Control device

Abstract

To reduce the number of passengers who experience discomfort due to engine start.SOLUTION: A control device performs passenger count acquisition processing to obtain the number of passengers NM based on a detection result of a passenger detection sensor. When an execution condition is satisfied, where at least either a dilution amount of oil stored in an oil pan exceeds a predetermined threshold or an accumulation amount of particulate matters on a particulate filter exceeds a predetermined threshold, in a state where a hybrid vehicle is traveling with drive force of a motor generator without activating an engine, the control device performs start control to start the engine. The control device also performs relaxation control, as defined in Step S23 and Step S24, to relax the execution condition when the number of passengers NM is at a first value compared to the execution condition when the number of passengers NM is at a second value which is larger than the first value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor generator, and a control device. The engine has a particulate filter and an oil pan. The particulate filter is provided in an exhaust passage for exhaust gas discharged from the engine. The oil pan stores oil. The motor generator is a drive source separate from the engine.

[0003] The control device controls a hybrid vehicle. The control device executes a dilution amount calculation process to calculate an amount of dilution of oil stored in an oil pan. The control device executes an accumulation amount calculation process to calculate an accumulation amount of particulate matter accumulated on a particulate filter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-062890 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a hybrid vehicle such as that described in Patent Document 1, the control device may set the vehicle to a state in which the engine is not operated and the vehicle is driven by the driving force of the motor generator. In this state, the control device may perform start control to start the engine when at least one of the following conditions is met: the dilution amount exceeds a predetermined specified dilution amount; or the accumulation amount exceeds a predetermined specified accumulation amount.

[0006] The number of occupants in a hybrid vehicle may vary. Occupants in a hybrid vehicle may experience discomfort due to noise and vibration caused by starting the engine. Therefore, if there are many occupants in a hybrid vehicle, there is a risk that many occupants will experience discomfort due to engine start. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a control device applicable to a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine having a particulate filter provided in an exhaust passage and an oil pan in which oil is stored, a motor generator as a drive source separate from the engine, and an occupant detection sensor for detecting occupants, the control device performing a dilution amount calculation process for calculating the dilution amount of oil stored in the oil pan, a deposition amount calculation process for calculating the deposition amount of particulate matter deposited on the particulate filter, and an occupant number acquisition process for acquiring the number of occupants based on the detection results of the occupant detection sensor, and performing a start control for starting the engine when an execution condition is satisfied that at least one of the dilution amount exceeding a predetermined specified dilution amount and the deposition amount exceeding a predetermined specified deposition amount is satisfied while the hybrid vehicle is running using the driving force of the motor generator without operating the engine, and a relaxation control for relaxing the execution condition when the number of occupants is a first number compared to the execution condition when the number of occupants is a second number greater than the first number.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the execution condition is relaxed when the number of occupants is the first number due to the relaxation control compared to when the number of occupants is the second number. Therefore, when the number of occupants is the first number, the control device is more likely to perform start control than when the number of occupants is the second number. As a result, when the number of occupants is the first number, the engine is driven, thereby reducing the dilution amount and deposition amount. Therefore, the control device prevents the dilution amount and deposition amount from becoming high when the number of occupants is the second number. As a result, the control device can prevent the number of opportunities to perform start control from increasing when the number of occupants is the second number. Therefore, the control device can prevent the number of occupants from becoming too large, which would impair comfort, due to engine start. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hybrid vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the engine. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to the start control. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processes related to the mitigation control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a control device applied to a hybrid vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. <Hybrid vehicle overview> As shown in FIG. 1, a hybrid vehicle 10 is equipped with an engine 20 as a drive source.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 2, the engine 20 has an engine body 21. The engine body 21 has a plurality of cylinders 22. Each cylinder 22 is a space for burning a mixture of fuel and intake air. A crankshaft 23 shown in Fig. 1 rotates in response to the combustion of the mixture in each cylinder 22.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the engine 20 has an intake passage 24, a throttle valve 25, and multiple injectors 26. The intake passage 24 is a passage for introducing intake air into each cylinder 22. The downstream side of the intake passage 24 is connected to each cylinder 22. The throttle valve 25 is located midway through the intake passage 24. The throttle valve 25 adjusts the intake air amount GA. An injector 26 is provided for each cylinder 22. The injector 26 is located downstream of the throttle valve 25 in the intake passage 24. The injector 26 injects fuel. The fuel injected by the injector 26 reaches the cylinder 22 via the intake passage 24. That is, the injector 26 injects fuel to be supplied to the cylinder 22. Although not shown, the engine 20 also has multiple spark plugs. An ignition plug is provided for each cylinder 22. The spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.

