JP2010284998A - Control device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the control device of a vehicle for improving fuel consumption. <P>SOLUTION: The control device of a vehicle includes a driving force characteristics setting means for changing driving force characteristics with respect to an accelerator aperture in response to a shift transmission mode. Concretely, the driving force characteristics setting means makes the rate of the change of a driving force with respect to accelerator aperture for a fixed shift transmission mode smaller than the rate of the change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator aperture for a variable speed mode. Thus, it is possible to optionally set an engine operation point for the fixed shift transmission mode to improve fuel consumption. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle control device suitable for a hybrid vehicle, for example.

  In addition to an internal combustion engine (engine), a hybrid vehicle including a motor generator that functions as an electric motor or a generator is known. In a hybrid vehicle, an internal combustion engine is operated in a highly efficient state as much as possible, while an excess or deficiency of driving force or engine brake is compensated by a motor generator. As an example of such a hybrid vehicle, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a continuously variable transmission mode capable of continuously changing the rotational speed ratio between the power source and the output member, and the rotational speed There is a hybrid vehicle that can switch between a fixed transmission mode and a fixed ratio. Patent Document 2 also describes a technique related to the present invention.

JP 2004-345527 A JP 2001-1773 A

  By the way, in the hybrid vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the rate of change in driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is the same in the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode. Therefore, in the fixed speed change mode, the adjustment of the driving force can hardly be performed, the engine operating point is uniquely determined by the vehicle speed, and the fuel efficiency may be deteriorated due to the restriction of the engine operating point.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device capable of improving fuel consumption.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle control device capable of switching a transmission mode between a continuously variable transmission mode and a fixed transmission mode is capable of changing a driving force with respect to an accelerator opening in the continuously variable transmission mode. Driving force characteristic setting means for reducing the rate of change in driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed speed change mode.

  The above-described vehicle control device is realized by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), for example, and is applied to a vehicle configured to be able to switch between a continuously variable transmission mode and a fixed transmission mode. The vehicle control device includes driving force characteristic setting means for changing the driving force characteristic with respect to the accelerator opening in accordance with the speed change mode. Specifically, the driving force characteristic setting means reduces the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed shift mode to be smaller than the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the continuously variable transmission mode. To do. As a result, the engine operating point in the fixed speed change mode can be arbitrarily set, and fuel consumption can be improved.

  Another aspect of the vehicle control device includes an input unit for instructing a change in the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening, and the driving force characteristic setting unit receives a signal from the input unit. Accordingly, the change rate of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed speed change mode is changed. Thereby, according to a driver | operator's intention, the ratio of the change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening degree in the case of fixed shift mode can be changed.

  In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle control apparatus, the vehicle is transmitted with an engine, a motor generator, a power distribution mechanism to which the engine and the motor generator are connected, and an output from the power distribution mechanism. A hybrid vehicle having a drive shaft and a lock mechanism coupled to any one of the rotating elements in the power distribution mechanism and capable of fixing the rotating element by engagement of the engaging elements, and the engine torque of the engine The stepless speed change mode realized by outputting the corresponding reaction force torque to the motor generator, and fixing the rotating element by the lock mechanism, and allowing the lock mechanism to receive the reaction force torque. Switching control means for switching the shift mode between the fixed shift mode to be realized.

  In another aspect of the vehicle control device, the switching control means moves the engine operating point along an equal power line when switching the shift mode from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode. Thus, after performing the rotational speed synchronization control between the engagement elements, the engagement control of the lock mechanism is performed, and the engine torque is changed according to the target driving force in the fixed shift mode. In this way, it is possible to easily change the driving force, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in drivability when changing the transmission mode.

  In another aspect of the vehicle control device, the switching control means reduces the engine torque and switches between the engagement elements when switching the shift mode from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode. After performing the rotational speed synchronization control, the engagement control of the lock mechanism is performed, and the engine torque is changed according to the target driving force in the fixed shift mode. By doing in this way, even if the MG1 torque may exceed the output limit, the shift mode can be switched without the MG1 torque exceeding the output limit.

  In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle control apparatus, the lock mechanism is connected to a rotor of the motor generator, and the switching control means fixes the fixed speed change by fixing the rotor of the motor generator by the lock mechanism. Realize the mode.

  The vehicle control device capable of switching the transmission mode between the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode has the fixed transmission mode rather than the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the continuously variable transmission mode. Driving force characteristic setting means for reducing the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of. Thereby, it becomes possible to arbitrarily set the engine operating point in the case of the fixed speed change mode, and the fuel consumption can be improved.

1 is a schematic configuration of a hybrid vehicle to which a control device according to the present embodiment is applied. An example of an alignment chart in a continuously variable transmission mode and a fixed transmission mode is shown. It is a drive force diagram in the control method of a general hybrid vehicle. It is a drive force diagram in the control method of the hybrid vehicle concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control process of the hybrid vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control process of the hybrid vehicle which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the movement of an engine operating point in the 1st transmission mode switching control, and the change of a nomograph. 4 is a timing chart in first shift mode switching control. It is a figure which shows the movement of an engine operating point in the 2nd transmission mode switching control, and the change of a nomograph. It is a timing chart in 2nd transmission mode switching control. It is a flowchart which shows a transmission mode switching control process.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Device configuration]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a hybrid vehicle to which a control device according to this embodiment is applied. The example of FIG. 1 is a hybrid vehicle called a mechanical distribution type two-motor type, and includes an engine (internal combustion engine) 1, a first motor generator MG 1, a second motor generator MG 2, and a power distribution mechanism 20. An engine 1 corresponding to a power source and a first motor generator MG1 are connected to a power distribution mechanism 20. The drive shaft 3 of the power distribution mechanism 20 is connected to a second motor generator MG2 that is a power source for assisting torque (drive force) or brake force of the drive shaft 3. Further, the drive shaft 3 is connected to the left and right drive wheels 9 via a final reduction gear 8. The first motor generator MG1 and the second motor generator MG2 are electrically connected via a battery, an inverter, or an appropriate controller (see FIG. 1) or directly, and the first motor generator MG1 The second motor generator MG2 is driven by the generated electric power.

