control device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of control device of the energy efficiency of vehicle is improved.Control device (60) is the control device (60) of vehicle (1) that engine (11), first motor generator (21) (generator) can utilize the power output from engine (11) and be connected via planetary gear mechanism (31) with the second motor generator (23) (driving motor) linked to driving wheel (33), the control device has control unit by controlling the action of first motor generator (21) and second motor generator (23) to control the operating point of engine (11), control unit changes the fuel consumption characteristic of engine (11) based on the driving characteristic information indicating the past driving characteristic of the driver of vehicle (1), and the operating point of engine (11) is controlled based on fuel consumption characteristic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, hybrid vehicles equipped with an engine and a drive motor as power sources have been widely used. In such vehicles, the engine, a generator capable of generating electricity using power output from the engine, and a drive motor connected to the drive wheels are connected via a planetary gear mechanism as a power splitting mechanism (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The planetary gear mechanism splits the power output from the engine and transmits it to the generator and the drive motor.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-116153 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] In the aforementioned hybrid vehicles, the engine speed and torque can be controlled by controlling the operation of the generator and the drive motor. In other words, the engine's operating point can be controlled. This improves energy efficiency, including vehicle fuel consumption. However, driving style can vary depending on the driver. Therefore, depending on the driver, there are cases where the vehicle's energy efficiency is not adequately improved.

[0008] Therefore, in view of such issues, the present invention aims to provide a control device that can improve the energy efficiency of a vehicle.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] To solve the above problems, the control device of the present invention is a vehicle control device that is connected to an engine, a generator capable of generating electricity using power output from the engine, and a drive motor connected to the drive wheels via a planetary gear mechanism. The control device includes a control unit that controls the engine's operating point by controlling the operation of the generator and the drive motor. The control unit changes the engine's fuel consumption characteristics based on driving characteristic information representing the driver's past driving characteristics, and controls the engine's operating point based on the fuel consumption characteristics.

[0011] Driving characteristics can include the history of the vehicle's output.

[0012] Driving characteristics can include the engine's RPM history.

[0013] Driving characteristic information can be stored for each driver, and the control unit can adjust the engine's fuel consumption characteristics based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to each driver.

[0014] Driving characteristic information can be stored according to the weekday in which the vehicle is driven, and the control unit can change the engine's fuel consumption characteristics based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to the weekday.

[0015] Technical effect

[0016] According to the present invention, the energy efficiency of vehicles can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a nomogram showing the relationship between the rotational speeds of the engine, the first electric generator, and the second electric generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is the first instance in the history of vehicle output.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the action lines determined for the first candidate BSFC diagram in the case of the first example of the output history.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the action lines determined for the second candidate BSFC diagram in the case of the first example of the output history.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the action lines determined for the third candidate BSFC diagram in the case of the first example of the output history.

[0025] Figure 9 This is the second example in the history of vehicle output.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the action lines determined for the first candidate BSFC diagram in the case of the second example of the output history.

[0027] Figure 11This is a diagram showing the action lines determined for the second candidate BSFC diagram in the case of the output history being the second example.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the action lines determined for the third candidate BSFC diagram in the case of the second example of the output history.

[0029] Figure 13 This is the third instance in the history of vehicle output.

[0030] Figure 14 This is another example of a diagram used to illustrate the evaluation of the energy efficiency of the action line for a candidate BSFC diagram.

[0031] Symbol Explanation

[0032] 1 vehicle

[0033] 11 Engine

[0034] 21. First electric generator (generator)

[0035] 22 First Converter

[0036] 23 Second electric generator (drive motor)

[0037] 24 Second Converter

[0038] 25 batteries

[0039] 31 Planetary Gear Mechanism

[0040] 33 drive wheels

[0041] 41 Display device

[0042] 51 Vehicle speed sensor

[0043] 52 Engine RPM Sensor

[0044] 53 Slope Sensor

[0045] 60 Control device

[0046] 61 Acquisition Department

[0047] 62 Control Department

[0048] 62a Engine Control Unit

[0049] 62b Motor Control Unit

[0050] 62c Display Control Unit

[0051] 63 Storage Department Detailed Implementation

[0052] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless specifically indicated. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same function or structure are labeled with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.

[0053] <Vehicle Composition>

[0054] Reference Figures 1-3 The configuration of vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the simplified structure of vehicle 1. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 includes an engine 11, a first electric generator 21, a first converter 22, a second electric generator 23, a second converter 24, a battery 25, a planetary gear mechanism 31, a gear set 32, a drive wheel 33, a display device 41, a vehicle speed sensor 51, an engine speed sensor 52, a slope sensor 53, and a control device 60. The planetary gear mechanism 31 includes a sun gear 31a, a planet carrier 31b, and a ring gear 31c. The first electric generator 21, the first converter 22, the second electric generator 23, and the second converter 24 are respectively connected to... Figure 1 The first MG, first INV, second MG, and second INV correspond to each other.

[0056] It should be noted that the first electric generator 21 is an example of the generator of the present invention. Furthermore, the second electric generator 23 is an example of the drive motor of the present invention.

