Controller, and control method

Abstract

To provide a more efficiently chargeable controller while preventing a battery from being deteriorated, and to provide a control method therefor.SOLUTION: A controller 50 for controlling a vehicle 10 provided with a battery 20 constituting from an all-solid battery comprises: an acquisition unit 51 for acquiring a battery temperature as temperature of the battery 20; and a charge control unit 52 for stopping charging of the battery 20 when the battery temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 51 reaches a predetermined upper-limit temperature during charging of the battery 20, or for lowering a charging current in comparison with before reaching the upper-limit temperature. The charge control unit 52 makes the upper-limit temperature be a first upper-limit temperature when a charging time for charging the battery 20 is longer than a predetermined time, and makes the upper-limit temperature be a second upper-limit temperature higher than the first upper-limit temperature when the charging time is the predetermined time or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon or carbon-free society have become more active, and research and development into electrification technologies is being conducted in vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a battery charging method in which the battery is charged with a constant current within an upper limit range of the battery temperature rise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4049959 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of suppressing battery degradation while realizing more efficient charging.

[0006] The present invention provides a control device and a control method that can achieve more efficient charging while suppressing battery degradation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is A control device for controlling a vehicle having a battery configured with an all-solid-state battery, an acquisition unit that acquires a battery temperature, which is the temperature of the battery; a charge control unit that, when the battery temperature acquired by the acquisition unit reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature while the battery is being charged, stops charging of the battery or reduces a charging current compared to before the upper limit temperature was reached; The charging control unit When a charging time for charging the battery is longer than a predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a first upper limit temperature; When the charging time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a second upper limit temperature that is higher than the first upper limit temperature.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is A computer that controls a vehicle having a battery configured with an all-solid-state battery, A battery temperature is acquired, which is a temperature of the battery. When the acquired battery temperature reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature during charging of the battery, charging of the battery is stopped or a charging current is reduced compared to before the upper limit temperature was reached; When a charging time for charging the battery is longer than a predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a first upper limit temperature; When the charging time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, a process is executed to set the upper limit temperature to a second upper limit temperature that is higher than the first upper limit temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a control device and a control method that can realize more efficient charging while suppressing deterioration of a battery, which in turn contributes to improving energy efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery charging system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle 10 equipped with a control device 50. FIG. [Figure 3]4 is a time chart showing an example of changes in charging current, battery temperature, and SOC. [Figure 4] 10 is a time chart showing an example of changes in charging current, battery temperature, and SOC in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment does not limit the present invention, and not all of the elements described in the following embodiment are necessarily essential to the present invention. Furthermore, two or more elements described in the following embodiment may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Note that, below, identical or similar elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] The control device 50 in this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 10, and controls charging of a battery 20 mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0013] [Charging system] 1 is a diagram that shows a schematic configuration of a charging system 1 in this embodiment. The charging system 1 includes a vehicle 10 and a charging device 100. The vehicle 10 includes a battery 20, and is capable of charging the battery 20 (i.e., external charging) using power supplied from the charging device 100. The vehicle 10 may be, for example, an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle that runs by driving a drive source such as a motor using power from the battery 20.

[0014] The charging device 100 is installed at a charging stand (also called a charging station) in, for example, a parking area on a highway, a shopping mall, or the like, and is capable of normal charging and rapid charging, which charges by passing a current larger than that of normal charging. In this embodiment, it is particularly assumed that the battery 20 is charged by rapid charging. Therefore, in the following description, charging will mean "rapid charging" unless otherwise specified. Power is supplied to the charging device 100 from a power grid (power system) not shown, and the charging device 100 operates using the supplied power.

