Control device, valve device, and control method

Abstract

A control device (100) comprises: a first factor acquisition unit (110) that acquires, in time series, a first factor indicating a factor of change in a battery temperature, which is caused by an occupant of a moving body; a second factor acquisition unit (120) that acquires, in time series, a second factor indicating a factor of change in the battery temperature, which is caused by a situation outside of the moving body; a look-ahead temperature output unit (130) that outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature, after the current time, which is estimated on the basis of the first factor and the second factor accumulated in time series; and a control command unit (150) that outputs a control value for instructing a battery temperature adjustment device, which adjusts the battery temperature, so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a target temperature stored in advance on the basis of the look-ahead temperature outputted by the look-ahead temperature output unit.

Description

Control device, valve device, and control method

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a control technology for adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a moving object.

[0002] Electric vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are equipped with batteries. Because high temperatures can significantly affect fuel economy, they are equipped with a battery cooling system. Patent Document 1 describes a system that controls the temperature of the battery in addition to the temperature control of the engine and drive motor. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a system that controls the temperature of the battery in a "prime mover temperature control device that can reduce discomfort felt by the driver and other passengers due to sudden changes in vehicle speed and acceleration" during high-load situations, such as on uphill roads. The "prime mover temperature control device" in Patent Document 1 divides the route from the current location to the destination into multiple sections based on altitude information (paragraph 0037), as well as the heat generation of the engine and drive motor, and calculates the driving time for each section when traveling at a constant vehicle speed (paragraph 0038). Next, the amount of heat generated by the battery is calculated for each section based on the calculated driving time, motor current, and the internal resistance value of the battery that has been stored in advance (paragraph 0041), and if it is predicted that the temperature based on the amount of heat generated for each section will exceed a predetermined temperature, the battery is cooled in advance.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-324613 (Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.)

[0004] However, battery power consumption can be affected by various factors other than the driving time for each driving section, and therefore the engine temperature control device of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it tends to have low accuracy in adjusting the battery temperature.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem, and aims to improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object compared to conventional methods.

[0006] The control device of the present disclosure includes: a first factor acquisition unit that acquires, in a chronological order, a first factor that indicates a factor in a change in battery temperature caused by an occupant of the vehicle; a second factor acquisition unit that acquires, in a chronological order, a second factor that indicates a factor in a change in battery temperature caused by a situation outside the vehicle; a look-ahead temperature output unit that outputs a look-ahead temperature that indicates the battery temperature from the current time onwards that is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order; and a control instruction unit that outputs a control value to instruct a battery temperature adjustment device that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object compared to conventional methods.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a mobile object including a battery temperature regulation device controlled by a control device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a valve device combining a control device according to the present disclosure and a battery temperature regulation device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a transition of battery temperature under control of the control device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example detailed configuration of a look-ahead temperature output unit in the control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example detailed configuration of look-ahead temperature output processing in the control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example detailed configuration of control command processing in the control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the control device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example when a control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a configuration in which the control device cooperates with a server. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information output from each component of the control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the relationship between the server and the control device. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating processing by the control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and processing by the server. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a malfunction diagnosis unit in the control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a hardware configuration for realizing functions according to the configuration of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a hardware configuration for realizing functions according to the configuration of the present disclosure.

[0009] In order to explain the present disclosure in more detail, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] First Embodiment In the first embodiment, a basic configuration example will be described that enables the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object to be improved compared to the prior art.

[0011] An example configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The control device 100 controls the temperature of a battery. Specifically, the control device 100 controls a battery temperature regulation device that regulates the battery temperature. The control device 100 outputs a control value using a read-ahead temperature that reads the current and future battery temperatures. The battery temperature regulation device is a device that operates according to the control value of the control device 100, and, for example, regulates the battery temperature by adjusting the flow rate and temperature of a heat medium filled in piping around the battery of a mobile object. The mobile object is, for example, a vehicle. The control device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to include a first factor acquisition unit 110, a second factor acquisition unit 120, a read-ahead temperature output unit 130, and a control command unit 150.

[0012] The first factor acquisition unit 110 acquires first factors in chronological order, each indicating a factor in a change in battery temperature caused by an occupant of the vehicle. The first factors are factors in a change in battery temperature caused by an occupant of the vehicle, and include, for example, a driving history. The driving history is a history related to the driving of the vehicle, and may include, for example, speed, acceleration / deceleration, driving route, air conditioning usage status, or the number of occupants. Therefore, the first factors can include information related to one or more of speed, acceleration / deceleration, driving route, air conditioning usage status, or the number of occupants. Note that the first factors can also be expressed as driver factors, since they are factors caused by the driver of the vehicle. The first factor acquisition unit 110 can acquire the first factors for each time and for each current location by using outputs from driving-related devices and sensors installed in the vehicle. In this case, the first factor information indicating the first factors output by the first factor acquisition unit 110 can include time information and location information. Hereinafter, the first factor information will be simply referred to as the first factor unless otherwise specified.

[0013] The second factor acquisition unit 120 acquires second factors in chronological order, each indicating a cause of a change in battery temperature due to conditions outside the vehicle. The second factors are causes of a change in battery temperature due to conditions outside the vehicle, and can be referred to as non-driver factors, whereas the first factors are referred to as driver factors. The second factors can include, for example, information on one or more of weather, temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, or traffic congestion. The second factors can also be referred to as external factors from the perspective of the outside of the vehicle. The second factor acquisition unit 120 can acquire the second factors for each time and each current location by using outputs from devices and sensors mounted on the vehicle. In this case, the second factor information indicating the second factors can include time information and location information. Hereinafter, the second factor information will be simply referred to as the second factor unless otherwise specified.

[0014] The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature after the current time, which is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 outputs the look-ahead temperature as look-ahead temperature information. However, in the following description, the look-ahead temperature information will be simply referred to as the look-ahead temperature unless otherwise specified.

[0015] The control command unit 150 outputs a control value to command a battery temperature control device that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature based on the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130.

[0016] In addition to the above components, the control device 100 also includes a control unit (not shown), a storage unit (not shown), and a communication unit (not shown). The control unit (not shown) controls the entire control device 100 and each of its components. For example, the control unit (not shown) starts up the control device 100 in response to an external command. The control unit (not shown) also controls the state of the control device 100 (operating state, such as startup, shutdown, or sleep). The storage unit (not shown) stores data used by the control device 100. For example, the storage unit (not shown) stores output (output data) from each component of the control device 100 and outputs data requested by each component to the requesting component. The communication unit (not shown) communicates with external devices. For example, communication is performed between the control device 100 and a peripheral related device (e.g., a battery temperature regulation device). For example, if the control device 100 and the battery temperature regulation device are not connected by wire, the communication unit (not shown) has a function of communicating between the control device 100 and the battery temperature regulation device. The communication unit (not shown) has a function of communicating with a server (external server) that is an external device. The control unit (not shown), the storage unit (not shown), and the communication unit (not shown) also have the same functions in the embodiments described below.

[0017] An example configuration of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery temperature regulation system 10 (10A) is a system that regulates the temperature of a battery by controlling a battery temperature regulation device 400 (400A) with a control device 100 (100A). The battery temperature regulation system 10 (10A) shown in FIG. 2 is configured to include the control device 100 (100A), an information source 300, and the battery temperature regulation device 400 (400A).

[0018] The information source 300 is configured by devices and sensors that output information used in the processing of the control device 100 (100A). The information source 300 shown in Fig. 2 is configured to include a mobile-mounted sensor 301 and a GPS (Global Positioning System) 302.

[0019] The mobile object-mounted sensor 301 is composed of multiple sensors. Specifically, the mobile object-mounted sensor 301 includes, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration / deceleration sensor, a battery temperature sensor, and an outside air temperature sensor. The speed sensor outputs the speed of the mobile object. If the mobile object is a vehicle, it is a vehicle speed sensor. The acceleration / deceleration sensor outputs a value indicating the acceleration / deceleration of the mobile object. The battery temperature sensor measures the temperature of the battery and outputs an actual measured value of the battery temperature. The outside air temperature sensor measures the air temperature outside the mobile object and outputs an actual measured value of the outside air temperature. The mobile object-mounted sensor 301 may also be configured to include, for example, one or more of a chiller temperature sensor, a radiator temperature sensor, or a heat medium temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a heat medium. The GPS 302 is a known global positioning system and outputs a current position. The GPS 302 outputs the current position including the current time.

[0020] The control device 100 (100A) is configured in the same manner as the previously described control device 100. The control device 100 (100A) shown in Fig. 2 includes a first factor acquisition unit 110, a second factor acquisition unit 120, a look-ahead temperature output unit 130, and a control command unit 150.

[0021] The first factor acquisition unit 110 has a configuration similar to the first factor acquisition unit 110 already described. The first factor acquisition unit 110 uses information output by the information source 300 to acquire, in time series, first factors (driver factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by the occupants of the vehicle 1. The first factor acquisition unit 110 acquires information such as sensor information including the current time output by the vehicle-mounted sensor 301 and the current position including the current time output by the GPS 302, and acquires the first factors in time series using the acquired information. The first factor acquisition unit 110 outputs the time-series first factors constantly (constantly includes almost continuous short-term intervals) or periodically.

[0022] The second factor acquisition unit 120 has a similar configuration to the second factor acquisition unit 120 already described. The second factor acquisition unit 120 uses information output by the information source 300 to acquire, in chronological order, second factors (external factors, non-driver factors) indicating factors that cause changes in battery temperature due to conditions outside the vehicle. The second factor acquisition unit 120 acquires sensor information, including the current time, output by the vehicle-mounted sensor 301 and GPS information (such as the current location, including the current time) output by the GPS 302, and acquires the second factors in chronological order using the acquired information. The second factor acquisition unit 120 outputs the second factors in chronological order constantly (constantly includes almost continuous short intervals) or periodically. For example, the second factor acquisition unit 120 acquires weather information from the Internet using GPS information.

