Vehicle control device, vehicle control method and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method and a vehicle capable of reducing deterioration of a product connected to the vehicle.SOLUTION: The vehicle control device includes a controller. The controller controls the vehicle including: a first path that connects a first connector, which is capable of supplying power from outside the vehicle to the vehicle, to the main battery; a second path that connects a second connector, which is capable of supplying power to the outside, to the main battery via a conversion device; and a switch that connects a path between the first connector and the second connector. When power is supplied from outside the vehicle via the first connector, if the power supply voltage from the first connector is less than a threshold, the controller connects the switch to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the switch, and if the power supply voltage is equal to or larger than the threshold, the controller disconnects the switch to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the first path and the second path, with the power supply voltage stepped down by the conversion device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology for charging an on-board battery with power supplied from a charging station via a charging inlet in electric vehicles such as PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) and BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for increasing the total battery capacity of a vehicle by connecting an external sub-battery to a connector in addition to the main battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-165210 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional technology, when charging a sub-battery from a charging stand via a vehicle, if the charging stand's power supply voltage is high, the difference between the power supply voltage and the rated voltage of the sub-battery increases, which can accelerate deterioration of the sub-battery. Note that this type of product deterioration issue is not limited to sub-batteries, but can also occur with any electrical appliance that can be connected to a vehicle connector and receive power from a charging stand.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and a vehicle that can reduce deterioration of products connected to the vehicle when power is supplied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a vehicle control device according to the present invention includes a controller. The controller controls a vehicle having a first path connecting a first connector capable of supplying power to the vehicle from outside the vehicle to a main battery, a second path connecting a second connector capable of supplying power to an external device to the main battery via a converter, and a switch connecting the paths between the first connector and the second connector. When power is supplied from outside the vehicle via the first connector, if the supply voltage from the first connector is less than a threshold, the controller closes the switch to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the switch, and if the supply voltage is equal to or greater than the threshold, the controller closes the switch to supply power from the first connector via the first path and the second path to the second connector by reducing the supply voltage using the converter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when the power supply voltage from the first connector is a high voltage equal to or higher than a threshold, the power supply voltage supplied to the second connector can be lowered by stepping down the power supply voltage via a conversion device. This reduces the voltage difference between the rated voltage of an electrical appliance such as an external battery connected to the second connector and the power supply voltage, thereby reducing deterioration of the electrical appliance when power is supplied from the first connector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of a vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of a vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of a vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of a vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of a vehicle according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and a vehicle according to embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0010] First Embodiment First, an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. Note that in Fig. 1, some of the basic components of a vehicle, such as wheels, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, etc., are omitted to make the description easier to understand.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle control device 2, a charging connector 3 (an example of a first connector), a charging circuit 4, a main battery 5, an auxiliary DCDC 6, a load 7, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 8, a motor 9, an auxiliary battery 10, an inverter 11 (an example of a conversion device), a power supply connector 12 (an example of a second connector), an input / output selector 13, an external battery 14, a path switch 15, and a battery switch 16. The external battery 14 refers to a battery connected to the vehicle 1 at a position outside the power supply connector 12, such as an outlet, provided in the vehicle 1. The battery 14 may be provided outside the body of the vehicle 1 or may be provided inside the vehicle, such as inside the passenger compartment. In the following description, a method of supplying power to the vehicle 1 from a power supply device 100 provided outside the vehicle is referred to as “plug-in charging,” and a method of supplying power to the vehicle 1 from an external battery 14 provided in the vehicle 1 is referred to as “external power supply.”

[0012] The vehicle control device 2 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the entire vehicle. The vehicle control device 2 controls the charging circuit 4, the inverter 11, the input / output selector 13, the path switch 15, and the battery switch 16.

[0013] The vehicle control device 2 includes a controller 2a and a storage unit 2b. The controller 2a includes a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, etc., and various other circuits. The CPU of the controller 2a executes programs stored in the ROM using the RAM as a work area, thereby performing the overall operation of the vehicle control device 2 and various other operations described below. Note that the controller 2a may be partially or entirely configured using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0014] The storage unit 2b is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a data flash. The storage unit 2b can store information about various programs. The vehicle control device 2 may acquire the above-mentioned programs and various information via another computer or portable recording medium connected via a wired or wireless network.

