Hybrid vehicle control device

Abstract

To provide a control device of a hybrid vehicle which is capable of traveling with automatic operation by reflecting an intention and a desire of a boarding person adequately.SOLUTION: In a control device of a hybrid vehicle Ve which comprises an engine 1 and a motor 2 as a power source, and is configured to be capable of selectively setting an HEV mode for traveling in an operating state of the engine 1 and an EV mode for traveling by output of the motor 2 in a stopped state of the engine 1, and to be capable of traveling with automatic operation which automatically controls driving operation and driving force, an intention of a boarding person of the hybrid vehicle Ve is determined by a controller 6 which controls the hybrid vehicle Ve, and a frequency of traveling in the HEV mode and a frequency of traveling in the EV mode are changed on the basis of the intention (step S2-S5).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for a hybrid vehicle that is capable of running in an automatic driving mode by automatically controlling the driving operation and driving force. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a control device for a hybrid vehicle that includes an engine and a motor as driving power sources and is configured to start the engine when the vehicle speed exceeds a set speed while the vehicle is traveling using the motor's output. The hybrid vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1 determines a speed threshold for starting the engine depending on the type of autonomous driving mode, with the aim of improving quietness and fuel economy. Specifically, the hybrid vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1 is capable of executing a first autonomous driving mode in which the vehicle travels using automatic steering based on map information, and a second autonomous driving mode in which the vehicle travels while steering by the driver to maintain a target vehicle speed or a distance from a preceding vehicle. In the second autonomous driving mode, the speed threshold is set higher than in the first autonomous driving mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-94988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The hybrid vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1 above is capable of autonomous driving in two different autonomous driving modes, and changes the engine start speed threshold to change the timing for switching between the two autonomous driving modes. In other words, by changing the engine start timing, the hybrid vehicle achieves both improved quietness and improved fuel economy. However, in conventional autonomous vehicles, the passenger (or driver) does not intentionally start the engine during autonomous driving. This can lead to a discrepancy between the passenger's imagined or desired driving behavior and the actual driving conditions of the hybrid vehicle, which can cause discomfort or discomfort to the passenger. For example, when a quietness-prioritizing mode is set for a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle delays the engine start timing, i.e., reduces the frequency of engine operation, resulting in a relatively leisurely driving experience. If such a quietness-prioritizing mode is set when the passenger needs to travel quickly, the passenger may become dissatisfied.

[0005] This invention was devised with an eye on the technical challenges described above, and aims to provide a control device for a hybrid vehicle that can run autonomously while appropriately reflecting the intentions and requests of the occupants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a control device for a hybrid vehicle that is equipped with an engine and a motor as power sources, and that can selectively set an HEV mode in which the vehicle runs with the engine running, and an EV mode in which the vehicle runs using the output of the motor with the engine stopped, and that can run in an automatic driving mode in which driving operation and driving force are automatically controlled, the control device for controlling the hybrid vehicle comprising: and an intermediary device that inputs the passenger's intentions regarding the running of the vehicle, including quietness and shortened travel time, and exchanges information and signals indicating the intentions with the controller. The controller The hand input from the intermediary device Hybrid vehicles Regarding the travel of the tower The rider's intention (or intent, will, will) Directions, requests, etc. ) and When executing the automatic driving, if it is determined that the occupant intends to drive with priority given to quietness of the hybrid vehicle, the frequency of driving in the HEV mode is reduced and the frequency of driving in the EV mode is increased, and if it is determined that the occupant intends to drive with priority given to shortening the travel time of the hybrid vehicle, the frequency of driving in the HEV mode is increased and the target acceleration in the automatic control is made greater than a standard acceleration predetermined as a target acceleration during normal automatic driving in which the frequency of driving in the HEV mode is not increased.It is characterized by the following.

