JP2012194136A - Driving support apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a driving support apparatus that properly notifies a user of an area to be reached by the power charged in a battery, in consideration of power consumption of the battery.SOLUTION: An electronic control unit 11 of a driving support apparatus 10 searches a traveling information database 13a of a storage unit 13 to obtain power consumption registered along with past traveling of a vehicle, and calculates estimated power consumption of the running vehicle using the power consumption. The unit 11 obtains remaining battery power acquired from a charging state detection sensor B to correct the remaining battery power in consideration of deterioration of the battery. The unit 11 compares the estimated power consumption with the corrected remaining battery power, and notifies a user when the estimated power consumption exceeds the remaining battery power. The user can return home without fail, for example, before battery exhaustion, in accordance with the notification.

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving support device that supports a user who drives a vehicle, and more particularly, to a driving support device that supports a user who drives a vehicle that travels using electric power charged in an on-board battery.

  Conventionally, for example, an in-vehicle device as shown in Patent Document 1 below is known. The conventional vehicle-mounted device includes a route search unit that performs a route search and a charge management unit that calculates a charge amount to be charged in the vehicle-mounted battery in order to travel the route searched by the route search unit. It has become. And in this conventional vehicle-mounted device, while traveling on the searched route, when the charge management unit is changed such as the number of passengers and the use / unuse of an air conditioner, the vehicle cannot travel due to insufficient charge amount. The user is notified that there is a possibility.

  Conventionally, for example, a control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle as shown in Patent Document 2 below is also known. This conventional hybrid vehicle control device includes a navigation device, and a means for creating a future battery charge / discharge plan to the destination based on the road environment of the guidance route provided from the navigation device; Means to calculate the predicted fuel consumption when the vehicle is controlled based on the future charge / discharge plan to the ground, and the predicted fuel consumption when the vehicle is controlled to the destination without using the road environment to the destination Means for calculating the amount and means for presenting information on the difference between the two predicted fuel consumptions to the driver are provided.

  Furthermore, conventionally, for example, a route searching method of a navigation device as shown in Patent Document 3 below is also known. In this conventional navigation device route search method, the navigation device stores fuel consumption information corresponding to the vehicle speed for each vehicle type, and uses this fuel consumption information and link data to search for a route that minimizes fuel consumption. It is supposed to be. This makes it possible to search for a route with a low cost.

JP 2010-32459 A JP 2004-98726 A JP 2005-172582 A

  By the way, in the conventional vehicle-mounted device shown in the above cited reference 1, it is necessary when a vehicle traveling using the electric power charged in the vehicle-mounted battery travels the route searched by the route search unit. Calculate the correct amount of charge. Then, when the vehicle is running using the on-vehicle battery charged up to this charge amount, when the vehicle is insufficiently charged and cannot run, the user is notified. In this case, since the conventional vehicle-mounted device includes the route search unit, for example, by searching for the map search function, for example, searching for a charging facility (charging station) installed around the vehicle. It is possible to avoid the situation where traveling is impossible by guiding the vehicle to travel to the charging facility (charging station) searched before traveling becomes impossible.

  However, if the vehicle is not equipped with a device that exhibits a map search function, specifically, a navigation device that is a route search unit, the charging facility (charging station) installed around the vehicle is searched. As a result, even if there is a possibility that the vehicle cannot run, it is extremely difficult to guide and move it to the charging facility (charging station). Therefore, in the conventional vehicle-mounted device shown in the above cited reference 1, when the user uses a vehicle having a route search unit (navigation device or the like), it is notified that the charging amount is insufficient. However, for example, when the vehicle does not have at least a map search function, the notification of insufficient charge that is notified to the user makes sense. There is a possibility not to. As a result, the user may feel anxious about whether or not the vehicle can travel to a target point.

  The present invention has been made in order to cope with the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to take into account the power consumption of the battery when driving a vehicle that runs using the power charged in the battery. An object of the present invention is to provide a driving support device that appropriately notifies the user of the range in which the vehicle can travel with the electric power charged.

  In order to achieve the above object, a driving assistance apparatus according to the present invention assists a driver who drives a vehicle that travels using at least the electric power charged in a battery mounted therein. For this reason, the feature of the driving support apparatus is that it includes a battery remaining amount acquisition unit, a position acquisition unit, a learning unit, a power consumption acquisition unit, and an information notification unit.

  The battery remaining amount acquisition means acquires a battery remaining amount representing a charge amount charged in a battery mounted on the vehicle. The position acquisition means acquires the position of the vehicle. Each time the driver drives the vehicle, the learning means includes at least the position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition means and the battery mounted on the vehicle acquired by the battery remaining amount acquisition means. Using the remaining battery level, the acquired power consumption amount of the battery that has been consumed during traveling to the position of the vehicle is updated and stored in association with each other. The power consumption amount acquisition means is a direction in which the vehicle is driven by driving by the driver among the position of the vehicle and the power consumption amount of the battery that are updated and stored in association with each other by the learning means. The power consumption amount of the battery when the driver causes the vehicle to travel in the same direction is specified and acquired using the position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition means. The information notifying means is for the driver who is driving the vehicle using electric power charged in a battery mounted on the vehicle based on the power consumption acquired by the power consumption acquisition means. Then, information on whether or not the vehicle is allowed to travel is notified.

  According to this, in the past, the driver has caused the vehicle to travel in the same direction as the direction in which the vehicle is currently traveling, among the vehicle position and the power consumption stored in association with each other so as to be updatable by the learning means. The power consumption learned at the time is identified and acquired, and the driver, that is, the user can be notified of information regarding whether or not the vehicle can run with the current remaining battery level using the acquired power consumption. . As a result, if at least the position of the vehicle can be detected, information on whether or not the vehicle can travel can be notified using the power consumption learned in the past by the driving by the driver. The range in which the vehicle can be driven reflecting the driving characteristics of the user) can be appropriately notified. As a result, it is possible to surely wipe out the anxiety that the vehicle (the user) can learn and can drive the vehicle to the target point.

  In this case, for example, the information notification means indicates the power consumption amount of the battery when the driver travels the vehicle to the destination estimated from the direction in which the vehicle is traveling. Predicting using the power consumption acquired by the acquisition means, comparing the predicted power consumption of the battery with the remaining battery power acquired by the battery remaining acquisition means, and obtaining the acquired battery remaining power. When the amount is less than the predicted power consumption of the battery, information indicating that the vehicle cannot travel may be notified as information regarding whether the vehicle can travel. In this case, for example, the information notification unit is configured to provide a battery remaining amount acquired by the battery remaining amount acquisition unit when a device that performs at least a map search function related to the periphery of the vehicle is not mounted on the vehicle. When the corrected battery remaining amount is less than the predicted power consumption of the battery, the vehicle cannot travel to the driver's home as information on whether the vehicle can travel. More specifically, the information notifying unit may notify the information, for example, the corrected remaining battery level is smaller than the actual remaining battery level of the battery acquired by the remaining battery level acquiring unit. It is good to correct as follows.

  According to these, the driver (user) can be notified by early and surely determining that the remaining battery level of the battery mounted on the vehicle is insufficient and the vehicle cannot be driven. Therefore, it is possible to surely wipe away the anxiety that the driver (user) can learn that the vehicle can travel to the target point. Further, even when it is determined that a shortage of the remaining battery level occurs by correcting the battery remaining amount to be smaller (less) than the actual remaining battery level, Since the distance that can actually drive the vehicle can be secured to some extent, the driver (user) can drive the vehicle with peace of mind.