[0057] Engine 11 uses gasoline or the like as fuel to generate power. Engine 11 outputs power to drive drive wheels 33. It should be noted that the power output from engine 11 is also used to generate electricity for the first electric generator 21. The crankshaft, which serves as the output shaft of engine 11, is connected to the planet carrier 31b of the planetary gear mechanism 31.

[0058] The first electric generator 21 is, for example, a three-phase AC motor, and is connected to the battery 25 via a first converter 22. The first electric generator 21 can generate electricity using power output from the engine 11. The electricity generated by the first electric generator 21 is supplied to the battery 25 via the first converter 22. Thus, the battery 25 is charged. It should be noted that the first electric generator 21 can also be driven and output power using electricity from the battery 25. The output shaft of the first electric generator 21 is connected to the sun gear 31a of the planetary gear mechanism 31.

[0059] The second electric generator 23 is, for example, a three-phase AC motor, and is connected to the battery 25 via a second converter 24. The second electric generator 23 is driven by the power from the battery 25 and outputs power to drive the drive wheels 33. It should be noted that the second electric generator 23 can also regenerate electricity using the kinetic energy of the drive wheels 33 when the vehicle 1 decelerates. The electricity generated by the second electric generator 23 is supplied to the battery 25 via the second converter 24. Thus, the battery 25 is charged. The output shaft of the second electric generator 23 is connected to the ring gear 31c of the planetary gear mechanism 31.

[0060] As described above, the engine 11, the first electric generator 21, and the second electric generator 23 are connected via a planetary gear mechanism 31. The planetary gear mechanism 31 is a power splitting mechanism that divides and transmits the power output from the engine 11 to the first electric generator 21 and the second electric generator 23. In the planetary gear mechanism 31, the ring gear 31c is concentrically arranged on the outer periphery relative to the sun gear 31a. The planet carrier 31b supports a plurality of planetary gears that mesh with the sun gear 31a and the ring gear 31c, allowing them to rotate freely on their own axis and revolve freely around the sun gear 31a.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a nomogram showing the relationship between the revolutions of engine 11, first electric generator 21, and second electric generator 23. (Example) Figure 2 As shown in the nomogram, with the vertical axes representing the revolutions of the first electric generator 21 (i.e., the revolutions of the sun gear 31a), the revolutions of the engine 11 (i.e., the revolutions of the planetary carrier 31b), and the revolutions of the second electric generator 23 (i.e., the revolutions of the ring gear 31c) arranged side-by-side in this order, the revolutions of the engine 11, the first electric generator 21, and the second electric generator 23 are in a linear parallel relationship. The ratio of the interval d1 between the vertical axes representing the revolutions of the first electric generator 21 and the engine 11, and the ratio of the interval d2 between the vertical axes representing the revolutions of the engine 11 and the second electric generator 23, is consistent with the ratio of the number of teeth of the ring gear 31c to the number of teeth of the sun gear 31a.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the second electric generator 23 is connected to the drive wheel 33. Specifically, the output shaft of the second electric generator 23 is connected to the drive wheel 33 via a gear set 32. The gear set 32 ​​includes multiple gears. Power output from the engine 11 and power output from the second electric generator 23 are transmitted to the drive wheel 33 via the gear set 32. It should be noted that the drive wheel 33 can be either the front wheel or the rear wheel. Alternatively, the drive wheel 33 can be both the front and rear wheels. In this case, the power output from the output side of the gear set 32 ​​is transmitted to both the front and rear wheels.

[0063] As described above, vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine 11 and a second electric generator 23 as its drive sources. Therefore, vehicle 1 can switch between HEV mode, EV mode, and engine driving mode. The HEV mode is a mode in which the vehicle operates using power output from both the engine 11 and the second electric generator 23. The EV mode is a mode in which the engine 11 is stopped and the vehicle operates using power output from the second electric generator 23. The engine driving mode is a mode in which the vehicle operates using only power output from the engine 11.

[0064] Display device 41 is a device for visually displaying information. For example, a multi-function display (MFD) can be used as display device 41. The multi-function display shows various information such as fuel consumption and driving range of vehicle 1.

[0065] The vehicle speed sensor 51 detects the vehicle speed as the speed of vehicle 1 and outputs it to the control device 60.

[0066] The engine speed sensor 52 detects the speed of the engine 11 and outputs it to the control device 60.

[0067] The slope sensor 53 detects the slope of the driving route of the vehicle 1 and outputs it to the control device 60. As the slope sensor 53, an acceleration sensor, for example, can be used.

[0068] The control device 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic processing device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage element that stores programs and / or arithmetic parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a storage element that temporarily stores parameters that change appropriately during CPU execution.

[0069] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control device 60. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the control device 60 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 61, a control unit 62, and a storage unit 63.

[0070] The acquisition unit 61 acquires various information used in the processing performed by the control unit 62. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 61 outputs the acquired information to the control unit 62 and the storage unit 63. For example, the acquisition unit 61 acquires information from the vehicle speed sensor 51, the engine speed sensor 52, and the slope sensor 53.

[0071] The control unit 62 controls the operation of various devices within the vehicle 1. For example, the control unit 62 includes an engine control unit 62a, a motor control unit 62b, and a display control unit 62c.

