JP5124816B2 - Electric car - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric vehicle in which a battery pack is mounted in communication with a vehicle interior.

An electric vehicle (including a hybrid vehicle and a fuel cell vehicle) receives power from a battery pack mounted on the vehicle body and drives a traveling motor.
By the way, the battery pack generates heat when storing electric power or discharging the stored electric power by using a chemical reaction. A battery pack used in an electric vehicle is required to have a large current in order to secure a large amount of power required for traveling. A lithium ion battery has a low internal resistance and can flow a large current, but it generates heat when a large current flows as in other types of batteries. Since this heat affects the performance of the battery pack, it is required to cool the on-vehicle battery pack.

For cooling, it may be possible to circulate the outside air into the battery pack in the vehicle, but it is not sufficient when the outside air temperature is high (especially during summer), and the introduction of the outside air does not sufficiently cool the battery pack. There are many.
Therefore, in an electric vehicle, air-conditioned air obtained by an in-vehicle air conditioner is adopted by adopting a structure in which the inside of the battery pack is communicated with the vehicle interior or the inside of the battery pack is communicated with the cold air passage of the in-vehicle air conditioner. A technique has been proposed in which (cold air) is indirectly or directly distributed inside the battery pack to sufficiently cool the battery pack.

By the way, the battery pack has a structure in which a large number of battery modules (composed of battery cells) are housed in a case. However, in order to ensure safety, battery abnormalities that cause short circuits or overheating for some reason Assuming the time, the gas generated in the cell due to battery abnormality is made to escape from the safety valve part to the outside of the battery module.
However, the battery pack communicates with the vehicle interior in order to ensure high cooling performance. For this reason, the gas generated inside the battery pack may enter the passenger compartment.

Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the situation is limited to the situation only when the electric vehicle collides, and when the electric vehicle collides, the window is opened, or the on-vehicle air conditioner is switched from the inside air introduction to the outside air introduction. Thus, a technique has been proposed in which the passenger compartment is ventilated so that gas generated from the battery pack due to a collision does not stagnate into the passenger compartment.
JP 2007-99075 A

  However, when the generated gas is generated from the battery pack, it is not limited to a collision, and may be a normal situation. Specifically, when the electric vehicle is activated (during driving, etc.), when the battery pack of the electric vehicle is charged with a charging device, or when the electric vehicle is not activated, the battery is not Battery abnormality may occur in the pack, and generated gas may be generated from the battery pack.

Since the technique of Patent Document 1 is a technique that focuses only on a collision, it cannot cope with such a normal vehicle state.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle whose response to the generated gas of the battery pack varies depending on the vehicle state during normal use.

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention provides an occupant detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the passenger compartment, an activated state in which the electric vehicle is activated, and a charged state in which the electric vehicle is charged. The vehicle state detecting means for detecting various vehicle states when the electric vehicle is not charged, the battery abnormality detecting means for detecting battery abnormality of the battery pack, and the communication between the inside of the battery pack and the vehicle interior are blocked. It has shut-off means, discharge means for discharging the air inside the battery pack to the outside, and ventilation means for discharging the air inside the vehicle compartment to the outside, so that gas generated from the battery pack due to battery abnormality is prevented from entering the vehicle compartment. Generated gas by combining shut-off means, discharge means, and ventilation means according to the start-up state, charge state and stop state, and presence / absence of occupant when detecting battery abnormality in battery pack A control unit for actuating the Oshu stage, when the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state detecting means is a charging state, has earlier than generating gas corresponding means for actuating the means for stopping the charging, ventilation means The window lifting device for opening the wind panel, the control unit sets the opening amount of the wind panel according to the detection result of the occupant detection means when operating the ventilation means, and the opening amount of the wind panel is further determined by the occupant We decided to make it smaller than when there was a passenger when there was no passenger .
With this configuration, in the normal vehicle state, when the battery pack causes a battery abnormality, the response of the generated gas countermeasure unit changes depending on the state. As a result, when the battery is abnormal in a normal vehicle state, the appropriate amount of countermeasure is taken to reduce the amount of gas generated from the battery pack entering the vehicle interior.

In particular, when charging is in progress , charging is first stopped, so that further gas generation from the battery pack can be suppressed , and the amount of gas generation can be suppressed.

In addition , it is possible to take appropriate measures in consideration of the presence or absence of a passenger .
In addition , the generated gas can be sufficiently handled with respect to the normal vehicle state and the presence or absence of the passenger .

In the second aspect of the invention, in order that the countermeasure against the generated gas can be effectively exhibited, the control unit uses the discharge mode in which the shut-off means and the discharge means are operated, and the discharge mode and the operation of the ventilation means are used in combination. The combined discharge mode is adopted, and each of these modes is selectively used according to the vehicle state of the electric vehicle and the presence or absence of a passenger.
In order to further enhance safety, the invention according to claim 3 is provided with a gas concentration sensor for detecting the concentration of the gas generated from the battery pack, and the control unit has a gas concentration detected by the gas concentration. Therefore, it is assumed that it has a function of controlling the operation of each mode, and that it corresponds from the point of gas concentration .

