Vehicle power supply management system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle power supply management system capable of appropriately managing a power supply in intercepting work such as maintenance in a factory or an inspection place.SOLUTION: A power supply management system for a vehicle comprising a power supply control unit for restricting execution of power supply control for automatically shutting down power supply when a predetermined travel mode is set comprises: a travel mode determination unit for determining that the predetermined travel mode is set; a timer setting unit for setting predetermined time for automatically shutting down power supply in the predetermined travel mode; and a power supply switching determination unit for determining whether or not shutdown of the power supply is inhibited when the current time becomes the predetermined time. In the case that the current time becomes the predetermined time and shutdown of the power supply is not inhibited, the power supply control unit cancels the restriction and automatically shuts down the power supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply management system for a vehicle that can automatically switch the power supply of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle that can be charged using an external power source and is configured to change the timing of charging depending on the time of day. The vehicle in Patent Document 1 can preset the timing to start charging, such as starting charging immediately when the charging connector is connected to the vehicle's inlet, or timer charging that starts at a preset time. The vehicle in Patent Document 1 is configured to change the timing to start charging depending on the time of day that the current time falls within when the charging connector is connected to the vehicle's inlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-161762 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is also a known function that automatically turns off the vehicle power using a timer function such as the one described above. For example, if the vehicle's power remains on for a predetermined period of time while the shift lever is in the parking position, the timer function activates and automatically turns off the vehicle power. This function can reduce the vehicle's fuel and battery consumption.

[0005] On the other hand, in factories where vehicles are assembled, the operation of such functions may be prohibited due to the nature of the work process. That is, in order to perform work such as system inspections with the vehicle power on, the power may be controlled not to be automatically turned off when a specific mode such as a maintenance mode is set on the vehicle. When such a specific mode is set, the vehicle power does not automatically turn off, so workers must manually turn off the vehicle power when work is interrupted. Therefore, when work is temporarily interrupted, for example, during a worker's break, the worker must manually turn off the vehicle power. This could increase the worker's workload, or increase fuel and battery consumption when the worker is unable to turn off the power.

[0006] This invention has been made with an eye on the above-mentioned technical problems, and aims to provide a vehicle power supply management system that can appropriately manage power when work such as maintenance at a factory or inspection site is suspended. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is a vehicle power management system comprising: a driving mode setting unit that sets a predetermined driving mode to be set for processing a vehicle; and a power supply control unit that executes power supply control to automatically shut down the power supply when predetermined conditions are met, wherein the power supply control unit is a vehicle power supply management system configured to restrict the execution of the power supply control when the predetermined driving mode is set, and comprises: a driving mode determination unit that determines that the predetermined driving mode is set; a timer setting unit that can set a predetermined time for automatically shutting down the power supply when the predetermined driving mode is set; a timer count unit that determines that the current time has reached the predetermined time; and a power supply switching determination unit that determines whether shutdown of the power supply is prohibited when the current time has reached the predetermined time, wherein when the current time has reached the predetermined time and shutdown of the power supply is not prohibited, the power supply control unit determines that the predetermined conditions have been met, releases the restriction on execution of the power supply control, and automatically shuts down the power supply. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The vehicle power management system of the present invention is capable of executing power control to automatically turn off the power supply when a predetermined condition is met. Furthermore, execution of this power control is restricted when a predetermined driving mode, which is set for maintenance such as vehicle inspection and testing, is set. Therefore, inconveniences such as the vehicle being turned off during maintenance can be prevented. On the other hand, even when a predetermined driving mode is set, the power management system lifts the restriction on execution of power control if a worker or other personnel sets a predetermined time for automatically shutting down the power supply and power shutdown is not prohibited due to maintenance or other reasons. In other words, the power supply is automatically shut down when the current time reaches the predetermined time unless prohibited. Therefore, even if work is temporarily interrupted, the vehicle power supply can be turned off without the worker having to manually turn off the vehicle power. This reduces the burden on the worker and prevents or suppresses increased fuel and battery consumption when the worker is unable to turn off the power supply. Furthermore, since power shutdown is not performed when prohibited, it can prevent interruptions to maintenance and other work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a power management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a power management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control executed by a power management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described below based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of specific embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an overall diagram of a power supply management system 1 for a vehicle Ve according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power supply management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention controls the power supply of the vehicle Ve to be turned off. For example, the power supply management system 1 is configured to perform power supply control such that, when a predetermined condition is met, the power supply of the ignition switch of the vehicle Ve is automatically turned off. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply management system 1 is configured by the vehicle Ve and a diagnostic tool T connected to the vehicle Ve.