  Another feature of the driving support apparatus according to the present invention is that the information notifying means has, for example, a map of this device when a device that exhibits a map search function related to at least the periphery of the vehicle is mounted on the vehicle. It is determined whether there is a charging facility for charging a battery mounted on the vehicle at a destination estimated from a direction in which the vehicle is traveling using a search function, and the estimated purpose When the charging facility is present on the ground, information on whether or not the vehicle can travel to the estimated destination may be notified as information on whether or not the vehicle can travel. According to this, for example, when the driver leaves the home and drives the vehicle to the destination, in order to determine and notify whether or not the destination can be reached, the vehicle travels the distance until returning to the home again. Compared with the case where it is determined whether or not it is possible to make a determination, the distance to be determined becomes shorter, and the determination can be made with more stable accuracy. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to surely wipe out the anxiety that the vehicle (the user) can learn and can drive the vehicle to the target point.

  In addition, another feature of the driving support apparatus according to the present invention is that the information notification unit is further updated and stored in association with each other by at least the learning unit before the driver drives the vehicle. The driver may be notified of the position of the vehicle and the amount of power consumption. According to this, since the position of the vehicle learned in the past and the power consumption can be notified before leaving the vehicle, the driver (user) confirms the notified information to confirm the vehicle information. It is possible to determine whether or not it is possible to run roughly by itself. Therefore, this also makes it possible to surely wipe away the anxiety that the vehicle (the user) can learn and can drive the vehicle to the target point.

  Another feature of the driving support apparatus according to the present invention is that the learning unit includes a parking time determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined time or more. When the determination means determines that the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined time or more, the vehicle position acquired by the position acquisition means is acquired as a parking position, and the acquired parking position and the battery remaining amount acquisition means are acquired. In some cases, the power consumption amount of the battery obtained by the above is updated and stored in association with each other. In this case, the information notification means further includes at least information indicating the parking position of the vehicle stored and updated in association with each other by the learning means before the driver drives the vehicle. The amount of electric power may be notified to the driver.

In addition, the learning means calculates a travel distance from the starting position of the vehicle specified by using the position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition means to the parking position;
And an elapsed time calculating means for calculating an elapsed time that has elapsed with the travel from the departure place of the vehicle to the parking position, and the parking time determining means determines that the vehicle is parked for a predetermined time or more. The parking position, the travel distance calculated by the travel distance calculation means, the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation means, and the power consumption of the battery are updated and stored in association with each other. Good. In this case, the information notifying unit further includes at least the travel distance associated with and updated by the learning unit before the driver causes the vehicle to travel, and the progress. The driver may be notified of the time and the amount of power consumption.

  According to these, it is possible to notify the driver (user) more easily because the information stored in the updatable manner by the learning means and the information notified before leaving the vehicle can be notified more specifically and in detail. Information can be confirmed, and whether or not the vehicle can travel can be roughly determined by itself. Therefore, this also makes it possible to surely wipe away the anxiety that the vehicle (the user) can learn and can drive the vehicle to the target point.

  Furthermore, another feature of the driving support apparatus according to the present invention is that the learning means acquires the position by the position acquisition means when the parking time determination means determines that the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined time or more. A parking position information acquisition unit that acquires related information related to information representing the parking position of the vehicle that has been parked, and when the parking time determination unit determines that the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined time or more. The vehicle position acquired by the position acquisition unit is acquired as a parking position, and the related information is acquired from the outside by the parking position information acquisition unit. The acquired related information and at least the power consumption of the battery May be stored in association with each other. In this case, the information notification unit notifies the driver of the power consumption amount together with the related information acquired from the outside by the parking position information acquisition unit before the driver drives the vehicle. Good.

  According to these, among the information notified before leaving the vehicle, with respect to the parking position of the vehicle, related information (for example, store name, company name, etc.) that can express the parking position more specifically and in detail. ), The driver (user) can check the notified information very easily, and can roughly determine whether or not the vehicle can travel. Therefore, this also makes it possible to surely wipe away the anxiety that the vehicle (the user) can learn and can drive the vehicle to the target point. In this case, since only related information is received, the amount of information received from the outside can be extremely reduced. Therefore, the communication cost required for receiving (acquiring) related information related to information representing the parking position from the outside can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, when receiving (acquiring) related information from the outside, for example, information representing the position of the vehicle, that is, the parking position may be transmitted, and the privacy of the driver (user) can be reliably protected.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the driving assistance device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart of the learning program which the electronic control unit of FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart of the notification program which the electronic control unit of FIG. 1 performs. It is a figure for demonstrating each information notified before making a vehicle drive according to the 1st modification of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating each information notified before driving a vehicle using a shop name or a company name according to the 2nd modification of this invention. It is a flowchart of the notification program which concerns on the 3rd modification of this invention and which the electronic control unit of FIG. 1 performs. 7 is a flowchart of a notification program executed by the electronic control unit of FIG. 1 according to a modification of the third modification of FIG. 6.

  Hereinafter, a driving support device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as “the present device 10”) will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, a user (driver) has a large-capacity battery and travels using electric power charged in the battery, specifically, an electric vehicle (EV vehicle) or Assume a situation in which action is performed using a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV vehicle) or the like. In the following description, a case where the user uses an EV vehicle as a vehicle will be described as an example. In this case, even if the vehicle used by the user is a PHV vehicle, the vehicle is the same as the EV vehicle described below as long as it travels in the EV mode. In addition, the EV vehicle is not limited to a four-wheel vehicle, and it is needless to say that a two-wheeled vehicle such as an electric bicycle, an assist bicycle, and an electric motorcycle is included.

  When a user uses an EV vehicle, the action range that the user can take is generally determined by the amount of power charged in the battery of the EV vehicle. In this case, the user's action range can be expanded by charging the battery using a charging station as a charging facility for charging the battery during action (running). However, if the battery is to be charged in this way, the user needs to know where the charging stand is installed. In this case, for example, a navigation unit (map search function) of a navigation unit that is mounted on an EV vehicle and exhibits a map search function or a portable information terminal device (for example, a mobile phone or a smartphone) owned by the user may be used. If possible, the battery can be charged by searching for a charging station installed near the current location and moving to the searched charging station.

  However, when the user needs are diversified, the EV unit is not equipped with a navigation unit (that is, a device that exhibits a map search function) (hereinafter referred to as “navigation-less vehicle”), or the mobile information by the user. In some cases, a usage contract for using the navigation function of the terminal device is not made. In such a case, it is difficult to search for the charging station, route guidance to the charging station, etc., and it becomes difficult for the user to move the vehicle to the charging station as described above. This may lead to anxiety about whether you can get to your destination because you cannot charge. For this reason, at least when the EV vehicle used by the user is a navigationless vehicle, if the EV vehicle can be traveled to the future, that is, if the vehicle can be traveled appropriately (notified), the above-described user Can effectively reduce anxiety.

  Therefore, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes an electronic control unit 11, an information notification unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a position acquisition unit 14 that are connected to be communicable with each other as a minimum necessary configuration. I have. Therefore, the configuration of the device 10 can be changed as appropriate according to the needs of the user. For example, the device 10 can be configured to include a navigation unit for performing the navigation function described above. .

  The electronic control unit 11 is a microcomputer whose main components are a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of the apparatus 10 by executing various programs including a program described later. Here, the electronic control unit 11 is provided with, for example, a well-known interface for electrically connecting to various electronic control units and various sensors mounted on the vehicle side by wire or wirelessly. Can acquire the running state of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the various sensors mounted on the vehicle side include at least a battery remaining amount that represents a charge state of a battery mounted on the vehicle, that is, an amount of power charged in the battery. It is assumed that a charge state detection sensor B as a battery remaining amount acquisition means for detecting SOC (State Of Charge) and an I / G operation state detection sensor S for detecting the operation state of the ignition switch of the vehicle are included.

  The information notification unit 12 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a voice output unit, and the like, and displays (notifies) information to the user by displaying characters, figures, etc., and outputting voice. Is. The storage unit 13 includes a storage medium such as a hard disk and a semiconductor memory, and a drive device for the storage medium. Programs and data necessary for the electronic control unit 11 to comprehensively control the operation of the apparatus 10 are stored in advance. A travel information database 13a for storing the travel information when the user has traveled the EV vehicle in the past as described later is stored. The position acquisition unit 14 includes at least a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal acquisition sensor, and detects and outputs longitude and latitude representing the current location of the vehicle based on the GPS signal acquired by the sensor. is there.

