Automatic engine stopping system

Abstract

An automatic engine stopping system according to the present disclosure comprises: an engine mounted on a vehicle; a control device having an automatic stop control for automatically stopping the engine when the vehicle is parked for a predetermined period of time and when the engine is operating; and a notification unit for notifying a user of the execution state of the automatic stop control. The control device changes the execution state of the automatic stop control in accordance with the parked state of the vehicle, and changes ways of notifying the user using the notification unit.

Description

Automatic engine stop system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic engine stop system that automatically stops an engine.

[0002] Conventionally, a system for automatically stopping an engine mounted on a vehicle has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The automatic engine stop system of Patent Document 1 automatically stops the engine when the vehicle is parked indoors, such as in a garage, and the engine is running. By automatically stopping the engine in this way, carbon monoxide is prevented from filling the indoor space.

[0003] JP 2012-245964 A

[0004] In such an automatic engine stop system, the user may stop the engine unintentionally. For this reason, it is preferable to notify the user of the automatic engine stop. Furthermore, it is preferable that such notification be changed depending on the execution status of the automatic engine stop.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic engine stop system that can change the method of notifying a user depending on the execution status of automatic engine stop.

[0006] The automatic engine stop system of the present disclosure comprises an engine mounted on a vehicle, a control device having automatic stop control that automatically stops the engine while the vehicle is parked for a predetermined period of time and the engine is running, and a notification unit that notifies the user of the execution status of the automatic stop control, wherein the control device changes the execution status of the automatic stop control depending on the parking status of the vehicle, and changes the method of notifying the user by the notification unit.

[0007] According to this automatic engine stop system, the execution state of the automatic stop control can be changed depending on the parking state of the vehicle, and the execution state can be notified.

[0008] 1 is a system diagram of an automatic engine stop system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a door is open. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure while power is being supplied. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when reclining is detected. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when an occupant of a rear seat is detected. An example of a cancel setting screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An example of a reset screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An example of a power supply setting screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 , the engine automatic stop system 1 includes an engine 2, a control device 4, a power supply device 6, a notification unit 8, a radar 10, a battery 12, a reclining detection device 16, a seating detection device 18, and a door opening / closing detection device 26 that detects the opening and closing of a door 24. The engine automatic stop system 1 is mounted on a vehicle C. The vehicle C is, for example, a hybrid automobile that drives a motor (not shown) using electric power generated by a generator (not shown) driven by the engine 2 and electric power from the battery 12. In this embodiment, the vehicle C is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that can charge the battery 12 with external electric power via a charger 14.

[0011] Furthermore, vehicle C in this embodiment is a plug-in hybrid vehicle capable of receiving external power. Vehicle C can supply power from battery 12 to external devices such as home appliances and household equipment via power supply device 6. When the charging rate of battery 12 decreases, vehicle C operates engine 2, which drives a generator. Vehicle C supplies electric power generated by the generator to the external devices via power supply device 6.

[0012] The engine 2 is an internal combustion engine that burns fuel and emits exhaust gas from an exhaust pipe, including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

[0013] The control device 4 executes automatic stop control to automatically stop the engine 2. The automatic stop control is control to automatically stop the engine 2 while the vehicle C is parked for a predetermined time (for example, about 30 minutes) and the engine 2 is running. For example, when the vehicle C is parked indoors, there is a risk that the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emitted from the engine 2 will fill the indoor space. For this reason, the control device 4 prevents the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from filling the indoor space by automatically stopping the engine 2 when the vehicle C has been parked for the predetermined time.

[0014] The control device 4 is actually an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and is configured by a microcomputer including an arithmetic unit, memory, input / output buffers, etc. The control device 4 controls the automatic engine stop system 1 so that the engine 2 is in a desired operating state based on signals from various sensors and devices mounted on the engine 2, as well as maps and programs stored in the memory. Note that the various controls are not limited to software processing, but can also be processed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits). Furthermore, the control device 4 is electrically connected to the engine 2, the power supply device 6, the notification unit 8, the radar 10, the battery 12, and the charger 14, and is capable of controlling these devices.

[0015] The power supply device 6 is a device capable of supplying power to an external device.

