JP2007127087A - Idling stop control apparatus for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an idling stop control apparatus for a vehicle which can prevent an engine from starting during refueling. <P>SOLUTION: The idling stop control apparatus for the vehicle stops and restarts the engine from predetermined idling stop requirements while the vehicle engine is idling. The idling stop control apparatus includes a refueling detection means to detect the refueling to a fuel tank (steps S11, S12), and an idling stop prohibition means to prohibit at least automatic restart of the engine when the refueling is detected (step S13). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention belongs to a technical field of an idle stop control device for a vehicle that stops and restarts an engine based on an idle stop condition set in advance when the vehicle is in an idle operation state.

The conventional vehicle idle stop control system aims to prevent engine overdischarge, and after confirming that the transmission is in the neutral range when the battery voltage during idle stop has dropped to the lower limit required for engine restart. The engine is restarting. Further, for the purpose of maintaining the braking force, the engine is restarted when a time during which the negative pressure of the brake magnification device is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure continues for a predetermined time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-227375 A

  However, in the conventional idle stop control device for a vehicle, when refueling in an idle stop state at a gas station or the like, the engine is started when a predetermined idle stop permission condition is satisfied, and the driver's Depending on the operation, the vehicle may start despite being refueled.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an idle stop control device for a vehicle that can prevent engine start during refueling.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention,
In an idle stop control device for a vehicle that automatically stops and restarts an engine based on a preset idle stop condition when the vehicle is in an idle operation state,
Refueling detection means for detecting refueling to the fuel tank;
Idle stop prohibiting means for prohibiting at least automatic engine restart when refueling is detected;
It is characterized by providing.
Here, “detection of refueling” includes detection of a state immediately before refueling to the fuel tank, that is, prediction of refueling.

  Therefore, in the vehicle idle stop control device according to the present invention, when refueling is detected, at least automatic restart of the engine is prohibited. In other words, when the fuel tank is currently being refueled or when refueling is predicted, even if the idle stop cancellation condition is satisfied, the engine that is being refueled is prohibited by prohibiting automatic engine restart. Start-up can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the vehicle idle stop control device of the present invention will be described based on Examples 1 to 4 shown in the drawings.

  The first embodiment is an example in which idle stop (automatic engine stop) is prohibited when the vehicle enters the gas station and the automatic toll collection system settlement area.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is an overall system diagram showing a vehicle to which an idle stop control device of Embodiment 1 is applied.
The vehicle drive system to which the idle stop control device of the first embodiment is applied includes an engine 1, a starter motor 2, an alternator 3, a battery 4, and an engine control device 5, as shown in FIG. Yes.

  The engine control device 5 performs an idle stop that automatically stops the engine 1 when a predetermined idle stop permission condition is satisfied, for example, when the transmission mode is the D range and the vehicle is stopped (vehicle speed 0 km / h). Reduce wasteful idling fuel while the vehicle is stopped.

  In addition, when a predetermined idle stop cancellation condition is satisfied according to the start operation of the driver and the vehicle condition at the time of the idle stop, by performing the idle stop cancellation that automatically restarts the engine 1, the generation performance equivalent to that of a normal vehicle is achieved. maintain.

  Example 1 A vehicle includes a navigation unit 6, an ETC (registered trademark) unit 7, a fuel lid open lever sensor 8, a fuel filler sensor 9, a fuel gauge 10, an engine room electrical component control device 11, and an in-car electrical component. A control device 12, an air conditioner control device 13, a bidirectional communication line 14, a defogger 15, a radiator fan 16, lamps 17, a wiper deicer 18, and a blower fan 19 are provided.

The navigation unit 6 refers to the map database from the positional relationship between GPS satellites obtained from GPS (Global Positioning System) and the own vehicle, and detects map information including the own vehicle position.
The ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) unit 7 exchanges toll information by radio communication with an antenna installed in a tollgate on a highway or a gas station (fueling facility). For example, an ETC unit with an integrated antenna is used. Used.

The fuel lid open lever sensor 8 detects an operation state of a fuel lid open lever (not shown) for releasing the lock (fuel lid lock) of the lid of the fuel tank (not shown).
The fuel filler sensor 9 detects the open / closed state of the fuel filler of the fuel tank.
The fuel gauge 10 measures the remaining amount of fuel (fuel).

