Control device for vehicle and control program for vehicle

Abstract

To enhance the possibility that a vehicle driver attains power performance of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A control device for a vehicle includes an execution device and a storage device. The storage device stores predetermined specified speed and upper limit speed. When engine speed is equal to or higher than the specified speed, the execution device notifies a vehicle driver that an indicator indicates the engine speed suitable for shift change. When the engine speed is the upper limit speed or higher, the execution device stops fuel combustion in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. On the basis of a request of the vehicle driver, the execution device executes first change processing for changing the specified speed within a range lower than the upper limit speed. When the vehicle is located in a predetermined specific area, the execution device executes second change processing for increasing the upper limit speed (S22). When increasing the upper limit speed through the second change processing, the execution device executes third change processing for increasing the specified speed (S24).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an internal combustion engine, a transmission, an indicator, and a control device. The internal combustion engine transmits power to the vehicle's drive wheels via the transmission. The indicator includes multiple light-emitting diodes. The control device stores a predetermined rotational speed and a specified rotational speed for each gear position of the transmission. The specified rotational speed indicates an engine rotational speed, which is the rotational speed of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, that is suitable for shifting from the current gear position to a higher gear position. The predetermined rotational speed is a value lower than the specified rotational speed by a certain value. The control device then identifies an actual gear position, which is the actual gear position of the transmission, and the predetermined rotational speed and specified rotational speed corresponding to the actual gear position. The control device then executes a process to illuminate some of the multiple light-emitting diodes when the engine rotational speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined rotational speed corresponding to the actual gear position. The control device also executes a process to illuminate all of the multiple light-emitting diodes when the engine rotational speed is equal to or higher than the specified rotational speed corresponding to the actual gear position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-265566 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a vehicle such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a desire to set an arbitrary engine rotation speed as the specified rotation speed according to the preference of the vehicle driver, for example. However, there is a limit to the range of engine rotation speeds that can be set as the specified rotation speed. Moreover, the range of engine rotation speeds that can be set as the specified rotation speed may change depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. Therefore, in the vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is room for consideration regarding how the specified rotation speed set by the vehicle driver should be handled depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A vehicle control device for solving the above problem is a control device applied to a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a transmission that forms one of a plurality of gear stages, and an indicator, and includes an execution device and a storage device, wherein the storage device stores, for each gear stage of the transmission, a specified rotation speed that is predetermined as a value suitable for shifting from the gear stage of the transmission to a higher gear stage, and an upper limit rotation speed that is predetermined as a value higher than the specified rotation speed, for an engine rotation speed that is the rotation speed of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, and the execution device performs a specification process to specify an actual gear stage that is an actual gear stage of the transmission, and a calculation process to determine whether the engine rotation speed is equal to or higher than the specified rotation speed corresponding to the actual gear stage. In some cases, the system executes an alert process that alerts the driver of the vehicle that the indicator is at a suitable engine speed for a shift change; a combustion stop process that stops the combustion of fuel in the cylinders of the internal combustion engine when the engine speed is equal to or higher than the upper limit engine speed; a first change process that changes the specified engine speed to a range below the upper limit engine speed based on a request from the driver of the vehicle; a second change process that increases the upper limit engine speed when the vehicle is located in a predetermined specific area compared to when the vehicle is not located in the specific area; and a third change process that increases the specified engine speed when the upper limit engine speed is increased by the second change process compared to when the upper limit engine speed is not increased by the second change process.

[0006] A vehicle control program for solving the above problem is applied to a control device for a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a transmission that forms one of a plurality of gear stages, and an indicator, the control device including an execution device and a storage device, the storage device storing, for each gear stage of the transmission, a specified rotation speed that is predetermined as a value suitable for shifting from the gear stage of the transmission to a higher gear stage, and an upper limit rotation speed that is predetermined as a value higher than the specified rotation speed, for an engine rotation speed that is the rotation speed of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, the specified rotation speed being a value suitable for shifting from the gear stage of the transmission to a higher gear stage, the execution device including a specifying process for specifying an actual gear stage that is an actual gear stage of the transmission, and a setting process for setting the engine rotation speed to the specified rotation speed corresponding to the actual gear stage. When the engine rotation speed is equal to or higher than the upper limit rotation speed, a notification process is executed in which the indicator notifies the driver of the vehicle that the engine rotation speed is suitable for a shift change; when the engine rotation speed is equal to or higher than the upper limit rotation speed, a combustion stop process is executed in which fuel combustion in the cylinders of the internal combustion engine is stopped; a first change process is executed in which the specified rotation speed is changed to a range lower than the upper limit rotation speed based on a request of the driver of the vehicle; a second change process is executed in which, when the vehicle is located in a predetermined specific area, the upper limit rotation speed is increased compared to when the vehicle is not located in the specific area; and a third change process is executed in which, when the upper limit rotation speed is increased by the second change process, the specified rotation speed is increased compared to when the upper limit rotation speed is not increased by the second change process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above configuration, even if the specified engine speed has been changed by the vehicle driver, if the upper limit engine speed is increased because the vehicle is located in a specific area, the specified engine speed is increased according to the upper limit engine speed. That is, a notification process is executed to prompt a shift change when the engine speed becomes higher. As a result, even if the specified engine speed was set at the request of the vehicle driver in the first change process, a shift change is likely to occur at a higher engine speed in a situation where the upper limit engine speed has increased. As a result, the possibility that the vehicle will be driven effectively up to a higher engine speed can be increased. In other words, the possibility that the vehicle driver will fully utilize the vehicle's power performance can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between vehicle speed and engine rotation speed due to gear shifting. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the indicator. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the first change control. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the second change control. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the notification control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Vehicle Overview> An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. First, a schematic configuration of a vehicle 100 will be described.

