JP2006207388A - Engine start control device for hybrid vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle starting an engine by operation of a manual instruction means even in failure of an engine start control means while avoiding simultaneous operation of an electric motor for traveling and an electric motor for engine start. <P>SOLUTION: The engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle comprises: the engine start control means H for selecting either of the electric motor 2 for traveling or the electric motor 20 for engine start is selected to start the engine when engine start instruction is issued;, and outputting an operational status identification signal L4 to operate the electric motor 2; and a motor control means 30 for transmitting an engine start instruction by the manual instruction means 19 to operate the electric motor 20 when the engine start control means H does not output the operational status identification signal L4, and shutting off transmission of the engine start instruction to the electric motor 20 for engine start by the manual instruction means 19 when the engine start control means H outputs the operational status identification signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention includes a travel drive unit that includes an engine and a travel electric motor as a power source to drive a travel device, an engine start electric motor that starts the engine, and an engine start when a vehicle driving condition is an engine start condition. A hybrid vehicle is provided with a start command generating means for instructing a command and a manual command means for instructing an engine start command by manual operation, and the hybrid electric vehicle linked to the engine so that the electric motor for traveling can start the engine. The present invention relates to an engine start control device.

In the engine start control device of the hybrid vehicle having the above-described configuration, there has been conventionally configured as follows.
In other words, by switching the manual switching operation switch, the engine start command from the start switch as the manual command means is transmitted to either the traveling electric motor or the engine starting electric motor to start the engine. On the other hand, when the driving condition of the vehicle becomes an engine starting condition and the engine starting command is instructed by the starting command generating means, the controller for controlling the driving state of the vehicle starts the electric motor for traveling and the engine starting. There has been a configuration in which any one of the electric motors for operation is selected and operated (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the above-mentioned patent document, there is no detailed description of the configuration that includes both the configuration of switching by the switching operation switch and the configuration of automatic selection by the controller, but when the engine start command is commanded by the start command generating means Even in the case of a configuration in which either a traveling electric motor or an engine starting electric motor is selected and operated, a command by a start switch as a manual command means is provided in a vehicle that is manually operated. Therefore, a configuration for starting the engine on the basis of the above is also required, and thus both configurations described above are required.

  The above-mentioned patent document does not describe a specific configuration for the case where the engine start command is commanded by the start command generating means. However, in this type of hybrid vehicle, the vehicle is once traveled while the vehicle is traveling. When the engine is stopped, the engine operation may be stopped. When the engine start condition is met such that the brake operation by the driver is released after the engine is stopped in this way, the start command generation means instructs the engine start command. In general, the engine is started.

JP-A-11-117837

  In the above conventional configuration, for example, when the engine is stopped by temporarily stopping traveling on the road, the engine start control means breaks down and the engine cannot be started by the traveling electric motor. Even if the vehicle falls into the state, it is possible to start the engine by operating the start switch by switching the manual switching operation switch to a state where the engine is started using the electric motor for starting the engine. It is possible to carry out retreating such as moving to the shoulder of the road so as not to become a problem, but the above configuration still has the following disadvantages.

  That is, in the above-described conventional configuration, when the engine start command is commanded by the start switch, the driver manually selects either the traveling electric motor or the engine starting electric motor each time. It is necessary to switch the switching operation switch to an appropriate state, which is disadvantageous in that it is cumbersome to operate.

  Further, in the above-described conventional configuration, when the start command generating means instructs the engine start command to start the engine after the travel is temporarily stopped and the operation of the engine is stopped as described above, the engine start control means travels. In a situation where the electric motor is selected and activated to start the engine, the driver mistakenly switches the switch operation switch to a state instructed to the engine starting electric motor, and issues an engine start command by the start switch. If this is the case, there is a disadvantage that the electric motor for starting and the electric motor for starting the engine are likely to operate simultaneously, and the electric motor for starting the engine may be damaged.

  An object of the present invention is to enable troublesome operations other than the operation for starting the engine while it is possible to start the engine by operating the manual command means even when the engine start control means is broken. An object of the present invention is to provide an engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle which is unnecessary and can avoid simultaneously operating a traveling electric motor and an engine starting electric motor.

An engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle according to the present invention includes a travel drive unit that includes an engine and an electric motor for travel as a power source to drive the travel device, an electric motor for engine start that starts the engine, and driving of the vehicle. Start command generating means for instructing an engine start command when the situation becomes an engine start condition, and manual command means for instructing an engine start command by manual operation, so that the electric motor for traveling can start the engine Linked to the engine,
The first characteristic configuration is that when an engine start command is commanded by any one of the start command generation means and the manual command means, either the travel electric motor or the engine start electric motor is controlled. When selecting and starting the engine, and selecting the traveling electric motor and operating the traveling electric motor, an operation state identification signal indicating that the traveling electric motor is operated is output. Engine start control means for
When the engine start control means does not output the operation state identification signal, the engine start command is transmitted by the manual command means to operate the engine start electric motor, and the engine start control means is operated. Motor control means for interrupting transmission of the engine start command by the manual command means to the electric motor for engine start when the state identification signal is output is provided.

  According to the first characteristic configuration, when the engine start command is instructed by any of the start command generation unit and the manual command unit, the engine start control unit includes the travel electric motor and the engine start electric motor. Select either of these to start the engine. In other words, when the driver commands the engine start command by manually operating the manual command means, or after the driving is stopped and the operation of the engine is stopped, the driving condition of the vehicle becomes the engine start condition and the start is started. In any case where the command generation means commands an engine start command, the engine can be started by selecting either the traveling electric motor or the engine starting electric motor. The engine start control means outputs the operation state identification signal when operating the electric motor for traveling.

  When the engine start control means does not output the operation state identification signal, the motor control means transmits the engine start command and sends the engine start electric motor when there is an engine start command by the manual command means. Will be activated. Here, when the engine start control means does not output the operation state identification signal, not only when the engine start control means operates normally and the electric motor for travel is not operated, but also when the engine start is started. The case where the control means is broken is also included.

As a result, for example, even if the engine start control means has failed when the engine is stopped while being stopped on the road, the engine start electric motor is manually operated by the manual command means. The engine can be started by actuating the vehicle, and retreating such as moving to the shoulder of the road so as not to interfere with the following vehicle can be performed.
At this time, the driver only needs to execute the manual operation of the manual command means, that is, the operation for starting the engine. Other operations, for example, a command for selecting the electric motor for starting the engine in order to start the engine. A troublesome operation other than an operation for starting the engine such as an operation is unnecessary.

  On the other hand, when the engine start control means is outputting the operation state identification signal, transmission of the engine start command to the engine start electric motor is cut off even if the engine start command is issued by the manual command means. become. In other words, when the electric motor for traveling is operated, even if the driver erroneously commands the engine start command by the manual command means, the engine start command is not transmitted to the engine start electric motor. Simultaneously operating the electric motor for traveling and the electric motor for starting the engine is avoided.

  Therefore, even if the engine start control means is out of order, it is possible to start the engine by operating the manual command means, but there is no need for troublesome operations other than the engine start operation, It has become possible to provide an engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle that makes it possible to avoid simultaneously operating the electric motor for traveling and the electric motor for starting the engine.

In addition to the first feature configuration, the second feature configuration of the present invention includes:
When the engine start control means operates the engine start electric motor, the engine start control means is configured to output a motor operation output signal for operating the engine start electric motor,
The manual command means is configured to output a motor operation output signal for operating the engine start electric motor as the engine start command,
The motor control means is
A motor drive that operates the electric motor for engine start when at least one of an output signal for motor operation by the manual command means and an output signal for motor operation by the engine start control means is input. An OR circuit for outputting a signal;
When the engine start control means outputs the operating state identification signal, the motor operation output signal output from the manual command means is blocked from being transmitted to the OR circuit, or the OR When the motor drive signal output from the circuit is in an open state that blocks transmission of the motor drive signal to the engine starting electric motor, and the engine start control means does not output the operating state identification signal, the manual command means The motor operation output signal output from the motor is transmitted to the OR circuit, or the motor drive signal output from the OR circuit is transmitted to the engine starting electric motor. And a normally closed switch means.

  According to the second characteristic configuration, when the engine start control means outputs the operation state identification signal, in other words, when the traveling electric motor is operated, the shut-off means is opened, and the manual operation The motor operation output signal output from the command means is blocked from being transmitted to the OR circuit, or the motor drive signal output from the OR circuit is transmitted to the engine starting electric motor. Will be cut off. That is, even if the output signal for operating the motor is output from the manual command means, the output signal for operating the motor is not transmitted to the electric motor for starting the engine. Simultaneous operation of the electric motor can be avoided.

