Control device of vehicle

Abstract

To provide a control device of a vehicle which can properly detect or estimate a deterioration state of an engine mount having influence on riding comfort of the vehicle.SOLUTION: A control device of a vehicle is mounted with an engine as a power source and includes an engine mount which supports the engine and suppresses vibration of the engine between the engine and a vehicle body, and evaluates or estimates a deterioration state of the engine mount. In initial explosion time when a vehicle speed is a prescribed value or below and the engine is started from an idling stop state of the engine, an initial value α0 of a ratio (Gb / Gpp) in which engine acceleration Gpp is defined as a denominator and vehicle body acceleration Gb is defined as a numerator and a secular change value α of the ratio are calculated, respectively. When the secular change value α becomes larger than the initial value α0 by a prescribed determination condition or more, the effect that deterioration of the engine mount is advanced is reported to a driver (step S8).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle equipped with an engine, and more particularly to a vehicle control device that detects or estimates the deterioration state of an engine mount that suppresses engine vibration between the engine and the vehicle body. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle control device that aims to suppress the transmission of engine vibration to the vehicle body when starting the engine in a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to correct the engine starting torque and engine starting power related to the driver's depressing the accelerator pedal according to the fluctuation state of the hardness of the engine mount provided between the engine and the vehicle body. Patent Document 1 also describes determining the hardness and deterioration state of the engine mount based on the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle, and issuing a warning recommending replacement of the engine mount when deterioration of the engine mount is determined. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-107512 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the vehicle control device described in the above Patent Document 1, for example, the hardening and softening states of the engine mount are determined based on the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle caused by vibrations at engine start. The deterioration state of the engine mount can then be determined or estimated from the hardening or softening state of the engine mount. However, the vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the forcing or excitation force that generates vibrations. Therefore, it is not sufficient to evaluate the deterioration state of the engine mount or the vibration suppression function of the engine mount. For example, when the vibration generated by the engine increases due to the influence of the fuel properties, it may be determined that the engine mount has deteriorated or that the vibration suppression performance of the engine mount has decreased. Thus, there is still room for improvement in order to appropriately determine or detect the deterioration state of the engine mount.

[0005] This invention was devised in response to the technical challenges described above, and aims to provide a vehicle control device that can appropriately detect or estimate the deterioration state of an engine mount. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a control device for a vehicle that is equipped with at least an engine as a power source, and is equipped with an engine mount that is disposed between the engine and a vehicle body and supports the engine to suppress vibration of the engine, and that evaluates or estimates a deterioration state of the engine mount, the control device comprising: a detection unit that detects the operating state of the vehicle and the operating state of the engine, as well as the acceleration of the engine body and the acceleration of the vehicle body, and a controller that controls the vehicle and quantitatively evaluates or estimates the deterioration state, the controller respectively calculates an initial value of a ratio with the acceleration of the engine as the denominator and the acceleration of the vehicle body as the numerator, and a change in value of the ratio over time when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value near 0 and at the time of initial explosion when the engine is started from an idling stop state, and notifies the driver that deterioration of the engine mount has progressed or that there are signs of the deterioration progressing when the change in value over time becomes greater than the initial value by a predetermined judgment condition or more.

[0007] In addition, the controller in the present invention may be configured to calculate the initial value and the time-dependent change value when the engine has completed warming up and at the time of first explosion when starting the engine from the idling stop state. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the vehicle control device of the present invention, in order to quantitatively express the deterioration state of the engine mount, the vehicle body vibration, i.e., the acceleration of the vehicle body, is detected. In addition, the vibration of the engine, which is the source of the vehicle body vibration, i.e., the acceleration of the engine, is also detected. Then, the deterioration state of the engine mount is evaluated based on the change state of the acceleration of the vehicle body and the acceleration of the engine with respect to the initial value (i.e., the change value over time). For example, when the change value of the acceleration over time becomes larger than the initial value by a predetermined value or more, or when the ratio of the initial value of the acceleration to the change value over time becomes larger by a predetermined multiple or more, it is evaluated that the deterioration of the engine mount has progressed to a level requiring inspection of the vehicle or replacement of parts, or that there is a sign of the deterioration progressing. At the same time, the driver is notified of the evaluation result. Therefore, when the vibration of the vehicle body becomes large and it is estimated that the deterioration of the engine mount is progressing, such a state can be appropriately detected and the driver can be made aware of it immediately, and the driver can be urged to inspect the vehicle or replace parts.

