Vehicle, vehicle control device, and vehicle control method

Abstract

To ensure that, when contactless power feeding to a vehicle is carried out, the necessary electric power is maintained by power feeding and losses of electric power in the vehicle are suppressed.SOLUTION: A vehicle 1 comprises a battery 5; electric loads 7, 9; a power receiving device 2 that has a power receiving coil 22 that receives electric power from a power transmitting coil 64 provided on a road; a DC / DC converter 3 that converts, using a switching element 31, the voltage value of DC power that is outputted from the power receiving device; and a control device 10 that controls the DC / DC converter. The control device switches, on the basis of a prescribed condition, the state of the DC / DC converter when electric power is supplied to at least one of the battery and the electric loads via the DC / DC converter from the power receiving device between a non-operating state in which the switching element is retained in an on state and an operating state in which the switching element is switched between an on state and an off state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, a control device for a vehicle, and a vehicle control method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for non-contact power transmission using a transmission method such as a magnetic resonance method has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a technique, the AC power generated in the power receiving coil by non-contact power supply is converted into DC power, and the voltage value of the DC power is converted by a DC / DC converter.

[0003] When such a technique is applied to non-contact power supply for a vehicle, the power received by the power receiving coil provided in the vehicle is supplied to a battery or the like via a DC / DC converter. At this time, the amount of power can be adjusted by the DC / DC converter, and stable power supply to the vehicle becomes possible.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when voltage conversion by a switching operation is always performed when power is supplied via a DC / DC converter, power loss due to the switching operation occurs in the vehicle.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to suppress power loss in a vehicle while ensuring the power required for power supply when non-contact power supply to the vehicle is performed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0008] (1) A vehicle comprising a battery, an electrical load, a power receiving device having a power receiving coil that receives power from a power transmission coil provided on a road, a DC / DC converter that converts the voltage value of DC power output from the power receiving device using a switching element, and a control device that controls the DC / DC converter. The control device switches the state of the DC / DC converter between a non-operating state in which the switching element is maintained in an on state and an operating state in which the switching element is switched between an on state and an off state when power is supplied from the power receiving device to at least one of the battery and the electrical load based on a predetermined condition.

[0009] (2) The vehicle according to (1) above, wherein the control device sets the state of the DC / DC converter to the non-operating state when a predetermined power reception power reduction condition is satisfied.

[0010] (3) The vehicle according to (2) above, wherein the power reception power reduction condition is that the length of the power supply area in which the vehicle is traveling is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0011] (4) The vehicle according to (2) above, wherein the power reception power reduction condition is that the SOC of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0012] (5) The vehicle according to (2) above, wherein the power reception power reduction condition is a condition related to the amount of power consumed in the vehicle.

[0013] (6) The vehicle according to (5) above, wherein the electrical load includes a motor, and the power reception power reduction condition includes that the power consumption of the motor is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0014] (7) The vehicle according to (5) or (6) above, wherein the power reception power reduction condition includes that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0015] (8) The electric load includes an air conditioner, and the power reception power reduction condition includes that the power consumption of the air conditioner is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The vehicle according to any one of (5) to (7) above.

[0016] (9) The electric load includes an air conditioner, and the power reception power reduction condition includes that the outside air temperature is within a predetermined range. The vehicle according to any one of (5) to (8) above.

[0017] (10) When a predetermined power fluctuation prohibition condition is satisfied when power is being supplied from the power reception device to the battery via the DC / DC converter, the control device sets the state of the DC / DC converter to the operating state. The vehicle according to any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0018] (11) The power fluctuation prohibition condition includes that the temperature of the battery is outside a predetermined range. The vehicle according to (10) above.

[0019] (12) The power fluctuation prohibition condition includes that the power that can be charged to the battery and the power that can be discharged from the battery are equal to or less than a predetermined value. The vehicle according to (10) or (11) above.

[0020] (13) A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle including a battery, an electric load, a power reception device having a power reception coil for receiving power from a power transmission coil provided on a road, and a DC / DC converter for converting the voltage value of the DC power output from the power reception device using a switching element, wherein, based on a predetermined condition, when power is being supplied from the power reception device to at least one of the battery and the electric load via the DC / DC converter, the state of the DC / DC converter is switched between a non-operating state in which the switching element is maintained in an on state and an operating state in which the switching element is switched between an on state and an off state.

