Vehicle control apparatus

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control apparatus capable of ensuring driving force in a hybrid driving state and also capable of handling long distance driving.SOLUTION: A vehicle control apparatus according to the present invention, which is provided in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a power generation motor, a drive motor, and a power storage device includes: a switching part that can switch the state of the vehicle between an electric drive state and a hybrid drive state; a receiving part that receives information regarding a user's request for long-distance driving and improved driving force; a setting part that sets a threshold value of the SOC of the power storage device at which the vehicle shifts from the electric drive state to the hybrid drive state based on the information received by the receiving part; and a feedback control execution part that executes feedback control for charging the power storage device with electric power from the power generation motor so as to maintain the SOC that is the threshold value set by the setting part. The setting part sets the threshold value higher when the receiving part receives the information than when the receiving part does not receive the information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology for a vehicle capable of switching between an electric drive state and a hybrid drive state, in which when it is desired to increase the driving force in the hybrid drive state, the target value of the battery SOC when driving in the hybrid drive state is increased. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-010981 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In hybrid drive mode, two requirements must be met: cruising range and driving performance. However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the cruising range, and there is a concern that the driving force may be insufficient when driving long distances in hybrid drive mode.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle control device that can ensure driving force in a hybrid drive state while being capable of handling long-distance driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the vehicle control device of the present invention is a vehicle control device provided in a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, a generator motor, a drive motor, and a power storage device, and has a switching unit that can switch between an electric drive state in which the drive motor is driven by electric power from the power storage device without operating the internal combustion engine and a hybrid drive state in which the internal combustion engine is operated to generate electricity using the generator motor and power is supplied from the generator motor to the drive motor via the power storage device to drive the drive motor, and the vehicle runs; a receiving unit that receives information regarding requests for long-distance driving and improved driving force from a user; a setting unit that sets a threshold SOC of the power storage device at which to transition from the electric drive state to the hybrid drive state based on the information received by the receiving unit; and a feedback control execution unit that executes feedback control to charge the power storage device with electric power from the generator motor so as to maintain the SOC at the threshold set by the setting unit, and is characterized in that when the information is received by the receiving unit, the setting unit sets the threshold higher than when the information is not received. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The vehicle control device according to the present invention has an effect of being able to ensure driving force in a hybrid drive state while being capable of supporting long-distance driving. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device provided in a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the control device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a vehicle control device according to the present invention will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment. In the vehicle according to the embodiment, a generator motor, which is a first rotating electric machine, is connected to an output shaft of an engine, which is an internal combustion engine, and drive wheels are connected to a drive motor, which is a second rotating electric machine, via a drive shaft. This vehicle includes an engine, a generator motor, a drive motor, an inverter, a battery, and the control device 1.

[0011] The generator motor and the drive motor are both configured as motor generators. The generator motor is driven by the engine and functions as a generator. The rotor of the generator motor is connected to the output shaft of the engine, and the generator motor generates electricity using the power output from the engine. The drive motor functions as a traveling electric motor that is driven using battery power. The rotor of the drive motor is connected to the drive shaft, and the drive motor is driven using battery power. The inverter is electrically connected to the generator motor and the drive motor, and is also electrically connected to the battery. The generator motor is electrically connected to the drive motor via the inverter. The generator motor and the drive motor are controlled by a control device 1.

[0012] The battery is an electricity storage device composed of a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The battery is electrically connected to an inverter. The SOC (State of charge) of the battery is detected and managed by the control device 1. The control device 1 can execute SOC control to manage the SOC of the battery within the range of the battery charging capacity. For example, the control device 1 can detect the actual SOC, which is the actual SOC of the battery, based on an SOC signal input from an SOC sensor to the control device 1. The control device 1 manages the power balance between the amount of power generated by the power generation motor and the amount of power consumed by the drive motor according to the running state of the vehicle, and controls the SOC to be within the range of the battery charging capacity so that the battery is not overcharged or overdischarged.

[0013] The vehicle according to the embodiment is a so-called range extender hybrid vehicle, and has an electric drive state (BEV drive state) and a hybrid drive state (HEV drive state). The electric drive state is a state in which the vehicle runs by driving the drive motor with electric power from the battery without operating the engine, for example, when the SOC of the battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The hybrid drive state is a state in which the vehicle runs by operating the engine to generate electricity with the generator motor, supplying electric power from the generator motor to the drive motor via the battery, and driving the drive motor, for example, when the SOC of the battery is less than a predetermined value.

