Vehicle control devices

Abstract

The objective was to provide a vehicle control device that can calculate the time during which external power can be supplied in accordance with actual fuel consumption, even when using a fuel level detection device that only changes in stages. [Solution] The vehicle control device 10 includes a fuel level detection device 20 and an external power supply system 30. The fuel level detection device 20 outputs the fuel level as a value that changes in steps, while the fuel level changes continuously. The external power supply system 30 is capable of supplying power generated by consuming fuel and includes a first detection unit 40 that detects the remaining amount of fuel output by the fuel level detection device 20 as the output amount, a second detection unit 42 that detects the amount of fuel injected by the vehicle, a first calculation unit 44 that calculates an estimated remaining fuel value based on the output amount and the amount of fuel injected, and a second calculation unit 46 that calculates the time during which power can be supplied to external equipment by the external power supply system 30 based on the estimated remaining fuel value.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional vehicle control device, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a technique for estimating the external power supply available time is known. This conventional technique sets a first slope value of a linear function showing the relationship between the remaining fuel amount and the external power supply available time, and calculates a second slope value showing the slope of the linear function based on the actually consumed fuel based on the elapsed time from the start of power supply and the fuel consumption. Then, the external power supply available time is calculated by correcting the slope of the linear function based on the difference between the first slope value and the second slope value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional vehicle control device had the following problems. That is, the fuel remaining amount detection device mounted on the vehicle outputs the fuel remaining amount as a stepped value due to restrictions such as manufacturing costs. Therefore, although the fuel is actually decreasing continuously, only a fuel remaining amount value that changes stepwise can be obtained, and there is a problem that the calculation accuracy of the external power supply available time is limited. For example, during the period when a certain step of the fuel remaining amount value continues, the external power supply available time does not change and remains at a constant value, and when it changes to the next step, the external power supply available time suddenly changes greatly.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a vehicle control device that can calculate the time during which external power can be supplied in accordance with actual fuel consumption, even when using a fuel level detection device that changes only in stages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The vehicle control device of the present invention is a vehicle control device comprising a fuel level detection device and an external power supply system, wherein the fuel level detection device outputs the fuel level as a value that changes in steps, while the fuel level changes continuously, and the external power supply system is capable of supplying power generated by consuming fuel to an external device, and is characterized by comprising: a first detection unit that detects the amount of fuel output by the fuel level detection device as the output amount; a second detection unit that detects the amount of fuel injected by the vehicle; a first calculation unit that calculates an estimated remaining fuel value based on the output amount and the fuel injection amount; and a second calculation unit that calculates the time during which the external power supply system can supply power to the external device based on the estimated remaining fuel value.

[0007] As described in (1) above, the vehicle control device of the present invention has a power remaining amount that changes in stages as detected by the first detection unit, but the second detection unit detects the fuel injection amount that indicates the actual fuel consumption, and the first calculation unit combines these values ​​to calculate an estimated remaining fuel value. Since the second calculation unit calculates the power supply time based on this estimated remaining fuel value, the vehicle control device of the present invention can calculate a power supply time that is in line with the actual fuel consumption without being constrained by the output characteristics of the fuel remaining amount detection device that only changes in stages.

[0008] (2) In the vehicle control device of the present invention described above, the fuel level detection device is a float-type detection device and is capable of outputting a fuel level that is defined in stages according to the region where the float is located.

[0009] As described in (2) above, the vehicle control device of the present invention employs a float-type detection device that detects the remaining fuel amount according to the position of a float floating on the fuel liquid surface in the fuel tank. This float-type detection device divides the position of the float into multiple regions and outputs a constant value in each region, thereby enabling the vehicle control device of the present invention to detect the remaining fuel amount while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0010] (3) The vehicle control device of the present invention described above further includes a correction unit that corrects the estimated remaining fuel value based on the amount of discrepancy between the remaining output and the estimated remaining fuel value, wherein the correction unit corrects the estimated remaining fuel value by multiplying the fuel injection amount by a different correction coefficient depending on the magnitude of the discrepancy.

[0011] As described in (3) above, the vehicle control device of the present invention has a correction unit that monitors the discrepancy between the remaining output and the estimated remaining fuel, and corrects the estimated remaining fuel by multiplying the fuel injection amount by a correction coefficient based on this discrepancy. By using a large correction coefficient when the discrepancy is large and a small correction coefficient when the discrepancy is small, the vehicle control device of the present invention can bring the estimated remaining fuel closer to the actual remaining fuel value.

[0012] (4) In the vehicle control device of the present invention described above, the first calculation unit calculates the current estimated remaining fuel value by subtracting the fuel injection amount corrected by the correction unit from past values ​​of the estimated remaining fuel value, and the second calculation unit continuously changes the power supply time based on the calculated estimated remaining fuel value.