[0021] (14) A vehicle control method for controlling a vehicle including a battery, an electrical load, a power receiving device having a power receiving coil for receiving power from a power transmission coil provided on a road, and a DC / DC converter that uses a switching element to convert the voltage value of the DC power output from the power receiving device, the method including switching, based on a predetermined condition, the state of the DC / DC converter when power is supplied from the power receiving device to at least one of the battery and the electrical load via the DC / DC converter between a non-operating state in which the switching element is maintained in an on state and an operating state in which the switching element is switched between an on state and an off state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, when non-contact power supply to a vehicle is performed, it is possible to suppress power loss in the vehicle while ensuring the power required for power supply.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

[0025] First, a configuration for non-contact power supply to a vehicle using a power supply device will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a non-contact power supply system 100. The non-contact power supply system 100 includes a power supply device 50 and a vehicle 1, and performs non-contact power supply between the power supply device 50 and the vehicle 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the non-contact power supply system 100 performs non-contact power supply from the power supply device 50 to the vehicle 1 by magnetic field resonance coupling (magnetic field resonance) when the vehicle 1 is running. That is, the non-contact power supply system 100 transmits power from the power supply device 50 to the vehicle 1 using a magnetic field as a medium. Note that non-contact power supply is also referred to as non-contact power transmission, wireless power transmission, or wireless power supply.

[0026] The power supply device 50 is configured to perform non-contact power supply to the vehicle 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device 50 includes a power source 51, a controller 52, a communication device 53, and a power transmission device 60. In this embodiment, the power supply device 50 is provided on a road (lane) on which the vehicle 1 travels, and is embedded, for example, underground (under the road surface). Note that at least a part of the power supply device 50 (for example, the power source 51, the controller 52, and the communication device 53) may be disposed above the road surface.

[0027] The power source 51 is a power source for the power transmission device 60 and supplies power to the power transmission device 60. The power source 51 is, for example, a commercial AC power source that supplies single-phase AC power. Note that the power source 51 may be an AC power source that supplies three-phase AC power or the like.

[0028] The power transmission device 60 is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field for transmitting power to the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the power transmission device 60 includes a power transmission side rectifier circuit 61, an inverter 62, and a power transmission side resonance circuit 63. In the power transmission device 60, appropriate AC power (high-frequency power) is supplied to the power transmission side resonance circuit 63 via the power transmission side rectifier circuit 61 and the inverter 62.

[0029] The power transmission side rectifier circuit 61 is electrically connected to the power source 51 and the inverter 62. The power transmission side rectifier circuit 61 rectifies the AC power supplied from the power source 51 and converts it into DC power, and supplies the DC power to the inverter 62. The power transmission side rectifier circuit 61 is, for example, an AC / DC converter.

[0030] The inverter 62 is electrically connected to the power transmission side rectifier circuit 61 and the power transmission side resonance circuit 63. The inverter 62 converts the DC power supplied from the power transmission side rectifier circuit 61 into AC power (high-frequency power) having a frequency higher than that of the AC power of the power source 51, and supplies the high-frequency power to the power transmission side resonance circuit 63.

[0031] The power transmission side resonance circuit 63 has a resonator composed of a power transmission coil 64 and a power transmission side capacitor 65. Various parameters of the power transmission coil 64 and the power transmission side capacitor 65 (the outer diameter and inner diameter of the power transmission coil 64, the number of turns of the power transmission coil 64, the capacitance of the power transmission side capacitor 65, etc.) are determined so that the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit 63 becomes a predetermined set value. The predetermined set value is, for example, 10 kHz to 100 GHz, and preferably 85 kHz defined by the SAE TIR J2954 standard as the frequency band for non-contact power supply of vehicles.

[0032] The power transmission side resonance circuit 63 is arranged at the center of the lane on which the vehicle 1 travels so that the center of the power transmission coil 64 is located at the center of the lane. When the high-frequency power supplied from the inverter 62 is applied to the power transmission side resonance circuit 63, the power transmission side resonance circuit 63 generates an alternating magnetic field for transmitting power to the vehicle 1. Note that the power source 51 may be a DC power source such as a fuel cell or a solar cell, and in this case, the power transmission side rectifier circuit 61 may be omitted. Also, a filter circuit for suppressing the harmonic noise generated from the inverter 62 may be provided between the inverter 62 and the power transmission side resonance circuit 63.