[0012] The vehicle Ve includes a driving force source 2, a brake device 3, wheels 4, a steering device 5, a battery 6, a display 7, and a controller 8. The vehicle Ve may be an existing general vehicle Ve, such as an engine vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle.

[0013] The driving force source 2 outputs torque to drive the wheels 4, i.e., torque for propelling the vehicle Ve. The driving force source 2 includes a motor generator that is provided in a conventional electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. The driving force source 2 may also include, for example, a conventionally known engine (internal combustion engine).

[0014] The brake device 3 is a device similar to a conventionally known brake device 3, and is provided, for example, on each of the front and rear wheels 4 of the vehicle Ve. An example of the brake device 3 is a friction brake such as a disc brake, drum brake, or powder brake, and is configured to generate a friction force by hydraulic pressure or electromagnetic force, thereby generating a braking force in a direction that stops the rotation of each wheel 4.

[0015] The steering device 5 adjusts the traveling direction of the vehicle Ve by the driver operating the steering wheel. This steering device 5 is similar to a conventionally known steering device, for example, a rack-and-pinion type electric power steering device (EPS) provided with an electric assist mechanism.

[0016] The battery 6 includes a high-voltage battery 6a and a low-voltage battery 6b. The high-voltage battery 6a is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, and supplies power to the motor. The low-voltage battery 6b is a rechargeable power source such as a lead-acid battery, and supplies power to the vehicle Ve's accessories and various sensors.

[0017] The display 7 is provided on an instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle Ve, and may be, for example, a meter panel or a car navigation display. The display 7 is configured to display, in addition to various information related to driving, the fact that the above-mentioned power control is set. For example, the display unit may display a specific lamp or icon to indicate that the power control is being executed. Alternatively, the display unit may display the time when the power will be automatically turned off and the remaining time until that time.

[0018] The controller 8 mainly comprises a processor, a communication unit, a storage unit, etc. The controller 8 is configured to perform calculations according to a predetermined program using data acquired from a detection unit provided in the vehicle Ve, data acquired from the outside, and pre-stored data, and to output the results of the calculations as control command signals. For example, the controller 8 executes functions that meet predetermined purposes by having the processor load a program stored in a recording medium into a working area of ​​the storage unit and execute the program, and perform various controls through the execution of the program.

[0019] The processor is, for example, a CPU or a DSP. This processor is configured to control the information processing device and perform various information processing operations. The main memory unit includes, for example, a RAM and a ROM. As described above, the main memory unit has a work area for the processor to execute programs. The auxiliary memory unit includes, for example, an EPROM or a hard disk drive. The auxiliary memory unit also freely stores various programs, various data, and various tables in a recording medium by reading or writing them. The communication unit is a wireless communication circuit connected to an external communication device via wireless communication so as to be able to communicate data. This wireless communication circuit communicates using cellular communication (mobile communication) such as 5G or 4G (LTE). The wireless communication circuit may also communicate using narrowband communication such as DSRC.

[0020] The controller 8, the actuators, the sensors, etc. configured as described above are electrically connected to each other, for example, by a CAN or a wire harness, and output electrical signals corresponding to the acquired detected values ​​or calculated values ​​to the controller 8 as detection data.