According to the invention of claim 1, since the response to the generated gas from the battery pack is changed according to the vehicle state, the battery pack generates an appropriate response when the battery is abnormal in any vehicle state during normal use. The generated gas can be prevented from entering the passenger compartment.
Therefore, high safety can be provided to the electric vehicle. In particular, an appropriate response can be made depending on whether or not charging is in progress, so that the amount of gas generated can be reduced . Furthermore, crime prevention is improved.

In addition, the vehicle state including the presence or absence of a passenger can be detected, and further safety improvement can be achieved.
In addition, it is possible to take measures to sufficiently reduce the generated gas intrusion amount with respect to a normal vehicle state and presence / absence of a passenger.
According to the invention of claim 2, the countermeasure against the generated gas can be effectively exhibited and the crime prevention property is improved.

According to the invention of claim 3, the control by the gas concentration is further added, so that the safety is further improved and the crime prevention property is also improved.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments serving as the basis of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an electric vehicle to which the present invention is applied. Referring to the electric vehicle, reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 denotes a vehicle body of the electric vehicle, 2 denotes a door that can be opened and closed on the side of the vehicle body 1, and 3 denotes a door 2a that can be opened and closed. The elevating wind panel provided is shown. The door 2 includes a window lifting / lowering device 4 (power window device) that drives the window panel 3 in the lifting / lowering direction by a window switch (not shown), and a door lock device 5 that locks the door 2 closed by remote operation. It is assembled.

  An instrument panel 7 is provided in the foremost part of the vehicle body 1 and houses various devices constituting the air conditioner 6 (for example, an electric compressor, an evaporator 6a, a circulation blower device 6b, etc. constituting a refrigeration cycle). A cargo compartment 8 (vehicle interior) is provided at the last part. A passenger compartment 9 (vehicle compartment) is provided between the two (in the center), and passengers can get on and off through an entrance (not shown) that is opened and closed by the door 2. A front seat 10 and a rear seat 11 on which a passenger sits are provided on the floor surface of the cabin 9.

Further, a battery pack 14 made of a battery pack, for example, a lithium ion battery, is provided under the floor of the cabin 9. Below the floor of the luggage compartment 8, a traveling motor unit 16 that drives, for example, the rear wheel 15b of the front wheel 15a and the rear wheel 15b, which are traveling wheels, is provided.
The battery pack 14 is a power source of the traveling motor unit 16. The battery pack 14 is configured by, for example, storing a number of battery modules 18 configured by combining a plurality of lithium ion battery cells in a flat housing case 19 and connecting them in series. The battery pack 14 is connected to the traveling motor unit 16 via an inverter 17 so that the traveling motor unit 16 can be driven by electric power stored in the battery pack 14. The battery pack 14 is connected to a charging port 1a provided on the side of the vehicle body 1 via a charging circuit (not shown) so that external power for charging can be charged from the charging port 1a. . For example, charging can be performed by connecting an external charging device 12 (shown in FIG. 5) to the charging port 1a.

  Further, a cooling air introduction port 20 is provided on the front side of the battery pack 14, and an exhaust fan 21 for extracting cooling air is provided on the rear side. The cooling air inlet 20 is connected through a duct portion 22 to a passage portion 23 of the air conditioner 6, specifically, a passage portion 23 through which cold air (conditioned air) obtained by heat exchange with the evaporator 6 a constituting the refrigeration cycle passes. Thus, the cool air from the air conditioner 6 is introduced directly into the battery pack 14. That is, when the circulation blower device 6b of the air conditioner 6 and the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 are operated, the cold air from the air conditioner 6 circulates inside the battery pack 14 (in the housing case 19) as cooling air, The cells of each battery module 18 are cooled by the cold air (conditioned air). The suction portion of the circulation blower device 6b is provided with an inside / outside air switching device 25 for switching between outside air taken in from the outside air introduction duct portion 25a and inside air taken in from the inside air introduction port portion 25b. Thus, the air-conditioning operation is performed while taking in the inside air (vehicle interior air) or taking in the outside air. The operation of such auxiliary machines (all auxiliary machines driven at a low voltage) is performed by the power of the auxiliary battery 26 mounted on the vehicle body 1 separately from the battery pack 14.

In such an electric vehicle, that is, an electric vehicle in which the battery pack 14 can be cooled by conditioned air, when the battery pack 14 generates a battery abnormality, the generated gas generated from the cells of the electric pack 14 is prevented from entering the vehicle interior. Means are taken.
For this purpose, a technique for appropriately preventing the intrusion of the generated gas according to the state of the electric vehicle (vehicle state) is used. The technology relates to a battery abnormality detection sensor 28 (corresponding to the battery abnormality detection means of the present application) that detects a battery abnormality, a device that detects a vehicle state, and a countermeasure for preventing intrusion of generated gas into the vehicle interior according to the vehicle state. This is realized by combining with a generated gas corresponding device 30 that changes the gas.

  Specifically, as the abnormality detection sensor 28, for example, a sensor having a function such as a combination of a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, and a gas detection sensor is used. The sensor is disposed in the housing case 19 of the battery pack 14 and detects a battery abnormality that occurs for some reason. When a battery abnormality occurs, the generated gas is generated from the cell (the cell has a structure in which the internal generated gas escapes from the safety valve when a short circuit or overheating occurs). It is detected that it has occurred.

