Electric vehicle control device

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle control device which can properly prevent deterioration and alteration of a fuel (liquid fuel) without causing discomfort to an operator or passengers.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle control device comprises: a battery which has a motor as a power source, supplies electric power to the motor, and can be charged from an external electric power source; an internal combustion engine which generates power for at least traveling or electric power generation; a combustion type heater which burns a fuel for the internal combustion engine to generate combustion heat, and a controller which controls the operation of the motor, the operation of the internal combustion engine, and the operation of the combustion type heater. When a prescribed period has lapsed after the use of the combustion type heater, the controller operates the combustion type heater during travel of the electric vehicle on the basis of use histories of the internal combustion engine and the combustion type heater (step S3).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle that uses a motor as a driving force source, and in particular to a control device for an electric vehicle, such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a range extender EV (or a series-type hybrid vehicle), that can be charged from an external power source (external charging) and is equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) that generates power for at least traveling or generating electricity. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an invention related to an internal combustion engine having a combustion heater. The combustion heater promotes the warming up of the internal combustion engine in cold weather to improve starting performance. The combustion heater also improves the heating performance of a heater for a vehicle interior. The combustion heater described in Patent Document 1 is, for example, a vaporization type combustion heater that ignites vaporized liquid fuel to generate combustion heat. In addition, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, a valve mechanism is provided to control the flow of fuel (liquid fuel) supplied to the combustion heater in order to prevent malfunctions such as misfire or insufficient combustion at the next operation even if the combustion heater has not been used for a long period of time. The valve mechanism is disposed between a fuel pipe through which fuel is supplied from a fuel tank shared with the internal combustion engine and a fuel introduction pipe that supplies fuel to the combustion heater, and is configured to open and close a fuel supply path between the fuel pipe and the fuel introduction pipe according to the pressure of the fuel flowing in the fuel pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-4989 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the combustion heater described in the above Patent Document 1, the valve mechanism is provided to block contact between the inside of the fuel pipe and the atmosphere, and to suppress deterioration, alteration, or evaporation of the fuel that remains in the fuel pipe for a long period of time. However, even in a hybrid vehicle that is equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) together with a motor, there is a need to prevent deterioration and alteration of the fuel that remains in the pipe or engine for a long period of time. In particular, a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a range extender EV (electric vehicle) (capable of external charging) can run long distances and for long periods of time using only the motor without operating the engine by charging the battery from an external power source. In such a plug-in hybrid vehicle or range extender EV, a situation in which the engine is not used for a long period of time (for example, several months or more) is assumed. Therefore, there is a possibility that the fuel remains in the pipe or engine for a long period of time, and the remaining fuel deteriorates or alters. Therefore, a system has been constructed that automatically starts the engine when a certain period of time has passed without the engine being operated. However, in plug-in hybrid vehicles and range extender EVs equipped with such systems, after a certain period of time has elapsed as described above, the engine will start without the driver or passengers' intention, which may cause the driver or passengers to feel uncomfortable.

[0005] This invention has been devised with an eye on the above-mentioned technical problems, and aims to provide a control device for an electric vehicle that can appropriately prevent deterioration or alteration of fuel (liquid fuel) without causing discomfort to the driver or passengers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a control device for an electric vehicle comprising a motor as a driving force source, a battery that supplies power to the motor and can be charged from an external power source, an internal combustion engine that generates power for at least traveling or generating electricity, a combustion heater that burns fuel for the internal combustion engine to generate combustion heat, and a controller that controls the operation of the motor, the operation of the internal combustion engine, and the operation of the combustion heater, wherein the controller operates the combustion heater while the electric vehicle is traveling to consume a predetermined amount of the fuel if a predetermined period of time has passed since the combustion heater was last used, based on the usage history of the internal combustion engine and the combustion heater. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The electric vehicle controlled by the present invention is, for example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a range extender EV, and is equipped with an internal combustion engine that serves as a driving force source for driving or a power source for generating electricity. The internal combustion engine is, for example, an engine that uses liquid fuel, such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine. The electric vehicle controlled by the present invention is also equipped with a battery that can be charged externally. Therefore, the electric vehicle controlled by the present invention can run long distances and for long periods of time using only the output of the motor without operating the engine, by supplying power to the motor from an externally charged battery. Furthermore, the electric vehicle controlled by the present invention is equipped with a combustion heater that shares fuel with the internal combustion engine and burns the fuel to generate heat. The combustion heater is operated, for example, in cold weather to promote warming up of the internal combustion engine and improve the startability of the internal combustion engine. In addition, air warmed by the combustion heat is supplied to the vehicle interior, improving the heating performance of the vehicle.

