant layer 220 as it moves through the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, resulting in a refrigerant at, for example, 50°C exiting the second refrigerant output port 212. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 9 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0054] In the second heating mode, the refrigerant may be circulated through the first refrigerant layer 110 of the first heat exchange plate 100 at a third flow rate that is smaller than the fourth flow rate. In other words, the fourth flow rate may be greater than the third flow rate. However, the third flow rate may be zero. In other words, in the second heating mode, the refrigerant may be flowed slightly through the first refrigerant layer 110 of the first heat exchange plate 100, or may not be flowed at all.

[0055] Additionally, in the second heating mode, the coolant is circulated through the second coolant layer 220 of the second heat exchange plate 200 and the first coolant layer 120 of the first heat exchange plate 100. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, in the second heating mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant in the following order: the pump 41, the heater 42, the second coolant input unit 221, the coolant path of the second coolant layer 220, the second coolant output unit 222, the first coolant input unit 121, the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, and the first coolant output unit 122. Here, the control device 10 may operate the heater 42 to heat the coolant. For example, a coolant at 40°C enters the second coolant input port 221 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second refrigerant layer 210 and the second battery pack 12 (i.e., heats the second battery pack 12) as it moves through the coolant path of the second coolant layer 220, and a coolant at, for example, 20°C exits the second coolant output port 222. The 20°C coolant enters the first coolant input port 121 and exchanges heat with the first battery pack 11 (i.e., cools the first battery pack 11) as it moves through the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, and a coolant at, for example, 30°C exits the first coolant output port 122. The control device 10 may configure the coolant circuit shown in FIG. 9 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0056] The second heating mode continues until the temperature of the second battery pack 12 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. The charge threshold temperature of the second heating mode may be the same as or different from the charge threshold temperature of the first heating mode. In this way, the second battery pack 12 is heated in the second heating mode until the temperature becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. When the temperature of the second battery pack 12 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature, charging of the second battery pack 12 may be started.

[0057] In the second heating mode, the coolant receives heat from the first battery pack 11 being charged while moving through the first coolant layer 120, then enters the second coolant layer 220 and heats the second battery pack 12. In the second heating mode, the coolant receives heat from the second battery pack 12 while moving through the second coolant layer 220, then enters the first coolant layer 120 and cools the first battery pack 11 to prevent the temperature of the first battery pack 11 from rising too much while being charged. In this way, in the second heating mode, the circulation of the coolant allows for efficient heating of the second battery pack 12 and cooling of the first battery pack 11 being charged.

[0058] <Cooling mode> FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the cooling mode according to the first embodiment.

[0059] The cooling mode may be initiated when the temperature of the first battery pack 11 and / or the second battery pack 12 becomes higher than a cooling threshold temperature. The cooling threshold temperature may be higher than or equal to the charging threshold temperature. The charging threshold temperature for the first battery pack 11 and the charging threshold temperature for the second battery pack 12 may be the same as or different from each other. The charging threshold temperature corresponds to the upper limit of the temperature at which the secondary battery can be stably charged and discharged while suppressing deterioration, and may be, for example, 50°C. However, the charging threshold temperature may be lower or higher than 50°C. The cooling mode cools the first battery pack 11 and the second battery pack 12 so that the temperatures of the first battery pack 11 and the second battery pack 12 do not rise too high during charging and discharging.

[0060] In the cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer 110 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. In the cooling mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer 110 is lower than the temperature of the first battery pack 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant through the external condenser 33 capable of exchanging heat with the air outside the vehicle, the expansion valve 32, the first refrigerant input port 111, the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110, the first refrigerant output port 112, and the compressor 31 in this order. For example, a refrigerant at 0°C enters the first refrigerant input port 111 and exchanges heat with the coolant in the first coolant layer 120 as it moves through the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110, and the refrigerant at, for example, 20°C exits the first refrigerant output port 112. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 10 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0061] Additionally, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the second refrigerant layer 210 of the second heat exchanger plate 200. In the cooling mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer 210 is lower than the temperature of the second battery pack 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit in the cooling mode that circulates the refrigerant through the external condenser 33, the expansion valve 32, the second refrigerant input port 211, the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, the second refrigerant output port 212, and the compressor 31 in that order. For example, a refrigerant at 0°C enters the second refrigerant input port 211 and exchanges heat with the coolant in the second coolant layer 220 as it moves through the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, resulting in a refrigerant at, for example, 20°C exiting the first refrigerant output port 112. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 10 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0062] Additionally, in the cooling mode, the coolant is circulated through the first coolant layer 120 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant through the pump 41, the first coolant input port 121, the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, and the first coolant output port 122 in this order. For example, as the coolant enters the first coolant input port 121 and moves through the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first coolant layer 110 and the first battery pack 11 (e.g., cools the first battery pack 11), and then exits the first coolant output port 122. This allows the first battery pack 11 to be cooled substantially uniformly, preventing the first battery pack 11 from becoming too hot.