[0015] The charging device 100 includes a connection unit 110 including a cable and a connector. When the connection unit 110 is connected to a charging inlet 11 of the vehicle 10, it exchanges power between the charging device 100 and the vehicle 10.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2 , the charging device 100 includes a user I / F unit 120 and a charging time setting unit 130. The user I / F unit 120 is an interface unit that receives instructions from a user (e.g., a passenger such as a driver) and provides various information to the user, and includes a display unit configured with a touch panel or the like (not shown), an input unit, and an output unit such as a speaker. The charging time setting unit 130 sets the time for supplying power from the charging device 100 to the battery 20 based on the charging time input by the user via the user I / F unit 120. The charging time setting unit 130 transmits information indicating the set charging time to the vehicle 10. The transmitted information on the charging time becomes part of the parameters executed by the control device 50. If the user does not set the charging time, the charging time setting unit 130 may set the charging time to a default charging time.

[0017] [vehicle] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the vehicle 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle 10 has a battery 20, a communication unit 30, a cooling device 40, and a control device 50.

[0018] The battery 20 is a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device, and is configured, for example, by an all-solid-state battery. An all-solid-state battery is a battery that uses a non-flammable solid electrolyte as an electrolyte, and is superior in durability and heat resistance compared to, for example, a liquid-based battery that uses an electrolyte solution containing a flammable organic solvent. The battery 20 is configured, for example, by a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in series or series-parallel, and is placed under the floor of the vehicle 10. Each battery module is configured by connecting a plurality of all-solid-state battery cells in series or series-parallel.

[0019] The battery 20 is electrically connected to a motor (not shown) that is a drive source of the vehicle 10, and supplies stored electric power to the motor to drive the vehicle 10. The battery 20 can also store electric power supplied from the charging device 100 and electric power regenerated by the motor.

[0020] Furthermore, a battery sensor 21 is attached to the battery 20, and the battery sensor 21 includes, for example, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a temperature sensor. The voltage sensor, the current sensor, and the temperature sensor periodically detect the current value, voltage value, and temperature of the battery 20, respectively. The battery sensor 21 outputs the detected current value, voltage value, temperature, and the like to the control device 50.

[0021] The communication unit 30 is a communication interface that communicates with an external device such as the charging device 100 in accordance with control instructions from the control device 50. That is, the control device 50 can communicate with an external device such as the charging device 100 via the communication unit 30. In addition to the charging device 100, examples of the external device include a terminal device of the driver (e.g., a smartphone) and a server device managed by the manufacturer of the vehicle 10. Note that, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used for communication between the vehicle 10 and the external device.

[0022] The cooling device 40 includes a battery cooling circuit 41 that cools the battery 20. The battery cooling circuit 41 includes, for example, a chiller 41a and a radiator 41b, and cools the battery 20 by driving, for example, an electric pump (not shown) to circulate a refrigerant and heat exchange the heat accumulated in the refrigerant. The cooling device 40 is controlled by a control device 50 (described later). Note that the cooling device 40 is only required to be able to cool at least the battery 20, and therefore may share a portion of its components with an air conditioning system or a system that cools a power conversion device (not shown) such as a motor or inverter that serves as a drive source.

[0023] In addition to being cooled by the cooling device 40, the battery 20 is cooled by wind generated when the vehicle 10 is running (that is, outside air).

[0024] The control device 50 is a computer that has, for example, a processor that performs various calculations, a storage unit that has a non-transitory storage medium that stores various information, an input / output unit that controls input and output of data between the inside and outside of the control device 50, and the like (all not shown), and that performs overall control of the entire vehicle 10. For example, the control device 50 is realized by one ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or by multiple ECUs working together.

[0025] The control device 50 executes various programs stored in, for example, a memory unit. Conventionally known charge control typically involves controlling the charge of a liquid-based battery installed in a vehicle. For example, a maximum temperature is set in consideration of the battery's durability, and the battery is charged within a temperature range that does not exceed the maximum temperature. However, under these conditions, rapid charging may result in a larger current flowing through the battery than in normal charging, potentially causing the battery temperature to reach the maximum temperature earlier and lengthening the charging time. In other words, the maximum temperature limit imposed by the liquid-based battery may limit the ability to meet rapid charging demands. Therefore, this embodiment is configured to control the charge of the battery 20, which uses an all-solid-state battery with a higher maximum temperature than a liquid-based battery in consideration of durability.