For the detection of the vehicle state, a charging sensor 34 that detects energization with a device equipped in the electric vehicle, for example, the external charging device 12 is used. The sensor 34 detects a normal vehicle state of the electric vehicle, that is, a charging state, or a power-on state or a power-off state that is not so (vehicle state detection means).
The generated gas corresponding device 30 is a blocking means for blocking communication (gas intrusion path) between the battery pack 14 and the vehicle interior, for example, a normally-open shut valve 36 for blocking the duct portion 22, and the internal air of the battery pack 14 to the outside. A discharge device 37 (discharge means) is used for discharging. The discharge device 37 is configured by diverting the exhaust fan 21 provided in the battery pack 14.

  Further, the shut valve 36 and the discharge device 37 are appropriately operated according to the vehicle state when the battery pack 14 is abnormal by a control unit 40 (configured by a microcomputer or the like) mounted on the vehicle. is there. In other words, the control unit 40 is set to operate the shut valve 36 and the exhaust fan 31 for a predetermined time when a battery abnormality of the battery pack 14 is detected and the vehicle is not being charged. The generated gas is prevented from entering the passenger compartment. When the vehicle is being charged, the charging is set to stop before the shut valve 36 and the exhaust fan 31 are activated. Thereby, the response | compatibility of generated gas is fully taken under a normal vehicle state.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 respectively show control flows related to the response of the battery pack when the battery is abnormal. 4 and 5 show the state of the vehicle when not being charged or during charging.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 2 and the vehicle state shown in FIG. 4 show the vehicle state when the battery is not charged. The response | compatibility of the generated gas implemented at the time of battery abnormality at this time is demonstrated.

At this time, the ECU 40 determines from the signal output from the charging sensor 34 that the vehicle is not charged. The state at this time includes a state where the power is turned on (such as running) and a state where the vehicle is stopped when the power is off.
In such a vehicle state, it is assumed that the control unit 40 receives an output signal from the battery abnormality detection sensor 28 and detects a battery abnormality in step S1. Then, in the subsequent step 2, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery of the battery pack 14. At this time, if it is determined that there is a battery abnormality that causes generation gas, the process proceeds to step S10. Then, the control unit 40 closes the shut valve 36 as shown in FIG. 4 and immediately cuts off the gas intrusion path to prevent the generated gas generated inside the battery pack 14 from flowing into the vehicle interior. In step S11, the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is activated. As a result, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 4, the generated gas generated from the cell is forcibly discharged from the battery pack 14 to the outside (atmosphere).

Then, it progresses to step S18 and the control part 40 determines the predetermined time used as the operation time sufficient for the generated gas to exclude from the battery pack 14 inside. Here, the operation end time t (seconds) of the exhaust fan 21 is determined by a timer. When the set time t (seconds) elapses with the timer in step S19, the process proceeds to step S22, and the operation of the exhaust fan 21 is stopped.
In this way, immediately after the occurrence of battery abnormality, the shut valve 36 prevents the generated gas in the battery pack 14 from entering the vehicle compartment, and the exhaust fan 21 discharges the generated gas from the battery pack 14. By continuing to do so, the amount of generated gas entering the passenger compartment can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the battery abnormality as described above occurs when the electric vehicle is in a vehicle state where the battery pack 14 is charged using the external charging device 12 at the charging facility. . At this time, the correspondence shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is taken.
That is, when the ECU 40 detects that charging is being performed based on a signal from the charging sensor 34, the ECU 40 stops charging before the shut valve 36 and the exhaust fan 21 are activated, and then prevents the intrusion of the generated gas. to go into. Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when it is determined in step S2 that there is a battery abnormality, the ECU 40 proceeds to step S30 and immediately stops charging. Then, after the charging is stopped, as in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the gas intrusion path is cut off by shutting the shut valve 36 and the exhaust fan 21 is operated to generate gas from the inside of the battery pack 14 according to the routine of steps S10 to S22. Gas is discharged to the outside (atmosphere) to prevent the generated gas inside the battery pack 14 from flowing into the passenger compartment.

In other words, when charging is in progress, the amount of generated gas from the battery pack 14 is further suppressed, and then the generated gas is prevented from entering the passenger compartment. .
As described above, when the response to the generated gas is changed according to the vehicle state when the battery is abnormal, the amount of the generated gas entering the vehicle interior can be reduced with an appropriate response. In particular, when charging is in progress, a measure to stop charging first is taken prior to taking measures to suppress the intrusion of generated gas, so that the inadvertent generation of gas from the battery pack 14 caused by charging can be suppressed, and the amount of gas generated can be suppressed. Can be more appropriate response.

6 to 13 show an embodiment of the present invention.
Electric vehicles may be in a vehicle state where there are passengers in the passenger compartment or in a vehicle state where there are no passengers in the passenger compartment. If there is no occupant, the response to the generated gas is required in consideration of crime prevention.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to meet these demands, the safety of the electric vehicle is further improved by changing the correspondence of the generated gas in accordance with the vehicle state including the presence or absence of a passenger. FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an electric vehicle capable of these correspondences, FIGS. 7 to 10 show control flows related to the correspondence, and FIGS. 11 to 13 show vehicle states at that time, respectively.
Note that FIG. 6 is a diversion of most of the schematic configuration of the electric vehicle according to the basic embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same portions as the basic embodiment are omitted or simplified. Or

  First, the configuration of the embodiment will be described. The electric vehicle shown in FIG. 6 is provided with an occupant sensor 28 for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the passenger compartment. The occupant sensor 29 is configured by providing, for example, a piezoelectric sensor on the seat surface of each seat on which the occupant is seated, for example, the front seat 10 and the rear seat 11, and from the change in the output value depending on whether or not the occupant is seated on the seat, The presence or absence of an occupant at is detected.