[0013] The engine 20 is equipped with an exhaust passage 27, a catalytic converter 28, and a particulate filter 29. The exhaust passage 27 is a passage for discharging exhaust gas from each cylinder 22. The upstream side of the exhaust passage 27 is connected to each cylinder 22. The catalytic converter 28 is located in the exhaust passage 27. The catalytic converter 28 includes a three-way catalyst. The catalytic converter 28 oxidizes hydrocarbons contained in the exhaust gas into water and carbon dioxide. The catalytic converter 28 oxidizes carbon monoxide contained in the exhaust gas into carbon dioxide. The catalytic converter 28 reduces nitrides contained in the exhaust gas to nitrogen. The particulate filter 29 is located downstream of the catalytic converter 28 in the exhaust passage 27. The particulate filter 29 captures particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas.

[0014] The engine 20 has an oil pan 30 and an oil pump 31. The oil pan 30 stores oil that lubricates various parts of the engine 20. The oil pump 31 pumps the oil stored in the oil pan 30 to supply it to various parts of the engine 20 and other devices. The oil that has been supplied to various parts of the engine 20 and other devices returns to the oil pan 30. In this way, the oil stored in the oil pan 30 lubricates the engine 20.

[0015] 1, the hybrid vehicle 10 includes a battery 40, a first motor generator 51, and a second motor generator 52. The battery 40 stores electric power. The first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52 function as motors serving as drive sources that generate drive power in response to power supplied from the battery 40. The first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52 function as generators that receive external power and generate electric power to charge the battery 40.

[0016] The hybrid vehicle 10 is provided with a connector 41 that can be connected to an external power supply 90. Therefore, the battery 40 can also be charged by power supplied from the external power supply 90. In other words, the hybrid vehicle 10 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0017] The hybrid vehicle 10 includes a planetary gear mechanism 60, a differential mechanism 71, and drive wheels 72. The planetary gear mechanism 60 has three rotating elements: a sun gear 61, a planetary carrier 62, and a ring gear 63. The planetary carrier 62 of the planetary gear mechanism 60 is connected to the crankshaft 23. The sun gear 61 of the planetary gear mechanism 60 is connected to a first input shaft 51A. The first input shaft 51A is connected to the rotor of the first motor generator 51. The first input shaft 51A is the rotating shaft of the first motor generator 51.

[0018] The ring gear 63 of the planetary gear mechanism 60 is connected to a counter drive gear 64. The ring gear 63 and counter drive gear 64 rotate integrally. The counter drive gear 64 meshes with a counter driven gear 65. The counter driven gear 65 meshes with a reduction gear 66. The reduction gear 66 is connected to a second input shaft 52A. The second input shaft 52A is connected to the rotor of the second motor generator 52. The second input shaft 52A is the rotation shaft of the second motor generator 52.

[0019] The counter driven gear 65 is connected to a final drive gear 67. The counter driven gear 65 and the final drive gear 67 rotate integrally. The final drive gear 67 meshes with a final driven gear 68. The final driven gear 68 is connected to a drive shaft 73 of drive wheels 72 via a differential mechanism 71. In other words, torque generated at the drive wheels 72 is transmitted to the second input shaft 52A via various gears.

[0020] The hybrid vehicle 10 includes an air flow meter 81, a coolant temperature sensor 82, an exhaust temperature sensor 83, and an occupant detection sensor 84. The hybrid vehicle 10 also includes an accelerator position sensor 85, a vehicle speed sensor 86, and a control device 100.

[0021] 2, the air flow meter 81 detects the intake air amount GA. The air flow meter 81 is located upstream of the throttle valve 25 in the intake passage 24. The air flow meter 81 inputs the intake air amount GA to the control device 100.

