Methods for controlling hybrid vehicles

Abstract

HYBRID VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD for controlling the operation of electric and internal combustion engines to enable regeneration of lubricating oil and prevent deterioration due to fuel contamination, taking into account the condition of the fuel, battery and engine load regime.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method for a hybrid vehicle equipped with at least one electric motor and an internal combustion engine, which is operated with at least one fuel from the group consisting of fossil fuels, biofuels and synthetic fuels, in order to maintain the integrity of moving parts of the internal combustion engine. STATE-OF-THE-ART

[0002] A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle powered by two types of engines: combustion engines and electric motors. It can run on gasoline, ethanol, or diesel and also have an electric drive. In this way, the system combines the advantages of each of these energy sources.

[0003] On the one hand, models with combustion engines achieve good autonomy due to the ease of refueling, but the combustion of fuel leads to the release of pollutants into the environment.

[0004] However, the electric power source makes the battery's range and charging time a drawback for the user. This is where the convenience of hybrid cars comes in: they can utilize the positive aspects of different engine types, offering the driver numerous advantages such as practicality, comfort, and range.

[0005] A hybrid vehicle operates with two drive systems, each fulfilling its own function. The power source can be plug-in (with a socket for charging from the mains) or the "traditional" one, which is charged by braking and by the combustion engine, which acts as a generator.

[0006] In some models, it's not even necessary to recharge the batteries, as the electric motor converts braking energy into power. Fuel is also needed in situations requiring more power, such as on highways or uphill.

[0007] The combustion engine, on the other hand, keeps the vehicle moving and generates energy for the electric drive.

[0008] Some models allow you to select a driving mode that optimizes fuel consumption in exchange for varying performance. In any case, it will always be economical. In the city, they achieve 40 km per liter.

[0009] The flex-fuel hybrid vehicle adds an important function to the combustion engine: the ability to burn both ethanol and gasoline. This innovation allows the model to operate on three different energy sources.

[0010] Accordingly, the flex-hybrid offers several advantages for the market, users, and the environment. It contributes to the reduction of gases that intensify the greenhouse effect, especially in large cities.

[0011] As is well known, the operation of the internal combustion engine of a passenger car has four strokes / stages: 1. Admission 2. Compression 3. Combustion 4. Exhaust

[0012] And each of these steps takes place in the combustion chamber, which is present in the engine cylinders.

[0013] Each cylinder of an engine (usually three, four or six) is lined internally with a liner and houses a piston which is mechanically connected to a connecting rod and crankshaft assembly.

[0014] The connecting rod-crankshaft assembly is a mechanism capable of converting the translational motion of the piston (which occurs after the third stroke of the internal combustion engine) into a circular motion, causing the crankshaft to rotate.

[0015] To ensure a proper seal inside the cylinder and prevent gas from escaping the combustion chamber, it is essential to use a liner that is mounted there in contact with the plunger piston. However, the movement of the piston in direct contact with the liner can lead to excessive temperature increases due to friction between the metal surfaces, which can severely damage the engine and make repairs extremely expensive.

[0016] To reduce (or even neutralize) the friction between the piston and the cylinder liner, a thin layer of lubricating oil is applied between the piston walls and the liner. This thin oil layer prevents direct contact between the moving parts during engine operation. However, for the oil layer to effectively prevent direct contact, the oil must have an ideal viscosity to allow for the necessary friction and slippage. In this sense, viscosity is defined as the resistance the oil has to moving against itself. A more viscous (thicker) oil has greater resistance to moving between engine parts; that is, it is more difficult to drain away, but it has a greater capacity to remain between two moving parts and form the protective film.

[0017] Lubricating oil, which is sold in bottles at gas stations and in stores, is classified according to its viscosity, and there are numerous classifications, such as SAE 5W30, 5W40, 10W40, etc. The number before the letter W (which stands for "winter") indicates the viscosity of the oil when cold (the lower this number, the faster it lubricates the moving parts during a cold start). The number after the letter W indicates the viscosity of the oil (the higher this number, the higher the viscosity of the oil).

