JP2015202807A - Vehicle control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control a hybrid vehicle so as to improve fuel economy appropriately.SOLUTION: A vehicle control apparatus, for use in controlling a hybrid vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine and a rotary electrical machine, includes: determination means for determining whether a charging cost representing a fuel consumption amount (F) of an internal combustion engine required to accumulate a unit power amount of power stored in a rechargeable battery is smaller than an engine cost representing a fuel consumption amount (H) of the internal combustion engine required to output a unit travel output equivalent to the unit power amount from the vehicle using the power of the engine, not that of a rotary electrical machine; and control means for controlling the vehicle so that: a travel mode uses an electric mode in a case where (i) the charging cost is smaller than the engine cost; and the travel mode uses an engine mode in a case where (ii) the charging cost is larger than the engine cost.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a vehicle control device that controls, for example, a hybrid vehicle.

  A hybrid vehicle including both an internal combustion engine and a rotating electric machine is known as a power source for traveling. In such a hybrid vehicle, the operating states of the internal combustion engine and the rotating electrical machine are controlled based on the state of the hybrid vehicle. For example, in Patent Literature 1, when it is estimated that the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery is excessive or insufficient from the prediction result of the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery based on the power consumption state, the shortage of the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery is resolved. Discloses a hybrid vehicle that sets an operating point of an internal combustion engine. Patent Document 2 discloses a hybrid vehicle that corrects the output of a rotating electrical machine in accordance with an output correction coefficient set from the remaining capacity of a rechargeable battery. Patent Document 3 discloses a hybrid that changes the driving frequency of an internal combustion engine based on a comparison result between the charging efficiency of electric energy while traveling a predetermined distance (1 km) and the driving energy efficiency of the internal combustion engine while traveling a predetermined distance. A vehicle is disclosed.

JP 2013-163495 A JP 2014-004912 A JP2013-141858A

  However, the control methods disclosed in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 3 described above have a technical problem that the fuel efficiency of the hybrid vehicle cannot always be improved.

  For example, in the control method disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to suppress an increase in fuel consumption by increasing the opportunity to set the operating point of the internal combustion engine on the optimal fuel consumption line, the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery is excessive or The operating point of the internal combustion engine is set so that the amount of charge increases and decreases uniformly before the shortage occurs. However, the control method disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not consider the driving efficiency of the internal combustion engine when increasing or decreasing the charge amount, the charging efficiency when storing the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery, or the like. For this reason, when viewed as the overall fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle, the fuel consumption when traveling while leaving the state where the charge amount is excessive or insufficient is uniformly before the remaining battery level becomes excessive or insufficient. There is also a possibility of improving the fuel consumption when the operating point of the internal combustion engine is set so as to increase or decrease the charge amount. Therefore, in some cases, the control method disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot improve fuel efficiency.

  For example, the control method disclosed in Patent Document 2 is intended for a hybrid vehicle that performs series travel driven by an internal combustion engine when the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery decreases. For this reason, in the control method disclosed in Patent Document 2, the output of the rotating electrical machine is corrected based on the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery, but the internal combustion engine is driven uniformly when the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery decreases. That is no different. Therefore, similarly to Patent Document 1, in the control method disclosed in Patent Document 2, the driving efficiency of the internal combustion engine when increasing or decreasing the charge amount, the charging efficiency when storing the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery, and the like Is not taken into account. For this reason, when viewed as the overall fuel consumption of a hybrid vehicle, the internal combustion engine is driven uniformly when the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery is reduced. There is also a possibility that the fuel consumption will be improved. Therefore, in some cases, the control method disclosed in Patent Document 2 cannot improve fuel efficiency.

  For example, in the control method disclosed in Patent Document 3, when the driving energy efficiency during traveling a predetermined distance is higher than the charging efficiency of electric energy, the driving frequency of the internal combustion engine increases. As a result, when the driving energy efficiency is higher than the charging efficiency, the relatively high efficiency of the internal combustion engine is effectively used, while when the charging efficiency is higher than the driving energy efficiency, High efficiency is effectively utilized. For this reason, the energy efficiency of a hybrid vehicle improves. However, in the control method disclosed in Patent Document 3, the charging efficiency of newly accumulated electric energy during traveling a predetermined distance is only taken into consideration, and has already been accumulated before traveling a predetermined distance. The charging efficiency of electric energy is not considered at all. For this reason, even when the charging efficiency of newly accumulated electric energy during traveling a predetermined distance is higher than the driving energy efficiency, the charging efficiency of electric energy already accumulated before traveling a predetermined distance can be lowered. For example, the rotating electrical machine is driven using electric energy stored in a low-efficiency manner, and thus cannot always improve energy efficiency. For this reason, the control method currently disclosed by patent document 3 may not necessarily improve a fuel consumption depending on the case.

  Examples of problems to be solved by the present invention include the above. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device capable of controlling a hybrid vehicle so as to preferably improve fuel efficiency.

<1>
A vehicle control device that solves the above-described problem is a vehicle control device that controls a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a rotating electrical machine that can be charged with a rechargeable battery that can store electric power by being driven using the power of the internal combustion engine. And (i) a charging cost representing a fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine required to store a unit amount of electric power stored in the rechargeable battery is (ii) using power of the rotating electric machine Without using the power of the internal combustion engine, it is determined whether or not the hybrid vehicle is smaller than the engine cost representing the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required for the unit vehicle to output a unit travel output corresponding to the unit power amount. And (i) when it is determined that the charging cost is smaller than the engine cost, the traveling mode of the hybrid vehicle travels without operating the internal combustion engine. (Ii) controlling the hybrid vehicle so that the traveling mode is an engine mode that travels using the power of the internal combustion engine when it is determined that the charging cost is greater than the engine cost. Control means.

  The vehicle control device can control a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a rotating electric machine. An internal combustion engine can be driven by consuming fuel. The rotating electrical machine can be driven using the power of the internal combustion engine. As a result, the rotating electrical machine can charge the rechargeable battery. That is, the rotating electrical machine can substantially function as a generator.

  The hybrid vehicle can travel in the electric mode. Furthermore, the hybrid vehicle can travel in the engine mode. The “electric mode” is a traveling mode in which the hybrid vehicle travels while maintaining the state where the internal combustion engine is not operating (that is, the internal combustion engine is not driven or the internal combustion engine is not consuming fuel). is there. In this case, the hybrid vehicle may travel using, for example, the power of a rotating electrical machine different from the rotating electrical machine that functions as a generator or the power of a rotating electrical machine that functions as a generator. The “engine mode” is a traveling mode in which traveling is performed using the power of the internal combustion engine.

  In order to control such a hybrid vehicle (in particular, to switch the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle), the vehicle control device includes a determination unit and a control unit.

  The determination unit determines whether or not the charging cost is smaller than the engine cost. In other words, the determination unit compares the charging cost with the engine cost.

  Here, the “charging cost” directly or indirectly represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the unit power amount of the power stored in the rechargeable battery (in other words, the total power). It is an index value. In other words, the “charging cost” directly or indirectly represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the power of the unit power amount among the power (total power) stored in the rechargeable battery. It is an index value. Furthermore, in other words, “charging cost” means “fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine per unit of electric energy required to store electric power (total electric power) stored in the rechargeable battery at the time when the charging cost is calculated. "Is an index value that directly or indirectly represents" ". That is, the “charging cost” is not an index value simply representing the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the electric power (total electric power) stored in the rechargeable battery, but the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery. An index that directly or indirectly represents the amount of fuel consumed by the internal combustion engine required to store the power as the amount of fuel consumed to store the power of the unit power (that is, a numerical value per unit of power) Value. For example, the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery is “X1”, and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the power of “X1” stored in the rechargeable battery is “Y1”. In this case, the charging cost may be an index value that directly or indirectly represents a numerical value of “Y1 (that is, fuel consumption) / X1 (that is, total amount of power)”.

