Vehicle control device, vehicle, vehicle control method and program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of maintaining a traveling state of a vehicle for a possibly long period even when cooling efficiency of an internal combustion engine is limited.SOLUTION: A vehicle control device 28 according to the present disclosure controls a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives first drive wheels and a second drive source that drives second drive wheels, and with a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit. The vehicle control device 28 comprises an abnormality determination unit 80 which determines whether or not the cooling mechanism is abnormal, and a control unit 82 which may execute power supply limitation processing to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second drive source when the cooling mechanism is abnormal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control device, a vehicle, a vehicle control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle. According to Patent Document 1, the vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine, a shutter, and a radiator facing the shutter. The radiator releases heat from a refrigerant that cools the internal combustion engine into the outside air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-170419 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, there has been a demand for a technology that can maintain the running state of a vehicle for as long as possible even when the cooling efficiency of an internal combustion engine is limited.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a vehicle control device that controls a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit that can supply power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, and the vehicle control device is equipped with an abnormality determination unit that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal, and a control unit that can execute a power supply limiting process that limits the power supply from the power generation unit to the second drive source if the cooling mechanism is abnormal.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a vehicle including the vehicle control device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a vehicle control method executed by a computer to control a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, the vehicle control method including an abnormality determination step that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal, and a control step that executes a power supply limiting process that limits the power supply from the power generation unit to the second drive source if the cooling mechanism is abnormal.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the vehicle control method according to the third aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the vehicle can maintain a running state for as long as possible even when the cooling efficiency of the internal combustion engine is limited. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling device provided in a vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to Patent Document 1, by transitioning the shutter to an open state, cool air can be supplied to the radiator. The radiator uses the cool air to cool the refrigerant. The refrigerant cools the internal combustion engine, thereby preventing the internal combustion engine from overheating.

[0013] However, if the shutter is abnormal, its opening operation may be restricted. In this case, the radiator may not receive enough cold air, which may result in the refrigerant (internal combustion engine) not being sufficiently cooled. If the internal combustion engine is not sufficiently cooled, the vehicle's running may be restricted.

[0014] Based on the above preliminary explanation, one embodiment will be described below.

[0015] (One embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle 10 according to one embodiment.

[0016] The vehicle 10 is, for example, an AWD (all-wheel drive) type automobile. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is described as a hybrid AWD vehicle. The vehicle 10 includes first drive wheels 12, second drive wheels 14, a first drive device 16, a second drive device 18, a battery 20, a power conversion device 22, a cooling device (cooling system) 24, an air-cooling device 26, and a vehicle control device 28.

[0017] The first drive wheels 12 are either the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the first drive wheels 12 are the front wheels, but are not limited to this. In contrast, the second drive wheels 14 are the other of the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the second drive wheels 14 are the rear wheels, but are not limited to this.

[0018] The first drive device 16 is a device that drives the first drive wheels 12. The first drive device 16 includes a power generation unit 30 and a first drive source 32. The power generation unit 30 includes a generator 34, which is an electric power generator, and an engine 36 that drives the generator 34. The engine 36 (output shaft of the engine 36) can drive the generator 34. The generator 34 generates electricity by being driven by the engine 36. The power generation unit 30 can supply electric power to the first drive source 32 and a second drive source 40 (second drive device 18), which will be described later.

[0019] The first drive source 32 is an electric motor that can be driven by electric power supplied from a generator 34. The first drive source 32 can transmit driving force to the first drive wheels 12 via a first transmission mechanism 38. The first transmission mechanism 38 is equipped with, for example, a transmission (not shown).

[0020] The engine 36 can supply driving force to the first drive wheels 12 via a first transmission mechanism 38. The first drive wheels 12 may be driven by driving force supplied from the first drive source 32 via the first transmission mechanism 38, or may be driven by driving force supplied from the engine 36 via the first transmission mechanism 38.

[0021] The driving force output by the first driving device 16 toward the first driving wheel 12 is also referred to as the first driving force in the following description. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the first driving force is output by the first driving source 32.

[0022] The second drive device 18 is a device that drives the second drive wheels 14. The second drive device 18 includes a second drive source 40 and a second transmission mechanism 42 connected to the second drive source 40. The second drive source 40 is an electric motor separate from the first drive source 32. The shaft of the second drive source 40 is connected to the second drive wheels 14 via the second transmission mechanism 42. Therefore, the second drive source 40 can transmit driving force to the second drive wheels 14 via the second transmission mechanism 42. The second transmission mechanism 42 may include, for example, a transmission (not shown). The second drive source 40 can be driven by electric power supplied from the generator 34 (first drive device 16). Electric power can be supplied from the generator 34 to the second drive source 40 via the power conversion device 22. When the first drive wheels 12 are driven by the first drive device 16, the second drive source 40 may be used to generate regenerative electric power.

