Vehicle control system and vehicle control method

Abstract

A vehicle control system and a vehicle control method are provided. It can suppress situations that cause discomfort to the user. The vehicle control system (10) includes a mode setting control unit (23), which, when the electric motor driving priority mode is set and the driving mode is set to the first driving mode, decides not to cancel the electric motor driving priority mode when the driving condition recognition unit (25) recognizes that the vehicle (1) is in a driving state or is driving, and changes the driving mode from the first driving mode to the second driving mode according to the acceptance of the change to the second driving mode by the driving mode change acceptance unit (22). If the driving mode change acceptance unit (22) does not accept the change to the third driving mode during the first retention period from the time of changing from the first driving mode to the second driving mode until a first predetermined time has elapsed, the above decision is canceled and the electric motor driving priority mode is canceled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle control systems and vehicle control methods. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, vehicle control devices were known to change the vehicle's driving characteristics based on the driving mode selected by the user (for example, see Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in hybrid vehicles equipped with both an engine and an electric motor as driving power sources, control is performed to switch between two driving modes: an EV (electric) driving mode where only the electric motor is used as a power source, and an HV (hybrid) driving mode where both the engine and the electric motor are used as power sources (for example, see Patent Document 2).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-224209

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-177255

[0005] In hybrid vehicles, in addition to selecting the driving mode, consideration is given to setting and deactivating an electric motor priority mode that operates solely on the electric motor based on user input. In this case, when changing the driving mode based on the user's input, it may sometimes be necessary to deactivate the electric motor priority mode according to the driving mode specifications. Furthermore, when the electric motor priority mode is deactivated along with a change in driving mode, the change in vehicle operation, such as starting the engine after a previous shutdown, may cause discomfort to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the following background, and its object is to provide a vehicle control system and a vehicle control method that can suppress the discomfort caused to the user by the cancellation or retention of the electric motor driving priority mode when the driving mode changes.

[0007] As a first method for achieving the above objectives, a vehicle control system is provided. This vehicle uses an engine and an electric motor as driving power sources, is capable of switching between multiple driving modes, and can set and deactivate an electric motor driving priority mode that prioritizes driving solely using the electric motor. The driving modes include a first driving mode, a second driving mode, and a third driving mode. The vehicle control system comprises: an electric motor driving priority mode receiving unit that accepts and deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode based on user operations; a driving mode change receiving unit that accepts changes to the driving mode in the order of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, and the third driving mode whenever the user makes a selection operation; a mode setting control unit that sets and deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode and sets the driving mode based on the acceptance status of the electric motor driving priority mode receiving unit and the driving mode change receiving unit, deactivating the electric motor driving priority mode when the second driving mode is set; and a display control unit that displays a display on a vehicle indicating the electric motor driving priority mode. The system includes an energy management mode display showing the set status and a driving mode display showing the set status of the driving mode; and a driving status recognition unit that recognizes the driving status of the vehicle. When the mode setting control unit sets the electric motor driving priority mode and sets the driving mode to the first driving mode, and the driving status recognition unit recognizes that the vehicle is in a driving state or is driving, and changes the driving mode from the first driving mode to the second driving mode based on the acceptance of a change to the second driving mode by the driving mode change acceptance unit, the system temporarily suspends the release of the electric motor driving priority mode. If, during a first retention period from the moment of the change from the first driving mode to the second driving mode until a first predetermined time has elapsed, the driving mode change acceptance unit does not accept a change to the third driving mode, the system releases the suspension and the electric motor driving priority mode is also released. During the period when the mode setting control unit temporarily suspends the release of the electric motor driving priority mode, the display control unit displays the energy management mode in a second display mode different from the first display mode when the suspension is not implemented.

[0008] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, it can also be configured such that when the mode setting control unit accepts a change from the second driving mode to the third driving mode during the period up to the first retention period, the temporary suspension is lifted, and the electric motor driving priority mode is set or lifted according to the specifications of the third driving mode.

[0009] In the aforementioned vehicle control system, the driving mode may also include a fourth driving mode. Whenever the user makes a selection operation, the driving mode change receiving unit accepts the change of driving mode in the order of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, the third driving mode, and the fourth driving mode. If the driving mode change receiving unit accepts a change to the third driving mode within the first reservation period, the mode setting control unit changes the driving mode to the third driving mode. If the driving mode change receiving unit does not accept a change to the fourth driving mode within the second reservation period from the time the change to the third driving mode was accepted until the second predetermined time has elapsed, the temporary suspension is lifted, and the electric motor driving priority mode is set or deactivated according to the specifications of the third driving mode.

[0010] In the above-described vehicle control system, it may also be configured such that when the acceleration operation unit of the vehicle is operated during the first retention period, the mode setting control unit cancels the temporary suspension and cancels the electric motor driving priority mode.

[0011] In the vehicle control system described above, when the electric motor driving priority mode is deactivated by the mode setting control unit's deactivation of the temporary suspension, the display control unit displays the reason for deactivating the electric motor driving priority mode on the display unit.

