JP4835421B2 - Multi-fuel internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-fuel internal combustion engine that is operated by introducing at least one of at least two types of fuels having different properties into a combustion chamber or guiding a mixed fuel composed of the at least two types of fuel into the combustion chamber.

  Conventionally, so-called multi-fuel internal combustion engines that are operated using a plurality of types of fuels having different properties are known. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a multi-fuel internal combustion engine that is operated by supplying a mixed fuel of gasoline and light oil stored in separate fuel tanks to a combustion chamber. This multifuel internal combustion engine increases the mixing ratio of light oil with high ignitability at the time of engine start, and realizes diffusion combustion operation at the time of engine start using the highly ignitable mixed fuel generated thereby.

  Further, Patent Document 2 below describes a fuel display device that can display the remaining amount of mixed fuel stored in one fuel tank and the travelable distance when the mixed fuel is full. In the apparatus, the travelable distance is calculated based on the mixture ratio of the mixed fuel.

  The following Patent Document 3 describes a technique of communicating vehicle fuel consumption data to a fueling facility.

JP-A-9-68061 JP-A-5-1931 JP 2003-160199 A

  By the way, a multi-fuel internal combustion engine may be constructed so that it can be operated without necessarily using the same type of fuel as long as the fuel properties are within a predetermined range. In addition, a multi-fuel internal combustion engine may be constructed so that it can be operated using a fuel that effectively corresponds to various operating conditions, such as emphasis on output performance and fuel efficiency, even if the fuel properties are different. . Furthermore, this multi-fuel internal combustion engine may be disabled by changing the fuel content ratio of a plurality of types of fuel in the combustion chamber, or may not be able to exhibit the engine performance desired by the user.

  However, even if the user can remember about a few typical types of fuel, all the fuels that can be used in this multi-fuel internal combustion engine, engine performance such as output performance and fuel consumption performance, and fuel It is almost impossible to remember the correspondence. For this reason, if the user can be notified of the optimum fuel among the various types of fuels for the desired conditions, the multi-fuel internal combustion engine can be operated according to the user's preference.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-fuel internal combustion engine that can inform the user of fuel that meets the user's preference.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of at least two types of fuels having different properties is led to the combustion chamber, or a mixed fuel composed of the at least two types of fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber. In a multi-fuel internal combustion engine to be guided and operated, input means for specifying the user's preference, and types of fuel corresponding to the user's preference specified by the input means and / or a plurality of types of fuel in the combustion chamber If the fuel content ratio is searched and the fuel type is searched, the engine performance or / and the fuel cost corresponding to this fuel type is searched, and if the fuel content ratio of multiple types of fuel is searched if, search means for searching the engine performance and / or fuel costs corresponding to the fuel content of the plurality of types of fuel, the type and / or combusted component searched by the search means Inform the fuel content of a plurality of types of fuel in a room to the user, and, if the fuel type is informed, the engine performance and / or fuel cost corresponding to the type of the fuel to the user If the fuel content ratio of multiple types of fuel is informed , the engine performance or / and fuel cost corresponding to the fuel content ratio of the multiple types of fuel is notified to the user, and the search means searches Informing means for informing the user of engine performance and fuel cost different from the user's preference.

This in claim 1 the multi-fuel internal combustion engine according construction fuel in the fuel or the fuel mixture along the preference of the user is notified to that user, the user of refueling the fuel while it helpful Selection can be made.

On the other hand, in the multi-fuel internal combustion engine according to claim 1, since the engine performance and fuel cost different from the user's preference are informed to the user, the range of selection of the fuel supply fuel for the user is expanded. .

Further, in the multi-fuel internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , not only fuel and mixed fuel constituting the user's preference but also fuel information (engine performance information and fuel cost) related to the fuel and mixed fuel. This information is also notified to the user, so that the user can select fuel supply fuel from a different point of view different from his / her preference while referring to it.

Further, in the invention of claim 2, wherein, in the multifuel internal combustion engine according to claim 1, provided with communication means for acquiring the latest information of the fuel cost.

In general, the fuel cost (sales price of fuel) varies depending on the region and the fuel provider. However, in the multi-fuel internal combustion engine according to claim 2 , the latest fuel cost information is not affected by the variation. Can be provided to the user.

  The multifuel internal combustion engine according to the present invention can inform the user of fuel or mixed fuel that suits the user's preference, so that the user can use at least one kind of fuel or mixed fuel of the fuel. By refueling at the time of refueling, driving according to the user's own preference can be performed.

  Embodiments of a multi-fuel internal combustion engine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  A first embodiment of a multi-fuel internal combustion engine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This multi-fuel internal combustion engine is an internal combustion engine that is operated by introducing at least one of at least two types of fuels having different properties into the combustion chamber or by introducing a mixed fuel composed of the at least two types of fuel into the combustion chamber. It is. In the first embodiment, the latter multi-fuel internal combustion engine will be described as an example.

  First, the configuration of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine exemplified here will be described with reference to FIG. Although only one cylinder is shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a multi-cylinder multifuel internal combustion engine. In the first embodiment, description will be made assuming that a plurality of cylinders are provided.

  In this multifuel internal combustion engine, various control operations such as combustion control are executed by an electronic control unit (ECU) 1 shown in FIG. The electronic control unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a predetermined control program and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores the calculation result of the CPU. , And a backup RAM for storing information prepared in advance.

