DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A POWER SOURCE OF A HYBRID VEHICLE, OPERATING METHOD THEREFOR AND SYSTEM COMPRISING THE SAME

Abstract

Apparatus for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle, operating method therefor, and system (1) comprising the same for predicting (S730) engine torque fluctuations in real time based on an engine speed and a required engine torque. The apparatus comprises a memory (230) configured to store one or more algorithms for predicting (S730) engine torque fluctuations and one or more look-up tables (LUT). The apparatus has a power source control device (240) configured to predict (S710, S720) an inertia torque and a thrust torque related to an engine based on engine-related information, and to predict (S730) engine torque fluctuations based on the engine-related information, the inertia torque, and the thrust torque.The power source control device (240) is further configured to output a reverse torque command (S750) to compensate for the engine torque fluctuations.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention / disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for controlling a power source (e.g., an electric power source) of a hybrid vehicle, and more particularly to an apparatus for controlling (e.g., a control apparatus) a power source of a hybrid vehicle, an operating method thereof (e.g., a method of operating thereof), and a system including the same (e.g., the apparatus) (e.g., a system having the same). background

[0002] A hybrid vehicle powertrain typically includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor connected to a rotating shaft of the internal combustion engine. In the context of the hybrid vehicle powertrain, there are methods / technologies for using the electric motor to control a reverse phase (e.g., a phase reversal; e.g., a counter-phase) of internal combustion engine torque.

[0003] To control the reverse phase of the engine torque, it is important to predict the torque fluctuations of the engine. However, in the related art, the prediction of the engine torque fluctuations is not implemented in a higher-level control device such as a hybrid control unit (e.g., a hybrid ECU).

[0004] Generally, internal combustion engine control variables (e.g., control variables) (e.g., valve timing, intake pressure, ignition timing, air-fuel ratio, fuel quantity, etc.) at various operating points of the internal combustion engine are considered to predict engine torque fluctuations. However, it may be unsuitable for the higher-level control device to calculate such internal combustion engine control variables in real time because the control variables are not available / cannot be obtained in the higher-level control device. Furthermore, a large amount of computation is required to predict engine torque fluctuations.

[0005] The statements / explanations in this section merely provide background information relating to the present invention / disclosure and do not constitute prior art. Explanation of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention / disclosure have been designed according to the aforementioned requirements. A technical aspect of the present invention / disclosure is to provide a method / technology for predicting engine torque fluctuations. The technology can be applied to a higher-level control device of a hybrid vehicle, such as a hybrid control unit of the hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention / disclosure relate to a technical aspect of providing an apparatus for controlling a power source (e.g., an electric power source) of a hybrid vehicle, an operating method therefor, and a system including the same (e.g., a system having the same), in which torque fluctuations of an engine are predicted based on an engine speed (revolutions per minute (RPM)) and a required (e.g.,required) combustion engine torque.

[0007] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention / disclosure relate to a technical aspect of providing an apparatus for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle, an operating method therefor (e.g., a method of operating it), and a system having the same (e.g., the apparatus), in which torque fluctuations of an internal combustion engine are predicted (e.g., precalculated) and reverse phase control (e.g., phase reversal control, e.g., anti-phase control) for an internal combustion engine torque is performed based on the predicted torque fluctuations of the internal combustion engine.

[0008] The technical aspects of the present invention / disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Rather, other aspects intended by / by means of the present invention / disclosure should be more clearly understood from the following description by a person skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention / disclosure belongs. The aforementioned technical aspects can be achieved by providing a method for predicting torque fluctuations of an internal combustion engine. The method can be performed by a higher-level control device of a hybrid vehicle, such as a hybrid control unit of the hybrid vehicle.

[0009] According to embodiments, an apparatus for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle, an operating method therefor, and a system having the same may be provided, in which torque fluctuations of an internal combustion engine are predicted based on an engine speed (RPM) and a required engine torque.

[0010] According to embodiments, an apparatus for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle, an operating method therefor, and a system having the same may be provided, in which torque fluctuations of an internal combustion engine are predicted and reverse phase control (eg, phase inversion control, eg, anti-phase control) for an internal combustion engine torque is performed based on the predicted internal combustion engine torque fluctuations.