[0023] The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature after the current time, estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order. Specifically, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 can, for example, estimate a battery temperature trend, which is a trend in battery temperature for each time or time period, to look-ahead the battery temperature after the current time when the same route is driven at a similar time or time period. Furthermore, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 can, for example, further estimate a battery temperature trend, which is a trend in battery temperature for each driving route, to look-ahead the battery temperature after the current time according to the driving route at a similar time or time period. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 may be configured to analyze the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order within the control device 100 (100A) to estimate the battery temperature trend, or may be configured to look-ahead the battery temperature after the current time using a battery temperature trend estimated outside the control device 100 (100A).

[0024] The control command unit 150 outputs a control value to command a battery temperature control device that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature based on the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130.

[0025] The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400A) regulates the battery temperature in accordance with the control value output by the control command unit 150. The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400A) regulates the battery temperature, for example, by adjusting the flow rate and temperature of a heat medium filled in pipes arranged around the battery. Here, a configuration example of a mobile body including a battery temperature regulation device controlled by the control device of the present disclosure will be described.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a mobile object including a battery temperature regulation device controlled by a control device according to the present disclosure. The mobile object 1 shown in FIG. 3 shows a configuration including the battery temperature regulation device when the mobile object 1 is viewed from the underside, i.e., the tire 3 side. The battery temperature regulation device regulates the temperature of the battery 2. The battery 2 is a battery for driving the mobile object 1. The battery temperature regulation device includes a heat medium flow rate regulation unit 410 and a heat medium temperature regulation unit 420. The heat medium flow rate regulation unit 410 includes a valve unit including a valve and regulates the flow rate of the heat medium according to a control value output by the control device 100 (100A). When the heat medium is coolant, the valve unit includes a coolant valve. The heat medium temperature regulation unit 420 includes, for example, a chiller 421 and a radiator 422 and regulates the temperature of the heat medium according to a control value output by the control device 100 (100A). The battery temperature adjustment device further includes a motor 430, an inverter 440, an air conditioning unit 450, and a pump 460, and is configured so that, for example, the heat medium cooled by the heat medium temperature adjustment unit 420 passes through a low-temperature side water passage 470, and the heat medium heated by the battery temperature of the battery 2 passes through a high-temperature side water passage 480.

[0027] In the present disclosure, a valve device may be configured by combining a control device and a battery temperature regulation device. A configuration example of a valve device combining a control device of the present disclosure with a battery temperature regulation device will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a valve device combining a control device of the present disclosure with a battery temperature regulation device. The valve device 40 shown in FIG. 4 includes a control device 100 (100A) and a battery temperature regulation device 400 (400A). The control device 100 (100A) is configured similarly to the control device 100 (100A) already described. Note that the control device 100 (100A) may be configured with a control device of an embodiment described below. The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400A) adjusts the battery temperature according to a control value from the control device 100 (100A). The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400A) functions as a battery temperature regulation unit in the valve device 40. The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400A) is configured similarly to, for example, the battery temperature regulation device described in FIG. 3. The battery temperature control device 400 (400A) is configured to include a valve unit 411 as the heat medium flow rate adjustment unit 410 shown in FIG. 3 . The valve unit 411 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium according to the control value output by the control command unit 150. When coolant is used as the heat medium, the valve unit 411 is also referred to as a coolant valve. The coolant valve adjusts the flow rate of the coolant. In this way, the valve device 40 is configured to include the first factor acquisition unit 110, the second factor acquisition unit 120, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130, the control command unit 150, and the valve unit 411.

[0028] An example of processing by the control device according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the control device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing illustrated in FIG. 5 is a control method for a control device that controls a battery temperature regulation device. The processing by the control device 100 and the control device 100A differ from each other in that the source of information used in the processing by the control device 100A is clearly indicated and that the control destination is clearly indicated as the battery temperature regulation device 400. However, since the internal processing is similar, an example of processing by the control device 100A will be described here as a representative. For example, the control device 100 (100A) starts the processing illustrated in FIG. 5 ("Start") when a control start condition is satisfied, such as when the power source of a mobile object is started or when the mobile object begins to move.

[0029] The control device 100 (100A) then executes a first factor acquisition process (step ST1100). In the first factor acquisition process, the first factor acquisition unit 110 of the control device 100 (100A) acquires, in chronological order, first factors indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by occupants of the vehicle from the information source 300. The first factor acquisition unit 110 outputs the first factors acquired in chronological order.

[0030] The control device 100 (100A) then executes a second factor acquisition process (step ST1200). In the second factor acquisition process, the second factor acquisition unit 120 of the control device 100 (100A) acquires, in chronological order, second factors indicating factors of changes in the battery temperature due to conditions outside the mobile object from the information source 300. The second factor acquisition unit 120 outputs the second factors acquired in chronological order.

[0031] The control device 100 (100A) then executes a look-ahead temperature output process (step ST1300). In the look-ahead temperature output process, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 of the control device 100 (100A) outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature after the current time, estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order. Specifically, for example, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 acquires the first factor in chronological order output by the first factor acquisition unit 110 and the second factor output by the second factor acquisition unit 120. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 estimates a look-ahead temperature, which is the battery temperature after a predetermined time after the current time, using the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 outputs the estimated look-ahead temperature. Also, specifically, for example, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 acquires and outputs a look-ahead temperature estimated by an external device (e.g., a cloud server, which is an external server).

[0032] The control device 100 (100A) then executes control command processing (step ST1400). In the control command processing, the control command unit 150 of the control device 100 (100A) outputs a control value to command the battery temperature control device 400 (400A), which adjusts the battery temperature, so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature based on the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130. Specifically, for example, the control command unit 150 acquires the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130, and outputs a control value to command the battery temperature control device 400 (400A), which adjusts the battery temperature, so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature using the acquired read-ahead temperature.

[0033] The control device 100 (100A) then ends the process shown in FIG. 5 and waits until the next control timing ("END").

[0034] The transition of battery temperature under control when the control device of the present disclosure is employed is described below. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the transition of battery temperature under control by the control device of the present disclosure. Battery temperature transition 1100 in the case of no lookahead temperature estimation (no lookahead) and temperature control based on the temperature of the heat medium is compared with battery temperature transition 1200 in the case of lookahead temperature estimation (pre-reading), for example, as indicated by arrow 1300. Control to lower the battery temperature occurs after the battery temperature rises beyond the optimal range for power consumption, or control to raise the battery temperature occurs after the battery temperature drops beyond the optimal range for power consumption, resulting in poor battery temperature control accuracy. On the other hand, battery temperature transition 1200 in the case of lookahead temperature estimation (pre-reading) uses a lookahead temperature, for example, a few minutes after the current time, to predict the battery temperature. Control is therefore performed when the lookahead temperature is likely to deviate from the optimal range for battery power consumption. Therefore, the battery temperature is controlled to stay within the optimal target temperature range. Thus, control using the control device of the present disclosure can achieve improved accuracy compared to conventional control.

[0035] The present disclosure can improve the accuracy of temperature regulation of a battery mounted on a vehicle compared to conventional methods, and can further improve fuel economy as the same driver repeatedly drives the same route.

[0036] This embodiment has shown the following exemplary configuration: [1] A control device including: a first factor acquisition unit that chronologically acquires first factors (driver factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by an occupant of a mobile body; a second factor acquisition unit that chronologically acquires second factors (external factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by conditions outside the mobile body; a look-ahead temperature output unit that outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onward that is estimated based on the first and second factors accumulated in chronological order; and a control command unit that outputs a control value to a battery temperature regulation device that regulates the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit. This provides an effect of providing a control device that enables the accuracy of regulating the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body to be improved compared to conventional devices.

[0037] This embodiment shows the following configuration example: [(11)] A valve device including: a first factor acquisition unit that chronologically acquires first factors (driver factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by an occupant of a mobile body; a second factor acquisition unit that chronologically acquires second factors (external factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by conditions outside the mobile body; a look-ahead temperature output unit that outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onward that is estimated based on the first and second factors accumulated in chronological order; a control command unit that outputs a control value to a battery temperature regulation device that regulates the battery temperature based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature so that the battery temperature is regulated to a pre-stored target temperature; and a valve unit that adjusts a flow rate of a heat medium in accordance with the control value output by the control command unit. This disclosure thus has an effect of providing a valve device that enables the accuracy of regulating the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body to be improved compared to conventional devices.

[0038] This embodiment has shown the following configuration example.

[12] A control method for a control device that controls a battery temperature regulation device, wherein a first factor acquisition unit of the control device chronologically acquires first factors indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by occupants of a mobile body, a second factor acquisition unit of the control device chronologically acquires second factors indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by conditions outside the mobile body, a look-ahead temperature output unit of the control device outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onwards that is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order, and a control command unit of the control device outputs a control value to a battery temperature regulation device that adjusts the battery temperature based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature. This disclosure thereby has an effect of providing a control method that enables improved accuracy in regulating the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body compared to conventional methods.

[0039] This embodiment provides the following exemplary configuration: A program that causes a computer to operate as a control device including: a first factor acquisition unit that chronologically acquires first factors (driver factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by an occupant of a mobile body; a second factor acquisition unit that chronologically acquires second factors (external factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by conditions outside the mobile body; a look-ahead temperature output unit that outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onward that is estimated based on the first and second factors accumulated in chronological order; and a control command unit that outputs a control value to a battery temperature regulation device that regulates the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit. This provides an effect of providing a program that enables the accuracy of regulating the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body to be improved compared to conventional methods.

