JP2012232737A - Method to select driving mode of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method to select a driving mode of a vehicle device which can save energy or reduce wear of a component in the method to select a driving mode (B-B) from a group of a plurality of driving modes (B-B).SOLUTION: This method includes: steps (1a-1c) to check whether a traveling dynamic state variable value exceeds the value range defined beforehand when implementing specific driving mode (B-B) about one or more driving modes (B-B) in a group; steps (2A-C) to calculate driving parameter values about one or more driving modes (B-B); a step to select driving mode (B-B) relating to check and calculation results; and a step to generate signals(S-S) to suggest a driver set selected driving mode (B-B) or to perform automatic change of driving mode (B-B).

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and a corresponding device for selecting the driving mode (mode) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, according to the superordinate concept part of claim 1.

  According to the prior art, a series of systems for saving fuel are known. One of these systems is a so-called “start-stop automatic device” that automatically switches off the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle when the clutch and service brakes comply with specific regulations when the vehicle is stopped. . In this way, many percent of fuel savings can be achieved. Other known systems for energy saving suggest to the driver, for example by arrows, to switch to a higher gear that can save and operate the internal combustion engine. As a result, the engine no longer rotates so fast and fuel can be saved as well. In addition to the above driving conditions, there are many other driving conditions that can save energy or reduce wear by changing the driving mode of the vehicle device.

  The object of the present invention is to propose a method and a device for selecting the driving mode of a vehicle device which can save energy or reduce the wear of components.

  This problem is solved by the features of claims 1 and 10 according to the present invention.

  According to the invention, for different driving modes, e.g. different engine conditions or clutch conditions, the values of the driving dynamic state variables, e.g. the vehicle speed, when the driving modes are implemented, fall within a predefined value range. It is suggested to check if it exceeds. Depending on the result of the check, a particular driving type is then selected and an appropriate signal is generated that suggests the driver to set the selected driving type. Optionally, the signal can also result in an automatic change of driving style. In this way, for example, fuel consumption or brake wear can be significantly reduced.

  If a check of the state variable reveals that a predefined value range will be exceeded in the future, the associated mode of operation is advantageously abandoned as unacceptable. Otherwise, this mode of operation is advantageously treated as a possible option that can be selected. If multiple modes of operation are provided as possible choices, it is advantageous to select the mode of operation that fulfills the predetermined purpose earliest, for example, the minimum fuel consumption or the minimum wear.

  A “type of operation” is, according to the invention, in principle a state of one or more vehicle devices, for example clutches or engines. The operating state includes, for example, a clutch state, in particular a “engaged” or “disengaged” state. The driving state includes, for example, a driving state of a motor for driving the vehicle, in particular, a “switched on” or “switched off” state. Another parameter of the operation type may be an engine operation mode. When the vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, for example, coasting operation in which the internal combustion engine applies drag torque can be distinguished from normal operation in which the vehicle is accelerated. When the vehicle includes one or more electric motors, it is possible to distinguish between generator operation and normal operation.

  According to a special embodiment of the present invention, the predefined group of operating types includes at least two following operating types: a) the internal combustion engine is operated and the gears are connected, b) the internal combustion engine is operated And c) an operation mode in which the internal combustion engine is stopped and the gear is separated.

  In a vehicle having a plurality of motors, for example a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric drive, different operating states of the individual motors and / or different operating modes of the motors can be taken into account when checking.

  According to a particularly simple embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is implemented for at least two different modes of operation, the first mode of operation being, for example, in a driving state in which the internal combustion engine is operating and the gears are connected. The second operation type is a state in which the internal combustion engine is operated and the gears are separated. As described above, for each of the two driving types, it is checked whether or not the value of the driving dynamic state variable, for example, the speed of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value range in the future. If it is found that the driving dynamic state variable exceeds this value range or exceeds in the future, the respective driving type is excluded as not permitted. This is the case, for example, when the vehicle travels downhill and the clutch is disengaged significantly faster by checking the speed. Therefore, a mode of operation in which “the internal combustion engine is operating and the gears are separated” is considered unacceptable. Then another mode of operation (engine running and gears engaged) is selected or held. On the other hand, if the driving dynamic state variables are checked and it is found that they do not exceed the predefined value range in the separated state, another operating state is advantageously selected. The system according to the invention then generates a signal that suggests to the driver to set the selected driving type ("gear is separated"). Alternatively, the selected driving mode can be set, for example, by an automatic gear. If the state variable check reveals that the current mode of operation can be maintained, no signal needs to be generated.

  The running dynamic state variable to be checked may be, for example, a speed, a speed change, a longitudinal acceleration, a lateral acceleration and these changes, or a functional relationship of a plurality of state variables.

