Device and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle and hybrid vehicle having the device and method

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle including a hybrid drive system having an engine and a drive motor; the apparatus including a controller that, upon entering a safe boarding and alighting mode, determines an operation state of the vehicle based on vehicle state information; and when the operation state of the vehicle is a boarding and alighting possible state, keeps the engine in an off state and limits a drive power output of the hybrid drive system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle control, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle having the apparatus and method, wherein the vehicle control apparatus is implemented to ensure the state of charge (SOC) value of the battery in advance, taking into account the vehicle user's getting in and out of the vehicle, to prevent the engine from starting to charge the battery while the vehicle is stopped, and to ensure the safety of the vehicle user during getting in and out of the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] When the SOC value of the high-voltage battery in a hybrid vehicle powered by an engine and an electric motor drops to a certain level or below, the engine may start or continue to run to charge the high-voltage battery even when the vehicle is stationary.

[0003] When a vehicle occupant enters or leaves the vehicle, the engine starts, and the exhaust fumes can have a negative impact on the health of the vehicle occupant.

[0004] The engine starting strategy is an operation strategy centered on the vehicle status, without considering the getting on and off the vehicle by the user. The vehicle drive force control strategy also does not consider the getting on and off the vehicle by the user.

[0005] In particular, since a large proportion of child traffic accidents occur during the process of getting in and out of a vehicle, it is necessary to consider the engine starting strategy and vehicle drive force control strategy for vehicle users getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0006] The above description of the background art is intended to provide a better understanding of the background of the present invention and is not intended to constitute a disclaimer of related art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In various aspects of the present invention, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is to provide a control device and method for a hybrid vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle including the device and method, wherein the vehicle control device ensures the SOC value of the battery in advance taking into account the getting in and out of the vehicle user, and prevents the engine from starting to charge the battery when the vehicle is stopped.

[0008] In various aspects of the invention, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle including the apparatus and method, wherein the vehicle control device is implemented to ensure the SOC value of the battery in advance when the vehicle enters a safe alighting / getting-out mode, so as to limit the starting of the engine in a stationary state.

[0009] In various aspects of the invention, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle including the apparatus and method, wherein the vehicle control device is implemented to prevent engine operation to charge the battery by enforcing an engine start restriction when the vehicle is stopped, thereby preventing vehicle users from being exposed to exhaust fumes when getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0010] In various aspects of the present invention, the present invention aims to provide a control device and method for a hybrid vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle including the device and method, wherein the vehicle control device is implemented to limit the driving force of the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary and the door is open, to prevent the vehicle from generating driving force even when the driver accidentally shifts gears and manipulates the accelerator pedal, to ensure the safety of vehicle users getting in and out of the vehicle, and to prevent the vehicle from slipping on slopes, etc.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above. Other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] In various aspects of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle is provided, the hybrid vehicle including a hybrid powertrain including an engine and a drive motor; the apparatus includes a controller configured to determine the operating state of the vehicle based on vehicle status information when entering a safe alighting / getting-out mode, and to keep the engine off and control the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain when the vehicle is in an alighting / getting-out state.

[0013] In various aspects of the present invention, the state in which one can get on and off the vehicle can be a state in which the stopping conditions are met and the vehicle door is open.

[0014] In various aspects of the invention, when a stopping condition is met, the controller can be configured to control the engine so that the engine can remain in a shut-off state.

[0015] In various aspects of the invention, when the vehicle door is opened, the controller can be configured to control the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain.

[0016] In various aspects of the present invention, when entering the safe boarding and alighting mode, the controller can be configured to control the battery so that the battery's state of charge (SOC) value can reach a preset safe boarding and alighting charging target SOC value.

[0017] In various aspects of the present invention, the preset safe charging target SOC value for getting on and off the vehicle can be preset to be greater than or equal to the power consumed by the vehicle's electric field load when the vehicle is in a stopped state.

[0018] In various aspects of the present invention, when the vehicle is in a stopped state, the controller can be configured to determine the vehicle door state based on door state information, and when the vehicle door is in an open state, the controller can be configured to control the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain.

[0019] In various aspects of the invention, when the driving force output of the hybrid powertrain is limited, the controller can be configured to control the transmission gear of the vehicle so that the transmission gear can be maintained in neutral (N) position.

[0020] In various aspects of the invention, when the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain is limited, the controller can be configured to control the vehicle's electronic parking brake so that the electronic parking brake is engaged.