  Further, when the engine start control means does not output the operating state identification signal, in other words, when the electric motor for traveling is not operated, the shut-off means is closed and the motor output from the manual command means An operation output signal is transmitted to the OR circuit, or a motor drive signal output from the OR circuit is transmitted to the engine starting electric motor. That is, when an output signal for operating the motor is output from the manual command means, the output signal for operating the motor is transmitted to the electric motor for starting the engine, and the electric motor for starting the engine is operated to start the engine. Can be made.

  The OR circuit receives the motor drive signal when at least one of an output signal for motor operation by the manual command means and an output signal for motor operation by the engine start control means is input. For example, an output signal for operating the motor by the manual command means and a pair of diodes for passing the output signal for motor operation by the engine start control means in one direction are easily used. It is possible to configure with a simple member. Further, the normally closed type switch means can have a simple configuration such as an electromagnetic relay that opens the contact urged by a spring by energizing the coil. Can be configured in a simple manner. Moreover, with such a simple configuration, the operation of starting the engine by the manual command means is performed reliably, and it becomes possible to improve the reliability of the operation when starting the engine. Means suitable for carrying out the item 1 can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a hybrid vehicle according to the present invention. In this hybrid vehicle, an engine 1 and a travel drive electric motor 2 (hereinafter abbreviated as a travel motor) are directly connected so as to rotate integrally. In other words, the drive unit KU is provided as a travel drive means that includes the travel motor 2 in a state directly connected to the output shaft 1a of the engine 1 and drives the left and right wheels 3 as the travel device by these powers. Is configured. The travel motor 2 is connected to the output shaft 1a of the engine 1 so that the rotor 2a rotates integrally with the same axis, and the stator 2b surrounding the outer periphery of the rotor 2a is in a fixed position in a vehicle body support portion (not shown). It is the structure supported by. Accordingly, the traveling motor 2 is linked to the engine 1 so that the engine 1 can be started. The hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine starting electric motor (hereinafter abbreviated as a starting motor) 20 for starting the engine 1 instead of the traveling motor 2. The starter motor 20 has a known configuration that rotates a gear that meshes with the ring gear of the engine 1.

  The traveling motor 2 has a power running state in which driving force in the same direction as the engine rotation direction is applied to the output shaft 1a to assist or assist power, and regenerative power is generated by receiving driving force from the output shaft 1a. It can be switched to a state. That is, by executing a power running operation in which the traveling motor 2 outputs torque in the same direction as the rotation direction to the output shaft 1a that is rotationally driven by the engine 1, the engine while outputting a desired traveling driving force. The power can be assisted with respect to the output of the engine 1 so that 1 is in a low fuel consumption state. In addition, the regenerative power obtained by generating electricity can be charged to the battery 4 by regenerating the traveling motor 2 when the traveling speed is reduced or when the vehicle is traveling steadily. It can be configured. The power of the drive unit KU is transmitted to the transmission 6 via the torque converter 5, and after being shifted by a gear-type automatic transmission mechanism inside the transmission 6, to the left and right wheels 3 via the differential mechanism 7. It has a structure that can be communicated.

Next, a control configuration in this hybrid vehicle will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle control unit 8 that manages the driving state of the entire vehicle, a motor control unit 9 that controls the operation of the traveling motor 2 based on control information from the vehicle control unit 8, a vehicle Each engine control unit 12 is provided for automatically adjusting the output of the engine 1 based on control information from the control unit 8, specifically, the throttle opening of the electronic throttle valve 10 and the fuel supply amount by the injector 11. Further, a switch for detecting whether or not the potentiometer type accelerator operation amount detection sensor S1 for detecting the operation amount of the accelerator operation tool 13 and the brake operation tool 14 for operating the master cylinder 15 with respect to the mechanical braking means KS are depressed. Type brake operation detection sensor S2, rotational speed of traveling motor 2, in other words, rotational speed sensor S3 as rotational speed detection means for detecting the rotational speed of output shaft 1a of engine 1, and rotational speed of the axle of wheels 3 Various detection information by the vehicle speed sensor S4 for detecting the vehicle speed as the running state of the vehicle, the shift position sensor S5 for detecting the position of the shift position lever 17, the charge state detection unit S6 for detecting the charge state SOC of the battery 4, and the like. Is input to the vehicle control unit 8.

