JP2010004627A - Charging system and method for charging - Google Patents

Abstract

In a charging system, when charging a plurality of power storage units in order, the charging efficiency of the plurality of power storage units is increased in relation to the temperature of the power storage units without calculating the charge acceptance of each power storage unit. That is.
A charging system includes a charging circuit for sequentially charging a battery, which is three power storage units, from a commercial power source, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of each battery, and a control unit. The control unit includes selection means, charge control means, and battery temperature control means. The selection means selects a priority charging battery to be preferentially charged from uncharged batteries. The charging control means controls the charging circuit so as to preferentially charge the priority charging battery. The battery temperature control means cools or heats a battery that is an uncharged battery while the priority charging battery is being charged and has a detected temperature shifted from a predetermined temperature or temperature range set in advance to a high temperature side or a low temperature side. .
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system and a charging method that sequentially supply power from a power source to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit and sequentially charge the plurality of power storage units.

  Conventionally, in an electric vehicle equipped with a travel motor such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, during operation stop, an external commercial power source as a power source is used to connect a connecting portion such as a power plug and a charging circuit including a charger. Therefore, it is considered to charge a secondary battery which is a power storage unit. For example, in a hybrid vehicle that drives wheels using at least one of an engine and a travel motor as a drive source, a vehicle that can charge a secondary battery from a commercial power source via a power plug is called a plug-in hybrid vehicle. . In addition, a plurality of secondary batteries are mounted on the plug-in hybrid vehicle, and power is sequentially supplied from the commercial power source to the plurality of secondary batteries during operation stop so that the plurality of secondary batteries can be sequentially charged one by one. It is also considered.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle power supply system that includes a plurality of batteries and a generator that generates electrical energy used for charging the plurality of batteries, and a detection value of a current flowing through each battery. Based on the calculation means for calculating the charge acceptability of each battery, and based on the calculated charge acceptability, the battery to be preferentially charged is selected from the plurality of batteries and selected. There is described a vehicle power supply system including selective charging means for preferentially charging a battery.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a battery, a battery control unit that manages the state of charge of the battery, an air conditioner unit that adjusts the temperature in the passenger compartment, and an air conditioner control unit that manages the operation of the air conditioner. The charging device for electric vehicles containing these is described. Further, the charge control unit outputs a control signal for driving the air compressor unit to the air conditioner control unit in accordance with the temperature of the battery detected by the temperature sensor. When the optimum charging temperature of the battery is 25 ° C., the air conditioner unit is driven so that the temperature of the battery becomes 25 ° C. at the charging start time, and the cooling air or the heating air is placed inside the heat insulating cover housing the battery. It is supposed to be sent.

JP 2004-222473 A JP-A-7-73906

  When a plurality of secondary batteries are mounted on an electric vehicle as described above, and power is sequentially supplied from a commercial power source to the plurality of secondary batteries during operation stop so that the plurality of secondary batteries can be sequentially charged one by one For example, it is considered that three batteries, a main battery called a master battery, and a first sub battery and a second sub battery called a first slave battery and a second slave battery, are mounted on the vehicle. In such an electric vehicle, when only one battery of the main battery, the first sub battery, and the second sub battery is connected to a load such as a travel motor, the main battery, the first sub battery, and the second sub battery are connected. There are cases where only two batteries, one sub battery of the battery, are connected to the load. For this reason, the usage state such as the frequency of use of each battery is different for each battery, and there may be a difference in the temperature of each battery immediately after the operation of the electric vehicle is stopped.

  On the other hand, it has been found that the charging efficiency of the battery varies depending on the battery state such as temperature and voltage. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between battery temperature and charging efficiency. As shown in FIG. 9, when the battery is in a certain temperature range, the normal temperature range, the charging efficiency is improved, and the temperature is out of the normal temperature range to the low temperature side, and from the normal temperature range. It has been found that the charging efficiency is poor in the high temperature range that deviates to the high temperature side. For this reason, when charging a plurality of batteries, if charging is performed according to a preset sequence regardless of the temperature of the battery, even if the total uncharged amount of the battery is the same even if the charging efficiency deteriorates, The power consumption of the power supply may become excessive. Further, in the above description, the case where the battery is charged from the commercial power source that is the external power source has been described. However, even when the plurality of batteries are sequentially charged from the generator that is the power source, the battery is charged regardless of the temperature of the battery. Similar inconveniences may occur. Moreover, although the case where the power storage unit is a battery has been described above, the same inconvenience may occur even when the power storage unit is a capacitor other than a battery.

  In the case of the vehicle power supply system described in Patent Document 1, a battery to be preferentially charged is selected from a plurality of batteries based on the calculated charge acceptability of each battery, and the selected battery is given priority. And selective charging means for charging automatically. However, specific means for improving the charging efficiency as a whole from the temperature of the battery is not disclosed. For this reason, when charging a plurality of power storage units in order, there is room for improvement in terms of increasing the charging efficiency of the plurality of power storage units as a whole without calculating the charge acceptance of each power storage unit.

  Further, in an electric vehicle including a battery described in Patent Document 2, the air conditioner unit is driven so that the battery temperature becomes the optimum charging temperature at the charging start time of the battery, and the cooling air or the heating air is stored in the battery. However, there is no disclosure of means for increasing the charging efficiency of the entire plurality of power storage units when charging the plurality of power storage units sequentially.

  An object of the present invention is to charge a plurality of power storage units in relation to the temperature of the power storage unit without calculating charge acceptability of each power storage unit when charging a plurality of power storage units in order in the charging system and the charging method. Is to increase the charging efficiency.