[0033] The controller 52 is, for example, a general-purpose computer and performs various controls of the power supply device 50. For example, the controller 52 is electrically connected to the inverter 62 of the power transmission device 60 and controls the inverter 62 to control the power transmission by the power transmission device 60.

[0034] The communication device 53 is a device that enables communication between the power supply device 50 and the outside of the power supply device 50. For example, the communication device 53 includes a short-range wireless communication module for performing short-range wireless communication (e.g., a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) antenna, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, etc.) and a wide-area wireless communication module for performing wide-area wireless communication. The communication device 53 is electrically connected to the controller 52, and the controller 52 communicates with the vehicle 1 using the communication device 53.

[0035] On the other hand, the vehicle 1 is provided with a power receiving device 2 and is configured to be non-contact power-fed by the power supply device 50. In the present embodiment, the power receiving device 2 has a power receiving side resonance circuit 21 and a power receiving side rectifying circuit 24.

[0036] The power receiving side resonance circuit 21 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle 1 so that the distance from the road surface becomes small. In the present embodiment, the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 is disposed at the center of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction and is disposed between the front wheels and the rear wheels in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1.

[0037] The power receiving side resonance circuit 21 has the same configuration as the power transmission side resonance circuit 63 and has a resonator composed of a power receiving coil 22 and a power receiving side capacitor 23. Various parameters of the power receiving coil 22 and the power receiving side capacitor 23 (the outer diameter and inner diameter of the power receiving coil 22, the number of turns of the power receiving coil 22, the capacitance of the power receiving side capacitor 23, etc.) are determined so that the resonance frequency of the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 matches the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit 63. Note that if the deviation amount between the resonance frequency of the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 and the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit 63 is small, for example, if the resonance frequency of the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 is within the range of ±20% of the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit 63, the resonance frequency of the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 does not necessarily have to match the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit 63.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, when the power receiving coil 22 of the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 faces the power transmitting coil 64 of the power transmitting side resonance circuit 63, and an alternating magnetic field is radiated from the power transmitting coil 64, the vibration of the alternating magnetic field is transmitted to the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 that resonates at the same resonance frequency as the power transmitting side resonance circuit 63. As a result, an induced current flows through the power receiving coil 22 of the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 by electromagnetic induction, and power is generated by the induced current. That is, the power receiving coil 22 receives power from the power transmitting coil 64 provided on the road.

[0039] The power receiving side rectifying circuit 24 is electrically connected to the power receiving side resonance circuit 21. The power receiving side rectifying circuit 24 rectifies the alternating current power supplied from the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 and converts it into direct current power. The power receiving side rectifying circuit 24 is, for example, an AC / DC converter. Note that a filter circuit for removing noise of the alternating current power may be provided between the power receiving side resonance circuit 21 and the power receiving side rectifying circuit 24.

[0040] Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the power supply path in the vehicle 1. As shown in Fig. 2, in addition to the power receiving device 2, the vehicle 1 includes a DC / DC converter 3, a relay 4, a battery 5, a sub DC / DC converter 6, an in-vehicle device 7, a power control unit (PCU) 8, and a motor 9.

[0041] The DC / DC converter 3 is electrically connected to the above-described power receiving device 2, specifically, the power receiving side rectifying circuit 24 of the power receiving device 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the DC / DC converter 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the DC / DC converter 3 includes a switching element 31, a diode 32, a choke coil 33, and a capacitor 34.

[0042] The DC / DC converter 3 uses a switching element 31 to convert the voltage value of the DC power output from the power receiving device 2. Specifically, the DC / DC converter 3 switches the switching element 31 between an on state and an off state, and controls the ratio (duty ratio) of the on time to the off time to output a voltage of a desired value. FIG. 3 shows a step-down DC / DC converter (buck converter), and in this case, the DC / DC converter 3 steps down the input power. Note that the DC / DC converter 3 may be a step-up DC / DC converter (boost converter) or a step-up / step-down DC / DC converter (buck-boost converter).

