Vehicle and method for charging the vehicle

Abstract

To appropriately protect electrical components from temperature rise due to external charging.SOLUTION: A vehicle 1 is constituted so that external charge for charging a battery 2 by power supplied from a charging facility 5 can be performed. The vehicle 1 includes: charge relays 131, 132 electrically connected to a transmission route of the supplied power; a temperature sensor 14 detecting a temperatures (monitoring temperature Tm) of the charging relays 131, 132; and an ECU 3 suppressing power supply in the case where the temperatures of the charging relays 131, 132 exceed a threshold value temperature TH1 in comparison with the case where the temperatures of the charging relays 131, 132 are lower than the threshold value temperature TH1. The ECU 3 reduces the threshold value temperature in comparison with the case before the external charge is stopped, when performing the external charge again after stopping the external charge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a method for charging the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, vehicles equipped with batteries have become increasingly popular. Accordingly, various methods have been proposed for "external charging," which charges an on-board battery with power supplied from a charging facility. The vehicle disclosed in International Publication No. 2012 / 144060 (Patent Document 1) is configured to strictly limit the power charged and discharged from the battery in response to an increase in battery temperature when the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. A control device controls the charger so that charging is performed at a charging rate determined based on the temperature difference between the predetermined temperature and the battery temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 144060 [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-171208 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Electrical components such as relays and inlets are electrically connected to the transmission path of the power supplied from the charging equipment. The temperature of the electrical components may rise due to Joule heat during external charging. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the electrical components from failure due to overheating.

[0005] When external charging is stopped, the temperature of the electrical components will drop. If external charging is stopped and then restarted shortly after, the temperature of the electrical components may start to rise again even though they have not yet dropped sufficiently. This may mean that the electrical components cannot be protected properly.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to appropriately protect electrical components from temperature increases associated with external charging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be capable of performing external charging to charge an on-board power storage device with power supplied from a charging facility. The vehicle includes an electric component electrically connected to a transmission path of the supplied power, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the electric component, and a control device that suppresses the supply of power when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature, compared to when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is below the threshold temperature. When external charging is performed again after external charging is stopped, the control device lowers the threshold temperature compared to before external charging was stopped.

[0008] In the above configuration (1), when external charging is resumed after external charging is stopped, the control device lowers the threshold temperature compared to before external charging was stopped. This shortens the time it takes for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor to reach the threshold temperature compared to when the threshold temperature is not set low (for example, when the threshold temperature is constant), and the power supply from the charging equipment is reduced early. As a result, the temperature rise of the electrical components is suppressed. Therefore, according to the above configuration (1), the electrical components can be appropriately protected from the temperature rise associated with external charging.

[0009] (2) The control device increases the threshold temperature until the threshold temperature reaches the value before external charging was stopped.

[0010] In the above configuration (2), the control device increases the threshold temperature until it reaches the value before external charging was stopped (i.e., returns to the original value), which makes it possible to appropriately protect the electric components in the same manner as before external charging was stopped when a sufficient amount of time has passed since external charging was resumed.

[0011] (3) The control device increases the threshold temperature as time passes after the supplied power falls below a predetermined value.

[0012] (4) The control device increases the threshold temperature as time passes since external charging is stopped.

[0013] If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the threshold temperature too early, the power supply from the charging equipment may be unnecessarily suppressed, which may lengthen the time required for external charging. In response to this, in the configurations (3) and (4) above, the control device gradually increases the threshold temperature over time after the power supply falls below a predetermined value (in short, from the time external charging is stopped). This prevents the temperature detected by the temperature sensor from reaching the threshold temperature too early. As a result, it is possible to prevent external charging from being prolonged.

[0014] (5) The greater the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the temperature of a portion of the electrical component not detected by the temperature sensor, the greater the amount of decrease in the threshold temperature when external charging is stopped.

[0015] In the above configuration (5), the threshold temperature is lowered more as the temperature difference between the temperature of the part detected by the temperature sensor and the temperature of the part of the electrical component not detected by the temperature sensor (in other words, the temperature non-uniformity) increases. This makes it possible to more reliably protect the parts not detected by the temperature sensor from temperature rises caused by external charging.

[0016] (6) The electrical component includes a relay configured to interrupt the power supply upon command by the control device.

[0017] (7) The electrical components include an inlet to which a charging cable extending from a charging equipment is connected.

