JP2024004368A - Power control device and power control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power control device and a power control method capable of ensuring a power storage amount of a backup power supply according to a condition of a vehicle or a condition around the vehicle.

SOLUTION: A power supply control device according to an embodiment is installed in a vehicle having an automatic driving function. The power control device includes a controller. The controller causes a backup power supply to perform backup control when a main power supply fails, starts charging the backup power supply when the power storage amount of the backup power supply decreases to a charging start threshold or lower, and finishes charging when the power storage amount reaches a target power storage amount. The controller executes promotion control to increase the power storage amount of the backup power supply when the condition of the vehicle or the condition around the vehicle is a condition that impedes the completion of backup control by the backup power supply.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The disclosed embodiments relate to a power supply control device and a power supply control method.

A power supply control device for an automatic driving vehicle equipped with a backup power source performs FOP (fail operation) control using the backup power source when the main power source fails during automatic driving. At this time, if the amount of power stored in the backup power source is small, FOP control cannot be completed to the end, so if the amount of power stored in the backup power source decreases, it is necessary to perform charging (for example, see Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, in the power supply control device, if the backup power supply is frequently charged, the backup power supply deteriorates quickly. Therefore, it is desirable for the power supply control device to set the charging start threshold of the backup power source as low as possible, and to charge the battery up to the charging target threshold when the backup power source falls below the charging start threshold.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-187189

However, the power supply control device may take a long time to complete FOP control depending on the surrounding conditions of the vehicle, such as traffic jams or the distance from the nearest parking place. There is a possibility that FOP control cannot be completed with this amount. For this reason, it is desirable that the power supply control device secures the amount of power stored in the backup power supply according to the surrounding situation of the vehicle.

One aspect of the embodiment has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a power supply control device and a power supply control method that can ensure the amount of electricity stored in a backup power supply according to the condition of the vehicle or the surrounding condition of the vehicle. shall be.

A power supply control device according to one aspect of the embodiment is installed in a vehicle having an automatic driving function. The power supply control device includes a controller. The controller causes the backup power source to perform backup control when the main power source fails, and when the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source decreases below a charge start threshold, starts charging the backup power source to reach the target amount of energy storage. Charging will end when this is reached. The controller executes promotion control to increase the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source when a situation of the vehicle or a situation around the vehicle impedes completion of backup control by the backup power source.

The power supply control device and the power supply control method according to one aspect of the embodiment have the effect of being able to ensure the amount of electricity stored in the backup power supply according to the surrounding situation of the vehicle.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the power supply control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the power supply control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the power supply control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing FOP control of a power supply control device according to a comparative example. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing FOP control of the power supply control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the main controller of the power supply control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the main controller of the power supply control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the main controller of the power supply control device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a power supply control device and a power supply control method will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

The power supply control device according to the embodiment is installed in an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an engine vehicle that runs on an internal combustion engine. The power supply control device according to the embodiment includes a main power supply and a backup power supply, and has an optional function that backs up the main power supply with the backup power supply and implements FOP (fail operation) when a power failure occurs in the main power supply. It may be installed in the device.

[1. Power control device configuration]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply control device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply control device 1 according to the embodiment is connected to a main power supply 10 and an external device 100.

Further, the power supply control device 1 is connected to a first general load 101, a first FOP load 102, a second FOP load 103, a third FOP load 104, and a second general load 105. Further, the power supply control device 1 includes a first system 110 and a second system 120.

The first system 110 supplies power from the main power supply 10 to a first general load 101 , a first FOP load 102 , a second FOP load 103 , a third FOP load 104 , and a second general load 105 . The second system 120 supplies power from a backup power supply 20 (described later) to the first FOP load 102, the second FOP load 103, and the third FOP load 104.

The first general load 101 and the second general load 105 include, for example, a display, an air conditioner, audio, video, various lights, a drive recorder, a security device, a communication device, and various sensors.

The first FOP load 102, the second FOP load 103, and the third FOP load 104 are devices for automatic operation. For example, the first FOP load 102, the second FOP load 103, and the third FOP load 104 include a steering motor, an electric brake device, an in-vehicle camera, a radar, etc. that operate during automatic driving. The first general load 101 , the first FOP load 102 , the second FOP load 103 , the third FOP load 104 , and the second general load 105 are operated by power supplied from the power supply control device 1 .