[0043] The relay 4 is disposed between the DC / DC converter 3 and the battery 5, and controls the electrical connection between the DC / DC converter 3 and the battery 5. When the relay 4 is connected, that is, when the relay 4 is in a closed state, power is supplied from the power receiving device 2 to the battery 5 via the DC / DC converter 3. On the other hand, when the relay 4 is cut off, that is, when the relay 4 is in an open state, the power supply from the power receiving device 2 to the battery 5 is cut off.

[0044] The battery 5 stores the power consumed in the vehicle 1. The battery 5 is a rechargeable secondary battery, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or the like. When power is supplied from the power receiving device 2 to the battery 5, the battery 5 is charged, and the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 5 is restored. Also, the battery 5 can be charged by an external power source other than the power supply device 50 via a charging port provided in the vehicle 1.

[0045] The sub-DC / DC converter 6 is electrically connected to the DC / DC converter 3 and the battery 5, and is supplied with power from at least one of the power receiving device 2 and the battery 5. The sub-DC / DC converter 6 steps down the input voltage input to the sub-DC / DC converter 6 and supplies the stepped-down voltage to the in-vehicle device 7.

[0046] The in-vehicle device 7 is a component that consumes electric power in the vehicle 1, and includes, for example, an air conditioner, auxiliary machines (such as an oil cooler, a water pump, an oil pump, etc.), lighting equipment, audio equipment, etc.

[0047] The PCU 8 is electrically connected to the DC / DC converter 3 and the battery 5, and is supplied with electric power from at least one of the power receiving device 2 and the battery 5. The PCU 8 has an inverter and a boost converter. The inverter converts the DC power input to the PCU 8 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the motor 9. Also, the inverter converts the AC power (regenerative power) generated by the motor 9 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the battery 5. The boost converter boosts the DC voltage when supplying the regenerative power to the battery 5. Note that the sub DC / DC converter 6 and the PCU 8 may be integrally configured.

[0048] The motor 9 is an electric motor (for example, an AC synchronous motor), and is driven using electric power as a power source. The output of the motor 9 is transmitted to the wheels via a speed reducer and an axle. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) not equipped with an internal combustion engine, and the motor 9 outputs driving power for traveling.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 includes the in-vehicle device 7 and the motor 9 as electric loads. The electric power received by the power receiving device 2 is supplied to at least one of the battery 5 and the electric load via the DC / DC converter 3 according to the open / closed state of the relay 4 and the like.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the ECU 10 of the vehicle 1 and the devices connected to the ECU 10. The vehicle 1 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 10 as a control device of the vehicle 1. The ECU 10 executes various controls of the vehicle 1.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the ECU 10 has a communication interface 11, a memory 12, and a processor 13. The communication interface 11, the memory 12, and the processor 13 are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0052] The communication interface 11 has an interface circuit for connecting the ECU 10 to an in-vehicle network compliant with a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0053] The memory 12 includes, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM) and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM). The memory 12 stores programs executed by the processor 13, various data used when various processes are executed by the processor 13, and the like.

[0054] The processor 13 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Unit) and its peripheral circuits, and executes various processes. Note that the processor 13 may further include an arithmetic circuit such as a logical arithmetic unit or a numerical arithmetic unit.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the above-described DC / DC converter 3, relay 4, sub-DC / DC converter 6, and PCU 8 are electrically connected to the ECU 10. The ECU 10 controls each of the DC / DC converter 3, relay 4, sub-DC / DC converter 6, and PCU 8, and controls the power supply in the vehicle 1.

[0056] The vehicle 1 further includes a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 14, a map database 15, a sensor 16, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 17, and a communication device 18, which are electrically connected to the ECU 10.

[0057] The GNSS receiver 14 detects the current position of the vehicle 1 (for example, the latitude and longitude of the vehicle 1) based on positioning information obtained from a plurality (for example, three or more) of positioning satellites. Specifically, the GNSS receiver 14 captures a plurality of positioning satellites and receives radio waves transmitted from the positioning satellites. Then, the GNSS receiver 14 calculates the distance to the positioning satellite based on the difference between the transmission time and the reception time of the radio wave, and detects the current position of the vehicle 1 based on the distance to the positioning satellite and the position (orbital information) of the positioning satellite. The output of the GNSS receiver 14, that is, the current position of the vehicle 1 detected by the GNSS receiver 14, is transmitted to the ECU 10.