  Among the charging systems according to the present invention, the first charging system is a charging system that sequentially supplies power to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit from a power source, and sequentially charges the plurality of power storage units. A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of each of the power storage units, a control unit having a selection means, a charge control means, and a power storage unit temperature control means, wherein the selection means is an uncharged power storage unit of a plurality of power storage units The power storage unit to be preferentially charged is selected, the charge control unit controls the charging circuit to preferentially charge the power storage unit selected by the selection unit, and the power storage unit temperature control unit is selected. The power storage unit that has not been charged while the power storage unit is being charged and whose detected temperature is shifted from a predetermined temperature or temperature range to a high temperature side or a low temperature side is cooled or heated, Uncharged detection temperature shifted to low temperature A charging system and controlling the temperature of the power storage unit to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

  Further, in the first charging system according to the present invention, preferably, the selection unit selects a power storage unit having a detection temperature closest to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature set in advance among a plurality of uncharged power storage units, Select as the power storage unit to be charged preferentially.

  Moreover, among the charging methods according to the present invention, the first charging method is a charging method in which power is sequentially supplied from a power source to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit, and the plurality of power storage units is sequentially charged. , A selection step of selecting a power storage unit to be preferentially charged among uncharged power storage units of a plurality of power storage units, and charging for controlling the charging circuit to preferentially charge the power storage unit selected in the selection step Cooling or adding a power storage unit that is uncharged while the selected power storage unit is being charged and has a detected temperature shifted from a predetermined temperature or temperature range to a high temperature side or a low temperature side. And a power storage unit temperature control step for controlling the temperature of an uncharged power storage unit whose temperature is shifted to a high temperature side or a low temperature side to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

  In the charging system according to the present invention, the second charging system is a charging system that sequentially supplies power from a power source to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit, and sequentially charges the plurality of power storage units. A control unit having a selection unit and a charge control unit, wherein the selection unit selects a power storage unit to be preferentially charged among uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units, and the charge control unit is a selection unit. The charging circuit is controlled to preferentially charge the power storage unit selected by the plurality of power storage units, and the plurality of power storage units are three or more power storage units adjacent to each other directly or via another member Further, the selection means is characterized in that, among the uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units, the power storage unit having the largest number of adjacent uncharged power storage units is selected as the power storage unit to be preferentially charged. Charging system.

  In the second charging system according to the present invention, preferably, the selection unit determines whether or not the detected temperatures of all the power storage units of the plurality of power storage units adjacent to the other power storage units are equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. If the determination result is affirmative, the power storage unit having the largest number of adjacent power storage units among the uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units is selected as the power storage unit to be preferentially charged and determined. When the result is negative, a power storage unit having a detected temperature closest to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature set in advance is selected as a power storage unit to be preferentially charged among a plurality of uncharged power storage units.

  In addition, among the charging methods according to the present invention, a second charging method is a charging method in which power is sequentially supplied from a power source to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit, and the plurality of power storage units is sequentially charged. Selecting a power storage unit to be preferentially charged among uncharged power storage units of three or more power storage units that are adjacent to each other and directly to another power storage unit directly or via another member And a charge control step for controlling the charging circuit so as to preferentially charge the power storage units selected in the selection step. Among these, the power storage unit having the largest number of adjacent uncharged power storage units is selected as a power storage unit to be preferentially charged.

  According to the charging system and the charging method of the present invention, in the case of sequentially charging a plurality of power storage units, the plurality of power storage units can be related to the temperature of the power storage unit without calculating the charge acceptance of each power storage unit. Can improve the charging efficiency. For example, according to the first charging system and the first charging method, while the selected power storage unit is being charged, the power storage unit is uncharged and is connected to a high temperature side from a predetermined temperature or temperature range set in advance. The power storage unit with the detected temperature shifted to the low temperature side is cooled or heated, and the temperature of the uncharged power storage unit with the detected temperature shifted to the high temperature side or the low temperature side is controlled to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. For this reason, even when the temperature of at least one power storage unit of the plurality of power storage units is out of the high temperature side or low temperature side from the temperature range where the charging efficiency is good, the charging efficiency is reduced before charging the single power storage unit. The temperature can be controlled efficiently in a good temperature range, and the charging efficiency of the plurality of power storage units can be increased in relation to the temperature of the power storage units. Further, it is not necessary to calculate the charge acceptance of each power storage unit.

  Further, according to the second charging system and the second charging method, the plurality of power storage units are three or more power storage units adjacent to each other directly or via another member, and the selection unit Selects the power storage unit having the largest number of adjacent uncharged power storage units among the uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units as the power storage unit to be preferentially charged. Therefore, for example, even when all the detected temperatures of the plurality of power storage units are equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, which is the lower limit of the temperature range where the charging efficiency is good, among the uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units, Since the power storage unit with the largest number of parts is charged preferentially, other power storage units adjacent to each other due to heat dissipation during charging of the power storage unit with a large number of adjacent power storage units, that is, radiant heat or direct heat transfer, etc. Can be heated. For this reason, the temperature of the other power storage unit can be maintained or brought close to a temperature range where the charging efficiency is good before charging of the other adjacent power storage units, and efficient charging is facilitated. For this reason, the charging efficiency of a some electrical storage part can be made high in relation to the temperature of an electrical storage part. Further, it is not necessary to calculate the charge acceptance of each power storage unit.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show a first example of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the charging system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing two examples in which three batteries are arranged. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the control unit of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the charging method of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining one state of the battery temperature immediately before charging three batteries in the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the charging system and the charging method are changed from a commercial power source that is an external power source when a battery (secondary battery) that is three power storage units is mounted on a hybrid vehicle that is an electric vehicle. A case where power is sequentially supplied to three batteries will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the electric vehicle can be applied to an electric vehicle that travels using only the traveling motor as a traveling power source, and a plurality of power storage units are mounted on the electric vehicle. . Further, the power storage unit is not limited to a battery, and may be a capacitor other than a battery.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a hybrid vehicle equipped with charging system 10 of the present embodiment is an engine (not shown), generator (MG1) 12 that is a first motor generator, and traveling that is a second motor generator. A motor (MG2) 14 is provided, and the generator 12 and the traveling motor 14 are controlled by a motor control device 16.

