Vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle which can simplify a control by a control device.SOLUTION: A vehicle according to the present invention includes: an internal combustion engine; a motor; a turbo charger; a waste gate valve; an intake passage; and an exhaust passage. The motor is a power source for driving the vehicle. The internal combustion engine includes an ignition plug for igniting the mixed gas of an air and fuel, and is a power source for generating electric power for driving the motor. The turbine rotates by the exhaust gas. The compressor compresses the air of the intake passage by rotating along with the turbine. The waste gate valve is connected to a first part positioned on an upstream side from the turbine in the exhaust passage, and a second part positioned on a downstream side from the turbine in the exhaust passage. In the intake passage, no valve is provided from the compressor to the internal combustion engine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and a motor.

Background Art

[0002] As an invention related to a conventional vehicle, for example, a vehicle described in Patent Document 1 is known. This vehicle includes a supercharger, an EGR device, and an internal combustion engine. And, this vehicle includes an intake throttle valve, a throttle valve, a wastegate valve, and an EGR valve in order to operate the internal combustion engine appropriately. The control device of the vehicle controls these four valves.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the control device needs to control four valves. Therefore, the control of the control device becomes complicated.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of simplifying the control of the control device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to simplify the control of the control device, the inventor of the present application considered omitting any one of the four valves. In order to examine which of the four valves can be omitted, the inventor of the present application examined the operation of the internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and a motor.

[0007] In a hybrid vehicle, the motor is a power source for driving the vehicle. On the other hand, the internal combustion engine is a power source for driving the vehicle and / or a power source for generating electric power for driving the motor. Therefore, the internal combustion engine is used as a power source for driving the vehicle together with the motor or is not used as a power source for driving the vehicle.

[0008] When the internal combustion engine is used as a power source for driving the vehicle together with the motor, when the vehicle accelerates rapidly, mainly the motor can drive the vehicle. On the other hand, when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, mainly the internal combustion engine can drive the vehicle. As a result, the output of the internal combustion engine is less likely to change rapidly.

[0009] When the internal combustion engine is not used as a power source for driving the vehicle, the internal combustion engine is a power source for generating electric power for driving the motor. Therefore, the internal combustion engine may operate in an efficient operating range. As a result, the output of the internal combustion engine is less likely to change rapidly.

[0010] As described above, the inventor of the present application noticed that in a hybrid vehicle, the output of the internal combustion engine is less likely to change rapidly. That is, in a hybrid vehicle, there is little need to rapidly change the output of the internal combustion engine. Therefore, the inventor of the present application noticed that in a hybrid vehicle, the throttle valve necessary for rapidly changing the output of the internal combustion engine may be omitted. In view of such properties of the hybrid vehicle, the inventor arrived at the invention described below.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention is The vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a motor, a turbocharger, a wastegate valve, an intake passage, and an exhaust passage, The motor is a power source for driving the vehicle, The internal combustion engine includes a spark plug for igniting an air-fuel mixture and is a power source for driving the vehicle and / or a power source for generating electric power for driving the motor. The intake passage is connected to the internal combustion engine and forms a space through which air flows. The exhaust passage is connected to the internal combustion engine and forms a space through which exhaust flows. The turbocharger includes a turbine and a compressor. The turbine is provided in the exhaust passage and is rotated by the exhaust. The compressor is provided in the intake passage and compresses the air in the intake passage by rotating together with the turbine. The wastegate valve is connected to a first portion located upstream of the turbine in the exhaust passage and a second portion located downstream of the turbine in the exhaust passage, and adjusts the amount of exhaust flowing into the turbine. In the intake passage, no valve is provided between the compressor and the internal combustion engine. A vehicle.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention is The vehicle further includes an exhaust gas recirculation passage, a first valve, and a second valve. The exhaust gas recirculation passage is connected to a third portion located downstream of the turbine in the exhaust passage and a fourth portion located upstream of the compressor in the intake passage. The first valve is provided upstream of the fourth portion in the intake passage and adjusts the amount of air passing through the intake passage. The second valve is provided in the exhaust gas recirculation passage and adjusts the amount of exhaust gas passing through the exhaust gas recirculation passage. The vehicle according to the first aspect.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the control of the control device can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] (Embodiment) [Structure of Vehicle 1]

[0016] The structure of vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of vehicle 1.