  Although not shown, the motor control unit 9 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 4 into three-phase AC power and controls the driving power supplied to the traveling motor 2 or by regenerative operation. 2 and an inverter that controls the regenerative power generated and supplied to the battery 4, a control circuit that controls the inverter based on control information from the vehicle control unit 8, and the like. The torque and the rotational speed can be adjusted by changing the magnitude of the flowing current and the frequency of the alternating current, and the regenerative power charged in the battery 4 can be adjusted.

  The position of the shift position lever 17 includes “P” (parking position), “R” (reverse travel position), “N” (neutral position), and “D” (forward travel position). The switching operation is appropriately performed according to the situation.

  The vehicle control unit 8 includes a microcomputer and is detected by the detection information of the shift position sensor S5, the detection information of the accelerator operation amount detection sensor S1, the detection information of the vehicle speed sensor S4, and the charge state detection unit S6. Based on the information on the state of charge SOC of the battery 4 to be executed, the control information is commanded to the motor control unit 9 and the engine control unit 12, and the motor control unit 9 and the engine control unit 12 are based on the command information. The operation of the traveling motor 2 and the engine 1 is controlled. Each of the vehicle control unit 8, the motor control unit 9, and the engine control unit 12 is communicably connected via a communication bus 18 as an example of communication means including an address bus and a data bus. The various kinds of control information as described above can be communicated with each other.

Next, control of the engine 1 and the traveling motor 2 will be described.
When the shift position lever 17 is in “P” (parking position) or “N” (neutral position), the engine 1 is basically stopped, and the power running operation and the regenerative operation by the traveling motor 2 are not performed. However, in a case where the state of charge SOC of the battery 4 decreases to a set amount or less and the battery 4 needs to be charged, the engine 1 is operated and the power of the engine 1 is regenerated by the regenerative operation of the traveling motor 2. The operation of the engine 1 and the traveling motor 2 is controlled so as to charge the generated power to the battery 4.

  When the shift position lever 17 is operated to “D” (forward travel position) and the forward direction is commanded as the vehicle body travel direction, the accelerator operation tool 13 is depressed to start the vehicle body. If the engine 1 is stopped at that time, the engine 1 is started as described later, and when the vehicle body travels forward, the output of the engine 1 is adjusted in accordance with the accelerator operation amount, and the driving motor as described later. 2 is configured to execute a power running operation and a regenerative operation. Even if the shift position lever 17 is operated to “D” (forward travel position), the vehicle stops traveling in a state where the accelerator operation is not performed, and the state of charge SOC of the battery 4 is greater than or equal to the set value. When the engine is in a high state, idle stop control for stopping the engine 1 is executed. By executing the idle stop control in this way, the fuel consumption of the engine 1 is minimized.

  When the shift position lever 17 is operated to “R” (reverse travel position) and the reverse direction is commanded as the vehicle body travel direction, the output of the engine 1 is adjusted according to the accelerator operation amount. However, neither the power running operation nor the regenerative operation is performed on the traveling motor 2.

  In the power running operation, the engine 1 is assisted with the target torque by controlling the operation of the traveling motor 2 so as to output the target value of the power running torque in the same direction as the rotation direction of the engine 1. In the regenerative operation, the travel motor 2 is controlled by controlling the operation of the travel motor 2 so that the travel motor 2 outputs the target value of the regenerative torque in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the engine 1. The battery 4 is charged with regenerative power corresponding to the regenerative braking force by acting as a generator by applying a reverse torque to the engine 1, that is, regenerative braking force.

  In this hybrid vehicle, a start command generating means 100 for instructing an engine start command when the driving state of the vehicle becomes an engine start condition, a key switch 19 as a manual command means for instructing an engine start command by manual operation, When an engine start command is commanded by any one of the start command generation means 100 and the key switch 19, the engine 1 is started by selecting either the traveling motor 2 or the starting motor 20, and When the travel motor 2 is selected and the travel motor 2 is operated, an engine start control means H that outputs an operation state identification signal indicating that the travel motor 2 is operated, and its engine start control When the means H does not output the operation state identification signal, an engine start command from the key switch 19 is transmitted to start the operation. When the engine motor 20 is operated and the engine start control means H is outputting the operation state identification signal, the motor control means as a motor control means for interrupting transmission of the engine start command by the key switch 19 to the start motor 20 A start linkage circuit 30 is provided.