  For detection of the vehicle state, not only the charging sensor 34 but also an ignition switch 32 provided, for example, in a part of the instrument panel 7 is used so that the vehicle state is further subdivided. When the ignition switch 32 is used in combination, the vehicle state is subdivided into a start state where the electric vehicle is turned on, a charged state where the vehicle is charged (charging), and a stopped state of the vehicle where the power is turned off (not charged). In other words, if the ignition switch 32 is on, the electric vehicle is in an activated state, and if the ignition switch 32 is off and the charging sensor 34 detects charging, the electric vehicle is charging and the ignition switch 32 is off. Thus, if the charging sensor 34 is not charged, the electric vehicle can be determined to be in a stopped state (vehicle state detecting means).

  The generated gas corresponding device 30 that operates when the battery is abnormal is not only the shut valve 36 (blocking means) and the exhaust fan 21 (discharge means), but also a ventilator 38 that discharges the air in the vehicle interior to the outside (corresponding to the ventilation means of the present application). ), And the security device 39 for crime prevention of the stopped vehicle. Among these, the ventilation device 38 uses the equipment already equipped in the electric vehicle, that is, the inside / outside air switching device 25 of the air conditioner 6, the circulation blower device 6b, and the window lifting device 4 (window panel 3). That is, when the inside / outside air switching device 25 is changed to outside air introduction, the circulation blower device 6b is operated, and the wind panel 3 is opened, the interior of the vehicle is ventilated. Thereby, the air in a vehicle interior is discharged | emitted from the open window 2a outside (forced ventilation). By simply switching the inside / outside air switching device 25 to the introduction of outside air, natural ventilation can be performed by diverting the passenger compartment air outlet 1b (shown only in FIG. 13) already present at the rear of the vehicle body.

As the security device 39, the door lock device 5 of the door 2 and the window elevating device 4 (window panel 3) were used. In other words, during ventilation when there is no occupant in the passenger compartment, the door 2 is locked or the window panel 3 is lowered by a slight amount to maintain safety in a situation where there is no occupant in the passenger compartment. Drunk (crime prevention).
Also the control unit 40 not only changing the corresponding just whether charging in, the abnormal battery of the battery pack 14, activated state, charge state, and stopped state, depending on the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle interior The shut valve 36, the discharge device 37, the ventilation device 38, and the security device 39 are combined so as to change the correspondence finely.

  That is, the control unit 40 is set with a discharge mode in which the shut valve 36 and the discharge device 37 are operated, and a combined discharge mode in which the discharge mode and the ventilation device 38 are operated in combination. The control unit 40 uses these modes in accordance with the activation state, the charging state, the stopping state of the electric vehicle, and the presence or absence of an occupant when the battery of the battery pack 14 is abnormal. And security is added to this proper use. Specifically, when a battery abnormality occurs when the vehicle is running, such as when an electric vehicle is running, the response is mainly based on the combined discharge mode. When a battery abnormality occurs during charging, the response is based on the presence or absence of a passenger. The response based on the discharge mode and the response based on the discharge mode are properly used. When a battery abnormality occurs when the vehicle is stopped, the response is based on the presence or absence of an occupant, and the response is based on the combined discharge mode and the response based on the discharge mode. And when there is no passenger, it is set to restrict the door lock and window opening.

  In order to further enhance safety, the electric vehicle is provided with a function for controlling the operation of each mode in accordance with the gas concentration inside the battery pack 14. Specifically, a gas concentration sensor 41 that detects the concentration of the generated gas is provided in the battery pack 14. The control unit 40 is set to control each mode according to the concentration detected by the gas concentration sensor 41. In the combined discharge mode, when the gas concentration is lower than the predetermined concentration, the control unit 40 changes to the discharge mode, and the discharge mode Then, when the gas concentration is higher than the predetermined concentration, the combined discharge mode is changed.

FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 show flowcharts of control related to various measures at the time of battery abnormality of such a battery pack. Next, with reference to these flowcharts, a description will be given of a response that is performed when a battery abnormality occurs in a vehicle state including the presence or absence of a passenger. However, steps having the same reference numerals are used for the same steps as the basic embodiment.
First, the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described. Now, assume that the control unit 40 receives the output signal of the battery abnormality detection sensor 28 and detects the battery abnormality in step S1. Then, in the subsequent step 2, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the battery of the battery pack 14. If it is determined that there is a battery abnormality that causes the generated gas at this time, the process proceeds to step S3, where detection of the vehicle state is started, and the state of the ignition switch 32 and the charge sensor are determined by the determination in step S4 and step S5. 34 states are detected.

