Control system for electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a control system for an electric vehicle, capable of inhibiting a situation where vehicle start-up operation is performed during battery replacement.SOLUTION: A control system Cu for an electric vehicle C according to the present disclosure includes a key cylinder 102, a key-lock function ECU 202, a battery replacement switch 101, and a battery replacement function ECU 201. The battery replacement function ECU 201 switches the key cylinder 102 from an unlocked state to a locked state when a replacement command for a battery 11 is received, maintains the locked state of the key cylinder 102 during a time from a start to an end of replacement operation of the battery 11, and switches the key cylinder 102 from the locked state to the unlocked state upon the end of the replacement operation of the battery 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system for an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Electric vehicles equipped with batteries (for example, electric cars and electric scooters) have been known in the past.

[0003] In recent years, an increasing number of electric vehicles of this type are being equipped with battery exchange systems. Such battery exchange systems are generally designed based on the concept that when the stored power of a battery installed in a vehicle becomes low, the battery is exchanged for another fully charged battery at a battery exchange station, instead of charging the battery each time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In this type of battery exchange system, the operation of a locking mechanism (see, for example, Figures 3 and 4 described below) that supports and fixes the battery to the vehicle frame is typically controlled under the control of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and the battery is removed from and / or attached to the vehicle frame. At this time, the ECU establishes communication with a battery exchange station, and then works in cooperation with a battery exchange machine at the battery exchange station, which then exchanges the battery installed in the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent application No. 2023-134543 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-225923 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, this type of battery exchange system is currently under development, and has not yet reached the stage where it can identify various problems that may arise during actual vehicle use and optimize the vehicle's control system as a whole.

[0007] In light of this, the inventors of the present application have come to the realization that, while a vehicle is actually in use, the driver may accidentally start the vehicle (i.e., turn on the ignition switch in the key cylinder) while the battery is being replaced. In such a case, the system main relay in the electrical circuit connecting the battery and the vehicle's drive motor turns on upon receiving a vehicle start command from the key cylinder, and high voltage generated at the battery terminals may be applied to the unconnected battery connector on the vehicle side, causing an arc discharge. As a result, the battery connector may weld or other components may be damaged.

[0008] The system main relay is arranged, for example, in an output section on the battery side, and is designed to be turned on when the vehicle start operation is performed so that the vehicle can be driven.

[0009] Furthermore, if the vehicle is started during a battery exchange, the ECU will normally issue an emergency stop command to the battery exchange station to avoid danger, which may result in the battery exchange having to be repeated unnecessarily or may cause the battery exchange machine at the battery exchange station to malfunction.

[0010] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a control system for an electric vehicle that can prevent a situation in which a vehicle start-up operation is performed when the battery is replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The main invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is: A control system for an electric vehicle equipped with a battery, a key cylinder that functions as an ignition switch for the vehicle; a key lock control unit that controls switching between a locked state and an unlocked state of the key cylinder; a battery replacement switch that receives a command to replace the battery; a battery exchange control unit that communicates with a battery exchange station outside the vehicle when the battery is exchanged, controls the battery exchange operation, and cooperates with the key lock control unit; Equipped with The battery exchange control unit When the battery replacement switch receives a command to replace the battery, the key cylinder is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state; The key cylinder is maintained in the locked state from the start to the end of the battery replacement operation, and the key cylinder is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state upon the end of the battery replacement operation. It is a control system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the control system for an electric vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a vehicle start-up operation is performed when the battery is replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram (plan view) showing an example of a vehicle configuration; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a manner in which a main battery is attached to a vehicle; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a locking mechanism that fixes a main battery to a vehicle (unlocked state); [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a locking mechanism that fixes the main battery to the vehicle (locked state); [Figure 5] Diagram showing the appearance of the main battery [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a drive mechanism for a lock mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle control system. [Figure 8] Sequence diagram showing the operation of the vehicle control system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0015] An example of the configuration of an electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle C") according to one embodiment of the present invention and a control system for vehicle C (hereinafter referred to as "control system Cu") will be described below.