  The multifuel internal combustion engine is provided with a cylinder head 11, a cylinder block 12, and a piston 13 that form a combustion chamber CC. Here, the cylinder head 11 and the cylinder block 12 are fastened with bolts or the like via the head gasket 14 shown in FIG. 1, and the recess 11a on the lower surface of the cylinder head 11 and the cylinder bore 12a of the cylinder block 12 formed thereby. The piston 13 is disposed so as to be capable of reciprocating in the space. And the combustion chamber CC mentioned above is comprised by the space enclosed by the wall surface of the recessed part 11a of the cylinder head 11, the wall surface of the cylinder bore 12a, and the top surface 13a of the piston 13. FIG.

  The multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment sends air and fuel into the combustion chamber CC according to the operating conditions such as the engine speed and engine load and the combustion mode, and executes combustion control according to the operating conditions. The air is sucked from the outside through the intake passage 21 and the intake port 11b of the cylinder head 11 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the fuel is supplied using the fuel supply device 50 shown in FIG.

  First, the air supply path will be described. On the intake passage 21 of the first embodiment, an air cleaner 22 that removes foreign matters such as dust contained in air introduced from the outside, and an air flow meter 23 that detects the amount of intake air from the outside are provided. . In this multi-fuel internal combustion engine, the detection signal of the air flow meter 23 is sent to the electronic control unit 1, and the electronic control unit 1 calculates the intake air amount, the engine load and the like based on the detection signal.

  A throttle valve 24 that adjusts the amount of intake air into the combustion chamber CC and a throttle valve actuator 25 that opens and closes the throttle valve 24 are disposed downstream of the air flow meter 23 on the intake passage 21. Is provided. The electronic control device 1 according to the first embodiment controls the throttle valve actuator 25 according to the operating conditions and the combustion mode so that the valve opening degree (in other words, the intake air amount) according to the operating conditions is obtained. The valve opening angle of the throttle valve 24 is adjusted. For example, the throttle valve 24 is adjusted so that the intake air amount necessary for achieving an air-fuel ratio corresponding to the operating conditions and the combustion mode is sucked into the combustion chamber CC. The multifuel internal combustion engine is provided with a throttle opening sensor 26 that detects the valve opening of the throttle valve 24 and transmits the detection signal to the electronic control unit 1.

  Further, one end of the intake port 11b opens to the combustion chamber CC, and an intake valve 31 for opening and closing the opening is disposed at the opening portion. The number of openings may be one or more, and an intake valve 31 is provided for each opening. Therefore, in this multi-fuel internal combustion engine, air is sucked into the combustion chamber CC from the intake port 11b by opening the intake valve 31 and closed in the combustion chamber CC by closing the intake valve 31. Inflow of air to is blocked.

  Here, as the intake valve 31, for example, there is a valve that is driven to open and close in accordance with the rotation of an intake camshaft (not shown) and the elastic force of an elastic member (string spring). In this type of intake valve 31, by interposing a power transmission mechanism such as a chain or a sprocket between the intake side camshaft and the crankshaft 15, the intake side camshaft is interlocked with the rotation of the crankshaft 15, Open / close drive is performed at a preset opening / closing timing. In the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment, the intake valve 31 that is opened and closed in synchronization with the rotation of the crankshaft 15 is applied.

  However, this multi-fuel internal combustion engine may be provided with a variable valve mechanism such as a so-called variable valve timing & lift mechanism that can change the opening / closing timing and lift amount of the intake valve 31. The opening / closing timing and the lift amount can be changed to suitable ones according to the operating conditions and the combustion mode. Furthermore, in this multi-fuel internal combustion engine, a so-called electromagnetically driven valve that opens and closes the intake valve 31 using electromagnetic force may be used in order to obtain the same effect as the variable valve mechanism.

  Next, the fuel supply device 50 will be described. The fuel supply device 50 guides a plurality of types of fuel having different properties to the combustion chamber CC. In the first embodiment, two types of fuels having different properties (the fuel Fa stored in the first fuel tank 41A and the fuel Fb stored in the second fuel tank 41B) are mixed in advance at a predetermined fuel mixing ratio. Then, an example is shown in which the mixed fuel is configured to be directly injected into the combustion chamber CC. Therefore, in this type of fuel supply apparatus 50, the fuel mixing ratio is the fuel content ratio of each fuel in the combustion chamber CC. The first fuel tank 41A is provided with fuel remaining amount detecting means 42A for detecting the remaining amount of fuel Fa, such as a fuel gauge. The second fuel tank 41B is also provided with fuel remaining amount detection means 42B for detecting the remaining amount of fuel Fb, such as a fuel gauge.

  Specifically, the fuel supply device 50 sucks the fuel Fa from the first fuel tank 41A and sends it to the first fuel passage 51A, and sucks the fuel Fb from the second fuel tank 41B. A second feed pump 52B for sending to the fuel passage 51B, a fuel mixing means 53 for mixing the fuels Fa and Fb respectively sent from the first and second fuel passages 51A and 51B, and a fuel mixing means 53 The high pressure fuel pump 55 for pressurizing the mixed fuel produced in this way and pumping it to the high pressure fuel passage 54, the delivery passage 56 for distributing the mixed fuel in the high pressure fuel passage 54 to the respective cylinders, and the delivery passage 56 A fuel injection valve 57 for each cylinder for injecting the mixed fuel into the combustion chamber CC.

  In the fuel supply device 50, the first feed pump 52A, the second feed pump 52B, and the fuel mixing means 53 are driven and controlled by the fuel mixing control means (fuel content ratio control means) of the electronic control device 1, thereby The fuel mixing means 53 is configured to generate a mixed fuel having a fuel mixing ratio in accordance with operating conditions such as the combustion mode and the engine operating point. For example, the fuel supply device 50 adjusts the fuel mixing ratio of the mixed fuel by adjusting the discharge amounts of the first feed pump 52A and the second feed pump 52B to the fuel mixing control means of the electronic control device 1. Alternatively, the fuel mixing ratio of the mixed fuel may be adjusted by increasing / decreasing the mixing ratio of the fuels Fa and Fb to the fuel mixing means 53 in accordance with the instruction of the fuel mixing control means. Here, the fuel mixing ratio in the fuel mixing means 53 of the first embodiment is a variation value that varies depending on the operating conditions, the combustion mode, and the like.