[0058] The map database 15 stores map information. The map information includes the position information of the power supply area described later and the like. The ECU 10 acquires map information from the map database 15. Note that the map database may be provided outside the vehicle 1 (for example, a server or the like), and the ECU 10 may acquire map information from outside the vehicle 1.

[0059] The sensor 16 detects the state of the vehicle 1 or the surroundings of the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the sensor 16 includes a vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle 1, an outside air temperature sensor that detects the outside air temperature, a battery temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery 5, a battery current sensor that detects the input / output current of the battery 5, and the like. The output of the sensor 16, that is, the state of the vehicle 1 or the surroundings of the vehicle 1 detected by the sensor 16, is transmitted to the ECU 10.

[0060] The HMI 17 performs input / output of information between the vehicle 1 and the occupants (for example, the driver) of the vehicle 1. The HMI 17 includes, for example, a display that displays information, a speaker that generates sound, operation buttons, operation switches or touch screens for the occupants to perform input operations, a microphone that receives the voices of the occupants, and the like. The output of the ECU 10 is transmitted to the occupants via the HMI 17, and the input from the occupants is transmitted to the ECU 10 via the HMI 17. The HMI 17 is an example of an input device, an output device, or an input / output device.

[0061] The communication device 18 is a device that enables communication between the vehicle 1 and the outside of the vehicle 1. For example, the communication device 18 includes a short-range wireless communication module (e.g., a DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) in-vehicle unit, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, etc.) for performing short-range wireless communication, and a wide-area wireless communication module (e.g., a data communication module (DCM)) for performing wide-area wireless communication. The ECU 10 communicates with the power supply device 50 using the communication device 18.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply area where the power transmission coil 64 of the power supply device 50 is installed. In the example of FIG. 5, three power transmission coils 64 are arranged at intervals along the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 on the same lane of the road. The range on the lane where a plurality of power transmission coils 64 are continuously installed corresponds to the power supply area.

[0063] For example, when the vehicle 1 approaches the power supply area, the ECU 10 uses the communication device 18 to transmit a power supply request signal for requesting power supply to the vehicle 1 to the power supply device 50. When the controller 52 of the power supply device 50 receives the power supply request signal from the vehicle 1, it generates an alternating magnetic field for power transmission by the power transmission device 60. That is, when the controller 52 receives the power supply request signal from the vehicle 1, it starts non-contact power supply from the power supply device 50 to the vehicle 1.

[0064] When power is transmitted from the power transmission coil 64 of the power transmission device 60 to the power reception coil 22 of the power reception device 2, the amount of power is adjusted by the switching operation of the DC / DC converter 3 provided in the vehicle 1. As a result, stable power supply from the power supply device 50 to the vehicle 1 becomes possible, and thus the necessary amount of power supply to the vehicle 1 can be ensured. However, if voltage conversion by the switching operation is always performed when power is supplied via the DC / DC converter 3, power loss due to the switching operation occurs in the vehicle 1.

[0065] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when power is supplied from the power receiving device 2 to at least one of the battery 5 and the electrical load via the DC / DC converter 3 based on a predetermined condition, the ECU 10 switches the state of the DC / DC converter 3 between a non-operating state and an operating state. In the non-operating state of the DC / DC converter 3, the switching element 31 of the DC / DC converter 3 is maintained in the on state, and the conversion of the voltage value by the DC / DC converter 3 is not performed. On the other hand, in the operating state of the DC / DC converter 3, the switching element 31 of the DC / DC converter 3 is switched between the on state and the off state, and the conversion (step-down or step-up) of the voltage value by the DC / DC converter 3 is performed.

[0066] In the non-operating state of the DC / DC converter 3, since the switching operation of the DC / DC converter 3 is stopped, no power loss due to the switching operation occurs. On the other hand, in the operating state of the DC / DC converter 3, by adjusting the amount of power by the switching operation of the DC / DC converter 3, power can be stably supplied from the power transmission coil 64 of the power supply device 50 to the power receiving coil 22 of the vehicle 1. Therefore, by switching the state of the DC / DC converter 3 between the non-operating state and the operating state based on a predetermined condition, it is possible to suppress power loss in the vehicle 1 while ensuring the power required for power supply.