[0018] The oil used to lubricate the moving parts is poured into the vehicle's engine from an inlet nozzle designed for this type of fluid and flows through a channel until it reaches a designated reservoir called the crankcase. The crankcase is located at the bottom of the engine and is responsible for storing the added oil and, after the engine is switched off, for collecting the oil that has circulated and lubricated its moving components. Therefore, the crankcase is equipped with a large opening at the top (for receiving the oil) and a drain hole at the bottom, also known as the drain plug. The drain plug is sealed by a screw, which is removed when changing the vehicle's engine oil.

[0019] The oil is collected from the crankcase and gathered by a component called an oil separator (or "fisherman," as it is also known) – a device for drawing in the lubricating oil stored in the crankcase – and is drawn in by an oil pump. The pressure generated by the pump forces the oil into the fisherman, from where it is directed to an oil filter to remove solid particles present in the oil stored in the crankcase. The fisherman may also have a filter in its inlet section capable of performing a first filtration of larger particles, while the oil filter performs a second filtration to retain smaller particles.

[0020] Generally, after filtration through the oil filter, the lubricant is distributed via a distribution system consisting of numerous branched lines that carry the lubricating oil and deliver it to each of the parts requiring lubrication. Following this lubrication, the oil flows back into the crankcase for later use.

[0021] A crucial property to consider regarding lubricating oils is their optimal lubricity, which is closely linked to the oil's operating temperature. Lubricants have maximum and minimum operating temperature limits, and exceeding these limits can cause engines to lose stability and fail. If this issue is not addressed, malfunctions will lead to the deterioration of engine components.

[0022] In this sense, lubricants can chemically decompose at colder temperatures, separating into phases and exhibiting changes in their states of matter, making them extremely inefficient and detrimental to engine operation. For example: • Oils of the “mixed” type can begin to separate into phases; • Paraffin-based oils can become wax gels; • Some additives can become insoluble, leading to sedimentation. • Dissolved water can turn into emulsified water (more harmful); • Many additives that rely on heat-induced chemical reactions fail to work (e.g., EP and AW additives); • The oil may become more circulatory; • Filters with bypass open the valve due to the increased viscosity of the oil.

[0023] It is known that the temperature of a vehicle's engine, and consequently the oil temperature, increases when the engine is running. However, if a driver only covers short distances, the engine oil may not heat up sufficiently due to the driving time to transfer the amount of heat required for the lubricant to reach its optimal operating temperature, leading to deterioration such as that described above.

[0024] In this sense, the following events directly affect the proper functioning of the engine.

[0025] The thickness of the film (or layer) determines the increase or decrease in fuel mass required to compensate for the effects of the oil film in the event of a change in engine load.

[0026] Some of the fuel injected into the intake manifold is not immediately drawn into the combustion chamber during the next intake cycle, but instead condenses on the inside of the manifold wall as a liquid film. The amount of fuel that accumulates and is trapped in this film on the manifold wall increases significantly with increasing load and injection duration. As the throttle valve opens further, a certain amount of injected fuel is required to contribute to the formation of this film on the wall. To prevent the air-fuel mixture from becoming enriched during acceleration, this additional fuel mass must be injected (enrichment by acceleration).

[0027] As the load decreases, the fuel mass retained in the film becomes available again and is partially fed into the airflow; i.e., in the event of a possible delay, the injection time must be shortened by a corresponding fuel mass (increase due to delay).

[0028] To create or compensate for these effects on the oil film or insufficient evaporation properties during cold starts, additional amounts of fuel are injected after starting and warming up by the starting factors;

[0029] Liquid fuel that is not used in combustion partially enters the exhaust system due to fluctuations in the accelerator pedal. The remaining fuel stays in the combustion chamber and passes through the piston rings into the engine oil.

[0030] Engines with direct injection and high-pressure injectors with a side-mounted installation position, where the injected fuel hits the cylinder wall, are particularly affected.

[0031] In engines designed with portal-mounted fuel injection, the fuel injected into the intake manifold does not remain entirely in the air as fuel droplets or vapor; instead, a certain portion condenses as an oil film on the inner walls of the manifold. This proportion varies depending on the engine speed and load.

