JP2007287618A - Battery temperature control apparatus for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent occurrence of dew condensation on a surface of a battery at the time of warming air for the battery for a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: The battery temperature control apparatus for a vehicle is arranged to warm air for the battery by blowing air within a vehicle interior onto the battery using a battery fan when a temperature within the vehicle interior is higher than a temperature of the battery. Even in the case (108-110) of a higher temperature within the vehicle interior than a temperature of the battery, a humidity within the vehicle interior is detected (112), and if the detected humidity within the vehicle interior has a predetermined value or higher, then the air-warming for the battery is prohibited without the air-blowing onto the battery (114, 104, 106) since the air within the vehicle interior may cause dew condensation to occur on the battery. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle battery temperature control device, and more particularly to a vehicle battery temperature control device that controls the temperature of a battery mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

  A vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle is equipped with a battery for driving a power source such as a motor.

  In a vehicle battery mounted on such a vehicle, it has been proposed to control the temperature of the vehicle battery for use in an activated state.

For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it has been proposed to warm the battery by introducing the air in the vehicle interior to the vehicle battery when the temperature of the vehicle battery is low. The vehicle battery can be used in an activated state by driving.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-284137

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when air in a vehicle compartment is introduced into a vehicle battery only under the temperature condition of the vehicle battery, condensation may occur on the battery surface, and electrode corrosion may occur. There is room for improvement in temperature control.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described facts, and an object thereof is to prevent the occurrence of condensation on the battery surface when the vehicle battery is warmed up.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a warming means for warming up the vehicle battery by introducing air into the vehicle battery, and a dew condensation of the vehicle battery by the introduction of air by the warming means. It is characterized by comprising estimation means for estimating the generation, and prohibiting means for prohibiting warming of the vehicle battery by the warming means when the estimation means estimates the occurrence of condensation of the vehicle battery.

  Since vehicle batteries mounted on electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like have low regenerative charging performance when the temperature is low, according to the first aspect of the present invention, air is introduced into the vehicle batteries by the warming means. By warming up the vehicle battery, it is possible to prevent a decrease in regenerative charging performance. For example, a battery fan or the like that introduces air in the passenger compartment into the vehicle battery can be applied as the warming means.

  In addition, since the introduction of air into the vehicle battery may cause condensation of the vehicle battery, the estimation means estimates the occurrence of condensation of the vehicle battery due to the introduction of air by the warming means. When the occurrence of condensation on the battery is estimated, warming of the vehicle battery by the warming means is prohibited by the prohibiting means. As a result, it is possible to prevent condensation on the battery surface when the vehicle battery is warmed up.

  For example, the warming means detects the temperature of the air introduced into the vehicle battery rather than the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the vehicle battery, as in the second aspect of the invention. When the temperature of the air detected by the temperature detection means is higher, the vehicle battery can be warmed up by blowing air to the vehicle battery.

  The estimating means estimates the occurrence of condensation on the vehicle battery based on the detection result of the humidity detecting means for detecting the humidity of the air introduced into the vehicle battery by the warming means as in the invention described in claim 3. You may make it do. For example, when the humidity of the air introduced by the warming means is below a predetermined value, it can be determined that no condensation of the vehicle battery occurs, so the condensation of the vehicle battery is determined based on the detection result of the humidity detection means. It is possible to estimate the occurrence.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 4, the estimating means is a vehicle battery based on the detection result of the state quantity detecting means for detecting the ventilation state of the air introduction source when air is introduced into the vehicle battery. The occurrence of condensation may be estimated. In other words, if the ventilation state of the air introduction source when air is introduced into the vehicle battery is sufficient, it can be determined that condensation of the vehicle battery does not occur. Based on this, it is possible to estimate the occurrence of condensation on the vehicle battery. For example, as in the fifth aspect of the invention, the introduction source for introducing air into the vehicle battery is a vehicle interior, and the ventilation detection means is a fan for an air conditioner that air-conditions the vehicle interior, and an air introduction source for the air conditioner By detecting the position of the inside / outside air switching door for switching the air, it is possible to detect the ventilation state of the air introduction source when air is introduced into the vehicle battery.