[0026] Specifically, the control device 50 executes, as an example of a program stored in the storage unit, a program for charge control processing that stops charging of the battery 20 or controls the charging current of the battery 20 depending on the charging time of the battery 20 or the temperature of the battery 20. The control device 50 includes an acquisition unit 51, a charge control unit 52, and a cooling control unit 53 as functional units realized by executing the program. Note that, hereinafter, the processes described as being performed by the acquisition unit 51, the charge control unit 52, and the cooling control unit 53 are processes realized by the control device 50.

[0027] The acquisition unit 51 acquires a battery temperature (hereinafter also referred to as "battery temperature"), which is the temperature of the battery 20. Specifically, the acquisition unit 51 acquires the battery temperature based on the detection value of the battery sensor 21. As described above, since the battery 20 has a plurality of battery modules, for example, the battery temperature may be acquired for each battery module, or the highest temperature among the plurality of battery modules may be acquired as the battery temperature.

[0028] When the battery temperature reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature during charging of the battery 20, the charge control unit 52 stops charging of the battery 20 or reduces the charge current compared to before the upper limit temperature was reached. Specifically, when the battery temperature acquired by the function of the acquisition unit 51 reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature, the charge control unit 52 stops charging of the battery 20 or reduces the charge current compared to before the upper limit temperature was reached. This upper limit temperature indicates a temperature higher than the upper limit temperature that can be set for at least a liquid battery, and in this embodiment, since an all-solid-state battery is used as the battery 20, the upper limit temperature is set to a temperature T1 that takes into account the durability of the all-solid-state battery. Note that the temperature T1 that takes into account the durability of the all-solid-state battery is the "first upper limit temperature" in this embodiment.

[0029] On the other hand, it may be possible to temporarily allow charging at a second upper limit temperature that is higher than the first upper limit temperature, while taking into consideration the durability of the battery 20 (in other words, taking into consideration the deterioration of the battery 20). In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for rapid charging, and therefore it is desirable to charge the battery 20 efficiently. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the charging time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time, the charging control unit 52 performs charging control by setting the upper limit temperature to the second upper limit temperature that is higher than the first upper limit temperature.

[0030] Specifically, the charge control unit 52 acquires the charge time specified by the user and sets a second upper limit temperature of the battery 20 according to the charge time. Here, the second upper limit temperature is a temperature that is allowed to temporarily exceed a first upper limit temperature, which is a temperature that takes into account the durability of an all-solid-state battery, for example, and the second upper limit temperature is set according to the charge time. For example, when the charge time is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time, the charge control unit 52 sets the upper limit temperature of the battery 20 to the second upper limit temperature. In other words, when the charge time is longer than the predetermined time, the upper limit temperature becomes the first upper limit temperature. Note that the "predetermined time" is a time that is allowed to temporarily exceed the first upper limit temperature described above and is set in consideration of the durability of an all-solid-state battery, similar to the upper limit temperature of the battery 20.

[0031] More specifically, the shorter the charging time, the higher the second upper limit temperature is set by the charging control unit 52. For example, when the charging time is γ, the charging control unit 52 sets the second upper limit temperature to T2, when the charging time is β, the second upper limit temperature to T3, and when the charging time is α, the second upper limit temperature to T4. In this way, the second upper limit temperature is set in a predetermined temperature range higher than the first upper limit temperature, and the shorter the charging time, the higher the second upper limit temperature is set within the predetermined temperature range by the charging control unit 52.

[0032] Then, when the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature, the charge control unit 52 reduces the charging current to a predetermined charging current. That is, when the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature, the charge control unit 52 saves power by reducing the charging current of the battery 20 so that the temperature of the battery 20 does not rise above the second upper limit temperature. For example, the charge control unit 52 controls the charging current to the maximum current (hereinafter also referred to as the "maximum current") allowed by the battery 20 until the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature, and when the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature, reduces the charging current to a predetermined charging current lower than the maximum current. Note that the predetermined charging current is, for example, a charging current that allows charging at the second upper limit temperature until a set charging time has elapsed, thereby making it possible to increase the amount of charge of the battery 20 as much as possible within the set charging time. That is, when the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature, the charge control unit 52 causes the charging device 100 to control the charging current so that the battery temperature is maintained at the second upper limit temperature.