  The vehicle state is detected by steps S4 and S5. That is, if the ignition switch 32 is turned on in step S4, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined that the electric vehicle is in an activated state in which an occupant gets on and travels, and the flow continues to the flowchart of FIG. If the ignition switch 32 is turned off in step S4 and the charge sensor 34 is detected to be charged in the subsequent step S5, the process proceeds to step S7, where it is determined that the electric vehicle is in a charged state, and the process continues to the flowchart of FIG. Further, when the ignition switch 32 is turned off in step S4 and the charge sensor 34 is detected not to be charged in the subsequent step S5, the process proceeds to step S8, and the electric vehicle is determined to be in a stopped state that is neither in the activated state nor in the charged state. Continuing to the flowchart of FIG.

And according to the flowchart of subsequent FIGS. 8-10, the control part 40 respond | corresponds according to the vehicle state at that time, and suppresses the penetration | invasion to the vehicle interior of the generated gas generated from the battery pack 14. FIG. The correspondence will be described.
First, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, a description will be given of how the battery is abnormal when the electric vehicle is activated, for example, when the electric vehicle is running.

  The vehicle state (starting state) at this time is a state in which an occupant is in the vehicle. At this time, first, the control unit 40 closes the shut valve 36 as shown in step S10, immediately cuts off the gas intrusion path, and the generated gas generated inside the battery pack 14 flows into the vehicle interior. prevent. In step S11, the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is activated. As a result, the generated gas generated from the cell is forcibly discharged to the outside (atmosphere) of the battery pack 14 (discharge mode) as indicated by the arrow in FIG.

Next, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S <b> 12 and measures the gas concentration in the battery pack 14 with the gas concentration sensor 41. Subsequently, in order to detect the state of gas generation from the battery, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the measured gas concentration A is greater than or equal to a predetermined value in step S13.
It is assumed from the same determination that the gas concentration in the battery pack 14 is high. At this time, a considerable amount of generated gas is recognized inside the battery pack 14 and the generated gas may enter the vehicle compartment. In this case, the process proceeds to step S15. Thereby, the control unit 40 switches the inside / outside air switching device 25 of the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction side according to the routine after step S15 (step S16), and operates the circulation blower device 6b of the air conditioner 6 ( Step S16), the window panel 3 is lowered by an L amount (shown in FIG. 11), and the window 2a of the door 2 is almost fully opened. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, the vehicle interior is forcibly ventilated by outside air introduction air (combined discharge mode). That is, even if the generated gas has entered the vehicle interior, the generated gas flows through the vehicle interior from the outside air introduction duct portion 25a as shown by the arrow in FIG. Together with outside air introduction air exhausted to the outside (outside air), it is discharged outside.

  If it is determined in step S13 that the measured gas concentration A is low, the control unit 40 determines that there is no effect on the occupant and enters control for terminating the operation of discharging the generated gas from the battery pack 14. . Specifically, it replaces the routine from step S13 to step S18. Then, the operation end time t (second) of the exhaust fan 21 is determined. Thereafter, it is assumed that the set time t (seconds) has elapsed by the timer in step S19. At this time, the controller 40 again measures the gas concentration inside the battery pack 14 for the final confirmation of the generated gas state (step S20), and in the subsequent step S21, again determines the measured gas concentration A. If the determination here indicates a tendency of an increase in gas concentration, it is determined that the gas concentration has deteriorated, and the routine returns to the routine after step S15. Thus, the control unit 40 performs an operation for forcibly ventilating the vehicle interior, and wipes out the intrusion of the generated gas into the vehicle interior. If the measured gas concentration A is low, it is determined that there is no problem in the battery pack 14 in the battery pack ventilation operation for a predetermined time, and the operation of the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is stopped (step S22). .

In this way, in an activated state when the occupant is in the vehicle interior, such as during traveling, the response is changed to a response suitable for the same state, and the amount of generated gas entering the vehicle interior is reduced.
On the other hand, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the response | compatibility when battery abnormality generate | occur | produces during charge of an electric vehicle is demonstrated.
The vehicle state (charged state) at this time is assumed to be when the vehicle is stopped at the charging facility as shown in FIG. 12, for example, and the battery pack 14 of the electric vehicle is charged by the external charging device 12 of the facility. doing. In this case, when the charging time is short, the occupant stays in the passenger compartment. When the charging time is long, the occupant tends to go out of the passenger compartment. In particular, in the case of charging that requires a charging time other than rapid charging, the occupant tends to go out of the passenger compartment and not be in the passenger compartment.

  When the electric vehicle is being charged, the control unit 40 immediately cuts off the charging path and stops charging as shown in step S30 of the flowchart of FIG. Next, as shown in step S31, the shut valve 36 is closed to immediately cut off the gas intrusion path to prevent the generated gas generated inside the battery pack 14 from flowing into the vehicle interior. In step S32, the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is activated. As a result, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 12, the generated gas generated from the cells of the battery pack is forcibly discharged from the inside of the battery pack 14 to the outside (atmosphere) (discharge mode).

In subsequent step S33, the control unit 40 detects the presence or absence of an occupant using the occupant sensors 29 of the seats 10 and 11. Then, in the determination of the next step S34, the response to the generated gas is further changed depending on whether there is an occupant in the passenger compartment or when there is no occupant.
When the occupant is in the passenger compartment, the process proceeds to step S36, and the same action as in the previous activation state is performed. That is, the control unit 40 measures the gas concentration in the battery pack 14 by the gas concentration sensor 41 in step S36. Subsequently, in order to detect the state of gas generation from the battery, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the measured gas concentration A is greater than or equal to a predetermined value in step S37.