  On the other hand, the “engine cost” directly represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required for the hybrid vehicle to output a unit travel output corresponding to the unit power amount using the power of the internal combustion engine without using the power of the rotating electrical machine. It is an index value that is indicated either indirectly or indirectly. In other words, the “engine cost” is assumed to be a “unit” that is estimated to be required for the hybrid vehicle to travel using the power of the internal combustion engine without using the power of the rotating electrical machine when the engine cost is calculated. This is an index value that directly or indirectly indicates “fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine per driving output”. For example, the unit travel output corresponding to the unit power amount is “X2”, and the fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine that is estimated to be required for the hybrid vehicle to output the travel output of “X2” is “ In the case of “Y2”, the engine cost may be an index value that directly or indirectly represents a numerical value “Y2 (ie, fuel consumption) / X2 (ie, travel output)”. Alternatively, for example, the travel output required for the hybrid vehicle is “X3”, and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine that is estimated to be required for the hybrid vehicle to output the travel output of “X3” from now on. Is “Y3”, the engine cost may be an index value that directly or indirectly represents a numerical value “Y3 (ie, fuel consumption) / X3 (ie, travel output)”. .

  Note that “charging cost” is preferably an index value that typically increases as “fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required for accumulating electric power of unit electric power” increases. Similarly, the “engine cost” is preferably an index value that typically increases as the “fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to output the unit travel output” increases. However, since the index value (for example, charging efficiency) that becomes smaller as “the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the electric power of the unit electric power” increases, the charging cost is inversely proportional to the charging cost. And has a certain correlation. Similarly, an index value (for example, engine efficiency) that decreases as the “fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to output the unit travel output” increases is constant with the engine cost because it is inversely proportional to the engine cost. Have a correlation. Therefore, the operation of comparing the charging cost and the engine cost has a constant correlation between the index value (for example, charging efficiency) having a certain correlation with the charging cost and the engine cost. It can be said that it includes an operation of comparing an index value (for example, engine efficiency). For example, the operation for determining whether or not the charging cost is lower than the engine cost substantially includes an operation for comparing whether or not the charging efficiency is higher than the engine efficiency (in other words, whether or not it is higher). I can say that.

  The control unit controls the hybrid vehicle based on the determination result of the determination unit so that the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle becomes a desired travel mode. Specifically, when it is determined that the charging cost is smaller than the engine cost, the control unit controls the hybrid vehicle so that the traveling mode of the hybrid vehicle becomes the electric mode. On the other hand, when it is determined that the charging cost is higher than the engine cost, the control unit controls the hybrid vehicle so that the traveling mode of the hybrid vehicle becomes the electric mode.

  Here, considering that the charging cost represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the power of the unit electric energy stored in the rechargeable battery, the charging cost is substantially It can also be said that it represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required for the hybrid vehicle to output the unit travel output using the power of the rotating electrical machine that is driven using the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery. That is, it can be said that the charging cost represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required for the hybrid vehicle to output the unit travel output in the electric mode. On the other hand, the engine cost can be said to represent the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine that is required for the hybrid vehicle to output the unit travel output using the power of the internal combustion engine. That is, it can be said that the engine cost represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required for the hybrid vehicle to output the unit travel output in the engine mode. Then, if it is determined that the charging cost is lower than the engine cost, the fuel consumption required to output the unit travel output using the power of the rotating electrical machine that is driven using the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery Is less than the fuel consumption required to output the unit travel output using the power of the internal combustion engine driven by consuming the fuel. That is, when it is determined that the charging cost is lower than the engine cost, the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle that outputs the unit travel output in the electric mode is the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle that outputs the unit travel output in the engine mode. Less than. On the other hand, if it is determined that the charging cost is higher than the engine cost, the fuel consumption required to output the unit travel output using the power of the internal combustion engine that consumes and drives the fuel is charged to the rechargeable battery. This is less than the fuel consumption required to output the unit travel output using the power of the rotating electrical machine driven using the stored electric power. That is, when it is determined that the charging cost is larger than the engine cost, the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle that outputs the unit travel output in the engine mode is the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle that outputs the unit travel output in the electric mode. Less than.

  In consideration of the relationship between the magnitude relationship between the charging cost and the engine cost and the magnitude relationship between the fuel consumptions required to output the unit travel output, the control means determines that the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle has the unit travel output. It can be said that the hybrid vehicle is controlled so as to achieve a desired travel mode in which the fuel consumption required for output is reduced. That is, it can be said that the control means controls the hybrid vehicle so that the traveling mode of the hybrid vehicle becomes a desired traveling mode in which the fuel consumption required for traveling of the hybrid vehicle is reduced.

  In particular, since the charging cost represents fuel consumption per unit electric energy, the charging cost reflects the driving efficiency (for example, thermal efficiency) of the internal combustion engine driven to store electric power in the rechargeable battery. Yes. Specifically, depending on the driving efficiency of the internal combustion engine, even when the same amount of power is stored in the rechargeable battery, the fuel consumption required to store the power is not always the same. Absent. Similarly, depending on the driving efficiency of the internal combustion engine, even when electric power is accumulated in the rechargeable battery due to consumption of the same amount of fuel, the total amount of accumulated electric power is not always the same. That is, depending on the driving efficiency of the internal combustion engine, the value of the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery is not always the same. Thus, even if the value of electric power is not necessarily the same, the charging cost depends on the total amount of electric power stored in the rechargeable battery and the fuel consumption required for the electric power storage ( For example, it can be said that the value of electric power is appropriately represented because it fluctuates (according to the driving efficiency of the internal combustion engine when electric power is accumulated). For this reason, the vehicle control device considers the value of the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery (in other words, the driving efficiency of the internal combustion engine driven to store the electric power in the rechargeable battery), and then the driving mode of the hybrid vehicle. However, it is possible to control the hybrid vehicle so as to achieve a desired travel mode in which the fuel consumption required for outputting the unit travel output is reduced.

  A reduction in fuel consumption required to output the unit travel output leads to an improvement in the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle (particularly, the fuel consumption when viewed as a whole travel of the hybrid vehicle). Therefore, the vehicle control device can control the hybrid vehicle so as to be in a desired travel mode in which fuel efficiency is good. That is, the vehicle control device can control the hybrid vehicle so as to improve the fuel efficiency.

  Furthermore, the vehicle control device takes into account the charging cost for all the power stored in the rechargeable battery, and the fuel consumption required for the driving mode of the hybrid vehicle to output the unit driving output is small. The hybrid vehicle can be controlled so that the desired traveling mode is obtained. That is, the vehicle control device takes into consideration not only the charging cost for only the newly accumulated power in the rechargeable battery but also the charging cost for the power already accumulated in the rechargeable battery, The hybrid vehicle can be controlled so that a desired travel mode is achieved in which the amount of fuel consumed to output the unit travel output is reduced. In other words, the vehicle control device performs charging for all the power stored in the rechargeable battery instead of the magnitude relationship between the charging cost and the engine cost only for the power newly stored in the rechargeable battery. The hybrid vehicle is controlled based on the magnitude relationship between the cost and the engine cost. Accordingly, the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle is a travel mode in which the amount of fuel consumption required to output the unit travel output is reduced (that is, the fuel efficiency is improved). Therefore, the vehicle control apparatus can control the hybrid vehicle so as to reduce the fuel consumption required to output the unit travel output (that is, to improve the fuel efficiency suitably).

<2>
In another aspect of the vehicle control device, the charging is performed based on a fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine required to store the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery and a total amount of electric power stored in the rechargeable battery. Calculation means for calculating a cost is further provided, and the determination means determines whether or not the charging cost calculated by the calculation means is smaller than the engine cost.

  According to this aspect, the calculating means can preferably calculate the charging cost for all the power stored in the rechargeable battery. That is, the calculating means can individually calculate the charging cost representing the fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine per unit electric energy required for storing all the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery. Furthermore, the determination unit can preferably determine whether or not the charging cost is smaller than the engine cost, using the charging cost calculated by the calculating unit.