  In addition, the fuel supply device 50 causes the high-pressure fuel pump 55 and the fuel injection valve 57 to be driven and controlled by the fuel injection control means of the electronic control unit 1, so that a desired fuel injection amount, fuel injection timing and fuel injection period can be obtained. The generated mixed fuel is configured to be injected under fuel injection conditions such as the above. For example, the fuel injection control means of the electronic control unit 1 pumps the mixed fuel from the high-pressure fuel pump 55 and causes the fuel injection valve 57 to perform injection under fuel injection conditions corresponding to operating conditions, combustion modes, and the like.

  The mixed fuel supplied to the combustion chamber CC in this way is combusted by the ignition operation in the ignition mode corresponding to the combustion mode in combination with the air described above. The in-cylinder gas (combustion gas) after the combustion is discharged from the combustion chamber CC to the exhaust port 11c shown in FIG. Here, an exhaust valve 61 that opens and closes an opening between the exhaust port 11c and the combustion chamber CC is disposed. The number of openings may be one or more, and the exhaust valve 61 described above is provided for each opening. Accordingly, in this multi-fuel internal combustion engine, the combustion gas is discharged from the combustion chamber CC to the exhaust port 11c by opening the exhaust valve 61, and the combustion gas exhaust port is closed by closing the exhaust valve 61. The discharge to 11c is blocked.

  Here, as the exhaust valve 61, as in the intake valve 31 described above, a valve with a power transmission mechanism, a valve with a variable valve mechanism such as a so-called variable valve timing & lift mechanism, or a so-called electromagnetically driven valve can be used. Can be applied.

  By the way, in an internal combustion engine, combustion modes are generally divided into a diffusion combustion mode and a flame propagation combustion mode, and a compression auto-ignition mode and a premixed spark ignition mode are prepared as ignition modes corresponding to the combustion modes. Hereinafter, they are collectively referred to as a combustion mode, and are respectively referred to as a compression autoignition diffusion combustion mode and a premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode.

  First, the compression self-ignition diffusion combustion mode is a method in which a part of fuel is self-ignited by injecting high-pressure fuel into high-temperature compressed air formed in the combustion chamber CC in the compression stroke, and the fuel and air Is a combustion mode in which combustion proceeds while diffusing and mixing. Here, since the compressed air in the combustion chamber CC and the fuel are difficult to be mixed instantaneously, immediately after the start of fuel injection, the air-fuel ratio varies in some places. On the other hand, it is generally preferable to use a fuel having excellent ignitability as described below when performing diffusion combustion, and such a fuel with good ignitability does not have to wait for the entire injection amount to be injected. It will ignite by itself at the air fuel ratio suitable for combustion. For this reason, in this compression self-ignition diffusion combustion mode, the fuel of the air-fuel ratio part suitable for combustion self-ignites first, and the flame formed thereby gradually advances the combustion while entraining the remaining fuel and air. Let

  In order to operate in this compressed self-ignition diffusion combustion mode, a fuel with good ignitability whose ignition point is lower than the compression heat of compressed air is usually required. For example, light oil or dimethyl ether can be considered as the fuel with good ignitability. Further, in recent years, GTL (Gas To Liquids) fuel has attracted attention as an alternative fuel for light oil, and this GTL fuel is easily produced in a desired property. For this reason, the GTL fuel produced | generated in order to improve ignitability can also be used for fuel with good ignitability. Such fuel with good ignitability not only enables compression auto-ignition diffusion combustion, but also reduces the generation amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) when operating in the compression auto-ignition diffusion combustion mode, Noise and vibration during combustion can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, in the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode, the premixed gas in the combustion chamber CC in which fuel and air are mixed in advance is given a spark by spark ignition, and combustion is performed while propagating the flame around the fire type. It is a combustion form that advances the. In this premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode, homogeneous combustion for igniting a homogeneously mixed premixed gas or a highly concentrated premixed gas is formed around the ignition means, and further, a lean mixture is formed around the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode. It includes a combustion mode such as stratified combustion in which a premixed gas is formed and ignition is performed on the rich premixed gas.

  As a fuel suitable for the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode, a highly evaporative fuel represented by gasoline is generally considered. As such highly evaporable fuel, in addition to gasoline, GTL fuel produced as a highly evaporable property, dimethyl ether, and the like are known. Here, highly evaporable fuel is easy to be mixed with air, so it reduces the fuel rich region and contributes to the suppression of particulate matter (PM), smoke, NOx and unburned hydrocarbons (unburned HC). To do.

  The multi-fuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment is configured to enable operation in at least both combustion modes. Accordingly, the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment is provided with the spark plug 71 shown in FIG. 1 for spark ignition of the premixed gas in order to enable operation in the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode. To do. The spark plug 71 performs spark ignition when the ignition timing according to the operating conditions in the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode is reached in accordance with an instruction from the ignition timing control means of the electronic control unit 1.

  In the first embodiment, fuel with high evaporability and low ignitability (hereinafter referred to as “highly evaporative fuel”) is stored in the first fuel tank 41A, while ignition is performed in the second fuel tank 41B. Highly volatile and low evaporative fuel (hereinafter referred to as “highly ignitable fuel”) is stored. That is, the fuel Fa in the first fuel tank 41A of the first embodiment is a highly evaporative fuel such as gasoline, and the fuel Fb in the second fuel tank 41B of the first embodiment is a highly ignitable fuel such as light oil. is there. For example, it is assumed here that gasoline is stored as the fuel Fa and light oil is stored as the fuel Fb.

