vehicle

Abstract

The user can be notified if there is a problem with the thermal conductive material. [Solution] The vehicle includes a battery 1, a temperature control device 120 for heating or cooling the battery 1, and a control device for controlling the temperature control device 120. The temperature control device 120 includes a heat exchange section 2 through which a heat transfer medium flows and which exchanges heat with the battery 1, a heat conductive material 3 positioned between the heat exchange section 2 and the battery 1, a heat transfer medium pipe 4 connected to the heat exchange section 2 through which the heat transfer medium flows, a heater 51 for heating the heat transfer medium, or a cooling device 52 for cooling the heat transfer medium, and a temperature detection unit 7 for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium. The control device notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the start of heating the battery 1, or if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a second threshold within a second predetermined period after the start of cooling the battery 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024 - 113860 discloses a vehicle provided with a battery cooling water circuit. The battery cooling water circuit heats or cools the battery to an appropriate temperature by circulating water (heat medium) heated or cooled by a battery heat exchanger (heat exchange section) provided adjacent to the battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, a heat conductive material is disposed between the heat exchange section and the battery, and the heat exchange section exchanges heat with the battery with the heat conductive material interposed therebetween. Therefore, if an abnormality occurs in this heat conductive material (for example, the heat conductive material is peeled off), heat conduction failure occurs, making it difficult to control the temperature of the battery. Due to the structure of the battery pack, it is difficult to confirm from the outside whether the heat conductive material has peeled off or the like. Therefore, even if an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material, it is highly likely that the user will not notice it.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to enable a user to know that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) A vehicle according to a certain aspect of this disclosure includes a battery, a temperature control device for heating or cooling the battery, and a control device for controlling the temperature control device. The temperature control device includes a heat exchange section through which a heat transfer medium flows and which exchanges heat with the battery, a heat conductive material disposed between the heat exchange section and the battery, a heat transfer medium pipe connected to the heat exchange section through which the heat transfer medium flows, a heat source for heating the heat transfer medium, or a cooling device for cooling the heat transfer medium, and a temperature sensing unit for sensing the temperature of the heat transfer medium. The control device notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the start of heating the battery, or if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a second threshold within a second predetermined period after the start of cooling the battery.

[0007] (2) In the vehicle described in (1) above, the control device performs a battery heating process before starting battery charging, and notifies that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the heating process.

[0008] (3) In the vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the temperature sensing unit is provided on the downstream side of the heat exchange section in the direction of heat transfer.

[0009] (4) In the vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the temperature sensing unit includes a plurality of temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of the heat transfer medium. The control device identifies the location of the damaged heat transfer material based on the location of the temperature sensor in which the amount of change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the start of the battery heating, or the location of the temperature sensor in which the amount of change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a second threshold within a second predetermined period after the start of the battery cooling. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the user can be aware that an abnormality has occurred in the thermal conductive material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the vehicle configuration in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing the battery pack 110 and the temperature control device 120. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchange section 2. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for anomaly detection. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the effectiveness of determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 based on the temperature change of the heat transfer medium, rather than based on the temperature change of the battery 1. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing the temperature control device in a modified example. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for anomaly detection in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0013] [Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle in one embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle). The vehicle 100 may also be a hybrid vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The vehicle 100 includes a battery pack 110, a temperature control device 120, a driving unit 130, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 140, a monitoring unit 150, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 160.

[0014] The battery pack 110 includes a battery 1 that stores power for driving. The vehicle 100 is configured to be able to run using the power stored in the battery 1. The battery 1 is charged by the regenerative power from the running drive unit 130 or by the power supplied from a charging facility outside the vehicle 100 (external charging). The battery 1 is a battery module including a plurality of cells. Each cell may be a lithium-ion secondary battery or other secondary batteries (e.g., nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries). Also, each cell may be a solid-state battery. The temperature control device 120 heats up or cools the battery 1.

[0015] The running drive unit 130 includes a PCU (Power Control Unit) and an MG (Motor Generator), and is configured to drive the MG using the power stored in the battery 1 to run the vehicle 100. Also, the MG is configured to perform regenerative power generation and supply the generated power (regenerative power) to the battery 1.