External device 100 is, for example, an automatic driving control device. The external device 100 is a device that is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) and operates a first FOP load 102, a second FOP load 103, and a third FOP load 104 to control automatic driving of the vehicle. Note that when the external device 100 is an automatic driving control device, GPS vehicle position information may be obtained from a navigation device (not shown).

Main power supply 10 includes a generator 12 and a lead battery (hereinafter referred to as "PbB11") when power supply control device 1 is mounted on an engine vehicle. Note that the battery of the main power source 10 may be any secondary battery other than PbB11.

The generator 12 is, for example, an alternator that converts the kinetic energy of a running vehicle into electricity to generate electricity. The generator 12 charges the PbB 11 and a backup power source 20, which will be described later, using the generated power. Further, the generator 12 supplies power to the first general load 101 , the first FOP load 102 , the second FOP load 103 , the third FOP load 104 , and the second general load 105 .

Main power supply 10 includes a DC/DC converter (hereinafter referred to as "DCDC") and PbB 11 when power supply control device 1 is installed in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In this case, the DCDC is connected to a generator and a high-voltage battery whose voltage is higher than that of PbB11, and outputs the reduced voltage of the generator and the high-voltage battery to the first system 110. The generator is, for example, an alternator that converts the kinetic energy of a running vehicle into electricity to generate electricity. A high-voltage battery is, for example, a battery for driving a vehicle installed in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

The power supply control device 1 also includes a backup power supply 20, a controller 3, a first general load 101, a first FOP load 102, a second FOP load 103, a third FOP load 104, and a plurality of units that supply power to a second general load 105. and a DCDC22.

Specifically, the power supply control device 1 includes a first connection section 41, a second connection section 42, a third connection section 43, a fourth connection section 44, a fifth connection section 45, a sixth connection section 46, and a seventh connection section. portion 47 , an eighth connection portion 48 , a ninth connection portion 49 , and a tenth connection portion 50 .

The first connection unit 41 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the first system 110 and the second system 120. In addition, the 1st connection part 41 may be DCDC. In this case, the DCDC connects the first system 110 and the second system 120 by operating, and disconnects the first system 110 and the second system 120 by stopping its operation.

The second connection unit 42 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the second system 120 and the first FOP load 102. The third connection unit 43 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the second system 120 and the second FOP load 103. The fourth connection unit 44 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the second system 120 and the third FOP load 104.

The fifth connection unit 45 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the backup power supply 20 and the second system 120. The DCDC 22 is connected to the second system 120 so as to be connected in parallel to the fifth connection section 45 . The sixth connection unit 46 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the first system 110 and the first general load 101. The seventh connection unit 47 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the first system 110 and the first FOP load 102. The eighth connection unit 48 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the first system 110 and the second FOP load 103. The ninth connection unit 49 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the first system 110 and the second general load 105. The tenth connection unit 50 is a switch that can connect and disconnect the first system 110 and the third FOP load 104.

The backup power supply 20 is a backup power supply when the main power supply 10 is no longer able to supply power. The backup power source 20 includes a lithium ion battery (hereinafter referred to as "LiB21"). Note that the battery of the backup power source 20 may be any secondary battery other than the LiB 21.

Further, the power supply control device 1 includes a first voltage sensor 51 and a second voltage sensor 52. The first voltage sensor 51 is provided in the first system 110, detects the voltage of the first system 110, and outputs the detection result to the controller 3. The second voltage sensor 52 is provided in the second system 120, detects the voltage of the second system 120, and outputs the detection result to the controller 3.

The controller 3 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a "microcomputer") having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and various circuits. Note that the controller 3 may be partially or entirely configured with hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The controller 3 controls the operations of the first to tenth connection sections 41 to 50 and the DCDC 22 by causing the CPU to execute a program stored in the ROM using the RAM as a work area.

[2. Operation example of power supply control device]
Next, an example of the operation of the power supply control device will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. 2 to 4 are explanatory diagrams showing operational examples of the power supply control device according to the embodiment.