[0008] The control device for an electric vehicle of the present invention operates the combustion heater based on the use history or operation history of the engine and the combustion heater. Specifically, when a predetermined period has passed since the combustion heater was last used, the combustion heater is operated while the electric vehicle is running to consume a predetermined amount of fuel. The predetermined period is appropriately set in consideration of the time it takes for the deterioration or deterioration of the fuel to progress. For example, the predetermined period is set to an appropriate period that does not cause any trouble when operating the combustion heater and the engine after a long period has passed. Therefore, before the fuel deteriorates or deteriorates, the combustion heater is automatically operated almost periodically and the fuel is consumed. When the combustion heater is automatically operated as described above, the combustion heater is started while the vehicle is running. Therefore, the engine is not started against the driver's intention or in a state that the driver or passenger does not expect. Therefore, according to the control device for an electric vehicle of the present invention, even if the fuel for the internal combustion engine has not been used for a long period of time, the deterioration or deterioration of the fuel can be appropriately prevented without giving a sense of discomfort to the driver or passenger. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a gear train and a control system of an electric vehicle that is an object of control by a control device for an electric vehicle of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of control executed by the control device for an electric vehicle of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 6 is a flowchart for illustrating another example of control executed by the control device for an electric vehicle of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is merely an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0011] The vehicle to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention is an electric vehicle having at least one motor as a driving force source. The vehicle to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention is also provided with a battery that supplies power to the motor as a driving force source and can be charged from an external power source (external charging), and an internal combustion engine that generates at least power for running or generating electricity. For example, the vehicle to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine (engine) as a driving force source together with a motor, or a range extender EV (electric vehicle) that can be externally charged. Furthermore, the vehicle to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a combustion heater that burns fuel for the internal combustion engine to generate combustion heat. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration (drive system and control system) of an electric vehicle to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The electric vehicle (hereinafter, vehicle) Ve shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a motor (MG) 1 and an engine (ENG) 2 as driving force sources. The vehicle Ve also includes, as other main components, driving wheels 3, a battery (BAT) 4, a combustion heater 5, a detector 6, and a controller (ECU) 7. The vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention may include one or more motors as driving force sources in addition to the motor 1. The vehicle Ve may also be a so-called hybrid drive unit that includes a power split mechanism, a gear shift mechanism, and the like (not shown) in addition to the motor 1 and the engine 2. The vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention may also be a so-called range extender EV (or a series type hybrid vehicle) that includes a generator (not shown) in addition to the motor 1 and a dedicated engine (not shown) that drives the generator.

[0013] The motor 1 is, for example, a permanent magnet synchronous motor or an induction motor. The motor 1 has at least a function as a prime mover that is driven by power supply and outputs torque. The motor 1 may also function as a generator that generates power by receiving torque from the outside and being driven. That is, the motor 1 may be a so-called motor-generator that combines a function as a prime mover and a function as a generator. A battery 4, which will be described later, is connected to the motor 1 via an inverter (not shown). Therefore, the motor 1 can be made to function as a prime mover by supplying power stored in the battery 4 to the motor 1, and output driving torque. The motor 1 can also be made to function as a generator by the torque transmitted from the drive wheels 3, and the regenerative power generated at that time can be stored in the battery 4. The output speed and output torque of the motor 1 are electrically controlled by a controller 7, which will be described later. If the motor 1 is a motor-generator, the switching between the function as a prime mover and the function as a generator as described above is electrically controlled.