  The engine 1 is a heat engine that generates power by burning fuel, and examples thereof include a diesel engine and a gasoline engine. The first motor generator MG1 generates power mainly by receiving torque from the engine 1 and rotating, and a reaction force of torque accompanying power generation acts. The first motor generator MG1 functions as a motor generator in the present invention.

  The second motor generator MG2 is a device that assists (assists) driving force or braking force. When assisting the driving force, the second motor generator MG2 functions as an electric motor upon receipt of electric power. On the other hand, when assisting the braking force, the second motor generator MG2 functions as a generator that is rotated by the torque transmitted from the drive wheels 9 to generate electric power.

  The power distribution mechanism 20 is a so-called single pinion type planetary gear mechanism, and includes a ring gear R1, a carrier C1, and a sun gear S1. The carrier C1 holds a pinion gear CP1 that meshes with both the ring gear R1 and the sun gear S1.

  The output shaft 2 of the engine 1 is connected to the carrier C1 of the first planetary gear mechanism. One end of the rotor 11 of the first motor generator MG1 is connected to the sun gear S1 of the first planetary gear mechanism. The ring gear R1 is connected to the drive shaft 3.

  The other end of the rotor 11 of the first motor generator MG1 is connected to the lock mechanism 7. The lock mechanism 7 includes a clutch 7a and an actuator 7b. The clutch 7a has a pair of engaging elements that engage with each other. Of the pair of engagement elements, one engagement element is fixed to a case or the like, and the other engagement element is coupled to the rotor 11 of the first motor generator MG1. The lock mechanism 7 is configured to be able to engage and release the engagement elements in the clutch 7a using the actuator 7b. Specifically, the actuator 7b engages the clutch 7a by, for example, a hydraulic pressure. Lock mechanism 7 engages clutch 7a to fix rotor 11 of first motor generator MG1 and to fix sun gear S1 of power distribution mechanism 20. The lock mechanism 7 releases the engagement of the clutch 7a, thereby releasing the rotor 11 of the first motor generator MG1 and releasing the sun gear S1 of the power distribution mechanism 20. That is, the clutch 7a functions as a brake that fixes the sun gear S1 of the power distribution mechanism 20. The lock mechanism 7 controls the engagement / release of the clutch 7a by controlling the actuator 7b based on the control signal Sig5 transmitted from the ECU 4.

  In a state where the lock mechanism 7 releases the clutch 7a, the sun gear S1 is released, and the engine speed of the engine 1 continuously changes by continuously changing the speed of the first motor generator MG1. A step shift mode is realized. On the other hand, when the lock mechanism 7 is engaged with the clutch 7a, the sun gear S1 is fixed and the gear ratio determined by the power distribution mechanism 20 is in the overdrive state (that is, the engine speed of the engine 1 is the drive shaft 3). In this state, a fixed speed change mode is realized that is fixed to a state where the rotational speed is smaller than the number of revolutions.

  The power supply unit 30 includes an inverter 31, a converter 32, an HV battery 33, and a converter 34. The first motor generator MG1 is connected to the inverter 31 by a power line 37, and the second motor generator MG2 is connected to the inverter 31 by a power line 38. The inverter 31 is connected to the converter 32, and the converter 32 is connected to the HV battery 33. Further, the HV battery 33 is connected to the auxiliary battery 35 via the converter 34.

  Inverter 31 exchanges power with motor generators MG1 and MG2. During regeneration of the motor generator, the inverter 31 converts the electric power generated by the motor generators MG1 and MG2 into the direct current and supplies the direct current to the converter 32. Converter 32 converts the electric power supplied from inverter 31 to charge HV battery 33. On the other hand, when the motor generator is powered, the DC power output from the HV battery 33 is boosted by the converter 32 and supplied to the inverter 31, and then supplied to the motor generator MG 1 or MG 2 via the power line 37 or 38.

  The electric power of the HV battery 33 is converted into a voltage by the converter 34 and supplied to the auxiliary battery 35, and used for driving various auxiliary machines.

  The operation of the inverter 31, the converter 32, the HV battery 33, and the converter 34 is controlled by the ECU 4. ECU4 controls operation | movement of each element in the power supply unit 30 by transmitting control signal Sig4. A necessary signal indicating the state of each element in the power supply unit 30 is supplied to the ECU 4 as a control signal Sig4. Specifically, SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the remaining battery capacity of the HV battery 33, the input / output limit value of the battery, and the like are supplied to the ECU 4 as the control signal Sig4.

  The ECU 4 sends and receives control signals Sig1 to Sig3 to and from the engine 1, the first motor generator MG1 and the second motor generator MG2, thereby controlling them and transmitting the control signal Sig5 to the lock mechanism 7. Thus, the lock mechanism 7 is controlled. For example, the ECU 4 detects the accelerator opening based on the detection signal from the accelerator opening sensor 23 and detects the vehicle speed based on the detection signal from the vehicle speed sensor 22. The ECU 4 calculates the driving force based on the detected accelerator opening and the vehicle speed, and controls the engine 1, the first motor generator MG1, and the second motor generator MG2 so as to obtain the calculated driving force. .