[0018] (8) A vehicle charging method according to another aspect of the present disclosure performs external charging of an on-board battery with power supplied from a charging facility. The vehicle charging method includes first to third steps. The first step is a step of detecting a temperature of an electrical component that is electrically connected to a transmission path of the supplied power in the vehicle. The second step is a step of suppressing the supply power when the temperature of the electrical component exceeds a threshold temperature, compared to when the temperature of the electrical component is below the threshold temperature. The third step is a step of lowering the threshold temperature when external charging is performed again after external charging is stopped, compared to before external charging was stopped.

[0019] According to the method of (8) above, similarly to the configuration of (1) above, it is possible to appropriately protect electrical components from the temperature rise caused by external charging. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, electrical components can be appropriately protected from temperature increases associated with external charging. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic overall configuration of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle and a charging facility. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of charge suppression control using a threshold temperature. [Figure 4] 4 is a time chart showing an example of a temperature change of a charging relay. [Diagram 5] 5 is a time chart for explaining charge suppression control in a comparative example. [Figure 6] 5 is a time chart for explaining the charge suppression control in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a map used for setting a threshold temperature. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of charge suppression control in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments 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 characters, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0023] [Embodiment Mode] <Overall configuration of charging system> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic overall configuration of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The charging system 100 includes a vehicle 1, a charging facility 5, and a charging cable 6. Fig. 1 illustrates a situation during external charging (so-called plug-in charging) in which power is supplied from the charging facility 5 to the vehicle 1 via the charging cable 6.

[0024] The vehicle 1 is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV). However, the vehicle 1 may also be, for example, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) as long as the vehicle is configured to be externally charged.

[0025] The charging facility 5 is, for example, a charger provided at a public charging stand (also called a charging station or a charging spot).

[0026] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of vehicle 1 and charging equipment 5. Charging equipment 5 is a DC (Direct Current) charger (so-called quick charger) compatible with a charging method that supplies large power (high voltage and large current). Charging equipment 5 converts AC power supplied from a system power supply 7 into DC power for charging battery 2 mounted on vehicle 1. Charging equipment 5 includes a power line ACL, an AC / DC converter 51, a voltage sensor 52, power feed lines PL0, NL0, and a control circuit 50.

[0027] The power line ACL is electrically connected to the power system 7. The power line ACL transmits AC power from the power system 7 to the AC / DC converter 51.

[0028] The AC / DC converter 51 converts the AC power on the power line ACL into DC power for charging the battery 2 mounted on the vehicle 1. The power conversion by the AC / DC converter 51 may be performed by a combination of AC / DC conversion for power factor correction and DC / DC conversion for voltage level adjustment. The DC power output from the AC / DC converter 51 is supplied by a positive power feed line PL0 and a negative power feed line NL0.

[0029] The voltage sensor 52 is electrically connected between the power feeder line PL0 and the power feeder line NL0. The voltage sensor 52 detects the voltage between the power feeder line PL0 and the power feeder line NL0, and outputs the detection result to the control circuit 50.

[0030] The control circuit 50 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output port (none of which are shown). The control circuit 50 controls the power conversion operation by the AC / DC converter 51 based on the voltage detected by a voltage sensor 52, a signal from the vehicle 1, and maps and programs stored in the memory.

[0031] The vehicle 1 is equipped with an inlet 11, charging lines PL1, NL1, a voltage sensor 121, a current sensor 122, charging relays 131, 132, a temperature sensor 14, system main relays (SMRs) 151, 152, power lines PL2, NL2, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 16, a motor generator 17, a power transmission gear 18, driving wheels 19, a battery 2, a voltage sensor 21, a current sensor 22, a temperature sensor 23, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3.

[0032] The inlet 11 is configured so that a charging connector 61 of the charging cable 6 can be inserted thereinto by mechanical connection such as fitting. With the insertion of the charging connector 61, an electrical connection is established between the power feeder PL0 and a positive contact of the inlet 11, and an electrical connection is established between the power feeder NL0 and a negative contact of the inlet 11. Furthermore, by connecting the inlet 11 and the charging connector 61 via the charging cable 6, the ECU 3 of the vehicle 1 and the control circuit 50 of the charging equipment 5 can mutually transmit and receive various signals (commands, requests, messages, data, etc.) through communication conforming to a communication standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0033] The voltage sensor 12 is electrically connected between the charging lines PL1 and NL1 on the inlet 11 side of the charging relays 131, 132. The voltage sensor 12 detects a DC voltage between the charging lines PL1 and NL1 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 3.