[0014] The engine 2 is an internal combustion engine using liquid fuel, such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine. The engine 2 is configured so that the adjustment of the output and the operating state such as starting and stopping are electrically controlled. In the case of a gasoline engine, the opening degree of the throttle valve, the supply amount or injection amount of fuel, the execution and stop of ignition, and the ignition timing are electrically controlled. In the case of a diesel engine, the injection amount of fuel, the injection timing of fuel, or the opening degree of the throttle valve in the EGR system are electrically controlled. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the engine 2, as a driving power source of the vehicle Ve, i.e., a plug-in hybrid vehicle, generates power for running the vehicle Ve together with the motor 1.

[0015] The drive wheels 3 generate a drive force for the vehicle Ve by transmitting a drive torque output from a drive force source. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive wheels 3 are connected to the drive force source, i.e., the motor 1 and the engine 2, via a reduction gear 8, a differential gear 9, and a drive shaft 10. Note that the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention may be a front-wheel drive vehicle in which the drive torque is transmitted to the front wheels and the drive force is generated at the front wheels, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be a rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the drive torque is transmitted to the rear wheels, for example, via a propeller shaft (not shown), and the like, and the drive force is generated at the rear wheels. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be a four-wheel drive vehicle in which a transfer mechanism (not shown) is provided to transmit the drive torque to both the front and rear wheels and the drive force is generated at both the front and rear wheels.

[0016] The battery 4 is a secondary battery that supplies power to the motor 1 and stores the power generated by the motor 1, and is electrically connected to the motor 1 via an inverter (not shown) so as to be able to receive and send power to the motor 1. Therefore, the battery 4 can be charged with the power generated by the motor 1. Furthermore, the battery 4 in this embodiment of the invention is configured so as to be able to be charged by an external power source via a charger (not shown) and a charging circuit (not shown) or the like.

[0017] The combustion heater 5 shares fuel with the engine 2 and burns the fuel to generate combustion heat. Specifically, the combustion heater 5 has the same configuration as the combustion heater described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, and is operated, for example, in cold weather to promote warming up of the engine 2 with the generated combustion heat. It also improves the startability of the engine 2. The combustion heater 5 also supplies air warmed by the generated combustion heat to the vehicle interior, improving the heating performance of the vehicle Ve.

[0018] The detection unit 6 is a device or apparatus for acquiring various data and information required for controlling the vehicle Ve, and includes, for example, a power supply unit, a microcomputer, a sensor, and an input / output interface. In particular, the detection unit 6 in the embodiment of the present invention mainly detects data for controlling the motor 1 (and the battery 4), the engine 2, and the combustion heater 5. Specifically, the detection unit 6 has various sensors and devices such as a vehicle speed sensor (or a wheel speed sensor) 6a for detecting the vehicle speed, a motor rotation speed sensor (or a resolver) 6b for detecting the rotation speed of the motor 1, an engine rotation speed sensor 6c for detecting the rotation speed of the engine 2, a heater sensor 6d for detecting the operating state of the combustion heater 5 (heater ON / OFF, temperature, etc.), a timer 6e for detecting the elapsed time after the use of the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5, respectively, a GPS [Global Positioning System] receiver 6f for acquiring position information of the vehicle Ve, and an in-vehicle camera 6g for acquiring image information related to the external situation of the vehicle Ve. The detection unit 6 is electrically connected to a controller 7 described later, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detected values ​​or calculated values ​​of the various sensors, devices, and apparatuses described above to the controller 7 as detection data.

