Control device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To prevent unnecessary battery consumption in plug-in vehicles due to users forgetting to turn off the power. [Solution] The control device according to the embodiment is a control device for controlling a plug-in vehicle that is capable of external power supply, which supplies power from an onboard battery to the outside of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in an external power supply state, if the external power supply terminal is disconnected from the vehicle and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device automatically turns off the vehicle power supply and instructs the notification unit to perform notification processing to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a control device, a control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle is known that has a function of automatically turning off the vehicle power supply when a user leaves the vehicle without performing an operation to turn off the vehicle power supply, in a vehicle where the operation component for turning the vehicle power supply on or off is a push button (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Further, plug-in vehicles such as PHVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles) are known. A plug-in vehicle is a vehicle that is connected to an external device outside the vehicle using a plug, and is capable of supplying power to the external device via the plug (hereinafter referred to as "external power supply") and charging from the external device (hereinafter referred to as "external charging") (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In such a plug-in vehicle, it is desirable to automatically turn off the power supply when external power supply or external charging is completed, in order to suppress wasteful consumption of the battery.

[0006] However, depending on the vehicle's specifications, the power may not automatically turn off. In such cases, users may mistakenly believe that unplugging the power cord while the vehicle's power is on will automatically turn off the vehicle's power, and may forget to actually turn off the vehicle's power.

[0007] One example of a situation where the power does not automatically turn off when external power supply or external charging is terminated is when a vehicle is a plug-in vehicle, where the vehicle power is turned on by the user to allow the use of auxiliary equipment such as air conditioning inside the vehicle during external power supply or external charging, and the vehicle power remains on even after the external power supply or external charging is terminated.

[0008] One embodiment, made in view of the above, aims to provide a control device, control method, and control program that can suppress the wasteful consumption of the battery in a plug-in vehicle due to the user forgetting to turn off the power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A control device according to one embodiment is a control device for controlling a plug-in vehicle capable of external power supply, which supplies power from an on-board battery to the outside of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in an external power supply state, if the external power supply terminal is disconnected from the vehicle and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device automatically turns off the vehicle power supply and instructs the notification unit to perform notification processing to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment, in a plug-in vehicle, it is possible to suppress the wasteful consumption of the battery due to the user forgetting to turn off the power. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a specific example of the notification control process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedure executed by the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedure executed by the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device according to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the control device, control method, and control program disclosed in this application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following, we will give an example of a vehicle V according to the embodiment that is a plug-in vehicle connected to external equipment 50 outside the vehicle using a plug P, and is equipped to enable "external power supply" and "external charging" via the plug P. Here, "external power supply" refers to supplying power from the vehicle (battery) to something outside the vehicle (electrical appliances such as home appliances, buildings such as one's home, other vehicles, etc.). "External charging" refers to supplying power from something outside the vehicle (charging station, buildings such as one's home, other vehicles, etc.) to the vehicle (battery).

[0014] Plug-in vehicles include, for example, PHVs, PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), and ultra-compact BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) known as personal mobility vehicles. The control system 10 according to this embodiment is a system that is mounted on such a vehicle V and controls the vehicle V.

[0015] Hereinafter, "vehicle power source" refers to an "IG (Ignition) power source". A state in which this IG power source is on may be expressed as "IG on". Similarly, a state in which the IG power source is off may be expressed as "IG off". Further, in the following description, a case where external power supply is performed will be mainly described as an example.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a control system 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the control system 10 is mounted on a vehicle V. The vehicle V is, for example, an ultra-compact vehicle (personal mobility) for 1 to 2 people. Further, as shown in Figure 1, the vehicle V is a plug-in vehicle that is connected to an external device 50 outside the vehicle via a plug P, and is configured to enable external power supply and external charging via the plug P.

[0017] The external power supply plug, which is the plug P used for external power supply, includes a dedicated plug compatible with high voltage and high current. This dedicated plug is basically provided with an insertion port at a position facing the outside of the vehicle V, such as the outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body, but the insertion port may be provided inside the vehicle cabin. Further, the external power supply plug also includes a power supply outlet compatible with home electric appliances and the like (lower voltage and lower current than the dedicated plug). This power supply outlet may be provided at either the outer peripheral portion of the vehicle body or inside the vehicle. Further, the output may be either AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current).

