Control device for electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide a control device of an electric vehicle that enables a user of the vehicle to control a deterioration state and a degree of progress of deterioration of an electricity generator, while reflecting the intention of the user.SOLUTION: A control device of an electric vehicle comprises an engine 1, an electricity generation unit constituted of a motor 2 for generating electricity that is driven by the engine to generate electricity and a battery 4 that stores electricity generated by the motor 2 for generating electricity, and a motor 3 for driving which is supplied with electricity from the electricity generation unit to generate driving torque, and can selectively set a normal operation mode and a deterioration suppressing operation mode which whose control contents are different from each other, which when setting the deterioration suppressing operation mode, executes deterioration suppression control by which progress of deterioration of the electricity generation unit can be suppressed more in comparison with in the normal operation mode which is standard (a step S3).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device for an electric vehicle equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) and a motor as power sources, and also having a generator or a power generation unit that generates electricity using the power of the engine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a current detection device for ensuring the stability of the engine during idling operation and the stability of the system voltage even when a battery or a vehicle generator deteriorates, and a control device for a vehicle to which it is applied. The vehicle control device described in this Patent Document 1 includes a battery state determination unit that determines the charge state and deterioration state of the battery, a generator performance determination unit that determines the deterioration state of the vehicle generator, a power generation amount increase determination unit that determines whether there is a request to increase the power generation amount for the vehicle generator, an idle determination unit that determines whether the engine is in an idle operation state, and a power generation amount suppression control unit that performs control to suppress the power generation amount of the vehicle generator. Then, the power generation amount suppression control unit executes control to suppress the power generation amount when the engine is in an idle operation state, there is no request to increase the power generation amount, and the battery is not in a deteriorated state. In other words, in the vehicle control device described in this Patent Document 1, the degree of deterioration of the battery and the vehicle generator is determined, and the power generation amount is not suppressed unless it is determined that there is no deterioration. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the power generation amount from being erroneously decreased when the battery or the vehicle generator deteriorates, and to prevent the instability of the idle operation and the instability of the system voltage from occurring.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a control device for a hybrid vehicle aimed at responsively increasing motor output in response to increased power demands while suppressing deterioration of fuel efficiency. In the hybrid vehicle control device described in Patent Document 2, two engine operating modes are set: a normal mode and an output mode that prioritizes motor output more than the normal mode. In the output mode, if there is a fluctuation in engine rotation, the generator is controlled so that the torque generated by the generator (which generates electricity using the engine's power) compensates for the fluctuation in engine rotation.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes a vehicle display device intended to indicate to the driver whether or not the control mode can be switched. The vehicle described in Patent Document 3 is equipped with a switch that the driver operates to select between CS mode (HV mode), in which both the engine and motor generator are driven, and CD mode (EV mode), in which the opportunities for engine operation are more limited compared to CS mode. When CS mode is selected and it is not possible to switch from CS mode to CD mode, the vehicle display device displays the remaining battery capacity on the monitor. When CS mode is selected and it is possible to switch from CS mode to CD mode, in addition to the remaining battery capacity, the monitor displays the distance that can be traveled by driving the motor generator with the engine stopped. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-130620 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-138151 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-119349 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] As vehicle electrification progresses, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), so-called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and range extender electric vehicles (REEVs) in particular have larger battery capacities compared to conventional HEVs (which do not use external power for charging). In such PHEVs and REEVs, the frequency of motor-driven driving (or EV driving) using battery power increases, and the generator (power generation unit) may be used very little. On the other hand, depending on the vehicle's operating environment and the user's usage, there may be cases where the generator is used frequently. Thus, in electric vehicles equipped with a power generation unit that generates power and charges the battery, the frequency and usage of the power generation unit can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle or from driver to driver. Consequently, the deterioration state of the power generation unit can also vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle or from driver to driver.