[0015] The charging connector 3 is a connector that is connected to a charging cable 101 provided in the external power supply device 100. The charging connector 3 is, for example, a charging inlet. The charging connector 3 is arranged on a first path R1 that is a power path that connects to the main battery 5. In other words, the first path R1 is a power path that connects the charging connector 3 and the main battery 5.

[0016] The charging circuit 4 is disposed on the first path R1 between the charging connector 3 and the main battery 5, and is a converter that converts AC power supplied from the power supply device 100 via the charging connector 3 into DC power. The charging circuit 4 also has a transformer that boosts the voltage (power supply voltage) supplied from the power supply device 100. When the power supply voltage is lower than the battery voltage of the main battery 5, the charging circuit 4 boosts the power supply voltage to the battery voltage.

[0017] The main battery 5 is, for example, a high-voltage (200 V or higher) battery such as a lithium-ion battery, etc. The main battery 5 supplies power to the load 7 and the PCU 8 to drive the vehicle 1.

[0018] The auxiliary DCDC 6 reduces the output voltage of the main battery 5 to the battery voltage of the auxiliary battery 10 when charging the auxiliary battery 10 with power from the main battery 5.

[0019] The load 7 is an electrical component other than the drive source of the vehicle 1. The load 7 is, for example, an air conditioner.

[0020] The PCU 8 is a control device that controls the supply of power to the motor 9, which is a drive source of the vehicle 1. The PCU 8 includes an inverter that drives the motor 9, a DC-DC converter that steps down the power supplied from the main battery 5, etc.

[0021] The auxiliary battery 10 is, for example, a low-voltage (for example, 12 V) battery such as a lead battery, etc. The auxiliary battery 10 supplies power to the load 7 when the vehicle 1 is stopped, etc.

[0022] The inverter 11 is provided on a second path R2 connecting the power supply connector 12 to the main battery 5. When an electronic device (external battery 14 in FIG. 1 ) or the like is connected to the power supply connector 12, the inverter 11 steps down the voltage of the main battery 5 to the rated voltage of the electronic device when supplying power from the main battery 5 to the electronic device. Note that, although the present disclosure has shown a case where the conversion device is the inverter 11 having a voltage conversion function and a DC / AC conversion function, if the power supply connector 12 is a DC outlet, the DC / AC conversion function is not necessary and the conversion device is configured as having only a voltage conversion function.

[0023] The power supply connector 12 is a connector for supplying power from the vehicle 1. The power supply connector 12 is an outlet or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port.

[0024] The input / output selector 13 is a switch that switches between power supply from the power supply connector 12 to the external battery 14 and power supply from the external battery 14 to the power supply connector 12. In FIG. 1, the input / output selector 13 is connected to the vehicle control device 2 via a control line (not shown), and switches the power supply direction in response to an instruction signal from the vehicle control device 2.

[0025] The input / output selector 13 may include a switch (not shown) for switching the power supply direction, and the power supply direction may be switched in response to a user's operation of the switch. Also, although Fig. 1 shows an example in which the input / output selector 13 is configured separately from the external battery 14, the input / output selector 13 and the external battery 14 may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0026] The external battery 14 is an external battery such as a mobile battery, and is detachable from the input / output selector 13. Specifically, the external battery 14 has an input terminal Tin through which power is supplied to the external battery 14 and an output terminal Tout through which power is supplied from the external battery 14 to the vehicle 1, which are connected to the input / output selector 13.

[0027] In other words, the external battery 14 is detachable from the power supply connector 12 (or the vehicle 1). The external battery 14 has a rated voltage of 100 V, which is a voltage that can supply power to a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, various electronic devices, etc. In other words, the external battery 14 has a rated voltage lower than that of the main battery 5.

[0028] Inter-path switch 15 is a switch that connects or disconnects the path that connects first path R1 and second path R2. Specifically, inter-path switch 15 is connected between a position on first path R1 between charging connector 3 and charging circuit 4 and a position on second path R2 between power supply connector 12 and inverter 11 as connection points. In other words, inter-path switch 15 connects or disconnects the path between charging connector 3 and power supply connector 12.

[0029] The battery switch 16 is a switch that connects or disconnects the main battery 5 and the PCU 8 (or the load 7).