[0033] As described above, when the charging time is longer than the predetermined time, the charging control unit 52 may set the upper limit temperature of the battery 20 to the first upper limit temperature. At this time, the charging control unit 52 sets the maximum current as the charging current for the battery 20 until the battery temperature reaches the first upper limit temperature, and when the battery temperature reaches the first upper limit temperature, reduces the charging current from the maximum current to a predetermined charging current that maintains the first upper limit temperature. The predetermined time during the charging time, the first upper limit temperature, and the second upper limit temperature may be determined in advance, for example, through experiments by the manufacturer of the vehicle 10.

[0034] The cooling control unit 53 causes the cooling device 40 to cool the battery 20 when the battery temperature exceeds a first upper limit temperature during charging. Specifically, when the battery temperature acquired by the function of the acquisition unit 51 exceeds the first upper limit temperature, the cooling control unit 53 controls the cooling device 40 to cool the battery 20. For example, after the battery 20 is charged and before driving, the cooling control unit 53 cools the battery 20 with a refrigerant (coolant) cooled by the chiller 41a, and while driving, cools the battery 20 with a refrigerant (coolant) cooled by the radiator 41b. In this case, because power is consumed by cooling the battery 20 with the cooling device 40, it is preferable that the cooling control unit 53 control the cooling device 40 so that the amount of power consumed by operating the cooling device 40 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of power that is set in advance for the amount of charge by quick charging.

[0035] When the battery temperature is lower than the first upper limit temperature, the cooling control unit 53 does not need to operate the cooling device 40 because the battery 20 can be cooled to the outside air temperature by the outside air while the vehicle is running.

[0036] [Time chart] Next, changes in charging current, battery temperature, and SOC when processing is performed with a specified charging time will be described using a time chart. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of such a time chart, with the vertical axis representing charging current, battery temperature, and SOC, and the horizontal axis representing time. The time chart shown in FIG. 3 shows changes in each parameter for charging times α, β, and γ as an example where the specified charging time is within a predetermined time, and also shows changes in each parameter for a conventional example where the specified time is longer than the predetermined time. Note that the conventional example is an example where, once the battery temperature reaches an upper limit temperature T1, charging at temperatures above that is not permitted. In the example of FIG. 3, solid lines of different thicknesses indicate changes in each parameter in this embodiment, and dashed lines indicate changes in each parameter in the conventional example.

[0037] Specifically, when charging of the battery 20 starts at time t0, the charging current is controlled to the maximum in both the present embodiment and the conventional example. Then, as charging starts, the battery temperature rises and the SOC increases, and each parameter changes at a similar rate in both examples.

[0038] Next, at time t1, the battery temperature reaches the upper limit temperature T1. In the conventional example, the battery temperature reaches the upper limit temperature. Therefore, the charging current is limited to a predetermined value. In addition, the rate of increase of the SOC decreases accordingly, and the SOC continues to increase at this decreased rate. In this embodiment, at time t1, each parameter has the same rate of change in all examples.

[0039] Next, at time t2, the battery temperature reaches T2. Here, in the example of charging time γ, the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature. Therefore, the charging current is limited to a predetermined value (a value greater than that of the conventional example). Also, the rate of increase of the SOC decreases, and the SOC continues to increase at this decreased rate.

[0040] Next, at time t3, the battery temperature reaches T3. Here, in the example of charging time β, the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature. Therefore, the charging current is limited to a predetermined value (a value greater than the charging time γ). Also, the rate of increase of the SOC decreases accordingly, and the SOC continues to increase at this decreased rate.

[0041] Then, at time t4, the battery temperature reaches T4. In the example of the charging time α, the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature and the charging time elapses, so charging is completed.

