Vehicle control device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device determining a situation where a vehicle performs sport travelling or lacing travelling in a circuit, a rally competition or the like, and properly executing maintenance of the vehicle at an appropriate timing when performing such sport travelling or lacing travelling.SOLUTION: A vehicle control device specifies a current position of an own vehicle and also can determine whether or not the current position is in a course for motor sport partitioned from a general road or a public road. The vehicle control device determines whether or not a driving state of the vehicle reaches a prescribed performance limitation area when determining that the current position of the own vehicle is within the course for motor sport and notifies a driver of information on the maintenance of the vehicle when determining that the driving state reaches the performance limitation area (step S10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device that determines the traveling position and traveling state of a host vehicle and reflects the determination result in control.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a circuit identification device aimed at accurately identifying a state in which a host vehicle is located within a circuit. The circuit identification device described in this Patent Document 1 includes a host vehicle position identification unit that identifies the position of the host vehicle using a GPS device or a mobile terminal, and a feature recognition unit that recognizes features on a general road (for example, a center line, a median strip, a crosswalk, a traffic signal, a pedestrian, a sidewalk, etc.). Then, by determining that the position of the host vehicle is in at least one of the boundary that demarcates the circuit and the vicinity of the circuit, when it is determined that the host vehicle is in the predicted circuit area and the above features are not recognized, it is determined that the host vehicle is located within the circuit. Further, when it is determined that the host vehicle is located within the circuit, a limiter that restricts or suppresses vehicle performance is released. In addition, Patent Document 1 describes an example in which a feature recognition unit uses, for example, a camera or a radar (millimeter wave radar, laser radar, etc.) to recognize features on a general road.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the circuit identification device described in Patent Document 1 above, when it is determined that the host vehicle is located within the circuit, the vehicle limiter is released. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform sports driving or racing in the circuit in a state where the original performance of the vehicle is maximally utilized. However, when the vehicle performs sports driving in the circuit or racing in rally competitions, etc., of course, the load on the vehicle becomes larger compared to normal driving on public roads or ordinary roads, and the risk of failures and malfunctions occurring increases. For example, when performing the above-described sports driving or racing in an engine vehicle, the engine is operated at high load and high speed close to its performance limit, causing the deterioration of the engine oil to progress at a faster speed than normal. The device life of the engine and the vehicle body also decreases. Therefore, it is important to perform maintenance for preventing the above-described failures and malfunctions at an appropriate timing and without excess or deficiency. However, the circuit identification device described in Patent Document 1 above does not consider the risk of failures and malfunctions occurring due to the release of the limiter and the vehicle being operated close to its performance limit.

[0005] This invention was conceived by focusing on the above-described technical problems, and while determining the situation where the vehicle performs sports driving or racing in a circuit, rally competition, etc., it is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle control device capable of performing vehicle maintenance at an appropriate timing and without excess or deficiency when such sports driving or racing is performed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vehicle control device capable of identifying the current position of the host vehicle and determining whether the current position is within a motorsports course divided from a general road or a highway, the vehicle control device comprising: an informing device for informing a driver of the vehicle of predetermined information; and a controller for controlling the vehicle, wherein when the controller determines that the current position is within the motorsports course, the controller determines whether the driving state of the vehicle has reached a predetermined performance limit region, and when it is determined that the driving state has reached the performance limit region, the controller informs the driver of information regarding maintenance of the vehicle.

[0007] Further, the vehicle according to the present invention includes at least an engine (internal combustion engine) as a driving power source, and the controller according to the present invention calculates a deterioration state of engine oil of the engine based on a running state of the vehicle as the driving state, determines whether the deterioration state has reached an oil property limit region defined as the performance limit region, and when it is determined that the deterioration state has reached the oil property limit region defined as the performance limit region, the controller may be configured to inform the driver of the information regarding maintenance.