[0021] The diagnostic tool T is a portable terminal used for maintenance, and is a diagnostic device that can be operated by touching a touch panel (display) 9. The diagnostic tool T is an external device that is connected to the vehicle Ve via a wired or wireless connection by an operator operating the touch panel 9, and can inspect and diagnose the vehicle Ve. The controller 8 described above is equipped with a self-diagnostic function for inspecting its own condition. The diagnostic tool T diagnoses the condition of the controller 8 and whether various driving systems are operating normally by reading diagnostic data stored in the self-diagnostic function and controlling the controller 8 to bring the vehicle Ve into a desired state.

[0022] Furthermore, the diagnostic tool T can control the execution of the above-mentioned power supply control by being connected to the controller 8. In other words, even if the execution of power supply control is restricted, the restriction on the execution of power supply control can be lifted by performing a predetermined operation using the diagnostic tool T.

[0023] The vehicle Ve configured as described above can be set to a normal driving mode, which is set for normal driving on public roads, etc., and a factory driving mode (maintenance mode), which is set when the vehicle Ve is being modified, such as during assembly or diagnosis. In the normal driving mode, power supply control can be performed to automatically switch the ignition OFF when a predetermined condition is met. For example, if the shift position of the vehicle Ve is set to the parking position and the power has been ON for a predetermined period of time or more, the power supply of the vehicle Ve is automatically shut down. By performing such power supply control, the consumption of fuel and battery 6 of the vehicle Ve can be reduced.

[0024] On the other hand, in factories where the vehicle Ve is assembled and inspection sites where the vehicle Ve is inspected, the operation of the power supply control may be restricted due to work process constraints. That is, in such factories and inspection sites, work such as system inspections may be performed with the vehicle Ve's power supply continuously turned on. For this reason, when the above-mentioned factory driving mode is set, the execution of the power supply control may be restricted so that the power supply of the vehicle Ve is not automatically turned off. By controlling the power supply of the vehicle Ve in this way, it is possible to prevent impairment of workability at factories where the vehicle Ve is assembled.

[0025] However, when the factory driving mode is set, the power supply control of the vehicle Ve is not activated, so when work is interrupted, the worker must turn off the power supply of the vehicle Ve. This increases the worker's workload, and if the worker is unable to turn off the power supply, it may increase the consumption of fuel and battery 6. Furthermore, if a diagnostic tool T is connected to the vehicle Ve, the worker can turn off the power supply of the vehicle Ve by remotely operating the vehicle Ve via external communication. However, if such a diagnostic tool T is not connected to the vehicle Ve, the worker must still turn on the power supply.

[0026] Therefore, in the power supply management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, even when such a factory driving mode is set, restrictions on power supply control of the vehicle Ve can be released when predetermined conditions are met. To achieve this, the power supply management system 1 includes a driving mode setting unit 10, a driving mode determination unit 11, a timer time input unit 12, a timer setting time acquisition unit 13, a current time acquisition unit 14, a timer count unit 15, a vehicle state determination unit 16, and a power supply control unit 17, as shown in FIG.

[0027] The driving mode setting unit 10 sets the driving mode of the vehicle Ve. As described above, the vehicle Ve can be set to a normal driving mode or a factory driving mode. The driving mode setting unit 10 sets one of the two driving modes for the vehicle Ve. The factory driving mode is set by performing a predetermined operation after the power of the vehicle Ve is turned on.

[0028] The driving mode determination unit 11 determines the driving mode set in the vehicle Ve. The vehicle Ve can be set to a normal driving mode for driving on public roads, etc., as described above, and a factory driving mode that is set when assembly, diagnosis, etc. are performed in a factory, etc. The driving mode determination unit 11 determines that the factory driving mode is set in the vehicle Ve.

[0029] The timer time input unit 12 corresponds to the timer setting unit in the embodiment of the present invention, and receives an input of a shutdown time for turning off the power supply of the vehicle Ve. The timer time input unit 12 is configured to receive input of a desired shutdown time by, for example, an operator operating the time displayed on the touch panel 9.

[0030] The timer setting time acquisition unit 13 acquires the shutdown time input by the operator. Note that the timer setting time acquisition unit 13 may store previously set shutdown times in advance, or may be configured so that the operator can set the shutdown time without having to input it each time.