[0008] The present invention also provides: A control device for a hybrid vehicle that has an engine and a motor as power sources, is capable of selectively setting an HEV mode in which the vehicle runs with the engine running, and an EV mode in which the vehicle runs using the output of the motor with the engine stopped, and is capable of running in an automatic driving mode in which driving operations and driving force are automatically controlled, and is equipped with a controller that controls the hybrid vehicle, and an intermediary device that inputs passenger intentions regarding the running of the vehicle, including quietness and shortened travel time, and exchanges information and signals indicating the intentions with the controller, The controller is determining the passenger's intention regarding driving of the hybrid vehicle input from the intermediary device; The automatic driving is performed based on a travel plan in which future control contents of the driving force on a planned travel route from the current location to the destination are set in advance, and the passenger prioritizes quietness of the hybrid vehicle. Intention to drive In the direction If it is determined that In this case, the driving plan is formulated so that the frequency of driving in the HEV mode decreases and the frequency of driving in the EV mode increases, and the passenger intends to prioritize the travel time of the hybrid vehicle (i.e., prioritize shortening the travel time). If it is determined that In this case, the frequency of driving in the HEV mode increases, and the target acceleration in the automatic control The target acceleration during normal automatic driving is set to a value lower than the standard acceleration predetermined as a target acceleration during normal automatic driving that does not increase the frequency of driving in the HEV mode. The travel plan is formulated so that the It is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The hybrid vehicle controlled by this invention selectively runs in either an HEV mode, in which the engine is operated, or an EV mode, in which the engine is stopped and only the motor is operated. Running in HEV mode increases the frequency with which the engine is operated. Running in EV mode also increases the frequency with which the engine is stopped. In this invention, in a so-called series hybrid vehicle, the HEV mode also includes a case in which the engine is operated as a power source for generating electricity and the vehicle is driven by the output of the motor. The control device for the hybrid vehicle of this invention determines the intention of the occupant and, based on the determined intention of the occupant, determines whether to run in HEV mode or EV mode. That is, the frequency with which the engine is operated or the frequency with the engine stopped is increased depending on the intention of the occupant. Therefore, the intentions and requests of the occupant can be reflected in the control of the automatic driving.

[0011] Specifically, in the hybrid vehicle control device of the present invention, when the passenger's intention is to prioritize quietness of the hybrid vehicle, the frequency of driving in HEV mode is reduced and the frequency of driving in EV mode is increased. As a result, the frequency of driving with the engine stopped increases. Therefore, engine vibration and operating noise can be reduced during autonomous driving, improving the quietness of the hybrid vehicle. On the other hand, when the passenger's intention is to prioritize shortening travel time in the hybrid vehicle, the frequency of driving in HEV mode is increased. As a result, the frequency of driving with the engine running increases, resulting in a state where large driving force can be obtained from the outputs of both the engine and the motor. Alternatively, a state where sufficient generated power can be obtained and large driving force can be obtained from the output of the motor. At the same time, a target acceleration higher than normal is set. For example, a target acceleration higher than the standard target acceleration set normally is set. Therefore, the hybrid vehicle can be driven autonomously with larger driving force and larger acceleration, improving the driving performance of the hybrid vehicle and shortening travel time.

[0012] The hybrid vehicle control device of the present invention also performs so-called "Level 4" or "Level 5" highly automated driving, which involves formulating a driving plan for a planned driving route and driving the vehicle. When performing such highly automated driving, the hybrid vehicle control device of the present invention formulates a driving plan to reduce the frequency of driving in HEV mode and increase the frequency of driving in EV mode if the occupant's intention is to prioritize quietness of the hybrid vehicle. As a result, the frequency of driving with the engine stopped increases. Therefore, engine vibration and operating noise can be reduced during autonomous driving, improving the quietness of the hybrid vehicle. On the other hand, if the occupant's intention is to prioritize shortening travel time in the hybrid vehicle, the driving plan is formulated to increase the frequency of driving in HEV mode. As a result, the frequency of driving with the engine running increases, resulting in a state in which large driving force can be obtained from the outputs of both the engine and the motor. Alternatively, sufficient generated power can be obtained and large driving force can be obtained from the output of the motor. At the same time, the driving plan is formulated to set a target acceleration higher than normal. For example, a target acceleration higher than the standard target acceleration set under normal circumstances is set, which allows the hybrid vehicle to be driven autonomously with greater driving force and greater acceleration, improving the driving performance of the hybrid vehicle and shortening travel time.