[0013] As described in (4) above, the vehicle control device of the present invention tracks changes in remaining fuel over time by having the first calculation unit subtract a corrected fuel injection amount from past estimated remaining fuel values ​​to calculate a new estimated remaining fuel value. The second calculation unit then calculates the available power supply time based on this continuously updated estimated remaining fuel value, thereby enabling the vehicle control device of the present invention to smoothly change the available power supply time.

[0014] (5) In the vehicle control device of the present invention described above, the correction unit switches between and uses a plurality of correction coefficients according to the magnitude of the deviation, and it is preferable to use a larger correction coefficient the larger the deviation.

[0015] As described in (5) above, the vehicle control device of the present invention determines the deviation state in stages by having the correction unit switch between multiple correction coefficients according to the magnitude of the deviation. By using a larger correction coefficient as the deviation amount increases, the vehicle control device of the present invention can perform appropriate correction according to the deviation state. For example, by setting the correction coefficient to 1.5 when the deviation amount is extremely large, and to 1.1 when the deviation amount is relatively large, more effective correction can be achieved.

[0016] (6) In the vehicle control device of the present invention described above, the power supply time is preferably calculated on the premise of supplying power at a predetermined rated power amount.

[0017] As described in (6) above, the vehicle control device of the present invention has a second calculation unit that calculates the power supply time based on a predetermined rated power amount. As a result, the vehicle control device of the present invention can provide a power supply time under standard operating conditions.

[0018] (7) In the vehicle control device of the present invention described above, the remaining output amount at the start of external power supply is stored as an initial value, and the first calculation unit calculates the initial estimated remaining fuel amount by subtracting the fuel injection amount from the initial value.

[0019] As described in (7) above, the vehicle control device of the present invention stores the remaining output amount at the start of external power supply as an initial value in the first calculation unit, and calculates the initial estimated remaining fuel amount by subtracting the fuel injection amount from this initial value. As a result, the vehicle control device of the present invention performs sequential subtraction by the fuel injection amount based on the remaining output amount at the start of external power supply, so that an estimated remaining fuel amount that is in line with the actual fuel consumption can be obtained, and fluctuations in the available power supply time with respect to the usage time of external power supply can be minimized. As a result, the available power supply time based on an ideal remaining fuel amount can be consistently provided to the user from the start of external power supply to the end of power supply.

[0020] (8) The vehicle control device of the present invention described above may further include a display control unit that displays the power supply time on a display mounted on the vehicle.

[0021] As described in (8) above, the vehicle control device of the present invention displays the calculated power supply time on the display unit. This allows the vehicle control device of the present invention to visually provide the user with the current power supply time.

[0022] (9) The vehicle control device of the present invention described above may detect when the remaining fuel amount falls below a predetermined amount and notify an external power supply control device that controls the operation of the external power supply system of the detection result, so that the external power supply control device that receives the notification stops the operation of the external power supply system.

[0023] The vehicle control device of the present invention, by having the configuration described in (9) above, can prevent engine shutdown due to fuel depletion.

[0024] (10) In the vehicle control device of the present invention described above, the second calculation unit calculates a rate of change calculated from the relationship between the amount of fuel consumed from a state in which the fuel tank is full of fuel until the remaining amount of fuel reaches a predetermined amount and the amount of change in the power supply time, and calculates the power supply time by multiplying the estimated remaining fuel value by the rate of change.

[0025] As described above in (10), the vehicle control device of the present invention calculates a change rate from the relationship between the fuel consumption and the available power supply time, and calculates the available power supply time by multiplying this change rate by the estimated remaining fuel value. Specifically, the ratio of the change amount of the available power supply time with respect to the fuel consumption from the full tank state to the point when the fuel warning light is lit is obtained as the change rate, and by using this change rate, the vehicle control device of the present invention can more accurately reflect the relationship between the remaining fuel amount and the available power supply time.

[0026] (11) In the vehicle control device of the present invention described above, the second calculation unit calculates the slope of the straight line connecting the maximum available power supply time in the state where the fuel tank is full of fuel and the available power supply time of 0 hours at the time when the remaining fuel amount becomes less than or equal to the predetermined amount, and calculates the available power supply time by multiplying the slope by the estimated remaining fuel value.

[0027] As described above in (11), the vehicle control device of the present invention calculates the slope of the straight line connecting the maximum available power supply time at full tank (for example, 96 hours) and the available power supply time at the time when the fuel warning light is lit (0 hours), and calculates the available power supply time using this slope. Thereby, the vehicle control device of the present invention can express the relationship between the remaining fuel amount and the available power supply time as a simple linear function, and can calculate the available power supply time with practically sufficient accuracy while reducing the load of arithmetic processing.