  If the check reveals that in principle a plurality of driving modes are acceptable, the driving mode that performs the earliest purpose is advantageously selected. As an objective to be achieved, for example, a minimum fuel consumption or brake wear or a minimum load of other components or a combination of these conditions may be defined. In order to select each optimum driving mode, the driving parameters, for example fuel consumption values or brake wear values, are preferably detected and the driving mode that gives the best, for example minimum fuel consumption, is selected. In this case, the operation parameter may be a functional relationship of a plurality of parameters.

  According to the invention, a future change of the operating parameter or at least one future value is detected. This can be done, for example, by a mathematical model (algorithm) that can calculate changes in operating parameters or future values in different driving modes (eg, connected driving modes and separated driving modes). . Future changes or values can also be read from the characteristic line.

  The mathematical model advantageously takes into account the effects of accelerating and braking the vehicle, such as vehicle track tilt, vehicle weight, rolling resistance, motor drag torque, air resistance and / or rolling resistance.

  If a preferred mode of operation is selected with respect to consumption or wear, the battery state of charge is advantageously taken into account. In vehicles with only an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine is not advantageously switched off when the battery is only slightly charged.

  This means that the electrical output required in different driving conditions can be quite high, and the fuel consumption, which is essential for starting up the internal combustion engine and charging the battery, is more than saving energy by shutting down the internal combustion engine. Is also based on big things.

  After selection of the optimum driving mode, the driver changes the driving mode if it is desired to change the driving mode, for example to engage or disengage the clutch or switch the engine on or off. Is suggested. In this case, the engine can be switched off during operation.

  The instruction to the driver can be given, for example, by a visual, audible or mechanical device. In the case of a mechanical device, the device generates, for example, vibrations or other signals that can be perceived by the driver by touch.

  The individual method steps of the method according to the invention are preferably implemented in a controller that executes the appropriate algorithm.

  The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the method for selecting the driving | running | working format of the vehicle by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the method for selecting the driving | running | working format of the vehicle by 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 1 shows a method for selecting _two possible modes of operation B ₁ , B ₂ for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. In this case, mode of operation B ₁ represents an internal combustion engine has been switched on, describes a state in which the clutch is engaged, mode of operation B ₂ is the internal combustion engine is switched on as well, the clutch Describes the state where is separated.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle is going down a slope with a slight inclination, the driver releases the gas pedal, and the internal combustion engine operates in coasting operation.

Vehicles, for example, operating in operating mode B _1. In step 1a, it is first checked if the running dynamic state variable Z, for example the vehicle speed or deceleration, exceeds a predefined value range when the vehicle further advances in this driving mode. For this, the value of the state variable Z in the future time point can be queried whether smaller than the threshold value Z ₀ defined in advance.

In the assumed driving state, the inclination is slight, and the vehicle is remarkably decelerated and correspondingly slowed in the connected state. The value of the speed change or deceleration is in this case greater than the threshold value Z ₀ (in the case of “No”), so the method jumps to step 3 and the operation type B ₁ or B ₂ is selected. In the above embodiment, it is not essential to perform further calculations. This is because the current driving mode is already excluded as unacceptable. Thus, other operating mode B ₂ is selected, in step 4, then select another operating mode B _2, appropriate signal S ₂ is generated automatically suggests the driver to depress the clutch.

Currently, the vehicle is operating in another operating mode B ₂ (internal combustion engine is switched on, the clutch are separated), the step 1b performed first, the value of the traveling mechanical state variable Check again whether the predefined value range will be exceeded in the future. If this is found (if “No”), the method jumps again to step 3 where another operation type B ₁ is selected, another operation type B ₁ is selected, and the operation is performed to engage the clutch. appropriate signals S ₁ indicative hand is automatically generated.

  The monitored state variable may be, for example, a vehicle speed or a change in vehicle speed, a longitudinal acceleration or a change in longitudinal acceleration, a lateral acceleration or a change in lateral acceleration, or a yaw rate or a yaw rate change.

  A mathematical model is advantageously provided so that future changes in the driving dynamic state variables can be calculated. If the monitored state variable is, for example, vehicle speed or longitudinal acceleration, the mathematical model takes into account variables that accelerate and brake the vehicle. This may be one or more of the following variables: travel track inclination, vehicle weight, rolling resistance, engine drag torque, power transmission system air resistance and / or drag torque.

If the inquiry in step 1a or 1b is affirmative, the inquiry is also made for other driving types. If the two queries are affirmative, i.e. if the monitored state variable stays within a predefined value range within a predefined time window (if yes in step 1a or 1b), step in 2a or step 2b, for example, the value of operating parameters such as fuel consumption is calculated for each operating mode B ₁ or B _2. In this case, the operating parameter may be, for example, fuel consumption, brake wear or other component load or a functional relationship of several parameters. In Step 2a and Step 2b, each one of the values of the operating parameters in each operating mode B ₁ or B ₂ is calculated. Next, at step 3, for example, operating parameters such as fuel consumption operating mode B ₁ or B ₂ is minimized is selected.