[0023] In this embodiment, a case where the rated output of the second drive source 40 is smaller than the rated output of the first drive source 32 will be described as an example, but is not limited to this. The drive force output by the second drive device 18 (second drive source 40) toward the second drive wheels 14 will also be referred to as the second drive force in the following description.

[0024] The power conversion device 22 is connected to the first drive device 16, the second drive device 18, and the battery 20. The power conversion device 22 is equipped with, for example, a converter, an inverter, etc. The power conversion device 22 is capable of converting the power supplied from the first drive device 16 (power generation unit 30) to the second drive source 40. The power conversion device 22 can step down the power (voltage) supplied from the power generation unit 30 and supply the stepped-down power to the second drive source 40, which has a relatively small rated output.

[0025] The battery 20 is a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery. The battery 20 includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells (not shown). Each of the plurality of battery cells is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or the like, but is not limited to these. The battery 20 is charged using power generated by the generator 34, for example. The battery 20 may also be charged using the regenerated power described above. In this case, the power conversion device 22 described above may convert the power supplied to the battery 20.

[0026] The battery 20 that stores power can supply the power to at least one of the first drive device 16 (first drive source 32) and the second drive device 18 (second drive source 40) as needed. In this case, the above-mentioned power conversion device 22 may convert the power supplied from the battery 20 to at least one of the first drive device 16 and the second drive device 18.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the cooling device 24 provided in the vehicle 10. As shown in FIG.

[0028] The cooling device 24 is a device (mechanism group) that cools the first drive device 16. As will be described later, the cooling device 24 can cool not only the first drive device 16 but also the power conversion device 22. The cooling device 24 includes a power generation unit cooling mechanism (cooling mechanism) 44 and a drive source cooling mechanism 46.

[0029] The power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is a mechanism that cools the power generation unit 30. More specifically, the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is a mechanism for cooling at least the engine 36 of the power generation unit 30. The power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 cools the engine 36 with a refrigerant RF1. The refrigerant RF1 is preferably, but is not limited to, a liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant may be water or oil. As shown in FIG. 2 , the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 includes a first shutter device (shutter device) 48, a first radiator 50, and a first pump 52.

[0030] The first shutter device 48 includes, for example, a grill shutter for taking in outside air. The first shutter device 48 is provided in the first opening 54. The first opening 54 is an opening (air intake) formed in the vehicle 10. The first opening 54 can be formed, for example, in the front part of the vehicle 10. The first opening 54 can be opened and closed by the first shutter device 48.

[0031] Outside air (cold air A1 in FIG. 2) can be supplied to the first radiator 50 through a first opening 54 that is opened by the first shutter device 48. The first radiator 50 uses the cold air A1 to cool the refrigerant RF1.

[0032] The first pump 52 circulates the coolant RF1 between the first radiator 50 and the power generation unit 30 (engine 36). This allows the engine 36 to be cooled by the coolant RF1.

[0033] The driving-source cooling mechanism 46 is a mechanism that cools the first driving source 32 with a refrigerant RF3. The driving-source cooling mechanism 46 also cools the power conversion device 22 with a refrigerant RF2. The refrigerant RF2 is a liquid refrigerant. As described above, the liquid refrigerant may be water or oil. The refrigerant RF3 is preferably a liquid refrigerant, but is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 2 , the driving-source cooling mechanism 46 includes a second shutter device 56, a second radiator 58, a second pump 60, a heat exchanger 62, a valve device 64, and a third pump 66.

[0034] The second shutter device 56 includes, for example, a grill shutter for taking in outside air. The second shutter device 56 is provided in a second opening 68 formed in the vehicle 10. The second opening 68 is an opening (air intake port) separate from the first opening 54 described above. The second opening 68 may be formed, for example, in the front of the vehicle 10. In this case, the first opening 54 (first shutter device 48) and the second opening 68 (second shutter device 56) are arranged, for example, to be aligned in the vertical direction, but this is not limitative. The second opening 68 can be opened and closed by the second shutter device 56.

[0035] Outside air (cold air A2 in FIG. 2) can be supplied to the second radiator 58 through a second opening 68 that is opened by the second shutter device 56. The second radiator 58 uses the cold air to cool the refrigerant RF2.