[0012] In the above-described vehicle control system, the display control unit may also be configured such that the energy management mode display is displayed in the first display area of ​​the display unit, and the driving mode display is displayed in the second display area of ​​the display unit. When the mode setting control unit cancels the temporary suspension and the electric motor driving priority mode, the driving mode display displayed in the second display area is moved to the first display area to block the energy management mode display. Then, the driving mode display is moved to the second display area, and the energy management mode display indicating that the electric motor driving priority mode has been canceled is displayed in the first display area.

[0013] In the above-mentioned vehicle control system, the second display mode may be configured to cause the first display mode to flash or dim.

[0014] As a second method for achieving the above objectives, a vehicle control method executed by a computer is provided to control a vehicle that uses an engine and an electric motor as driving power sources, is capable of switching between multiple driving modes, and can set and deactivate an electric motor driving priority mode that prioritizes driving solely through the electric motor. The driving modes include a first driving mode, a second driving mode, and a third driving mode. The vehicle control system includes: an electric motor driving priority mode acceptance step, which accepts the setting and deactivation of the electric motor driving priority mode based on the user's operation; a driving mode change acceptance step, which accepts changes to the driving mode in the order of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, and the third driving mode whenever the user makes a selection operation; a mode setting control step, which sets and deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode and sets the driving mode based on the acceptance status of the electric motor driving priority mode acceptance step and the driving mode change acceptance step, deactivating the electric motor driving priority mode when the second driving mode is set; and a display control step, which displays an indication of the electric motor driving priority mode on a display unit provided by the vehicle. The system includes an energy management mode display showing the setting status of the driving mode and a driving mode display showing the setting status of the driving mode; and a driving status identification step, which identifies the driving status of the vehicle. In the mode setting control step, when the electric motor driving priority mode is set and the driving mode is set to the first driving mode, if the driving status identification step identifies that the vehicle is in a driving state or is driving, and the driving mode is changed from the first driving mode to the second driving mode according to the acceptance of the change to the second driving mode in the driving mode change acceptance step, the electric motor driving priority mode is temporarily not deactivated. If, during the first retention period from the moment of changing from the first driving mode to the second driving mode until a first predetermined time has elapsed, no change to the third driving mode is accepted in the driving mode change acceptance step, the temporary deactivation of the electric motor driving priority mode is deactivated. During the period when the electric motor driving priority mode is temporarily not deactivated through the mode setting control step, the energy management mode is displayed in a second display mode, which is different from the first display mode when the decision is not implemented, in the display control step.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the aforementioned vehicle control system, by disabling the energy management function for a certain period of time in conjunction with changes in driving mode, discomfort to the user can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1It is a structural diagram of the vehicle control system and the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram of the display unit installed in the vehicle.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing the switching of energy management modes corresponding to the operation of the energy management mode switch.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing the shift in driving modes corresponding to the operation of the driving mode switch.

[0021] Figure 5 This is the first flowchart for handling changes in driving mode.

[0022] Figure 6 This is the second flowchart for handling changes in driving mode.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram of the driving mode switching from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram of the driving mode switching from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode and then to INDIVIDUAL mode.

[0025] Figure 9 This is an illustration showing an animation that notifies the EV priority mode to be deactivated by switching to SPORT mode.

[0026] Label Explanation

[0027] 1…Vehicle (this vehicle), 10…Vehicle control system, 20…Processor, 21…Energy management change receiving unit, 22…Driving mode change receiving unit, 23…Mode setting control unit, 24…Display control unit, 25…Driving condition recognition unit, 26…Vehicle control unit, 30…Memory, 31…Control program, 40…Speed ​​sensor, 41…Yaw rate sensor, 42…Brake pedal sensor, 43…Accelerator pedal sensor, 50…Switch unit, 51…Driving mode switch, 52…Energy management mode switch, 55…METER (display unit), 60…MID, 62…First display area, 63…Second display area, 70…Energy management mode indicator (energy management mode display), 71…Driving mode indicator (driving mode display), 80…Drive unit, 81…Drive motor, 82…Generator, 83…Engine, 84…Battery, 90…Transmission unit, 91…Brake unit, 92…Suspension unit. Detailed Implementation

[0028] [1. Vehicle Control System and Vehicle Structure]

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the vehicle control system 10 and the vehicle 1 equipped with the vehicle control system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The vehicle 1 includes a speed sensor 40, a yaw rate sensor 41, a brake pedal sensor 42, an accelerator pedal sensor 43, a switch unit 50, a METER (instrument) 55, a drive unit 80, a transmission unit 90, a braking unit 91, and a suspension unit 92, all of which are connected to the vehicle control system 10.

[0030] Speed ​​sensor 40 detects the vehicle speed 1 and outputs a speed detection signal to vehicle control system 10. Yaw rate sensor 41 detects the yaw rate (rotational angular velocity about the vertical axis) of vehicle 1 and outputs a yaw rate detection signal to vehicle control system 10. Brake pedal sensor 42 detects the amount of brake pedal (not shown) operation and outputs an operation amount detection signal to vehicle control system 10. Accelerator pedal sensor 43 detects the amount of accelerator pedal (not shown) operation and sends an operation amount detection signal to vehicle control system 10.