The engine room electrical component control device 11 controls the operation of the defogger 15, the radiator fan 16, and the lamps 17. The in-vehicle electrical component control device 12 controls the operation of the wiper deicer 18 that melts the icing between the wiper and the front window with heat rays. The air conditioner control device 13 controls the rotation of the blower fan 19.
The engine control device 5, the engine room electrical component control device 11, the in-vehicle electrical component control device 12, and the air conditioner control device 13 communicate with each other via a bidirectional communication line 14.

  The engine control device 5 detects that the own vehicle is present in the gas station from the map information of the navigation unit 6 and within the ETC settlement area where the own vehicle pays the refueling fee from the received radio wave intensity of the ETC unit 7. When it is detected that the vehicle is present, idle stop (automatic stop of the engine 1) is prohibited even when the idle stop permission condition is satisfied.

Next, the operation will be described.
[Idle stop prohibition control processing]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the idle stop prohibition control process executed by the engine control device 5 of the first embodiment, and each step will be described below.

  In step S11, it is determined from the map information of the navigation unit 6 whether or not the own vehicle is present in the gas station (fuel supply detection means). If YES, the process proceeds to step S13, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, it is determined from the received radio wave of the ETC unit 7 whether or not the own vehicle exists in the ETC settlement area (oil supply detection means). If YES, the process proceeds to step S13, and if NO, the process proceeds to return. Here, the determination as to whether or not the vehicle has entered the ETC settlement area is made based on the radio wave intensity of the received radio wave.

  In step S13, the automatic stop of the engine 1 is prohibited, and a return is made (idle stop prohibiting means).

[Idle stop prohibition control operation]
When the host vehicle enters the gas station, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S13 in the flowchart of FIG. 2, and in step S13, automatic stop of the engine 1 is prohibited. When the vehicle enters the ETC settlement area, the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12 to step S13 in the flowchart of FIG. 2, and automatic stop of the engine 1 is prohibited.

[Idle stop prohibition control action]
Especially in idling stop control, which frequently stops and restarts the engine when driving in urban areas, power is supplied to the starter motor every time the engine is restarted. It may be impossible to start. In addition, when the pumping operation of the brake is frequently performed while the engine is stopped, the negative pressure of the brake magnification device is reduced, and a very large pedaling force is required to apply the brake.

  In the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-227375, when the battery voltage during idling stop is lowered to a lower limit value necessary for engine restart, or when the negative pressure of the brake magnification device is lowered for a predetermined time. In this case, the engine is restarted and the battery is charged to avoid overdischarge and a decrease in the negative pressure of the brake magnification device.

  However, in a conventional idle stop control device, for example, when refueling in an idle stop state at a gas station, if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal by mistaking it as having stopped the engine, the idle stop release condition There is a problem that the vehicle is started even though the engine is started and the engine is being refueled.

  On the other hand, in Example 1, when the own vehicle enters a gas station or an ETC settlement area, the automatic stop of the engine 1 is prohibited. That is, when entering an area where refueling is performed, the engine is urged to turn off the ignition key switch by avoiding the idling stop, thereby avoiding refueling in the idling stop state. Therefore, the engine can be prevented from being restarted by the driver's accelerator operation, and the vehicle can be prevented from starting during refueling.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the idle stop control device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) In a vehicle idle stop control device for stopping and restarting the engine 1 based on an idle stop condition set in advance when the vehicle is in an idle operation state, a fuel supply detection means (step for detecting fuel supply to the fuel tank) S11, step S12) and idle stop prohibiting means (step S13) for prohibiting at least automatic restart of the engine 1 when refueling is detected, it is possible to prevent engine start during refueling.

  (2) The refueling detection means (step S11) predicts refueling to the fuel tank when the vehicle position detected by the navigation unit 6 is in the gas station, and the idle stop prohibiting means predicts refueling. Since the automatic stop of the engine 1 is prohibited, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from starting during refueling at a gas station.

  (3) The refueling detection means (step S12) predicts refueling to the fuel tank when the vehicle is in the automatic toll collection system settlement area where the automatic toll collection system can be used. Since the automatic stop of the engine 1 is prohibited when refueling is predicted, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from starting during refueling in the ETC settlement area.