  Further, the ECU 4 controls the lock mechanism 7 based on the detected vehicle speed and the calculated driving force. Therefore, the ECU 4 functions as switching control means in the present invention. Further, a changeover switch 21 is attached to the driver's seat. The driver can change the rate of change in driving force (driving force characteristic) with respect to the accelerator opening in the fixed speed change mode by operating the changeover switch 21. The ECU 4 changes the driving force characteristic in the fixed speed change mode based on the detection signal from the changeover switch 21. Therefore, the changeover switch 21 functions as input means in the present invention, and the ECU 4 functions as driving force characteristic setting means in the present invention.

  Next, the operation state of the hybrid vehicle in the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example of an alignment chart in the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode. 2A and 2B, the vertical direction corresponds to the rotational speed, the upward direction corresponds to the positive rotation, and the downward direction corresponds to the negative rotation. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the upward torque corresponds to the positive torque, and the downward torque corresponds to the negative torque.

  Straight lines A1a, A1b, and A1c in FIG. 2A show examples of collinear diagrams in the continuously variable transmission mode. In the continuously variable transmission mode, a reaction torque corresponding to the engine torque TKE of the engine 1 is output from the first motor generator MG1 as the torque TK1. Here, as can be seen from FIG. 2A, the engine torque TKE is a positive torque and the torque TK1 is a negative torque. Torque TK2 indicates the torque output from second motor generator MG2. In the continuously variable transmission mode, the engine speed of the engine 1 can be continuously controlled by increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the first motor generator MG1. When the rotational speed of the drive shaft 3 is N1, for example, when the rotational speed of the first motor generator MG1 is sequentially changed to white circles m1, m2, and m3, the engine rotational speed of the engine 1 is White circles Ne1 (> N1), Ne2 (= N1), and Ne3 (<N1) change sequentially. That is, the engine speed of the engine 1 sequentially changes to a value higher than, equal to, and lower than the speed of the drive shaft 3. At this time, the first motor generator MG1 generates electric power and supplies electric power to the second motor generator MG2 that assists the drive shaft 3 via the inverter 31. That is, in the continuously variable transmission mode, the output from the engine 1 is directly transmitted to the drive shaft 3 via the power distribution mechanism 20 and the second motor assists the drive shaft 3 from the first motor generator MG1. It is transmitted to the drive shaft 3 through two routes: a route electrically transmitted to the motor generator MG2.

  A straight line A2 in FIG. 2B shows an example of an alignment chart in the fixed speed change mode. In the fixed speed change mode, the lock mechanism 7 fixes the rotor 11 of the first motor generator MG1 and the sun gear S1. Therefore, the speed ratio determined by the power distribution mechanism 20 is overdrive. The state is fixed (ie, the state in which the engine speed Ne4 of the engine 1 is smaller than the speed N1 of the drive shaft 3). At this time, the clutch 7 a of the lock mechanism 7 is responsible for the reaction torque corresponding to the engine torque of the engine 1. Since first motor generator MG1 does not function as either a generator or an electric motor, power is not supplied from first motor generator MG1 to second motor generator MG2. Therefore, in the fixed speed change mode, the output from the engine 1 is transmitted to the drive shaft 3 only through a route that is directly transmitted to the drive shaft 3 via the power distribution mechanism 20.

[Control method]
Next, a method for controlling the hybrid vehicle according to the present embodiment will be specifically described.

  FIG. 3 shows a driving force diagram in a general hybrid vehicle control method, where the vertical axis shows the driving force and the horizontal axis shows the vehicle speed. FIG. 3 shows driving force lines when the accelerator opening is 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The ECU 4 calculates the driving force using the relationship shown in FIG. 3 based on the accelerator opening and the vehicle speed, and controls the engine 1 and the motor generator so as to obtain the calculated driving force. For example, when the vehicle speed is Vex and the accelerator opening is 40%, the driving force is calculated as Tex.

  In FIG. 3, a hatched area SA indicates a lock area set in the fixed speed change mode. The lock area SA is set according to the vehicle speed and the driving force. Moreover, in FIG. 3, an example of the operating point (vehicle operating point) of the vehicle defined by the vehicle speed and the driving force is indicated by white circles. When the vehicle operating point is located in the lock area SA, the ECU 4 engages the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7 and sets the shift mode to the fixed shift mode. On the other hand, when the vehicle operating point is located outside the lock area SA, the ECU 4 releases the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7 and sets the shift mode to the continuously variable transmission mode.

  In a general hybrid vehicle control method, when the driver depresses the accelerator, the accelerator opening increases, and the driving force also increases in proportion to the accelerator opening. For example, as indicated by an arrow W1, when the driver depresses the accelerator at a predetermined vehicle speed Va and the accelerator opening increases and exceeds 20%, the vehicle moves from outside the lock area SA into the lock area SA. The point moves. At this time, the ECU 4 switches the transmission mode from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode. Then, as shown by arrow W2, when the accelerator opening further increases and exceeds 40%, the vehicle operating point moves from the lock area SA to the outside of the lock area SA. At this time, the ECU 4 releases the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7 and switches the transmission mode from the fixed transmission mode to the continuously variable transmission mode. After the accelerator opening exceeds 40%, even if the accelerator opening further increases, the ECU 4 keeps the shift mode in the continuously variable transmission mode.

  As can be seen from the above, the shift mode is set to the fixed shift mode when the accelerator opening is in a relatively short range between 20% and 40%. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is relatively large for the driving force range Tsa in which the shifting mode is set to the fixed shifting mode. This is because the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is set to be the same in both the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode. For this reason, when the shift mode is set to the fixed shift mode, it is difficult for the driver to adjust the driving force by adjusting the accelerator opening, and the driving force is uniquely determined.