[0021] In various aspects of the present invention, the controller may include: a communication module for communicating with electronic devices in the vehicle; a memory for storing an algorithm for at least executing a safe boarding and alighting mode; and a processor for: entering the safe boarding and alighting mode and executing the algorithm for executing the safe boarding and alighting mode.

[0022] In various aspects of the present invention, a method for controlling a hybrid vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a hybrid powertrain having an engine and a drive motor, the method being executed by a processor that operates based on an algorithm for executing a safe alighting / getting-out mode stored in a memory, and the method may include the steps of: entering a safe alighting / getting-out mode; determining a vehicle operating state based on vehicle state information; and when the vehicle operating state is in an alighting / getting-out state, keeping the engine off and limiting the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain.

[0023] In various aspects of the present invention, the state in which one can get on and off the vehicle can be a state in which the stopping conditions are met and the vehicle door is open.

[0024] In various aspects of the present invention, when the stopping conditions are met, an operation to keep the engine in a shut-off state can be performed.

[0025] In various aspects of the present invention, control of the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain can be performed when the vehicle door is opened.

[0026] In various aspects of the present invention, the method may further include: when entering a safe getting on and off vehicle mode, controlling the vehicle's battery so that the battery's state of charge (SOC) value reaches a preset safe getting on and off vehicle charging target SOC value.

[0027] In various aspects of the present invention, the preset safe charging target SOC value for getting on and off the vehicle can be set to be greater than or equal to the power consumed by the vehicle's electric field load when the vehicle is in a stopped state.

[0028] In various aspects of the invention, controlling the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain may include maintaining the vehicle's transmission gear in neutral (N) position.

[0029] In various aspects of the invention, controlling the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain may include maintaining the vehicle's electronic parking brake in an engaged state.

[0030] In various aspects of the present invention, a hybrid vehicle is provided, including a hybrid powertrain having an engine and a drive motor, and the hybrid vehicle may include: a vehicle control device that, when entering a safe boarding / alighting mode, controls the hybrid vehicle based on a preset algorithm for executing the safe boarding / alighting mode, wherein the vehicle control device may be configured to determine the operating state of the vehicle based on vehicle state information, and when the vehicle operating state is in a boarding / alighting state, the vehicle control device may keep the engine off and control the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain.

[0031] In various aspects of the present invention, the vehicle control device may include: a user interface configured to receive an instruction from a user to enter a safe boarding / alighting mode; and a controller including a processor configured to: enter the safe boarding / alighting mode and execute a preset algorithm for executing the safe boarding / alighting mode.

[0032] In addition to the solutions described above, specific details of various examples of the invention are included in the following description and drawings.

[0033] In various aspects of the present invention, the vehicle control device is implemented to ensure the SOC value of the battery in advance, taking into account vehicle users getting on and off the vehicle, and to prevent the engine from starting to charge the battery while the vehicle is stopped.

[0034] When the devices and methods for controlling hybrid vehicles described in various aspects of this invention are applied to vehicles, it is possible to prevent vehicle users from being exposed to exhaust fumes when getting in and out of the vehicle, and to ensure the safety of vehicle users when getting in and out of the vehicle. Furthermore, it can improve vehicle productivity and customer satisfaction.

[0035] The hybrid vehicle control device and method of various aspects of the present invention are applied to vehicles (school buses) that transport children to and from school, so as to prevent children from being involved in accidents and exposed to exhaust fumes when getting on and off the vehicle.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other effects not mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and provide examples of detailed descriptions. However, the technical features of the exemplary embodiments are not limited to any of the drawings, and the features included in each drawing can be combined with each other to form new embodiments.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating an example configuration of a vehicle control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a view illustrating an example configuration of a controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating a control method of a vehicle control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a view showing the powertrain of a vehicle to which a vehicle control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating a control block diagram for implementing vehicle control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following description, detailed descriptions of known techniques related to the invention are omitted if they would obscure the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided only to aid in understanding the exemplary embodiments included in this specification, and the technical spirit contained herein is not limited to the drawings; all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions should be understood to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0044] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be construed as being limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0045] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well.

[0046] It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” or “having” as used in this specification specify the presence of the said feature, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0047] The component suffixes “module” and “part” used in the following description are given or combined for ease of writing instructions only, and do not have different meanings or functions in themselves.

[0048] It should be understood that when referring to a component as "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, the component may be directly connected to or directly coupled to the other component, or it may be connected to or coupled to the other component through another intermediate component. On the other hand, it should be understood that when referring to a component as "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, the component may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component without any other intermediate component.