[0018] When external power supply is performed, the external device 50 is, for example, a home electric appliance or the like. When external charging is performed, the external device 50 is, for example, a power supply device that supplies power to the vehicle V or the like.

[0019] The control system 10 includes an operation unit 12, a battery 15, an air conditioner 16a, and a control device 100.

[0020] The operation unit 12 is a group of operation components that receive operations from the user U. The operation unit 12 receives, for example, an operation by the user U to turn the IG power supply on or off. In this case, the operation component for turning the IG power supply on or off is implemented by a push button or a key cylinder. In the present embodiment, description is given on the case where this operation component is a key cylinder, but it may be replaced with a push button.

[0021] Further, the operation unit 12 receives an operation of the user U that is required when, for example, external power feeding is performed. Further, the operation unit 12 receives driving operations of the user U during traveling, such as a steering operation and an accelerator operation.

[0022] The battery 15 is a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle V. The battery 15 includes a traveling battery and an auxiliary battery, which are not illustrated. The air conditioner 16a corresponds to an example of the auxiliary device 16 shown in FIG. 2 later.

[0023] The control device 100 is a computer that controls the vehicle V. The control device 100 is implemented as, for example, a vehicle integrated control electronic device called a VCU (Vehicle Control Unit). The control device 100 is connected to the operation unit 12, the battery 15, and the air conditioner 16a. The control device 100 is an integrated control device that collectively controls "system control", "travel control", and "body control" of the vehicle V.

[0024] In "system control", the control device 100 activates various devices of the vehicle V in response to, for example, an operation of the user U to turn on the IG power supply via the operation unit 12, and brings the vehicle V into a state where traveling is possible and a state where external power feeding or the like can be performed. Further, in "system control", the control device 100 shuts down the vehicle V in response to, for example, an operation of the user U to turn off the IG power supply via the operation unit 12.

[0025] Furthermore, in "driving control," the control device 100 controls the torque generated by the driving motor according to, for example, the degree to which the accelerator pedal is pressed, indicating the user's intention to accelerate. Also, in "driving control," the control device 100 controls the direction of travel of the vehicle V according to, for example, the degree to which the steering wheel is rotated, indicating the user's intention to steer.

[0026] Furthermore, in "body control," the control device 100 manages the operation of various body-related devices, such as the buzzer 17a, lamp 17b, meter 17c, and door lock 18, which will be shown later in Figure 2.

[0027] Here, as shown in Figure 1, we will describe a use case in which a vehicle V is connected to an external device 50 by a user U using a plug P, and external power is supplied via the plug P.

[0028] Use cases where external power is supplied include situations such as camping, sleeping in a car, or leaving someone in a car, where the user U spends time around the vehicle V while the vehicle V supplies power to devices outside the vehicle, or where the user U spends time inside the vehicle while the vehicle V supplies power to devices inside the vehicle. Examples of such devices include refrigerators, lighting fixtures, cooking appliances, hair dryers, and vacuum cleaners.

[0029] External power supply can be performed when vehicle V is in the "IG ON" state and in the "Ready OFF" state, meaning it is not ready to drive. Furthermore, the use case for external power supply assumes that user U will be near or inside vehicle V while external power is being supplied. For this reason, user U can use auxiliary equipment 16 such as the air conditioner 16a inside the vehicle while external power is being supplied. In other words, vehicle V is a vehicle that can operate its auxiliary equipment 16, including the air conditioner 16a, while external power is being supplied. This allows user U to spend time comfortably inside the vehicle while external power is being supplied.

[0030] Regarding external charging, unlike external power supply, the use case for external charging is such that the user U is unlikely to spend much time near or inside the vehicle V while charging. Therefore, it is conceivable that external charging can be performed when the vehicle V is "ignition off". In this case, since the ignition is off, the user U will often be unable to use the auxiliary equipment 16 inside the vehicle while charging. However, this specification may be inconvenient for the user U, so it may be possible to allow the user U to use the auxiliary equipment 16 inside the vehicle even while charging. For example, it is conceivable to provide a mode called "My Room Mode" that allows the use of the auxiliary equipment 16 etc. inside the vehicle even while charging. In this way, when allowing the use of the auxiliary equipment 16 etc. inside the vehicle during external charging, the embodiment may be applied in the same way as in the case of external power supply described below.

[0031] Let's return to the explanation of external power supply. By the way, in a plug-in vehicle, if the plug P to the external device 50 is removed by the user U while the IG power is on, the following method can be considered for automatically turning off the IG power.