  More specifically, the vehicle controller 8 executes the idle stop control when the key switch 19 is turned on by the driver when the engine 1 is stopped and an engine start command is issued. When the driver releases the stepping operation on the brake operating tool 14 while the engine 1 is stopped, it is determined that the engine start condition for starting the engine 1 is satisfied and the engine start command is issued. It has a configuration to command. That is, the start command generation means 100 is configured using the control processing configuration of the vehicle control unit 8.

  When the vehicle control unit 8 determines that the engine start by the traveling motor 2 is not appropriate when the engine start command is issued, the vehicle control unit 8 selects the start motor 20 and starts the engine 1 by the start motor 20. When it is determined that the engine start by the travel motor 2 is appropriate, the motor control unit 9 is instructed to operate the engine for starting the travel motor 2 by selecting the travel motor 2. Thus, the engine 1 is started. That is, the engine start command means 101 is configured using the control processing configuration of the vehicle control unit 8, and the engine start control means H is configured by the engine start command means 101 and the motor control unit 9. Although not described in detail, when starting the engine, control for adjusting the throttle opening of the electronic throttle valve 10 and the fuel supply amount by the injector 11 to a state suitable for engine start is also performed at the same time.

  For example, when the temperature of the traveling motor 2 or the battery 4 is too low and it is not appropriate to execute the power running operation of the traveling motor 2, the state of charge of the battery 4 decreases to a level lower than the set charge state. When the power running operation of the traveling motor 2 cannot be executed, or when the traveling motor 2 is not operating normally, the starting motor 20 is selected and the engine 1 is operated by the starting motor 20. It is configured to start. If none of the conditions for determining that the engine start by the travel motor 2 is appropriate are described above, and if it is determined that the engine start by the travel motor 2 is appropriate, the travel motor 2 is selected. The engine 1 is started by the traveling motor 2. Among the determination conditions as described above, the determination as to whether or not the traveling motor 2 is operating normally is, for example, although the vehicle control unit 8 has commanded the traveling motor 2 to rotate. In some cases, it may be determined that the traveling motor 2 does not rotate from the detection result of the rotational speed sensor S3.

  When the vehicle control unit 8 selects the traveling motor 2 and activates the traveling motor 2 to start the engine 1, the vehicle control unit 8 outputs an operation state identification signal indicating that the traveling motor 2 is activated. When the starting motor 20 is selected and the starting motor 20 is operated, an output signal for operating the motor for operating the starting motor 20 is output. .

  Next, the start linkage circuit 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the starting linkage circuit 30 is configured to be in a conductive state only when the shift position lever 17 is operated to “P” (parking position) or “N” (neutral position). When at least one of the mechanical interlock switch 34, the output signal L1 for operating the motor by the key switch 19, and the output signal L2 for operating the motor by the vehicle control unit 8 is input, the engine is started. OR circuit 31 for outputting drive signal L3 for operating motor 20 and when the operation state identification signal is output, drive signal L3 output from OR circuit 31 is output toward starting motor 20. When the operating state identification signal L4 is not output, the drive signal L3 output from the OR circuit 31 is output. An electromagnetic relay 32 serving as a normally-closed switch means that is in a state, and a motor drive unit 33 that drives the starter motor 20 by supplying power for operation as the drive signal L3 is output. Has been.

  In other words, when the key switch 19 is manually operated to the operation position for starting the engine, it is configured to output an output signal L1 for motor operation as an engine start command. The output signal L1 is input to one input terminal of the OR circuit via the mechanical interlock switch 34. The mechanical interlock switch 34 is configured to be in a conductive state only when the shift position lever 17 is operated to “P” (parking position) or “N” (neutral position). This is for restricting the engine from being erroneously started when in the position.