[0072] The engine control unit 62a controls the operation of the engine 11. Specifically, the engine control unit 62a controls the throttle opening, ignition timing, and fuel injection quantity by controlling the operation of various devices in the engine 11. Thus, the engine control unit 62a can control the output of the engine 11.

[0073] The motor control unit 62b controls the operation of the first electric generator 21 and the second electric generator 23. Specifically, the motor control unit 62b controls the power supply between the first electric generator 21 and the battery 25 by controlling the operation of the switching element of the first converter 22. Thus, the motor control unit 62b can control the generation and power generation of the first electric generator 21. Furthermore, the motor control unit 62b controls the power supply between the second electric generator 23 and the battery 25 by controlling the operation of the switching element of the second converter 24. Thus, the motor control unit 62b can control the generation and power generation of the second electric generator 23.

[0074] The display control unit 62c controls the operation of the display device 41. Specifically, the display control unit 62c displays various information on the display device 41 or stops the display device from displaying. As a result, various information can be communicated to the driver.

[0075] The storage unit 63 stores various information used in the processing performed by the control unit 62.

[0076] For example, storage unit 63 stores multiple BSFC charts representing the distribution of Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) [g / kWh]. In the BSFC chart, the distribution of the effective fuel consumption rate is shown on a plane with engine speed [rpm] as the horizontal axis and engine torque [Nm] as the vertical axis. The multiple BSFC charts stored in storage unit 63 correspond to candidate BSFC charts described later. Storage unit 63 specifically stores the BSFC chart used by control unit 62 among the multiple BSFC charts as the used BSFC chart.

[0077] Additionally, for example, storage unit 63 stores target action lines corresponding to the BSFC diagram. The target action line is an action line that serves as the control target, obtained by connecting the action points of the engine 11 on the BSFC diagram. The action point is a point on a plane such as the BSFC diagram, where engine speed is the horizontal axis and engine torque is the vertical axis, representing the engine speed and engine torque.

[0078] Additionally, for example, the storage unit 63 stores driving characteristic information representing the past driving characteristics of the driver of vehicle 1. This driving characteristic information may be information obtained from sensors within vehicle 1, such as vehicle speed sensor 51, engine speed sensor 52, and slope sensor 53; it may also be information generated by the control unit 62; or it may be information transmitted to vehicle 1 from outside the vehicle. The driving characteristic information will be described in detail later.

[0079] Here, the control unit 62 can change the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11. The control unit 62 (specifically, the engine control unit 62a) can change the fuel consumption characteristics (i.e., the characteristics of the effective fuel consumption rate) by controlling the operation of various devices in the engine 11. The control unit 62 can change the fuel consumption characteristics by performing, for example, controlling the compression ratio of the cylinders of the engine 11, controlling the opening and closing timing of the intake and exhaust valves, or controlling cylinder deactivation. The control unit 62 changes the fuel consumption characteristics to make the distribution of the effective fuel consumption rate conform to the distribution shown in the BSFC diagram. Therefore, if the BSFC diagram stored in the storage unit 63 is rewritten, the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 are switched.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 62 controls the operating point of the engine 11 based on the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11. The control unit 62 controls the operating point of the engine 11 in a manner that aligns with the target operating line corresponding to the BSFC diagram. Therefore, if the target operating line stored in the storage unit 63 is rewritten, the actual operating line aligning with the operating point of the engine 11 changes. The control unit 62 can control the operating point of the engine 11 by controlling the operation of the first electric generator 21 and the second electric generator 23. As described above, the revolutions of the engine 11, the first electric generator 21, and the second electric generator 23 are linearly parallel on the nomogram. Therefore, the control unit 62 can control the operating point of the engine 11 by controlling, for example, the revolutions of the first electric generator 21 and the second electric generator 23, thereby controlling the revolutions of the engine 11.

[0081] As described above, the control device 60 communicates with various devices within the vehicle 1. Communication between the control device 60 and these devices is achieved using, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) communication.

[0082] It should be noted that the functions of the control device 60 in this embodiment can be shared by multiple control devices, or multiple functions can be implemented by a single control device. When the functions of the control device 60 are shared by multiple control devices, these multiple control devices can be connected to each other via a communication bus such as CAN.

[0083] As described above, the control unit 62 of the control device 60 controls the operating point of the engine 11 based on the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11. Here, the control unit 62 changes the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 based on driving characteristic information representing the past driving characteristics of the driver of the vehicle 1. As a result, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 1 can be improved. Such processing performed by the control device 60 will be described in detail later.

[0084] <Action of the control device>

[0085] Reference Figures 4 to 14 The operation of the control device 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0086] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the control device 60. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The control flow shown is repeatedly started, for example, after it ends, at predetermined time intervals.

[0087] If start Figure 4 The control flow shown first involves the control unit 62 determining, in step S101, whether the power system of vehicle 1 is off. If, for example, a signal indicating "Ready OFF" is output from the ignition switch, the control unit 62 determines that the power system is off. If the power system is determined to be off (step S101 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S102. Conversely, if the power system is determined not to be off (step S101 / No), Figure 4 The control flow shown has ended.

[0088] If the determination is yes in step S101, in step S102, the control unit 62 determines the action lines of each candidate BSFC diagram based on the driving characteristic information. The candidate BSFC diagram is, for example, a BSFC diagram stored in the storage unit 63.