  Further, when air is introduced into the vehicle battery as a vehicle interior, the estimating means is a predicting means for predicting fogging of the wind glass as in the invention described in claim 6. You may make it estimate generation | occurrence | production of dew condensation of the battery for vehicles based on a prediction result. For example, when the window glass is not fogged, it can be determined that no condensation occurs even if air in the vehicle compartment is introduced into the vehicle battery. Therefore, the condensation of the vehicle battery is based on the prediction result of the prediction means. It is possible to estimate the occurrence of Specifically, when the vehicle is traveling at a vehicle speed equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is considered that the front view is good and the front windshield glass is not fogged. Therefore, as in the invention according to claim 7, the prediction means Can predict the fogging of the window glass based on the detection result of the vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed. Alternatively, if the air blowing direction of the air conditioner is at the defroster position, or if the defogger switch that removes the fogging of the rear window glass is turned on, it is considered that the window glass is fogged. As in the invention described in Item 8, the fogging of the window glass can be predicted based on the detection result of the detection means for detecting the execution of the fog prevention control of the window glass.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 9, the estimating means may estimate the occurrence of condensation of the vehicle battery based on the detection result of the outside humidity predicting means for predicting the humidity outside the passenger compartment. . For example, if the weather is rain or snow, the humidity outside the passenger compartment is relatively high and the vehicle battery is considered to be highly likely to condense. It is possible to estimate the humidity outside the passenger compartment and estimate the occurrence of condensation on the vehicle battery.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when air is introduced into a vehicle battery and the vehicle battery is warmed up, the occurrence of condensation is estimated by estimating the occurrence of condensation in the vehicle battery due to the introduced air. When estimated, by prohibiting the warming of the vehicle battery, the vehicle battery is not condensed by the introduced air, so that it is possible to prevent the condensation on the battery surface during the warming of the battery. .

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The vehicle battery temperature control apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention controls the temperature of the battery 20 mounted on the vehicle by controlling the driving of the battery fan 14 by the battery temperature control ECU 12.

  As the battery 20 to be controlled, for example, a battery serving as a power source of a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the battery temperature decreases, the maximum chargeable amount of the battery 20 decreases. Therefore, the battery 20 cannot be charged efficiently when the battery is charged by power generation by the regenerative brake. Therefore, the battery 20 is warmed up by driving the battery fan 14.

  The battery fan 14 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the battery 20, and in this embodiment, the battery 20 is warmed up by introducing air in the vehicle compartment and blowing air to the battery.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 is connected to a battery temperature sensor 16 that detects the temperature of the battery 20, a vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 that detects the temperature in the vehicle interior, and a vehicle interior humidity sensor 22 that detects the humidity in the vehicle interior. The detection result of each sensor is input. The vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 and the vehicle interior humidity sensor 22 may be connected to, for example, an air conditioner ECU that controls an air conditioner that air-conditions the vehicle interior. It may be.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 controls the temperature of the battery 20 by controlling the driving of the battery fan 14 based on the detection result of each sensor. Specifically, the battery temperature control ECU 12 compares the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 with the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18, and if the vehicle interior temperature is higher, The fan 14 is driven.

  Further, at this time, it is estimated that the condensation of the battery 20 due to the air in the passenger compartment being blown to the battery 20, and if the battery 20 may be condensed, the driving of the battery fan 14 is prohibited. It has become. In the present embodiment, the occurrence of condensation of the battery 20 is determined by determining whether or not there is a possibility that the battery 20 is condensed by blowing air in the vehicle interior to the battery 20 from the detection result of the vehicle interior humidity sensor 22. presume. Specifically, a humidity threshold value in the vehicle interior is set in advance, and when the humidity is equal to or lower than the threshold value, it is determined that there is no possibility that condensation occurs in the battery 20.

  Here, the flow of the battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the battery temperature control ECU 12 starts battery temperature control when an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, and ends battery temperature control when the ignition switch is turned off.

  When an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on and the power is turned on, first, in step 100, the detection result of the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This determination determines whether or not the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined regenerative charging performance of the battery 20. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108. To do.

  In step 104, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven. In this determination, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven by a process described later. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above process is repeated, and the determination is positive. In step 106, the battery fan 14 is stopped, and then the process returns to step 100 to repeat the above process.

  On the other hand, if the determination at step 102 is affirmative and the routine proceeds to step 108, the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 is acquired and the routine proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, the temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 and the temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 in step 100 are compared to determine whether or not the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature. When the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 112.