[0063] Additionally, in the cooling mode, the coolant is circulated through the second coolant layer 220 of the second heat exchanger plate 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant through the pump 41, the second coolant input port 221, the coolant path of the second coolant layer 220, and the second coolant output port 222 in this order. For example, as the coolant enters the second coolant input port 221 and moves through the coolant layer of the second coolant layer 220, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second coolant layer 210 and the second battery pack 12 (e.g., cools the second battery pack 12), and then exits the second coolant output port 222. This allows the second battery pack 12 to be cooled substantially uniformly, preventing the second battery pack 12 from becoming too hot.

[0064] The above-mentioned temperature values ​​are given for the sake of easy understanding of the explanation, and the present embodiment is not limited to these temperature values.

[0065] (Summary of the first embodiment) The above description of the first embodiment discloses the following techniques.

[0066] <Technology 1> In the first embodiment, The car body (2) and a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack (11) arranged along a first surface of the vehicle body; a second battery pack (12) disposed along a second surface of the vehicle body; a first heat exchange plate (100) disposed along the first surface in the vehicle body; a second heat exchange plate (200) disposed along the second surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor (4) that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The first heat exchange plate is a third surface (103) disposed along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack; a fourth surface (104) disposed along the first surface and opposite the third surface; a first refrigerant layer (110) in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first coolant layer (120) in which coolant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; The second heat exchange plate is a fifth surface (205) disposed along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack; a sixth surface (206) disposed along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface; a second refrigerant layer (210) in which the refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; a second coolant layer (220) in which the coolant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface, when a first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a first flow rate and circulating the coolant through the second coolant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a second flow rate that is lower than the first flow rate, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence. A vehicle control method is provided.

[0067] This allows the first heat exchange plate to first heat the first battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging, and then, while the first battery pack is being charged, the coolant is circulated sequentially through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer, so that the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer can be used to heat the second battery pack in the second coolant layer, thereby efficiently heating the first and second battery packs.

[0068] <Technology 2> In the vehicle control method described in Technology 1, When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at the first flow rate, and the cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid layer of the first heat exchange plate.

[0069] This allows the first heat exchange plate to heat the first battery pack almost uniformly to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0070] <Technology 3> In the vehicle control method according to Technology 1 or 2, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack; Next, when the fourth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate, and a fifth temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer is lower than the fourth temperature of the first battery pack.

[0071] This allows the first heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0072] <Technology 4> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, the coolant is circulated through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, and the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a third flow rate and through the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a fourth flow rate greater than the third flow rate, and a sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is higher than a seventh temperature of the second battery pack.

[0073] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0074] <Technology 5> In the vehicle control method described in Technical 4, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, and circulating the refrigerant through the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at the fourth flow rate; Next, when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged.

[0075] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0076] <Technology 6> In the vehicle control method described in Technical Feature 5, When the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack; Next, when the eighth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fifth threshold temperature which is higher than the fourth threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate, and the ninth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is lower than the eighth temperature of the second battery pack.

[0077] This allows the second heat exchange plate to cool the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0078] <Technology 7> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 6, The first heat exchange plate (100) a first refrigerant input (111) through which the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant layer; a first refrigerant output (112) through which the refrigerant exits the first refrigerant layer; a first coolant input (121) through which the coolant enters the first coolant layer; a first coolant output (122) through which the coolant exits the first coolant layer; The second heat exchange plate (200) a second refrigerant input (211) through which the refrigerant enters the second refrigerant layer; a second refrigerant output (212) where the refrigerant exits the second refrigerant layer; a second coolant input (221) through which the coolant enters the second coolant layer; a second coolant output (222) through which the coolant exits the second coolant layer; When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the coolant forms a coolant circuit in which the coolant enters the first coolant input port, passes through the first coolant layer, exits from the first coolant output port, then enters the second coolant input port, passes through the second coolant layer, and exits from the second coolant output port.

[0079] In this way, by circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in turn while the first battery pack is being charged, the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer can be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, thereby efficiently heating the second battery pack.

[0080] <Technology 8> In the vehicle control method described in Technical 7, The cooling system further comprises a heater capable of heating the cooling fluid entering the second cooling fluid input.

[0081] This allows the heater to heat the coolant entering the first coolant layer.

[0082] <Technology 9> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction.

[0083] As a result, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged along the same predetermined direction (for example, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1).

[0084] <Technology 10> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The orthogonal direction is the horizontal direction.