[0016] The HMI device 140 includes an input device and a display device. The HMI device 140 may include, for example, a touch panel display. The HMI device 140 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material when, for example, an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material described later.

[0017] The monitoring unit 150 includes various sensors that detect the state of the battery 1 (e.g., voltage, current, and temperature), and outputs the detection results to the ECU 160.

[0018] The ECU 160 controls the temperature control device 120, the drive unit 130, and the HMI device 140. The ECU 160 corresponds to the "control device" in this disclosure. The ECU 160 includes a processor 161, a memory 162, and a communication unit 163. The processor 161 includes processing circuitry such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The memory 162 includes volatile storage devices such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and non-volatile storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and flash memory. The memory 162 stores a system program including an OS (Operating System), a program for controlling the operation of the vehicle 100, and various maps. The processor 161 performs various processes by reading the system program and other programs, loading them into the memory 162, and executing them. As an example, the processor 161 performs the anomaly detection process described later. The communication unit 163 is configured to enable wireless communication with an external terminal 500 using a predetermined communication method.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the battery pack 110 and the temperature control device 120. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the heat exchange unit 2. To show the internal structure of the battery pack 110, Figure 2 shows the battery pack 110 with the upper cover 92 and the side wall 912a, which is part of the peripheral wall 912, removed.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery pack 110 includes a housing case 9 and a battery 1 stored in the housing case 9. The housing case 9 includes a lower case 91 and an upper cover 92 disposed above the lower case 91. The lower case 91 includes a bottom wall 911 and a peripheral wall 912 standing up from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 911. In the present embodiment, two batteries 1 are stored in the space formed by the lower case 91 and the upper cover 92. The two batteries 1 include a battery 11 and a battery 12. Each battery 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the first direction. The first direction is, for example, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. The two batteries 1 are arranged side by side along the second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the vertical direction (vertical direction). Note that the second direction may be a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and intersecting the first direction. Also, the number of batteries 1 is not limited to two and may be one or more.

[0021] The temperature control device 120 includes a heat exchange part 2, a heat conductive material 3, a heat medium pipe 4, a switching valve Q, a heater 51, a cooling device 52, a pump 6, and a temperature detection unit 7. The heat exchange part 2 includes a flow path 2a through which a heat medium (for example, water, oil, etc.) flows, a port 2b connecting the flow path 2a and the upstream pipe 4a, and a port 2c connecting the flow path 2a and the downstream pipe 4b. The heat exchange part 2 exchanges heat with the battery 1 when the heat medium flows through the flow path 2a. The heat exchange part 2 exchanges heat with the battery 1 with the heat conductive material 3 interposed therebetween. The heat exchange part 2 is provided below the battery 1. Note that the heat exchange part 2 may be provided above the battery 1. In the present embodiment, one heat exchange part 2 is provided for one battery 1. The heat exchange part 21 is the heat exchange part 2 that exchanges heat with the battery 11. The heat exchange part 22 is the heat exchange part 2 that exchanges heat with the battery 12. Note that one heat exchange part 2 may be provided for a plurality of batteries 1.

[0022] The thermal conductive material 3 is placed between the heat exchange unit 2 and the battery 1. The thermal conductive material 3 has a higher thermal conductivity than, for example, air. The thermal conductive material 31 is the thermal conductive material 3 placed between the heat exchange unit 21 and the battery 11. The thermal conductive material 32 is the thermal conductive material 3 placed between the heat exchange unit 22 and the battery 12.

[0023] The heat transfer pipe 4 is connected to the heat exchange section 2. The heat transfer fluid flows through the heat transfer pipe 4. The heat transfer pipe 4 includes an upstream pipe 4a, a downstream pipe 4b, and a connecting pipe 4c. The peripheral wall 912 is provided with an inlet port 8a and an outlet port 8b.

[0024] The upstream end of the upstream piping 4a in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to the inlet port 8a. The upstream piping 4a includes piping 41a and piping 42a. The downstream end of piping 41a in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to port 2b of the heat exchange unit 21. The downstream end of piping 42a in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to port 2b of the heat exchange unit 22.