[0016] In this embodiment, the battery replacement function of the control system Cu will be mainly described. The battery to be replaced by the control system Cu is, for example, a battery mounted on an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and used as a driving power source for the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as a "main battery").

[0017] <Overall vehicle configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram (plan view) showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle C. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a manner in which a main battery 11 is attached to the vehicle C.

[0018] 3 and 4 are diagrams (plan views) showing an example of the configuration of the locking mechanism 13 that fixes the main battery 11 to the vehicle C. Fig. 3 shows the unlocked state of the locking mechanism 13, and Fig. 4 shows the locked state of the locking mechanism 13.

[0019] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the appearance of the main battery 11. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a drive mechanism for the lock mechanism 13.

[0020] The vehicle C is a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that can run using a driving power source of a main battery 11. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a large vehicle such as a truck as an example. The vehicle frame Cf of the vehicle C extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is disposed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle, and supports the vehicle body and various on-board equipment. The vehicle frame Cf also supports a cab that forms the driver's seat Ca at the front of the vehicle C. The vehicle frame Cf is formed, for example, from a steel frame having a U-shaped cross section.

[0021] The vehicle C includes a main battery 11, an auxiliary battery 12, a lock mechanism 13, a drive motor 14, a battery exchange switch 101, a key cylinder 102, a battery exchange function ECU 201, and a key lock function ECU 202.

[0022] The main battery 11 is a high-voltage battery that supplies operating power for driving the vehicle C to the drive motor 14. In this embodiment, the main battery 11 is, for example, a battery pack of 300V-class lithium-ion batteries.

[0023] The main battery 11 is detachably attached to the side of the vehicle frame Cf via a locking mechanism 13. In this embodiment, the main battery 11 is attached to each of the left and right vehicle frames Cf.

[0024] The main battery 11 has a terminal portion 11c on its side, and is electrically connectable via the terminal portion 11c to a battery connector (not shown) on the vehicle C. The main battery 11 also has a rod-shaped striker 11s for engaging with the latch 13a of the locking mechanism 13 (see FIG. 5).

[0025] 2, the vehicle frame Cf has a mounting base Cfb for mounting the main battery 11, and a slide rail base Cfa that supports the mounting base Cfb so that it can slide. The slide rail base Cfa is attached to the outer side surface of the vehicle frame Cf and extends horizontally from the vehicle frame Cf toward the outer side of the vehicle C. The slide rail base Cfa guides the mounting base Cfb so that it can slide between a battery storage position and a battery attachment / detachment position within the vehicle C.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a state in which the mounting base Cfb has been slid from the battery attachment / detachment position to the battery storage position.

[0027] In the vehicle C according to this embodiment, when the main battery 11 is stored in the vehicle C, the main battery 11 is placed on the storage stand Cfb when the storage stand Cfb is in the battery attachment / detachment position. Then, while placed on the storage stand Cfb, the main battery 11 is slid along the slide rail base Cfa and guided from the battery attachment / detachment position to the battery storage position. Then, at the battery storage position, the main battery 11 is locked to the vehicle frame Cf using the locking mechanism 13. At this time, the terminal portion 11c of the main battery 11 is connected to the battery connector on the vehicle C side, completing the storage of the main battery 11 in the vehicle C.

[0028] On the other hand, in the vehicle C according to this embodiment, when the main battery 11 is removed from inside the vehicle C, for example, the locking mechanism 13 is driven to release the locked state of the main battery 11 from the vehicle frame Cf. Then, while placed on the mounting base Cfb, the main battery 11 is slid along the slide rail base Cfa and guided from the battery storage position inside the vehicle C to the battery attachment / detachment position. Then, at the battery attachment / detachment position, the main battery 11 is lifted up, for example, onto a battery exchange machine at a battery exchange station and removed from the vehicle C.

[0029] For an example of the operation of the battery exchange machine in the battery exchange station, please refer to, for example, Patent Document 1, a prior application of the applicant of the present application.

