Mode switching apparatus for vehicle

Abstract

This mode switching apparatus is mounted on a hybrid vehicle which has mounted thereon a travel control device such as a traction control device, and comprises a travel mode switching switch that switches travel modes such as an EV priority mode and a NORMAL mode capable of driving an engine, and switches drive modes such as a WET mode and a NORMAL mode. The travel mode switching switch sequentially switches a plurality of the travel modes and a plurality of the drive modes that are set side by side, and selects one of the travel modes or one of the drive modes.

Description

Vehicle mode switching device

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle mode switching device.

[0002] In recent years, many recreational vehicles and sports cars have been equipped with a drive mode selector switch that allows the driver to switch between various drive modes. By selecting a drive mode according to the driving environment, such as the road surface, the driver can switch the performance of various driving control devices such as a traction control device and a yaw control device, driving force, steering force of a steering device, etc. For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a dial-type rotary switch or a seesaw-type switch is used as the drive mode selector switch operated by the occupant.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-302055

[0004] Meanwhile, hybrid vehicles that can switch between EV mode and engine driving mode (parallel mode, series mode) have been developed that are equipped with a driving mode selector switch that allows the driver to switch driving modes (EV priority mode, engine-driven charging priority mode, etc.).

[0005] If a hybrid vehicle equipped with such a driving mode changeover switch is to be equipped with an additional drive mode changeover switch, the number of switches required will increase, leading to increased costs and potentially making operation more complicated.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and its purpose is to provide a mode switching device for a vehicle that allows easy switching between drive mode and traveling mode with a single operating device.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle mode switching device of the present invention is provided on a vehicle that is equipped with an engine, a battery, a generator driven by the engine to generate electricity, and an electric motor that is supplied with power from the battery or the generator to drive the driving wheels of the vehicle as drive sources for the driving wheels of the vehicle, and that is also equipped with a predetermined driving control device that is involved in the driving of the vehicle, and is equipped with: driving mode selection operation means that selects and operates one driving mode from a plurality of driving modes that have different drive sources for the driving wheels; drive mode selection operation means that selects and operates one drive mode from a plurality of drive modes that have different control amounts for the driving control device; and control means that switches the driving mode based on selection operation by the driving mode selection operation means, and switches the drive mode based on operation of the drive mode selection operation means, wherein the driving mode selection operation means and the drive mode selection operation means are configured by a single manual operation device, and one of the driving modes or one of the drive modes is selected by sequentially switching among the plurality of driving modes and the plurality of drive modes that are set in a row by operating the manual operation device.

[0008] The vehicle mode switching device of the present invention has multiple travel modes and multiple drive modes set in parallel, and by operating the manual operation device, the multiple travel modes and multiple drive modes can be switched and set in order, making it possible to switch and set the multiple travel modes and multiple drive modes with a simple operation of the manual operation device.In addition, the number of operation devices installed can be reduced, thereby reducing vehicle costs.

[0009] 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle mode switching device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram of a confirmed mode in a vehicle mode; FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram of a pre-confirmed mode when a mode switching switch is operated; FIG. 4 is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of various signals and operating states when switching from NORMAL mode to GRAVEL mode; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display mode on a display device when switching from NORMAL mode to GRAVEL mode; FIG. 6 is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of various signals and operating states when EV mode is canceled when switching from WET mode to EV priority mode; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display mode on a display device when EV mode is canceled when switching from WET mode to EV priority mode; FIG. 8 is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of various signals and operating states when EV mode is canceled in EV mode and transition is made to NORMAL mode; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display mode on a display device when EV mode is canceled in EV mode and transition is made to NORMAL mode.

[0010] 1 is a block diagram of a mode switching device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] The vehicle mode switching device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a hybrid vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle) capable of switching the vehicle's driving mode. The driving modes include an EV mode (EV driving) in which the vehicle is driven solely by an electric motor, and an engine driving mode such as a parallel mode or series mode in which the vehicle drives a generator to generate electricity while driving. Furthermore, the driver can selectively switch between a NORMAL mode, which automatically switches between the EV mode and the engine driving mode based on the required output based on the accelerator operation amount, the rotational speed of the output shaft (driving shaft), the charge rate of the on-board battery, etc.; an EV priority mode, which prioritizes EV driving; and a CHARGE mode, which forcibly drives the engine to charge the battery. The engine driving mode corresponds to the first driving mode of the present invention, and the EV mode and EV priority mode correspond to the second driving modes of the present invention.

