Vehicle control method and vehicle control device

Abstract

To substantially uniformly heat a battery pack mounted on a vehicle.SOLUTION: A heat exchange plate is provided with a first region corresponding to a first battery pack, a second region corresponding to a second battery pack, a first cooling liquid path arranged corresponding to the first region, a second cooling liquid path arranged corresponding to the second region, a refrigerant path arranged corresponding to the first region and the second region, a first refrigerant input / output unit connected to the refrigerant path in the first region, and a second refrigerant input / output unit connected to the refrigerant path in the second region, wherein, when the first temperature of the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, circulation is performed in which refrigerant is inputted from the first refrigerant input / output unit and outputted from the second refrigerant input / output unit via the refrigerant path, and the first cooling liquid is circulated to the first cooling liquid path, and, next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, and the first cooling liquid and the second cooling liquid are circulated through the first cooling liquid channel and the second cooling liquid channel in this order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

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

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

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is The car body and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack and a second battery pack arranged along a predetermined surface in the vehicle body; a heat exchange plate disposed along the predetermined surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The heat exchange plate is a first surface disposed along the predetermined surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack and the second battery pack; a second surface disposed along the predetermined surface and opposite to the first surface; a first region corresponding to the first battery pack in a plan view; a second region corresponding to the second battery pack in a plan view; a first coolant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region, through which a first coolant circulates; a second coolant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the second region, through which a second coolant circulates; a refrigerant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region and the second region, through which a refrigerant circulates; a first refrigerant input / output port connected to the refrigerant path in the first region; a second refrigerant input / output port connected to the refrigerant path in the second region, 1. A vehicle control method executable in a vehicle, comprising: When at least a first temperature of the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated by inputting from the first coolant input / output unit, passing through the coolant path, and outputting from the second coolant input / output unit, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant input / output unit is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, a vehicle control method is provided in which, when a third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, and the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated sequentially through the first coolant path and the second coolant path.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is The car body and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack and a second battery pack arranged along a predetermined surface in the vehicle body; a heat exchange plate disposed along the predetermined surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The heat exchange plate is a first surface disposed along the predetermined surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack and the second battery pack; a second surface disposed along the predetermined surface and opposite to the first surface; a first region corresponding to the first battery pack in a plan view; a second region corresponding to the second battery pack in a plan view; a first coolant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region, through which a first coolant circulates; a second coolant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the second region, through which a second coolant circulates; a refrigerant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region and the second region, through which a refrigerant circulates; a first refrigerant input / output port connected to the refrigerant path in the first region; a second refrigerant input / output port connected to the refrigerant path in the second region, A vehicle control device configured to be installed in a vehicle, When at least a first temperature of the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated by inputting from the first coolant input / output unit, passing through the coolant path, and outputting from the second coolant input / output unit, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant input / output unit is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, a vehicle control device is provided that, when a third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charges the first battery pack and circulates the first coolant and the second coolant through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in sequence.

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

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

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a vehicle according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a left side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of an electric circuit provided in a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a first heat exchange plate and a first battery pack according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a second heat exchange plate and a second battery pack according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a first heat exchanger plate and a first battery pack according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a second heat exchanger plate and a second battery pack according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a first refrigerant layer according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a first coolant layer according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a first heating mode according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a second heating mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a cooling mode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a first heating mode according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a second heating mode according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a cooling mode according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] Schematic diagram showing a configuration of a heat exchange plate and an example of battery pack arrangement according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the heat exchange plate taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a first heating mode according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a second heating mode according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a cooling mode according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] Schematic diagram showing a configuration of a heat exchange plate and an example of battery pack arrangement according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a first heating mode according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a second heating mode according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in a cooling mode according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0090] <Technology 13> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 11 or 12, When the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack; Next, when the fourth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated through the first refrigerant layer of the first heat exchange plate, and a fifth temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant layer is lower than the fourth temperature of the first battery pack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0166] (Embodiment 3) <Battery pack placement> Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat exchanger plate 300 and the arrangement of battery packs according to embodiment 3. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the AA cross section of the heat exchanger plate 300 shown in Fig. 14.

[0167] The heat exchanger plate 300 has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface may have some irregularities. A third battery pack 53, a first battery pack 51, and a second battery pack 52 are arranged along the first surface of the heat exchanger plate 300 so as not to contact one another. In this embodiment, the first battery pack 51 is arranged between the third battery pack 53 and the second battery pack 52.

[0168] In plan view, the first surface of the heat exchanger plate 300 has a third region 303 corresponding to the third battery pack 53, a first region 301 corresponding to the first battery pack 51, and a second region 302 corresponding to the second battery pack 52. That is, at least a portion of the first region 301 is disposed between the second region 302 and the third region 303.

[0169] The heat exchange plate 300 includes a refrigerant passage 320 between the first surface and the second surface, which is disposed corresponding to the first region 301 and through which a refrigerant circulates. However, the refrigerant passage 320 may be disposed corresponding to at least a part of the second region 302 and / or the third region 303 in addition to the first region 301.

[0170] The heat exchanger plate 300 is provided with first coolant channels 330, through which a first coolant circulates, disposed between the first and second surfaces in correspondence with the third region 303, the first region 301, and the second region 302. The heat exchanger plate 300 is provided with second coolant channels 340, through which a second coolant circulates, disposed between the first and second surfaces in correspondence with the first region 301.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 15, in the first region 301, the coolant passage 320 and the first coolant passage 330 are arranged to overlap each other in a plan view, and the first coolant passage 330 is arranged closer to the first surface than the coolant passage 320.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 14, the second coolant path 340 has a first portion 343 and a second portion 344, and the first portion 343 of the second coolant path 340 corresponds to the first portion 311 of the first region 301, and the second portion 344 of the second coolant path 340 is arranged to correspond to the second portion 312 of the first region 301.

[0173] 14, the coolant path 320 and the second coolant path 340 are arranged side by side in a second direction (e.g., Y direction) that intersects with a first direction (e.g., Z direction) from the first surface to the second surface. The coolant path 320 and the second coolant path 340 may contact each other in the second direction, or may have a small gap therebetween.

[0174] <First heating mode> FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the first heating mode according to the third embodiment.

[0175] The first heating mode is implemented when at least the first temperature of the first battery pack 51 is lower than a first threshold temperature. The first threshold temperature corresponds to the lower limit of the temperature appropriate for efficient charging of the secondary battery, and is, for example, 5°C. However, the first threshold temperature may be lower or higher than 5°C. The temperature of the first battery pack 51 may be measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) attached to the first battery pack 51. The temperatures of the second battery pack 52 and the third battery pack 53 may be measured by temperature sensors (not shown) attached to the second battery pack 52 and the third battery pack 53.