[0031] The switch unit 50 includes a driving mode switch 51 and an energy management mode switch 52. The driving mode switch 51 is a toggle switch capable of up and down operations. The user of vehicle 1 can switch the driving mode of vehicle 1 by operating the driving mode switch 51 up or down. The method of switching driving modes will be described later. The energy management mode switch 52 is a push-button switch, which the user can use to switch the energy mode of vehicle 1. How to switch energy modes will be described later.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the METER 55 includes a MID (Multi-Information Display) 60 having a mode display unit 61 and a notification display unit 65. An energy management mode indicator 70 is displayed in the first display area 62 of the mode display unit 61, and a driving mode indicator 71 is displayed in the second display area 63. The energy management mode indicator 70 displays the set energy management mode. The driving mode indicator 71 displays the set driving mode. Various notifications to the user are displayed on the notification display unit 65. The energy management mode indicator 70 corresponds to the energy management mode display of this invention, and the driving mode indicator 71 corresponds to the driving mode display of this invention.

[0033] The drive unit 80 includes a drive motor 81, a generator 82, an engine 83, and a battery 84. The drive motor 81 and engine 83 are the driving power sources for the vehicle 1. The drive motor 81 operates using power supplied from the battery 84. The battery 84 is charged using power output from the generator 82 via the driving force of the engine 83 or regenerative braking. Furthermore, the drive unit 80 includes various sensors that detect the operating state of the drive unit 80 and the charging state of the battery 84. The drive unit 80 operates according to control signals output from the vehicle control system 10, and the detection signals from the sensors included in the drive unit 80 are input to the vehicle control system 10.

[0034] The transmission unit 90 includes a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or similar transmission, and changes the gear ratio of the drive force of the drive unit 80 according to the control signal input from the vehicle control system 10. Furthermore, the transmission unit 90 includes a sensor that detects the operating state of the transmission and outputs the detection signal of the transmission's operating state to the vehicle control system 10.

[0035] The braking unit 91 includes a braking mechanism (not shown) and an adjustment mechanism for setting the braking force of the braking mechanism, and changes the braking force of the braking mechanism according to a control signal input from the vehicle control system 10. Additionally, the braking unit 91 includes a sensor for detecting the operating state of the braking mechanism, and outputs a detection signal of the operating state of the braking mechanism to the vehicle control system 10.

[0036] The suspension unit 92 includes a suspension (not shown) and a suspension characteristic modification mechanism, which modifies the suspension characteristics (damping characteristics, etc.) based on control signals input from the vehicle control system 10. Additionally, the suspension unit 92 includes a sensor that detects the operating state of the suspension and outputs a detection signal of the suspension's operating state to the vehicle control system 10.

[0037] The vehicle control system 10 is a control unit consisting of a processor 20, a memory 30, and interface circuits (not shown). The processor 20 reads and executes the control program 31 stored in the memory 30, functioning as an energy management mode change receiving unit 21, a driving mode change receiving unit 22, a mode setting control unit 23, a display control unit 24, a driving condition recognition unit 25, and a vehicle control unit 26. The energy management mode change receiving unit 21 includes the functions of the electric motor driving priority mode receiving unit of the present invention. The processor 20 is equivalent to the computer of the present invention.

[0038] Here, the processing performed by the energy management mode change acceptance unit 21 includes the processing of the electric motor driving priority mode acceptance step in the vehicle control method of the present invention, and the processing performed by the driving mode change acceptance unit 22 is equivalent to the driving mode change acceptance step in the vehicle control method of the present invention. The processing performed by the mode setting control unit 23 is equivalent to the mode setting control step in the vehicle control method of the present invention, and the processing performed by the display control unit 24 is equivalent to the display control step in the vehicle control method of the present invention. The processing performed by the driving condition recognition unit 25 is equivalent to the driving condition recognition step in the vehicle control method of the present invention.

[0039] according to Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the Energy Management Mode Change Response Unit 21 processes changes to the energy management mode based on the pressing operation of the Energy Management Mode Switch 52. Figure 3 In this text, SW represents the energy management mode switch 52. In each energy management mode, the following controls are performed by the vehicle control unit 26.

[0040] EV priority mode…stops engine 83 and prioritizes driving solely based on drive electric motor 81 until the remaining charge of battery 84 falls below a lower limit. EV priority mode is equivalent to the electric motor driving priority mode of this invention.

[0041] CHARGE mode... operates the engine 83 by prioritizing charging the battery 84.

[0042] SAVE (Power Saving) mode... limits the discharge of battery 84, allowing driving to proceed while suppressing the reduction of the remaining charge of battery 84.

[0043] AUTO mode... controls the operation of drive motor 81, generator 82 and engine 83 in a way that prioritizes energy efficiency.

[0044] Driving Mode Change Handling Department 22 Figure 4 The diagram shown indicates that the driving mode is changed based on the Up or Down operation of the driving mode switch 51. Figure 4 In the diagram, Up indicates the Up operation of the driving mode switch 51, and Down indicates the Down operation of the driving mode switch 51. Additionally, IG ON indicates the ON operation of the IG (Ignition) switch (not shown), and IG OFF indicates the OFF operation of the IG switch. In each driving mode, the following controls are performed by the vehicle control unit 26.