[0030] Next, an example of the operation of each of the above-mentioned components will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Figs. 1 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figs. 1 and 2 show the operation when power is supplied by the power supply device 100. Figs. 3 and 4 show the operation when power is supplied from the external battery 14 while the vehicle 1 is running. Figs. 5 and 6 show the operation when regenerative power is generated while the vehicle 1 is running.

[0031] First, the operation of the power supply device 100 during power supply will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 shows a case where the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is 100 V, and Fig. 2 shows a case where the power supply voltage is 200 V. Note that Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 assume that charging of the main battery 5 by the power supply device 100 has been completed (fully charged).

[0032] Whether the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is 100V or 200V can be determined based on the detection result of a voltage sensor (not shown) provided in the charging circuit 4. Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 determines whether the power supply voltage is 100V or 200V by acquiring information on the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor of the charging circuit 4 when the main battery 5 is charged from the power supply device 100.

[0033] 1, when the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is 100V, the vehicle control device 2 charges the external battery 14 by supplying power from the charging connector 3 to the power supply connector 12 via the inter-path switch 15. Specifically, after charging of the main battery 5 from the power supply device 100 is completed, the vehicle control device 2 connects the inter-path switch 15 and transmits an instruction signal to the input / output selector 13 to switch the power supply direction to the external battery 14.

[0034] 1, the power supplied from the power supply device 100 can be charged in the external battery 14. That is, in FIG. 1, since the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is a voltage (100V) below the threshold, the voltage difference with the rated voltage (100V) of the external battery 14 is small, and therefore the vehicle control device 2 does not perform voltage reduction by the inverter 11.

[0035] Then, by supplying power from the charging connector 3 to the power feeding connector 12 via the inter-path switch 15, it is possible to minimize power loss when power from the power feeding device 100 flows from the charging connector 3 to the power feeding connector 12. In other words, the vehicle control device 2 can improve charging efficiency. Note that the threshold value can be set to any value as long as it can distinguish between 100V and 200V.

[0036] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, when the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is 200 V, the vehicle control device 2 charges the external battery 14 by lowering the power supply voltage using the inverter 11 and supplying power from the charging connector 3 to the power supply connector 12 via the first path R1 and the second path R2.

[0037] Specifically, after charging of the main battery 5 is completed, the vehicle control device 2 transmits to the input / output selector 13 an instruction signal to switch the power supply direction to the external battery 14.

[0038] Furthermore, the vehicle control device 2 performs switching control of the inverter 11 to step down the power supply voltage from 200 V to 100 V. This allows the power supplied from the power supply device 100 to be charged in the external battery 14, as shown in FIG.

[0039] 2, since the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is a voltage (200V) equal to or higher than the threshold value, there is a large voltage difference between this and the rated voltage (100V) of the external battery 14, and therefore the vehicle control device 2 steps down the voltage using the inverter 11. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to reduce the voltage difference between the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 and the rated voltage of the external battery 14, thereby reducing deterioration of the external battery 14 (an example of an electrical appliance) when power is supplied from the charging connector 3.

[0040] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, by charging the external battery 14 after charging of the main battery 5 from the power supply device 100 is completed, it is possible to reliably complete charging of the main battery 5 before charging of the external battery 14. Note that charging of the main battery 5 may be completed before the main battery 5 is fully charged. Specifically, in order to supply regenerative power to the main battery 5 when regenerative power is generated in the vehicle 1, charging may be completed when the remaining battery level of the main battery 5 is charged to a predetermined threshold that is less than full charge, and then charging of the external battery 14 may be started. Furthermore, after charging of the external battery 14 is completed, the main battery 5 may be charged again until it is fully charged, or the main battery 5 may be charged in parallel with charging of the external battery 14.

[0041] Next, operation when power is supplied from the external battery 14 while the vehicle 1 is running will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows a case where the rated output power of the external battery 14 is equal to or greater than a threshold (large output), and Figure 4 shows a case where the rated output power of the external battery 14 is less than the threshold (small output).

[0042] The output power of the external battery 14 can be determined based on the detection results of a voltage sensor and a current sensor (not shown) provided in the charging circuit 4. Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 determines the output power of the external battery 14 by acquiring information on the voltage value and current value detected by the voltage sensor and the current sensor when power is output from the external battery 14 to the charging circuit 4.