<3>
In another aspect of the vehicle control device including the calculation unit as described above, the calculation unit stores the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery in the rechargeable battery. The charging cost is calculated based on an operation of dividing by the total amount of electric power that is being used.

  According to this aspect, the calculating means can preferably calculate the charging cost for all the power stored in the rechargeable battery. That is, the calculating means can individually calculate the charging cost representing the fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine per unit electric energy required for storing all the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery.

<4>
In another aspect of the vehicle control apparatus including the calculation unit as described above, the calculation unit may be a time point before the total amount of power changes when the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery changes. The sum or difference between the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the power stored in the rechargeable battery and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the newly changed power, In addition, the charging cost is calculated based on the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the total amount of power has changed.

  According to this aspect, even when the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery has changed anew, the calculation means targets all power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the total amount has changed. The charging cost can be suitably calculated. In other words, even if the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery has changed anew, the calculation means needs to store all the power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the total amount has changed. It is possible to individually calculate the charging cost representing the fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine per unit power amount.

<5>
In another aspect of the vehicle control apparatus including the calculation unit as described above, the calculation unit may be configured to change the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery before the total amount of power changes. Sum or difference between the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the newly changed electric power, The charging cost is calculated based on an operation of dividing by the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the total amount of power has changed.

  According to this aspect, even when the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery has changed anew, the calculation means targets all power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the total amount has changed. The charging cost can be suitably calculated. In other words, even if the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery has changed anew, the calculation means needs to store all the power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the total amount has changed. It is possible to individually calculate the charging cost representing the fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine per unit power amount.

<6>
In another aspect of the vehicle control apparatus including the calculation unit as described above, when the power is newly input to the rechargeable battery, the calculation unit supplies the rechargeable battery to the rechargeable battery before the power is input. The sum of the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the stored power and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the newly input power was input. The charging cost is calculated based on an operation of dividing by the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery at a later time.

  According to this aspect, even when electric power is newly input to the rechargeable battery (that is, when the rechargeable battery is newly charged), the calculating means can recharge the battery at the time after the electric power is input. It is possible to suitably calculate the charging cost for all the electric power stored in the battery. In other words, even when power is newly input to the rechargeable battery, the calculation means uses the unit power amount required to store all the power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the power is input. It is possible to individually calculate the charging cost that represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine.

<7>
In another aspect of the vehicle control apparatus including the calculation unit as described above, the calculation unit accumulates in the rechargeable battery at a time before the power is output when new power is output from the rechargeable battery. After the power is output, the difference between the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the generated power and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the newly output power is calculated. The charging cost is calculated based on an operation of dividing by the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time of.

  According to this aspect, even when electric power is newly output from the rechargeable battery (that is, when the rechargeable battery is newly discharged), the calculation means outputs the rechargeable battery to the rechargeable battery at the time after the electric power is output. It is possible to suitably calculate a charging cost for all accumulated electric power. In other words, even when power is newly output from the rechargeable battery, the calculation means uses the unit power amount required to store all the power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the power is output. It is possible to individually calculate the charging cost that represents the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine.

  These effects and other advantages of the present invention will be further clarified from the embodiments described below.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the hybrid vehicle of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of operation | movement of the hybrid vehicle of this embodiment (especially operation | movement which controls the driving mode of a hybrid vehicle). It is a graph which shows the map which shows the correspondence of an engine operating point and an engine fuel consumption rate. It is a graph which shows the map which shows the correspondence of the operating point of a motor generator, and MG1 power generation efficiency. It is a timing chart which shows the driving mode determined based on the determination result whether a battery fuel consumption rate is larger than the engine fuel consumption rate at the time of driving | running | working.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle control device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, description will be given using the hybrid vehicle 10 to which the embodiment of the vehicle control device of the present invention is applied.

(1) Configuration of Hybrid Vehicle First, the configuration of the hybrid vehicle 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hybrid vehicle 10 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hybrid vehicle 10 is a specific example of an axle 11, wheels 12, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100 that is a specific example of a “vehicle control device”, and a “internal combustion engine”. Engine ENG, motor generator MG1 which is a specific example of “rotating electric machine”, motor generator MG2, power split mechanism 300, inverter 400, and battery 500 which is a specific example of “storage battery”.

  The axle 11 is a transmission shaft for transmitting the power output from the engine ENG and the motor generator MG2 to the wheels. The wheel 12 is means for transmitting power transmitted via an axle 11 described later to the road surface.

  The ECU 100 is an electronic control unit configured to be able to control the entire operation of the hybrid vehicle 10. Particularly in the present embodiment, the ECU 100 includes a travel mode control unit 101, which is a specific example of “control means”, and a specific example of “calculation means” as logical or physical processing blocks implemented therein. A fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 as an example and a fuel consumption rate comparison unit 103 as a specific example of “determination means” are provided.

  The travel mode control unit 101 controls the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle 10. Specifically, the travel mode control unit 101 controls the hybrid vehicle 10 so that the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle 10 becomes a desired travel mode. For example, the travel mode control unit 101 may control the hybrid vehicle 10 so that the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle 10 is an HV (Hybrid Vehicle) mode in which the vehicle travels using the power of the engine ENG. For example, traveling mode control unit 101 sets the traveling mode of hybrid vehicle 10 to an EV (Electric Vehicle) mode in which traveling is performed using at least one power of motor generator MG1 and motor generator MG2 without operating engine ENG. In addition, the hybrid vehicle 10 may be controlled.

  In the EV mode, the engine ENG is not operating (in other words, the engine ENG is not driven, in other words, the engine ENG is not consuming fuel). For this reason, the fuel efficiency of the hybrid vehicle 10 improves as the traveling frequency in the EV mode increases.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, the travel mode control unit 101 controls the hybrid vehicle 10 so that the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle 10 becomes a travel mode determined based on the comparison result of the fuel consumption rate comparison unit 103. The travel mode determined based on the comparison result of the fuel consumption rate comparison unit 103 will be described in detail later (see FIG. 2 and the like).

  The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 determines a fuel consumption rate to be compared by the fuel consumption rate comparison unit 103 (specifically, a battery fuel consumption rate F and a running engine fuel consumption rate, which will be described later), when the driving mode of the hybrid vehicle 10 is determined. H) is calculated. The details of the calculation method of the battery fuel consumption rate F and the running engine fuel consumption rate H by the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 will be described in detail later (see FIG. 2 and the like).

  The fuel consumption rate comparison unit 103 compares the battery fuel consumption rate F calculated by the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 with the running engine fuel consumption rate H. Specifically, the fuel consumption rate comparison unit 103 determines the magnitude relationship between the battery fuel consumption rate F and the running engine fuel consumption rate H. The fuel consumption rate comparison unit 103 transmits the comparison result (that is, the determination result of the magnitude relationship) to the travel mode control unit 101.

  The engine ENG is driven by burning fuel such as gasoline or light oil. The engine ENG functions as a main power source of the hybrid vehicle 10. In addition, engine ENG functions as a power source for rotating (in other words, driving) a rotation shaft of motor generator MG1 described later.

  Motor generator MG1 functions as a generator for charging battery 500. When motor generator MG1 functions as a generator, the rotation shaft of motor generator MG1 is rotated by the power of engine ENG. However, motor generator MG <b> 1 may function as an electric motor that supplies power of hybrid vehicle 10 by being driven using electric power stored in battery 500.

  Motor generator MG <b> 2 functions as an electric motor that supplies power of hybrid vehicle 10 by being driven using electric power stored in battery 500. In addition, motor generator MG2 may function as a generator for charging battery 500. When motor generator MG2 functions as a generator, the rotation shaft of motor generator MG2 is rotated by the power transmitted from axle 11 to motor generator MG2.

