Support System

Abstract

A display control device in this support system comprises: a charge light-up number determination unit that, where a state of charge from the maximum state of charge of a driving battery to a charging threshold is divided into a plurality of segments, determines a charge light-up number that corresponds to the state of charge; an output light-up number determination unit that, where a requested output from an output that can be output to an output threshold is divided into a plurality of segments, determines an output light-up number that corresponds to a difference; and a light-up number instruction unit that, if an EV prioritization mode is selected, instructs a display device to light up the segments of the smaller number between the charge light-up number and the output light-up number.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assistance system that assists a hybrid vehicle in continuing EV driving. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control device for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine and a drive motor that receives power from a power storage device to generate vehicle drive force. This vehicle control device includes a detection unit for detecting the remaining capacity of the power storage device, and a control unit for selecting one of the following driving modes: a first mode for prioritizing motor driving using the drive motor with the internal combustion engine stopped, and a second mode for forcibly prioritizing hybrid driving using the internal combustion engine and the drive motor regardless of the selected driving mode when the remaining capacity falls below a first threshold value.

[0003] The vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is also provided with a display device for displaying the remaining capacity. The display device indicates which of a plurality of stages the remaining capacity is at by the presence or absence of lighting of each of a plurality of segments that can be lit, which correspond to the lower limit value to the upper limit value of the remaining capacity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5516027 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the output required by the user exceeds a predetermined threshold (output threshold), the internal combustion engine starts even if the remaining capacity of the power storage device is sufficient, and motor running (EV running) cannot be continued.

[0006] Therefore, simply displaying which of multiple remaining capacity stages the remaining capacity is at based on whether or not each of the multiple segments that can be lit, which correspond to the lower limit to the upper limit of the remaining capacity, is lit, is not enough to assist in continued EV driving (it is not possible to extend the EV driving distance).

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an assistance system that can assist in continuing EV driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) An assistance system according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is capable of selecting an EV priority mode that prioritizes EV driving, in which the vehicle is driven with the engine stopped, over engine driving, in which the vehicle is driven with the engine operating, and even when the EV priority mode is selected, the system supports continuation of EV driving of a hybrid vehicle by starting the engine when the charging rate of a drive battery falls below a predetermined charging threshold or when a user's required output is equal to or higher than a predetermined output threshold, the assistance system including an EV priority mode selection device for selecting the EV priority mode, a charging rate detection device for detecting the charging rate, a required output detection device for detecting the required output, and a display control device, and when the EV priority mode is selected, a display control device displays a display of a plurality of segments arranged in a row in response to an instruction from the display control device. and a display device that displays a display of the above-mentioned. The display control device has: a charge lighting number determination unit that allocates the charging rates from a maximum charging rate of the driving battery to the charging threshold to the multiple segments so that the charging rate corresponds to the number of segments that are lit up, and determines the number of charging lights that corresponds to the charging rate; an output lighting number determination unit that allocates the required output from the available output to the output threshold to the multiple segments so that the difference between the available output and the required output corresponds to the number of segments that are lit up, and determines the number of output lights that corresponds to the difference; and a lighting number instruction unit that instructs the display device to light up the smallest number of segments out of the charging lighting number or the output lighting number when the EV priority mode is selected.

[0009] According to the configuration of (1) above, when the EV priority mode is selected, the smallest number of segments out of the number of charging lights or the number of output lights is lit, so that the user can avoid sudden accelerator pedal operation while watching the number of segments lit (number of lights off), and can continue EV driving by prioritizing regenerative braking operation over brake pedal operation (support for continued EV driving).

[0010] (2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) above, a charge mode selection device is provided that enables selection of a charge mode in which electricity generated by the engine is charged to a drive battery, and the number-of-lights indication unit instructs the display device to light up the number of charging light segments when the charge mode is selected.

[0011] According to the above configuration (2), when the charge mode is selected, the segments corresponding to the number of charging lights are lit, thereby allowing the user to visually recognize the charging rate of the driving battery.