[0040] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration: [(8)] A control device characterized in that the first factor includes information on one or more of speed, acceleration / deceleration, driving route, air conditioning usage status, and number of occupants. This provides an advantage of providing a control device that can improve the accuracy of regulating the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body compared to conventional devices by further including factors attributable to occupants of the mobile body that are likely to affect the battery temperature. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides an advantage similar to the above-described advantage by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0041] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration: [9] A control device characterized in that the second factor includes information on one or more of weather, temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and traffic congestion. This provides an advantage of providing a control device that can improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object compared to conventional devices by further including factors resulting from conditions outside the mobile object that are likely to affect the battery temperature. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides an advantage similar to the above-described advantage by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0042] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 describes an embodiment that enables further improvement in the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object. In Embodiment 2, among the components according to Embodiment 2, components that are similar to the components according to Embodiment 1 already described will be given the same names and the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0043] A configuration example of a control device according to this embodiment and a configuration example of a battery temperature regulation system including the control device will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery temperature regulation system 10 (10B) shown in Fig. 7 is configured to include a control device 100 (100B), an information source 300, and a battery temperature regulation device 400 (400B).

[0044] The information source 300 shown in FIG. 7 is configured to include, like the information source 300 already described, sensors 301 mounted on a mobile body (such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration / deceleration sensor, a battery temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, a chiller temperature sensor, a radiator temperature sensor, and a heat medium temperature sensor) and a GPS (Global Positioning System) 302.

[0045] The control device 100 (100B) shown in Figure 7 is configured to include a first factor acquisition unit 110, a second factor acquisition unit 120, a look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B), and a control command unit 150 (150B).

[0046] The first factor acquisition section 110 has the same configuration as the already-described first factor acquisition section 110. The second factor acquisition section 120 has the same configuration as the already-described second factor acquisition section 120.

[0047] Similar to the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 already described, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) has a function of outputting a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature after the current time, which is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) is further configured, for example, as follows: FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the detailed configuration of the look-ahead temperature output unit in the control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a factor analysis unit 131 and a look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132.

[0048] The factor analysis unit 131 analyzes the accumulated first factor and second factor and outputs a battery temperature trend, which is a trend of the battery temperature over time, using the first factor and the second factor accumulated in time series.

[0049] The look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 estimates a look-ahead temperature based on the analysis result obtained by the factor analysis unit 131. The look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards based on the battery temperature trend that is the analysis result obtained by the factor analysis unit 131.

[0050] The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 ( 130 B) outputs the look-ahead temperature estimated by the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 .

[0051] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 7 , the control command unit 150 (150B), like the control command unit 150 already described, has a function of outputting a control value to a battery temperature control device that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature based on the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130. The control command unit 150 (150B), for example, is further configured as follows. The control command unit 150 (150B) shown in Fig. 7 includes an adjustment temperature command unit 151 and an adjustment flow rate command unit 152.

[0052] The adjustment temperature command unit 151 commands the adjustment temperature of the heat medium. The adjustment temperature command unit 151 calculates the adjustment temperature of the heat medium based on the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) and a pre-stored target temperature. The adjustment temperature of the heat medium indicates, for example, the temperature to be adjusted from the current temperature of the heat medium.

[0053] The adjusted flow rate command unit 152 commands the adjusted flow rate of the heat medium. The adjusted flow rate command unit 152 calculates the adjusted flow rate of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) and a pre-stored target temperature. The adjusted flow rate of the heat medium indicates, for example, the flow rate that should be adjusted from the current flow rate of the heat medium.

[0054] The control command unit 150 (150B) uses the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit 151 and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit 152 to output a control value to the battery temperature control device 400 (400B), which adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature.

[0055] The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400B) regulates the temperature of the battery. The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400B) shown in Fig. 7 includes a heat medium flow rate regulation unit 410 and a heat medium temperature regulation unit 420. The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400B) regulates the temperature of the battery by using a heat medium to regulate the flow rate of the heat medium and also regulate the temperature of the heat medium.

[0056] The heat medium flow rate adjusting unit 410 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium. The heat medium flow rate adjusting unit 410 is configured to include, for example, the valve unit 411 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . The valve unit 411 uses the control value output by the control command unit 150 (150B) to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium to correspond to the adjusted flow rate calculated by the adjusted flow rate command unit 152. If the valve unit 411 is a cooling water valve, it adjusts the flow rate of the cooling water to correspond to the adjusted flow rate.

[0057] The heat medium temperature adjusting unit 420 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium. The heat medium temperature adjusting unit 420 is configured to include, for example, the chiller 421 shown in Fig. 3 and the radiator 422 shown in Fig. 3. The heat medium temperature adjusting unit 420 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium to the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit 151 using the control value output by the control command unit 150 (150B).

[0058] When the configuration according to this embodiment is applied to the valve device of the above-described embodiment, the valve device 40 includes a first factor acquisition unit 110, a second factor acquisition unit 120, a look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B), an adjustment temperature command unit 151, an adjustment flow rate command unit 152, a control command unit 150 (150B), a heat medium temperature adjustment unit 420, and a valve unit 411. Alternatively, the valve device 40 includes a first factor acquisition unit 110, a second factor acquisition unit 120, a look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B), a factor analysis unit 131, a look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132, a control command unit 150 (150B), an adjustment temperature command unit 151, an adjustment flow rate command unit 152, a heat medium temperature adjustment unit 420, and a valve unit 411.

[0059] Next, an example of processing in the control device according to this embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the look-ahead temperature output processing and control command processing in the control device according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the look-ahead temperature output processing in the control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) in the control device 100 (100B) starts the processing shown in FIG. 9 in the look-ahead temperature output processing ("START").

[0060] The predictive temperature output unit 130 (130B) then executes a factor analysis process (step ST2310). In the factor analysis process, the factor analysis unit 131 of the predictive temperature output unit 130 (130B) performs an analysis based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order and outputs the analysis result. Specifically, the factor analysis unit 131 outputs a battery temperature trend, which is a time-series trend of the battery temperature, using the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order. The battery temperature trend indicates, for example, the change in battery temperature by time or time zone. Alternatively, the battery temperature trend indicates, for example, the change in battery temperature by time or time zone, and further indicates the change in battery temperature by driving route. The factor analysis unit 131 may output the battery temperature trend to, for example, a storage unit (not shown) for storage.

[0061] The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) then executes a look-ahead temperature estimation process (step ST2320). In the look-ahead temperature estimation process, the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 of the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards based on the battery temperature trend output by the factor analysis unit 131. The look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards, which is a preset time period after the current time, using the current time and the battery temperature trend. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 outputs the look-ahead temperature estimated by the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132.

[0062] When the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 in the control device 100 (100B) outputs the look-ahead temperature, it ends the process shown in FIG. 9 and waits until the next process ("END").

[0063] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a control command process in the control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The control command unit 150 (150B) in the control device 100 (100B) starts the process shown in FIG. 10 in the control command process ("START").

[0064] The control command unit 150 (150B) then executes an adjustment temperature command process (step ST2410). In the adjustment temperature command process, the adjustment temperature command unit 151 of the control command unit 150 (150B) calculates the adjustment temperature of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) and a pre-stored target temperature.

[0065] The control command unit 150 (150B) then executes an adjustment flow rate command process (step ST2420). In the adjustment flow rate command process, the adjustment flow rate command unit 152 of the control command unit 150 (150B) calculates the adjustment flow rate of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) and a pre-stored target temperature.

[0066] The control command unit 150 (150B) outputs a control value to the battery temperature control device 400 (400B) that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit 151 and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit 152.

[0067] As a result, the heat medium temperature adjusting unit 420 of the battery temperature adjusting device 400 (400B) adjusts the temperature of the heat medium using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit 151. Also, the heat medium flow rate adjusting unit 410 (valve unit 411) of the battery temperature adjusting device 400 (400B) adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium using the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit 152.

[0068] The control command unit 150 (150B) in the control device 100 (100B) outputs a control value to be commanded to the battery temperature control device 400 (400B), and then ends the process shown in FIG. 10 ("End").

[0069] According to the present disclosure, the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body can be improved compared to the prior art. Furthermore, the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body can be further improved compared to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body can be improved without imposing a load due to communication with an external device.

[0070] This embodiment further illustrates an exemplary embodiment including the following configuration. [2] A control device further including: an adjustment temperature command unit that calculates an adjustment temperature of a heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature; and an adjustment flow rate command unit that calculates an adjustment flow rate of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature, wherein the control command unit outputs a control value to the battery temperature control device that adjusts the battery temperature to the pre-stored target temperature using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit. This provides an advantage of providing a control device that can adjust the temperature of the heat medium and the flow rate of the heat medium in more detail and further improves the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the same advantage as the above by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0071] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration: [3] A control device comprising: a factor analysis unit that outputs a battery temperature trend, which is a time-series trend of battery temperature, using the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order; and a look-ahead temperature estimation unit that estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onward based on the battery temperature trend output by the factor analysis unit, wherein the look-ahead temperature output unit outputs the look-ahead temperature estimated by the look-ahead temperature estimation unit. This further provides an advantage of providing a control device that improves the accuracy of the look-ahead temperature the more frequently a vehicle travels the same route in the same time period, thereby enabling further improvement in the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the same advantage as the above by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0072] In this embodiment, the following configuration example is shown.