  The second embodiment is an example in which automatic restart of the engine is prohibited when the fuel lid open lever is operated in the idle stop state.

  The overall system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The engine control device 5 monitors the detection signal of the fuel lid open lever sensor (fuel lid open lever operation detecting means) 8 after the engine 1 is automatically stopped, and when the fuel lid open lever is pulled (operated), the idle stop is released. Even if the condition is satisfied, automatic restart of the engine 1 is prohibited.

  In addition, when the engine control device 5 prohibits automatic restart of the engine 1, the battery control unit 5 controls the engine room electrical component control device 11, the in-vehicle electrical component control device 12, or the air conditioner control device 13 from the battery 4. A control command that suppresses at least one power consumption of the defogger 15, the radiator fan 16, the lamps 17, the wiper deicer 18, or the blower fan 19 that is a load that receives power supply is output.

Next, the operation will be described.
[Automatic engine restart prohibition control processing]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the engine automatic restart inhibition control process executed by the engine control device 5 of the second embodiment, and each step will be described below.

  In step S21, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is idle stopped. If YES, the process proceeds to step S22, and if NO, the process proceeds to return.

  In step S22, it is determined whether or not the fuel lid open lever is pulled (oil supply detection means). If YES, the process proceeds to step S23, and if NO, the process proceeds to return.

  In step S23, automatic restart of the engine 1 is prohibited, and the process proceeds to step S24 (idle stop prohibiting means).

  In step S24, it is determined whether or not the charge amount of the battery 4 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If YES, the process proceeds to step S25, and if NO, the process proceeds to return. Here, the “predetermined value” is a value that is higher than at least a lower limit value at which the engine 1 can be restarted.

In step S25, one or more of the operations listed below are performed according to the vehicle state, and the process proceeds to return (battery consumption suppression means).
-Automatically turn off the defogger 15.
-One of the plurality of radiator fans 16 is automatically stopped.
・ Turns off lamps 17 automatically.
-Reduce the power consumption of the lamps 17 to a predetermined value or less.
-The wiper deicer 18 is automatically turned off.
-The speed of the blower fan 19 is automatically reduced.
-The blower fan 19 is automatically stopped.

[Automatic engine restart prohibition control operation]
If the driver operates the fuel lid open lever while the vehicle is idling, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S22 to step S23 in the flowchart of FIG. 3, and in step S23, the engine 1 is automatically restarted. It is forbidden. This automatic restart prohibition is repeated until the driver manually stops the engine 1 or until the charge amount of the battery 4 becomes a predetermined value or less (step S23 → step S24 is repeated).

  If the amount of charge of the battery 4 falls below the predetermined value while the automatic restart of the engine 1 is prohibited, the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25. In step S25, the defogger 15, the radiator fan 16, the lamps 17, the wiper The power consumption of either the de-icer 18 or the blower fan 19 is reduced or the power supply is stopped.

[Automatic engine restart prohibition control action]
In the second embodiment, paying attention to the fact that the fuel lid open lever is always operated in order to release the fuel lid lock at the time of refueling, the restart of the engine 1 is prohibited when the fuel lid open lever is operated, Engine start-up can be avoided. In addition, refueling at locations other than gas stations and ETC settlement areas can be reliably predicted.

[Battery voltage drop suppression action at idle stop]
When refueling in the idle stop state as in the second embodiment, the problem is a decrease in battery voltage. In other words, during idle stop, the battery voltage continues to be supplied to loads such as the defogger 15 and the radiator fan 16 even though the alternator 3 does not generate power when the engine is stopped.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when refueling in the idle stop state, when the battery voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, the defogger 15, the radiator fan 16, the lamps 17, the wiper deicer 18 or the blower fan By making at least one power consumption of 19 small or zero, it is possible to prevent the battery voltage from falling below the lower limit required for restarting the engine 1.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the vehicle idle stop control device according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effect (1) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (4) A fuel lid open lever sensor 8 for detecting the state of the fuel lid open lever for releasing the lock of the fuel tank lid is provided, and the fuel supply detecting means (step S22) is connected to the fuel tank when the fuel lid open lever is operated. Predicting refueling, the idle stop prohibiting means (step S23) prohibits the automatic restart of the engine 1 when refueling is predicted after the engine 1 is automatically stopped. It can be avoided.