[0012] (3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above, when the EV priority mode is selected and the EV driving is possible, the display device turns on an EV display in response to an instruction from the display control device, and when the EV driving is not possible, the display device turns off the EV display in response to an instruction from the display control device.

[0013] According to the above configuration (3), the lighting of the EV display allows the user to recognize that EV driving is possible, and the turning off of the EV display allows the user to recognize that EV driving is not possible (engine driving will be performed). Furthermore, the turning off of the EV display allows the user to recognize that electricity generated by the engine is being charged into the drive battery in order to return from engine driving to EV driving, and that the drive battery is being charged by regenerative braking. This allows the user to be encouraged to avoid abrupt accelerator pedal operation and to prioritize regenerative braking operation over brake pedal operation in order to return from engine driving to EV driving. Furthermore, when returning from engine driving to EV driving, the EV display changes from off to on, so the user can visually recognize the timing of returning from engine driving to EV driving.

[0014] (4) In some embodiments, in any one of the configurations (1) to (3) above, the plurality of segments includes a full charge indication segment that lights up when the charging rate of the driving battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined full charge rate.

[0015] According to the above configuration (4), the user can visually recognize whether the charging rate of the driving battery is equal to or higher than the full charging rate.

[0016] (5) In some embodiments, in any one of the configurations (1) to (5) above, the assistance system is an assistance system that starts the engine when the negative pressure of a brake booster becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined negative pressure threshold, and includes a negative pressure detection device that detects the negative pressure, and a negative pressure lighting number determination unit that allocates the negative pressure from a maximum negative pressure stored in the brake booster to the negative pressure threshold to the multiple segments so that the negative pressure corresponds to the number of segments that are lit, and determines the negative pressure lighting number corresponding to the negative pressure, and when the EV priority mode is selected, the lighting number instruction unit instructs the display device to light up the smallest number of segments among the charging lighting number, the negative pressure lighting number, or the output lighting number.

[0017] According to the configuration of (5) above, when the EV priority mode is selected, the smallest number of segments out of the number of charging segments, the number of negative pressure segments, or the number of output segments is lit. Therefore, the user can continue EV driving by avoiding sudden accelerator pedal operation while checking the number of segments lit (number of segments turned off) and prioritizing regenerative braking operation over brake pedal operation.

[0018] (6) In some embodiments, in any one of the configurations (1) to (5) above, the display device displays a SOC meter that displays the charging rate of the drive battery.

[0019] The above feature (6) allows the user to visually recognize the charging rate of the drive battery and how much time remains before the engine starts. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to continue EV driving (support for continued EV driving). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a support system according to first and second embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the operation of the support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the operation of the support system according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a support system according to third and fourth embodiments. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the operation of the support system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device shown in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as the embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0023] [Embodiment 1] [Hybrid vehicle overview] The automobile in which the assistance system according to the first embodiment is mounted is a hybrid automobile using an engine and a motor as power sources, and is capable of engine running with the engine in operation and EV running with the engine stopped. The hybrid automobile is, for example, a plug-in hybrid automobile (PHEV, PHV) that can be charged from an external power source by external charging or can supply power to an external device, but is not limited to a plug-in hybrid automobile.

[0024] Furthermore, the hybrid vehicle according to the first embodiment is capable of selecting an EV priority mode that prioritizes EV driving over engine driving, and is configured to start the engine even when the EV priority mode is selected when the charging rate (SOC (State Of Charge)) of the drive battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined charging threshold, the negative pressure of the brake booster is equal to or lower than a predetermined negative pressure threshold, or the user's required output is equal to or higher than a predetermined output threshold.

[0025] Furthermore, the hybrid vehicle according to the first embodiment is configured to stop the engine when the charging rate of the drive battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined engine stop charging threshold, the negative pressure of the brake booster is equal to or higher than a predetermined engine stop negative pressure threshold, and the user's required output is equal to or lower than an output threshold. The engine stop charging threshold is set arbitrarily within a range of equal to or lower than the maximum charging rate of the drive battery and equal to or higher than the charging threshold, and the engine stop negative pressure threshold is set arbitrarily within a range of equal to or lower than the maximum negative pressure stored in the brake booster and equal to or higher than the negative pressure threshold.