[0176] In the first heating mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the refrigerant path 320 corresponding to the first region 301. In the first heating mode, a second temperature of the refrigerant entering the refrigerant path 320 is higher than a first temperature of the first battery pack 51. Specifically, in the first heating mode, the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant in the following order: a compressor 31 that compresses the refrigerant; a first refrigerant input port 321; a refrigerant path 320 corresponding to the first region 301; a first refrigerant output port 322; an expansion valve 32 that expands the refrigerant; and an evaporator 34 that can exchange heat with air outside the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 16 . For example, when a refrigerant at 80°C enters the first refrigerant input port 321 and moves through the refrigerant path 320 corresponding to the first region 301, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the second coolant moving through the second coolant path 340 corresponding to the first region 301 and the first battery pack 51 corresponding to the first region 301, and the refrigerant at, for example, 50°C exits the first refrigerant output port 322.

[0177] Additionally, in the first heating mode, the control device 10 circulates the second coolant through the second coolant path 340 corresponding to the first region 301. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, in the first heating mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the second coolant through a pump 41 that moves the second coolant, a heater 42 that heats the coolant, a second coolant input unit 341A, a first portion 343 of the second coolant path 340, and a second coolant output unit 342A in this order, and a coolant circuit that circulates the second coolant through the pump 41, the heater 42, the second coolant input unit 341B, a second portion 344 of the second coolant path 340, and a second coolant output unit 342B in this order. Here, the control device 10 may operate the heater 42 to heat the coolant. For example, the second coolant at 40°C enters second coolant input ports 341A, 341B, and as it moves through second coolant path 340, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in refrigerant path 320 and first battery pack 51 (i.e., heats first battery pack 51), and the second coolant at 20°C, for example, comes out from second coolant output ports 342A, 342B. The control device 10 may configure the coolant circuit shown in Fig. 16 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0178] The first heating mode may continue until the temperature of the first battery pack 51 becomes higher than a charge threshold temperature. The charge threshold temperature may be higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., 5°C) or may be the same as the first threshold temperature. Thus, the first battery pack 51 is heated in the first heating mode until the temperature becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. When the temperature of the first battery pack 51 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature, charging may be started.

[0179] In this way, in the first heating mode, the first battery pack 51 arranged in the first region 301 of the heat exchanger plate 300 is heated with little temperature variation because it exchanges heat with the first region 301 whose temperature is made substantially uniform by the second coolant flowing through the second coolant path 340. Therefore, the first battery pack 51 can be efficiently heated above the charge threshold temperature.

[0180] In the first heating mode, the coolant may be circulated through the first coolant path 330 at a first flow rate that is smaller than the second flow rate through the second coolant path 340. However, the first flow rate may be zero. In other words, in the first heating mode, a small amount of coolant may be circulated through the first coolant path 330, or no coolant may be circulated at all.

[0181] <Second heating mode> FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the second heating mode according to the third embodiment.

[0182] The second heating mode is started when the temperature of the first battery pack 51 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature in the first heating mode. As described above, the charge threshold temperature may be higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., 5°C) or may be the same as the first threshold temperature.

[0183] In the second heating mode, the coolant is circulated through the coolant passage 320 corresponding to the first region 301, as in the first heating mode.

[0184] Additionally, in the second heating mode, the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path 330. The first coolant and the second coolant may be the same. That is, when switching from the first heating mode to the second heating mode, the circulation of the coolant is switched from the second coolant path 340 to the first coolant path 330.

[0185] 17 , in the second heating mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the first coolant through the pump 41, the heater 42, the first coolant input unit 331, the first coolant path 330, and the first coolant output unit 332 in this order. Here, the control device 10 may operate the heater 42 to heat the first coolant. For example, when the first coolant at 40° C. enters the first coolant input unit 331 and moves through the first coolant path 330, it exchanges heat with the third battery pack 53 corresponding to the third region 303 (i.e., heats the third battery pack 53), exchanges heat with the refrigerant and the first battery pack 51 corresponding to the first region 301, and exchanges heat with the second battery pack 52 corresponding to the second region 302 (i.e., heats the second battery pack 52), and the first coolant at, for example, 20° C. is discharged from the first coolant output unit 332. The control device 10 may configure the first coolant path shown in FIG. 17 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0186] The second heating mode continues until the temperatures of the second battery pack 52 and the third battery pack 53 become higher than a charge threshold temperature. The charge threshold temperature of the second heating mode may be the same as or different from the charge threshold temperature of the first heating mode. As a result, the second heating mode heats the second battery pack 52 and the third battery pack 53 until the temperatures become higher than the charge threshold temperature. When the temperatures of the second battery pack 52 and the third battery pack 53 become higher than the charge threshold temperature, charging may be started.

[0187] In the second heating mode, the first coolant obtains heat from the first battery pack 51 being charged while flowing through the first coolant path 330, and heats the third battery pack 53 and the second battery pack 52. In the second heating mode, the first coolant absorbs heat from the third battery pack 53 and the second battery pack 52 while flowing through the first coolant path 330, and cools the first battery pack 51 to prevent the temperature of the first battery pack 51 from rising too much while being charged. In this way, in the second heating mode, the circulation of the first coolant allows efficient heating of the third battery pack 53 and the second battery pack 52 and cooling of the first battery pack 51 being charged.

[0188] In the second heating mode, the coolant may be circulated through the second coolant path 340 at a second flow rate that is smaller than the first flow rate through the first coolant path 330. However, the second flow rate may be zero. In other words, in the second heating mode, a small amount of coolant may be circulated through the second coolant path 340, or no coolant may be circulated at all.

[0189] <Cooling mode> FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the cooling mode according to the third embodiment.

[0190] The cooling mode may be initiated when the temperature of at least one of the first battery pack 51, the second battery pack 52, and the third battery pack 53 becomes higher than a cooling threshold temperature. The cooling threshold temperature may be higher than or equal to the charging threshold temperature. The charging threshold temperature for the first battery pack 51, the second battery pack 52, and the third battery pack 53 may be the same as or different from each other. The charging threshold temperature corresponds to the upper limit of the temperature at which the secondary battery can be stably charged and discharged while suppressing deterioration, and may be, for example, 50°C. However, the charging threshold temperature may be lower or higher than 50°C. The cooling mode cools the first battery pack 51, the second battery pack 52, and the third battery pack 53 so that the temperatures of the first battery pack 51, the second battery pack 52, and the third battery pack 53 do not rise too high during charging or discharging.