[0010] 1, the vehicle 100 includes an internal combustion engine 10, a clutch 20, a manual transmission 30, a differential 41, and a plurality of drive wheels 42. The vehicle 100 also includes an accelerator pedal 61, a shift lever 62, and a clutch pedal 63.

[0011] The internal combustion engine 10 includes four cylinders 11 and a crankshaft 12. The cylinders 11 are spaces for burning a mixture of fuel and intake air. The crankshaft 12 rotates as the mixture is burned in the cylinders 11.

[0012] The crankshaft 12 of the internal combustion engine 10 is connected to the manual transmission 30 via the clutch 20. The connection state of the clutch 20 is switched between an engaged state and a released state depending on the amount of operation of the clutch pedal 63 operated by the driver of the vehicle 100. Here, the engaged state is a state in which power can be transmitted between the crankshaft 12 of the internal combustion engine 10 and the manual transmission 30. Furthermore, the released state is a state in which power cannot be transmitted between the crankshaft 12 of the internal combustion engine 10 and the manual transmission 30.

[0013] The manual transmission 30 includes an input shaft 31 and an output shaft 32. A first end of the input shaft 31 is connected to the crankshaft 12 via the clutch 20. A second end of the input shaft 31 is connected to a first end of the output shaft 32 via a plurality of gears included in the manual transmission 30. A second end of the output shaft 32 is connected to left and right drive wheels 42 via a differential 41. The differential 41 transmits the power transmitted to the differential 41 to the left and right drive wheels 42 while allowing a difference in rotational speed to occur between the left and right drive wheels 42.

[0014] The manual transmission 30 establishes one of a plurality of gear stages in response to the operation of a shift lever 62 operated by the driver of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the plurality of gear stages of the manual transmission 30 include "first gear," "second gear," "third gear," "fourth gear," "fifth gear," "sixth gear," "neutral," and "reverse." Here, "first gear" to "sixth gear" as the gear stages of the manual transmission 30 are gear stages for the vehicle 100 to travel forward. Furthermore, "reverse" as the gear stage of the manual transmission 30 is a gear stage for the vehicle 100 to travel backward. Furthermore, "neutral" as the gear stage of the manual transmission 30 is a gear stage in which power cannot be transmitted between the input shaft 31 and the output shaft 32.

[0015] When the manual transmission 30 has one of the gear stages "1st gear" to "6th gear," the manual transmission 30 sets a predetermined gear ratio according to each gear stage. Here, the gear ratio of the manual transmission 30 is the ratio between the rotation speed of the input shaft 31 and the rotation speed of the output shaft 32. Specifically, the gear ratio of the manual transmission 30 is the ratio indicating the number of times the input shaft 31 rotates when the output shaft 32 rotates once. Therefore, the larger the gear ratio, the higher the speed at which the input shaft 31 rotates relative to the output shaft 32. In the manual transmission 30, the higher the gear stage, the smaller the gear ratio. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , for example, when compared at the same engine rotation speed NE, the higher the gear stage of the manual transmission 30, the higher the vehicle speed SP, which is the speed of the vehicle 100. Note that the engine rotation speed NE is the rotation speed of the crankshaft 12. In this embodiment, the manual transmission 30 is an example of a transmission.

[0016] 1, the vehicle 100 includes an accelerator operation amount sensor 71, a lever position sensor 72, a clutch operation amount switch 73, a crank angle sensor 74, and a vehicle speed sensor 75. The vehicle 100 also includes a water temperature sensor 76, a GNSS receiver 77, a display 79, and an indicator 80.

[0017] The accelerator operation amount sensor 71 is located near the accelerator pedal 61. The accelerator operation amount sensor 71 detects the accelerator operation amount ACC, which is the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal 61 operated by the driver of the vehicle 100.

[0018] The lever position sensor 72 is located near the shift lever 62. The lever position sensor 72 detects a lever position LP, which is the operating position of the shift lever 62. In this embodiment, the lever position sensor 72 detects one of "1st gear," "2nd gear," "3rd gear," "4th gear," "5th gear," "6th gear," "neutral," and "reverse" as the lever position LP.

[0019] The clutch operation amount switch 73 is located near the clutch pedal 63. The clutch operation amount switch 73 outputs an ON signal when the operation amount of the clutch pedal 63 is equal to or greater than a predetermined specified operation amount. On the other hand, the clutch operation amount switch 73 outputs an OFF signal when the operation amount of the clutch pedal 63 is less than the predetermined specified operation amount. Here, the specified operation amount is a threshold value for determining whether the operation amount of the clutch pedal 63 is sufficient to put the clutch 20 into a released state. Therefore, when the clutch operation amount switch 73 outputs an ON signal, the clutch 20 is in a released state.

[0020] The crank angle sensor 74 detects the crank angle SC, which is the angular position of the crankshaft 12. The vehicle speed sensor 75 detects the vehicle speed SP, which is the speed of the vehicle 100. The water temperature sensor 76 detects the coolant temperature THW, which is the temperature of the coolant flowing inside the internal combustion engine 10.

[0021] The GNSS receiver 77 communicates with a GNSS satellite (not shown) to detect position coordinates PC, which are the coordinates of the location of the vehicle 100. Note that "GNSS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System.

[0022] Display 79 is located near the driver's seat of vehicle 100. Display 79 is capable of displaying various types of information. Display 79 is a so-called touch panel display. Therefore, the driver of vehicle 100 can input various types of information via display 79.