[0009] The initial value and the time-varying value of acceleration are calculated when the engine has finished warming up and can be smoothly restarted, so that the deterioration state of the engine mount can be appropriately detected under conditions suitable for measuring acceleration.

[0010] Therefore, the vehicle control device of the present invention can appropriately estimate and evaluate the deterioration state of the engine mount, and by notifying the driver based on the evaluation result of the deterioration state of the engine mount, the driver can be made aware of the need for vehicle inspection or part replacement, and can carry out inspection or part replacement at an appropriate time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle to be controlled by a vehicle control device of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control executed by the vehicle control device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is merely an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0013] An example of a drive system and a control system of a vehicle Ve to be controlled in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. The vehicle Ve shown in Fig. 1 is equipped with an engine (ENG) 1 as a drive power source, and is configured to transmit the output torque of the engine 1 to drive wheels 3 via a transaxle 2, a differential gear (not shown), etc. The vehicle Ve also includes a detection unit 4 and a controller (ECU) 5.

[0014] Furthermore, the vehicle Ve is provided with an engine mount 7 that supports the engine 1 between the engine 1 and the vehicle body 6 and suppresses vibration of the engine 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, three engine mounts 7 are provided to support the engine 1 at three locations between the engine 1 and the vehicle body 6. The engine mount 7 is a well-known type that is composed of, for example, an outer cylinder portion (not shown) and a mount rubber (not shown). The specific configuration of this engine mount 7 is described, for example, in the specification of Patent Document 1 mentioned above.

[0015] In the embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle Ve to be controlled may be a vehicle Ve equipped with an internal combustion engine such as the engine 1, and is not limited to a so-called engine vehicle equipped with only the engine 1 as a driving force source as shown in Fig. 1. For example, the vehicle may be a hybrid vehicle (not shown) using the engine 1 and a motor (not shown) as driving force sources. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a series type hybrid vehicle (not shown) equipped with the engine 1 as a power source for driving a generator (not shown), or an electric vehicle (not shown) so-called a range extender.

[0016] 1, the vehicle Ve to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention may be a front-wheel drive vehicle in which drive torque is transmitted to front wheels (drive wheels) 3 and drive force is generated at the front wheels 3. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be a rear-wheel drive vehicle (not shown) in which drive torque is transmitted to rear wheels 8 via, for example, a propeller shaft (not shown) and drive force is generated at the rear wheels 8. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be a four-wheel drive vehicle (not shown) provided with a transfer mechanism (not shown) in which drive torque is transmitted to both the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 8 and drive force is generated at both the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 8.

[0017] The detection unit 4 is a device or apparatus for acquiring various data and information required for controlling the vehicle Ve, and includes, for example, a power supply unit, a microcomputer, a sensor, and an input / output interface. In particular, the detection unit 4 in the embodiment of the present invention detects the driving state of the vehicle Ve and the driving state of the engine 1, and detects various data for quantitatively evaluating the deterioration state of the engine mount 7. Specifically, the detection unit 4 has an engine acceleration sensor 4a for detecting the acceleration of the engine 1 main body, and a vehicle body acceleration sensor 4b for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle body 6. In addition, the detection unit 4 has, for example, a vehicle speed sensor 4c for detecting the vehicle speed, an engine speed sensor 4d for detecting the speed of the engine 1, a water temperature sensor 4e for detecting the temperature of the cooling water of the engine 1, and an oil temperature sensor 4f for detecting the temperature of the oil in the engine 1. The detection unit 4 is electrically connected to the controller 5 described later, and outputs, as detection data, electric signals corresponding to the detection values ​​or calculated values ​​of the various sensors, devices, and the like described above to the controller 5.

[0018] The controller 5 is an electronic control device mainly composed of a microcomputer, for example. In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller 5 controls the vehicle Ve and quantitatively evaluates or estimates the deterioration state of the engine mount 7. The controller 5 receives various data detected or calculated by the detection unit 4. The controller 5 performs calculations using the input data, pre-stored data, calculation formulas, and the like. The controller 5 outputs the calculation results as a control command signal and controls the vehicle Ve as described above. The vehicle Ve includes a "notification means" for notifying the driver of the evaluation or estimation result of the deterioration state of the engine mount 7 as described above, and the controller 5 controls the operation (notification content) of the "notification means". In the example shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle Ve includes a display 9 as the "notification means". Therefore, the controller 5 controls the operation (display content) of the display 9 to display the evaluation or estimation result of the deterioration state of the engine mount 7 to the driver and make him / her aware of it. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which one controller 5 is provided, a plurality of controllers 5 may be provided for each device or equipment to be controlled, or for each control content.