  When the speed change mode is set to the fixed speed change mode, the engine speed is determined when the vehicle speed proportional to the speed of the drive shaft 3 is determined, and the engine torque is determined when the driving force is determined. In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the driving force is uniquely determined when the transmission mode is set to the fixed transmission mode, the engine operating point defined by the engine torque and the engine speed is also uniquely determined according to the vehicle speed. Determined. Here, on the map defined by the engine torque and the engine speed, the engine operating point is restricted from the viewpoint of noise prevention and exhaust emission. In other words, even when the vehicle operating point moves into the lock area SA and the shift mode is set to the fixed shift mode, the ECU 4 may change the lock mechanism 7 depending on the position of the engine operating point determined at that time. It is necessary to release the clutch 7a and switch the transmission mode to the continuously variable transmission mode. In such a case, even when the vehicle operating point is located in the lock region SA, the shift mode is switched from the fixed shift mode to the continuously variable shift mode, so that fuel consumption may be deteriorated.

  Further, since the accelerator opening is set to the fixed shift mode in a relatively short range between 20% and 40%, even when the shift mode is switched from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed shift mode, The driver may not notice that the shift mode has been switched. Further, even when the transmission mode is set to the fixed transmission mode, if the driver performs rough accelerator operation, the vehicle operating point is not locked in the lock region even though the driving force is not intended. There is a possibility that the speed change mode is switched from the fixed speed change mode to the continuously variable speed change mode immediately after deviating from the SA. In such a case, even if the driver does not intend to produce driving force, the fuel consumption may deteriorate.

  Therefore, in the hybrid vehicle control method according to the present embodiment, the ECU 4 varies the driving force characteristics in each of the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode. Specifically, the ECU 4 makes the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed speed change mode smaller than the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the continuously variable transmission mode. . This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 4 is a driving force diagram in the hybrid vehicle control method according to the present embodiment, in which the vertical axis indicates the driving force and the horizontal axis indicates the vehicle speed. FIG. 4 shows the accelerator opening in the case of the continuously variable transmission mode and the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed transmission mode.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the driver depresses the accelerator and the accelerator opening exceeds 20%, the ECU 4 switches the shift mode from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode. The rate of change in the driving force with respect to is constant in the fixed speed change mode and in the continuously variable speed mode. Therefore, when the shift mode is set to the fixed shift mode, the ECU 4 changes the drive force by the range Tsa of the drive force in the fixed shift mode when the accelerator opening changes from 20% to 40%. I was letting.

  On the other hand, in the hybrid vehicle control method according to the present embodiment, the ECU 4 controls the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the fixed shift mode rather than the rate of change in the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the continuously variable transmission mode. The rate of change is reduced. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the ECU 4 sets the accelerator opening range for setting the shift mode to the fixed shift mode between 20% and 80%. More specifically, the ECU 4 changes the accelerator opening from 20% to 40%, from 40% to 60%, and from 60% to 80% when the transmission mode is switched from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode. In each case, the driving force is changed by a range Tsam smaller than the range Tsa. That is, when the accelerator opening changes from 20% to 80%, the ECU 4 changes the driving force by the driving force range Tsa in the fixed speed change mode. When the accelerator opening exceeds 80%, the ECU 4 switches the transmission mode from the fixed transmission mode to the continuously variable transmission mode.

  As described above, in the case of the fixed speed change mode, the driver can adjust the driving force by adjusting the accelerator opening by reducing the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening. As a result, the engine operating point can be arbitrarily set in the case of the fixed speed change mode. Therefore, when the vehicle operating point is located in the lock region SA, it is possible to enter the continuously variable transmission mode due to the restriction of the engine operating point. There is no need to perform switching, and fuel consumption can be improved.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, since the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening changes when the transmission mode is switched, the driver can easily recognize that the transmission mode has been switched. In the case of the fixed speed change mode, the ratio of change in the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is reduced, so that even when the driver performs a rough accelerator operation, it is possible to immediately switch to the continuously variable speed change mode. The fuel consumption can be improved.

  Compared with a control method in which a hysteresis region in which the driving force is not changed by ignoring changes in the accelerator opening is provided around the lock region SA, the control method according to the present embodiment responds to changes in the accelerator opening. Always change the driving force. Therefore, compared with the control method in which the hysteresis region is provided around the lock region SA, according to the control method according to the present embodiment, the driver does not feel uncomfortable when the accelerator is depressed.

  Here, in the case of the fixed speed change mode, the accelerator opening is changed from 20% to 80% in order to change the driving force by the range Tsa, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it goes without saying that the maximum value of the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed speed change mode is not limited to 80%.

  For example, the accelerator opening may be changed from 20% to 60% in order to change the driving force by the range Tsa by setting the maximum value of the accelerator opening in the fixed shift mode to 60%. In this case, as compared with the above-described example in which the maximum value of the accelerator opening in the fixed shift mode is set to 80%, the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the fixed shift mode is increased. Further, for example, in order to change the driving force by the range Tsa by setting the maximum value of the accelerator opening in the fixed shift mode to 90%, the accelerator opening may be changed from 20% to 90%. In this case, as compared with the above-described example in which the maximum value of the accelerator opening in the fixed shift mode is 80%, the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the fixed shift mode is small.

  However, the maximum value of the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed speed change mode is preferably smaller than 100%. Accordingly, when the driver depresses the accelerator and the accelerator opening exceeds the maximum value, the shift mode can be switched from the fixed shift mode to the continuously variable shift mode.