[0017] Vehicle 1 is a four-wheel automobile. Vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle. In this embodiment, vehicle 1 is a series hybrid vehicle. Vehicle 1 includes an internal combustion engine 10, a generator 40, a battery 42, a motor 44, an inverter 45, and a control device 46.

[0018] The internal combustion engine 10 is, for example, a four-cycle gasoline engine. Therefore, the fuel is gasoline. The internal combustion engine 10 is a power source for generating electric power for driving the motor 44 described later.

[0019] The generator 40 generates electricity by the power of the internal combustion engine 10. The current generated by the generator 40 is an alternating current. Therefore, the inverter 45 converts the alternating current into a direct current and supplies it to the battery 42.

[0020] The battery 42 is a secondary battery that stores electric power for driving the motor 44. The battery 42 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The battery 42 is charged by the direct current supplied from the inverter 45. Also, the inverter 45 converts the direct current generated by the battery 42 into an alternating current and supplies the alternating current to the motor 44.

[0021] The motor 44 is a power source for driving the vehicle 1. The motor 44 is driven by an alternating current supplied from the inverter 45. The power generated by the motor 44 is transmitted to the wheels. Thereby, the vehicle 1 travels.

[0022] The control device 46 is an ECU (Engine Control Unit). The control device 46 controls the operations of the internal combustion engine 10 and the inverter 45.

[0023] Next, the internal combustion engine 10 of the vehicle 1 and its surroundings will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal combustion engine 10 of the vehicle 1 and its surroundings.

[0024] In addition to the internal combustion engine 10, the vehicle 1 includes an injector 29, an intercooler 30, an intake throttle valve 31 (first valve), a turbocharger 32, a wastegate valve 34, a catalyst 36, an EGR valve 38 (second valve), an intake passage R1, an exhaust passage R2, and an exhaust gas recirculation passage R3.

[0025] The internal combustion engine 10 includes an engine body 12, a crankshaft 14, a connecting rod 16, a piston 18, an intake valve 20, an exhaust valve 22, a spark plug 24, and an ignition coil 26.

[0026] The engine body 12 includes a cylinder block 12a, a cylinder head 12b, and a crankcase 12c. A cylinder Sy is provided in the cylinder block 12a. The cylinder Sy has a cylindrical shape having a central axis extending along the vertical axis.

[0027] The cylinder head 12b is located above the cylinder block 12a. The cylinder head 12b is fixed to the cylinder block 12a. A combustion chamber Sp is provided in the cylinder head 12b. The combustion chamber Sp is located above the cylinder Sy. The combustion chamber Sp is connected to the cylinder Sy.

[0028] The cylinder head 12b is provided with an intake port P1 and an exhaust port P2. The intake port P1 is connected to the combustion chamber Sp. The exhaust port P2 is connected to the combustion chamber Sp.

[0029] The intake passage R1 is connected to the internal combustion engine 10. More specifically, the downstream end of the intake passage R1 is connected to the intake port P1. The intake passage R1 forms a space through which air flows.

[0030] The injector 29 is fixed to the cylinder head 12b. The injector 29 injects fuel into the intake passage R1. Thereby, an air-fuel mixture is formed in the intake passage R1.

[0031] The exhaust passage R2 is connected to the internal combustion engine 10. More specifically, the upstream end of the exhaust passage R2 is connected to the exhaust port P2. The exhaust passage R2 forms a space through which exhaust flows.

[0032] The crankcase 12c is located below the cylinder block 12a. The crankcase 12c is fixed to the cylinder block 12a.

[0033] The crankshaft 14 is supported by the cylinder block 12a and the crankcase 12c. The crankshaft 14 can rotate about a rotation axis orthogonal to the vertical axis.

[0034] The piston 18 is located within the cylinder Sy. The piston 18 has a cylindrical shape. The piston 18 can move in the upward and downward directions.

[0035] The connecting rod 16 connects the crankshaft 14 and the piston 18. Thereby, when the crankshaft 14 rotates, the piston 18 moves up and down. The aforementioned combustion chamber Sp is a space surrounded by the piston 18 and the cylinder head 12b when the piston 18 is located at the top dead center (TDC).