[0022] The coolant temperature sensor 82 detects the coolant temperature TW, which is the temperature of the coolant used to cool the engine 20. The coolant temperature sensor 82 is located in a water jacket defined in the engine body 21. The coolant temperature sensor 82 inputs the coolant temperature TW to the control device 100.

[0023] The exhaust gas temperature sensor 83 detects the exhaust gas temperature TE. The exhaust gas temperature sensor 83 is located in the exhaust passage 27 downstream of the catalytic converter 28 and upstream of the particulate filter 29. The exhaust gas temperature sensor 83 inputs the exhaust gas temperature TE to the control device 100.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1 , the occupant detection sensor 84 detects the number of occupants NM, which is the number of occupants aboard the hybrid vehicle 10. The occupants include a driver and passengers. The occupant detection sensor 84 is located near the entrance / exit of the hybrid vehicle 10. For example, when the main power supply of the hybrid vehicle 10 is turned on, the occupant detection sensor 84 counts up a counter indicating the number of occupants NM, assuming that the driver has boarded the vehicle. When the main power supply of the hybrid vehicle 10 is turned off, the occupant detection sensor 84 counts down a counter indicating the number of occupants NM, assuming that the driver has disembarked. Furthermore, when a contactless card carried by a passenger is brought close to the occupant detection sensor 84 when the passenger gets on, the occupant detection sensor 84 counts up a counter indicating the number of occupants NM, assuming that the passenger has boarded the vehicle. Then, when the same passenger's contactless card is brought close to the occupant detection sensor 84 again when the passenger disembarks, the occupant detection sensor 84 counts down a counter indicating the number of occupants NM, assuming that the passenger has disembarked. In this way, the occupant detection sensor 84 detects the number of occupants NM based on the driver's operation when driving and the passenger's operation when getting on and off to pay the fare. The occupant detection sensor 84 inputs the number of occupants NM to the control device 100.

[0025] The accelerator position sensor 85 detects an accelerator operation amount AC. The accelerator position sensor 85 inputs the accelerator operation amount AC to the control device 100. The vehicle speed sensor 86 detects a vehicle speed V. The vehicle speed sensor 86 inputs the vehicle speed V to the control device 100.

[0026] <Control device> The hybrid vehicle 10 includes a control device 100 that controls the hybrid vehicle 10. The control device 100 includes a system control unit 200, a power control unit 300, and an engine control unit 400.

[0027] The system control unit 200 controls the entire vehicle. The system control unit 200 has a CPU 210 and a memory 220. The memory 220 stores various programs. The CPU 210 executes the various programs stored in the memory 220. The memory 220 stores a start control program P1 and a mitigation control program P2, which will be described later.

[0028] The power control unit 300 controls the first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52. The power control unit 300 is connected to the system control unit 200. Although not shown, the system control unit 200 includes a control unit, an inverter, and a converter. The power control unit 300 operates based on commands from the system control unit 200. The power control unit 300 adjusts the amount of power supplied from the battery 40 to the first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52, and the amount of power charged to the battery 40 from the first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52.

[0029] The power control unit 300 acquires the current, voltage, and temperature of the battery 40. Based on the current, voltage, and temperature, the power control unit 300 calculates a state of charge index value SOC, which is the ratio of the remaining charge to the charge capacity of the battery 40.

[0030] The engine control unit 400 controls the engine 20. The engine control unit 400 is connected to the system control unit 200. The engine control unit 400 controls the engine 20 based on commands from the system control unit 200.

[0031] The power control unit 300 and the engine control unit 400 are each connected to the system control unit 200. The system control unit 200, the power control unit 300, and the engine control unit 400 share information based on detection signals input from sensors and calculated information.

[0032] Based on this information, the system control unit 200 outputs commands to the engine control unit 400 and controls the engine 20 through the engine control unit 400. The system control unit 200 also outputs commands to the power control unit 300 based on this information. As a result, the system control unit 200 controls the first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52 and controls the charging of the battery 40 through the power control unit 300. In this way, the control device 100 controls the hybrid vehicle 10.

