Temperature prediction device

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to predict the temperature of in-vehicle equipment even without a driving plan. [Solution] The temperature prediction device 30 includes a control unit 42 that predicts the temperature of the in-vehicle device (for example, the temperature prediction device 30). The control unit 42 calculates the future heat generation amount and the future heat dissipation amount of the in-vehicle device based on at least one of the future weather, future outside temperature, current time, and future load weight of the vehicle 1, and predicts the future temperature of the in-vehicle device using the current temperature of the in-vehicle device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature prediction device.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle system. This vehicle system uses the current temperature of the steering motor detected by a motor temperature sensor as an initial value, and accumulates the heat generation amount and heat dissipation amount of the steering motor for a plurality of sections, so as to obtain the predicted temperature of the steering motor when the vehicle travels according to a travel plan.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a travel plan is required for temperature prediction.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of predicting the temperature of an on-vehicle device even without a travel plan.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] The temperature prediction device of the present disclosure includes: a control unit that predicts the temperature of an on-vehicle device, wherein the control unit calculates a future heat generation amount of the on-vehicle device and a future heat dissipation amount of the on-vehicle device based on at least any one of future weather, future outside air temperature, current time, and future vehicle load weight, and predicts the future temperature of the on-vehicle device using the current temperature of the on-vehicle device.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the technology disclosed herein, the temperature of an in-vehicle device can be predicted even without a driving plan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle equipped with a temperature prediction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the color of the housing and the coefficient in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the material of the housing and the coefficient in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the shape of the housing and the coefficients in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the installation location of the enclosure in the first embodiment and the coefficient. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the weather forecast and the coefficient in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the value obtained by subtracting the current ambient temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device, which is used as a heat generation item in the first embodiment, and the coefficient. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the value obtained by subtracting the future ambient temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device, which is used as a heat generation item in the first embodiment, and a coefficient. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the load utilization rate and the coefficient in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the current time and the coefficient as heat generation items in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the load weight and coefficient of the vehicle in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the sum of the coefficients in the first embodiment and the heat generation correction parameters. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the future operating conditions of the vehicle in the first embodiment and the coefficients. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a current traveling speed of a vehicle according to the first embodiment and a coefficient. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a future traveling speed of the vehicle according to the first embodiment and a coefficient. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a value obtained by subtracting a current outside air temperature from a current temperature of a temperature prediction device as a heat dissipation item according to the first embodiment, and a coefficient. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a value obtained by subtracting a future outside air temperature from a current temperature of the temperature prediction device as a heat dissipation item according to the first embodiment, and a coefficient. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a current time as a heat dissipation item according to the first embodiment and a coefficient. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a total value of coefficients according to the first embodiment and a heat dissipation correction parameter. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by a control unit according to the first embodiment. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] [1] A temperature prediction device comprising a control unit that predicts a temperature of an on-vehicle device, The control unit calculates a future heat generation amount of the on-vehicle device and a future heat dissipation amount of the on-vehicle device based on at least one of future weather, a future outside air temperature, a current time, and a future loaded weight of a vehicle, and predicts a future temperature of the on-vehicle device using a current temperature of the on-vehicle device. .

[0011] According to this configuration, the future temperature of the on-vehicle device can be predicted based on at least one of future weather, a future outside air temperature, a current time, and a future loaded weight of the vehicle.

[0012] [2] The control unit calculates the future heat generation of the in-vehicle device based on how easily the in-vehicle device is exposed to direct sunlight. The temperature prediction device described in [1].

[0013] This configuration allows for the calculation of future heat generation from the in-vehicle equipment, taking into account its susceptibility to direct sunlight.

[0014] [3] The control unit calculates the future heat generation of the in-vehicle device based on the color of the in-vehicle device, at least one of the material of the in-vehicle device, and the susceptibility of the in-vehicle device to direct sunlight. The temperature prediction device described in [2].