[0026] [Support system configuration] The assistance system 1A according to the first embodiment is a system that assists in continuing EV driving, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes an EV priority mode selection device 10 for selecting an EV priority mode, a charging rate detection device 12 for detecting the charging rate of a drive battery, a negative pressure detection device 16 for detecting the negative pressure of a brake booster 14, a required output detection device 18 for detecting the user's required output, a display control device 20, and a display device 22 that displays a plurality of segments SG1 to SG3 arranged in a row in response to an instruction from the display control device 20 when the EV priority mode is selected.

[0027] The EV priority mode selection device 10 is, for example, configured with an EV mode selector switch 26 provided adjacent to the selector lever 24, and the EV priority mode is selected by selecting the EV priority mode. The charging rate detection device 12 is, for example, configured with a battery management system (not shown) provided in the drive battery. The negative pressure detection device 16 is, for example, configured with a pressure sensor 28 provided in the brake booster 14. The required output detection device 18 is, for example, configured with an accelerator pedal position sensor 32 that detects the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 30. The display device 22 is, for example, configured with a multi-information display 34 provided in the meter. The display control device 20 is, for example, configured with a processor (not shown) including a calculation device, a register for storing instructions and information, and peripheral circuits, memories (not shown) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output interface (not shown). 2, for example, a SOC meter SM that displays the charging rate of the drive battery is displayed on the display device 22, and when the EV priority mode is selected, a number of segments SG1-SG3 aligned in a row are displayed alongside the SOC meter SM, but display of the SOC meter SM is optional and not essential. Also, the number of segments SG1-SG3 aligned in a row is, for example, three segments SG1-SG3 aligned horizontally, but the number of segments SG1-SG3 is not limited to three.

[0028] [Detailed configuration of the display control device 20] As shown in FIG. 1, the display control device 20 includes a charge lighting number determination unit 36, a negative pressure lighting number determination unit 38, an output lighting number determination unit 40, and a lighting number instruction unit .

[0029] A charging rate ranging from the maximum charging rate of the drive battery to a charging threshold at which the engine starts is assigned to each of the multiple segments SG1 to SG3, and a charging light number determination unit 36 ​​determines the number of lights (hereinafter referred to as the "charging light number") that corresponds to the charging rate of the drive battery.

[0030] In addition, negative pressures ranging from the maximum negative pressure stored in the brake booster 14 to the negative pressure threshold at which the engine starts are assigned to the multiple segments SG1 to SG3, and a negative pressure lighting number determination unit 38 determines the number of lights corresponding to the negative pressure of the brake booster 14 (hereinafter referred to as the "negative pressure lighting number").

[0031] In addition, the multiple segments SG1 to SG3 are assigned required outputs ranging from the output that can be output with the engine stopped to the output threshold at which the engine starts, and the output lighting number determination unit 40 determines the number of lights (hereinafter referred to as the "output lighting number") corresponding to the difference between the output that can be output with the engine stopped and the required output.

[0032] When the EV priority mode is selected by the EV priority mode selection device 10, the lighting number instruction unit 42 instructs the display device 22 to light up the smallest number of segments SG1 to SG3 among the charging lighting number determined by the charging lighting number determination unit 36, the negative pressure lighting number determined by the negative pressure lighting number determination unit 38, or the output lighting number determined by the output lighting number determination unit 40.

[0033] [Operation of Support System 1A] As shown in FIG. 3, in the assistance system 1A according to the first embodiment, when the EV priority mode is selected by the EV priority mode selection device 10 (EV priority mode ON) (step S11: Yes), a plurality of segments SG1 to SG3 arranged in a row are displayed on the display device 22 in response to an instruction from the display control device 20 (step S12).