[0030] The auxiliary battery 12 is a low-voltage battery that supplies operating power to on-board electrical components. The auxiliary battery 12 is, for example, a 12V lead-acid battery. The auxiliary battery 12 is fixed to a side portion of the vehicle frame Cf. In the vehicle C according to this embodiment, the power supplied from the auxiliary battery 12 operates, for example, ECUs (e.g., a battery exchange function ECU 201 and a key lock function ECU 202, which will be described later) and the lock mechanism 13 (see FIG. 6).

[0031] The locking mechanism 13 is fixed to the vehicle frame Cf and detachably attaches the main battery 11 to the vehicle frame Cf (see Figures 3, 4, and 6). Note that in Figures 3 and 4, the main battery 11 is not shown, and only the striker 11s attached to the side of the main battery 11 is shown.

[0032] The lock mechanism 13 according to this embodiment includes a latch 13a, a hydraulic cylinder 13b, a drive pump 13c, a control valve 13d, a first relay 13fa, and a second relay 13fb.

[0033] The latches 13a are provided in pairs along the front-rear direction of the vehicle frame Cf. Each of the pair of latches 13a is supported rotatably about a vertical axis by a bracket attached to the vehicle frame Cf. Each of the pair of latches 13a is a hook member that extends from the inside to the outside of the vehicle frame Cf and hooks onto the rod-shaped striker 11s. Each of the pair of latches 13a rotates about the vertical axis in conjunction with the operation of the hydraulic cylinder 13b.

[0034] That is, when locking the main battery 11 to the vehicle frame Cf, each of the pair of latches 13a rotates to one side about the vertical axis and engages with a striker 11s attached to the main battery 11, securing the main battery 11 to the vehicle frame Cf. When unlocking the main battery 11 from the vehicle frame Cf, each of the pair of latches 13a rotates to the other side about the vertical axis and releases the engagement between the main battery 11 and the striker 11s, allowing the main battery 11 to be removed from the vehicle frame Cf.

[0035] The locking mechanism 13 typically maintains a locked state in which the main battery 11 is fixed to the vehicle frame Cf when the main battery 11 is stored inside the vehicle C. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 13 releases the locked state between the main battery 11 and the vehicle frame Cf when the main battery 11 is replaced.

[0036] In this embodiment, one of the pair of latches 13a is directly connected to the hydraulic cylinder 13b, and the other of the pair of latches 13a is connected to the hydraulic cylinder 13b via a rod 13bb. Each of the pair of latches 13a is provided with a contact sensor 13S, which detects whether the locked state is established. A sensor signal from the contact sensor 13S is sent to the battery replacement function ECU 201, which detects a malfunction of the locking mechanism 13 based on these sensor signals.

[0037] The hydraulic cylinder 13b is connected to a hydraulic circuit and its state changes depending on the operating states of a drive pump 13c that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic circuit and a control valve 13d disposed in the hydraulic circuit. That is, the drive pump 13c sends high-pressure hydraulic oil to the hydraulic circuit, and the control valve 13d controls the supply state of the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder 13b. As a result, the hydraulic cylinder 13b converts the fluid energy of the hydraulic oil into mechanical energy to move the pair of latches 13a.

[0038] The operating state of the hydraulic cylinder 13b is controlled by a battery exchange function ECU 201 that controls the drive pump 13c and the control valve 13d. Specifically, the exchange function ECU 201 controls the operation of the drive pump 13c by controlling the on / off of a first relay 13fa that is disposed in a line connecting the drive pump 13c and the auxiliary battery 12 that supplies operating power to the drive pump 13c. Similarly, the battery exchange function ECU 201 controls the operation of the control valve 13d by controlling the on / off of a second relay 13fb that is disposed in a line connecting the control valve 13d and the auxiliary battery 12 that supplies operating power to the control valve 13d.

[0039] The battery replacement function ECU 201 is a microcomputer including, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an input port, an output port, a communication module, and the like.

