Vehicle power supply system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle power supply system capable of reducing power consumption in a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle power supply system comprises: a first secondary battery 14; a second secondary battery 15 that has an output voltage lower than that of the first secondary battery; a DC power supply part 106 that converts an input AC voltage into a DC voltage and outputs the resultant; a distributor 110 that comprises one input end and a plurality of output ends to output the DC voltage inputted from the input end to a designated output end; a first step-down circuit 107 that steps down the input DC voltage and outputs the resultant; a second step-down circuit 109 that steps down the input DC voltage and outputs the resultant; and a control device 105c that controls the distributor. The input end of the distributor is connected with an output end of the DC power supply part. For the distributor, one of the output ends is connected with an input end of the first step-down circuit, and one of the other output ends is connected with the first secondary battery. An output end of the first step-down circuit is connected with a computer 105a. For the second step-down circuit, an input end is connected with the first secondary battery, and an output end is connected with the second secondary battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle power supply system.

Background Art

[0002] Some vehicles are equipped with a computer capable of grid computing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the example of Patent Document 1, in response to an engine-off operation or a power-off operation of the vehicle by the user, a signal indicating that participation in grid computing is possible is transmitted to a management server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 hardly considers power consumption management of devices (especially power consumption reduction).

[0005] An object of the present aspect is to reduce power consumption in a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect is a first secondary battery, a second secondary battery having an output voltage lower than that of the first secondary battery, a DC power supply unit that converts an input AC voltage into a DC voltage and outputs it, a distributor having at least one input terminal and a plurality of output terminals, and outputting the DC voltage input from the input terminal to an instructed output terminal, a first step-down circuit that steps down the input DC voltage and outputs it, A second step-down circuit that steps down the input DC voltage and outputs it, A control device that controls the distributor, and is provided with, The output terminal of the DC power supply unit is connected to the input terminal of the distributor, One of the output terminals of the distributor is connected to the input terminal of the first step-down circuit, and one of the other output terminals is connected to the first secondary battery, The output terminal of the first step-down circuit is connected to a computer, The input terminal of the second step-down circuit is connected to the first secondary battery, and the output terminal is connected to the second secondary battery A vehicle power supply system characterized by this.

[0007] In the first aspect, power is distributed by a distributor.

[0008] The second aspect is the vehicle power supply system of the first aspect, The control device has a control mode in which the output of the DC power supply unit is supplied to the first secondary battery by controlling the distributor A vehicle power supply system characterized by this.

[0009] In the second aspect, power from the DC power supply unit is used to charge the first secondary battery.

[0010] The third aspect is the vehicle power supply system of the first or second aspect, The control device has a control mode in which the output of the DC power supply unit is stepped down by the first step-down circuit and the output of the first step-down circuit is supplied to the computer by controlling the distributor A vehicle power supply system characterized by this.

[0011] In the third aspect, power from the DC power supply unit is used to supply power to the computer.

[0012] The fourth aspect is in any one of the vehicle power supply systems of the first to third aspects, When the power of the second secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control device has a control mode for supplying the power of the second secondary battery to the computer. A vehicle power supply system characterized by this.

[0013] In the fourth aspect, the power from the second secondary battery is used to supply power to the computer.

[0014] The fifth aspect is a vehicle power supply system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, The control device has a control mode for stepping down the output of the first secondary battery by the second step-down circuit and supplying the output of the second step-down circuit to the second secondary battery. A vehicle power supply system characterized by this.

[0015] In the fifth aspect, the power from the first secondary battery is used to charge the second secondary battery.

[0016] The sixth aspect is a vehicle power supply system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, The output terminal of the first secondary battery is connected to the input terminal of the distributor, The control device has a control mode for stepping down the output of the first secondary battery by the first step-down circuit by controlling the distributor and supplying the output of the first step-down circuit to the computer. A vehicle power supply system characterized by this.

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the power from the first secondary battery is used to supply power to the computer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to reduce power consumption in a vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, the vehicle power supply system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle power supply system of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is connected to System 1 (described later). Therefore, System 1 will be described. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0021] 《System 1》 FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of System 1 in the present embodiment. System 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 10, a plurality of user terminals 20, a client server 30, a facility server 40, and a management server 50.

[0022] The client server 30 is owned by the client. The client requests the management server 50 to manage the calculation of job data. Examples of such clients include companies, research institutions, educational institutions, and the like. The facility server 40 is owned by the facility. Users visit the facility.