[0085] As a result, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged along a direction (for example, the width direction of the vehicle 1) that is perpendicular to the same predetermined direction.

[0086] <Technology 11> In the first embodiment, The car body (2) and a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack (11) arranged along a first surface of the vehicle body; a second battery pack (12) disposed along a second surface of the vehicle body; a first heat exchange plate (100) disposed along the first surface in the vehicle body; a second heat exchange plate (200) disposed along the second surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor (4) that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The first heat exchange plate is a third surface (103) disposed along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack; a fourth surface (104) disposed along the first surface and opposite the third surface; a first refrigerant layer (110) in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first coolant layer (120) in which coolant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; The second heat exchange plate is a fifth surface (205) disposed along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack; a sixth surface (206) disposed along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface; a second refrigerant layer (210) in which the refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; a second coolant layer (220) through which the coolant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; when a first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a first flow rate and circulating the coolant through the second coolant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a second flow rate that is lower than the first flow rate, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence. A vehicle control device is provided.

[0087] This allows the first heat exchange plate to first heat the first battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging, and then, while the first battery pack is being charged, the coolant is circulated sequentially through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer, so that the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer can be used to heat the second battery pack in the second coolant layer, thereby efficiently heating the first and second battery packs.

[0088] <Technology 12> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 11, When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at the first flow rate, and the cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid layer of the first heat exchange plate.

[0089] This allows the first heat exchange plate to heat the first battery pack almost uniformly to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0090] <Technology 13> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 11 or 2, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack; Next, when the fourth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate, and a fifth temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer is lower than the fourth temperature of the first battery pack.

[0091] This allows the first heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0092] <Technology 14> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 13, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, the coolant is circulated through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, and the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a third flow rate and through the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a fourth flow rate greater than the third flow rate, and a sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is higher than a seventh temperature of the second battery pack.

[0093] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0094] <Technology 15> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 14, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, and circulating the refrigerant through the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at the fourth flow rate; Next, when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged.

[0095] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0096] <Technology 16> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 15, When the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack; Next, when the eighth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fifth threshold temperature which is higher than the fourth threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate, and the ninth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is lower than the eighth temperature of the second battery pack.

[0097] This allows the second heat exchange plate to cool the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0098] <Technology 17> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 16, The first heat exchange plate is a first refrigerant input where the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant layer; a first refrigerant output where the refrigerant exits the first refrigerant layer; a first coolant input where the coolant enters the first coolant layer; a first coolant output through which the coolant exits the first coolant layer; The second heat exchange plate is a second refrigerant input where the refrigerant enters the second refrigerant layer; a second refrigerant output where the refrigerant exits the second refrigerant layer; a second coolant input where the coolant enters the second coolant layer; a second coolant output through which the coolant exits the second coolant layer; When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the coolant forms a coolant circuit in which the coolant enters the first coolant input port, passes through the first coolant layer, exits from the first coolant output port, then enters the second coolant input port, passes through the second coolant layer, and exits from the second coolant output port.

[0099] In this way, by circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in turn while the first battery pack is being charged, the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer can be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, thereby efficiently heating the second battery pack.

[0100] <Technology 18> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 17, The cooling system further comprises a heater capable of heating the cooling fluid entering the second cooling fluid input.

[0101] This allows the heater to heat the coolant entering the first coolant layer.

[0102] <Technology 19> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 18, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction.

[0103] As a result, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged along the same predetermined direction (for example, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1).

[0104] <Technology 20> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 18, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The orthogonal direction is the horizontal direction. As a result, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged in a horizontal direction (for example, the width direction of the vehicle 1) that is perpendicular to the same predetermined direction.

[0105] (Embodiment 2) In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the first heating mode, the second heating mode, and the cooling mode are performed in a manner different from that of the first embodiment. Note that the configuration of the vehicle 1 and the configurations of the first heat exchanger plate 100 and the second heat exchanger plate 200 are generally the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted in the second embodiment.

[0106] <First heating mode> FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the first heating mode according to the second embodiment.

[0107] The first heating mode is implemented when the first temperatures of the first battery pack 11 and the second battery pack 12 are equal to or lower than a first threshold temperature. The first threshold temperature corresponds to the lower limit of the temperature appropriate for efficient charging of the secondary battery, and is, for example, 5°C. However, the first threshold temperature may be lower or higher than 5°C. The temperature of the first battery pack 11 may be measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) attached to the first battery pack 11. The temperature of the second battery pack 12 may be measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) attached to the second battery pack 12.