[0034] Next, the charging light number determination unit 36 ​​determines the charging light number corresponding to the charging rate of the driving battery based on the charging rate of the driving battery detected by the charging rate detection unit (step S13). Next, the negative pressure light number determination unit 38 determines the negative pressure light number corresponding to the negative pressure of the brake booster 14 based on the negative pressure of the brake booster 14 detected by the negative pressure detection device 16 (step S14). Next, the output light number determination unit 40 calculates the difference between the output that can be output with the engine stopped and the user's required output based on the user's required output detected by the required output detection device 18, and determines the output light number corresponding to this difference (step S15).

[0035] Next, the lighting number designation unit 42 instructs the display device 22 to light up the number of segments SG1 to SG3 that is the smallest among the charging lighting number determined by the charging lighting number determination unit 36, the negative pressure lighting number determined by the negative pressure lighting number determination unit 38, or the output lighting number determined by the output lighting determination unit (step S16). As a result, the display device 22 lights up the number of segments SG1 to SG3 designated by the lighting number designation unit 42 (display control device 20). Thereafter, steps S13 to S17 are repeated until the EV priority mode is canceled (EV priority mode is turned OFF) by the EV priority mode selection device 10.

[0036] On the other hand, when the EV priority mode is canceled (EV priority mode is turned OFF) by the EV priority mode selection device 10 (step S17: Yes), the multiple segments SG1 to SG4 displayed on the display device 22 are hidden by instructions from the display control device 20 until the EV priority mode is selected again (step S18).

[0037] In the assistance system 1A according to the first embodiment, when the EV priority mode is selected and EV driving is possible, the driving battery may be charged by regenerative braking operation, but during EV driving, the charging light number determination unit 36 ​​may limit the charging light number from increasing. Also, when the EV priority mode is selected and EV driving is impossible (engine driving), the electricity charged in the driving battery may be consumed by accelerator pedal operation, but during engine driving, the charging light number determination unit 36 ​​may limit the charging light number from decreasing. Similarly, the negative pressure of the brake booster 14 may be consumed by brake pedal operation, but during engine driving, the negative pressure light number determination unit 38 may limit the negative pressure light number from decreasing.

[0038] [Effects of Support System 1A] According to the assistance system 1A of embodiment 1, when the EV priority mode is selected, the smallest number of segments SG1 to SG3 among the number of charging lights, the number of negative pressure lights, or the number of output lights is lit, so that the user can avoid sudden accelerator pedal operation while watching the number of segments lit (number of lights off), and can ensure continued EV driving by prioritizing regenerative braking operation over brake pedal operation (support for continued EV driving).

[0039] [Embodiment 2] [Support system configuration] In the assistance system 1B according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 1), when the EV priority mode is selected and EV driving is possible, the display device 22 turns on the EV display EG in response to an instruction from the display control device 20, whereas when EV driving is impossible, the display device 22 turns off the EV display EG in response to an instruction from the display control device 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the EV display EG is, for example, a framed version of the character "EV", and is configured to fill in and illuminate the character EV when the EV display EG is turned on. In addition, in the assistance system 1B according to the second embodiment, when the EV priority mode is selected and EV driving is possible, the display device 22 may display the character "EV driving in progress" in response to an instruction from the display control device 20, whereas when EV driving is impossible, the display device 22 may display the character "Waiting" in response to an instruction from the display control device 20. In addition, in the assistance system 1B according to the second embodiment, when the EV priority mode is selected and EV driving is possible, the display device 22 may change the lighting color of the multiple segments SG1 to SG3 aligned in a row to one lighting color (e.g., green) in response to an instruction from the display control device 20, while when EV driving is not possible, the display device 22 may change the lighting color of the multiple segments SG1 to SG3 aligned in a row to another lighting color (e.g., orange) in response to an instruction from the display control device 20. The other configurations are the same as those of the assistance system 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0040] [Operation of Support System 1B] As shown in FIG. 4, in the assistance system 1B of embodiment 2, when the EV priority mode is selected by the EV priority mode selection device 10 (EV priority mode ON) (step S21: Yes), the EV display EG is displayed on the display device 22 in response to an instruction from the display control device 20 (step S22).