[0089] As described above, driving characteristic information represents the past driving characteristics of the driver of vehicle 1. Hereinafter, an example of using the history of vehicle 1's output will be explained as a driving characteristic. However, as will be stated later, driving characteristics are not limited to this example.

[0090] Additionally, the following is a candidate BSFC diagram, for the use of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 (refer to...). Figure 6 or Figure 10 ), Second candidate BSFC diagram M2 (refer to) Figure 7 or Figure 11 ), and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3 (refer to Figure 8 or Figure 12These three examples of candidate BSFC charts are used for illustration. However, the number of candidate BSFC charts and the distribution of effective fuel consumption rates shown by candidate BSFC charts are not limited to these examples.

[0091] Figure 5 This is the first instance in the history of vehicle 1's output. Figure 5 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the output of vehicle 1, and the vertical axis represents the work done based on the output of vehicle 1. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The output of the horizontal axis is the output of the vehicle 1 as a whole (e.g., the sum of the output of the engine 11 and the output of the second electric generator 23). Figure 5 The output history shown is the history of outputs over a predetermined period in the past. The predetermined period is not specifically limited, for example, about one month in the past. Figure 5 The driving characteristics shown can be derived from, for example, information representing the frequencies of each output for vehicle 1. Figure 5 The first example shown is equivalent to the output history under the hypothetical condition of a normal driver.

[0092] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 This shows the history of the output. Figure 5 In the first example shown, the action lines L1, L2, and L3 are determined for the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3, respectively.

[0093] The candidate BSFC diagrams M1, M2, and M3 show contour lines representing effective fuel consumption rates, with the effective fuel consumption rate decreasing closer to the center of the contour line. In the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, compared to the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the effective fuel consumption rate is lower on both the low-speed and low-torque sides. In the third candidate BSFC diagram M3, compared to the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the effective fuel consumption rate is lower on both the high-speed and high-torque sides.

[0094] For the history of output Figure 5 The process of determining the action line L1 of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 in the first example shown will be explained.

[0095] First, the control unit 62 is based on Figure 5 The history of the outputs shown determines the representative outputs. For example, control unit 62 in Figure 5In the output history shown, three output ranges R1, R2, and R3 are defined. These three output ranges R1, R2, and R3 are output ranges centered on a weighted average of the outputs obtained by weighting the outputs by the amount of work done. Output ranges R1, R2, and R3, for example, encompass 30%, 80%, and 90% of the total work done, respectively. Control unit 62 defines the lower limit of output range R1 as representative output P1 and the upper limit of output range R1 as representative output P2. Control unit 62 defines the lower limit of output range R2 as representative output P3 and the upper limit of output range R2 as representative output P4. Control unit 62 defines the lower limit of output range R3 as representative output P5 and the upper limit of output range R3 as representative output P6.

[0096] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 62 extracts the operating points D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 where the effective fuel consumption rate is lowest from the curves representing outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 on the first candidate BSFC chart M1. Then, the control unit 62 determines the operating line L1 by passing through the operating points D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 on the first candidate BSFC chart M1. In the first example, in the first candidate BSFC chart M1, the curves representing outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 all pass through the portion indicated by the contour line of the effective fuel consumption rate (i.e., the portion where the effective fuel consumption rate is lower throughout the chart). Therefore, the operating line L1 is determined for the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 where the effective fuel consumption rate is lower.

[0097] It should be noted that the methods and number of representative outputs are not limited to the examples above. Therefore, the methods and number of action points used to determine action line L1 are also not limited to the examples above.

[0098] The history of the output of the control unit 62 is as follows Figure 5 In the first example shown, action lines L2 and L3 are determined for the second candidate BSFC diagram M2 and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3 respectively through the same process as described above.

[0099] like Figure 7As shown, the control unit 62 extracts the operating points D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6, which represent the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 respectively, from the second candidate BSFC diagram M2. Then, the control unit 62 determines the operating line L2 such that it passes through the operating points D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 on the second candidate BSFC diagram M2. In the first example, in the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, only a portion of the curves representing the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 passes through the contour line representing the effective fuel consumption rate. Therefore, among the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, the operating point with the lowest effective fuel consumption rate is selected. Figure 6 The effective fuel consumption rate of the example is used to determine the action line L2.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, on the third candidate BSFC diagram M3, the control unit 62 extracts the operating points D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 where the effective fuel consumption rate is lowest from each curve representing outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6. Then, the control unit 62 determines the operating line L3 such that it passes through the operating points D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 on the third candidate BSFC diagram M3. In the first example, in the third candidate BSFC diagram M3, only a portion of the curves representing outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 passes through the portion shown by the contour line of the effective fuel consumption rate. Therefore, among the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, the operating point with the lowest effective fuel consumption rate is selected. Figure 6 The effective fuel consumption rate of the example is used to determine the action line L3.

[0101] Figure 9 This is the second instance in the history of vehicle output. Figure 9 In, with Figure 5 Similarly, the horizontal axis represents the output of vehicle 1, and the vertical axis represents the work done based on the output of vehicle 1. Additionally, in Figure 9 In the middle, dashed lines are used to show Figure 5 The output history is shown. Compared to a regular driver, Figure 9 The second example shown corresponds to the output history under the hypothetical scenario of a driver who frequently drives on the low torque side. Examples of drivers who frequently drive on the low torque side include, for instance, drivers who mostly engage in urban driving.