[0040] The battery replacement function ECU 201 operates the lock mechanism 13 to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state of the main battery 11 relative to the vehicle frame Cf. The battery replacement function ECU 201 is also configured to be able to communicate with a battery replacement station, and performs the replacement operation of the main battery 11 in cooperation with the battery replacement station.

[0041] <Vehicle control system> Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system Cu of a vehicle C. Note that Fig. 7 shows only the configuration related to the key control function and battery replacement function of the vehicle C.

[0042] As described above, the vehicle C has the key cylinder 102, the key lock function ECU 202, the battery exchange switch 101, and the battery exchange function ECU 201. The key cylinder 102 and the battery exchange switch 101 are disposed, for example, on the instrument panel in front of the driver's seat Ca of the vehicle C.

[0043] In the present invention, the "key lock control unit" corresponds to the key lock function ECU 202, and the "battery exchange control unit" corresponds to the battery exchange function ECU 201.

[0044] The key cylinder 102 is, for example, a key cylinder that functions as an ignition switch and is configured as one unit with the ignition switch of the vehicle C. The key cylinder 102 has the same configuration as a conventionally known key cylinder. That is, the key cylinder 102 accepts a key for the vehicle C held by the driver, and when the rotor of the key cylinder 102 is rotated with the key to a specified vehicle startup position, the built-in ignition switch is turned on. When the ignition switch is turned on, the key cylinder 102 transmits a vehicle startup command to various components (for example, a system main relay and a vehicle ECU, not shown).

[0045] The key cylinder 102 also has a key lock mechanism that is configured to enable key locking when the key is off (i.e., the ignition switch is OFF). The key lock mechanism has a configuration similar to that of conventionally known key lock mechanisms. The key lock mechanism is configured, for example, with a solenoid and a restricting member operated by the solenoid. When the key is locked, the key lock mechanism operates the restricting member with the solenoid to restrict rotation of the rotor of the key cylinder 102, preventing the ignition switch from being turned on.

[0046] The configuration of the key cylinder 102 and the configuration of the key lock mechanism are similar to the configuration of a conventionally known key cylinder and key lock mechanism, and for example, refer to Patent Document 2.

[0047] The key lock function ECU 202 activates the key lock mechanism of the key cylinder 102 and controls the key cylinder 102 to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0048] The key lock function ECU 202 is, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, and an output port.

[0049] The battery replacement switch 101 receives a battery replacement command operation (meaning a replacement command operation for the main battery 11; the same applies hereinafter) from the user. When the battery replacement switch 101 receives a battery replacement command operation from the user, it transmits the replacement command to the battery replacement function ECU 201.

[0050] As described above, the battery exchange function ECU 201 is configured to be able to communicate with the battery exchange station, and executes the exchange operation of the main battery 11 in cooperation with the battery exchange station.

[0051] Here, the battery exchange function ECU 201 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to switch the key cylinder 102 between a locked state and an unlocked state in cooperation with the key lock function ECU 202 as a safety function during battery exchange.

[0052] Specifically, when the battery replacement switch 101 receives a battery replacement command, the battery replacement function ECU 201 switches the key cylinder 102 from an unlocked state to a locked state. The battery replacement function ECU 201 maintains the locked state of the key cylinder 102 from the start to the end of the battery replacement operation, and switches the key cylinder 102 from the locked state to the unlocked state when the battery replacement operation is completed.

[0053] The timing at which the battery replacement function ECU 201 switches the key cylinder 102 from the unlocked state to the locked state is preferably the timing at which the battery replacement switch 101 receives a command to replace the battery 11 and then becomes ready to start replacing the battery 11. This is because the key cylinder 102 is locked after the user turns the key off.

[0054] Furthermore, the timing for the battery replacement function ECU 201 to switch the key cylinder 102 from the locked state to the unlocked state is preferably the timing when a notification is received from the battery replacement station that the replacement of the battery 11 has been completed. This is to prevent the key cylinder 102 from being switched from the locked state to the unlocked state before the replacement of the battery 11 is completely completed.

[0055] Furthermore, it is preferable that the battery replacement function ECU 201 notifies the user that the battery replacement operation is being performed from the start to the end of the battery replacement operation, thereby making the user aware that the battery is being replaced.