[0028] Note that the configurations of (1) to (11) above can be arbitrarily combined. In particular, by combining the configuration related to the correction unit in (3) and the configuration related to the calculation of the available power supply time in (10) or (11), it becomes possible to estimate the available power supply time with higher accuracy.

Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, even when using a fuel remaining amount detection device that only changes stepwise, it is possible to provide a vehicle control device that can calculate the external available power supply time in accordance with actual fuel consumption.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a vehicle control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This graph shows the relationship between remaining fuel level and the remaining power supply time. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the control flow performed in a vehicle control system. [Figure 4] This graph illustrates the relationship between the time-dependent changes in remaining power output and estimated remaining fuel, and the correction coefficient determined by the deviation between the remaining power output and estimated remaining fuel. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically illustrates the structure of a fuel sender and explains the relationship between float operation and output value. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] A vehicle control device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The vehicle control device 10 includes a fuel level detection device 20 and an external power supply system 30.

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the vehicle control device 10. The vehicle control device 10 includes a fuel tank 24, a control unit (HCU) 60, and a center display 54. A fuel sender, which serves as a fuel level detection device 20, is installed inside the fuel tank 24. The remaining fuel value detected by the fuel sender is input to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 calculates the power supply time based on the input remaining fuel value. The calculated power supply time is displayed on the center display 54.

[0033] The fuel level detection device 20 includes a float-type detection unit 22. The float-type detection unit 22 has a float 22a that floats on the fuel liquid surface in the fuel tank 24, and a resistor (not shown) whose resistance value changes according to the position of the float 22a. The resistor has multiple resistance value regions set according to the position of the float 22a, and outputs a constant resistance value in each region. As a result, while the actual fuel level changes continuously, the fuel level detection device 20 outputs the fuel level as a stepped value.

[0034] More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, when the float 22a moves along an arc-shaped trajectory in response to changes in the fuel level, this arc-shaped trajectory is divided into multiple angular regions, and within each angular region, the same resistance value is output even if the position of the float 22a changes. For example, while the float 22a is moving within a certain angular region on the arc-shaped trajectory (e.g., 26.4L to 26.2L), the output remaining fuel value remains constant at 26.2L, even though the actual remaining fuel is continuously decreasing. Then, when the float 22a moves to the next angular region (e.g., 26.2L to 25.8L), the output remaining fuel value suddenly changes to 25.8L. In this way, the fuel level detection device 20 outputs the remaining fuel as a stepped value, even though the actual remaining fuel changes continuously. This stepped change appears as a discontinuous change over time, as shown in the attached figure. This stepped output characteristic is employed to simplify the structure of the float-type detection unit 22 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0035] The external power supply system 30 comprises an engine 32, a battery pack 33, a motor 34 (for power generation), and an inverter 35. In the external power supply system 30, the engine 32 drives the motor 34 to generate electricity and charge the battery pack 33. The inverter 35, receiving power from the battery pack 33, performs DC / AC conversion, and the converted power is supplied to external devices from an outlet 36 mounted on the vehicle. The operation permission / stop and operating status of the inverter are controlled by the HV-ECU 37 (VCU: External Power Supply Control Device). The external power supply system 30 operates based on a power supply at a predetermined rated power.

[0036] The vehicle control device 10 comprises a first detection unit 40, a second detection unit 42, a first calculation unit 44, a second calculation unit 46, a correction unit 48, a display control unit 50, and a system control unit 52.

[0037] The first detection unit 40 detects the stepped fuel level values ​​output from the fuel level detection device 20 as the output fuel level. The second detection unit 42 detects the fuel injection amount of the engine 32.

[0038] The first calculation unit 44 stores the remaining output at the start of external power supply as an initial value and calculates the initial estimated remaining fuel value by subtracting the fuel injection amount from the initial value. Furthermore, in the second and subsequent calculations, the first calculation unit 44 calculates the current estimated remaining fuel value by subtracting the fuel injection amount corrected by the correction unit 48 from the previous or the one before that's estimated remaining fuel value.

[0039] Specifically, the first calculation unit 44 calculates the estimated remaining fuel value according to the calculation process flow shown in Figure 3, as will be described in detail later. First, it stores the output remaining amount (FL_ST) at the start of external power supply as an initial value. During the first calculation, the first calculation unit 44 calculates the initial estimated remaining fuel value using the following [formula A]. Estimated remaining fuel (n) = FL_ST - Fuel injection amount (n) [Formula A] Furthermore, the first calculation unit 44 calculates the estimated remaining fuel value using the following formula [Formula B] in the second and subsequent calculations. Estimated remaining fuel (n) = Estimated remaining fuel (n-1) - (K × fuel injection amount (n)) [Formula B] Here, n represents the number of operations, and K represents the correction coefficient, which will be explained later.