[0012] The vehicle is also capable of switching drive modes. The vehicle is equipped with various driving control devices related to driving, such as a traction control device (TCL, ASC), a brake AYC (active yaw control), and an EPS (electric power steering). The drive mode is a mode that adjusts (corrects) the control of these various driving control devices, engine output, etc. to change the vehicle's driving performance. In this embodiment, the drive mode can be switched to a drive mode suitable for various road surface conditions, such as NORMAL mode, WET mode, GRAVEL mode, TARMAC mode, and MUD mode. NOMAL mode is also a mode (basic drive mode) in which correction control by the various driving control devices is not performed.

[0013] The vehicle mode switching device 1 of this embodiment includes a mode switching switch (a driving mode selection operation means, a drive mode selection operation means) 2 that switches between a driving mode and a drive mode, and a control unit 10 (a control means) that determines the driving mode and the drive mode based on the operation of the mode switching switch 2.

[0014] The mode changeover switch 2 is a toggle or seesaw type momentary switch that can be operated forward or backward from a neutral position. The mode changeover switch 2 is operated in one direction relative to the neutral position (non-operation position) when not in operation, and in the other direction relative to the neutral position (non-operation position), which is the non-operation position.

[0015] The control unit 10 may be provided in, for example, a control unit that controls a traction control device of a vehicle, another control unit of the vehicle, or a standalone unit in the vehicle.

[0016] The control unit 10 is composed of an input / output device (not shown), a storage device (ROM, RAM, etc.) for storing control programs, etc., a central processing unit (CPU), a timer counter, etc.

[0017] Control unit 10 receives an operation signal from mode selector switch 2 and also receives an EV mode cancel signal via CAN communication from a hybrid control unit (HEV-ECU) 20, which controls the driving mode. When the vehicle power is on, HEV-ECU 20 determines whether EV mode is disabled based on the battery temperature and charging rate (second driving mode restriction determination means), and outputs an EV mode cancel signal if EV mode is disabled. Control unit 10 outputs the determination results (confirmation results) of the driving mode and drive mode via CAN communication to HEV-ECU 20, an air conditioning control unit (air conditioning-ECU) 21, which controls an air conditioning system that regulates the temperature of the vehicle's interior and battery, and an electric power steering control unit (EPS-ECU) 22, and these control units 20 to 22 switch between various driving modes and drive modes. The control unit 10 also outputs information to a meter ECU (METER-ECU) 23 that controls the display device 30 via CAN communication, causing the display device 30 to display information relating to various modes.

[0018] The control unit 10 includes an operation determination unit 15 that determines the running mode and drive mode set by operating the mode selector switch 2, and a mode determination unit 16 that determines the running mode and drive mode based on the determination by the operation determination unit 15 and an EV mode cancel signal. The display device 30 is provided on the meter panel near the driver's seat of the vehicle. The display device 30 displays the running mode and drive mode.

[0019] Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing state transitions of the confirmed mode, which is the confirmed running mode and drive mode. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing state transitions of the running mode and drive mode before confirmation when the mode selector switch 2 is operated.

[0020] 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the driving modes (NORMAL, EV (EV priority), CHARGE) and the drive modes (NORMAL, WET, GRAVEL, TARMAC, MUD) can be switched by a single mode selector switch 2. In the EV priority mode or CHARGE mode of the driving modes, the drive mode is set to NORMAL mode, which does not perform correction control.

[0021] 3, the confirmation mode can be arbitrarily switched by the mode changeover switch 2. When the vehicle power is turned on (IG-ON), the NORMAL mode is automatically set.

[0022] 3 and 5, the driving modes and drive modes displayed on the display device 30 are arranged in the order of EV priority mode (displayed as EV) and CHARGE mode on one side of the NORMAL mode, and WET mode, GRAVEL mode, TARMAC mode, and MUD mode on the other side. By operating the mode selector switch 2 UP or DOWN, the modes can be switched (selected) in the order in which they are arranged, that is, CHARGE←→EV←→NORMAL←→WET←→GRAVEL←→TARMAC←→MUD.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5 , the display device 30 includes a constant display area 32 and an interrupt display area (display area) 31. The constant display area 32 is an area that is always displayed when the vehicle power is ON, and is an area that displays, in text, one confirmed mode (confirmed mode) or one unconfirmed mode out of a total of seven modes, including the travel modes and drive modes. The interrupt display area 31 displays the operation displays of various driving control devices when the vehicle power is ON, but is an area that interrupts the display by temporarily erasing the operation displays and displaying the travel mode and drive mode when the mode selector switch 2 is operated. In the interrupt display area 31, the total of seven modes, including the travel mode and drive mode, are displayed in the order of CHAGE, EV, NORMAL, WET, GRAVEL, TARMAC, and MUD, as described above. The mode (unconfirmed mode) selected by operating the mode selector switch 2 is illuminated, for example, as a backlight, so that the driver can confirm it. In the constant display area 32, the pre-confirmation mode can be displayed in a manner different from that of the confirmed mode, for example, with lighter characters than those of the confirmed mode.