[0008] The vehicle according to the present invention further includes a communication module capable of communicating with an external server, and the controller according to the present invention may be configured to exchange information regarding maintenance between the vehicle and the server and inform the driver thereof.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] In the vehicle control device of the present invention, for example, the current position of the host vehicle is specified by using GPS (Global Positioning System), the position information of a car navigation device, or in-vehicle cameras, radars, etc. Further, it is determined whether or not the current position is within a motor sports course. That is, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a situation of performing sports driving or racing on a circuit, rally competition, etc. Then, when the vehicle is running within a motor sports course, the vehicle control device of the present invention determines whether or not the driving state of the vehicle has reached a predetermined performance limit region. Within the motor sports course as described above, the frequency of driving the vehicle in a performance limit state increases. For example, compared with the case where the vehicle runs on a general road or an expressway, the frequency of driving a driving power source such as an engine or a motor at high output or maximum output increases. As a result, for example, it is assumed that the deterioration of oil for lubrication and cooling progresses at a faster speed than normal. Or, it is assumed that the lifespan of the vehicle body, tires, etc. decreases at a faster speed than normal. Therefore, when the vehicle control device of the present invention determines that the driving state of the vehicle has reached the performance limit region, it notifies the driver of information regarding maintenance for preventing vehicle failure, breakage, etc. For example, information is displayed on a display or a monitor, or voice guidance or a warning sound, etc. is emitted from a speaker or a buzzer to make the driver recognize information regarding the necessity of maintenance and information prompting inspection and repair. Therefore, when the driver of the vehicle performs sports driving or racing as described above, the driver can receive information regarding vehicle maintenance and inspection / repair, and based on that information, can determine the necessity of vehicle maintenance and inspection / repair. Thereby, vehicle maintenance can be carried out at an appropriate timing, and vehicle failure, breakage, etc. can be appropriately prevented. Also, it is possible to avoid performing vehicle maintenance more than necessary.

[0010] Further, the vehicle control device of the present invention particularly controls at least vehicles having an engine as a power source (engine vehicles and hybrid vehicles), and performs determination of the current position of the vehicle, determination of the driving state of the vehicle, and notification of information regarding vehicle maintenance as described above. In the motor sports course as described above, compared with the case where the vehicle travels on general roads or expressways, the frequency of the engine being operated at high output or maximum output increases, and the frequency of the engine oil being used at or near the oil property limit increases. As a result, it is assumed that the deterioration of the engine oil progresses at a faster speed than usual. Therefore, the vehicle control device of the present invention calculates or estimates the deterioration state (property) of the engine oil based on the driving state of the vehicle, and determines whether or not the deterioration state of the engine oil has reached the oil property limit region. When it is determined that the deterioration state of the engine oil has reached the oil property limit region, information regarding maintenance for preventing vehicle failure, breakage, etc. is notified to the driver. Therefore, vehicle maintenance can be performed at an appropriate timing, and vehicle failure, breakage, etc. caused by deterioration of the engine oil can be appropriately prevented. In addition, it is possible to avoid performing vehicle maintenance more than necessary.

[0011] And, as described above, when the vehicle is performing sports driving or racing driving in the motor sports course, the vehicle control device of the present invention uses the communication module to exchange information regarding maintenance between the vehicle and the server. For example, when the vehicle control device of the present invention determines that vehicle maintenance is necessary based on the driving state of the vehicle as described above or the deterioration state of the engine oil, the information regarding the maintenance is transmitted from the vehicle side to the server. Then, information regarding nearby dealerships, repair shops, etc. where maintenance can be performed is transmitted from the server to the vehicle side. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the driver to perform vehicle maintenance at an appropriate timing. At the same time, the driver can smoothly have the vehicle stored at a dealership, repair shop, etc. for performing vehicle maintenance.

[0012] Therefore, according to the vehicle control device of the present invention, when the vehicle is performing sports driving or racing on a motor sports course, maintenance for preventing vehicle failure, damage, etc. can be carried out at an appropriate timing, without excess or deficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are merely examples when the present invention is embodied, and do not limit the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an example of the drive system and control system of a vehicle Ve to be controlled in an embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in this FIG. 1, the vehicle Ve includes an engine 2 as a driving force source (POWER) 1. And the vehicle Ve transmits the torque output by the engine 2 to the drive wheels 3, and generates a driving force with the drive wheels 3.

[0016] The engine 2 is, for example, an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, and is configured such that the adjustment of the output and the operating states such as starting and stopping are electrically controlled. The engine 2 has its throttle valve opening degree, fuel supply amount or injection amount, ignition execution and stop, and fuel ignition timing or injection timing electrically controlled.

[0017] The drive wheel 3 generates the driving force of the vehicle Ve when the torque output by the driving force source 1 is transmitted thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive wheel 3 is connected to the driving force source 1 (engine 2) via a transmission 4, a differential gear 5, and a drive shaft 6.