[0023] The user can make a reservation to visit a facility. Examples of such facilities include stadiums, theaters, supermarkets, restaurants, accommodation facilities, stores, and the like. The management server 50 manages the operation of the system 1 configured with grid computing (such as job allocation). The management server 50 is owned by the operator who operates the system 1.

[0024] These components can communicate with each other via the communication network 5. Each of the vehicles 10 is equipped with an arithmetic unit 105. Note that a plurality of client servers 30 may be provided in the system 1. Similarly, a plurality of facility servers 40 may be provided in the system 1.

[0025] 〔Grid Computing〕 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of grid computing. As shown in FIG. 2, in the system 1, grid computing is configured by a plurality of arithmetic units 105. In the system 1, among the plurality of arithmetic units 105, a process (grid computing process) of causing the available arithmetic unit 105 to process job data is performed.

[0026] When the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is required in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic unit 105 is in an operating state. That is, the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is utilized. For example, when the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is required for the running control of the vehicle 10, the arithmetic unit 105 is in an operating state.

[0027] On the other hand, when the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is not required in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic unit 105 is in a stopped state. That is, in the vehicle 10, the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is not utilized.

[0028] Here, in the vehicle 10, when the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is not required, the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is provided for the grid computing process. Thereby, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105.

[0029] [Vehicle] The vehicle 10 (computer system) is owned by the user. The user may drive the vehicle 10. In this example, the vehicle 10 is an automobile. Examples of the vehicle 10 include an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and the like.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration (excerpt) of the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a charge control unit 200 (see FIG. 3) and the like. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vehicle 10 includes an actuator 11, a sensor 12, a motor 13, a battery pack 201 (including a first secondary battery 14 described later), a second secondary battery 15, an inverter circuit 16, an input unit 101, an output unit 102, a communication unit 103, a storage unit 104, an arithmetic unit 105, DC / DC converters 107 and 109, a cooling device 108, a charge control unit 200, a power control unit 202, a heater 203, an electrical system 205, a drive / steering system 206, and a heating / ventilation / air conditioning system 207.

[0031] The inverter circuit 16 converts the input DC voltage into an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency and voltage and outputs it. The output of the inverter circuit 16 (three-phase AC voltage) is supplied to a motor for vehicle travel (motor 13).

[0032] The voltage of the second secondary battery 15 is 12V. The power of the second secondary battery 15 is supplied to a computer (such as a central control unit 105b described later) and the like.

[0033] The actuator 11 includes an actuator for the steering system, an actuator for the braking system, and the like. Examples of the actuator for the braking system include a brake. Examples of the actuator for the steering system include a steering.

[0034] The sensor 12 acquires various types of information used for controlling the vehicle 10. Examples of the sensor 12 include an external camera, an internal camera, a radar, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, an accelerator opening sensor, a steering sensor, a brake hydraulic pressure sensor, and the like. The external camera images the outside of the vehicle. The internal camera images the inside of the vehicle. The radar explores the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] The input unit 101 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 101 include an operation unit that inputs information corresponding to an operation when operated, a camera that inputs an image indicating information, a microphone that inputs a voice indicating information, and the like. Examples of the operation unit include operation buttons and touch sensors of a car navigation device. The information and data input to the input unit 101 are sent to the arithmetic unit 105.

[0036] The output unit 102 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 102 include a display unit that outputs an image indicating information, a speaker that outputs a voice indicating information, and the like. Examples of the display unit include a display of a car navigation device. Examples of the speaker include a speaker of a car navigation device.

[0037] The communication unit 103 transmits and receives information and data. The information and data received by the communication unit 103 are sent to the arithmetic unit 105. In this embodiment, the user can instruct (transmit) the operation mode (described later) when connected to a normal charger to the communication unit 103. In this example, the user can send an instruction to the communication unit 103 by wireless communication from the user terminal 20.

[0038] The storage unit 104 stores information and data.

[0039] The battery pack 201 includes a first secondary battery 14 and a battery heater 201a. The voltage of the first secondary battery 14 is several hundred volts (e.g., 200V). The output voltage of the first secondary battery 14 is higher than the output voltage of the second secondary battery 15. The power of the first secondary battery 14 is input to the inverter circuit 16. The first secondary battery 14 may be normally charged or rapidly charged.