[0033] <Outline of vehicle control> Next, the control of the hybrid vehicle 10 performed by the control device 100 will be described. The CPU 210 calculates a required output, which is a required value for the output of the hybrid vehicle 10, based on the accelerator operation amount AC and the vehicle speed V. Then, the CPU 210 determines the torque distribution among the engine 20, the first motor generator 51, and the second motor generator 52 according to the required output and the state of charge index value SOC of the battery 40. Then, the CPU 210 controls the output of the engine 20 and the power running / regeneration by the first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52. The CPU 210 switches the driving mode of the hybrid vehicle 10 according to the magnitude of the state of charge index value SOC.

[0034] When the state of charge index value SOC exceeds a certain level, the CPU 210 selects a motor driving mode in which the vehicle runs using the driving force of the second motor generator 52 without operating the engine 20. In other words, when the remaining charge of the battery 40 is sufficient, the CPU 210 selects the motor driving mode.

[0035] On the other hand, when the state of charge index value SOC falls to a certain level or below, the CPU 210 selects a hybrid driving mode in which the engine 20 is used in addition to the first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52 to drive the vehicle.

[0036] <Start control process> Next, a series of processes related to the start control performed by the control device 100 when the execution condition EC is satisfied in the case where the motor running mode is selected will be described. When the motor running mode is selected, the CPU 210 executes the start control program P1 at a predetermined cycle.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, when the CPU 210 starts executing the start control program P1, it first performs the process of step S11. In the process of step S11, the CPU 210 performs a dilution amount calculation process. In the dilution amount calculation process, the CPU 210 calculates a dilution amount DA of the oil stored in the oil pan 30. Specifically, the CPU 210 calculates a larger amount of fluid, such as fuel and water, to be mixed into the oil as the intake air amount GA increases. The CPU 210 calculates a larger amount of liquid volatilized from the oil as the coolant temperature TW increases. The CPU 210 then calculates a new dilution amount DA by adding the difference, obtained by subtracting the amount of liquid volatilized from the oil from the amount of liquid mixed into the oil, to the dilution amount DA calculated in the previous cycle. The CPU 210 then proceeds to step S12.

[0038] In step S12, the CPU 210 performs an accumulation amount calculation process. In the accumulation amount calculation process, the CPU 210 calculates the accumulation amount AA of particulate matter accumulated on the particulate filter 29. Specifically, the CPU 210 subtracts the regeneration amount, which is the amount of particulate matter burned in the particulate filter 29, from the generation amount, which is the amount of particulate matter newly generated. The CPU 210 then calculates the new accumulation amount AA by adding this difference to the accumulation amount AA calculated in the previous cycle. The CPU 210 calculates the generation amount of particulate matter as a larger value as the intake air amount GA is larger and as the fuel injection amount injected from the injector 26 is larger. Furthermore, when the exhaust temperature TE is below the ignition point of the particulate matter, the CPU 210 calculates the regeneration amount as zero. Furthermore, when the exhaust temperature TE is equal to or higher than the ignition point of the particulate matter, the CPU 210 calculates the regeneration amount as a larger value as the exhaust temperature TE is larger. Thereafter, the CPU 210 proceeds to the process at step S13.

[0039] In step S13, the CPU 210 determines whether the accumulation amount AA exceeds a specified accumulation amount AL. The specified accumulation amount AL is a value set by executing a mitigation control program P2, which will be described later. If the accumulation amount AA is equal to or less than the specified accumulation amount AL (S13: NO), the CPU 210 proceeds to step S14.

[0040] In step S14, the CPU 210 determines whether the dilution amount DA exceeds the specified dilution amount DL. The specified dilution amount DL is a value set by executing the mitigation control program P2, which will be described later. If the dilution amount DA is equal to or less than the specified dilution amount DL (S14: NO), the CPU 210 proceeds to step S15.

[0041] In step S15, the CPU 210 determines that the execution condition EC is not satisfied. That is, steps S13 and S14 are processes for determining whether the execution condition EC is satisfied. Thereafter, the CPU 210 ends the current series of processes without starting the engine 20.

[0042] On the other hand, if the deposition amount AA exceeds the specified deposition amount AL (S13: YES), or if the dilution amount DA exceeds the specified dilution amount DL (S14: YES), the CPU 210 proceeds to step S16.