[0041] Next, it is determined whether EV driving is possible (step S23). If EV driving is possible (step S23: Yes), that is, if the charging rate of the drive battery exceeds the charging threshold, the negative pressure of the brake booster 14 exceeds the negative pressure threshold, and the user's required output is less than the output threshold, the EV display EG is turned on (step S24). On the other hand, if EV driving is not possible (step S23: No), that is, if the charging rate of the drive battery is equal to or lower than the charging threshold, the negative pressure of the brake booster 14 is equal to or lower than the negative pressure threshold, or the user's required output is equal to or higher than the output threshold, the EV display EG is turned off (step S25). Thereafter, steps S23 to S26 are repeated until the EV priority mode selection device 10 cancels the EV priority mode (the EV priority mode is turned off).

[0042] On the other hand, when the EV priority mode is cancelled (EV priority mode is turned OFF) by the EV priority mode selection device 10 (step S26: Yes), the EV display EG displayed on the display device 22 is hidden by an instruction from the display control device 20 until the EV priority mode is selected again (step S27). The other operations are the same as those of the assistance system 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0043] [Effects of Support System 1B] According to the assistance system 1B of the second embodiment, the lighting of the EV display EG allows the user to recognize that EV driving is possible, and the turning off of the EV display EG allows the user to recognize that EV driving is not possible (engine driving will be performed). Furthermore, the turning off of the EV display EG allows the user to recognize that electricity generated by the engine is being charged in the driving battery in order to return from engine driving to EV driving, and that the driving battery is being charged by regenerative braking. This allows the user to be prompted to avoid abrupt accelerator pedal operation and to prioritize regenerative braking operation over brake pedal operation in order to return from engine driving to EV driving. Furthermore, when returning from engine driving to EV driving, the EV display EG changes from off to on, so the user can visually recognize the timing of returning from engine driving to EV driving.

[0044] [Embodiment 3] [Support system configuration] As shown in Fig. 5, the assistance system 1C according to the third embodiment includes a charge mode selection device 44 that enables selection of a charge mode in which electricity generated by the engine is charged to the drive battery. The charge mode selection device 44 is configured, for example, with an EV mode selector switch 26 provided at a position adjacent to the selector lever 24. In addition, in the assistance system 1C according to the third embodiment, when the charge mode is selected by the charge mode selection device 44, the lighting number instruction unit 42 instructs the display device 22 to light up the charging lighting number of segments SG1 to SG3 determined by the charging lighting number determination unit 36. The other configurations are the same as those of the assistance system 1A or 1B according to the first or second embodiment.

[0045] [Operation of Support System 1C] As shown in FIG. 6, in the support system 1C of embodiment 3, when the charge mode is selected by the charge mode selection device 44 (charge mode ON) (step A31: Yes), a plurality of segments SG1 to SG3 arranged in a row are displayed on the display device 22 in response to an instruction from the display control device 20 (step S32: Yes).

[0046] Next, the charging light number determination unit 36 ​​determines the charging light number corresponding to the charging rate of the driving battery based on the charging rate of the driving battery detected by the charging rate detection unit (step S33). Next, the lighting number instruction unit 42 instructs the display device 22 to light the charging light number determined by the charging light number determination unit 36 ​​(step S34). As a result, the display device 22 lights up the number of segments SG1 to SG3 instructed by the lighting number instruction unit 42 (display control device 20). Thereafter, steps S33 to S35 are repeated until the charge mode selection device 44 cancels the charge mode (the charge mode is turned OFF) (step S35: Yes).

[0047] On the other hand, when the charge mode is cancelled (the charge mode is turned OFF) by the charge mode selection device 44, the multiple segments SG1 to SG3 displayed on the display device 22 are hidden until the charge mode is selected again in response to an instruction from the display control device 20. Other operations are the same as those of the support system 1A or 1B according to the first or second embodiment.

[0048] [Effects of Support System 1C] According to the support system 1C of the third embodiment, when the charge mode is selected, the segments SG1 to SG3 corresponding to the number of charging lights are lit, so that the user can visually recognize the charging rate of the driving battery.