  Next, an example of the hybrid vehicle control process according to the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6.

  First, the control process of the hybrid vehicle shown in FIG. 5 will be described. In this control process, the ECU 4 determines, based on the detection signal from the changeover switch 21, whether or not the driving force characteristic in the fixed shift mode is different from the driving force characteristic in the continuously variable transmission mode. To do.

  In step S101, the ECU 4 determines whether or not the changeover switch 21 is on based on a detection signal from the changeover switch 21. If the ECU 4 determines that the changeover switch 21 is off (step S101: No), the ECU 4 does not change the driving force characteristics in the fixed shift mode, and each of the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed shift mode. In this case, the rate of change in driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is the same (see FIG. 3). Thereafter, the ECU 4 ends this control process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the changeover switch 21 is turned on (step S101: Yes), the ECU 4 proceeds to the process of step S102 and sets the driving force characteristic dedicated to the fixed speed change mode. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the ECU 4 changes the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening degree in each of the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode. Specifically, the ECU 4 reduces the rate of change in the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed speed change mode as compared with the case of the continuously variable speed change mode. Thereafter, the ECU 4 ends this control process.

  According to the hybrid vehicle control process described above, whether or not the driving force characteristic in the fixed shift mode is different from the driving force characteristic in the continuously variable transmission mode can be determined according to the driver's intention. it can. For example, when priority is given to drivability, the driver turns off the changeover switch 21 so that the rate of change in the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is the same in each of the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode. It is possible to switch between shockless transmission modes. On the other hand, when priority is given to fuel consumption, the driver turns on the changeover switch 21 so that the accelerator in the fixed shift mode is more than the ratio of the change in driving force to the accelerator opening in the continuously variable shift mode. The rate of change of the driving force with respect to the opening can be reduced, and as described above, the fuel consumption can be improved.

  Next, the control process of the hybrid vehicle shown in FIG. 6 will be described. In this control process, a plurality of driving force characteristics dedicated to the fixed speed change mode are set, and the ECU 4 selects the fixed speed change mode from the set driving force characteristics based on the detection signal from the changeover switch 21. In this case, the driving force characteristic is selected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that two driving force characteristics P1 and P2 are set as the driving force characteristics dedicated to the fixed speed change mode. Here, the driving force characteristic P1 is set such that the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is smaller than that in the continuously variable transmission mode. The driving force characteristic P2 is set such that the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is smaller than that of the driving force characteristic P1.

  In step S <b> 201, the ECU 4 determines whether or not the changeover switch 21 is turned on based on a detection signal from the changeover switch 21. If the ECU 4 determines that the changeover switch 21 is off (step S201: No), the accelerator opening degree in each of the continuously variable transmission mode and the fixed transmission mode is not changed without changing the driving force characteristics. The rate of change in driving force with respect to is the same (see FIG. 3). Thereafter, the ECU 4 ends this control process.

  In step S201, when the ECU 4 determines that the changeover switch 21 is on (step S201: Yes), if it is determined that the changeover switch 21 is set to the mode SW1, the process of step S202 is performed. And the driving force characteristic P1 is set as the driving force characteristic dedicated to the fixed speed change mode. On the other hand, if the ECU 4 determines that the changeover switch 21 is set to the mode SW2 instead of the mode SW1, the ECU 4 proceeds to the processing of step S203 and sets the driving force characteristic P2 as the driving force characteristic dedicated to the fixed speed change mode. To do. ECU4 complete | finishes this control process after the process of step S202, S203.

  According to the hybrid vehicle control process shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the effect of the hybrid vehicle control process shown in FIG. 5, the driver can arbitrarily select the driving force characteristics in the fixed speed change mode. . For example, when the driving force characteristic P1 is selected, the ECU 4 can increase the fuel consumption effect as compared with the case where the driving force characteristic is not changed, and compared with the case where the driving force characteristic P2 is selected. It is possible to reduce shock by reducing the change in driving force associated with the change of the shift mode. On the other hand, when the driving force characteristic P2 is selected, the ECU 4 can increase the fuel consumption effect as compared with the case where the driving force characteristic P1 is selected. That is, according to the hybrid vehicle control process shown in FIG. 6, the driver can arbitrarily select the driving force characteristic in the fixed speed change mode, thereby achieving both improvement in fuel consumption and improvement in drivability. It becomes possible.

  In the example described above, the changeover switch 21 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of this, the change-over switch 21 is not provided, and when the shift mode is switched from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode, the driving force characteristic dedicated to the fixed transmission mode is automatically set by the ECU 4. It goes without saying that it can be done.

  As can be seen from the above description, in the hybrid vehicle control method according to the present embodiment, the ECU 4 is in the fixed shift mode rather than the rate of change in the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the continuously variable transmission mode. The ratio of the change in driving force with respect to the accelerator opening is reduced. In this way, the engine operating point in the fixed speed change mode can be set arbitrarily, and fuel efficiency can be improved.

[Transmission mode switching control method]
Next, the shift mode switching control method according to this embodiment will be described. When switching from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode is performed, in order to engage the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7, the rotational speed synchronization control of the clutch 7a, more precisely, the clutch 7a. Rotational speed synchronization control between the engagement elements is performed. Further, as described above, according to the hybrid vehicle control method of the present embodiment, when the shift mode is switched from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode, the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening changes. Therefore, in the hybrid vehicle according to the present embodiment, in order to switch the transmission mode from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode, it is necessary to perform not only the rotational speed synchronization control but also the driving force control. Here, it is difficult to simultaneously perform the rotational speed synchronization control and the driving force control. Therefore, in the following, a shift mode switching control method in such a case will be described.