[0040] The second calculation unit 46 calculates the power supply time based on the estimated remaining fuel. Specifically, the second calculation unit 46 calculates the slope of the straight line connecting the maximum power supply time when the fuel tank 24 is full and the power supply time at the fuel level at which the fuel level warning light illuminates, and calculates the power supply time by multiplying this slope by the estimated remaining fuel. This calculation can be expressed as the following linear interpolation formula. Power supply time = (Ks × estimated remaining fuel) + Ki [Formula C] Here, Ks is the slope coefficient, and it is calculated using the following formula. Ks = Maximum power supply time ÷ (Fuel tank capacity - Fuel remaining when fuel warning light is on) [Formula D]

[0041] For example, if the fuel tank capacity is 30L, the maximum power supply time is 96 hours, and the remaining fuel when the fuel warning light illuminates is 5L, then Ks would be 96 ÷ (30 - 5) = 3.84. Ki is the intercept, and it is set so that the power supply time when the fuel warning light illuminates (estimated remaining fuel is 5L) is 0 hours. The intercept Ki is calculated using the following formula. Ki = -(Ks × remaining fuel when fuel warning light is on) [Formula E]

[0042] In the example above, Ki = -(3.84 × 5) = -19.2. By using such a linear interpolation formula, the power supply time can be calculated linearly from the estimated remaining fuel value. This linear relationship can be represented on a graph with the remaining fuel value (L) on the horizontal axis and the power supply time (h) on the vertical axis, as shown in Figure 2.

[0043] The correction unit 48 calculates the discrepancy between the remaining power output and the estimated remaining fuel, and sets a correction coefficient based on this discrepancy. Specifically, the correction unit 48 calculates the discrepancy by subtracting the estimated remaining fuel from the remaining power output output from the fuel level detection device 20. A positive discrepancy indicates that the remaining power output is greater than the estimated remaining fuel, while a negative discrepancy indicates that the remaining power output is less than the estimated remaining fuel. The correction unit 48 sets a correction coefficient based on this discrepancy. The correction coefficient is set to a larger value the greater the discrepancy.

[0044] Specifically, if the discrepancy is large, the correction coefficient is set to a large value to accelerate the decrease in the estimated remaining fuel, and if the discrepancy is small, the correction coefficient is set to a small value to suppress the decrease in the estimated remaining fuel. More specifically, the correction coefficient is set according to the following four conditions. Note that each threshold is set to an appropriate value according to the characteristics of each vehicle model. For example, in vehicles with a large fuel tank capacity, each threshold is set to a proportionally large value. By using different correction coefficients in this way, the estimated remaining fuel can be brought closer to the actual remaining fuel. In addition, the conditions for setting the correction coefficient can be further modified by adding other conditions to the following four conditions, or by omitting some of the following four conditions. (1) If the deviation is greater than or equal to the first positive threshold (DIV_A: for example, 2L): K=1.5 (2) If the deviation is less than the first positive threshold and greater than or equal to the second positive threshold (DIV_B: e.g., 1L): K=1.1 (3) If the deviation is less than the second positive threshold and greater than or equal to the first negative threshold (-DIV_C: e.g., -0.5L): K = 1.0 (4) If the deviation is less than the negative first threshold: K = 0.8

[0045] The correction coefficient K is set considering the output characteristics of the flow sender and the detection cycle of the fuel injection amount. By applying this correction coefficient to the cumulative value, it becomes possible to estimate the remaining fuel amount in line with actual fuel consumption. Figure 4 shows the relationship between the remaining power (FL_P) and the simple subtraction of the fuel injection amount in a graph with time on the horizontal axis and the remaining fuel value on the vertical axis.

[0046] The display control unit 50 displays the available power supply time calculated by the second calculation unit 46 on the vehicle's display 54. The available power supply time is updated in one-minute increments, and is displayed in hours and minutes, for example, "9 hours and 23 minutes". The display is updated every second, allowing the user to check the remaining time in real time. The system control unit 52 stops the operation of the external power supply system 30 when the remaining fuel level falls below the fuel warning light illumination level (for example, 5L).

[0047] With the configuration described above, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment provides the following effects. First, by calculating the estimated remaining fuel value based on the fuel injection amount, it becomes possible to estimate the remaining fuel value in accordance with actual fuel consumption, without depending on the stepped output of the fuel level detection device 20. Second, by performing a correction based on the discrepancy between the estimated remaining fuel value and the remaining output, the accuracy of the estimated remaining fuel value is improved. Third, by calculating the remaining power supply time based on the estimated remaining fuel value, it becomes possible to display the remaining time in one-minute increments instead of the conventional one-hour increments, providing the user with a more accurate remaining time.