[0015] This configuration allows for the calculation of the future heat generation of the in-vehicle equipment, taking into account its color, material, and susceptibility to direct sunlight.

[0016] [4] The in-vehicle device is an electrical connection box provided between the power supply unit and the load, The control unit controls the switch provided in the electrical junction box based on the predicted temperature. A temperature prediction device as described in any of [1] to [3].

[0017] This configuration allows for the regulation of future temperatures in the in-vehicle equipment by controlling the on / off state of the switch based on the predicted temperature.

[0018] [5] The control unit controls the switch with PWM with a predetermined duty cycle and adjusts the duty cycle to suppress the future temperature of the in-vehicle device to below the recovery temperature. The temperature prediction device described in [4].

[0019] With this configuration, the future temperature of the in-vehicle device can be kept below the recovery temperature by simply adjusting the duty cycle when controlling the switch with PWM.

[0020] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Configuration of Vehicle 1 Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 equipped with a temperature prediction device 30 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle 1 comprises a power supply unit 10, loads 11, 12, 13, a common conductive path 20, and branch paths 21, 22, 23. The power supply unit 10 is composed of, for example, a battery. The power supply unit 10 is connected to the common conductive path 20. Each branch path 21, 22, 23 branches off from the common conductive path 20 and is connected to the loads 11, 12, 13.

[0021] 1-2. Configuration of the temperature prediction device 30 The temperature prediction device 30 is configured as an electrical connection box installed between the power supply unit 10 and the loads 11, 12, and 13. The temperature prediction device 30, or electrical connection box, is an example of an in-vehicle device. The temperature prediction device 30 comprises switches 31, 32, and 33, a circuit board 34, a temperature detection unit 35, current detection units 36, 37, and 38, voltage detection units 39, 40, and 41, a control unit 42, and a housing 43.

[0022] Switch 31 is provided in branch path 21. Switch 32 is provided in branch path 22. Switch 33 is provided in branch path 23. Switches 31, 32, and 33 are provided on the circuit board 34. The temperature detection unit 35 is provided on the circuit board 34 and detects the temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 (specifically, the circuit board 34). The temperature detection unit 35 is configured, for example, by a known temperature sensor.

[0023] Current detection units 36, 37, and 38 are provided on the circuit board 34. Current detection unit 36 ​​detects the current flowing through branch line 21. Current detection unit 37 detects the current flowing through branch line 22. Current detection unit 38 detects the current flowing through branch line 23. Current detection units 36, 37, and 38 are composed of, for example, known current sensors.

[0024] Voltage detection units 39, 40, and 41 are provided on the circuit board 34. Voltage detection unit 39 detects the voltage of branch line 21. Voltage detection unit 40 detects the voltage of branch line 22. Voltage detection unit 41 detects the voltage of branch line 23. Voltage detection units 39, 40, and 41 are configured, for example, by known voltage detection circuits.

[0025] The control unit 42 is comprised of, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 42 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and memory such as ROM or RAM. The control unit 42 determines the temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 (specifically, the circuit board 34) based on the signal output from the temperature detection unit 35. The control unit 42 determines the current flowing through the branch lines 21, 22, and 23 based on the signals output from the current detection units 36, 37, and 38. The control unit 42 determines the voltage of the branch lines 21, 22, and 23 based on the signals output from the voltage detection units 39, 40, and 41. The control unit 42 determines the power supplied to each load 11, 12, and 13 based on the signals output from the current detection units 36, 37, and 38 and the voltage detection units 39, 40, and 41. The control unit 42 controls the switches 31, 32, and 33.