[0032] The smaller molecule with the hydroxyl group (-OH) leads to faster combustion with less heat loss, less ignition displacement, and exhaust gas with more water and a lower temperature, but with some disadvantages: • Increased oil film in cold weather; • Increased fuel absorption into the engine oil; • Longer injection times; • Higher stoichiometric consumption; • In contrast to gasoline, ethanol evaporates completely at 78°C and enters the intake manifold through the crankcase ventilation;

[0033] Frequent cold starts and short journeys without the engine oil fully warming up and thus without the fuel being flushed out of the engine oil represent a worst-case condition for fuel evaporation.

[0034] Low gears are the worst case for fuel evaporation, as the evaporation rate relative to the total combustion air (high vacuum) is at its maximum, which can lead to engine stalls.

[0035] If the oil is not at its ideal operating temperature, its lubricating purpose is not achieved because its viscosity is excessive. Since oil viscosity is closely related to the resistance of movement between engine parts, the more viscous the oil, the more difficult it is to drain. Consequently, the force required to move the piston against the cylinder lining is greater, which directly impacts fuel consumption (the greater the resistance, the greater the amount of fuel needed to overcome it).

[0036] Another event that can be detected in lubricants is contamination by the presence of water vapor originating from oil degradation, or even by the result of fuel combustion and the subsequent outflow of condensed vapor due to an inadequate seal of the contact area between the piston and the lining in the cylinder.

[0037] In short, if the lubricating oil degrades or does not operate at its optimal temperature, it cannot achieve its ideal viscosity and thus becomes a component that increases fuel consumption and makes engine operation more susceptible to environmental or environmental stresses.

[0038] In this way, the main problem to be overcome is to control the operation of electric and combustion engines in order to prevent the deterioration of the lubricating oil due to fuel contamination.

[0039] In this sense, there are solutions dedicated to oil management, such as the one disclosed in patent document JP5104822. This document presents a solution applicable to engines using a "start-stop" system, equipped with a system responsible for diverting and circulating the lubricating oil that is routed through the channel branch to the engine's lubrication points.

[0040] The solution described in patent specification JP5104822 describes a system designed to keep the oil warm while the engine, equipped with a start-stop system, is in "off" mode, for example, due to an overload (as mentioned previously). To this end, the lubrication system, which includes a secondary line in the transport and distribution line for returning the lubricating oil when the start-stop system is in "off" mode (thus returning the oil to the oil pump to keep it circulating), and an electric heater positioned downstream of the oil pump, ensures that only the oil that has already passed through the pump is heated. When the engine switches to "on" mode, the oil is pumped, begins to heat up (again), and is then distributed to the lubrication points.

[0041] The need to heat the lubricating oil in a vehicle without "start-stop" technology cannot be overcome with the aforementioned techniques, in particular with the solution described in patent document JP5104822, for a number of reasons, starting from the lack of need for an oil return system, since it is not a "start-stop" engine, to the higher electricity consumption for transporting the oil with higher viscosity over a long distance from the oil pan via the oil pump to the heating point.

[0042] In this sense, the patent document in question is silent or does not solve the problem of controlling the operation of electric and combustion engines in order to prevent the deterioration of the lubricating oil due to fuel contamination. GOALS OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The objective of the present invention is to provide a hybrid vehicle management method to control the operation of electric and combustion engines in order to enable the regeneration of lubricating oil and to prevent deterioration due to fuel impurities, taking into account the condition of the fuel, the battery and the engine load regime. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] With a view to solving the technical problem described and overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art, the objective of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a hybrid vehicle equipped with • at least one electric motor capable of delivering a first operating torque that varies between a first minimum torque and a first maximum torque; • at least one internal combustion engine equipped with an inlet valve and powered by at least one fuel from fossil fuels, biofuels and synthetic fuels, and capable of delivering a second operating torque that is variable between a second minimum torque and a second maximum torque; • at least one control unit that is electronically connected to the electric motor and electrically to the combustion engine; • at least one electricity supply unit; to include the following steps • Proof of the presence of at least one biofuel; • Determination of at least one reference value for at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine; • Determination of at least one value at a current time for at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine; • Comparing the reference value of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine with the value at a current time associated with at least one parameter of the internal combustion engine; • Determination of a reference value for at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit; • Determination of the value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the electricity supply unit available at any given time; • Comparison of the value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the available power supply unit at any given time with the reference value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit; • Performing an action. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. - Structure of the hybrid vehicle management system. Fig. - Example of a hybrid vehicle. Fig. - Example of a hybrid vehicle. Fig. - Example of a hybrid vehicle. Fig. - Example of a hybrid vehicle. Fig. - Example of a hybrid vehicle. Fig. - Example of a hybrid vehicle. Fig. - Example of a hybrid vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Hybrid vehicles are part of the electrified vehicles, i.e., a segment that includes pure electric vehicles, hybrids and mild hybrids, and is capable of reducing fuel consumption and pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels.