[0043] 3, when the output power of the external battery 14 is equal to or greater than a threshold, the vehicle control device 2 supplies power from the external battery 14 to the main battery 5. Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 connects the inter-path switch 15 and sends an instruction signal to the input / output selector 13 to switch the power supply direction to the power supply connector 12. The vehicle control device 2 also controls the charging circuit 4 to convert the AC power of the external battery 14 to DC.

[0044] The DC power output from the charging circuit 4 is either charged in the main battery 5 or consumed by the PCU 8 and the load 7. In other words, when the output power of the external battery 14 is equal to or greater than a threshold while the vehicle 1 is running, the vehicle control device 2 either charges the main battery 5 with the power output from the external battery 14 or supplies power to the power destinations of the main battery 5 (the load 7 and PCU 8).

[0045] Specifically, when the output power of the external battery 14 is lower than the power required by the load 7 and PCU 8, the vehicle control device 2 supplies power to the load 7 and PCU 8. At this time, the shortfall in power to the load 7 and PCU 8 is supplied from the main battery 5. On the other hand, when the output power of the external battery 14 exceeds the power required by the load 7 and PCU 8, the vehicle control device 2 supplies power to the load 7 and PCU 8 and also supplies the surplus power to the main battery 5 for charging.

[0046] In this way, the vehicle control device 2 can minimize the decrease in the remaining battery power of the main battery 5 by using the external battery 14 to charge the main battery 5 or supply power to the load 7 and the PCU 8. As a result, the vehicle control device 2 can increase the amount of power that the main battery 5 can supply to the motor 9, thereby extending the cruising distance of the vehicle 1.

[0047] 4, when the output power of the external battery 14 is less than the threshold, the vehicle control device 2 supplies power from the external battery 14 to the auxiliary battery 10. Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 connects the inter-path switch 15 and transmits an instruction signal to the input / output selector 13 to switch the power supply direction to the power supply connector 12.

[0048] The vehicle control device 2 also controls the charging circuit 4 to convert AC power from the external battery 14 to DC and step down the voltage to the voltage of the auxiliary battery 10. This allows the auxiliary battery 10 to be charged from the external battery 14.

[0049] In other words, when the output power of the external battery 14 is below the threshold, the vehicle control device 2 charges the auxiliary battery 10, which has a smaller capacity than the main battery 5, because the output power is insufficient to charge the main battery 5 and to supply power to the load 7 and the PCU 8. As a result, the vehicle control device 2 can reduce the amount of charge to the auxiliary battery 10 by the main battery 5, thereby minimizing the decrease in the remaining battery power of the main battery 5.

[0050] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the user (owner) can later expand the battery capacity of the vehicle 1 by supplying power from the external battery 14. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, by connecting the external battery 14 in a pre-charged state to the power supply connector 12, even if the remaining battery charge of the main battery 5 becomes low, the vehicle 1 can continue to run by supplying power from the external battery 14. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the battery capacity of the vehicle 1 can be expanded using the external battery 14, so it is possible to sell (manufacture) an inexpensive vehicle 1 with a reduced capacity main battery 5. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the user can later expand the battery capacity of the vehicle 1 depending on the intended use, so it is not necessary for manufacturers to offer a lineup of vehicles 1 with main battery 5s of different capacities.

[0051] Next, an operation when regenerated power is generated while the vehicle 1 is running will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows a case where the regenerated power is supplied to the main battery 5, and Figure 6 shows a case where the regenerated power is supplied to the power supply connector 12.

[0052] 5, first, while the vehicle 1 is running, the vehicle control device 2 supplies power from the main battery 5 to the power supply connector 12 while the remaining battery charge of the main battery 5 is equal to or greater than a threshold. That is, the vehicle control device 2 charges the external battery 14 with the main battery 5 until the remaining battery charge of the main battery 5 falls below the threshold (step S1).

[0053] Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 turns off the inter-path switch 15 and sends an instruction signal to the input / output selector 13 to switch the power supply direction to the external battery 14. The vehicle control device 2 also performs switching control of the inverter 11 to step down the voltage of the main battery 5 from 200V to 100V. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to charge the external battery 14 with power from the main battery 5.