[0026] The control unit 42 predicts the temperature of the temperature prediction device 30, which is an electrical junction box. Based on at least one of the future weather, future outside temperature, current time, and future load weight of the vehicle 1, the control unit 42 calculates the future heat generation and future heat dissipation of the temperature prediction device 30, and uses the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 to predict the future temperature of the temperature prediction device 30. Here, "future" refers to a predetermined time in the future. The predetermined time is, for example, about 5 to 60 minutes. The control unit 42 also calculates the future heat generation of the temperature prediction device 30 based on the color of the housing 43 of the temperature prediction device 30, the material of the housing 43 of the temperature prediction device 30, and the susceptibility of the housing 43 of the temperature prediction device 30 to direct sunlight.

[0027] 1-3. Calculation of future temperature by the temperature prediction device 30 The control unit 42 calculates the future temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 using the following equation (1). Future temperature of temperature prediction device 30 [°C] = Current temperature of temperature prediction device 30 [°C] + (Future heat generation [J] - Future heat dissipation [J]) / (Weight of temperature prediction device 30 [kg] × Specific heat of temperature prediction device 30 [J / kg·K]) ... Equation (1)

[0028] 1-4. Calculation of future heat generation The future heat generation [J] is calculated by the following equation (2).

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[0029] The heat generation correction parameters are determined by the heat generation items. In this embodiment, the heat generation items are, The following are the colors of the enclosure 43, the materials of the enclosure 43, the shape of the enclosure 43, the installation location of the enclosure 43, the weather forecast, the value obtained by subtracting the current outside temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30, the value obtained by subtracting the future outside temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30, the load utilization rate, the current time, and the load weight of vehicle 1.

[0030] The control unit 42 stores a table that defines a coefficient corresponding to each heat-generating item. Specifically, the control unit 42 stores the tables shown in Figures 2 to 11.

[0031] The table shown in Figure 2 defines coefficients corresponding to the color of the housing 43. The coefficients are assigned higher values ​​for colors that generate more heat. For example, if the housing 43 is white, the coefficient is 3.0; if the housing 43 is yellow, the coefficient is 3.2. Information indicating the color of the housing 43 is stored in the control unit 42 beforehand. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 2 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the color of the housing 43.

[0032] The table shown in Figure 3 defines coefficients corresponding to the material of the housing 43. For example, if the housing 43 is made of copper, the coefficient is set to 1.4, and if the housing 43 is made of stainless steel, the coefficient is set to 1.6. Information indicating the material of the housing 43 is stored in the control unit 42 beforehand. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 3 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the material of the housing 43.

[0033] The table shown in Figure 4 defines coefficients corresponding to the shape of the housing 43. For example, the coefficient is set to 1.3 when the shape of the housing 43 is normal, and to 1.5 when the shape of the housing 43 is simple. Information indicating the shape of the housing 43 is stored in the control unit 42 in advance. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 4 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the shape of the housing 43.

[0034] The table shown in Figure 5 defines coefficients corresponding to the installation location of the enclosure 43. These coefficients are set to increase as the location of the enclosure 43 is exposed to more direct sunlight. For example, if the enclosure 43 is installed in a secluded location, the coefficient is set to 1.1, and if the enclosure 43 is installed in a location that receives some direct sunlight, the coefficient is set to 1.4. Information indicating the installation location of the enclosure 43 is stored in the control unit 42 in advance. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 5 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the installation location of the enclosure 43.

[0035] The table shown in Figure 6 defines coefficients corresponding to weather forecasts (specifically, information indicating the amount of infrared radiation). These coefficients are set to increase as the amount of infrared radiation increases. For example, if the weather forecast is rain, the coefficient is set to 1.2, and if the weather forecast is cloudy, the coefficient is set to 1.5. The control unit 42 can communicate with the server 91 via the internet 90 and obtains weather forecast information from the server 91. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 6 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the weather forecast.

[0036] The table shown in Figure 7 defines a coefficient corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the current ambient temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30. This coefficient is set to increase as the subtracted value decreases. For example, if the subtracted value is 0 or greater, the coefficient is set to 1, and if the subtracted value is -10 or greater but less than 0, the coefficient is set to 1.2. The control unit 42 obtains the current ambient temperature based on the signal output by the ambient temperature sensor 92 that detects the ambient temperature of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the control unit 42 obtains the current ambient temperature from the server 91. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 7 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the current ambient temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30.