  In step 112, the vehicle interior humidity detected by the vehicle interior humidity sensor 22 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step 114.

  In step 114, it is determined whether or not the humidity in the passenger compartment detected by the passenger compartment humidity sensor 22 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. That is, when the battery fan 14 is driven and the air in the vehicle interior is blown to the battery 20, whether or not the battery 20 can be warmed without causing condensation in the battery 20 is detected by the vehicle interior humidity sensor 22. Determined based on humidity.

  If the determination at step 114 is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and stops when the battery fan 14 is driven. That is, even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, if the vehicle interior humidity may cause condensation in the battery, the driving of the battery fan 14 is prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensation on the battery 20.

  If the determination in step 114 is affirmative, that is, if the humidity in the passenger compartment is not humidity that causes condensation in the battery 20, the process proceeds to step 116, and after the battery fan 14 is driven, the process returns to step 100. The above process is repeated. That is, the vehicle interior air higher than the temperature of the battery 20 is blown to the battery 20, so that the battery 20 can be warmed up, and a reduction in the regenerative charging performance of the battery 20 can be suppressed.

Thus, in the present embodiment, even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, if condensation occurs in the battery 20, the warming of the battery 20 that blows the air in the vehicle interior to the battery 20 is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the regenerative charging capacity of the battery 20 while preventing the occurrence of condensation on the battery surface when the battery is warmed up.
[Second Embodiment]
Then, the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  In the first embodiment, the dew generation of the battery 20 when the air in the vehicle interior is blown to the battery 20 is estimated based on the humidity in the vehicle interior. However, in the second embodiment, the inside / outside air switching door The estimation is based on the position and the on / off state of the blower.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.

  As the battery 20 to be controlled, as in the first embodiment, for example, a battery serving as a power source of a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the battery temperature decreases, the maximum chargeable amount of the battery 20 decreases. Therefore, the battery 20 cannot be charged efficiently when the battery is charged by power generation by the regenerative brake. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the battery 20 is warmed up by driving the battery fan 14.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the battery fan 14 is provided in the vicinity of the battery 20, for example, and warms up the battery 20 by introducing air in the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the battery.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 includes a battery temperature sensor 16 that detects the temperature of the battery 20, a vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 that detects the temperature in the vehicle interior, and an internal / external air switching door that switches between internal air circulation and external air introduction of an air conditioner that air-conditions the vehicle interior. Are connected to an inside / outside air switching position sensor 24 for detecting the position (inside air circulation position or outside air introduction position), and a blower sensor 26 for detecting ON / OFF of a blower for blowing air from the air conditioner, and the detection results of each sensor are input. . The inside / outside air switching position sensor 24 and the blower sensor 26 are connected to, for example, an air conditioner ECU that controls the air conditioner, and may be input from another control unit such as an air conditioner ECU.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 controls the temperature of the battery 20 by controlling the driving of the battery fan 14 based on the detection result of each sensor. Specifically, the battery temperature control ECU 12 compares the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 with the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18, and if the vehicle interior temperature is higher, The fan 14 is driven.

  Further, at this time, it is estimated that the condensation of the battery 20 due to the air in the passenger compartment being blown to the battery 20, and if the battery 20 may be condensed, the driving of the battery fan 14 is prohibited. It has become. In this embodiment, by determining whether or not there is a possibility that the battery 20 is condensed by blowing air in the vehicle interior to the battery 20 from the detection result of the inside / outside air switching position sensor 24 and the detection result of the blower sensor 26. The occurrence of condensation on the battery 20 is estimated. Specifically, when the position of the inside / outside air switching door detected by the inside / outside air switching position sensor 24 is the outside air introduction position and the blower is on, the vehicle interior is sufficiently ventilated with outside air. Therefore, it is determined that there is no possibility that condensation occurs in the battery 20 even if the air in the vehicle compartment is blown to the battery 20.

  Next, the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, the battery temperature control ECU 12 starts the battery temperature control when the ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, and the battery temperature control is performed when the ignition switch is turned off. It will be described as being completed. Further, the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  When an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on and the power is turned on, first, in step 100, the detection result of the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This determination determines whether or not the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined regenerative charging performance of the battery 20. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108. To do.

  In step 104, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven. In this determination, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven by a process described later. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above process is repeated, and the determination is positive. In step 106, the battery fan 14 is stopped, and then the process returns to step 100 to repeat the above process.