[0032] In a plug-in vehicle, after the user U disconnects the plug P from the vehicle V and external power is supplied, the HV-ECU (Electric Control Unit) sends an "automatic ignition off request" to the matching ECU, thereby putting the vehicle V into an "ignition off" state. The "automatic ignition off request" is contingent on "no Ready On history" (i.e., not being in the "Ready On" state). Furthermore, in this plug-in vehicle, in order to enable the use of the air conditioner while external power is supplied, the system control HV-ECU sends an "air conditioning permission signal" to the air conditioner ECU, allowing the auxiliary equipment 16 to operate while the vehicle is in the "Ready Off" state (without being put into the "Ready On" state) while external power is supplied.

[0033] However, this method can only be used in plug-in vehicles equipped with a large number of ECUs, such as matching ECUs. It cannot be used in vehicles like ultra-compact vehicles, which have reduced the number of ECUs by reducing or integrating vehicle functions. In such vehicles, the ignition power cannot be automatically turned off when the plug P is removed while the ignition power is on.

[0034] For example, if the air conditioning ECU of a plug-in vehicle does not have the aforementioned "air conditioning permission signal" interface due to a reduction in functionality, it is conceivable to enable the operation of the auxiliary equipment 16 by simulating a "Ready On" state. However, if such measures are taken, while the air conditioner and other equipment can be used while external power is supplied, the "Ready On" state must be activated for this purpose, which means that the "No Ready On History" requirement for "Automatic IG Off Request" cannot be met, and therefore the "Automatic IG Off Request" cannot be used, and the IG power cannot be automatically turned off.

[0035] Furthermore, in the case of vehicle V in this embodiment, where the operating component for turning the IG power on or off is a key cylinder, turning off the IG power always requires key operation by user U. Therefore, in the case of such a key cylinder type vehicle V, even if the external power supply has ended, the vehicle cannot automatically turn off the IG power without key operation by user U.

[0036] Plug-in vehicles that cannot automatically turn off the ignition power when receiving external power may lead the user (U) to mistakenly believe that the ignition power will automatically turn off when the plug P is removed during external power supply. If the user (U) leaves the vehicle with the ignition power still on, the vehicle's power will remain on even though external power is not being supplied and the user (U) is not inside the vehicle, potentially wasting battery power and ultimately leading to a dead battery.

[0037] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to notify the user U when the plug P is removed from the external power supply state and there is no operation to turn off the IG power supply.

[0038] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the control device 100 performs notification processing to the user U when it detects that plug P has been removed but there has been no operation to turn off the IG power (step S1).

[0039] The notification process, for example, sounds a buzzer 17a (see Figure 2) to the user U, prompting the user U to turn off the IG power. The notification process also, for example, illuminates a lamp 17b or a meter 17c (both see Figure 2) depending on how the buzzer 17a is sounded, to prompt the user U to turn off the IG power.

[0040] Furthermore, the notification process provides information prompting user U to turn off the IG power supply, such that the notification level, which indicates the importance of the notification content, changes depending on the elapsed time since external power supply was applied. A specific example of this notification process will be explained later using Figure 3.

[0041] Thus, in the embodiment, the control system 10 provides notification to the user U when the control device 100 removes the plug P from the external power supply state and does not perform an operation to turn off the IG power supply.

[0042] Therefore, according to the control system 10 of this embodiment, in a vehicle V where the IG power does not automatically turn off even when the plug P to the external device 50 is removed while the IG power is on, the user U can be prompted to turn off the IG power. In addition, this can suppress unnecessary battery consumption in the vehicle V due to the user U forgetting to turn off the power.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating component for turning the IG power on or off is the key cylinder. According to the control system 10 of this embodiment, in a vehicle V where the IG power cannot be automatically turned off by the key cylinder, the user U can be prompted to turn off the IG power, thereby suppressing unnecessary battery consumption due to the user U forgetting to turn off the power.

[0044] Furthermore, the IG power control component may be a push-button type instead of a key cylinder type in the vehicle (however, the vehicle may not be able to automatically turn off the IG power when external power is supplied due to a reduction in the vehicle's functions, etc.). In other words, the vehicle V may not perform the process of turning off the IG power even if the plug P is removed from the vehicle when it is in an external power supply state. This allows the user U to be prompted to turn off the IG power in the vehicle V, which cannot automatically turn off the IG power even if the plug P is removed when it is in an external power supply state, thereby suppressing unnecessary battery consumption due to the user U forgetting to turn off the power.