  Here, when the user acts using the EV vehicle, the device 10 only needs to be able to notify (notify) information related to the traveling of the vehicle, as will be described later. An information terminal device mounted or mounted on an EV vehicle can be used as the device 10. Thus, when using this apparatus 10 in an EV vehicle, for example, this apparatus 10 may be disposed in the vicinity of the driver's seat in the passenger compartment of the EV vehicle. Thereby, this apparatus 10 can notify (inform | report) the information regarding driving | running | working of a vehicle appropriately with respect to the passenger | crew containing a driver, ie, a user. In addition, a portable information terminal device (for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a notebook personal computer, etc.) owned by the user can be used as the device 10.

  Next, the operation of the apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described in detail. Whether the device 10 can travel to the user's destination (finally home) based on the current remaining battery charge SOCr of the battery mounted on the EV vehicle used by the user as information related to vehicle travel. Information indicating whether or not is notified (notified) to the user at an appropriate timing. For this reason, the electronic control unit 11 determines whether or not the EV vehicle can travel at an appropriate timing and notifies (notifies) the battery power consumed when the user has traveled the EV vehicle in the past (hereinafter referred to as “electric vehicle power consumption”). , Referred to as “power consumption”). Then, based on the learned power consumption, whether or not the EV vehicle can travel is determined and notified (notified). Hereinafter, learning of the power consumption will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  When the user operates an ignition switch (more specifically, an activation switch) of the EV vehicle to an on state, the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 receives from the I / G operation state detection sensor S on the vehicle side via the interface. Based on the signal, execution of the learning program shown in FIG. 2 is started in step S10. When the electronic control unit 11 starts executing the learning program, it receives a signal from the charging state detection sensor B on the vehicle side via the interface, and the battery remaining at the start of running of the battery mounted on the EV vehicle is received. The travel start time charging information representing the amount SOCb is stored in a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13. Then, in the following step S11, the electronic control unit 11 starts storing the time when the ignition switch is operated by the user in the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13 with respect to the execution of this program, and the vehicle departs. Calculation of the travel distance Lk traveled from the ground is started. Here, for the calculation of the travel distance Lk, the electronic control unit 11 uses the current location of the vehicle, that is, the longitude and latitude, acquired (detected) by the position acquisition unit 14 at a predetermined sampling rate, and the travel route from the departure location. The above distance is calculated as the travel distance Lk. When the time storage and the calculation of the travel distance Lk are started in this way, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the electronic control unit 11 determines that the travel distance Lk from the departure place (for example, the home garage) calculated in step S11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance Lk0 set in advance, and the ignition switch is turned on. It is determined whether or not it is operated in an off state. That is, if the travel distance Lk calculated in step S11 is less than the predetermined distance Lk0, the electronic control unit 11 determines “No” in step S12 and proceeds to step S25 to execute the learning program. Once finished, the execution of the program is started again at step S10 after a predetermined short time has elapsed. If the ignition switch is on based on the signal received from the I / G operation state detection sensor S on the vehicle side, the electronic control unit 11 determines “No” in step S12 and proceeds to step S25 to learn. Execution of the program is once terminated, and after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S10.

  On the other hand, in step S12, if the travel distance Lk calculated from the departure point in step S11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance Lk0 set in advance and the ignition switch is turned off, electronic control is performed. The unit 11 determines “Yes”. In other words, in this case, the EV vehicle as a vehicle travels to a position a certain distance away from the departure place, and the EV vehicle is temporarily stopped (parked), and the power consumption in this travel is stabilized. It can be specified with accuracy. Then, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the electronic control unit 11 obtains the time Toff when the ignition switch is operated in the OFF state in accordance with the determination process in step S12. And the electronic control unit 11 memorize | stores temporarily the OFF time information showing this acquired time Toff in the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13, and progresses to step S14.

  In step S14, the electronic control unit 11 determines whether or not the ignition switch has been operated again by the user. That is, the electronic control unit 11 is not operated by the user to turn on the ignition switch based on a signal received from the I / G operation state detection sensor S on the vehicle side (if the off state is maintained). If “No” is continuously determined and the ignition switch is turned on by the user, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the electronic control unit 11 obtains the time Ton when the ignition switch is turned on in accordance with the determination process in step S14. And the electronic control unit 11 memorize | stores temporarily the ON time information showing this acquired time Ton in the predetermined storage position of the memory | storage unit 13, and progresses to step S16.

  In step S16, the electronic control unit 11 temporarily stores in the storage unit 13 in step S15 from the off time Toff represented by the off time information temporarily stored in the storage unit 13 in step S13. It is determined whether the time T until the on time Ton represented by the on time information is longer than a predetermined time T0 set in advance. That is, if the time T calculated according to (Ton-Toff) is greater than (or longer than) the predetermined time T0, the electronic control unit 11 determines that “Yes” because the vehicle has been parked for a certain period of time. Proceed to S17. On the other hand, if the time T calculated according to (Ton-Toff) is less than or equal to the predetermined time T0 (if it is short), the electronic control unit 11 determines that the vehicle has stopped for a short time and determines “No”. Returning to step S11, each step processing after step S11 is executed.

  In step S17, based on the determination process in step S12, the electronic control unit 11 determines the EV vehicle position, that is, the parking position X, acquired (detected) by the position acquisition unit 14 when the ignition switch is turned off. The represented longitude and latitude are acquired as point data. Further, the electronic control unit 11 uses the off time Toff represented by the off time information stored in the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13 in step S13, and this time the user leaves the EV vehicle this time. Elapsed time Tk until parking (hereinafter also referred to as “required time Tk”) is calculated. In addition, the electronic control unit 11 acquires the travel distance Lk from the departure place determined in step S12 to the parking position X. Further, the electronic control unit 11 receives a signal from the charging state detection sensor B through the interface to acquire the remaining battery charge SOCp after traveling in the battery of the EV vehicle, and as described above, the execution start point of the program The battery remaining amount SOCb represented by the travel start time charging information stored in the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13 is acquired. Then, the electronic control unit 11 reduces the battery remaining amount SOCp of the battery at the time of parking after traveling from the battery remaining amount SOCb of the battery at the start of traveling of the EV vehicle, for example, until the vehicle is parked after departure. A power consumption amount Dc consumed by the EV vehicle is calculated.

  Here, the calculated power consumption amount Dc represents the amount of power consumed when the EV vehicle is driven from the departure place (for example, home garage) to the parking position X by the user's driving. For this reason, the calculated power consumption amount Dc is an amount of power reflecting the driving tendency (for example, preference, habit, etc.) when the user drives the EV vehicle, and is parked from the departure place (for example, home garage). The amount of electric power reflects the state of the road to the position X (for example, the uphill road, the vehicle speed zone of the vehicle, the presence or absence of traffic jams, etc.). Therefore, as will be described later, when determining and notifying (notifying) how much the EV vehicle can be driven from now on using the power consumption amount Dc calculated in this way, it is extremely accurate. In addition, appropriate notification (notification) according to the actual situation is possible.

  The electronic control unit 11 then obtains the acquired parking position X of the vehicle (more specifically, longitude and latitude as point data representing the parking position X), calculated elapsed time Tk, acquired travel distance Lk, and calculated power consumption. Dc is associated with each other, temporarily stored in a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13, and the process proceeds to step S18. In the following description, the vehicle parking position X, elapsed time Tk, travel distance Lk, and power consumption amount Dc, which are associated with each other, are handled as one travel information data.