[0011] According to one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The apparatus may include a memory configured to store one or more algorithms for predicting engine torque fluctuations and one or more look-up tables (LUTs). The apparatus may also include a power source control device (e.g., electric power source control device). The power source control device may be configured to predict an inertia torque and a pressure torque (composed, for example, of combustion pressure torque and engine running pressure torque) related to an internal combustion engine based on internal combustion engine-related information.The power source control device may be further configured to predict engine torque fluctuations based on the engine-related information, the inertia torque, and the thrust torque. The power source control device may additionally be configured to output a reversing torque command (e.g., a phase reversing command, e.g., a reversing torque command, e.g., a counter-torque command) to compensate for the engine torque fluctuations. According to one embodiment, the power source control device may be configured to predict a reversing torque (e.g., a counter-torque) to compensate for the engine torque fluctuations. The power source control device may be configured to output the reversing torque command corresponding to the reversing torque.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the power source control device may be configured to predict engine torque fluctuations by subtracting a required engine torque from a sum of the inertia torque and the thrust torque. According to one embodiment, the engine-related information may include the engine speed (e.g., the engine speed) (rpm) and a required engine torque.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the power source control device may be configured to predict (e.g., precalculate) the inertia torque corresponding to the engine speed with reference to an inertia torque LUT (e.g., inertia torque lookup table) tabulated (e.g., tabulated) with the inertia torque according to (e.g., corresponding to) the engine speed. According to one embodiment, the power source control device may be configured to predict an engine running pressure torque (e.g., an engine pressure torque) based on the engine speed and the required engine torque with reference to the pressure torque (e.g., composed of the combustion pressure torque and the engine running pressure torque).The power source control device may be configured to predict the combustion pressure torque based on the required engine torque.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the power source control device may be configured to predict the engine running pressure torque with reference to the engine running pressure torque LUT tabulated with the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the power source control device may be configured to extract a first engine running pressure torque from an idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT (e.g., an idle-state engine pressure torque LUT, e.g., an idle-state engine pressure torque LUT). The power source control device may be further configured to extract a second engine running pressure torque from an open-state engine running pressure torque LUT (e.g., a throttle-open-state engine running pressure torque LUT). The power source control device may be further configured to predict the engine running pressure torque based on a sum of the first engine running pressure torque and the second engine running pressure torque. According to one embodiment, a method for operating a device (e.g.,An operating method for an apparatus for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The method may include: predicting an inertia torque based on engine-related information and predicting a thrust torque based on the engine-related information. The method may additionally include: predicting engine torque fluctuations based on the engine-related information, the inertia torque, and the thrust torque. The method may further include: issuing a reverse torque command (e.g., a counter torque command) to smooth out (e.g., compensate) the engine torque fluctuations.

[0016] According to one embodiment, predicting the engine torque fluctuations may comprise predicting the engine torque fluctuations by subtracting a required engine torque from a sum of the inertia torque and the thrust torque.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the engine-related information may include an engine speed and a required engine torque.

[0018] According to one embodiment, predicting the inertia torque may comprise: predicting the inertia torque corresponding to the engine speed with reference to the inertia torque LUT tabulated with the inertia torque according to the engine speed.

[0019] According to one embodiment, predicting the pressure torque may comprise: predicting an engine running pressure torque based on the engine speed and the required engine torque and predicting a combustion pressure torque based on the required engine torque.

[0020] According to one embodiment, predicting the pressure torque may comprise: predicting the engine running pressure torque with reference to the engine running pressure torque LUT tabulated with the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque.

[0021] According to one embodiment, predicting the pressure torque may comprise extracting a first engine running pressure torque from an idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT and extracting a second engine running pressure torque from an open-state engine running pressure torque LUT (e.g., a throttle-open-state engine running pressure torque LUT). The method may also comprise predicting the engine running pressure torque based on a sum of the first engine running pressure torque and the second engine running pressure torque.

[0022] According to one embodiment, outputting the reversing torque command may include predicting the reversing torque to compensate for the engine torque fluctuations, and outputting the reversing torque command corresponding to the reversing torque.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a system for controlling a power source (e.g., an electric power source) of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The system may include a vehicle information providing device (e.g., a vehicle information provider, e.g., an internal combustion engine information providing device) configured to provide vehicle-related information. The system may also include a control device for controlling the power source of the hybrid vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention / disclosure. The system may additionally include an electric motor control unit (e.g., a motor control unit) (MCU) configured to control an electric motor based on a reverse torque command (e.g., a counter torque command) output from the device for controlling the power source of the hybrid vehicle.

[0024] Details based on various examples of the present invention / disclosure, other than those provided in the above brief explanation, are provided in the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention / disclosure, a method for predicting torque variations of an internal combustion engine based on an internal combustion engine speed (RPM) and a required internal combustion engine torque may be provided.