[0007] Regarding the deterioration state of the power generation unit (generator and battery, etc.) as described above, the vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1 determines the deterioration state of the generator and battery, and if it is determined that deterioration is progressing, it prohibits power generation suppression control to stabilize idle operation and system voltage. Thus, in conventional technology, the vehicle is controlled according to the deterioration state of the generator and battery, or the vehicle is controlled in a way that prevents the generator and battery from deteriorating. However, there has been no technology that allows the vehicle user (driver, owner) to adjust or control the deterioration state or the degree of deterioration of such power generation units in accordance with their own intentions. For example, it is conceivable that a vehicle owner may want to prioritize suppressing the progression of power generation unit deterioration over the vehicle's driving performance, considering the asset value of the vehicle. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a vehicle driver may want to tolerate some deterioration of the power generation unit and prioritize maximizing the vehicle's driving performance.

[0008] This invention was conceived in response to the above-mentioned technical problems, and aims to provide a control device for electric vehicles that allows the vehicle user to control the deterioration state and rate of deterioration of the power generation unit in accordance with their own intentions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, this invention provides a control device for an electric vehicle comprising: a power generation unit comprising at least an engine that generates power for power generation, a power generation motor driven by the engine that generates electricity, and a power storage device that stores the electricity generated by the power generation motor; and a drive motor that generates driving torque when power is supplied from the power generation unit, wherein the control device is capable of selectively setting a normal operation mode and a deterioration suppression operation mode, which have different control contents, and further comprises a controller for controlling the electric vehicle, wherein when the deterioration suppression operation mode is set, the controller suppresses the progression of deterioration of the power generation unit compared to the standard normal operation mode. Controllable The electric vehicle is controlled by a degradation suppression control system, and the user of the electric vehicle can choose between the normal operation mode or the degradation suppression operation mode. Do It is equipped with a selection operation means for selecting and setting. The deterioration suppression control includes at least one of the following controls: controlling the engine operation by reducing the engine power compared to operation in the normal operating mode; controlling the engine operation by reducing the engine speed compared to operation in the normal operating mode; controlling the engine operation by reducing the engine torque compared to operation in the normal operating mode; reducing the frequency of high-power operation of the engine compared to operation in the normal operating mode; suppressing the use of the power generation unit in a predetermined temperature range where deterioration of the power generation unit is likely to progress; and performing recovery operation, regeneration control, or removal treatment to remove deposits from the engine. It is characterized by the following.

[0010] Furthermore, this invention may further include notification means, in conjunction with the degradation suppression control, to inform the user that the degradation suppression operation mode has been set when the degradation suppression operation mode is selected by the selection operation means.

[0011] Furthermore, the notification means in this invention may be configured to make the user aware of the effect of suppressing the progression of deterioration due to the setting of the deterioration suppression operation mode and the execution of the deterioration suppression control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The electric vehicle of this invention is equipped with an engine (internal combustion engine) and a drive motor as power sources, and further includes a power generation unit that generates electricity using the power of the engine. The power generation unit consists of an engine, a power generation motor driven by the engine to generate electricity, and a power storage device that stores the electricity generated by the power generation motor. Furthermore, the electric vehicle of this invention is configured to allow selective setting of a normal operation mode and a degradation suppression operation mode. These normal operation mode and degradation suppression operation mode are operating modes with different control contents from each other. In the normal operation mode, the electric vehicle is controlled with standard control contents, while in the degradation suppression operation mode, the electric vehicle is controlled with control contents that suppress the progression of degradation of the power generation unit compared to the normal operation mode. Furthermore, the electric vehicle of this invention is equipped with a selection operation means that allows the user (driver or owner) of the electric vehicle to select and set either the normal operation mode or the degradation suppression operation mode of the electric vehicle at their own discretion. The control device of the electric vehicle of this invention controls the electric vehicle with control contents corresponding to the operating mode selected by the user's operation of the selection operation means. When the degradation suppression driving mode is selected, the system controls the engine to operate at a reduced power output, reduced engine speed, or perform recovery operation to remove engine deposits, thereby suppressing the progression of degradation of the power generation unit. Conversely, when the normal driving mode is selected, the above-mentioned degradation suppression control of the power generation unit is not performed, allowing the electric vehicle to be controlled in a way that maximizes the performance of the vehicle and engine. Therefore, electric vehicle users can choose between a driving mode that suppresses the progression of power generation unit degradation over vehicle performance, and a driving mode that maximizes vehicle performance.