  In step S18, the electronic control unit 11 searches the travel information database 13a constructed at a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13 to acquire the point data registered and stored in the past, The parking position X ′ where the EV vehicle is parked is acquired. Then, the electronic control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a parking position X ′ within the predetermined distance set in advance from the parking position X acquired in step S17 among the acquired parking positions X ′. Then, it is determined whether there is a parking position X ′ in which the user has turned off the ignition switch of the EV vehicle in the past within a predetermined distance from the parking position X where the user parked the EV vehicle this time.

  Specifically, if there is a parking position X ′ that is within a predetermined distance set in advance from the parking position X acquired in step S17, that is, the electronic control unit 11 parks the EV vehicle this time. If the user has parked the EV vehicle in the past within a predetermined distance from the position X with the ignition switch turned off, the determination is “Yes” and the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if there is no parking position X ′ that falls within a predetermined distance from the parking position X acquired in step S17, that is, the parking position where the user parked the EV vehicle this time. If the user has not parked the EV vehicle in the past within a predetermined distance from X, the determination is “No” and the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S19, the electronic control unit 11 performs this time on the past elapsed time Tk ′, travel distance Lk ′, and power consumption Dc ′ stored in association with the parking position X ′, that is, past travel information data. The travel information database 13a constructed in the storage unit 13 is integrated (for example, averaged) with current travel information data including the calculated elapsed time Tk, the travel distance Lk acquired this time, and the power consumption Dc calculated this time. Accumulate and remember. When the electronic control unit 11 integrates and stores the current traveling information data, the electronic control unit 11 increments history data indicating the number of times of updating (storing) the corresponding traveling information data by “1”, and then proceeds to step S25 to learn. The execution of the program is temporarily terminated, and after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S10.

  In step S20, the electronic control unit 11 is stored in the travel information database 13a constructed at a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13, in other words, the registered number N of registered travel information data is preset. It is determined whether or not the number is greater than a predetermined registration number N0. That is, the electronic control unit 11 determines “Yes” if the current number N of registrations of the travel information data is greater than the predetermined number of registrations N0, and proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if the current registration number N of travel information data is equal to or less than the predetermined registration number N0, the determination is “No” and the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S21, the electronic control unit 11 can be obtained as, for example, travel information data among N pieces of travel information data currently registered in the travel information database 13a more than a predetermined number of registrations N0. It is determined whether or not there is traveling information data at which the user visits a parking position using an EV vehicle, that is, the above-described history data is less than a certain frequency (a certain number of times). In other words, if there is travel information data in which the frequency (history data) that the user visits is less than a certain frequency (a certain number of times), the electronic control unit 11 does not use the EV vehicle to park the parking position. Since it is (the parking position visited once), it determines with "Yes" and progresses to step S22. On the other hand, there is no travel information data in which the frequency of visits by the user (history data) is less than a certain frequency (a certain number of times), in other words, only parking positions that the user visits uniformly and frequently using EV vehicles. Therefore, it determines with "No" and progresses to step S23.

  In step S <b> 22, the electronic control unit 11 determines the travel information with the lowest frequency (history data) the user visits among the travel information data that the user visit frequency (history data) is less than a certain frequency (a certain number). Data is extracted, and the extracted travel information data is deleted from the travel information database 13a. Then, after deleting the extracted travel information data, the electronic control unit 11 registers and stores the current travel information data temporarily stored in the storage unit 13 in the step S17 in the travel information database 13a. As described above, when the travel information data from the current travel is registered and stored in the travel information database 13a, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S25, once ends the execution of the learning program, and after a predetermined short time has elapsed. In step S10, execution of the program is started again.

  In step S <b> 23, the electronic control unit 11 deletes the travel information data acquired by the current travel from the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13. Then, when the travel information data from the current travel is deleted from the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S25, once ends the execution of the learning program, and again steps after a predetermined short time has elapsed. In S10, execution of the program is started.

  In step S24, the electronic control unit 11 newly registers the travel information data acquired by the current travel in the travel information database 13a. Then, when the travel information data from the current travel is newly registered in the travel information database 13a, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S25, temporarily ends the execution of the learning program, and again proceeds to step S10 after a predetermined short time has elapsed. Start executing the program.

  As described above, when the electronic control unit 11 executes the learning program, the travel information data when the user travels the EV vehicle is accumulated in the travel information database 13a constructed at the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13. The That is, the travel information data accumulated in this manner appropriately reflects the characteristics when the user acts using the EV vehicle, more specifically, the power consumption amount Dc that differs for each user. Therefore, by using the travel information data of the user who uses the EV vehicle, it is possible to more accurately determine and notify (notify) how much the EV vehicle can be driven from now on. It is possible to satisfactorily wipe away anxiety that a user using an EV vehicle learns. Hereinafter, a notification program in which the electronic control unit 11 notifies (notifies) information to the user will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  This notification program is executed when the user is running the EV vehicle. That is, the electronic control unit 11 executes the notification program shown in FIG. 3 if the vehicle is traveling based on various information obtained from various electronic control units mounted on the vehicle via the interface. Starting from S50 and using the position of the EV vehicle acquired (detected) by the position acquisition unit 14 in the next step S51, a driving distance Lr from a departure place (for example, a home garage) is set in advance. It is determined whether or not it is greater than or equal to Lr0. That is, if the user currently uses an EV vehicle and the travel distance Lr from the departure place (for example, the home garage) is equal to or greater than the preset travel distance Lr0, the electronic control unit 11 determines “Yes”. Then, the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if the user currently uses the EV vehicle and the travel distance Lr is still less than the travel distance Lr0, the electronic control unit 11 determines “No” and proceeds to step S57 to temporarily execute the notification program. finish. Then, the electronic control unit 11 starts executing the notification program again in step S50 after a predetermined short time has elapsed.

  In step S52, the electronic control unit 11 determines whether or not a device capable of map search is currently mounted on the EV vehicle. That is, the electronic control unit 11 is installed with a specific point (for example, a charging stand for charging a battery of an EV vehicle, for example, using map information stored in advance or map information acquired through communication with the outside. It is determined whether or not a device capable of searching for a spot or the like, specifically, a device that exhibits a navigation function or is in a state capable of exhibiting a navigation function is mounted on an EV vehicle. And the electronic control unit 11 is provided in the portable information terminal device which a navigation unit is provided in the vehicle-mounted information terminal device mounted in EV vehicle, for example, or when a navigation function can be exhibited. If a device that can search for a specific point by map search is installed in the EV vehicle, such as when a contract using the navigation function is made, it is determined as “Yes” and the process proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, the electronic control unit 11 determines “No” in step S52 and proceeds to step S54 if a device capable of searching for a specific point by map search is not mounted on the EV vehicle. In the determination process in step S52, the electronic control unit 11 searches for a specific point by a map search based on communication with various electronic control units mounted on the vehicle side and various information stored in the storage unit 13. It is determined whether or not a device capable of being mounted on an EV vehicle.

  In step S53, the electronic control unit 11 is currently equipped with a device capable of searching for a specific point (specifically, a point where the charging station is installed) by searching the EV vehicle, and will be described later. Thus, the value of the correction coefficient α for correcting the current remaining battery charge SOCr of the battery that changes from moment to moment is set to “0”, which indicates that no correction is made. When the electronic control unit 11 sets the value of the correction coefficient α to “0”, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S55. In this case, when the user runs the EV vehicle and the remaining battery charge SOCr decreases and charging is required, the user uses, for example, the navigation function of the device mounted on the EV vehicle. Then, it is possible to search for a point where the charging station is set as a specific point and move to the point where the search is made. Therefore, when a device capable of searching a map is mounted on an EV vehicle, the user needs to know at least the current remaining battery charge SOCr accurately, and if necessary, search for and use a charging station. Thus, the user can charge the battery very easily before the battery runs out of power. As a result, the EV vehicle can be continuously traveled to the destination (finally the home garage).