  In addition, the electronic control device 1 of the first embodiment is provided with combustion mode setting means for setting the combustion mode. The combustion mode setting means exemplified here uses the combustion mode map data as shown in FIG. 2 with the operating conditions (engine speed Ne and engine load Kl) as parameters, and the optimal combustion mode according to the operating conditions. To select. For example, this combustion mode map data can be operated in the compression auto-ignition diffusion combustion mode under medium / high load / low rotation or high load / high rotation operation conditions, and the low load / low rotation, low medium load / high rotation, etc. This is set in advance based on experiments and simulations so as to operate in the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode under the above operating conditions. The engine speed Ne can be grasped from the detection signal of the crank angle sensor 16 shown in FIG. The crank angle sensor 16 is a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the crankshaft 15. On the other hand, the engine load Kl can be grasped from the detection signal of the air flow meter 23 described above.

  For example, when the compression self-ignition diffusion combustion mode is selected, only the fuel (highly ignitable fuel) Fb in the second fuel tank 41B or the content ratio of the fuel (highly ignitable fuel) Fb in the combustion chamber CC Is made higher than the content ratio of the fuel (highly evaporable fuel) Fa in the first fuel tank 41A, and the operation is changed to a highly ignitable fuel suitable for the operating conditions at that time. On the other hand, when the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode is selected, only the fuel (highly evaporative fuel) Fa in the first fuel tank 41A or the fuel (highly evaporative fuel) Fa in the combustion chamber CC. The content ratio is set to be higher than the content ratio of the fuel (highly ignitable fuel) Fb in the second fuel tank 41B, and the fuel is changed to a highly evaporable fuel suitable for the operating conditions at that time.

  As described above, in the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment, at least two types of fuel each having the properties of high ignitability and high evaporability are necessary for stable operation. As the highly ignitable fuel, there are various types such as light oil, dimethyl ether, and GTL fuel generated to improve the ignitability as described above. However, these various fuels have common properties in that they have high ignitability, but since the degree of ignitability differs in each of them, strictly speaking, a difference occurs in output performance. Furthermore, these various fuels not only have a degree of ignitability but also differ in composition, thus causing a difference in emissions performance (hazardous substances produced and their amounts), and because the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio is different in each, the cruising distance Makes a difference. The same can be said for highly evaporative fuels. There are various types of highly evaporative fuels such as gasoline, dimethyl ether, and GTL fuel produced to increase evaporability. Therefore, there are differences in engine performance such as output performance, emission performance, and cruising range (in other words, fuel efficiency performance). Furthermore, even if the combination of the fuels constituting the mixed fuel is different, a difference in engine performance appears. Even in the case of a mixed fuel of the same combination, a difference in engine performance appears if the fuel mixing ratio is different.

  Therefore, if the user of this engine can easily know the correspondence between the engine performance and the fuel or mixed fuel, the multi-fuel internal combustion engine is in line with the user's preference. The engine can be operated with desired engine performance.

  Therefore, the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment provides the user with information on the correspondence between the engine performance information (hereinafter referred to as “fuel information”) and the type of fuel or mixed fuel. Configure to be able to. Although only engine performance information may be provided as the fuel information, in the first embodiment, not only the engine performance but also the fuel cost information of the fuel and the mixed fuel is provided as the fuel information. Constitute.

  Specifically, a database of the correspondence relationship is prepared in advance in the storage device 81 shown in FIG. 1, and the correspondence relationship is notified to the user via the notification means in the passenger compartment. For example, the notification means may be in the form of telling by voice, but here, the display means 82 shown in FIG. 1 such as a monitor appealing visually is used.

  The display means 82 may display all correspondences in the database when the display of fuel information is requested. However, when fuel information relating to too much fuel or mixed fuel is stored. If all of them are displayed on the display means 82, the screen becomes complicated, and it becomes difficult to find fuel information related to the fuel or the like that the user wants to provide from the screen. Therefore, in the first embodiment, only the fuel names (fuel options) are displayed by distinguishing between the candidates for the fuel Fa in the first fuel tank 41A and the candidates for the fuel Fb in the second fuel tank 41B. Then, by making the user designate the fuel type or / and the fuel mixture ratio of a plurality of types of fuel from the input means 83 shown in FIG. 1, the fuel information related to the designated fuel and the mixed fuel is displayed. To. Therefore, the electronic control device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with search means for searching for fuel information related to the designated fuel or mixed fuel from the database.

  Here, the fuel mixing ratio may be selected from several types defined in advance, or may be specified by inputting an arbitrary numerical value.

  Further, in order to obtain fuel information corresponding to various fuel combinations and fuel mixture ratios, a huge amount of fuel information must be prepared as a database. In this case, the storage device 81 is increased in size. And inconvenience such as a decrease in search speed. For this reason, it is desirable that the electronic control device 1 is provided with a mixed fuel information estimation unit that estimates fuel information related to the mixed fuel designated by the user. For example, the database includes only fuel information relating to individual fuels, and the mixed fuel information estimation means includes the engine performance of the fuel with the higher mixing ratio among the fuels constituting the mixed fuel. Estimate engine performance. Further, the mixed fuel information estimation means calculates the fuel cost of the mixed fuel from the information of the fuel mixing ratio between the fuels constituting the mixed fuel and the fuel cost of each fuel. As the fuel cost, the fuel price per unit fuel amount is used. Here, information on the fuel cost of each fuel is also included in the database, and the fuel cost information is configured so that the user can rewrite the information via the input means 83, for example.