[0042] Next, at time t5, in the example of the charging time β, charging is completed due to the elapse of the charging time.

[0043] Next, at time t6, in the example of the charging time γ, the charging is completed due to the elapse of the charging time.

[0044] Then, at time t7, in the conventional example, the charging time has elapsed and charging is completed.

[0045] As can be seen from the time chart in FIG. 3, when viewed with the same charging time on the horizontal axis, the shorter the designated charging time, the greater the amount of charge can be.

[0046] The above-mentioned upper limit temperatures T1 to T4 are assumed to be, for example, the following temperatures: T1 indicating the first upper limit temperature is 120°C, T2 indicating the second upper limit temperature is 130°C, T3 is 140°C, and T4 is 150°C.

[0047] The above-mentioned charging times t4 to t7 are assumed to be, for example, as follows: charging time t4 is 5 min, charging time t5 of charging time β is 10 min, charging time t6 of charging time γ is 20 min, and charging time t7 of the conventional example is 30 min, etc.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, the battery 20 is an all-solid-state battery. When the charging time for the battery 20 is longer than a predetermined time, the control device 50 controls the charging of the battery 20 by setting the upper limit temperature of the battery 20 to a first upper limit temperature, which is a temperature that takes into account the durability of the all-solid-state battery. On the other hand, when the charging time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, the control device 50 controls the charging of the battery 20 by setting the upper limit temperature of the battery 20 to a second upper limit temperature, which is higher than the first upper limit temperature. That is, when the charging time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, the control device 50 allows the battery temperature to exceed the first upper limit temperature and controls the charging of the battery 20. In this way, by changing the upper limit temperature according to the charging time of the battery 20, the battery 20 can be efficiently charged within a limited charging time while suppressing deterioration of the battery 20. That is, as described above with reference to the time chart of FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, when the charging time is within a predetermined time, more charging can be performed within the same charging time compared to the conventional example. Enabling such efficient charging can ultimately contribute to improving energy efficiency.

[0049] Such efficient charging makes it possible to increase the likelihood that a user can obtain the desired amount of charge during a short break, for example, at a parking area on a highway.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature that can be set for a liquid battery, and therefore, battery temperature is less likely to be a constraint on charging compared to a liquid battery. That is, since the upper limit temperature of a liquid battery is lower than that of an all-solid-state battery, it is conceivable that when the battery temperature reaches the upper limit temperature, charging may be switched from rapid charging to normal charging, or charging itself may be interrupted or stopped. However, in this embodiment, such an event is less likely to occur. In this way, by using an all-solid-state battery for battery 20, charging efficiency can be improved compared to when a liquid battery is used.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second upper limit temperature is a temperature within a predetermined temperature range higher than the first upper limit temperature, and the control device 50 sets a relatively higher second upper limit temperature within the predetermined temperature range as the charging time becomes shorter. That is, the control device 50 sets a higher upper limit temperature within the predetermined temperature range as the specified charging time becomes shorter. As a result, for example, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 3, when looking at the SOC for the same charging time, the shorter the charging time, the greater the charge amount can be. In other words, it is possible to optimize the charge amount according to the charging time.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the upper limit temperature is at least equal to or higher than the heat resistance temperature of the liquid battery, the battery temperature may exceed the heat resistance temperature of the liquid battery, but the battery 20 is cooled by the outside air while the vehicle 10 is running. As a result, the battery 20 can be cooled effectively by running the vehicle 10.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the battery 20 is charged at a temperature exceeding the first upper limit temperature, the control device 50 causes the battery 20 to be cooled by the cooling device 40. That is, as described above, after the battery 20 is charged and before driving, the battery 20 is cooled by the chiller 41a, and after driving, the battery 20 is cooled by the radiator 41b. This allows the battery 20 to be cooled effectively.

[0054] [Other embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described. In the above-described embodiment, a second upper limit temperature is set for each charging time within a predetermined time, and when the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature, the charging current of the battery 20 is reduced to a predetermined charging current. However, in this configuration, the charging control means is not limited to the above means as long as it can improve charging efficiency while suppressing battery deterioration.