[11] A first factor acquisition unit that acquires in time series first factors (driver factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by occupants of a mobile body; a second factor acquisition unit that acquires in time series second factors (external factors) indicating factors of changes in battery temperature caused by conditions outside the mobile body; a look-ahead temperature output unit that outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onwards that is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in time series; an adjustment temperature command unit that calculates an adjustment temperature of a heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature; an adjustment flow rate command unit that calculates an adjustment flow rate of a heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature; a control command unit that outputs a control value that commands adjustment of the battery temperature to the pre-stored target temperature using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit; and a heat medium temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium to the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit using the control value output by the control command unit. and a valve unit that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium to a value corresponding to the adjusted flow rate calculated by the adjusted flow rate command unit, using the control value output by the control command unit. This makes it possible to provide a valve device that can adjust the temperature and flow rate of the heat medium in more detail, and further improves the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object.

[0073] This embodiment further illustrates an exemplary embodiment including the following configuration.

[12] A control method characterized in that: an adjustment temperature command unit of the control command unit calculates an adjustment temperature of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature; an adjustment flow rate command unit of the control command unit calculates an adjustment flow rate of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature; and the control command unit outputs a control value to the battery temperature regulation device that regulates the battery temperature using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit so that the battery temperature is regulated to the pre-stored target temperature. This provides an advantage that the present disclosure can provide a control method that can more precisely regulate the temperature and flow rate of the heat medium and further improve the accuracy of regulating the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the same advantage as the above by applying the above configuration to the program.

[0074] This embodiment further illustrates an exemplary embodiment including the following configuration.

[13] A control method characterized in that a heat medium temperature adjustment unit of the battery temperature adjustment device adjusts the temperature of the heat medium using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit, and a heat medium flow rate adjustment unit of the battery temperature adjustment device adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium using the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit. This provides an advantage that the present disclosure can provide a control method that can more precisely adjust the temperature and flow rate of the heat medium, and further enables control that further improves the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object in a valve device. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the same advantage as the above by applying the above configuration to the above program.

[0075] Embodiment 3. The electric power consumption of a vehicle may be affected by the driving characteristics of each driver. Embodiment 3 describes a configuration that enables further improvement in the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle in accordance with the driving characteristics of each driver analyzed for each of a plurality of different drivers. In Embodiment 3, among the components of Embodiment 3, components that are similar to the components of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 already described will be assigned the same names and similar reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0076] A configuration example of a control device according to the present embodiment and a configuration example of a battery temperature regulation system including the control device will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery temperature regulation system 10 (10C) shown in Fig. 11 is configured to include a control device 100 (100C), an information source 300 (300C), and a battery temperature regulation device 400 (400C).

[0077] 11 includes a vehicle-mounted sensor 301 (such as a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration / deceleration sensor, a battery temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, a chiller temperature sensor, a radiator temperature sensor, and a heat medium temperature sensor), a GPS (Global Positioning System) 302, and a DMS (Driver Monitoring System) 303. The information source 300 (300C) is configured to further include the DMS 303 in addition to the information source 300 already described.

[0078] The DMS 303 identifies occupants such as the driver of the vehicle and determines the number of occupants of the vehicle. The DMS 303 outputs personal identification information that identifies the driver. The DMS 303 also outputs an occupant count that indicates the number of occupants.

[0079] The control device 100 (100C) shown in FIG. 11 is configured to include a first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C), a second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C), a predictive temperature output unit 130 (130C), a control command unit 150 (150C), and a driver identification unit 180.

[0080] The driver identification unit 180 identifies an individual driver. The driver identification unit 180 outputs personal identification information that personally identifies the driver of the mobile body. The driver identification unit 180 receives operational input from a user or external information to personally identify the driver of the mobile body. The driver identification unit 180 shown in FIG. 11 outputs the personal identification information received from a DMS (driver monitoring system) 303 mounted on the mobile body.

[0081] The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C) has the same function as the first factor acquisition unit 110 already described. The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C) further acquires the first factor for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C) associates the personal identification information with the first factor in chronological order and outputs them.

[0082] The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C) has the same function as the second factor acquisition unit 120 already described. The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C) further acquires the second factors for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C) associates the personal identification information with the second factors in chronological order and outputs them.

[0083] The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130C) has the same functions as the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 already described. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130C) further outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onward, which is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order for each driver identified in the personal identification information. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130C) may have an internal configuration similar to any of the look-ahead temperature output units 130 already described. Specifically, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130C) may be configured to include the factor analysis unit 131 and the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 already described.

[0084] The control command unit 150 (150C) has the same functions as the already-described control command unit 150. The control command unit 150 (150C) shown in Fig. 11 is configured to include an adjustment temperature command unit 151 and an adjustment flow rate command unit 152, similar to the already-described control command unit 150 (150B).

[0085] The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400C) has the same functions as the already described battery temperature regulation device 400. The battery temperature regulation device 400 (400C) shown in Fig. 11 is configured to include a heat medium flow rate regulator 410 and a heat medium temperature regulator 420, similar to the already described battery temperature regulation device 400 (400B).

[0086] Next, an example of processing in the control device according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the control device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing shown in Fig. 12 is a control method by the control device. The control device 100 (100C) shown in Fig. 11 starts the processing shown in Fig. 12 ("START") when a control start condition is satisfied, for example, when the power source of the moving body is started or when the moving body begins to move.

[0087] The control device 100 (100C) then executes a driver identification process (step ST3100). In the driver identification process, the driver identification unit 180 of the control device 100 (100C) identifies the individual driver. The driver identification unit 180 acquires the personal identification information output by the DMS 303 and identifies an occupant, such as the driver of the vehicle, based on the personal identification information. The driver identification unit 180 outputs the personal identification information to the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C) and the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C).

[0088] The control device 100 (100C) then executes a first factor acquisition process (step ST3200). In the first factor acquisition process, the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C) of the control device 100 (100C) further acquires the personal identification information and acquires the first factor for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C) associates the personal identification information with the first factors in chronological order and outputs them.

[0089] The control device 100 (100C) then executes a second factor acquisition process (step ST3300). In the second factor acquisition process, the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C) of the control device 100 (100C) further acquires the personal identification information and acquires the second factor for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C) associates the personal identification information with the second factor in chronological order and outputs the information.

[0090] The control device 100 (100C) then executes a look-ahead temperature output process (step ST3400). In the look-ahead temperature output process, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130C) of the control device 100 (100C) further outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards that is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order for each driver identified in the personal identification information.

[0091] The control device 100 (100C) then executes control command processing (step ST3500). In the control command processing, the control command unit 150 of the control device 100 (100C) outputs a control value to command the battery temperature control device 400 (400C), which adjusts the battery temperature, to adjust the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature based on the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130C). Specifically, for example, the control command unit 150 acquires the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130C), and outputs a control value to command the battery temperature control device 400 (400C), which adjusts the battery temperature, to adjust the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature using the acquired read-ahead temperature.

[0092] The control device 100 (100C) then ends the process shown in FIG. 12 and waits until the next control timing ("END").

[0093] The present disclosure, through this embodiment, can improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, it can further improve electricity efficiency as the same driver repeatedly drives the same route. Furthermore, it can further improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body according to the driving characteristics of each driver analyzed for each of multiple different drivers. Furthermore, by using a driver monitoring system mounted on a mobile body, it is possible to further automatically select information indicating the driving characteristics of each driver analyzed for each of multiple different drivers, thereby making it possible to further improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body according to the driving characteristics of each driver.

[0094] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration: [4] A control device comprising: a driver identification unit that outputs personal identification information that personally identifies a driver of the vehicle; and the look-ahead temperature output unit that outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onward that is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order for each driver identified by the personal identification information. This provides an advantage of providing a control device that further improves the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle in accordance with the driving characteristics of each driver analyzed for a plurality of different drivers. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the same advantage as the above by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0095] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration. [5] The control device, wherein the driver identification unit outputs the personal identification information received from a driver monitoring system installed in the vehicle. This provides an advantage of providing a control device that can further automatically select information indicating driving characteristics of each driver analyzed for a plurality of different drivers, thereby enabling further improvement in the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery installed in the vehicle in accordance with the driving characteristics of each driver. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides an advantage similar to the above-described advantage by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0096] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration: [8] A control device characterized in that the first factor includes information on one or more of the driver, speed, acceleration / deceleration, driving route, air conditioning usage status, and number of occupants. This provides an advantage of providing a control device that can improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle compared to conventional methods, even if the driver is different, by using the results of analyzing the first factor over time for each individual. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the same advantage as the above by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0097] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration: [(9)] A control device characterized in that the second factor includes information on one or more of weather, temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and traffic congestion. This provides an advantage of providing a control device that enables improved accuracy in adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle compared to conventional methods, using analysis results of a time series of a first factor and a time series of a second factor for each individual, even if the driver is different. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides an advantage similar to the above-described advantage by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0098] Fourth Embodiment The above-described embodiments have been described with respect to a configuration in which the control device performs processing only on the mobile body side. In the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which the control device cooperates with a server to reduce the processing load on the mobile body side configuration will be described. In the fourth embodiment, among the components of the fourth embodiment, components that are the same as the components of the first, second, or third embodiment already described will be given the same names and the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] The server can be configured to include one or more of the following functions: a function for collecting and storing first factors in the control device, a function for collecting and storing second factors, and a function for estimating a read-ahead temperature. This reduces the capacity of the memory unit on the mobile object side. Furthermore, the server can collect and analyze data from multiple mobile objects, allowing the analysis results to be used for multiple mobile objects. An example of a configuration in which the control device according to this embodiment is applied to a configuration in which it cooperates with a server will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the control device according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure is applied to a configuration in which it cooperates with a server. The control device 100 (100D) in the mobile object 1 cooperates with a server 500 outside the mobile object to perform the processing described above.