[0045] NORMAL mode... controls the operation of drive unit 80, transmission unit 90, braking unit 91, and suspension unit 92 through standard settings. NORMAL mode is equivalent to the first driving mode of this invention.

[0046] In SPORT mode, compared to NORMAL mode, the operation of the drive unit 80, transmission unit 90, braking unit 91, and suspension unit 92 is controlled to improve driving performance. For example, the vehicle control unit 26 sets the upper limit of the engine speed 83 higher than in NORMAL mode, and also sets the lower limit of the remaining charge of the battery 84 higher than in NORMAL mode, thereby increasing the output of the drive motor 81. Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 26 sets the suspension unit 92 to be stiffer than in NORMAL mode. SPORT mode corresponds to the second driving mode of this invention.

[0047] INDIVIDUAL mode... controls the operation of the drive unit 80, transmission unit 90, braking unit 91, and suspension unit 92 according to conditions customized by the user. INDIVIDUAL mode is equivalent to the third driving mode of this invention.

[0048] The COMFORT mode… controls the operation of the drive unit 80, transmission unit 90, braking unit 91, and suspension unit 92 in a way that makes the vehicle 1 move more smoothly compared to the NORMAL mode. For example, the suspension unit 92 sets the suspension to be softer compared to the NORMAL mode.

[0049] ECON mode... controls the operation of drive unit 80, transmission unit 90, braking unit 91 and suspension unit 92 by setting a higher fuel consumption rate compared to NORMAL mode.

[0050] The mode setting control unit 23 sets the energy management mode and driving mode based on the acceptance of energy management mode change requests from the energy management mode change acceptance unit 21 and driving mode change requests from the driving mode change acceptance unit 22. The display control unit 24 displays the reference... Figure 2 The display of the energy management mode indicator 70, the driving mode indicator 71, and the notification display unit 65 is controlled.

[0051] The driving condition recognition unit 25 identifies the driving condition of the vehicle 1, such as driving speed, based on the detection signals from the speed sensor 40 and the yaw rate sensor 41. The vehicle control unit 26 controls the operation of the drive unit 80, transmission unit 90, braking unit 91, and suspension unit 92 based on the energy management mode and driving mode set by the mode setting control unit 23 and the driving condition of the vehicle 1 identified by the driving condition recognition unit 25.

[0052] [2. Driving Mode Change Handling]

[0053] according to Figures 5-6 The flowchart shown illustrates the driving mode change processing executed by the vehicle control system 10. Figure 5 In steps S1 to S4, the mode setting control unit 23 determines whether the following conditions 1 to 4 are met.

[0054] Condition 1 (Step S1)... The driving condition recognition unit 25 recognizes that the vehicle 1 is in a driving state or is driving at a speed above the prescribed speed.

[0055] Condition 2 (Step S2)... The driving mode is set to NORMAL mode by the mode setting control unit 23.

[0056] Condition 3 (Step S3)... The energy management mode is set to EV priority mode by the mode setting control unit 23.

[0057] Condition 4 (Step S4)... The change to SPORT mode based on the Up operation of the driving mode switch 51 was accepted by the driving mode change acceptance unit 22.

[0058] Then, when all of the above conditions 1 to 4 are met, the mode setting control unit 23 causes the process to proceed to step S5. In step S5, the mode setting control unit 23 changes the driving mode to SPORT mode, but in the following step S6, it does not deactivate the EV priority mode (change to AUTO mode) and starts the hold timer. The set time of the hold timer is equivalent to the first predetermined time of the present invention, and the period until the hold timer expires is equivalent to the first hold period of the present invention.

[0059] In the next step S7, the display control unit 24 displays the notification display unit 65 of the MID60 (see reference). Figure 2 The display shows that the driving mode has been changed to SPORT mode. In the next step S8, the display control unit 24 changes the driving mode indicator 71 of the MID60 to SPORT display. Additionally, in step S9, the display control unit 24 changes the energy management mode indicator 70 to a flashing display, indicating that the EV priority mode deactivation will not be performed for the time being. The flashing display corresponds to the second display mode of the present invention, while the mode that always displays the energy management mode indicator 70 before the flashing display corresponds to the first display mode of the present invention.

[0060] Through the following Figure 6The process repeats steps S10 and S11. In step S10, the mode setting control unit 23 determines whether the driving mode change acceptance unit 22 has accepted the change to INDIVIDUAL mode based on the Up operation of the driving mode switch 51, until the hold timer expires in step S11. Then, when the mode setting control unit 23 accepts the change to INDIVIDUAL mode, the process moves from step S10 to step S20. Conversely, if the hold timer expires, the mode setting control unit 23 moves from step S11 to step S12.

[0061] Steps S12 to S16 are processes used to deactivate the EV priority mode and determine the change of driving mode to SPORT mode. In step S12, the mode setting control unit 23 changes the energy management mode to AUTO mode and deactivates the EV priority mode. In the next step S13, the display control unit 24 displays the change of driving mode to SPORT mode on the notification display unit 65 of the MID 60.