  From the same determination, when the gas concentration in the battery pack 14 is high and the generated gas is recognized in the battery pack 14, the process proceeds to step S38 as in the previous activation state. Thereby, the control unit 40 switches the inside / outside air switching device 25 of the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction side, operates the circulation blower device 6b of the air conditioner 6 (step S39), and moves the wind panel 3 to the L amount ( 12), the window 2a of the door 2 is almost fully opened. Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, the vehicle interior is forcibly ventilated by the outside air introduction air (combined discharge mode). Thus, even if the generated gas has entered the vehicle interior, the generated gas flows from the outside air introduction duct portion 25a through the vehicle interior as shown by the arrow in FIG. Together with outside air introduction air exhausted outside the vehicle compartment (outside air), it is discharged outside.

  If it is determined that the gas concentration A measured in step S37 has decreased, the control unit 40 determines that there is no effect on the occupant, proceeds to step S42, and, as in the previous activation state, controls the exhaust fan 21. The operation end time t (second) is determined. Thereafter, when the set time t (seconds) has elapsed in the timer of step S43, the control unit 40 again measures the gas concentration inside the battery pack 14 for the final confirmation of the generated gas status (step S44), In subsequent step S45, the measured gas concentration A is determined again. If the determination here indicates a tendency to increase the gas concentration, it is determined that the gas concentration has deteriorated, and the routine returns to the routine after step S38 as in the previous activation state. Thus, the control unit 40 performs an operation for forcibly ventilating the vehicle interior, and wipes out the intrusion of the generated gas into the vehicle interior. If the measured gas concentration A is low, it is determined that there is no problem in the battery pack 14 in the battery pack ventilation operation for a predetermined time, and the operation of the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is stopped (step S46). .

On the other hand, the case where the passenger is not in the passenger compartment will be described. When charging, many occupants are in the vicinity of an electric vehicle because they see the state of charge. At this time, since no occupant is seated, the ECU 40 determines in step S34 that there is no occupant and proceeds from step S34 to step S50.
Then, the control unit 40 activates the door lock device 5 of each door 2 to lock the door 2 for crime prevention (because there is no occupant), and a person enters the vehicle compartment where no occupant is present. Do not. Subsequently, the control unit 40 determines the operation end time t ′ (second) of the exhaust fan 21 in the subsequent step S51 so that the generated gas only needs to be discharged of the generated gas in the battery pack 14. The same time t ′ is longer than that in the activated state (t <t ′). Thereby, the generated gas continues to be discharged from the inside of the battery pack 14 to the outside (atmosphere) while keeping a person from entering the vehicle compartment.

  Thereafter, when the set time t ′ (seconds) has elapsed by the timer in step S52, the control unit 40 measures the gas concentration in the battery pack 14 in the subsequent step S53 in order to confirm the generated gas state. In step S54, the measured gas concentration A is determined. If the measured gas concentration A is lower than the predetermined value, it is determined that there is no problem in the battery pack 14, the process proceeds to step S 55, and the operation of the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is stopped.

If the measured gas concentration A is high, the control unit 40 determines that the generated gas may have entered the vehicle interior, and proceeds to a routine after step S60 to enter the vehicle interior for the vehicle interior. Operate the mode to discharge the generated gas.
That is, the control unit 40 switches the inside / outside air switching device 25 of the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction side (step S60), operates the circulation blower device 6b of the air conditioner 6 (step S61), and moves the wind panel 3 to L ′ Amount (shown in FIG. 12) and lowering control (step S <b> 62) are performed. Thus, even if the generated gas has entered the vehicle interior, the generated gas flows from the outside air introduction duct portion 25a through the vehicle interior and is exhausted from the window 2a of the door 2 to outside the vehicle interior (outside air). Along with the introduction air, it is discharged to the outside. That is, the vehicle interior is forcibly ventilated by the outside air introduction air (combined discharge mode). At this time, the descending amount (L ′) of the wind panel 3 is set to be smaller than the window opening when the occupant is present for crime prevention, and hands and arms enter the vehicle interior from the outside of the vehicle through the opening window 2a. I will not allow you to do it.

As a result, the generated gas continues to be discharged to the outside (atmosphere) from the inside of the battery pack 14 or the passenger compartment while keeping a person from entering the passenger compartment.
On the other hand, in step S63, the control unit 40 compares the gas concentration A inside the battery pack 14 with a predetermined value again in order to know the generated gas state. In step S64, the exhaust operation inside the battery pack 14 and the ventilation operation in the passenger compartment are continued unless the gas concentration A falls below a predetermined value.

  When the gas concentration inside the battery pack 14 decreases, the control unit 40 determines that the inside of the battery pack 14 has no problem and proceeds to a routine after step S65 to perform the exhaust operation inside the battery pack 14 and the vehicle interior. Stop ventilation operation. That is, the control unit 40 stops the circulation blower device 6b of the air conditioner (step S65), then raises the wind panel 3 for crime prevention, closes the window 2a (step S66), and finally exhausts the battery pack 14. The fan 21 is stopped (step S67).