[2.1. Normal operation]
The controller 3 operates as shown in FIG. 2 during normal stop, manual operation, or automatic operation when no ground fault has occurred in the first system 110 and the second system 120 with the IG turned on. to control multiple connections.

Specifically, the controller 3 turns on the first to fourth, sixth to tenth connection parts 41 to 44, and 46 to 50, and turns off the fifth connection part 45. Thereby, the power supply control device 1 can supply power from the main power supply 10 to the first to second general loads 101, 105 and the first to third FOP loads 102 to 104.

[2.2. Power supply control device operation when ground fault occurs]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the power supply control device 1, when a ground fault 200 occurs in the first system 110, an overcurrent flows toward the ground fault point, so the voltage detected by the first voltage sensor 51 increases. becomes below the ground fault threshold.

Therefore, when the voltage detected by the first voltage sensor 51 continues to be below the ground fault threshold for a predetermined period of time, the controller 3 detects the ground fault 200 in the first system 110 and is turned off, the fifth connection section 45 is turned on, and the sixth to tenth connection sections 46 to 50 are turned off.

Thereby, even if the ground fault 200 occurs in the first system 110, the power supply control device 1 can perform FOP control to supply power from the backup power source to the first to third FOP loads 102 to 104.

Thereafter, the controller 3 notifies the external device 100 that a ground fault 200 has occurred in the first system 110 and that control has shifted to FOP control. Thereby, the external device 100 can operate the first to third FOP loads 102 to 104 using the power supplied from the backup power source 20, and make the vehicle retreat to a safe location and stop.

[2.3. Operation when charging]
The controller 3 charges the backup power source 20 when the amount of electricity stored in the LiB 21 decreases. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 3 periodically acquires the SOC of the LiB 21 from the backup power supply 20 via the SOC (State of Charge) acquisition line 23, and when the SOC of the LiB 21 drops to 65% or less, the , causes the DCDC22 to operate in a step-down manner. Then, the controller 3 charges the backup power source 20 by supplying power from the main power source 10 to the backup power source 20 via the first connection section 41 and the DCDC 22 .

[3. Charging control]
The power supply control device 1 performs FOP control using the backup power supply 20 when the main power supply 10 fails during automatic driving, but at this time, if the amount of electricity stored in the backup power supply 20 is small, the FOP control cannot be completed to the end. Therefore, the controller 3 performs charging when the amount of power stored in the backup power source 20 decreases.

However, in the controller 3, if the backup power source 20 is frequently charged, the LiB 21 will deteriorate more quickly. Therefore, it is desirable for the controller 3 to set the charging start threshold of the backup power source 20 as low as possible, and to charge the battery to the charging target threshold when the backup power source 20 falls below the charging start threshold.

However, depending on the surrounding circumstances of the vehicle, such as traffic jams or the distance from the nearest parking place, the controller 3 may take longer than expected to complete FOP control. There is a possibility that the FOP control cannot be completed with the amount of electricity stored in the power supply 20. Completion of FOP control means, for example, stopping the vehicle at a safe stop location.

Here, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of FOP control of a power supply control device according to a comparative example will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing FOP control of a power supply control device according to a comparative example. In FOP control related to relative proportion, 65% of the SOC (hereinafter simply referred to as "SOC") of the backup power source 20 is the charging start threshold, SOC 80% is the target storage amount (charging end threshold), and SOC 60% is the automatic operation permission threshold. It will be explained as follows.

The power supply control device according to the comparison starts charging the backup power supply 20 when the SOC decreases to 65%. The power supply control device according to the comparison ends charging when the SOC recovers to 80%. The external device 100 permits automatic operation if the SOC is 60% or more. The external device 100 starts automatic driving when the automatic driving start button is operated in a state where the SOC is equal to or higher than the automatic driving permission threshold.

As shown in FIG. 5, the SOC of the backup power supply 20 gradually decreases due to, for example, spontaneous discharge even before time t11 when the main power supply 10 has not failed. Here, at time t11, for example, a vehicle abnormality may occur due to a failure of the main power source 10.

For example, when a vehicle abnormality such as a ground fault occurs in the first system 110 at time t11 during automatic operation, the power of the backup power supply 20 is consumed due to the start of FOP control, and the power supply control device related to the comparison is The FOP can continue until the SOC of the backup power supply 20 reaches 0%. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the FOP possible time is from time t11 to t13.