  In step S54, the electronic control unit 11 is equipped with a device that can search the EV vehicle for a specific point (specifically, a point where the charging station is installed) by searching the map. Therefore, the correction coefficient α is set to a constant positive value. That is, in this case, even when the user is running the EV vehicle, even if the remaining battery charge SOCr decreases and charging is required, the user can easily search for a point where the charging stand is installed. As a result, the battery of the EV vehicle may not be charged. Therefore, when the EV vehicle is not equipped with a device capable of searching for a map, the EV vehicle is surely moved to the destination (finally the home garage) without charging the battery using the charging stand during the traveling. The value of the correction coefficient α is set to a constant value so that the vehicle can run, that is, so that the user is notified (notified) early in a notification program described later. The fixed value set as the value of the correction coefficient α is predicted based on, for example, the total travel distance of the EV vehicle, the date since the EV vehicle was purchased, the number of times the battery has been charged / discharged so far, and the like. It is set in consideration of the deterioration state. Thereby, if the predicted deterioration state of the battery is advanced, for example, a constant value set as the value of the correction coefficient α is set to a large value, and is set if the predicted deterioration state of the battery is not advanced. The fixed value can be a small value. Then, when the electronic control unit 11 sets the value of the correction coefficient α to a positive constant value, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, which is executed after the setting process of the correction coefficient α in step S53 or step S54, the electronic control unit 11 uses the set correction coefficient α to change the current battery that changes from moment to moment during travel. The remaining amount SOCr is corrected. The electronic control unit 11 uses the corrected battery remaining amount SOCr and the travel information data registered and stored in the travel information database 13a by executing the learning program described above to travel from the current point to the home. The predicted power consumption Dcp that is expected to be consumed is compared. Hereinafter, the process of step S55 will be described in detail.

  In step S55, the electronic control unit 11 first receives a signal from the charging state detection sensor B on the vehicle side via the interface, and obtains battery remaining amount information representing the remaining battery amount SOCr that changes every moment during traveling. Get continuously. In addition, the electronic control unit 11 determines that the current user is based on the current location (specifically, the longitude and latitude that are continuously detected) of the EV vehicle that is continuously acquired (detected) by the position acquisition unit 14. While determining the traveling direction in which the EV vehicle is traveling, the traveling direction data registered in the traveling information database 13a of the storage unit 13 and stored by executing the learning program described above is the same as the determined traveling direction. The travel information data stored when traveling in the past to the ground X existing in the direction is acquired. The electronic control unit 11 then travels from the information constituting the acquired travel information data to the parking position X (including the home garage) that exists in the same direction as the travel direction in which the user is traveling the EV vehicle this time. The power consumption amount Dc when the vehicle travels is acquired, and the predicted power consumption amount Dcp considering the state of the road when the EV vehicle travels in the parking position X direction is predicted and determined.

  As described above, when the electronic control unit 11 obtains the battery remaining amount SOCr represented by the battery remaining amount information and determines the predicted power consumption Dcp, the electronic control unit 11 sets the correction coefficient α set in step S53 or step S54. Considering this, the magnitudes of the remaining battery charge SOCr and the predicted power consumption Dcp are compared. That is, when the correction coefficient α is set to “0” by executing the step process of step S53, the electronic control unit 11 does not correct the remaining battery charge SOCr (more specifically, the remaining battery charge). The correction coefficient α set to “0” is subtracted from the SOCr), and the magnitude of the remaining battery charge SOCr is compared with the magnitude of the predicted power consumption Dcp. Then, the electronic control unit 11 continues the EV at the current remaining battery charge SOCr (that is, without charging the battery) when the remaining battery charge SOCr is equal to or larger than the predicted power consumption Dcp. Since the vehicle can travel to the home garage, for example, “No” is determined in step S55, the process proceeds to step S57, and the execution of the notification program is temporarily ended. Then, after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S50.

  On the other hand, when the correction coefficient α is set to “0” by executing the step process of step S53, the electronic control unit 11 does not correct the remaining battery level SOCr (more specifically, the remaining battery level). The correction coefficient α set to “0” is subtracted from the SOCr), the magnitude of the remaining battery charge SOCr is compared with the predicted power consumption Dcp, and the magnitude of the remaining battery charge SOCr is equal to the predicted power consumption Dcp. If it is less than the size, “Yes” is determined in step S55. Then, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S56 because the EV vehicle cannot travel to, for example, the home garage unless the battery is charged halfway with the current remaining battery charge SOCr.

  In step S56, if the user runs the EV vehicle as it is, the electronic control unit 11 notifies (notifies) the user that the remaining battery charge SOCr is insufficient and the EV vehicle cannot be driven to the home garage. To do. That is, according to the determination process of step S55, the electronic control unit 11 informs that the current battery remaining amount SOCr has insufficient power for running the EV vehicle halfway through the information notification unit 12, The user is notified (notified) by displaying a figure or the like or outputting sound. Then, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S57 after the step processing of step S56, temporarily ends the execution of the notification program, and again starts executing the program in step S50 after a predetermined short time has elapsed. .

  Here, when the correction coefficient α is set to “0” in step S53, in other words, in the case where a device capable of searching for a map is mounted on the EV vehicle, the electronic control unit 11 is currently in step S56. When notifying (notifying) the user that the electric power required to drive the EV vehicle is insufficient on the way with the remaining battery charge SOCr, in addition to such notification (notification), in addition to the vicinity of the current location Can be notified (notified) of the route to the charging station. That is, in this case, the electronic control unit 11 searches for a charging station set around the current location detected (acquired) by the position acquisition unit 14 using, for example, an available navigation function. Then, the electronic control unit 11 searches for a route for moving from the current location to the installation location of the charging station searched using the available navigation function, and sends the searched route to the user via the information notification unit 12. Notification (notification). Thereby, the user can move to the charging station very easily by running the EV vehicle according to the search route notified (notified), and can charge the battery using the charging station.

  In addition, when the correction coefficient α is set to a positive constant value by executing the step process of step S54, the electronic control unit 11 corrects the remaining battery charge SOCr using the set correction coefficient α. (More specifically, the correction coefficient α is subtracted from the remaining battery charge SOCr), and the corrected remaining battery charge SOCr is compared with the predicted power consumption Dcp. When the magnitude of the remaining battery charge SOCr corrected using the correction coefficient α is equal to or greater than the predicted power consumption Dcp, the electronic control unit 11 continues with the current remaining battery charge SOCr (ie, Since the EV vehicle can be traveled from the current point to, for example, the home garage (without charging the battery), “No” is determined in step S55, the process proceeds to step S57, and the execution of the notification program is temporarily terminated. Then, after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S50.

  On the other hand, the electronic control unit 11 corrects the remaining battery charge SOCr using the set correction coefficient α when the correction coefficient α is set to a constant positive value by executing the step process of step S54. (More specifically, by subtracting the correction coefficient α from the remaining battery charge SOCr), the magnitude of the remaining battery charge SOCr is compared with the predicted power consumption Dcp, and the corrected remaining battery charge SOCr is predicted. If it is less than the amount of power consumption Dcp, “Yes” is determined in step S55. Then, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S56 because the EV vehicle cannot travel to, for example, the home garage unless the battery is charged halfway with the current remaining battery charge SOCr.

  Incidentally, in step S55, when the correction coefficient α is set to a positive constant value by the step process of step S54, the electronic control unit 11 corrects the battery remaining SOCR by subtracting the correction coefficient α. Then, the corrected magnitude of the remaining battery charge SOCr is compared with the magnitude of the predicted power consumption Dcp. By using the battery remaining amount SOCr corrected in this way, the electronic control unit 11 determines that the predicted power consumption amount Dcp is larger than the corrected battery remaining amount SOCr in the determination process of step S55. It becomes easy to judge. On the other hand, since the battery remaining amount SOCr is apparently reduced and corrected using the correction coefficient α in this way, the remaining battery amount SOCr that can be used to actually drive the EV vehicle is corrected for determination. It becomes larger than the remaining battery charge SOCr. As a result, the user can determine that the power of the battery becomes insufficient earlier by comparing and determining the magnitude obtained by subtracting the correction coefficient α from the magnitude of the actual remaining battery charge SOCr and the magnitude of the predicted power consumption Dcp. Can be notified (notified), and even if it is notified (notified) that the battery power is insufficient, the battery power that can be used for driving has room, so the user is worried. Can be wiped properly.