[0045] The configuration example of the control system 10 according to the embodiment will be described in more detail below. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration example of the control system 10 according to the embodiment. Note that Figure 2 shows only the components necessary to explain the features of this embodiment, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

[0046] In other words, each component shown in Figure 2 is a functional concept and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. For example, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each block are not limited to those shown, and it is possible to configure all or part of them by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0047] Furthermore, in the explanation using Figure 2, explanations of components that have already been explained may be simplified or omitted.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the control system 10 according to this embodiment includes a drive system 11, an operating unit 12, an external power supply port 13, an external charging port 14, a battery 15, an auxiliary device 16, a notification unit 17, and a door 18. The notification unit 17 includes a buzzer 17a, a lamp 17b, and a meter 17c.

[0049] Furthermore, the control system 10 further includes a control device 100. The control device 100 is connected to the various devices of the drive system 11, the operating unit 12, the external power supply port 13, the external charging port 14, the battery 15, the auxiliary equipment 16, the notification unit 17, and the doors 18 via an in-vehicle network.

[0050] The running system 11 consists of various components that make up the running mechanism of the vehicle V. The running system 11 includes, for example, a running motor and an inverter. The operating unit 12 has already been explained, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0051] External power supply port 13 is an interface that serves as the socket for the external power supply plug P1 used when supplying power externally. External charging port 14 is an interface that serves as the socket for the external charging plug P2 used when charging externally.

[0052] The external power supply port 13 and external charging port 14 are provided, for example, near the front grille or rear fender of the vehicle body, but these are merely examples and they may be provided anywhere on the vehicle body. Furthermore, the external power supply port 13 and external charging port 14 may be provided as a single unit by a single connector. Also, the external power supply port 13 may be provided as an electrical outlet inside the vehicle cabin.

[0053] The battery 15 and auxiliary equipment 16 have already been described, so their description is omitted here. The notification unit 17 notifies the user U of information prompting him to turn off the IG power. The buzzer 17a prompts the user U to turn off the IG power with a buzzer sound. The buzzer 17a is provided, for example, near the instrument panel. The buzzer 17a may also be provided on the outside of the passenger compartment.

[0054] Lamp 17b prompts user U to turn off the IG power by illuminating lights such as headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights.

[0055] The meter 17c is located near the instrument panel. The meter 17c is implemented, for example, by a display. The meter 17c displays various meters and indicators that show the status of the vehicle V. The meter 17c prompts the user U to turn off the IG power by, for example, changing the displayed content.

[0056] The notification unit 17 may further include other devices, such as a speaker, that can notify the user U of information prompting them to turn off the IG power.

[0057] When the door 18 is opened or closed by user U, it sends an open / closed signal to the control device 100 indicating that it has been opened or closed.

[0058] The control device 100 includes a storage unit 110 and a controller 120. The storage unit 110 is implemented by a storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, or a disk drive. In the example shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 110 stores program information 111, IG off history information 112, and notification control processing information 113.

[0059] Program information 111 stores various programs that perform information processing to be executed by the controller 120, which will be described later. IG off history information 112 stores the IG off history, which is a flag value indicating whether or not the user U has performed an operation to turn off the IG power.

[0060] The IG off history is flagged to "Yes" if the user U has turned off the IG power. The IG off history is flagged to "No" if the user U has not turned off the IG power. The IG off history may be implemented by registers or represented by program variables.

[0061] The notification control processing information 113 is information that sets various applicable conditions and thresholds used in the notification control processing executed by the notification control unit 123a, which will be described later. The notification control unit 123a executes step S1 shown in Figure 1 as the notification control processing. In the following, the function realized by the notification control processing executed by the notification control unit 123a may be referred to as the "IG off forgetting prevention function".

[0062] The controller 120 is a component that corresponds to a so-called processor or control unit. The controller 120 is realized by the execution of various programs stored in the program information 111 using RAM as the working area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. The controller 120 can also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0063] The controller 120 includes a driving control unit 121, a system control unit 122, and a body control unit 123, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0064] The driving control unit 121 performs the aforementioned "driving control." Specifically, the driving control unit 121 controls the driving system according to various operating states detected by the system control unit 122 from the operation unit 12.