[0046] Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are models where the car itself decides when to use the electric drive or the combustion engine. The electric system is activated during maneuvers at low speeds; when more power and speed are required, the combustion engine kicks in.

[0047] Within the hybrid vehicle category, there are also plug-in hybrid models, also known as PHEVs. The key feature here is the ability to charge the vehicle at a wall socket, just like a 100% electric car. In this case, the electric motor is also capable of driving the wheels and can be used under more demanding conditions. The range can reach an average of 50 km, and the driver can choose when to activate the system.

[0048] The main characteristic of a mild hybrid vehicle (MHEV) is that, unlike conventional hybrid cars, the electric powertrain is not capable of directly driving the wheels. Instead, these vehicles have an electric generator that assists with tasks such as starting the engine, activating and switching on electrical systems, and even maintaining cruising speed. The electric motor provides momentary assistance, slightly increasing power and torque under certain conditions, such as overtaking and accelerating (e.g., increasing peak power from 150 hp to 160 hp). Rather than an electric motor capable of independently driving the wheels, a mild hybrid car has a small electric generator, which also acts as an alternator and is capable of charging an auxiliary battery, which can be either 12V or 48V.This battery is also used to start the combustion engine, to maintain cruising speed and to power secondary electrical systems (with this less crucial function, the battery in mild hybrids is significantly smaller, even resembling conventional batteries).

[0049] However, all types of hybrid vehicles have one thing in common: the presence of an internal combustion engine. Internal combustion engines, in which a considerable number of moving parts such as pistons move within cylinders, create a situation where any friction between these parts can be extremely damaging and requires a film or layer of lubricating oil to keep the parts easily separated as they work together.

[0050] As mentioned in the prior art, a more viscous (thicker) oil has a higher resistance to moving between the engine parts, i.e., it is more difficult to drain, but has a greater capacity to remain between two moving parts and form the protective film.

[0051] In this sense, it describes how from Fig. It is evident that the present invention is a hybrid vehicle management method for controlling the operation of electric and combustion engines in order to prevent the degradation of the lubricating oil by fuel contamination, taking into account the condition of the fuel, the battery and the engine load regime.

[0052] Accordingly, the present invention discloses a hybrid vehicle management method which is equipped with • at least one electric motor 3 capable of generating a first operating torque that varies between a first minimum torque and a first maximum torque; • at least one internal combustion engine 1 equipped with an inlet valve and powered by at least one fuel from fossil fuels, biofuels and synthetic fuels and capable of providing a second variable operating torque between a second minimum torque and a second maximum torque; • at least one control unit that is electronically connected to the electric motor 3 and electrically to the combustion engine 1; • at least one power supply unit 6; the procedure comprises the following steps, • Proof of the presence of at least one biofuel; • Determine at least one reference value for at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1; • Determine at least one value of at least one parameter at a current time that is assigned to the internal combustion engine 1; • Comparing the reference value of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1 with the value at a current time assigned to at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1; • Determination of a reference value for at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit; • Determining a value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit 6 that is available at any given time; • Comparison of the value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the available power supply unit 6 at a current time with the reference value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit 6; • Performing an action.

[0053] An intake valve is understood to be a throttle body, and any external air intake valve can be permitted.

[0054] The electric motor 3 and the combustion engine 1 can be coupled together by means of at least one coupling 7.