[0037] The table shown in Figure 8 defines a coefficient corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the future outside temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30. This coefficient is set to increase as the subtracted value decreases. For example, if the subtracted value is 0 or greater, the coefficient is set to 1, and if the subtracted value is -10 or greater but less than 0, the coefficient is set to 1.2. The control unit 42 obtains the future outside temperature from the server 91. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 8 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the future outside temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30.

[0038] The table shown in Figure 9 defines coefficients corresponding to the load utilization rate. These coefficients are set to increase as the load utilization rate increases. For example, the coefficient is set to 0.7 when the load utilization rate is 0% or more and less than 20%, and to 1 when the load utilization rate is 20% or more and less than 50%. For example, the control unit 42 defines the load utilization rate as the percentage of power currently supplied to loads 11, 12, and 13, with the maximum power supplied to loads 11, 12, and 13 being 100%. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 9 to determine the coefficient corresponding to the load utilization rate.

[0039] The table shown in Figure 10 defines coefficients corresponding to the current time. For example, if the current time is between 10 PM and 6 AM, the coefficient is set to 0; if the current time is between 6 AM and 10 AM, the coefficient is set to 0.5. The control unit 42 may determine the current time based on its own clock, for example, or it may obtain the current time from the server 91. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 10 to determine the coefficient corresponding to the current time.

[0040] The table shown in Figure 11 defines a coefficient corresponding to the load weight of vehicle 1. This coefficient is set to increase as the load weight of vehicle 1 increases. For example, if the load weight of vehicle 1 is 0 kg or more and less than 10 kg, the coefficient is set to 1.1, and if the load weight of vehicle 1 is 10 kg or more and less than 30 kg, the coefficient is set to 1.2. Vehicle 1 is equipped with a weight sensor 93 that detects the weight of vehicle 1. The control unit 42 determines the load weight of vehicle 1 based on the signal output from the weight sensor 93. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 11 to determine the coefficient corresponding to the load weight of vehicle 1.

[0041] The control unit 42 sums up the coefficients identified for each heat generation item. The control unit 42 has pre-stored the table shown in Figure 12. The table shown in Figure 12 shows the correspondence between the sum of the coefficients and the heat generation correction parameters. Based on the table shown in Figure 12 and the sum of the coefficients, the control unit 42 identifies the heat generation correction parameters.

[0042] 1-5. Calculation of future heat dissipation The future heat dissipation [J] is calculated by the following equation (3). Future heat dissipation [J] = (T1 4 -T2 4 ) × A × ε × σ × T × heat dissipation correction parameter ··· Equation (3) T1[K] is the temperature of the temperature prediction device 30. T2[K] is the ambient temperature. A[m 2 ] is the surface area of ​​the enclosure 43. ε[W / m 2 ·K is the heat transfer coefficient. σ[J / K] is Boltzmann's constant. T[s] is the time to the assumed future. For example, if the future is 10 minutes from now, T[s] is 600[s].

[0043] The heat dissipation correction parameters are determined by the heat dissipation items. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation items are: The data includes the material of the enclosure 43, the future operating status of vehicle 1, the current running speed of vehicle 1, the future running speed of vehicle 1, the value obtained by subtracting the current ambient temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30, the value obtained by subtracting the future ambient temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30, and the current time.

[0044] The control unit 42 stores a table that defines a coefficient corresponding to each heat dissipation item. Specifically, the control unit 42 stores the tables shown in Figures 13 to 18.

[0045] The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 3 above to identify the coefficient corresponding to the material of the housing 43.