[0026] The method for predicting engine torque fluctuations according to embodiments of the present invention / disclosure can be applied to a higher-level control device of a hybrid vehicle, e.g., a hybrid control unit, since engine control variables (e.g., control variables) (such as valve timing, ignition timing, air quantity, throttle angle, etc.) are not used.

[0027] Furthermore, the method for predicting the engine torque fluctuations according to the embodiments of the present invention / disclosure does not require much information to predict the torque fluctuations of the engine, thereby not requiring much calculation to predict the engine torque fluctuations and predicting the engine torque fluctuations in real time and efficiently.

[0028] In a system where the hybrid control unit (e.g., the hybrid control device) and the engine control device are separated, high-speed communication (e.g., real-time communication) is required for rapid information exchange between the two control devices, but resources for high-speed communication are limited. In such a system environment, the engine torque fluctuation prediction method according to embodiments of the present invention / disclosure can be effectively applied to the hybrid control unit.

[0029] The effects of the invention / disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Other effects not mentioned above will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0030] The above-mentioned problems to be solved, the means for solving the problems, and the effects do not specify / describe the essential features of the appended claims. The scope of the appended claims is not limited to the following description. Short description of the drawings

[0031] The accompanying drawings are provided to provide a better understanding of the embodiments of the present invention / disclosure. However, the technical features of the embodiments are not limited to the specific drawings. For example, the features disclosed in the drawings may be combined to implement new embodiments. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power source control system in a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration based on a first example of a powertrain system according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration based on a second example of a powertrain system according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration based on a third example of a powertrain system according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a higher-level control device (or a device for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power source control device according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Fig. 7 is a diagram for describing operations of a higher-level control device (or a device for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Detailed description

[0032] Advantages and features of the present invention / disclosure and methods of carrying out the same will be better understood by reference to the detailed description of embodiments provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention / disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and is not to be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the embodiments are provided so that the invention / disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concepts of the invention / disclosure to those skilled in the art. The invention / disclosure should be defined only by the appended claims. The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, numbers, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings for describing embodiments of the present invention / disclosure are for illustrative purposes only.The present invention / disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Throughout the description, like reference numerals refer to the same elements. If it is determined in the following description that the detailed description of the relevant known art unnecessarily obscures the invention / disclosure, the detailed description may be omitted. When the terms "comprise", "have", and "comprising" described in the present description are used, another part (e.g., another part) may be added unless a more limiting term, such as "only", is used. Terms of a singular form may have plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] When designing an element, the element should be understood to have a margin of error or tolerance, even if no explicit description of such error or tolerance is provided.

[0034] In the following description, a temporal relationship, e.g., when the temporal order is described as "after", "subsequent", "next", and "before", may have a case that the temporal order is not continuous unless "just" or "direct" is used.

[0035] Although the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element from other elements. Therefore, for example, the first element mentioned below may be the second element in the technical sense of the present invention / disclosure.

[0036] It should also be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," and "(b)" may be used herein to describe various elements, these terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. The content (e.g., composition), sequence, order, or number of these elements is not limited by these terms.

[0037] It should be understood that when an element is described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may not only be "directly connected or coupled" to the other element, but may also be "indirectly connected or coupled" to the other element via an "intermediate" element. In this context, it should also be understood that when an element is described as being formed "on" or "under" another element, it may not only be formed directly on or under another element, but may also be formed indirectly on or under another element via an intermediary element (e.g., by means of an intermediary element).

[0038] When a component (e.g., a part), device, element, or the like of the present invention / disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation (e.g., a process), function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being "configured to" fulfill that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0039] Terms such as "unit," "part," "block," "element," "module," and the like may refer to a unit for performing at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware component such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process / operation executed by a processor.

[0040] The term "at least one" is to be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the listed elements. For example, the meaning of "at least one of a first element, a second element, and a third element" refers to the combination of all elements suggested by two or more of the first element, the second element, and the third element, as well as the first element, the second element, or the third element.

[0041] In various embodiments of the present invention / disclosure, features may be partially or fully coupled or combined and may interact and operate in various technical ways. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented independently of one another or in conjunction with one another.

[0042] Referring to the accompanying drawings and the following embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention / disclosure are as follows. Since a scale for each element illustrated in the accompanying drawings may differ from an actual scale for convenience of description, the present invention / disclosure is not limited to the illustrated scale.

[0043] Hereinafter, an apparatus for controlling (e.g., a control device) a power source (e.g., an electric power source) of a hybrid vehicle, an operating method thereof (e.g., a method of operating thereof), and a system including the same (e.g., a system having the same) according to embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system 1 for controlling a power source in a hybrid vehicle (HV) according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0045] The system 1 (sometimes referred to herein as HV power source control system or power source control system) may include a higher-level control device (e.g., a hybrid control unit) capable of predicting (e.g., pre-calculating) torque fluctuations (e.g., roll vibration torque components) of an internal combustion engine.