  In step S56, when the user runs the EV vehicle as it is, the electronic control unit 11 notifies the user that the remaining amount of battery SOCr is insufficient and the EV vehicle cannot be driven to, for example, a home garage ( Notification). That is, according to the determination process of step S55, the electronic control unit 11 requires the electric power necessary to drive the EV vehicle before returning to the home when the EV vehicle is driven in the direction away from the home with the current battery level SOCr. Is notified (notified) to the user by displaying characters, graphics, or the like or outputting sound via the information notification unit 12. Then, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S57 after the step processing of step S56, temporarily ends the execution of the notification program, and again starts executing the program in step S50 after a predetermined short time has elapsed. .

  As can be understood from the above description, according to the above embodiment, the power consumption reflecting the driving tendency when the electronic control unit 11 executes the learning program shown in FIG. 2 and the user drives the EV vehicle. The amount Dc can be stored in the travel information database 13a in an updatable manner in association with the parking position X of the vehicle, the elapsed time Tk, and the travel distance Lk. Then, the electronic control unit 11 executes the notification program shown in FIG. 3, so that the EV vehicle is currently traveling among the travel information data stored in association with each other in the travel information database 13 a in an updatable manner. The power consumption amount Dc learned when the user has traveled the EV vehicle in the past in the same direction as the direction is specified and acquired using the position (current location) of the EV vehicle acquired by the position acquisition unit 14. The predicted power consumption Dcp can be predicted and determined using the acquired power consumption Dc. And the electronic control unit 11 can compare the magnitude | size of the battery residual amount SOCr and the estimated electric power consumption Dcp which considered the correction coefficient (alpha).

  Thereby, as long as at least the position of the EV vehicle can be obtained (detected), information on whether or not the EV vehicle can be driven by the user is notified using the power consumption amount Dc learned in the past by the user. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately notify the range in which the EV vehicle can be traveled reflecting the driving characteristics of the user. At this time, when the electronic control unit 11 executes the notification program shown in FIG. 3, the battery remaining SOCR of the battery mounted on the EV vehicle is insufficient and it becomes impossible to run the EV vehicle at an early stage. It is possible to make a reliable determination and notify the user. Therefore, it is possible to surely dispel the anxiety that the EV vehicle can be traveled to the target point that the user may remember without running out of the remaining battery charge SOCr.

  In addition, the electronic control unit 11 corrects the remaining battery charge SOCr corrected in consideration of the correction coefficient α when executing the notification program so that the remaining battery charge SOCr is smaller (less) than the actual remaining battery charge SOCr. Can be determined. As a result, even if it is determined that the battery remaining amount SOCr is insufficient, a distance that allows the EV vehicle to actually travel can be secured to some extent. You can drive.

a. 1st modification In the said embodiment, it implemented so that the information regarding the driving | running | working of a vehicle might be notified with respect to a user during the electronic control unit 11 of this apparatus 10 driving | running | working. In this case, before the user starts traveling, information that is used as a reference for the future user's travel plan using the travel information data registered in the travel information database 13a constructed at the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13 is used. It is also possible to carry out so that information notified (notified) can be selected by the user himself / herself. Hereinafter, this first modification will be described in detail.

  Also in the first modified example, the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 executes the learning program as in the above embodiment, and the traveling information is stored in the traveling information database 13a constructed at a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13. Register and store data updatable. In the first modification, the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 uses the travel information data registered in the travel information database 13a with the past travel before the user travels the EV vehicle. The user is notified (notified) of useful information useful for a future travel plan via the information notification unit 12.

  Specifically, this first modification will be described. When the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 is turned on based on a signal received from the I / G operation state detection sensor S on the vehicle side. First, the travel information database 13a constructed at a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13 is searched to obtain a plurality of travel information data registered so far. The electronic control unit 11 then, for each of the acquired plurality of travel information data, for example, travel distance Lk, required time Tk and power consumption when the EV vehicle travels from the departure place (home garage) to the parking position X, for example. The amount Dc is extracted, and the extracted information is displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display unit of the information notification unit 12 as shown schematically in FIG. Notify (notify) the user before making it happen. In this case, the information notified (notified) to the user includes at least the power consumption Dc (maximum value or average value in the past travel, or both the maximum value and the average value), Selectively (or according to the user's preference), the travel distance Lk (maximum value or average value in past travel, or both the maximum value and average value) and the required time Tk (maximum value in past travel, Average value or both maximum value and average value), direction of parking position X with reference to departure place (home garage), frequency of traveling to parking position X (number of times), date of movement to parking position X, etc. included.

  In this way, when useful information is notified (notified) via the information notification unit 12, the user confirms each information notified (notified), for example, a destination (including a home garage) heading from now on. With reference to the information closest to the travel distance and required time when the EV vehicle is traveled to, in particular, the power consumption Dc required to travel the EV vehicle to the destination can be roughly estimated. The anxiety that the user learns whether or not the EV vehicle can be run can be effectively reduced. Note that also in the first modification, the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 executes the notification program as in the above embodiment. Therefore, after the user starts running the EV vehicle, the electronic control unit 11 compares the remaining battery charge SOCr corrected using the correction coefficient α with the predicted power consumption Dcp, as in the above embodiment. Thus, it is possible to appropriately notify (inform) the user how far the vehicle can travel.

  As can be understood from the above description, also in the first modification, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in this first modification, the user can roughly grasp the amount of electric power necessary for running the EV vehicle, that is, the power consumption amount Dc, before leaving the EV vehicle. It is possible to effectively reduce anxiety that the user remembers whether or not the vehicle can be run.

b. Second Modified Example In the above embodiment and the first modified example, the running information data is stored in the running information database 13a in which the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 is constructed at the predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13 by executing the learning program. Was registered and stored in an updatable manner. In this case, the travel information data registered in the travel information database 13a are the vehicle parking position X, the elapsed time Tk, the travel distance Lk, and the power consumption Dc, which are associated with each other. In this case, in particular, as in the first modified example, when notifying (notifying) various information to the user, even if the distance, longitude, and latitude are presented as the parking position X, for example, the user sets the parking position X. It may be difficult to grasp. Therefore, in the second modification, when the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 registers and stores the travel information data in the travel information database 13a of the storage unit 13, the parking position X where the user parks the EV vehicle. Is also stored together (associated) with related information that more specifically expresses. Hereinafter, this second modification will be specifically described.

  In the second modification, the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 is configured to be able to use a communication unit that enables communication with a center provided outside. Specifically, for example, when an in-vehicle information terminal device is used as the device 10, a communication unit mounted on an EV vehicle is used, and when a portable information terminal device is used as the device 10, the portable information terminal is used. The electronic control unit 11 can communicate with a center provided outside by using a communication function provided in the apparatus. When the electronic control unit 11 executes any one of the steps S19, S22, and S24 in the learning program, the electronic control unit 11 acquires (detects) the current location acquired (detected) by the position acquisition unit 14. The present location information representing the longitude and latitude of the position X) is transmitted to the center provided outside by using the communication unit or the communication function, and registered in advance corresponding to the longitude and latitude represented by the present location information from this center. Store information or company information as related information is received using the communication unit or communication function.

  The electronic control unit 11 adds the received store information and company information to the above-described travel information data in any one of the step S19, step S22 and step S24 in the learning program. The travel information data is registered in an updatable manner and stored in the travel information database 13a constructed at a predetermined storage position of the storage unit 13 (that is, in association). Thus, by storing store information and company information in association with corresponding travel information data, for example, as described in the first modification, the electronic control unit 11 can travel distance Lk, required time Tk, and consumption. When extracting the electric energy Dc, corresponding store information and company information are also extracted, and the extracted information is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit of the information notification unit 12 as a list as schematically shown in FIG. An expedition is output from the output unit, and the user can be notified (notified) before leaving the EV vehicle.