[0040] The battery heater 201a is a heater for adjusting the temperature of the first secondary battery 14. The battery heater 201a receives power supply from the first secondary battery 14.

[0041] The cooling device 108 cools the arithmetic unit 105 and the first secondary battery 14. Specifically, the cooling device 108 water-cools the first secondary battery 14. The cooling device 108 also performs air conditioning inside the vehicle (in the cabin). That is, the cooling device 108 has a water-cooling function and an air-conditioning function. The cooling device 108 uses these functions to water-cool a part of the arithmetic unit 105 and air-cool a part of it.

[0042] The cooling device 108 includes a condenser, an evaporator, a chiller, a pump, etc. (all are not shown) to realize the water-cooling function and the air-conditioning function. The operation of the cooling device 108 is controlled by the arithmetic unit 105.

[0043] The arithmetic unit 105 includes a plurality of control units (computers). In this example, the arithmetic unit 105 includes, as control units, a video media control unit 105a, a central control unit 105b, and a driving support unit 105e (see FIG. 4). Note that the video media control unit 105a is a computer that constitutes the arithmetic unit 105, but in FIG. 4, for convenience of illustration, the video media control unit 105a is described independently.

[0044] Some of these computers are allowed to participate in grid computing, while others are not. The central control unit 105b and the driving support unit 105e are supplied with power from the second secondary battery 15.

[0045] The video media control unit 105a (computer) includes an MPU (Media Processing Unit). The MPU is a device including a processor for processing image data. Note that the video media control unit 105a may be configured to allow a user to select whether to attach it when purchasing the vehicle 10 or the like.

[0046] The video media control unit 105a processes the video captured by the in-vehicle camera and the video (image data) captured by the out-vehicle camera by the MPU executing a predetermined program. By executing the program, the MPU can, for example, automatically edit the image data. Note that the video media control unit 105a may communicate with the central control unit 105b and the driving support unit 105e via a local area network (such as Ethernet).

[0047] The MPU is a processor with relatively high computing power. The video media control unit 105a (MPU) is allowed to participate in grid computing.

[0048] The electronic components of the video media control unit 105a are cooled by the cooling device 108. For example, a predetermined semiconductor element constituting the video media control unit 105a is water-cooled by the cooling device 108. The housing accommodating the video media control unit 105a has cold air introduced from the cooling device 108 into its interior. In other words, the video media control unit 105a is air-cooled by the cooling device 108.

[0049] The video media control unit 105a can control the cooling device 108 by executing the program. The video media control unit 105a can adjust the capacity of the cooling device 108 to cool itself.

[0050] The central control unit 105b includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). The central control unit 105b controls the vehicle 10 during driving by having its CPU execute a predetermined program. In principle, the central control unit 105b does not operate while the vehicle is parked.

[0051] For example, the central control unit 105b controls the actuator (motor 13) of the drive system according to various information obtained by the sensor 12. The central control unit 105b also controls the cooling device 108 (such as controlling the air conditioning inside the vehicle). The central control unit 105b is not permitted to participate in grid computing. Note that the CPU etc. of the central control unit 105b is cooled by the cooling device 108, similar to the video media control unit 105a.

[0052] The driving support unit 105e includes one or more CPUs. The driving support unit 105e controls each function of the preventive safety driving support by having its CPU execute a predetermined program. In principle, the driving support unit 105e does not operate while the vehicle is parked.

[0053] For example, the driving support unit 105e performs following driving with respect to the vehicle ahead, situation evaluation related to collision mitigation brakes etc., brake control, etc. The driving support unit 105e is not permitted to participate in grid computing.

[0054] The component group including the secondary battery 15, the inverter circuit 16, the DC / DC converters 107, 109, the charge control unit 200, the battery pack 201, and the power control unit 202 may be called the vehicle power supply system.

[0055] The charge control unit 200 manages the charging of the first secondary battery 14 etc. The charge control unit 200 is connected to a normal charger during normal charging. The normal charger is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply. The commercial power supply is, for example, an AC power supply such as single-phase 100V or single-phase 200V.

[0056] The charging control unit 200 includes, as components, a power distribution control unit 105c (control device), a power conversion device 106 (DC power supply unit), and a distributor 110. Each component of the charging control unit 200 is housed in one housing. Each component of the charging control unit 200 may be mounted on the same substrate.