  The power split mechanism 300 is a planetary gear mechanism including a sun gear, a planetary carrier, a pinion gear, and a ring gear (not shown). The rotation shaft of the sun gear is connected to the rotation shaft of motor generator MG1. The rotation shaft of the ring gear is connected to the rotation shaft of motor generator MG2. The rotating shaft of the planetary carrier located between the sun gear and the ring gear is connected to the rotating shaft (that is, the crankshaft) of the engine ENG. The rotation of the engine ENG is transmitted to the sun gear and the ring gear by the planetary carrier and the pinion gear. That is, the power of the engine ENG is divided into two systems. In the hybrid vehicle 10, the rotating shaft of the ring gear is connected to the axle 11 in the hybrid vehicle 10, and the driving force is transmitted to the wheels 12 through the axle 11.

  Inverter 400 converts the DC power extracted from battery 500 into AC power and supplies it to motor generator MG1 and motor generator MG2. Further, inverter 400 converts AC power generated by motor generator MG1 and motor generator MG2 into DC power and supplies it to battery 500. The inverter 400 may be configured as a part of a so-called PCU (Power Control Unit).

  Battery 500 is a power supply source that supplies electric power for driving motor generator MG1 and motor generator MG2 to motor generator MG1 and motor generator MG2. The battery 500 is a rechargeable storage battery.

  The battery 500 may be charged by receiving power from an external power source of the hybrid vehicle 10. That is, the hybrid vehicle 10 may be a so-called plug-in hybrid vehicle.

(2) Operation of Hybrid Vehicle 10 Next, the operation of the hybrid vehicle 10 (particularly, the operation for controlling the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle 10) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of operations of the hybrid vehicle 10 (particularly, operations for controlling the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle 10).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 sets initial values of the battery fuel consumption rate F, the battery power integration amount a, and the battery fuel consumption amount J (step S11). Hereinafter, the battery fuel consumption rate F, the battery power integration amount a, and the battery fuel consumption amount J will be described in order. The battery fuel consumption rate F corresponds to a specific example of “charging cost”.

  The battery fuel consumption rate F is an index value that represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required for accumulating the electric power (total electric power) accumulated in the battery 500. In other words, the battery fuel consumption rate F represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG that is required to store the unit power amount of the electric power stored in the battery 500. In other words, the battery fuel consumption rate F represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG that is required to store the power of the unit power amount when the power stored in the battery 500 is stored. For example, an amount of electric power “X4 (where X is 0 or more)” is stored in the battery 500, and an amount of fuel “Y4” is stored by the engine ENG in order to store this amount of electric power “X4”. When consumed, the battery fuel consumption rate F may be an index value representing a numerical value specified by the mathematical expression “Y4 / X3”. As an example, for example, when “2 kWh” of electric power is stored in the battery 500 and “560 g” of fuel is consumed by the engine ENG in order to store the electric power of 2 kWh, the battery fuel consumption rate F is 560 ÷ 2 = 280 g / kWh. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made assuming that the unit of the battery fuel consumption rate F is “g / kWh”.

  The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may set an arbitrary fixed value predetermined for each vehicle type or specification of the hybrid vehicle 10 as an initial value of the battery fuel consumption rate F. In this case, as a fixed value, a battery fuel consumption rate (for example, 280 g / kWh) calculated from a simulation when it is assumed that the hybrid vehicle 10 has traveled on a specific travel route may be employed. Alternatively, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may set the battery fuel consumption rate F at the time when the operation shown in FIG. In this case, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 preferably stores the battery fuel consumption rate F at the time when the operation shown in FIG.

  The battery power integration amount a represents the total amount of power stored in the battery 500. For example, the battery power integration amount a corresponds to a value calculated by multiplying the total amount of power that can be stored in the battery 500 and the actual SOC when the SOC (State Of Charge) is 100%. It may be. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made assuming that the unit of the battery power integrated amount a is “kWh”.

  The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may set a fixed value corresponding to the amount of power stored in the battery 500 as the initial value of the battery power integration amount a when the SOC becomes a constant value. This is because, in order to suppress the deterioration of the battery 500, the input (that is, charging) and output (that is, discharging) of the power to the battery 500 are controlled such that the SOC maintains a constant value (for example, 65%). Often done. For this reason, there is a high possibility that the SOC of the battery 500 is a constant value (that is, there is a high possibility that the battery power integration amount a is also a fixed value). Alternatively, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may set the battery power integrated amount a at the time when the operation shown in FIG. 2 is completed last time as the initial value of the battery power integrated amount a. In this case, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 preferably stores the battery power integration amount a at the time when the operation shown in FIG. Alternatively, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates or estimates the total amount of power stored in the battery 500 by referring to the SOC output from the SOC sensor (not shown), and calculates the total amount of power calculated or estimated. The battery power integrated amount a may be set to an initial value.

  The battery fuel consumption amount J is an index value that represents the fuel consumption amount (in other words, the total amount) of the engine ENG required to store the electric power (total electric power) stored in the battery 500. The battery fuel consumption amount J is calculated from a mathematical expression of battery fuel efficiency F × battery power integration amount a. Therefore, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 is a value calculated by multiplying the initial value of the battery fuel consumption rate F set in the above-described manner by the initial value of the battery fuel consumption rate F set in the above-described manner. May be set to the initial value of the battery fuel consumption amount J. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the unit of the battery fuel consumption J is “g”.

  Thereafter, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 determines whether or not the battery 500 is newly charged (that is, whether or not power is newly input to the battery 500) (step S22). For example, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may determine whether or not the battery 500 is newly charged by monitoring an SOC output from an SOC sensor (not shown). Alternatively, for example, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may determine whether or not the battery 500 is newly charged by monitoring a battery current output from a current sensor (not shown).

  As a result of the determination in step S22, when it is determined that the battery 500 is newly charged (that is, power is newly input to the battery 500) (step S22: Yes), the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 The battery fuel consumption rate F ′ after the battery 500 is newly charged is calculated (step S23).

  Specifically, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery power integration amount a ′ after the battery 500 is newly charged (step S23). When the battery 500 is newly charged, the battery power integrated amount a ′ is greater than the battery power integrated amount a before the battery 500 is newly charged. (Hereinafter referred to as “battery input power amount d”) should increase. Therefore, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery power integration amount a ′ by adding the battery input power amount d to the battery power integration amount a. That is, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery power integration amount a ′ using the mathematical formula: battery power integration amount a ′ = battery power integration amount a + battery input power amount d.

  In addition, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery fuel consumption J 'after the battery 500 is newly charged (step S23). When the battery 500 is newly charged, the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ is stored in the battery input power amount d more than the battery fuel consumption amount J before the battery 500 is newly charged. The required fuel consumption amount J of the engine ENG should be increased (hereinafter referred to as “battery input fuel consumption amount j1”). Therefore, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery input fuel consumption amount j1 and calculates the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ by adding the calculated battery input fuel consumption amount j1 to the battery fuel consumption amount J. . That is, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ by using the mathematical formula: battery fuel consumption amount J ′ = battery fuel consumption amount J + battery input fuel consumption amount j1.

  The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may calculate the battery input fuel consumption amount j1 using a mathematical formula: battery input fuel consumption amount j1 = power generation engine fuel consumption rate G × correction coefficient α × battery input power amount d.

  The engine fuel consumption rate G during power generation is an index value representing the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit power amount required for newly storing the battery input power amount d in the battery 500. In other words, the engine fuel consumption rate G during power generation represents the fuel consumption of the engine ENG that is required to accumulate the unit power amount of the battery input power amount d in the battery 500. In other words, the engine fuel consumption rate G during power generation is the fuel consumption of the engine ENG required to store the unit power amount in the battery 500 when the battery input power amount d is newly stored in the battery 500. Represents an amount. For example, when an amount of fuel “Y5” is consumed by the engine ENG in order to store the electric power of the battery input electric energy d, the engine fuel consumption rate G during generation is specified by an equation “Y5 / d”. It may be an index value representing a numerical value. As an example, when the battery input power amount d is “0.5 kWh” and “100 g” of fuel is consumed by the engine ENG in order to newly store the power of 0.5 kWh in the battery 500, power generation The hour engine fuel consumption rate G is 100 ÷ 0.5 = 200 g / kWh. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made assuming that the unit of the power generation engine fuel consumption rate G is “g / kWh”.