[0065] The system control unit 122 performs the aforementioned "system control". The system control unit 122 includes an operation state detection unit 122a, an external power supply control unit 122b, and an external charging control unit 122c. The operation state detection unit 122a detects user U's operation on the operation unit 12. Based on the detection result of the operation state detection unit 122a, the system control unit 122 causes the driving control unit 121 to control the driving system 11.

[0066] Furthermore, if the operation status detection unit 122a detects that user U has turned off the IG power, it sets "Yes" to the IG off history in the IG off history information 112. Also, if the operation status detection unit 122a detects that user U has turned on the IG power, it sets "No" to the IG off history in the IG off history information 112.

[0067] Furthermore, the operation state detection unit 122a detects the attachment / detachment status of the external power plug P1 to the external power port 13. Also, the operation state detection unit 122a detects the attachment / detachment status of the external charging plug P2 to the external charging port 14.

[0068] The external power supply control unit 122b controls the external power supply from the battery 15 to the external device 50 based on the detection result of the operation state detection unit 122a. The external charging control unit 122c controls the external charging from the external device 50 to the battery 15 based on the detection result of the operation state detection unit 122a.

[0069] Furthermore, the system control unit 122 notifies the body control unit 123 of the system control status, including the detection results of the operation status detection unit 122a, the external power supply status by the external power supply control unit 122b, and the external charging status by the external charging control unit 122c.

[0070] The body control unit 123 performs the aforementioned "body control." That is, the body control unit 123 manages the operation of various body-related devices such as the buzzer 17a, lamp 17b, meter 17c, and door 18. In addition, the body control unit 123 provides the aforementioned "ignition off reminder function."

[0071] The body control unit 123 includes a notification control unit 123a and a body state detection unit 123b. The notification control unit 123a executes notification control processing to implement an "ignition off forgetting prevention function".

[0072] Here, a specific example of the notification control process according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the notification control process according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the notification control unit 123a changes the processing content of the notification process performed for the user U according to various applicable conditions set in the notification control processing information 113.

[0073] First, the notification control unit 123a executes the first notification process if all of the following conditions are met: time T1 (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the external power supply, there is "no" history of IG being turned off after the external power supply, and the IG is turned on. Note that time T1 corresponds to an example of "first hour". In the first notification process, the notification control unit 123a performs actions such as sounding a single buzzer with the buzzer 17a, and lighting the lamp 17b and displaying the meter 17c in accordance with the single buzzer sound. Sounding the single buzzer means sounding the buzzer 17a once, like a "beep". This makes it possible to alert user U to perform the IG off operation when there is a high probability that user U is near vehicle V.

[0074] Furthermore, the notification control unit 123a may execute the first notification process if all of the following conditions are met: time T1 has not elapsed since the external power supply was installed, there is "no" history of IG being turned off after the external power supply was installed, the IG is on, and the user U has detected an exiting motion. This allows the system to alert user U to turn off the IG when they are about to get off the vehicle V.

[0075] Furthermore, the notification control unit 123a executes the second notification process instead of the first notification process if all of the following conditions are met: time T2 (e.g., 20 seconds) has elapsed since the external power supply, there is "no" history of IG being turned off after the external power supply, and the IG is turned on. The second notification process is a notification process with a higher notification level than the first notification process. This allows the system to strongly warn user U to turn off the IG when user U is about to move further away from vehicle V.

[0076] In the second notification process, the notification control unit 123a performs actions such as sounding an intermittent buzzer using the buzzer 17a, and lighting the lamp 17b and displaying the meter 17c in accordance with the intermittent buzzer. Sounding an intermittent buzzer means continuously sounding the buzzer 17a in a "beep, beep, beep,..." manner.

[0077] Furthermore, the notification control unit 123a stops the second notification process if either of the following conditions is met: the intermittent buzzer of the second notification process continues for time T3 (for example, 60 seconds), or there is an IG off history after external power supply. This allows the control device 100 to suppress power waste caused by the notification process. Note that time T3 corresponds to an example of the "second time".

[0078] Furthermore, if the operating component for turning the IG power on or off is an electronic component such as a push button rather than a key cylinder as in this embodiment, and if the vehicle has a function to automatically turn off the IG power while external power is being supplied, the system control unit 122 may, for example, perform control to turn off the IG power after the second notification process has stopped.