[0023] The indicator 80 is located near the driver's seat of the vehicle 100. As shown in FIG. 3 , the indicator 80 includes a first liquid crystal display (LCD) 81, a second liquid crystal display (LCD) 82, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 83. The first LCD 81 is a liquid crystal display for displaying the engine rotation speed NE. For example, when the engine rotation speed NE is 5802 rpm, the first LCD 81 displays a number such as "5802." In this embodiment, the second LCD 82 is located below the vehicle 100 with respect to the first LCD 81. The second LCD 82 is a liquid crystal display for displaying the lever position LP, which is the operating position of the shift lever 62. For example, when the gear position of the manual transmission 30 is "second gear," the second LCD 82 displays a number such as "2." In this embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 83 are located to the right of the vehicle 100 with respect to the first LCD 81. The plurality of LEDs 83 are also arranged along the left and right sides of the vehicle 100. The plurality of light-emitting diodes 83 are devices for prompting the driver of the vehicle 100 to shift between gear stages of the manual transmission 30. In this embodiment, the indicator 80 includes seven light-emitting diodes 83. Also, in FIG. 3, only some of the plurality of light-emitting diodes 83 are labeled with reference numerals. The up / down and left / right directions of the vehicle 100 are directions as viewed from the driver sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle 100.

[0024] 1, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a control device 90. The control device 90 acquires various pieces of information from an accelerator operation amount sensor 71, a lever position sensor 72, a clutch operation amount switch 73, a crank angle sensor 74, and a vehicle speed sensor 75. The control device 90 also acquires various pieces of information from a water temperature sensor 76, a GNSS receiver 77, and a display 79.

[0025] The control device 90 includes an execution device 91 and a storage device 92. An example of the execution device 91 is a CPU. The storage device 92 includes a read-only ROM, a readable / writable volatile RAM, and a readable / writable non-volatile storage. The storage device 92 stores various programs and data in advance. Specifically, the storage device 92 stores a control program 92A in advance as one of the various programs. The storage device 92 also stores a reference table TZ in advance as one of the various data. The reference table TZ is a table for identifying a predetermined rotation speed NEA and a specified rotation speed NEB, which will be described later. The specific configuration of the reference table TZ will be described later. The storage device 92 also stores an upper limit rotation speed NEZ in advance as one of the various data. The upper limit rotation speed NEZ is a value predetermined for a combustion stop process, which will be described later. The upper limit rotation speed NEZ is a value higher than the predetermined rotation speed NEA and the specified rotation speed NEB. The execution device 91 executes a control program 92A stored in the storage device 92 to perform various processes, which will be described later.

[0026] The execution unit 91 of the control device 90 calculates a target driving force, which is a target value of the driving force of the vehicle 100, based on the accelerator operation amount ACC and the vehicle speed SP. Next, the execution unit 91 calculates a target output, which is a target value of the output of the internal combustion engine 10, based on the target driving force and the gear position of the manual transmission 30, etc. Then, the execution unit 91 outputs a control signal corresponding to the target output to the internal combustion engine 10. As a result, the internal combustion engine 10 is controlled according to the target output.

[0027] An execution unit 91 of the control device 90 calculates the engine rotation speed NE, which is the rotation speed of the crankshaft 12, based on the crank angle SC. The execution unit 91 also controls the indicator 80 by outputting a control signal to the indicator 80.

[0028] The execution unit 91 of the control device 90 determines whether the engine rotation speed NE is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit rotation speed NEZ. If the engine rotation speed NE is equal to or greater than the upper limit rotation speed NEZ, the execution unit 91 executes a combustion stop process to stop the combustion of fuel in the cylinders 11 of the internal combustion engine 10. Note that if the upper limit rotation speed NEZ has been changed by a second variation control, which will be described later, the execution unit 91 executes the above process using the changed upper limit rotation speed NEZ. In this embodiment, an example of the initial value of the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is approximately 7000 rpm to 8000 rpm.

[0029] <First change control> Next, the first variation control executed by the control device 90 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. This first variation control is a control for changing the predetermined rotation speed NEA and the specified rotation speed NEB in response to a request from the driver of the vehicle 100 to change the specified rotation speed NEB.

[0030] As a premise, the reference table TZ includes a predetermined rotation speed NEA and a specified rotation speed NEB for each gear position of the manual transmission 30. In other words, the storage device 92 stores a predetermined predetermined rotation speed NEA and a specified rotation speed NEB for each gear position of the manual transmission 30. Here, the specified rotation speed NEB is a value determined in advance for the engine rotation speed NE that is suitable for shifting from the current gear position of the manual transmission 30 to a higher gear position. In this embodiment, the initial value of the specified rotation speed NEB is the same for all actual gear positions GA. As a specific example, the specified rotation speed NEB when the actual gear position GA is "first gear" is the same as the specified rotation speed NEB when the actual gear position GA is "second gear." Here, the actual gear position GA is the actual gear position of the manual transmission 30. An example of the initial value of the specified rotation speed NEB is approximately 6500 rpm. Furthermore, the predetermined rotation speed NEA is determined in advance to be a value lower than the specified rotation speed NEB. In this embodiment, the initial value of the predetermined rotation speed NEA is higher as the actual gear position GA is higher. As a specific example, the predetermined rotation speed NEA when the actual gear position GA is "second gear" is higher than the predetermined rotation speed NEA when the actual gear position GA is "first gear". Similarly, the predetermined rotation speed NEA when the actual gear position GA is "third gear" is higher than the predetermined rotation speed NEA when the actual gear position GA is "second gear". Note that an example of the initial value of the predetermined rotation speed NEA is approximately 2000 rpm to 6400 rpm. In this embodiment, the execution device 91 of the control device 90 starts the first variation control at every predetermined control cycle, with the necessary condition that the control device 90 is operating.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, when the execution device 91 of the control device 90 starts the first change control, it executes the processing of step S11. In step S11, the execution device 91 determines whether or not the driver of the vehicle 100 has requested to change the specified rotation speed NEB. For example, if the driver of the vehicle 100 performs an operation to change the specified rotation speed NEB via the display 79, the execution device 91 determines that the driver of the vehicle 100 has requested to change the specified rotation speed NEB. In step S11, if the execution device 91 determines that the driver of the vehicle 100 has not requested to change the specified rotation speed NEB (S11: NO), the execution device 91 ends the current first change control. On the other hand, in step S11, if the execution device 91 determines that the driver of the vehicle 100 has requested to change the specified rotation speed NEB (S11: YES), the execution device 91 proceeds to the processing of step S12.