[0019] The controller 7 is, for example, an electronic control device mainly composed of a microcomputer, and in particular, the controller 7 in the embodiment of the present invention mainly controls the operation of the motor 1 (and the battery 4), the engine 2, and the combustion heater 5. Various data detected or calculated by the above-mentioned detection unit 6 is input to the controller 7. The controller 7 performs calculations using the various input data and pre-stored data, calculation formulas, and the like. The controller 7 then outputs the calculation results as control command signals, and is configured to control the operation of the motor 1, the engine 2, and the combustion heater 5, as described above. Note that, although an example in which one controller 7 is provided is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of controllers 7 may be provided for each device or equipment to be controlled, or for each control content.

[0020] As described above, the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention is configured to automatically operate the combustion heater 5 based on the usage history or driving history of the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5, for the purpose of preventing fuel deterioration or alteration without causing discomfort to the driver or passengers. An example of the control executed by the controller 7 for this purpose is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0021] In the flowchart of FIG. 2, first, in step S1, it is determined whether a certain period (predetermined period T1) has passed since the previous use of the engine 2, i.e., since the last time the engine 2 was used. The predetermined period T1 is set appropriately taking into consideration the time it takes for the deterioration and alteration of the fuel used in the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5 to progress. For example, the predetermined period T1 is set to an appropriate period that will not cause any problems when operating the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5 after a long period of time has passed. In other words, it is set to an appropriate period within a range in which the deterioration and alteration of the fuel will not progress to the extent that would cause any problems in the operation of the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5.

[0022] If the answer to this step S1 is negative because a certain period (predetermined period T1) has not yet elapsed since the last time the engine 2 was used, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0023] In step S2, it is determined whether a certain period (predetermined period T2) has elapsed since the previous use of the combustion heater 5, that is, since the last use of the combustion heater 5. The predetermined period T2 is appropriately set in consideration of the time it takes for the deterioration or alteration of the fuel used in the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5 to progress, similar to the above-mentioned predetermined period T1. For example, the predetermined period T2 is set to an appropriate period that does not cause any trouble when operating the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5 after a long period of time has elapsed. In other words, it is set to an appropriate period within a range in which the deterioration or alteration of the fuel does not progress to the extent that it causes any trouble in the operation of the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5. The above-mentioned predetermined periods T1 and T2 may be the same period. Alternatively, the predetermined periods T1 and T2 may be set individually in consideration of the state of the fuel supplied to the engine 2 and the state of the fuel supplied to the combustion heater 5, respectively.

[0024] If a negative determination is made in step S2 because a certain period (predetermined period T2) has not yet elapsed since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is terminated without executing any further control.

[0025] On the other hand, if the answer to step S2 is YES because a certain period of time (predetermined period T2) has elapsed since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0026] In step S3, the combustion heater 5 is operated while the vehicle Ve is running. If the vehicle Ve is currently running, the combustion heater 5 continues to be operated. If the vehicle Ve is currently stopped, the combustion heater 5 will be operated the next time the vehicle Ve runs. That is, while the vehicle Ve is running, the combustion heater 5 is operated to consume a predetermined amount of fuel. By operating the combustion heater 5, for example, a predetermined amount of fuel in a fuel tank (not shown) is consumed. Alternatively, a predetermined amount of fuel that is in a state that is easily deteriorated, such as fuel that is accumulated midway in a fuel pipe, a valve body, etc., is consumed. Then, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is temporarily terminated.

[0027] On the other hand, if the answer to the above step S1 is YES because a certain period (predetermined period T1) has elapsed since the last time the engine 2 was used, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0028] In step S4, it is determined whether a certain period (predetermined period T3) has elapsed since the previous use of the combustion heater 5, that is, since the last use of the combustion heater 5. The predetermined period T3 is appropriately set in consideration of the time it takes for the deterioration or alteration of the fuel used in the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5 to progress, similar to the above-mentioned predetermined periods T1 and T2. For example, the predetermined period T3 is set to an appropriate period that does not cause any trouble when operating the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5 after a long period of time has elapsed. In other words, it is set to an appropriate period within a range in which the deterioration or alteration of the fuel does not progress to the extent that it causes any trouble in the operation of the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5. The above-mentioned predetermined periods T1, T2, and the predetermined period T3 may be the same period. Alternatively, the predetermined period T1, the predetermined period T2, and the predetermined period T3 may be set individually, taking into consideration the state of the fuel supplied to the engine 2 and the state of the fuel supplied to the combustion heater 5, respectively.