[0036] The second pump 60 can circulate the coolant RF2 between the second radiator 58 and the power conversion device 22. The second pump 60 can also circulate the coolant RF2 between the second radiator 58 and the heat exchanger 62. Therefore, the coolant RF2 cooled by the second radiator 58 can be supplied to the power conversion device 22 and the heat exchanger 62 by the second pump 60. The amount of the coolant RF2 supplied to the power conversion device 22 and the amount of the coolant RF2 supplied to the heat exchanger 62 can be adjusted by the valve device 64. The power conversion device 22 is cooled by the coolant RF2 supplied to the power conversion device 22.

[0037] The third pump 66 circulates the refrigerant RF3 between the heat exchanger 62 and the first driving source 32. The refrigerant RF3 exchanges heat with the refrigerant RF2 via the heat exchanger 62. As described above, the refrigerant RF2 supplied to the heat exchanger 62 is cooled by the second radiator 58. Therefore, the refrigerant RF3 can be cooled (liquid-cooled) by the refrigerant RF2 via the heat exchanger 62.

[0038] According to the driving-source cooling mechanism 46, the power conversion device 22 (refrigerant RF2) and the first driving source 32 (refrigerant RF3) are cooled substantially by a single radiator (second radiator 58). Furthermore, according to the driving-source cooling mechanism 46, the refrigerant RF3 that cools the first driving source 32 is liquid-cooled by the refrigerant RF2, which is a liquid refrigerant. In general, the cooling efficiency of liquid cooling is better than the cooling efficiency of air cooling.

[0039] As further shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 is further provided with a plurality of sensors 70 (701-704). The plurality of sensors 70 include, for example, a first temperature sensor 701, a second temperature sensor 702, a first abnormality detection sensor 703, and a second abnormality detection sensor 704. The first temperature sensor 701 is a sensor 70 for detecting the power generating unit temperature, which is the temperature of the power generating unit 30 (engine 36). The first temperature sensor 701 may detect, as the power generating unit temperature, the temperature of the refrigerant RF1 that has been heated by absorbing heat from the power generating unit 30. In other words, the first temperature sensor 701 may detect, as the power generating unit temperature, the temperature of the refrigerant RF1 flowing from the power generating unit 30 toward the first radiator 50. The second temperature sensor 702 is a sensor 70 for detecting the first driving source temperature. The first driving source temperature is the temperature of the first driving source 32. The second temperature sensor 702 may detect, as the first driving source temperature, the temperature of the refrigerant RF3 that has been heated by absorbing heat from the first driving source 32. That is, the second temperature sensor 702 may detect, as the first driving source temperature, the temperature of the refrigerant RF3 flowing from the first driving source 32 toward the heat exchanger 62. The first abnormality detection sensor 703 is a sensor 70 for detecting an abnormality in the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44. The first abnormality detection sensor 703 includes, for example, a sensor 70 for detecting whether the opening operation of the first shutter device 48 is restricted, but is not limited to this. The first abnormality detection sensor 703 may include, for example, a sensor 70 for detecting various abnormalities in the first pump 52. The second abnormality detection sensor 704 is a sensor 70 for detecting an abnormality in the driving source cooling mechanism 46. The second abnormality detection sensor 704 includes, for example, a sensor 70 for detecting whether the opening operation of the second shutter device 56 is restricted, but is not limited to this. The second abnormality detection sensor 704 may include, for example, a sensor 70 that detects various abnormalities in the second pump 60. Various detection signals output from the multiple sensors 70 are input to the vehicle control device .

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 , the air-cooling device 26 may be provided in the second drive unit 18 of the vehicle 10. The air-cooling device 26 is a device that air-cools the refrigerant RF4 ( FIG. 1 ). The refrigerant RF4 is a refrigerant for cooling the second drive source 40. The refrigerant RF4 is preferably, but not limited to, a liquid refrigerant. The air-cooling device 26 cools the refrigerant RF4 using, for example, outside air. Although a specific illustration is omitted, the air-cooling device 26 may include, for example, a housing that houses the second drive source 40 and the refrigerant RF4. A heat dissipation unit is formed in the housing. The heat dissipation unit has, for example, a fin shape. The heat dissipation unit actively exchanges heat when air passes through the housing while the vehicle is running. The heat dissipation unit causes the refrigerant RF4 to exchange heat with the outside air. This allows the refrigerant RF4 to be air-cooled. The air-cooled refrigerant RF4 can cool the second drive source 40.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a vehicle control device 28 according to one embodiment.