[0032] In step S12, the execution device 91 changes the specified rotation speed NEB. Specifically, the execution device 91 changes the specified rotation speed NEB, for example, as follows. First, if there is a request in step S11 to increase the specified rotation speed NEB, the execution device 91 increases the specified rotation speed NEB within a range less than the upper limit rotation speed NEZ. For example, the execution device 91 sets the new specified rotation speed NEB to a value obtained by adding a predetermined constant value to the specified rotation speed NEB at the start of step S12. Here, an example of the constant value is approximately several tens to several hundreds of rpm. Note that, if the value obtained by adding the predetermined constant value to the specified rotation speed NEB at the start of step S12 is equal to or greater than the upper limit rotation speed NEZ, the execution device 91 maintains the specified rotation speed NEB at the start of step S12. In other words, if the value obtained by adding the predetermined constant value to the specified rotation speed NEB at the start of step S12 is less than the upper limit rotation speed NEZ, the execution device 91 increases the specified rotation speed NEB every time there is a request to increase the specified rotation speed NEB. In this embodiment, the execution device 91 executes the above process only for the specified rotation speed NEB that is requested to be increased, out of the plurality of specified rotation speeds NEB.

[0033] On the other hand, if there is a request to lower the specified rotation speed NEB in step S11, the execution unit 91 lowers the specified rotation speed NEB within a range higher than a predetermined lower limit. For example, the execution unit 91 sets the new specified rotation speed NEB to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined constant value from the specified rotation speed NEB at the start of step S12. Here, an example of the constant value is approximately several tens to several hundreds of rpm. Note that, if the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined constant value from the specified rotation speed NEB at the start of step S12 is equal to or lower than the predetermined lower limit, the execution unit 91 maintains the specified rotation speed NEB at the start of step S12. In other words, if the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined constant value from the specified rotation speed NEB at the start of step S12 is higher than the predetermined lower limit, the execution unit 91 lowers the specified rotation speed NEB every time there is a request to lower the specified rotation speed NEB. In this embodiment, the execution device 91 executes the above process only for the specified rotation speed NEB that is requested to be lowered among the multiple specified rotation speeds NEB. In this embodiment, the process of step S12 is an example of a first change process that changes the specified rotation speed NEB to a range below the upper limit rotation speed NEZ based on a request from the driver of the vehicle 100. After step S12, the execution device 91 proceeds to step S13.

[0034] In step S13, the execution unit 91 changes the predetermined rotation speed NEA. Specifically, the execution unit 91 changes the predetermined rotation speed NEA, for example, as follows. First, if the specified rotation speed NEB was increased in step S12, the execution unit 91 increases the predetermined rotation speed NEA by a value equal to the amount of change in the specified rotation speed NEB. On the other hand, if the specified rotation speed NEB was decreased in step S12, the execution unit 91 decreases the predetermined rotation speed NEA by a value equal to the amount of change in the specified rotation speed NEB. Then, the execution unit 91 updates the reference table TZ according to the changed specified rotation speed NEA and specified rotation speed NEB. After step S13, the execution unit 91 ends the current first variation control.

[0035] <Second Change Control> Next, with reference to FIG. 5 , the second variation control executed by the control device 90 will be described. This second variation control is a control for varying the upper limit rotation speed NEZ, the predetermined rotation speed NEA, and the specified rotation speed NEB in accordance with the traveling conditions of the vehicle 100. When the predetermined rotation speed NEA and the specified rotation speed NEB have been changed from their initial values ​​by the first variation control described above, the execution device 91 of the control device 90 changes the values ​​of the changed predetermined rotation speed NEA and specified rotation speed NEB in the second variation control. On the other hand, when the predetermined rotation speed NEA and the specified rotation speed NEB have not been changed from their initial values ​​by the first variation control described above, the execution device 91 of the control device 90 changes the values ​​of the predetermined rotation speed NEA and the specified rotation speed NEB from their initial values ​​in the second variation control. Furthermore, in the second variation control, the execution device 91 of the control device 90 changes the value of the upper limit rotation speed NEZ from its initial value. In this embodiment, the execution device 91 of the control device 90 starts the second variation control every time the first variation control ends.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, when the execution device 91 of the control device 90 starts the second change control, it executes the process of step S21. In step S21, the execution device 91 determines whether the vehicle 100 is located in a predetermined specific area. Specifically, the execution device 91 determines that the vehicle 100 is located in the predetermined specific area when the position coordinates PC are within the predetermined specific area. An example of a specific area is a circuit as a racing facility. In step S21, if the execution device 91 determines that the vehicle 100 is not located in the specific area (S21: NO), the execution device 91 proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, in step S21, if the execution device 91 determines that the vehicle 100 is located in the specific area (S21: YES), the execution device 91 proceeds to step S22.