  The hybrid vehicle drives a wheel (not shown) using at least one of the engine and the traveling motor 14 as a traveling power source. The generator 12 is a three-phase AC motor and can also be used as an engine starting motor. The traveling motor 14 is a three-phase AC motor, and can also be used as a generator, that is, for power regeneration.

  The driving states of the generator 12 and the travel motor 14 are controlled by a motor control unit (not shown) via a generator inverter (MG1 inverter) 18 or a travel motor inverter (MG2 inverter) 20, respectively. . The motor control unit outputs drive control signals for the generator 12 and the travel motor 14 to the inverters 18 and 20, respectively, and the inverters 18 and 20 output the generator 12 and the travel motor 14 based on the drive control signals. Drive each one.

  The motor control device 16 included in the hybrid vehicle includes a main battery 22 and a second power storage unit, which are first power storage units, in addition to the generator 12, the traveling motor 14, the motor control unit, and the inverters 18 and 20. First sub-battery 24, second sub-battery 26 as a third power storage unit, system relays S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9 (hereinafter referred to as S1-S9), first. A capacitor 46, a second capacitor 48, a third capacitor 50, a main battery side boost converter 52, and a sub battery side boost converter 54 are provided.

  The main battery 22 is called a master battery, and the sub batteries 24 and 26 are called slave batteries. The charging system 10 also includes an in-vehicle side charging system 56 and a commercial power source 58 that is an external power source provided outside the vehicle as a power source. The in-vehicle charging system 56 includes a control unit 60, a main battery 22, sub batteries 24 and 26, system relays S1-S9, a first capacitor 46, a third capacitor 50, a main battery side boost converter 52, and a sub battery side boost converter. 54, a temperature sensor 62, 64, 66, a cooling fan 68, 70, 72, and a charging circuit 76 including a charger 74. The charging circuit 76 supplies power from the commercial power source 58 to the main battery 22 and each sub-battery 24, 26 in the order selected, and is used to charge the main battery 22 and each sub-battery 24, 26 in the order selected. To do. That is, the charging system 10 supplies power from the commercial power source 58 to the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26 via the charging circuit 76, and the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26 are selected. Charge in the order in which they were selected.

  In the present embodiment, by using the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26 as the drive source of the travel motor 14, the hybrid by the travel motor 14 is used rather than using only the main battery 22 as the drive source. The mileage of the vehicle can be increased. That is, conventionally, only the main battery 22 has been considered as a drive source for the travel motor 14, whereas in the present embodiment, the main battery 22, the first sub battery 24, and the second sub battery are used. 26 is used as a drive source for the traveling motor 14. The main battery 22 and the first sub battery 24, and the main battery 22 and the second sub battery 26 may simultaneously supply power to the traveling motor 14 or the generator 12, respectively. At the same time as the sub-battery 26, there is no case where power is supplied to the traveling motor 14 or the generator 12. The reason for this is to prevent electric power from being transferred between the first sub battery 24 and the second sub battery 26.

  The main battery 22, the first sub battery 24, and the second sub battery 26 can be charged from the external commercial power source 58 as an external power source one by one in the order selected. For this purpose, the first capacitor 46 and the main battery boost converter 52 can be connected to both ends of the main battery 22 by system relays S1 and S2. Further, a third capacitor 50 and a sub battery side boost converter 54 are connected to both ends of the first sub battery 24 or the second sub battery 26, and system relays S4, S5, S6 (hereinafter referred to as S4-S6) (or hereinafter). Connection is possible by S7, S8, S9 (hereinafter referred to as S7-S9).

  The main battery side boost converter 52 can boost the DC voltage supplied from the first capacitor 46 and supply it to the second capacitor 48. That is, the first capacitor 46 smoothes the DC voltage supplied from the main battery 22 and supplies the smoothed DC voltage to the main battery side boost converter 52. System relays S1, S2, S3 (hereinafter referred to as S1-S3) are provided between the main battery 22 and the second capacitor 48, and the system relays S1-S3 are motor control units or control units 60. Is turned on or off by a signal from.

  The sub-battery side boost converter 54 can boost the DC voltage supplied from the third capacitor 50 and supply it to the second capacitor 48. That is, the third capacitor 50 smoothes the DC voltage supplied from the first sub battery 24 or the second sub battery 26 and supplies the smoothed DC voltage to the sub battery side boost converter 54. System relays S4-S6, S7-S9 are provided between each of the first sub-battery 24 and the second sub-battery 26 and the sub-battery side boost converter 54. The system relays S4-S6, S7-S9 are also motors. It is turned on or off by a signal from the control unit or control unit 60.

The main battery 22, the first sub battery 24, and the second sub battery 26 are secondary batteries such as nickel metal hydride batteries or lithium ion batteries, and a plurality of unit battery cells are stacked, and the unit battery cells are electrically connected in series. It is configured by connecting to. The main battery 22, the first sub-battery 24, and the second sub-battery 26 have the same capacity, and can supply the same voltage, for example, high-voltage power such as 280 *. However, each battery 22, 24,
The 26 capacities can be different from each other.

  The second capacitor 48 smoothes the DC voltage from one or both of the main battery side boost converter 52 and the sub battery side boost converter 54, and the smoothed DC voltage is converted into the generator inverter 18 and the travel motor inverter 20. And to supply.