  The OR circuit 31 receives a motor operating output signal L1 from the key switch 19, and passes the output signal L1. The OR circuit 31 outputs a motor operating output signal L2 output from the output terminal of the vehicle control unit 8. And a diode D2 through which the diodes D2 and D2 pass, and the output side of each of the diodes D1 and D2 is connected. With this configuration, when at least one of the output signal L1 for motor operation by the key switch 19 and the output signal L2 for motor operation by the vehicle control unit 8 is input, the OR circuit 31 Therefore, the drive signal L3 for operating the starter motor 20 is output to the motor drive unit 33.

  The electromagnetic relay 32 is configured such that the contact 32a is closed and energized by a spring (not shown) so that the contact 32a is closed and connected, and the current is supplied to the coil 32b to excite the contact 32a. It is configured to open and switch to a shut-off state. The coil excitation output terminal 35 and the current drawing terminal 36 in the vehicle control unit 8 are connected to both side terminals of the coil 32b, respectively, and the coil 32b is excited to open the contact 32a to be cut off. By stopping the excitation of the coil 32b, the connection state is established by the biasing force of the spring. If it demonstrates, the input-output circuit with respect to the coil 32b in the vehicle control part 8 will be comprised as shown in FIG. That is, a circuit that supplies current by connecting to one end side of the coil 32b from the coil excitation output terminal 35 through the protective resistor 37 and the switching transistor 38 is configured, and the current drawing terminal 36 and voltage detecting terminal are connected from the other end side of the coil 32b. A circuit is configured to allow current to flow through the resistor 39.

  Then, the vehicle control unit 8 receives the engine start command as described above, determines that the engine start by the travel motor 2 is appropriate, selects the travel motor 2 and operates the travel motor 2. When switching, the electromagnetic relay 32 is controlled to be switched to the cutoff state by applying a cutoff signal to the base terminal of the switching transistor 38 and turning on the switching transistor 38. By switching the electromagnetic relay 32 to the cutoff state, at least one of an output signal for motor operation by the key switch 19 and an output signal for motor operation by the vehicle control unit 8 is erroneously input, and the OR circuit Even if a drive signal is output from the motor 31, the drive signal is output to the motor drive unit 33 and the starter motor 20 is reliably prevented from operating, and the traveling motor 2 and the starter motor 20 are prevented. Can be avoided. At this time, the signal output from the coil excitation output terminal 35 corresponds to the operating state identification signal L4.

  The vehicle control unit 8 includes a failure detection unit 102 that detects whether or not a failure due to a disconnection of the coil of the electromagnetic relay 32 and a contact is occurring. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a cutoff signal is input to the base terminal of the switching transistor 38, the voltage across the voltage detection resistor 39 is detected, and the coil is detected based on the detection result of this voltage. It is configured to determine the presence or absence of the disconnection 32b. That is, when a cutoff signal is input to the switching transistor 38, the switching transistor 38 is turned on, a current flows through the coil 32b, and the electromagnetic relay 32 enters a cutoff state. At that time, the voltage across the voltage detection resistor 39 is detected. By doing so, the amount of current flowing through the coil 32b can be measured. However, if the amount of current flowing through the coil 32b is zero despite the interruption signal being input, the coil 32b or the wiring in the middle is disconnected, so that the vehicle control unit 8 is connected to the coil 32b. It is possible to detect that a disconnection failure has occurred.

  A detection signal line 40 for detecting a failure is connected to an output side portion of the electromagnetic relay 32, and a signal of the detection signal line 40 is input to the vehicle control unit 8. A failure detection process performed using the detection signal line 40 for failure detection will be described. A state in which the vehicle control unit 8 outputs an output signal for operating the motor while the key switch 19 is not operated. When the voltage detected through the failure detection signal line 40 does not change when the cutoff signal for the switching transistor 38 is turned on and off, for example, the contact 32a in the electromagnetic relay 32 is fixed and operated. It can be determined that a malfunction or the like has not occurred.

  When a failure such as that described above is detected, a notification device (not shown) informs the driver of the failure and prompts maintenance such as repair and replacement.

Next, the engine starting process in the above configuration will be described with reference to various operating situations.
FIG. 5 shows engine start states classified according to various operating situations. In FIG. 5, “0” in the “key switch 19” and “start generation” columns indicates a state where no engine start is instructed, and “1” indicates a state where an engine start is instructed. “1” in the “OR circuit” column indicates that a drive signal is being output.