[0057] The power conversion device 106 is connected to a normal charger during normal charging. The power conversion device 106 converts the input AC voltage into a DC voltage and outputs it. The operation of the power conversion device 106 is controlled by the power distribution control unit 105c. The power conversion device 106 includes a rectifier 106a, an inverter circuit 106b, a transformer 106c, and a rectifier 106d.

[0058] The rectifier 106a (AC / DC converter) rectifies the AC voltage input from the normal charger and outputs a DC voltage. The rectifier 106a can be configured, for example, by a diode bridge circuit.

[0059] The inverter circuit 106b (DC / AC converter) converts the DC voltage output by the rectifier 106a into an AC voltage having a predetermined voltage and frequency. The output of the inverter circuit 106b is input to the transformer 106c.

[0060] The transformer 106c (step-up transformer) steps up the AC voltage output by the inverter circuit 106b. The output voltage of the transformer 106c is several hundred volts (for example, about 200V). The output of the transformer 106c is input to the rectifier 106d.

[0061] The rectifier 106d (AC / DC converter) converts the AC voltage output by the transformer 106c into a DC voltage. The output voltage of the rectifier 106d is a DC voltage suitable for charging the first secondary battery 14 (for example, 200V). The rectifier 106d can be configured, for example, by a diode bridge circuit.

[0062] The distributor 110 has a plurality of input terminals and a plurality of output terminals. The distributor 110 outputs (distributes) the DC voltage input from the input terminal to the designated output terminal. The control (designation) of the distributor 110 is performed by the power distribution control unit 105c (control device).

[0063] The distributor 110 can be composed of semiconductor switches, relays, or DC / DC converters. In this embodiment, the distributor 110 is composed of a DC / DC converter. The distributor 110 can control not only the presence or absence of power supply but also the magnitude of the supplied power.

[0064] One of the input terminals of the distributor 110 is connected to the output terminal of the power conversion device 106 (more precisely, the output terminal of the rectifier 106d). One of the other input terminals of the distributor 110 is connected to the output terminal of the first secondary battery 14.

[0065] One of the output terminals of the distributor 110 is connected to the input terminal of the DC / DC converter 107. The distributor 110 can selectively supply either the power from the power conversion device 106 or the power from the first secondary battery 14 to the DC / DC converter 107. This selection (control) is performed by the power distribution control unit 105c.

[0066] One of the other output terminals of the distributor 110 is connected to the first secondary battery 14. The distributor 110 can control the on / off of the power supply from the power conversion device 106 to the first secondary battery 14. This on / off control is performed by the power distribution control unit 105c.

[0067] The DC / DC converter 107 is a step-down circuit (first step-down circuit). The DC / DC converter 107 has a plurality of output terminals. The output voltage of each output terminal is 12V. The DC / DC converter 107 can control the magnitude of the power at each output terminal. The power at the output terminal of the DC / DC converter 107 may be zero (i.e., in the off state).

[0068] One output terminal of the DC / DC converter 107 is connected to one device (power supply destination). In this embodiment, the power supply destinations of the DC / DC converter 107 are the video media control unit 105a, the power distribution control unit 105c, and the power control unit 202.

[0069] The DC / DC converter 109 is a step-down circuit (second step-down circuit). The DC / DC converter 109 has the first secondary battery 14 connected to its input terminal. The output voltage of the output terminal of the DC / DC converter 109 is 12V. The DC / DC converter 109 can control the on / off of the output. The DC / DC converter 109 has the second secondary battery 15 connected to its output terminal.

[0070] The power control unit 202 includes a CPU. By the CPU of the power control unit 202 executing a predetermined program, monitoring of the first secondary battery 14, control of the relays in the battery pack 201, etc. are performed. For example, the power control unit 202 also checks and diagnoses the temperature, current, voltage, etc. of the cells of the first secondary battery 14. In addition, the power control unit 202 also controls the DC / DC converter 109. Specifically, the power control unit 202 switches the on / off of the output of the DC / DC converter 109.

[0071] The heater 203 is a heater for vehicle air conditioning. The heater 203 receives power supply from the first secondary battery 14. The electrical equipment system 205, the drive system / steering system 206, the heating / ventilation / air conditioning system 207, etc. are electrical components provided in the vehicle 10. These electrical components receive power supply from the second secondary battery 15.

[0072] 《Operation example (power control example)》 The power control in the vehicle 10 (computer system) will be described for the case where the vehicle 10 is connected to a normal charger and the case where the vehicle 10 is not connected to a normal charger, respectively.