[0067] For example, the predetermined condition includes a power reception power reduction condition. The power reception power reduction condition is a condition in which a decrease in the amount of power received by the power receiving coil 22 of the vehicle 1 is allowed, and is satisfied when a decrease in the amount of power is allowed. The ECU 10 sets the state of the DC / DC converter 3 to the non-operating state when the power reception power reduction condition is satisfied, and sets the state of the DC / DC converter 3 to the operating state when the power reception power reduction condition is not satisfied. By setting the state of the DC / DC converter 3 based on the power reception power reduction condition, it is possible to suppress a shortage of power in the vehicle 1 due to a decrease in the power reception power in the non-operating state of the DC / DC converter 3.

[0068] Further, the predetermined conditions include a power fluctuation prohibition condition. The power fluctuation prohibition condition is a condition under which fluctuations in the amount of power supplied from the DC / DC converter 3 to the battery 5 are prohibited, and it is satisfied when fluctuations in the amount of power are prohibited. In this case, when the power fluctuation prohibition condition is satisfied while power is being supplied from the power receiving device 2 to the battery 5 via the DC / DC converter 3, the ECU 10 sets the state of the DC / DC converter 3 to the operating state. That is, even if the power reception power reduction condition is satisfied, when the power fluctuation prohibition condition is satisfied, the ECU 10 sets the state of the DC / DC converter 3 to the operating state. By setting the state of the DC / DC converter 3 based on the power fluctuation prohibition condition, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the battery 5 due to power fluctuations.

[0069] Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the flow of the above-described control will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control routine for power reception processing. This control routine is repeatedly executed by the ECU 10 at a predetermined execution interval.

[0070] First, in step S101, the ECU 10 determines whether the power receiving device 2 is receiving power. This determination is made based on, for example, the position information of the vehicle 1 and the power supply area, the power supply information transmitted from the power supply device 50 to the vehicle 1, the output of a current sensor or a voltage sensor provided in the power receiving device 2, and the like. If it is determined that the power receiving device 2 is not receiving power, this control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power receiving device 2 is receiving power, this control routine proceeds to step S102.

[0071] In step S102, the ECU 10 determines whether or not a predetermined power reception power reduction condition is satisfied. When the length of the power supply area is long, since the power supply time to the vehicle 1 can be ensured, a decrease in the amount of power supplied to the vehicle 1 per unit time is allowed. For this reason, for example, the power reception power reduction condition is that the length of the power supply area in which the vehicle 1 is traveling is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the power reception power reduction condition is satisfied when the length of the power supply area in which the vehicle 1 is traveling is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and is not satisfied when the length of the power supply area in which the vehicle 1 is traveling is less than the predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to, for example, 10 m to 200 m. The position information of the power supply area including the length of the power supply area is stored, for example, in the map information of the map database 15.

[0072] Also, when the SOC of the battery 5 is not insufficient, there is little need to increase the power supply amount to the vehicle 1. For this reason, the power reception power reduction condition may be that the SOC of the battery 5 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the power reception power reduction condition is satisfied when the SOC of the battery 5 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and is not satisfied when the SOC of the battery 5 is less than the predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to, for example, 50% to 80%, preferably 65%. The SOC of the battery 5 is calculated, for example, by integrating the input / output current of the battery 5 detected by the battery current sensor or by using a state estimation method such as a Kalman filter.

[0073] Also, the power reception power reduction condition may be a condition regarding the amount of power consumed in the vehicle 1. In this case, for example, the power reception power reduction condition includes that the power consumption of the motor 9 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. That is, the power reception power reduction condition is satisfied when the power consumption of the motor 9 is equal to or less than the predetermined value, and is not satisfied when the power consumption of the motor 9 is greater than the predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to, for example, 2 kW to 4 kW, preferably 3 kW. The power consumption of the motor 9 is calculated based on, for example, the required torque, the power supplied to the motor 9, and the like.