[0013] In the hybrid vehicle control device of the present invention, the passenger's intention to prioritize quietness or travel time is appropriately determined by an intermediary device such as an interface or a selection switch.

[0014] Therefore, according to the hybrid vehicle control device of the present invention, the intentions and requests of the passengers can be appropriately reflected in the control, and automatic driving can be performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing an outline of a drive system and a control system of a hybrid vehicle that are the subject of control by a hybrid vehicle control device of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a controller in the control device for a hybrid vehicle of the present invention, and in particular, showing each control unit related to automatic driving. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control executed by the control device for a hybrid vehicle of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an example of a drive system of a vehicle Ve to be controlled in an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle Ve shown in Figure 1 is a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine (ENG) 1 and a motor (MG) 2 as power sources. The vehicle Ve also includes drive wheels 3, a detector 4, an interface (HMI) 5, and a controller (ECU) 6. The vehicle Ve is an autonomous vehicle capable of running in an autonomous mode in which the driving operation and driving force are automatically controlled, and is configured to be able to run in at least one of an HEV mode in which the vehicle runs with the engine 1 running, and an EV mode in which the vehicle runs using the output of the motor 2 with the engine 1 stopped.

[0018] The engine 1 is an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, and is configured so that its operating state, such as power output adjustment, starting and stopping, etc., is electrically controlled. In the case of a gasoline engine, the throttle valve opening, fuel supply or injection amount, ignition on / off, ignition timing, etc. are electrically controlled. Alternatively, in the case of a diesel engine, the fuel injection amount, fuel injection timing, or throttle valve opening (in an EGR system) etc. are electrically controlled.

[0019] Motor 2 is a motor with a power generating function (so-called motor generator), and is configured, for example, as a permanent magnet synchronous motor or an induction motor. Motor 2 is configured to electrically control the adjustment of rotation speed and torque, and to switch between its function as a motor and its function as a generator. Motor 2 is also electrically connected to a battery (not shown) and an inverter and converter (neither of which are shown). Therefore, motor 2 can function as a generator, and the generated power can be stored in the battery. Alternatively, power stored in the battery can be supplied to motor 2, causing motor 2 to function as an electric motor and output drive torque.

[0020] The vehicle Ve to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention, i.e., a "hybrid vehicle," may be a so-called parallel-type hybrid vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, or may be a so-called split-type (or series-parallel) hybrid vehicle in which the engine 1 and the motor 2 are connected via a power split mechanism (not shown) configured using a planetary gear mechanism (differential mechanism). Alternatively, the vehicle may be a so-called series-type hybrid vehicle in which the engine 1 is mounted as a power source for generating electricity and the vehicle runs on the output of the motor 2.

[0021] The drive wheels 3 generate drive force for the vehicle Ve by transmitting drive torque output from a drive force source (at least the motor 2, or the engine 1 and the motor 2). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive wheels 3 are connected to the engine 1 and the motor 2 via a transmission (TM) 7, a differential gear 8, and a drive shaft 9. Note that the vehicle Ve in the embodiment of the present invention may be a front-wheel drive vehicle in which drive torque is transmitted to the front wheels and 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 drive torque is transmitted to the rear wheels via, for example, a propeller shaft (not shown) and drive force is generated at the rear wheels. Alternatively, the vehicle Ve may be a four-wheel drive vehicle provided with a transfer mechanism (not shown) to transmit drive torque to both the front and rear wheels and generate drive force at both the front and rear wheels. Each wheel, including the drive wheels 3, is provided with a brake device (not shown). In addition, a steering device (not shown) for steering the vehicle Ve is provided on at least one of the front wheels or rear wheels.