[0019] As described above, in the vehicle Ve equipped with the engine 1 as a power source, if vibrations generated by the engine 1 are transmitted to the vehicle body 6 and the driver and passengers of the vehicle Ve, it will affect the ride quality or comfort of the vehicle Ve. In particular, if the engine mount 7 supporting the engine 1 between the engine 1 and the vehicle body 6 deteriorates due to aging, the vibrations transmitted from the engine 1 to the vehicle body 6 will increase, and the ride quality or comfort of the vehicle Ve will decrease. As a result, the vehicle Ve may require inspection and repair, part replacement, etc. In order to detect such a deterioration state of the engine mount 7 and quickly determine the need for inspection and repair, part replacement, etc. of the vehicle Ve, the controller 5 of the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention is configured to execute control shown in the flowchart of the following FIG. 2, for example.

[0020] 2 is executed when the vehicle Ve is stopped and the engine 1 is in an idling-stop state. Therefore, first, in step S1, it is determined whether the vehicle speed is 0 and the engine 1 is in an idling-stop state. In this case, the determination may also include a state in which the vehicle Ve is almost stopped, and therefore, instead of determining whether the vehicle speed is 0, it may be determined whether the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined vehicle speed (close to 0).

[0021] If the answer to step S1 is "No" because the vehicle speed is not 0 or the engine 1 is not in an idling stop state, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is temporarily terminated without executing the control of the subsequent steps.

[0022] On the other hand, if the vehicle speed is 0 and the engine 1 is in an idling stop state, so that the answer is "Yes" in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0023] In step S2, it is determined whether the temperature of the cooling water of the engine 1 (engine water temperature) is within a predetermined temperature range. The predetermined temperature range in this case is determined in advance as a threshold value for determining whether the warm-up of the engine 1 is complete. When the engine water temperature is within the predetermined temperature range, it is determined that the warm-up of the engine 1 is complete and the engine 1 can be started smoothly thereafter.

[0024] If the engine water temperature is outside the predetermined temperature range and thus the answer to step S2 is "No," it is determined that the start of the engine 1 is unstable (for example, there is a large rotational fluctuation or vibration during start-up). Therefore, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is temporarily terminated without executing the control of the subsequent steps.

[0025] On the other hand, if the engine water temperature is within the predetermined temperature range and therefore "Yes" is determined in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0026] In step S3, when the engine 1 is started, the acceleration of the engine 1 body (engine acceleration Gpp) and the acceleration of the vehicle body 6 (vehicle body acceleration Gb) are detected in order to detect the vibrations that occur when the engine 1 first explodes during startup.

[0027] In step S4, it is determined whether the number of measurements of the engine acceleration Gpp and vehicle body acceleration Gb is a predetermined number or more, that is, whether the measurement values ​​of each of the accelerations Gpp, Gb have been saved or stored a predetermined number or more.

[0028] If the number of measurements of the engine acceleration Gpp and the vehicle body acceleration Gb is still less than the predetermined number, and therefore "No" is determined in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0029] In step S5, a ratio (Gb / Gpp) where the engine acceleration Gpp is the denominator and the vehicle acceleration Gb is the numerator is calculated from the current measurement results of the engine acceleration Gpp and the vehicle acceleration Gb, and is saved or stored.

[0030] Next, in step S6, the average value of the ratio (Gb / Gpp) between the engine acceleration Gpp and the vehicle acceleration Gb from the first time to the present is calculated as the initial value α0 of the ratio (Gb / Gpp) between the engine acceleration Gpp and the vehicle acceleration Gb as described above, and is saved or stored.

[0031] As described above, when the initial value α0 of the ratio (Gb / Gpp) of the engine acceleration Gpp to the vehicle body acceleration Gb is calculated and stored in step S6, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is then temporarily terminated.

[0032] On the other hand, if the number of measurements of the engine acceleration Gpp and the vehicle body acceleration Gb reaches or exceeds the predetermined number, and thus the determination in step S4 is "Yes," the process proceeds to step S7.

[0033] In step S7, the ratio (Gb / Gpp) between the engine acceleration Gpp and the vehicle acceleration Gb is calculated as a time-dependent change value α from the current (latest) measurement results of the engine acceleration Gpp and the vehicle acceleration Gb, and it is determined whether the ratio (α / α0) between the time-dependent change value α and the initial value α0 is equal to or greater than a predetermined multiple. The value of the predetermined multiple in this case is a threshold value (i.e., a predetermined determination condition) for determining a state in which the ride quality and comfort of the vehicle Ve have deteriorated to a level at which replacement or repair of the engine mount 7 is recommended due to deterioration of the engine mount 7. If the ratio (α / α0) between the time-dependent change value α of each acceleration Gpp, Gb and the initial value α0 is equal to or greater than the predetermined multiple, it is determined that replacement or repair of the engine mount 7 is recommended.