  (5) Battery consumption suppression means (step for suppressing power consumption of at least one load receiving power supply from the battery 4 when automatic restart of the engine 1 is prohibited by the idle stop prohibition means (step S23). Since S24) is provided, it is possible to suppress a decrease in battery voltage in the idle stop state.

  (6) The battery consumption suppression means (step S24) is configured to switch off the defogger 15 or suppress or stop at least one rotation of the radiator fan 16 when the battery voltage becomes a predetermined value or less. The battery voltage is required for restarting the engine 1 in order to perform at least one process of switching off or reducing power consumption, switching off the wiper deicer 18, and suppressing or stopping the rotation of the blower fan 19. By being below the lower limit value, it is possible to prevent the engine from being disabled.

  The third embodiment is an example in which automatic restart of the engine is prohibited when the fuel filler opening is opened in the idle stop state.

  The overall system of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The engine control device 5 monitors the detection signal of the fuel filler sensor (fuel filler opening / closing state detecting means) 9 at the time of idling stop, and when the fuel tank filler opening is opened, the idle stop cancellation condition is satisfied. Even if it exists, automatic restart of the engine 1 is prohibited.

Next, the operation will be described.
[Automatic engine restart prohibition control processing]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the engine automatic restart prohibition control process executed by the engine control device 5 of the third embodiment. Each step will be described below. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the step which performs the same process as Example 2 shown in FIG. 3, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not the fuel filler opening has been opened (fuel filler detection means). If YES, the process proceeds to step S23, and if NO, the process proceeds to return.

[Automatic engine restart prohibition control operation]
When the vehicle is idle-stopped and the refueling operator opens the refueling port, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S31 to step S23 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and in step S23, the engine 1 is automatically restarted. Is prohibited.

[Automatic engine restart prohibition control action]
In the third embodiment, paying attention to the fact that the refueling port is always opened at the time of refueling, and restarting the engine 1 when the refueling port is opened, the engine is started at the time of refueling as in the second embodiment. It can be avoided. In addition, refueling at locations other than gas stations and ETC settlement areas can be reliably predicted.

  Next, the effect will be described. In the vehicle idle stop control device of the third embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) of the first embodiment and the effects (5) and (6) of the second embodiment, the following effects are obtained. Obtainable.

  (7) The fuel lid open lever sensor 8 for detecting the operation state of the fuel lid open lever for releasing the lock of the fuel tank cover is provided, and the fuel supply detecting means (step S31) is supplied to the fuel tank when the fuel lid open lever is operated. The idle stop prohibiting means (step S23) starts the engine at the time of refueling regardless of the refueling place in order to prohibit the automatic restart of the engine 1 when refueling is predicted after the automatic stop of the engine 1. Can be avoided.

  The fourth embodiment is an example in which automatic restart of the engine is prohibited when an increase in fuel in the fuel tank is detected in the idle stop state.

  The overall system of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The engine control device 5 monitors the detected value of the fuel gauge (fuel gauge) 10 at the time of idling stop, and when the detected value increases, even if the condition for releasing the idling stop is satisfied, Prohibit starting.

Next, the operation will be described.
[Engine automatic restart prohibition control processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the engine automatic restart prohibition control process executed by the engine control device 5 of the fourth embodiment. Each step will be described below. In addition, the same step number is attached | subjected to the step which performs the same process as Example 2 shown in FIG. 3, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S41, it is determined whether or not the fuel has increased (fuel supply detection means). If YES, the process proceeds to step S23, and if NO, the process proceeds to return.

[Engine automatic restart prohibition control operation]
If the fuel in the fuel tank increases while the vehicle is idling, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S41 to step S23 in the flowchart of FIG. 5, and automatic restart of the engine 1 is prohibited in step S23. Is done.

[Automatic engine restart prohibition control action]
In Example 4, when the detected value of the fuel gauge 10 is increasing, the restart of the engine 1 is prohibited, so that the engine start at the time of refueling can be avoided. Further, as in the second and third embodiments, refueling at a place other than the gas station or the ETC settlement area can be reliably predicted.

  Next, the effect will be described. In the vehicle idle stop control device of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) of the first embodiment and the effects (5) and (6) of the second embodiment, the following effects are obtained. Obtainable.

