JP2013017291A - Control device for electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device for an electric vehicle which can temporarily use a battery even if the use is limited due to deterioration of the battery.SOLUTION: The control device 5 for the electric vehicle is mounted on an electric vehicle that can travel by the electric power supplied from a battery 2. The control device 5 for the electric vehicle selects the control mode according to an index BTI that shows the deterioration degree of the battery 2. The warning is output when the index BTI exceeds a first threshold value TH1, and the maintenance operation of battery 2 is recommended. When the index BTI exceeds a second threshold value TH2, the running is limited. At this time, if the wiring of an input device 7 is cut, the limitation is eased, and the traveling of the electric vehicle becomes temporarily allowed. As a result, the user is made to recognize deterioration of the battery 2, and the electric vehicle can temporarily be moved to the location that the maintenance operation of the battery 2 can be made while the traveling can be made. In addition, when the battery 2 is deteriorated, and the index BTI exceeds a third threshold value TH3, the traveling is completely prohibited.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric vehicle control device for an electric vehicle capable of traveling with electric power supplied from a battery.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electric vehicle that can run with electric power supplied from a battery is known. For example, an electric vehicle that travels by driving an electric motor with battery power is known as one of electric vehicles. In addition to an electric drive system including a battery and an electric motor, a hybrid vehicle that is further provided with an internal combustion engine and can be driven by the electric drive system or the internal combustion engine is known as one of the electric vehicles.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a device that prohibits normal traveling of an electric vehicle when the remaining power amount of the battery is reduced, and enables emergency traveling when detecting an operation of an emergency switch by a user. ing. Such a device enables the electric vehicle to evacuate during an emergency.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an apparatus that, when the remaining power amount of a battery decreases, places a reservation for charging in a charging stand and provides route guidance to the charging stand. Such a device is effective for maintaining the state of charge of the battery properly.

JP-A-8-214403 JP 2006-113892 A

  Generally, a battery has a lifetime. Therefore, it is desirable that the use of a battery that has been used for a long period of time or a battery that has deteriorated in function is restricted or prohibited. Such a use restriction taking into account the deterioration of the battery may be implemented even when the remaining power of the battery is sufficient.

  The conventional technique has a problem in that it is impossible to improve the convenience of the user with respect to such use limitation of the battery.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control device for an electric vehicle capable of temporarily relaxing a use restriction caused by battery deterioration.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle control device that allows a user to recognize battery deterioration and prompt battery maintenance work.

  The present invention employs the following technical means to achieve the above object.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a control device for an electric vehicle provided in an electric vehicle that travels by electric power supplied from a battery, and measuring means (8, 151) for measuring an index indicating a degree of deterioration of the battery; Limiting means (14, 16, 159) for limiting running of the electric vehicle when the degree of deterioration of the battery exceeds a predetermined limit value (TH2), an input device (7) operated by a user of the electric vehicle, and an input It is characterized by comprising relaxation means (9, 12, 15, 157, 160) for detecting that the apparatus has been operated and relaxing restrictions by the restriction means.

  According to this configuration, the travel of the electric vehicle is restricted when the degree of deterioration of the battery exceeds a predetermined limit value. In this case, the user can relax the restriction by operating the input device. That is, at least a part of the functions related to running of the electric vehicle can be used. For this reason, the user can use the electric vehicle with the restriction | limiting of driving | running | working eased. Furthermore, the user is strongly impressed by the battery operation and the necessity of battery maintenance work through the operation of the input device. As a result, battery maintenance work can be promoted.

  The restriction provided by the restriction means is a partial restriction or a total restriction of the function related to the traveling of the electric vehicle. All restrictions correspond to prohibiting travel. The relaxation of the restriction provided by the relaxation means includes releasing at least a part of the restriction provided by the restriction means. In one example, the travel of the electric vehicle is prohibited by the restriction means, and the travel prohibition of the electric vehicle is canceled by the mitigation means, so that the electric vehicle can travel.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the relaxation means temporarily relaxes the restriction by the restriction means. According to this configuration, the user can temporarily relax restrictions on traveling of the electric vehicle.