[0056] The notification means by the battery exchange function ECU 201 is arbitrary, and examples thereof include a display unit arranged on the battery exchange station side and an audio output unit arranged on the vehicle C side. For example, a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) may be arranged in a position visible from the driver's seat Ca of the vehicle C at the battery exchange station, and the battery exchange function ECU 201 may communicate with a system at the battery exchange station to cause the display unit to display "battery exchange operation in progress." Furthermore, the battery exchange function ECU 201 may, for example, cause an audio output unit (e.g., a speaker) of the vehicle C to issue an audio output of "battery exchange operation in progress."

[0057] Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the control system Cu of vehicle C. Fig. 8 chronologically lists "driver's operation," "operation of the key cylinder 102 of vehicle C," "operation of the exchange SW (battery exchange switch 101) of vehicle C," "operation of the key lock function ECU 202 of vehicle C," "operation of the battery exchange function ECU 201 of vehicle C," and "operation of the battery exchange station."

[0058] First, the driver turns the battery exchange switch 101 "ON" (step Sa1). In response to the driver's "exchange SW-ON" operation, the battery exchange switch 101 transmits an exchange command signal to the battery exchange function ECU 201. At this time, the battery exchange switch 101 may instruct the driver to turn off the key of the vehicle C on a display unit or the like (step Sc1). In response to receiving the exchange command signal, the battery exchange function ECU 201 enters a standby state for battery exchange (step Se1).

[0059] Next, the driver performs an operation to turn the key cylinder 102 off (step Sa2). In response to the driver's key-off operation, the key cylinder 102 transmits this information to the battery exchange function ECU 201 (step Sb1). In response to receiving the exchange command signal, the battery exchange function ECU 201 starts preparations for battery exchange in each part of the vehicle C and transmits a key lock command signal to the key lock function ECU 202 (step Se2). In response to the key lock command signal, the key lock function ECU 202 performs control to lock the key cylinder 102 (step Sd1). This switches the key cylinder 102 from the unlocked state to the locked state (step Sb2). The battery exchange function ECU 201 then initiates the battery exchange operation, such as releasing the battery lock state, and transmits a battery exchange start command to the battery exchange station (step Se3).

[0060] The battery exchange station receives a command to start battery exchange from the battery exchange function ECU 201 and starts an operation to exchange the battery of the vehicle C (step Sf1). At this time, the battery exchange station may display information indicating that the battery is being exchanged on a display unit provided on the battery exchange station side to let the driver know that the battery is being exchanged.

[0061] The driver checks the display (for example, "Battery exchange in progress") on the display unit provided on the battery exchange station side and recognizes the status of the battery exchange operation (step Sa3).

[0062] The battery replacement operation of the vehicle C is the same as that of the current technology, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted here (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0063] When the battery exchange operation is completed, the battery exchange station instructs the driver to turn off the battery exchange switch 101 on a display unit or the like provided on the battery exchange station side (step Sf2).

[0064] The driver checks the display on the display unit provided on the battery exchange station (e.g., "Battery exchange completed, exchange SW-OFF") to recognize the status of the battery exchange operation (step Sa4), and performs an operation to turn off the battery exchange switch 101 (step Sa5). In response to the driver's "exchange SW-OFF" operation, the battery exchange switch 101 transmits an exchange completion processing command to the battery exchange function ECU 201 (step Sc2).

[0065] In response to receiving the exchange completion processing command, the battery exchange function ECU 201 executes the exchange completion processing of the battery exchange, transmits a key unlock command signal to the key lock function ECU 202, and transmits an exchange completion processing command to the battery exchange station (step Se4). In response to the key unlock command signal, the key lock function ECU 202 performs control to set the key cylinder 102 to an unlocked state (step Sd2). As a result, the key cylinder 102 is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state (step Sb3).