[0029] If a negative determination is made in step S4 because a certain period (predetermined period T3) has not yet elapsed since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is temporarily terminated without executing any further control.

[0030] On the other hand, if a certain period (predetermined period T3) has elapsed since the last use of the combustion heater 5 and the answer is affirmative in step S4, the process proceeds to step S3 and the same control as before is executed. That is, while the vehicle Ve is traveling, the combustion heater 5 is automatically operated and a predetermined amount of fuel is consumed. Then, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is temporarily terminated.

[0031] In this way, the control device for an electric vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention operates the combustion heater 5 based on the use history or operation history of the engine 2 and the combustion heater 5. Specifically, when a predetermined period (predetermined period T2 or T3) has elapsed since the last use of the combustion heater 5, the combustion heater 5 is operated while the vehicle Ve is traveling to consume a predetermined amount of fuel. Therefore, before the fuel deteriorates or changes in quality, the combustion heater 5 is automatically operated almost periodically to consume the fuel. Then, when the combustion heater 5 is automatically (or forcibly) operated, the combustion heater 5 is started while the vehicle Ve is traveling. That is, in order to prevent deterioration or change in quality of the fuel, the engine 2 is not started against the driver's intention or in a state that the driver or passenger does not expect. Therefore, according to the control device for an electric vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention, even if the fuel of the engine 2 has not been used for a long period of time, deterioration or change in quality of the fuel can be appropriately prevented without giving a sense of discomfort to the driver or passenger.

[0032] In the control device for an electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the combustion heater 5 is automatically (forcibly) operated as described above, the heating efficiency of the combustion heater 5 may be changed in consideration of the interior temperature of the vehicle Ve. For example, when the difference between the set temperature of the heating (air conditioner) in the vehicle interior and the actual interior temperature is less than a predetermined value, or when the actual interior temperature is already higher than the set temperature, or when heating of the vehicle interior is not required in summer, the heating efficiency of the combustion heater 5 is reduced. Specifically, for example, the rotation speed of the heating blower fan is reduced. Or, the air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to the combustion heater 5 is increased. That is, the ratio of fuel in the mixture is reduced. Or, the combustion heat of the combustion heater 5 is absorbed by a water-cooled cooler or the like. This makes it possible to prevent the temperature in the vehicle interior from rising more than necessary when the combustion heater 5 is automatically operated in a state in which heating of the vehicle interior is not required.

[0033] In addition, in the control device for an electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, when the vehicle Ve is parked in a place that is not an enclosed space such as outdoors, that is, when the vehicle Ve is parked in a place where it is not necessary to ventilate the exhaust gas of the vehicle Ve, the combustion heater 5 may be operated to prevent deterioration or alteration of the fuel. A specific example of the control executed by the controller 7 in such a case is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3. The control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed when the vehicle Ve is parked, that is, when the vehicle Ve is stopped and in a READY-OFF (power switch is OFF) state. The control contents of steps S11, S12, S15, and S14 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 are the same as the control contents of steps S1, S2, S3, and S4 in the flowchart of FIG. 2, respectively.

[0034] In the flowchart of FIG. 3, first, in step S11, it is determined whether or not a certain period (predetermined period T1) has elapsed since the previous use of the engine 2, that is, since the last time the engine 2 was used.

[0035] If the answer to this step S11 is NO because a certain period (predetermined period T1) has not yet elapsed since the last time the engine 2 was used, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0036] In step S12, it is determined whether or not a certain period of time (predetermined period of time T2) has elapsed since the previous use of the combustion heater 5, that is, since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used.

[0037] If a negative determination is made in step S12 because a certain period (predetermined period T2) has not yet elapsed since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is temporarily terminated without executing any further control.