[0024] Fig. 4 is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of various signals and operating states when switching from NORMAL mode to GRAVEL mode. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the display state on the display device 30 when switching from WET mode to GRAVEL mode. Here, the determination timing and display when switching from WET mode to GRAVEL mode, for example, will be described.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 4, when the mode selector switch 2 is operated Down twice while driving in NORMAL mode, the mode switches to GRAVEL mode. When the Down operation is performed once in NORMAL mode, an interrupt display is performed in the interrupt display area 31 and WET is lit, as in the display of pattern 1 in Fig. 5. At this time, WET is displayed in the constant display area 32 in the pre-determined display. When the Down operation is performed a second time before the elapse of a predetermined time ta after the first Down operation, the display in the interrupt display area 31 moves from WET to the next GRAVEL mode, as in the display of pattern 2 in Fig. 5. Furthermore, GRAVEL is displayed in the constant display area 32 in the pre-determined display.

[0026] If the mode selector switch 2 is not operated within a predetermined time ta after the second DOWN operation, the GRAVEL mode is confirmed. Here, GRAVEL is displayed as a confirmed display in the constant display area 32, as in the display of pattern 3 in Figure 5. Then, a GRAVEL mode execution signal is output to the HEV-ECU 20 and various other driving control devices, and the driving mode is switched to the GRAVEL mode.

[0027] In this way, immediately after operating the mode changeover switch 2, the mode is not confirmed, and when a predetermined time ta has passed without any operation being performed after operating the mode changeover switch 2, the mode is confirmed and various driving control devices are switched.

[0028] When switching from one mode to another other than NORMAL mode to GRAVEL mode, the number of UP or DOWN operations of the mode changeover switch 2 may differ, but the mode is confirmed after a predetermined time ta has elapsed after the operation of the mode changeover switch 2, as described above.

[0029] Fig. 6 is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of various signals and operating states when the EV mode is canceled during a switching operation from the WET mode to the EV priority mode. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the display state of the display device 30 when the EV mode is canceled during a switching operation from the WET mode to the EV priority mode.

[0030] While driving in WET mode, if the mode selector switch 2 is operated to the UP position twice, the vehicle will switch to EV priority mode. However, as shown in Figure 6, this operation may not be possible at the time of operation due to reasons such as high battery temperature or a low charging rate.

[0031] In WET mode, when an UP operation is performed once, an interrupt display is performed in the interrupt display area 31, and NORMAL is lit, as in the display of pattern 1 in Fig. 7 . At this time, NORMAL is displayed in the constant display area 32 in the pre-determined display. In addition, the interrupt display area 31 is displayed in a lighter color (gray, for example) than the other modes, to indicate that EV mode is unavailable. If an UP operation is performed a second time before the elapse of a predetermined time ta after the first UP operation, the display in the interrupt display area 31 changes from NORMAL to the next EV priority mode, as in the display of pattern 2 in Fig. 7 . However, the EV letters in the interrupt display area 31 remain lighter, for example. The constant display area 32 displays EV in the pre-determined display.

[0032] Even if a predetermined time ta has elapsed without the mode selector switch 2 being operated after the second UP operation, the EV priority mode is not confirmed, and the WET mode, which was the mode before the operation of the mode selector switch 2, is maintained. Here, as in the display of pattern 3 in FIG. 7 , the interrupt display area 31 displays a large indication that the EV mode is unavailable, for example, by displaying EV in large red letters with a strikethrough and displaying the text "Currently unavailable," and the constant display area 32 displays WET as a confirmed indication. A switching signal to the EV priority mode is not output to the HEV-ECU 20 or other various driving control devices, and the driving mode is maintained in the WET mode. In this way, if the EV mode is canceled when the mode selector switch 2 is operated to the EV priority mode, the mode before the operation is maintained, as shown by b in FIG. 3 .