[0062] In the next step S14, the display control unit 24 displays on the notification display unit 65 of the MID60 that the EV priority mode has been deactivated in order to prioritize the driving mode (in this case, SPORT mode). In the next step S16, the display control unit 24 stops the flashing display of the energy management mode indicator 70 of the MID60 and changes the energy management mode indicator 70 to AUTO display.

[0063] Here, refer to Figure 7 The timing diagram shown is based on the above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The process of steps S10 to S16, the setting of driving mode and energy management mode, and the display method of MID60 are explained. Figure 7 This illustrates the situation where the driving mode is set to NORMAL mode, the energy management mode is set to EV priority mode, and the vehicle 1 is in motion, with the driving mode switch 51 set to Up.

[0064] At t1, the driving mode is changed from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode via the mode setting control unit 23, but the EV priority mode is not deactivated (change to AUTO mode) temporarily, and the hold timer is started. Figure 7 In this context, Tw represents the set time of the timer. Additionally, the display control unit 24 displays a notification 100 indicating that the driving mode has changed to SPORT mode on the notification display unit 65 of the MID 60. Furthermore, the display control unit 24 changes the driving mode indicator 71 of the MID 60 from a NORMAL display to a SPORT mode display, and changes the energy management mode indicator 70 to a flashing display.

[0065] Then, after the driving mode switch 51 has not been operated and the timer reaches t2 (Tw), the mode setting control unit 23 changes the energy management mode from EV priority mode to AUTO mode (EV priority mode deactivation). Additionally, the display control unit 24 displays a notification 101 on the notification display 65 of the MID 60 indicating that EV priority mode has been deactivated to prioritize the driving mode. Furthermore, the display control unit 24 stops flashing the energy management mode indicator 70 and changes the energy management mode indicator 70 from EV to AUTO.

[0066] then, Figure 6 Steps S20 to S24 involve maintaining the EV priority mode setting while further changing the driving mode from SPORT mode to INDIVIDUAL mode. In step S20, the mode setting control unit 23 changes the driving mode from SPORT mode to INDIVIDUAL mode. In the next step S21, the display control unit 24 displays an animation indicating the change to INDIVIDUAL mode on the notification display unit 65 of the MID 60.

[0067] In the next step S23, the display control unit 24 changes the driving mode indicator 71 of the MID60 from SPORT display to INDIVIDUAL display. In the next step S24, the display control unit 24 stops the flashing of the energy management mode indicator 70 and returns to the normal display, causing the process to proceed to step S17.

[0068] Here, refer to Figure 8 The timing diagram shown is based on the above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processing steps S10 to S24, the setting of driving mode and energy management mode, and the display method of MID60 are explained. Figure 8 This illustrates the situation where the driving mode switch 51 is operated Up at t1 and tm when the driving mode is set to NORMAL mode, the energy management mode is set to EV priority mode, and the vehicle 1 is in motion.

[0069] At t1, the driving mode is changed from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode via the mode setting control unit 23, but the EV priority mode is not deactivated (change to AUTO mode) and the timer start is retained. Additionally, the notification display unit 24 displays a notification 105 indicating that the driving mode has changed to SPORT mode on the notification display unit 65 of the MID60. Furthermore, the display control unit 24 changes the driving mode indicator 71 of the MID60 from NORMAL display to SPORT mode and changes the energy management mode indicator 70 to a flashing display.

[0070] Next, at tm, the driving mode is changed from SPORT mode to INDIVIDUAL mode via the mode setting control unit 23, while the energy management mode is maintained as EV priority mode. Additionally, the display control unit 24 displays a list 106 indicating that the driving mode has been changed to INDIVIDUAL mode on the notification display unit 65 of the MID60, followed by an animation of the INDIVIDUAL mode.

[0071] Then, the display control unit 24 changes the driving mode indicator 71 of the MID60 from SPORT display to INDIVIDUAL display, ends the flashing display of the energy management mode indicator 70 and returns to the normal display.

[0072] [3. Other Implementation Methods]

[0073] In the above embodiments, it is also possible that, in Figure 6 Before the holding timer ends in step S11, when the operation of the accelerator pedal (equivalent to the acceleration operation unit of the present invention) is detected by the accelerator pedal sensor 43, the process proceeds to step S12 without waiting for the holding timer to end, and the mode setting control unit 23 quickly deactivates the EV priority mode.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the mode setting control unit 23 may also change the driving mode from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode and the energy management mode from EV priority mode to AUTO mode when changing the driving mode from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode and the energy management mode from EV priority mode to AUTO mode. Figure 9 The animation shown is displayed on MID60. The display control unit 24 controls the display according to... Figure 9 The animation of switching the display of the mode display unit 61 of MID60 in the order of C1→C2→C3→C4→C5 is used to notify that the EV priority mode has been deactivated due to the switch to SPORT mode.

[0075] exist Figure 9 In step C1, the display control unit 24 displays the energy management mode indicator 70 in the first display area 62 of the mode display unit 61 and the driving mode indicator 71 in the second display area 63. Next, as shown in C2, the display control unit 24 moves the driving mode indicator 71 to the first display area 62, and as shown in C3, covers the energy management mode indicator 70 with the driving mode indicator 71. Then, as shown in C4 and C5, the display control unit 24 moves the driving mode indicator 71 to the second display area 63 and displays the AUTO display of the energy management mode indicator 70 in the first display area.