  On the other hand, if the determination at step 102 is affirmative and the routine proceeds to step 108, the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 is acquired and the routine proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, the temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 and the temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 in step 100 are compared to determine whether or not the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 118.

  In step 118, the position of the inside / outside air switching door detected by the inside / outside air switching position sensor 24 and the on / off state of the blower detected by the blower sensor 26 are acquired, and the routine proceeds to step 120.

  In step 120, it is determined from the detection results of the inside / outside air switching position sensor 24 and the blower sensor 26 whether outside air is introduced and the blower is turned on. That is, when the battery fan 14 is driven and air in the vehicle compartment is blown to the battery 20, whether the battery 20 can be warmed without causing condensation on the battery 20 is detected by the inside / outside air switching position sensor 24. Further, the determination is made based on the position of the inside / outside air switching door and the on / off state of the blower detected by the blower sensor 26. In this determination, when the position of the inside / outside air switching door detected by the inside / outside air switching position sensor 24 is the outside air introduction position and the blower is on, the vehicle interior is sufficiently ventilated with outside air. Therefore, it is determined that condensation does not occur even when the air in the passenger compartment is blown to the battery 20.

  If the determination at step 120 is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and stops when the battery fan 14 is being driven. That is, even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, if the vehicle interior is not in a sufficiently ventilated state, there is a possibility that condensation will occur in the battery 20 due to the air in the vehicle interior. 14 is prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensation on the battery 20.

  If the determination in step 120 is negative, that is, if the vehicle interior is in a sufficiently ventilated state, there is no possibility of causing condensation in the battery 20 due to the air in the vehicle interior, so the routine proceeds to step 122. Then, after driving the battery fan 14, the process returns to step 100 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, the vehicle interior air higher than the temperature of the battery 20 is blown to the battery 20, so that the battery 20 can be warmed up, and a reduction in the regenerative charging performance of the battery 20 can be suppressed.

As described above, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, if condensation occurs in the battery 20, the air in the vehicle interior is blown to the battery 20. Since the warming-up of the battery is prohibited, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the regenerative charging ability of the battery 20 while preventing the occurrence of condensation on the battery surface when the battery is warmed up.
[Third Embodiment]
Then, the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  In the first embodiment, the occurrence of condensation in the battery 20 when the air in the vehicle interior is blown to the battery 20 is estimated based on the humidity in the vehicle interior. In the second embodiment, the position of the inside / outside air switching door and the blower Although the estimation is based on the on / off state, the third embodiment is based on the vehicle speed.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.

  As the battery 20 to be controlled, as in the first and second embodiments, for example, a battery serving as a power source for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the battery temperature decreases, the maximum chargeable amount of the battery 20 decreases. Therefore, the battery 20 cannot be charged efficiently when the battery is charged by power generation by the regenerative brake. Therefore, similarly to the first and second embodiments, the battery 20 is warmed up by driving the battery fan 14.

  Similarly to the first and second embodiments, the battery fan 14 is provided in the vicinity of the battery 20, for example, and warms up the battery 20 by introducing air in the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the battery.

  Connected to the battery temperature control ECU 12 are a battery temperature sensor 16 for detecting the temperature of the battery 20, a vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 for detecting the temperature in the vehicle interior, and a vehicle speed sensor 28 for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle. The detection result of the sensor is input. The vehicle speed sensor 28 may be connected to, for example, a power ECU that controls an engine, a motor, or the like that is a power source of the vehicle, and may be input from another control unit such as a power ECU. .

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 controls the temperature of the battery 20 by controlling the driving of the battery fan 14 based on the detection result of each sensor. Specifically, the battery temperature control ECU 12 compares the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 with the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18, and if the vehicle interior temperature is higher, The fan 14 is driven.

  Further, at this time, it is estimated that the condensation of the battery 20 due to the air in the passenger compartment being blown to the battery 20, and if the battery 20 may be condensed, the driving of the battery fan 14 is prohibited. It has become. In the present embodiment, whether or not there is a possibility that the battery 20 may be condensed by predicting fogging of the front windshield glass based on the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 28 and blowing air in the vehicle compartment to the battery 20 from the prediction result. It is estimated that the condensation of the battery 20 is generated. Specifically, when the vehicle speed sensor 28 detects a vehicle speed that is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, when the vehicle speed is detected in the present embodiment), the vehicle travels without fogging the front windshield glass. Therefore, even if the air in the vehicle compartment is blown to the battery 20, it is determined that there is no possibility of condensation as with the front windshield glass. In the present embodiment, it is determined that there is no possibility of condensation on the battery 20 when there is a vehicle speed, but the predetermined vehicle speed that is the determination vehicle speed may be set as appropriate.