[0025] The downstream end of the downstream piping 4b in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to the outlet port 8b. The downstream piping 4b includes piping 41b and piping 42b. The upstream end of piping 41b in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to port 2c of the heat exchange section 21. The upstream end of piping 42b in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to port 2c of the heat exchange section 22.

[0026] The connecting pipe 4c connects the upstream pipe 4a and the downstream pipe 4b. Specifically, the connecting pipe 4c includes pipes 41c and 42c. The upstream end of pipe 41c in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to the outlet port 8b, and the downstream end of pipe 41c in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to the inlet port 8a. The upstream end of pipe 42c in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to the first location P1 of pipe 41c. The downstream end of pipe 42c in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow is connected to the second location P2 of pipe 41c, which is located further downstream in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow than the first location P1.

[0027] The switching valve Q is located at the first location P1. The switching valve Q switches between a state in which the heat transfer medium passes through piping 42c and a state in which the heat transfer medium does not pass through piping 42c, in response to a control signal from ECU160. When the switching valve Q is closed in response to a control signal from ECU160, the heat transfer medium flows through piping 41c and proceeds to the inlet port 8a without passing through piping 42c. When the switching valve Q is open in response to a control signal from ECU160, the heat transfer medium proceeds to the inlet port 8a via piping 42c.

[0028] The heater 51 corresponds to the “heat source” in this disclosure. The heater 51 raises the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing through the pipe 41c in response to a control signal from the ECU 160. The cooling device 52 cools the heat transfer medium flowing through the pipe 42c in response to a control signal from the ECU 160. The cooling device 52 is, for example, a radiator.

[0029] Pump 6 circulates the heat transfer medium between the heat transfer pipe 4 and the flow path 2a in response to a control signal from ECU 160. As pump 6 is driven in response to the control signal from ECU 160, the heat transfer medium circulates along the path R. Specifically, the heat transfer medium flows out of the inlet port 8a to the upstream pipe 4a through pipe 41c. The heat transfer medium that flows out of the upstream pipe 4a flows into each heat exchange unit 2 through pipes 41a and 42a, cools each battery 1, and then flows out of the outlet port 8b to pipe 41c through the downstream pipe 4b. When the switching valve Q is closed, the heat transfer medium that flows out of pipe 41c flows through pipe 41c without passing through pipe 42c and flows out again from the inlet port 8a to the upstream pipe 4a. On the other hand, when the switching valve Q is open, the heat transfer medium that flows out of pipe 41c flows through pipe 42c and flows out again from the inlet port 8a to the upstream pipe 4a.

[0030] The temperature detection unit 7 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium. The temperature detection unit 7 is located downstream of the heat exchange unit 2 in the direction of heat transfer medium flow. The temperature detection unit 7 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium after heat exchange has taken place between the heat exchange unit 2 and the battery 1. In this embodiment, the temperature detection unit 7 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium flowing between the outlet port 8b and the first location P1 in the piping 41c. The temperature detection unit 7 outputs the detected temperature to the ECU 160.

[0031] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the anomaly detection process. The anomaly detection process is repeated when a predetermined condition is met (for example, at predetermined intervals). Note that the anomaly detection process may be performed not only at predetermined intervals, but also before charging of battery 1 begins. Each step of the anomaly detection process is implemented by software processing by ECU 160, but may also be implemented by hardware (electrical circuits) located within ECU 160. Hereinafter, steps will be abbreviated as S.

[0032] In S1, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of battery 1 from the monitoring unit 150 and determines whether the temperature of battery 1 is below a first predetermined temperature. The first predetermined temperature is a temperature at which it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to raise the temperature of battery 1, and is predetermined through experiments or other means. If the temperature of battery 1 is below the first predetermined temperature (YES in S1), the processor 161 proceeds to S2. If the temperature of battery 1 is not below the first predetermined temperature (NO in S1), the processor 161 proceeds to S9.

[0033] In S2, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of the heat transfer medium from the temperature sensing unit 7 and stores the obtained temperature in the memory 162 as the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the start of the battery 1's heating process. Next, in S3, the processor 161 performs the heating process of the battery 1. The heating process involves closing the switching valve Q and driving the heater 51 and pump 6. As a result of the heating process, the heated heat transfer medium is supplied to the heat exchange unit 2.