  Specifically, an example of the fuel information display operation of the multifuel internal combustion engine in the first embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In the following, the display is performed so that various buttons and icons displayed on the screen of the display unit 82 can be designated and pressed by rotating or pressing the input unit 83 provided in the passenger compartment. Assume that the means 82, the input means 83, and the electronic control unit 1 are configured.

  First, the electronic control unit 1 according to the first embodiment determines whether or not there is a fuel information display request (step ST5). For example, the electronic control unit 1 displays a “fuel information display request” when a fuel information display button (not shown) displayed on the screen of the display unit 82 is selected (pressed) by the user via the input unit 83. If there is no fuel information display button, it is determined that “no fuel information display request”.

  When it is determined that “no fuel information display request” is determined, the electronic control unit 1 ends the present processing operation and returns to the determination of step ST5. On the other hand, when it is determined that “fuel information display request is present”, the display unit 82 displays. The fuel options are displayed on the screen (step ST10). When the fuel option is displayed, when the user designates the fuel mixture ratio of the fuel or the fuel to be displayed as the fuel information from the input means 83, the electronic control unit 1 selects the designated fuel or fuel mixture. It sets as a display object of fuel information (step ST15).

  Here, in step ST10, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the fuel selection button 82a for the fuel option {fuel Fax (x = 1, 2, 3,..., M) regarding the fuel Fa in the first fuel tank 41A. }, A fuel option {fuel selection button 82b for fuel Fbx (x = 1, 2, 3,..., N)} and a search button 82c relating to the fuel Fb in the second fuel tank 41B, and a search button 82c. Displayed above. Here, the user moves the input means 83, selects at least one of the desired fuel selection buttons 82a and 82b, and presses the search button 82c, thereby specifying the fuel to be displayed as fuel information. Is done.

  Further, a mixing button 82d shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the screen of step ST10. The mixing button 82d is used when displaying fuel information of the mixed fuel. Here, the user moves the input means 83, selects one fuel selection button 82a, 82b one by one, and presses the mixing button 82d, whereby the fuel mixing ratio of each fuel Fa, Fb shown in FIG. The setting parts 82e and 82f are displayed. Then, the user sets (inputs or selects) the fuel mixture ratio between the fuels Fa and Fb in the fuel mixture ratio setting units 82e and 82f via the input unit 83, and presses the search button 82c. Here, the designation of each fuel constituting the fuel mixture for which the fuel information is displayed and the designation of the fuel mixture ratio are performed in this way.

  Subsequently, the electronic control unit 1 acquires fuel information (engine performance, fuel cost) relating to the designated fuel or mixed fuel (step ST20), and displays the fuel information on the display means 82 (step ST25).

  When individual fuels are designated in step ST15, the electronic control unit 1 retrieves and reads fuel information relating to the designated fuels from the database of the storage device 81 by retrieval means, and the fuel information is shown in FIG. Display as shown in FIG. In the screen of FIG. 5, the output performance, CO2 emission amount and cruising distance (fuel consumption performance) of the designated fuel are displayed as engine performance, and the fuel cost of the fuel is also displayed. The output performance displayed here is “NORMAL” which is the standard output characteristic of this engine, “SPORT” which is superior in output characteristic than “NORMAL”, and “ECO whose output characteristic is gentler than“ NORMAL ”. ”In three modes. The cruising distance displayed here represents the cruising distance when the specified fuel is fully filled and the vehicle is operated only with the fuel. On the screen, a travel distance per unit fuel amount (so-called fuel consumption) may be displayed instead of the cruising distance.

  On the other hand, when the mixed fuel is designated in step ST15, the electronic control unit 1 retrieves the fuel information related to each fuel constituting the designated mixed fuel from the database of the storage device 81 by the retrieval unit. The fuel mixture information estimation means of the electronic control unit 1 estimates the engine performance of the fuel with the higher mixing ratio as the engine performance of the mixed fuel in accordance with the fuel mixture ratio specified in step ST15, and the fuel mixing The fuel cost of the mixed fuel is calculated from the fuel cost of each fuel according to the ratio. Then, the electronic control unit 1 displays the fuel information related to the mixed fuel as shown in FIG. 6, for example. The screen of FIG. 6 displays fuel information related to the mixed fuel composed of the fuel Fa2 and the fuel Fb4, and the fuel mixing ratio between the fuel Fa2 and the fuel Fb4 is “7: 3”. The case of “2: 8” is illustrated. When a plurality of combinations of mixed fuels are specified in step ST15, fuel information related to each combination of mixed fuels may be displayed on the screen of FIG.

  As described above, in the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment, the engine performance and fuel cost when the fuel selected by the user or the mixed fuel having the fuel mixture ratio is used are shown to the user. Therefore, the user can easily know the types of fuels and mixed fuels that can exhibit engine performance that suits their preferences or can be kept down to fuel costs. Can do. And this user should just supply the fuel of the fuel or mixed fuel at the time of fuel replenishment, and can make a multi-fuel internal combustion engine perform the operation according to own preference by this. That is, for example, when the user wants to improve the output performance more than now, the fuel or mixed fuel with excellent output characteristics displayed on the screen of the display means 82 is selected and replenished. It becomes possible to operate the multi-fuel internal combustion engine with higher output performance than before.

  In the first embodiment, the fuel mixing ratio of the fuel mixing means 53 is desired by an instruction from the input means 83, for example, by the user so that the multifuel internal combustion engine can be operated at the fuel mixing ratio specified by the user. The fuel mixing control means of the electronic control device 1 is configured so as to be fixed to the value of.