[0014] The control device 1 determines the operating point of the engine and the operating point of the generator motor based on the SOC of the battery, and is capable of performing feedback control to maintain the SOC of the battery. The control device 1 also has a plurality of battery SOC thresholds for transitioning from the electric drive state to the hybrid drive state according to the presence or absence of an indication from the user of an intention to drive long distances and to request an increase in driving force.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 1 has a switching unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a setting unit 13, and a feedback control execution unit 14. The switching unit 11 can switch between an electric drive state and a hybrid drive state. The receiving unit 12 receives a signal of information on a user's intention output from a first button and a second button as an input unit described later. The setting unit 13 sets a threshold value of the SOC of the battery at which the electric drive state is shifted to the hybrid drive state based on the information received by the receiving unit 12. For example, when the receiving unit 12 receives the information, the setting unit 13 sets the threshold value higher than when the information is not received (normal time). In addition, when the receiving unit 12 receives information on a request for increasing driving force from a user during traveling in the hybrid drive state, the setting unit 13 sets a target value of the SOC in feedback control for maintaining the SOC of the battery higher than when the information is not received. The feedback control execution unit 14 executes feedback control for charging the battery with electric power from the generator motor so as to maintain the SOC that is the threshold value set by the setting unit 13. Further, the feedback control execution unit 14 executes feedback control to charge the battery with electric power from the generator motor so as to maintain the SOC at the target value set by the setting unit 13 .

[0016] The vehicle is provided with a first button and a second button as input units for inputting information regarding the user's intention. The first button is pressed and turned on by the user when the user intends to drive long distances and request increased driving force before switching from the electric drive state to the hybrid drive state. When the first button is turned on, a signal of information regarding the request for long distance driving and increased driving force is output from the first button to the receiving unit 12 of the control device 1. The second button is pressed and turned on by the user when the user wishes to increase the driving force while driving in the hybrid drive state, for example. When the second button is turned on, a signal of information regarding the request for increased driving force is output from the second button to the receiving unit 12 of the control device 1.

[0017] Here, when the SOC of the battery decreases due to driving in the electric drive state, the output voltage of the battery also decreases, and the driving force that can be output by the drive motor becomes smaller. In the vehicle according to the embodiment, when the user requests long distance driving and increased driving force while driving in the hybrid drive state, the user presses the first button in advance to express his / her intention. Then, when such an intention of the user is expressed, the control device 1 according to the embodiment sets a threshold (determination value) of the SOC of the battery at which the electric drive state is shifted to the hybrid drive state higher than in normal times, and performs feedback control to charge the battery with the electric power from the generator motor so as to maintain the SOC centered around the SOC that is the threshold. As a result, in the vehicle according to the embodiment, it is possible to ensure a high driving force that can be output from the drive motor with the electric power of the battery at the time of shifting from the electric drive state to the hybrid drive state.

[0018] In addition, in the vehicle according to the embodiment, if the user wishes to increase the driving force after the vehicle has entered the hybrid driving state, the user presses the second button to indicate the intention. When such an intention is expressed by the user, the control device 1 according to the embodiment sets a high target value for the SOC of the battery when traveling in the hybrid driving state, and performs feedback control to charge the battery with electric power from the generator motor so as to maintain the SOC around the target SOC. As a result, in the vehicle according to the embodiment, for example, if the SOC of the battery is low when transitioning from the electric driving state to the hybrid driving state, the amount of power generated by the generator motor is increased to charge the battery, thereby restoring the SOC of the battery to the target value (predetermined value), and a high driving force can be ensured.

[0019] Furthermore, in the vehicle according to the embodiment, by providing the functions of both the first button and the second button described above, if a request for increased driving force is known in advance, it is possible to select ensuring driving force even when the battery SOC has been consumed in the electric driving state and the vehicle is then in the hybrid driving state, thereby ensuring driving performance.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the control device 1 according to the embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 1 shows control that starts while the vehicle is traveling in an electric drive state (BEV drive state).