[0022] The detection unit 4 is a device or apparatus for acquiring various data and information required to control the vehicle Ve, and includes, for example, a power supply, a microcomputer, sensors, and an input / output interface. In particular, the detection unit 4 in this embodiment of the present invention automatically controls the driving operation and driving force of the vehicle Ve, i.e., detects various data for automatically driving the vehicle Ve. For example, the detection unit 4 includes a vehicle speed sensor (or wheel speed sensor) 4a for detecting the vehicle speed, an acceleration sensor 4b for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle Ve, an engine speed sensor 4c for detecting the rotation speed of the engine 1, a motor speed sensor 4d for detecting the rotation speed of the motor 2, an accelerator position sensor 4e for detecting the operation amount (accelerator pedal opening) of the accelerator pedal (not shown), and a brake switch 4f for detecting the operating state of the braking device (not shown). In addition, the detection unit 4 also includes, for example, a steering angle sensor (not shown) for detecting the steering angle of the steering device (not shown), a shift position sensor (not shown) for detecting the shift position of the shift device (not shown), and an on-board camera (not shown) for capturing image information related to the external conditions of the vehicle Ve. The detection unit 4 also includes a GPS receiver (not shown). The GPS receiver receives radio waves from multiple GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites to measure the position of the vehicle Ve (for example, the latitude and longitude of the vehicle Ve). The detection unit 4 is electrically connected to an interface 5 and a controller 6 (described later), and outputs, as detection data, electrical signals corresponding to detected or calculated values ​​of the various sensors, devices, and apparatuses described above, as well as command signals based on the operation of the interface 5, to the controller 6.

[0023] The interface 5 is an intermediary device, such as an HMI (Human Machine Interface), that exchanges information and signals between humans and machines, i.e., between occupants (such as the driver, passengers, and other passengers) and the controller 6 of the vehicle Ve. The interface 5 has, for example, a display (not shown) with a so-called touch screen or touch panel operation function, and a speaker (not shown) that generates predetermined audio information or notification sounds. The interface 5 may also have functions such as a proximity sensor (not shown), a motion sensor (not shown), or an infrared sensor (not shown). The interface 5 may also have functions such as voice recognition and voice input. Alternatively, the interface 5 may be a simple intermediary device such as an operation switch or operation button (not shown) operated by the occupant of the vehicle Ve. The display of the interface 5 may also serve as a display device (display) of a navigation system (not shown).

[0024] With the above-described functions, the interface 5 detects an operation by an occupant of the vehicle Ve, such as touching the surface of the display, turning a selection switch on / off, making gestures or hand movements toward the interface 5, or speaking toward the interface 5, and outputs a command signal based on the operation by the occupant to the controller 6 (via the detection unit 4). The interface 5 also notifies the occupant of the vehicle Ve of information based on the signal output from the controller 6. For example, it is possible to display predetermined image information or text information on the display so that the occupant can recognize it, or to generate predetermined audio information or a notification sound so that the occupant can recognize it.

[0025] The controller 6 is an electronic control device mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and in this embodiment of the present invention, the controller 6 controls the overall operation of the vehicle Ve. In particular, it automatically controls the driving operation and driving force of the vehicle Ve. The controller 6 receives various data detected or calculated by the detection unit 4, as well as command signals from the interface 5. The controller 6 performs calculations using the input data, pre-stored data, calculation formulas, and the like. The controller 6 then outputs the calculation results as control command signals and controls the vehicle Ve as described above. Note that while FIG. 1 shows an example in which one controller 6 is provided, multiple controllers 6 may be provided, one for each device or equipment to be controlled, or for each control content.

[0026] As described above, the vehicle Ve to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention is a “hybrid vehicle.” Therefore, the vehicle Ve can run in a plurality of driving modes, at least a hybrid driving mode (HEV mode) and a motor driving mode (EV mode), by controlling the engine 1 and the motor 2, respectively, with the controller 6.

[0027] HEV mode is a driving mode in which the vehicle Ve runs with the engine 1 running. In the vehicle Ve shown in FIG. 1, this HEV mode includes cases where the vehicle runs using only the output torque of the engine 1, or cases where the vehicle runs using both the output torque of the engine 1 and the output torque of the motor 2. In HEV mode, the frequency with which the engine 1 runs increases, and a larger driving force can be generated by adding the output of the engine 1 compared to when the driving force of the vehicle Ve is generated only by the output of the motor 2. Therefore, in HEV mode, a larger driving force can be generated and the vehicle can run with greater acceleration compared to EV mode. Therefore, compared to EV mode, HEV mode improves the driving performance of the vehicle Ve and enables driving that prioritizes travel time of the vehicle Ve (i.e., driving that prioritizes driving speed and shortens travel time).