[0049] [Embodiment 4] [Support system configuration] As shown in FIG. 7, in the support system 1D according to the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 5), the multiple segments SG1 to SG4 are configured by four segments SG1 to SG4 aligned horizontally, and include a segment SG4 for full charge display that lights up when the charging rate of the drive battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined full charge rate. The full charge rate is a charging rate that is considered to be full charge, and is equal to or lower than the maximum charging rate. When charging rates are assigned to the three segments SG1 to SG3 from the left among the four segments SG1 to SG4 aligned horizontally, a charging rate equal to or higher than the minimum charging rate assigned to at least the third segment SG3 is set. When the support system 1D is configured by four segments SG1 to SG4 aligned horizontally, the segment SG4 for full charge display is the first segment SG4 from the right. The other configurations are the same as those of any of the support systems 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the first to third embodiments.

[0050] [Operation of Support System 1D] In the assistance system 1D of embodiment 4, for example, when the charge mode is selected by the charge mode selection device 44 and the charge rate of the driving battery detected by the charge rate detection device 12 becomes equal to or higher than full charge due to engine operation, the segment SG4 for indicating full charge is lit up by an instruction from the display control device 20.

[0051] Also, for example, if the hybrid vehicle is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the driving battery is charged from an external power source by external charging, and when the charging rate of the driving battery detected by the charging rate detection device 12 becomes full charge or higher, the segment SG4 for displaying full charge is lit up in response to an instruction from the display control device 20. Other operations are the same as those of any of the assistance systems 1A, 1B, and 1C according to the first to third embodiments.

[0052] [Effects of 1D Support System] According to the support system 1D of the fourth embodiment, the user can visually recognize whether the charging rate of the driving battery is equal to or higher than the full charging rate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Support System 10 EV priority mode selection device 12 Charge rate detection device 14 Brake booster 16 Negative pressure detection device 18 Required power detection device 20 Display control device 22 Display device 24 Selector lever 26 EV mode selector switch 28 Pressure Sensor 30 Accelerator pedal 32 Accelerator pedal position sensor 34 Multi-information display 36 Charging light number determination unit 38 Negative pressure lighting number determination unit 40 Output lighting number determination section 42 Light count indicator 44 Charge mode selection device SG1~SG3,SG4 segments SM SOC Meter EG EV display

Claims

1. An EV priority mode is selectable, which prioritizes EV driving in which the vehicle runs with the engine stopped over engine driving in which the vehicle runs with the engine running, An assistance system that assists in continuing EV driving of a hybrid vehicle that starts the engine when a charging rate of a drive battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined charging threshold or when a user's required output is equal to or higher than a predetermined output threshold even when the EV priority mode is selected, an EV priority mode selection device for selecting the EV priority mode; A charging rate detection device for detecting the charging rate; a demand output detection device for detecting the demand output; A display control device; a display device that displays a plurality of segments arranged in a line in response to an instruction from the display control device when the EV priority mode is selected; Equipped with The display control device includes: a charging light number determination unit that allocates the charging rates from a maximum charging rate of the driving battery to the charging threshold value to the plurality of segments such that the charging rates correspond to the number of segments that are turned on, determines the number of charging lights corresponding to the charging rates, and then limits the number of charging lights not to increase during EV driving; an output lighting number determination unit that allocates the required output ranging from the available output to the output threshold to the plurality of segments such that a difference between the available output and the required output in a state where the engine is stopped corresponds to the number of the segments that are lit, and determines the number of output lighting corresponding to the difference; and a lighting number instruction unit that, when the EV priority mode is selected, instructs the display device to light up the smallest number of segments among the charging lighting number or the output lighting number.