  The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 refers to a map representing a correspondence relationship between the operating point of the engine ENG (for example, the operating point specified by the torque of the engine ENG and the engine speed) and the engine fuel consumption rate, thereby generating power. It is preferable to calculate the hour engine fuel efficiency G.

  Here, a map representing the correspondence between the operating point of the engine ENG and the engine fuel efficiency will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph showing a map representing the correspondence between the operating point of the engine ENG and the engine fuel consumption rate.

  As shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that a map representing the correspondence between the operating point of the engine ENG and the engine fuel efficiency is defined. In this case, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 refers to the position on the map of the operating point of the engine ENG when the electric power of the battery input electric energy d is newly accumulated in the battery 500, thereby generating the engine fuel consumption rate G during power generation. Is calculated. For example, when the operating point of the engine ENG when the electric power of the battery input electric energy d is newly stored in the battery 500 is K1, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the engine fuel efficiency during power generation of k4 [g / kWh]. The rate G is calculated. For example, when the operating point of the engine ENG when the electric power of the battery input electric energy d is newly stored in the battery 500 is K2, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 generates the engine fuel efficiency during power generation of k5 [g / kWh]. The rate G is calculated.

  Since the engine fuel consumption rate G during power generation is calculated by referring to such a map, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 specifies information for specifying the operating point of the engine ENG (for example, control of the ECU 100 that indicates the operating point). It is preferable to acquire a signal, information indicating the rotational speed of the engine ENG, and information indicating the torque of the engine ENG).

  However, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may calculate the power generation engine fuel consumption rate G using a method different from a method of referring to a map representing the correspondence relationship between the operating point of the engine ENG and the engine fuel consumption rate.

  The battery 500 is typically newly charged when the motor generator MG1 functions as a generator. In this case, engine ENG functions as a power source for rotating (in other words, driving) the rotation shaft of motor generator MG1. For this reason, the operating point of the engine ENG is plotted on the map shown in FIG. Therefore, when the motor generator MG1 functions as a generator, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 preferably calculates the power generation engine fuel consumption rate G by referring to the map shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, battery 500 may be newly charged when motor generator MG2 functions as a generator. That is, the battery 500 may be newly charged by so-called regenerative power generation. In this case, engine ENG does not function as a power source for rotating (in other words, driving) the rotation shaft of motor generator MG2. Therefore, when the motor generator MG2 functions as a generator, the fuel consumption of the engine ENG required to newly store the battery input power d in the battery 500 becomes zero. Therefore, when the motor generator MG2 functions as a generator, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 preferably sets the engine fuel consumption rate G during power generation to 0 [g / kWh].

  In FIG. 2 again, the correction coefficient α is the reciprocal of the power generation efficiency P of the motor generator MG1 (hereinafter referred to as “MG1 power generation efficiency P”) and the charging efficiency Q of the battery 500 (hereinafter referred to as “battery charging efficiency Q”). It is an index value calculated by multiplying the reciprocal of.

  MG1 power generation efficiency P is always 100% (that is, all energy input from engine ENG to motor generator MG1 is always converted into electric power by motor generator MG1) and battery charging efficiency Q is always 100% (that is, In an ideal hybrid vehicle in which all of the electric power generated by the motor generator MG1 is always stored in the battery 500), the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 does not take the correction coefficient α into consideration, and the engine fuel consumption rate G during power generation described above. Is multiplied by the battery input power amount d to calculate the battery input fuel consumption amount j1. However, in actual hybrid vehicle 10, MG1 power generation efficiency P is less than 100% (that is, only part of the energy input from engine ENG to motor generator MG1 is converted into electric power), and battery charging efficiency Q is 100. (That is, only a part of the electric power generated by the motor generator MG1 is stored in the battery 500). That is, in the actual hybrid vehicle 10, a part of the energy input from the engine ENG to the motor generator MG1 is often lost and a part of the electric power generated by the motor generator MG1 is often lost. In consideration of such a loss occurrence in the actual hybrid vehicle 10, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the correction coefficient α.

  The MG1 power generation efficiency P is an index representing the ratio of the total amount of energy generated by the motor generator MG1 using the energy input from the engine ENG to the total amount of energy input from the engine ENG to the motor generator MG1. Value. In other words, the MG1 power generation efficiency P is an index value that represents the ratio of the total amount of energy output from the motor generator MG1 as a result of power generation to the total amount of energy input to the motor generator MG1 for power generation. For example, when the total amount of energy input to the motor generator MG1 for power generation is “E1” and the total amount of power output from the motor generator MG1 as a result of power generation is “E2”, the MG1 power generation efficiency P may be an index value representing a numerical value specified by the mathematical expression E2 / E1. As an example, when the total amount of energy input to the motor generator MG1 for power generation is “1.0 kWh” and the total amount of energy output by the motor generator MG1 as a result of power generation is “0.9 kWh” The MG1 power generation efficiency P is 0.9 / 1.0 = 90%. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made assuming that the unit of the MG1 power generation efficiency P is “%”.

  The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 refers to a map representing the correspondence between the operating point of the motor generator MG1 (for example, the operating point specified by the torque of the motor generator MG1 and the rotation speed of the motor generator MG1) and the MG1 power generation efficiency P. Thus, it is preferable to calculate the MG1 power generation efficiency P.

  Here, a map representing the correspondence between the operating point of motor generator MG1 and MG1 power generation efficiency P will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a graph showing a map representing the correspondence relationship between the operating point of motor generator MG1 and the correspondence relationship between MG1 power generation efficiency P.

  As shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that a map representing the correspondence between the operating point of motor generator MG1 and the correspondence between MG1 power generation efficiency P is defined. In this case, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 refers to the position on the map of the operating point of the motor generator MG1 when the electric power of the battery input electric energy d is newly accumulated in the battery 500, thereby calculating the MG1 power generation efficiency P. calculate. For example, when the operating point of the motor generator MG1 when the electric power of the battery input electric energy d is newly stored in the battery 500 is P1, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 sets the MG1 power generation efficiency P of p4 [%]. calculate. For example, when the operating point of the motor generator MG1 when the power of the battery input power amount d is newly stored in the battery 500 is P2, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 sets the MG1 power generation efficiency P of p3 [%]. calculate.

  Since the MG1 power generation efficiency P is calculated by referring to such a map, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 specifies information for specifying the operating point of the motor generator MG1 (for example, the control signal of the ECU 100 that indicates the operating point) In addition, it is preferable to obtain information indicating the rotation speed of the motor generator MG1 and information indicating the torque of the motor generator MG1.

  However, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may calculate the MG1 power generation efficiency P using a method different from a method of referring to a map representing the correspondence relationship between the operating point of the motor generator MG1 and the MG1 power generation efficiency P.

  In FIG. 2 again, the battery charging efficiency Q is the electric power actually accumulated in the battery 500 when the energy generated by the motor generator MG1 is input to the battery 500 with respect to the total amount of energy generated by the motor generator MG1. It is an index value representing the ratio of the total amount of energy. In other words, the battery charging efficiency Q is an index value that represents a ratio of the total amount of energy of power stored in the battery 500 as a result of charging to the total amount of energy input to the battery 500 for charging. For example, when the total amount of energy input to the battery 500 for charging is “E3” and the total amount of energy stored in the battery 500 as a result of charging is “E4”, the MG1 power generation efficiency P May be an index value representing a numerical value specified by the mathematical expression E4 / E3. As an example, when the total amount of energy input to the battery 500 for charging is “1.0 kWh” and the total amount of power energy accumulated in the battery 500 as a result of charging is “0.9 kWh” The battery charging efficiency Q is 0.9 / 1.0 = 90%. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made assuming that the unit of the battery charging efficiency Q is “%”.