  The state indicated by (1) in FIG. 5 indicates a state in which the engine 1 is started by the traveling motor 2 when the engine start is instructed by the key switch 19. For example, it is appropriate that the outside air temperature is high and the charging state of the battery 4 exceeds the set charging state, the traveling motor 2 is operating normally, and the vehicle control unit 8 is started by the traveling motor 2. This is a case where the driver starts the engine 1 with the key switch 19 when it is determined that there is. At this time, since the engine 1 is started by the traveling motor 2, the operation state identification signal L4 is output, the contact 32a in the electromagnetic relay 32 is cut off, and the driver operates the key switch 19 by mistake. Even so, the starting motor 20 is not operated.

  The state indicated by (2) in FIG. 5 indicates a state where the engine is instructed by the key switch 19 and the engine 1 is started by the starter motor 20. This is because when the engine 1 is started with the key switch 19, the vehicle control unit such as when the outside air temperature is low, when the state of charge of the battery 4 is lowered, or when the traveling motor 2 is out of order. Is the case where the engine 1 is started by the starting motor 20 when it is determined that the engine starting by the traveling motor 2 is not appropriate. At this time, since the operation state identification signal L4 is not output, the contact 32a in the electromagnetic relay 32 is switched from the interrupted state to the connected state, and a drive signal for the starter motor 20 is output.

  The state shown by (3) in FIG. 5 shows a case where the driver has instructed to start the engine by operating the key switch 19 when the engine 1 is started by the traveling motor 2. In this case, similarly to the above (1), since the electromagnetic relay 32 maintains the cut-off state, there is no possibility that the starter motor 20 is erroneously operated, and the starter motor 20 is started during the engine start by the travel motor 2. There is no disadvantage that it operates and mechanically interferes and breaks down.

  The state indicated by (4) in FIG. 5 shows a state in which the engine 1 is started by the traveling motor 2 when the movement command generating means 100 is instructed to start the engine. This state is, for example, when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is stopped by executing the idle stop control as described above, and when the brake operation is released and the engine 1 is started. In this case, it is determined that the engine can be started by the traveling motor 2 and the engine 1 is started by the traveling motor 2. At this time, since the engine 1 is started by the traveling motor 2, the operation state identification signal L4 is output, the contact 32a in the electromagnetic relay 32 is cut off, and the driver operates the key switch 19 by mistake. Even so, the starting motor 20 is not operated.

  The state indicated by (5) in FIG. 5 indicates a state in which the engine 1 is started by the starter motor 20 when an engine start command is commanded by the movement command generating means 100. In this state, as in the case (4), when the engine 1 is started while the engine 1 is stopped by executing the idle stop control, the vehicle control unit 8 starts the engine with the travel motor 2. Is determined to be inappropriate, and the engine 1 is started by the starter motor 20. At this time, since the operation state identification signal L4 is not output, the contact 32a in the electromagnetic relay 32 is switched from the interrupted state to the connected state, and a drive signal is output to the starter motor 20.

  Thus, when the engine 1 is started by operating the starting motor 20, the electromagnetic relay 32 is in the connected state, and when the engine 1 is started by operating the traveling motor 2, the electromagnetic relay 32 is in the disconnected state. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid simultaneously operating the traveling motor 2 and the starting motor 20. When the vehicle control unit 8 breaks down and the operation state identification signal for the electromagnetic relay 32 is not output, the electromagnetic relay 32 configured as a normally closed type is in a connected state. The engine can be started properly.

[Another embodiment]
Hereinafter, other embodiments are listed.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, when the electromagnetic relay serving as the normally closed switch means outputs the operating state identification signal, the drive signal output from the OR circuit is directed to the engine starting electric motor. When the operation state identification signal is not output, a closed state is generated in which the drive signal output from the OR circuit is output toward the engine starting electric motor. However, instead of such a configuration, the following configuration may be used.

  That is, when the operation state identification signal is output, the electromagnetic relay is in an open state that prevents the output signal for motor operation by the key switch from being output to the OR circuit, and the operation state When an identification signal is not output, an output signal for motor operation by the key switch is output to the OR circuit, and a drive signal output from the OR circuit is output to the electric motor for engine start You may comprise so that it may be in the closed state.