  Next, the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, the battery temperature control ECU 12 starts the battery temperature control when the ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, and the battery temperature control is performed when the ignition switch is turned off. It will be described as being completed. Further, the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  When an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on and the power is turned on, first, in step 100, the detection result of the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This determination determines whether or not the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined regenerative charging performance of the battery 20. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108. To do.

  In step 104, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven. In this determination, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven by a process described later. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above process is repeated, and the determination is positive. In step 106, the battery fan 14 is stopped, and then the process returns to step 100 to repeat the above process.

  On the other hand, if the determination at step 102 is affirmative and the routine proceeds to step 108, the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 is acquired and the routine proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, the temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 and the temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 in step 100 are compared to determine whether or not the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature. When the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 124.

  In step 124, the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 28 is acquired, and the routine proceeds to step 126.

  In step 126, it is determined from the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 28 whether or not there is a vehicle speed. That is, when the battery fan 14 is driven and air in the vehicle compartment is blown to the battery 20, whether or not the battery 20 can be warmed without causing condensation on the battery 20 is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 28. Based on the determination. This determination is based on the assumption that the front windshield glass is fogged and the forward visibility is not in a bad condition when there is a vehicle speed, so that it can be determined that no condensation has occurred on the front windshield glass. It is determined that no condensation occurs even when air is blown to the battery 20. The determination vehicle speed may be determined whether there is a vehicle speed, or may be determined whether the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined vehicle speed.

  If the determination in step 126 is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and stops if the battery fan 14 is being driven. That is, if the front windshield glass is predicted to be clouded even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, it is considered that the humidity in the vehicle interior is high. Since there is a possibility of causing condensation, the driving of the battery fan 14 is prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensation on the battery 20.

  Further, if the determination in step 126 is negative, that is, if the front windshield glass is running normally without being fogged, there is a possibility that condensation will occur in the battery 20 due to air in the passenger compartment. Therefore, after moving to step 128 and driving the battery fan 14, the process returns to step 100 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, the vehicle interior air higher than the temperature of the battery 20 is blown to the battery 20, so that the battery 20 can be warmed up, and a reduction in the regenerative charging performance of the battery 20 can be suppressed.

As described above, also in the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, when condensation occurs in the battery 20 even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, the air in the vehicle interior is supplied to the battery 20. Since the warming-up of the battery that blows air is prohibited, it is possible to suppress the regenerative charging ability of the battery 20 from being reduced while preventing condensation on the battery surface during the warming of the battery.
[Fourth Embodiment]
Then, the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  In the first embodiment, the occurrence of condensation in the battery 20 when the air in the vehicle interior is blown to the battery 20 is estimated based on the humidity in the vehicle interior. In the second embodiment, the position of the inside / outside air switching door and the blower The estimation is based on the on / off state, and in the third embodiment, the estimation is based on the vehicle speed. However, the fourth embodiment is based on the operation state of the wiper switch.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.

  As the battery 20 to be controlled, as in the first to third embodiments, for example, a battery serving as a power source for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the battery temperature decreases, the maximum chargeable amount of the battery 20 decreases. Therefore, the battery 20 cannot be charged efficiently when the battery is charged by power generation by the regenerative brake. Therefore, as in the first to third embodiments, the battery 20 is warmed up by driving the battery fan 14.

  Similarly to the first to third embodiments, the battery fan 14 is provided in the vicinity of the battery 20, for example, and warms the battery 20 by introducing air in the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the battery.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 includes a battery temperature sensor 16 for detecting the temperature of the battery 20, a vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 for detecting the temperature in the vehicle interior, and a wiper for instructing operation of a wiper for wiping raindrops on the front windshield glass. The switch 30 is connected, and the detection result of each sensor is input.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 of the present embodiment predicts the humidity outside the passenger compartment from the operating state of the wiper switch 30.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 controls the temperature of the battery 20 by controlling the driving of the battery fan 14 based on the detection result of each sensor. Specifically, the battery temperature control ECU 12 compares the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 with the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18, and if the vehicle interior temperature is higher, The fan 14 is driven.