  Battery charging efficiency Q varies depending on the internal resistance of battery 500 and the like. The internal resistance of the battery 500 is mainly determined by the specifications of the battery 500. Therefore, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may set a fixed value determined by the specification of the battery 500 as the battery charging efficiency Q. Alternatively, considering that the internal resistance or the like of the battery 500 has temperature dependency or the like, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 refers to a map representing the correspondence relationship between the parameters such as the temperature and the battery charging efficiency Q. Thus, the battery charging efficiency Q may be calculated. Alternatively, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may calculate the battery charging efficiency using a method different from the method of referring to the map.

  As described above, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 can calculate the power generation engine fuel consumption rate G and the correction coefficient α. As a result, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 uses the following equation: battery input fuel consumption amount j1 = power generation engine fuel consumption rate G × correction coefficient α × battery input power amount d. A battery input fuel consumption j1 that is a fuel consumption of the engine ENG required for accumulation can be calculated. As a result, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 determines that the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ = battery fuel consumption amount J + battery input fuel consumption amount j1 (= battery fuel consumption amount J + power generation engine fuel consumption rate G × correction coefficient α × battery input power amount. The battery fuel consumption J ′ can be calculated using the mathematical formula d).

  The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 monitors the fuel injection amount of the injector provided in the engine ENG, so that the battery input which is the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG required to charge the battery input power amount d is charged. It is also considered that the fuel consumption amount j1 can be calculated. However, not all of the fuel injected by the injector is consumed by the engine ENG to charge the battery input power amount d. For example, a part of the fuel injected by the injector is consumed by the engine ENG to charge the battery input electric energy d, while another part of the fuel injected by the injector is powered by the hybrid vehicle 10. It is also assumed that it is consumed by the engine ENG for Or, for example, a portion of the fuel injected by the injector is consumed by the engine ENG to charge the battery input power d, while another portion of the fuel injected by the injector is lost (eg, , Heat loss, etc.). Therefore, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may not be able to accurately calculate the battery input fuel consumption j1 simply by monitoring the fuel injection amount of the injector. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery input fuel consumption amount j1 by using the following equation: battery input fuel consumption amount j1 = power generation engine fuel consumption rate G × correction coefficient α × battery input power amount d. It is calculated relatively accurately.

  Thereafter, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 divides the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ after the battery 500 is newly charged by the battery power integration amount a ′ after the battery 500 is newly charged, so that the battery Battery fuel consumption rate F ′ after 500 is newly charged is calculated (step S23). That is, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery fuel consumption rate F ′ using a mathematical formula: battery fuel consumption rate F ′ = battery fuel consumption amount J ′ / battery power integrated amount a ′.

  Thereafter, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 updates the battery fuel consumption rate F, the battery power integration amount a, and the battery fuel consumption amount J (step S26). Specifically, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 sets the battery fuel consumption rate F ′ calculated in step S23 to a new battery fuel consumption rate F. The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 sets the battery power integration amount a ′ calculated in step S23 to a new battery power integration amount a. The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 sets the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ calculated in step S23 as a new battery fuel consumption amount J.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S22, when it is determined that the battery 500 is not newly charged (that is, no new electric power is input to the battery 500) (step S22: No), the fuel consumption rate The calculation unit 102 determines whether or not the battery 500 is newly discharged (that is, whether or not power is newly output from the battery 500) (step S24). Note that the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may determine whether or not the battery 500 is newly discharged in the same manner as when determining whether or not the battery 500 is newly charged.

  As a result of the determination in step S24, when it is determined that the battery 500 is newly discharged (that is, new power is output from the battery 500) (step S24: Yes), the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 Battery fuel consumption rate F ′ after 500 is newly discharged is calculated (step S25).

  Specifically, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery power integration amount a ′ after the battery 500 is newly discharged (step S25). When the battery 500 is newly discharged, the battery power integrated amount a ′ is greater than the battery power integrated amount a before the battery 500 is newly discharged, and the total amount c of power that the battery 500 has newly discharged (hereinafter, It should be reduced by “battery output power amount c”). Therefore, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery power integration amount a ′ by subtracting the battery output power amount c from the battery power integration amount a. That is, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery power integration amount a ′ using the mathematical formula: battery power integration amount a ′ = battery power integration amount a−battery output power amount c.

  In addition, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery fuel consumption J ′ after the battery 500 is newly discharged (step S25). When the battery 500 is newly discharged, since the battery power integration amount a ′ is smaller than the battery power integration amount a, the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ is the battery before the battery 500 is newly discharged. The fuel consumption J should be reduced by the fuel consumption J of the engine ENG (hereinafter referred to as “battery output fuel consumption j2”) required for accumulating the battery output power c. . Therefore, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery output fuel consumption amount j2 and calculates the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ by subtracting the calculated battery output fuel consumption amount j2 from the battery fuel consumption amount J. . That is, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery fuel consumption amount J ′ by using the mathematical formula: battery fuel consumption amount J ′ = battery fuel consumption amount J−battery output fuel consumption amount j2.

  The fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 may calculate the battery output fuel consumption amount j using a mathematical formula: battery output fuel consumption amount j2 = battery fuel consumption rate F × battery output power amount c. This is because the power of the battery output power amount c newly discharged from the battery 500 is a part of the power of the battery power integrated amount a stored in the battery 500. Accordingly, the battery fuel consumption rate F when the battery power integration amount c is stored should be the same as the battery fuel consumption rate F when the battery power integration amount a is stored. Accordingly, the battery output fuel consumption j2 that is the fuel consumption of the engine ENG required to store the power of the battery output power amount c that is a part of the battery power integration amount a is battery fuel consumption rate F × battery output power. It is calculated from a mathematical formula called quantity c.

  Thereafter, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 divides the battery fuel consumption J ′ after the battery 500 is newly discharged by the battery power integrated amount a ′ after the battery 500 is newly discharged, so that the battery 500 The battery fuel consumption rate F ′ after newly discharging is calculated (step S25). That is, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 calculates the battery fuel consumption rate F ′ using a mathematical formula: battery fuel consumption rate F ′ = battery fuel consumption amount J ′ / battery power integrated amount a ′. Thereafter, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 updates the battery fuel consumption rate F, the battery power integration amount a, and the battery fuel consumption amount J (step S26).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S24, when it is determined that the battery 500 is not newly discharged (that is, no new power is output from the battery 500) (step S24: Yes), the battery 500 is determined. It is estimated that the total amount of electric power stored in has not changed. That is, it is estimated that the battery fuel consumption rate F, the battery power integration amount a, and the battery fuel consumption amount J are not substantially changed. Therefore, in this case, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 does not have to calculate the battery fuel consumption rate F ′. In other words, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 does not have to update the battery fuel consumption rate F, the battery power integration amount a, and the battery fuel consumption amount J.

  Thereafter, the fuel consumption rate comparison unit 103 determines whether or not the battery fuel consumption rate F updated in step S26 is greater than the running engine fuel consumption rate H calculated by the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 (step S31). The running engine fuel consumption rate H is a specific example of “engine cost”.