[0074] Also, basically, the higher the speed of the vehicle 1, the more electric power is consumed in the vehicle 1. Therefore, the power reception reduction condition may include that the speed of the vehicle 1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value as a condition related to the amount of electric power consumed in the vehicle 1. In this case, the power reception reduction condition is satisfied when the speed of the vehicle 1 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, and is not satisfied when the speed of the vehicle 1 is higher than the predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to, for example, 15 km / h to 40 km / h, preferably 20 km / h. The speed of the vehicle 1 is calculated based on, for example, the output of a vehicle speed sensor.

[0075] Also, the power reception reduction condition may include that the power consumption of the air conditioner is equal to or lower than a predetermined value as a condition related to the amount of electric power consumed in the vehicle 1. In this case, the power reception reduction condition is satisfied when the power consumption of the air conditioner is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, and is not satisfied when the power consumption of the air conditioner is greater than the predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to, for example, 0.3 kW to 1 kW, preferably 0.5 kW. The power consumption of the air conditioner is calculated based on, for example, the setting information (set temperature, air volume, etc.) of the air conditioner input to the HMI 17 by the occupant of the vehicle 1, the power supplied to the air conditioner, etc.

[0076] Also, when the outside air temperature is comfortable for the occupants of the vehicle 1, the possibility of the air conditioner being operated is low. Therefore, the power reception reduction condition may include that the outside air temperature is within a predetermined range as a condition related to the amount of electric power consumed in the vehicle 1. In this case, the power reception reduction condition is satisfied when the outside air temperature is within the predetermined range, and is not satisfied when the outside air temperature is outside the predetermined range. The predetermined range is set to, for example, 5°C to 20°C, 10°C to 20°C, etc. The outside air temperature is calculated based on, for example, the output of an outside air temperature sensor, or is obtained based on the weather information transmitted from outside the vehicle 1 to the vehicle 1.

[0077] Note that, as conditions regarding the amount of power consumed in the vehicle 1, all or part of the above-described conditions may be used. When the conditions regarding the amount of power consumed in the vehicle 1 include a plurality of conditions, the power reception reduction condition is satisfied when all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied, and the power reception reduction condition is not satisfied when at least one of the plurality of conditions is not satisfied.

[0078] If it is determined in step S102 that the power reception reduction condition is satisfied, this control routine proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the ECU 10 determines whether power is being supplied from the power reception device 2 to the battery 5 via the DC / DC converter 3. This determination is made based on, for example, the state of the relay 4, the output of the battery current sensor, etc. If it is determined in step S103 that power is being supplied to the battery 5, this control routine proceeds to step S104.

[0079] In step S104, the ECU 10 determines whether the power fluctuation prohibition condition is satisfied. When the temperature of the battery 5 deviates from the appropriate temperature, there is a possibility that deterioration of the battery 5 is promoted by fluctuations in the power supplied to the battery 5. For this reason, the power fluctuation prohibition condition includes, for example, the temperature of the battery 5 being outside a predetermined range. In this case, the power fluctuation prohibition condition is satisfied when the temperature of the battery 5 is outside the predetermined range, and is not satisfied when the temperature of the battery 5 is within the predetermined range. The predetermined range is set to, for example, 0°C to 45°C. The temperature of the battery 5 is calculated based on, for example, the output of the battery temperature sensor.

[0080] Further, the power fluctuation prohibition condition may include that the power chargeable to the battery 5 and the power dischargeable from the battery 5 are equal to or less than a predetermined value. In this case, the power fluctuation prohibition condition is satisfied when the power chargeable to the battery 5 and the power dischargeable from the battery 5 are equal to or less than the predetermined value, and is not satisfied when at least one of the power chargeable to the battery 5 and the power dischargeable from the battery 5 is greater than the predetermined value. The predetermined value is set to, for example, 2 kW to 4 kW, preferably 3 kW. The power chargeable to the battery 5 is calculated as the absolute value of the allowable charging power Win, and is calculated based on, for example, the SOC of the battery 5, the temperature of the battery 5, and the like. The power dischargeable from the battery 5 is calculated as the allowable discharge power Wout, and is calculated based on, for example, the SOC of the battery 5, the temperature of the battery 5, and the like.