[0102] Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 This shows the history of the output. Figure 9In the second example shown, the action lines L1', L2', and L3' determined for the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3, respectively.

[0103] The history of the output of the control unit 62 is as follows Figure 9 In the second example shown, the same process as in the first example above is used to determine the action lines L1', L2', and L3' for the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3, respectively.

[0104] First, the control unit 62 is based on Figure 9 The history of the outputs shown determines the representative outputs. For example, similar to the first example, control unit 62 in... Figure 9 In the output history shown, the ranges containing 30%, 80%, and 90% of the total work done are defined as output ranges R1', R2', and R3', respectively. Control unit 62 defines the lower limit of output range R1' as representative output P1' and the upper limit of output range R1' as representative output P2'. Control unit 62 defines the lower limit of output range R2' as representative output P3' and the upper limit of output range R2' as representative output P4'. Control unit 62 defines the lower limit of output range R3' as representative output P5' and the upper limit of output range R3' as representative output P6'.

[0105] like Figure 10 As shown, the control unit 62 extracts the operating points D1', D2', D3', D4', D5', and D6' where the effective fuel consumption rate is lowest from the curves representing outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6' on the first candidate BSFC diagram M1. Then, the control unit 62 determines the operating line L1' in a manner that passes through the operating points D1', D2', D3', D4', D5', and D6' on the first candidate BSFC diagram M1. In the second example, in the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, none of the curves representing outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6' pass through the portion shown by the contour line of the effective fuel consumption rate. Therefore, among the outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6', the one where the effective fuel consumption rate becomes higher than described later... Figure 11 The effective fuel consumption rate of the example is used to determine the action line L1'.

[0106] like Figure 11As shown, the control unit 62 extracts the operating points D1', D2', D3', D4', D5', and D6' where the effective fuel consumption rate is lowest from the curves representing outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6' on the second candidate BSFC diagram M2. Then, the control unit 62 determines the operating line L2' by passing through the operating points D1', D2', D3', D4', D5', and D6' on the second candidate BSFC diagram M2. In the second example, in the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, all the curves representing outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6' pass through the portion shown by the contour line of the effective fuel consumption rate. Therefore, among the outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6', the operating line L2' is determined in a manner where the effective fuel consumption rate is lower.

[0107] like Figure 12 As shown, on the third candidate BSFC diagram M3, the control unit 62 extracts the operating points D1', D2', D3', D4', D5', and D6' where the effective fuel consumption rate is lowest from the curves representing outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6'. Then, the control unit 62 determines the operating line L3' in a manner that passes through the operating points D1', D2', D3', D4', D5', and D6' on the third candidate BSFC diagram M3. In the second example, on the third candidate BSFC diagram M3, the curves representing outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6' do not pass through the portion shown by the contour line of the effective fuel consumption rate. Therefore, among the outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6', the one where the effective fuel consumption rate becomes higher than... Figure 11 The effective fuel consumption rate method for example determines the action line L3'.

[0108] Figure 13 This is the third instance in the history of vehicle output. In Figure 13 In, with Figure 5 Similarly, the horizontal axis represents the output of vehicle 1, and the vertical axis represents the work done based on the output of vehicle 1. Additionally, in Figure 13 In the middle, dashed lines are used to show Figure 5 The output history is shown. Compared to a regular driver, Figure 13 The third example shown corresponds to the output history under the hypothetical scenario of a driver who frequently drives on the high torque side. Examples of drivers who frequently drive on the high torque side include, for example, drivers who mostly drive on highways or slopes.

[0109] The history of the output of the control unit 62 is as follows Figure 13In the third example shown, the action lines are determined for the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3 through the same process as in the first and second examples described above. Since this is the same as the examples above, a detailed explanation of the process for determining the action lines for each candidate BSFC diagram is omitted.

[0110] In the third example, in the third candidate BSFC chart M3, the curves representing the output mostly pass through the portion indicated by the contour lines of the effective fuel consumption rate. Therefore, in the representative output, the operating line is determined in a manner where the effective fuel consumption rate is lower. On the other hand, compared to the third candidate BSFC chart M3, in the first candidate BSFC chart M1 and the second candidate BSFC chart M2, the number of curves representing the output that pass through the portion indicated by the contour lines of the effective fuel consumption rate is less. Therefore, in the representative output, the operating line is determined in a manner where the effective fuel consumption rate is higher than that in the third candidate BSFC chart M3.

[0111] exist Figure 4 In the next step of step S102, in step S103, the control unit 62 evaluates energy efficiency based on the action lines of each candidate BSFC diagram.

[0112] For example, the control unit 62 calculates the average energy efficiency of each representative output using numerical analytical simulation for the action lines of each candidate BSFC diagram. In the numerical analytical simulation, fuel consumption, electricity consumption, and mechanical losses in the drive system are included to calculate the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle 1. Therefore, from the viewpoint of accurately calculating the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle 1, it is preferable to include electricity consumption in addition to fuel consumption when evaluating the energy efficiency of the action lines.