[0046] The power source control system 1 may be configured to predict engine torque fluctuations in real time based on a small number of variables (e.g., an engine speed (RPM) and a required engine torque).

[0047] Furthermore, the power source control system 1 may be configured to predict an inertia torque and a thrust torque. The power source control system 1 can efficiently predict the torque fluctuations of the internal combustion engine based on the predicted inertia torque and thrust torque and the required internal combustion engine torque.

[0048] Further, the power source control system 1 may be configured to predict an engine running pressure torque (e.g., an engine pressure torque) and a combustion pressure torque classified from the pressure torque.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 1, the power source control system 1 may include, but is not limited to, an engine information providing device (e.g., an engine information provider, e.g., a vehicle information providing device) 100, a higher-level control device 200, a lower-level control device 300, and a drive train (e.g., power train) 400.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the higher-level control device 200, the lower-level control device 300 and the powertrain 400 may form a powertrain system 10 for a hybrid vehicle.

[0051] The engine information providing device 100 can provide engine-related information to the higher-level control device 200. The engine information can be used in predicting (e.g., in anticipating) the engine torque fluctuations by the higher-level control device 200.

[0052] The engine-related information that can be provided by / by the engine information providing device 100 may include the engine speed (or motor speed) and the required engine torque.

[0053] In one embodiment, the engine information providing device 100 may be an engine control unit (e.g., an engine control device) (ECU).

[0054] The higher-level control device 200 (or the HV power source control device) may predict the engine torque fluctuations based on engine-related information (e.g., the engine speed and the required engine torque) obtained (e.g., received) from the engine information providing device 100. The engine torque fluctuations may, for example, relate to an engine roll vibration torque (or an engine roll vibration torque component).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the higher-level control device 200 may be a hybrid control unit (HCU).

[0056] The higher-level controller 200 may predict the inertia torque (or an inertia torque component) based on the engine speed and the engine-related information. The inertia torque may refer to a torque generated in a crankshaft by a connecting rod as a reciprocating mass (e.g., a piston pack and the large end of the effective connecting rod) reciprocates during operation of the engine. The inertia torque may be proportional to the square of the engine speed.

[0057] To predict the inertia torque, the higher-level control device 200 may store a predetermined inertia torque look-up table (LUT) (e.g., an inertia torque look-up table) obtained based on an internal combustion engine dynamometer test (e.g., an internal combustion engine test bench test) for analyzing the inertia torque according to the internal combustion engine speed.

[0058] The higher-level control device 200 may predict (e.g., precalculate) the compression torque (or compression torque component) based on the engine speed and the required engine torque of the engine-related information. According to one embodiment, the higher-level control device 200 may predict the engine running compression torque and the combustion compression torque as compression torque.

[0059] Engine running pressure torque may refer to a crankshaft torque generated by the inflow and outflow of air without the combustion of the internal combustion engine.

[0060] To predict the engine running pressure torque, the higher-level controller 200 may store a predetermined engine running pressure torque LUT determined based on the engine dynamometer test for analyzing the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the higher-level controller 200 may calculate the engine running pressure torque based on the engine running pressure torque with the throttle closed and the engine running pressure torque with the throttle fully open.

[0062] The closed state (e.g., the closed state) of the throttle valve can be represented as the idle state or the minimum throttle opening state. The fully open state (e.g., the fully open state) of the throttle valve can be represented as the open state (or fully open state) or the maximum throttle opening state.

[0063] For example, the higher-level controller 200 may refer to the engine running pressure torque LUT, which is determined with the additional engine running pressure torque according to (e.g., corresponding to) the engine speed and the required engine torque when the throttle is closed. The higher-level controller 200 may also refer to the additional engine running pressure torque, which is evaluated / analyzed according to the engine speed and the required (e.g., required) engine torque when the throttle is fully open.

[0064] Alternatively, the higher-level controller 200 may store a predetermined idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT determined based on an analysis according to the engine speed and the required engine torque when the throttle is closed. The higher-level controller 200 may store a predetermined open-state engine running pressure torque LUT determined based on an analysis according to the engine speed and the required engine torque when the throttle is fully open.

[0065] The higher-level controller 200 may extract the engine running pressure torque corresponding to the engine speed and the requested engine torque from each of the idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT and the open-state engine running pressure torque LUT. The higher-level controller 200 may then predict the engine running pressure torque by summing the two extracted engine running pressure torques.