[0073] 〈When the vehicle 10 is connected to a normal charger〉 When the vehicle 10 is connected to the normal charger, power is supplied from the normal charger to the charge control unit 200 (more precisely, the power conversion device 106). In the vehicle 10, the following three modes can be selected as the operation mode when connected to the normal charger.

[0074] (1) A mode (first mode) in which the first secondary battery 14 is charged but does not participate in grid computing.

[0075] (2) A mode (second mode) in which both the charging of the first secondary battery 14 and participation in grid computing are performed.

[0076] (3) A mode (third mode) in which the charging of the first secondary battery 14 is not performed and participation in grid computing is carried out.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a table for explaining power control when the vehicle 10 is connected to a normal charger (abbreviated as "charger" in the figure). In FIG. 5, OBC (On Board Charger) means the charge control unit 200 (the same applies to other figures). Also, in FIG. 5, "〇" means that the device corresponding to this symbol is in an operating state, and "×" means that the device corresponding to this symbol is in a stopped state. Also, "MPU operation" means that the video media control unit 105a participates in grid computing (the same applies to other figures).

[0078] In FIG. 5, when the "power state of the second secondary battery" is "high", it means that the second secondary battery 15 is in a power state where it can supply power to the video media control unit 105a (MPU). When the "power state of the second secondary battery" is "low", it means that the second secondary battery 15 is in a power state where it cannot supply power to the video media control unit 105a (MPU).

[0079] 〔First mode〕 In the first mode, the first secondary battery 14 is charged. In the first mode, power is supplied to the first secondary battery 14 using power from a normal charger. Specifically, in the first mode, the power distribution control unit 105c controls the distributor 110 so that the output of the power conversion device 106 is supplied to the first secondary battery 14.

[0080] In the first mode, the charge control unit 200 operates (see FIG. 5). In other words, power is supplied to the charge control unit 200. In the first mode, power is not supplied to the video media control unit 105a. In the present embodiment, the power distribution control unit 105c controls the distributor 110 to stop the power supply to the DC / DC converter 107.

[0081] 〔Second Mode〕 -Charging of the First Secondary Battery 14- In the second mode, the first secondary battery 14 is charged. In the second mode, power is supplied to the first secondary battery 14 using power from a normal charger. Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c controls the distributor 110 so that the output of the power conversion device 106 (the output of the rectifier 106d) is supplied to the first secondary battery 14.

[0082] As a result, the first secondary battery 14 is charged. During the charging of the first secondary battery 14, the power control unit 202 transmits information such as the voltage of the first secondary battery 14 to the power distribution control unit 105c.

[0083] -Power Supply to the MPU- In the second mode, power is supplied to the video media control unit 105a (MPU). In the second mode, the power supply source to the video media control unit 105a is different depending on whether the power state of the second secondary battery 15 (12V battery) is "high" or "low". For example, when the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high", power is directly supplied from the second secondary battery 15 to the video media control unit 105a.

[0084] When the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", the power obtained from the normal charger is used for power supply to the video media control unit 105a. Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c controls the distributor 110 so that the output of the power conversion device 106 is input to the DC / DC converter 107.

[0085] The DC / DC converter 107 steps down the output voltage (DC voltage) of the power conversion device 106 to a voltage suitable for the video media control unit 105a. The DC / DC converter 107 supplies the thus generated DC voltage to the video media control unit 105a. Thereby, the video media control unit 105a can participate in grid computing.

[0086] As described above, in the second mode, the charging control unit 200 (OBC) operates. In other words, power is supplied to the charging control unit 200. Also, in the second mode, power is supplied to the video media control unit 105a and the power control unit 202. In the second mode, it is possible to control so that power is not supplied to devices unnecessary for the operation of the charging control unit 200, the power control unit 202, and the video media control unit 105a. For example, when the vehicle 10 is parked, power supply to the central control unit 105b, the driving support unit 105e, the electrical system 205, the drive system / steering system 206, and the air conditioning system 207 can be stopped. 〔Third Mode〕 In the third mode, the first secondary battery 14 is not charged. In the third mode, power is supplied to the video media control unit 105a and the devices for operating it. Also in the third mode, depending on whether the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high" or "low", the power supply source to the video media control unit 105a is different.

[0087] When the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high", power is supplied from the second secondary battery 15 to the video media control unit 105a. When the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", the power obtained from the normal charger is used for power supply to the video media control unit 105a.