[0048] Next, the control flow in the vehicle control device 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The control flow described below is executed by the control unit 60 at a predetermined period (for example, a 1-second period).

[0049] (Step 1: Start external power supply) The external power supply system 30 is activated and external power supply is initiated in response to user operation. Specifically, after the user selects the external power supply mode and confirms the connection with the external device, the system control unit 52 detects the user's operation to start external power supply and notifies the HV-ECU 37 of this. Upon receiving this notification, the HV-ECU 37 then executes the startup sequence for the external power supply system 30.

[0050] (Step 2: Obtain the remaining fuel value at the start of power supply) The control unit 60 acquires the remaining fuel value (FL_ST) at the start of external power supply. This value is the output value from the fuel level detection device 20 at the start of power supply and is used as the initial value for the estimated remaining fuel value, which will be described later. The output value from the float-type detection unit 22 is detected as resistance values ​​divided into 10 angular regions. Each angular region is in the range of approximately 9 degrees, and this angular division is set to obtain a nearly constant resolution (approximately 0.4L) for changes in the fuel level, taking into account the shape and installation position of the fuel tank 24. This ensures the accuracy of fuel level detection while taking into account the nonlinearity of the tank shape. The resistance value of each region is set in the range of 0 to 5 kΩ.

[0051] (Step 3: Obtain the latest remaining fuel value) The control unit 60 acquires the latest remaining fuel value (FL_P). As shown in Figure 4, this remaining fuel value changes in a stepwise manner due to the characteristics of the fuel level detection device 20. The detected remaining fuel value changes at intervals of approximately 0.4 L for each angular region of the float-type detection unit 22. This is because the change in resistance value in each angular region is set to correspond to approximately 0.4 L of remaining fuel.

[0052] (Step 4: Obtain the latest fuel injection amount) The control unit 60 acquires the latest fuel injection amount from the engine 32. This fuel injection amount is obtained by accumulating instantaneous values ​​supplied from the engine control unit at predetermined intervals (e.g., 10 ms) over a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second (100 samples)). This accumulation process can smooth out the effects of fluctuations in engine speed and variations in fuel injection. The unit of fuel injection amount is expressed as μL / second. This fuel injection amount is used as a value indicating the actual fuel consumption.

[0053] (Steps 5-6: Processing during the initial calculation) The control unit 60 calculates the initial estimated remaining fuel value using [Formula A] during the initial calculation (Yes). As shown in Figure 4, in this initial calculation, the fuel injection amount is simply subtracted from the remaining fuel value (FL_ST) at the start of external power supply. It is preferable that the estimated remaining fuel value during the initial calculation be calculated to two decimal places, for example, to account for measurement errors. This is because performing the calculation with a higher precision than the resolution of the float-type detection unit 22 (approximately 0.4L) allows for a more accurate estimation of remaining fuel by reflecting minute changes in fuel consumption calculated from the integrated value of the fuel injection amount.

[0054] (Steps 7-8: Second and subsequent calculations) For subsequent calculations (Yes), the control unit 60 calculates the estimated remaining fuel using [Formula B]. This calculation is performed at predetermined intervals (e.g., every second) after the initial calculation is completed. As shown in each region of Figure 4, the correction coefficient (K) is changed according to the deviation between the remaining fuel value (FL_P) and the estimated value to bring the estimated value closer to the actual remaining fuel. For example, in regions with a large deviation (positive), the correction coefficient is set to 1.5 to accelerate the decrease in the estimated value, and in regions with a large deviation (negative), the correction coefficient is set to 0.8 to suppress the decrease in the estimated value.

[0055] (Step 9: Calculation of available power supply time) The control unit 60 calculates the remaining power supply time based on the calculated estimated remaining fuel value. The aforementioned linear interpolation formula is used for this calculation. The calculation of the remaining power supply time is performed at the same interval as the update of the estimated remaining fuel value (e.g., every second). The calculated remaining power supply time should ideally be calculated with accuracy in seconds, for example, and then rounded to minutes for display.

[0056] (Step 10: Display of remaining power supply time) The calculated remaining power supply time is displayed on the center display 54 by the display control unit 50. The display format should preferably be in the format "XX hours YY minutes," with the time displayed to the nearest minute. Specifically, if the calculated remaining power supply time is 5 hours, 23 minutes, and 45 seconds, it should be displayed as "5 hours and 23 minutes." The displayed remaining power supply time is continuously updated in accordance with the update of the estimated remaining fuel value.