[0066] The engine running pressure torque extracted from the idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT is sometimes referred to herein as a first engine running pressure torque. The engine running pressure torque extracted from the open-state engine running pressure torque LUT is sometimes referred to herein as a second engine running pressure torque.

[0067] Combustion pressure torque may refer to a torque based on a pressure component due to pure combustion, where the engine running pressure (e.g., engine running pressure torque) is subtracted from the pressure generated when combustion occurs in the internal combustion engine. While inertia torque and engine running pressure torque have a mean / average torque of "0," combustion pressure torque may have a mean / average torque component in addition to a torque fluctuation component.

[0068] According to one embodiment, in order to predict the combustion pressure torque, the higher-level controller 200 may store a predetermined combustion pressure torque LUT (e.g., a predetermined combustion pressure torque lookup table) determined based on an engine dynamometer test for analyzing the combustion pressure torque according to the required engine torque.

[0069] The higher-level control device 200 can predict the engine torque fluctuations based on the inertia torque, the pressure torque (the engine running pressure torque and the combustion pressure torque), and the required engine torque.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the higher-level controller 200 may predict the engine torque fluctuations through a process of subtracting the required engine torque from the sum of the inertia torque and the pressure torque.

[0071] The higher-level controller 200 may predict reversal torque(s) (e.g., counter torque(s)) for the engine torque fluctuations to compensate for the predicted engine torque fluctuations. The reversal torque may be opposite in phase to and equal in magnitude to the engine torque fluctuations.

[0072] The higher-level control device 200 may output a reversing torque instruction (sometimes referred to herein as a reversing torque command) (e.g., a counter-torque instruction) corresponding to the reversing torque to the lower-level control device, e.g., an electric motor control unit (MCU). Thus, the MCU may control an electric motor of the powertrain based on the reversing torque instruction received from the higher-level control device 200, thereby performing reversing torque vibration control.

[0073] The subordinate control device 300 may control the powertrain 400 based on an engine control torque command and an electric motor control torque command (including the reverse torque command) received from the superordinate control device 200.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the MCU of the subordinate control device 300 may control the electric motor based on the electric motor control torque command output from the superordinate control device 200, thereby performing the reverse torque vibration control.

[0075] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration based on a first example of a powertrain system according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0076] Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the subordinate control device 300 may include an engine control unit (ECU) 310, a clutch control unit (CCU) 320, an MCU 330, a transmission control unit (TCU) 340, and a battery management system (BMS) 350.

[0077] Furthermore, the powertrain 400 may include an internal combustion engine 410, a clutch 420, at least one electric motor 430, a transmission (TM) 440, a battery 450, and an inverter (e.g., an inverter) 460. According to one embodiment, the powertrain 400 may include a first electric motor (M1) 430-1 and a second electric motor (M2) 430-2.

[0078] The ECU 310 may control the internal combustion engine 310 in response to the control by the higher-level control device 200. The CCU 320 may control the clutch 420 in response to the control by the higher-level control device 200.

[0079] The MCU 330 may control the electric motor 430 in response to the control by the higher-level control device 200. The TCU 340 may control the TM 440 in response to the control by the higher-level control device 200.

[0080] The BMS 350 may control the battery 450 in response to the control by the higher-level controller 200. The inverter 460 may supply / provide power from the battery 450 to the electric motor 430.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the clutch 420 may be arranged / connected between the internal combustion engine 410 and the TM 440, the first electric motor 430-1 may be arranged / connected between the internal combustion engine 410 and the clutch 420, and the second electric motor 430-2 may be arranged / connected between the clutch 420 and the TM 440.

[0082] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration based on a second example of a powertrain system according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration based on a third example of a powertrain system according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0083] A powertrain system 10' according to the second example and a powertrain system 10" according to the third example differ from the powertrain system 10 according to the first example in that the powertrain system 10 according to the first example has a plurality of electric motors 430, wherein the powertrain system 10' and the powertrain system 10" each have a single electric motor 430.

[0084] The powertrain systems 10' and 10" according to the second and third examples are described below, with reference to differences that are recognizable / distinguishable from the powertrain system 10 according to the first example.

[0085] Referring to Fig. 3, the powertrain system 10' according to the second example may include the electric motor 430 arranged between the internal combustion engine 410 and the clutch 420.

[0086] Referring to Fig. 4, the powertrain system 10" according to the third example may include the electric motor 430 connected to the internal combustion engine 410 via a rotating shaft S2 that is different from a rotating shaft S1 connecting the internal combustion engine 410 and the clutch 420.