  The engine fuel consumption rate H at the time of travel is the engine ENG per unit travel output that is estimated to be required for the hybrid vehicle 10 to travel using the power of the engine ENG while not using the power of the motor generators MG1 and MG2. This is an index value representing the fuel consumption. In other words, the engine fuel consumption rate HG during travel is determined by the hybrid vehicle 10 not using the power of the motor generators MG1 and MG2 while using the power of the engine ENG. This represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG that is estimated to be required to output a unit travel output corresponding to (quantity). For example, in order to output the travel output “X6” when the hybrid vehicle 10 travels using the power of the engine ENG while the power of the motor generators MG1 and MG2 is not used. When it is estimated that the amount of fuel “Y6” will be consumed by the engine ENG, the running engine fuel efficiency H is an index value representing a numerical value specified by the mathematical formula “Y6 / X6”. May be. As an example, the travel output when the hybrid vehicle 10 travels using the power of the engine ENG without using the power of the motor generators MG1 and MG2 is “0.5 kWh” and the travel output of 0.5 kWh is output. Therefore, when it is estimated that “100 g” of fuel will be consumed by the engine ENG, the running engine fuel consumption rate H is 100 ÷ 0.5 = 200 g / kWh. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made assuming that the unit of the engine fuel efficiency during running H is “g / kWh”. However, the unit of the engine fuel efficiency H during travel is preferably the same as the unit of the battery fuel efficiency F.

  Similarly to the power generation engine fuel consumption rate G, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 can calculate the running engine fuel consumption rate H by referring to a map representing the correspondence relationship between the operating point of the engine ENG and the engine fuel consumption rate. preferable. For example, the fuel consumption rate calculation unit 102 refers to the position on the map of the operating point of the engine ENG when the hybrid vehicle 10 travels using the power of the engine ENG while not using the power of the motor generators MG1 and MG2. Thus, the engine fuel consumption rate H during traveling is calculated.

  As a result of the determination in step S31, when it is determined that the battery fuel consumption rate F is greater than the running engine fuel consumption rate H (step S31: Yes), the travel mode control unit 101 determines that the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle 10 is HV. The hybrid vehicle 10 is controlled so as to be in the mode (step S11).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S <b> 31, when it is determined that the running engine fuel efficiency H is higher than the battery fuel efficiency F (step S <b> 31: No), the travel mode control unit 101 travels the hybrid vehicle 10. The hybrid vehicle 10 is controlled so that the mode becomes the EV mode (step S13).

  However, even if it is determined that the running engine fuel efficiency H is greater than the battery fuel efficiency F, if the SOC of the battery 500 is excessively reduced (for example, smaller than a predetermined threshold) ( In step S12: Yes), the traveling mode control unit 101 controls the hybrid vehicle 10 so that the traveling mode of the hybrid vehicle 10 becomes the HV mode (step S13). As a result, the SOC of battery 500 is recovered (that is, increased) by motor generator MG1 functioning as a generator using the power of engine ENG.

  As described above, in the hybrid vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the travel mode of the hybrid vehicle 10 is determined based on the determination result of whether or not the battery fuel consumption rate F is greater than the running engine fuel consumption rate H. As a result, the hybrid vehicle 10 can travel while selecting a travel mode that can suitably improve fuel efficiency. Hereinafter, the reason will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing a travel mode that is determined based on a determination result of whether or not the battery fuel efficiency F is greater than the engine fuel efficiency H during travel.

  First, the battery fuel consumption rate F represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required for accumulating the electric power accumulated in the battery 500. Therefore, it can be said that the battery fuel consumption rate G substantially represents the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 that travels in the EV mode using the electric power stored in the battery 500. In other words, it can be said that the battery fuel consumption rate G substantially represents the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 that outputs the unit travel output in the EV mode. On the other hand, the engine fuel consumption rate H during travel exactly represents the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 that travels in the HV mode using the power of the engine ENG. In other words, it can be said that the engine fuel efficiency during running H represents the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 that outputs the unit running output in the HV mode.

  Therefore, when the battery fuel consumption rate F is larger than the running engine fuel consumption rate H, the fuel consumption amount (specifically, the fuel consumption amount per unit travel output) of the hybrid vehicle 10 traveling in the EV mode is HV. It is assumed that the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 traveling in the mode (specifically, the fuel consumption per unit travel output) is larger. Here, the increase in the fuel consumption amount per unit travel output leads to the deterioration of the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 (particularly, the fuel consumption when viewed from the entire travel of the hybrid vehicle 10). Therefore, when the battery fuel consumption rate F is larger than the running engine fuel consumption rate H, it is assumed that the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 traveling in the EV mode is worse than the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 traveling in the HV mode. Is done.

  On the other hand, when the running engine fuel efficiency H is larger than the battery fuel efficiency F, the fuel consumption (specifically, the fuel consumption per unit travel output) of the hybrid vehicle 10 traveling in the HV mode is: It is assumed that the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 traveling in the EV mode (specifically, the fuel consumption per unit travel output) is larger. Therefore, when the running engine fuel consumption rate H is larger than the battery fuel consumption rate F, it is assumed that the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 traveling in the HV mode is worse than the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 traveling in the EV mode. Is done.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the battery fuel consumption rate F is larger than the running engine fuel consumption rate H, the hybrid vehicle 10 has a relatively small fuel consumption per unit travel output. Drive in HV mode. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the running engine fuel efficiency H is higher than the battery fuel efficiency F, the hybrid vehicle 10 is in the EV mode in which the fuel consumption per unit travel output is relatively small. Run. As a result, in the present embodiment, the hybrid vehicle 10 can travel while appropriately determining a travel mode in which the fuel consumption per unit travel output is relatively small. Here, the reduction in fuel consumption per unit travel output leads to an improvement in the fuel consumption of the hybrid vehicle 10 (particularly, the fuel consumption when viewed as a whole travel of the hybrid vehicle 10). Therefore, the hybrid vehicle 10 can travel while appropriately determining a travel mode that can suitably improve fuel consumption.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the battery fuel consumption rate F represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit amount of electric power. Therefore, the battery fuel consumption rate F includes the engine driven to accumulate electric power in the battery 500. ENG drive efficiency (for example, thermal efficiency, hereinafter referred to as “engine efficiency”) is reflected.

  For example, when a predetermined amount of electric power is accumulated in the battery 500 by driving the engine ENG in a state where the engine efficiency is relatively poor, the total amount of fuel consumption becomes relatively large. F becomes relatively large. On the other hand, when the same predetermined amount of power is accumulated in the battery 500 by driving the engine ENG with relatively good engine efficiency, the total amount of fuel consumption is relatively small. The battery fuel consumption rate F becomes relatively small. As described above, even when the same amount of power is stored in the battery 500, the fuel consumption required to store the power is not necessarily the same. That is, even when the same amount of power is stored in the battery 500, the value of the power stored in the battery 500 is not necessarily the same. Thus, even if the battery fuel consumption rate F is the case where the same amount of electric power is stored in the battery 500, the fuel consumption required to store the electric power (in other words, when the electric power is stored) It can be said that the value of electric power is appropriately represented because it varies depending on the engine efficiency of the engine ENG.

  Similarly, for example, when the engine ENG consumes a predetermined amount of fuel while the engine efficiency is relatively poor in order to store power in the battery 500, the total amount of power stored in the battery 500 is relatively Therefore, the battery fuel consumption rate F is relatively increased. On the other hand, when the engine ENG consumes the same predetermined amount of fuel while the engine efficiency is relatively good in order to store power in the battery 500, the total amount of power stored in the battery 500 is relatively Therefore, the battery fuel consumption rate F becomes relatively small. As described above, even when electric power is stored in the battery 500 because the engine ENG consumes the same amount of fuel, the total amount of stored electric power is not always the same. That is, even if electric power is stored in the battery 500 because the engine ENG consumes the same amount of fuel, the value of the electric power stored in the battery 500 is not necessarily the same. Thus, the battery fuel consumption rate F is the total amount of electric power stored in the battery 500 (in other words, electric power even if electric power is stored in the battery 500 due to the engine ENG consuming the same amount of fuel). Therefore, it can be said that the value of electric power is appropriately represented.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, the hybrid vehicle 10 has a traveling mode in which the fuel efficiency is relatively good (or optimal) in consideration of the value of the electric power stored in the battery 500. It is possible to travel while appropriately determining. Therefore, the hybrid vehicle 10 can travel while appropriately determining a travel mode that can suitably improve fuel consumption.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the battery fuel consumption rate F represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required to accumulate all the electric power accumulated in the battery 500. That is, the battery fuel consumption rate F is a unit of the amount of electric power required to store only the electric power newly stored in the battery 500 (in other words, only a part of the total electric power stored in the battery 500). It does not represent the fuel consumption of the engine ENG. Therefore, the hybrid vehicle 10 accumulates not only the fuel consumption of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required for accumulating the electric power newly accumulated in the battery 500 but also the electric power already accumulated in the battery 500. In consideration of the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required for this, it is possible to travel while appropriately determining a travel mode in which the fuel efficiency is relatively good (or optimal).