[0113] Explanation for Figure 5 The output history shown is an evaluation of the energy efficiency of the action lines of each candidate BSFC diagram in the first example. It should be noted that, due to... Figure 5 The first example shown is the same, so for Figure 9 The second example of the output history shown is... Figure 13 The processing of energy efficiency evaluation in the third example of the output history shown is omitted.

[0114] For example, control unit 62 targets Figure 6 The energy efficiency of each operating point (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) on the operating line L1 of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 is calculated. Then, the control unit 62 determines the average value of the energy efficiency calculated for each operating point as the energy efficiency evaluation value of the operating line L1 of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1. Similarly, the control unit 62 determines... Figure 7 The energy efficiency evaluation value of the action line L2 of the second candidate BSFC diagram M2 shown, and Figure 8The energy efficiency evaluation value of the action line L3 of the third candidate BSFC diagram M3 shown.

[0115] exist Figure 4 In the next step after step S103, in step S104, the control unit 62 determines the BSFC diagram and target action line to be used based on the energy efficiency evaluation results. The BSFC diagram to be used is selected from multiple candidate BSFC diagrams.

[0116] For example, the control unit 62 determines the candidate BSFC diagram, which includes the action line with the highest energy efficiency evaluation value determined in step S103, as the BSFC diagram to be used. Furthermore, the control unit 62 determines the action line of the candidate BSFC diagram that has been determined as the BSFC diagram to be used as the target action line.

[0117] As mentioned above, in Figure 5 In the first example of the output history shown, in the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the operating line L1 is determined such that the effective fuel consumption rate representing outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 is lower than the effective fuel consumption rate of the second candidate BSFC diagram M2 and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3. Therefore, the energy efficiency evaluation value of the operating line L1 of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 is higher than the energy efficiency evaluation values ​​of the operating line L2 of the second candidate BSFC diagram M2 and the operating line L3 of the third candidate BSFC diagram M3. Therefore, the control unit 62 determines the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 as the BSFC diagram to be used from among the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3. In addition, the control unit 62 determines the operating line L1 as the target operating line.

[0118] As mentioned above, in Figure 9 In the second example of the output history shown, in the second candidate BSFC diagram M2, the operating line L2' is determined such that the effective fuel consumption rates representing outputs P1', P2', P3', P4', P5', and P6' are lower than the effective fuel consumption rates of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 and the third candidate BSFC diagram M3. Therefore, the energy efficiency evaluation value of the operating line L2' of the second candidate BSFC diagram M2 is higher than the energy efficiency evaluation values ​​of the operating line L1' of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 and the operating line L3' of the third candidate BSFC diagram M3. Therefore, the control unit 62 determines the second candidate BSFC diagram M2 as the BSFC diagram to be used. In addition, the control unit 62 determines the operating line L2' as the target operating line.

[0119] As mentioned above, in Figure 13In the third example of the output history shown, the operating line in the third candidate BSFC diagram M3 is determined such that the effective fuel consumption rate representing the output is lower than the effective fuel consumption rate of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 and the second candidate BSFC diagram M2. Therefore, the energy efficiency evaluation value of the operating line of the third candidate BSFC diagram M3 is higher than the energy efficiency evaluation values ​​of the operating lines of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 and the second candidate BSFC diagram M2. Therefore, the control unit 62 determines the third candidate BSFC diagram M3 as the BSFC diagram to be used. In addition, the control unit 62 determines the operating line of the third candidate BSFC diagram M3 as the target operating line.

[0120] exist Figure 4 In the next step after step S104, in step S105, the control unit 62 rewrites the BSFC diagram and target action line stored in the storage unit 63 with the BSFC diagram and target action line determined in step S104. As a result, the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 are switched so that the distribution of the effective fuel consumption rate becomes the distribution shown in the rewritten BSFC diagram. Furthermore, the path of the engine 11's operating points is changed so as to traverse the rewritten target action line.

[0121] Next, in step S106, the control unit 62 determines whether the power system of vehicle 1 has been turned on. If, for example, a signal indicating "Ready ON" is output from the ignition switch, the control unit 62 determines that the power system has been turned on. If the power system is determined to be turned on (step S106 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the power system is determined not to be turned on (step S106 / No), step S106 is repeated.

[0122] If the determination is yes in step S106, in step S107, the control unit 62 notifies the driver of the rewritten results of the BSFC diagram and the target motion line. Figure 4 The control flow shown ends. For example, the control unit 62 causes the display device 41 to display the rewritten result using the BSFC diagram and the target action line.

[0123] As described above, the control unit 62 of the control device 60 changes the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 based on driving characteristic information representing the past driving characteristics of the driver of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 can be changed according to the driver's specific driving style. For example, if the driver of the vehicle 1 mainly drives in urban areas, a second candidate BSFC chart M2, where the effective fuel consumption rate is lower on the low-speed and low-torque sides, can be used as the BSFC chart. Furthermore, for example, if the driver of the vehicle 1 mainly drives on highways or slopes, a third candidate BSFC chart M3, where the effective fuel consumption rate is lower on the high-speed and high-torque sides, can be used as the BSFC chart. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 1 can be improved according to the driving characteristics of each driver.