[0055] The second minimum torque refers to the minimum torque required to keep the internal combustion engine running and compensate for power losses. It can also be called the loss torque. Additionally, it can be used to maintain a suitable charge level for the electrical supply unit 6.

[0056] The detection of at least one biofuel refers to the identification of biofuels (preferably ethanol) using an oxygen sensor or, more accurately, an ethanol sensor. Oil contamination or degradation is more pronounced with a high ethanol content in the fuel.

[0057] A reference value of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1 is understood to be, for example, at least one value from the range of fuel temperature, coolant temperature, lubricating oil quality or temperature, which can be more than one parameter and is not limited to these.

[0058] The step of determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1 can be carried out either by mathematical calculations and modeling or by reading data from sensors and the like, for example ethanol sensor (direct reading) or oxygen sensor (reactive).

[0059] At least one electrical parameter assigned to the power supply unit 6 is understood as a minimum voltage value, a minimum state of charge, or a minimum electrical power for the operation of the electric motor 3. The power supply unit 6 can be defined as a battery. And it is coupled to a frequency converter 5.

[0060] An electrical parameter associated with the available power supply unit 6 is understood to be a value of the voltage, state of charge or electrical power available from the battery 6.

[0061] The comparison steps can be performed sequentially, simultaneously, or even in reverse.

[0062] The present invention also discloses a hybrid vehicle control method in which the step of performing an action includes performing at least one of the subsequent actions. • Switching on the electric motor 3; • Switching off the electric motor 3; • Switching on the combustion engine 1; • Switching off the combustion engine 1; • Coupling of the combustion engine 1 to the electric motor 3. • Decoupling the combustion engine 1 from the electric motor 3.

[0063] The present invention also represents a hybrid vehicle control method, wherein the action of starting the internal combustion engine 1 is an action between • Starting the internal combustion engine 1 and holding the air intake valve in a first starting position; • Starting the internal combustion engine 1 and partially opening the air intake valve in a second position that is higher than the first starting position and lower than a maximum opening position, includes.

[0064] The effect of partially opening the air intake valve (throttle body) to a second position, which is larger than the initial opening position but smaller than the maximum opening position, is crucial for maintaining the engine speed above idle, increasing the oil temperature, and accelerating the decontamination process. It can also retard the ignition point, thus promoting faster dilution of the oil vapor with the air. This further accelerates the decontamination process.

[0065] This is necessary because lower gears are the worst case for fuel evaporation, as the evaporation rate relative to the total combustion air (high vacuum) is at its maximum, which can lead to engine stalls (standstill).

[0066] The second position, which is larger than the first starting position, is determined in advance.

[0067] The present invention also discloses a hybrid vehicle control method such that the action of coupling the combustion engine 1 with the electric motor 3 necessarily occurs simultaneously with the step of starting the combustion engine 1.

[0068] The present invention also discloses a method for controlling a hybrid vehicle in which the process of coupling the combustion engine 1 with the electric motor 3 is forcibly carried out following the step of starting the combustion engine 1.

[0069] The present invention also discloses a hybrid vehicle control method such that the action of coupling the combustion engine 1 to the electric motor 3 takes place obligatorily after the combustion engine 1 start-up step.

[0070] The present invention also discloses a hybrid vehicle management method, wherein the step of determining at least one reference value of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine 1 comprises at least one parameter associated with at least one of the following parameters • Concentration of biofuel in the fuel; • Fuel temperature in the fuel distribution device; • Temperature of the coolant of the internal combustion engine 1; • Viscosity of the internal combustion engine's lubricating fluid 1; • Temperature of the internal combustion engine's lubricating fluid 1.

[0071] A fuel distribution device is a fuel gallery.

[0072] The temperature of the lubricating fluid (oil) can be determined from the coolant temperature of the internal combustion engine 1. This becomes mandatory when no oil quality and / or temperature sensors are present.

[0073] The viscosity of the lubricating fluid of the internal combustion engine 1 can be determined by using an oil quality sensor or by mathematical modeling.

[0074] The present invention also describes a hybrid vehicle management method, wherein the step of determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine 1 comprises determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine 1 by means of an ethanol sensor.