Note that if the power of the backup power source 20 is used up until the SOC reaches 0%, the backup power source 20 may deteriorate further. In order to prevent deterioration of the backup power source 20, the power supply control device sets the lower limit of power supply to 20%, for example, and stops the power of the backup power source 20 when the value falls below 20%. In this way, if the lower limit value of the power that can be supplied by the backup power source 20 is determined, the FOP possible time will be shortened accordingly because power below the lower limit value cannot be used, but here, the SOC of the backup power source 20 is 0%. I will continue to explain how to use it up until it is used up.

In general, the power supply control device is designed to ensure an expected FOP time (for example, 20 seconds) in the event of a ground fault if the SOC of the backup power supply 20 is equal to or higher than the automatic operation start threshold. Therefore, times t11 to t13 are 20 seconds or more.

Therefore, in the power supply control device according to the comparative example, if a ground fault occurs at time t11 under normal conditions, the SOC remains even at time t12 when the estimated FOP time has elapsed, and the FOP can be completed.

However, if FOP completion is prolonged from time t11 to time t14 due to surrounding conditions such as road congestion, the SOC becomes 0% at time t13. I won't be able to do it.

Therefore, the controller 3 causes the backup power source 20 to perform backup control when the main power source 10 fails, and causes the backup power source 20 to start charging when the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 decreases below the charging start threshold. , charging is terminated when the target amount of stored electricity is reached.

Then, the controller 3 executes promotion control to increase the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 when the condition of the vehicle or the situation around the vehicle is such that it interferes with the completion of the backup control by the backup power source 20. Thereby, the power supply control device 1 can ensure the amount of electricity stored in the backup power supply 20 according to the surrounding situation of the vehicle.

For example, the controller 3 acquires road congestion information and map information from the external device 100 as the surrounding situation of the vehicle. Based on the information acquired from the external device 100, the controller 3 determines whether the road is congested or where there is no relatively nearby place to stop the vehicle safely (hereinafter referred to as an evacuation place). It is determined whether the situation is such that the completion of backup control by the backup power supply 20 is hindered.

Specifically, if a traffic jam occurs within a predetermined distance (for example, within 5 km) in front of the own vehicle in the direction of travel, or if there is no evacuation area within a predetermined range (for example, 1 km in the direction of travel), the backup power supply 20 The system determines that the situation poses a hindrance to the completion of backup control, and executes accelerated control.

In other words, a situation that hinders the completion of backup control by the backup power source 20 is a situation in which the time required for the backup power source 20 to complete the FOP exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds).

Therefore, the controller 3 predicts the time it will take to complete the FOP based on at least one of information such as road congestion and the distance to the evacuation site, and predicts the time required to complete the FOP (for example, 20 minutes). seconds), it may be determined that the situation poses a problem in completing the backup control by the backup power supply 20, and the promotion control may be executed.

In that case, the controller 3 estimates the FOP possible time based on the current SOC of the backup power supply 20. This FOP possible time is a time predetermined through experiments or the like as the time when FOP is performed on a road with little traffic. The controller 3 calculates a correction coefficient (1.0 or more) depending on the distance to the congested location and the distance to the evacuation location. The controller 3 multiplies the estimated FOP possible time by a correction coefficient to predict the time until FOP completion (hereinafter sometimes referred to as FOP expected completion time). The initial value of the correction coefficient is, for example, 1.0. If a traffic jam occurs within a predetermined distance (for example, within 5 km) in front of the own vehicle in the direction of travel, the controller 3 adds, for example, 0.2 to the correction coefficient, ), the final correction coefficient is calculated by adding, for example, 0.2 to the correction coefficient.

In this way, when the surrounding situation of the vehicle is such that the road is congested or there is no evacuation site relatively nearby, the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 can be secured in advance, and in case the main power source 10 fails. However, you can definitely complete FOP.

Further, the controller 3 acquires the degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic driving, the degree of deterioration of the backup power supply 20, and the driving proficiency level of the driver of the vehicle as the vehicle status. Then, based on the information, the controller 3 determines whether the situation is such that the completion of the backup control by the backup power supply 20 is hindered.