[0033] Fig. 8 is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of various signals and operating states when the EV mode is cancelled and the vehicle transitions to the NORMAL mode while the EV priority mode is selected. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the display state of the display device 30 when the EV mode is cancelled and the vehicle transitions to the NORMAL mode while the EV priority mode is selected.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 8, when an EV mode cancel signal is input from the HEV-ECU 20 while the vehicle is running in EV mode, as shown in pattern 1 of Fig. 9, a large message indicating that EV mode is unavailable is displayed in the interrupt display area 31, for example, by displaying EV in large red letters with a strikethrough, and an EV cancellation message such as "EV mode has been canceled" is displayed. In this pattern 1, EV is displayed as a pre-confirmation message in the constant display area 32. Furthermore, EV mode is canceled, and both the pre-confirmation mode and the mode determination result are determined to be NORMAL mode. Then, after the pattern 1 display is displayed for, for example, 0.1 to 0.2 seconds, NORMAL is displayed as a confirmed message in the constant display area 32, as shown in pattern 2 of Fig. 9.

[0035] That is, when an EV mode cancel signal is input from the HEV-ECU 20 during the EV mode, the EV cancel display is displayed on the display device 30, and then the HEV-ECU 20 is controlled to switch to the NORMAL mode as shown in a in Figures 2 and 3.

[0036] As described above, a vehicle equipped with the vehicle mode switching device of this embodiment can switch the driving mode among the EV priority mode in which the engine is actively stopped, the NORMAL mode, and the CHARGE mode.

[0037] The vehicle is also equipped with various driving control devices such as a traction control device, and the drive modes of these driving control devices can be switched among NORMAL mode, WET mode, GRAVEL mode, TARMAC mode, and MUD mode.

[0038] In this embodiment, switching between the driving mode and the drive mode can be performed by selecting using a single manually operated device, the mode selector switch 2. The mode selector switch 2 is configured to be operated to sequentially switch between and set a plurality of driving modes and a plurality of drive modes. This makes it possible to switch between and set a plurality of driving modes and a plurality of drive modes by simply operating the mode selector switch 2, which is a manually operated device. Furthermore, the number of operating devices installed can be reduced, thereby reducing vehicle costs.

[0039] In this manner, with an operating device that switches between driving modes and drive modes in sequence, when switching between modes that have other modes set between them, such as from NORMAL mode to GRAVEL mode, the operation of the mode selector switch 2 involves passing through the other mode (intermediate mode). In this embodiment, when a mode switching operation is performed using the mode selector switch 2, the mode is not confirmed until a predetermined time ta has elapsed since the operation, and the mode switches to the operated mode after the predetermined time ta has elapsed. This allows the vehicle to switch directly to the desired mode without unintentionally switching to an intermediate mode, thereby avoiding unintended effects on driving. Furthermore, because the mode selector switch 2 is a momentary switch that can be operated in two directions from the non-operated position, costs can be reduced and operation can be made easier.

[0040] The driving mode can be switched to EV priority mode, charge mode, or NORMAL mode, but when the mode selector switch 2 is operated to switch from another mode to EV priority mode, the control unit 10 inquires of the HEV-ECU 20 within a predetermined time ta after the operation whether or not restrictions on EV mode have been determined, and if an EV mode cancel signal is input, the mode before the operation is maintained without being confirmed as EV priority mode.

[0041] This prevents an impossible changeover, or a changeover back to the CHARGE mode or NORMAL mode due to a restriction determination of the EV mode immediately after changing over to the EV priority mode, thereby suppressing unnecessary mode changeover control.

[0042] During EV driving in the EV priority mode, the HEV-ECU 20 determines whether the EV mode is restricted, and if an EV mode cancel signal is input to the control unit 10, the vehicle is controlled to transition to the NORMAL mode.

[0043] The order in which the modes can be switched on the mode changeover switch 2 is as follows: on one side (UP side) of the NORMAL mode, driving modes such as EV priority mode and charge mode are arranged, and on the other side (DOWN side) of the NORMAL mode, driving modes such as WET mode, GRAVEL mode, TARMAC mode, and MUD mode are arranged.

[0044] This allows easy operation from NORMAL mode to each running mode or drive mode. Specifically, performing an UP operation from NORMAL mode allows switching between running modes, and performing a DOWN operation from NORMAL mode allows switching between drive modes. Note that since the NORMAL mode is set when the vehicle power is turned ON, it is easy to select the first mode after turning on the vehicle power.

[0045] Regarding the order of the driving modes and drive modes, for example, if the driving modes and drive modes are set in an order closer to NORMAL mode as they are used more frequently, the frequency of UP and DOWN operations using the mode change switch 2 can be reduced, making it easier to change modes.