[0075] Furthermore, the present invention describes a hybrid vehicle management method such that the step of determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1 comprises determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1 by means of an oxygen sensor.

[0076] The present invention also describes a hybrid vehicle management method, wherein the step of determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1 comprises a step of calculating at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine 1.

[0077] The present invention also presents a hybrid vehicle management method in which the step of determining at least one reference value of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine 1 and the step of determining at least one reference value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit 6 comprise a process of inputting at least one reference value of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine 1 and of inputting at least one reference value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit 6 into the control unit.

[0078] The present invention also describes a hybrid vehicle management method, wherein the step of comparing the reference value of at least one parameter assigned to the combustion engine 1 with the value of at least one parameter assigned to the combustion engine 1 that is available at a current time, and the step of comparing the value of at least one electrical parameter assigned to the power supply unit 6 that is available at a current time with the reference value of at least one electrical parameter assigned to the power supply unit 6, comprise an action for processing the comparison in the control unit.

[0079] The present invention further describes a hybrid vehicle management method in which the step of determining a reference value of at least one parameter assigned to the combustion engine 1 comprises measuring at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter assigned to the combustion engine 1, and the step of determining a value of at least one electrical parameter available at a current time assigned to the power supply unit 6 comprises measuring at least one value at a current time of at least one electrical parameter to be supplied assigned to the power supply unit 6.

[0080] The present invention further presents a method for controlling a hybrid vehicle, wherein the step of determining a reference value of at least one parameter assigned to the combustion engine 1 comprises calculating at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter assigned to the combustion engine 1, and the step of determining a value of at least one electrical parameter available at a current time assigned to the power supply unit 6 comprises calculating at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter to be supplied electrically assigned to the power supply unit 6.

[0081] The present invention also discloses a hybrid vehicle management method, wherein the step of performing an action comprises an action between providing a second minimum torque and a second torque that is greater than the second minimum torque and less than or equal to the second maximum torque.

[0082] The present invention also presents a hybrid vehicle management method in which the electric motor 3 is mechanically connected to at least one wheel. Such an embodiment is described in Fig. to see.

[0083] The present invention further describes a hybrid vehicle management method in which the internal combustion engine 1 is mechanically connected to at least one wheel. This embodiment is described in Fig. 5 to see.

[0084] The present invention also presents a hybrid vehicle management method in which the electric motor 3 and the combustion engine 1 are mechanically connected to at least the same wheel. This connection can be made directly or via axles, constant velocity joints and / or drive shafts.

[0085] The present invention also presents a hybrid vehicle management method in which the internal combustion engine 1 is mechanically connected to at least one power generation unit 8. This power generation unit 8 is a generator and is electrically connected to a frequency converter 5.

[0086] Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a hybrid vehicle management method in which biofuel comprises any fuel composition equipped with ethanol.

[0087] The steps, which include actions such as calculating, processing, and comparing, must be carried out by a control unit 50 for processing vehicle parameters, which is primarily responsible for the intelligence of the entire engine. This control unit can include both the ECU (Electronic Control Unit 11 - responsible for the electronic control of the entire operation of the internal combustion engine 111 as well as the torque structure 114, starting 112, and switching between engines 113) and a dedicated unit solely for battery management 31.

[0088] Thus, the present invention fulfills the objective of providing a hybrid vehicle management method to control the operation of electric and combustion engines in order to enable the regeneration of lubricating oil and to prevent deterioration due to fuel contamination, taking into account the condition of the fuel, the battery and the engine load regime. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 5104822 [0039, 0040, 0041]

