Vehicle control device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device capable of preventing a person around a vehicle from being injured while a vehicle performs external power supply with an engine stopped.SOLUTION: A vehicle control device comprises: an engine; an HV high voltage battery; an external power supply outlet for outputting electric power out of a vehicle; detection means to detect a person around the vehicle; notification means to perform notification to an outside of the vehicle; and an HV-ECU. While external power supply is performed through the outlet with the engine stopped, the engine is activated under the condition that a remaining charge amount of the HV high voltage battery is reduced. In the external power supply through the outlet with the engine stopped, the HV-ECU controls the notification means in a manner that causes the same to perform notification to the outside of the vehicle under the condition that the detection means detects the person around the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, and more particularly to a vehicle control device that controls to enable external power supply. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed a vehicle control device, in particular a vehicle control device that controls so as to enable external power supply (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a hybrid vehicle that is controlled to be capable of external power supply by outputting electric power to an external device of the vehicle. This Patent Document 1 describes that a control is performed to appropriately notify those around the vehicle that the engine may operate in conjunction with external power supply.

[0004] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes that an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on a hybrid vehicle selectively executes a first power supply operation in which the engine is operated to supply external power, and a second power supply operation in which the engine is stopped to supply external power.

[0005] Furthermore, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes that the ECU executes a first power supply operation at a predetermined time from the start of external power supply, and deliberately operates the engine for a predetermined time from the start of external power supply (power supply operation), thereby performing control to notify those around the vehicle that external power supply is in progress. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-37219 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In general hybrid vehicles, the engine is configured to start when the remaining charge of a power storage device mounted on the vehicle becomes low during external power supply with the engine stopped. Therefore, if a person approaches the vehicle carelessly or looks under the vehicle, the engine may suddenly start unintentionally, and the person may be injured by exhaust gas discharged from the vehicle. For the above reasons, it is necessary to prevent people around the vehicle from being injured.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a vehicle control device that can prevent people around the vehicle from being injured when external power is being supplied with the engine stopped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0010] (1) A vehicle control device according to the present invention includes an engine, a power storage device, a power output unit for external power supply for outputting at least one of power generated by driving the engine and power stored in the power storage device to the outside of the vehicle, detection means for detecting the presence of a person around the vehicle, notification means for notifying the outside of the vehicle, and a control unit, and is configured to operate the engine when the remaining charge of the power storage device falls below a predetermined remaining charge during external power supply by the power output unit with the engine stopped, and the control unit controls the notification means to notify the outside of the vehicle on the condition that the detection means detects the presence of a person around the vehicle during external power supply by the power output unit with the engine stopped.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when a person unintentionally approaches the periphery of the vehicle or looks under the vehicle, the warning means can warn the person that there is a risk of injury. This allows the person around the vehicle to recognize that there is danger. Therefore, even if the engine suddenly starts during external power supply with the engine stopped, it is possible to prevent the person around the vehicle from being injured by the exhaust gas from the vehicle, etc. This ensures safety.

[0012] (2) In the vehicle control device according to the present invention, preferably, the vehicle control device further includes a communication device capable of communicating with a mobile terminal carried by a user of the vehicle, and the control unit may not control the notification means to notify on condition that it is determined that the communication device and the mobile terminal are in a communicable state outside the vehicle, and may control the notification means to notify on condition that it is determined that the communication device and the mobile terminal are not in a communicable state outside the vehicle. With this configuration, notification is made according to the communication state between the communication device and the mobile terminal outside the vehicle, so that unnecessary notification is not made when there is something to do inside the vehicle, and notification can be made when necessary. Furthermore, with the above configuration, notification is made when necessary, so that warning capability can be maintained (reduction due to habituation can be suppressed), battery waste can be suppressed, and annoyance to the surroundings and the user can be avoided.

[0013] (3) In this case, the mobile terminal is preferably at least one of a keyless key, a key-free terminal (smart key terminal), and a smartphone. With this configuration, when a person approaches the vehicle while carrying at least one of a key-free terminal and a smartphone, no notification is made by the notification means, so that unnecessary notifications can be prevented.