[0049] Furthermore, the term "unit" or "control unit" in the name is a widely used term for a controller that controls specific functions of a vehicle and does not imply a general functional unit.

[0050] The controller may include: a communication device for communicating with other controllers or sensors to control the functions it is responsible for; a memory for storing operating system or logic instructions and input / output information; and at least one processor for performing the judgments, calculations, and decisions required to control the functions it is responsible for.

[0051] In any configuration described in the specification, any number or multiple components may be included in the invention described herein. These components may include any combination of the features described herein and may be arranged according to the various configurations described herein. The concept of use and operation of the components of the invention applies not only to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but also to any number and any combination of embodiments. Example embodiments including various arrangements of features will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] In the following, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and regardless of the number of drawings, the same or similar components will be referred to by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating the configuration of a vehicle control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle control unit 100 is provided in the hybrid vehicle 1 (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle), and when the safe alighting / getting-out mode is entered, the vehicle control unit 100 can be configured to control the vehicle 1 to ensure the safety of vehicle users getting on and off the vehicle.

[0055] The hybrid vehicle 1 may include a hybrid powertrain system, including an engine and an electric motor as drive sources.

[0056] For example, the vehicle control device 100 can enter a safe boarding and alighting mode according to the user's instructions. For example, when the vehicle enters a preset path or meets a preset time condition, the vehicle control device 100 can enter a safe boarding and alighting mode.

[0057] The vehicle control unit 100 includes a user interface 110 and a controller 130, and the configuration of the vehicle control unit 100 is not limited thereto.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user interface 110 may be configured to receive user instructions. For example, the user interface 110 may be configured to receive settings related to vehicle modes. For example, the user interface 110 may receive an instruction to enter a safe boarding / alighting mode.

[0059] The user interface 110 can display the vehicle 1's mode according to the user's instructions. For example, when the user presets a safe entry and exit mode, the user interface 110 can display the entry status of the safe entry and exit mode. The user interface 110 can display information according to the controller 130's instructions. For example, the user interface 110 can display information about whether the engine is running.

[0060] The user interface 110 may be implemented as at least one of an audio-video navigation (AVN) system, an audio-video navigation telecommunication (AVNT) system, a combination instrument or a head-up display, but the type of user interface 110 is not limited to these.

[0061] For example, user interface 110 can provide a user settings mode (USM) for interacting with the user.

[0062] Users can manipulate the USM provided in the user interface 110 to input vehicle modes. For example, users can manipulate the USM to activate (or set) the safe entry and exit mode.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when entering the safe boarding and alighting mode, the controller 130 can be run based on an algorithm (safe boarding and alighting mode execution algorithm) for performing functions according to the preset safe boarding and alighting mode.

[0064] When entering the safe boarding / alighting mode, the controller 130 can be configured to determine the operating status of the vehicle 1. When the vehicle 1 is in motion, the controller 130 can be configured to control the battery of the vehicle 1 according to a preset safe boarding / alighting charging algorithm.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller 130 can be configured to determine the operating state of the vehicle 1 based on vehicle state information (such as vehicle speed information, transmission gear information, hazard light status information, etc.).

[0066] For example, when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset threshold speed and the transmission is in P gear, the controller 130 can be configured to determine that the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state. For example, when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a preset threshold speed, the transmission is in P gear, and the hazard lights are on, the controller 130 can be configured to determine that the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller 130 can control the battery's state of charge (SOC) value based on a preset safe charging algorithm for getting in and out of the vehicle, while also taking into account the battery power required by the electric field loads when the vehicle 1 is stationary. For example, the electric field loads include the air conditioning system, lighting system, infotainment system, etc.

[0068] To this end, the controller 130 can store information related to a preset safe entry / exit charging target SOC value. For example, when the vehicle control device enters the safe entry / exit mode, the controller 130 can be configured to control the charging of the battery so that the battery SOC value reaches the safe entry / exit charging target SOC value.

[0069] At this point, the target SOC value for safe charging during vehicle entry and exit can be preset based on the power consumed by the electric field load of vehicle 1 when vehicle 1 is stationary, or it can be preset through repeated testing.

[0070] When the battery charge of vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the target SOC value for safe charging during vehicle start-up and start-up, battery charging based on engine start-up will not be performed when vehicle 1 is stationary. In other words, the target SOC value for safe charging during vehicle start-up and start-up can be a preset SOC value used to limit battery charging when vehicle 1 is stationary and based on engine start-up.