[0054] Thereafter, the vehicle control device 2 charges the main battery 5, whose remaining battery power is less than the threshold, by supplying regenerative power supplied from the PCU 8 (step S2). In other words, when regenerative power is generated, the vehicle control device 2 supplies the remaining battery power of the main battery 5 to the external battery 14 until the main battery 5 can be charged. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to efficiently use (charge) the regenerative power.

[0055] 6, while the vehicle 1 is traveling, if the remaining battery charge of the main battery 5 is equal to or greater than a threshold, the vehicle control device 2 supplies regenerative power to the power supply connector 12 to charge the external battery 14. Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 shuts off the inter-path switch 15 and sends an instruction signal to the input / output selector 13 to switch the power supply direction to the external battery 14.

[0056] Furthermore, the vehicle control device 2 controls the switching of the inverter 11 to step down the voltage of the regenerated power from 200 V to 100 V. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to charge the external battery 14 with the regenerated power.

[0057] That is, when regenerative power is generated and the remaining battery charge of the main battery 5 is equal to or greater than a threshold and the main battery 5 cannot be charged, the vehicle control device 2 directly supplies the regenerative power to the power supply connector 12. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to reduce the waste (discharge) of regenerative power that cannot be charged in the main battery 5.

[0058] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration and operation of a vehicle 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Figures 7 to 11 are block diagrams showing the configuration and operation of a vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment. In Figures 7 to 11, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 7, the vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a step-up / step-down circuit 17 instead of the inverter 11. The vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment also differs from the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the inter-path switch 15. That is, in the second embodiment, there is no path connecting the charging connector 3 and the power supply connector 12.

[0060] 7, when the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is 100V, the vehicle control device 2 charges the external battery 14 by supplying power from the charging connector 3 to the power supply connector 12 via the first path R1 and the second path R2. Specifically, after charging of the main battery 5 is completed, the vehicle control device 2 turns off the battery switch 16 and controls the charging circuit 4 to convert the AC power of the power supply device 100 to DC.

[0061] Furthermore, the vehicle control device 2 maintains the power supply voltage without reducing it by controlling the switching of the step-up / step-down circuit 17. This allows the power supplied from the power supply device 100 to be charged in the external battery 14, as shown in Fig. 7. That is, in Fig. 7, since the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is a voltage (100V) below the threshold, the voltage difference with the rated voltage (100V) of the external battery 14 is small, and therefore the vehicle control device 2 does not reduce the voltage by the step-up / step-down circuit 17.

[0062] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, when the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is 200V, the vehicle control device 2 charges the external battery 14 by supplying power from the charging connector 3 to the power supply connector 12 via the first path R1 and the second path R2. Specifically, after charging of the main battery 5 is completed, the vehicle control device 2 controls the charging circuit 4 to convert the AC power of the power supply device 100 to DC. In addition, the vehicle control device 2 steps down the power supply voltage from 200V to 100V by switching control of the step-up / step-down circuit 17.

[0063] 8, the power supplied from the power supply device 100 can be charged in the external battery 14. That is, in FIG. 8, since the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is a voltage (200 V) equal to or higher than the threshold value and therefore has a large voltage difference from the rated voltage (100 V) of the external battery 14, the vehicle control device 2 steps down the voltage using the step-up / step-down circuit 17. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to reduce the voltage difference between the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 and the rated voltage of the external battery 14, thereby reducing deterioration of the external battery 14 (an example of an electrical appliance) when power is supplied from the charging connector 3.

[0064] Depending on the configuration of the vehicle 1, the battery switch 16 may remain connected even after the main battery 5 is charged. In this case, if the power supply voltage of the power supply device 100 is 100 V, the vehicle control device 2 must control the charging circuit 4 to boost the voltage to 200 V even after the main battery 5 is charged. Therefore, in the vehicle 1 configured as described above, even if the power supply voltage is 100 V, the voltage supplied to the step-up / step-down circuit 17 is 200 V, so the vehicle control device 2 steps down the voltage using the step-up / step-down circuit 17.

[0065] 9, when the vehicle 1 is running, the vehicle control device 2 supplies power from the external battery 14 to the main battery 5. Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 boosts the voltage of the external battery 14 to the voltage of the main battery 5 by switching control of the step-up / step-down circuit 17. The power output from the step-up / step-down circuit 17 is used to charge the main battery 5 or is consumed by the PCU 8 and the load 7.