  By the way, in the above-described multi-fuel internal combustion engine, fuel cost information previously stored by the user or the like in the storage device 81 is read out and displayed on the screen of the display means 82. However, the fuel cost (sales price of the fuel) is different for each fuel provider even for the same oil type, and generally varies depending on the region. In addition, the fuel cost (sales price of fuel) may fluctuate the next day due to the influence of the crude oil price or the like. Thus, it is difficult for the user to know the exact fuel cost when refueling with the information of the existing fuel cost played in the storage device 81, so that the user can obtain accurate fuel cost information. , You need to get the latest information.

  Therefore, here, the communication means 84 shown in FIG. 7 for exchanging information in accordance with a command from the electronic control unit 1 is provided so that the latest fuel sales price information can be obtained. For example, the latest fuel sales price information is fetched from a storage device 92 such as a server via a communication network 91 using the Internet or near field communication technology. The information on the imported fuel sales price may be deleted after being provided to the user, or may be stored in the storage device 81.

  Here, in order to construct such a communication system, it is necessary to always record the latest fuel sales price information in the storage device 92. For example, the fuel sales price information stored in the storage device 92 may be an average sales price for each region or area, or a sales price for each fueling facility (ie, gas station) of the fuel provider. May be. In the former case, the communication means 84 transmits the vehicle position information together with the designated fuel sales price information acquisition command, and receives the average sales price of the designated fuel in the region or area corresponding to the vehicle position information. In the latter case, the communication means 84 transmits the vehicle position information together with the designated fuel sales price information acquisition command, and sells each fueling facility existing in the region or area corresponding to the vehicle position information. Receive the price. In any of these cases, the communication means 84 requires the vehicle position information. For the vehicle position information, the vehicle position information of the car navigation system may be used. Further, the communication unit 84 may be configured to receive the region or area designated by the user via the input unit 83 and the sales price of the fuel provider.

  Hereinafter, an example of the fuel information display operation of the multifuel internal combustion engine according to the first embodiment having the communication function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the electronic control unit 1 in this case determines whether or not there is a fuel information display request as in the above example (step ST5), and repeats step ST5 or proceeds to step ST10 according to the result. As in the above example, when it is determined that “fuel information display is requested” in step ST5, the electronic control unit 1 displays fuel options on the screen of the display means 82 (step ST10), and the fuel options. The fuel designated by the user or the mixed fuel is set as the fuel information display target (step ST15).

  Subsequently, the electronic control device 1 acquires engine performance information related to the designated fuel or mixed fuel from the storage device 81 (step ST21). The engine performance information is acquired when the search unit of the electronic control device 1 reads it from the database of the storage device 81 as in step ST20 described above.

  Further, the electronic control unit 1 transmits a sales price information acquisition command for each fuel constituting the designated fuel or mixed fuel from the communication means 84, and stores the fuel sales price information (fuel cost information). It receives from the apparatus 92 via the communication network 91 and the communication means 84 (step ST22).

  Here, when the mixed fuel is designated in step ST15, the mixed fuel information estimation means of the electronic control device 1 receives the latest fuel cost information of each fuel constituting the mixed fuel received in step ST22, and the above Based on the fuel mixture ratio of the mixed fuel designated in step ST15, the fuel cost of the mixed fuel is calculated (step ST23). When individual fuels are designated in step ST15, step ST23 need not be performed.

  Then, the electronic control unit 1 causes the display means 82 to display fuel information (engine performance, fuel cost) related to the fuel or mixed fuel specified in step ST15 (step ST25). In step ST25, when individual fuels are specified in step ST15, the engine performance information acquired in step ST21 and the fuel cost information received in step ST22 are displayed. On the other hand, when the mixed fuel is designated in step ST15, the engine performance information obtained in step ST21 and the fuel cost information obtained in step ST23 are displayed.

  As described above, the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment shows to the user the engine performance and the fuel cost when the fuel selected from the user or the mixed fuel of the fuel mixture ratio is used as described above. Not only can the engine perform in accordance with the user's preference or can be operated at a fuel cost, but it also provides the latest fuel cost information to the user by providing a communication function. Will be able to. Therefore, the user can know the latest fuel cost without being conscious of himself / herself. In addition, for example, when the fuel cost information is displayed on the display means 82 together with the position information of each fueling facility, the fueling facility with the least fuel cost can be selected. It is also useful from the viewpoint of sex.

  Next, a second embodiment of the multifuel internal combustion engine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment described above, the fuel information related to the fuel designated by the user or the mixed fuel is displayed on the display means 82. Then, the user searches for fuel or mixed fuel that can realize the operation that exhibits the engine performance that suits the user's preference or suppresses the fuel cost while viewing the fuel information listed on the screen of the display means 82, Furthermore, the fuel to be replenished is selected from among them.

  However, there are cases where the user's preference has already been determined, such as to improve the output performance, and in such a case, if fuel and mixed fuel that are not related to that preference are also displayed, It may be troublesome and troublesome for a person to find the fuel he desires.

  Therefore, the second embodiment is configured so that only fuel and mixed fuel that meet the user's preference are provided to the user.