[0016] The notification unit 8 is a device that notifies the user of the execution status of the automatic stop control. The notification unit 8 has a first sounding device 8a, a second sounding device 8b, and a display device 8c. The first sounding device 8a is a device that emits a sound toward the outside of the vehicle C. In this embodiment, the first sounding device 8a is a horn device. The second sounding device 8b is a device that emits a sound toward the interior of the vehicle C. The second sounding device 8b may be a buzzer or the like that can be heard inside the vehicle cabin. The display device 8c is, for example, a touch panel liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display device 8c may display the speed of the vehicle C in addition to the execution status of the automatic stop control.

[0017] The radar 10 is a sensor for determining the parking environment of the vehicle C. The radar 10 generates, for example, infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. The control device 4 can determine whether the vehicle C is parked indoors based on the reflection state of the infrared rays or ultrasonic waves generated by the radar 10.

[0018] The battery 12 is capable of driving the motor of the vehicle C and also capable of supplying power to external devices via the power supply device 6 .

[0019] The reclining detection device 16 is a device that detects the reclining of the front seat 20 or the rear seat 22 of the vehicle C. In this embodiment, the reclining detection device 16 detects the reclining of the front seat 20 and the rear seat 22 by detecting the reclining angles of the seat backs of the front seat 20 and the rear seat 22. Note that FIG. 1 shows the reclining detection device 16 for the front seat 20. The reclining detection device 16 may also be provided for each seat.

[0020] The seating detection device 18 is a device that detects whether a person is seated in the rear seat 22. In this embodiment, the seating detection device 18 is a pressure sensor that detects whether a user is seated in the rear seat 22. The seating detection device 18 may include a state in which a user is actually seated in the rear seat 22, as well as a state in which a child seat is installed.

[0021] The door open / close detection device 26 detects whether the door 24 of the vehicle C is open or closed. In this embodiment, the door open / close detection device 26 is a switch that generates an ON signal when the door 24 is open and an OFF signal when the door 24 is closed.

[0022] Next, the control procedures executed by the control device 4 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 2 to 6. In this embodiment, the control device 4 starts the control procedures when an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on. However, the timing at which the control procedures are started may be changed as appropriate.

[0023] In step S1, the control device 4 determines whether the vehicle C is parked. For example, the control device 4 may determine that the vehicle C is parked when the shifter (not shown) of the vehicle C is in the parking position and the engine 2 is running. If the control device 4 determines that the vehicle C is parked (YES in step S1), it starts counting a predetermined time and proceeds to step S2. If the control device 4 determines that the vehicle C is not parked (NO in step S1), it repeats the process of step S1 and does not proceed to step S2 until the vehicle C is parked.

[0024] In step S2, the control device 4 determines the parking environment (parking state). The control device 4 may determine the parking environment of the vehicle C using the radar 10 as described above. The control device 4 may also determine the parking environment using a GPS (Global Positioning System). After determining the parking environment, the control device 4 proceeds to step S3.

[0025] In step S3, the control device 4 determines whether the vehicle C is parked indoors. The control device 4 may determine that the vehicle C is indoors, for example, when the radar 10 detects an obstacle such as a wall X (see FIG. 1) around the vehicle C. The control device 4 may also determine that the vehicle is indoors when the location determined by GPS is indoors or when it determines that GPS cannot be used. If the control device 4 determines that the vehicle C is indoors (YES in step S3), the control device 4 proceeds to step S4. If the control device 4 determines that the vehicle C is not parked indoors in step S3 (NO in step S3), the control device 4 proceeds to step S5.

[0026] In step S4, the control device 4 determines whether the door 24 of the vehicle C has been opened. In this embodiment, if the door open / close detection device 26 is turned on, it is detected that the door 24 has been opened. For example, a user may perform maintenance work on the vehicle C indoors. In such a case, the door 24 of the vehicle C may be opened with the engine 2 running and maintained in this state. In such a case, it may be better not to automatically stop the engine. If the control device 4 detects that the door 24 has been opened (YES in step S4), the control device 4 proceeds to the subflow shown in FIG. 3. On the other hand, if the control device 4 has not detected that the door 24 has been opened (NO in step S4), the control device 4 proceeds to step S5.

[0027] In step S5, the control device 4 determines whether power is being fed. In this embodiment, when the engine 2 is running and the power feeding device 6 is also running, the control device 4 determines that power is being fed, assuming that power is being fed by the power feeding device 6. However, the control device 4 may also determine that power is being fed when it detects that the engine 2 is running and the power feeding device 6 is plugged into the outlet 6a. If the control device 4 determines that power is being fed (YES in step S5), the control device 4 proceeds to the subflow shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that power is not being fed (NO in step S55), the control device 4 proceeds to step S6.