  (8) The fueling detection means (step S41) detects fueling from the detection value of the fuel gauge 10, and the idle stop prohibiting means (step S23) detects the fueling of the engine 1 when the fueling is detected after the engine 1 is automatically stopped. Since automatic restart is prohibited, it is possible to avoid starting the engine during refueling regardless of the refueling location.

(Other examples)
As mentioned above, although the idle stop control apparatus of the vehicle of this invention has been demonstrated based on Examples 1-4, it is not restricted to each Example about a concrete structure, Each claim of a claim Design changes and additions are allowed without departing from the gist of the invention.

  For example, in the first embodiment, a gas station and an ETC settlement area are shown as an example of the refueling area. However, the refueling area can be any area as long as it can be detected or estimated by a sensor or the like that is generally mounted on the vehicle. Can be set.

  In the first embodiment, an example of application to an engine vehicle having an idle stop function has been shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to a hybrid vehicle having an idle stop function. In short, the present invention can be applied to a vehicle that automatically stops and restarts an engine based on a preset idle stop condition when the vehicle is in an idle operation state.

1 is an overall system diagram showing a vehicle to which an idle stop control device of Embodiment 1 is applied. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of idle stop prohibition control processing executed by the engine control device 5 of Embodiment 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the engine automatic restart prohibition process performed with the engine control apparatus 5 of Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the engine automatic restart prohibition control processing performed with the engine control apparatus 5 of Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the engine automatic restart prohibition control processing performed with the engine control apparatus 5 of Example 4. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Engine 2 Starter motor 3 Alternator 4 Battery 5 Engine control device 6 Navigation unit 7 Unit 8 Fuel lid open lever sensor 9 Fuel supply port sensor 10 Fuel gauge 11 Engine room electrical component control device 12 In-vehicle electrical component control device 13 Air conditioner control device 14 Bidirectional Communication line 15 Defogger 16 Radiator fan 17 Lamps 18 Wiper deicer 19 Blower fan

Claims (8)

In an idle stop control device for a vehicle that automatically stops and restarts an engine based on a preset idle stop condition when the vehicle is in an idle operation state,
Refueling detection means for detecting refueling to the fuel tank;
Idle stop prohibiting means for prohibiting at least automatic engine restart when refueling is detected;
An idle stop control device for a vehicle, comprising: The idle stop control device for a vehicle according to claim 1,
The refueling detection means predicts refueling to the fuel tank when the vehicle position detected by the navigation system is in a refueling facility,
The idling stop prohibiting means prohibits automatic engine stop when refueling is predicted. In the vehicle idle stop control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The refueling detection means predicts refueling to the fuel tank when the vehicle is in an automatic toll collection system settlement area that can use the automatic toll collection system,
The idling stop prohibiting means prohibits automatic engine stop when refueling is predicted. The vehicle idle stop control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A fuel lid open lever operation detecting means for detecting an operation state of a fuel lid open lever for unlocking the lid of the fuel tank;
The fuel supply detection means predicts fuel supply to the fuel tank when the fuel lid open lever is operated,
The idle stop prohibiting device prohibits automatic engine restart when refueling is predicted after the engine is automatically stopped. The vehicle idle stop control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Comprising a fuel filler opening / closing state detecting means for detecting an opening / closing state of the fuel filler of the fuel tank,
The fuel supply detection means predicts fuel supply to the fuel tank when the fuel supply port is opened,
The idle stop prohibiting device prohibits automatic engine restart when refueling is predicted after the engine is automatically stopped. The vehicle idle stop control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The fueling detection means detects fueling from the detected value of the fuel gauge,
The idle stop prohibiting device prohibits automatic restart of the engine when refueling is detected after the engine is automatically stopped. The idle stop control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The vehicle idle system further comprises battery consumption suppression means for suppressing power consumption of at least one load that receives power supply from the battery when automatic restart of the engine is prohibited by the idle stop prohibition means. Stop control device. The idle stop control device for a vehicle according to claim 7,
The battery consumption suppression means, when the battery voltage is below a predetermined value exceeding the lower limit required for restarting the engine,
Switch off the defogger,
Suppress or stop at least one rotation of the radiator fan;
Switch off lamps or reduce power consumption,
Switch off the wiper deicer,
Suppress or stop the blower fan rotation,
An idle stop control device for a vehicle, characterized in that at least one process is performed.

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