Specifically, when the degree of deterioration of an actuator for automatic driving is large, more electric power is required to drive the actuator than when the degree of deterioration is small. Therefore, when the degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic operation is large, the FOP possible time becomes short. Therefore, the controller 3 performs promotion control according to the degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic operation. More specifically, the controller 3 acquires the degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic operation from the external device 100, and when the degree of deterioration is greater than a predetermined value (high degree of deterioration), the controller 3 prevents the backup power supply 20 from completing backup control. It determines that the situation is causing a problem and executes accelerated control. Thereby, when the degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic operation is large, the amount of electricity stored in the backup power supply 20 can be increased in advance, so that the FOP can be reliably completed even if the main power supply 10 fails.

Note that when there are a plurality of actuators such as a steering motor as actuators for automatic driving, the controller 3 can perform promotion control based on the degree of deterioration of the actuator with the greatest degree of deterioration. Alternatively, the controller 3 may perform the promotion control when the total value of the degree of deterioration of each actuator is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Further, when the degree of deterioration of the backup power supply 20 is large, the amount of power that can be supplied is smaller than when the degree of deterioration is small even if the SOC value is the same. Therefore, when the degree of deterioration of the backup power supply 20 is large, the FOP possible time becomes short. Therefore, the controller 3 performs promotion control depending on the degree of deterioration of the backup power source 20. More specifically, the controller 3 measures the internal resistance of the backup power supply 20 to measure the degree of deterioration, and if the degree of deterioration is greater than a predetermined value (high degree of deterioration), the controller 3 causes the backup power supply 20 to complete the backup control. It determines that the situation is causing a problem and executes accelerated control. Thereby, when the degree of deterioration of the backup power source 20 is large, the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 can be increased in advance, so that the FOP can be reliably completed even if the main power source 10 fails.

Furthermore, if the main power supply 10 fails, the driver may manually drive the vehicle to an evacuation location and stop the vehicle to complete the FOP. At this time, if the driver of the vehicle has low driving proficiency, it takes more time to complete the FOP when changing lanes, etc., compared to a driver with high driving proficiency. Therefore, the controller 3 executes promotion control according to the driver's driving proficiency level. More specifically, the controller 3 acquires the driving proficiency level of the driver from the external device 100, and when the driving proficiency level is less than a predetermined value (low driving proficiency level), the controller 3 prevents the backup power supply 20 from completing the backup control. It determines that the situation is causing a problem and executes accelerated control. As a result, when the driver's driving proficiency level is low, the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 can be increased in advance, so that the FOP can be reliably completed even if the main power source 10 fails.

In addition, when autonomous driving is performed only in areas where autonomous driving is permitted (for example, expressways, expressways, etc.), if there is no area where autonomous driving is possible around the own vehicle, acceleration control is performed. This may accelerate the deterioration of the backup power supply 20. Therefore, the controller 3 may perform the above-mentioned promotion control when there is an area where automatic driving is possible within a second predetermined distance (for example, 5 km) in the traveling direction of the vehicle. Thereby, it is possible to reliably complete FOP when the main power source 10 fails while suppressing deterioration of the backup power source 20.

When the controller 3 determines that the situation poses a problem in completing the backup control, the controller 3 increases the charging start threshold and executes the promotion control. For example, the controller 3 increases the charging start threshold from 65% SOC to 70% SOC, as shown in FIG. Note that the setting of the amount of increase in the charging start threshold value can be changed arbitrarily.

As a result, the power supply control device 1 can secure a storage amount of at least 70% of the SOC in the backup power supply 20 at the time of starting FOP, and therefore can extend the FOP possible time compared to the comparative example. Further, the power supply control device 1 can prevent deterioration of the backup power source 20 by speeding up charging of the backup power source and preventing unnecessary charging.