[0018] Note that the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to an "engine vehicle" equipped with the engine 2 as the driving force source 1 as in the example shown in FIG. 1. For example, the vehicle Ve may be a "hybrid vehicle" equipped with the engine 2 and a motor (not shown) as the driving force source 1. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be an "electric vehicle" that does not mount the engine 2 and uses a motor (not shown) as the driving force source 1.

[0019] Also, the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a front-wheel drive vehicle that transmits the output torque (driving torque) of the driving force source 1 as in the example shown in FIG. 1 to the front wheels (drive wheels) 3 and generates the driving force by the front wheels 3. For example, the vehicle Ve may be a rear-wheel drive vehicle that transmits the driving torque to the rear wheels 7 via a propeller shaft (not shown) or the like and generates the driving force by the rear wheels 7. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be a four-wheel drive vehicle provided with a transfer mechanism (not shown) that transmits the driving torque to both the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 7 and generates the driving force by both the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 7.

[0020] And the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention includes a detection unit 8, a GPS device (GPS) 9, a notification device (DISPLAY) 10, a communication module (DCM) 11, and a controller (ECU) 12 in order to respectively perform determination of the current position of the vehicle Ve (own vehicle), determination of the driving state of the vehicle Ve, and notification of information regarding maintenance of the vehicle Ve as described later.

[0021] The detection unit 8 is a device or apparatus for acquiring various types of data and information necessary for controlling the vehicle Ve. For example, it includes a power supply unit, a microcomputer, sensors, and an input / output interface, etc. In particular, the detection unit 8 in the embodiment of this invention detects various data for executing controls such as determining the current position of the vehicle Ve and determining the driving state of the vehicle Ve. For example, the detection unit 8 has a vehicle speed sensor (or wheel speed sensor) 8a for detecting the vehicle speed, and an acceleration sensor 8b for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle Ve. Also, in the example (engine vehicle) shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 8 has various sensors and devices such as an engine speed sensor 8c for detecting the rotational speed of the engine 2, a pressure sensor 8d for detecting the pressure of the engine oil of the engine 2, an odometer 8e for calculating the cumulative mileage, and a timer 8f for calculating the cumulative time such as the control time and the driving time. Furthermore, the detection unit 8 may have, for example, an in-vehicle camera 8g for acquiring imaging information regarding the driving environment and the surrounding situation outside the vehicle Ve, and a radar (e.g., millimeter wave radar, laser radar, etc.) 8h for detecting the driving environment and the surrounding situation outside the vehicle Ve. And the detection unit 8 is electrically connected to a controller 12 described later, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detection value or calculation value of the various sensors, devices, and apparatuses as described above to the controller 12 as detection data.

[0022] The GPS device 9 measures and specifies the current position (e.g., the latitude and longitude of the current location) of the vehicle Ve (the host vehicle) by receiving radio waves from a plurality of GPS [Global Positioning System] satellites. Note that the vehicle Ve is equipped with a car navigation device 13, and the GPS device 9 may be configured to operate in association with the car navigation device 13. Alternatively, the GPS device 9 may also serve as the GPS receiver (not shown) of the car navigation device 13.

[0023] The notification device 10 notifies and enables the driver of the vehicle Ve to recognize predetermined information. The notification device 10 has, for example, a display device (not shown) such as a display or a liquid crystal monitor, and displays image information and character information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle Ve as described later to enable the driver to recognize it. Alternatively, the notification device 10 has an acoustic device (not shown) such as a speaker or a buzzer, and emits voice guidance, warning sounds, etc. regarding the maintenance of the vehicle Ve as described later to enable the driver to recognize them. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the notification device 10 also serves as the display (not shown) of the car navigation device 13. Alternatively, the notification device 10 may also serve as the speaker (not shown) of the car navigation device 13 or the audio device (not shown) of the vehicle Ve.

[0024] The communication module 11 performs data transmission and reception between the controller 12 described later and a server (not shown) provided outside the vehicle Ve. The communication module 11 mounts, for example, a dedicated wireless communication system (not shown) called DCM [Data Communication Module] on the vehicle Ve, and transmits and receives various data between the controller 12 and an external server using a dedicated communication line. In the embodiment of this invention, general communication equipment (not shown) may be used to perform data transmission and reception using a general mobile communication line. Alternatively, for example, dedicated or general communication equipment installed in a vehicle Ve dealership, repair shop, etc. may be used to perform data transmission and reception.