  First, a first shift mode switching control method for switching the shift mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing how the engine operating point moves determined by the engine torque and the engine speed, where the vertical axis indicates the engine torque and the horizontal axis indicates the engine speed. Specifically, it shows how the engine operating point moves when the transmission mode is switched from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode.

  In FIG. 7A, a solid line Lc indicates an operation line (hereinafter referred to as “CVT operation line”) of the engine 1 in the continuously variable transmission mode. The CVT operation line Lc is defined so as to be optimal from the viewpoint of improving fuel consumption, for example. As shown in FIG. 7A, on the CVT operation line Lc, the torque TKec of the engine 1 has the maximum value. This torque TKec indicates the engine torque when the reaction torque becomes equal to the maximum rated torque of first motor generator MG1. In other words, when the engine torque exceeds torque TKec, the reaction torque corresponding to the engine torque exceeds the maximum rated torque of first motor generator MG1. Hereinafter, the torque TKec is sometimes referred to as “reaction force upper limit engine torque”. A point Pec on the CVT operation line Lc indicates an engine operating point in the continuously variable transmission mode.

  In FIG. 7A, the torque TKem indicates the maximum value of engine torque that can be output by the engine 1 itself (hereinafter referred to as “maximum engine torque”). An alternate long and two short dashes line Lcmax indicates an operating line when the maximum engine torque is output from the engine 1 (hereinafter referred to as a “maximum engine torque operating line”). A broken line Ls indicates an example of an operation line of the engine 1 in the case of the fixed speed change mode, and an alternate long and short dash line Lp indicates an equal power line. Points Pesp and Pes indicate engine operating points in the fixed speed change mode.

  FIG. 7B shows how the nomograph changes at this time. 7A and 7B, the engine speed when the engine operating point is the point Pec is shown as PecN, and the engine speed when the engine operating point is the points Pesp and Pes is PesN. As shown.

  In FIG. 7A, the ECU 4 moves the engine operating point from the operating point Pec in the continuously variable transmission mode to the operating point Pes in the fixed transmission mode. First, the ECU 4 decreases the engine torque and increases the engine speed, thereby changing the engine operating point along the equal power line Lp from the point Pec on the CVT operating line Lc to the point Pesp on the operating line Ls. Move. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the collinear diagram changes from the straight line Ac to the straight line As. That is, at this time, the ECU 4 controls the first motor generator MG1 from the negative rotation state to the rotation number “0” in order to perform the rotation number synchronization control of the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7. Thereafter, the ECU 4 moves the engine operating point from the point Pesp to the point Pes by lowering the engine torque after engaging the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7.

  FIG. 8 shows a timing chart of the shift mode switching control when the engine operating point moves from the point Pec to the point Pes in FIG. In FIG. 8, the vertical axis indicates the vehicle speed, the accelerator opening, the lock command flag, the engine speed, the rotational speed of the first motor generator MG1 (MG1 rotational speed), the engine torque, and the first motor generator MG1 in order from the top. Torque (MG1 torque), engagement torque of the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7, and driving force (actual driving force) are shown, and the horizontal axis shows time.

  In addition, in the timing chart described below including FIG. 8, regarding the MG1 rotation speed and the rotation speed of the second motor generator MG2 (MG2 rotation speed), a positive value indicates a positive rotation, and a negative value indicates a negative value. It shall indicate that it is rotating. The engine speed is always positive. As for engine torque, MG1 torque, and torque of the second motor generator MG2 (MG2 torque), a positive value indicates a positive torque, and a negative value indicates a negative torque. In the following, when the torque and the rotational speed are increased or decreased, the magnitude of the torque and the rotational speed, that is, the absolute value is increased or decreased unless otherwise specified.

  The ECU 4 holds the relationship between the vehicle speed, the accelerator opening, and the shift mode shown in FIG. 4 in a memory or the like as a shift mode determination map. If the ECU 4 determines from the shift mode determination map to switch the shift mode from the continuously variable shift mode to the fixed shift mode based on the vehicle speed and the accelerator opening, the ECU 4 turns the lock command flag from OFF to ON (time T1). When the ECU 4 confirms that the lock command flag is turned on, the ECU 4 starts switching the shift mode.

  The ECU 4 performs control to gradually decrease the engine torque from the engine torque at the time T1 from the time T1 to the time T2. Further, ECU 4 controls first motor generator MG1 from time T1 to time T2, and gradually reduces MG1 torque to be equal to the reaction force torque corresponding to engine torque, while negatively rotating MG1 rotation speed. It approaches “0” from the rotational speed of the hour. As the MG1 rotation speed approaches “0” from the rotation speed during the negative rotation, the engine rotation speed increases as shown in FIG. As a result, the engine operating point moves from the point Pec to the point Pesp in FIG. Here, as described above, since the ECU 4 moves the engine operating point from the point Pec to the point Pesp along the equal power line Lp, the driving force is kept constant from the time T1 to the time T2. Be drunk.

  When the MG1 rotation speed becomes “0” (time T2), the ECU 4 increases the pressing force of the actuator 7b to completely engage the clutch 7a and decreases the MG1 torque to “0”. . After engaging the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7, the ECU 4 decreases the engine torque from time T3 to time T4. Accordingly, the actual driving force is reduced to the target driving force with the driving force in the fixed speed change mode calculated from FIG. 4 as the target driving force. As a result, the engine operating point moves from the point Pesp to the point Pes in FIG. Here, instead of doing this, the ECU 4 may reduce the engine torque simultaneously with the engagement of the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7.