[0014] (4) In the vehicle control device according to the present invention, preferably, the detection means is configured to detect at least one of a person's movement or a person's moving direction around the vehicle, and the control unit controls the notification means to notify a person approaching the vehicle on condition that at least one of a person's movement or a person's moving direction detected by the detection means is determined to be approaching the vehicle. With this configuration, a notification is given to a person approaching the vehicle that there is a risk of injury, so that a notification can be given when necessary.

[0015] (5) In this case, the detection means preferably comprises at least one of a camera, a radar, and a sonar. With this configuration, at least one of a camera, a radar, and a sonar can easily detect at least one of the movement of a person around the vehicle and the direction of movement of the person.

[0016] (6) In the vehicle control device according to the present invention, the notification means preferably includes at least one of turning on a light and outputting a sound. With this configuration, people around the vehicle are notified visually and audibly, so that they can intuitively know that there is a danger. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle control device can be provided that can prevent people around the vehicle from being injured during external power supply with the engine stopped. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams for explaining a detection range of a detection means and a communication range of a communication device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3]4 is a flowchart in an "inverter operating state" according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to exact scale. In addition, in the drawings, similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0020] (General configuration of vehicle control device) A schematic configuration of a vehicle control device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. This vehicle control device 100 is applied to (mounted on) a hybrid vehicle, an autonomous vehicle, or the like, for example.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle control device 100 includes an HV-ECU 1, a body ECU 2, a communication device 3, a mobile terminal 4, a detection means 5, an alarm means 6, an HV high-voltage battery 7, an inverter 8, and an outlet 9.

[0022] The HV-ECU 1 is an example of a "control unit" in the present invention. The HV high voltage battery 7 is an example of an "electricity storage device" in the present invention. The outlet 9 is an example of a "power output unit" in the present invention.

[0023] The HV-ECU (Hybrid Vehicle ECU) 1 is a high-level controller that controls the hybrid vehicle. The HV-ECU 1 is composed of a microcomputer and the like.

[0024] The body ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2 is a controller that controls the power supply and electrical system mounted on the vehicle body. The body ECU 2 is composed of a microcomputer, etc. The body ECU 2 is connected to the HV-ECU 1 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication using a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol.

[0025] The communication device 3 is connected to the body ECU 2 so as to be capable of two-way communication using a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol. The communication device 3 is also configured to be capable of wireless communication with a mobile terminal 4. The mobile terminal 4 is preferably small so as to be easily carried by the vehicle user. Specifically, the mobile terminal 4 is at least one of a key-free terminal and a smartphone.

[0026] The communication device 3 is provided at any location around the vehicle body. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, when a key-free terminal is used as the mobile terminal 4, an antenna for the key-free system is provided on the door mirror of the vehicle as the communication device 3 that communicates with the key-free terminal. In another example, when a smartphone is used as the mobile terminal 4, the smartphone to be used is registered in advance in the HV-ECU 1 or the like so that the registered smartphone and the communication device 3 can communicate with each other.

[0027] The presence of the person carrying the portable terminal 4 is detected when the portable terminal 4 carried by a person, such as a user of the vehicle, becomes capable of communicating with the communication device 3. Here, "the portable terminal 4 becomes capable of communicating with the communication device 3" refers to, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the person carrying the portable terminal 4 is present (enters) within area X (area indicated by a dashed line) around the vehicle in which communication is possible by the communication device 3, and the portable terminal 4 becomes capable of communicating with the communication device 3. On the other hand, outside area X, the portable terminal 4 becomes unable to communicate with the communication device 3. In addition, the communication device 3 transmits to the body ECU 2 information indicating whether the portable terminal 4 is capable of communicating with the communication device 3 or not.

[0028] The area X in which communication can be performed by the communication device 3 is not limited to the range shown in FIG. 2, but can be set appropriately depending on the locations and number of the communication devices 3, etc.