[0191] In the cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the refrigerant path 320 corresponding to the first region 301. In the cooling mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the refrigerant path 320 is lower than the temperature of the first battery pack 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18 , in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant through the compressor 31, the external condenser 33 capable of heat exchange with outside air, the expansion valve 32, the first refrigerant input port 321, the refrigerant path 320, and the first refrigerant output port 322 in this order. For example, a refrigerant at 0°C enters the first refrigerant input port 321 and exchanges heat with the first coolant flowing through the first coolant path 330 as it moves through the refrigerant path 320, resulting in a refrigerant at, for example, 20°C exiting the first refrigerant output port 322. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in FIG. 18 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0192] Additionally, in the refrigerant mode, the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant paths 330 corresponding to the third region 303, the first region 301, and the second region 302. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 18, in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the first coolant through the pump 41, the first coolant input port 331, the first coolant path 330, and the first coolant output port 332 in this order. For example, as the first coolant enters the first coolant input port 331 and moves through the first coolant path 330, it exchanges heat with the third battery pack 53, the first battery pack 51, the second battery pack 52, and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path 320 (for example, cooling the third battery pack 53, the first battery pack 51, and the second battery pack 52), and then exits from the first coolant output port 332. This allows the third battery pack 53, the first battery pack 51, and the second battery pack 52 to be cooled substantially uniformly, and prevents the third battery pack 53, the first battery pack 51, and the second battery pack 52 from becoming too hot.

[0193] (Summary of the third embodiment) The above description of the third embodiment discloses the following techniques.

[0194] <Technology 1> In the third embodiment, The car body (2) and a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack (51) and a second battery pack (52) arranged along a predetermined surface in the vehicle body; a heat exchange plate (300) disposed along the predetermined surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor (4) that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The heat exchange plate is a first surface disposed along the predetermined surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack and the second battery pack; a second surface disposed along the predetermined surface and opposite to the first surface; a first region (301) corresponding to the first battery pack in a plan view; a second region (302) corresponding to the second battery pack in a plan view; a refrigerant passage (320) disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region, through which a refrigerant circulates; a coolant passage (330) through which a coolant circulates, the coolant passage (330) being disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region and the second region, the vehicle control method being executable in a vehicle (1), When a first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated through the coolant path corresponding to the first region, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the coolant path is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the coolant through the coolant paths corresponding to the first area and the second area. A vehicle control method is provided. This allows the first battery pack corresponding to the first region to be heated to a temperature appropriate for charging, and then, while the first battery pack is being charged, the coolant is circulated sequentially through the first region and the second region, and the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the portion corresponding to the first region can be used to heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region, thereby efficiently heating the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0195] <Technology 2> In the vehicle control method described in Technology 1, The vehicle further includes a third battery pack (53), the first surface of the heat exchange plate is further capable of exchanging heat with a third battery pack; the heat exchange plate includes a third region (303) corresponding to the third battery pack in a plan view; At least a portion of the first region is disposed between the second region and the third region; Between the first surface and the second surface, the coolant path (330) is arranged corresponding to the first region and the second region, and through which the coolant circulates, and is further arranged corresponding to the third region, through which the coolant circulates. As a result, the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging as the coolant moves through the portion corresponding to the first region can be used to heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region and the third battery pack corresponding to the third region, thereby enabling the first battery pack, the second battery pack, and the third battery pack to be heated efficiently.

[0196] <Technology 3> In the vehicle control method according to Technology 1 or 2, When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated through the coolant path corresponding to the first region; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the charging of the first battery pack is performed, and the coolant is circulated through the coolant paths (330) corresponding to the first region and the second region; Next, when the fourth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged. This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging as the coolant moves through the portion corresponding to the first region to be used to heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region, thereby enabling efficient heating of the first and second battery packs.

[0197] <Technology 4> In the vehicle control method described in Technical 3, When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated through the coolant path corresponding to the first region; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the charging of the first battery pack is performed, and the coolant is circulated through the coolant paths (330) corresponding to the first region and the second region; Next, when a fourth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack; Next, when a fifth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated to the refrigerant path corresponding to the first area, and a sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the refrigerant path is lower than the fifth temperature of the first battery pack, and the coolant is circulated to the coolant paths corresponding to the first area and the second area. This allows the first region of the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0198] <Technology 5> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, In the first region of the heat exchange plate, the refrigerant channels and the coolant channels are arranged to overlap each other; The coolant passage is disposed closer to the first surface than the refrigerant passage. This allows the first region of the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0199] <Technology 6> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, The cooling liquid path is a first cooling liquid path (330), The cooling liquid is a first cooling liquid, The heat exchange plate further includes a second coolant passage (340) disposed in correspondence with the first region and through which a second coolant circulates; when the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, circulating the refrigerant through the refrigerant path corresponding to the first region and circulating the second coolant through the second coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path corresponding to the first area and the second area. This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging as the coolant moves through the portion corresponding to the first region to be used to heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region, thereby enabling efficient heating of the first and second battery packs.

[0200] <Technology 7> In the vehicle control method described in Technical 6, the second coolant passage (340) of the heat exchange plate comprises a first portion (343) and a second portion (344); the first portion (343) of the second coolant passage corresponds to the first portion (311) of the first region (301); The second portion (344) of the second coolant passage is disposed corresponding to the second portion (312) of the first region (301). This allows the first region of the heat exchange plate to heat the first battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0201] <Technology 8> In the vehicle control method according to Technology 6 or Technology 7, the first coolant passage (330), the refrigerant passage (320), and the second coolant passage (340) are disposed between the first surface and the second surface; The coolant path and the second coolant path are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting a direction from the first surface toward the second surface. This allows the coolant passage and the second coolant passage to be arranged corresponding to the first region.

[0202] <Technology 9> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 6 to 8, The first coolant circulating through the first coolant path and the second coolant circulating through the second coolant path are the same. This allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be heated approximately uniformly to a temperature suitable for charging, and also allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be cooled approximately uniformly during charging.

[0203] <Technology 10> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 9, The refrigerant passages of the heat exchange plate are connected to a refrigerant circuit; the coolant passages of the heat exchange plate are connected to a coolant circuit; The refrigerant circuit includes at least a compressor (e.g., compressor 31), The coolant circuit comprises at least a pump (41). This allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be heated approximately uniformly to a temperature suitable for charging, and also allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be cooled approximately uniformly during charging.

[0204] <Technology 11> In the third embodiment, The car body (2) and a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack (51) and a second battery pack (52) arranged along a predetermined surface in the vehicle body; a heat exchange plate (300) disposed along the predetermined surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor (4) that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The heat exchange plate is a first surface disposed along the predetermined surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack and the second battery pack; a second surface disposed along the predetermined surface and opposite to the first surface; a first region (301) corresponding to the first battery pack in a plan view; a second area (302) corresponding to the second battery pack; a refrigerant passage (320) disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region, through which a refrigerant circulates; a coolant passage (330) through which a coolant circulates, the coolant passage (330) being disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region and the second region, When a first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated through the coolant path corresponding to the first region, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the coolant path is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, and the coolant is circulated through the coolant paths corresponding to the first area and the second area. A vehicle control device is provided. This allows the first battery pack corresponding to the first region to be heated to a temperature appropriate for charging, and then, while the first battery pack is being charged, the coolant is circulated sequentially through the first region and the second region, and the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the portion corresponding to the first region can be used to heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region, thereby efficiently heating the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0205] <Technology 12> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 11, The vehicle further includes a third battery pack (53), the first surface of the heat exchange plate is further capable of exchanging heat with a third battery pack; the heat exchange plate includes a third region (303) corresponding to the third battery pack in a plan view; At least a portion of the first region is disposed between the second region and the third region; Between the first surface and the second surface, the coolant path (330) is arranged corresponding to the first region and the second region, and through which the coolant circulates, and is further arranged corresponding to the third region, through which the coolant circulates. As a result, the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging as the coolant moves through the portion corresponding to the first region can be used to heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region and the third battery pack corresponding to the third region, thereby enabling the first battery pack, the second battery pack, and the third battery pack to be heated efficiently.