  As described above, according to the first shift mode switching control method, the ECU 4 performs the rotational speed synchronization control of the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7 while moving the engine operating point along the equal power line. The ECU 4 performs engagement control for engaging the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7, and changes the engine torque according to the target driving force in the fixed speed change mode. As described above, by performing the driving force control after performing the rotational speed synchronization control, it is possible to easily change the driving force when the transmission mode is switched from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode. Further, according to the first shift mode switching method, the engine operating point is moved along the equal power line during the rotation speed synchronization control, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in drivability when the shift mode is switched. Can do.

  Next, a second shift mode switching control method for switching the shift mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing how the engine operating point moves determined by the engine torque and the engine speed, where the vertical axis indicates the engine torque and the horizontal axis indicates the engine speed. Specifically, it shows how the engine operating point moves when the transmission mode is switched from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode. FIG. 9A shows a CVT operation line Lc, an operation line Ls of the engine 1 in the case of the fixed speed change mode, an equal power line Lp, and a maximum engine torque operation line Lcmax. FIG. 9B shows how the nomograph changes at this time.

  In FIG. 9A, the ECU 4 moves the engine operating point from the operating point Pec in the continuously variable transmission mode to the operating point Pes in the fixed transmission mode. However, as can be seen from FIG. 9A, the engine torque at the point Pec is the reaction force upper limit engine torque TKec, and the engine torque at the point Pes is a torque TKesw exceeding the reaction force upper limit engine torque TKec. It has become. That is, if the engine operating point is linearly moved from point Pec to point Pes, the reaction torque exceeds the maximum rated torque of first motor generator MG1. Therefore, in the second speed change mode switching method, the ECU 4 moves the engine operating point along the arrows in the order of the point Pec, the point PecA, the point PecB, and the point Pes.

  First, the ECU 4 moves the engine operating point along the arrow from the point Pec to the point PecA by reducing the engine torque from the reaction force upper limit torque TKec to the torque TKecA. Thereafter, the ECU 4 moves the engine operating point along the arrow from the point PecA to the point PecB by reducing the engine speed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B, the collinear diagram changes from the straight line Ac to the straight line As. That is, at this time, the ECU 4 controls the first motor generator MG1 so that the rotational speed becomes “0” from the normal rotation state. Thereafter, the ECU 4 engages the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7 and increases the engine torque from the torque TKecA to the torque TKsw, thereby moving the engine operating point from the point PecB to the point Pes.

  FIG. 10 shows a timing chart of the shift mode switching control when the engine operating point moves from the point Pec to the point Pes in FIG. In FIG. 10, the vertical axis indicates the vehicle speed, accelerator opening, lock command flag, engine speed, MG1 speed, engine torque, MG2 torque, MG1 torque, engagement torque of the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7 and drive in order from the top. The force (actual driving force) is shown, and the horizontal axis shows time.

  The ECU 4 holds the relationship between the vehicle speed, the accelerator opening, and the shift mode shown in FIG. 4 in a memory or the like as a shift mode determination map. If the ECU 4 determines from the shift mode determination map to switch the shift mode from the continuously variable shift mode to the fixed shift mode based on the vehicle speed and the accelerator opening, the ECU 4 turns the lock command flag from OFF to ON (time T1). When the ECU 4 confirms that the lock command flag is turned on, the ECU 4 starts switching the shift mode.

  At time T1, the engine operating point is at the point Pec, so the engine torque is the reaction force upper limit engine torque TKec. The ECU 4 reduces the engine torque from the reaction force upper limit engine torque TKec to the torque TKecA and reduces the MG1 torque from the maximum rated torque TKmgx to the torque TKmgA at time T1. At this time, the ECU 4 also reduces the MG2 torque. As a result, the engine operating point moves from point Pec to point PecA in FIG.

  The ECU 4 holds the engine torque at the torque TKecA and holds the MG1 torque at the torque TKmgA from time T1 to time T2. Further, the ECU 4 gradually decreases the MG2 torque from time T1 to time T2. Here, the ECU 4 performs synchronous control of the MG1 rotation speed from time T1 to T2. Specifically, the first motor generator MG1 is controlled to reduce the MG1 rotation speed to approach “0”. As a result, the engine operating point moves from point PecA to point PecB in FIG.

  When the MG1 rotational speed becomes “0” (time T2), the ECU 4 engages the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7 and increases the engine torque from the torque TKecA to the torque TKsw. As a result, the driving force in the fixed speed change mode calculated from FIG. 4 is used as the target driving force, and the driving force increases to the target driving force. At this time, in FIG. 9A, the engine operating point moves from the point PecB to the point Pes.

  As described above, according to the second shift mode switching control method, the ECU 4 temporarily decreases the engine torque and performs the rotational speed synchronization control of the clutch 7a. The ECU 4 performs engagement control for engaging the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7, and changes the engine torque according to the target driving force in the fixed speed change mode. By doing so, even when the engine torque in the fixed shift mode exceeds the reaction force upper limit engine torque, that is, when the MG1 torque may exceed the output limit during the shift mode switching. Even in such a case, the shift mode can be switched without the MG1 torque exceeding the output limit. In other words, according to the second shift mode switching method, it is possible to limit the output of the MG1 torque, so that the heat generation of the first motor generator MG1 can be suppressed.

  Further, in the second shift mode switching control method, since the engine speed is once reduced and then the rotational speed is changed, the driver's feeling at this time is the same as when an automatic vehicle is upshifted. Sense of. Therefore, the driver does not have to feel uncomfortable.

  Next, the shift mode switching control process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this shift mode switching control process, the ECU 4 determines shift mode switching control depending on whether or not the MG1 torque may exceed the output limit during the shift mode switching.