[0043] In step S16, the CPU 210 determines that the execution condition EC is satisfied. That is, the execution condition EC is satisfied when at least one of the following is satisfied: the deposition amount AA exceeds the specified deposition amount AL, and the dilution amount DA exceeds the specified dilution amount DL. Then, the CPU 210 proceeds to step S17.

[0044] In step S17, the CPU 210 performs start control. In the start control, the CPU 210 starts the engine 20. Specifically, in the start control, the CPU 210 performs volatilization processing and filter regeneration processing. In the volatilization processing, the CPU 210 volatilizes and removes fuel and moisture contained in the oil stored in the oil pan 30. In the volatilization processing, the CPU 210 increases the heat generation amount of the engine 20 by driving the engine 20, thereby raising the temperature of the oil stored in the oil pan 30 to a temperature sufficient to volatilize the fuel and moisture. In the filter regeneration processing, the CPU 210 removes particulate matter accumulated on the particulate filter 29 by burning it. In the filter regeneration processing, the CPU 210 increases the heat generation amount of the engine 20 by driving the engine 20, thereby raising the temperature of the particulate filter 29. Thereafter, the CPU 210 rotates the crankshaft 23 using the first motor generator 51 to idle the engine 20, thereby supplying oxygen to the particulate filter 29. In this way, the CPU 210 burns the particulate matter accumulated on the particulate filter 29. Thereafter, the CPU 210 drives the engine 20 for a specified time, and then ends the current series of processes.

[0045] Next, a series of processes related to the relaxation control performed by the control device 100 when the motor running mode is selected will be described. The relaxation control is control that relaxes the execution condition EC. When the motor running mode is selected, the CPU 210 executes the relaxation control program P2 at a predetermined cycle.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 4, when the CPU 210 starts executing the mitigation control program P2, it first performs processing in step S21. In step S21, the CPU 210 performs processing to obtain the number of occupants. In the processing to obtain the number of occupants, the CPU 210 obtains the number of occupants NM based on the detection result of the occupant detection sensor 84. In this embodiment, the detection result is the number of occupants NM. Thereafter, the CPU 210 proceeds to processing in step S22.

[0047] In step S22, the CPU 210 determines whether the number of occupants NM is one or less. If the number of occupants NM is one or less (S12: YES), that is, if the only occupant is the driver and there are no passengers, the CPU 210 proceeds to step S23. In this embodiment, the first number of occupants is one. The first number of occupants is determined in advance based on how the hybrid vehicle 10 is used, etc.

[0048] In step S23, the CPU 210 sets the specified accumulation amount AL to a first accumulation amount AL1. The first accumulation amount AL1 is a value smaller than the limit value of the accumulation amount AA. The limit value of the accumulation amount AA is the upper limit amount that can be accumulated in the particulate filter 29. Thereafter, the CPU 210 proceeds to step S24.

[0049] In step S24, the CPU 210 sets the specified dilution amount DL to the first dilution amount DL1. The first dilution amount DL1 is a value smaller than the limit value of the dilution amount DA. The limit value of the dilution amount DA is the upper limit amount that can be allowed to be mixed into the oil. The CPU 210 then ends the series of processes. The CPU 210 then performs startup control using the set specified deposition amount AL and specified dilution amount DL.

[0050] On the other hand, when the number of occupants NM is not one or less (S12: NO), that is, when the occupants include a passenger in addition to the driver, the CPU 210 proceeds to step S25. In this embodiment, the second number of occupants is an arbitrary number of occupants equal to or greater than two. The second number of occupants is determined in advance based on the manner in which the hybrid vehicle 10 is used, etc.

[0051] In step S25, the CPU 210 sets the specified accumulation amount AL to the second accumulation amount AL2. The second accumulation amount AL2 is the limit value of the accumulation amount AA. Then, the CPU 210 proceeds to step S26.

[0052] In step S26, the CPU 210 sets the specified dilution amount DL to the second dilution amount DL2. The second dilution amount DL2 is the limit value of the dilution amount DA. The CPU 210 then ends this series of processes. The CPU 210 then performs startup control using the set specified deposition amount AL and specified dilution amount DL.