[0206] <Technology 13> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 11 or 12, When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated through the coolant path corresponding to the first region; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the charging of the first battery pack is performed, and the coolant is circulated through the coolant paths (330) corresponding to the first region and the second region; Next, when the fourth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged. This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging as the coolant moves through the portion corresponding to the first region to be used to heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region, thereby enabling efficient heating of the first and second battery packs.

[0207] <Technology 14> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 13, When the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated through the coolant path corresponding to the first region; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the charging of the first battery pack is performed, and the coolant is circulated through the coolant paths (330) corresponding to the first region and the second region; Next, when a fourth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack; Next, when a fifth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated to the refrigerant path corresponding to the first area, and a sixth temperature of the refrigerant entering the refrigerant path is lower than the fifth temperature of the first battery pack, and the coolant is circulated to the coolant paths corresponding to the first area and the second area. This allows the first region of the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0208] <Technology 15> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 14, In the first region of the heat exchange plate, the refrigerant channels and the coolant channels are arranged to overlap each other; The coolant passage is disposed closer to the first surface than the refrigerant passage. This allows the first region of the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0209] <Technology 16> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 15, The cooling liquid path is a first cooling liquid path (330), The cooling liquid is a first cooling liquid, The heat exchange plate further includes a second coolant passage (340) disposed in correspondence with the first region and through which a second coolant circulates; when the first temperature of the first battery pack and the second battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, circulating the coolant through the coolant path corresponding to the first region and circulating the second coolant through the second coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path corresponding to the first area and the second area. This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging as the coolant moves through the portion corresponding to the first region to be used to heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region, thereby enabling efficient heating of the first and second battery packs.

[0210] <Technology 17> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 16, the second coolant passage (340) of the heat exchange plate comprises a first portion (343) and a second portion (344); the first portion (343) of the second coolant passage corresponds to the first portion (311) of the first region (301); The second portion (344) of the second coolant passage is disposed corresponding to the second portion (312) of the first region (301). This allows the first region of the heat exchange plate to heat the first battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0211] <Technology 18> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 16 or 17, the first coolant passage (330), the refrigerant passage (320), and the second coolant passage (340) are disposed between the first surface and the second surface; The coolant path and the second coolant path are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting a direction from the first surface toward the second surface. This allows the coolant passage and the second coolant passage to be arranged corresponding to the first region.

[0212] <Technology 19> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 16 to 18, The first coolant circulating through the first coolant path and the second coolant circulating through the second coolant path are the same. This allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be heated approximately uniformly to a temperature suitable for charging, and also allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be cooled approximately uniformly during charging.

[0213] <Technology 20> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 19, The refrigerant passages of the heat exchange plate are connected to a refrigerant circuit; the coolant passages of the heat exchange plate are connected to a coolant circuit; The refrigerant circuit includes at least a compressor (e.g., compressor 31), The coolant circuit comprises at least a pump (41). This allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be heated approximately uniformly to a temperature suitable for charging, and also allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be cooled approximately uniformly during charging.

[0214] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat exchanger plate 400 according to the fourth embodiment and an arrangement of battery packs.

[0215] The heat exchanger plate 400 has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. One or more first battery packs 61 are arranged side by side in a first direction (Y direction in FIG. 19 ) along the first surface of the heat exchanger plate 400. In addition, one or more second battery packs 62 are arranged side by side in the first direction (Y direction in FIG. 19 ) along the first surface of the heat exchanger plate 400. The first battery pack 61 and the second battery pack 62 may be arranged side by side in a second direction (X direction in FIG. 19 ) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0216] The first surface of the heat exchange plate 400 has a first region 401 corresponding to one or more first battery packs 61 and a second region 402 corresponding to one or more second battery packs 62 in plan view.

[0217] The heat exchange plate 400 has, between the first surface and the second surface, a first coolant path 430 arranged corresponding to the first region 401 and through which a first coolant circulates, and a second coolant path 440 arranged corresponding to the second region 402 and through which a second coolant circulates.

[0218] The heat exchange plate 400 includes refrigerant channels 420 between the first and second surfaces, which are arranged corresponding to the first region 401 and the second region 402 and through which a refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant channels 420 may be configured to include a plurality of branch refrigerant channels 421, as in Fig. 6. The first battery pack 61 and the second battery pack 62 may be arranged on the branch refrigerant channels 421 which are arranged along the second direction (the X direction in Fig. 19) in plan view.

[0219] <First heating mode> FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the first heating mode according to the fourth embodiment.

[0220] The first heating mode is implemented when at least the first temperature of the first battery pack 61 is lower than a first threshold temperature. The first threshold temperature corresponds to the lower limit of the temperature appropriate for efficient charging of the secondary battery, and is, for example, 5°C. However, the first threshold temperature may be lower or higher than 5°C. The temperature of the first battery pack 61 may be measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) attached to the first battery pack 61. The temperature of the second battery pack 62 may be measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) attached to the second battery pack 62.

[0221] In the first heating mode, the refrigerant is circulated by inputting it through the first refrigerant input / output port 422, passing through the refrigerant path 420, and outputting it through the second refrigerant input / output port 423. In the first heating mode, the second temperature of the refrigerant entering the first refrigerant input / output port 422 is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack 61. Specifically, in the first heating mode, as shown in FIG. 20 , the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant in the following order: a compressor 31 that compresses the refrigerant, the first refrigerant input / output port 422, a refrigerant path 420 including a branch refrigerant path 421, the second refrigerant input / output port 423, an expansion valve 32 that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator 34 that can exchange heat with the air outside the vehicle. For example, when a refrigerant at 80°C enters the first refrigerant input / output section 422 and moves through the refrigerant path 420, heat is exchanged between the first coolant flowing through the first coolant path 430 corresponding to the first region 401 and the first battery pack 61 and the second battery pack 62, and a refrigerant at, for example, 50°C exits the second refrigerant input / output section 623.