[0034] Next, in S4, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of the heat transfer medium from the temperature sensing unit 7. Then, in S5, the processor 161 calculates the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium. Specifically, the processor 161 uses the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the start of the battery 1's heating (the temperature obtained in S2) and the temperature obtained in S4 as the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium.

[0035] Next, in S6, the processor 161 determines whether the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a first threshold. The first threshold is a value that allows for the determination of whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 during the heating of the battery 1, and is predetermined through experiments, etc. If the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds the first threshold (YES in S6), the processor 161 proceeds to S7. If the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium does not exceed the first threshold (NO in S6), the processor 161 proceeds to S8.

[0036] In S7, the processor 161 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 and terminates the abnormality detection process. In S8, the processor 161 determines whether a first predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the battery 1's temperature rise. The first predetermined period is a period during which it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 while the battery 1 is rising, and is predetermined by experiments or the like. If the first predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S8), the processor 161 terminates the abnormality detection process. If the first predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S8), the processor 161 returns to S4.

[0037] In S9, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of battery 1 from the monitoring unit 150 and determines whether the temperature of battery 1 is above a second predetermined temperature. The second predetermined temperature is a temperature at which it is possible to determine whether or not cooling of battery 1 is necessary, and is predetermined through experiments or other means. If the temperature of battery 1 is above the second predetermined temperature (YES in S9), the processor 161 proceeds to S10. If the temperature of battery 1 is not above the second predetermined temperature (NO in S9), the processor 161 terminates the abnormality detection process.

[0038] In S10, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of the heat transfer medium from the temperature sensing unit 7 and stores the obtained temperature in the memory 162 as the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the start of cooling of the battery 1. Next, in S11, the processor 161 performs the cooling process of the battery 1. The cooling process involves opening the switching valve Q and driving the cooling device 52 and the pump 6. As a result of the cooling process, the cooled heat transfer medium is supplied to the heat exchange unit 2.

[0039] Next, in S12, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of the heat transfer medium from the temperature sensing unit 7. Then, in S13, the processor 161 calculates the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium. Specifically, the processor 161 uses the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the start of cooling of the battery 1 (the temperature obtained in S10) and the temperature obtained in S12 as the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium.

[0040] Next, in S14, the processor 161 determines whether the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds the second threshold. The second threshold is a value that allows for the determination of whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 during the cooling of the battery 1, and is predetermined through experiments, etc. If the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds the second threshold (YES in S14), the processor 161 proceeds to S15. If the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium does not exceed the second threshold (NO in S14), the processor 161 proceeds to S16.

[0041] In S15, the processor 161 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 and terminates the abnormality detection process. In S16, the processor 161 determines whether a second predetermined period has elapsed since the start of cooling of the battery 1. The second predetermined period is a period during which it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 during the cooling of the battery 1, and is predetermined by experiments, etc. If the second predetermined period has elapsed (YES in S16), the processor 161 terminates the abnormality detection process. If the second predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S16), the processor 161 returns to processing in S12. According to the abnormality detection process shown in Figure 4, the processor 161 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the start of heating of the battery 1 (after the heating process of the battery 1), or if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeds a second threshold within a second predetermined period after the start of cooling of the battery (after the cooling process of the battery 1). In S7 and S15, the method of notifying the user can be either displaying the information on the HMI device 140 or sending a notification to the terminal 500.

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates the effect of determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 based on the temperature change of the heat transfer medium, rather than based on the temperature change of the battery 1. Graph G1 shows the temperature change of the battery 1 when the battery 1 is heated, both when an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 (hereinafter referred to as "abnormal case") and when no abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 (hereinafter referred to as "normal case"). Graph G2 shows the temperature change of the heat transfer medium when the battery 1 is heated, both in the abnormal case and the normal case.

[0043] As shown in Graph G1, when battery 1 is heated, its temperature rises in both normal and abnormal conditions, but the temperature rise is less in abnormal conditions than in normal conditions. The temperature rise of battery 1 in abnormal conditions is due to self-heating of battery 1. As shown in Graph G2, when battery 1 is heated, the temperature of the heat transfer medium rises in both normal and abnormal conditions, but the temperature rise is less in normal conditions than in abnormal conditions. In normal conditions, sufficient heat exchange occurs between the heat exchange unit 2 and battery 1, so the temperature rise of the heat transfer medium is less in normal conditions than in abnormal conditions.