  Further, at this time, it is estimated that the condensation of the battery 20 due to the air in the passenger compartment being blown to the battery 20, and if the battery 20 may be condensed, the driving of the battery fan 14 is prohibited. It has become. In the present embodiment, the occurrence of dew condensation on the battery 20 is estimated by determining whether or not there is a possibility that the battery 20 is condensed by blowing air in the vehicle compartment to the battery 20 from the operation state of the wiper switch 30. . Specifically, when the wiper switch 30 is not in the wiper operation state, it is considered that the weather is unlikely to be rain or snow and the humidity of the air outside and inside the vehicle is low. Even if the air is blown to the battery 20, it is determined that there is no possibility of condensation on the battery 20.

  Next, the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, the battery temperature control ECU 12 starts the battery temperature control when the ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, and the battery temperature control is performed when the ignition switch is turned off. It will be described as being completed. Further, the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  When an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on and the power is turned on, first, in step 100, the detection result of the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This determination determines whether or not the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined regenerative charging performance of the battery 20. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108. To do.

  In step 104, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven. In this determination, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven by a process described later. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above process is repeated, and the determination is positive. In step 106, the battery fan 14 is stopped, and then the process returns to step 100 to repeat the above process.

  On the other hand, if the determination at step 102 is affirmative and the routine proceeds to step 108, the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 is acquired and the routine proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, the temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 and the temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 in step 100 are compared to determine whether or not the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 130.

  In step 130, the operation state of the wiper switch 30 is detected, and the routine proceeds to step 132.

  In step 132, it is determined whether or not the wiper is operating from the operation state of the wiper switch 30. That is, based on the operation state of the wiper switch 30, whether or not the battery 20 can be warmed without causing condensation in the battery 20 when the battery fan 14 is driven and air in the vehicle compartment is blown to the battery 20. Determined. In the determination, when the operation state of the wiper switch 30 is that the wiper is operating, the possibility that the weather is rain or snow is low, and it is determined that condensation does not occur even if the air in the passenger compartment is blown to the battery 20.

  If the determination in step 132 is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and stops if the battery fan 14 is being driven. That is, even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, if the possibility that the weather is rain or snow is high, the humidity outside the vehicle interior and the vehicle interior is considered to be high. Since there is a possibility of causing condensation on the battery 20, the driving of the battery fan 14 is prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensation on the battery 20.

  Further, if the determination in step 132 is negative, that is, if the wiper is not in operation, the weather is unlikely to be rain or snow, and the battery 20 may cause condensation in the battery 20 Therefore, the process proceeds to step 134 and after driving the battery fan 14, the process returns to step 100 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, the vehicle interior air higher than the temperature of the battery 20 is blown to the battery 20, so that the battery 20 can be warmed up, and a reduction in the regenerative charging performance of the battery 20 can be suppressed.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, as in the first to third embodiments, even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, if condensation occurs in the battery 20, the air in the vehicle interior is used as the battery 20. Since the warming-up of the battery that blows air is prohibited, it is possible to suppress the regenerative charging ability of the battery 20 from being reduced while preventing condensation on the battery surface during the warming of the battery.

In the present embodiment, the humidity outside the passenger compartment is predicted from the operation state of the wiper switch 30 to estimate the occurrence of condensation on the battery 20, but instead of the operation state of the wiper switch 30, a raindrop sensor, etc. The generation of condensation of the battery 20 may be estimated by predicting the humidity outside the passenger compartment using the detection result.
[Fifth Embodiment]
Then, the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 5th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  In the third embodiment, the fogging of the front windshield glass is predicted from the detection result of the vehicle speed sensor 28, and it is estimated whether or not condensation occurs in the battery 20 when the air in the passenger compartment is blown to the battery 20. However, in this embodiment, when the fog of the front windshield glass is predicted by detecting whether or not the anti-fogging control is performed, the air in the passenger compartment is blown to the battery 20. Whether or not condensation occurs is estimated.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated.