[0053] In this embodiment, steps S23 and S24 are relaxed control. In this embodiment, the first number of people is the number of people indicating a state where no passengers are present. On the other hand, the second number of people is the number of people indicating a state where passengers are present. That is, the CPU 210 relaxes the execution condition EC when the number of occupants NM is the first number of people, i.e., one person, indicating a state where no passengers are present, compared to the execution condition EC when the number of occupants NM is the second number of people, i.e., two or more people, indicating a state where passengers are present. Specifically, in step S23, the CPU 210 sets the specified deposition amount AL to a first deposition amount AL1 that is smaller than the second deposition amount AL2. That is, the CPU 210 reduces the specified deposition amount AL when the number of occupants NM is one person compared to when the number of occupants NM is two or more. In step S24, the CPU 210 sets the specified dilution amount DL to a first dilution amount DL1 that is smaller than the second dilution amount DL2. That is, the CPU 210 reduces the specified dilution amount DL when the number of occupants NM is one person compared to when the number of occupants NM is two or more.

[0054] <Effects of one embodiment> (1) According to the above embodiment, due to the relaxation control by the CPU 210, when the number of occupants NM is one, the execution condition EC is relaxed compared to when the number of occupants NM is two or more. Therefore, when the number of occupants NM is one, the CPU 210 is more likely to perform start control than when the number of occupants NM is two or more. As a result, when the number of occupants NM is one, starting the engine 20 reduces the dilution amount DA and the accumulation amount AA. Therefore, when the number of occupants NM is two or more, the CPU 210 prevents the dilution amount DA and the accumulation amount AA from becoming large. As a result, the CPU 210 can prevent frequent opportunities to perform start control when the number of occupants NM is two or more. Therefore, the CPU 210 can prevent a situation in which many occupants are inconvenienced by starting the engine 20.

[0055] (2) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 210 reduces the specified dilution amount DL during the relaxation control compared to when the number of occupants NM is 2 or more. Therefore, the CPU 210 can make it easier to satisfy the execution condition EC by repeating the same start control process.

[0056] (3) According to the above embodiment, the CPU 210, in the mitigation control, sets the specified deposition amount AL smaller than when the number of occupants NM is 2 or more. Therefore, the CPU 210 can make it easier to satisfy the execution condition EC by repeating the same start control process.

[0057] (4) According to the above embodiment, the occupants include passengers. When the number of occupants is NM, which indicates a state in which no passengers are present, the CPU 210 relaxes the execution condition EC through relaxation control compared to when the number of occupants is NM, which indicates a state in which passengers are present. Therefore, the CPU 210 makes it easier to start the engine 20 when no passengers are present, thereby preventing the dilution amount DA and the deposition amount AA from becoming high when passengers are present. As a result, the CPU 210 can prevent frequent opportunities for performing start control when passengers are present.

[0058] <Other embodiments> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0059] The hybrid vehicle 10 does not have to be a plug-in hybrid vehicle. That is, the battery 40 does not have to be chargeable from the external power supply 90. For example, the battery 40 may only be charged in the hybrid driving mode.

[0060] When the hybrid vehicle 10 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle 10 is more likely to run in motor driving mode than when it is not a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Therefore, the engine 20 is less likely to be started, and the dilution amount DA and the deposition amount AA are likely to be large. Therefore, when applying the present invention, the effect is greater when the hybrid vehicle 10 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0061] The configuration of the control device 100 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the system control unit 200 may directly control the engine 20, or may control the first motor generator 51 and the second motor generator 52. For example, the engine control unit 400 may execute the start control program P1, or may execute the mitigation control program P2. For example, the engine control unit 400 may execute the start control program P1, and the system control unit 200 may execute the mitigation control program P2.