[0100] The control device 100 (100D) shown in Figure 13 is configured to include a first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D), a second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D), a predictive temperature output unit 130 (130D), a control command unit 150 (150B), and a driver identification unit 180.

[0101] The driver identification unit 180 functions to output personal identification information for personally identifying the driver of the mobile body, similar to the driver identification unit 180 already described. The driver identification unit 180 outputs the personal identification information received from a DMS (driver monitoring system) 303 mounted on the mobile body, for example.

[0102] The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) acquires the first factor for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) associates the personal identification information with the first factor in time series and outputs the association. The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) shown in FIG. 13 outputs the acquired first factor to an external server that is a server outside the vehicle. The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) outputs the first factor in time series constantly (constantly includes almost continuous short intervals) or periodically.

[0103] The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) acquires the second factors for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) associates the personal identification information with the second factors in time series and outputs them. The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) outputs the acquired second factors to the external server, which is a server outside the vehicle. The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) outputs the second factors in time series constantly (constantly includes almost continuous short intervals) or periodically.

[0104] The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature after the current time, estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) shown in FIG. 13 receives and acquires look-ahead temperatures estimated on the server 500 side. That is, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) receives and outputs look-ahead temperatures indicating the battery temperature after the current time, estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order, from the external server, which is a server outside the mobile object. The internal configuration of the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) may be configured similarly to any of the look-ahead temperature output units 130 already described. Specifically, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) may include a factor analysis unit 131 and a look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132. That is, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) may be configured to acquire the first factor and the second factor accumulated on the server 500 side, perform a process of analyzing the factors, and also perform a process of estimating a look-ahead temperature (see the process in the embodiment described below). In this case, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) acquires the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order from the external server that is a server outside the mobile body, and estimates and outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards based on the first factor and the second factor.

[0105] Alternatively, the predictive temperature output unit 130 (130D) may be configured to acquire the first factor or the second factor stored on the server 500 side, perform a process of analyzing the factors, and further perform a process of estimating the predictive temperature based on the analysis results.

[0106] The control command unit 150 (150D) outputs a control value to the battery temperature control device that adjusts the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature based on the read-ahead temperature received from the external server, which is a server outside the mobile body. The control command unit 150 (150D) shown in FIG. 13 is configured to include an adjustment temperature command unit 151 and an adjustment flow rate command unit 152, similar to the control command unit 150 (150B) already described. Note that the adjustment temperature command unit 151 and the adjustment flow rate command unit 152 may be configured similarly to either of the adjustment temperature command unit 151 and the adjustment flow rate command unit 152 already described. Here, when the read-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) is configured to acquire the first factor and the second factor accumulated on the server 500 side, perform a process of analyzing the factors, and further perform a process of estimating the read-ahead temperature,

[0107] The server 500 is an external server outside the mobile body, such as a cloud server. The server 500 is configured to have one or more of the functions of the control device according to the previously described embodiment, including a function to collect and store first factors, a function to collect and store second factors, a function to analyze factors, and a function to estimate a look-ahead temperature. The server 500 shown in FIG. 13 is an example configuration having all of the above functions, and includes a first factor collection unit 510, a second factor collection unit 520, a factor analysis unit 530, and a look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540.

[0108] The first factor collection unit 510 collects the first factors output by the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) and accumulates them in chronological order. The first factor collection unit 510 may be configured to output the first factors accumulated in chronological order to the control device 100 (100D) in response to a request from the control device 100 (100D).

[0109] The second factor collection unit 520 collects the second factors output by the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) and accumulates them in chronological order. The second factor collection unit 520 may be configured to output the second factors accumulated in chronological order to the control device 100 (100D) in response to a request from the control device 100 (100D).

[0110] The factor analysis unit 530 has the same function as the factor analysis unit 131 already described. That is, the factor analysis unit 530 analyzes the accumulated first factor and second factor. The factor analysis unit 530 outputs a battery temperature trend, which is a trend of the battery temperature over time, using the first factor and the second factor accumulated in time series.

[0111] The look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540 has the same function as the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 already described. That is, the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540 estimates a look-ahead temperature based on the analysis results obtained by the factor analysis unit 530. The look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540 estimates a look-ahead temperature that indicates the battery temperature from the current time onwards based on the battery temperature trend that is the analysis result obtained by the factor analysis unit 530.

[0112] Next, an example of processing in the control device according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of information output from each component of the control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the relationship with the server. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing processing by the control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and processing by the server. For example, the control device 100 (100D) starts the processing shown in Fig. 15 when a control start condition is satisfied, such as when the power source of the moving body starts or when the moving body begins to move.

[0113] The control device 100 (100D) then executes a driver identification process (step ST4100). In the driver identification process, the driver identification unit 180 of the control device 100 (100D) identifies the individual driver. The driver identification unit 180 acquires the personal identification information output by the DMS 303 and identifies an occupant, such as the driver of the vehicle, based on the personal identification information. The driver identification unit 180 outputs the personal identification information to the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) and the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D).

[0114] The control device 100 (100D) then executes a first factor acquisition process (step ST4110). In the first factor acquisition process, the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) of the control device 100 (100D) further acquires the personal identification information output by the driver identification unit 180, and acquires the first factor for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) acquires the first factor based on the sensor information output by the mobile sensor 301b, which is an information source, and the position information output by the GPS 302, and outputs the first factor information as shown in FIG. 14 .

[0115] The control device 100 (100D) then executes second factor acquisition processing (step ST4120). In the second factor acquisition processing, the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) of the control device 100 (100D) further acquires the personal identification information output by the driver identification unit 180, and acquires the second factor for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) acquires the second factor based on the sensor information output by the mobile sensor 301b and the position information output by the GPS 302, which are information sources, and outputs second factor information as shown in FIG.

[0116] The control device 100 (100D) then executes a first factor output process (step ST4130). In the first factor output process, the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) of the control device 100 (100D) associates the personal identification information with the first factor in time series and outputs the associated information to the server 500.

[0117] The control device 100 (100D) then executes a second factor output process (step ST4140). In the second factor output process, the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) of the control device 100 (100D) associates the personal identification information with the second factors in time series and outputs them to the server 500.

[0118] The server 500 then executes a first factor collection process (step ST4210). In the first factor collection process, the first factor collection unit 510 of the server 500 collects the first factors output by the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110D) and stores them in chronological order.

[0119] The server 500 then executes a second factor collection process (step ST4220). In the second factor collection process, the second factor collection unit 520 of the server 500 collects the second factors output by the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120D) and stores them in chronological order.

[0120] The server 500 then executes a factor analysis process (step ST4230). In the factor analysis process, the factor analysis unit 530 of the server 500 acquires the first factor accumulated in chronological order by the first factor collection unit 510 and acquires the second factor accumulated in chronological order by the second factor collection unit 520. The factor analysis unit 530 performs an analysis based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order and outputs the analysis result. Specifically, the factor analysis unit 530 outputs a battery temperature trend, which is a trend of the battery temperature over time, using the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order. The factor analysis process (step ST4230) may be configured to be executed on the control device 100 (100D) side.

[0121] The server 500 then executes a look-ahead temperature estimation process (step ST4240). In the look-ahead temperature estimation process, the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540 of the server 500 estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards based on the battery temperature trend output by the factor analysis unit 530. The look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540 estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards, which is a preset time period after the current time, using the current time and the battery temperature trend. Note that the look-ahead temperature estimation process (step ST4240) may be configured to be executed on the control device 100 (100D) side.

[0122] Next, the server 500 executes a look-ahead temperature transmission process (step ST4250). In the look-ahead temperature transmission process, the server 500 transmits the look-ahead temperature, which is the estimation result by the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540, to the control device 100 (100D).

[0123] The control device 100 (100D) then executes a look-ahead temperature reception process (step ST4310). In the look-ahead temperature reception process, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) of the control device 100 (100D) receives the look-ahead temperature that is the estimation result by the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540.

[0124] The control device 100 (100D) then executes a look-ahead temperature output process (step ST4320). In the look-ahead temperature output process, the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D) of the control device 100 (100D) outputs the look-ahead temperature that is the estimation result by the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540.

[0125] The control device 100 (100D) then executes control command processing (step ST4330). In the control command processing, the control command unit 150 (150D) of the control device 100 (100D) outputs a control value to the battery temperature control device 400, which adjusts the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130D). Specifically, the control command unit 150 (150D) acquires the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 and outputs a control value to the battery temperature control device, which adjusts the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature using the acquired look-ahead temperature. The control command unit 150 (150D) outputs, for example, an adjustment temperature command, which is a command to adjust the temperature of the heat medium, and an adjustment flow rate command, which is a command to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium, to the battery temperature control device. In this case, the heat medium temperature control unit 420 of the battery temperature control device adjusts the temperature of the heat medium in accordance with the adjustment temperature command. The heat medium flow rate adjusting unit 410 of the battery temperature adjustment device adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium according to the adjusted flow rate command.

[0126] The present disclosure, according to the present embodiment, can improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object compared to the conventional art, and further reduce the processing load on the mobile object.