[0108] In the first heating mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer 110 of the first heat exchange plate 100 and the second refrigerant layer 210 of the second heat exchange plate 200. In the first heating mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer 110 is higher than the temperature of the first battery pack 11. Specifically, in the first heating mode, the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant in the following order, as shown in FIG. 11 : the compressor 31, the first refrigerant input port 111, the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110, the first refrigerant output port 112, the expansion valve 32, the second refrigerant input port 211, the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, and the second refrigerant output port 212. For example, when a refrigerant at 80°C enters the first refrigerant input port 111 and moves through the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the first coolant layer 120, and the refrigerant at 50°C, for example, exits from the first refrigerant output port 112. Then, the 50°C refrigerant coming out of the first refrigerant output port 112 is cooled to, for example, 0°C by the expansion valve 32, enters the second refrigerant input port 211, travels through the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, and comes out of the second refrigerant output port 212. In this case, the second refrigerant layer 210 that is not used for heating may function as an evaporator. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in Fig. 11 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0109] Additionally, in the first heating mode, the coolant is circulated through the first coolant layer 120 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , in the first heating mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant through the pump 41, the heater 42, the first coolant input port 121, the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, and the first coolant output port 122 in this order. Here, the control device 10 may operate the heater 42 to heat the coolant. For example, when coolant at 40°C enters the first coolant input port 121 and moves through the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first coolant layer 110 and the first battery pack 11 (i.e., warms the first battery pack 11), and coolant at, for example, 20°C is discharged from the first coolant output port 122. The control device 10 may configure the coolant circuit shown in FIG. 11 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0110] The first heating mode may continue until the temperature of the first battery pack 11 becomes higher than a charge threshold temperature. The charge threshold temperature may be higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., 5°C) or may be the same as the first threshold temperature. As a result, the first battery pack 11 is heated in the first heating mode until the temperature becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. When the temperature of the first battery pack 11 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature, charging may be started.

[0111] In this way, in the first heating mode, the first battery packs 11 arranged on the first heat exchange plate 100 are heated with little temperature variation because they exchange heat with the third surface 103, the temperature of which is made substantially uniform by the first coolant layer 120. Therefore, the first battery packs 11 can be efficiently heated above the charge threshold temperature.

[0112] <Second heating mode> FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the second heating mode according to the second embodiment.

[0113] The second heating mode is initiated when the temperature of the first battery pack in the first heating mode becomes higher than the charging threshold temperature. As described above, the charging threshold temperature may be higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., 5°C) or may be the same as the first threshold temperature.

[0114] In the second heating mode, the refrigerant is circulated between the second refrigerant layer 210 of the second heat exchange plate 200 and the first refrigerant layer 110 of the first heat exchange plate 100. In the second heating mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer 210 is higher than the temperature of the second battery pack 12. Specifically, in the second heating mode, the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant in the following order, as shown in FIG. 12 : the compressor 31, the second refrigerant input port 211, the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, the second refrigerant output port 212, the expansion valve 32, the first refrigerant input port 111, the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110, and the first refrigerant output port 112. For example, when a refrigerant at 80° C. enters the second refrigerant input port 211 and moves through the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the second coolant layer 220, and the refrigerant at 50° C. is output from the second refrigerant output port 212. The 50°C refrigerant coming out of the second refrigerant output port 212 is cooled to, for example, 0°C by the expansion valve 32 and enters the first refrigerant input port 111. As it moves through the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the first coolant layer 120, and the refrigerant comes out of the first refrigerant output port 112 at, for example, 20°C. In this case, the second refrigerant layer 210 functions as a condenser, contributing to heating the second battery pack 12, and the first refrigerant layer 110 functions as an evaporator, contributing to cooling the first battery pack 11 during charging. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 12 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0115] Additionally, in the second heating mode, the coolant is circulated through the second coolant layer 220 of the second heat exchange plate 200 and the first coolant layer 120 of the first heat exchange plate 100. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant through the pump 41, heater 42, second coolant input unit 221, the coolant path of the second coolant layer 220, second coolant output unit 222, first coolant input unit 121, the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, and first coolant output unit 122 in this order. Here, the control device 10 may operate the heater 42 to heat the coolant. For example, coolant at 40°C enters the second coolant input port 221, and as it moves through the coolant path of the second coolant layer 220, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the second refrigerant layer 210 and the second battery pack 12 (i.e., heats the second battery pack 12), and for example, coolant at 20°C exits the second coolant output port 222, and that 20°C coolant enters the first coolant input port 121, and as it moves through the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, it exchanges heat with the first battery pack 11 (i.e., cools the first battery pack 11 during charging), and for example, coolant at 30°C exits the first coolant output port 122.