[0222] Additionally, in the first heating mode, the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path 430 corresponding to the first region 401. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20 , in the first heating mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the first coolant in the following order: a pump 41 that moves the first coolant; a heater 42 that heats the first coolant; a first coolant input unit 431; the first coolant path 430; and a first coolant output unit 432. Here, the control device 10 may operate the heater 42 to heat the first coolant. For example, when the first coolant at 40° C. enters the first coolant input unit 431 and moves through the first coolant path 430, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigerant path 420 and the first battery pack 61 (i.e., heats the first battery pack 61), and the first coolant at, for example, 20° C. is output from the first coolant output unit 432. The control device 10 may configure the coolant circuit shown in FIG. 20 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0223] The first heating mode may continue until the temperature of the first battery pack 61 becomes higher than a charge threshold temperature. The charge threshold temperature may be higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., 5°C) or may be the same as the first threshold temperature. Thus, the first battery pack 61 is heated in the first heating mode until the temperature becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. When the temperature of the first battery pack 61 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature, charging may be started.

[0224] In this way, in the first mode, the one or more first battery packs 61 arranged in the first region 401 of the heat exchanger plate 400 exchange heat with the first region 401, the temperature of which is made substantially uniform by the first coolant flowing through the first coolant path 430, and are therefore heated with little temperature variation. Therefore, the one or more first battery packs 61 can first be efficiently heated above the charge threshold temperature.

[0225] In the first heating mode, the coolant may be circulated through the second coolant path 440 at a second flow rate that is smaller than the first flow rate through the first coolant path 430. However, the second flow rate may be zero. In other words, in the first heating mode, a small amount of coolant may be circulated through the second coolant path 440, or no coolant may be circulated at all.

[0226] <Second heating mode> FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the second heating mode according to the fourth embodiment.

[0227] The second heating mode is started when the temperature of the first battery pack 61 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature in the first heating mode. As described above, the charge threshold temperature may be higher than the first threshold temperature (e.g., 5°C) or may be the same as the first threshold temperature.

[0228] In the second heating mode, contrary to the first heating mode, the refrigerant is circulated by inputting from the second refrigerant input / output port 423, passing through the refrigerant path 420, and outputting from the first refrigerant input / output port 422. In the second heating mode, the fourth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant input / output port 423 is higher than the fifth temperature of the second battery pack 62. Specifically, in the second heating mode, as shown in FIG. 21 , the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant in the following order: a compressor 31 that compresses the refrigerant, the second refrigerant input / output port 423, a refrigerant path 420 including a branch refrigerant path 421, the first refrigerant input / output port 422, an expansion valve 32 that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator 34 that can exchange heat with the air outside the vehicle. For example, when a refrigerant at 80°C enters the second refrigerant input / output section 423 and moves through the refrigerant path 420, it exchanges heat with the second coolant flowing through the second coolant path 440 corresponding to the second region 402, and the first battery pack 61 and the second battery pack 62, and a refrigerant at, for example, 50°C exits the first refrigerant input / output section 422.

[0229] Additionally, in the second heating mode, the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path 430 corresponding to the first region 401, and the second coolant is circulated through the second coolant path 440 corresponding to the second region 402. Note that the first coolant and the second coolant may be the same. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21 , in the second heating mode, the control device 10 configures a coolant circuit that circulates the coolant in the following order: the pump 41, the heater 42, the second coolant input unit 441, the second coolant path 440 corresponding to the second region 402, the second coolant output unit 442, the first coolant input unit 431, the first coolant path 430 corresponding to the first region 401, and the first coolant output unit 432. Here, the control device 10 may operate the heater 42 to heat the coolant. For example, coolant at 40° C. enters the second coolant input port 441 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the coolant path 420 and the second battery pack 62 (i.e., heats the second battery pack 62) as it moves through the second coolant path 440, and coolant at, for example, 20° C. exits the second coolant output port 442, then enters the first coolant input port 431 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the coolant path 420 and the first battery pack 61 (i.e., cools the first battery pack 61) as it moves through the first coolant path 430, and coolant at, for example, 30° C. exits the first coolant output port 432. The control device 10 may configure the coolant circuit shown in FIG. 21 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0230] The second heating mode continues until the temperature of the second battery pack 62 becomes higher than a charge threshold temperature. The charge threshold temperature of the second heating mode may be the same as or different from the charge threshold temperature of the first heating mode. As a result, the second heating mode heats one or more second battery packs 62 until the temperature becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature. When the temperature of the second battery pack 62 becomes higher than the charge threshold temperature, charging may begin.

[0231] In the second heating mode, the coolant receives heat from the first battery pack 61 during charging while traveling through the first coolant path 430, then enters the second coolant path 440 and heats the second battery pack 62. In the second heating mode, the coolant receives heat from the second battery pack 62 while traveling through the second coolant path 440, then enters the first coolant path 430 and cools the first battery pack 61 to prevent the temperature of the first battery pack 61 during charging from rising too much. In this way, in the second heating mode, the circulation of the coolant allows efficient heating of the second battery pack 62 and cooling of the first battery pack 61 during charging.

[0232] In the first heating mode, the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant input / output portion 422 first in a high temperature state, thereby efficiently heating the first battery pack 61 corresponding to the first region 401. In the second heating mode, the refrigerant enters the second refrigerant input / output portion 423 first in a high temperature state, thereby efficiently heating the second battery pack 62 corresponding to the second region 402, and also transferring heat from the second battery pack 62 to the first battery pack 61 corresponding to the first region 401, thereby preventing the first battery pack 61 from being heated during charging.

[0233] <Cooling mode> FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerant circuit and a coolant circuit in the cooling mode according to the fourth embodiment.

[0234] The cooling mode may be initiated when the temperature of the first battery pack 61 and / or the second battery pack 62 becomes higher than a cooling threshold temperature. The cooling threshold temperature may be higher than or equal to the charging threshold temperature. The charging threshold temperature for the first battery pack 61 and the charging threshold temperature for the second battery pack 62 may be the same as or different from each other. The charging threshold temperature corresponds to the upper limit of the temperature at which deterioration of the secondary battery can be suppressed and stable charging and discharging can be performed, and may be, for example, 50°C. However, the charging threshold temperature may be lower or higher than 50°C. The cooling mode cools the first battery pack 61 and the second battery pack 62 so that the temperatures of the first battery pack 61 and the second battery pack 62 do not rise too high during charging and discharging.

[0235] In the cooling mode, the refrigerant is circulated through the refrigerant path 420 of the heat exchanger plate 400. In the cooling mode, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant input / output port 423 is lower than the temperature of the second battery pack 62. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22 , in the cooling mode, the control device 10 configures a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant through the external condenser 33 capable of exchanging heat with outside-vehicle air, the expansion valve 32, the second refrigerant input / output port 423, the refrigerant path 420 including the branch refrigerant path 421, the first refrigerant input / output port 422, and the compressor 31, in that order. For example, when a refrigerant at 0°C enters the second refrigerant input / output port 423 and moves through the branch refrigerant path 421, it exchanges heat with the second coolant moving through the second coolant path 440 and the first coolant moving through the first coolant path 430, and the refrigerant at, for example, 20°C exits the first refrigerant input / output port 422. In the cooling mode, a refrigerant circuit may be configured in which the refrigerant enters through the first refrigerant input / output port 422 and exits through the second refrigerant input / output port 423. The control device 10 may configure the refrigerant circuit shown in Fig. 22 by controlling a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like (not shown).