[0124] As described above, in evaluating the energy efficiency of motion lines for each candidate BSFC diagram, the energy efficiency of the motion line is evaluated based on the energy efficiency of the motion points on the motion line. However, in addition to the motion points on the motion line, the control unit 62 can also evaluate the energy efficiency of the motion line using motion points near the motion line.

[0125] Figure 14 This is another example of a graph used to illustrate the evaluation of the energy efficiency of the action line for a candidate BSFC graph. Figure 14 As an example, it is shown in the text. Figure 6 The first candidate BSFC diagram M1 shows motion points D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 on motion line L1, and motion points D11-D16, D21-D26, D31-D36, and D41-D46 near motion line L1. Referring below... Figure 14 This indicates that it is aimed at Figure 5 Other examples of energy efficiency evaluation of the first candidate BSFC graph M1 action line L1 in the first example of the output history shown.

[0126] For example, the control unit 62 extracts the intersection points between the action line L11, which moves the action line L1 towards the high torque side by only a predetermined torque, and the curves representing the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, as action points D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, and D16, respectively. Furthermore, the control unit 62 extracts the intersection points between the action line L12, which moves the action line L11 further towards the high torque side by only a predetermined torque, and the curves representing the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, as action points D21, D22, D23, D24, D25, and D26, respectively. Furthermore, the control unit 62 extracts the intersection points between the action line L13, which moves the action line L1 towards the low torque side by only a predetermined torque, and the curves representing the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, as action points D31, D32, D33, D34, D35, and D36, respectively. Additionally, the control unit 62 extracts the intersection points between the action line L14, which moves the action line L13 further towards the low torque side by only a predetermined torque, and the curves representing the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, as action points D41, D42, D43, D44, D45, and D46, respectively.

[0127] Then, in addition to the action points D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 on the action line L1 of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1, the control unit 62 also calculates the energy efficiency for action points D11-D16, D21-D26, D31-D36, and D41-D46. The control unit 62 extracts the action point with the highest energy efficiency from the five action points on each curve representing the outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, and determines the average energy efficiency of the six action points extracted from each curve as the evaluation value of the energy efficiency of the action line L1 of the first candidate BSFC diagram M1.

[0128] When the first candidate BSFC diagram M1 is selected as the BSFC diagram, the control unit 62 determines the target action line as the action line that extracts one action point from each of the curves representing representative outputs P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6. For example, in the numerical analysis simulation of energy efficiency, the result is that electricity consumption is included in addition to fuel consumption, and in any representative output, there is a case where the energy efficiency of the action points on the action lines other than action line L1 becomes the highest. In this case, the action line obtained by replacing a portion of the action points on action line L1 with action points on other action lines is determined as the target action line. This further improves energy efficiency.

[0129] As described above, the driving lines of each candidate BSFC diagram are determined based on driving characteristic information, and the BSFC diagram to be used and the target driving line are determined based on the energy efficiency evaluation results of the driving lines of each candidate BSFC diagram. However, the control unit 62 can determine the BSFC diagram to be used and the target driving line based on driving characteristic information without performing the processing of determining the driving lines of each candidate BSFC diagram or the energy efficiency evaluation processing of the driving lines of each candidate BSFC diagram.

[0130] For example, control unit 62 can be based on Figure 5 , Figure 9 or Figure 13 The weighted average of the outputs in the history shown, weighted by the amount of work done, is used to select and determine the BSFC chart to be used from the candidate BSFC charts. It should be noted that in this case, the control unit 62 only needs to appropriately determine the target operating line in a way that passes through the operating point with the lowest possible effective fuel consumption rate on the determined BSFC chart. For example, similar to the example above, the control unit 62 can determine the target operating line in a way that passes through the operating point with the lowest effective fuel consumption rate on each curve representing the output. However, the process of determining the target operating line is not limited to the above example.

[0131] As described above, an example of using information representing the history of vehicle 1's outputs has been illustrated as driving characteristic information. That is, driving characteristics can include the history of vehicle 1's outputs. Furthermore, driving characteristics can include driving characteristics other than the history of vehicle 1's outputs.

[0132] Driving characteristics may also include, for example, the history of engine 11's revolutions per minute (RPM). As a history of engine 11's RPM, examples include, for instance, the frequency of each engine RPM.

[0133] For example, when a driver is driving primarily on hilly city streets, the driving characteristic information shows a tendency for the engine to operate at lower RPMs and higher torque levels compared to a regular driver. In such cases, the control unit 62 uses a candidate BSFC (Power Stewardship Function) chart, which shows a lower effective fuel consumption rate on the low RPM side and higher torque side, as the applicable BSFC chart based on the driving characteristic information indicating the engine RPM history. Therefore, even when the driver of vehicle 1 is primarily driving on hilly city streets, the energy efficiency of vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0134] Furthermore, for example, in the case of vehicle 1 being a campervan, driving is mostly done with luggage towed. In this situation, compared to a normal driver, the driving characteristic information shows a tendency for driving frequency to increase on the high torque side while maintaining the same engine speed. In such cases, the control unit 62 uses a candidate BSFC chart, which shows a lower effective fuel consumption rate on the mid-speed side and a lower effective fuel consumption rate on the high torque side, as the applicable BSFC chart based on the driving characteristic information indicating the history of engine speed 11's speed. As a result, even in situations where the driver of vehicle 1 mostly drives with luggage towed, the energy efficiency of vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0135] It should be noted that driving characteristics may include various characteristics other than the output history of vehicle 1 or the engine speed history of engine 11. For example, driving characteristics may include the speed history of vehicle 1 or the gradient history of the driving route. It should be noted that driving characteristic information may represent multiple driving characteristics or a single driving characteristic. As examples of information representing multiple driving characteristics, information representing both the output history of vehicle 1 and the engine speed history of engine 11 are listed.