[0028] In the embodiment of the present invention, the HEV mode also includes the case where the engine 1 is operated to drive a generator (not shown) in a so-called series-type "hybrid vehicle" as described above. In the case of such a series-type "hybrid vehicle," in the HEV mode, electricity is generated using the output of the engine 1, which provides sufficient power to drive the motor 2 and generate driving force for the vehicle Ve. Therefore, even in the case of a series-type "hybrid vehicle," the HEV mode improves the driving performance of the vehicle Ve compared to the EV mode, and enables driving that prioritizes travel time for the vehicle Ve.

[0029] On the other hand, the EV mode is a driving mode in which the vehicle runs as a so-called electric vehicle, and is a driving mode in which the vehicle runs using the output torque of the motor 2 with the engine 1 stopped (EV driving). In the EV mode, the engine 1 is stopped, so no operating noise or vibration of the engine 1 is generated. Therefore, compared to the HEV mode, the EV mode allows the vehicle Ve to run with priority given to quietness.

[0030] In addition to the HEV mode and EV mode described above, the vehicle Ve in an embodiment of the present invention can also run in a fuel-efficient driving mode that optimizes the fuel efficiency of the engine 1, i.e., minimizes fuel consumption by the engine 1. For example, the vehicle Ve is set to the fuel-efficient driving mode as a default driving mode and is switched to the HEV mode or the EV mode as appropriate depending on the driving state and circumstances. In the vehicle Ve in an embodiment of the present invention, the HEV mode or the EV mode is selectively set in accordance with the intentions and requests of the occupant, as described below. In this case, the selection of the HEV mode or the EV mode is made, for example, by the occupant operating the interface 5. That is, the frequency with which the vehicle Ve runs in the HEV mode with the engine 1 running and the frequency with which the vehicle Ve runs in the EV mode with the engine 1 stopped can be changed based on the occupant's intentions.

[0031] Furthermore, the vehicle Ve to be controlled in the embodiment of the present invention is capable of autonomous driving, in which the vehicle Ve's driving operations and driving force are automatically controlled to travel. The autonomous driving defined in the embodiment of the present invention is autonomous driving in which all driving operations, such as recognizing the driving environment, monitoring the surrounding conditions, starting, accelerating, steering, and braking and stopping, are all performed by the control system of the vehicle Ve. Specifically, this refers to highly autonomous driving or fully autonomous driving, which corresponds to "Level 4" in the automation levels established by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or "Level 4" and "Level 5" in the automation levels established by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). It can also include, for example, partial autonomous driving of "Level 3" or "Level 2," or automatic operation of the vehicle Ve using a so-called driver assistance system.

[0032] In the above-mentioned "Level 4" or "Level 5" highly automated driving or fully automated driving, the vehicle can be driven automatically even when there are no passengers inside the vehicle, i.e., unmanned automated driving is possible. However, in the embodiment of this invention, as will be described later, the intentions and requests of the passengers are reflected in the control, so unmanned automated driving is not included in the control targets.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration of the controller 6 that performs the above-described autonomous driving. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 6 is configured to receive detection signals and information signals from an external sensor 11, a GPS receiver 12, a map database 13, a navigation system 14, and the like, in addition to the aforementioned detection unit (internal sensor) 4. The controller 6 also includes, as main control units for causing the vehicle Ve to travel in an autonomous driving mode, a vehicle position recognition unit 21, an external situation recognition unit 22, a travel state recognition unit 23, a travel plan generation unit 24, a travel control unit 25, and an auxiliary equipment control unit 26. The controller 6 is configured to perform calculations using various input data and pre-stored data, and to output control command signals to actuators 31 and auxiliary equipment 32 of various parts of the vehicle Ve based on the calculation results.

[0034] The vehicle Ve performs autonomous driving based on a "driving plan" in which future drive force control details (i.e., future drive force requirements) for a planned driving route from the current location to the destination are preset by the controller 6 configured as described above. Details of the control units of the controller 6 shown in FIG. 2 above and the peripheral devices and equipment (sensors, actuators, etc.) are described in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 6460065. Details of autonomous driving based on a "driving plan" are described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-99713.