[0029] The detection means 5 is provided at any location around the vehicle body. The detection means 5 is composed of at least one of a camera, a radar, and a sonar. The detection means 5 detects at least one of the presence of a person around the vehicle, the movement of the person, and the direction of movement of the person. Here, "detecting the presence of a person around the vehicle" means that, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the detection means 5 is provided at the front and rear of the vehicle, and when a person is present within an area X (area indicated by a dashed line) detectable by the detection means 5, the presence of a person around the vehicle is detected.

[0030] The area X in which communication is possible using the detection means 5 is not limited to the region shown in FIG. 2, but can be set appropriately depending on the locations and number of the detection means 5, etc., where the detection means 5 are arranged.

[0031] Also, for ease of explanation, the area in which communication is possible by the communication device 3 and the area in which detection is possible by the detection means 5 are set to the same area, area X, but the sizes of the area in which communication is possible and the area in which detection is possible may be different and can be set as appropriate.

[0032] 1, the detection means 5 is connected to the HV-ECU 1 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication using a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol. When a person is present within an area X (see FIG. 2) detectable by the detection means 5, the detection means 5 transmits to the HV-ECU 1 information indicating that a person is present around the vehicle.

[0033] The notification means 6 notifies the outside of the vehicle of a danger. Specifically, the notification means 6 is composed of at least one of lighting by turning on or blinking hazard lights, and sound output by honking the horn. The notification means 6 is connected to the HV-ECU 1 so as to be capable of two-way communication by a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol. The HV-ECU 1 performs control to notify the outside of the vehicle by at least one of lighting and sound output as the notification means 6, on the condition that it is determined that a notification is necessary based on a predetermined condition described later.

[0034] The HV high voltage battery 7 has the ability to output 200V direct current (DC) power. The HV high voltage battery 7 is electrically connected to the HV-ECU 1. The HV high voltage battery 7 functions as a storage battery that stores power generated by a power generating motor generator (not shown) when the engine is driven, and also functions as a drive battery that can drive the vehicle. The HV-ECU 1 controls the HV high voltage battery 7 to determine whether it functions as a storage battery that stores power, or as a drive battery that drives the vehicle.

[0035] The inverter 8 is electrically connected to the HV high voltage battery 7. The inverter 8 converts the 200V direct current (DC) power input from the HV high voltage battery 7 into 100V alternating current (AC) power and outputs it to the outlet 9.

[0036] The outlet 9 is electrically connected to the inverter 8. The outlet 9 is for outputting the 100V alternating current (AC) power input from the inverter 8 to the outside of the vehicle for external power supply. By connecting cooking equipment, communication equipment, etc. to the outlet 9, power is supplied (charged) to the cooking equipment, communication equipment, etc.

[0037] (Operation description of vehicle control device) Next, the control of the "inverter operating state" by the HV-ECU 1 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0038] The hybrid vehicle in this embodiment is configured such that, during external power feeding from the outlet 9 with the engine stopped, the engine is operated on condition that the remaining charge of the HV high-voltage battery 7 falls below a predetermined remaining charge. In other words, during external power feeding, the engine is in a state where it repeatedly starts and stops in order to charge the HV high-voltage battery 7. Therefore, based on a predetermined condition described later, a notification is issued as necessary to prevent people around the vehicle from being injured due to the operation of the engine.

[0039] In step S10, the HV-ECU 1 starts control related to the "inverter operating state" during external power feeding with the engine stopped. In step S12, the detection means 5 detects the presence of a person around the vehicle. At this time, the detection means 5 detects the presence of a person in area X (see FIG. 2). Then, on condition that the detection means 5 determines in step S12 that the presence of a person in area X is not detected, the notification means 6 does not issue a notification in step S14.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the detection means 5 has detected the presence of a person in area X, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, it is determined whether or not a person carrying a portable terminal 4 is present in area X. That is, in step S16, it is determined whether or not the portable terminal 4 and the communication device 3 are in a state in which they can communicate with each other in area X. Then, if it is determined in step S16 that the portable terminal 4 and the communication device 3 are not in a state in which they can communicate with each other in area X (the person is not carrying the portable terminal 4), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0041] In step S18, it is determined whether or not a person not carrying a mobile terminal 4 has made a motion to approach a dangerous area. In this embodiment, the "danger area" refers to the area in front of or behind the vehicle, and is assumed to be an area in which, for example, the engine suddenly starts, and thus movement in the front-rear direction of the vehicle or the emission of exhaust gas poses a danger to people around the vehicle. Then, on condition that it is determined in step S18 that a person not carrying a mobile terminal 4 has not made a motion to approach a dangerous area, no notification is made by the notification means 6 in step S20. On the other hand, on condition that it is determined in step S18 that a person not carrying a mobile terminal 4 has made a motion to approach a dangerous area, the notification means 6 makes a notification in step S26.