[0013] Therefore, according to the electric vehicle control device of this invention, the user of the electric vehicle can control the deterioration state and the rate of deterioration of the power generation unit in accordance with their own intentions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration and control system of an electric vehicle to be controlled in this invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the specific configuration of the electric vehicle to be controlled in this invention, and is a diagram showing an image of the selection operation means (setting button) in this invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the specific configuration of the electric vehicle to be controlled in this invention, and is a diagram showing an image of the notification means (an example of displaying information on the driving mode) in this invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control (basic control example) executed by the control device of the electric vehicle of this invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining another example of control (control example of displaying information on the driving mode) executed by the control device of the electric vehicle of this invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are merely examples of the case where this invention is embodied, and do not limit this invention.

[0016] The vehicle to be controlled in the embodiments of this invention is an electric vehicle equipped with at least an engine and a driving motor as power sources. Further, it includes a power generation unit composed of a power generation motor driven by the engine to generate electricity, and a battery (power storage device) for storing the electricity generated by the power generation motor. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the configuration of an electric vehicle (hereinafter, the vehicle) Ve to be controlled in the embodiments of this invention.

[0017] The vehicle Ve shown in FIG. 1 includes an engine (ENG) 1, a first motor (MG) 2, a second motor (MG) 3, and a battery (BAT) 4. Further, the vehicle Ve includes a setting button 5 as "selection operation means" and a display 6 as "notification means". And the vehicle Ve includes a detection unit 7 and a controller (ECU) 8 to execute various controls.

[0018] The engine 1 is, for example, an internal combustion engine that obtains power by burning fuel, such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine. The engine 1 is configured such that the adjustment of the output and the operating states such as start and stop are electrically controlled. In the case of a gasoline engine, the opening degree of the throttle valve, the supply amount or injection amount of fuel, the execution and stop of ignition, and the ignition timing are electrically controlled. In the case of a diesel engine, the injection amount of fuel, the injection timing of fuel, or the opening degree of the throttle valve in the EGR system is electrically controlled.

[0019] The first motor 2 is connected to the crankshaft (not shown) of the engine 1 so as to be power-transmittable. Therefore, the first motor 2 is configured to be driven by the output torque of the engine 1 to generate electricity, and corresponds to the "motor for power generation" in the embodiment of this invention. The first motor 2 is electrically connected so as to be able to exchange power with the battery 4 described later.

[0020] The second motor 3 is connected to the drive wheels 11 so as to be power-transmittable via, for example, a differential gear 9 and a drive shaft 10. Also, the second motor 3 is electrically connected so as to be able to exchange power with the battery 4 described later. Therefore, the second motor 3 is a motor that generates drive torque when power is supplied from the battery 4 (that is, the power generation unit), and corresponds to the "motor for driving" in the embodiment of this invention.

[0021] Battery 4 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, and corresponds to the “energy storage device” in this embodiment of the invention. Battery 4 is electrically connected to the first motor 2 and the second motor 3 via a power supply device (not shown) such as an inverter or converter, so as to be able to transfer power to and from them. Therefore, battery 4 is charged by the power generated by the first motor 2 and stores electricity. Battery 4 also supplies power to the second motor 3, which generates driving torque. Together with this battery 4, the engine 1 and the first motor 2 (i.e., the “power generation motor”), the “power generation unit” in this embodiment of the invention is formed.