[0079] In this case, the system control unit 122 is configured to be able to control the IG power supply to turn on or off. The system control unit 122 turns off the IG power supply when a time T4 (e.g., 90 seconds) longer than time T3 has elapsed since the start of the second notification process. This prevents unnecessary battery consumption due to user U forgetting to turn off the power, even if user U fails to turn off the IG power supply despite receiving a notification prompting them to do so. Note that time T4 corresponds to an example of the "third time".

[0080] In this case, the notification control unit 123a notifies the user U that the IG power will be turned off. The notification control unit 123a notifies the user U using the notification unit 17 in a manner that indicates, for example, that the IG power will be turned off by a predetermined setting. At this time, if the notification unit 17 includes a speaker, the notification control unit 123a may also make an audio notification using the speaker. This makes it possible to notify the user U that the IG power will be turned off if the user U fails to perform the operation to turn off the IG power despite receiving a notification prompting them to do so.

[0081] Furthermore, the notification control unit 123a may also notify the user U of the reason for turning off the IG power after it has been turned off, that is, that the IG power was turned off to prevent battery drain because the IG power was not turned off. Since the control device 100 can operate on a constant power supply from the auxiliary battery, it can perform this notification process even after the IG power has been turned off. This allows the user U to be notified of the reason for turning off the IG power if the user U does not perform the operation to turn off the IG power despite receiving a notification prompting them to do so.

[0082] Furthermore, if user U moves far away from vehicle V, the notification control unit 123a may, for example, send a notification to a user terminal such as a smartphone carried by user U. This modification will be explained later using Figure 6.

[0083] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the body state detection unit 123b detects the status of various body system equipment. The body state detection unit 123b detects the user U's disembarking operation based on the aforementioned opening / closing signal transmitted from, for example, the door 18. Furthermore, when the body state detection unit 123b detects the user U's disembarking operation, it notifies the notification control unit 123a of the detection result.

[0084] Next, the processing procedures performed by the control device 100 will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing procedures performed by the control device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing procedures performed by the control device 100 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure in Figure 5 corresponds to the processing procedure in the IG off forgetting prevention function after external power supply, which is activated in step S106 of Figure 4.

[0085] First, as shown in Figure 4, the controller 120 of the control device 100 determines whether the ignition is ON or OFF (step S101). If the ignition is ON (step S101, Yes), the controller 120 then determines whether external power is being supplied or OFF (step S102).

[0086] If external power is being supplied (step S102, Yes), the controller 120 determines whether the IG off history after external power supply is anything other than "none" (step S103). Anything other than "none" includes cases where the IG off history is "present", as well as cases where it is an undefined value other than "present" or "none".

[0087] If the IG off history after external power supply is anything other than "none" (step S103, Yes), the controller 120 sets the IG off history after external power supply to "none" (step S104). Then, the controller 120 repeats the process from step S101.

[0088] If there is "none" in the history of IG off after external power supply (step S103, No), the controller 120 repeats the process from step S101.

[0089] Furthermore, if external power is not being supplied in step S102 (step S102, No), that is, if external power supply has ended, the controller 120 determines whether or not there is "none" in the IG off history after external power supply (step S105).

[0090] If there is "none" in the history of IG off after external power supply (step S105, Yes), the controller 120 activates the IG off reminder function after external power supply (step S106). Then, the controller 120 repeats the process from step S101. That is, the controller 120 executes the processing procedure in Figure 4 in parallel with the activated IG off reminder function.

[0091] Furthermore, if the IG off history after external power supply is not "none" (step S105, No), the controller 120 repeats the process from step S101.

[0092] Then, if the controller 120 determines in step S101 that the IG is not in the ON state, i.e., the IG is in the OFF state (step S101, No), it sets "Yes" to the IG OFF history after external power supply (step S107).

[0093] Then, the controller 120 stops the function to prevent forgetting to turn off the IG after external power supply (step S108) and terminates the process.

[0094] Next, as shown in Figure 5, in the IG off reminder prevention function, the controller 120 determines whether time T1 has elapsed since the external power supply was supplied, that is, since the external power supply plug P1 was removed from the external power supply port 13 (step S201). Time T1 is, for example, 10 seconds, as shown in Figure 3.

[0095] If time T1 has elapsed since the external power supply was applied (step S201, Yes), the controller 120 executes the first notification process (step S203). If time T1 has not elapsed (step S201, No), the controller 120 then determines whether or not it has detected the user disembarking (step S202).