[0042] In step S16, on the condition that it is determined that the portable terminal 4 and the communication device 3 are in a state capable of communicating within area X (the portable terminal 4 is carried), the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the detection means 5 detects the presence of a person outside the detection area of ​​the portable terminal 4. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is a person not carrying the portable terminal 4 within area X, except in an area (place) where a person carrying the portable terminal 4 is present. In step S22, on the condition that it is determined that there is no person not carrying the portable terminal 4, no notification is made by the notification means 6 in step S20.

[0043] Also, on condition that it is determined in step S22 that a person not carrying a mobile terminal 4 is present, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, it is determined whether or not the person not carrying the mobile terminal 4 has made a motion to approach a dangerous area (area in front of or behind the vehicle). On condition that it is determined in step S24 that the person not carrying the mobile terminal 4 has not made a motion to approach a dangerous area (area in front of or behind the vehicle), the process proceeds to step S20, and no notification is made by the notification means 6. For example, in step S24, even if a person not carrying a mobile terminal 4 is present near a person carrying a mobile terminal 4, no notification is made by the notification means 6. Also, in step S24, even if the movement of the person not carrying the mobile terminal 4 is such that the person approaches and leaves the vehicle (approaching and leaving), it is determined that the risk is low, and no notification is made by the notification means 6.

[0044] On the other hand, on condition that it is determined in step S24 that a person not carrying a portable terminal 4 has made a motion to approach a danger area (area in front of or behind the vehicle), in step S26, a notification is made by the notification means 6. For example, in step S24, if a person carrying a portable terminal 4 and a person not carrying a portable terminal 4 approach the danger area from different locations, the notification means 6 notifies the person not carrying a portable terminal 4 that there is a danger.

[0045] In step S28, this control is repeated until a certain period of time has elapsed since the notification by the notification means 6 (steps S26 and S28). On the other hand, if the certain period of time has elapsed since the notification by the notification means 6 in step S28, the process proceeds to step S30, where the notification by the notification means 6 is stopped. This ends the control by the HV-ECU 1 regarding the "inverter operation state".

[0046] According to the embodiment described above, the following advantages (1) to (6) can be obtained.

[0047] (1) In the vehicle control device 100 according to the above embodiment, during external power supply with the engine stopped, the notification means 6 notifies the outside of the vehicle on the condition that the detection means 5 detects the presence of a person around the vehicle. Therefore, when a person approaches the vehicle carelessly or looks under the vehicle, the notification means 6 can notify (notify) the person that there is a risk of injury. This allows the person around the vehicle to recognize that there is danger. Therefore, even if the engine suddenly starts during external power supply with the engine stopped, it is possible to prevent the person around the vehicle from being injured by the exhaust gas from the vehicle. This ensures safety.

[0048] (2) In the vehicle control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the notification means 6 does not notify on the condition that it is determined that the communication device 3 and the mobile terminal 4 are in a communicable state outside the vehicle, and the notification means 6 notifies on the condition that it is determined that the communication device 3 and the mobile terminal 4 are not in a communicable state outside the vehicle. Therefore, since notification is made according to the communication state between the communication device 3 and the mobile terminal 4 outside the vehicle, unnecessary notification is not made when there is something to do inside the vehicle, and notification can be made when necessary. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, since notification is made when necessary, it is possible to maintain warning capability (suppressing a decrease due to habituation), suppress battery waste, and avoid annoyance to the surroundings and the user.