[0037] In step S22, the execution device 91 increases the upper limit rotation speed NEZ. For example, the execution device 91 sets a new upper limit rotation speed NEZ to a value obtained by adding a predetermined constant value to the initial value of the upper limit rotation speed NEZ. Here, an example of the constant value is approximately several hundred rpm to several thousand rpm. If the upper limit rotation speed NEZ has already been increased in the previous step S22, the execution device 91 maintains the value of the upper limit rotation speed NEZ at the start of this step S22. In other words, even if the execution device 91 repeatedly executes the processing of step S22, the upper limit rotation speed NEZ after the processing of step S22 is higher by a certain value than the upper limit rotation speed NEZ when the determination in step S21 is negative. In this embodiment, the processing of step S22 is an example of a second change processing in which the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is increased when the vehicle 100 is located in a predetermined specific area compared to when the vehicle 100 is not located in the predetermined specific area. After step S22, the execution device 91 proceeds to step S23.

[0038] In step S23, the execution device 91 determines whether the driver of the vehicle 100 has previously consented to the execution of the processing of step S24, which will be described later. For example, the execution device 91 outputs a control signal to the display 79, thereby prompting the driver of the vehicle 100 on the display 79 to previously consent to the execution of processing to change the specified rotation speed NEB in accordance with the vehicle 100 being located in a specific area. Then, when the driver of the vehicle 100 consents to the execution of the above-mentioned change processing by operating the display 79, the execution device 91 determines that the driver of the vehicle 100 has previously consented to the execution of processing of step S24, which will be described later. In step S23, when the execution device 91 determines that the driver of the vehicle 100 has not previously consented to the execution of processing of step S24, which will be described later (S23: NO), the execution device 91 proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if the execution device 91 determines in step S23 that the driver of the vehicle 100 has previously agreed to the execution of the processing of step S24 (to be described later) (S23: YES), the execution device 91 proceeds to step S24. In other words, the execution device 91 proceeds to step S24 on the condition that the driver of the vehicle 100 has previously agreed to the execution of the processing of step S24 (to be described later).

[0039] In step S24, the execution device 91 increases the specified rotation speed NEB. Specifically, the execution device 91 increases the specified rotation speed NEB by the same value as the change in the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in step S22. At this time, the execution device 91 increases all specified rotation speeds NEB included in the reference table TZ. In this embodiment, the execution device 91 increases the specified rotation speed NEB when the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is increased in step S22, assuming that the driver of the vehicle 100 has previously agreed to the execution of the processing of step S24. This increases the specified rotation speed NEB compared to when the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is not increased in step S22. In other words, the processing of step S24 is an example of a third change processing. Note that the specified rotation speed NEB after the processing of step S24 may be equal to or greater than the initial value of the upper limit rotation speed NEZ. After step S24, the execution device 91 proceeds to step S31.

[0040] In step S31, the executing unit 91 determines whether the cooling water temperature THW is less than a predetermined specified water temperature WA. Here, the specified water temperature WA is a threshold value for determining whether the warm-up of the internal combustion engine 10 has been completed. An example of the specified water temperature WA is approximately several tens of degrees Celsius. In step S31, if the executing unit 91 determines that the cooling water temperature THW is equal to or greater than the specified water temperature WA (S31: NO), the executing unit 91 proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, in step S31, if the executing unit 91 determines that the cooling water temperature THW is less than the specified water temperature WA (S31: YES), the executing unit 91 proceeds to step S32.

[0041] In step S32, the execution unit 91 lowers the upper limit rotation speed NEZ. For example, the execution unit 91 sets the new upper limit rotation speed NEZ to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined constant value from the upper limit rotation speed NEZ at the start of step S32. Here, an example of the constant value is approximately several hundred rpm to several thousand rpm. Note that if the execution unit 91 has already lowered the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in the previous step S32, the execution unit 91 maintains the value of the upper limit rotation speed NEZ at the start of the current step S32. In other words, even if the execution unit 91 repeatedly executes the processing of step S32, the upper limit rotation speed NEZ after the processing of step S32 is lower by a constant value than the upper limit rotation speed NEZ when the determination in step S31 is negative. In this embodiment, the processing of step S32 is an example of a fourth change processing in which, when the coolant temperature THW is lower than the specified water temperature WA, the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is lower than when the coolant temperature THW is equal to or higher than the specified water temperature WA. After step S32, the execution unit 91 proceeds to step S33.

[0042] In step S33, the execution device 91 lowers the specified rotation speed NEB. Specifically, the execution device 91 lowers the specified rotation speed NEB by the same value as the change in the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in step S32. At this time, the execution device 91 lowers all specified rotation speeds NEB included in the reference table TZ. In this embodiment, the processing of step S33 is an example of a fifth change processing in which, when the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is lowered by the fourth change processing, the specified rotation speed NEB is lowered to a value that is less than the upper limit rotation speed NEZ after the fourth change processing and is lower than a value in a case where the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is not lowered by the fourth change processing. After step S33, the execution device 91 proceeds to step S41.

[0043] In step S41, the execution unit 91 changes the predetermined rotation speed NEA. Specifically, the execution unit 91 changes the predetermined rotation speed NEA, for example, as follows. First, if the execution unit 91 finally increases the specified rotation speed NEB in steps S24 and S33, the execution unit 91 increases the specified rotation speed NEA by a value equal to the amount of change in the specified rotation speed NEB. At this time, the execution unit 91 increases all the predetermined rotation speeds NEA included in the reference table TZ. On the other hand, if the execution unit 91 finally decreases the specified rotation speed NEB in steps S24 and S33, the execution unit 91 decreases the specified rotation speed NEA by a value equal to the amount of change in the specified rotation speed NEB. At this time, the execution unit 91 decreases all the predetermined rotation speeds NEA included in the reference table TZ. Then, the execution unit 91 updates the reference table TZ according to the changed specified rotation speed NEA and specified rotation speed NEB. After step S41, the execution unit 91 ends the second variation control.