2. An EV priority mode is selectable, which prioritizes EV driving in which the vehicle runs with the engine stopped over engine driving in which the vehicle runs with the engine running, An assistance system that assists in continuing EV driving of a hybrid vehicle that starts the engine when a charging rate of a drive battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined charging threshold or when a user's required output is equal to or higher than a predetermined output threshold even when the EV priority mode is selected, an EV priority mode selection device for selecting the EV priority mode; A charging rate detection device for detecting the charging rate; a demand output detection device for detecting the demand output; A display control device; a display device that displays a plurality of segments arranged in a line in response to an instruction from the display control device when the EV priority mode is selected; a charge mode selection device that enables selection of a charge mode in which electricity generated by the engine is charged to a drive battery, The display control device includes: a charging lighting number determination unit that determines a charging rate corresponding to the charging rate by allocating the charging rates from a maximum charging rate of the driving battery to the charging threshold to the plurality of segments such that the charging rate corresponds to the number of segments that are lit; and an output lighting number determination unit that allocates the required output ranging from the available output to the output threshold to the plurality of segments such that a difference between the available output and the required output in a state where the engine is stopped corresponds to the number of the segments that are lit, and determines the number of output lighting corresponding to the difference; a lighting number instruction unit that instructs the display device to light up the smallest number of the charging lighting number or the output lighting number when the EV priority mode is selected; having the plurality of segments includes a full charge display segment that lights up when the charging rate of the drive battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined full charge rate, the lighting number instruction unit instructs the display device to light up the number of segments corresponding to the charging lighting number when the charge mode is selected; When a charge mode is selected and the engine is operated to charge the battery to a full charge rate or higher, the support system lights up the segment indicating the full charge.

3. (delete)

4. An EV priority mode is selectable, which prioritizes EV driving in which the vehicle runs with the engine stopped over engine driving in which the vehicle runs with the engine running, An assistance system that assists in continuing EV driving of a hybrid vehicle that starts the engine when a charging rate of a drive battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined charging threshold or when a user's required output is equal to or higher than a predetermined output threshold even when the EV priority mode is selected, an EV priority mode selection device for selecting the EV priority mode; A charging rate detection device for detecting the charging rate; a demand output detection device for detecting the demand output; A display control device; a display device that displays a plurality of segments arranged in a row in response to an instruction from the display control device when the EV priority mode is selected, The display control device includes: a charging lighting number determination unit that determines a charging rate corresponding to the charging rate by allocating the charging rates from a maximum charging rate of the driving battery to the charging threshold to the plurality of segments such that the charging rate corresponds to the number of segments that are lit; and an output lighting number determination unit that allocates the required output ranging from the available output to the output threshold to the plurality of segments such that a difference between the available output and the required output in a state where the engine is stopped corresponds to the number of the segments that are lit, and determines the number of output lighting corresponding to the difference; a lighting number instruction unit that instructs the display device to light up the smallest number of the charging lighting number or the output lighting number when the EV priority mode is selected; having the plurality of segments includes a full charge display segment that lights up when the charging rate of the drive battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined full charge rate, A support system that lights up the full charge indication segment when the battery is charged to the full charge rate or higher by an external power source.

5. The assistance system is an assistance system that starts the engine when a negative pressure in a brake booster becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined negative pressure threshold, A negative pressure detection device for detecting the negative pressure; a negative pressure lighting number determination unit that allocates the negative pressure from the maximum negative pressure stored in the brake booster to the negative pressure threshold value to the plurality of segments so that the negative pressure corresponds to the number of lighting of the plurality of segments, determines the number of negative pressure lighting corresponding to the negative pressure, and limits the number of negative pressure lighting so as not to decrease during engine running; Equipped with 2. The assistance system according to claim 1, wherein when the EV priority mode is selected, the lighting number instruction unit instructs the display device to light up the smallest number of segments among the charging lighting number, the negative pressure lighting number, or the output lighting number.

6. the display device displays an SOC meter that displays a charging rate of the driving battery, 6. An assistance system according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5.

7. When the EV priority mode is selected and the EV driving is possible, the display device turns on an EV display in response to an instruction from the display control device, while when the EV driving is not possible, the display device turns off the EV display in response to an instruction from the display control device.

5. The assistance system according to claim 1, 2 or 4.

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