[0088] Specifically, when the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", the power distribution control unit 105c controls the distributor 110 so that the output of the power conversion device 106 is input to the DC / DC converter 107. The DC / DC converter 107 steps down the output voltage (DC voltage) of the power conversion device 106 to a voltage suitable for the video media control unit 105a.

[0089] The DC / DC converter 107 supplies the thus generated DC voltage to the video media control unit 105a. Thereby, the video media control unit 105a can participate in grid computing.

[0090] In the third mode, when the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", in the charging control unit 200 (OBC), the power distribution control unit 105c and the distributor 110 operate. That is, a part of the charging control unit 200 operates. Also, when the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", power is supplied to the power control unit 202 and the DC / DC converter 107.

[0091] On the other hand, when the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high", generally, the operation of the charging control unit 200 is not necessary. However, in the charging control unit 200, for the convenience of power management, the power distribution control unit 105c may operate. That is, a part of the charging control unit 200 may operate.

[0092] <When the vehicle 10 is not connected to the ordinary charger> During the running of the vehicle 10, it is not connected to the ordinary charger. Also, during parking, there may be a case where it is not connected to the ordinary charger. When the vehicle 10 is not connected to the ordinary charger, the vehicle 10 can select the following three modes (the fourth mode to the sixth mode) as the operation mode.

[0093] (1) A mode (the fourth mode) in which the second secondary battery 15 (12V battery) is charged but does not participate in grid computing.

[0094] (2) A mode (the fifth mode) in which both the charging of the second secondary battery 15 and participation in grid computing are performed.

[0095] (3) A mode (the sixth mode) in which the charging of the second secondary battery 15 is not performed and participation in grid computing is carried out.

[0096] FIG. 6 is a table for explaining power control when the vehicle 10 is not connected to an ordinary charger. Also in FIG. 6, OBC means the charging control unit 200. Also in FIG. 6, "〇" means the state in which the device corresponding to this symbol is operating, and "×" means the state in which the device corresponding to this symbol is stopped.

[0097] 〔Fourth mode〕 In the fourth mode, the second secondary battery 15 is charged using the power of the first secondary battery 14. Specifically, in the fourth mode, the power control unit 202 operates the DC / DC converter 109 (the second step-down circuit).

[0098] The DC / DC converter 109 steps down the DC voltage (for example, 200V) supplied from the first secondary battery 14 to a DC voltage (for example, 12V) suitable for charging the second secondary battery 15. The DC / DC converter 109 supplies the DC voltage to the second secondary battery 15. Thereby, the second secondary battery 15 is charged.

[0099] As described above, in the fourth mode, the power control unit 202 and the battery pack 201 operate. In the fourth mode, the power supply to the charging control unit 200 can be stopped.

[0100] 〔Fifth mode〕 In the fifth mode, the second secondary battery 15 is charged using the power of the first secondary battery 14. Also in the fifth mode, the same control as in the fourth mode is performed, and the second secondary battery 15 is charged. That is, also in the fifth mode, the power control unit 202 operates the DC / DC converter 109 (the second step-down circuit). The DC / DC converter 109 supplies the generated DC voltage to the second secondary battery 15.

[0101] In the fifth mode, the power supply source to the video media control unit 105a is different depending on whether the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high" or "low". When the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high", the power of the second secondary battery 15 is directly supplied to the video media control unit 105a.

[0102] When the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", the power of the first secondary battery 14 is used for power supply to the video media control unit 105a. Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c controls the distributor 110 so that the output of the first secondary battery 14 is input to the DC / DC converter 107 (the first step-down circuit).

[0103] The DC / DC converter 107 steps down the DC voltage input from the first secondary battery 14 to a DC voltage suitable for the operation of the video media control unit 105a. The DC voltage generated by the DC / DC converter 107 in this way is supplied to the video media control unit 105a. Thereby, the video media control unit 105a can participate in grid computing.

[0104] In the fifth mode, it is not necessary to operate the charging control unit 200 to charge the second secondary battery 15. When the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high", it is not necessary to operate the charging control unit 200 to supply power to the video media control unit 105a.

[0105] In the fifth mode, when the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", power supply to the video media control unit 105a is performed using the power of the first secondary battery 14. That is, when the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", the charging control unit 200 operates.

[0106] 〔Sixth mode〕 In the sixth mode, power is supplied to the video media control unit 105a and the devices for operating it. Also in the sixth mode, the power supply source to the video media control unit 105a is different depending on whether the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high" or "low".