[0127] This embodiment further illustrates an exemplary embodiment including the following configuration: [6] A control device characterized in that the first factor acquisition unit outputs the acquired first factor to an external server external to the mobile body; the second factor acquisition unit outputs the acquired second factor to the external server external to the mobile body; the look-ahead temperature output unit receives from the external server external to the mobile body and outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onwards estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order; and the control command unit outputs a control value to the battery temperature regulation device that adjusts the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature received from the external server external to the mobile body. This further advantageously enables the present disclosure to provide a control device that enables improved accuracy in regulating the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body compared to conventional methods while reducing the processing load on the mobile body. Furthermore, the present disclosure achieves the same effects as those described above by applying the above configuration to a system including a control device, the above valve device, the above control method, or the above program.

[0128] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration: [7] A control device characterized in that the first factor acquisition unit outputs the acquired first factor to an external server that is a server outside the mobile body, the second factor acquisition unit outputs the acquired second factor to the external server that is a server outside the mobile body, the look-ahead temperature output unit acquires the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order from the external server that is a server outside the mobile body, and estimates and outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating a battery temperature from the current time onwards based on the first factor and the second factor, and the control command unit outputs a control value to the battery temperature regulation device that adjusts the battery temperature based on the look-ahead temperature estimated by the look-ahead temperature output unit so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature. This further advantageously enables the present disclosure to provide a control device that enables improved accuracy in regulating the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile body compared to conventional devices while reducing the processing load on the mobile body. Furthermore, the present disclosure achieves the same effects as those described above by applying the above configuration to a system including a control device, the above valve device, the above control method, or the above program.

[0129] Fifth Embodiment In a battery temperature control device controlled by the control device according to the previously described embodiments, there is a possibility that a user may not notice a malfunction that may lead to a breakdown. The fifth embodiment describes a mode that enables a user to be notified of a malfunction related to temperature control. In the fifth embodiment, among the components according to the fifth embodiment, components that are the same as the components according to the first, second, third, or fourth embodiment already described are given the same names and the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.

[0130] A configuration example of a control device according to this embodiment and a configuration example of a battery temperature regulation system including the control device will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a battery temperature regulation system including a control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery temperature regulation system 10 (10E) shown in Fig. 16 is configured to include a control device 100 (100E), an information source 300, a battery temperature regulation device 400, and an output device 600.

[0131] The information source 300 shown in FIG. 16 is similar to the information source 300 already described, and includes a vehicle-mounted sensor 301 (vehicle speed sensor, acceleration / deceleration sensor, battery temperature sensor, outside air temperature sensor, chiller temperature sensor, radiator temperature sensor, heat medium temperature sensor, etc.), a GPS (Global Positioning System) 302, and a DMS (Driver Monitoring System) 303.

[0132] The control device 100 (100E) determines whether there is a malfunction or the like in the battery temperature regulating device 400, and outputs a diagnosis result based on the determination result. The control device 100 (100E) shown in FIG. 16 is configured to include a first factor acquisition unit 110, a second factor acquisition unit 120, a look-ahead temperature output unit 130, a control command unit 150, a driver identification unit 180, and a malfunction diagnosis unit 190. The control device 100 (100E) is configured to further include the malfunction diagnosis unit 190 in addition to the control devices already described.

[0133] The fault diagnosis unit 190 diagnoses faults related to the battery temperature regulation device. Specifically, for example, if the battery temperature does not respond as specified, such as reaching a set temperature, the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the battery temperature regulation system is in a faulty state. Furthermore, more specifically, for example, the fault diagnosis unit 190 acquires an actual measurement value of the battery temperature, and if the actual measurement value of the battery temperature does not follow the command from the control command unit 150, the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that a fault has occurred in the battery temperature regulation device 400 and outputs the determination result.

[0134] The battery temperature regulation device 400 includes a heat medium flow rate regulation unit 410 and a heat medium temperature regulation unit 420, similar to the battery temperature regulation device 400 (400B) already described.

[0135] The output device 600 outputs an image, a sound, or both an image and a sound in response to the determination result output by the fault diagnosis unit 190 in the control device 100 (100E).

[0136] Next, an example of processing in the control device according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing processing by a fault diagnosis unit in the control device according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. Fault diagnosis unit 190 in control device 100 (100E) starts the processing shown in Fig. 17 ("START") when a control start condition is satisfied, such as when the power source of the moving body starts or when the moving body begins to move.

[0137] The failure diagnosis unit 190 executes a process of acquiring a target temperature (step ST5610). In the process of acquiring a target temperature, the failure diagnosis unit 190 acquires a target temperature that has been set and stored in advance.

[0138] The failure diagnosis unit 190 executes a process of acquiring the actual battery temperature measurement value (step ST5620). In the process of acquiring the actual battery temperature measurement value, the failure diagnosis unit 190 acquires the actual battery temperature measurement value output by the battery temperature sensor in the vehicle-mounted sensor 301 of the information source 300.

[0139] The fault diagnosis unit 190 executes a process to determine whether the actual battery temperature measurement value is tracking the target temperature (step ST5630 "Does the actual battery temperature measurement value track the target temperature?"). In this process, the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines whether the actual battery temperature measurement value is tracking the target temperature using the target temperature and the actual battery temperature measurement value. Specifically, the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the battery temperature is tracking the target temperature when, for example, the absolute value of the difference temperature value obtained by subtracting the actual battery temperature measurement value from the target temperature does not exceed a preset and stored threshold value for determining tracking (step ST5630 "YES"). The fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the battery temperature is not tracking the target temperature when, for example, the absolute value of the difference temperature value obtained by subtracting the actual battery temperature measurement value from the target temperature exceeds a preset and stored threshold value for determining tracking (step ST5630 "NO").

[0140] If the actual battery temperature measurement value is tracking the target temperature ("YES" in step ST5630), the failure diagnosis unit 190 then executes an end determination process ("End?" in step ST5640). In the end determination process, the failure diagnosis unit 190 determines the end depending on, for example, whether the moving object has stopped traveling.

[0141] In the termination determination process, if the failure diagnosis unit 190 determines not to terminate ("NO" in step ST5640), the process returns to step ST5620 and repeats the process from step ST5620.

[0142] When the failure diagnosis unit 190 determines that the process should be ended ("YES" in step ST5640), the failure diagnosis unit 190 ends the process shown in FIG. 17 and waits or repeats the process ("end").

[0143] If the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the actual battery temperature measurement value is not tracking the target temperature ("NO" in step ST5630), it then executes a process of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step ST5650). If the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the elapsed time has not elapsed ("NO" in step ST5650), it then returns to the process of step ST5620 and repeats the process from step ST5620. If the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the elapsed time has elapsed ("YES" in step ST5650), it then executes a fault warning process (step ST5660). In the fault warning process, the fault diagnosis unit 190 outputs fault warning information to the output device 600. Based on the fault warning information, the output device 600 outputs either an image, a sound, or both an image and a sound in response to the determination result output by the fault diagnosis unit 190 in the control device 100 (100E).

[0144] The fault diagnosis unit 190 then receives the fault warning information and determines whether the response to the fault indicated in the fault warning information has been completed (step ST5670, "Response completed?"). If the response is not completed in this process (step ST5670, "NO"), the fault warning process (step ST5660) is repeated. The process shown in FIG. 18 is then terminated.

[0145] If the fault diagnosis unit 190 in the control device 100 (100E) has completed the countermeasures in the process ("YES" in step ST5670), it then ends the process shown in FIG. 17 and waits or repeats the process ("end").

[0146] Next, an example of processing in a configuration in which the configuration of the control device according to this embodiment and the configuration of the control device according to the previously described embodiments are combined will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control device according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. The control device 100 (100E) starts the processing shown in Fig. 18 ("START") when a control start condition is satisfied, such as when the power source of the moving body starts or when the moving body begins to move.

[0147] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a driver identification process (step ST5710). In the driver identification process, the driver identification unit 180 in the control device 100 (100E) identifies the individual driver. The driver identification unit 180 acquires the personal identification information output by the DMS 303, and identifies an occupant, such as the driver of the vehicle, based on the personal identification information. The driver identification unit 180 outputs the personal identification information to the first factor acquisition unit 110 and the second factor acquisition unit 120.

[0148] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a first factor acquisition process (step ST5720). In the first factor acquisition process, the first factor acquisition unit 110 in the control device 100 (100E) acquires the personal identification information and acquires the first factor for each individual driver based on the personal identification information. The first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C) associates the personal identification information with the first factors in chronological order and outputs them to the server 500.

[0149] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a second factor acquisition process (step ST5730). In the second factor acquisition process, the second factor acquisition unit 120 in the control device 100 (100E) acquires the personal identification information and acquires the second factor for each individual driver based on the personal identification information.

[0150] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a second factor transmission process (step ST5740). In the second factor transmission process, the second factor acquisition unit 120 in the control device 100 (100E) associates the personal identification information with the second factor in time series and outputs them to the server 500.

[0151] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a process of receiving the accumulated first and second factors (step ST5750). In this process, the read-ahead temperature output unit 130 in the control device 100 (100E) receives from the server 500 the first and second factors accumulated in chronological order for each driver identified in the personal identification information.

[0152] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a process (step ST5760) to calculate the amount of heat generated by the battery from the current time onward using the accumulated first and second factors. In this process, the factor analysis unit 131 of the predictive temperature output unit 130 in the control device 100 (100E) performs an analysis based on the first and second factors accumulated in chronological order and outputs the analysis results. Specifically, the factor analysis unit 131 outputs a battery temperature trend, which is a time-series trend of the battery temperature, using the first and second factors accumulated in chronological order. The battery temperature trend indicates, for example, the change in battery temperature by time or time zone. Alternatively, the battery temperature trend indicates, for example, the change in battery temperature by time or time zone, and further indicates the change in battery temperature by driving route. The factor analysis unit 131 may output the battery temperature trend to, for example, a storage unit (not shown) for storage.