If in step 3 it is found that there is less fuel consumption or brake wear in other driving modes (eg B ₂ ) than in the current driving mode (B ₁ ), a signal S ₂ is generated. Otherwise, the current driving format is retained.

Signal S _2, for example, to generate a display indicating to the driver that it is preferable to operate the clutch in terms of energy savings in the instrument panel. In the case of a vehicle with an automatic gear, the idling can be adjusted automatically, for example.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention that can be chosen between _three different modes of operation B ₁ -B ₃ . In operating mode B _1, the internal combustion engine is switched on, the gear is coupled, operating mode B ₂ in the internal combustion engine is switched on, the gear are separated, the internal combustion engine in operating mode B ₃ is switched off The gears are separated.

In step 1a~ step 1c, either predefined state variable when executing the respective operating mode B ₁ ~B _3, for example, speed or deceleration of the vehicle of the vehicle exceeds the future a predefined range of values Check again for no. The individual steps 1a to 1c may again be carried out continuously or in parallel. If the running dynamics change significantly unacceptably (in the case of “No” in steps 1a to 1c), the method jumps to step 3, respectively. In this case, the mode of operation is deemed unacceptable and is excluded. If the observed state variable Z remains within an acceptable value range (if yes), the method proceeds to step 2a, 2b or 2c.

In step 2 a to 2 c, the value of the operating parameter occurring in the future in each operating mode _B 1 ~B _3, for example, fuel consumption is calculated.

In step 3, an operation type that minimizes the operation parameters is selected from the allowable operation types (for example, B ₂ and B ₃ ). Thus, for example, an operating mode can be selected that minimizes fuel consumption or brake wear or the functional relationship of multiple parameters.

Depending on the selection, an appropriate driving type is then set, for example an appropriate signal S ₁ , S ₂ or S ₃ is generated that suggests the driver to operate the clutch or switch off the engine. In order to inform the driver, for example, a visual, audible or mechanical device may be provided.

1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3, 4 Steps B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₃ Operation type S ₁ , S ₂ , S ₃ signal Z State variable

Claims (10)

In a method for selecting a vehicle driving type (B ₁ -B ₃ ) from a group of a plurality of driving types (B ₁ -B ₃ ), the following steps:
For one or more driving types (B _{1 to} B ₃ ) in the group, the value of the driving dynamic state variable exceeds the predefined value range when the specific driving type (B _{1 to} B ₃ ) is performed Checking (1a-1c) whether to do,
For one or more of the operating mode _(B 1 .about.B ₃₎ to calculate the value of operating parameters and (2A-2C) step,
Selecting the operation type (B _{1 to} B ₃ ) in relation to the result of the check and calculation;
Selected the mode of operation _(B 1 ~B ₃₎ for setting whether or the mode of operation _(B 1 ~B ₃₎ of the signal indicative of the driver to perform automatic changes _(S 1 _~S 3) Generating a vehicle driving type (B ₁ -B ₃ ) from a group of a plurality of driving types (B ₁ -B ₃ ).   The method according to claim 1, wherein the running dynamic state variable to be checked is a speed, a speed change, a lateral acceleration or a change in lateral acceleration, a yaw rate or a change in yaw rate, or a functional relationship of a plurality of state variables.   3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating parameters to be calculated are consumption values, in particular fuel consumption, wear values, in particular brake wear or other component loads, or a functional relationship of a plurality of operating parameters.   4. The mathematical model according to claim 1, further comprising a mathematical model capable of calculating future changes of the state variable and checking whether the state variable (Z) exceeds a predefined value range in the future. The method according to claim 1.   According to the mathematical model, variables for accelerating and braking the vehicle, in particular the following groups: traveling track inclination, vehicle weight, rolling resistance, vehicle speed, engine drag torque, power transmission system resistance and vehicle air resistance. The method of claim 4, wherein one or more variables are considered. If the check reveals that the state variable (Z) exceeds a pre-defined value range, the operation type (B _{1 to} B ₃ ) is considered unacceptable, otherwise the operation type ( B 1 _{.about.B 3)} deemed to have acceptable method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Possible driving modes (B ₁ -B ₃ ) include at least one of the following components: clutch state (connected or disconnected), driving state (switched on or switched off) 7) and / or the operating range of the drive (coasting or normal operation).   The method according to claim 1, wherein in a vehicle having a plurality of drive units, different driving states and / or modes of operation of the individual drive units are taken into account.   9. Any one of claims 1 to 8, which suggests to the driver whether to engage or disengage the clutch, switch on the drive, switch off or select another mode of operation. The method according to item.   A control device comprising means for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

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