[0055] For example, in the above embodiment, the shorter the charging time, the higher the second upper limit temperature within the predetermined temperature range is set. However, the second upper limit temperature may be set to the same temperature. In this case, the control device 50 changes the timing for reducing the charging current (in other words, throttling the charging current) for each charging time based on the battery temperature. Specifically, the control device 50, using the function of the charging control unit 52, controls the charging current to gradually reduce from the maximum current based on the charging time and the battery temperature when charging at the second upper limit temperature, and sets a lower temperature for the battery 20 at which the current starts to decrease from the maximum current as the charging time increases. By gradually reducing the charging current, the rate of change in the rise in battery temperature decreases, and the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature when the charging time has elapsed.

[0056] In this way, the battery temperature is controlled to reduce the charging current according to the charging time, but in other words, the time during which the charging current of the battery 20 is at its maximum is controlled according to the charging time. That is, the longer the charging time, the shorter the time during which the charging current is at its maximum (in other words, the shorter the charging time, the longer the time during which the charging current is at its maximum).

[0057] FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an example of changes in charging current, battery temperature, and SOC when charging control is performed in another embodiment. As with the example described in FIG. 3, the vertical axis represents charging current, battery temperature, and SOC, and the horizontal axis represents time. The time chart shown in FIG. 4 shows changes in each parameter for charging times α1, β1, and γ1, which are examples of specified charging times within a predetermined time, and shows changes in each parameter for a conventional example when the specified time is longer than the predetermined time. In the example shown in FIG. 4, solid lines of different thicknesses represent changes in each parameter in another embodiment, and dashed lines represent changes in each parameter in the conventional example. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first upper limit temperature is T21 and the second upper limit temperature is T24.

[0058] Specifically, when charging of the battery 20 starts at time t20, the charging current is controlled to the maximum in both the other embodiment and the conventional example. Then, as charging starts, the battery temperature rises and the SOC increases, and each parameter changes at a similar rate in both examples.

[0059] Next, at time t21, the battery temperature reaches T21. In the conventional example, the battery temperature reaches the upper limit temperature. Therefore, the charging current is limited to a predetermined value. In addition, the rate of increase of the SOC decreases accordingly, and the SOC continues to increase at this decreased rate. Note that in other embodiments, at time t21, each parameter has the same rate of change in all examples.

[0060] Next, at time t22, the battery temperature reaches T22. Here, in the example of charging time γ1, if the charging current is maintained at the maximum current until the charging time elapses, there is a risk that the second upper limit temperature T24 will be reached before charging is completed. Therefore, at this point, the charging current begins to decrease from the maximum current. In another embodiment, instead of decreasing the charging current to a predetermined value as in the conventional example, the charging current is gradually decreased so that the predetermined value is reached by the time charging is completed as the charging time elapses. By controlling the charging current in this manner, the rate of change of the battery temperature increase during charging time γ1 is reduced. Furthermore, the rate of increase of the SOC decreases accordingly, and the SOC continues to increase at this decreased rate.

[0061] Next, at time t23, the battery temperature reaches T23. Here, in the example of charging time β1, if the charging current is kept at the maximum current until the charging time elapses, there is a risk that the second upper limit temperature T24 will be reached before charging is completed. Therefore, at this point, the charging current begins to decrease from the maximum current and gradually decreases to a predetermined charging current. By controlling the charging current in this way, the rate of change of the battery temperature increase during the example of charging time β1 becomes smaller. Furthermore, the rate of increase of the SOC decreases accordingly, and the SOC continues to increase at this decreased rate.

[0062] Then, at time t24, the battery temperature reaches T24. In the example of charging time α1, charging is completed when the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature T24 and the charging time has elapsed.

[0063] Next, at time t25, in the example of the charging time β1, the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature T24 and the charging time has elapsed, so charging is completed.