[0087] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a higher-level control device (or a device for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0088] Referring to the Fig. 1-5, the higher-level control device 200 may include, but is not limited to, a receiving device (e.g., a receiver) 210, a transmitting device (e.g., a transmitting device, e.g., a transmitter) 220, a memory 230, and a power source control device (e.g., an electric power source control device) 240.

[0089] The receiving device 210 (sometimes referred to herein as a first communication device) may, according to one embodiment, obtain (e.g., receive) information and transmit (e.g., transmit) the obtained information to the power source control device 240.

[0090] The receiving device 210 may receive engine-related information, for example, engine-related information from the ECU 310.

[0091] The transmitting device 220 (sometimes referred to herein as a second communication device) may transmit information or data from the power source control device 240 according to one embodiment. For example, the transmitting device 220 may transmit a control value (e.g., a control variable) from the power source control device 240 to the subordinate control device 300.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the transmitter 220 may receive the engine control torque and the electric motor control torque from the power source control device 240. The transmitter 229 may transmit the engine control torque to the ECU 410 and may transmit the electric motor control torque to the MCU 330. The memory 230 may, according to one embodiment, store in advance an algorithm for performing / executing the operations (e.g., the processes) of the power source control device 240 and / or various information (e.g., pieces of information) required for the operations of the power source control device 240. The memory 230 may also store information or results obtained or generated according to the operations of the power source control device 240.

[0093] According to one embodiment, memory 230 may previously store an algorithm for predicting engine torque fluctuations and various LUTs. In embodiments, the various LUTs may include an inertial torque LUT, an engine running pressure torque LUT (an idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT and an open-state engine running pressure torque LUT (e.g., a throttle-open-state engine running pressure torque LUT)), a combustion pressure torque LUT, etc.

[0094] The memory 230 may include at least one type of storage media, such as flash memory type, hard disk type, micro type, and card type (e.g., a Secure Digital (SD) card or an Extreme Digital (XD) card), as well as random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), magnetic disk, and / or optical disk.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the power source control device 240 may be configured to perform / execute general operations of the higher-level control device 200 (or a device for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle). The power source control device 240 may include at least one processor.

[0096] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the power source control device 240 according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0097] Referring to the Fig. 1-6, the power source control device 240 according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure may include an inertia torque prediction module 241, a pressure torque prediction module 242, and an engine torque fluctuation prediction module 243.

[0098] The inertia torque prediction module 241 may, according to one embodiment, predict the inertia torque (or an inertia torque component) based on the engine speed included / present in the engine-related information.

[0099] For example, the inertia torque prediction module 241 may predict the inertia torque with reference to the inertia torque LUT that is tabulated (e.g., tabulated) by mapping the inertia torque according to the engine speed.

[0100] The pressure torque prediction module 242 may, according to one embodiment, predict the pressure torque (or a pressure torque component) based on the engine speed and the required engine torque included / present in the engine-related information.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the pressure torque prediction module 242 may predict the engine running pressure torque (e.g., the engine pressure torque) and the combustion pressure torque based on the engine speed and the required engine torque.

[0102] For example, the pressure torque prediction module 242 may predict the engine running pressure torque with reference to the tabulated engine running pressure torque LUT, which is tabulated by mapping the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque.

[0103] The engine running pressure torque contained / present in the engine running pressure torque LUT may be the sum of i) the engine running pressure torque (i.e., idle-state engine running pressure torque) analyzed based on engine speed and requested engine torque when the throttle is closed, and ii) the engine running pressure torque (i.e., open-state engine running pressure torque) analyzed based on engine speed and requested engine torque when the throttle is fully open.

[0104] In one embodiment, the pressure torque prediction module 242 may predict the engine running pressure torque with reference to i) an idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT tabulated by mapping the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque with the throttle closed, and ii) an open-state engine running pressure torque LUT tabulated by mapping the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque with the throttle fully open.

[0105] The pressure torque prediction module 242 may extract the engine running pressure torque, which corresponds to the engine speed and the required engine torque, from the idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT and the open-state engine running pressure torque LUT. The pressure torque prediction module 242 may predict the engine running pressure torque based on the sum of the two extracted engine running pressure torques.

[0106] The pressure torque prediction module 242 may predict the combustion pressure torque with reference to the combustion pressure torque LUT tabulated by mapping the combustion pressure torque according to the required engine torque.