[0034] The charging relay 131 is connected to the charging line PL1, and the charging relay 132 is connected to the charging line NL1. The closing / opening of the charging relays 131, 132 is controlled in response to a command from the ECU 3. When the charging relays 131, 132 are closed and the SMRs 151, 152 are closed, power transmission between the inlet 11 and the battery 2 is enabled.

[0035] Temperature sensor 14 is, for example, a thermistor. Temperature sensor 14 detects the temperatures of charging relays 131, 132 (more specifically, the temperature of the relay terminals) and outputs the detection result to ECU 3. ECU 3 monitors the temperatures of charging relays 131, 132 based on the detection result by temperature sensor 14. Hereinafter, the temperature monitored by ECU 3 using temperature sensor 14 will be referred to as "monitored temperature Tm." Temperature sensor 14 corresponds to the "temperature sensor" according to the present disclosure. Monitored temperature Tm corresponds to the "temperature of an electrical component" according to the present disclosure.

[0036] The battery 2 is a battery pack including a plurality of cells 20. Each cell 20 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. The battery 2 supplies electric power for generating a driving force for the vehicle 1. The battery 2 also stores electric power generated by the motor generator 17. The positive electrode of the battery 2 is electrically connected to a node ND1 via an SMR 151. The node ND1 is electrically connected to a charging line PL1 and a power line PL2. Similarly, the negative electrode of the battery 2 is electrically connected to a node ND2 via an SMR 152. The node ND2 is electrically connected to a charging line NL1 and a power line NL2. The closing / opening of the SMRs 151 and 152 is controlled in response to a command from the ECU 3.

[0037] The voltage sensor 21 detects the voltage VB of the battery 2. The current sensor 22 detects the current IB input to and output from the battery 2. The temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature TB of the battery 2. Each sensor outputs its detection result to the ECU 3. The ECU 3 can estimate the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 2 based on the detection results by the voltage sensor 21 and / or the current sensor 22.

[0038] The PCU 16 is electrically connected between the power lines PL2, NL2 and the motor generator 17. The PCU 16 includes a converter and an inverter (neither of which are shown), and drives the motor generator 17 in accordance with a command from the ECU 3.

[0039] The motor generator 17 is an AC rotating electric machine, for example a permanent magnet type synchronous motor with a rotor in which a permanent magnet is embedded. The output torque of the motor generator 17 is transmitted to the drive wheels 19 through the power transmission gear 18 to drive the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the motor generator 17 can generate power by the rotational force of the drive wheels 19 when the vehicle 1 is braking. The generated power by the motor generator 17 is converted by the PCU 16 into charging power for the battery 2.

[0040] Similar to the control circuit 50, the ECU 3 includes a processor 31 such as a CPU, a memory 32 such as a ROM and a RAM, and an input / output port 33. The ECU 3 controls devices so that the vehicle 1 reaches a desired state according to signals from each sensor and the like. Note that the ECU 3 may be configured to be divided into a plurality of ECUs (for example, a charging ECU, a battery ECU, an MG-ECU, etc.) for each function.

[0041] <Charge suppression control> During rapid charging of the battery 2 by the power supplied from the charging facility 5, the temperature of electrical components electrically connected to the power transmission path of the supplied power may rise due to Joule heat. More specifically, the temperature of the inlet 11, the charging relays 131, 132, etc. may rise excessively. To protect these electrical components, the ECU 3 is configured to be able to execute "charge suppression control". In charge suppression control, the power supplied from the charging facility 5 to the vehicle 1 is suppressed (restricted to a small value) compared to normal times (when charge suppression control is not executed). In charge suppression control, as described below, a threshold temperature is set for the temperature (monitoring temperature Tm) of the charging relays 131, 132.

[0042] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of charge suppression control using a threshold temperature. The horizontal axis represents the temperature (monitoring temperature) Tm of the charging relays 131, 132 monitored using the temperature sensor 14. The vertical axis represents the charging current to the battery 2.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 3, the monitoring temperature Tm is compared with two threshold temperatures TH1, TH2. The threshold temperature TH1 is lower than the threshold temperature TH2 (TH1 < TH2). The threshold temperature TH2 is lower than the heat-resistant temperature Tr of the charging relays 131, 132 (TH2 < Tr).

[0044] When the monitoring temperature Tm is less than the threshold temperature TH1, the charging current is set to the normal value I0. When the monitoring temperature Tm is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH1 and less than the threshold temperature TH2, the charging current is set to a suppression value Isup that is smaller than the normal value I0. When the monitoring temperature Tm is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH2, the charging current is set to 0. In other words, power supply from the charging equipment 5 to the vehicle 1 (external charging of the vehicle 1) is prohibited.