[0107] When the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high", the video media control unit 105a is directly supplied with the power of the second secondary battery 15. In the sixth mode, when the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "high", it is not necessary to operate the charge control unit 200 to supply power to the video media control unit 105a.

[0108] When the power state of the second secondary battery 15 is "low", the first secondary battery 14 is used to supply power to the video media control unit 105a. Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c controls the distributor 110 so that the output of the first secondary battery 14 is input to the DC / DC converter 107 (the first step-down circuit).

[0109] The DC / DC converter 107 steps down the DC voltage input from the first secondary battery 14 to a DC voltage suitable for the operation of the video media control unit 105a. The DC voltage thus generated by the DC / DC converter 107 is supplied to the video media control unit 105a. Thereby, the video media control unit 105a can participate in grid computing.

[0110] <Effect of this Embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, power distribution control to the secondary batteries 14 and 15 and the video media control unit 105a (MPU) is possible. For example, when charging the second secondary battery 15 using the power of the first secondary battery 14 when the charger is not connected, it is not necessary to activate the charge control unit 200. That is, the components of the charge control unit 200 are activated as needed. Also, when the vehicle 10 is parked, power consumption in the central control unit 105b, the driving support unit 105e, the electrical equipment system 205, the drive system / steering system 206, the air conditioning system 207, etc. can be stopped. According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the vehicle.

[0111] [Other Embodiments] The computers participating in grid computing are not limited to the video media control unit 105a. In addition to the video media control unit 105a, other computers may also be allowed to participate in grid computing.

[0112] In the first to third modes, part or all of the processing performed by the power distribution control unit 105c may be performed by the video media control unit 105a. For example, if the video media control unit 105a performs all of the processing that the power distribution control unit 105c has been performing, the power distribution control unit 105c may not be provided.

[0113] The above embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations. The above embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology disclosed herein, its applications, or its uses.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0114] 14 First secondary battery 15 Second secondary battery 105a Video media control unit (computer) 105c Power distribution control unit (control device) 106 Power conversion device (DC power supply unit) 107 DC / DC converter (first step-down circuit) 109 DC / DC converter (second step-down circuit) 110 Distributor

Claims

1. A first secondary battery, a second secondary battery having an output voltage lower than that of the first secondary battery, a DC power supply unit that converts an input AC voltage into a DC voltage and outputs it, a distributor having at least one input terminal and a plurality of output terminals, and outputting the DC voltage input from the input terminal to the designated output terminal, a first step-down circuit that steps down the input DC voltage and outputs it, a second step-down circuit that steps down the input DC voltage and outputs it, a control device that controls the distributor, and comprising: The output terminal of the DC power supply unit is connected to the input terminal of the distributor, One of the output terminals of the distributor is connected to the input terminal of the first step-down circuit, and one of the other output terminals is connected to the first secondary battery, The output terminal of the first step-down circuit is connected to a computer, The input terminal of the second step-down circuit is connected to the first secondary battery, and the output terminal is connected to the second secondary battery A vehicle power supply system characterized by the above.

2. In the vehicle power supply system according to Claim 1, The control device has a control mode in which the output of the DC power supply unit is supplied to the first secondary battery by controlling the distributor. A vehicle power supply system characterized by the above.

3. In the vehicle power supply system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The control device has a control mode in which the output of the DC power supply unit is stepped down by the first step-down circuit and the output of the first step-down circuit is supplied to the computer by controlling the distributor. A vehicle power supply system characterized by the above.

4. In any one of the vehicle power supply systems according to Claims 1 to 3, The control device has a control mode in which, when the power of the second secondary battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the power of the second secondary battery is supplied to the computer. A vehicle power supply system characterized by the above.

5. In any one of the vehicle power supply systems according to Claims 1 to 4, The control device has a control mode in which the output of the first secondary battery is stepped down by the second step-down circuit and the output of the second step-down circuit is supplied to the second secondary battery. A vehicle power supply system characterized by the above.

6. In any one of the vehicle power supply systems according to Claims 1 to 5, The output terminal of the first secondary battery is connected to the input terminal of the distributor, The control device has a control mode in which the output of the first secondary battery is stepped down by the first step-down circuit by controlling the distributor, and the output of the first step-down circuit is supplied to the computer. A vehicle power supply system characterized by the above.

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