Specifically, the multifuel internal combustion engine of the second embodiment is configured so that the user's preferences can be input from the input means 83 in the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment, and the fuel corresponding to the preferences. Alternatively, the search means of the electronic control unit 1 is configured so that the mixed fuel of the fuel mixture ratio is searched from the database of the storage device 81. For example, regarding the user's preference, various preset conditions such as “output performance emphasis”, “fuel efficiency emphasis”, “environmental performance emphasis”, and the like can be selected from the input means 83. Then, when “emphasis on output performance” is selected, for example, the search means is made to read the output performance “SPORT” in the database. Further, when “importance on fuel efficiency” is selected, for example, the search means is made to read out a data having a predetermined cruising distance in the database. In addition, when “emphasis on environmental performance” is selected, for example, the search means reads out the CO ₂ emission amount in the database that is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the retrieved fuel and mixed fuel are prioritized according to the user's preference. Therefore, the electronic control apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is provided with priority order setting means for performing such prioritization. In the second embodiment, numerical information on the output performance of each fuel that can be relatively compared is stored in a database so that priorities can be assigned even if the output performance is the same “SPORT”. It is preferable to have it. For this reason, the priority setting means is configured to prioritize with reference to numerical information of the output performance, etc., when “output performance emphasis” is selected. The priority setting means prioritizes the cruising range in descending order when “important fuel efficiency” is selected, and reduces CO ₂ emissions when “emphasis on environmental performance” is selected. Prioritize the items in order.

  Hereinafter, an example of the fuel information display operation of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Also in the second embodiment, the input means 83 in the passenger compartment is rotated or pressed by the user so that various buttons and icons displayed on the screen of the display means 82 can be specified and pressed. It is assumed that

  First, the electronic control unit 1 according to the second embodiment determines whether or not there is a fuel information display request in the same manner as in the first embodiment (step ST55). Is finished, and the process returns to the determination of step ST55.

  On the other hand, when the electronic control device 1 of the second embodiment determines that “fuel information display request is present” in step ST55, the electronic control device 1 informs the user that, for example, the fuel information display request has been recognized. Are prompted to input their own preferences from the input means 83 (step ST60). For example, the electronic control unit 1 according to the second embodiment displays the preference setting buttons 82g to 82i and the search button 82c shown in FIG. 10 on the screen of the display means 82, thereby displaying the fuel information from the user. It informs the user that the request has been recognized and prompts for preference input. Thereby, the user selects the preference setting buttons 82g to 82i in accordance with his / her preference via the input means 83 and presses the search button 82c. In the second embodiment, the electronic control device 1 is made to recognize the user's preference in this way. Here, as the preference setting buttons 82g to 82i, “output performance emphasis button”, “fuel economy performance emphasis button”, and “environmental performance emphasis button” are illustrated.

  Thereafter, the search means of the electronic control device 1 selects the fuel or mixed fuel corresponding to the user's preference as described above (step ST65), and the fuel information (engine performance, Fuel cost) is acquired (step ST70). The search means according to the second embodiment searches for the fuel and mixed fuel corresponding to the user's preference from the database of the storage device 81, and reads the fuel information relating to the searched fuel and mixed fuel from the same database. . The fuel information acquisition process in step ST70 is performed in the same manner as step ST20 in the first embodiment.

  Then, the priority setting means of the electronic control unit 1 prioritizes the fuel or mixed fuel selected in step ST65 according to the user's preference as described above (step ST75), and sets the fuel information. It is displayed on the display means 82 (step ST80). That is, in step ST75, prioritization is performed in order from the one that best matches the preference based on the superiority or inferiority of the information corresponding to the preference of the user in the fuel information acquired in step ST70. It is carried out.

  For example, when the user wants to drive with improved output performance, the output performance emphasis button 82g is selected on the screen of FIG. 10 in step ST60. In this case, in step ST65, the fuel or mixed fuel whose “output performance” is “SPORT” is selected from the database of the storage device 81.

  In addition, if it is original, only the fuel information concerning a user's preference should just be conveyed with respect to a user. However, informing the user of other fuel information (here, CO2 emissions, cruising distance, fuel cost) is a reference for selecting fueled fuel from a different point of view than his own preference. This is preferable. For example, here, only the output performance needs to be communicated to the user, but if the user is also informed of the CO2 emission amount, cruising distance, and fuel cost, the environment for the user other than the output performance is required. It will also be possible to make a comprehensive decision on the choice of fuel supply, including performance and fuel efficiency, which will expand the range of oil types. For this reason, in the second embodiment, all the fuel information (in this case, the output performance, the CO2 emission amount, the cruising distance, the fuel cost) in the database related to the fuel or the mixed fuel selected according to the preference is stored in the above step ST70. Read in.

  In step ST75, the selected fuel or mixed fuel is prioritized in order from the highest output performance among the same “SPORT”, and a screen reflecting this result is displayed as shown in FIG. 11, for example. To do. In the screen of FIG. 11, the fuel Fb5 exhibits the highest output performance among the fuels Fa1, Fa2, and Fb5 having excellent output performance. Subsequently, the output performance decreases in the order of the fuel Fa2 and the fuel Fa1. It means to go. Although only a single fuel is shown in FIG. 11, when a mixed fuel that matches the user's preference is selected, the fuel mixture ratio of each fuel constituting the mixed fuel is also displayed. Let

  As described above, in the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of the second embodiment, it is possible to simply provide the user with information about the fuel that meets the user's preference. Therefore, the user can more easily know the types of fuels and mixed fuels that can exhibit the engine performance that suits his / her preference or can be reduced to the fuel cost, as compared with the first embodiment. It is possible to select fuel supply fuel while doing so. And this user should just supply the fuel of the fuel or mixed fuel at the time of fuel replenishment, and can make a multi-fuel internal combustion engine perform the operation according to own preference by this. Further, in this multi-fuel internal combustion engine, fuel information different from the user's preference is also shown to the user, so that it is possible to make a selection decision of fuel supply fuel from a different viewpoint different from the user's preference. can do. In other words, this multi-fuel internal combustion engine will be able to judge not only fuel and mixed fuel according to its own preference, but also comprehensive fuel supply selection including other viewpoints. The width of can be expanded.