  Each of the generator inverter 18 and the traction motor inverter 20 is provided with U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase arms (not shown), each of which includes two IGBTs, transistors, etc. connected in series. Switching elements (not shown), and the midpoint of each arm is connected to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase coils of the generator 12 or the traveling motor 14, respectively.

  The generator inverter 18 controlled by the motor control unit converts the DC voltage from the second capacitor 48 into an AC voltage and drives the generator 12. Further, the traveling motor inverter 20 controlled by the motor control unit converts the DC voltage from the second capacitor 48 into an AC voltage, and drives the traveling motor 14.

  Further, a charger 74 is provided between the system relays S4-S6 and the third capacitor 50 on the first sub battery 24 side, and between the system relays S7-S9 and the third capacitor 50 on the second sub battery 26 side. Are connected at both ends. The charger 74 includes an AC / DC conversion circuit that is an AC / DC conversion unit and a booster circuit. The charger 74 is connected to a power plug 78 that is a connection portion for connecting to a commercial power source 58 that is an external AC power source. A CCID relay 80 is provided between the power plug 78 and the charger 74. The CCID relay 80 is controlled by a control unit provided in the charger 74 or the like so as to be turned on when the power plug 78 is connected to an AC power source. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the external commercial power supply 58 and the power plug are not connected. The charger 74 converts the AC voltage from the commercial power source 58 into a DC voltage, boosts the voltage, and selects from the commercial power source 58 to the main battery 22, the first sub battery 24, and the second sub battery 26, which will be described in detail later. According to the order in which they are performed, it is possible to charge them one by one.

  A low voltage DC / DC converter 82 is connected between the first capacitor 46 and the system relays S1-S3. The low voltage DC / DC converter 82 steps down the high voltage power input from the main battery side boost converter 52 side or the main battery 22 side, and supplies the low voltage power to a low voltage battery such as 12 ■ not shown. use.

  In the present embodiment, the low voltage battery is disposed near the position where the engine is disposed, such as the front portion of the hybrid vehicle. On the other hand, the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26 are other members directly behind the hybrid vehicle or directly through only a small space within 5 cm, for example. The battery is disposed adjacent to another battery via a heat transfer member such as a heat radiating member. That is, FIG. 2 shows two examples when three batteries are arranged, and the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged linearly as in the first example shown in FIG. In addition, as in the second example shown in FIG. 2B, the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 can be arranged in an L shape. In the case of the first example in FIG. 2A, for example, the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged so as to overlap in the vertical direction. In the case of the second example in FIG. 2B, for example, two batteries 22 and 24 are arranged so as to be stacked in the vertical direction, and the batteries below the two batteries 22 and 24 stacked in the vertical direction. One battery 26 is arranged adjacent to 22 in the horizontal direction. In any case, the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26, and the arrangement relationship can be variously selected. Further, the arrangement state is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, three batteries 22, 24, and 26 can be arranged in a straight line in the horizontal direction.

  Returning to FIG. 1, three temperature sensors 62, 64, 66 serving as temperature detection means are provided in each of the main battery 22 and each of the sub batteries 24, 26. In addition, three cooling fans 68, 70, and 72, which are cooling means, are provided for the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26, respectively. Detection signals from the three temperature sensors 62, 64, 66 are input to the control unit 60. In addition, the control unit 60 outputs a control signal to a fan driving motor provided in the three cooling fans 68, 70, and 72 so that the three cooling fans 68, 70, and 72 can be driven. Each cooling fan 68, 70, 72 is disposed adjacent to the side of the main battery 22 and each sub battery 24, 26, and the corresponding battery 22, 24, 72 is driven by driving each cooling fan 68, 70, 72. 26 is cooled.

  Moreover, the control part 60 is what is called battery ECU, for example, and contains the microcomputer which has CPU, memory, etc. The controller 60 enables charging of the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26 from the commercial power source 58 in a state where the power plug 78 connected to the charger 74 and the commercial power source 58 are connected. Controls the opening and closing of each system relay S1-S9. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 60 includes selection means 84, charge control means 86, and battery temperature control means 88. The selection unit 84 selects a “priority charging battery” to be preferentially charged from the uncharged batteries from the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26 that are three batteries. In this case, when there are a plurality of uncharged batteries, the selection means 84 is a battery whose detected temperature is closest to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature t1 set in advance among the plurality of uncharged batteries. The “charging efficiency battery” is selected as the “priority charging battery” for preferential charging.

  In addition, when a plurality of batteries having the same temperature difference between the high-efficiency charging temperature and the detected temperature are present among the plurality of uncharged batteries, the detected temperature is closest to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature set in advance, According to a predetermined standard, “priority charging battery” is selected. For example, when a plurality of batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged in a straight line, a battery that is closest to one side in the linear direction is selected as a “priority charging battery” among a plurality of batteries that are closest to the high-efficiency charging temperature t1 Can also be selected.

  Further, the charging control means 86 controls the charging circuit 76 (FIG. 1) so as to preferentially charge the priority charging battery selected by the selection means 84. The battery temperature control means 88 cools a battery that is uncharged during charging of the selected priority charging battery and whose detected temperature is shifted to a high temperature side from a predetermined temperature or temperature range set in advance. The temperature of the uncharged battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the high temperature side is controlled to a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

  In addition, the control part 60 which has the selection means 84, the charge control means 86, and the battery temperature control means 88, and charge to the main battery 22 and each sub battery 24,26 from the commercial power source 58 shown in FIG. 1 is possible. Therefore, the battery ECUs that control the opening and closing of the system relays S1 to S9 can be different from each other.