[0042] The vehicle control device 28 is an electronic device (computer) that controls the vehicle 10. The vehicle control device 28 is included in, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The vehicle control device 28 includes a calculation unit 72 and a storage unit 74.

[0043] The calculation unit 72 includes a predetermined processing circuit (not shown). The processing circuit includes one or more processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processing circuit may include a predetermined integrated circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0044] The storage unit 74 includes one or more memories. The one or more memories include non-volatile memories. Non-volatile memories are recording media that non-temporarily store programs, tables, maps, etc. For example, non-volatile memories include ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc. The storage unit 74 (one or more memories) may include volatile memories. For example, volatile memories include RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0045] The calculation unit 72 includes an information acquisition unit 76, a temperature determination unit 78, an abnormality determination unit 80, and a control unit 82. The information acquisition unit 76, the temperature determination unit 78, the abnormality determination unit 80, and the control unit 82 are realized by the calculation unit 72 (processor) executing a program stored in the storage unit 74 (memory). At least some of the information acquisition unit 76, the temperature determination unit 78, the abnormality determination unit 80, and the control unit 82 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as the ASIC or FPGA described above.

[0046] The information acquisition unit 76 has a temperature information acquisition unit 84 and an abnormality information acquisition unit 86. The temperature information acquisition unit 84 acquires a detection signal from a first temperature sensor 701. The temperature information acquisition unit 84 also acquires a detection signal from a second temperature sensor 702. The abnormality information acquisition unit 86 acquires a detection signal from a first abnormality detection sensor 703. The abnormality information acquisition unit 86 also acquires a detection signal from a second abnormality detection sensor 704.

[0047] The temperature determination unit 78 determines whether the power generation unit temperature is equal to or higher than the power generation unit temperature threshold. The power generation unit temperature can be determined based on the detection signal of the first temperature sensor 701 acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 84. The power generation unit temperature threshold is determined, for example, based on experiments. Information indicating the power generation unit temperature threshold is stored in advance in the storage unit 74.

[0048] Furthermore, the temperature determination unit 78 determines whether the first driving source temperature is equal to or higher than the first driving source temperature threshold. The first driving source temperature can be determined based on the detection signal of the second temperature sensor 702 acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 84. The first driving source temperature threshold is determined, for example, based on experiments. Information indicating the first driving source temperature threshold is stored in advance by the storage unit 74.

[0049] The abnormality determination unit 80 determines whether the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal (normal). Whether the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal can be determined based on the detection signal of the first abnormality detection sensor 703 acquired by the abnormality information acquisition unit 86. The abnormality determination unit 80 determines, for example, whether the opening operation of the first shutter device 48 is restricted based on the detection signal of the first abnormality detection sensor 703. If the opening operation of the first shutter device 48 is restricted, the abnormality determination unit 80 can determine that the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal.

[0050] Furthermore, the abnormality determination unit 80 determines whether the drive-source cooling mechanism 46 is normal (abnormal). Whether the drive-source cooling mechanism 46 is normal or not can be determined based on the detection signal of the second abnormality detection sensor 704 acquired by the abnormality information acquisition unit 86. The abnormality determination unit 80 determines, for example, whether the opening operation of the second shutter device 56 is restricted or not based on the detection signal of the second abnormality detection sensor 704. If the opening operation of the second shutter device 56 is restricted, the abnormality determination unit 80 Drive source cooling mechanism 46 may be determined to be abnormal.

[0051] The control unit 82 executes a drive distribution ratio determination process and a driving control process.

[0052] The drive distribution ratio determination process is a process for determining a drive distribution ratio between the first drive wheels 12 and the second drive wheels 14, which are driven so as to satisfy the required drive force. The drive distribution ratio is the drive force required for the vehicle 10. The required drive force is derived, for example, based on the vehicle speed, which is the speed of the vehicle 10, and the accelerator pedal opening (AP opening) of the vehicle 10. Information indicating the vehicle speed can be acquired by the information acquisition unit 76 described above, for example, based on a detection signal from a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) provided in the vehicle 10. Furthermore, information indicating the AP opening can be acquired by the information acquisition unit 76 described above, for example, based on a detection signal from an accelerator pedal sensor (not shown) provided in the vehicle 10.

[0053] The drive distribution ratio between the first drive wheels 12 and the second drive wheels 14 may be determined to be, for example, "first drive wheels 12:second drive wheels 14=50:50" through the drive distribution ratio determination process, but is not limited to this. The control unit 82 may dynamically adjust the drive distribution ratio based on the required drive force (AP opening) and the vehicle speed. The control unit 82 may determine the drive distribution ratio using a control map that defines the relationship between the required drive force, the vehicle speed, and the drive distribution ratio. The control map is stored in advance in the memory unit 74, for example.