[0028] In step S6, the control device 4 determines whether reclining of the front seat 20 or the rear seat 22 has been detected. In this embodiment, the reclining angles of the front seat 20 and the rear seat 22 are detected, and if the control device 4 determines that the reclining angles are equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, reclining is detected. Thus, if the engine 2 is running with the seat back reclined, the user may be resting in the vehicle C. If reclining is detected, the user may want to keep the engine 2 running. For this reason, it may be better not to automatically stop the engine 2. If the control device 4 detects reclining of the front seat 20 or the rear seat 22 (YES in step S6), the control device 4 proceeds to the subflow shown in FIG. 5. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that reclining of neither seat has been detected (NO in step S6), the control device 4 proceeds to step S7.

[0029] In step S7, the control device 4 determines whether or not a person has been seated in the rear seat 22. In this embodiment, the control device 4 may determine that a person has been seated in the rear seat 22 if the pressure sensor serving as the seating detection device 18 senses pressure. Thus, if a person has been seated in the rear seat 22, there is a possibility that a child has been left behind in the rear seat 22. In such a case, automatic engine stop may worsen the air-conditioning environment around the child left behind in the rear seat 22. If the control device 4 detects a person being seated in the rear seat 22 (YES in step S7), the control device 4 proceeds to the subflow shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that a person has not been seated in the rear seat 22 (NO in step S7), the control device 4 proceeds to step S1.

[0030] Next, the subflow for the case of door opening in FIG. 3 will be described.

[0031] In step S401, the control device 4 displays a cancel setting screen (an example of the second screen, see FIG. 7 ) on the display device 8c, which allows the user to select whether to cancel the automatic stop of the engine 2, and activates the first sounding device 8a at the first volume every predetermined period (for example, every five minutes). This allows the user who has gotten off the vehicle for maintenance to be prompted to operate the notification screen. The cancel setting screen may be, for example, a screen that displays an icon that allows the user to select cancel. After displaying the cancel setting screen on the display device 8c, the control device 4 proceeds to step S402.

[0032] In step S402, the control device 4 determines whether the user has taken action. For example, the control device 4 may determine that the user has taken action when the user touches an icon displayed on the display device 8c that allows the user to select "cancel." If the control device 4 determines that the user has taken action (YES in step S402), the process proceeds to step S403.

[0033] In step S403, the control device 4 stops the automatic stop control of the engine 2. As a result, even if the vehicle C is parked for a predetermined time (for example, about 30 minutes) with the engine 2 running, the engine 2 will not be automatically stopped. As a result, the user can continue with maintenance. After stopping the automatic stop control, the control device 4 exits the subflow and proceeds to step S1.

[0034] If the control device 4 determines in step S402 that the user has not performed any processing (step S402 NO), the control device 4 proceeds to step S404.

[0035] In step S404, the control device 4 determines whether the predetermined time for executing the automatic stop control is about to elapse. This "about to elapse" is, for example, one to five minutes before the predetermined time. If the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time is about to elapse (YES in step S404), the process proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time is not about to elapse (NO in step S404), the process proceeds to step S402 and waits for user action.

[0036] In step S405, the control device 4 displays a reset screen (see FIG. 8 ) on the display device 8c, which displays an icon for selecting whether to cancel the automatic stop of the engine 2, similar to the cancel setting screen. At the same time, the control device 4 activates the first sound generating device 8a at the first volume. This notifies the user outside the vehicle C that the automatic stop control is being activated. After displaying the reset screen, the control device 4 proceeds to step S406.

[0037] In step S406, the control device 4 determines whether the user has performed an action. For example, the control device 4 may determine that the user has performed an action when the user touches an icon on a reset screen displayed on the display device 8c. If the control device 4 determines that the user has performed an action (YES in step S406), the control device 4 proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that the user has not performed an action (NO in step S406), the control device 4 proceeds to step S407.

[0038] In step S407, the control device 4 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. In this embodiment, the control device 4 determines whether 30 minutes have elapsed since the start of the processing in step S1. If the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S407), the control device 4 proceeds to step S408. If the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S407), the control device 4 proceeds to step S405, displays a reset screen until the predetermined time has elapsed, and waits for user action.

[0039] In step S408, the control device 4 executes the automatic stop control to automatically stop the engine 2. After the control device 4 automatically stops the engine 2, the control device 4 exits the subflow and proceeds to step S1.