[0076] In the above embodiments, Figure 6When the process proceeds to step S20 in step S10, which involves accepting a change to the INDIVIDUAL mode, the hold timer can be restarted without temporarily deactivating the EV priority mode, and the same process as steps S10-S16 and S20-S24 can be performed. Through this process, after the INDIVIDUAL mode, if the fourth driving mode (which does not require deactivation of the EV priority mode) is selected, the EV priority mode setting can be maintained by changing from the NORMAL mode (equivalent to the first driving mode of the present invention) through the SPORT mode (equivalent to the second driving mode of the present invention) and the INDIVIDUAL mode (equivalent to the third driving mode of the present invention) to the fourth driving mode. When the hold timer is restarted, the set time of the hold timer is equivalent to the second predetermined time of the present invention, and the period until the restarted hold timer expires is equivalent to the second hold period of the present invention.

[0077] Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention of this application, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of vehicle 1 and vehicle control system 10 based on the main processing content. The structure of vehicle control system 10 can also be constructed using other methods. Furthermore, the processing of each structural element can be performed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Figures 5-6 The processing of each structural element shown can be performed by one program or by multiple programs.

[0078] [4. The structure supported by the above embodiments]

[0079] The above implementation is a specific example of the following structure.

[0080] (Structure 1) A vehicle control system that uses an engine and an electric motor as driving power sources, is capable of switching between multiple driving modes, and can set and deactivate an electric motor driving priority mode that prioritizes driving solely through the electric motor. The driving modes include a first driving mode, a second driving mode, and a third driving mode. The vehicle control system comprises: an electric motor driving priority mode receiving unit that receives and deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode based on user operations; a driving mode change receiving unit that receives changes to the driving mode in the order of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, and the third driving mode whenever the user makes a selection operation; a mode setting control unit that sets and deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode and sets the driving mode based on the receiving status of the electric motor driving priority mode receiving unit and the driving mode change receiving unit, deactivating the electric motor driving priority mode when the second driving mode is set; and a display control unit that displays the setting status of the electric motor driving priority mode on a display unit provided in the vehicle. The system includes an energy management mode display and a driving mode display indicating the setting status of the driving mode; and a driving status recognition unit that recognizes the driving status of the vehicle. When the mode setting control unit sets the electric motor driving priority mode and the driving mode is set to the first driving mode, and the driving status recognition unit recognizes that the vehicle is in a driving state or is driving, and changes the driving mode from the first driving mode to the second driving mode based on the acceptance of a change to the second driving mode by the driving mode change acceptance unit, the system temporarily does not deactivate the electric motor driving priority mode. If, during a first retention period from the moment of changing from the first driving mode to the second driving mode until a first predetermined time has elapsed, the driving mode change acceptance unit does not accept a change to the third driving mode, the system cancels the decision and deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode. During the period when the mode setting control unit temporarily does not deactivate the electric motor driving priority mode, the display control unit displays the energy management mode in a second display mode different from the first display mode when the temporary deactivation is not implemented.

[0081] According to the vehicle control system of Structure 1, by deactivating the electric motor driving priority mode or temporarily suspending the deactivation of the electric motor driving priority mode in conjunction with the change of driving mode, it is possible to suppress situations that cause discomfort to the user.

[0082] (Structure 2) According to the vehicle control system of Structure 1, when the mode setting control unit accepts a change from the second driving mode to the third driving mode during the period up to the first retention period, the decision is cancelled and the electric motor driving priority mode is set or cancelled according to the specifications of the third driving mode.

[0083] According to the vehicle control system of structure 2, the driving mode can be changed from the first driving mode to the third driving mode while maintaining the setting of the electric motor driving priority mode.

[0084] (Structure 3) According to the vehicle control system of Structure 1, the driving mode includes a fourth driving mode. Whenever the user makes a selection operation, the driving mode change receiving unit accepts the change of driving mode in the order of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, the third driving mode, and the fourth driving mode. When the mode setting control unit accepts the change of driving mode to the third driving mode within the first reservation period, it changes the driving mode to the third driving mode. If the driving mode change receiving unit does not accept the change of driving mode to the fourth driving mode within the second reservation period from the time when the change of driving mode to the third driving mode is accepted until the second predetermined time has elapsed, the decision is cancelled, and the electric motor driving priority mode is set or cancelled according to the specifications of the third driving mode.

[0085] According to the vehicle control system of structure 3, while maintaining the setting of electric motor driving priority mode, the driving mode can be changed from the first driving mode through the second driving mode and the third driving mode to the fourth driving mode.

[0086] (Structure 4) The vehicle control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein when the acceleration operation unit of the vehicle is operated during the first retention period, the mode setting control unit cancels the decision and cancels the electric motor driving priority mode.

[0087] According to the vehicle control system of structure 4, when the user's intention to increase the driving force is estimated by the operation of the acceleration operation unit, the electric motor driving priority mode can be quickly deactivated to increase the driving force.