[0044] As can be seen from graphs G1 and G2, the difference between the temperature rise of the heat transfer medium during abnormal conditions and the temperature rise of the heat transfer medium during normal conditions (for example, the difference N1 at judgment time t1) is greater than the difference between the temperature rise of battery 1 during abnormal conditions and the temperature rise of battery 1 during normal conditions (for example, the difference M1 at judgment time t1). For example, if a malfunction is determined in the heat conductive material 3 based on the temperature change of the heat transfer medium, it is possible to determine whether a malfunction has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 at judgment time t1. However, if a malfunction is determined in the heat conductive material 3 based on the temperature change of battery 1, it is not possible to determine whether a malfunction has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 until judgment time t2, which is later than judgment time t1, arrives. Furthermore, when cooling battery 1, the difference between the temperature decrease of the heat transfer medium during abnormal conditions and the temperature decrease of the heat transfer medium during normal conditions is greater than the difference between the temperature decrease of battery 1 during abnormal conditions and the temperature decrease of battery 1 during normal conditions. Therefore, when determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 based on the temperature change of the heat transfer medium, it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 in a shorter period of time than when determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 based on the temperature change of the battery 1.

[0045] Thus, the ECU 160 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the start of heating of the battery 1, or if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeds a second threshold within a second predetermined period after the start of cooling of the battery. An abnormality may occur in the heat conductive material 3 (for example, the heat conductive material 3 may peel off) due to painting defects of the heat conductive material 3 during the manufacture of the vehicle 100 or external impacts to the vehicle 100 due to driving on rough roads. However, according to this embodiment, the user can know that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3.

[0046] Furthermore, if the ECU 160 performs a temperature-raising process for the battery 1 before charging begins, it will notify the system that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 if the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the temperature-raising process. In other words, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the heat conductive material 3 is detected at the same time that temperature-raising of the battery 1 is required. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the power required to raise the temperature of the battery 1 can be effectively utilized.

[0047] The temperature detection unit 7 is located downstream of the heat exchange unit 2 in the direction of heat transfer fluid flow. As a result, the temperature detection unit 7 detects the temperature of the heat transfer fluid after heat exchange has taken place between the heat exchange unit 2 and the battery 1. Therefore, in the event of an abnormality, the change in the temperature of the heat transfer fluid from the start of heating (or cooling) of the battery 1 tends to be large. Consequently, according to this embodiment, an abnormality in the heat conductive material 3 can be detected in a shorter period of time.

[0048] The temperature control device 120 may include either the heater 51 or the cooling device 52. If the temperature control device 120 does not include the cooling device 52, the abnormality detection process consists of S1 to S8. If the temperature control device 120 does not include the heater 51, the abnormality detection process consists of S1 and S9 to S16.

[0049] [Differentiation] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a temperature control device in a modified example. The difference between the temperature control device 120A in the modified example and the temperature control device 120 in the above embodiment is that the temperature detection unit 7 includes a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium. In the modified example, the temperature detection unit 7 includes temperature sensor 71 and temperature sensor 72. The number of temperature sensors included in the temperature detection unit 7 may be three or more. Temperature sensor 71 is provided downstream of the heat exchange unit 21 in the direction of heat transfer medium flow. Temperature sensor 71 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium after heat exchange has been performed between the heat exchange unit 21 and the battery 11. Therefore, any abnormality in the heat conductive material 31 is reflected in the temperature detected by temperature sensor 71. Temperature sensor 72 is provided downstream of the heat exchange unit 22 in the direction of heat transfer medium flow. Temperature sensor 72 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium after heat exchange has been performed between the heat exchange unit 22 and the battery 12. Therefore, any abnormality in the heat conductive material 32 is reflected in the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 72. The location of the abnormality in the heat conductive material 3 can be determined by which sensor detects the temperature. In other respects, the temperature control device 120A is the same as the temperature control device 120.