[0022] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 1, the battery 4 is configured to be rechargeable by power supplied from an external power source 12 of the vehicle Ve. Also, as described above, the vehicle Ve generates electricity with the engine 1 and the first motor 2, and is driven by the output of the second motor 3, which will be described later. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 1, the vehicle Ve is a "series-type plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV)" or a "range-extender electric vehicle (REEV)". It should be noted that the vehicle Ve to be controlled in this embodiment of the invention is not limited to the "series-type PHEV" or "REEV" described above, but can be any "electric vehicle" equipped with the engine 1, the first motor 2 (i.e., a "power-generating motor"), and the second motor 3 (i.e., a "driving motor") as described above. For example, the first motor 2 may be connected to the drive wheels 11 in a way that allows power transmission, and the first motor 2 may function as a generator as described above, while also outputting driving torque, making it a so-called "motor generator". In other words, the vehicle Ve to be controlled in this embodiment of the invention may be a "parallel system or split system" "HEV" or "PHEV".

[0023] The setting button 5 constitutes the "selection operation means" in this embodiment of the invention and is operated by the user of the vehicle Ve (the driver of the vehicle Ve or the owner of the vehicle Ve) to select and set the driving mode of the vehicle Ve (specifically, the normal driving mode and the deterioration suppression driving mode, which will be described later). The setting button 5 is, for example, a "push switch" as shown in Figure 2. The setting button 5 may be, for example, a mechanical physical switch, or a capacitive touch panel switch (not shown), or a non-contact or voice input type sensor switch (not shown).

[0024] Display 6 constitutes the “notification means” in this embodiment of the invention, and when the degradation suppression driving mode is selected as the driving mode of the vehicle Ve using the setting button 5 (i.e., the “selection operation means”) as described above, it makes the user of the vehicle Ve aware that the degradation suppression driving mode has been set. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when the degradation suppression driving mode is selected, Display 6 displays something like “Generator Long Life Mode Operation” (Example 1). In addition, in order to make the user aware of the effect of suppressing the progression of degradation of the “power generation unit” due to the setting of the degradation suppression driving mode and the execution of degradation suppression control, it displays something like “Generator Degradation Reduced by XX% Operation” (Example 2).

[0025] The detection unit 7 is a device or apparatus for acquiring various data and information necessary for controlling the vehicle Ve, and includes, for example, a power supply unit, a microcomputer, sensors, and an input / output interface. In particular, the detection unit 7 in this embodiment of the invention detects data for controlling the engine 1, the first motor 2, and the second motor 3, respectively. For example, the detection unit 7 has various sensors and devices such as an engine speed sensor 7a for detecting the rotational speed of the engine 1, a motor speed sensor 7b for detecting the rotational speed of the first motor 2, a motor speed sensor 7c for detecting the rotational speed of the second motor 3, a SOC sensor 7d for detecting the charge state (SOC) of the battery 4, a battery current sensor 7e for detecting the current value of the battery 4, and a battery temperature sensor 7f for detecting the temperature of the battery 4. The detection unit 7 is electrically connected to a controller 8, which will be described later, and outputs electrical signals corresponding to the detected or calculated values ​​of the various sensors, devices, and apparatus as detection data to the controller 8.

[0026] Controller 8 is an electronic control device mainly composed of a microcomputer, and primarily controls the operation of the engine 1, the generator motor 2, and the drive motor 3. Various data detected or calculated by the detection unit 7 are input to Controller 8. Controller 8 performs calculations using the input data and pre-stored data and calculation formulas. Controller 8 then outputs the calculation result as a control command signal, and is configured to control the operation of the engine 1, the generator motor 2, and the drive motor 3 as described above. In particular, in this embodiment of the invention, when the deterioration suppression operation mode is set as the operating mode of the vehicle Ve, Controller 8 performs deterioration suppression control, which controls the vehicle Ve with control content that suppresses the progression of deterioration of the "power generation unit" compared to the standard normal operation mode. Although only one controller 8 is shown in Figure 1, multiple controllers 8 may be provided for each device or equipment to be controlled, or for each control content.

[0027] In this embodiment of the invention, the controller 8 of the vehicle Ve is configured to perform, for example, the control shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 below, in order to appropriately execute the deterioration suppression control described above.