[0035] As described above, the hybrid vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention aims to drive the vehicle autonomously while appropriately reflecting the intentions and desires of the occupants. To this end, the controller 6 of the vehicle Ve according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to execute the control shown in the flowchart of Figure 3.

[0036] The control shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3 is executed when the vehicle Ve is traveling in an autonomous driving mode. For example, if the vehicle Ve is configured to travel only in an autonomous driving mode, the control is executed when the vehicle Ve is traveling. Also, if the vehicle Ve is configured to travel in either an autonomous driving mode or a manual driving mode, the control is executed when the autonomous driving mode is selected and the vehicle Ve is traveling.

[0037] 3, first, as shown in step S1, the vehicle Ve is set to a fuel-efficient driving mode as an initial or standard operating condition. As described above, the fuel-efficient driving mode is a driving mode that optimizes fuel economy of the engine 1. In the fuel-efficient driving mode, the vehicle Ve switches between the HEV mode and the EV mode as appropriate depending on the driving state and circumstances of the vehicle Ve so that the fuel economy of the engine 1 is optimized.

[0038] Next, in step S2, it is determined whether the occupant intends (wants) to prioritize quietness of the vehicle Ve. For example, the occupant may operate the interface 5 to select an intention to prioritize quietness of the vehicle Ve, or may select an EV mode that is advantageous for quietness of the vehicle Ve, thereby determining that the occupant intends to prioritize quietness of the vehicle Ve.

[0039] If the occupant intends to prioritize quietness of the vehicle Ve and the answer to this question in step S2 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0040] In step S3, the frequency of starting the engine 1 is reduced and the frequency of EV driving is increased. Specifically, the frequency of the vehicle Ve driving in HEV mode is reduced and the frequency of the vehicle Ve driving in EV mode is increased. For example, a driving plan in the automatic driving control is formulated so that the frequency of the vehicle Ve driving in HEV mode is reduced and the frequency of the vehicle Ve driving in EV mode is increased.

[0041] Next, in step S4, it is determined whether the occupant intends (wants) to prioritize the travel time of the vehicle Ve, that is, to prioritize shortening the travel time and moving quickly (automated driving). For example, the occupant may operate the interface 5 to select an intention to prioritize shortening the travel time of the vehicle Ve (agility and high-speed driving of the vehicle Ve), or may select an EV mode that is advantageous for quietness of the vehicle Ve, thereby determining that the occupant intends to prioritize shortening the travel time of the vehicle Ve.

[0042] If the passenger intends to prioritize shortening the travel time of the vehicle Ve and the answer to this question in step S4 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0043] In step S5, the start frequency of the engine 1 is increased, and the target acceleration in the automatic control of the automatic driving is controlled to be higher than normal. Specifically, the frequency at which the vehicle Ve runs in HEV mode is increased, and the target acceleration during automatic driving is set higher than the standard target acceleration set in normal driving. For example, a driving plan for the automatic driving control is formulated so that the frequency at which the vehicle Ve runs in HEV mode is increased, and the target acceleration during automatic driving is set higher than the standard target acceleration.

[0044] Once the control of step S5 has been executed as described above, the routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is temporarily terminated.

[0045] On the other hand, if the above-mentioned step S2 is negatively determined because the occupant does not intend to prioritize quietness of the vehicle Ve, the process skips step S3 and proceeds to step S4, where it is determined, as before, whether the occupant intends to prioritize shortening the travel time of the vehicle Ve.

[0046] If a negative determination is made in step S4 because the occupant does not intend to prioritize shortening the travel time of the vehicle Ve, the subsequent control (i.e., step S5) is not executed, and the routine shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3 is temporarily terminated. That is, in this case (if a negative determination is made in step S2 and also in step S4), automatic driving is executed in the standard fuel-efficient driving mode.