  Next, the charging method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the same elements as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The charging method according to the present embodiment is a charging method in which power is sequentially supplied from the commercial power supply 58 to the main battery 22 and the sub batteries 24 and 26 via the charging circuit 76, and the batteries 22, 24 and 26 are charged in order. It is. First, in step S1, after the operation of the hybrid vehicle is stopped, the power plug 78 is connected to the commercial power source 58, and the CCID relay 80 is turned on to complete the external charging preparation.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the selection means 84 included in the control unit 60 causes the “best charging efficiency with the highest charging efficiency among all the uncharged batteries such as the three uncharged batteries 22, 24, and 26. A selection step of selecting “battery” as a “priority charging battery” to be preferentially charged is performed. When the priority charging battery is selected, the selection means 84 is set in advance at the normal temperature with the best charging efficiency among all the uncharged batteries such as the three uncharged batteries 22, 24, and 26. The “best charging efficiency battery” that is closest to the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensors 62, 64, 66 to the high efficiency charging temperature t 1, which is the predetermined temperature, is selected as the “priority charging battery” for preferential charging. To do.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged adjacent to each other, that is, in the illustrated example, the first sub battery is interposed between the main battery 22 and the second sub battery 26. 24, and the batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged adjacent to each other directly or through another member. Further, the example shown in FIG. 5 shows a state in which the preparation for charging immediately after stopping the operation of the hybrid vehicle is completed, and the detected temperatures of the main battery 22 and the first sub battery 24 are set to a predetermined high efficiency. The temperature is shifted from the predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature range of normal temperature including the charging temperature t1 to the high temperature side, and the charging efficiency is deteriorated. On the other hand, the detected temperature of the second sub-battery 26 is within a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature range of room temperature including a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature t1, which is set in advance, and the charging efficiency is good. In this case, the second sub battery 26 is selected as the best charging efficiency battery. 5 shows an example of the arrangement state of the three batteries 22, 24, 26, and the positional relationship between the main battery 22 and each of the sub batteries 24, 26 is other than the example shown in FIG. For example, the main battery 22 may be disposed between the two sub batteries 24 and 26.

  Next, in step S3, the charging control means 86 controls the charging circuit 76 so as to preferentially charge the priority charging battery selected by the selection means 84 in the selection step, while charging the priority charging battery. An uncharged battery that has a detection temperature shifted to a high temperature side from a predetermined high efficiency charging temperature t1 or a predetermined high efficiency charging temperature range that has been set in advance is cooled, and the detection temperature has shifted to a high temperature side. A charging battery temperature control step is performed to control the temperature of the battery to the high efficiency charging temperature t1 or the high efficiency charging temperature range. Specifically, the charging control means 86 includes both ends of any one of the batteries 22 (or 24 or 26) that are priority charging batteries among the main battery 22, the first sub battery 24, and the second sub battery 26. The system relays S1-S3 (or S4-S6, or S7-S9) connected to are turned on (closed state), and the system relays connected to both ends of the remaining battery are turned off (open state). Control on / off of each system relay S1-S9. For example, when charging only the main battery 22, the system relays S1-S3 connected to both ends of the main battery 22 are turned on, and the system relays S4-S9 connected to both ends of the other batteries 24, 26 are turned off. And Thereby, the main battery 22 is charged. When main battery 22 is fully charged, system relays S1-S3 connected to both ends of main battery 22 are turned off. Similarly to the charging of the main battery 22, the sub batteries 24 and 26 are also charged.

  As system relays S2, S3, S5, S6, S8, and S9 connected to the negative side of each battery 22, 24, and 26, system relay S3 that is directly connected to both ends of first capacitor 46 or third capacitor 50. , S6, S9, and system relays S2, S5, S8 to which resistors are connected in series, and at the time of charging, only one of the two system relays connected to the negative electrode side of the battery to be charged Turn on. For example, when the main battery 22 is charged, only one system relay S2 (or S3) of the two system relays S2 and S3 connected to the negative electrode side is turned on.

  Further, in step S3, the battery temperature control unit 88 sets the other two uncharged batteries in advance at the same time that the charge control unit 86 charges one priority charging battery, that is, during charging. The battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the high temperature side from the high-efficiency charging temperature t1 or the high-efficiency charging temperature range is cooled, and the temperature of the uncharged battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the high-temperature side is the high-efficiency charging temperature t1 or high-efficiency The driving of the cooling fans 68, 70, 72 is controlled so as to control the charging temperature range. For this purpose, the battery temperature control means 88 feedback-controls the driving of the cooling fans 68, 70, 72 based on detection signals from the temperature sensors 62, 64, 66.

  For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 5, the second sub battery 26 is preferentially charged because the main battery 22 and the first sub battery 24 are within a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature range. However, by driving the cooling fans 68 and 70 provided in the main battery 22 and the first sub battery 24 during the charging, the main battery 22 and the first sub battery 24 are cooled, and both the batteries 22 are cooled. , 24 is controlled to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature or a high-efficiency charging temperature range.

  Next, in step S4, the control unit 60 performs a determination process for determining whether or not the charging of all the batteries 22, 24, and 26 of the main battery 22 and each of the sub batteries 24 and 26 is completed. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step S2, and the steps S2 to S4 are repeated until the determination result of step S4 becomes affirmative. If the determination result of step S4 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that charging of all the batteries 22, 24, and 26 has been completed, charging is terminated in step S. According to such a charging method, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, after the second sub battery 26 is charged, one of the main battery 22 and the first sub battery 24 and then the other is charged in order.