[0025] The controller 12 is an electronic control device mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer. The controller 12 in the embodiment of this invention controls the overall operation of the vehicle Ve. In particular, it respectively executes control for determining the current position of the vehicle Ve (the host vehicle), control for determining the driving state of the vehicle Ve, and control for notifying information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle Ve. Various data detected or calculated by the above detection unit 8, as well as various data for linking with the above GPS device 9, communication module 11, and car navigation device 13, are input to the controller 12. The controller 12 performs calculations using the input various data and data, calculation formulas, etc. stored in advance. Then, the controller 12 is configured to output the calculation result as a control command signal to control the vehicle Ve. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which one controller 12 is provided, a plurality of controllers 12 may be provided for each device or equipment to be controlled, or for each control content.

[0026] As described above, the vehicle control device in the embodiment of this invention aims to enable the maintenance of the vehicle Ve to be carried out at an appropriate timing when the vehicle Ve is performing sports driving or racing driving in a state close to its performance limit. For this purpose, the controller 12 of the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of this invention is configured to execute, for example, the control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 below.

[0027] In the flowchart of FIG. 2, first, in step S1, it is determined whether the vehicle Ve is scheduled to perform circuit driving. Specifically, it is determined whether the vehicle Ve is scheduled to perform sports driving or racing on a motorsports course. The motorsports course in this case is, for example, a course or area for automobile racing, which is separated from general roads or public roads, such as a circuit for automobile racing, a racing course for rally racing, or a venue for gymkhana competitions. For example, when a motorsports course is registered as the destination in the car navigation device 13, it is determined that the vehicle Ve is scheduled to perform sports driving or racing on a circuit or the like.

[0028] As described above, when it is determined from the destination registered in the car navigation device 13 or the like that the vehicle Ve is scheduled to perform sports driving or racing on a motorsports course, if it is determined as "Yes" in this step S1, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0029] In step S2, a diagnosis by the user is performed. That is, it is confirmed by the driver (user) whether the vehicle Ve is in a situation of performing sports driving or racing on a circuit or rally racing. Specifically, it is confirmed by the driver that the vehicle Ve is scheduled to drive on a motorsports course or is driving on a motorsports course. For example, when the vehicle Ve is equipped with an HMI [Human Machine Interface] device (not shown) or a corresponding function, the content determined as described above that the vehicle Ve is scheduled to drive on a motorsports course or is driving is notified to the driver. At the same time, an operation for the driver to approve the content is performed.

[0030] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 above that "No" because it is determined that vehicle Ve does not plan to perform sports driving or racing on a motorsports course, the process proceeds to step S3. That is, in this case, the process proceeds to step S3, and the controller 12 automatically diagnoses whether vehicle Ve is in a situation of performing sports driving or racing on a circuit, rally competition, etc.

[0031] In step S3, it is determined whether vehicle Ve is within the circuit range. Specifically, it is determined whether vehicle Ve is located within a predetermined range set around a motorsports course separated from general roads or public roads. For example, referring to the current position of vehicle Ve (the host vehicle) specified by the GPS device 9 and the map information stored in the controller 12, it is possible to determine whether the current position of vehicle Ve is within the range around the motorsports course. Alternatively, the function of the car navigation device 13 may be used to determine whether the current position of vehicle Ve is within the range around the motorsports course.

[0032] If it is determined in this step S3 that "No" because the current position of vehicle Ve is not within the range around the motorsports course, the routine shown in this flowchart of FIG. 2 is terminated once without executing the control of each subsequent step.

[0033] On the contrary, if it is determined in step S3 that "Yes" because the current position of vehicle Ve is within the range around the motorsports course, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0034] In step S4, it is determined whether or not features of a general road or an expressway are detected. That is, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle Ve is on a general road or an expressway. For example, based on imaging information by the in-vehicle camera 8g, detection data by the radar 8h, etc., it is possible to determine whether the current position of the vehicle Ve is on a general road or an expressway. Features of a general road or an expressway are facilities, structures, road markings, signs, pedestrians, bicycles, etc. that may exist on a general road or an expressway but do not exist on a motor sports course. For example, traffic lights, a median strip, a center line of a road, a crosswalk, etc. correspond to features of a general road or an expressway in this case.