  The invention according to claim 3 further includes prohibiting means (16, 158) for prohibiting running of the electric vehicle when the deterioration degree of the battery exceeds a predetermined prohibition value (TH3) corresponding to a deterioration degree higher than the limit value. The relaxation means relaxes the restriction by the restriction means only during a period until travel is prohibited by the prohibition means. According to this configuration, the running of the electric vehicle can be prohibited as the battery deterioration progresses. Furthermore, the restriction is temporarily relaxed only during the period until traveling is prohibited.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the restricting means prohibits traveling of the electric vehicle, and the mitigating means cancels the prohibition of traveling and enables the electric vehicle to travel. According to this configuration, even when the battery is deteriorated and traveling of the electric vehicle is prohibited, the user can drive the electric vehicle by operating the operation member.

  The invention as set forth in claim 5 is characterized in that the mitigation means (160) relaxes only a partial limitation of the traveling function of the electric vehicle. According to this configuration, only a part of the travel function restrictions is relaxed. Thus, some restrictions are maintained. Some limitations on driving functions affect the behavior of electric vehicles. Therefore, it is possible to make the user feel the deterioration of the battery by the behavior of the electric vehicle.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the input device includes an operation member that is operated irreversibly by a user. According to this configuration, the user needs to operate the operation member irreversibly. For this reason, the user is strongly impressed by the deterioration of the battery and the necessity of battery maintenance work. As a result, battery maintenance work can be promoted.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the input device includes a wiring that is irreversibly disconnected by a user. According to this configuration, the user is caused to perform a special operation of cutting the wiring. For this reason, the user is strongly impressed by the deterioration of the battery and the necessity of battery maintenance work. As a result, battery maintenance work can be promoted.

  The invention described in claim 8 is characterized by comprising notifying means (6, 18, 160) for outputting a notice notifying the user that the restriction relaxation state by the relaxing means is in effect. According to this configuration, the user can be made aware that the travel restriction is relaxed. As a result, battery maintenance work can be promoted.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the degree of deterioration of the battery exceeds a predetermined warning value (TH1) corresponding to the degree of deterioration lower than the limit value, warning means (6) for outputting a warning for prompting battery maintenance work. , 17, 161). According to this configuration, a warning can be given to the user before the travel restriction is implemented. As a result, battery maintenance work can be promoted.

  The invention described in claim 10 further includes alarm means (152, 153) for notifying the user that the input device is in an operating state. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the input device from being operated in advance before the deterioration of the battery proceeds.

  Note that the reference numerals in parentheses described in the claims and the above-described means indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later as one aspect, and are technical terms of the present invention. It does not limit the range.

It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus for electric vehicles which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the deterioration of the battery of 1st Embodiment, and control mode. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in 1st Embodiment.

  A plurality of modes for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each mode, the other modes described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. Further, in the following embodiments, a correspondence relationship may be indicated by adding reference numerals that differ only by a hundreds to the parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment, and redundant description may be omitted. Not only combinations of parts that clearly show that combinations are possible in each embodiment, but also combinations of the embodiments even if they are not explicitly stated unless there is a problem with the combination. Is also possible.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric vehicle control apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The electric vehicle control device 1 is mounted on an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a battery (BATT) 2, a rotating electrical machine (RTEM) 3, and drive wheels 4. The battery 2 is a lithium ion secondary battery. The battery 2 is a high voltage battery that supplies a voltage of several hundred volts. The rotating electrical machine 3 includes a drive circuit such as an inverter circuit. The rotating electrical machine 3 is a motor generator that can function as an electric motor or a generator. The rotating electrical machine 3 rotates by being supplied with power from the battery 2 and drives the drive wheels 4. The rotating electrical machine 3 can be driven from the drive wheels 4 to generate power and charge the battery 2.

  The electric vehicle control device 1 includes a control device (CNTD) 5, an output device (OTPD) 6, and an input device 7. The control device 5 is provided by a microcomputer provided with a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium stores a computer-readable program. The storage medium can be provided by a memory. The program is executed by the control device 5 to cause the control device 5 to function as a device described in this specification, and to cause the control device 5 to function so as to execute the control method described in this specification. The means provided by the control device 5 can also be called a functional block or module that achieves a predetermined function.