[0064] Next, at time t26, in the example of the charging time γ1, the battery temperature reaches the second upper limit temperature T24 and the charging time has elapsed, so that charging is completed.

[0065] Then, at time t27, in the conventional example, the charging time has elapsed and charging is completed.

[0066] The above-mentioned upper limit temperatures T21 to T24 are assumed to be, for example, the following temperatures: T1 indicating the first upper limit temperature is 120°C, T4 indicating the second upper limit temperature is 150°C, T2 between the first and second upper limit temperatures is 130°C, and T3 is 140°C.

[0067] Similarly, the above-mentioned charging times t24 to t27 are assumed to be, for example, the following charging times: For example, charging time t24 is 5 [min], charging time t25 is 10 [min], charging time t26 is 20 [min], and charging time t27 in the conventional example is 30 [min].

[0068] As described above, in other embodiments, it is possible to charge more in the same charging time compared to the conventional example. That is, it is possible to improve the charging efficiency of the battery 20. Furthermore, as can be seen from FIG. 4, when looking at the SOC for the same charging time, the shorter the charging time, the greater the charging amount. In other words, it is possible to optimize the charging amount according to the charging time.

[0069] [others] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0070] For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the battery 20 is charged at a temperature exceeding the first upper limit temperature, the cooling control unit 53 operates the cooling device 40 to cool the battery 20. However, the cooling may be performed in a state where the temperature does not exceed the first upper limit temperature. In that case, it is preferable to perform the cooling by reducing the amount of power consumed to operate the cooling device 40 relative to at least the amount of charge.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the charging current is controlled when the charging power is reduced, but the charging power may also be reduced by controlling the charging voltage.

[0072] The control method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared control program on a computer. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The control program may be provided in a form stored on a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the control program may be included in a control device, or may be included in an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer that can communicate with the control device, or may be included in a server device that can communicate with these control devices and electronic devices.

[0073] This specification describes at least the following: Note that the components in parentheses correspond to those in the above-described embodiments, but are not limited to these.

[0074] (1) A control device (control device 50) for controlling a vehicle (vehicle 10) having a battery (battery 20) configured with an all-solid-state battery, an acquisition unit (acquisition unit 51) that acquires a battery temperature, which is the temperature of the battery; a charge control unit (charge control unit 52) ​​that, when the battery temperature acquired by the acquisition unit reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature during charging of the battery, stops charging of the battery or reduces a charging current compared to before the upper limit temperature was reached; The charging control unit When a charging time for charging the battery is longer than a predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a first upper limit temperature; When the charging time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a second upper limit temperature that is higher than the first upper limit temperature. Control device.

[0075] According to (1), the battery can be efficiently charged (rapidly charged) within a limited charging time while suppressing battery degradation. This efficient charging can ultimately contribute to improving energy efficiency.

[0076] (2) The control device according to (1), The first upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature that can be set in a liquid battery. Control device.

[0077] According to (2), battery temperature is less likely to be a constraint on charging compared to liquid batteries, and as a result, charging efficiency can be improved compared to when liquid batteries are used as the battery.

[0078] (3) The control device according to (1), The second upper limit temperature is a temperature in a predetermined temperature range higher than the first upper limit temperature, The charging control unit the shorter the charging time, the higher the second upper limit temperature is set within the predetermined temperature range. Control device.

[0079] According to (3), when looking at the SOC for the same charging time, the shorter the charging time, the greater the charging amount can be. In other words, it is possible to optimize the charging amount according to the charging time.

[0080] (4) The control device according to (1), The charging control unit When charging at the second upper limit temperature, the charging current is controlled to be gradually reduced from a maximum current allowed by the battery based on the charging time and the temperature of the battery; the temperature of the battery at which the current starts to decrease from the maximum current is set lower as the charging time is longer; Control device.

[0081] According to (4), when looking at the SOC for the same charging time, the shorter the charging time, the greater the charging amount can be. In other words, it is possible to optimize the charging amount according to the charging time.

[0082] (5) The control device according to (1), The battery is mounted on the vehicle in a state in which it can be cooled by outside air. Control device.