  In step S301, the ECU 4 determines whether or not the vehicle operating point is located in the lock region SA from the shift mode determination map shown in FIG. 4 based on the vehicle speed and the accelerator opening, that is, from the continuously variable shift mode to the fixed shift mode. It is determined whether or not to change the shift mode. When the ECU 4 determines that the vehicle operating point is not located in the lock area SA and the shift mode is not switched to the fixed shift mode (step S301: No), this control process is terminated. On the other hand, when the vehicle operating point is located in the lock area SA and the ECU 4 determines to switch the shift mode to the fixed shift mode (step S301: Yes), the ECU 4 proceeds to the process of step S302.

  In step S302, the ECU 4 determines whether the MG1 torque may exceed the output limit during the shift mode switching, for example, whether the engine torque in the fixed shift mode exceeds the reaction force upper limit torque TKec. judge.

  If the ECU 4 determines in step S302 that there is no possibility that the MG1 torque exceeds the output limit during the shift mode switching (step S302: No), the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the ECU 4 performs first shift mode switching control. That is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the ECU 4 performs the rotational speed synchronization control of the clutch 7a of the lock mechanism 7 while moving the engine operating point along the equal power line. Engagement control is performed and engine torque is changed according to the target driving force in the fixed speed change mode. In this way, it is possible to easily change the driving force, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in drivability when changing the transmission mode. Thereafter, the ECU 4 ends this control process.

  In step S302, if the ECU 4 determines that the MG1 torque may exceed the output limit during the shift mode switching (step S302: Yes), the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the ECU 4 performs second shift mode switching control. That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ECU 4 performs the engagement control of the lock mechanism 7 after temporarily reducing the engine torque and performing the rotational speed synchronization control of the clutch 7 a, and the fixed speed change mode. The engine torque is changed according to the target driving force at the time. In this way, even when the MG1 torque may exceed the output limit during the shift mode switching, the shift mode can be switched without the MG1 torque exceeding the output limit. Thereafter, the ECU 4 ends this control process.

  As described above, according to the first and second shift mode switching control methods, both the rotational speed synchronization control and the driving force control are compatible when the shift mode is switched from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode. can do.

[Modification]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said each form, In the range of the summary of this invention, it can implement with a various form. For example, the hybrid vehicle mechanism to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a mechanism having a mechanism for realizing the fixed speed change mode by locking the rotor of the first motor generator MG1. Instead, for example, the present invention can be applied even to a mechanism that realizes the fixed transmission mode by locking any one of the rotating elements of the power distribution mechanism with a brake. . For example, in addition to the power distribution mechanism 20 described above, a new power distribution mechanism connected to the power distribution mechanism 20 is provided, and any one rotating element of the new power distribution mechanism is locked by a brake. The present invention can also be applied to a hybrid vehicle configured to be able to. In other words, in addition to the three points of the first motor generator MG1, the engine 1, and the drive shaft 3 shown in FIG. The present invention is applicable.

  Further, in addition to the above-described mechanisms, the present invention can be applied to a mechanism of a so-called multi-mode type hybrid vehicle further including a fixed transmission device having a plurality of shift stages. The vehicle to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to a hybrid vehicle. For example, the present invention can be applied to any vehicle having a fixed transmission mode and a continuously variable transmission mode, such as a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission and a fixed transmission. Even in such a vehicle, the ratio of the change in driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed shift mode is smaller than the ratio of the change in driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the continuously variable transmission mode. The engine operating point in the shift mode can be set arbitrarily, and fuel efficiency can be improved.

MG1, MG2 Motor generator 1 Engine 7 Lock mechanism 20 Power distribution mechanism 4 ECU

Claims (6)

A vehicle control device capable of switching a speed change mode between a continuously variable speed mode and a fixed speed change mode,
Driving force characteristic setting means for reducing the rate of change in driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the fixed speed change mode than the rate of change in driving force with respect to the accelerator opening in the case of the continuously variable transmission mode. A control apparatus for a vehicle. It has an input means for instructing a change in the rate of change of the driving force with respect to the accelerator opening,
2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the driving force characteristic setting unit changes a rate of change of the driving force with respect to an accelerator opening degree in the case of the fixed speed change mode according to a signal from the input unit. The vehicle includes an engine, a motor generator, a power distribution mechanism to which the engine and the motor generator are connected, a drive shaft to which an output from the power distribution mechanism is transmitted, and any rotation in the power distribution mechanism A hybrid vehicle having a lock mechanism coupled to the elements and capable of fixing the rotating element by engagement between the engagement elements,
The continuously variable transmission mode realized by outputting the reaction force torque corresponding to the engine torque of the engine to the motor generator, and the rotation element is fixed by the lock mechanism, and the reaction force torque is set to the lock mechanism. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching control unit that switches the shift mode between the fixed shift mode and the fixed shift mode that is realized by being assigned to the vehicle.   The switching control means, when switching the shift mode from the continuously variable transmission mode to the fixed transmission mode, moves the engine operating point along an equal power line, thereby controlling the rotational speed synchronization between the engagement elements. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein after performing the control, engagement control of the lock mechanism is performed, and the engine torque is changed according to a target driving force in the fixed speed change mode.   The switching control means performs the rotational speed synchronization control between the engagement elements by reducing the engine torque when switching the speed change mode from the continuously variable speed change mode to the fixed speed change mode. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein the engine torque is changed according to a target driving force in the fixed speed change mode while performing engagement control of the mechanism. The lock mechanism is connected to a rotor of the motor generator,
6. The vehicle control device according to claim 3, wherein the switching control unit realizes the fixed shift mode by fixing a rotor of the motor generator by the lock mechanism. 7.

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