[0088] (Structure 5) The vehicle control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein when the electric motor driving priority mode is deactivated by deactivation of the decision made by the mode setting control unit, the display control unit displays the reason for deactivating the electric motor driving priority mode on the display unit.

[0089] According to the vehicle control system of structure 5, by displaying the reason for the cancellation of the electric motor driving priority mode, it is possible to prevent discomfort to the user when the engine starts due to the cancellation of the electric motor driving priority mode.

[0090] (Structure 6) The vehicle control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein the display control unit causes the energy management mode display to be displayed in a first display area of ​​the display unit and the driving mode display to be displayed in a second display area of ​​the display unit; when the mode setting control unit cancels the decision and cancels the electric motor driving priority mode, the driving mode display displayed in the second display area is moved to the first display area to block the energy management mode display; then, the driving mode display is moved to the second display area, and the energy management mode display indicating that the electric motor driving priority mode has been canceled is displayed in the first display area.

[0091] According to the vehicle control system of structure 6, it can notify the user via animation that the electric motor driving priority mode has been deactivated, based on the specifications of the driving mode.

[0092] (Structure 7) The vehicle control system according to any one of Structures 1 to 6, wherein the second display mode is a display mode that causes the display of the first display mode to flash or dim.

[0093] According to the vehicle control system of structure 7, by causing the display of the first display mode to flash or dim, the user can be notified that the energy management function is temporarily disabled.

[0094] (Structure 8) A vehicle control method, executed by a computer, for controlling a vehicle that uses an engine and an electric motor as driving power sources, is capable of switching between multiple driving modes, and can set and deactivate an electric motor driving priority mode that prioritizes driving solely through the electric motor. The driving modes include a first driving mode, a second driving mode, and a third driving mode. The vehicle control system comprises: an electric motor driving priority mode acceptance step, accepting the setting and deactivation of the electric motor driving priority mode based on the user's operation; a driving mode change acceptance step, accepting changes to the driving mode in the order of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, and the third driving mode whenever the user makes a selection operation; a mode setting control step, setting and deactivating the electric motor driving priority mode and setting the driving mode based on the acceptance status of the electric motor driving priority mode acceptance step and the driving mode change acceptance step, deactivating the electric motor driving priority mode when the second driving mode is set; and a display control step, displaying the setting status of the electric motor driving priority mode on a display unit provided in the vehicle. The system includes an energy management mode display and a driving mode display indicating the setting status of the driving mode; and a driving status identification step, which identifies the driving status of the vehicle. In the mode setting control step, when the electric motor driving priority mode is set and the driving mode is set to the first driving mode, if the driving status identification step identifies that the vehicle is in a driving state or is driving, and the driving mode is changed from the first driving mode to the second driving mode according to the acceptance of the change to the second driving mode in the driving mode change acceptance step, the electric motor driving priority mode is not deactivated temporarily. If, during the first retention period from the moment of changing from the first driving mode to the second driving mode until a first predetermined time has elapsed, no change to the third driving mode is accepted in the driving mode change acceptance step, the decision is deactivated and the electric motor driving priority mode is deactivated. During the period when the electric motor driving priority mode is not deactivated through the mode setting control step, the energy management mode is displayed in a second display mode, which is different from the first display mode when the deactivation is not implemented.

[0095] By executing the vehicle control method of structure 8 by a computer, the same effect as the vehicle control system of structure 1 can be achieved.

Claims

1. A vehicle control system, wherein the vehicle control system is a control system for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising: processor; The drive unit includes a drive motor, a generator motor, an engine, and a battery; A transmission unit having a gearbox that changes the gear ratio of the driving force generated by the drive unit; Brakes, which change the braking force; as well as Suspension, The vehicle control system switches the vehicle's driving mode and changes the energy management mode. The driving modes include: The first driving mode controls the operation of the drive unit, the transmission unit, the brakes, and the suspension through preset settings; The second driving mode controls the operation of the drive unit, the transmission unit, the brakes, and the suspension in a direction that improves driving performance compared to the first driving mode; and The third driving mode controls the operation of the drive unit, the transmission unit, the brakes, and the suspension according to settings customized by the user of the vehicle. The energy management mode includes an electric motor priority mode that stops the engine and operates solely based on the drive electric motor until the remaining battery charge falls below a lower limit. The processor includes: an electric motor driving priority mode receiving unit, which, according to the user's operation, accepts the setting of the energy management mode to the electric motor driving priority mode or changes it to another mode different from the electric motor driving priority mode. The driving mode change processing unit processes driving mode changes in the order of first driving mode, second driving mode, and third driving mode whenever the user selects a driving mode. The mode setting control unit, based on the acceptance status of the electric motor driving priority mode acceptance unit and the driving mode change acceptance unit, sets the energy management mode to the electric motor driving priority mode or changes it to another mode different from the electric motor driving priority mode, and performs the driving mode change. When the second driving mode is set, the energy management mode is changed to an automatic mode that prioritizes energy efficiency, and the electric motor driving priority mode is deactivated. The display control unit causes the display on the vehicle to show an energy management mode display indicating the setting status of the energy management mode and a driving mode display indicating the setting status of the driving mode; and The driving status recognition unit identifies the driving status of the vehicle. When the mode setting control unit sets the energy management mode to the electric motor driving priority mode and the driving mode to the first driving mode, and the driving condition recognition unit identifies that the vehicle is in a driving state or is driving, and changes the driving mode from the first driving mode to the second driving mode based on the driving mode change acceptance unit's acceptance of the change to the second driving mode, the electric motor driving priority mode is retained for the energy management mode setting. If, during a first retention period from the moment of changing from the first driving mode to the second driving mode until a first predetermined time has elapsed, the driving mode change acceptance unit does not accept a change to the third driving mode, the energy management mode setting is changed to a mode different from the electric motor driving priority mode. The display control unit changes the display of the monitor from the first display mode to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode. The second display mode is a display mode that notifies that the motor driving priority mode will not be deactivated for the time being.

2. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein, When the mode setting control unit receives a change from the second driving mode to the third driving mode during the period up to the first retention period, it sets the energy management mode to the electric motor driving priority mode or deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode according to the specifications of the third driving mode.

3. The vehicle control system according to claim 1, wherein, The driving modes include a fourth driving mode. Whenever the user makes a selection operation, the driving mode change processing unit processes the driving mode change in the order of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, the third driving mode, and the fourth driving mode. When the mode setting control unit accepts a change request to the third driving mode during the period up to the first retention period, it changes the driving mode to the third driving mode. If the mode setting control unit does not accept a change request to the fourth driving mode during the second retention period from the time the change request to the third driving mode is accepted until the second predetermined time has elapsed, it sets the energy management mode to the electric motor driving priority mode or deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode according to the specifications of the third driving mode.

4. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the acceleration operation unit of the vehicle is operated during the first retention period, the mode setting control unit deactivates the electric motor driving priority mode.

5. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the motor driving priority mode is deactivated by the mode setting control unit, the display control unit displays the reason for deactivating the motor driving priority mode on the display.

6. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The display control unit causes the energy management mode display to be displayed in the first display area of ​​the display and the driving mode display to be displayed in the second display area of ​​the display. When the electric motor driving priority mode is deactivated by the mode setting control unit, the driving mode display displayed in the second display area is moved to the first display area to block the energy management mode display. Then, the driving mode display is moved to the second display area, and the energy management mode display indicating that the electric motor driving priority mode has been deactivated is displayed in the first display area.

7. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first display mode is the mode that always displays the energy management mode. The second display mode is either a display mode that changes the display of the first display mode to a flashing display mode or a display mode that gradually dims the display of the first display mode.

8. A vehicle control method, executed by a computer, for controlling the switching of vehicle driving modes and the change of energy management modes, wherein the vehicle has: The drive unit includes a drive motor, a generator motor, an engine, and a battery; A transmission unit having a gearbox that changes the gear ratio of the driving force generated by the drive unit; Brakes, which change the braking force; as well as Suspension, The driving modes include: The first driving mode controls the operation of the drive unit, the transmission unit, the brakes, and the suspension through preset settings; The second driving mode controls the operation of the drive unit, the transmission unit, the brakes, and the suspension in a direction that improves driving performance compared to the first driving mode; and The third driving mode controls the operation of the drive unit, the transmission unit, the brakes, and the suspension according to settings customized by the user of the vehicle. The energy management mode includes an electric motor priority mode that stops the engine and operates solely based on the drive electric motor until the remaining battery charge falls below a lower limit. The vehicle control method has the following characteristics: The electric motor driving priority mode acceptance step involves accepting the user's operation to set the energy management mode to the electric motor driving priority mode or change it to another mode different from the electric motor driving priority mode. The procedure for accepting changes to the driving mode is as follows: whenever the user selects the driving mode, the change to the driving mode is accepted in the order of the first driving mode, the second driving mode, and the third driving mode. The mode setting control step, based on the acceptance status of the motor driving priority mode acceptance step and the driving mode change acceptance step, sets the energy management mode to the motor driving priority mode or changes it to another mode different from the motor driving priority mode, and performs the driving mode change. When set to the second driving mode, the energy management mode is changed to an automatic mode that prioritizes energy efficiency, and the motor driving priority mode is deactivated. The display control steps cause the vehicle's display to show an energy management mode display indicating the setting status of the energy management mode and a driving mode display indicating the setting status of the driving mode; and The driving status recognition step identifies the driving status of the vehicle. In the mode setting control step, when the energy management mode is set to the electric motor driving priority mode and the driving mode is set to the first driving mode, if the driving condition recognition step identifies that the vehicle is in a driving state or is driving, and the driving mode is changed from the first driving mode to the second driving mode according to the acceptance of the change to the second driving mode in the driving mode change acceptance step, the electric motor driving priority mode is retained for the energy management mode setting. If, during the first retention period from the moment of changing from the first driving mode to the second driving mode until a first predetermined time has elapsed, no change to the third driving mode is accepted in the driving mode change acceptance step, the energy management mode setting is changed to a mode different from the electric motor driving priority mode. In the display control step, the display of the monitor is changed from the first display mode to a second display mode that is different from the first display mode. The second display mode is a display mode that notifies that the motor driving priority mode will not be deactivated for the time being.

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