[0028] The control shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is executed, for example, when the main switch or power switch (not shown) of vehicle Ve is turned ON. First, in step S1, it is determined whether the user of vehicle Ve has selected the degradation suppression operation mode (generator degradation suppression mode) as the operating mode of vehicle Ve. As mentioned above, vehicle Ve is configured to allow selective setting of at least two operating modes, a normal operating mode and a degradation suppression operation mode, which have different control contents. In the example shown in Figure 4, it is configured so that either the normal operating mode or the degradation suppression operation mode can be selectively set. The normal operating mode is the standard operating mode and is the operating mode set when degradation suppression control is not performed. The degradation suppression operation mode controls vehicle Ve with control contents that suppress the progression of degradation of the "generator unit" compared to the standard normal operating mode. In other words, degradation suppression control is executed when the degradation suppression operation mode is set.

[0029] If the degradation suppression operation mode has not yet been selected, and the result in step S1 is determined to be "No", proceed to step S2.

[0030] In step S2, the vehicle Ve is operated in normal driving mode (normal mode). That is, the driving mode of the vehicle Ve is set to normal driving mode, and in accordance with that normal driving mode Jita system Based on the above, the vehicle Ve is controlled. In this case, deterioration suppression control is not performed, and the vehicle Ve is controlled appropriately according to other conditions and driving conditions. Therefore, since deterioration suppression control is not performed, the vehicle Ve is controlled in a way that allows it to perform at its maximum potential (especially its power performance). Once the normal driving mode is set in step S2, the routine shown in the flowchart of Figure 2 is then terminated.

[0031] On the other hand, if the degradation suppression operation mode is selected and "Yes" is determined in step S1, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0032] In step S3, the vehicle Ve is operated in a degradation suppression operation mode (generator degradation suppression mode). That is, the operating mode of the vehicle Ve is set to the degradation suppression operation mode, and the degradation suppression control in this embodiment of the invention is executed.

[0033] Degradation suppression control controls the vehicle Ve with control settings that suppress the progression of degradation of the "power generation unit" (at least one of the engine 1, first motor 2, and battery 4) compared to standard control settings when the degradation suppression operation mode is set. Examples of degradation suppression control include: (1) Compared to operation in normal operating mode, the engine power is reduced to control the operation of engine 1. (2) Compared to operation in normal operating mode, the engine speed is reduced to control the operation of engine 1. (3) Compared to operation in normal operating mode, the engine torque is reduced to control the operation of engine 1. (4) Compared to operation in normal operating mode, reduce the frequency of operating engine 1 at high engine power. (5) Suppress the use of the "power generation unit" (e.g., the first motor 2 and battery 4) in temperature ranges where deterioration of the "power generation unit" is likely to progress (e.g., extremely low temperatures or high temperatures). (6) Switch to operating conditions that make it difficult for the “power generation unit” to deteriorate, and control the “power generation unit” (7) Perform recovery operation, regeneration control, or removal treatment, etc., to remove deposits from engine 1. These are some examples.

[0034] The degradation suppression control described above is performed when the user operates the setting button 5, i.e., the “selection operation means,” to select the degradation suppression operation mode. Therefore, in the control device for the electric vehicle in this embodiment of the invention, degradation suppression control is performed as intended by the user or reflecting the user’s will. Once the degradation suppression operation mode is set in step S3, the routine shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 is then terminated.

[0035] The flowchart in Figure 5 shows another example of control performed by the control device of the electric vehicle in this embodiment of the present invention. In the control shown in the flowchart of Figure 5, the control in step S4 is added to the control example shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 above. That is, as described above, once the deterioration suppression operation mode is set in step S3 and the deterioration suppression control is executed, in step S4, information about operation under the deterioration suppression operation mode is presented to the user.