[0071] When the vehicle control device enters the safe alighting / getting-out mode and the vehicle 1 is stationary, the controller 130 can enforce engine start restriction. For example, the controller 130 can stop the engine and output the engine restriction status (or engine stop status) through the user interface 110.

[0072] At this point, engine start restriction can be enforced by preventing engine start before the safe alighting / getting-out mode is lifted.

[0073] Therefore, when the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state, the controller 130 can enforce engine start restriction and prevent the vehicle 1's battery from being charged through the engine.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller 130 may stop the engine of the vehicle 1 until the vehicle 1 changes to a driving state or an instruction to release the safe boarding / alighting mode is input.

[0075] Once the safe entry and exit mode is entered, when the door of vehicle 1 is opened while the vehicle 1 is stationary, the controller 130 can limit the driving force output of vehicle 1. For example, the controller 130 can output the driving force limiting status through the user interface 110.

[0076] At this time, limiting the driving force output of vehicle 1 can be achieved by limiting the power transmission system output of vehicle 1.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller 130 can limit the driving force output of the vehicle 1 by maintaining the transmission gear in the neutral (N) position and engaging the electronic parking brake (EPB).

[0078] Similarly, when the controller 130 applies a driving force output limit to the vehicle 1, even if the driver accidentally shifts gears or manipulates the accelerator pedal, it can prevent the vehicle 1 from generating driving force, ensuring the safety of vehicle users getting on and off the vehicle, and preventing the vehicle from slipping on slopes.

[0079] For example, controller 130 can be implemented as a single controller or as multiple controllers with distributed functionality.

[0080] For example, controller 130 can be implemented in combination with a battery management system (BMS) that manages (or controls) battery 120 and higher-level controllers such as vehicle control unit (VCU), hybrid power control unit (HCU), and integrated central control unit (ICU).

[0081] Figure 2 This is a view showing the configuration of the controller 130 according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Reference Figure 2 The controller 130 may include a communication module 131, a memory 133, a storage device 135, and a processor 137, and the configuration of the controller 130 is not limited thereto.

[0083] The communication module 131 can receive different types of external information. The information received by the communication module 131 can be transmitted to the processor 137, stored in the memory 133, or stored in the storage device 135.

[0084] For example, communication module 131 may include communication circuitry for communicating with onboard sensors. For example, communication module 131 may perform communication based on transmission protocols such as Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Controller Area Network (CAN), FlexRay, Ethernet, etc.

[0085] For example, the communication module 131 can receive speed information from the vehicle speed sensor, transmission gear information from the transmission gear sensor, hazard light status information from the hazard light controller, and door open / close information from the door sensor, and the information types are not limited to these.

[0086] The memory 133 may store algorithms (or software or programs), data, etc., required to perform the functions of the controller 130. For example, the memory 133 may store algorithms, data, etc., required by the controller 130 to perform the safe boarding and alighting mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Storage device 135 can store data and / or information generated or obtained according to the operation of controller 130. For example, storage device 135 can store data and / or information received by controller 130 from external devices.

[0088] For example, memory 133 and storage device 135 can be implemented as one of the storage media (or recovery media), such as flash memory, hard disk, secure digital card (SD card), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), register, removable disk, network storage, etc.

[0089] The processor 137 can perform the overall operation of the controller 130. The processor 137 can execute the vehicle's safe boarding and alighting mode based on information received through the communication module 131, algorithms / data stored in the memory 133, information stored in the storage device 135, etc.

[0090] Therefore, processor 137 can be a hardware-implemented data processing device, including circuitry for activating physical structures of the desired operation. For example, the desired operation may include code or instructions included in a program. For instance, the hardware-implemented data processing device may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a processor core, a multi-core processor, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0091] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating a control method of a vehicle control device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Reference Figure 3 When a command to enter the safe boarding / alighting mode is input through the user interface 110 at step S300, the controller 130 can enter the safe boarding / alighting mode at step S310.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, after entering the safe boarding and alighting mode, the controller 130 can display the entry status of the safe boarding and alighting mode through the user interface 110.

[0094] After entering the safe boarding and alighting mode, the controller 130 can be configured to determine the operating status of the vehicle 1 at step S320.

[0095] In step S320, controller 130 can be configured to determine whether vehicle 1 is in a driving state or a stopped state.

[0096] In step S320, the controller 130 can be configured to determine the operating status of the vehicle 1 based on vehicle speed information, transmission gear information, hazard light status information, etc.