[0062] The various sensors are not limited to those described in the above embodiment. For example, the occupant detection sensor 84 may be configured with a camera, and occupants may be detected on an image acquired by the camera. For example, the occupant detection sensor 84 may be a weight sensor provided in the hybrid vehicle 10. The weight sensor may detect occupants. The occupant detection sensor 84 may detect occupants without distinguishing between the driver and passengers. The occupant detection sensor 84 may detect occupants by distinguishing between the driver, passengers, and an observer. When the hybrid vehicle 10 is driven autonomously, an observer may ride in place of or in addition to the driver. In this case, the first number of people may be zero, and the second number of people may be one or more. When an observer rides in addition to the driver, the first number of people may be two or less, and the second number of people may be three or more. In such a case, the CPU 210 may make a positive determination in step S22 when the number of occupants NM is the first number, and a negative determination when the number of occupants NM is the second number. Alternatively, the first number of people may be 9 or less, and the second number of people may be 10 or more. Alternatively, the occupant detection sensor 84 may detect only the number of passengers as the occupant number NM.

[0063] The occupant detection sensor 84 may only detect occupants and input data showing an image of the detected occupants to the control device 100. In this case, in the occupant number acquisition process, the CPU 210 may acquire the number of occupants NM by calculating the number of occupants NM based on the image of the detected occupants, which is the detection result of the occupant detection sensor 84.

[0064] The CPU 210 may perform the determination in step S14 regardless of the determination result in step S13. That is, the CPU 210 may perform the processes in both steps S13 and S14 to determine whether at least one of the following conditions is met: the deposition amount AA exceeds the specified deposition amount AL, and the dilution amount DA exceeds the specified dilution amount DL. In this case, the CPU 210 may determine that the execution condition EC is met if both of these conditions are met.

[0065] The details of the start control are not limited to those of the above embodiment. For example, the CPU 210 may start the engine 20 by performing a vaporization process and then a filter regeneration process, or may perform a filter regeneration process when a positive determination is made in step S13, and may perform a vaporization process when a positive determination is made in step S14. At the very least, the CPU 210 may start the engine 20 in the start control.

[0066] The content of the mitigation control is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. The CPU 210 may not make the specified deposition amount AL smaller than the second deposition amount AL2 by omitting the processing of step S23. Furthermore, the CPU 210 may not make the specified dilution amount DL smaller than the second dilution amount DL2 by omitting the processing of step S24. Furthermore, in the mitigation control, the CPU 210 may reduce the specified dilution amount DL and the specified deposition amount AL as the number of occupants NM decreases.

[0067] The control device 100 may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). The control device 100 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 available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10... Hybrid vehicle 20... Engine 21... Engine body 24... Intake passage 27...Exhaust passage 29...Particulate filter 30...Oil pan 40...Battery 51...First motor generator 52...Second motor generator 60...Planetary gear mechanism 84...Occupant detection sensor 100...Control device 200...System control unit 300...Power control unit 400...Engine control unit AA...Deposit amount AL...Specified deposit amount DA...Dilution amount DL...Specified dilution amount EC...Execution condition NM...Number of occupants

Claims

1. A control device applied to a hybrid vehicle including an engine having a particulate filter and an oil pan in which oil is stored, the engine having a particulate filter and an oil pan in an exhaust passage, a motor generator as a drive source separate from the engine, and an occupant detection sensor that detects an occupant, a dilution amount calculation process for calculating a dilution amount of oil stored in the oil pan; an accumulation amount calculation process for calculating an accumulation amount of particulate matter accumulated on the particulate filter; an occupant number acquisition process for acquiring the number of occupants based on the detection result of the occupant detection sensor; a start control that starts the engine when an execution condition is satisfied in which at least one of the dilution amount exceeding a predetermined specified dilution amount and the accumulation amount exceeding a predetermined specified accumulation amount is satisfied while the hybrid vehicle is running using the driving force of the motor generator without operating the engine; and and performing a relaxation control to relax the execution condition when the number of occupants is a first number, compared to the execution condition when the number of occupants is a second number that is greater than the first number. Control device.

2. In the mitigation control, the specified dilution amount when the number of occupants is the first number is set to be smaller than the specified dilution amount when the number of occupants is the second number. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. In the mitigation control, the specified accumulation amount when the number of occupants is the first number is set to be smaller than the specified accumulation amount when the number of occupants is the second number. The control device according to claim 1 .

4. The occupants include passengers, The first number of people is a number of people indicating a state in which the passengers are not present, and the second number of people is a number of people indicating a state in which the passengers are present. The control device according to claim 1 .

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