  Here, as a comparative example, for example, the battery fuel consumption rate of the comparative example representing the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required for storing only the electric power newly stored in the battery 500 is the engine fuel consumption during driving. A hybrid vehicle of a comparative example that travels in the EV mode when the rate H is smaller is assumed. The hybrid vehicle of the comparative example travels with the battery fuel efficiency of the comparative example without depending on the amount of fuel consumption of the engine ENG per unit power amount required to store the electric power already stored in the battery 500. When the hour engine fuel consumption rate H is smaller, the vehicle travels in the EV mode. However, even if the battery fuel consumption rate of the comparative example is smaller than the engine fuel consumption rate H during driving, the fuel consumption of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required to store the power already stored in the battery 500 The amount may be relatively large. That is, the fuel consumption rate of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required to store all the electric power stored in the battery 500 while the battery fuel consumption rate of the comparative example is smaller than the engine fuel consumption rate H during traveling. There is a possibility that the battery fuel consumption rate F becomes larger than the running engine fuel consumption rate H. In such a case, the hybrid vehicle of the comparative example does not always have a relatively small fuel consumption per unit travel output (that is, the fuel efficiency is not always improved). ) However, the hybrid vehicle 10 of the present embodiment is stored in the battery 500 instead of the fuel consumption of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required to store only the electric power newly stored in the battery 500. The travel mode is determined based on the battery fuel consumption rate F representing the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit power amount required to store all the electric power. Therefore, compared to the hybrid vehicle of the comparative example, the hybrid vehicle 10 of the present embodiment has a relatively small fuel consumption per unit travel output (that is, the fuel efficiency becomes relatively good or optimum). ) It is possible to travel while appropriately determining the travel mode. Therefore, compared with the hybrid vehicle of the comparative example, the hybrid vehicle 10 of the present embodiment can travel while appropriately determining a travel mode that can suitably improve fuel efficiency.

  In the above description, the hybrid vehicle 10 directly represents the battery fuel consumption rate F that directly represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit power amount, and the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit travel output. The travel mode is determined based on the result of comparison with the engine fuel consumption rate H during travel. However, hybrid vehicle 10 uses a parameter that indirectly represents the fuel consumption amount of engine ENG per unit power amount required to store the power stored in battery 500 and the power of motor generators MG1 and MG2. On the other hand, based on the comparison result with a parameter indirectly representing the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit traveling output, which is estimated to be required for the hybrid vehicle 10 to travel using the power of the engine ENG, The travel mode may be determined. For example, a parameter that indirectly represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit power amount and a parameter that indirectly represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit traveling output are determined by the following: The hybrid vehicle 10 may travel in the HV mode when the situation becomes larger than that. For example, a parameter that indirectly represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit power amount and a parameter that indirectly represents the fuel consumption amount of the engine ENG per unit traveling output are determined so that the engine fuel consumption rate during traveling is greater than the battery fuel consumption rate F. If the situation shows that the vehicle speed increases, the hybrid vehicle 10 may travel in the EV mode.

  As an example, a charging parameter (for example, a parameter such as efficiency) that decreases as the fuel consumption of the engine ENG per unit electric energy required to store the electric power stored in the battery 500 increases is a battery fuel consumption rate. It is in inverse proportion to F. Similarly, the fuel consumption of engine ENG per unit travel output that is estimated to be required for hybrid vehicle 10 to travel using the power of engine ENG while not using the power of motor generators MG1 and MG2 increases. An engine parameter (for example, a parameter such as efficiency) that becomes smaller as it goes down has a relationship that is inversely proportional to the engine fuel consumption rate H during travel. In this case, the hybrid vehicle 10 may travel in the EV mode when the charging parameter is larger than the engine parameter. On the other hand, the hybrid vehicle 10 may travel in the HV mode when the engine parameter is larger than the charging parameter.

  Further, in the above description, an example is described in which the hybrid vehicle 10 employs a so-called split (power splitting) type hybrid system (for example, THS: Toyota Hybrid System). However, even when the hybrid vehicle 10 employs a parallel hybrid system, the travel mode may be controlled in the above-described manner. As a result, even when the hybrid vehicle 10 employs a parallel hybrid system, the above-described various effects are favorably enjoyed.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a vehicle control device that includes such a change is also included in the technical concept of the present invention. included.

10 Hybrid vehicle 100 ECU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Driving mode control part 102 Fuel consumption rate calculation part 103 Fuel consumption rate comparison part 500 Battery ENG Engine MG1, MG2 Motor generator F, F 'Battery fuel consumption rate H Engine fuel consumption rate a, a' Battery power accumulation amount J, J 'Battery fuel consumption Amount f1 Battery input fuel consumption f2 Battery output fuel consumption d Battery input energy c Battery output energy G Engine fuel efficiency during power generation α Correction factor

Claims (7)

A vehicle control device for controlling a hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and a rotating electrical machine capable of charging a rechargeable battery capable of storing electric power by being driven using the power of the internal combustion engine,
(I) a charging cost representing a fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine required to store a unit amount of electric power stored in the rechargeable battery is (ii) the internal combustion engine without using power of the rotating electrical machine Determination means for determining whether or not the hybrid vehicle is smaller than an engine cost representing a fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine required for the hybrid vehicle to output a unit travel output corresponding to the unit power amount by using engine power;
(I) When it is determined that the charging cost is smaller than the engine cost, the traveling mode of the hybrid vehicle is an electric mode for traveling without operating the internal combustion engine, and (ii) the charging cost is Control means for controlling the hybrid vehicle so that the traveling mode is an engine mode that travels using the power of the internal combustion engine when it is determined that the traveling cost is greater than the engine cost. Control device. The apparatus further comprises calculation means for calculating the charging cost based on the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery and the total amount of electric power stored in the rechargeable battery. ,
The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the charging cost calculated by the calculation unit is smaller than the engine cost. The calculation means is configured to calculate the charge based on a calculation of dividing the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the electric power stored in the rechargeable battery by the total amount of electric power stored in the rechargeable battery. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, wherein a cost is calculated. When the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery has changed anew, the calculating means is required to store the power stored in the rechargeable battery before the total amount of power has changed. The sum or difference between the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the newly changed power, and the rechargeable battery at the time after the total amount of power has changed. The vehicle control device according to claim 2, wherein the charging cost is calculated based on a total amount of stored electric power. The calculation means is required to accumulate the power accumulated in the rechargeable battery at the time before the total amount of power is changed when the total amount of power accumulated in the rechargeable battery is newly changed. The sum or difference between the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the newly changed power is stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the total amount of power has changed. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the charging cost is calculated based on an operation of dividing by a total amount of electric power. In a case where power is newly input to the rechargeable battery, the calculation unit is configured to store the power stored in the rechargeable battery at a time before the power is input. The sum of the fuel consumption and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine required to store the newly input power is the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the power is input. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the charging cost is calculated based on an operation to divide. The calculation means is a fuel for the internal combustion engine required to store the power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time before the power is output when the power is newly output from the rechargeable battery. Divide the difference between the consumption amount and the fuel consumption amount of the internal combustion engine required to store the newly output power by the total amount of power stored in the rechargeable battery at the time after the output of the power. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the charging cost is calculated based on a calculation to be performed.

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