[0050] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the abnormality detection process in the modified example. The abnormality detection process in the modified example is also repeated when a predetermined condition is met (for example, at predetermined intervals). The abnormality detection process in the modified example may not only be repeated at predetermined intervals, but may also be performed before charging of battery 1 begins. Each step of the abnormality detection process in the modified example is implemented by software processing by ECU 160, but may also be implemented by hardware (electrical circuits) located within ECU 160. Processes shown in Figure 7 that are the same as those shown in Figure 4 are given the same step numbers and their explanations are not repeated.

[0051] If the temperature of battery 1 is below the first predetermined temperature (YES in S1), the processor 161 proceeds to S2A. In S2A, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of the heat transfer medium from each temperature sensor (temperature sensor 71 and temperature sensor 72) and stores the obtained temperature in memory 162 as the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the start of the heating of battery 1. After S2A, the processor 161 performs S3 and proceeds to S4A.

[0052] In S4A, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of the heat transfer medium from each temperature sensor. Then, in S5A, the processor 161 calculates the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium for each temperature sensor. Specifically, for each temperature sensor, the processor 161 uses the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the start of the heating of battery 1 (the temperature obtained in S2A) and the temperature obtained in S4A as the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium.

[0053] Next, in S6A, the processor 161 determines whether there is a temperature sensor that has detected a temperature change in the heat transfer medium that exceeds the first threshold. If there is a temperature sensor that has detected a temperature change in the heat transfer medium that exceeds the first threshold (YES in S6A), the processor 161 proceeds to S6B. If there is no temperature sensor that has detected a temperature change in the heat transfer medium that exceeds the first threshold (NO in S6A), the processor 161 proceeds to S8.

[0054] In S6B, the processor 161 identifies the damaged area of ​​the heat conductor 3 based on the location of the temperature sensor that detected a temperature change exceeding a first threshold for the heat transfer medium. Specifically, the processor 161 identifies the damaged area of ​​the heat conductor 3 as the area located above the heat exchange section 2, which is upstream in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium from the temperature sensor that detected a temperature change exceeding the first threshold for the heat transfer medium. If the temperature sensor that detected a temperature change exceeding the first threshold for the heat transfer medium is temperature sensor 71, the processor 161 identifies the damaged area of ​​the heat conductor 31 as the heat conductor 3. If the temperature sensor that detected a temperature change exceeding the first threshold for the heat transfer medium is temperature sensor 72, the processor 161 identifies the damaged area of ​​the heat conductor 32 as the heat conductor 3.

[0055] Next, in S7A, the processor 161 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 and indicates the location of the damage to the heat conductive material 3, and then terminates the abnormality detection process. If the first predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S8), the processor 161 returns to S4A.

[0056] If the temperature of battery 1 is above the second predetermined temperature (YES in S9), the processor 161 proceeds to S10A. In S10A, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of the heat transfer medium from each temperature sensor and stores the obtained temperature in memory 162 as the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the start of cooling of battery 1. After S10A, the processor 161 performs S11 and proceeds to S12A.

[0057] In S12A, the processor 161 obtains the temperature of the heat transfer medium from each temperature sensor. Then, in S13A, the processor 161 calculates the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium for each temperature sensor. Specifically, for each temperature sensor, the processor 161 uses the difference between the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the start of cooling of battery 1 (the temperature obtained in S10A) and the temperature obtained in S12A as the change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium.

[0058] Next, in S14A, the processor 161 determines whether there is a temperature sensor that has detected a temperature change in the heat transfer medium that exceeds the second threshold. If there is a temperature sensor that has detected a temperature change in the heat transfer medium that exceeds the second threshold (YES in S14A), the processor 161 proceeds to S14B. If there is no temperature sensor that has detected a temperature change in the heat transfer medium that exceeds the second threshold (NO in S14A), the processor 161 proceeds to S16.