[0057] (Step 11: Power supply continuation determination) The control unit 60 determines whether or not to continue supplying power. This determination may be made based on conditions such as (1) whether or not the user has performed a power-off operation, (2) whether or not the fuel level has fallen below the warning light illumination level (5L), and (3) the connection status of external devices. If power supply is to be continued (Yes), the process returns to step 3 and repeats from obtaining the latest remaining fuel value. If power supply is to be terminated (No), or if the fuel level falls below a predetermined value, the system control unit 52 stops the operation of the external power supply system 30, and the series of control flows ends.

[0058] <Effects> The vehicle control device 10 described above has the following characteristic configurations (a) to (k). Therefore, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can achieve the following unique effects that cannot be achieved with the prior art.

[0059] (a) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment is a vehicle control device comprising a fuel level detection device 20 and an external power supply system 30, wherein the fuel level detection device 20 outputs the fuel level as a value that changes in steps, while the fuel level changes continuously, and the external power supply system 30 is capable of supplying power generated by consuming fuel to external equipment, and includes a first detection unit 40 that detects the remaining amount of fuel output by the fuel level detection device 20 as the output amount, a second detection unit 42 that detects the amount of fuel injected by the vehicle, a first calculation unit 44 that calculates an estimated remaining fuel value based on the output amount and the amount of fuel injected, and a second calculation unit 46 that calculates the time during which power can be supplied to external equipment by the external power supply system 30 based on the estimated remaining fuel value.

[0060] In this embodiment, as described in (a) above, the remaining output amount detected by the first detection unit 40 of the vehicle control device 10 changes in stages, but the second detection unit 42 detects the fuel injection amount that indicates the actual fuel consumption, and the first calculation unit 44 calculates an estimated remaining fuel amount by combining these values. Since the second calculation unit 46 calculates the power supply time based on this estimated remaining fuel amount, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can calculate a power supply time that is in line with the actual fuel consumption without being constrained by the output characteristics of the fuel remaining amount detection device 20 which only changes in stages.

[0061] (b) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has a fuel level detection device 20 which is a float-type detection device and is capable of outputting a fuel level that is defined in stages according to the region where the float 22a is present.

[0062] As described in (b) above, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment employs a float-type detection device that detects the remaining fuel amount according to the position of a float 22a floating on the fuel liquid surface in the fuel tank 24. This float-type detection device divides the position of the float 22a into multiple regions and outputs a constant value in each region, thereby enabling the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment to detect the remaining fuel amount while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0063] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (b) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The vehicle control device 10 can also employ other types of fuel level detection devices, such as capacitive or ultrasonic types. However, these types generally tend to be more expensive than float-type devices.

[0064] (c) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment includes a correction unit 48 that corrects the estimated remaining fuel value based on the difference between the remaining output and the estimated remaining fuel value, and the correction unit 48 corrects the estimated remaining fuel value by multiplying the fuel injection amount by a different correction coefficient depending on the magnitude of the difference.

[0065] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10, as described in (c) above, has a correction unit 48 that monitors the discrepancy between the remaining output and the estimated remaining fuel, and corrects the estimated remaining fuel by multiplying the fuel injection amount by a correction coefficient based on this discrepancy. By using a large correction coefficient when the discrepancy is large and a small correction coefficient when the discrepancy is small, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can bring the estimated remaining fuel closer to the actual remaining fuel value.

[0066] Although the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (c) above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The vehicle control device 10 can also be configured to omit the correction unit 48 and calculate the estimated remaining fuel value based only on the fuel injection amount. In this case, there is the advantage of simplifying the system configuration.

[0067] (d) In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 has a first calculation unit 44 that calculates the current estimated remaining fuel value by subtracting the corrected fuel injection amount from past estimated remaining fuel values ​​by the correction unit 48, and a second calculation unit 46 that continuously changes the power supply time based on the calculated estimated remaining fuel value.

[0068] As described in (d) above, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment tracks changes in remaining fuel over time by having the first calculation unit 44 calculate a new estimated remaining fuel value by subtracting a corrected fuel injection amount from past estimated remaining fuel values. Then, the second calculation unit 46 calculates the power supply time based on this continuously updated estimated remaining fuel value, so that the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can smoothly change the power supply time.

[0069] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (d) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can also be configured to calculate the estimated remaining fuel value from only the current remaining fuel value and fuel injection amount, without using past values. In this case, there is the advantage of being able to reduce the memory capacity.

[0070] (e) In the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment, the correction unit 48 switches between and uses multiple correction coefficients according to the magnitude of the deviation, and the larger the deviation, the larger the correction coefficient value used.

[0071] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 determines the deviation state in stages by having the correction unit 48 switch between multiple correction coefficients according to the magnitude of the deviation, as described in (e) above. By using a larger correction coefficient as the deviation amount increases, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can perform appropriate correction according to the deviation state. For example, by setting the correction coefficient to 1.5 when the deviation amount is extremely large, and to 1.1 when the deviation amount is relatively large, more effective correction can be achieved.