  The output device 6 can include, for example, a display panel of a navigation device mounted on an electric vehicle and a display lamp included in a meter device of the electric vehicle. The output device 6 includes warning display means for warning the user that maintenance work of the battery 2 is necessary. The maintenance work of the battery 2 can include, for example, an exchange work for replacing the battery 2 with a new one and a repair work for repairing the battery 2. Further, the output device 6 includes notification display means for notifying the user that the traveling of the electric vehicle is restricted due to deterioration such as the life of the battery 2 and the deterioration of the function. The display by the notification display means includes a display for prompting maintenance work of the battery 2. The notification display means includes guidance display means for notifying the user that the restriction on traveling of the electric vehicle is relaxed by operating the input device 7 in a state where traveling of the electric vehicle is restricted. Further, the notification display means includes a state display means for notifying that the restriction is relaxed by the operation of the input device 7, for example, that the vehicle is allowed to travel with special limitation.

  The input device 7 is an electrical wiring installed in the interior of the electric vehicle. The input device 7 is provided outside the control device 5. The input device 7 is disposed at the foot of the driver's seat. The input device 7 is disposed at a position that cannot be seen when the user is in a normal riding posture. As for the arrangement position of input device 7, it is desirable to be indicated in the operating manual of an electric vehicle. Further, it is desirable that the arrangement position of the input device 7 is notified by the notification display means when the traveling of the electric vehicle is restricted.

  The input device 7 includes an operation member that is irreversibly operated by a user. The irreversible operating member does not completely return to the state before the operation once operated. In this embodiment, the operation member is a wiring that is irreversibly cut by the user. That is, the operation of the input device 7 is performed by an operation that involves destruction of some members of the input device 7. The input device 7 is configured to require the user to use a general tool or a special tool. Specifically, the wiring as the operation member has a sufficient thickness such that the wiring as the input device 7 cannot be cut by the user alone. According to this configuration, the user needs to operate the operation member irreversibly. For this reason, the user is strongly impressed by the deterioration of the battery and the necessity of battery maintenance work. As a result, battery maintenance work can be promoted.

  The user operates the input device 7 by cutting the wiring of the input device 7. The user can give an input signal to the control device 5 by operating the input device 7. The operation input means 9 determines whether or not the input device 7 has been disconnected. The input device 7 is connected to a power source via a pull-up resistor. Therefore, the operation input unit 9 can determine the disconnection of the input device 7 based on a change in voltage.

  The control device 5 executes activation control for determining whether the electric vehicle can be activated and traveling control of the rotating electrical machine 3 for traveling the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the control device 5 executes information provision control for providing the user with information associated with start-up control and travel control. The control device 5 executes activation control according to the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 in addition to activation control using a normal key. The control device 5 controls the rotating electrical machine 3 to run the electric vehicle according to an instruction from the driver of the electric vehicle.

  The control device 5 includes measurement means (MSRM) 8 for measuring an index BTI indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery 2. The measuring unit 8 measures an index BTI indicating the deterioration state of the battery 2 based on the elapsed time from the first use of the battery 2 and the use state of the battery 2. The index BTI mainly reflects the elapsed time indicating the usage period of the battery 2. As a result, the index BTI can also be called an index indicating the aging of the battery 2. Further, the index BTI can be calculated based on a coefficient indicating the usage environment of the battery 2. For example, when the temperature of the usage environment of the battery 2 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the index BTI is calculated so that the deterioration of the battery 2 proceeds quickly. Further, the index BTI can be calculated in consideration of the charging depth of the battery 2, the discharge amount, and the like.

  The control device 5 includes an operation input means (INPM) 9 for detecting and inputting an operation of the input device 7. The operation input means 9 outputs a detection signal when the input device 7 is disconnected.

  The control device 5 includes mode determination means (MDDM) 10 that determines a control mode based on the index BTI and the detection signal. The mode determination unit 10 includes an evaluation unit (EVLM) 11 that evaluates the index BTI, and a mitigation unit (RDCM) 12 that relaxes and reduces a travel restriction described later in response to the detection signal. The evaluation unit 11 selects one control mode from a plurality of control modes based on the value of the index BTI, and outputs a control signal so as to realize the control mode.

  FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the battery degradation and the control mode of the first embodiment. One of the plurality of control modes (CNTR-MODES) is the normal mode (MODE 1). In the normal mode, activation of the electric vehicle is permitted, and normal driving of the electric vehicle is enabled. The normal mode is executed over a wide and long period until the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 reaches a predetermined first threshold value TH1.

  One of the plurality of control modes is a warning mode (MODE 2). In the warning mode, activation of the electric vehicle is permitted, and normal driving of the electric vehicle is enabled. Further, in the warning mode, a warning that prompts maintenance work of the battery 2 is given to the user. The warning mode is executed when the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 progresses above a predetermined first threshold value TH1. The first threshold TH1 is, for example, a value corresponding to the degree of deterioration recommended for replacement of the battery 2, and is also called a warning value.

  One of the plurality of control modes is a restriction mode (MODE 3). In the restriction mode, traveling of the electric vehicle is restricted. The restricted mode provides restrictions that can be relaxed or released. Therefore, the restriction mode includes a state where the restriction is given and a state where the restriction is relaxed or released.

  In the restriction mode, part or all of the traveling function of the electric vehicle permitted in the normal mode is restricted. In the restriction mode, the restriction is relaxed only when the user operates the input device 7. For example, in the restriction mode, traveling of the electric vehicle is prohibited when the user does not operate the input device 7, and traveling of the electric vehicle is permitted only when the user operates the input device 7. In a state where the input device 7 is not operated, when the restriction mode is started, first, traveling of the electric vehicle is prohibited. In other words, the travel control is in the maximum restricted state. At this time, the control device 5 and the output device 6 notify the user that the travel restriction is caused by the deterioration of the battery 2 and that this can be canceled. Thereafter, when the user operates the input device 7, traveling of the electric vehicle is permitted. This permission is limited to temporary travel. Specifically, traveling of the electric vehicle is permitted only during a period until the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 proceeds to the next stage. At this time, the control device 5 and the output device 6 notify the user that the restriction mode resulting from the deterioration of the battery 2 is being executed and the maintenance work of the battery 2 is necessary.

  The restriction mode is executed when the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 progresses above a predetermined second threshold value TH2. The second threshold TH2 is, for example, a value corresponding to a degree of deterioration in which replacement of the battery 2 is strongly recommended, and is also called a limit value.

  One of the plurality of control modes is a prohibit mode (MODE 4) for prohibiting running of the electric vehicle. The prohibit mode is executed when the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 proceeds above a predetermined third threshold value TH3. In the prohibit mode, all the travel functions of the electric vehicle are restricted. The third threshold TH3 is, for example, a value corresponding to the degree of deterioration that requires immediate replacement of the battery 2, and is also referred to as a prohibited value. The plurality of thresholds for selecting a plurality of control modes are set so that TH1 <TH2 <TH3.

  Returning to FIG. 1, when it is detected that the input device 7 has been operated while the restriction mode is selected by the evaluation means 11, the relaxation means 12 relaxes the travel restriction in the restriction mode and starts from the prohibit mode. It also provides driving control close to normal driving.

  The control device 5 includes travel control means 13 and 14. The control device 5 includes normal traveling means (NMDM) 13 that enables normal traveling and limited traveling means (RSDM) 14 that allows restricted traveling. The restricted travel means 14 includes a retreat travel means (LHDM) 15 and a travel prohibition means (INHM) 16. The retreat travel means 15 enables retreat travel for moving the electric vehicle to a predetermined location. For example, the retreat travel means 15 enables travel that is limited to such an extent that the electric vehicle travels to a factory where the battery 2 can be maintained. Retreat travel can be limited by time or distance. In this embodiment, the retreat travel is temporarily permitted only during a period until the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 proceeds from the second threshold value TH2 to the third threshold value TH3, which is the next stage. The travel prohibition means 16 completely prohibits travel of the electric vehicle.