[0046] The table shown in Figure 13 defines coefficients corresponding to the future operating status of Vehicle 1. For example, if Vehicle 1's future operating status is stopped, the coefficient is set to 1; if Vehicle 1's future operating status is running, the coefficient is set to 1.5. Stopping means that Vehicle 1 is stationary, although the engine may be running. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 13 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the future operating status of Vehicle 1.

[0047] The table shown in Figure 14 defines a coefficient corresponding to the current speed of vehicle 1. This coefficient is set to increase as the speed increases. For example, if the speed is 0 km / h or more and less than 10 km / h, the coefficient is set to 2, and if the speed is 10 km / h or more and less than 20 km / h, the coefficient is set to 5. Vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor 94 that detects the speed of vehicle 1. The control unit 42 determines the current speed of vehicle 1 based on the signal output from the vehicle speed sensor 94. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 14 to determine the coefficient corresponding to the current speed of vehicle 1.

[0048] The table shown in Figure 15 defines a coefficient corresponding to the future driving speed of vehicle 1. This coefficient is set to increase as the driving speed increases. For example, if the driving speed is 0 km / h or more and less than 10 km / h, the coefficient is set to 1, and if the driving speed is 10 km / h or more and less than 20 km / h, the coefficient is set to 1.5. Vehicle 1 is equipped with a car navigation system 95. The control unit 42 predicts the future driving speed of vehicle 1 from the driving plan set in the car navigation system 95. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 15 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the future driving speed of vehicle 1.

[0049] The table shown in Figure 16 defines a coefficient corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the current ambient temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30. This coefficient is set to increase as the subtracted value increases. For example, if the subtracted value is 50 or more, the coefficient is set to 2, and if the subtracted value is 20 or more but less than 50, the coefficient is set to 1.5. The control unit 42 obtains the current ambient temperature based on the signal output by the ambient temperature sensor 92. Alternatively, the control unit 42 obtains the current ambient temperature from the server 91. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 16 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the current ambient temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30.

[0050] The table shown in Figure 17 defines a coefficient corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the future outside temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30. This coefficient is set to increase as the subtracted value increases. For example, if the subtracted value is 50 or more, the coefficient is set to 1.5, and if the subtracted value is 20 or more but less than 50, the coefficient is set to 1.3. The control unit 42 obtains the future outside temperature from the server 91. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 17 to identify the coefficient corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the future outside temperature from the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30.

[0051] The table shown in Figure 18 defines coefficients corresponding to the current time. For example, if the current time is between 10 PM and 6 AM, the coefficient is set to 1; if the current time is between 6 AM and 10 AM, the coefficient is set to 0.7. The control unit 42 may determine the current time based on its own clock, for example, or it may obtain the current time from the server 91. The control unit 42 uses the table shown in Figure 18 to determine the coefficient corresponding to the current time.

[0052] The control unit 42 sums up the coefficients identified for each heat dissipation item. The control unit 42 has the table shown in Figure 19 stored in advance. The table shown in Figure 19 shows the correspondence between the sum of the coefficients and the heat dissipation correction parameters. Based on the table shown in Figure 19 and the sum of the coefficients, the control unit 42 identifies the heat dissipation correction parameters.

[0053] 1-6. Processing by the control unit 42 The control unit 42 performs the processing shown in Figure 20, for example. First, the control unit 42 determines whether the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 is normal or not (step S11). If the control unit 42 determines that the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 is not normal (No in step S11), it outputs a warning from the output unit 96 (step S12) and returns to the processing in step S11.

[0054] If the control unit 42 determines that the current temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 is normal (Yes in step S11), it uses the above-described formula (1) to predict the future temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 based on future weather conditions, etc. (step S13). The control unit 42 determines whether the predicted temperature is within an acceptable range (step S14). If the control unit 42 determines that the predicted temperature is within an acceptable range (Yes in step S14), it sets the load utilization rate to 100% and returns to the process in step S11. The control unit 42 adjusts the load utilization rate, for example, by adjusting the on-duty cycle of the PWM control performed on switches 31, 32, and 33. A load utilization rate of 100% means 100% on-day.