[0035] If it is determined as “No” in this step S4 because features of a general road or an expressway are detected, that is, the current position of the vehicle Ve is on a general road or an expressway, the routine shown in this flowchart of FIG. 2 is terminated once without executing the control of each subsequent step.

[0036] On the other hand, if it is determined as “Yes” in step S4 because features of a general road or an expressway are not detected, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0037] In step S5, a circuit is detected as the current position of the vehicle Ve. That is, it is determined that the current position of the vehicle Ve is within a motor sports course such as a circuit or a rally course.

[0038] Next, in step S6, an automatic diagnosis by the controller 12 is performed. That is, the controller 12 determines whether the vehicle Ve is in a situation of performing sports driving or racing on a circuit, a rally, etc. Specifically, the controller 12 identifies that the vehicle Ve is scheduled to drive on a motor sports course or is driving on a motor sports course.

[0039] In the above step S2, when it is confirmed that the vehicle Ve is in a situation of performing sports driving or racing on a circuit, rally competition, etc., or in step S6, when it is specified that the vehicle Ve is in a situation of performing sports driving or racing on a circuit, rally competition, etc., the process proceeds to step S7.

[0040] In step S7, the driving information of the vehicle Ve is acquired. Specifically, various data for grasping the driving state and running state of the vehicle Ve are acquired. For example, vehicle speed data detected by the vehicle speed sensor 8a, acceleration data of the vehicle Ve detected by the acceleration sensor 8b, engine speed data of the engine 2 detected by the engine speed sensor 8c, pressure data of the engine oil detected by the pressure sensor 8d, cumulative mileage data calculated from the mileage meter 8e, and cumulative time data such as the control time and driving time calculated from the timer 8f are acquired.

[0041] In step S8, engine oil information is calculated. The calculation of the engine oil information in this step S8 is an example of control for determining the driving state of the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of this invention. In the example shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, as the driving state of the vehicle Ve, the deterioration state of the engine oil of the engine 2 (that is, the properties of the engine oil at the current time) is calculated based on the driving state of the vehicle Ve. In a situation where the vehicle Ve performs the above-described sports driving or racing driving, in addition to the engine oil, for example, the deterioration of the lubricating oil for a transmission (not shown) or the cooling oil for a motor (not shown) is assumed to proceed at a faster speed than normal. In addition, for example, the life of a tire (not shown), the device life of a driving force source such as the engine 2 or the motor, or the device life of the vehicle Ve body is also assumed to decrease at a faster speed than normal. Therefore, in the embodiment of this invention, as the driving state of the vehicle Ve, for example, the deterioration state of the engine 2 main body, the wear and deterioration state of the tires, etc. may be calculated based on the driving state of the vehicle Ve. In short, in this step S8, the driving state or deterioration state of the vehicle Ve in which deterioration progresses or the life of a device or product may decrease due to sports driving or racing driving on a motor sports course is calculated based on the driving state of the vehicle Ve.

[0042] Subsequently, in step S9, it is determined whether the engine oil relationship is at the functional limit. Specifically, it is determined whether the driving state or deterioration state of the vehicle Ve has reached a predetermined performance limit region. The performance limit region is predetermined as the driving region or the degree of deterioration in which maintenance of the vehicle Ve becomes necessary after the vehicle Ve travels at maximum performance or near the performance limit by sports driving or racing driving on a motor sports course. In this step S9, as an example of the driving state or deterioration state of the vehicle Ve, it is determined whether the deterioration state of the engine oil has reached the oil property limit region defined as the above-described performance limit region.

[0043] If it is determined as "No" in this step S9 because the operating state or deterioration state of the vehicle Ve has not yet reached the performance limit region, specifically, the deterioration state of the engine oil has not yet reached the oil property limit region, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is terminated once without executing the control of each subsequent step.

[0044] On the other hand, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S9 because the operating state or deterioration state of the vehicle Ve has reached the performance limit region, specifically, the deterioration state of the engine oil has reached the oil property limit region, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0045] Then, in step S10, information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle Ve is notified to the driver. For example, due to performing sports driving or racing on a course for motor sports as described above, it is necessary to perform maintenance on the vehicle Ve, or a guidance indicating that it is recommended to perform maintenance on the vehicle Ve is displayed to the driver by the display function of the notification device 10. Alternatively, the above-mentioned maintenance-related information is provided as an audio guidance to the driver by the audio function of the notification device 10. Or a warning sound is emitted.