  In other words, as shown in FIG. 6, the output signal for operating the motor by the key switch 19 is input to the OR circuit 31 through the electromagnetic relay 32 in the switch-on state. Is a configuration that is output to the motor drive unit 33 as it is. In this way, when the operation state identification signal is not output, the electromagnetic relay 32 is closed, so that even when the vehicle control unit 8 is out of order, the key switch 19 is operated. The engine 1 can be started by the starter motor 20. When the operation state identification signal is output, the contact 32a of the electromagnetic relay 32 is cut off, so that the motor operation output signal from the key switch 19 is prevented from being input to the OR circuit 31. Therefore, even if the key switch 19 is erroneously operated, it is possible to prevent the starter motor 20 from being operated in accordance with the erroneous operation.

(2) In the above embodiment, the normally closed type switch means is exemplified by an electromagnetic relay whose contact is closed and biased by the biasing force of a spring. However, as the normally closed type switch means, For example, a switching transistor that is turned off when the operation state identification signal is not output may be used.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the motor control unit is exemplified to include an OR circuit and a normally-closed switch unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the engine start control unit When the engine start command is instructed by the key switch when the operation state identification signal is not output based on the control process using a microcomputer different from the vehicle control unit constituting the start motor It is good also as a structure which controls the operation state so that it may operate.

(4) In the above embodiment, the engine start command means 101 in the start command generation means 100 and the engine start control means H are respectively configured using the vehicle control unit 8 having a microcomputer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the start command generation means 100 and the engine start command means 101 may be configured by dedicated determination processing circuits.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the key switch is exemplified as the manual command means. However, the key switch is not limited to a general key switch that is inserted and rotated, and the engine start is commanded simply by hand. A manual switch may be used.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, the hybrid vehicle having the configuration in which the output shaft of the driving drive engine and the driving drive electric motor are directly connected has been exemplified. A hybrid vehicle having a transmission configuration that transmits power to the traveling device via a gear mechanism or a belt transmission mechanism may be used.

Diagram showing schematic configuration of hybrid vehicle Control block diagram The figure which shows the control constitution for engine starting The figure which shows the circuit for cutting off the electromagnetic relay Diagram showing engine start state The figure which shows the control structure for engine starting of another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Engine 2 Electric motor for driving | running | working 19 Manual command means 20 Electric motor for engine starting 30 Motor control means 31 OR circuit 32 Switch means 100 Start command generation means H Engine start control means

Claims (2)

An engine and an electric motor for driving are provided as power sources to drive the driving device, an electric motor for starting the engine for starting the engine, and an engine start command when the driving condition of the vehicle becomes an engine start condition. An engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle, comprising: a start command generating means; and a manual command means for instructing an engine start command by manual operation, wherein the travel electric motor is linked to the engine so as to start the engine. Because
When an engine start command is commanded by any one of the start command generation means and the manual command means, either the travel electric motor or the engine start electric motor is selected to start the engine And an engine start control means for outputting an operating state identification signal indicating that the traveling electric motor is operated when the traveling electric motor is selected and operated.
When the engine start control means does not output the operation state identification signal, the engine start command is transmitted by the manual command means to operate the engine start electric motor, and the engine start control means is operated. An engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle provided with motor control means for interrupting transmission of an engine start command by the manual command means to the electric motor for engine start when outputting a state identification signal. When the engine start control means operates the engine start electric motor, the engine start control means is configured to output a motor operation output signal for operating the engine start electric motor,
The manual command means is configured to output a motor operation output signal for operating the engine start electric motor as the engine start command,
The motor control means is
A motor drive that operates the electric motor for engine start when at least one of an output signal for motor operation by the manual command means and an output signal for motor operation by the engine start control means is input. An OR circuit for outputting a signal;
When the engine start control means outputs the operating state identification signal, the motor operation output signal output from the manual command means is blocked from being transmitted to the OR circuit, or the OR When the motor drive signal output from the circuit is in an open state that blocks transmission of the motor drive signal to the engine starting electric motor, and the engine start control means does not output the operating state identification signal, the manual command means The motor operation output signal output from the motor is transmitted to the OR circuit, or the motor drive signal output from the OR circuit is transmitted to the engine starting electric motor. 2. The engine start control device for a hybrid vehicle according to claim 1, comprising a normally closed switch means.

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