  The control device 5 includes information providing means 17 and 18. The control device 5 includes warning means (WRNM) 17 that warns that maintenance work of the battery 2 is recommended, and notification means (KNWM) 18 that notifies that the travel control is in the restriction mode.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the control process 150 executed in the first embodiment. In step 151, an index BTI indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 is measured. By this process, the measuring means 8 is provided. In step 152, it is determined whether the wiring of the input device 7 is in a connected state or a disconnected state. If the wiring is disconnected, a disconnection alarm is output to the output device 6 in step 153. Steps 152 and 153 provide alarm means for notifying the user that the input device 7 is in the operating state. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the wiring of the input device 7 from being cut in advance before the deterioration of the battery 2 is detected. Moreover, after the deterioration of the battery 2 is detected, the user can be informed of the necessity of maintenance work by a disconnection alarm.

  In step 154, it is determined whether or not the index BTI exceeds the third threshold value TH3. In step 155, it is determined whether or not the index BTI exceeds the second threshold value TH2. In step 156, it is determined whether or not the index BTI exceeds the first threshold value TH1. The evaluation means 11 is provided by the processing of these steps 154 to 156. In step 157, the wiring state of the input device 7 is determined. The operation input means 9 is provided by this processing. The process branches to one of steps 158 to 162 by the branch process of steps 154 to 157.

  When the index BTI exceeds the third threshold value TH3, the process proceeds to step 158. In step 158, the prohibit mode is executed. In step 158, activation of the electric vehicle is prohibited, and as a result, traveling is prohibited. Step 158 provides a prohibiting means for prohibiting the running of the electric vehicle when the deterioration degree of the battery 2 exceeds a predetermined prohibition value TH3 corresponding to a deterioration degree higher than the limit value TH2. Step 158 provides travel prohibition means 16.

  If the index BTI does not exceed the third threshold value TH3 but exceeds the second threshold value TH2, the process proceeds to step 157. Further, if the input device 7 is not operated and the wiring is in a connected state, the process proceeds to step 159. In step 159, the restricted mode is executed. In step 159, a relatively heavy limit is imposed. The processing in step 159 can also be referred to as a heavy restriction state (MODE 3-2) in the restriction mode. Step 159 provides a limiting means for limiting the travel of the electric vehicle when the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 exceeds a predetermined limit value TH2. As a relatively heavy restriction, starting of the electric vehicle is prohibited, and as a result, traveling is prohibited.

  Further, in step 159, the user is notified that the restriction due to the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 is being executed and that maintenance work for the battery 2 is recommended.

  In step 157, when the input device 7 is operated and the wiring is in a disconnected state, the process proceeds to step 160. In step 160, a relaxed light limit mode is performed. In step 160, a light limit is imposed. The process of step 160 can also be called a light restriction state (MODE 3-1) in the restriction mode. Step 160 detects that the input device 7 has been operated, and provides a relaxation means for relaxing the restriction by the restriction means.

  In step 160, activation of the electric vehicle is permitted, and as a result, traveling of the electric vehicle is permitted. In step 160, a restriction on the travelable time is added as a relatively light restriction. That is, the running of the electric vehicle is temporarily permitted. The mitigating means provided by step 160 relaxes the restriction by the restricting means only during the period until traveling is prohibited by the prohibiting means (step 158). According to this configuration, the restriction is temporarily relaxed only during a period until traveling is prohibited due to the progress of deterioration of the battery 2.

  Further, in step 160, a restriction is added to the output torque of the rotating electrical machine 3 as a relatively light restriction. That is, the running performance of the electric vehicle is limited. Limiting the output torque clearly lowers the running performance of the electric vehicle, clearly changes the behavior of the electric vehicle, and deteriorates the drivability of the electric vehicle as compared with the normal mode. For example, the limitation of the output torque gives the user a sense of incongruity that a feeling of acceleration due to depression of the accelerator is insufficient or a strong feeling of deceleration occurs when the accelerator is returned. Further, the limitation on the output torque suppresses the power consumption of the battery 2. Thereby, a user can be made to recognize that an electric vehicle exists in a special driving state. The mitigation means provided by step 160 makes the electric vehicle ready to travel. The mitigation means provided by step 160 mitigates only some of the restrictions on the traveling function of the electric vehicle. According to this configuration, only a part of the travel function restrictions is relaxed. Thus, some restrictions are maintained. Some limitations on driving functions affect the behavior of electric vehicles. Therefore, it is possible to make the user feel the deterioration of the battery by the behavior of the electric vehicle.