[0096] If a disembarking motion is detected (step S202, Yes), the controller 120 executes the first notification process (step S203). If a disembarking motion is not detected (step S202, No), the controller 120 repeats the process from step S201.

[0097] Then, after executing the first notification process, the controller 120 determines whether a time T2 longer than time T1 has elapsed since the external power supply plug P1 was removed (step S204). Time T2 is, for example, 20 seconds, as shown in Figure 3.

[0098] If time T2 has elapsed (step S204, Yes), the controller 120 executes a second notification process with a higher notification level than the first notification process instead of the first notification process (step S205). If time T2 has not elapsed (step S204, No), the controller 120 repeats step S204.

[0099] Then, after executing the second notification process, the controller 120 determines whether the second notification process continued for time T3 (step S206). Time T3 is, for example, 60 seconds, as shown in Figure 3.

[0100] If the second notification process continues for time T3 (step S206, Yes), the controller 120 stops the second notification process (step S208). If the second notification process does not continue for time T3 (step S206, No), the controller 120 then determines whether or not there is an IG off history after external power supply (step S207).

[0101] If there is an IG off history after external power supply (step S207, Yes), the controller 120 stops the second notification process (step S208) and terminates the process. If there is no IG off history (step S207, No), the controller 120 repeats the process from step S206.

[0102] (modified version) Next, we will describe some modified versions. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control device 100A according to a modified version. Note that Figure 6 corresponds to Figure 2, so we will mainly explain the differences between Figure 6 and Figure 2.

[0103] The modified control device 100A differs from the control device 100 shown in Figure 2 in that it further includes a communication unit 130. The communication unit 130 is implemented by a network adapter or the like. The communication unit 130 is wirelessly connected to a user terminal 200, such as a smartphone carried by user U, and transmits and receives information between the communication unit 130 and the user terminal 200.

[0104] The communication unit 130 wirelessly connects with the user terminal 200, for example, by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. Alternatively, the communication unit 130 can also wirelessly connect with the user terminal 200 via, for example, a mobile phone network.

[0105] The control device 100A is connected to the user terminal 200 so as to be able to communicate with it. For example, even if user U is too far away from vehicle V to hear the buzzer sound emitted by vehicle V, the control device 100A can notify the user terminal 200 to turn off the IG power. In addition, the control device 100A can set the aforementioned time T3 to a longer duration (for example, from 60 seconds to 5 minutes) by simultaneously notifying the user terminal 200 in the second notification process.

[0106] Furthermore, the explanation so far has mainly focused on the case where external power is supplied. However, as already mentioned, there is also a specification in which the user U can use the auxiliary equipment 16 inside the vehicle while external charging is in progress, so the control devices 100 and 100A may be configured to take this external charging state into consideration.

[0107] In this case, the controller 120 of the control devices 100 and 100A controls the vehicle V to make the auxiliary equipment 16 of the vehicle V operational when it is in at least one of the external power supply state and the external charging state. The controller 120 connects the external power supply plug P1 and the external charging plug P2 (corresponding to an example of an "external terminal") to the vehicle V, and when it is in at least one of the external power supply state and the external charging state, the controller 120 notifies the user U if the external power supply plug P1 and the external charging plug P2 are removed from the vehicle V and the IG power is not turned off. At this time, the controller 120 should detect that both the external power supply plug P1 and the external charging plug P2 are removed and notify the user U if the IG power is not turned off. This is because if at least one of the external power supply plug P1 and the external charging plug P2 is connected, the user U may turn off the IG power until it is removed.

[0108] This allows the auxiliary device 16 to be operated not only in an external power supply state but also in an external charging state in a vehicle V, and if the external power supply plug P1 and external charging plug P2 are removed but the IG power is not turned off, the user U can be prompted to perform that operation.

[0109] (Conclusion) As described above, the control device 100 according to the embodiment includes a controller 120 that controls a vehicle V (corresponding to an example of a "plug-in vehicle") capable of receiving external power from an on-board battery 15 to the outside of the vehicle. The controller 120 notifies the user U when the external power plug P1 (corresponding to an example of an "external power terminal") is disconnected from the vehicle V while the vehicle is in an external power supply state, and there is no operation to turn off the IG power supply (corresponding to an example of a "vehicle power supply").