[0036] The intake valve 20 is supported by the cylinder head 12b. The intake valve 20 is provided in the intake port P1. The intake valve 20 opens and closes the intake port P1. When the intake valve 20 opens the intake port P1, the air-fuel mixture flows from the intake passage R1 into the combustion chamber Sp.

[0037] The spark plug 24 ignites the air-fuel mixture. More specifically, the spark plug 24 is fixed to the cylinder head 12b. The spark plug 24 includes a center electrode and a ground electrode. The center electrode and the ground electrode are exposed in the combustion chamber Sp.

[0038] The ignition coil 26 applies a high voltage between the center electrode and the ground electrode of the spark plug 24 based on the ignition signal from the control device 46 described later. Thereby, a spark is generated between the center electrode and the ground electrode of the spark plug 24, and the fuel in the combustion chamber Sp is ignited. As a result, exhaust gas is generated.

[0039] The exhaust valve 22 is supported by the cylinder head 12b. The exhaust valve 22 is provided in the exhaust port P2. The exhaust valve 22 opens and closes the exhaust port P2. When the exhaust valve 22 opens the exhaust port P2, the exhaust gas flows out from the combustion chamber Sp to the exhaust passage R2. The intake valve 20 and the exhaust valve 22 as described above are driven by a valve operating mechanism (not shown).

[0040] The turbocharger 32 includes a turbine 32a, a compressor 32b, and a shaft 32c. The turbine 32a is provided in the exhaust passage R2. The compressor 32b is provided in the intake passage R1. The shaft 32c connects the turbine 32a and the compressor 32b. The turbine 32a is rotated by the exhaust gas. The compressor 32b compresses the air in the intake passage R1 by rotating together with the turbine 32a and the shaft 32c.

[0041] The intercooler 30 is provided downstream of the compressor 32b in the intake passage R1. The intercooler 30 cools the air compressed by the compressor 32b.

[0042] The wastegate valve 34 is an electric valve including a stepping motor. The wastegate valve 34 is connected to a first portion p1 located upstream of the turbine 32a in the exhaust path R2 and a second portion p2 located downstream of the turbine 32a in the exhaust path R2. The wastegate valve 34 adjusts the amount of exhaust flowing into the turbine 32a. Specifically, when the opening degree of the wastegate valve 34 increases, the amount of exhaust flowing into the turbine 32a decreases. As a result, the outputs of the turbine 32a and the compressor 32b decrease. Therefore, the amount of air flowing out of the compressor 32b decreases. As a result, the output of the internal combustion engine 10 decreases. On the other hand, when the opening degree of the wastegate valve 34 decreases, the amount of exhaust flowing into the turbine 32a increases. As a result, the outputs of the turbine 32a and the compressor 32b increase. Therefore, the amount of air flowing out of the compressor 32b increases. As a result, the output of the internal combustion engine 10 increases. The opening degree of the wastegate valve 34 changes when the control device 46 controls the stepping motor of the wastegate valve 34.

[0043] The exhaust gas recirculation path R3 is connected to a third portion p3 located downstream of the turbine 32a in the exhaust path R2 and a fourth portion p4 located upstream of the compressor 32b in the intake path R1. The exhaust gas recirculation path R3 forms a space through which the exhaust gas flows. The exhaust gas flows from the third portion p3 to the fourth portion p4. As a result, the exhaust gas flows into the intake path R1.

[0044] The exhaust cooler 37 is provided in the exhaust gas recirculation path R3. The exhaust cooler 37 reduces the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas recirculation path R3.

[0045] The EGR valve 38 is an electric valve including a stepping motor. The EGR valve 38 (the second valve) is provided downstream of the exhaust cooler 37 in the exhaust gas recirculation path R3. The EGR valve 38 (the second valve) adjusts the amount of exhaust gas passing through the exhaust gas recirculation path R3. The opening degree of the EGR valve 38 changes when the control device 46 controls the stepping motor of the EGR valve 38.

[0046] The intake throttle valve 31 is an electric valve including a stepping motor. The intake throttle valve 31 (the first valve) is provided upstream of the fourth portion p4 in the intake path R1. The intake throttle valve 31 (the first valve) adjusts the amount of air passing through the intake path R1. The opening degree of the intake throttle valve 31 changes when the control device 46 controls the stepping motor of the intake throttle valve 31.