[0072] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (e) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can be configured to use a continuous correction coefficient proportional to the amount of deviation, or to use a correction coefficient with more or fewer steps. This makes it possible to perform optimal correction according to the vehicle characteristics and operating conditions.

[0073] (f) In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 calculates the power supply time on the premise of supplying power at a predetermined rated power amount.

[0074] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10, as described in (f) above, has a second calculation unit 46 that calculates the power supply time based on a predetermined rated power amount (for example, 400 Wh). As a result, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can provide a power supply time under standard operating conditions.

[0075] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (f) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can be configured to calculate the available power supply time corresponding to multiple rated power amounts, or to calculate the available power supply time according to the power consumption of external equipment. This makes it possible to provide a available power supply time that is more in line with actual usage conditions.

[0076] (g) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment stores the remaining output amount at the start of external power supply as an initial value, and the first calculation unit 44 calculates the initial estimated remaining fuel amount by subtracting the fuel injection amount from the initial value.

[0077] As described in (g) above, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment stores the remaining output amount at the start of external power supply as an initial value in the first calculation unit 44, and calculates the initial estimated remaining fuel amount by subtracting the fuel injection amount from this initial value. As a result, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment performs sequential subtraction by the fuel injection amount based on the remaining output amount at the start of external power supply, so it is possible to obtain an estimated remaining fuel amount that is in line with the actual fuel consumption, and the fluctuation of the available power supply time with respect to the usage time of external power supply can be minimized. As a result, the vehicle control device 10 can provide the user with a consistently available power supply time based on an ideal remaining fuel amount from the start of external power supply to the end of power supply.

[0078] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (g) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can be configured to use a predetermined initial value when external power supply is started, or to set an initial value from past power supply history. This simplifies the system configuration and enables highly accurate estimation based on past usage data.

[0079] (h) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment includes a display control unit 50 that displays the available power supply time on a display 54 mounted on the vehicle.

[0080] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10, as described in (g) above, stores the remaining output amount at the start of external power supply as an initial value in the first calculation unit 44, and calculates the initial estimated remaining fuel value by subtracting the fuel injection amount from this initial value. As a result, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can start highly accurate remaining fuel estimation immediately after the start of external power supply.

[0081] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (g) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can be configured to use a predetermined initial value when external power supply is started, or to set an initial value from past power supply history. This simplifies the system configuration and enables highly accurate estimation based on past usage data.

[0082] (h) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment includes a display control unit 50 that displays the available power supply time on a display 54 mounted on the vehicle.

[0083] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 displays the calculated power supply time on the display 54, as described in (h) above. This allows the vehicle control device 10 to visually provide the user with the current power supply time. Furthermore, the amount of variation in the power supply time relative to the usage time of the external power supply is reduced, eliminating any sense of discomfort for the user.

[0084] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (h) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 may also be equipped with a voice notification function or configured to communicate with an external device such as a smartphone to notify the remaining power supply time. This makes it possible to provide information according to various usage environments.

[0085] (i) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment may detect when the remaining fuel amount falls below a predetermined amount and notify the HV-ECU 37 of the detection result, so that the HV-ECU 37, upon receiving the notification, stops the operation of the external power supply system 30.

[0086] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment, by having the configuration described in (g) above, can start highly accurate fuel remaining estimation immediately after the start of external power supply.

[0087] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (g) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can be configured to use a predetermined initial value when external power supply is started, or to set an initial value from past power supply history. This simplifies the system configuration and enables highly accurate estimation based on past usage data.

[0088] (h) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment includes a display control unit 50 that displays the available power supply time on a display 54 mounted on the vehicle.

[0089] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 displays the calculated power supply time on the display 54, as described in (h) above. This allows the vehicle control device 10 to visually provide the user with the current power supply time.

[0090] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (h) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 may also be equipped with a voice notification function or configured to communicate with an external device such as a smartphone to notify the remaining power supply time. This makes it possible to provide information according to various usage environments.

[0091] (i) The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment includes a control unit 52 that stops the operation of the external power supply system 30 when it is detected that the remaining fuel amount has fallen below a predetermined amount.

[0092] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10, as described in (i) above, has a control unit 52 that monitors the decrease in fuel level and stops the operation of the external power supply system 30 when the fuel level falls below a predetermined amount (for example, the amount at which the fuel warning light illuminates). As a result, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can prevent the engine from stopping due to running out of fuel.