  According to such a charging system and a charging method, a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature t1 or a high-efficiency charging that is an uncharged battery during charging of the priority charging battery selected by the selection unit 84 is set. The battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the high temperature side from the temperature range is cooled, and the temperature of the uncharged battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the high temperature side is controlled to the predetermined high efficiency charging temperature t1 or the high efficiency charging temperature range. For this reason, even when the temperature of at least one of the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 is out of the high-efficiency charging temperature range where the charging efficiency is good, before charging the one battery, It is possible to efficiently control to a high-efficiency charging temperature range with good charging efficiency. Therefore, the charging efficiency of the three batteries 22, 24, 26 can be increased in relation to the temperature of the batteries 22, 24, 26. Further, it is not necessary to calculate the charge acceptability of each battery 22, 24, 26. As a result, when the three batteries 22, 24, 26 are charged in order, the relationship between the temperature of the batteries 22, 24, 26 and 3 is calculated without calculating the charge acceptability of each battery 22, 24, 26. The charging efficiency of the individual batteries 22, 24, 26 can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged adjacent to each other has been described, but the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are adjacent to each other. It is not limited to what is arranged. Further, in the present embodiment, one cooling fan 68, 70, 72 is provided for each battery, but the number of cooling fans can be changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 above, when three batteries 22, 24, 26 are arranged adjacent to each other, a part of the three batteries 22, 24, 26 or It is also possible to provide only one or two cooling fans for cooling the whole. In this case, during charging of the priority charging battery, the detected temperature of at least one of the uncharged batteries is shifted to a high temperature side from a predetermined high efficiency charging temperature t1 or a high efficiency charging temperature range. In this case, the one or two cooling fans are driven to cool the battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the high temperature side. In this case, in other uncharged batteries, there is a battery whose detected temperature is within a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature range set in advance or deviated from the high-efficiency charging temperature range to a low temperature side, that is, a room temperature or low temperature battery. It is also conceivable that the battery at room temperature or low temperature is cooled by the cooling fan. However, even if all the uncharged batteries become low temperature, it is possible to easily raise the temperature of the low temperature battery by charging / discharging a part of the plurality of adjacent batteries.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the cooling fans 68, 70, 72 are provided in the batteries 22, 24, 26 has been described. However, in the charging system 10, the batteries 22, 24, 26 generate heat when energized. A heating unit such as a heater may be provided. In this case, the battery temperature control means 88 included in the charging system 10 is an uncharged battery during the charging of the priority charging battery selected by the selection means 84, and is from a predetermined temperature or temperature range set in advance. The battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the low temperature side is heated, and the temperature of the uncharged battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the low temperature side is controlled to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. Further, in the charging method according to the present invention, the charging control means 86 controls the charging circuit 76 so that the priority charging battery selected by the selection means 84 is preferentially charged in the selection step. A battery that is uncharged during charging and whose detected temperature has deviated to a low temperature from a predetermined temperature or temperature range set in advance is heated by the heating unit, and the detected temperature has deviated to a low temperature. A charging battery temperature control step for controlling the temperature of the charging battery to a predetermined temperature or temperature range may be provided.

  Further, in the charging system 10, each battery 22, 24, 26 can be provided with both a heating unit such as a heater that generates heat when energized and a cooling unit such as the cooling fans 68, 70, and 72. In this case, the battery temperature control means 88 included in the charging system 10 is an uncharged battery during the charging of the priority charging battery selected by the selection means 84, and is from a predetermined temperature or temperature range set in advance. The battery whose detection temperature is shifted to the low temperature side or the high temperature side is heated or cooled, and the temperature of the uncharged battery whose detection temperature is shifted to the low temperature side or the high temperature side is controlled to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. Further, in the charging method according to the present invention, the charging control means 86 controls the charging circuit 76 so that the priority charging battery selected by the selection means 84 is preferentially charged in the selection step. A battery that is uncharged during charging and whose detected temperature deviates from a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature range to a low temperature side or a high temperature side is heated or cooled by a heating unit or a cooling unit, A charging battery temperature control step of controlling the temperature of the uncharged battery whose detected temperature is shifted to the high temperature side or the high temperature side to a predetermined temperature or temperature range may be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the charging method of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the priority charge processing step for the best charge efficiency battery in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining one state of the battery temperature immediately before charging three batteries in the present embodiment.

  In the charging system of the present embodiment, the cooling fans 68, 70, 72 are omitted from the batteries 22, 24, 26 in the charging system 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. In the configuration in which the battery temperature control means 88 is omitted from the control unit 60, the three batteries 22, 24, 26 of the main battery 22, the first sub battery 24, and the second sub battery 26 can be directly or For example, it arrange | positions so that it may mutually adjoin with another battery directly through only the space of a small magnitude | size within 5 cm, or through other members, such as a heat transfer member. In the following description, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. I will explain it mainly.

  The selection means 84 included in the control unit 60 included in the charging system according to the present embodiment is the most facing number of the adjacent batteries among the uncharged batteries among the three batteries 22, 24, and 26. The battery 22 (or 24 or 26) is selected as a priority charging battery for preferential charging. When selecting the priority charging battery, the selection means 84 determines whether or not all the detected temperatures of the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 adjacent to each other are equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, and the determination result Is positive, the battery 22 (or 24 or 26) having the largest number of adjacent uncharged batteries among the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 is preferentially charged. Select as the battery you want. In addition, when the determination result is negative, the selection unit 84 selects the battery 22 (or 24 or 26) whose detected temperature is closest to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature t1 that is set in advance among uncharged batteries. Is selected as a priority charging battery to be preferentially charged.