[0066] Then, when the battery exchange operation is completed, the battery exchange station notifies the driver that the battery exchange operation is completed on a display unit or the like provided on the battery exchange station side (step Sf3).The driver recognizes the status of the battery exchange operation by looking at the display content (e.g., "Battery exchange operation completed") provided on the battery exchange station side (step Sa6).

[0067] Through the above-described series of operations, the control system Cu of the vehicle C according to this embodiment performs the battery exchange while preventing the driver from starting the vehicle C during the battery exchange.

[0068] [effect] As described above, the control system Cu of the vehicle C according to this embodiment: a key cylinder that functions as an ignition switch for the vehicle; a key lock control unit (corresponding to "key lock function ECU 202") that controls switching between a locked state and an unlocked state of the key cylinder; a battery replacement switch that receives a command to replace the battery; a battery exchange control unit (corresponding to "battery exchange function ECU 201") that communicates with a battery exchange station outside the vehicle when exchanging the battery, controls the battery exchange operation, and operates in cooperation with the key lock control unit; Equipped with The battery exchange control unit When the battery replacement switch receives a command to replace the battery, the key cylinder is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state; The locked state of the key cylinder is maintained from the start to the end of the battery replacement operation, and the end of the battery replacement operation is used as a trigger to switch the key cylinder from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0069] Therefore, the control system Cu of the vehicle C according to this embodiment can reliably prevent the vehicle startup operation (that is, the ignition switch ON operation in the key cylinder 102) from being performed during battery replacement.

[0070] This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which a high voltage applied to the terminal portion 11c of the main battery 11 causes arc discharge and causes the battery connector on the vehicle C side to weld together.

[0071] This also makes it possible to prevent unnecessary redoing of the battery exchange operation and to prevent malfunction of the battery exchange machine at the battery exchange station.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be applied to various modified aspects.

[0073] For example, in the above embodiment, a vehicle frame Cf having a slide rail base Cfa was shown as an example of a vehicle C to which the present invention is applicable, but in realizing the vehicle C of the present invention, the support manner of the main battery 11 is arbitrary.

[0074] In the above embodiment, as an example of the locking mechanism 13 applied to the present invention, a pair of latches 13a is used to lock the main battery 11. However, the locking mechanism 13 used in the present invention is arbitrary, and other locking mechanisms may be used.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the battery exchange control unit and the key lock control unit are respectively configured as a microcomputer and a key lock function ECU 202. However, the battery exchange control unit and the key lock control unit may be configured as a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) instead of a microcomputer. Furthermore, they may not necessarily be configured as separate units, but may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0076] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0077] According to the control system for an electric vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a vehicle start-up operation is performed when the battery is replaced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] C vehicle Cu Control System 11 Main battery 12 Auxiliary battery 13 Locking mechanism 14 Drive motor 101 Battery replacement switch 102 Key cylinder 201 Battery exchange function ECU (battery exchange control unit) 202 Key lock function ECU (key lock control unit)

Claims

1. A control system for an electric vehicle equipped with a battery, a key cylinder that functions as an ignition switch for the vehicle; a key lock control unit that controls switching between a locked state and an unlocked state of the key cylinder; a battery replacement switch that receives a command to replace the battery; a battery exchange control unit that communicates with a battery exchange station outside the vehicle when the battery is exchanged, controls the battery exchange operation, and cooperates with the key lock control unit; Equipped with The battery exchange control unit When the battery replacement switch receives a command to replace the battery, the key cylinder is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state; The key cylinder is maintained in the locked state from the start to the end of the battery replacement operation, and the key cylinder is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state upon the end of the battery replacement operation. Control system.

2. When the battery exchange control unit receives a command to exchange the battery via the battery exchange switch, the battery exchange control unit switches the key cylinder from the unlocked state to the locked state at a timing when preparations for starting the battery exchange are complete. The control system of claim 1 .

3. The battery exchange control unit switches the key cylinder from the locked state to the unlocked state at a timing when a notification that the battery exchange has been completed is received from the battery exchange station. The control system of claim 1 .

4. The battery replacement control unit notifies a user that the battery replacement operation is being performed from the start to the end of the battery replacement operation. The control system of claim 1 .

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