[0031] The current time acquisition unit 14 acquires the current time by receiving radio waves containing time information from an external source, or by acquiring the current time based on the time set in a factory, workshop, or the like.

[0032] The timer count unit 15 manages the timer count based on the acquired current time and the set shutdown time. The timer count unit 15 counts the remaining time from the current time to the shutdown time. The count may be displayed as the number of remaining seconds on the display unit of the vehicle Ve or on the touch panel 9 of the diagnostic tool T.

[0033] The vehicle state determination unit 16 corresponds to the power supply switching determination unit in the embodiment of the present invention, and determines whether the vehicle Ve is in a state in which power supply control can be executed. The vehicle state determination unit 16 determines whether turning off the power supply is prohibited, for example, because a diagnostic tool T is connected to the vehicle Ve and the diagnostic tool T is being used to diagnose or inspect the controller 8. The vehicle state determination unit also determines whether the driving mode set for the vehicle Ve is the factory driving mode.

[0034] The power supply control unit 17 automatically turns off the power supply to the vehicle Ve when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, when the normal driving mode is set, the power supply control unit 17 automatically turns off the power supply to the vehicle Ve when the shift position of the vehicle Ve is set to the parking position and the power supply has been on for a predetermined time or more. Alternatively, when the factory driving mode is set, the power supply control unit 17 automatically turns off the power supply to the vehicle Ve when the current time reaches the shutdown time set by the operator. At this time, if the vehicle state determination unit 16 prohibits turning off the power supply, the power supply control unit 17 is configured not to turn off the power supply. The power supply control unit 17 turns off the power supply to the vehicle Ve, for example, by switching a relay or a switching element on an electrical circuit that switches the power supply of the vehicle Ve on and off.

[0035] Next, an example of control executed by the power supply management system 1 configured as described above will be described. Fig. 3 shows a flowchart for explaining this example of control. The flowchart shown in Fig. 3 shows control in a case where the power supply to the vehicle Ve is set to be automatically turned off during break times at the factory.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S1, it is determined whether or not there is a request from an operator to set a timer to turn off the power of the vehicle Ve at a break time. The operator can set a shutdown time to turn off the power of the vehicle Ve by operating a diagnostic tool T communicably connected to the vehicle Ve. In step S1, it is determined whether or not such a request to set a shutdown time has been made. If the determination in step S1 is NO because the shutdown time has not been set, this flowchart is temporarily terminated without executing the subsequent control.

[0037] On the other hand, if the shutdown time has been set and the determination in step S1 is YES, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, it is determined that the driving mode of the vehicle Ve is set to the factory driving mode, which is a specific mode for assembling and diagnosing the vehicle Ve in a factory, workshop, or the like.

[0038] If the determination in step S2 is NO because the factory driving mode is not set, for example, because the normal driving mode set when driving on public roads is set, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the state of the vehicle Ve is not one in which power supply control can be executed, so the set shutdown time is invalidated and the process ends.

[0039] On the other hand, if the determination in step S2 is YES because the factory driving mode is set, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, a timer is set to turn off the power to the vehicle Ve based on the shutdown time set in step S1. In step S3, the remaining time until the shutdown time is calculated based on the current time and the shutdown time.

[0040] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4, where counting is started based on the calculated remaining time until the shutdown time. In step S4, for example, the number of seconds of the remaining time is counted.

[0041] Then, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, it is determined that the factory mode is set as the driving mode of the vehicle Ve. In step S5, it is determined that the vehicle Ve is operated and a driving mode other than the factory driving mode is set while the remaining time until the shutdown time is being counted. If the determination in step S5 is NO because the normal driving mode has been set, the process proceeds to step S10 and then ends this flowchart.

[0042] If the determination in step S5 is YES because the factory running mode is set, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, it is determined whether the current time has reached the shutdown time set by the timer. In step S6, this determination is made based on whether the count mentioned above has reached 0, whether the shutdown time matches the current time, or the like. If the determination in step S6 is NO because the shutdown time has not yet arrived, the process proceeds to step S4, and the process in step S5 is repeated at predetermined intervals until the count ends or the shutdown time arrives.