[0081] If it is determined in step S104 that the power fluctuation prohibition condition is not satisfied, this control routine proceeds to step S105. Further, if it is determined in step S103 that no power is being supplied to the battery 5, this control routine skips step S104 and proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the ECU 10 sets the state of the DC / DC converter 3 to the non-operating state. That is, the ECU 10 maintains the switching element 31 of the DC / DC converter 3 in the on state. After step S105, this control routine ends.

[0082] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the received power reduction condition is not satisfied, or if it is determined in step S104 that the power fluctuation prohibition condition is satisfied, this control routine proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the ECU 10 sets the state of the DC / DC converter 3 to the operating state. That is, the ECU 10 switches the switching element 31 of the DC / DC converter 3 between the on state and the off state according to the set value of the duty ratio. After step S106, this control routine ends.

[0083] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, the vehicle 1 may be a hybrid vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) equipped with an internal combustion engine and a motor as a power source for running.

[0084] Also, in the power reception processing control routine of FIG. 6, steps S103 and S104 may be omitted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1 Vehicle 2 Power reception device 22 Power reception coil 3 DC / DC converter 31 Switching element 5 Battery 7 Vehicle-mounted device 9 Motor 10 Electronic control unit (ECU) 50 Power supply device 60 Power transmission device 64 Power transmission coil

Claims

1. A battery, an electrical load, a power receiving device having a power receiving coil for receiving power from a power transmission coil provided on a road, a DC / DC converter that uses a switching element to convert the voltage value of the DC power output from the power receiving device, and a control device that controls the DC / DC converter are provided. Based on a predetermined condition, when power is supplied from the power receiving device to at least one of the battery and the electrical load via the DC / DC converter, the control device switches the state of the DC / DC converter between a non-operating state in which the switching element is maintained in an on state and an operating state in which the switching element is switched between an on state and an off state. The predetermined condition includes a predetermined power reception power reduction condition. When the power reception power reduction condition is satisfied, the control device sets the state of the DC / DC converter to the non-operating state. A vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the power reception power reduction condition is that the length of the power supply area in which the vehicle is traveling is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the power reception power reduction condition is that the SOC of the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the power reception power reduction condition is a condition related to the amount of electric power consumed in the vehicle.

5. The electrical load includes a motor. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the power reception power reduction condition includes that the power consumption of the motor is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

6. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the power reception power reduction condition includes that the speed of the vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

7. The electrical load includes an air conditioner. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the power reception power reduction condition includes that the power consumption of the air conditioner is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

8. The electrical load includes an air conditioner. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the power reception power reduction condition includes that the outside air temperature is within a predetermined range.

9. The predetermined condition includes a predetermined power fluctuation prohibition condition. When the power fluctuation prohibition condition is satisfied while power is being supplied from the power receiving device to the battery via the DC / DC converter, the control device sets the state of the DC / DC converter to the operating state. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the power change prohibition condition includes that the temperature of the battery is outside a predetermined range.

11. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the power change prohibition condition includes that the power chargeable to the battery and the power dischargeable from the battery are equal to or less than a predetermined value.

12. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle including a battery, an electrical load, a power receiving device having a power receiving coil that receives power from a power transmission coil provided on a road, and a DC / DC converter that converts the voltage value of the DC power output from the power receiving device using a switching element, Based on a predetermined condition, the state of the DC / DC converter when power is supplied from the power receiving device to at least one of the battery and the electrical load via the DC / DC converter is switched between a non-operating state in which the switching element is maintained in an on state and an operating state in which the switching element is switched between an on state and an off state, A vehicle control device that sets the state of the DC / DC converter to the non-operating state when a predetermined power reception power reduction condition included in the predetermined condition is satisfied.

13. A vehicle control method for controlling a vehicle including a battery, an electrical load, a power receiving device having a power receiving coil that receives power from a power transmission coil provided on a road, and a DC / DC converter that converts the voltage value of the DC power output from the power receiving device using a switching element, Based on a predetermined condition, switching the state of the DC / DC converter when power is supplied from the power receiving device to at least one of the battery and the electrical load via the DC / DC converter between a non-operating state in which the switching element is maintained in an on state and an operating state in which the switching element is switched between an on state and an off state, Including setting the state of the DC / DC converter to the non-operating state when a predetermined power reception power reduction condition included in the predetermined condition is satisfied.

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