[0046] Also, in this step S10, as described above, information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle Ve is notified to the driver, and beneficial information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle Ve may be provided to the driver by utilizing so-called connected technology. Specifically, using the communication module 11, the exchange of the above-mentioned information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle Ve is performed between the vehicle Ve and an external server. For example, when it is determined that the vehicle Ve needs maintenance as described above, the information regarding the maintenance is transmitted from the vehicle Ve side to the external server. Then, information regarding nearby dealerships, repair shops, etc. that can perform the maintenance of the vehicle Ve is transmitted to the vehicle Ve side from the external server. Thereby, the driver can be prompted to perform the maintenance of the vehicle Ve at an appropriate timing. At the same time, the driver can smoothly have the vehicle Ve stored at a dealership, a repair shop, etc. for the purpose of performing the maintenance of the vehicle Ve.

[0047] When the information regarding the maintenance of the vehicle Ve is notified to the driver in step S10 as described above, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is once terminated.

[0048] As described above, in the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the current position of the vehicle Ve (the host vehicle) is specified, and further, it is determined whether the current position is within a motor sports course. That is, it is determined whether the vehicle Ve is in a situation of performing sports driving or racing driving in a circuit, rally competition, etc. Then, the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention determines whether the driving state of the vehicle Ve has reached a predetermined performance limit region when the vehicle Ve is traveling within the motor sports course. For example, it is determined whether the deterioration state of the engine oil has reached the oil property limit region. And when it is determined that the driving state of the vehicle Ve has reached the performance limit region, for example, when it is determined that the deterioration state of the engine oil has reached the oil property limit region, information regarding maintenance for preventing failure, breakage, etc. of the vehicle Ve is notified to the driver. Therefore, when the driver of the vehicle Ve performs the above-described sports driving or racing driving, the driver can receive information regarding the maintenance, inspection, and repair of the vehicle Ve, and based on that information, can determine the necessity of maintenance, inspection, and repair of the vehicle Ve. Thereby, the maintenance of the vehicle Ve can be carried out at an appropriate timing, and failure, breakage, etc. of the vehicle Ve can be appropriately prevented. Also, excessive maintenance of the vehicle Ve can be prevented.

[0049] Therefore, according to the vehicle control device in the embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle Ve performs sports driving or racing driving on a motor sports course, maintenance for preventing failure, breakage, etc. of the vehicle Ve can be carried out at an appropriate timing, without excess or deficiency.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0050] 1 Driving force source (POWER) 2 Engine (internal combustion engine) 3 Driving wheels 4 Transmission 5 Differential gear 6 Drive shaft 7 Rear wheels 8 Detection unit 8a Vehicle speed sensor (or wheel speed sensor) of the detection unit 8b Acceleration sensor of the detection unit 8c Engine speed sensor of the detection unit 8d Pressure sensor of the detection unit 8e Odometer of the detection unit 8f Timer of the detection unit 8g On-vehicle camera of the detection unit 8h Radar of the detection unit 9 GPS device (GPS) 10 Notification device (DISPLAY) 11 Communication module (DCM) 12 Controller (ECU) 13 Car navigation device Ve Vehicle

Claims

1. A vehicle control device capable of identifying the current position of a vehicle and determining whether the current position is within a motor sports course divided from a general road or a public road, comprising: A notification device for notifying a predetermined information to a driver of the vehicle; A controller for controlling the vehicle, The controller: When it is determined that the current position is within the motor sports course, determines whether the driving state of the vehicle has reached a predetermined performance limit region; When it is determined that the driving state has reached the performance limit region, notifies the driver of information regarding maintenance of the vehicle. A vehicle control device characterized by the above.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, The vehicle is provided with at least an engine as a power source, The controller: As the driving state, calculates a deterioration state of engine oil of the engine based on a running state of the vehicle; Determines whether the deterioration state has reached an oil property limit region defined as the performance limit region; When it is determined that the deterioration state has reached the oil property limit region defined as the performance limit region, notifies the driver of the information regarding maintenance. A vehicle control device characterized by the above.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2, The vehicle is provided with a communication module capable of communicating with an external server, The controller: Exchanges information regarding maintenance between the vehicle and the server and notifies the driver. A vehicle control device characterized by the above.

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