[0136] As mentioned above, refer to Figure 4 The processing related to changes in the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 performed by the control unit 62 will be described. However, the processing performed by the control unit 62 is not limited to the examples described above; for example, processing not mentioned above may also be performed.

[0137] For example, considering that when vehicle 1 is shared by multiple drivers, there may be situations where the driver changes, the storage unit 63 can store driving characteristic information for each driver. In this case, the control unit 62 can change the fuel consumption characteristics of engine 11 based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to each driver. Thus, even when the driver changes, the energy efficiency of vehicle 1 can be appropriately improved.

[0138] It should be noted that the identification of the driver in vehicle 1 can be achieved, for example, through input operations by the driver using an input device, or by using a detection device that detects whether any driver is currently in the vehicle. Examples of such detection devices include, for instance, devices capable of image processing of images obtained by capturing images of the driver's face.

[0139] Furthermore, considering situations where a driver's driving style varies depending on the day of the week, such as increased city driving for commuting on weekdays and increased highway or hilly driving for leisure trips on weekends, the storage unit 63 can store driving characteristic information for the day of the week in which the vehicle 1 is driven. In this case, the control unit 62 can adjust the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to the day of the week. For example, the control unit 62 can adjust the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 based on the different driving characteristic information for weekdays and weekends. Thus, even when the driver's driving style varies depending on the day of the week, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 1 can be appropriately improved.

[0140] It should be noted that the control unit 62 can also vary the driving characteristic information based on various other information besides the information mentioned above. For example, the driving characteristic information can also be stored for season, month, weather, or temperature, and the control unit 62 can change the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to the season, month, weather, or temperature.

[0141] <Effects of the Control Device>

[0142] Next, the effects of the control device 60 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0143] In the control device 60 of this embodiment, the control unit 62 changes the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 based on driving characteristic information representing the past driving characteristics of the driver of the vehicle 1, and controls the operating point of the engine 11 based on the fuel consumption characteristics. Therefore, the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 can be changed according to the driver's specific driving style. Thus, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0144] Furthermore, in the control device 60 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the driving characteristics include the history of the vehicle 1's output. Therefore, the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 can be changed according to the output tendency corresponding to the driver's driving style. Thus, since the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 can be appropriately changed according to the driver's specific driving style, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 1 can be appropriately improved.

[0145] Furthermore, in the control device 60 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the driving characteristics include the history of the engine 11's revolutions per minute (RPM). This allows the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 to be changed according to the tendency of the engine RPM corresponding to the driver's driving style. Therefore, since the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 can be appropriately changed according to the driver's specific driving style, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 1 can be appropriately improved.

[0146] Furthermore, in the control device 60 of this embodiment, it is preferable to store driving characteristic information for each driver, and the control unit 62 changes the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to each driver. Therefore, even if the driver changes, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 1 can be appropriately improved.

[0147] Furthermore, in the control device 60 of this embodiment, it is preferable to store driving characteristic information according to the weekday in which the vehicle 1 is driven, and the control unit 62 changes the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine 11 based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to the weekday. Therefore, even if the driver's driving style varies depending on the weekday, the energy efficiency of the vehicle 1 can be appropriately improved.

[0148] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control device, characterized in that, It is a vehicle control device that connects an engine, a generator capable of generating electricity using the power output from the engine, and a drive motor connected to the drive wheels via a planetary gear mechanism. The control device includes a control unit that controls the operating point of the engine by controlling the actions of the generator and the drive motor. The control unit determines the action line of the candidate BSFC diagram based on driving characteristic information representing the past driving characteristics of the vehicle's driver, and selects the candidate BSFC diagram with the action line that includes the highest energy efficiency evaluation value from among the multiple candidate BSFC diagrams as the BSFC diagram to be used. The distribution of the effective fuel consumption rate becomes the distribution shown in the BSFC diagram to change the fuel consumption characteristics of the engine, and controls the engine's action point based on the fuel consumption characteristics. The meaning of BSFC is effective fuel consumption rate.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving characteristics include the history of the vehicle's outputs.

3. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving characteristics include the engine's RPM history.

4. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving characteristics include the engine's RPM history.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The driving characteristic information is stored for each driver. The control unit adjusts the engine's fuel consumption characteristics based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to each driver.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The driving characteristic information is stored according to the weekday in which the vehicle is driven. The control unit changes the engine's fuel consumption characteristics based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to the weekday.

7. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driving characteristic information is stored according to the weekday in which the vehicle is driven. The control unit changes the engine's fuel consumption characteristics based on the driving characteristic information corresponding to the weekday.

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