[0236] Additionally, in the cooling mode, the control device circulates the first coolant through the first coolant path 430 and the second coolant through the second coolant path 440. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22 , in the cooling mode, the control device configures a coolant path circuit that circulates the first coolant through the pump 41, the first coolant input port 431, the first coolant path 430, and the first coolant output port 432 in this order, and a coolant circuit that circulates the second coolant through the pump 41, the second coolant input port 441, the second coolant path 440, and the second coolant output port 442 in this order. The first coolant and the second coolant may be the same. For example, as the first coolant enters the first coolant input port 431 and travels through the first coolant path 430, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant traveling through the branch refrigerant path 421 and the first battery pack 61 (e.g., cools the first battery pack 61), and then exits from the first coolant output port 432. Additionally, as the second coolant enters the second coolant input port 441 and moves through the second coolant path 440, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant moving through the branch refrigerant path 421 and the second battery pack 62 (e.g., cools the second battery pack 62), and then exits from the second coolant output port 442. Note that in the cooling mode, a coolant circuit may be configured in which the coolant circulates sequentially through the first coolant path 430 and the second coolant path 440, as in the second heating mode. This allows one or more first battery packs 61 and second battery packs 62 to be cooled substantially uniformly, and prevents the first battery pack 61 and second battery pack 62 from becoming too hot.

[0237] (Summary of the fourth embodiment) The above description of the fourth embodiment discloses the following techniques.

[0238] <Technology 1> In the fourth embodiment, The car body (2) and a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack (61) and a second battery pack (62) arranged along a predetermined surface in the vehicle body; a heat exchange plate (400) disposed along the predetermined surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor (4) that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The heat exchange plate is a first surface disposed along the predetermined surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack and the second battery pack; a second surface disposed along the predetermined surface and opposite to the first surface; a first region (401) corresponding to the first battery pack in a plan view; a second region (402) corresponding to the second battery pack in a plan view; a first coolant passage (430) disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region, through which a first coolant circulates; a second coolant passage (440) disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the second region, through which a second coolant circulates; a refrigerant passage (420) disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region and the second region, through which a refrigerant circulates; a first refrigerant input / output port (422) connected to the refrigerant path in the first region; a second refrigerant input / output port (423) connected to the refrigerant path in the second region; 1. A vehicle control method executable in a vehicle, comprising: When at least a first temperature of the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated by inputting from the first coolant input / output unit, passing through the coolant path, and outputting from the second coolant input / output unit, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant input / output unit is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, a vehicle control method is provided in which, when a third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, and the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated sequentially through the first coolant path and the second coolant path. This allows the first battery pack corresponding to the first region to be heated to a temperature appropriate for charging, and then, while the first battery pack is being charged, the first and second coolants are circulated through the first and second coolant paths in turn, so that the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant path corresponding to the first region can be used to heat the second battery pack as the coolant moves through the second coolant path corresponding to the second region, thereby efficiently heating the first and second battery packs.

[0239] <Technology 2> In the vehicle control method described in Technology 1, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, and circulating the first coolant and the second coolant through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in sequence; Next, when the fifth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged. This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging when the coolant flows through the first coolant path corresponding to the first region to be used to heat the second battery pack when the coolant flows through the second coolant path corresponding to the second region, thereby enabling efficient heating of the first and second battery packs.

[0240] <Technology 3> In the vehicle control method according to Technology 1 or 2, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, if the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, and the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated sequentially through the first coolant path and the second coolant path, and further, the refrigerant is circulated so that it enters from the second refrigerant input / output unit, passes through the refrigerant path, and is output from the first refrigerant input / output unit, and a fourth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant input / output unit is higher than a fifth temperature of the second battery pack. This allows the second battery pack corresponding to the second region to be efficiently heated by the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0241] <Technology 4> In the vehicle control method according to Technology 1 or 2, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack is performed, the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in order, and the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the second coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the first coolant input / output unit; Next, when the fifth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged. This allows the high-temperature refrigerant to efficiently heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0242] <Technology 5> In the vehicle control method according to Technology 2 or 4, when a sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, and / or when a seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fifth threshold temperature that is higher than the third threshold temperature, The refrigerant is circulated by entering from one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, passing through the refrigerant path, and outputting from the other of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, and an eighth temperature of the refrigerant entering one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit is lower than the sixth temperature of the first battery pack and / or the seventh temperature of the second battery pack. This allows the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack and the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0243] <Technology 6> In the vehicle control method described in Technical Feature 5, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, The refrigerant enters from one of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port, passes through the refrigerant path, and is circulated to be output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port, and the eighth temperature of the refrigerant entering the one of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port is lower than the ninth temperature of the first cooling liquid. This allows the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack and the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0244] <Technology 7> In the vehicle control method described in Technical Feature 5, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, The refrigerant is circulated by inputting from one of the first refrigerant input / output section and the second refrigerant input / output section, passing through the refrigerant path, and outputting from the other of the first refrigerant input / output section and the second refrigerant input / output section, and the first cooling liquid and the second cooling liquid are circulated in the order of the first cooling liquid path and the second cooling liquid path, or in the order of the second cooling liquid path and the first cooling liquid path. This allows the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack and the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0245] <Technology 8> In the vehicle control method described in Technical Feature 5, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, The refrigerant is input from one of the first refrigerant input / output section and the second refrigerant input / output section, passes through the refrigerant path, and is output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output section and the second refrigerant input / output section, and is circulated, and the first cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid path, and the second cooling liquid is circulated through the second cooling liquid path. This allows the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack and the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0246] <Technology 9> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, the vehicle includes a coolant circuit that includes at least a pump (41) and a heater (42) and that can circulate the first coolant and / or the second coolant; The first coolant passage is connected to the coolant circuit. This allows the heater to heat the first coolant and / or the second coolant.

[0247] <Technology 10> In the vehicle control method according to any one of techniques 1 to 9, The vehicle includes at least a compressor (e.g., compressor 31) and a refrigerant circuit capable of circulating the refrigerant; The first refrigerant input / output part (422) and the second refrigerant input / output part (423) are connected to the refrigerant circuit. This allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be heated approximately uniformly to a temperature suitable for charging, and also allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be cooled approximately uniformly during charging.