[0107] The engine torque fluctuation prediction module 243 may, according to one embodiment, predict the engine torque fluctuations (or the engine rolling vibration torque components) based on the inertia torque, the pressure torque (the engine running pressure torque and the combustion pressure torque), and the required engine torque.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the engine torque fluctuation prediction module 243 may predict the engine torque fluctuations by the process of adding the inertia torque and the thrust torque and subtracting the required engine torque from the sum of the inertia torque and the thrust torque.

[0109] The power source control device 240 may further include a reverse torque command output module (e.g., a counter torque command output module) 244 according to one embodiment.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the reversing torque command output module 244 may predict the reversing torque for the engine torque fluctuations to compensate for the engine torque fluctuations predicted by the engine torque fluctuation prediction module 243. The reversing torque command output module 244 may output the reversing torque command based on the predicted reversing torque to the MCU 330 of the subordinate control device 300.

[0111] The reverse torque (e.g., the counter torque) may have an opposite phase (e.g., an opposite section) to and the same magnitude as the engine torque fluctuations.

[0112] Fig. 7 is a diagram for describing operations (e.g., processes) of a higher-level control device (or a device for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle) 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention / disclosure.

[0113] The Fig. 7 can be performed / executed by the higher-level control device (or the device for controlling the power source of the hybrid vehicle) 200 described above with reference to the Fig. 1-6 was described.

[0114] In a process (e.g., a step, e.g., an operation) S700, the higher-level control device 200 may obtain (e.g., receive) the engine-related information. The engine-related information may include the engine speed and the required engine torque. The higher-level control device 200 may obtain the engine-related information, for example, from the ECU 310.

[0115] In operation S710, the higher-level control device 200 may predict the inertia torque (or inertia torque component) based on the engine speed included / present in the engine-related information.

[0116] In operation S710, the higher-level controller 200 may predict the inertia torque with reference to the inertia torque LUT tabulated by mapping the inertia torque according to the engine speed.

[0117] In operation S720, the higher-level controller 200 may predict the pushing torque (or the pushing torque component) based on the engine speed and the required engine torque included / present in the engine-related information.

[0118] Operation S720 may include operations S721 and S722. In operation S721, the host controller 200 may predict the engine running pressure torque based on the engine speed and the required engine torque. In operation S722, the host controller 200 may predict the combustion pressure torque based on the required engine torque. In operation S721, the host controller 200 may predict the engine running pressure torque with reference to the engine running pressure torque LUT tabulated by mapping the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque.

[0119] The engine running pressure torque included / present in the engine running pressure torque LUT may be the sum of i) the engine running pressure torque (an idle-state engine running pressure torque) analyzed based on the engine speed and the requested engine torque when the throttle is closed, and ii) the engine running pressure torque (an open-state engine running pressure torque) analyzed based on the engine speed and the requested engine torque when the throttle is fully open.

[0120] In operation S721, the host controller 200 may predict the engine running pressure torque with reference to i) the idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT, which is tabulated by mapping the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque when the throttle is closed, and ii) the open-state engine running pressure torque LUT, which is tabulated by mapping the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque when the throttle is fully open.

[0121] The higher-level controller 200 may extract the engine running pressure torque corresponding to the engine speed and the required engine torque from the idle-state engine running pressure torque LUT and the open-state engine running pressure torque LUT, respectively. The higher-level controller 200 may predict the engine running pressure torque by summing the two extracted engine running pressure torques.

[0122] In an operation S730, the higher-level control device 200 may predict the engine torque fluctuations (or the engine rolling vibration torque components (e.g., the engine rolling vibration torque components) based on the inertia torque, the pressure torque (the engine running pressure torque and the combustion pressure torque), and the required engine torque (S730).

[0123] In operation S730, the higher-level control device 200 can predict the engine torque fluctuations by the operations of adding the inertia torque and the thrust torque and subtracting the required engine torque from the sum of the inertia torque and the thrust torque.

[0124] In an operation S740, the higher-level controller 200 may predict the reversing torque for the engine torque fluctuations to compensate for the predicted engine torque fluctuations.

[0125] The predicted reversing torque in operation S740 may have an opposite phase to and the same magnitude as the engine torque fluctuations.

[0126] In an operation S750, the upper-level control device 200 may output the reversing torque instruction corresponding to the reversing torque to the MCU 330 of the lower-level control device 300 as a control torque instruction for the electric motor (S750).

[0127] Although embodiments of the present invention / disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention / disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. Rather, the present invention / disclosure can be embodied in various ways without departing from the technical scope of the invention / disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the present invention / disclosure, but are intended to demonstrate the technical scope of the present invention / disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described above are only illustrative and not restrictive.The scope of the present invention / disclosure should be interpreted by reference to the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the corresponding scope should be considered to be included in the scope of the present invention / disclosure.