[0059] In S14B, the processor 161 identifies the damaged area of ​​the heat conductor 3 based on the location of the temperature sensor that detected a temperature change exceeding the second threshold for the heat transfer medium. Specifically, the processor 161 identifies the damaged area of ​​the heat conductor 3 as the area located above the heat exchange section 2, which is upstream in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium from the temperature sensor that detected a temperature change exceeding the second threshold for the heat transfer medium. If the temperature sensor that detected a temperature change exceeding the second threshold for the heat transfer medium is temperature sensor 71, the processor 161 identifies the damaged area of ​​the heat conductor 31 as the heat conductor 3. If the temperature sensor that detected a temperature change exceeding the second threshold for the heat transfer medium is temperature sensor 72, the processor 161 identifies the damaged area of ​​the heat conductor 32 as the heat conductor 3.

[0060] Next, in S15A, the processor 161 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material 3 and identifies the location of the damage to the heat conductive material 3, and then terminates the abnormality detection process. If the second predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in S16), the processor 161 returns to S12A. In the abnormality detection process shown in Figure 7, the processor 161 identifies the location of the damage to the heat conductive material 3 based on the location of a temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors where the change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeded a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the start of heating of the battery 1, or the location of a temperature sensor where the change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeded a second threshold within a second predetermined period after the start of cooling of the battery 1. As for the method of notifying the user in S7A and S15A, display on the HMI device 140 or notification to the terminal 500 can be adopted.

[0061] Thus, according to this modified version, the user can not only know that there is an abnormality in the heat conductive material 3, but also to know the location of the damage to the heat conductive material 3.

[0062] The temperature control device 120A may include either the heater 51 or the cooling device 52. If the temperature control device 120A does not include the cooling device 52, the abnormality detection process consists of S1, S2A, S3, S4A, S5A, S6A, S6B, S7A, and S8. If the temperature control device 120A does not include the heater 51, the abnormality detection process consists of S1, S9, S10A, S11, S12A, S13A, S14A, S14B, S15A, and S16.

[0063] The embodiments and variations disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1,11,12 Battery, 2,21,22 Heat exchange unit, 2a Flow path, 2b,2c Port, 3,31,32 Thermal conductive material, 4 Heat transfer tube, 4a Upstream piping, 4b Downstream piping, 4c Connecting piping, 6 Pump, 7 Temperature sensing unit, 8a Inlet port, 8b Outlet port, 9 Housing case, 41a,41b,41c,42a,42b,42c Piping, 51 Heater, 52 Cooling device, 71,72 Temperature sensor, 91 Lower case, 92 Upper cover, 100 Vehicle, 110 Battery pack, 120,120A Temperature control device, 130 Drive unit, 140 HMI device, 150 Monitoring unit, 160 ECU, 161 Processor, 162 Memory, 163 Communication unit, 500 Terminal, 911 Bottom wall, 912 Peripheral wall, 912a Side wall, G1, G2 Graph, M1, N1 Difference, P1 First location, P2 Second location, Q Switching valve, R Path, t1, t2 Judgment time.

Claims

1. Battery and A temperature control device for raising or cooling the battery, The system comprises a control device for controlling the temperature control device, The temperature control device is A heat exchange unit is provided through which a heat transfer medium flows and which exchanges heat with the battery, A heat conductive material is disposed between the heat exchange section and the battery, A heat transfer tube connected to the heat exchange section through which the heat transfer medium flows, A heat source for raising the temperature of the heat transfer medium, or a cooling device for cooling the heat transfer medium, Includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium, A vehicle in which the control device notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material when the amount of change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the start of heating of the battery, or when the amount of change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeds a second threshold within a second predetermined period after the start of cooling of the battery.

2. The control device is Before charging of the battery, a temperature-raising process is performed on the battery. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein if the amount of change in the temperature of the heat transfer medium exceeds a first threshold within the first predetermined period after the heating treatment, the vehicle notifies that an abnormality has occurred in the heat conductive material.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the temperature sensing unit is provided downstream of the heat exchange section in the flow direction of the heat transfer medium.

4. The temperature detection unit includes a plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the heat transfer medium, The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device identifies a damaged area of ​​the heat conductive material based on the location of one of the plurality of temperature sensors where the amount of change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeds a first threshold within a first predetermined period after the start of heating of the battery, or where the amount of change in the temperature of the heat medium exceeds a second threshold within a second predetermined period after the start of cooling of the battery.

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