  Further, the limitation on the running performance in step 160 suppresses the power consumption by the rotating electrical machine 3 and consequently suppresses the decrease in the remaining power amount of the battery 2. In the battery 2 that has been deteriorated, the decrease in the amount of remaining power may be accelerated. However, it is possible to suppress an excessive reduction in the travelable distance of the electric vehicle by suppressing the decrease in the remaining power amount in Step 160. As a result, it is possible to increase the possibility of traveling to a place where maintenance work such as replacement of the battery 2 is possible.

  Further, in step 159, the user is notified that the restriction due to the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 is being executed and that maintenance work for the battery 2 is recommended. Step 160 provides a notification means for outputting a notification notifying the user that the restriction relaxation state by the relaxation means is present. According to this configuration, the user can be made aware that the travel restriction is relaxed. As a result, maintenance work of the battery 2 can be promoted.

  Step 159 and step 160 provide the restricted travel means 14. Further, the notification means 18 is provided by steps 159 and 160.

  Even after the user is once prohibited from traveling by the heavy restriction state, the user can operate the input device 7 so that the electric vehicle can travel. As a result, the user strongly recognizes the deterioration of the battery 2. Further, the user can travel and move the electric vehicle to a place where the maintenance work of the battery 2 can be performed while the electric vehicle can temporarily travel.

  If the index BTI does not exceed the second threshold value TH2, but exceeds the first threshold value TH1, the process proceeds to step 161. In step 161, a warning mode is executed. In step 161, activation of the electric vehicle is permitted, and as a result, traveling of the electric vehicle is permitted. In step 161, maintenance work of the battery 2 is recommended to the user while allowing normal travel. Step 161 provides normal running means 13 and warning means 17. Step 161 provides warning means for outputting a warning for prompting maintenance work of the battery 2 when the deterioration degree of the battery 2 exceeds a predetermined warning value TH1. The warning value TH1 corresponds to a degree of deterioration that is lower than the limit value TH2. According to this configuration, a warning can be given to the user before the travel restriction is implemented. As a result, maintenance work of the battery 2 can be promoted.

  When the index BTI does not exceed the first threshold value TH1, the process proceeds to step 162. In step 162, the normal mode is executed. In step 162, activation of the electric vehicle is permitted, and as a result, traveling of the electric vehicle is permitted. In step 162, all the travel functions of the electric vehicle are made available and normal travel is allowed. Step 162 provides the normal travel means 13.

(Other embodiments)
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The structure of the said embodiment is an illustration to the last, Comprising: The scope of the present invention is not limited to the range of these description. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the description of the scope of claims, and further includes meanings equivalent to the description of the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the index BTI indicating the degree of deterioration is measured based on the usage period of the battery 2. Instead of this, an index BTI indicating the degree of deterioration may be measured based on the power consumption per unit travel distance. Moreover, you may measure the parameter | index BTI which shows a deterioration degree based on the variation | change_quantity of electrical characteristics, such as a voltage in charge or discharge of a battery.

  In the above embodiment, the warning and notification are performed by display by the output device 6. Alternatively, warning and notification may be performed by generating sound from the sound output device. Further, the warning and the notification may be distinguished by displaying a message corresponding to them. Further, the warning and the notification may be distinguished by displaying them in correspondence with the continuous lighting state and the blinking state of the indicator lamp.

  In the above embodiment, traveling of the electric vehicle is prohibited in the restriction mode. Instead, in the restriction mode, only a part of the traveling function of the electric vehicle may be restricted. For example, the traveling speed of the electric vehicle may be limited to less than a predetermined first speed. Moreover, in the said embodiment, if the wiring of the input device 7 was cut | disconnected, the restriction | limiting of the travel function of an electric vehicle was cancelled | released completely. Instead of this, only a part of the restriction on the traveling function of the electric vehicle may be released. For example, when the wiring of the input device 7 is cut, the traveling of the electric vehicle is permitted, but the traveling speed may be limited to less than the second speed that is faster than the first speed.