[0054] The driving control process is a process for driving the vehicle 10. The control unit 82 controls the power generation unit 30 based on the required driving force and the drive distribution ratio. The power generation unit 30 supplies electric power to the first drive device 16 and the second drive device 18 based on the required driving force and the drive distribution ratio. This allows the vehicle 10 to drive.

[0055] The control unit 82 can further execute a first driving source protection process and a power generation unit protection process. The first driving source protection process is a process for protecting the first driving source 32 from heat by suppressing a temperature rise in the first driving source 32. In contrast, the power generation unit protection process is a process for protecting the power generation unit 30 from heat.

[0056] When the temperature determination unit 78 determines that the first driving source temperature (the temperature of the first driving source 32) is equal to or higher than the first driving source temperature threshold, the control unit 82 executes a first driving source protection process. The first driving source protection process includes, for example, a process of reducing the drive distribution ratio of the first driving wheels 12. This can prevent the temperature of the first driving source 32 from rising. The control unit 82 can increase the drive distribution ratio of the second driving wheels 14 in accordance with the amount by which the drive distribution ratio of the first driving wheels 12 is reduced.

[0057] When the abnormality determination unit 80 determines that the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal, the control unit 82 executes a power generation unit protection process. The power generation unit protection process includes a power supply limiting process. The power supply limiting process is a process for limiting the power supply from the power generation unit 30 to the second drive source 40. The control unit 82 may reduce the drive distribution ratio of the second drive wheels 14. Reducing the drive distribution ratio of the second drive wheels 14 may result in limiting the power supply from the power generation unit 30 to the second drive source 40. The control unit 82 may also limit the upper limit of the second drive force. Limiting the upper limit may result in limiting the power supply from the power generation unit 30 to the second drive source 40.

[0058] The control unit 82 can reduce the power supplied from the power generation unit 30 to the second drive source 40 to zero by executing the power supply limiting process. In this case, the second drive wheels 14 function as driven wheels that follow the first drive wheels 12. In this case, the second drive source 40 may also be used to generate regenerative power using the rotational force of the second drive wheels 14.

[0059] Note that, when at least one of the following conditions (i) and (ii) is met, the control unit 82 may not execute the power supply limiting process: (i) When the power generation unit temperature is lower than the power generation unit temperature threshold value, or (ii) When the driving source cooling mechanism 46 is abnormal.

[0060] The control unit 82 can determine whether or not the above condition (i) is met based on the determination result by the temperature determination unit 78. The control unit 82 can also determine whether or not the above condition (ii) is met based on the determination result by the abnormality determination unit 80.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment.

[0062] The vehicle control method of Fig. 4 can be executed by the vehicle control device 28 (computer) described above. The vehicle control method of Fig. 4 is executed, for example, by the calculation unit 72 (processor) executing a program stored in the storage unit 74 (memory). The vehicle control method includes an abnormality information acquisition step S1, a first abnormality determination step (abnormality determination step) S2, a second abnormality determination step S3, a power generation unit temperature acquisition step S4, a power generation unit temperature determination step S5, and a power generation unit protection step (control step) S6. The vehicle control method also includes a first driving source temperature acquisition step S7, a first driving source temperature determination step S8, and a first driving source protection step S9.

[0063] In the abnormality information acquisition step S1, the abnormality information acquisition unit 86 (information acquisition unit 76) acquires a detection signal from the first abnormality detection sensor 703 and a detection signal from the second abnormality detection sensor 704. The abnormality information acquisition step S1 may be included in, for example, a startup process (initialization) of the vehicle 10. In that case, the abnormality information acquisition step S1 may be executed when the vehicle 10 is started (the ignition is turned on).

[0064] In the first abnormality determination step S2, the abnormality determination section 80 determines whether or not the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal based on the detection signal of the first abnormality detection sensor 703.

[0065] If the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is normal, the vehicle control device 28 ends the vehicle control method of Fig. 4. Although not shown, if the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is normal, the vehicle control device 28 (control unit 82) can execute the drive distribution ratio determination process and the driving control process described above.

[0066] If the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal, a second abnormality determination step S3 is executed. In the second abnormality determination step S3, the abnormality determination unit 80 determines whether the driving source cooling mechanism 46 is normal or not based on the detection signal of the second abnormality detection sensor 704.