[0044] <Notification control> Next, the notification control executed by the control device 90 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. This notification control is control for operating the plurality of light-emitting diodes 83 of the indicator 80 in accordance with the engine rotation speed NE and the gear position of the manual transmission 30. In this embodiment, the execution device 91 of the control device 90 starts the notification control each time the second change control ends, with the necessary condition being that the lever position LP is one of "1st gear," "2nd gear," "3rd gear," "4th gear," "5th gear," "6th gear," or "neutral."

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, when the execution device 91 of the control device 90 starts notification control, it executes the processing of step S61. In step S61, the execution device 91 identifies the actual gear position GA, which is the actual gear position of the manual transmission 30. Specifically, the execution device 91 identifies the actual gear position GA based on the lever position LP. For example, when the lever position LP is "first gear," the execution device 91 identifies "first gear" as the actual gear position GA. Similarly to the above, when the lever position LP is any of "second gear" to "sixth gear," the execution device 91 identifies any of "second gear" to "sixth gear" as the actual gear position GA. Furthermore, when the lever position LP is "neutral," the execution device 91 identifies "neutral" as the actual gear position GA. In the present embodiment, the processing of step S61 is an example of the identification processing. After step S61, the execution device 91 proceeds to step S62.

[0046] In step S62, the execution device 91 identifies the predetermined rotation speed NEA and the specified rotation speed NEB corresponding to the actual gear position GA. Specifically, the execution device 91 identifies the predetermined rotation speed NEA and the specified rotation speed NEB corresponding to the actual gear position GA, for example, as follows: The execution device 91 associates the actual gear position GA with the reference table TZ to identify the specified rotation speed NEB corresponding to the actual gear position GA. Furthermore, the execution device 91 associates the actual gear position GA with the reference table TZ to identify the predetermined rotation speed NEA corresponding to the actual gear position GA. After step S62, the execution device 91 proceeds to the process at step S71.

[0047] In step S71, the execution unit 91 determines whether the engine rotation speed NE is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation speed NEA corresponding to the actual gear position GA. In step S71, if the execution unit 91 determines that the engine rotation speed NE is equal to or greater than the predetermined rotation speed NEA corresponding to the actual gear position GA (S71: YES), the execution unit 91 proceeds to step S72.

[0048] In step S72, the execution unit 91 determines whether the engine rotation speed NE is less than the specified rotation speed NEB corresponding to the actual gear position GA. In step S72, if the execution unit 91 determines that the engine rotation speed NE is less than the specified rotation speed NEB corresponding to the actual gear position GA (S72: YES), the execution unit 91 proceeds to step S81.

[0049] In step S81, the execution device 91 outputs a control signal to the indicator 80 to cause some of the seven light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light. Specifically, the execution device 91 causes more of the seven light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light, starting with the light-emitting diode 83 at the right end of the vehicle 100, as the engine rotation speed NE increases. For example, when the engine rotation speed NE is the same as the predetermined rotation speed NEA corresponding to the actual gear position GA, the execution device 91 causes only the light-emitting diode 83 at the right end of the vehicle 100, out of the seven light-emitting diodes 83, to emit light. Furthermore, when the engine rotation speed NE is slightly lower than the specified rotation speed NEB corresponding to the actual gear position GA, the execution device 91 causes a total of six light-emitting diodes 83, starting with the light-emitting diode 83 at the right end of the vehicle 100, to emit light. In other words, the execution device 91 causes a greater number of light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light as the engine rotation speed NE increases. Note that the maximum number of light-emitting diodes 83 that emit light in step S81 is six. After step S81, the execution device 91 ends the current notification control.

[0050] On the other hand, in step S72, if the execution unit 91 determines that the engine rotation speed NE is equal to or greater than the specified rotation speed NEB corresponding to the actual gear position GA (S72: NO), the execution unit 91 advances the process to step S82.

[0051] In step S82, the execution device 91 outputs a control signal to the indicator 80, thereby causing all seven light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light. In other words, the execution device 91 causes all seven light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light, thereby prompting the driver of the vehicle 100 to perform a gear shift change. In the present embodiment, the processing of step S82 is an example of a notification processing in which the indicator 80 notifies the driver of the vehicle 100 that the engine rotation speed NE is suitable for a gear shift change. After step S82, the execution device 91 ends the current notification control.

[0052] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned step S71, if the execution unit 91 determines that the engine rotation speed NE is lower than the predetermined rotation speed NEA corresponding to the actual gear position GA (S71: NO), the execution unit 91 advances the processing to step S86.

[0053] In step S86, the execution unit 91 outputs a control signal to the indicator 80 to turn off all of the seven light-emitting diodes 83. After step S86, the execution unit 91 ends the current notification control.

[0054] <Operation of this embodiment> Assume that the vehicle 100 is traveling with the manual transmission 30 in third gear, for example. Assume that the driver of the vehicle 100 depresses the accelerator pedal 61, causing the engine speed NE to increase. In this situation, if the engine speed NE is less than a predetermined rotational speed NEA corresponding to third gear as the actual gear position GA, the execution unit 91 of the control device 90 turns off all of the seven light-emitting diodes 83 in step S86 during notification control, as shown in FIG. 6 . Then, if the engine speed NE becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined rotational speed NEA corresponding to third gear as the actual gear position GA, the execution unit 91 performs processing to cause some of the seven light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light in step S81. Furthermore, if the engine speed NE becomes equal to or greater than a specified rotational speed NEB corresponding to third gear as the actual gear position GA, the execution unit 91 performs processing to cause all of the seven light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light in step S82. That is, the execution device 91 executes a notification process to notify the driver of the vehicle 100 that the indicator 80 indicates that the engine rotation speed NE is suitable for a gear shift.