[0055] If the control unit 42 determines that the predicted temperature is outside the acceptable range (No in step S14), it sets a recovery temperature (step S16). The control unit 42 then suppresses the future temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 by limiting the load utilization rate to a predetermined value of less than 100%. The control unit 42 then predicts the future temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 again and determines whether the newly predicted temperature is below the recovery temperature (step S18).

[0056] If the control unit 42 determines that the predicted temperature is not below the recovery temperature (No in step S18), it returns to the process in step S17. In other words, the control unit 42 repeatedly performs the processes in steps S17 and S18 until the predicted temperature is below the recovery temperature.

[0057] If the control unit 42 determines that the predicted temperature has fallen below the recovery temperature (Yes in step S18), it sets the load utilization rate to 100% and returns to the process in step S11.

[0058] 1-7. Effects of the First Embodiment With this configuration, the future temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 can be predicted based on future weather, future outside temperature, current time, and future load weight of vehicle 1.

[0059] With this configuration, the future heat generation of the temperature prediction device 30 can be calculated by taking into account the color, material, and susceptibility to direct sunlight of the housing 43 of the temperature prediction device 30.

[0060] With this configuration, the future temperature of the temperature prediction device 30 can be kept below the recovery temperature by simply adjusting the duty cycle when controlling switches 31, 32, and 33 with PWM.

[0061] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, any combination of the features of the embodiments described above or below is possible as long as it does not contradict each other. Furthermore, any feature of the embodiments described above or below may be omitted unless explicitly stated as essential. In addition, the embodiments described above may be modified as follows.

[0062] In the first embodiment described above, the temperature prediction device was configured to be an example of an in-vehicle device, but other devices may also be configured to be an in-vehicle device. For example, the in-vehicle device may be a motor or other device.

[0063] Alternatively, an importance level may be assigned to each heat-generating item, and the coefficient of each heat-generating item may be multiplied by this importance level. Alternatively, an importance level may be assigned to each heat-dissipating item, and the coefficient of each heat-dissipating item may be multiplied by this importance level.

[0064] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1…Vehicle 10...Power supply section 11…Load 12…Load 13…Load 20… Common conductive path 21... Fork in the road 22... Fork in the road 23... Fork in the road 30…Temperature prediction device 31…Switch 32... Switch 33... Switch 34... Circuit board 35...Temperature detection unit 36...Current detection unit 37...Current detection unit 38...Current detection unit 39...Voltage detection unit 40...Voltage detection unit 41...Voltage detection unit 42... Control Unit 43…Cabinet 90…Internet 91... Server 92... Outdoor temperature sensor 93...Weight sensor 94... Vehicle speed sensor 95…Car navigation system 96...Output section

Claims

1. It includes a control unit that predicts the temperature of the in-vehicle device, The control unit calculates the future heat generation and future heat dissipation of the on-board device based on at least one of the future weather, future outside temperature, current time, and future vehicle load weight, and predicts the future temperature of the on-board device using the current temperature of the on-board device. Temperature prediction device.

2. The control unit calculates the future heat generation of the in-vehicle device based on how easily the in-vehicle device is exposed to direct sunlight. The temperature prediction device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit calculates the future heat generation of the vehicle-mounted device based on the color of the vehicle-mounted device, at least one of the material of the vehicle-mounted device, and the susceptibility of the vehicle-mounted device to direct sunlight. The temperature prediction device according to claim 2.

4. The above-mentioned in-vehicle device is an electrical connection box provided between the power supply unit and the load, The control unit controls the switch provided in the electrical junction box based on the predicted temperature. A temperature prediction device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The control unit controls the switch with PWM at a predetermined duty cycle, and by adjusting the duty cycle, it suppresses the future temperature of the in-vehicle device to be below the recovery temperature. The temperature prediction device according to claim 4.

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