[0153] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a process (step ST5770) to calculate a look-ahead temperature, which is the battery temperature from the current time onward, using the current battery temperature and the amount of heat generated by the battery from the current time onward. In this process, the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 of the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 in the control device 100 (100E) estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onward based on the battery temperature trend output by the factor analysis unit 131. The look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132 estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onward, which is a preset time period after the current time, using the current time and the battery temperature trend. The look-ahead temperature output unit 130 outputs the look-ahead temperature estimated by the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132.

[0154] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a process (step ST5780) of calculating the heat medium temperature and heat medium flow rate so that the read-ahead temperature becomes the target temperature, and outputting a control value using the heat medium temperature and heat medium flow rate. In this process, the adjustment temperature command unit 151 of the control command unit 150 in the control device 100 (100E) calculates the adjustment temperature of the heat medium based on the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) and the pre-stored target temperature. Next, the adjustment flow rate command unit 152 of the control command unit 150 calculates the adjustment flow rate of the heat medium based on the read-ahead temperature output by the read-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B) and the pre-stored target temperature.

[0155] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a control command process (step ST5790). In this process, the control command unit 150 in the control device 100 (100E) outputs a control value to the battery temperature control device 400 (400B) that adjusts the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit 151 and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit 152.

[0156] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a normal control determination process (step ST5800 "Normal?"). In this process, the fault diagnosis unit 190 in the control device 100 (100E) determines whether normal control is being performed regarding the battery temperature. Specifically, for example, the following process is performed. The fault diagnosis unit 190 executes a process to acquire a target temperature (see step ST5610 described above). In the process to acquire the target temperature, the fault diagnosis unit 190 acquires a target temperature that has been set and stored in advance. The fault diagnosis unit 190 executes a process to acquire an actual battery temperature measurement value (see step ST5620 described above). In the process to acquire the actual battery temperature measurement value, the fault diagnosis unit 190 acquires the actual battery temperature measurement value output by the battery temperature sensor in the vehicle-mounted sensor 301 of the information source 300.

[0157] The fault diagnosis unit 190 executes a process to determine whether the actual battery temperature measurement value is tracking the target temperature (see step ST5630 "Does the actual battery temperature measurement value track the target temperature?" above). In this process, the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines whether the actual battery temperature measurement value is tracking the target temperature using the target temperature and the actual battery temperature measurement value. Specifically, the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the actual battery temperature is tracking the target temperature when, for example, the absolute value of the difference temperature value obtained by subtracting the actual battery temperature measurement value from the target temperature does not exceed a preset and stored threshold value for determining tracking (see "YES" in step ST5630 above). The fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the actual battery temperature is not tracking the target temperature when, for example, the absolute value of the difference temperature value obtained by subtracting the actual battery temperature measurement value from the target temperature exceeds a preset and stored threshold value for determining tracking (see "NO" in step ST5630 above).

[0158] If the battery temperature measurement value is tracking the target temperature (see "YES" in step ST5630 above), the failure diagnosis unit 190 then executes an end determination process ("End?" in step ST5830). In the end determination process, the failure diagnosis unit 190 determines the end depending on, for example, whether the moving object has stopped traveling.

[0159] In the termination determination process, if the failure diagnosis unit 190 determines not to terminate ("NO" in step ST5830), it returns to the process of step ST5760 and repeats the process from step ST5760.

[0160] When the failure diagnosis unit 190 determines to end the process ("YES" in step ST5830), the failure diagnosis unit 190 ends the process shown in FIG. 18 and waits or repeats the process ("end").

[0161] If the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the actual battery temperature measurement value is not tracking the target temperature ("NO" in step ST5630), it then executes a process of determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed (see step ST5650 described above). If the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (see "NO" in step ST5650 described above), it then returns to the process of step ST5620 described above and repeats the process from step ST5620. If the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (see "YES" in step ST5650 described above), it determines that the battery is not normal ("NO" in step ST5800), and then executes a fault warning process (step ST5810). In the fault warning process, the fault diagnosis unit 190 outputs fault warning information to the output device 600. The output device 600 outputs an image, a sound, or both an image and a sound in response to the determination result output by the fault diagnosis unit 190 in the control device 100 (100E) based on the fault warning information.

[0162] The fault diagnosis unit 190 then receives the fault warning information and determines whether the response to the fault indicated in the fault warning information has been completed ("Response Completed?" in step ST5820). If the response is not complete in this process ("NO" in step ST5820), the fault warning process (step ST5810) is repeated. If the response is complete in this process ("YES" in step ST5820), the process shown in FIG. 18 is terminated and the unit waits or repeats the process ("END").

[0163] The control device 100 (100E) then executes a response completion determination process (step ST5820 "Response completed?"). In this process, the fault diagnosis unit 190 in the control device 100 (100E) receives, for example, a user operation and determines whether the response is completed based on the operation.

[0164] The control device 100 (100E) then executes an end determination process (step ST5830 "End?"). In this process, a control unit (not shown) in the control device 100 (100E) determines whether to end the process shown in FIG. 18 depending on, for example, whether the traveling of the moving object has ended.

[0165] If the control device 100 (100E) determines not to terminate in the termination determination process (step ST5830) ("NO" in step ST5830), it repeats the process from step ST5760. If the fault diagnosis unit 190 determines to terminate ("YES" in step ST5830), it then terminates the process shown in FIG. 18 and waits or repeats the process ("end").

[0166] The present disclosure, according to the present embodiment, can improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle compared to the prior art. It can also perform a predictive diagnosis of failures and problems in the temperature adjustment system. It can also diagnose problems related to temperature adjustment. It can also notify the user of problems related to temperature adjustment.

[0167] This embodiment further illustrates an example embodiment including the following configuration:

[10] A control device including a malfunction diagnosis unit that acquires an actual measurement value of a battery temperature, and determines that a malfunction has occurred in the battery temperature regulation device and outputs a determination result if the actual measurement value of the battery temperature does not follow the command from the control command unit. This further provides an effect of providing a control device that makes it possible to notify a user that the battery temperature is not being regulated. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the same effect as the above by applying the above configuration to a system including the control device, the valve device, the control method, or the program.

[0168] Here, a hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a first example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the configuration of the present disclosure. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a second example of a hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the configuration of the present disclosure. The control device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E) and the valve device 40 of the present disclosure are each realized by the hardware shown in Fig. 19 or Fig. 20.

[0169] 19, each of the control devices 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E) and the valve device 40 is configured, for example, with a processor 10001, a memory 10002, an input / output interface 10003, and a communication circuit 10004. The processor 10001 and the memory 10002 are installed in, for example, a computer. The memory 10002 stores programs that cause the computer to function as a first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C, 110D), a second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C, 120D), a predictive temperature output unit 130 (130B, 130C, 130D), a factor analysis unit 131, a predictive temperature estimation unit 132, a control command unit 150 (150B, 150C), an adjustment temperature command unit 151, an adjustment flow rate command unit 152, a driver identification unit 180, a fault diagnosis unit 190, and a control unit not shown. The processor 10001 reads and executes the programs stored in the memory 10002 to realize the functions of the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C, 110D), the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C, 120D), the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B, 130C, 130D), the factor analysis unit 131, the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132, the control command unit 150 (150B, 150C), the adjustment temperature command unit 151, the adjustment flow rate command unit 152, the driver identification unit 180, the malfunction diagnosis unit 190, and a control unit (not shown). Furthermore, the memory 10002 or another memory (not shown) realizes a storage unit (not shown). Furthermore, the communication circuit 10004 realizes a communication unit (not shown).

[0170] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 19 , the server 500 is configured with, for example, a processor 10001, a memory 10002, an input / output interface 10003, and a communication circuit 10004. The processor 10001 and the memory 10002 are installed in, for example, a computer. The memory 10002 stores programs that cause the computer to function as a first factor collection unit 510, a second factor collection unit 520, a factor analysis unit 530, a look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540, and a control unit (not shown). The processor 10001 reads and executes the programs stored in the memory 10002 to realize the functions of the first factor collection unit 510, the second factor collection unit 520, the factor analysis unit 530, the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 540, and a control unit (not shown). The memory 10002 or another memory (not shown) also realizes a storage unit (not shown) in the server 500. Furthermore, the communication circuit 10004 realizes a communication unit (not shown) in the server 500 .

[0171] The processor 10001 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 10002 may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or flash memory, or a magnetic disk such as a hard disk or flexible disk, or an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a magneto-optical disk. The processor 10001 and the memory 10002 or the communication circuit 10004 are connected in a state capable of transmitting data to each other. The processor 10001, memory 10002, and communication circuit 10004 are connected via an input / output interface 10003 so as to be capable of transmitting data to and from other hardware.

[0172] Alternatively, the functions of the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C, 110D), second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C, 120D), look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B, 130C, 130D), factor analysis unit 131, look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132, control command unit 150 (150B, 150C), adjustment temperature command unit 151, adjustment flow rate command unit 152, driver identification unit 180, fault diagnosis unit 190, and a control unit not shown in the figure in the control device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E) and the valve device 40 may be realized by a dedicated processing circuit 20001, as shown in FIG. 20 .

[0173] Similarly, the functions of the first factor collection unit 510, the second factor collection unit 520, the factor analysis unit 530, the predictive temperature estimation unit 540, and the control unit (not shown) in the server 500 may be realized by a dedicated processing circuit 20001, as shown in FIG. 20.