[0021] First, the control device 1 judges whether or not the first button is turned on in order for the user to indicate in advance the intention of long-distance driving and a request for increased driving force when driving in the hybrid driving state (HEV driving state) (step S1). That is, in the process of step S1, it judges whether or not information on a request for long-distance driving and increased driving force from the user is received in advance before the transition from the electric driving state to the hybrid driving state by turning on the first button. If the control device 1 judges that the first button is turned on (Yes in step S1), it proceeds to the process of step S2. Then, when the threshold value of the SOC of the battery at which the electric driving state is transitioned to the hybrid driving state is T1 (SOC), the control device 1 sets the threshold value T1 (SOC) = a predetermined value H (step S2). Then, the control device 1 proceeds to the process of step S4. On the other hand, if the control device 1 judges that the first button is not turned on (No in step S1), it proceeds to the process of step S3. Then, the control device 1 sets the threshold T1 (SOC)=predetermined value N (<predetermined value H) (step S3). Then, the control device 1 proceeds to the process of step S4. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, when it is determined that the first button is turned on, the threshold T1 (SOC) is set to a higher value (higher SOC) than when it is determined that the first button is not turned on.

[0022] In the process of step S4, the control device 1 judges whether or not the relationship of actual SOC<threshold T1 (SOC) is satisfied (step S4). If the control device 1 judges that the relationship of actual SOC<threshold T1 (SOC) is not satisfied (No in step S4), the control device 1 returns the series of controls, continues traveling in the electric drive state, and returns to the process of step S1. On the other hand, if the control device 1 judges that the relationship of actual SOC<threshold T1 (SOC) is satisfied (Yes in step S4), the control device 1 transitions to the hybrid drive state (step S5). Next, the control device 1 performs feedback control to supply the electric power generated by the generator motor to the battery to charge the battery so that the actual SOC≈threshold T1 (SOC) (step S6).

[0023] Next, the control device 1 judges whether or not the second button is turned on to indicate the user's intention to request an increase in driving force after transitioning to the hybrid driving state (HEV driving state) (step S7). That is, in the process of step S7, the control device 1 judges whether or not information on a request for an increase in driving force from the user is received after transitioning to the hybrid driving state by turning on the second button. If the control device 1 judges that the second button is turned on (Yes in step S7), the control device 1 proceeds to the process of step S8. Then, when the target value of the SOC of the battery is T2(SOC), the control device 1 sets the target value T2(SOC)=a predetermined value H (step S8). Then, the control device 1 proceeds to the process of step S9. On the other hand, if the control device 1 judges that the second button is not turned on (No in step S7), the control device 1 proceeds to the process of step S9.

[0024] In the process of step S9, the control device 1 performs feedback control to supply the power generated by the power generation motor to the battery to charge the battery so that the actual SOC is approximately equal to the target value T2 (SOC) (step S9). After that, the control device 1 returns the series of controls and returns to the process of step S1.

[0025] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the threshold value T1(SOC) and the target value T2(SOC) may be threshold value T1(SOC)=target value T2(SOC). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the first button being turned on may be used as an indication of the user's intention that the driving force requirement is low. In this case, when the first button is turned on, the threshold value T1(SOC) is set to a predetermined value N, and when the first button is not turned on, the threshold value T1(SOC) is set to a predetermined value H. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, a configuration in which one button serves as both the first button and the second button can also be adopted.

[0026] As described above, the control device 1 according to the embodiment can ensure driving force in the hybrid driving state (HEV driving state) while being compatible with long-distance driving. [Explanation of symbols]

[0027] 1 Control device 11 Switching section 12 Receiving section 13 Setting section 14 Feedback control execution unit

Claims

[Claim 1] A vehicle control device provided in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a generator motor, a drive motor, and an electricity storage device, comprising: a switching unit that can switch between an electric drive state in which the drive motor is driven by electric power from the power storage device without operating the internal combustion engine and the vehicle travels, and a hybrid drive state in which the internal combustion engine is operated to generate electric power using the generator motor, electric power is supplied from the generator motor to the drive motor via the power storage device, and the drive motor is driven to travel; A receiving unit that receives information regarding a request for long distance driving and an increase in driving force from a user; a setting unit that sets a threshold value of an SOC of the power storage device at which the vehicle shifts from the electric drive state to the hybrid drive state based on the information received by the receiving unit; and a feedback control execution unit that executes feedback control for charging the power storage device with electric power from the power generation motor so as to maintain the SOC at the threshold value set by the setting unit; having The setting unit sets the threshold value higher when the receiving unit receives the information than when the receiving unit does not receive the information. A vehicle control device comprising:

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