[0116] The second heating mode continues until the temperature of the second battery pack 12 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. The charge threshold temperature of the second heating mode may be the same as or different from the charge threshold temperature of the first heating mode. In this way, the second battery pack 12 is heated in the second heating mode until the temperature becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. When the temperature of the second battery pack 12 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature, charging of the second battery pack 12 may be started.

[0117] In the second heating mode, the coolant receives heat from the first battery pack 11 being charged while moving through the first coolant layer 120, then enters the second coolant layer 220 and heats the second battery pack 12. In the second heating mode, the coolant receives heat from the second battery pack 12 while moving through the second coolant layer 220, then enters the first coolant layer 120 and cools the first battery pack 11 to prevent the temperature of the first battery pack 11 from rising too much while being charged. In this way, in the second heating mode, the circulation of the coolant allows for efficient heating of the second battery pack 12 and cooling of the first battery pack 11 being charged.

[0118] <Cooling mode> FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the cooling mode according to the second embodiment.

[0119] The cooling mode may be initiated when the temperature of the first battery pack 11 and / or the second battery pack 12 becomes higher than a cooling threshold temperature. The cooling threshold temperature may be higher than or equal to the charging threshold temperature. The charging threshold temperature for the first battery pack 11 and the charging threshold temperature for the second battery pack 12 may be the same or different. The charging threshold temperature corresponds to the upper limit of the temperature at which deterioration of the secondary battery can be suppressed and stable charging and discharging can be performed, and may be, for example, 50°C. However, the charging threshold temperature may be lower or higher than 50°C. The cooling mode cools the first battery pack 11 and the second battery pack 12 so that the temperatures of the first battery pack 11 and the second battery pack 12 do not rise too high during charging and discharging.

[0120] In the cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer 110 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. In the cooling mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer 110 is lower than the temperature of the first battery pack 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit in the cooling mode that circulates the refrigerant in the following order: the compressor 31, the external condenser 33, the expansion valve 32, the first refrigerant input port 111, the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110, and the first refrigerant output port 112. For example, a refrigerant at 0°C enters the first refrigerant input port 111, and as it moves through the refrigerant path of the first refrigerant layer 110, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the first coolant layer 120, and the refrigerant at, for example, 20°C exits the first refrigerant output port 112. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 13 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0121] Additionally, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the second refrigerant layer 210 of the second heat exchange plate 200. In the cooling mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer 210 is lower than the temperature of the second battery pack 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant in the order of the compressor 31, the external condenser 33, the expansion valve 32, the second refrigerant input port 211, the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, and the second refrigerant output port 212. For example, a refrigerant at 0°C enters the second refrigerant input port 211 and exchanges heat with the coolant in the second coolant layer 220 as it moves through the refrigerant path of the second refrigerant layer 210, and the refrigerant at, for example, 20°C exits the second refrigerant output port 212. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 13 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0122] Additionally, in the cooling mode, the coolant is circulated through the first coolant layer 120 of the first heat exchanger plate 100. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant through the pump 41, the first coolant input port 121, the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, and the first coolant output port 122 in this order. For example, as the coolant enters the first coolant input port 121 and moves through the coolant path of the first coolant layer 120, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first coolant layer 110 and the first battery pack 11 (e.g., cools the first battery pack 11), and then exits the first coolant output port 122. This allows the first battery pack 11 to be cooled substantially uniformly, preventing the first battery pack 11 from becoming too hot.

[0123] Additionally, in the cooling mode, the coolant is circulated through the second coolant layer 220 of the second heat exchanger plate 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant through the pump 41, the second coolant input port 221, the coolant path of the second coolant layer 220, and the second coolant output port 222 in this order. For example, as the coolant enters the second coolant input port 221 and moves through the coolant path of the second coolant layer 220, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second coolant layer 210 and the second battery pack 12 (e.g., cools the second battery pack 12), and then exits the second coolant output port 222. This allows the second battery pack 12 to be cooled substantially uniformly, preventing the second battery pack 12 from becoming too hot.

[0124] The above-mentioned temperature values ​​are given for the sake of easy understanding of the explanation, and the present embodiment is not limited to these temperature values.

[0125] (Summary of the second embodiment) The above description of the second embodiment discloses the following techniques.

[0126] <Technology 1> In the second embodiment, The car body (2) and a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack (11) arranged along a first surface of the vehicle body; a second battery pack (12) disposed along a second surface of the vehicle body; a first heat exchange plate (100) disposed along the first surface in the vehicle body; a second heat exchange plate (200) disposed along the second surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor (4) that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The first heat exchange plate is a third surface (103) disposed along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack; a fourth surface (104) disposed along the first surface and opposite the third surface; a first refrigerant layer (110) in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first coolant layer (120) in which coolant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; The second heat exchange plate is a fifth surface (205) disposed along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack; a sixth surface (206) disposed along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface; a second refrigerant layer (210) in which the refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; a second coolant layer (220) in which the coolant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface, when a first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer and the second refrigerant layer in sequence, and a second temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence. A vehicle control method is provided.