  As the battery 20 to be controlled, as in the first embodiment, for example, a battery serving as a power source of a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle can be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the battery temperature decreases, the maximum chargeable amount of the battery 20 decreases. Therefore, the battery 20 cannot be charged efficiently when the battery is charged by power generation by the regenerative brake. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the battery 20 is warmed up by driving the battery fan 14.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the battery fan 14 is provided in the vicinity of the battery 20, for example, and warms up the battery 20 by introducing air in the vehicle compartment and blowing it to the battery.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 includes a battery temperature sensor 16 that detects the temperature of the battery 20, a vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 that detects the temperature in the vehicle interior, a blow direction detection sensor 32 that detects the air flow direction of an air conditioner that air-conditions the vehicle interior, Also, a defogger switch 34 for removing fogging of the rear window glass is connected, and the detection results of each sensor are input. In addition, since the ventilation direction detection sensor 32 is connected to, for example, an air conditioner ECU that controls the air conditioner, it may be input from another control unit such as an air conditioner ECU.

  The battery temperature control ECU 12 controls the temperature of the battery 20 by controlling the driving of the battery fan 14 based on the detection result of each sensor. Specifically, the battery temperature control ECU 12 compares the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 with the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18, and if the vehicle interior temperature is higher, The fan 14 is driven.

  Further, at this time, it is estimated that the condensation of the battery 20 due to the air in the passenger compartment being blown to the battery 20, and if the battery 20 may be condensed, the driving of the battery fan 14 is prohibited. It has become. In this embodiment, by determining whether or not there is a possibility that the battery 20 is condensed by blowing air in the vehicle interior to the battery 20 from the detection result of the blowing direction detection sensor 32 and the state of the defogger switch 34. The occurrence of condensation on the battery 20 is estimated. More specifically, when the position of the defroster that blows air toward the front windshield glass is detected by the air blowing direction detection sensor 32 or when the defogger switch 34 is turned on, the vehicle is kept in a state where the wind glass is fogged. Since the indoor humidity is estimated to be high, it is determined that there is a possibility that condensation will occur in the battery 20 by blowing air in the vehicle compartment to the battery 20.

  Next, the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of battery temperature control performed by the battery temperature control ECU 12 of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. As in the first embodiment, the battery temperature control ECU 12 starts the battery temperature control when the ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, and the battery temperature control is performed when the ignition switch is turned off. It will be described as being completed. Further, the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

  When an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on and the power is turned on, first, in step 100, the detection result of the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step 102.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not the battery temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. This determination determines whether or not the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined regenerative charging performance of the battery 20. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108. To do.

  In step 104, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven. In this determination, it is determined whether or not the battery fan 14 is being driven by a process described later. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above process is repeated, and the determination is positive. In step 106, the battery fan 14 is stopped, and then the process returns to step 100 to repeat the above process.

  On the other hand, if the determination at step 102 is affirmative and the routine proceeds to step 108, the vehicle interior temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 is acquired and the routine proceeds to step 110.

  In step 110, the temperature detected by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 18 and the temperature detected by the battery temperature sensor 16 in step 100 are compared to determine whether or not the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature. When the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 104 described above, and when the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 136.

  In step 136, the detection result of the air-conditioner blowing direction detected by the blowing direction detection sensor 32 and the state of the defogger switch 34 are acquired, and the process proceeds to step 138.

  In step 138, it is determined whether or not the anti-fogging control is being performed based on the detection result of the blowing direction detection sensor 32 and the state of the defogger switch 34. That is, when the battery fan 14 is driven and air in the vehicle compartment is blown to the battery 20, whether the battery 20 can be warmed without causing condensation on the battery 20 is determined by the blowing direction detection sensor 32 and the defogger switch 34. It is determined based on the state of This determination is made when the position of the defroster that blows air toward the front windshield glass is detected by the air blowing direction detection sensor 32, or when the defogger switch 34 is turned on, the antifogging control of the wind glass is performed. Therefore, it is considered that the humidity in the vehicle interior is high, and therefore it is determined that condensation occurs by blowing air from the vehicle interior to the battery 20. The determination in step 138 may be affirmed when both the detection of the defroster position and the defogger switch 34 are detected, or may be affirmed when either one is detected. Good.

  If the determination at step 138 is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 104 described above, and stops when the battery fan 14 is being driven. That is, even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, if the anti-fogging control is performed, condensation in the battery 20 may be generated by the air in the vehicle interior. Is prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensation on the battery 20.