[0047] As described above, in the hybrid vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the passenger's intention is to prioritize quietness of the vehicle Ve, the frequency of driving in HEV mode is reduced and the frequency of driving in EV mode is increased. As a result, the frequency of driving with the engine 1 stopped increases. Therefore, during autonomous driving, the vibration and operating noise of the engine 1 are reduced, improving the quietness of the vehicle Ve. On the other hand, when the passenger's intention is to prioritize shortening the travel time of the vehicle Ve, the frequency of driving in HEV mode is increased. As a result, the frequency of driving with the engine 1 operating increases, resulting in a state in which large driving force can be obtained from the outputs of both the engine 1 and the motor 2. Alternatively, sufficient power is generated, resulting in a state in which large driving force can be obtained from the output of the motor 2. At the same time, for example, a target acceleration greater than the standard target acceleration set under normal conditions is set. Therefore, the vehicle Ve can be driven autonomously with greater driving force and greater acceleration. As a result, the vehicle Ve's driving performance and agility can be improved, and travel time during autonomous driving can be shortened.

[0048] Therefore, according to the control device for a hybrid vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention, the intentions and requests of the passengers can be appropriately reflected in the control, and the vehicle Ve can be driven automatically. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Engine (ENG: power source) 2 Motor (MG: power source) 3 drive wheels 4. Detection unit (internal sensor) 4a (Detection section) Vehicle speed sensor (or wheel speed sensor) 4b Acceleration sensor (detection section) 4c (detection part) engine speed sensor 4d Motor rotation speed sensor (detection section) 4e Accelerator position sensor (detection part) 4f Brake switch (detector) 5 Interface (HMI) 6 Controller (ECU) 7 Transmission(TM) 8 Differential Gear 9. Drive shaft 11 External Sensors 12 GPS receiver 13 Map Database 14 Navigation system 21 Vehicle position recognition unit 22 External Situation Awareness Unit 23 Driving state recognition unit 24 Driving plan generation unit 25 Travel control unit 26 Auxiliary equipment control unit 31 Actuator 32 Auxiliary equipment Vehicle (hybrid vehicle)

Claims

1. A control device for a hybrid vehicle that has an engine and a motor as power sources, and that can selectively set an HEV mode in which the vehicle runs with the engine running, and an EV mode in which the vehicle runs using the output of the motor with the engine stopped, and that can run in an automatic driving mode in which driving operations and driving force are automatically controlled, a controller for controlling the hybrid vehicle; an intermediary device that inputs passengers' intentions regarding the running of the vehicle, including quietness and shortened travel time, and exchanges information and signals indicating the intentions with the controller; Equipped with The controller determining the passenger's intention regarding driving of the hybrid vehicle input from the intermediary device; When performing the automatic driving, When it is determined that the occupant intends to drive the hybrid vehicle with priority given to quietness, the frequency of driving in the HEV mode is reduced and the frequency of driving in the EV mode is increased; When it is determined that the passenger intends to drive the hybrid vehicle with priority given to shortening the travel time, the frequency of driving in the HEV mode is increased, and the target acceleration in the automatic control is made larger than a standard acceleration predetermined as a target acceleration during normal automatic driving in which the frequency of driving in the HEV mode is not increased. A control device for a hybrid vehicle.

2. A control device for a hybrid vehicle that has an engine and a motor as power sources, and that can selectively set an HEV mode in which the vehicle runs with the engine running, and an EV mode in which the vehicle runs using the output of the motor with the engine stopped, and that can run in an automatic driving mode that automatically controls driving operations and driving force, a controller for controlling the hybrid vehicle; an intermediary device that inputs passengers' intentions regarding the running of the vehicle, including quietness and shortened travel time, and exchanges information and signals indicating the intentions with the controller; Equipped with The controller determining the passenger's intention regarding driving of the hybrid vehicle input from the intermediary device; The automatic driving is performed based on a driving plan in which control details of the driving force on a planned driving route from the current location to the destination are set in advance, and When it is determined that the occupant intends to drive the hybrid vehicle while prioritizing quietness of the hybrid vehicle, the driving plan is formulated so that the frequency of driving in the HEV mode decreases and the frequency of driving in the EV mode increases; When it is determined that the passenger intends to drive with priority given to shortening the travel time of the hybrid vehicle, the driving plan is formulated so that the frequency of driving in the HEV mode increases and the target acceleration in the automatic control is greater than a standard acceleration predetermined as a target acceleration during normal automatic driving that does not increase the frequency of driving in the HEV mode. A control device for a hybrid vehicle.

Images