Further, the controller 3 may be configured to increase the charging start threshold according to the degree of interference with completion of backup control by the backup power source 20. The degree to which the completion of backup control by the backup power source 20 is hindered is the distance to the aforementioned congestion location, distance to the evacuation location, expected time for FOP completion, degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic driving, and degree of deterioration of the backup power source 20. , and the driving proficiency of the vehicle driver. The controller 3 determines that the shorter the distance to the traffic jam location and the distance to the evacuation location, the greater the degree of hindrance to completion of backup control, and increases the charging start threshold. Further, the controller 3 determines that the longer the expected FOP completion time is, the greater the degree to which the completion of backup control will be hindered, and increases the charging start threshold. Further, the controller 3 determines that the greater the degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic operation and the degree of deterioration of the backup power source 20, the greater the degree of hindrance to completion of backup control, and increases the charging start threshold. Further, the controller 3 determines that the lower the driving proficiency level of the vehicle driver, the greater the degree of hindrance to completion of backup control, and increases the charging start threshold.

Therefore, the power supply control device 1 can finely control the charging of the backup power supply 20 depending on the degree of interference with the completion of backup control by the backup power supply 20, so that the main power supply 10 can be It is possible to reliably complete FOP in the event of a failure.

Further, when the controller 3 determines that the situation is such that it impedes the completion of the backup control, the controller 3 increases the target amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 and executes the promotion control. For example, the controller 3 increases the target power storage amount from SOC 80% to SOC 90%, as shown in FIG. Note that the controller 3 may increase the target amount of power storage depending on the degree to which the completion of backup control by the backup power source 20 is hindered.

Note that the setting of the amount of increase in the target amount of stored electricity can be changed arbitrarily. Thereby, the power supply control device 1 can further extend the FOP possible time by increasing the amount of power stored in the backup power supply 20 compared to the comparative example.

Note that the controller 3 increases at least one of the charging start threshold and the target amount of stored electricity depending on the situation of the vehicle or the situation around the vehicle. For example, the controller 3 increases both the charging start threshold and the target amount of stored electricity in a situation where the road is congested and an evacuation place is not relatively nearby.

For example, in a situation where the road is congested or a place where the vehicle can be safely stopped is relatively unavailable, the controller 3 increases either the charging start threshold or the target amount of stored electricity. Thereby, the power supply control device 1 can extend the FOP possible time while preventing deterioration of the backup power supply 20 by preventing unnecessary charging.

Further, the controller 3 sets the charging start threshold to a predetermined permission threshold or more, and permits automatic driving by the external device 100 when the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 is the permission threshold or more. Thereby, the power supply control device 1 can perform charging control to the extent that automatic operation can be started at any time.

By performing the charging control described above, as shown in FIG. 6, when the controller 3 predicts that the FOP will last longer than expected due to the surrounding situation at time t1, the controller 3 raises the charging start threshold from 65% to 70%. As a result, according to the power supply control device 1, charging is started from time t1, which would not have started charging in the conventional case, and a longer FOP time can be secured. At the same time, the power supply control device 1 also raises the charging end threshold from 80% to 90% and continues charging until time t2, thereby ensuring a longer FOP time.

As a result, the power supply control device 1 determines that if a ground fault occurs at time t3, the time from time t3 to time t5 when the SOC becomes 0% becomes the FOP possible time, and the required time for FOP from time t3 to t4. You can secure more time (during busy times, etc.).

Therefore, the power supply control device 1 may be unable to complete the backup control in the power supply control device according to the comparative example due to, for example, a situation where the road is congested or a place where the vehicle can be stopped safely is not relatively nearby. FOP control can be completed even under adverse conditions.

[4. Processing executed by the controller]
Next, the processing executed by the controller 3 of the power supply control device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of processing executed by the controller 3 of the power supply control device according to the embodiment.

Note that since the control processing executed by the controller 3 during normal operation, operation during ground fault occurrence, and operation during charging has already been explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the explanation of the processing will be omitted here, and The details of the process related to charging No. 20 will be explained.

The controller 3 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 7 while the IG of the vehicle is turned on. As shown in FIG. 7, when the IG is turned on, the controller 3 first determines whether the main power supply 10 has failed (step S101). For example, when the controller 3 detects the ground fault 200 in the first system 110, it determines that the main power supply 10 has failed.

When the controller 3 determines that the main power source 10 has failed (step S101, Yes), the controller 3 performs FOP using the backup power source 20 (step S109), and ends the current process. When the controller 3 determines that the main power source 10 has not failed (Step S101, No), the controller 3 sets the charging start threshold to a value equal to or higher than the permission threshold (Step S102).