  As described above, the store name and the company name are notified (notified) so as to be circled in FIG. 5 based on the store information and the company information via the information notification unit 12, and the store name and the company name are also notified. By notifying (notifying) useful information according to the user, the user can easily obtain information closest to the travel distance and required time when the EV vehicle is traveled to the destination (including the home garage) to which it is going. For reference, in particular, it is possible to roughly grasp the power consumption Dc required to drive the EV vehicle to the destination, and the user feels uneasy about whether or not the EV vehicle can be driven. It can be effectively reduced. Note that also in the second modification, the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 executes the notification program in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Therefore, after the user starts running the EV vehicle, the electronic control unit 11 compares the remaining battery charge SOCr corrected using the correction coefficient α with the predicted power consumption Dcp, as in the above embodiment. Thus, it is possible to appropriately notify (inform) the user how far the vehicle can travel.

  As can be understood from the above description, also in the second modification, the same effects as those in the embodiment and the first modification can be obtained. And in this 2nd modification, the information relevant to the parking position X from an external center, specifically, the store information showing a store name and the company information showing a company name, are acquired, and a user is notified (notification | reporting). Therefore, the user can select and refer to necessary information very easily. Moreover, in this 2nd modification, since only the shop information showing a shop name and the company information showing a company name are received, the amount of information received from a center can be decreased very much. Therefore, the communication cost required for receiving (acquiring) information related to the parking position X from the external center can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, when receiving (acquiring) information related to the parking position X from an external center, only the current position information indicating the current position of the EV vehicle, that is, the longitude and latitude of the parking position X is transmitted. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to provide information relating to the user's privacy such as the frequency and number of times of parking the EV vehicle at the parking position X, and the user's privacy can be reliably protected.

c. Third Modified Example In the above embodiment and each modified example, the device 10 determines at an appropriate timing whether or not it can finally return to the home garage using the current battery remaining amount SOCr of the EV vehicle. And it implemented so that a user might be notified (notification | reporting). That is, in the above embodiment and each modification, basically, the EV vehicle that the user is driving is finally returned to the home garage, and the battery is charged using the charging stand set in the garage. It was carried out on the assumption. Thereby, even if this apparatus 10 is a navigationless vehicle in which the apparatus which can exhibit a navigation function is not mounted in EV vehicle, the driving | running | working range (action range) which can return to a house reliably with respect to a user Can be appropriately notified (notified).

  By the way, in the said embodiment and each modification, this apparatus 10 guides to the charging stand for charging a battery on the way, when the apparatus which can exhibit a navigation function is mounted in EV vehicle. It was also carried out. In this case, it is determined whether or not a charging station is currently set at the destination where the user is heading. Whether or not the EV vehicle can travel to the destination when the charging station is installed at the destination. It is also possible to carry out such a determination. Hereinafter, although this 3rd modification is demonstrated in detail, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part as the said embodiment and each modification, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Also in the third modified example, the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 executes the notification program in the same manner as in the above embodiment and each modified example. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the notification program in the third modified example omits steps S51 and S53 to S55 as compared with the notification program of FIG. 3 described in the above embodiment. The difference is that Steps S70 to S72 are provided. Therefore, in the following description, step S70 to step S72 shown in FIG. 6 will be described in detail.

  The notification program in the third modified example is also executed when the user is running the EV vehicle. That is, the electronic control unit 11 executes the notification program shown in FIG. 6 if the EV vehicle is traveling based on various information obtained from various electronic control units mounted on the vehicle side via the interface. Starts in step S50. In the notification program in the third modified example, when the execution of the program is started in step S50, the electronic control unit 11 is currently mapped to the EV vehicle in the same manner as in step S52 of the notification program in the above embodiment. It is determined whether or not a searchable device is mounted. And if the apparatus which can search a specific point by map search is mounted in EV vehicle, the electronic control unit 11 will determine with "Yes" and will progress to step S70. On the other hand, the electronic control unit 11 determines “No” in step S52 and proceeds to step S72 if a device capable of searching for a specific point by map search is not mounted on the EV vehicle.

  In step S <b> 70, the electronic control unit 11 causes the user to input a destination to be traveled through an input unit (not shown) when using an in-vehicle information terminal device as the device 10, or travel information stored in the storage unit 13. The database 13a is searched to estimate the destination from past travel information data. And the electronic control unit 11 searches a map using the navigation unit mounted in EV vehicle, and determines whether the charging stand which is a charging facility is installed in the destination where a user goes. That is, if a charging stand is installed at the destination, the electronic control unit 11 determines “Yes” and proceeds to step S71. On the other hand, if the charging station is not installed at the destination, the electronic control unit 11 determines “No” and proceeds to step S72.

  In step S <b> 71, the electronic control unit 11 includes the remaining battery charge SOCr represented by the remaining battery charge information acquired from the vehicle-side charge state detection sensor B, and the travel information stored in the travel information database 13 a of the storage unit 13. The predicted power consumption Dcp predicted when traveling from home to the destination based on the data is compared. Then, the electronic control unit 11 continues the EV at the current remaining battery charge SOCr (that is, without charging the battery) when the remaining battery charge SOCr is equal to or larger than the predicted power consumption Dcp. Since the vehicle can travel from the home to the destination, it is determined as “No” in step S71, proceeds to step S57, and the execution of the notification program is temporarily terminated. Then, after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S50.

  On the other hand, when the magnitude of the remaining battery charge SOCr is less than the predicted power consumption Dcp, the electronic control unit 11 determines “Yes” in step S71. The electronic control unit 11 then proceeds to step S56 because the EV vehicle cannot travel from the home to the destination unless the battery is charged halfway with the current remaining battery charge SOCr, and notifies (notifies) the user of that fact. To do.

  If it is determined “No” in the determination process in step S52 or the determination process in step S70, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S72. In step S <b> 72, the electronic control unit 11 includes the remaining battery charge SOCr represented by the remaining battery charge information acquired from the vehicle-side charge state detection sensor B, and the travel information stored in the travel information database 13 a of the storage unit 13. Based on the data, the predicted power consumption Dcp predicted when the vehicle is driven until it returns to the home is compared. Then, the electronic control unit 11 continues the EV at the current remaining battery charge SOCr (that is, without charging the battery) when the remaining battery charge SOCr is equal to or larger than the predicted power consumption Dcp. Since the vehicle can travel to the home garage, it is determined as “No” in Step S72, and the process proceeds to Step S57 to temporarily terminate the execution of the notification program. Then, after a predetermined short time has elapsed, the execution of the program is started again in step S50.

  On the other hand, when the magnitude of the remaining battery charge SOCr is less than the predicted power consumption Dcp, the electronic control unit 11 determines “Yes” in step S72. Then, the electronic control unit 11 proceeds to step S56 because there is not enough power to drive the EV vehicle until it returns to the home garage when the EV vehicle is driven away from the home with the current battery level SOCr. The user is notified (notified) to that effect.

  As can be understood from the above description, in the third modification, when there is a charging stand at the destination heading from home, it is determined whether or not the EV vehicle can travel from the home to the destination. Can be determined. In this case, since the travel distance of the EV vehicle that needs to be determined is shorter than the situation in which it is determined whether or not it is possible to travel from the home to the home again, the EV vehicle can be traveled more accurately. It can be determined whether or not. About the other effect, the effect similar to the said embodiment and each modification is acquired.

  In carrying out the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the object of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment and each modification, the electronic control unit 11 executes the step S16 in the learning program, and if the time T calculated according to (Ton-Toff) is greater than the predetermined time T0 ( If it is long), it was determined that the vehicle was parked for a predetermined time or longer, and each step processing after step S17 was executed. In this case, it is possible to omit the step process of step S16. In this case, even if the user simply stops the EV vehicle, it can be the travel information data registered in the travel information database 13a. Therefore, the accuracy of the data can be improved by increasing the number of travel information data stored. it can.