Claims

[1] A device for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle, the device comprising: a memory (230) configured to store one or more algorithms for predicting (S730) internal combustion engine torque fluctuations and to store one or more look-up tables (LUT), and a power source control device (240) configured to predict (S710, S720) an inertia torque and a pressure torque relating to an internal combustion engine (410) based on internal combustion engine-related information, predict engine torque fluctuations (S730) based on the engine-related information, inertia torque and pressure torque, and to issue a reverse torque command (S750) to compensate for engine torque fluctuations. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power source control device (240) is configured to: predict a reversing torque (S740) to compensate for the engine torque fluctuations, and to output the reversing torque instruction (S750) corresponding to the reversing torque. [3] The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power source control device (240) is configured to predict the engine torque fluctuations (S730) by subtracting a required engine torque from a sum of the inertia torque and the pressure torque. [4] The apparatus of any of claims 1-3, wherein the engine-related information includes engine speeds (RPM) and a required engine torque. [5] The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power source control device (240) is configured to predict (S710) the inertia torque corresponding to the engine speed with reference to an inertia torque LUT tabulated with the inertia torque according to the engine speed. [6] The apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the power source control device (240) is configured to: predict an engine running pressure torque with respect to the pressure torque based on the engine speed and the required engine torque (S720) and predict a combustion pressure torque based on the required combustion engine torque (S722). [7] The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the power source control device (240) is configured to predict (S721) the engine running pressure torque with reference to an engine running pressure torque LUT tabulated with the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque. [8] The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the power source control device (240) is arranged to: extract a first engine running pressure torque from an idle state engine running pressure torque LUT, extract a second engine running pressure torque from an open state engine running pressure torque LUT, and predict the engine running pressure torque (S721) based on a sum of the first engine running pressure torque and the second engine running pressure torque. [9] A method of operating a device for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle, the method comprising: Predicting (S710) an inertia torque based on combustion engine-related information, Predicting (S720) a pressure torque based on the combustion engine-related information, Predicting engine torque fluctuations (S730) based on the engine-related information, inertia torque and pressure torque, and Outputting (S750) a reverse torque command to compensate for engine torque fluctuations. [10] The method of claim 9, wherein predicting (S730) the engine torque fluctuations comprises: Predicting (S730) engine torque fluctuations by subtracting a required engine torque from a sum of the inertia torque and the thrust torque. [11] The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the engine-related information includes an engine speed (RPM) and a required engine torque. [12] The method of claim 11, wherein predicting (S710) the inertia torque comprises: predicting (S710) the inertia torque corresponding to the engine speed with reference to an inertia torque LUT tabulated with the inertia torque according to the engine speed. [13] The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein predicting (S720) the pressure torque comprises: predicting (S721) an engine running pressure torque based on the engine speed and the required engine torque and predicting (S722) a combustion pressure torque based on the required engine torque. [14] The method of claim 13, wherein predicting (S720) the pressure torque comprises: predicting (S721) the engine running pressure torque with reference to an engine running pressure torque LUT tabulated with the engine running pressure torque according to the engine speed and the required engine torque. [15] The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein predicting (S720) the pressure torque comprises: Extracting a first engine running pressure torque from an idle state engine running pressure torque LUT, Extracting a second engine running pressure torque from an open-state engine running pressure torque LUT, and Predicting (S721) the engine running pressure torque based on a sum of the first engine running pressure torque and the second engine running pressure torque. [16] The method of any of claims 9-15, wherein outputting (S750) the reverse torque command comprises: predicting (740) a reversing torque to compensate for the engine torque fluctuations, and Output (S750) the reversing torque instruction corresponding to the reversing torque. [17] System (1) for controlling a power source of a hybrid vehicle, the system (1) comprising: a vehicle information providing device (100) configured to provide vehicle-related information, a device for controlling the power source of the hybrid vehicle, and an electric motor control unit (MCU) configured to control an electric motor based on a reverse torque command output from the hybrid vehicle power source control device (S750), wherein the device for controlling the power source of the hybrid vehicle comprises a memory (230) configured to store one or more algorithms for predicting (S730) internal combustion engine torque fluctuations and to store one or more look-up tables (LUT), and a power source control device (240) configured to predict (S710, S720) an inertia torque and a pressure torque relating to an internal combustion engine (410) based on internal combustion engine-related information, predict engine torque fluctuations (S730) based on the engine-related information, inertia torque and pressure torque, and to issue a reverse torque command (S750) to compensate for engine torque fluctuations.

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