[0046] In addition, the display device 30 is provided with an interrupt display area 31 that displays the order of the running modes and drive modes and the running mode and drive mode (mode before confirmation) selected by the mode change switch 2, making it easy to operate the mode change switch 2.

[0047] More specifically, the display device 30 has an interruption display area 31 that displays the mode (pre-determined mode) selected by the mode selector switch 2, and a constant display area 32 that displays the confirmed mode that is confirmed after a predetermined time ta has elapsed since the operation of the mode selector switch 2. This allows the user to check both the selected mode (pre-determined mode) and the confirmed mode.

[0048] The mode selector switch 2 can be operated to sequentially switch between the running modes and drive modes in a predetermined order, and the interrupt display area 31 displays a plurality of running modes and drive modes in a predetermined order, with the selected mode displayed in a different manner from the other modes. This allows the user to confirm which running mode or drive mode will be selected next by operating the mode selector switch 2 UP or DOWN, and also to confirm the selected running mode or drive mode.

[0049] The constant display area 32 displays the selected mode (pre-confirmation mode) from the time the mode changeover switch 2 is operated until the mode is confirmed, and after the mode is confirmed, the confirmed mode is displayed in a manner different from the pre-confirmation mode, so that mode switching can be performed simply by viewing the constant display area 32. This allows the interrupt display area 31 to display, for example, a message with an urgent nature.

[0050] The display in the interrupt display area 31 is continued until a predetermined time tb has elapsed since the operation of the mode change switch 2, and is not displayed after the predetermined time tb has elapsed. This allows the selected mode to be displayed during a mode change operation, making the change operation easy, and also allows information other than the mode to be displayed when no change operation is being performed, improving the usability of the display device 30.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the present invention can be applied to a vehicle that can switch between various driving modes and various drive modes.

[0052] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Vehicle mode switching device 2 Mode switching switch (travel mode selection operation means, drive mode selection operation means) 10 Control unit (control means) 20 HEV-ECU (travel control device) 22 EPS-ECU (travel control device) 31 Interrupt display area (display area)

Claims

1. A vehicle mode switching device for a vehicle equipped with an engine, a battery, a generator driven by the engine to generate electricity, and an electric motor that is supplied with power from the battery or the generator to drive the driving wheels of the vehicle, as well as a predetermined driving control device related to the driving of the vehicle, comprising: driving mode selection operation means for selecting and operating one of a plurality of driving modes having different drive sources for the driving wheels; drive mode selection operation means for selecting and operating one of a plurality of drive modes having different control amounts for the driving control device; and control means for switching the driving mode based on selection operation by the driving mode selection operation means, and switching the drive mode based on operation of the drive mode selection operation means, wherein the driving mode selection operation means and the drive mode selection operation means are configured by a single manual operation device, and one of the driving modes or one of the drive modes is selected by switching in sequence among the plurality of driving modes and the plurality of drive modes that are set side by side by operation of the manual operation device.

2. The mode switching device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the manually operated device is a momentary switch which can be operated in two directions from a non-operated position.

3. The mode switching device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the driving mode or the drive mode is switched by the manual operation device, the control means confirms the driving mode or the drive mode and executes the driving mode switching or the drive mode switching a predetermined time after the operation.

4. The mode switching device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the driving modes include a first driving mode in which the engine is operated to drive the generator to generate electricity or the engine is operated to drive the driving wheels to drive the vehicle, and a second driving mode in which the engine is stopped and the electric motor is driven by power supplied from the battery to drive the driving wheels, wherein the vehicle is provided with a second driving mode restriction determination means for determining whether to restrict the second driving mode based on a vehicle state, and the control means maintains the driving mode prior to the selection operation of the second driving mode without confirming the second driving mode if a restriction determination of the second driving mode has been made when the second driving mode is selected by the manual operation device.

5. The mode switching device for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means switches to the first driving mode when a restriction determination is made for the second driving mode while the second driving mode is being executed.

6. The mode switching device for a vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the manual operation device is set such that the driving modes are arranged on one side and the drive modes are arranged on the other side, with a normal mode for selecting both the first driving mode and the predetermined basic drive mode being sandwiched therebetween.

7. The mode switching device for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, in the manual operation device, the travel mode and the drive mode are set in an order closer to the normal mode as the frequency of use increases.

8. A mode switching device for a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with a display area that displays the order of the running modes and the drive modes, and the running modes and the drive modes selected by a manual operation device.

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