[0067] If the driving-source cooling mechanism 46 is normal, the power generation unit temperature acquisition step S4 is executed. On the other hand, if the driving-source cooling mechanism 46 is abnormal, the first driving-source temperature acquisition step S7 is executed. Note that the power generation unit temperature acquisition step S4 and the first driving-source temperature acquisition step S7 can be executed while the vehicle 10 is traveling.

[0068] In the power generating unit temperature acquisition step S4, the temperature information acquisition unit 84 (information acquisition unit 76) acquires a detection signal from the first temperature sensor 701. Next, the process proceeds to a power generating unit temperature determination step S5, in which the temperature determination unit 78 determines whether the power generating unit temperature is equal to or higher than the power generating unit temperature threshold value based on the detection signal.

[0069] If the power generation unit temperature is not equal to or greater than the power generation unit temperature threshold, the temperature information acquisition unit 84 executes the power generation unit temperature acquisition step S4 again. If the power generation unit temperature is equal to or greater than the power generation unit temperature threshold, the vehicle control device 28 executes the power generation unit protection step S6.

[0070] In the power generation unit protection step S6, the control unit 82 executes the power generation unit protection process. As described above, the power generation unit protection process includes the power supply limit process.

[0071] In first driving source temperature acquisition step S7, temperature information acquisition unit 84 (information acquisition unit 76) acquires a detection signal from second temperature sensor 702. Next, the process proceeds to first driving source temperature determination step S8, where temperature determination unit 78 determines whether the first driving source temperature is equal to or higher than a first driving source temperature threshold based on the detection signal.

[0072] If the first driving source temperature is not equal to or greater than the first driving source temperature threshold, the temperature information acquisition unit 84 executes the first driving source temperature acquisition step S7 again. If the first driving source temperature is equal to or greater than the first driving source temperature threshold, the first driving source protection step S9 is executed. In the first driving source protection step S9, the control unit 82 executes the first driving source protection process described above.

[0073] Although not shown in the drawings, the first driving-source temperature acquisition step S7 and the first driving-source temperature determination step S8 may be executed even when the driving-source cooling mechanism 46 is normal. In this case, if the first driving-source temperature is equal to or higher than the first driving-source temperature threshold, the control unit 82 may execute the first driving-source protection step S9 in preference to the power generation unit protection step S6.

[0074] The above-described vehicle control device 28 (vehicle control method) and the vehicle 10 equipped with the vehicle control device 28 can achieve the effects described below, for example.

[0075] The vehicle control device 28 includes a control unit 82. The control unit 82 can execute a power supply restriction process when the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 (cooling mechanism) is abnormal. This restricts the power supply from the power generation unit 30 to the second driving source 40. The control unit 82 increases the amount of power supplied from the power generation unit 30 to the first driving source 32 to satisfy the required driving force while restricting the power supply to the second driving source 40. By decreasing the amount of power supplied to the second driving source 40 and increasing the amount of power supplied to the first driving source 32, the power consumption of the vehicle 10 improves. The improved power consumption allows the vehicle 10 to travel longer distances.

[0076] When the control unit 82 executes the power supply limiting process, for example, the amount of power supplied from the power generation unit 30 to the second drive source 40 becomes zero. In this case, the second drive wheels 14 can function as driven wheels that follow the first drive wheels 12. The rotational force of the second drive wheels 14 that follow the first drive wheels 12 may be used by the second drive source 40 to generate regenerative power.

[0077] According to this embodiment (FIG. 4), the control unit 82 executes the power supply limiting process when the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal and the power generation unit temperature is equal to or higher than the power generation unit temperature threshold. In other words, even if the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal, the control unit 82 does not execute the power supply limiting process when the power generation unit temperature is lower than the power generation unit temperature threshold. This allows the control unit 82 to prevent the power generation unit 30 from overheating while maintaining a state in which the second drive wheels 14 are driven by the second drive source 40. By allowing both the first drive wheels 12 and the second drive wheels 14 to continue functioning as drive wheels, the running stability of the vehicle 10 is maintained at a good level.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 82 executes the power supply limiting process when the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal and the driving source cooling mechanism 46 is normal. In other words, even if the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal, the control unit 82 does not execute the power supply limiting process when the driving source cooling mechanism 46 is abnormal. This prevents the first driving source 32 from overheating due to the execution of the power supply limiting process.