[0127] This allows the first heat exchange plate to first heat the first battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging, and then, while the first battery pack is being charged, the coolant is circulated sequentially through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer, so that the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer can be used to heat the second battery pack in the second coolant layer, thereby efficiently heating the first and second battery packs.

[0128] <Technology 2> In the vehicle control method described in Technology 1, When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer and the second refrigerant layer in sequence, and the cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid layer of the first heat exchange plate.

[0129] This allows the first heat exchange plate to heat the first battery pack almost uniformly to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0130] <Technology 3> In the vehicle control method according to Technology 1 or 2, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence; Next, when the fourth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged.

[0131] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0132] <Technology 4> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack; Next, the cooling liquid is circulated sequentially through the first cooling liquid layer and the second cooling liquid layer, and the refrigerant is circulated sequentially through the second refrigerant layer and the first refrigerant layer, and a sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is higher than a seventh temperature of the second battery pack.

[0133] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0134] <Technology 5> In the vehicle control method described in Technical 4, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, circulating the refrigerant through the second refrigerant layer and the first refrigerant layer in sequence, and the sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is higher than the seventh temperature of the second battery pack; Next, when the eighth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged.

[0135] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0136] <Technology 6> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, The first heat exchange plate is a first refrigerant input (111) through which the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant layer; a first refrigerant output (112) through which the refrigerant exits the first refrigerant layer; a first coolant input (121) through which the coolant enters the first coolant layer; a first coolant output (122) through which the coolant exits the first coolant layer; The second heat exchange plate is a second refrigerant input (211) through which the refrigerant enters the second refrigerant layer; a second refrigerant output (212) where the refrigerant exits the second refrigerant layer; a second coolant input (221) through which the coolant enters the second coolant layer; a second coolant output (222) through which the coolant exits the second coolant layer; When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the refrigerant forms a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant input port, passes through the first refrigerant layer, exits from the first refrigerant output port, then enters the second refrigerant input port, passes through the second refrigerant layer, and exits from the second refrigerant output port.

[0137] This allows the second refrigerant layer to function as an evaporator.

[0138] <Technology 7> In the vehicle control method described in Technical 6, In the refrigerant circuit, an expansion valve (32) is disposed between the first refrigerant output port and the second refrigerant input port.

[0139] This allows the second refrigerant layer to function as an evaporator.

[0140] <Technology 8> In the vehicle control method according to Technology 6 or Technology 7, When the first temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the coolant forms a coolant circuit that enters the first coolant input port, passes through the first coolant layer, exits from the first coolant output port, then enters the second coolant input port, passes through the second coolant layer, and exits from the second coolant output port.

[0141] In this way, by circulating the coolant through the first and second coolant layers in turn while the first battery pack is being charged, the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer can be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, thereby efficiently heating the second battery pack.

[0142] <Technology 9> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction.

[0143] As a result, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged along the same predetermined direction (for example, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1).

[0144] <Technology 10> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The orthogonal direction is the horizontal direction.

[0145] As a result, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged along a direction (for example, the width direction of the vehicle 1) that is perpendicular to the same predetermined direction.

[0146] <Technology 11> In the second embodiment, The car body (2) and a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack (11) arranged along a first surface of the vehicle body; a second battery pack (12) disposed along a second surface of the vehicle body; a first heat exchange plate (100) disposed along the first surface in the vehicle body; a second heat exchange plate (200) disposed along the second surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor (4) that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The first heat exchange plate is a third surface (103) disposed along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack; a fourth surface (104) disposed along the first surface and opposite the third surface; a first refrigerant layer (110) in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first coolant layer (120) in which coolant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; The second heat exchange plate is a fifth surface (205) disposed along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack; a sixth surface (206) disposed along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface; a second refrigerant layer (210) in which the refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; a second coolant layer (220) through which the coolant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface, when a first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer and the second refrigerant layer in sequence, and a second temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence. A vehicle control device is provided.

[0147] This allows the first heat exchange plate to first heat the first battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging, and then, while the first battery pack is being charged, the coolant is circulated sequentially through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer, so that the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer can be used to heat the second battery pack in the second coolant layer, thereby efficiently heating the first and second battery packs.

[0148] <Technology 12> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 11, When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer and the second refrigerant layer in sequence, and the cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid layer of the first heat exchange plate.