[0045] <Temperature changes in charging relay components> In the system configuration shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the charging relays 131, 132 is monitored using the temperature sensor 14. This temperature (monitored temperature Tm) is the temperature of the relay terminal. However, the charging relays 131, 132 include other components such as a moving contactor in addition to the relay terminal. The temperature of the relay terminal and the temperature of the moving contactor are not necessarily equal. In other words, there may be temperature non-uniformity (a temperature difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures) in the charging relays 131, 132. It is desirable to protect components other than the relay terminals whose temperatures can be monitored using the temperature sensor 14 from overheating. Hereinafter, the temperature of a component (e.g., a moving contactor) that is not monitored because a temperature sensor is not provided but that requires protection from overheating is referred to as a "non-monitored temperature Tu."

[0046] Fig. 4 is a time chart showing an example of temperature changes of the charging relays 131, 132. The horizontal axis represents elapsed time. The vertical axis represents temperature (monitoring temperature Tm, non-monitoring temperature Tu, heat-resistant temperature Tr). The same applies to Figs. 5 and 6 described later.

[0047] In a typical charging relay, the relay terminals are exposed to the outside of the housing, while the moving contact is housed inside the housing. Therefore, while heat is easily dissipated to the outside from the relay terminals, heat is not easily dissipated to the outside from the moving contact. Therefore, compared to the temperature of the relay terminals (monitoring temperature Tm), the temperature of the moving contact (non-monitoring temperature Tu) is more likely to rise during external charging and is less likely to fall when external charging is not being performed (when stopped).

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, when external charging is started at time t0, the monitoring temperature Tm rises during external charging, and the non-monitoring temperature Tu also rises. The non-monitoring temperature Tu is higher than the monitoring temperature Tm. When external charging is stopped at time t1, the monitoring temperature Tm falls, and the non-monitoring temperature Tu also falls. During this time, the non-monitoring temperature Tu remains higher than the monitoring temperature Tm. However, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the non-monitoring temperature Tu is always maintained below the heat-resistant temperature Tr, so that it is possible to prevent failure of the moving contact due to overheating.

[0049] <Setting the threshold temperature> In the charge suppression control in this embodiment, components such as the movable contact are protected based on the monitored temperature Tm. To facilitate understanding of the charge suppression control in this embodiment, first, a charge suppression control in a comparative example will be described.

[0050] 5 is a time chart for explaining the charge suppression control in the comparative example. External charging starts at time t0, and external charging is performed during the period from time t0 to time t1. During this period, in this example, the monitoring temperature Tm is less than the threshold temperature TH1, so the power supply from the charging facility 5 to the vehicle 1 is not suppressed. In addition, the non-monitoring temperature Tu is less than the heat-resistant temperature Tr, so the movable contact is not overheated.

[0051] At time t1, external charging is stopped. Accordingly, the monitored temperature Tm and the non-monitored temperature Tu drop. However, before the monitored temperature Tm and the non-monitored temperature Tu drop sufficiently, external charging is started again at time t2. As an example, the vehicle 1 moves from charging equipment installed in one location to charging equipment installed in another location, and the vehicle 1 is externally charged by the charging equipment at the new location. However, the movement of the vehicle 1 is not essential, and the vehicle 1 may be externally charged twice by the same charging equipment 5.

[0052] When external charging is performed again (hereinafter also referred to as "resuming" external charging), the monitoring temperature Tm and non-monitoring temperature Tu rise again. Because the monitoring temperature Tm remains below the threshold temperature TH1 after time t2, the power supply from the charging equipment 5 to the vehicle 1 is not restricted. However, at time t3, the non-monitoring temperature Tu exceeds the heat-resistant temperature Tr. In this case, there is a possibility that the moving contact will break down due to overheating.