[0079] Furthermore, if the first driving source temperature is equal to or higher than the first driving source temperature threshold, the control unit 82 may execute the first driving source protection process in preference to the power generation unit protection step S6. This more reliably prevents the first driving source 32 from overheating. In this case, the control unit 82 may execute the power supply limiting process if the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal and the first driving source temperature is lower than a predetermined first driving source temperature threshold.

[0080] According to the present embodiment, when the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal, the driving force (first driving force) output from the first driving source 32 increases. Increasing the first driving force makes the first driving source 32 more likely to rise in temperature. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the cooling efficiency of the first driving source 32 is higher than the cooling efficiency of the second driving source 40. For example, the refrigerant RF3 used to cool the first driving source 32 is liquid-cooled. In contrast, the refrigerant RF4 used to cool the second driving source 40 is air-cooled. In general, the cooling efficiency of liquid cooling is higher than the cooling efficiency of air-cooling. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the first driving force is increased when the power generation unit cooling mechanism 44 is abnormal, overheating of the first driving source 32 can be prevented.

[0081] Note that even when the power supply limiting process is executed, the power supply from the power generating unit 30 to the second drive source 40 may continue. The control unit 82 reduces the amount of power supplied from the power generating unit 30 to the second drive source 40 by the power supply limiting process, but the power supply from the power generating unit 30 to the second drive source 40 may continue. Even in this case, the drive distribution ratio of the first drive wheels 12 increases and the drive distribution ratio of the second drive wheels 14 decreases. This improves the electricity consumption of the vehicle 10.

[0082] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0083] (Appendix 1) A vehicle control device (28) according to the present disclosure controls a vehicle (10) equipped with a power generation unit (30) capable of supplying electric power to a first drive source (32) that drives a first drive wheel (12) and a second drive source (40) that drives a second drive wheel (14), and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, and includes an abnormality determination unit (80) that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal, and a control unit (82) that executes a power supply limiting process that limits the power supply from the power generation unit to the second drive source if the cooling mechanism is abnormal. This allows the vehicle to maintain a running state for as long as possible even when the cooling efficiency of the internal combustion engine is limited.

[0084] (Appendix 2) The vehicle control device according to Supplementary Note 1 may further include an information acquisition unit (76) that acquires information indicating a power generation unit temperature, which is the temperature of the power generation unit, and the control unit may execute the power supply limiting process when the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the power generation unit temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined power generation unit temperature threshold. This maintains good running stability of the vehicle.

[0085] (Appendix 3) In the vehicle control device described in Supplementary Note 1, the abnormality determination unit may further determine whether a driving-source cooling mechanism (46) provided in the vehicle for cooling the first driving source is normal, and if the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the driving-source cooling mechanism is normal, the control unit may execute the power supply limiting process. This prevents the first driving source from overheating due to the execution of the power supply limiting process.

[0086] (Appendix 4) The vehicle control device according to Supplementary Note 1 may further include an information acquisition unit (76) that acquires information indicating a first driving source temperature, which is the temperature of the first driving source, and the control unit may execute the power supply limiting process when the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the first driving source temperature is lower than a predetermined first driving source temperature threshold. This more reliably prevents the first driving source from overheating.

[0087] (Appendix 5) In the vehicle control device described in Supplementary Note 4, when the temperature of the first driving source is equal to or higher than the first driving source temperature threshold, the control unit may reduce the power distribution ratio of the first driving source. This can more reliably prevent the first driving source from overheating.

[0088] (Appendix 6) In the vehicle control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, the cooling efficiency of the second drive source may be lower than the cooling efficiency of the first drive source. This makes it possible to prevent the first drive source from overheating even if the first drive force is increased when an abnormality occurs in the cooling mechanism.

[0089] (Appendix 7) In the vehicle control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, the cooling mechanism may include a shutter device (48) for taking in outside air, and the abnormality determination unit may determine that the cooling mechanism is abnormal when opening of the shutter device is restricted. This allows the vehicle control device to protect the power generation unit when it is difficult to take in cool air into the vehicle.

[0090] (Appendix 8) A vehicle (10) according to the present disclosure is a vehicle equipped with the vehicle control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7. This allows the vehicle to maintain a running state for as long as possible even when the cooling efficiency of the internal combustion engine is limited.

[0091] (Appendix 9) A vehicle control method according to the present disclosure is executed by a computer and controls a vehicle (10) equipped with a power generation unit (30) capable of supplying electric power to a first drive source (32) that drives a first drive wheel (12) and a second drive source (40) that drives a second drive wheel (14), and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, the vehicle control method including an abnormality determination step (S2) that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal, and a control step (S6) that executes a power supply limiting process to limit the power supply from the power generation unit to the second drive source if the cooling mechanism is abnormal. This allows the vehicle to maintain a running state for as long as possible even when the cooling efficiency of the internal combustion engine is limited.