[0034] Therefore, if the ratio (α / α0) of the change-over-time value α of each of the accelerations Gpp, Gb to the initial value α0 is less than the predetermined multiple and thus the determination in step S7 is "No," it is determined that there is still no need to replace or repair the engine mount 7, or that the need for such replacement or repair is low. Therefore, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is temporarily terminated without executing the control of the subsequent steps.

[0035] On the other hand, if the ratio (α / α0) of the time-dependent change value α of each acceleration Gpp, Gb to the initial value α0 is equal to or greater than a predetermined multiple, and therefore "Yes" is determined in step S7, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0036] Then, in step S8, the driver is notified that the deterioration of the engine mount 7 has progressed to a level that requires replacement or repair, or that there are signs that the deterioration of the engine mount 7 will progress to such a level. Since the vehicle Ve shown in Fig. 1 described above is equipped with the display 9 as a "notification means", the display 9 displays the above-mentioned fact that the deterioration of the engine mount 7 has progressed, so that the driver is made aware of it.

[0037] It should be noted that the "notification means" in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the display 9 as shown in Fig. 1. As the "notification means", for example, the driver may be notified by voice guidance using an audio device (not shown) of the vehicle Ve. Alternatively, the driver may be notified by a simple device such as an indicator lamp (not shown) or a warning light (not shown).

[0038] As described above, when the notification that the deterioration of the engine mount 7 has progressed is given in step S8, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is then temporarily terminated.

[0039] As described above, in the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the vibration of the vehicle body 6, i.e., the vehicle body acceleration Gb, is detected in order to quantitatively express the deterioration state of the engine mount 7. In addition, the vibration of the engine 1, which is the source of the vibration of the vehicle body 6, i.e., the engine acceleration Gpp, is also detected. Then, the deterioration state of the engine mount 7 is evaluated based on the initial value α0 and the time-dependent change value α of the vehicle body acceleration Gb and the engine acceleration Gpp. Then, when it is evaluated that the deterioration of the engine mount 7 has progressed to a level that requires inspection or part replacement of the vehicle Ve, or that there is a sign that the deterioration of the engine mount 7 will progress, the driver is notified of the evaluation result. Therefore, when the vibration of the vehicle body 6 increases due to the deterioration of the engine mount 7 and the ride comfort of the vehicle Ve decreases, the deterioration state of the engine mount 7 can be appropriately detected and the driver can be made aware of it immediately, and the driver can be prompted to inspect or replace the engine mount 7.

[0040] Therefore, the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention can appropriately estimate and evaluate the deterioration state of the engine mount 7. Furthermore, by notifying the driver based on the evaluation result of the deterioration state of the engine mount 7, the driver can be made aware of the need to inspect the vehicle Ve or replace parts including the engine mount 7, and can carry out the inspection or part replacement at an appropriate time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 Engine (ENG) 2 Transaxle (TA) 3 Drive wheels (front wheels) 4. Detection section 4a (Detection section) Engine acceleration sensor 4b (Detection section) vehicle acceleration sensor 4c (detection section) vehicle speed sensor 4d (Detection section) Engine speed sensor 4e (Detection section) Water temperature sensor 4f (Detection section) Oil temperature sensor 5 Controller (ECU) 6. Body 7. Engine mount 8 Rear Wheel 9 Display (notification means) Vehicle

Claims

[Claim 1] A control device for a vehicle that is equipped with at least an engine as a power source, and that includes an engine mount that is provided between the engine and a vehicle body and supports the engine and suppresses vibration of the engine, the control device evaluating or estimating a deterioration state of the engine mount, a detection unit that detects an operating state of the vehicle, an operating state of the engine, an acceleration of the engine, and an acceleration of the vehicle body; a controller that controls the vehicle and quantitatively evaluates or estimates the deterioration state, The controller: When the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined value and the engine is started from an idling stop state at the time of initial explosion, an initial value of a ratio in which the acceleration of the engine is the denominator and the acceleration of the vehicle body is the numerator, and a time-dependent change value of the ratio are calculated, and when the time-dependent change value becomes greater than the initial value by a predetermined judgment condition or more, a driver is notified that deterioration of the engine mount has progressed or that there is a sign of the progress of the deterioration. A vehicle control device comprising:

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