[0093] The vehicle control device 10 in this embodiment has the configuration described in (i) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can be configured to issue only a warning when the remaining fuel level falls below a predetermined amount, or to gradually limit the power supply output. This makes it possible to ensure safety while allowing the user to decide whether or not to continue power supply.

[0094] (j) In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 has a second calculation unit 46 that calculates a rate of change calculated from the relationship between the amount of fuel consumed and the amount of change in the power supply time from a state in which the fuel tank 24 is full of fuel until the remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount, and calculates the power supply time by multiplying the estimated remaining fuel by the rate of change.

[0095] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10, as described in (j) above, calculates the rate of change from the relationship between fuel consumption and the available power supply time using the second calculation unit 46, and calculates the available power supply time by multiplying this rate of change by the estimated remaining fuel value. Specifically, the rate of change is determined as the ratio of the change in the available power supply time to the fuel consumption from full tank to the time the fuel warning light illuminates, and by using this rate of change, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can more accurately reflect the relationship between the remaining fuel and the available power supply time.

[0096] Although the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (j) above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can also be configured to use a simpler conversion table or to calculate the power supply time using a nonlinear function. This makes it possible to achieve a balance between computational load and accuracy according to the requirements of the system.

[0097] (k) In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10 has a second calculation unit 46 that calculates the slope of a straight line connecting the maximum power supply time when the fuel tank 24 is full of fuel and the 0 hours which is the power supply time when the remaining fuel amount falls below a predetermined amount, and calculates the power supply time by multiplying the estimated remaining fuel amount by the slope.

[0098] In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 10, as described in (k) above, has a second calculation unit 46 that calculates the slope of a straight line connecting the maximum power supply time when the tank is full (for example, 96 hours) and the power supply time when the fuel warning light is illuminated (0 hours), and uses this slope to calculate the power supply time. As a result, the vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment can express the relationship between the remaining fuel amount and the power supply time as a simple linear function, and can calculate the power supply time with sufficient accuracy for practical use while reducing the computational load.

[0099] The vehicle control device 10 of this embodiment has the configuration described in (k) above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle control device 10 can employ a piecewise linear function that uses different slopes depending on the remaining fuel amount, or it can be configured to calculate the power supply time using a more complex nonlinear function. This makes it possible to calculate the power supply time that more precisely reflects the fuel consumption characteristics.

[0100] The configurations described in (a) to (k) above can be combined in any way. In particular, by combining the configuration of the correction unit 48 in (c) with the configuration of the power supply time calculation in (j) or (k), it becomes possible to estimate the power supply time with higher accuracy. Furthermore, by combining the display configuration in (h) with the control configuration in (i), it is possible to achieve both user convenience and safety.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments, etc. above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. The components of each embodiment and modification described above can be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment and modification can be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the problem, the form for carrying out the invention, etc., or a component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the problem, the form for carrying out the invention, etc. The present application also intends to obtain rights in this application or in divisional applications, amendment applications, etc. based on this application. [Industrial applicability]

[0102] The present invention can be suitably used in vehicle control devices in general, which are used in vehicles equipped with a fuel level detection device that outputs the fuel level as a value that changes in steps, as opposed to a fuel level that changes continuously, and an external power supply system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10: Vehicle control devices 20: Fuel level detection device 22a: Float 24: Fuel tank 30: External power supply system 40: First detection unit 42: Second detection unit 44: First Calculation Unit 46: Second Calculation Unit 48: Correction section 50: Display Control Unit 52: Control Unit 54: Display

Claims

1. A vehicle control device comprising a fuel level detection device and an external power supply system, The fuel level detection device outputs the fuel level as a value that changes in steps, whereas the fuel level changes continuously. The aforementioned external power supply system is capable of supplying power generated by consuming fuel to external devices. A first detection unit detects the remaining amount of fuel output by the fuel level detection device as the output amount, A second detection unit for detecting the amount of fuel injected by the vehicle, A first calculation unit calculates an estimated remaining fuel value based on the remaining output amount and the fuel injection amount, The external power supply system includes a second calculation unit that calculates the time during which power can be supplied to the external device based on the estimated remaining fuel value, A vehicle control device characterized by including the following.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fuel level detection device is a float-type detection device capable of outputting a fuel level that is defined in stages according to the region where the float is located.

3. The system further includes a correction unit that corrects the estimated remaining fuel value based on the discrepancy between the remaining output and the estimated remaining fuel value. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the correction unit corrects the estimated remaining fuel value by multiplying the fuel injection amount by a different correction coefficient according to the magnitude of the deviation.

4. The first calculation unit calculates the current estimated remaining fuel value by subtracting the fuel injection amount corrected by the correction unit from the past estimated remaining fuel value. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second calculation unit continuously changes the power supply time based on the calculated estimated remaining fuel value.

Images