[0053] In the comparative example, threshold temperature TH1 for restricting power supply from charging facility 5 to vehicle 1 is set to a constant value. In contrast, in the present embodiment, threshold temperature TH1 is set to be variable, as described below.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a time chart for explaining the charge suppression control in this embodiment. In this embodiment, at time t1 when external charging is stopped, the threshold temperature TH1 is significantly lowered compared to before external charging was stopped. Thereafter, the threshold temperature TH1 gradually becomes higher. In other words, the threshold temperature TH1 increases as time passes from when external charging is stopped. Then, at time t4 after time t2 when external charging is resumed, the monitoring temperature Tm exceeds the threshold temperature TH1, and suppression of the power supplied from the charging equipment 5 to the vehicle 1 is started. Time t4 is earlier than time t3 (see FIG. 5) when the non-monitoring temperature Tu exceeds the heat-resistant temperature Tr in the comparative example. Therefore, at time t4, the non-monitoring temperature Tu is lower than the heat-resistant temperature Tr. In addition, with the suppression of the supplied power, a further increase in the non-monitoring temperature Tu is suppressed after time t4. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the movable contact from breaking down due to overheating.

[0055] <Map> The ECU 3 calculates the threshold temperature TH1 by referring to the map MP stored in the memory 32. Instead of the map, other data formats such as a data table, a relational expression, etc. may be used.

[0056] Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a map used for setting the threshold temperature TH1. In each of Fig. 7(A) to Fig. 7(C), the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time Δt after external charging was stopped, and the vertical axis represents the threshold temperature TH1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7(A), when external charging is stopped (elapsed time Δt=0), the threshold temperature TH1 is lowered by α from the reference value REF, which is the threshold temperature TH1 before external charging is stopped. α can be set based on the maximum temperature difference that can occur between the temperature of the moving contact and the temperature of the relay terminal. It is desirable to set α larger the larger the maximum temperature difference is (i.e., to increase the amount by which the threshold temperature TH1 is lowered). The maximum temperature difference can be obtained by prior experimentation or simulation.

[0058] The threshold temperature TH1 gradually rises with the passage of time. Then, when tc has elapsed since external charging was stopped, the threshold temperature TH1 reaches the reference value REF before external charging was stopped. The period represented by tc is the period during which the temperature difference between the temperature of the moving contact and the temperature of the relay terminal is eliminated (in other words, thermal equilibrium is reached) when external charging is stopped, and is determined by experiment or simulation. Thereafter, the threshold temperature TH1 is maintained at the reference value REF.

[0059] During external charging, the power supplied from the charging facility (charging current) is generally controlled to be gradually reduced and ultimately become 0 before external charging is stopped. Therefore, instead of using the time when external charging is stopped (the time when the supplied power = 0) as the reference for the horizontal axis, the time when the power supplied from the charging facility 5 to the vehicle 1 (charging current) falls below a predetermined value greater than 0 may be used as the reference. In other words, the threshold temperature TH1 may be increased as time passes from the time when the supplied power falls below the predetermined value.

[0060] Also, Fig. 7(A) shows an example in which the threshold temperature TH1 increases continuously and in a curved manner. However, the method of setting the threshold temperature TH1 is not limited to this. The threshold temperature TH1 may be set to increase continuously and linearly (see Fig. 7(B)). The threshold temperature TH1 may be set to increase discontinuously in stages (steps) (see Fig. 7(C)). Although not shown, the threshold temperature TH1 may increase in steps in three or more stages.

[0061] <Processing flow> 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the charge suppression control in this embodiment. This flowchart is called from the main routine and executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied during external charging (for example, at a predetermined interval). Each step is realized by software processing by the ECU 3, but may also be realized by hardware (electrical circuitry) arranged in the ECU 3. Hereinafter, steps are abbreviated as S.

[0062] In S1, the ECU 3 determines whether external charging has been resumed (executed again). Processing returns to the main routine until external charging is resumed (NO in S1). If external charging has been resumed (YES in S1), the ECU 3 obtains the elapsed time Δt since external charging was stopped using a timer (not shown) of the ECU 3 (S2). The ECU 3 calculates a threshold temperature TH1 from the elapsed time Δt obtained in S2 by referring to a map MP (see FIG. 7) (S3).

[0063] In S4, the ECU 3 acquires the monitoring temperature Tm from the temperature sensor 14. Then, the ECU 3 determines whether the monitoring temperature Tm is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature TH2 (S5). Unlike the threshold temperature TH1, the threshold temperature TH2 is set to a fixed value (a value between the reference value REF of the threshold temperature TH1 and the heat resistance temperature Tr). If the monitoring temperature Tm is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature TH2 (YES in S5), the ECU 3 requests the control circuit 50 of the charging equipment 5 to completely stop the supply of power from the charging equipment 5 to the vehicle 1 (S6).