[0040] Next, the subflow in the case of power supply in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0041] In step S501, the control device 4 displays a power supply setting screen (an example of the first screen, see FIG. 9 ) on the display device 8c, which allows the user to select whether to cancel the automatic stop of the engine 2 during power supply, and activates the first sound generating device 8a at a first volume every predetermined period (e.g., every five minutes). This allows the user who gets off the vehicle to operate the power supply to be prompted to operate the notification screen. The power supply setting screen may be a screen that displays icons that allow the user to select whether to cancel or postpone the automatic stop of the engine 2 depending on the power supply status, such as a setting to cancel the automatic stop of the engine 2 during power supply or a setting to automatically stop the engine 2 when power supply is terminated. After displaying the power supply setting screen on the display device 8c, the control device 4 proceeds to step S502.

[0042] In step S502, the control device 4 determines whether the user has taken action. For example, the control device 4 may determine that the user has taken action when the user touches an icon on the power supply setting screen displayed on the display device 8c. If the control device 4 determines that the user has taken action (YES in step S502), the control device 4 proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that the user has not taken action (NO in step S502), the control device 4 proceeds to step S504.

[0043] In step S503, the control device 4 stops the automatic stop control of the engine 2. As a result, even if the vehicle C is parked for a predetermined time (for example, about 30 minutes) with the engine 2 running, the control device 4 does not automatically stop the engine 2. As a result, power supply can be continued. After stopping the automatic stop control, the control device 4 exits the subflow and proceeds to step S1.

[0044] In step S504, if a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 4 executes automatic stop control to automatically stop the engine 2. When the control device 4 automatically stops the engine 2, it exits the subflow and proceeds to step S1.

[0045] Next, the subflow in FIG. 5 when reclining is detected will be described.

[0046] In step S601, the control device 4 displays a cancel setting screen (an example of the second screen) on the display device 8c, which allows the user to select whether to cancel the automatic stop of the engine 2, and activates the second sound generating device 8b. This allows the user in the passenger compartment of the vehicle C to be prompted to operate the notification screen. After displaying the cancel setting screen on the display device 8c, the control device 4 proceeds to step S602.

[0047] In step S602, the control device 4 determines whether the user has taken action. For example, the control device 4 may determine that the user has taken action when the user touches an icon displayed on the display device 8c that allows the user to select "cancel." If the control device 4 determines that the user has taken action (YES in step S602), the process proceeds to step S603.

[0048] In step S603, the control device 4 cancels the automatic stop control of the engine 2. As a result, even if the vehicle C is parked for a predetermined time (for example, about 30 minutes) with the engine 2 running, the control device 4 does not automatically stop the engine 2. As a result, the user can continue to take a break while using the air conditioning, etc. of the vehicle C. When the control device 4 cancels the automatic stop control, it exits the subflow and proceeds to step S1.

[0049] If the control device 4 determines in step S602 that the user has not taken any action (step S602 NO), the control device 4 proceeds to step S604.

[0050] In step S604, the control device 4 determines whether the predetermined time for executing the automatic stop control is about to elapse. This "about to elapse" is, for example, one to five minutes before the predetermined time. If the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time is about to elapse (YES in step S604), the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time is not about to elapse (NO in step S604), the process proceeds to step S602 and waits for user action.

[0051] In step S605, the control device 4 displays a reset screen on the display device 8c, which displays an icon that allows the user to select whether to cancel the automatic stop of the engine 2, similar to the cancel setting screen. The control device 4 also activates the second sound generating device 8b, thereby notifying the user in the passenger compartment of the vehicle C that the automatic stop control is being activated. After displaying the reset screen, the control device 4 proceeds to step S606.

[0052] In step S606, the control device 4 determines whether the user has performed an action. The control device 4 may determine that the user has performed an action when, for example, the user touches an icon on a reset screen displayed on the display device 8c. If the control device 4 determines that the user has performed an action (YES in step S606), the control device 4 proceeds to step S607. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that the user has not performed an action (NO in step S606), the control device 4 proceeds to step S607.

[0053] In step S607, the control device 4 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. In this embodiment, the control device 4 determines whether 30 minutes have elapsed since the start of the processing in step S1. If the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S607), the control device 4 proceeds to step S608. If the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S607), the control device 4 proceeds to step S605, displays a reset screen until the predetermined time has elapsed, and waits for user action.

[0054] In step S608, the control device 4 executes the automatic stop control to automatically stop the engine 2. After the control device 4 automatically stops the engine 2, the control device 4 exits the subflow and proceeds to step S1.