  In the above embodiment, when the input device 7 is operated, the electric vehicle can be temporarily traveled only until the degree of deterioration of the battery 2 exceeds the next stage (third threshold value TH3). Instead of this, the electric vehicle may be allowed to travel temporarily for a predetermined time after the input device 7 is operated. Further, the electric vehicle may be allowed to travel temporarily for a predetermined travel distance after the input device 7 is operated.

  In the above embodiment, traveling in the restricted mode is enabled by cutting the wiring of the input device 7. Instead of this, an input device that short-circuits a specific terminal provided in the control device 5 may be employed. As the input device, a switch that can be restored only at a repair shop or a switch that cannot be operated unless the plastic lid is destroyed can be adopted. Moreover, the wiring which can be cut | disconnected only with a special tool can be used as an input device. Moreover, once disconnected after disconnecting, a wiring provided with a connector that cannot be fitted again can be used as an input device.

  Moreover, although the input device 7 is not usually touched, the input device 7 can be located at a position where it can be relatively easily found and operated. For example, the input device may be placed under a seat or in a meter panel.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, in order to prohibit driving | running | working of an electric vehicle, starting of an electric vehicle was also prohibited. Instead of this, the electric vehicle can be activated. In other words, the power is turned on, but the vehicle may be prohibited from traveling. In determining whether or not the electric vehicle can be activated, an authentication process using a normal key is also used. Further, whether or not the electric vehicle can travel may be switched by only switching between prohibition of activation of the electric vehicle and permission of activation without limiting the output in step 160.

  Further, the means and functions provided by the control device can be provided by software only, hardware only, or a combination thereof. For example, the control device may be configured by an analog circuit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control apparatus for electric vehicles 2 Battery 3 Rotating electric machine 4 Drive wheel 5 Control apparatus 6 Output apparatus 7 Input apparatus (wiring)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 Measuring means 9 Operation input means 10 Mode determination means 11 Evaluation means 12 Relaxation means 13 Normal travel means 14 Limit travel means 15 Retreat travel means 16 Travel prohibition means 17 Warning means 18 Notification means

Claims (10)

In an electric vehicle control device provided in an electric vehicle that travels by electric power supplied from a battery,
Measuring means (8, 151) for measuring an index indicating the degree of deterioration of the battery;
Limiting means (14, 16, 159) for limiting travel of the electric vehicle when the degree of deterioration of the battery exceeds a predetermined limit value (TH2);
An input device (7) operated by a user of the electric vehicle;
A control device for an electric vehicle, comprising: relaxation means (9, 12, 15, 157, 160) that detects that the input device has been operated and relaxes restrictions by the restriction means.   The electric vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the relaxation means temporarily relaxes the restriction by the restriction means. The battery further comprises prohibiting means (16, 158) for prohibiting running of the electric vehicle when the degree of deterioration of the battery exceeds a predetermined prohibition value (TH3) corresponding to a degree of deterioration higher than the limit value.
The electric vehicle control device according to claim 2, wherein the relaxation means relaxes the restriction by the restriction means for a period until traveling is prohibited by the prohibition means. The restricting means prohibits the electric vehicle from running;
4. The electric vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the mitigation unit cancels the travel prohibition and enables the electric vehicle to travel. 5.   The control device for an electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the relaxation means (160) relaxes only a partial restriction on a traveling function of the electric vehicle.   The said input device is provided with the operation member operated irreversibly by the user, The control apparatus for electric vehicles in any one of Claims 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The electric vehicle control device according to claim 6, wherein the input device includes a wiring that is irreversibly cut by a user.   The electric vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising notification means (6, 18, 160) that outputs a notification that informs a user that the restriction relaxation state by the relaxation means is present. Control device.   Warning means (6, 17, 161) for outputting a warning for prompting maintenance work of the battery when the degree of deterioration of the battery exceeds a predetermined warning value (TH1) corresponding to a degree of deterioration lower than the limit value. The control apparatus for electric vehicles in any one of Claims 1-8 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The electric vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising alarm means (152, 153) for notifying a user that the input device is in an operating state.

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