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a hybrid vehicle equipped with • at least one electric motor (3) capable of generating a first operating torque which fluctuates between a first minimum torque and a first maximum torque; • at least one internal combustion engine (1) equipped with an inlet valve and powered by at least one fuel from fossil fuels, biofuels and synthetic fuels and capable of delivering a second operating torque which is variable between a second minimum torque and a second maximum torque; • at least one control unit that is electronically connected to the electric motor (3) and electrically to the internal combustion engine (1); • at least one electricity supply unit (6); characterized by that it includes the following steps • Proof of the presence of at least one biofuel; • Determination of at least one reference value for at least one parameter of the internal combustion engine (1); • Determination of at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter that is associated with the internal combustion engine (1); • Comparison of the reference value of at least one parameter of the internal combustion engine (1) with the value of at least one parameter of the internal combustion engine (1) at the current time; • Determination of a reference value for at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit (6); • Determination of a value of at least one electrical parameter that is connected to the electricity supply unit (6) and is available at a current time; • Comparison of the value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the available power supply unit (6) at any given time with the reference value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit (6); • Performing an action. [2] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by that the step of taking an action involves taking at least one action between • Switching on the electric motor (3); • Switching off the electric motor (3); • Starting the internal combustion engine (1); • Switching off the internal combustion engine (1); • couple the combustion engine (1) to the electric motor (3). • decouple the combustion engine (1) from the electric motor (3). [3] Method for controlling hybrid vehicles according to claim 2, characterized by, that the process of starting the internal combustion engine (1) includes a process between • Starting the internal combustion engine (1) and holding the air intake valve in a first starting position; • Starting the internal combustion engine (1) and partially opening the air intake valve to a second position that is higher than the first starting position and lower than a maximum opening position. [4] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 2, characterized by , that the process of coupling the internal combustion engine (1) to the electric motor (3) necessarily takes place simultaneously with the step of starting the internal combustion engine (1). [5] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 2, characterized by , that the process of coupling the internal combustion engine (1) to the electric motor (3) necessarily takes place following the step of starting the internal combustion engine (1). [6] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 2, characterized by , that the process of coupling the internal combustion engine (1) to the electric motor (3) necessarily takes place after the step of starting the internal combustion engine (1). [7] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the step of determining at least one reference value of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1) includes at least one parameter relating to at least one of the following • Concentration of biofuel in the fuel; • Fuel temperature in the fuel distribution device; • Temperature of the coolant of the internal combustion engine (1); • Viscosity of the internal combustion engine lubricating fluid (1); • Temperature of the internal combustion engine's lubricating fluid (1). [8] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the step of determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1) includes determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1) by means of an ethanol sensor. [9] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the step of determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1) includes determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1) by means of an oxygen sensor. [10] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the step of determining at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1) includes a step of calculating at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1). [11] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the step of determining at least one reference value of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine (1) and the step of determining at least one reference value of at least one electrical parameter to be supplied assigned to the power supply unit (6) comprise a process of entering at least one reference value of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine (1) and of entering at least one reference value of at least one electrical parameter to be supplied assigned to the power supply unit (6) into the control unit. [12] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the step of comparing the reference value of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine (1) with the value at a current time of at least one parameter assigned to the internal combustion engine (1) and the step of comparing the value available at a current time of at least one electrical parameter assigned to the power supply unit (6) with the reference value of at least one electrical parameter assigned to the power supply unit (6) comprise an operation of processing the comparison in the control unit. [13] Method for controlling hybrid vehicles according to claim 1, characterized by, that the step of determining a reference value of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1) comprises measuring at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1), and the step of determining a value of at least one electrical parameter associated with the power supply unit (6) available at a current time comprises measuring at least one value at a current time of at least one electrical parameter to be supplied, which is associated with the power supply unit (6). [14] Method for controlling hybrid vehicles according to claim 1, characterized by, that the step of determining a reference value of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1) includes calculating at least one value at a current time of at least one parameter associated with the internal combustion engine (1), and the step of determining a value of at least one electrical parameter connected to the power supply unit (6) and available at a current time includes calculating at least one value at a current time of at least one electrical parameter to be supplied and connected to the power supply unit (6). [15] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the step of performing an action includes an action between providing a second minimum torque and a second torque that is greater than the second minimum torque and less than or equal to the second maximum torque. [16] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electric motor (3) is mechanically connected to at least one wheel. [17] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the internal combustion engine (1) is mechanically connected to at least one wheel. [18] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electric motor (3) and the internal combustion engine (1) are mechanically connected by at least one identical wheel. [19] Hybrid vehicle management method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the internal combustion engine (1) is mechanically connected to at least one electricity generating unit (7). [20] Hybrid vehicle management method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the biofuel includes any fuel composition containing ethanol.

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