  If the determination in step 138 is negative, that is, if the anti-fogging control is not performed, there is no possibility of causing condensation in the battery 20 due to the air in the passenger compartment. After the battery fan 14 is driven, the process returns to step 100 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, the vehicle interior air higher than the temperature of the battery 20 is blown to the battery 20, so that the battery 20 can be warmed up, and a reduction in the regenerative charging performance of the battery 20 can be suppressed.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, as in the first to fourth embodiments, even when the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the battery temperature, if condensation occurs in the battery 20, the air in the vehicle interior is used as the battery 20. Since the warming-up of the battery that blows air is prohibited, it is possible to suppress the regenerative charging ability of the battery 20 from being reduced while preventing condensation on the battery surface during the warming of the battery.

  In addition, about 2nd Embodiment-5th Embodiment, since the estimation precision of the possibility of dew condensation of a battery at the time of blowing the air in a vehicle interior to the battery 20 is lower than 1st Embodiment, it is 2nd-5th. The determination conditions of the embodiment may be combined as appropriate to determine whether or not the battery is dewed when air in the passenger compartment is blown to the battery 20.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the battery temperature control apparatus for vehicles concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the temperature characteristic of a battery. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the battery temperature control performed by battery temperature control ECU of the battery temperature control apparatus for vehicles concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the battery temperature control performed by battery temperature control ECU of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the battery temperature control performed by battery temperature control ECU of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the battery temperature control performed by battery temperature control ECU of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the battery temperature control apparatus for vehicles concerning 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of battery temperature control performed by battery temperature control ECU of the vehicle battery temperature control apparatus concerning 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle battery temperature control apparatus 12 Battery temperature control ECU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Battery fan 16 Battery temperature sensor 18 Vehicle interior temperature sensor 20 Battery 22 Vehicle interior humidity sensor 24 Inside / outside air switching position sensor 26 Blower sensor 28 Vehicle speed sensor 30 Wiper switch 32 Blower direction detection sensor 34 Defogger switch

Claims (9)

A warming means for warming the vehicle battery by introducing air into the vehicle battery;
Estimating means for estimating the occurrence of condensation of the vehicle battery due to the introduction of air by the warming means;
Prohibiting means for prohibiting warming of the vehicle battery by the warming means when the estimation means estimates the occurrence of condensation on the vehicle battery;
A vehicle battery temperature control apparatus comprising:   Battery temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the vehicle battery; and temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of air introduced into the vehicle battery by the warming means, wherein the warming means is provided by the battery temperature detection means. The air is introduced into the vehicle battery and blown to the vehicle battery when the temperature of the air detected by the temperature detection means is higher than the detected battery temperature. Vehicle battery temperature control device.   Humidity detection means for detecting humidity of air introduced into the vehicle battery by the warming means is further provided, and the estimation means estimates the occurrence of the condensation based on a detection result of the humidity detection means. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2.   Ventilation detection means for detecting a ventilation state of the air introduction source when air is introduced into the vehicle battery, and the estimation means estimates the occurrence of the condensation based on the detection result of the ventilation detection means. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above-mentioned.   The introduction source is the vehicle interior, and the ventilation detection means detects the ventilation of the air conditioner that air-conditions the vehicle interior and the position of the inside / outside air switching door that switches the air introduction source of the air conditioner. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle battery temperature control device is detected.   The air introduction source when introducing the air into the vehicle battery is a vehicle interior, and further includes a fogging prediction means for predicting the fogging of the wind glass, and the estimation means is configured to detect the condensation based on a prediction result of the fogging prediction means. The battery temperature control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein occurrence is estimated.   The vehicle battery temperature control device according to claim 6, wherein the fogging prediction means includes vehicle speed detection means for detecting a vehicle speed, and predicts fogging of the window glass based on a detection result of the vehicle speed detection means. .   The fogging predicting means includes an antifogging control detecting means for detecting execution of an antifogging control of a window glass, and predicts fogging of the window glass based on a detection result of the antifogging control detecting means. Item 7. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to Item 6.   The vehicle exterior humidity prediction means for predicting the humidity outside the vehicle compartment is further provided, and the estimation means estimates the occurrence of the dew condensation based on a prediction result of the vehicle exterior humidity prediction means. Item 3. The vehicle battery temperature control device according to Item 2.

Images