Subsequently, the controller 3 determines whether the amount of electricity stored in the backup power supply 20 is equal to or greater than the permission threshold (step S103). When the controller 3 determines that the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 is not equal to or greater than the permission threshold (step S103, No), the controller 3 moves the process to step S105.

When the controller 3 determines that the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 is equal to or greater than the permission threshold (step S103, Yes), the controller 3 permits automatic driving and outputs a permission notification to the automatic driving control device that is the external device 100 (step S103, Yes). S104). In other words, the automatic driving control device cannot start automatic driving control unless the permission notification in step S104 is output. The controller 3 then determines whether the amount of power stored in the backup power source 20 is equal to or less than a charging start threshold (step S105).

When the controller 3 determines that the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 is not equal to or less than the charging start threshold (step S105, No), the current process ends. When the controller 3 determines that the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source 20 is equal to or less than the charging start threshold (step S105, Yes), the controller 3 starts charging the backup power source 20 (step S106).

Subsequently, the controller 3 determines whether or not the amount of power stored in the backup power source 20 has reached the target amount of power stored (step S107). If the controller 3 determines that the amount of power stored in the backup power source 20 has not reached the target amount of stored power (step S107, No), the controller 3 repeats the determination process of step S107 until the amount of stored power in the backup power source 20 reaches the target amount of stored power. .

When the controller 3 determines that the amount of power stored in the backup power source 20 has reached the target amount of stored power (step S107, Yes), the controller 3 ends charging of the backup power source 20 (step S108), and ends the current process.

Further, the controller 3 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 8 in parallel with the process shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 3 determines whether the situation of the vehicle or the situation around the vehicle poses a problem in completing the FOP (step S201).

If the controller 3 determines that the situation of the vehicle or the situation around the vehicle impedes the completion of FOP (step S201, Yes), the controller 3 executes the acceleration control process (step S202) and ends the current process. do. An example of the promotion control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the controller 3 determines that the situation of the vehicle or the situation around the vehicle does not hinder the completion of FOP (step S201, No), the controller 3 sets the charging start threshold to the first threshold (for example, 65%) ( Step S203). After that, the controller 3 sets the target amount of stored power to the first amount of stored power (for example, 80%) (step S204), and ends the current process.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, upon starting the promotion control process, the controller 3 sets the charging start threshold to a second threshold (for example, 70%) that is larger than the first threshold (step S301), and sets the target amount of stored electricity. The second amount of stored power (for example, 90%) is set to be larger than the first amount of stored power (step S302), and the current process ends. Note that the controller 3 may be configured to omit either one of the processes in steps S202 and S203. Note that in steps S301 and S302, as described above, one may be selected from a plurality of threshold values depending on the degree of hindrance to completing the FOP.

[5. Note]
As an additional note, the features of the present invention are shown below.
(1)
It is installed in a vehicle with an autonomous driving function, and when the main power supply fails, the backup power supply performs backup control, and when the amount of stored electricity in the backup power supply decreases below a charging start threshold, the backup power supply performs charging. A power supply control device comprising a controller that starts charging and ends charging when a target amount of stored electricity is reached,
The controller includes:
If the situation of the vehicle or the surrounding situation of the vehicle is a situation that hinders the completion of backup control by the backup power source, executing promotion control to increase the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source;
Power control device.
(2)
The controller executes the promotion control when there is traffic congestion information within a predetermined distance in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to (1) above.
(3)
The controller executes the promotion control if there is no place within a predetermined range to safely stop the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to (1) above.
(4)
The controller predicts the time until backup control is completed based on traffic congestion information in the direction of travel of the vehicle and/or the distance to a place where the vehicle can be safely stopped, and the predicted time is a predetermined time. If it exceeds, execute the promotion control,
The power supply control device according to (1) above.
(5)
The controller executes the promotion control according to the degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic driving of the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to (1) above.
(6)
The controller executes the promotion control according to the degree of deterioration of the backup power source.
The power supply control device according to (1) above.
(7)
The controller executes the promotion control according to the driving proficiency level of the driver of the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to (1) above.
(8)
The controller executes the promotion control when there is an area where automatic driving is permitted within a second predetermined distance in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to any one of (2) to (7) above.
(9)
The controller includes:
Executing the promotion control by increasing the charging start threshold;
The power supply control device according to any one of (1) to (8) above.
(10)
The controller includes:
The charging start threshold is set to a predetermined permission threshold or more, and when the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source is the permission threshold or more, automatic driving is permitted.
The power supply control device according to any one of (1) to (9) above.
(11)
The controller includes:
increasing the target electrical storage amount and executing the promotion control;
The power supply control device according to any one of (1) to (10) above.
(12)
The controller includes:
increasing the charging start threshold according to the degree of hindrance to completion of backup control by the backup power source;
The power supply control device according to any one of (2) to (7) above.
(13)
The controller includes:
increasing at least one of the charging start threshold and the target storage amount according to a situation of the vehicle or a surrounding situation of the vehicle;
The power supply control device according to any one of (1) to (12) above.
(14)
It is installed in a vehicle with an autonomous driving function, and when the main power supply fails, the backup power supply performs backup control, and when the amount of stored electricity in the backup power supply decreases below a charging start threshold, the backup power supply performs charging. The controller of the power supply control device starts charging and ends charging when the target storage amount is reached.
A power supply control method, comprising: performing promotion control to increase the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source when a situation of the vehicle or a situation around the vehicle impedes completion of backup control by the backup power source.