[0097] When the vehicle 1 is in a driving state at step S320-①, the controller 130 can be configured to control the battery charging of the vehicle 1 based on a preset safe charging algorithm for getting on and off the vehicle at step S330.

[0098] In step S330, the controller 130 can be configured to control the charging of the battery so that the battery SOC value reaches the preset safe charging target SOC value for getting on and off the vehicle.

[0099] When the vehicle 1 is in a stopped state at step S320-②, the controller 130 may execute the engine start restriction at step S340.

[0100] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the controller 130 can stop the engine from running and display the engine limiting status (or engine stop status) through the user interface 110.

[0101] In the following text, at step S350, controller 130 may be configured to determine the door status based on door status information. At step S350, controller 130 may be configured to determine whether the door of vehicle 1 is in an open or closed state.

[0102] When the door of vehicle 1 is closed at step S350-①, controller 130 can determine the operation state in S320.

[0103] When the door of vehicle 1 is in the open state at step S350-②, controller 130 can limit the driving force output of vehicle 1 at step S360. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, controller 130 can output the driving force limiting state through user interface 110.

[0104] At step S360, the controller 130 can maintain the transmission gear in neutral (N). Additionally, the controller 130 can engage the electronic parking brake (EPB).

[0105] Subsequently, when a command to cancel the safe boarding / alighting mode is input at step S370 (i.e., "Yes"), the controller 130 terminates the safe boarding / alighting mode. When no command to cancel the safe boarding / alighting mode is input at step S370 (i.e., "No"), the controller 130 may perform the operation status judgment at step S320.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, even during the execution of S320 to S360, when an instruction to cancel the safe boarding / alighting mode is input, the controller 130 can terminate the safe boarding / alighting mode.

[0107] Figure 4 This is a view showing the powertrain of a vehicle 1 that employs a vehicle control device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the view shows a transmission integrated electric drive (TMED) system.

[0108] Reference Figure 4 The vehicle powertrain may include an engine 11; an electric motor 12; an engine clutch 13 disposed between the engine 11 and the electric motor 12 and transmitting or disconnecting engine power; a transmission 14 that transmits or outputs power from the electric motor 12; a final drive 15 coupled to the transmission 14 and transmitting power from the transmission 14 to the drive wheels W; a hybrid starter generator (HSG) 16 connected to the engine 11 to start the engine and generate electricity; and a battery 17 connected to the electric motor 12 and the hybrid starter generator 16 for charging or discharging, etc.

[0109] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transmission 14 can be implemented as an automatic transmission (AT), a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), etc.

[0110] Figure 5 This is a view showing a control block diagram for implementing vehicle 1 control according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Reference Figure 5 The vehicle control unit may include a hybrid power control unit (HCU) 21, an electric motor control unit (MCU) 22, a transmission control unit (TCU) 23, an engine control unit (ECU) 24, a battery management unit (BMS) 25, etc.

[0112] The hybrid power control unit 21 is a higher-level controller that outputs torque commands according to driving conditions, and can be configured to control the motor control unit 22, transmission control unit 23, engine control unit 24 and battery management unit 25, which are lower-level controllers.

[0113] For example, the hybrid power control unit 21 can communicate with the vehicle network, such as with lower-level control units 22, 23, 24, and 25 via a controller area network (CAN).

[0114] The hybrid power control unit 21 can perform control on the lower-level control units 22, 23, 24, and 25, and receive information from the lower-level control units 22, 23, 24, and 25 related to the devices 11, 12, 14, and 17 managed and controlled by the lower-level control units 22, 23, 24, and 25.

[0115] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle enters a safe boarding / alighting mode, the hybrid power control unit 21 can be configured to determine the operating state of the vehicle 1.

[0116] When the vehicle is in motion, the hybrid power control unit 21 can output a command to the battery management unit 25 to enter the safe entry and exit mode. Therefore, the battery management unit 25 can enter the safe entry and exit mode and control the charging of the battery 17 according to the preset safe entry and exit charging algorithm.

[0117] Therefore, when vehicle 1 is stationary, hybrid power control unit 21 can enforce engine start restriction. Hybrid power control unit 21 can send a command to engine control unit 24 to enter safe alighting / getting-out mode, and engine control unit 24 can enter safe alighting / getting-out mode and stop engine 11 from running.