[0043] On the other hand, if the shutdown time has arrived, a YES determination is made in step S6, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, it is again determined whether the factory driving mode is set as the driving mode of the vehicle Ve. If a NO determination is made in step S7 because the normal driving mode is set, the process proceeds to step S10, and then this flowchart is temporarily terminated.

[0044] Conversely, if the determination in step S7 is YES because the factory driving mode is set, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, it is determined whether or not it is acceptable to turn off the power to the vehicle Ve. In step S8, it is determined, for example, that the shift position is in a position other than the parking position, or that turning off the power to the vehicle Ve is prohibited due to a work process such as a system inspection for driving. If the determination in step S8 is NO because turning off the power to the vehicle Ve is prohibited, the process proceeds to step S10 and then ends this flowchart.

[0045] On the other hand, if the determination in step S8 is YES because turning off the power of the vehicle Ve is not prohibited, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the power of the vehicle Ve is switched off. When the process proceeds to step S9, it is determined that the shutdown time has arrived, the power of the driving mode and the like may be turned off, and turning off the power of the vehicle Ve is not prohibited, so the power of the vehicle Ve can be turned off. Therefore, when the process proceeds to step S9, it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met, and the power of the vehicle Ve is switched off. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10, where the set timer is canceled and this flowchart is temporarily ended. Note that if the power of the vehicle Ve was off when the process proceeded to step S9, the power remains off.

[0046] The power supply management system 1 configured as described above can execute power supply control to automatically turn off the power supply when the vehicle Ve meets a predetermined condition. Furthermore, execution of this power supply control is prohibited when a factory driving mode, which is set for inspection and testing of the vehicle Ve, is set. Therefore, inconveniences such as the power supply being turned off during inspection of the vehicle Ve can be prevented. Meanwhile, the power supply management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to lift the restriction on execution of the power supply control even when the factory driving mode is set, if a shutdown time for turning off the power supply of the vehicle Ve is set and switching off the power supply at that shutdown time is not prohibited. Therefore, even when work is temporarily interrupted during work at a factory or inspection site, such as for a break, the power supply of the vehicle Ve can be turned off without the worker having to manually switch off the power supply of the vehicle Ve. This reduces the burden on the worker and prevents or suppresses increased consumption of fuel and the battery 6 due to the worker's inability to switch off the power supply. Furthermore, when switching off the power supply is prohibited due to work such as inspection or assembly, the power supply is not switched off even when the shutdown time arrives. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress interference with inspection, assembly, etc. Furthermore, after the shutdown time is set by the diagnostic tool T, the power supply control unit turns off the power to the vehicle Ve even if the diagnostic tool T is removed. Therefore, operations such as turning off the power via the diagnostic tool T can be omitted, thereby reducing the burden on the worker. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 Power Management System 8 Controller 10. Driving mode setting section 11. Driving mode determination unit 12 Timer time input section (timer setting section) 13 Timer setting time acquisition section 14 Current time acquisition section 15 Timer count section 16 Vehicle state determination unit (power supply switching determination unit) 17 Power supply control unit T Diagnostic Tool Vehicle

Claims

[Claim 1] A power supply management system for a vehicle, comprising: a driving mode setting unit that sets a predetermined driving mode that is set for processing a vehicle; and a power supply control unit that executes power supply control to automatically shut down a power supply when a predetermined condition is satisfied, wherein the power supply control unit is configured to limit execution of the power supply control when the predetermined driving mode is set, a driving mode determination unit that determines whether the predetermined driving mode is set; a timer setting unit that can set a predetermined time for automatically shutting down the power supply when the predetermined running mode is set; a timer counting unit that determines whether the current time has reached the predetermined time; a power supply switching determination unit that determines whether or not shutdown of the power supply is prohibited when the current time reaches the predetermined time, When the current time reaches the predetermined time and shutdown of the power supply is not prohibited, the power supply control unit determines that the predetermined condition is met, releases the restriction on execution of the power supply control, and automatically shuts down the power supply. A vehicle power management system comprising:

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