[0055] Here, as shown in Fig. 4, in the first variation control, the specified rotation speed NEB may be changed in response to a request to change the specified rotation speed NEB by the driver of the vehicle 100. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, in the vehicle 100, in step S22 of the second variation control, the upper limit rotation speed NEZ may be increased in response to the vehicle 100 being located in a predetermined specific area. In this regard, in step S24, when the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is increased in step S22, the execution device 91 increases the specified rotation speed NEB compared to when the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is not increased in step S22.

[0056] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) According to this embodiment, even if the driver of vehicle 100 has changed the setting of the specified engine speed NEB, if the upper limit engine speed NEZ increases because vehicle 100 is located in a specific area, the specified engine speed NEB increases in accordance with the upper limit engine speed NEZ. Therefore, in the notification control, when the engine speed NE becomes higher, the processing of step S82 is executed, i.e., a notification processing for prompting a gear change is executed. As a result, even if the driver of vehicle 100 has set the specified engine speed NEB in the first variation control, in a situation where the upper limit engine speed NEZ is increased in the second variation control, the driver of vehicle 100 is likely to perform a gear change at a higher engine speed NE. As a result, the possibility that vehicle 100 will be driven effectively up to the higher engine speed NE can be increased. In other words, the possibility that the driver of vehicle 100 will fully utilize the power performance of vehicle 100 can be increased.

[0057] (2) In step S24, the execution device 91 increases the specified rotation speed NEB by the same value as the amount of change in the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in step S22. This makes it possible to prevent the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit rotation speed NEZ and the specified rotation speed NEB from changing due to the execution of the third change process in step S24, compared to when the second change process in step S22 and the third change process in step S24 are not executed. In other words, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit rotation speed NEZ and the specified rotation speed NEB becomes excessively small due to the execution of the third change process in step S24.

[0058] (3) If the third change process of step S24 is executed without the consent of the driver of vehicle 100, the driver of vehicle 100 may feel uncomfortable because the specified rotation speed NEB is changed from the value set by the driver of vehicle 100 in the first change control.

[0059] In this regard, in the second change control, the execution device 91 executes the third change process of step S24 on the condition that the driver of the vehicle 100 has previously agreed to the execution of the third change process of step S24. This makes it possible to prevent the driver of the vehicle 100 from feeling uncomfortable due to the specified rotation speed NEB being changed in the third change process of step S24.

[0060] (4) If the coolant temperature THW is lower than the specified coolant temperature WA, in step S32, the executing unit 91 executes a fourth change process to lower the upper limit rotation speed NEZ. Then, in step S33, if the upper limit rotation speed NEZ has been lowered by the fourth change process, the executing unit 91 executes a fifth change process to lower the specified rotation speed NEB to a value that is lower than the upper limit rotation speed NEZ after the fourth change process and is lower than a value in a case where the upper limit rotation speed NEZ has not been lowered by the fourth change process. This makes it possible to prevent the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit rotation speed NEZ and the specified rotation speed NEB from becoming smaller due to the fourth change process, even if the upper limit rotation speed NEZ is lowered in accordance with the coolant temperature THW by the fourth change process.

[0061] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the first variation control may be varied. For example, in step S11, the configuration for accepting a request to change the specified rotation speed NEB from the driver of the vehicle 100 may be changed. As a specific example, when the driver of the vehicle 100 performs an operation to change the specified rotation speed NEB via a terminal device owned by the driver instead of the display 79, the execution device 91 may determine that there is a request to change the specified rotation speed NEB. An example of the terminal device is a so-called smartphone. Note that in the above configuration, if the control device 90 and the terminal device are capable of wireless communication via a communication network, for example, the execution device 91 of the control device 90 can accept the request to change the specified rotation speed NEB from the driver of the vehicle 100 as described above.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the second variation control may be varied. For example, the process of step S23 may be omitted. That is, after step S22, the execution device 91 may proceed to step S24. As a specific example, if the driver of the vehicle 100 is unlikely to feel uncomfortable when the specified rotation speed NEB is changed in step S24, the process of step S23 may be omitted.

[0064] For example, in step S24, the amount of change in the specified rotation speed NEB may be changed. As a specific example, in step S24, the execution unit 91 may increase the specified rotation speed NEB by adding a value larger than the amount of change in the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in step S22. In this configuration, the execution unit 91 may increase the specified rotation speed NEB within a range below the upper limit rotation speed NEZ. Also, as a specific example, in step S24, the execution unit 91 may increase the specified rotation speed NEB by adding a value smaller than the amount of change in the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in step S22.

[0065] For example, the amount of change in step S33 may be changed. As a specific example, in step S33, the execution device 91 may lower the specified rotation speed NEB by subtracting a value greater than the amount of change in the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in step S32. Also, as a specific example, in step S33, the execution device 91 may lower the specified rotation speed NEB by subtracting a value smaller than the amount of change in the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in step S32. Note that in this configuration, the execution device 91 may lower the specified rotation speed NEB within a range below the upper limit rotation speed NEZ after the fourth change process.