  In the embodiment and each modification, the electronic control unit 11 executes step S22 in the learning program, and the traveling information (or the number of traveling times) is less than a certain frequency (a certain number of times). Of the data, the travel information data having the least travel frequency (or the number of travels) is extracted, and the extracted travel information data is deleted from the travel information database 13a. In this case, instead of or in addition to determining the travel frequency (or the number of travels), travel information data having a date and time older than the current travel information data, that is, travel information data with a low update frequency is deleted. It is also possible to implement. Thus, necessary travel information data can be reliably registered and stored, and it can be accurately determined whether or not the EV vehicle can be traveled.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the electronic control unit 11 performs the said step S51 in the said notification program, and is the driving distance Lr from the departure place (for example, a home garage) more than preset driving distance Lr0? It was carried out to determine whether or not. In this case, the step process of step S51 can be omitted. In this case, it can be determined whether or not the EV vehicle can always be run.

  Furthermore, in the said 3rd modification, when the apparatus which can search a specific point by map search is mounted in the EV vehicle, the electronic control unit 11 goes to a user using the navigation function of the apparatus. It was carried out so as to determine whether or not a charging facility (charging station) exists at the destination. In this case, for example, in a situation where the user separately obtains information about the destination from the home garage using communication with the outside, whether or not a charging stand is installed at the destination in accordance with the acquisition of such information When the charging facility presence / absence information representing the above can be acquired, the electronic control unit 11 of the apparatus 10 uses the charging facility presence / absence information to determine whether or not a charging facility (charging station) exists at the destination. It is also possible to implement. That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 7, in step S52 of the notification program shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not a device capable of searching for a specific point by map search is mounted on the EV vehicle. It is possible to carry out without doing.

  Specifically, in step S70, the electronic control unit 11 uses, for example, a communication unit mounted on an EV vehicle when using an in-vehicle information terminal device as the device 10, and uses the communication unit mounted on the EV vehicle as portable information. When using a terminal device, use the communication function of this portable information terminal device to communicate with the center provided outside and acquire information about the destination from home. The charging facility presence / absence information indicating whether or not a charging stand is installed is acquired. If the charging station is installed at the destination from the home based on the acquired charging facility presence / absence information, the electronic control unit 11 determines “Yes” and proceeds to step S71. On the other hand, if the charging station is not installed at the destination from the home based on the acquired charging facility presence / absence information, the determination is “No” and the process proceeds to step S72. Therefore, also in this case, the same effect as the third modified example can be expected.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Driving assistance device, 11 ... Electronic control unit, 12 ... Information notification unit, 13 ... Storage unit, 13a ... Travel information database, 14 ... Position acquisition unit, B ... Charge state detection sensor, S ... I / G operation state detection Sensor

Claims (12)

A driving assistance device for assisting a driver who drives a vehicle that travels using at least the electric power charged in the mounted battery,
Battery remaining amount acquisition means for acquiring a battery remaining amount representing a charge amount charged in a battery mounted on the vehicle;
Position acquisition means for acquiring the position of the vehicle;
Each time the driver drives the vehicle, at least the position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition unit and the remaining battery level of the battery mounted on the vehicle acquired by the remaining battery level acquisition unit are used. Learning means for updating and storing the power consumption amount of the battery consumed in association with the travel to the vehicle position acquired in association with each other;
Of the position of the vehicle and the amount of power consumed by the battery that are updated and stored in association with each other by the learning means, the driver is in the same direction as the direction in which the vehicle is driven by the driver. A power consumption amount acquisition means for specifying and acquiring the power consumption amount of the battery when the vehicle travels using the position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition means;
Based on the power consumption acquired by the power consumption acquisition means, the vehicle driving the vehicle using the power charged in the battery mounted on the vehicle. A driving support device comprising: information notifying means for notifying information on availability. In the driving assistance device according to claim 1,
The information notification means includes
The power consumption amount acquired by the power consumption amount acquisition means is the power consumption amount of the battery when the driver travels the vehicle from the direction in which the vehicle is traveling to the estimated destination. The predicted battery power consumption amount is compared with the battery remaining amount acquired by the battery remaining amount acquisition means, and the acquired battery remaining amount is the predicted power consumption amount of the battery. When it is less than the value, information indicating that the vehicle cannot travel is notified as information on whether or not the vehicle can travel. In the driving support device according to claim 2,
The information notification means includes
When a device that performs at least a map search function related to the periphery of the vehicle is not mounted on the vehicle, the remaining battery level acquired by the remaining battery level acquiring unit is corrected, and the corrected remaining battery level is predicted. The driving support device, wherein when the power consumption of the battery is less than the information, information indicating that the vehicle cannot travel to the driver's home is notified as information on whether the vehicle can travel. In the driving assistance device according to claim 3,
The information notification means includes
The driving support device according to claim 1, wherein the corrected battery remaining amount is corrected to be smaller than an actual battery remaining amount of the battery acquired by the battery remaining amount acquiring unit. In the driving support device according to claim 2,
The information notification means includes
When a device that performs at least a map search function related to the periphery of the vehicle is mounted on the vehicle, the vehicle is located at a destination estimated from the direction in which the vehicle is traveling using the map search function of the device. It is determined whether or not there is a charging facility for charging the battery mounted on the vehicle, and when the charging facility is present at the estimated destination, the estimated information as information on whether or not the vehicle can travel is determined. A driving support device for notifying information that makes it impossible for the vehicle to travel to a destination. In the driving assistance device according to claim 1,
The information notification means further includes:
Before the driver drives the vehicle, at least the position of the vehicle and the amount of power consumption stored in association with each other by the learning means are notified to the driver. Driving assistance device. In the driving assistance device according to claim 1,
The learning means is
A parking time determination means for determining whether or not the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined time or more;
When the parking time determination means determines that the vehicle has been parked for a certain time or more, the vehicle position acquired by the position acquisition means is acquired as a parking position, and the acquired parking position and the remaining battery charge are acquired. A driving support device, wherein the power consumption amount of the battery acquired by the amount acquisition means is updated and stored in association with each other. In the driving assistance device according to claim 7,
The information notification means further includes:
Before the driver causes the vehicle to travel, at least the information indicating the parking position of the vehicle and the power consumption that are stored in association with each other by the learning means are notified to the driver. A driving assistance device characterized by the above. In the driving assistance device according to claim 7,
The learning means is
A travel distance calculating means for calculating a travel distance from the starting location of the vehicle to the parking position specified using the position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquiring means;
Elapsed time calculation means for calculating an elapsed time that has elapsed with the travel from the departure place of the vehicle to the parking position,
The parking position, the travel distance calculated by the travel distance calculation means, and the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation means when it is determined by the parking time determination means that the vehicle is parked for a certain time or more. A driving support device, wherein the time and the power consumption of the battery are updated and stored in association with each other. In the driving assistance device according to claim 9,
The information notification means further includes:
Before the driver drives the vehicle, the driver is notified of at least the travel distance, the elapsed time, and the power consumption that are updated and stored in association with each other by the learning means. A driving support device characterized by that. In the driving assistance device according to any one of claims 7 to 10,
The learning means is
When the parking time determination means determines that the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined time or more, the parking information is acquired from the outside related information related to the information representing the parking position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition means. It has location information acquisition means,
When the parking time determination means determines that the vehicle is parked for a certain time or more, the position of the vehicle acquired by the position acquisition means is acquired as a parking position, and the parking position information acquisition means externally A driving support device that acquires the related information and updates and stores the acquired related information and at least the power consumption of the battery in association with each other. In the driving assistance device according to claim 11,
The information notification means includes
A driving support apparatus that notifies the driver of the power consumption amount together with the related information acquired from the outside by the parking position information acquisition means before the driver drives the vehicle.

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