  In this way, when the occupant is in the passenger compartment, or when the occupant is close to the vehicle and there is no concern about the exhaustion of the auxiliary battery 26, the battery abnormality is promptly changed to the generated gas. The amount of intrusion into the passenger compartment is reduced. In particular, when charging is performed, the charging is first stopped prior to the countermeasure for suppressing the intrusion of the generated gas, so that the inadvertent generation of gas from the battery pack 14 caused by charging can be suppressed, and the amount of gas generated can also be suppressed. .

On the other hand, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, a description will be given of how to deal with a battery abnormality when the electric vehicle is stopped (when the power is off).
This stop state (ignition switch off) is assumed, for example, as shown in FIG. 13 when the car is parked at a pick-up location for a long time, or when parked in a garage or parking lot. In this case, the occupant varies in various ways, such as when the passenger is in the passenger compartment or when the passenger is not in the passenger compartment. Moreover, since the vehicle is left unattended for a long time when no occupant is present, it is different from the start-up state described above or the charged state where the occupant is not in the vicinity of the vehicle. A response in consideration of the consumption of the machine battery 26 is required.

  The flowchart of FIG. 10 is a content that takes this into consideration. That is, the control unit 40 closes the shut valve 36 as shown in step S70, immediately cuts off the gas intrusion path, and prevents the generated gas generated inside the battery pack 14 from flowing into the vehicle interior. In step S71, the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is operated. As a result, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 13, the generated gas generated from the cells of the battery pack is forcibly discharged from the inside of the battery pack 14 to the outside (atmosphere) (discharge mode).

In subsequent step S72, the control unit 40 detects the presence or absence of an occupant using the occupant sensors 29 of the respective seats 10 and 11, and in the determination of the next step S73, when there is an occupant in the vehicle compartment, The response to the generated gas is further changed depending on when there is not.
When the occupant is in the passenger compartment, the process proceeds to step S74, and the same action as when the occupant is in the charged state is performed. That is, the control unit 40 measures the gas concentration in the battery pack 14 with the gas concentration sensor 41 in step S74. Subsequently, in order to detect the state of gas generation from the battery, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the measured gas concentration A is greater than or equal to a predetermined value in step S75.

  From the same determination, when the gas concentration in the battery pack 14 is high and the generated gas is recognized in the battery pack 14, the process proceeds to step S76. Thus, the control unit 40 switches the inside / outside air switching device 25 of the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction side, operates the circulation blower device 6b of the air conditioner 6 (step S77), and moves the wind panel 3 to the position shown in FIG. As in FIG. 12, the amount of L is lowered and the window 2a of the door 2 is almost fully opened. As in the case of the presence of an occupant in FIGS. 8 and 9, the vehicle interior is forcibly ventilated by outside air introduction air (combined discharge mode). Thus, even if the generated gas has entered the vehicle interior, the generated gas flows from the outside air introduction duct portion 25a through the vehicle interior and is exhausted from the window 2a of the door 2 to the outside of the vehicle interior (outside air). Along with the introduction air, it is discharged to the outside.

  If it is determined that the gas concentration A measured in step S75 is low, the control unit 40 determines that there is no effect on the occupant, proceeds to step S80, and performs exhaust as in the case where the occupant is present in FIGS. The operation end time t (second) of the fan 21 is determined by a timer. Thereafter, when the set time t (seconds) elapses with the timer in step S81, the control unit 40 again measures the gas concentration in the battery pack 14 for the final confirmation of the generated gas status (step S82). In subsequent step S83, the measured gas concentration A is determined again. If the determination here indicates a tendency of an increase in gas concentration, it is determined that the gas concentration has deteriorated, and the routine returns to the routine after step S76 as in the case of the previous activation state and charge state. Thus, the discharge in the battery pack 14 and the forced ventilation in the vehicle interior are continued, and the intrusion of the generated gas into the vehicle interior is wiped out. If the measured gas concentration A is low, it is determined that there is no problem in the battery pack 14 in the battery pack ventilation operation, and the operation of the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is stopped (step S84).

  When the occupant is not in the passenger compartment, the vehicle stops in a garage or a parking lot, and the occupant often enters the residence. In such a situation, the process proceeds from step S73 to step S90, and the control unit 40 locks each door 2 by the operation of the door lock device 5 for crime prevention (because there is no occupant). Prevent people from entering unoccupied cabins. Subsequently, the control unit 40 switches the inside / outside air switching device 25 of the air conditioner 6 to the outside air introduction side as in step S91 in order to suppress the power consumption of the auxiliary battery 26 and discharge the generated gas. (Step S91), ventilate. That is, the front portion of the vehicle interior communicates with the outside air introduction duct portion 25a, and the rear portion of the vehicle interior communicates with the vehicle compartment air outlet 1b provided at the rear of the vehicle body shown in FIG. The air will naturally lead out to the environment, allowing natural ventilation.

  In subsequent step S92, the operation end time t ′ (second) of the exhaust fan 21 is determined so that the generated gas in the battery pack 14 can be effectively discharged. At this time, since each window 2a is fully closed, the generated gas is continuously discharged from the inside of the battery pack 14 to the outside (atmosphere) while keeping a person from entering the vehicle compartment. Thereafter, when the set time t ′ (seconds) has elapsed by the timer in step S93, the process proceeds to step S94, and the operation of the exhaust fan 21 of the battery pack 14 is stopped. As a result, the generated gas is discharged out of the passenger compartment due to operation of the exhaust fan 21 and natural ventilation of the passenger compartment (FIG. 13).