[0110] Furthermore, the control system 10 according to the embodiment includes a battery 15 mounted on a vehicle V capable of supplying power to the outside of the vehicle, and an external power port 13 to which an external power plug P1 is connected when the battery 15 supplies power to the outside of the vehicle. The control system 10 also includes an operation unit 12 that receives operations from a user U to turn the vehicle power on or off, a notification unit 17 that notifies the user U of information prompting the user U to turn off the IG power, and a control device 100 that controls the vehicle V. The control device 100 notifies the user U via the notification unit 17 when the external power plug P1 is removed from the external power port 13 while the external power is supplied, and there is no operation to turn off the IG power to the operation unit 12.

[0111] Therefore, according to the control device 100 and control system 10 of the embodiment, in a vehicle V where the IG power does not automatically turn off even when the plug P to the external device 50 is removed while the IG power is on, the user U can be prompted to turn off the IG power, thereby suppressing unnecessary battery consumption due to the user U forgetting to turn off the power.

[0112] In the embodiment described above, the vehicle power supply was defined as the IG power supply, but the vehicle power supply may also include the ACC (Accessory) power supply.

[0113] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10 Control Systems 11. Driving system 12 Control section 13 External power supply port 14 External charging port 15 batteries 16. Auxiliary equipment 16a air conditioner 17 Hochi Department 17a Buzzer 17b Lamp 17c meter 18 doors 50 External equipment 100, 100A control device 120 controllers 121 Driving Control Unit 122 System Control Unit 122a Operation status detection unit 122b External power supply control unit 122c External Charging Control Unit 123 Body Control Unit 123a Notification Control Unit 123b Body condition detection unit 130 Communications Department 200 user terminals P Plug P1 External power supply plug P2 External Charging Plug U User V Vehicle

Claims

1. A control device for a plug-in vehicle capable of external power supply, which supplies power from the vehicle's battery to the outside of the vehicle, When the vehicle is in an external power supply state, if the external power supply terminal is disconnected from the vehicle, and a predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle power supply will be automatically turned off, and the notification unit will be instructed to process a notification to the user. Control device.

2. The aforementioned notification process is a notification of the reason for turning off the vehicle's power supply. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned notification process is a notification to turn off the vehicle's power supply. The control device according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned notification unit is a terminal carried by the user. The communication unit instructs the terminal to perform notification processing. The control device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned plug-in vehicle is This vehicle is capable of operating its auxiliary equipment, including the air conditioner, while receiving external power. The control device according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned plug-in vehicle is This is a vehicle where the control component for turning the vehicle's power on or off is a push button. The control device according to claim 1.

7. A control device for a plug-in vehicle that enables the operation of the vehicle's auxiliary equipment when it is in at least one of the following states: external power supply state and external charging state, When an external terminal is connected to the vehicle and the system is in at least one of the states of external power supply or external charging, if the external terminal is disconnected from the vehicle and a predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle power supply is automatically turned off, and an instruction is given to the notification unit to notify the user. Control device.

8. A control method performed by a control device for a plug-in vehicle capable of external power supply, which supplies power from an onboard battery to the outside of the vehicle, When the vehicle is in an external power supply state, if the external power supply terminal is disconnected from the vehicle, and a predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle power supply will be automatically turned off, and the notification unit will be instructed to process a notification to the user. Control method.

9. A control method performed by a control device for a plug-in vehicle that makes the vehicle's auxiliary equipment operational when it is in at least one of the states of external power supply state and external charging state, When an external terminal is connected to the vehicle and the vehicle is in at least one of the states of external power supply or external charging, if the external terminal is disconnected from the vehicle and a predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle power supply is automatically turned off and an instruction is given to the notification unit to notify the user. Control method.

10. A control program, executed by a computer, for controlling a plug-in vehicle capable of external power supply from an onboard battery to an external power source, When the vehicle is in an external power supply state, if the external power supply terminal is disconnected from the vehicle, and a predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle power supply will be automatically turned off, and the notification unit will be instructed to process a notification to the user. Control program.

11. A control program for a plug-in vehicle that is executed by a computer to enable the operation of the vehicle's auxiliary equipment when it is in at least one of the states of external power supply and external charging, When an external terminal is connected to the vehicle and the system is in at least one of the states of external power supply or external charging, if the external terminal is disconnected from the vehicle and a predetermined time has elapsed, the vehicle power supply is automatically turned off, and an instruction is given to the notification unit to notify the user. Control program.

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