  Next, the charging method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The charging method of the present embodiment also supplies power to the main battery 22 and the sub-batteries 24 and 26 sequentially from the commercial power supply 58 via the charging circuit 76, and charges the batteries 22, 24 and 26 in order. It is. First, in step S1 of FIG. 6, after the operation of the hybrid vehicle is stopped, the power plug 78 is connected to the commercial power source 58, which is an external power source, and the CCID relay 80 is turned on to complete preparation for external charging. Next, in step S2, the selection means 84 determines whether or not all the detected temperatures of the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature t2 that is shifted downward from the lower limit of the high-efficiency charging temperature range. Determine whether. If this determination result is negative, that is, if the detected temperature of at least one of the three batteries 22, 24, 26 is higher than the predetermined temperature t2, the priority charging process of the battery with the best charging efficiency in step S3 Migrate to

  Next, the preferential charging process for the best charging efficiency battery in step S3 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S31, the selection means 84 preferentially charges the best charging efficiency battery having the highest charging efficiency among all the uncharged batteries, such as the three uncharged batteries 22, 24, and 26. The first selection step of selecting as the “priority charging battery” is performed. When selecting the “priority charging battery”, the selection means 84 has the highest charging efficiency set in advance among all the uncharged batteries such as the three uncharged batteries 22, 24, and 26. As the “priority charging battery” that preferentially charges the “best charging efficiency battery” that is the closest to the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensors 62, 64, 66 to the high-efficiency charging temperature t1, which is a predetermined normal temperature. select.

  Next, in step S32, the charge control unit 86 performs a first charge control step of controlling the charging circuit 76 so as to preferentially charge the priority charge battery selected by the selection unit 84 in the first selection step. Do. Specifically, the charging control means 86 includes system relays connected to both ends of any one of the main battery 22, the first sub battery 24, and the second sub battery 26 that are priority charging batteries. The system relays S1-S9 are controlled to be turned on and off so that the system relays connected to both ends of the remaining battery are turned off.

  Next, in step S33, a first determination step is performed in which the control unit 60 determines whether or not the charging of all the batteries 22, 24, 26 of the main battery 22 and each of the sub batteries 24, 26 has been completed. If the result is negative, the process returns to step S31, and steps S31 to S33 are repeated until the determination result of step S33 becomes affirmative. If the determination result in step S33 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that charging of all the batteries 22, 24, and 26 has been completed, charging ends in step S34.

  On the other hand, in step S2 of FIG. 6 described above, the selection unit 84 performs the predetermined temperature at which all the detected temperatures of the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are shifted downward from the lower limit of the high-efficiency charging temperature range. If the determination result for determining whether or not it is t2 or less is affirmative, that is, if all the detected temperatures of the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature t2, the process proceeds to step S4. The selection means 84 preferentially charges the “most opposed battery” having the largest number of adjacent uncharged batteries among the uncharged batteries among the three batteries 22, 24, 26. A second selection step of selecting as “charged battery” is performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, each battery 22, 24, 26 is arranged adjacent to another battery, that is, in the illustrated example, the first battery 22 and the second sub battery 26 are arranged between the first battery 22 and the second sub battery 26. The sub-battery 24 is arranged, and the batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged adjacent to another battery directly through only a small space or through another member such as a heat transfer member. . Further, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the detected temperature of each battery 22, 24, 26 is set to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature t1 set in advance, for example, after a long time has elapsed since the operation was stopped in a state where the preparation for charging was completed. The temperature is deviated from a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature range of room temperature including a low temperature side, and charging efficiency is deteriorated. In this case, the determination result in step S2 in FIG. 6 is affirmative, and in step S4, among the three batteries 22, 24, and 26, the “most opposed battery” having the largest number of adjacent batteries. A certain first secondary battery 24 arranged in the center is selected as the “priority charging battery”.

  8 shows an example of the arrangement state of the three batteries 22, 24, 26, and the positional relationship between the main battery 22 and each of the sub batteries 24, 26 is other than the example shown in FIG. For example, the main battery 22 may be disposed between the two sub batteries 24 and 26. In this case, “the most counter battery” is the main battery 22. Further, when the number of adjacent uncharged batteries is the same, any one of the most opposed number batteries can be selected as the “priority charge battery” according to a preset criterion. For example, when three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged in a straight line as shown in FIG. 8, in the state where the first sub battery 24 is fully charged, the most opposed battery is connected to the main battery 22 and the second battery. It becomes two with 2 sub-batteries 26. In this case, the battery 22 (or 26) closest to one side in the linear direction can be selected as the “priority charging battery”. In the same case, the battery 22 (or 26) closest to the predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature t1 among the plurality of the most opposed number batteries can be selected as the “priority charging battery”.

  Next, in step S5 of FIG. 6, the charging control means 86 controls the charging circuit 76 so as to preferentially charge the “priority charging battery” selected by the selection means 84 in the second selection step. A charge control process is performed.

  Next, in step S6, the control unit 60 performs a second determination step for determining whether or not the charging of all the batteries 22, 24, and 26 of the main battery 22 and each of the sub batteries 24 and 26 has been completed. If the result is negative, the process returns to step S4, and steps S4 to S6 are repeated until the determination in step S6 becomes affirmative. If the determination in step S6 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that charging of all the batteries 22, 24, and 26 has been completed, charging is terminated in step S7. According to such a charging method, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, after the first sub battery 24 is charged, one of the main battery 22 and the second sub battery 26 and then the other is charged in order.