[0174] The processing circuit 20001 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a SoC (System-on-a-Chip), or a system LSI (Large-Scale Integration), etc. In addition, the memory 20002 or another memory (not shown) realizes a storage unit (not shown) in the server 500. The memory 20002 may be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or flash memory, or a magnetic disk such as a hard disk or flexible disk, or an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a magneto-optical disk. The communication circuit 20004 implements a communication unit (not shown) in the server 500. The processing circuit 20001 and the memory 20002 or the communication circuit 20004 are connected in a state where they can transmit data to each other. In addition, the processing circuit 20001, the memory 20002, and the communication circuit 20004 are connected in a state where they can transmit data to other hardware via the input / output interface 20003.In addition, in the control device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E) and the valve device 40, the functions of the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C, 110D), the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C, 120D), the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B, 130C, 130D), the factor analysis unit 131, the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132, the control command unit 150 (150B, 150C), the adjustment temperature command unit 151, the adjustment flow rate command unit 152, the driver identification unit 180, the fault diagnosis unit 190, and the control unit (not shown) may be realized by separate processing circuits, or may be realized together by a processing circuit. Similarly, in the server 500, the functions of the first factor collection unit 510, the second factor collection unit 520, the factor analysis unit 530, the predictive temperature estimation unit 540, and the control unit (not shown) may be realized by separate processing circuits, or may be realized together by a processing circuit.

[0175] Alternatively, in the control device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E) and the valve device 40, the first factor acquisition unit 110 (110C, 110D), the second factor acquisition unit 120 (120C, 120D), the look-ahead temperature output unit 130 (130B, 130C, 130D), the factor analysis unit 131, the look-ahead temperature estimation unit 132, the control command unit 150 (150B, 150C), the adjustment temperature command unit 151, the adjustment flow rate command unit 152, the driver identification unit 180, the fault diagnosis unit 190, and some of the functions of a control unit not shown may be realized by the processor 10001 and the memory 10002, and the remaining functions may be realized by the processing circuit 20001. Similarly, in the server device 600E, some of the functions of the first factor collection unit 510, the second factor collection unit 520, the factor analysis unit 530, the predictive temperature estimation unit 540, and the control unit (not shown) may be realized by the processor 10001 and the memory 10002, and the remaining functions may be realized by the processing circuit 20001.

[0176] It should be noted that, within the scope of this disclosure, the embodiments may be freely combined, any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted.

[0177] The present disclosure can improve the accuracy of adjusting the temperature of a battery mounted on a mobile object compared to conventional methods, and is therefore suitable for use in, for example, a battery temperature adjustment device, a control device that controls the battery temperature adjustment device, or a valve device that adjusts the temperature of a battery.

[0178] 1 Mobile body, 2 Battery, 3 Tire, 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E) Battery temperature adjustment system, 40 Valve device, 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E) Control device, 110 (110C, 110D) First factor acquisition unit, 120 (120C, 120D) Second factor acquisition unit, 130 (130B, 130C, 130D) Look-ahead temperature output unit, 131 Factor analysis unit, 132 Look-ahead temperature estimation unit, 150 (150B, 150C) Control command unit, 151 Adjusted temperature command unit, 152 Adjusted flow rate command unit, 180 Driver identification unit, 190 Malfunction diagnosis unit, 300 (300C) Information source, 301 Mobile body mounted sensor, 301a Battery temperature sensor, 301b Outside air temperature sensor (vehicle speed sensor, acceleration / deceleration sensor (acceleration sensor), chiller temperature sensor, radiator temperature sensor, heat medium temperature sensor) 302 GPS (Global Positioning System), 303 DMS (Driver Monitoring System), 400 (400A, 400B, 400C) Battery temperature control device, 410 Heat medium flow rate control unit (valve unit), 411 Valve unit, 420 Heat medium temperature control unit, 421 Chiller (heat medium temperature control unit), 422 Radiator (heat medium temperature control unit), 430 Motor, 440 Inverter, 450 Air conditioner, 460 Pump, 470 Low temperature side water channel, 480 High temperature side water channel, 500 Server, 510 First factor collection unit, 520 Second factor collection unit, 530 Factor analysis unit, 540 Look-ahead temperature estimation unit, 600 Output device, 1100 Battery temperature transition without look-ahead, 1200 Battery temperature transition with look-ahead, 1300 Arrow (image of control timing without look-ahead), 10001 Processor, 10002 Memory, 10003 Input / output interface, 10004 Communication circuit, 20001 Processing circuit, 20002 Memory, 20003 Input / output interface, 20004 Communication circuit.

Claims

1. A control device comprising: a first factor acquisition unit that acquires, in a chronological order, a first factor indicating a factor in a change in battery temperature caused by an occupant of a mobile body; a second factor acquisition unit that acquires, in a chronological order, a second factor indicating a factor in a change in battery temperature caused by a situation outside the mobile body; a look-ahead temperature output unit that outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards that is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order; and a control instruction unit that outputs a control value to instruct a battery temperature adjustment device that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising: an adjustment temperature command unit that calculates an adjustment temperature of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature; and an adjustment flow rate command unit that calculates an adjustment flow rate of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature, wherein the control command unit outputs a control value to the battery temperature adjustment device that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to the pre-stored target temperature using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit.

3. A control device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it comprises: a factor analysis unit that outputs a battery temperature trend, which is a trend in the battery temperature over time, using the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order; and a look-ahead temperature estimation unit that estimates a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards based on the battery temperature trend output by the factor analysis unit, wherein the look-ahead temperature output unit outputs the look-ahead temperature estimated by the look-ahead temperature estimation unit.

4. A control device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: a driver identification unit outputs personal identification information that personally identifies the driver of the mobile body; and the read-ahead temperature output unit outputs a read-ahead temperature that indicates the battery temperature from the current time onwards, estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order for each driver identified in the personal identification information.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the driver identification unit outputs the personal identification information received from a driver monitoring system installed in the vehicle.

6. The control device described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first factor acquisition unit outputs the acquired first factor to an external server that is a server outside the mobile body, the second factor acquisition unit outputs the acquired second factor to the external server that is a server outside the mobile body, the look-ahead temperature output unit receives from the external server that is a server outside the mobile body and outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order, and the control instruction unit outputs a control value to the battery temperature adjustment device that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature received from the external server that is a server outside the mobile body.

7. The control device described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first factor acquisition unit outputs the acquired first factor to an external server that is a server outside the mobile body, the second factor acquisition unit outputs the acquired second factor to the external server that is a server outside the mobile body, the look-ahead temperature output unit acquires the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order from the external server that is a server outside the mobile body, and estimates and outputs a look-ahead temperature that indicates the battery temperature from the current time onwards based on the first factor and the second factor, and the control instruction unit outputs a control value to instruct the battery temperature adjustment device that adjusts the battery temperature so that the battery temperature is adjusted to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature estimated by the look-ahead temperature output unit.

8. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first factor includes information about one or more of the driver, speed, acceleration / deceleration, driving route, air conditioning usage status, or number of occupants.

9. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second factor includes information about one or more of weather, temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and traffic congestion.

10. A control device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it is provided with a malfunction diagnosis unit that acquires an actual measurement value of the battery temperature and, if the actual measurement value of the battery temperature does not follow the command from the control command unit, determines that a malfunction has occurred in the battery temperature adjustment device and outputs the determination result.

11. A first factor acquisition unit that acquires in time series a first factor that indicates a factor of change in battery temperature caused by an occupant of the mobile body; a second factor acquisition unit that acquires in time series a second factor that indicates a factor of change in battery temperature caused by a situation outside the mobile body; a look-ahead temperature output unit that outputs a look-ahead temperature that indicates a battery temperature from the current time onwards that is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in time series; an adjustment temperature command unit that calculates an adjustment temperature of a heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature; an adjustment flow rate command unit that calculates an adjustment flow rate of a heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature; a control command unit that outputs a control value that commands adjustment of the battery temperature to the pre-stored target temperature using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit; and a heat medium temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium to a temperature corresponding to the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit using the control value output by the control command unit. a valve unit that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium to a value corresponding to the adjusted flow rate calculated by the adjusted flow rate command unit using the control value output by the control command unit.

12. A control method for a control device that controls a battery temperature adjustment device, wherein a first factor acquisition unit of the control device acquires, in chronological order, a first factor indicating a factor of change in battery temperature caused by an occupant of a mobile body; a second factor acquisition unit of the control device acquires, in chronological order, a second factor indicating a factor of change in battery temperature caused by a situation outside the mobile body; a look-ahead temperature output unit of the control device outputs a look-ahead temperature indicating the battery temperature from the current time onwards that is estimated based on the first factor and the second factor accumulated in chronological order; and a control command unit of the control device outputs a control value to command the battery temperature adjustment device to adjust the battery temperature to a pre-stored target temperature based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit.

13. The control method according to claim 12, wherein an adjustment temperature command unit of the control command unit calculates an adjustment temperature of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature, an adjustment flow rate command unit of the control command unit calculates an adjustment flow rate of the heat medium based on the look-ahead temperature output by the look-ahead temperature output unit and a pre-stored target temperature, and the control command unit outputs a control value to the battery temperature adjustment device that adjusts the battery temperature using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit and the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit so that the battery temperature is adjusted to the pre-stored target temperature.

14. The control method described in claim 13, characterized in that the heat medium temperature adjustment unit of the battery temperature adjustment device adjusts the temperature of the heat medium using the adjustment temperature calculated by the adjustment temperature command unit, and the heat medium flow rate adjustment unit of the battery temperature adjustment device adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium using the adjustment flow rate calculated by the adjustment flow rate command unit.

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