Further advantages and modifications can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1 Power supply control device 10 Main power supply 11 PbB
12 Generator 20 Backup power supply 21 LiB
3 controller 41 first connection part 42 second connection part 43 third connection part 44 fourth connection part 45 fifth connection part 46 sixth connection part 47 seventh connection part 48 eighth connection part 49 ninth connection part 50 tenth connection part Connection part 51 First voltage sensor 52 Second voltage sensor 100 External device 101 First general load 102 First FOP load 103 Second FOP load 104 Third FOP load 105 Second general load 110 First system 120 Second system 200 Ground fault

Claims (14)

It is installed in a vehicle with an autonomous driving function, and when the main power supply fails, the backup power supply performs backup control, and when the amount of stored electricity in the backup power supply decreases below a charging start threshold, the backup power supply performs charging. A power supply control device comprising a controller that starts charging and ends charging when a target amount of stored electricity is reached,
The controller includes:
If the situation of the vehicle or the surrounding situation of the vehicle is a situation that hinders the completion of backup control by the backup power source, executing promotion control to increase the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source;
Power control device. The controller executes the promotion control when there is traffic congestion information within a predetermined distance in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller executes the promotion control if there is no place within a predetermined range to safely stop the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller predicts the time until backup control is completed based on traffic congestion information in the direction of travel of the vehicle and/or the distance to a place where the vehicle can be safely stopped, and the predicted time is a predetermined time. If it exceeds, execute the promotion control,
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller executes the promotion control according to the degree of deterioration of the actuator for automatic driving of the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller executes the promotion control according to the degree of deterioration of the backup power source.
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller executes the promotion control according to the driving proficiency level of the driver of the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller executes the promotion control when there is an area where automatic driving is permitted within a second predetermined distance in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
The power supply control device according to claim 2. The controller includes:
Executing the promotion control by increasing the charging start threshold;
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller includes:
The charging start threshold is set to a predetermined permission threshold or more, and when the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source is the permission threshold or more, automatic driving is permitted.
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller includes:
increasing the target electrical storage amount and executing the promotion control;
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller includes:
increasing the charging start threshold according to the degree of hindrance to completion of backup control by the backup power source;
The power supply control device according to claim 1. The controller includes:
increasing at least one of the charging start threshold and the target storage amount according to a situation of the vehicle or a surrounding situation of the vehicle;
The power supply control device according to claim 1. It is installed in a vehicle with an autonomous driving function, and when the main power supply fails, the backup power supply performs backup control, and when the amount of stored electricity in the backup power supply decreases below a charging start threshold, the backup power supply performs charging. The controller of the power supply control device starts charging and ends charging when the target storage amount is reached.
A power supply control method, comprising: performing promotion control to increase the amount of electricity stored in the backup power source when a situation of the vehicle or a situation around the vehicle impedes completion of backup control by the backup power source.

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