[0064] If the monitoring temperature Tm is less than the threshold temperature TH2 (NO in S5), the ECU 3 proceeds to S7 and determines whether the monitoring temperature Tm is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH1. If the monitoring temperature Tm is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH1 (YES in S7), that is, if the monitoring temperature Tm is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature TH1 and less than the threshold temperature TH2, the ECU 3 requests the control circuit 50 of the charging equipment 5 to reduce the power supply from the charging equipment 5 to the vehicle 1 (S8).

[0065] If the monitored temperature Tm is lower than the threshold temperature TH1 (NO in S7), the ECU 3 does not request suppression of the power supply from the charging equipment 5 to the vehicle 1 (S9). In this case, power is supplied as usual.

[0066] As described above, in the present embodiment, when external charging is stopped, the threshold temperature TH1 is lowered compared to before external charging was stopped. This shortens the time it takes for the temperature (monitoring temperature Tm) of the relay terminal of the charging relays 131, 132 monitored by the temperature sensor 14 to reach the threshold temperature TH1 when external charging is resumed after external charging is stopped. This allows the power supply from the charging equipment 5 to the vehicle 1 to be suppressed early. As a result, a further increase in the temperature of the moving contactor that is not to be monitored (non-monitoring temperature Tu) is suppressed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the entire charging relays 131, 132, including the moving contactor, can be protected from overheating.

[0067] In the present embodiment, charging relays 131, 132 correspond to the "electrical component" according to the present disclosure. However, the "electrical component" according to the present disclosure is not limited to this, and may be inlet 11. Inlet 11 also tends to have a temperature difference between the power terminal and components such as cables arranged inside the housing, so the charging suppression control according to the present embodiment is useful.

[0068] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the charging equipment 5 is a quick charger. In general, the power supplied in alternating current (AC) charging is smaller than the power supplied in DC charging, so overheating of components is unlikely to be an issue in AC charging. However, the ECU 3 may execute the charging suppression control in this embodiment during external charging using the charging equipment 5 that supplies AC power (a so-called normal charger).

[0069] Furthermore, the charge suppression control in the present embodiment is applicable not only to plug-in charging of the vehicle 1, but also to non-contact charging of the vehicle 1. Although not shown, during non-contact charging of the vehicle 1, power is transmitted non-contact from a power transmitting device buried in the road surface or the like to an on-board power receiving device (such as a power receiving coil). In this case, the "electrical component" according to the present disclosure may be a charging relay or a power receiving device.

[0070] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 vehicle, 11 inlet, 12 voltage sensor, 131,132 charging relay, 14 temperature sensor, 151,152 SMR, 16 PCU, 17 motor generator, 18 power transmission gear, 19 drive wheel, 21 voltage sensor, 22 current sensor, 23 temperature sensor, 2 battery, 20 cell, 3 ECU, 31 processor, 32 memory, 33 input / output port, 5 charging equipment, 50 control circuit, 51 converter, 52 voltage sensor, 6 charging cable, 61 charging connector, 7 system power supply, ACL,NL2,PL2 power line, ND1,ND2 node, NL0,PL0 power supply line, NL1,PL1 charging line, 100 charging system.

Claims

1. A vehicle configured to perform external charging for charging an on-board power storage device with power supplied from a charging facility, an electrical component electrically connected to a transmission path of the supply power; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the electrical component; a control device that, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature, suppresses the supply of power compared to when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is less than the threshold temperature; When external charging is performed again after external charging is stopped, the control device sets the threshold temperature to be lower than the threshold temperature before external charging was stopped.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the control device lowers the threshold temperature and then raises the threshold temperature until the threshold temperature reaches a value before the external charging is stopped.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the control device increases the threshold temperature as time passes after the supplied power falls below a predetermined value.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the control device increases the threshold temperature as time elapses since the external charging was stopped.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the greater the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the temperature of a portion of the electrical component not detected by the temperature sensor, the greater the amount of decrease in the threshold temperature when the external charging is stopped.

6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrical component includes a relay configured to interrupt the power supply in response to a command by the control device.

7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrical component includes an inlet to which a charging cable extending from the charging facility is connected.

8. A vehicle charging method for externally charging an on-board power storage device using power supplied from a charging facility, comprising: detecting a temperature of an electrical component electrically connected to a transmission path of the supplied power in the vehicle; When the temperature detected in the detecting step exceeds a threshold temperature, suppressing the supply power compared to when the temperature detected in the detecting step is less than the threshold temperature; and when external charging is performed again after external charging is stopped, lowering the threshold temperature compared to the temperature before external charging was stopped.

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