[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the door of vehicle 1 is opened in safe entry and exit mode, the hybrid power control unit 21 can limit the driving force output of vehicle 1. The hybrid power control unit 21 can output a neutral (N) gear hold command to the transmission control unit 23.

[0119] The motor control unit 22 can receive torque commands from the hybrid power control unit 21 and control the overall operation of the motor 12.

[0120] The transmission control unit 23 can be configured to control the gear position of the transmission 14 according to driving conditions, the engine control unit 24 can be configured to control the overall operation and operating point of the engine 11 according to the command of the hybrid control unit 21, and the battery management unit 25 can collect battery status information and use the information to control the charging and discharging of the battery 17 or provide the information to the hybrid control unit 21.

[0121] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been provided, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention as provided in the summary.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle, the control of the hybrid vehicle including a hybrid powertrain, the hybrid powertrain including an engine and a drive motor, the apparatus comprising: The controller, based on the vehicle entering a safe boarding / alighting mode, determines the vehicle's operating status according to vehicle status information, and based on the vehicle's operating status being in a boarding / alighting state, keeps the engine in a shut-off state and limits the driving force output of the hybrid powertrain.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The "ready to get on and off the vehicle" state refers to the state where the stopping conditions are met and the vehicle door is open.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, Based on the fulfillment of the stopping condition, the controller controls the engine to keep the engine in the off state.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, Based on the opening of the vehicle's doors, the controller limits the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Based on entering the safe boarding and alighting mode, the controller controls the battery so that the battery's State of Charge (SOC) value reaches the preset safe boarding and alighting charging target SOC value.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The preset safe charging target SOC value for getting on and off the vehicle is preset to be greater than or equal to the power consumed by the vehicle's electric field load when the vehicle is in a stopped state.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the vehicle's operating state being stationary, the controller determines the vehicle's door status based on door status information, and based on the vehicle's door status being open, the controller limits the driving force output of the hybrid powertrain.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Since the driving force output of the hybrid powertrain is limited, the controller controls the vehicle's transmission gears to keep the transmission gears in neutral (N) position.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Since the driving force output of the hybrid powertrain is limited, the controller controls the vehicle's electronic parking brake to engage the electronic parking brake.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The controller includes: A communication module that communicates with electronic devices in the vehicle; A memory storing at least an algorithm for executing the safe boarding and alighting mode; and The processor is configured to enter the safe boarding / alighting mode and execute an algorithm for executing the safe boarding / alighting mode.

11. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle including a hybrid powertrain having an engine and a drive motor, the method being executed by a processor, the processor running based on an algorithm for executing safe alighting and alighting modes stored in memory, the method comprising the following steps: Enter safe boarding / alighting mode; Determine the vehicle's operating status based on vehicle status information; as well as Based on the fact that the vehicle is in a state where it is possible to get on and off, the engine is kept off and the driving force output of the hybrid powertrain is limited.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The "ready to get on and off the vehicle" state refers to the state where the stopping conditions are met and the vehicle doors are open.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Based on the fulfillment of the stopping conditions, an operation is performed to keep the engine in the off state.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Based on the opening of the vehicle's doors, the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain is limited.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: Based on entering the safe getting on and off mode, the vehicle's battery is controlled so that the battery's State of Charge (SOC) value reaches the preset safe getting on and off charging target SOC value.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The preset safe charging target SOC value for getting on and off the vehicle is set to be greater than or equal to the power consumed by the vehicle's electric field load when the vehicle is in a stopped state.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The steps for limiting the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain include: maintaining the vehicle's transmission gear in neutral (N) position.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The steps for limiting the drive force output of the hybrid powertrain include: maintaining the vehicle's electronic parking brake in an engaged state.

19. A hybrid vehicle comprising a hybrid powertrain having an engine and a drive motor, the hybrid vehicle comprising: A vehicle control device, based on the vehicle entering a safe boarding / alighting mode, controls the hybrid vehicle according to a preset algorithm for executing the safe boarding / alighting mode. The vehicle control device determines the operating status of the hybrid vehicle based on vehicle status information. If the operating status of the hybrid vehicle is that it is in a state where it is safe to get in and out of the vehicle, the vehicle control device keeps the engine off and limits the driving force output of the hybrid powertrain.

20. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 19, wherein, The vehicle control device includes: A user interface for receiving instructions from the user to enter the safe boarding / alighting mode; and The controller includes a processor, which is configured to: enter the safe boarding / alighting mode and execute a preset algorithm, the preset algorithm being used to execute the safe boarding / alighting mode.

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