[0049] (3) In the vehicle control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the mobile terminal 4 is configured from at least one of a key-free terminal and a smartphone. As a result, when a person carrying at least one of a key-free terminal and a smartphone approaches the vehicle, no notification is made by the notification means 6, and unnecessary notifications can be suppressed.

[0050] (4) In the vehicle control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the notification means 6 notifies a person approaching the vehicle on condition that at least one of the person's movement or the person's moving direction detected by the detection means 5 is determined to be approaching the vehicle. This notifies the person approaching the vehicle that there is a risk of injury, making it possible to notify the person when necessary.

[0051] (5) In the vehicle control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the detection means 5 is configured with at least one of a camera, a radar, and a sonar. This makes it possible to easily detect at least one of the movement of a person around the vehicle and the direction of movement of the person by at least one of the camera, the radar, and the sonar.

[0052] (6) In the vehicle control device 100 according to the above embodiment, the notification means 6 is configured to include at least one of lighting and sound output. This allows people around the vehicle to be notified visually and audibly, so that they can intuitively know that there is a danger.

[0053] (Modification) The above embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0054] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which a notification is not given to people carrying mobile devices around the vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a notification may be given to all people around the vehicle, regardless of whether they carry a mobile device or not.

[0055] In the above embodiment, a camera, a radar, and a sonar are shown as examples of a detection means, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to detection means other than a camera, a radar, and a sonar as long as it is possible to detect the presence of a person around a vehicle.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the illumination of hazard lights, etc. and the sound output of a horn, etc. are shown as examples of the notification means, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to notification means other than the illumination of hazard lights, etc. and the sound output of a horn, etc., as long as the notification means is noticeable by people around the vehicle.

[0057] In the above embodiment, a key-free terminal and a smartphone were shown as examples of a mobile terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to mobile terminals other than key-free terminals and smartphones as long as they are capable of communicating with a communication device.

[0058] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the application of the present invention, and it goes without saying that any other embodiments within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1:HV-ECU (control unit) 2: Body ECU 3: Communication equipment 4: Mobile devices 5: Detection method 6: Notification method 7: HV high voltage battery (energy storage device) 8: Inverter 9: Outlet (power output) 100: Vehicle control device

Claims

1. An engine, A power storage device; a power output unit for external power supply that outputs at least one of the power generated by driving the engine and the power stored in the power storage device to an outside of the vehicle; A detection means for detecting the presence of a person around the vehicle; a notification means for notifying the outside of the vehicle; A control unit. the engine is operated under a condition that a remaining charge of the power storage device falls below a predetermined remaining charge during external power supply by the power output unit with the engine stopped, the control unit, during external power supply by the power output unit with the engine stopped, performs control to cause the notification means to notify an outside of the vehicle on condition that the detection means detects the presence of a person around the vehicle, The vehicle further includes a communication device capable of communicating with a mobile terminal carried by a user of the vehicle, The control unit of the vehicle control device is characterized in that it does not control the notification means to notify when it determines that the communication device and the portable terminal are in a state where they can communicate outside the vehicle, and it controls the notification means to notify when it determines that the communication device and the portable terminal are not in a state where they can communicate.

2. An engine, A power storage device; a power output unit for external power supply that outputs at least one of the power generated by driving the engine and the power stored in the power storage device to an outside of the vehicle; A detection means for detecting the presence of a person around the vehicle; a notification means for notifying the outside of the vehicle; A control unit. the engine is operated under a condition that a remaining charge of the power storage device falls below a predetermined remaining charge during external power supply by the power output unit with the engine stopped, the control unit, during external power supply by the power output unit with the engine stopped, performs control to cause the notification means to notify an outside of the vehicle on condition that the detection means detects the presence of a person around the vehicle, The detection means is configured to detect at least one of a movement of a person or a direction of movement of a person around the vehicle, The control unit controls the notification means to notify a person approaching the vehicle, on condition that at least one of the person's movement or the person's direction of movement detected by the detection means is determined to be approaching the vehicle.

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