[0092] (Appendix 10) The program according to the present disclosure is a program for causing the computer to execute the vehicle control method described in Supplementary Note 9.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10...Vehicle 12...First drive wheel 14...Second drive wheel 28...Vehicle control device 30...Power generation unit 32...First drive source 40...Second driving source 44... Power generation unit cooling mechanism (cooling mechanism) 46...Drive source cooling mechanism 48...First shutter device (shutter device) 80...Abnormality determination section 82...Control unit

Claims

1. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying electric power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, an abnormality determination unit that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a control unit that can execute a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when an abnormality occurs in the cooling mechanism; a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a power generation unit temperature, which is the temperature of the power generation unit; Equipped with When the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the temperature of the power generating unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined power generating unit temperature threshold, the control unit executes the power supply limiting process.

2. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, an abnormality determination unit that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a control unit that can execute a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when an abnormality occurs in the cooling mechanism; Equipped with the abnormality determination unit further determines whether a driving source cooling mechanism provided in the vehicle for cooling the first driving source is normal; When the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the drive source cooling mechanism is normal, the control unit executes the power supply limiting process.

3. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, an abnormality determination unit that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a control unit that can execute a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when an abnormality occurs in the cooling mechanism; a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a first driving source temperature, which is the temperature of the first driving source; Equipped with The vehicle control device is configured such that, when the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the first driving source temperature is lower than a predetermined first driving source temperature threshold, the control unit executes the power supply limiting process.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, When the temperature of the first driving source is equal to or higher than the first driving source temperature threshold, the control unit reduces a driving power distribution ratio of the first driving source.

5. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, an abnormality determination unit that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a control unit that can execute a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when an abnormality occurs in the cooling mechanism; Equipped with A vehicle control device, wherein the cooling efficiency of the second driving source is lower than the cooling efficiency of the first driving source.

6. A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, an abnormality determination unit that determines whether the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a control unit that can execute a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when an abnormality occurs in the cooling mechanism; Equipped with the cooling mechanism is provided with a shutter device for taking in outside air; The vehicle control device, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines that the cooling mechanism is abnormal when opening of the shutter device is restricted.

7. A vehicle comprising the vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A vehicle control method executed by a computer to control a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying electric power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, comprising: an abnormality determination step of determining whether or not the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a temperature information acquisition step of acquiring information indicating a power generation unit temperature, which is the temperature of the power generation unit; a control step of executing a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when the cooling mechanism is abnormal; and The vehicle control method, wherein the power supply limiting process is executed when the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the temperature of the power generating unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined power generating unit temperature threshold.

9. A vehicle control method executed by a computer to control a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, comprising: an abnormality determination step of determining whether or not the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a control step of executing a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when the cooling mechanism is abnormal; and In the abnormality determination step, it is further determined whether a driving source cooling mechanism provided in the vehicle for cooling the first driving source is normal; The vehicle control method, wherein the power supply limiting process is executed when the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the drive source cooling mechanism is normal.

10. A vehicle control method executed by a computer to control a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, comprising: an abnormality determination step of determining whether or not the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a temperature information acquisition step of acquiring information indicating a first driving source temperature, which is the temperature of the first driving source; a control step of executing a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when the cooling mechanism is abnormal; and The vehicle control method may execute the power supply limiting process when the cooling mechanism is abnormal and the first driving source temperature is lower than a predetermined first driving source temperature threshold value.

11. A vehicle control method executed by a computer to control a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, comprising: an abnormality determination step of determining whether or not the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a control step of executing a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when the cooling mechanism is abnormal; and A vehicle control method, wherein the cooling efficiency of the second driving source is lower than the cooling efficiency of the first driving source.

12. A vehicle control method executed by a computer to control a vehicle equipped with a power generation unit capable of supplying power to a first drive source that drives a first drive wheel and a second drive source that drives a second drive wheel, and a cooling mechanism that cools the power generation unit, comprising: an abnormality determination step of determining whether or not the cooling mechanism is abnormal; a control step of executing a power supply limiting process to limit power supply from the power generation unit to the second driving source when the cooling mechanism is abnormal; and the cooling mechanism is provided with a shutter device for taking in outside air; In the abnormality determination step, it is determined that the cooling mechanism is abnormal if opening of the shutter device is restricted.

13. A program for causing the computer to execute the vehicle control method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

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