[0047] In the vehicle 1 as described above, as shown in FIG. 2, in the intake path R1, no valve is provided between the compressor 32b and the internal combustion engine 10. That is, the vehicle 1 is not equipped with a throttle valve. The throttle valve is a valve that opens and closes the intake path R1 in conjunction with the driver's operation of the accelerator pedal.

[0048] In the vehicle 1 as described above, at cold start, it is necessary to operate at a low rotational speed and low output in consideration of the impact on emissions. Therefore, in order to suppress the output of the internal combustion engine 10, the control device 46 adjusts the intake air amount of the internal combustion engine 10 by adjusting the opening degree of the intake throttle valve 31. Specifically, the control device 46 controls the intake throttle valve 31 so that the opening degree of the intake throttle valve 31 becomes smaller than fully open. At this time, the control device 46 controls the EGR valve 38 to be fully closed. As a result, the amount of air passing through the intake path R1 is small, and a large amount of air flowing into the internal combustion engine 10 is suppressed. As a result, the ratio of fuel in the air-fuel mixture flowing into the internal combustion engine 10 increases. Therefore, the starting performance of the internal combustion engine 10 is improved.

[0049] Immediately after warming up, the control device 46 adjusts the intake air amount of the internal combustion engine 10 by adjusting the opening degree of the wastegate valve 34. At this time, the control device 46 can additionally adjust the opening degree of the intake throttle valve 31.

[0050] In the high load region, the control device 46 adjusts the intake air amount of the internal combustion engine 10 by adjusting the opening degree of the wastegate valve 34. At this time, the control device 46 controls the opening degree of the EGR valve 38 according to the required amount of EGR gas, and controls the intake throttle valve 31 so that the opening degree of the intake throttle valve 31 becomes smaller than fully open. As a result, the pressure in the portion between the intake throttle valve 31 and the compressor 32b in the intake passage R1 decreases. As a result, the exhaust is more likely to flow from the exhaust gas recirculation passage R3 into the intake passage R1.

[0051] [Effect] In the vehicle 1, no valve is provided between the compressor 32b and the internal combustion engine 10 in the intake passage R1. That is, the vehicle 1 does not include a throttle valve. Therefore, the control device 46 only needs to control three valves. As a result, the control of the control device 46 can be simplified.

[0052] Note that the vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle including the internal combustion engine 10 and the motor 44. Therefore, the output of the internal combustion engine 10 does not easily change rapidly. Therefore, a throttle valve is not required for the vehicle 1. Thus, the control device 46 adjusts the output of the internal combustion engine 10 while keeping the A / F constant by adjusting the opening degree of the wastegate valve 34.

[0053] Vehicle 1 is a series hybrid vehicle. In a series hybrid vehicle, the internal combustion engine 10 is a power source for generating the electric power to drive the motor 44, and is not the power source of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the internal combustion engine may operate with an output having good power generation efficiency. For this reason, the output of the internal combustion engine 10 does not necessarily change directly according to the operation of the driver's accelerator pedal. Accordingly, in a series hybrid vehicle, the need for a throttle valve is low. Thus, the control device 46 may adjust the output of the internal combustion engine 10 by adjusting the opening degree of the wastegate valve 34.

[0054] Since the vehicle 1 is not provided with a throttle valve, weight reduction and cost reduction of the vehicle 1 can be achieved. Further, since no throttle valve is provided, the intake resistance due to the throttle valve in the intake passage R1 is reduced.

[0055] In the vehicle 1, a port injection system is adopted. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the vehicle 1 is lower than that of a vehicle adopting a direct injection system.

[0056] (Other Embodiments) The vehicle according to the present invention is not limited to the vehicle 1, and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0057] Note that the fuel may be other than gasoline. The fuel may be a hydrocarbon fuel other than gasoline, or may be an alcohol fuel such as bioethanol fuel.

[0058] Note that the automobile may be a four-wheel automobile, a three-wheel automobile, or a two-wheel automobile. The two-wheel automobile is a lean vehicle in which the vehicle body tilts in the same direction as the traveling direction of the corner. The three-wheel automobile may be a lean vehicle or a vehicle that rolls in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the corner.