[0066] For example, the processes of steps S31 to S33 may be omitted. As a specific example, if there is little need to change the upper limit rotation speed NEZ in accordance with the coolant temperature THW, the processes of steps S31 to S33 may be omitted.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the notification control may be changed. For example, the way in which the plurality of light-emitting diodes 83 are caused to emit light in step S81 may be changed. As a specific example, the execution device 91 may cause the seven light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light in order, starting with the light-emitting diode 83 at the left end of the vehicle 100, as the engine rotation speed NE increases. Also, as a specific example, the execution device 91 may cause the same number of light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light, regardless of the engine rotation speed NE. In this case, the number of light-emitting diodes 83 to emit light may be selected within the range of one or more and less than seven.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the configuration of the vehicle 100 may be changed. For example, the transmission of the vehicle 100 is not limited to the manual transmission 30. As a specific example, the vehicle 100 may be provided with an automatic transmission that forms one of a plurality of gear stages, instead of the manual transmission 30.

[0069] For example, the configuration of the indicator 80 may be changed. As a specific example, the indicator 80 may include fewer than seven light-emitting diodes 83, or may include eight or more light-emitting diodes 83. Also, as a specific example, the arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting diodes 83 may be changed. As an example, the plurality of light-emitting diodes 83 may be aligned along the top and bottom of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, as a specific example, the indicator 80 may include a liquid crystal display instead of the plurality of light-emitting diodes 83. In this case, the execution unit 91 of the control device 90 may output a control signal to the indicator 80, thereby executing the processes of steps S81, S82, and S86 on the liquid crystal display.

[0070] For example, the configuration of the control device 90 may be changed. Specifically, the control device 90 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). The control device 90 may also be configured as a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0071] For example, the configuration of the control device 90 may be changed. As a specific example, the vehicle 100 may include a control device for controlling the indicator 80 in addition to a control device for controlling the internal combustion engine 10. In other words, the control devices for executing the first change control, the second change control, and the notification control may not be able to control other devices such as the internal combustion engine 10, as long as they can control the indicator 80. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10...internal combustion engine 11...cylinder 12...crankshaft 20...clutch 30...manual transmission 31...input shaft 32...output shaft 41...differential 42...drive wheels 61...accelerator pedal 62...shift lever 63...clutch pedal 71...accelerator operation amount sensor 72...lever position sensor 73...clutch operation amount switch 74...crank angle sensor 75...vehicle speed sensor 76...water temperature sensor 77...GNSS receiver 79...display 80...indicator 81...first liquid crystal unit 82...second liquid crystal unit 83...light-emitting diode 90...control device 91...execution device 92...storage device 92A...control program TZ...lookup table 100...vehicle

Claims

1. A control device applied to a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a transmission that forms one of a plurality of gear stages, and an indicator, an execution device and a storage device; The storage device includes: a predetermined specified rotational speed, which is a rotational speed of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, that is, an engine rotational speed for each gear stage of the transmission, as a value suitable for shifting from the gear stage of the transmission to a higher gear stage; a predetermined upper limit rotation speed that is higher than the specified rotation speed, The execution device An identification process for identifying an actual gear position, which is an actual gear position in the transmission; a notification process for notifying a driver of the vehicle that the engine rotation speed is suitable for a shift change using the indicator when the engine rotation speed is equal to or higher than the specified rotation speed corresponding to the actual gear position; a combustion stop process for stopping combustion of fuel in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine when the engine rotation speed is equal to or higher than the upper limit rotation speed; a first change process for changing the specified rotation speed within a range less than the upper limit rotation speed based on a request from a driver of the vehicle; a second change process for increasing the upper limit rotation speed when the vehicle is located in a predetermined specific area compared to when the vehicle is not located in the specific area; a third change process for increasing the specified rotation speed when the upper limit rotation speed is increased by the second change process, compared to when the upper limit rotation speed is not increased by the second change process; Run Vehicle control device.

2. In the third change process, the specified rotation speed is increased by the same value as the amount of change in the upper limit rotation speed in the second change process. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

3. The third change process is executed on the condition that the driver of the vehicle has consented to the execution of the third change process in advance. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a fourth change process for lowering the upper limit rotation speed when a coolant temperature, which is the temperature of coolant flowing inside the internal combustion engine, is lower than a predetermined specified water temperature, compared to when the coolant temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined water temperature; a fifth change process for lowering the specified rotation speed to a value that is less than the upper limit rotation speed after the fourth change process and is lower than a value in a case where the upper limit rotation speed is not lowered by the fourth change process, when the upper limit rotation speed is lowered by the fourth change process; Run The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The present invention is applied to a control device for a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a transmission that forms one of a plurality of gear stages, and an indicator, the control device comprises an execution device and a storage device; The storage device a predetermined specified rotational speed, which is a rotational speed of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, that is, an engine rotational speed for each gear stage of the transmission, as a value suitable for shifting from the gear stage of the transmission to a higher gear stage; a predetermined upper limit rotation speed that is higher than the specified rotation speed, The execution device, An identification process for identifying an actual gear position, which is an actual gear position in the transmission; a notification process for notifying a driver of the vehicle that the engine rotation speed is suitable for a shift change using the indicator when the engine rotation speed is equal to or higher than the specified rotation speed corresponding to the actual gear position; a combustion stop process for stopping combustion of fuel in a cylinder of the internal combustion engine when the engine rotation speed is equal to or higher than the upper limit rotation speed; a first change process for changing the specified rotation speed within a range less than the upper limit rotation speed based on a request from a driver of the vehicle; a second change process for increasing the upper limit rotation speed when the vehicle is located in a predetermined specific area compared to when the vehicle is not located in the specific area; a third change process for increasing the specified rotation speed when the upper limit rotation speed is increased by the second change process, compared to when the upper limit rotation speed is not increased by the second change process; Run Vehicle control program.

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