[0066] That is, while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the vehicle control device 2 either charges the main battery 5 with power output from the external battery 14 or supplies power to the power destinations (load 7 and PCU 8) of the main battery 5. Specifically, when the output power of the external battery 14 is lower than the power required by the load 7 and PCU 8, the vehicle control device 2 supplies power to the load 7 and PCU 8. At this time, the shortfall in power to the load 7 and PCU 8 is supplied from the main battery 5.

[0067] On the other hand, when the output power of the external battery 14 exceeds the power required by the load 7 and PCU 8, the vehicle control device 2 supplies power to the load 7 and PCU 8 and also supplies the surplus power to the main battery 5 for charging. In this way, the vehicle control device 2 can minimize the decrease in the remaining battery power of the main battery 5 by using the external battery 14 to charge the main battery 5 or supplying power to the load 7 and PCU 8. As a result, the vehicle control device 2 can increase the amount of power that the main battery 5 can supply to the motor 9, thereby extending the cruising distance of the vehicle 1.

[0068] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, when the vehicle 1 is running and the remaining battery charge of the main battery 5 is equal to or greater than a threshold, the vehicle control device 2 first supplies power from the main battery 5 to the power supply connector 12 to reduce the remaining battery charge to below the threshold.

[0069] That is, the vehicle control device 2 reduces the remaining battery capacity of the main battery 5 to below a threshold by charging the external battery 14 using the main battery 5 (step S11). Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 performs switching control of the step-up / step-down circuit 17 to step down the voltage of the main battery 5 from 200 V to 100 V. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to charge the external battery 14 with power from the main battery 5.

[0070] Thereafter, the vehicle control device 2 charges the main battery 5 by supplying regenerative power supplied from the PCU 8 to the main battery 5 whose remaining battery power is less than a threshold (step S12). In other words, the vehicle control device 2 reduces the remaining battery power of the main battery 5 in advance so that the main battery 5 can be charged when regenerative power is generated. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to efficiently use (charge) the regenerative power.

[0071] 11, while the vehicle 1 is running, if the remaining battery charge of the main battery 5 is equal to or greater than a threshold, the vehicle control device 2 supplies regenerative power to the power supply connector 12 to charge the external battery 14. Specifically, the vehicle control device 2 performs switching control of the step-up / step-down circuit 17 to step down the voltage of the regenerative power from 200V to 100V.

[0072] This allows the vehicle control device 2 to charge the regenerated power to the external battery 14. In other words, when regenerated power is generated and the remaining battery charge of the main battery 5 is equal to or greater than a threshold and charging is not possible, the vehicle control device 2 directly supplies the regenerated power to the power supply connector 12. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to reduce the waste (discharge) of regenerated power that cannot be charged in the main battery 5.

[0073] As described above, the vehicle control device 2 according to the embodiment includes a controller 2a. The controller 2a controls the vehicle 1, which includes a first path R1 connecting the charging connector 3 capable of supplying power to the vehicle 1 from outside the vehicle to the main battery 5, a second path R2 connecting the power feeding connector 12 capable of supplying power to an external device to the main battery 5 via the inverter 11, and a switch (inter-path switch 15) connecting the paths between the charging connector 3 and the power feeding connector 12. When power is fed from outside the vehicle via the charging connector 3, if the power feeding voltage from the charging connector 3 is below a threshold, the controller 2a closes the switch to feed power from the charging connector 3 to the power feeding connector 12 via the switch, and if the power feeding voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold, the controller 2a closes the switch to feed power from the charging connector 3 to the power feeding connector 12 via the first path R1 and the second path R2, with the power feeding voltage being reduced by the inverter 11.

[0074] According to the present invention, when the power supply voltage from the charging connector 3 is a high voltage equal to or higher than a threshold, the power supply voltage supplied to the power supply connector 12 can be reduced by stepping down the power supply voltage via the inverter 11. This allows the vehicle control device 2 to reduce the voltage difference between the rated voltage of an electrical appliance such as the external battery 14 connected to the power supply connector 12 and the power supply voltage, thereby reducing deterioration of the electrical appliance when power is supplied from the charging connector 3.