[0083] According to (5), the battery can be cooled while the vehicle is running.

[0084] (6) The control device according to (1), The battery is mounted on the vehicle in a state capable of cooling the battery, which has a temperature three times higher than the outside air temperature. Control device.

[0085] According to (6), even if the battery temperature rises to a high temperature of 90°C or higher in midsummer when the outside temperature is 30°C or higher and once exceeds the upper limit, the difference between the battery temperature and the outside temperature is 60°C or more, so when the vehicle equipped with the battery is moving, the battery can be rapidly cooled by the wind generated by the vehicle. This makes it possible to greatly reduce the effects of vehicle and battery degradation.

[0086] (7) The control device according to any one of (1) to (6), The vehicle further includes a cooling device (cooling device 40) that cools the battery, The control device further includes a cooling control unit (cooling control unit 53) that controls the cooling device, The cooling control unit When the battery is charged at a temperature exceeding the first upper limit temperature, the battery is cooled by the cooling device. Control device.

[0087] According to (7), the battery can be cooled by the cooling device.

[0088] (8) A computer that controls a vehicle (vehicle 10) having a battery (battery 20) configured with an all-solid-state battery, A battery temperature is acquired, which is a temperature of the battery. When the acquired battery temperature reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature during charging of the battery, charging of the battery is stopped or a charging current is reduced compared to before the upper limit temperature was reached; When a charging time for charging the battery is longer than a predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a first upper limit temperature; When the charging time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, a process is executed to set the upper limit temperature to a second upper limit temperature that is higher than the first upper limit temperature. Control method.

[0089] According to (8), the battery can be efficiently charged (rapidly charged) within a limited charging time while suppressing deterioration of the battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 vehicles 20 Battery 40 Cooling device 50 Control device 51 Acquisition Department 52 Charging control unit 53 Cooling control unit

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a vehicle having a battery configured with an all-solid-state battery, an acquisition unit that acquires a battery temperature, which is the temperature of the battery; a charge control unit that, when the battery temperature acquired by the acquisition unit reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature while the battery is being charged, stops charging of the battery or reduces a charging current compared to before the upper limit temperature was reached; The charging control unit When a charging time for charging the battery is longer than a predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a first upper limit temperature; When the charging time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a second upper limit temperature that is higher than the first upper limit temperature. Control device.

2. The control device according to claim 1, The first upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature that can be set in a liquid battery. Control device.

3. The control device according to claim 1, the second upper limit temperature is a temperature in a predetermined temperature range higher than the first upper limit temperature, The charging control unit the shorter the charging time, the higher the second upper limit temperature is set within the predetermined temperature range. Control device.

4. The control device according to claim 1, The charging control unit When charging at the second upper limit temperature, the charging current is controlled to be gradually reduced from a maximum current allowed by the battery based on the charging time and the temperature of the battery; the temperature of the battery at which the current starts to decrease from the maximum current is set lower as the charging time is longer; Control device.

5. The control device according to claim 1, The battery is mounted on the vehicle in a state in which it can be cooled by outside air. Control device.

6. The control device according to claim 1, The battery is mounted on the vehicle in a state capable of cooling the battery, which has a temperature three times higher than the outside air temperature. Control device.

7. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The vehicle further includes a cooling device that cools the battery, the control device further includes a cooling control unit that controls the cooling device, The cooling control unit When the battery is charged at a temperature exceeding the first upper limit temperature, the battery is cooled by the cooling device. Control device.

8. A computer that controls a vehicle having a battery configured with an all-solid-state battery, A battery temperature is acquired, which is a temperature of the battery. When the acquired battery temperature reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature during charging of the battery, charging of the battery is stopped or a charging current is reduced compared to before the upper limit temperature was reached; When a charging time for charging the battery is longer than a predetermined time, the upper limit temperature is set to a first upper limit temperature; When the charging time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, a process is executed to set the upper limit temperature to a second upper limit temperature that is higher than the first upper limit temperature. Control method.

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