[0149] This allows the first heat exchange plate to heat the first battery pack almost uniformly to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0150] <Technology 13> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 11 or 12, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence; Next, when the fourth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged.

[0151] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0152] <Technology 14> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 13, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack; Next, the cooling liquid is circulated sequentially through the first cooling liquid layer and the second cooling liquid layer, and the refrigerant is circulated sequentially through the second refrigerant layer and the first refrigerant layer, and a sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is higher than a seventh temperature of the second battery pack.

[0153] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0154] <Technology 15> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 14, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, circulating the refrigerant through the second refrigerant layer and the first refrigerant layer in sequence, and the sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is higher than the seventh temperature of the second battery pack; Next, when the eighth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged.

[0155] This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer to be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, so the second heat exchange plate can efficiently and approximately uniformly heat the second battery pack to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0156] <Technology 16> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 15, The first heat exchange plate is a first refrigerant input (111) through which the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant layer; a first refrigerant output (112) through which the refrigerant exits the first refrigerant layer; a first coolant input (121) through which the coolant enters the first coolant layer; a first coolant output (122) through which the coolant exits the first coolant layer; The second heat exchange plate is a second refrigerant input (211) through which the refrigerant enters the second refrigerant layer; a second refrigerant output (212) where the refrigerant exits the second refrigerant layer; a second coolant input (221) through which the coolant enters the second coolant layer; a second coolant output (222) through which the coolant exits the second coolant layer; When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the refrigerant forms a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant input port, passes through the first refrigerant layer, exits from the first refrigerant output port, then enters the second refrigerant input port, passes through the second refrigerant layer, and exits from the second refrigerant output port.

[0157] This allows the second refrigerant layer to function as an evaporator.

[0158] <Technology 17> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 16, In the refrigerant circuit, an expansion valve (32) is disposed between the first refrigerant output port and the second refrigerant input port.

[0159] This allows the second refrigerant layer to function as an evaporator.

[0160] <Technology 18> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 16 or 17, When the first temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the coolant forms a coolant circuit that enters the first coolant input port, passes through the first coolant layer, exits from the first coolant output port, then enters the second coolant input port, passes through the second coolant layer, and exits from the second coolant output port.

[0161] In this way, by circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in turn while the first battery pack is being charged, the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant layer can be used in the second coolant layer to heat the second battery pack, thereby efficiently heating the second battery pack.

[0162] <Technology 19> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 18, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction.

[0163] As a result, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged along the same predetermined direction (for example, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1).

[0164] <Technology 20> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 18, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The orthogonal direction is the horizontal direction.

[0165] As a result, the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate are arranged along a direction (for example, the width direction of the vehicle 1) that is perpendicular to the same predetermined direction.

[0166] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0167] The technology of the present disclosure is useful for adjusting the temperature of a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1 vehicle 2. Body 3 wheels 3a 1st wheel 3b 2nd wheel 4 Electric motor 10 Control device 11 First battery pack 12 Second battery pack 31 Compressor 32 Expansion valve 33 External Capacitor 41 Pump 42 Heater 100 First heat exchange plate 103 3rd page 104 Page 4 110 First refrigerant layer 111 First refrigerant input section 112 first refrigerant output section 113 First refrigerant path 114 Second refrigerant path 115 Branch refrigerant path 120 1st cooling liquid layer 121 First coolant input 122 First coolant output section 123 1st coolant path 124 2nd coolant path 125 3rd coolant path 200 Second heat exchange plate 205 Page 5 206 Page 6 210 Second refrigerant layer 211 Second refrigerant input section 212 Second refrigerant output section 220 2nd cooling liquid layer 221 Second coolant input 222 Second coolant output section

Claims

1. The car body and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack disposed along a first surface in the vehicle body; a second battery pack disposed along a second surface in the vehicle body; a first heat exchange plate disposed along the first surface in the vehicle body; a second heat exchange plate disposed along the second surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least the first wheel using electric power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The first heat exchange plate is a third surface disposed along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack; a fourth surface disposed along the first surface and opposite the third surface; a first refrigerant layer in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first coolant layer in which coolant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface, The second heat exchange plate is a fifth surface disposed along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack; a sixth surface disposed along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface; a second refrigerant layer in which the refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; a second coolant layer in which the coolant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface, when a first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a first flow rate and circulating the coolant through the second coolant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a second flow rate that is lower than the first flow rate, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence. Vehicle control method.

2. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, when the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at the first flow rate, and the cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid layer of the first heat exchange plate; Vehicle control method.

3. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack; Next, when a fourth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated through the first coolant layer of the first heat exchange plate, and a fifth temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant layer is lower than the fourth temperature of the first battery pack. Vehicle control method.

4. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, circulating the refrigerant through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a third flow rate and circulating the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a fourth flow rate greater than the third flow rate, and a sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is higher than a seventh temperature of the second battery pack; Vehicle control method.

5. 5. The vehicle control method according to claim 4, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, and circulating the refrigerant through the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at the fourth flow rate; Next, when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack. Vehicle control method.

6. 6. A vehicle control method according to claim 5, When the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack; Next, when an eighth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fifth threshold temperature that is higher than the fourth threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the second coolant layer of the second heat exchange plate, and a ninth temperature of the coolant entering the second coolant layer is lower than the eighth temperature of the second battery pack. Vehicle control method.

7. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, The first heat exchange plate is a first refrigerant input where the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant layer; a first refrigerant output where the refrigerant exits the first refrigerant layer; a first coolant input where the coolant enters the first coolant layer; a first coolant output through which the coolant exits the first coolant layer; The second heat exchange plate is a second refrigerant input where the refrigerant enters the second refrigerant layer; a second refrigerant output where the refrigerant exits the second refrigerant layer; a second coolant input where the coolant enters the second coolant layer; a second coolant output through which the coolant exits the second coolant layer; When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the coolant forms a coolant circuit that enters the first coolant input port, passes through the first coolant layer, exits from the first coolant output port, then enters the second coolant input port, passes through the second coolant layer, and exits from the second coolant output port. Vehicle control method.

8. 8. A vehicle control method according to claim 7, further comprising a heater capable of heating the coolant entering the second coolant input portion; Vehicle control method.

9. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction. Vehicle control method.

10. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The orthogonal direction is the horizontal direction. Vehicle control method.

11. The car body and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack disposed along a first surface in the vehicle body; a second battery pack disposed along a second surface in the vehicle body; a first heat exchange plate disposed along the first surface in the vehicle body; a second heat exchange plate disposed along the second surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least the first wheel using electric power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The first heat exchange plate is a third surface disposed along the first surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack; a fourth surface disposed along the first surface and opposite the third surface; a first refrigerant layer in which a refrigerant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first coolant layer in which coolant circulates between the third surface and the fourth surface, The second heat exchange plate is a fifth surface disposed along the second surface and capable of exchanging heat with the second battery pack; a sixth surface disposed along the second surface and opposite the fifth surface; a second refrigerant layer in which the refrigerant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface; a second coolant layer in which the coolant circulates between the fifth surface and the sixth surface, when a first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a first flow rate and circulating the coolant through the second coolant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a second flow rate that is lower than the first flow rate, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant layer is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence. Vehicle control device.

12. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, when the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at the first flow rate, and the cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid layer of the first heat exchange plate; Vehicle control device.

13. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack; Next, when a fourth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated through the first coolant layer of the first heat exchange plate, and a fifth temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant layer is lower than the fourth temperature of the first battery pack. Vehicle control device.

14. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, circulating the refrigerant through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate at a third flow rate and circulating the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at a fourth flow rate greater than the third flow rate, and a sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant layer is higher than a seventh temperature of the second battery pack; Vehicle control device.

15. The vehicle control device according to claim 14, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, circulating the coolant through the first coolant layer and the second coolant layer in sequence, and circulating the refrigerant through the second refrigerant layer of the second heat exchange plate at the fourth flow rate; Next, when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack. Vehicle control device.

16. The vehicle control device according to claim 15, When the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack; Next, when an eighth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fifth threshold temperature that is higher than the fourth threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the second coolant layer of the second heat exchange plate, and a ninth temperature of the coolant entering the second coolant layer is lower than the eighth temperature of the second battery pack. Vehicle control device.

17. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, The first heat exchange plate is a first refrigerant input where the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant layer; a first refrigerant output where the refrigerant exits the first refrigerant layer; a first coolant input where the coolant enters the first coolant layer; a first coolant output through which the coolant exits the first coolant layer; The second heat exchange plate is a second refrigerant input where the refrigerant enters the second refrigerant layer; a second refrigerant output where the refrigerant exits the second refrigerant layer; a second coolant input where the coolant enters the second coolant layer; a second coolant output through which the coolant exits the second coolant layer; When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the coolant forms a coolant circuit that enters the first coolant input port, passes through the first coolant layer, exits from the first coolant output port, then enters the second coolant input port, passes through the second coolant layer, and exits from the second coolant output port. Vehicle control device.

18. The vehicle control device according to claim 17, further comprising a heater capable of heating the coolant entering the second coolant input portion; Vehicle control device.

19. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along the predetermined direction. Vehicle control device.

20. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, The first heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The second heat exchange plate is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, The orthogonal direction is the horizontal direction. Vehicle control device.

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