[0075] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 vehicle 2 Vehicle control device 2a Controller 2b Storage section 3 Charging connector 4 Charging circuit 5 Main battery 6 Auxiliary DCDC 7 Load 8 PCU 9 Motor 10 Auxiliary Battery 11 Inverter 12 Power supply connector 13 Input / Output Selector 14 External Battery 15 Route Switch 16 Battery switch 17 Buck-boost circuit 100 Power supply device 101 Charging Cable R1 1st pathway R2 Second pathway Tin Input terminal Tout output terminal

Claims

1. a controller for controlling a vehicle, the controller including: a first path connecting a first connector capable of supplying power to the vehicle from outside the vehicle to a main battery; a second path connecting a second connector capable of supplying power to an external device to the main battery via a conversion device; and a switch for connecting the path between the first connector and the second connector; The controller When power is supplied from outside the vehicle via the first connector, if the power supply voltage from the first connector is less than a threshold, the switch is connected to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the switch, and if the power supply voltage is equal to or greater than a threshold, the switch is disconnected to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the first path and the second path, with the power supply voltage being stepped down by the converter. Vehicle control device.

2. The controller When the power supply voltage is 100V, the switch is connected to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the switch, and when the power supply voltage is 200V, the switch is disconnected to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the conversion device. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

3. an external battery is connected to the second connector; The controller After charging of the main battery by power supply via the first connector is completed, or in parallel with charging of the main battery, the external battery is charged by power supply via the first connector. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

4. The vehicle further includes an auxiliary battery. The controller When the output power of the external battery is equal to or greater than a threshold value while the vehicle is running, power is supplied from the external battery to the main battery, and when the output power is less than the threshold value, power is supplied from the external battery to the auxiliary battery. The vehicle control device according to claim 3.

5. The controller When the output power of the external battery is equal to or greater than a threshold value while the vehicle is running, the power output from the external battery is used to charge the main battery or to supply power to a power supply destination of the main battery. The vehicle control device according to claim 4.

6. the vehicle is capable of generating regenerative power while traveling to charge the main battery, The controller When the remaining battery charge of the main battery is equal to or greater than a threshold while the vehicle is running, power is supplied from the main battery to the second connector to reduce the remaining battery charge to below the threshold, and then the regenerative power is charged into the main battery. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

7. the vehicle is capable of generating regenerative power while traveling to charge the main battery, The controller When the vehicle is running and the remaining battery charge of the main battery is equal to or greater than a threshold, the regenerative power is supplied to the second connector. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

8. a controller for controlling a vehicle having a first path connecting a first connector capable of supplying power to the vehicle from outside the vehicle to a main battery, and a second path connecting a second connector to which an external battery is detachably connected to the main battery via a step-up / step-down circuit; The controller When power is supplied from outside the vehicle via the first connector, if the power supply voltage from the first connector is equal to or higher than a threshold, the power supply voltage is stepped down by the step-up / step-down circuit from the first connector via the first path and the second path, and then supplied to the second connector. Vehicle control device.

9. A computer-implemented vehicle control method, comprising: a control step of controlling a vehicle having a first path connecting a first connector capable of supplying power to the vehicle from outside the vehicle to a main battery, a second path connecting a second connector capable of supplying power to an external device to the main battery via a conversion device, and a switch connecting the paths between the first connector and the second connector; The control step includes: When power is supplied from outside the vehicle via the first connector, if the power supply voltage from the first connector is less than a threshold, the switch is connected to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the switch, and if the power supply voltage is equal to or greater than a threshold, the switch is disconnected to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the first path and the second path, with the power supply voltage being stepped down by the converter. Vehicle control method.

10. The main battery and a first connector capable of supplying power to the vehicle from outside the vehicle and connected to the main battery via a first path; a second connector capable of supplying power to an external device and connected to the main battery via a second path via a converter; a switch that connects a path between the first connector and the second connector; A vehicle control device; Equipped with The vehicle control device includes: When power is supplied from outside the vehicle via the first connector, if the power supply voltage from the first connector is less than a threshold, the switch is connected to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the switch, and if the power supply voltage is equal to or greater than a threshold, the switch is disconnected to supply power from the first connector to the second connector via the first path and the second path, with the power supply voltage being stepped down by the converter. vehicle.

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