  According to such a charging system and charging method, the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are arranged adjacent to each other directly or through another member, and the selection means 84 includes three pieces. Among the uncharged batteries 22, 24, and 26, the most opposed battery having the largest number of adjacent uncharged batteries is selected as the priority charging battery to be preferentially charged. Therefore, for example, even when all the detected temperatures of the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 are equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature t2, which is the lower limit of the temperature range where the charging efficiency is good, the three batteries 22, 24, and 26 Among the uncharged batteries, the most opposed battery having the largest number of adjacent batteries is preferentially charged as a priority charging battery. For this reason, it is possible to raise the temperature of another adjacent battery by heat radiation during charging of the most opposed battery, that is, by radiant heat or direct heat transfer. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, when the central first sub battery 24 is charged, the main battery 22 and the second sub battery 26 on both sides rise in temperature due to heat dissipation of the first sub battery 24. Therefore, before charging the other adjacent batteries, the temperature of the other adjacent batteries can be maintained or brought close to a temperature range where the charging efficiency is good, and efficient charging is facilitated. Therefore, the charging efficiency of the plurality of batteries 22, 24, 26 can be increased in relation to the temperature of the batteries 22, 24, 26. Further, it is not necessary to calculate the charge acceptability of each battery 22, 24, 26. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted.

  In each of the above embodiments, the number of batteries 22, 24, 26 is not limited to three of the main battery 22 and the two sub batteries 24, 26, but two, four or more. It can also be. In each of the above embodiments, the power source is the commercial power source 58 that is an external power source, and the batteries 22, 24, and 26 are charged in order from the commercial power source 58. However, the power source is the generator 12, and the hybrid The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which the batteries 22, 24, and 26 are sequentially charged from the generator 12 while the vehicle is running.

1 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a charging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows two examples which arrange | positions three batteries. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control part of FIG. 1 in detail. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the charging method of 1st Embodiment. In 1st Embodiment, it is a schematic diagram for demonstrating 1 state of the temperature of a battery just before charging three batteries. It is a flowchart which shows the charge method of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 6, it is a flowchart which shows the priority charge process process of a best charge efficiency battery in detail. In 2nd Embodiment, it is a schematic diagram for demonstrating 1 state of the temperature of a battery just before charging three batteries. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the temperature of a battery, and charging efficiency.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Charging system, 12 Generator (MG1), 14 Travel motor (MG2), 16 Motor controller, 18 Inverter for generator (Inverter for MG1), 20 Inverter for travel motor (Inverter for MG2), 22 Main battery, 24 1st sub battery, 26 2nd sub battery, 46 1st capacitor, 48 2nd capacitor, 50 3rd capacitor, 52 main battery side boost converter, 54 sub battery side boost converter, 56 in-vehicle side charging system, 58 commercial power supply, 60 control unit, 62, 64, 66 temperature sensor, 68, 70, 72 cooling fan, 74 charger, 76 charging circuit, 78 power plug, 80 CCID relay, 82 low voltage DC / DC converter, 84 selection means, 86 charging Control means, 88 Battery temperature control means.

Claims (6)

A charging system that sequentially supplies power to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit from a power source, and sequentially charges the plurality of power storage units,
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of each of the plurality of power storage units;
A control unit having a selection unit, a charge control unit, and a power storage unit temperature control unit,
The selection means selects a power storage unit to be preferentially charged among uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units,
The charge control means controls the charging circuit to preferentially charge the power storage unit selected by the selection means,
The power storage unit temperature control means is a power storage unit that is not charged during charging of the selected power storage unit, and has a detection temperature shifted from a predetermined temperature or temperature range set in advance to a high temperature side or a low temperature side. A charging system characterized by cooling or heating and controlling the temperature of an uncharged power storage unit whose detected temperature is shifted to a high temperature side or a low temperature side to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. The charging system according to claim 1,
The selecting means selects a power storage unit having a detection temperature closest to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature set in advance as a power storage unit to be preferentially charged among a plurality of uncharged power storage units. system. A charging method for sequentially supplying power to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit from a power source and sequentially charging the plurality of power storage units,
A selection step of selecting a power storage unit to be preferentially charged among uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units;
A charge control step for controlling the charging circuit so as to preferentially charge the power storage unit selected in the selection step;
A power storage unit that is uncharged during charging of the selected power storage unit and whose detected temperature is shifted from a predetermined temperature or temperature range set in advance to a high temperature side or a low temperature side is cooled or warmed. And a power storage unit temperature control step of controlling the temperature of the uncharged power storage unit whose detected temperature is shifted to the low temperature side or a low temperature side to a predetermined temperature or temperature range. A charging system that sequentially supplies power to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit from a power source, and sequentially charges the plurality of power storage units,
A control unit having a selection unit and a charge control unit;
The selection means selects a power storage unit to be preferentially charged among uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units,
The charge control means controls the charging circuit to preferentially charge the power storage unit selected by the selection means,
The plurality of power storage units are three or more power storage units adjacent to each other with another power storage unit directly or via another member,
Further, the selecting means selects the power storage unit having the largest number of adjacent uncharged power storage units among the uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units as the power storage unit to be preferentially charged. Charging system. The charging system according to claim 4,
The selection unit determines whether or not the detected temperature of all the power storage units of the plurality of power storage units adjacent to each other power storage unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, and when the determination result is affirmative, the plurality of power storage units Of the uncharged power storage units, the power storage unit with the largest number of adjacent power storage units is selected as the power storage unit to be preferentially charged, and when the determination result is negative, the plurality of uncharged power storage units Among them, a charging system that selects a power storage unit having a detected temperature closest to a predetermined high-efficiency charging temperature set in advance as a power storage unit to be preferentially charged. A charging method for sequentially supplying power to a plurality of power storage units via a charging circuit from a power source and sequentially charging the plurality of power storage units,
Selection of a plurality of power storage units that are to be preferentially charged among uncharged power storage units of three or more power storage units that are adjacent to each other directly or via another member Process,
A charge control step for controlling the charging circuit to preferentially charge the power storage unit selected in the selection step, and
Further, the selecting step is characterized in that, among the uncharged power storage units of the plurality of power storage units, the power storage unit having the largest number of adjacent uncharged power storage units is selected as the power storage unit to be preferentially charged. Charging method.

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