[0038] On the other hand, if the answer to step S12 is YES because a certain period of time (predetermined period T2) has elapsed since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0039] Moreover, if the answer to the above step S11 is YES because a certain period (predetermined period T1) has elapsed since the last time the engine 2 was used, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0040] In step S14, it is determined whether or not a certain period of time (predetermined period of time T3) has elapsed since the previous use of the combustion heater 5, that is, since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used.

[0041] If a negative determination is made in step S14 because a certain period (predetermined period T3) has not yet elapsed since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is temporarily terminated without executing any further control.

[0042] On the other hand, if a certain period (predetermined period T3) has elapsed since the last time the combustion heater 5 was used and therefore the answer is affirmative in step S14, the process proceeds to step S13, just as in the case where the answer is affirmative in step S12 described above.

[0043] In step S13, it is determined whether the parking lot is not an enclosed space. That is, it is determined whether the place where the vehicle Ve is parked is a place where the exhaust gas of the vehicle Ve does not need to be ventilated. For example, the current parking location of the vehicle Ve is determined based on the position information of the vehicle Ve acquired by the GPS receiver 6f. Alternatively, the current parking location of the vehicle Ve is determined based on information on the external conditions around the vehicle Ve acquired by the on-board camera 6g.

[0044] If the vehicle Ve is parked in an enclosed space and therefore the answer to this question in step S13 is negative, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0045] In step S15, while the vehicle Ve is running, the combustion heater 5 is automatically operated and a predetermined amount of fuel is consumed. That is, from now on, after the vehicle Ve starts running, the combustion heater 5 is operated. Then, after that, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is temporarily ended.

[0046] On the other hand, if the vehicle Ve is parked in a place other than an enclosed space, such as outdoors, and thus the answer to step S13 is YES, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0047] In step S16, the state is automatically changed from READY-OFF to READY-ON, the combustion heater 5 is automatically operated, and a predetermined amount of fuel is consumed. Then, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is temporarily ended.

[0048] In this way, in the control device for an electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, when it is confirmed that the vehicle Ve is parked in a place that is not an enclosed space, the combustion heater 5 is automatically started (even if there is no one in the vehicle) and a predetermined amount of fuel is consumed. Therefore, when there is no driver or passenger in the vehicle cabin, the fuel to prevent deterioration or alteration of the fuel can be consumed. For example, when heating the vehicle cabin is not required in summer, the combustion heater 5 can be prevented from being operated to prevent deterioration or alteration of the fuel. Therefore, according to the control device for an electric vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, even if the fuel for the engine 2 has not been used for a long period of time, the deterioration or alteration of the fuel can be appropriately prevented without causing discomfort to the driver or passenger. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Motor (MG; driving force source) 2 Engine (ENG; internal combustion engine) 3 Drive wheels 4 Battery (BAT) 5 Combustion heater 6. Detection section 6a (detection section) vehicle speed sensor (or wheel speed sensor) 6b (detection section) motor revolution sensor (or resolver) 6c (detection section) engine speed sensor 6d (detection part) heater sensor 6e (detector) timer 6f (detection section) GPS receiver 6g (detection part) vehicle-mounted camera 7 Controller (ECU) 8 Reduction Gear 9 Differential Gear 10 Drive shaft Ve vehicle (electric vehicle)

Claims

[Claim 1] A control device for an electric vehicle including a motor as a driving force source, a battery that supplies power to the motor and can be charged from an external power source, an internal combustion engine that generates power for at least traveling or generating electricity, a combustion heater that burns fuel for the internal combustion engine to generate combustion heat, and a controller that controls the operation of the motor, the operation of the internal combustion engine, and the operation of the combustion heater, The controller: Based on the usage history of the internal combustion engine and the combustion heater, when a predetermined period of time has passed since the combustion heater was used, the combustion heater is operated while the electric vehicle is traveling. A control device for an electric vehicle.

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