[0248] <Technology 11> In the fourth embodiment, The car body (2) and a first wheel (3a) and a second wheel (3b) coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack (61) and a second battery pack (62) arranged along a predetermined surface in the vehicle body; a heat exchange plate (400) disposed along the predetermined surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor (4) that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The heat exchange plate is a first surface disposed along the predetermined surface and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack and the second battery pack; a second surface disposed along the predetermined surface and opposite to the first surface; a first region (401) corresponding to the first battery pack in a plan view; a second region (402) corresponding to the second battery pack in a plan view; a first coolant passage (430) disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region, through which a first coolant circulates; a second coolant passage (440) disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the second region, through which a second coolant circulates; a refrigerant passage (420) disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region and the second region, through which a refrigerant circulates; a first refrigerant input / output port (422) connected to the refrigerant path in the first region; a second refrigerant input / output port (423) connected to the refrigerant path in the second region; A vehicle control device (e.g., a control device 10) configured to be installed in a vehicle, When at least a first temperature of the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated by inputting from the first coolant input / output unit, passing through the coolant path, and outputting from the second coolant input / output unit, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant input / output unit is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, a vehicle control device is provided that, when a third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charges the first battery pack and circulates the first coolant and the second coolant through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in sequence. This allows the first battery pack corresponding to the first region to be heated to a temperature appropriate for charging, and then, while the first battery pack is being charged, the first and second coolants are circulated through the first and second coolant paths in turn, so that the heat obtained from the first battery pack being charged as the coolant moves through the first coolant path corresponding to the first region can be used to heat the second battery pack as the coolant moves through the second coolant path corresponding to the second region, thereby efficiently heating the first and second battery packs.

[0249] <Technology 12> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 11, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, and circulating the first coolant and the second coolant through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in sequence; Next, when the fifth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged. This allows the heat obtained from the first battery pack during charging when the coolant flows through the first coolant path corresponding to the first region to be used to heat the second battery pack when the coolant flows through the second coolant path corresponding to the second region, thereby enabling efficient heating of the first and second battery packs.

[0250] <Technology 13> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 11 or 12, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, if the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, the first battery pack is charged, and the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated sequentially through the first coolant path and the second coolant path, and further, the refrigerant is circulated so that it enters from the second refrigerant input / output unit, passes through the refrigerant path, and is output from the first refrigerant input / output unit, and a fourth temperature of the refrigerant entering the second refrigerant input / output unit is higher than a fifth temperature of the second battery pack. This allows the second battery pack corresponding to the second region to be efficiently heated by the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0251] <Technology 14> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 11 or 12, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack is performed, the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in order, and the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the second coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the first coolant input / output unit; Next, when the fifth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, the second battery pack is charged. This allows the high-temperature refrigerant to efficiently heat the second battery pack corresponding to the second region to a temperature appropriate for charging.

[0252] <Technology 15> In the vehicle control device according to Technology 12 or 14, when a sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, and / or when a seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fifth threshold temperature that is higher than the third threshold temperature, The refrigerant is circulated by entering from one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, passing through the refrigerant path, and outputting from the other of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, and an eighth temperature of the refrigerant entering one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit is lower than the sixth temperature of the first battery pack and / or the seventh temperature of the second battery pack. This allows the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack and the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0253] <Technology 16> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 15, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, The refrigerant enters from one of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port, passes through the refrigerant path, and is circulated to be output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port, and the eighth temperature of the refrigerant entering the one of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port is lower than the ninth temperature of the first cooling liquid. This allows the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack and the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0254] <Technology 17> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 15, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, The refrigerant is circulated by inputting from one of the first refrigerant input / output section and the second refrigerant input / output section, passing through the refrigerant path, and outputting from the other of the first refrigerant input / output section and the second refrigerant input / output section, and the first cooling liquid and the second cooling liquid are circulated in the order of the first cooling liquid path and the second cooling liquid path, or in the order of the second cooling liquid path and the first cooling liquid path. This allows the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack and the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0255] <Technology 18> In the vehicle control device described in Technical 15, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, The refrigerant is input from one of the first refrigerant input / output section and the second refrigerant input / output section, passes through the refrigerant path, and is output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output section and the second refrigerant input / output section, and is circulated, and the first cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid path, and the second cooling liquid is circulated through the second cooling liquid path. This allows the heat exchange plate to cool the first battery pack and the second battery pack substantially uniformly.

[0256] <Technology 19> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 18, the vehicle includes a coolant circuit that includes at least a pump (41) and a heater (42) and that can circulate the first coolant and / or the second coolant; The first coolant passage is connected to the coolant circuit. This allows the heater to heat the first coolant and / or the second coolant.

[0257] <Technology 20> In the vehicle control device according to any one of techniques 11 to 19, The vehicle includes at least a compressor (e.g., compressor 31) and a refrigerant circuit capable of circulating the refrigerant; The first refrigerant input / output part (422) and the second refrigerant input / output part (423) are connected to the refrigerant circuit. This allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be heated approximately uniformly to a temperature suitable for charging, and also allows the first battery pack and the second battery pack to be cooled approximately uniformly during charging.

[0258] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0259] The technology of the present disclosure is useful for adjusting the temperature of a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0260] 1 vehicle 2. Body 3 wheels 3a 1st wheel 3b 2nd wheel 4 Electric motor 10 Control device 11 First battery pack 12 Second battery pack 31 Compressor 32 Expansion valve 33 External Capacitor 34 Evaporator 41 Pump 42 Heater 51 First battery pack 52 Second battery pack 53 Third battery pack 61 First battery pack 62 Second battery pack 100 First heat exchange plate 103 3rd page 104 Page 4 110 First refrigerant layer 111 First refrigerant input section 112 first refrigerant output section 113 First refrigerant path 114 Second refrigerant path 115 Branch refrigerant path 120 1st cooling liquid layer 121 First coolant input 122 First coolant output section 123 1st coolant path 124 2nd coolant path 125 3rd coolant path 200 Second heat exchange plate 205 Page 5 206 Page 6 210 Second refrigerant layer 211 Second refrigerant input section 212 Second refrigerant output section 220 2nd cooling liquid layer 221 Second coolant input 222 Second coolant output section 300 Heat Exchange Plate 301 First area 302 Second area 303 Third area 311 Part 1 312 Part 2 320 Refrigerant path 321 First refrigerant input section 322 First refrigerant output section 330 1st coolant path 331 First coolant input 332 First coolant output section 340 2nd coolant path 341, 341A, 341B Second coolant input 342, 342A, 342B 2nd coolant output section 343 Part 1 344 Part 2 400 Heat Exchange Plate 401 1st area 402 Second area 420 Refrigerant path 421 Branch refrigerant path 422 First refrigerant input / output section 423 Second refrigerant input / output section 430 1st coolant path 431 First coolant input 432 First coolant output section 440 2nd coolant path 441 Second coolant input 442 Second coolant output section

Claims

1. The car body and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack and a second battery pack arranged along a predetermined surface in the vehicle body; a heat exchange plate disposed along the predetermined surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least the first wheel using electric power supplied from the first battery pack and / or the second battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The heat exchange plate is a first surface disposed along the predetermined plane and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack and the second battery pack; a second surface disposed along the predetermined surface and opposite to the first surface; a first region corresponding to the first battery pack in a plan view; a second region corresponding to the second battery pack in a plan view; a first coolant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region, through which a first coolant circulates; a second coolant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the second region, through which a second coolant circulates; a refrigerant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region and the second region, through which a refrigerant circulates; a first refrigerant input / output port connected to the refrigerant path in the first region; a second refrigerant input / output port connected to the refrigerant path in the second region, 1. A vehicle control method executable in a vehicle, comprising: When a first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated by inputting from the first coolant input / output unit, passing through the coolant path, and outputting from the second coolant input / output unit, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant input / output unit is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the first coolant and the second coolant through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in sequence. Vehicle control method.

2. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so as to be input from the first coolant input / output unit, pass through the coolant path, and be output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack, and circulating the first coolant and the second coolant through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in sequence; Next, when the fifth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack. Vehicle control method.

3. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so as to be input from the first coolant input / output unit, pass through the coolant path, and be output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack is performed, the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in order, and the coolant is further circulated so as to be input from the second coolant input / output unit, pass through the coolant path, and be output from the first coolant input / output unit, and a fourth temperature of the coolant entering the second coolant input / output unit is higher than a fifth temperature of the second battery pack. Vehicle control method.

4. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so as to be input from the first coolant input / output unit, pass through the coolant path, and be output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack is performed, the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in order, and the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the second coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the first coolant input / output unit; Next, when the fifth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack. Vehicle control method.

5. 3. The vehicle control method according to claim 2, when a sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, and / or when a seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fifth threshold temperature that is higher than the third threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated by being input from one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, passing through the refrigerant path, and being output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, and an eighth temperature of the refrigerant entering the one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit is lower than the sixth temperature of the first battery pack and / or the seventh temperature of the second battery pack. Vehicle control method.

6. 6. A vehicle control method according to claim 5, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated by being input from one of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port, passing through the refrigerant path, and being output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port, and an eighth temperature of the refrigerant entering the one of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port is lower than a ninth temperature of the first coolant. Vehicle control method.

7. 6. A vehicle control method according to claim 5, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated by being input from one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, passing through the refrigerant path, and being output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, and the first cooling liquid and the second cooling liquid are circulated in the order of the first cooling liquid path and the second cooling liquid path, or in the order of the second cooling liquid path and the first cooling liquid path. Vehicle control method.

8. 6. A vehicle control method according to claim 5, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated by being input from one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, passing through the refrigerant path, and being output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, and the first cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid path, and the second cooling liquid is circulated through the second cooling liquid path. Vehicle control method.

9. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, the vehicle includes a coolant circuit that includes at least a pump and a heater and that can circulate the first coolant and / or the second coolant; The first coolant passage is connected to the coolant circuit. Vehicle control method.

10. 2. The vehicle control method according to claim 1, The vehicle includes at least a compressor and a refrigerant circuit capable of circulating the refrigerant; The first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit are connected to the refrigerant circuit. Vehicle control method.

11. The car body and a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the vehicle body; a first battery pack and a second battery pack arranged along a predetermined surface in the vehicle body; a heat exchange plate disposed along the predetermined surface in the vehicle body; an electric motor that drives at least the first wheel using power supplied from the first battery pack; The vehicle is movable in a predetermined direction by the first wheel and the second wheel, The heat exchange plate is a first surface disposed along the predetermined plane and capable of exchanging heat with the first battery pack and the second battery pack; a second surface disposed along the predetermined surface and opposite to the first surface; a first region corresponding to the first battery pack in a plan view; a second region corresponding to the second battery pack in a plan view; a first coolant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region, through which a first coolant circulates; a second coolant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the second region, through which a second coolant circulates; a refrigerant passage disposed between the first surface and the second surface in correspondence with the first region and the second region, through which a refrigerant circulates; a first refrigerant input / output port connected to the refrigerant path in the first region; a second refrigerant input / output port connected to the refrigerant path in the second region, A vehicle control device configured to be installed in a vehicle, When a first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than a first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated by inputting from the first coolant input / output unit, passing through the coolant path, and outputting from the second coolant input / output unit, and a second temperature of the coolant entering the first coolant input / output unit is higher than the first temperature of the first battery pack, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a second threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the first coolant and the second coolant through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in sequence. Vehicle control device.

12. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack and circulating the first coolant and the second coolant through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in sequence; Next, when the fifth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack. Vehicle control device.

13. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack is performed, the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in order, and the coolant is further circulated so as to be input from the second coolant input / output unit, pass through the coolant path, and be output from the first coolant input / output unit, and a fourth temperature of the coolant entering the second coolant input / output unit is higher than a fifth temperature of the second battery pack. Vehicle control device.

14. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, When the first temperature of at least the first battery pack is lower than the first threshold temperature, the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the first coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the second coolant input / output unit, and the first coolant is circulated through the first coolant path; Next, when the third temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the second threshold temperature, charging the first battery pack is performed, the first coolant and the second coolant are circulated through the first coolant path and the second coolant path in order, and the coolant is circulated so that it is input from the second coolant input / output unit, passes through the coolant path, and is output from the first coolant input / output unit; Next, when the fifth temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a third threshold temperature that is higher than the first threshold temperature, charging the second battery pack. Vehicle control device.

15. The vehicle control device according to claim 12, when a sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than a fourth threshold temperature that is higher than the second threshold temperature, and / or when a seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than a fifth threshold temperature that is higher than the third threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated by being input from one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, passing through the refrigerant path, and being output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, and an eighth temperature of the refrigerant entering the one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit is lower than the sixth temperature of the first battery pack and / or the seventh temperature of the second battery pack. Vehicle control device.

16. The vehicle control device according to claim 15, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated by being input from one of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port, passing through the refrigerant path, and being output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port, and an eighth temperature of the refrigerant entering the one of the first refrigerant input / output port and the second refrigerant input / output port is lower than a ninth temperature of the first coolant. Vehicle control device.

17. The vehicle control device according to claim 15, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated by being input from one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, passing through the refrigerant path, and being output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, and the first cooling liquid and the second cooling liquid are circulated in the order of the first cooling liquid path and then the second cooling liquid path, or in the order of the second cooling liquid path and then the first cooling liquid path. Vehicle control device.

18. The vehicle control device according to claim 15, When the sixth temperature of the first battery pack is higher than the fourth threshold temperature and / or when the seventh temperature of the second battery pack is higher than the fifth threshold temperature, the refrigerant is circulated by being input from one of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, passing through the refrigerant path, and being output from the other of the first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit, and the first cooling liquid is circulated through the first cooling liquid path, and the second cooling liquid is circulated through the second cooling liquid path. Vehicle control device.

19. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, the vehicle includes a coolant circuit that includes at least a pump and a heater and that can circulate the first coolant and / or the second coolant; The first coolant passage is connected to the coolant circuit. Vehicle control device.

20. The vehicle control device according to claim 11, The vehicle includes at least a compressor and a refrigerant circuit capable of circulating the refrigerant; The first refrigerant input / output unit and the second refrigerant input / output unit are connected to the refrigerant circuit. Vehicle control device.

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