[0059] Note that an intake variable valve timing system may be provided in the internal combustion engine 10. The intake variable valve timing system enables adjustment of the intake air amount of the internal combustion engine 10. As a result, adjustment of the intake air amount of the internal combustion engine 10 becomes easier, particularly during warm-up.

[0060] Note that the vehicle 1 may be a parallel hybrid vehicle. In a parallel hybrid vehicle, the internal combustion engine 10 is a power source for driving the vehicle 1. Therefore, the vehicle 1 runs on the power of the internal combustion engine 10 and the power of the motor 44.

[0061] Note that the vehicle 1 may be a series-parallel hybrid vehicle. In a series-parallel hybrid vehicle, the internal combustion engine 10 is a power source for driving the vehicle 1 and a power source for generating electric power for driving the motor 44. Therefore, the vehicle 1 can run on only the power of the motor 44 and can also run on the power of the internal combustion engine 10 and the power of the motor 44.

[0062] Note that the vehicle 1 may be a hybrid vehicle that performs the operations described below. In the vehicle 1, the internal combustion engine 10 is a power source for driving the vehicle 1 and a power source for generating electric power for driving the motor 44. The vehicle 1 can run on only the power of the motor 44 and can also run on only the power of the internal combustion engine 10.

[0063] Note that the vehicle 1 may not be equipped with the exhaust gas recirculation path R3, the exhaust cooler 37, and the EGR valve 38. For this reason, an inexpensive valve that can only operate in two stages of fully open and fully closed can be adopted for the intake throttle valve 31 for the following reasons. When the vehicle 1 is equipped with the exhaust gas recirculation path R3, the exhaust cooler 37, and the EGR valve 38, the inflow amount of the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas recirculation path R3 to the intake path R1 is adjusted by the opening degree of the intake throttle valve 31. Therefore, the intake throttle valve 31 has a structure in which the opening degree can be adjusted in multiple stages by a stepping motor. However, when the vehicle 1 is not equipped with the exhaust gas recirculation path R3, the exhaust cooler 37, and the EGR valve 38, the opening degree of the intake throttle valve 31 may be fully closed during idling and fully open when the output of the internal combustion engine 10 increases. Therefore, an inexpensive valve that can only operate in two stages of fully open and fully closed can be adopted for the intake throttle valve 31.

Explanation of Signs

[0064] 1: Vehicle 10: Internal combustion engine 24: Spark plug 30: Intercooler 31: Intake throttle valve 32: Turbocharger 32a: Turbine 32b: Compressor 32c: Shaft 34: Wastegate valve 38: EGR valve 40: Generator 42: Battery 44: Motor 45: Inverter 46: Control device R1: Intake path R2: Exhaust path R3: Exhaust gas recirculation path p1: First part p2: Second part p3: Third part p4: Fourth part

Claims

1. The vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a motor, a turbocharger, a wastegate valve, an intake passage, and an exhaust passage, wherein the motor is a power source for driving the vehicle, the internal combustion engine includes a spark plug for igniting an air-fuel mixture, and is a power source for driving the vehicle and / or generating electric power for driving the motor, the intake passage is connected to the internal combustion engine and forms a space through which air flows, the exhaust passage is connected to the internal combustion engine and forms a space through which exhaust flows, the turbocharger includes a turbine and a compressor, the turbine is provided in the exhaust passage and is rotated by the exhaust, the compressor is provided in the intake passage and compresses the air in the intake passage by rotating together with the turbine, the wastegate valve is connected to a first portion located upstream of the turbine in the exhaust passage and a second portion located downstream of the turbine in the exhaust passage, and adjusts the amount of exhaust flowing into the turbine, no valve is provided between the compressor and the internal combustion engine in the intake passage, A vehicle.

2. The vehicle further includes an exhaust gas recirculation passage, a first valve, and a second valve, wherein the exhaust gas recirculation passage is connected to a third portion located downstream of the turbine in the exhaust passage and a fourth portion located upstream of the compressor in the intake passage, the first valve is provided upstream of the fourth portion in the intake passage and adjusts the amount of air passing through the intake passage, the second valve is provided in the exhaust gas recirculation passage and adjusts the amount of exhaust passing through the exhaust gas recirculation passage, The vehicle according to Claim 1.

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