[0055] Next, the sub-flow shown in FIG. 6 when seating in the rear seat 22 is detected will be described.

[0056] In step S701, the control device 4 determines whether or not a predetermined time has just elapsed. This "predetermined time" refers to, for example, one to five minutes before the predetermined time. If the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time has just elapsed (YES in step S701), the control device 4 proceeds to step S701. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that the predetermined time has not just elapsed (NO in step S701), the control device 4 waits until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0057] In step S702, the control device 4 displays a reset screen (see FIG. 8) on the display device 8c. At the same time, the control device 4 activates the second sound generating device 8b. This notifies the user in the vehicle C that the automatic stop control is being activated. After displaying the reset screen, the control device 4 proceeds to step S703.

[0058] In step S703, the control device 4 determines whether the user has performed an action. For example, the control device 4 may determine that the user has performed an action when the user touches an icon on a reset screen displayed on the display device 8c. If the control device 4 determines that the user has performed an action (YES in step S703), the control device 4 proceeds to step S706. On the other hand, if the control device 4 determines that the user has not performed an action (NO in step S703), the control device 4 proceeds to step S704.

[0059] In step S704, the control device 4 operates the first sound producing device 8a at a second volume that is greater than the first volume. The second volume is, for example, the sound of a horn honked at maximum volume. This notifies people around the vehicle C that there is someone left behind in the back seat of the vehicle C. After operating the first sound producing device 8a at the second volume, the control device 4 proceeds to step S705.

[0060] In step S705, the control device 4 executes the automatic stop control to automatically stop the engine 2. After the control device 4 automatically stops the engine 2, the control device 4 exits the subflow and proceeds to step S1.

[0061] In step S706, the control device 4 stops the automatic stop control. After stopping the automatic stop control, the control device 4 exits the subflow and proceeds to step S1.

[0062] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an engine automatic stop system 1 that can switch between executing and canceling automatic stop control depending on the parking environment of the vehicle C.

[0063] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. In particular, the multiple modifications described in this specification can be combined as needed.

[0064] (a) In the above embodiment, the vehicle C is described as a plug-in hybrid vehicle, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The vehicle C may be any vehicle that is equipped with an engine 2 and is capable of receiving power.

[0065] (b) In the above embodiment, the display device 8c is described as an LCD display or an organic EL display mounted on the vehicle C, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The display device 8c may be, for example, a smartphone owned by the user of the vehicle C.

[0066] 1: Automatic engine stop system 2: Engine, 4: Control device, 6: Power supply device 8: Notification unit, 8a: First sounding device, 8b: Second sounding device, 8c: Display device 16: Reclining detection device 18: Seating detection device 22: Rear seat 24: Door, 26: Door opening / closing detection device C: Vehicle

Claims

1. An automatic engine stop system comprising: an engine mounted on a vehicle; a control device having automatic stop control that automatically stops the engine while the vehicle is parked for a predetermined period of time and the engine is running; and a notification unit that notifies a user of the execution status of the automatic stop control, wherein the control device changes the execution status of the automatic stop control depending on the parking status of the vehicle, and changes the method of notifying the user via the notification unit.

2. The automatic engine stop system of claim 1, further comprising a door opening / closing detection device that detects the opening and closing of a door of the vehicle, wherein the notification unit has a first sounding device that emits a sound outside the vehicle, and wherein the control device, when it detects that the vehicle is parked indoors and detects the opening and closing of a door of the vehicle, activates the first sounding device at a first volume at predetermined intervals.

3. The engine automatic stop system according to claim 2, further comprising a seating detection device that detects an occupant sitting in a rear seat of the vehicle, wherein the control device activates the first sounding device at a second volume that is louder than the first volume if the control device detects an occupant sitting in the rear seat when executing the automatic stop control.

4. An engine automatic stop system as described in claim 1, further comprising a power supply device capable of supplying power to an external device, wherein the notification unit has a display device that displays the execution status of the automatic stop control to the user, and wherein the control device, when power supply is being performed by the power supply device, displays on the display device a first screen that allows the user to select whether to cancel the automatic stop control depending on the power supply status.

5. An engine automatic stop system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a recline detection device that detects reclining of a seat in the vehicle, wherein the notification unit has a second sounding device that emits a sound into the vehicle, and a display device that displays the execution status of the automatic stop control to the user, and wherein when the control device detects the reclining, it activates the second sounding device and displays on the display device a second screen that allows the user to select whether to cancel the automatic stop control.

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