  As described above, when the response to the generated gas is variously changed according to the vehicle state including the presence or absence of an occupant, further safety of the electric vehicle can be achieved. In addition, depending on the start-up state, the charge state, the stop state, and the presence or absence of the occupant of the electric vehicle, the shut-off valve 36, the exhaust fan 21, the window opening and the vehicle interior ventilation device (forced ventilation that operates with the inside / outside air switching device 25). When combined with natural ventilation (operated with the inside / outside air switching device 25), it is possible to sufficiently cope with reducing the amount of generated gas in any vehicle state. In addition, the discharge mode for operating the shut valve 36 and the exhaust fan 21, and the combined discharge mode for using the discharge mode and the vehicle interior ventilation in combination are set for the start-up state, the charge state, the stop state, and the presence / absence of a passenger. When properly used, the countermeasures against the generated gas can be effectively exhibited and the crime prevention property is also excellent. Furthermore, by adding control based on the gas concentration, the safety against the generated gas can be further improved and the crime prevention property can be improved.

  Especially when there is no occupant, if the door lock and the opening amount of the window 2a are reduced, people can be prevented from entering from the outside, and thus the crime prevention property is high. Further, in a situation where the vehicle is parked in a garage or parking lot for a long time (a situation where charging of the auxiliary battery 14 cannot be expected), the vehicle interior depends on natural ventilation and only the inside of the battery pack 14 is ventilated. The countermeasure is suitable (because power consumption of the auxiliary battery 26 is suppressed as much as possible).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment , and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment , the exhaust unit that discharges the battery pack and the ventilation unit that exhausts the air in the vehicle interior use the existing equipment of the electric vehicle as it is. A dedicated exhaust means and ventilation means may be constructed. Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an electric vehicle that travels only by battery power has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is applied to an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle having an in-vehicle charging function. May be applied. Although the shut valve is closed, the shut valve may be closed only when the battery is cooled.

The figure explaining the structure of the outline of the principal part of the electric vehicle which concerns on embodiment used as the foundation of this invention. The flowchart which shows the control corresponding to the battery abnormality in the non-charging state of an electric vehicle. The flowchart which shows the control corresponding to the battery abnormality in the charge state of an electric vehicle. The figure explaining the condition where generated gas is discharged | emitted in the non-charging state of an electric vehicle. The figure explaining the condition where generated gas is discharged in the charge state of an electric vehicle. The figure explaining the schematic structure of the principal part of the electric vehicle which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the initial control with respect to the battery abnormality of the same electric vehicle. The flowchart explaining the control with respect to the time of battery abnormality in the starting state of an electric vehicle. The flowchart explaining the control with respect to the time of the battery abnormality in the charge state of an electric vehicle. The flowchart explaining the control with respect to the time of battery abnormality in the stop state of an electric vehicle. The figure explaining the condition where generated gas is discharged in the starting state of an electric vehicle. The figure explaining the condition where generated gas is discharged in the charge state of an electric vehicle. The figure explaining the condition where generated gas is discharged | emitted in the stop state of an electric vehicle.

Explanation of symbols

14 battery pack 28 battery abnormality detection sensor (battery abnormality detection means)
30 Generated gas response device (generated gas response means)
34 Charge sensor (vehicle state detection means)

Claims (3)

An electric vehicle with a battery pack in communication with the passenger compartment,
Occupant detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle interior;
Vehicle state detection means for detecting various vehicle states of a start state in which the electric vehicle is activated, a charge state in which the electric vehicle is charged, and a stop state when the electric vehicle is not charged;
Battery abnormality detection means for detecting battery abnormality of the battery pack;
The battery pack has a blocking means for blocking communication between the battery pack and the vehicle interior, a discharge means for discharging the air inside the battery pack to the outside, and a ventilation means for discharging the air inside the vehicle interior to the outside, Generated gas countermeasure means for suppressing gas generated from the battery pack from entering the vehicle interior due to an abnormality,
When a battery abnormality of the battery pack is detected, the generated gas can be handled by combining the shut-off means, the discharge means, and the ventilation means according to the activation state, the charge state and the stop state, and the presence or absence of the occupant. A controller for operating the means;
When the vehicle state detected by the vehicle state detection means is a charging state, the vehicle state detection means has means for stopping charging before the generated gas handling means is activated ,
The ventilation means includes a window lifting device for opening the window panel,
The control unit sets the opening amount of the wind panel according to the detection result of the occupant detection means when operating the ventilation means, and further, the opening amount of the wind panel is occupant when the occupant is not present. An electric vehicle characterized in that it is smaller than that in the state .   The control unit is configured to set a discharge mode for operating the blocking means and the discharge means, and a combined discharge mode for using both the discharge mode operation and the ventilation means operation. 2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the electric vehicle is selectively used in accordance with the vehicle state of the electric vehicle and the presence or absence of an occupant during an abnormality. Furthermore, it has a gas concentration sensor for detecting the concentration of gas generated from the battery pack,
The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the control unit has a function of controlling operation in each mode in accordance with the gas concentration detected by the gas concentration.

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