[0036] For example, as mentioned above, the display 6 shows that the degradation suppression operation mode is set. Alternatively, the display 6 shows information regarding the effect of suppressing the degradation of the "power generation unit" due to the degradation suppression operation mode being set and the degradation suppression control being executed. Note that the "notification means" in this embodiment of the invention is not limited to the display 6 as described above, but may also be an indicator lamp (not shown) or a sound-producing device (not shown) that produces voice or sound effects. In step S4, once information on operation with the degradation suppression operation mode is presented, the routine shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 is terminated.

[0037] As described above, in the control device for the electric vehicle in this embodiment of the invention, the vehicle Ve is controlled with control content corresponding to the driving mode selected by the user through the operation of the "selection operation means". When the deterioration suppression driving mode is selected, for example, the vehicle is controlled to operate with reduced power from the engine 1, reduced rotational speed from the engine 1, or to perform recovery operation to remove engine deposits, thereby suppressing the progression of deterioration of the "power generation unit". Conversely, when the normal driving mode is selected, the vehicle Ve is controlled in a state that allows the performance of the vehicle Ve and engine 1 to be maximized, as the deterioration suppression control of the "power generation unit" described above is not performed. Therefore, the user of the vehicle Ve can choose at their own discretion between a driving mode that suppresses the progression of deterioration of the "power generation unit" rather than the driving performance of the vehicle Ve, and a driving mode that allows the driving performance of the vehicle Ve to be maximized.

[0038] Therefore, according to the control device for electric vehicles in this embodiment of the invention, the user of vehicle Ve can control the deterioration state and the degree of deterioration of the "power generation unit" in accordance with their own intentions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1. Engine (ENG) 2. First motor (MG) (generator motor) 3. Second motor (MG) (drive motor) 4. Battery (BAT) (Energy Storage Device) 5. Settings button (selection operation method) 6. Display (Notification Method) 7 Detection unit 7a Engine speed sensor (detection unit) 7b Motor rotation speed sensor (of the detection unit) 7c (Detection unit) Motor rotation speed sensor 7d (Detection unit) SOC sensor 7e Battery current sensor (detection unit) 7f Battery temperature sensor (detection unit) 8. Controller (ECU) 9 Differential gear 10 Drive shaft 11 drive wheels 12 External power supply Vehicles (electric vehicles)

Claims

1. A control device for an electric vehicle comprising a power generation unit consisting of at least an engine that generates power for power generation, a power generation motor driven by the engine that generates electricity, and a power storage device that stores the electricity generated by the power generation motor, and a drive motor that generates driving torque when power is supplied from the power generation unit, wherein the control device can selectively set between a normal operation mode and a deterioration suppression operation mode, each with different control contents, The electric vehicle is equipped with a controller that controls the electric vehicle, When the degradation suppression operation mode is set, the controller performs degradation suppression control to control the electric vehicle with control content that can suppress the progression of degradation of the power generation unit compared to the standard normal operation mode. The electric vehicle is equipped with a selection operation means for the user to intentionally select and set either the normal operation mode or the degradation suppression operation mode. The deterioration suppression control includes at least one of the following controls: controlling the engine operation by reducing the engine power compared to operation in the normal operating mode; controlling the engine operation by reducing the engine speed compared to operation in the normal operating mode; controlling the engine operation by reducing the engine torque compared to operation in the normal operating mode; reducing the frequency of high-power operation of the engine compared to operation in the normal operating mode; suppressing the use of the power generation unit in a predetermined temperature range where deterioration of the power generation unit is likely to progress; and performing recovery operation, regeneration control, or removal treatment to remove deposits from the engine. A control device for electric vehicles characterized by the following features.

2. A control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, When the deterioration suppression operation mode is selected by the selection operation means, the system further includes notification means to inform the user that the deterioration suppression operation mode has been set. A control device for electric vehicles characterized by the following features.

3. A control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 2, The notification means makes the user aware of the effect of suppressing the progression of deterioration, which is achieved by setting the deterioration suppression operation mode and executing the deterioration suppression control. A control device for electric vehicles characterized by the following features.

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