  Next, a third embodiment of the multifuel internal combustion engine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, a so-called direct injection type multi-fuel internal combustion engine in which the mixed fuel of the fuel Fa and the fuel Fb is directly injected into the combustion chamber CC is illustrated. The fuel information provision processing technology relating to the internal combustion engine can be applied to a multi-fuel internal combustion engine having a different configuration.

  For example, the technique replaces the fuel supply device 50 with the fuel supply device 150 shown in FIG. 12 in the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first and second embodiments, and mixes the fuel Fa and the fuel Fb not only in the combustion chamber CC. The present invention may be applied to a multi-fuel internal combustion engine configured to inject the fuel into the intake port 11b, and the same effects as those of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of the first and second embodiments can be obtained. The multi-fuel internal combustion engine shown in FIG. 12 is based on the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of FIG. 1, but may be configured based on the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of FIG.

  Here, the fuel supply device 150 shown in FIG. 12 discharges the mixed fuel generated by the fuel mixing means 53 to the fuel passage 154 in addition to the various components of the fuel supply device 50 in the first and second embodiments. A fuel pump 155, a delivery passage 156 that distributes the mixed fuel in the fuel passage 154 to each cylinder, and a fuel injection in each cylinder that injects the mixed fuel supplied from the delivery passage 156 into the intake port 11b of each cylinder And a valve 157. In the multi-fuel internal combustion engine in this case, for example, when operating in the compression auto-ignition diffusion combustion mode, the fuel injection valve 57 is driven and controlled to inject the mixed fuel into the combustion chamber CC, and the premixed spark ignition flame propagation When operating in the combustion mode, the fuel injection valve 157 is driven to inject the mixed fuel into the intake port 11b.

  Further, the technology replaces the fuel supply device 50 with the fuel supply device 250 shown in FIG. 13 in the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first and second embodiments, and separately uses the fuel Fa and the fuel Fb without using the fuel mixing means 53. The present invention may be applied to a multi-fuel internal combustion engine configured to inject, and in this case, the same effects as those of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of the first and second embodiments can be obtained. The multi-fuel internal combustion engine shown in FIG. 13 is based on the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of FIG. 1, but may be configured based on the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of FIG.

  Here, the fuel supply device 250 shown in FIG. 13 includes a first fuel supply unit that directly injects the fuel Fa into the combustion chamber CC, and a second fuel supply unit that injects the fuel Fb into the intake port 11b. I have. The first fuel supply means sucks the fuel Fa from the first fuel tank 41A and sends it to the first fuel passage 251A, and pressure-feeds the fuel Fa in the first fuel passage 251A to the high-pressure fuel passage 254A. The high pressure fuel pump 255A, the first delivery passage 256A for distributing the fuel Fa in the high pressure fuel passage 254A to the respective cylinders, and the fuel Fa supplied from the first delivery passage 256A are injected into the combustion chamber CC. And a cylinder fuel injection valve 257A. On the other hand, the second fuel supply means distributes the fuel Fb from the second fuel tank 41B to the second feed pump 252B for sucking the fuel Fb from the second fuel tank 41B and delivering the fuel Fb to the respective cylinders. And a fuel injection valve 257B for each cylinder that injects fuel Fb supplied from the second delivery passage 256B into the intake port 11b. In the multi-fuel internal combustion engine in this case, for example, when operating in the compression auto-ignition diffusion combustion mode, only the fuel injection valve 257A or both the fuel injection valves 257A and 257B are driven and controlled so that the fuel enters the combustion chamber CC. In addition, when operating in the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode, only the fuel injection valve 257B or both fuel injection valves 257A and 257B are driven and controlled to guide the fuel into the combustion chamber CC.

  In each of the above-described first to third embodiments, the multi-fuel internal combustion engine operated with two types of fuels has been illustrated. However, the fuel information provision processing technology related to the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of each of the first to third embodiments. May be applied to multi-fuel internal combustion engines that are operated using more types of fuel.

  Further, in the multifuel internal combustion engine of each of the first to third embodiments, the properties of the fuels to be replenished to the first fuel tank 41A and the second fuel tank 41B are largely different from the properties of the respective fuels stored before replenishment. If they are different from each other, it is assumed that the first fuel tank 41A and the second fuel tank 41B are nearly empty.

  As described above, the multi-fuel internal combustion engine according to the present invention is useful for a technique for informing about fuel according to the user's preference.

It is a figure shown about the structure of Example 1, 2 of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the combustion mode map data which has the premixed spark ignition flame propagation combustion mode and the compression auto-ignition diffusion combustion mode. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen of the multifuel internal combustion engine of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the fuel information provision screen of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the fuel information provision screen of the multifuel internal combustion engine of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure shown about other structures of Example 1, 2 of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine which concerns on this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another operation of the multifuel internal combustion engine of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifuel internal combustion engine of the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the input screen of the multifuel internal combustion engine of Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the fuel information provision screen of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine of Example 2. FIG. It is a figure shown about the structure of Example 3 of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure shown about the structure of the modification of Example 3 of the multi-fuel internal combustion engine which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic controller 41A 1st fuel tank 41B 2nd fuel tank 50,150,250 Fuel supply apparatus 81 Memory | storage device 82 Display means 82a Fuel selection button 82b Fuel selection button 82c Search button 82d Mixing button 82e, 82f Fuel mixing ratio setting part 82g Output performance priority button (preference setting button)
82h Fuel efficiency button (preference setting button)
82i Environmental performance-oriented button (preference setting button)
83 Input means 84 Communication means 91 Communication network 92 Storage device CC Combustion chamber Fa, Fb Fuel

Claims (2)

A multi-fuel internal combustion engine in which at least one of at least two types of fuels having different properties is led to a combustion chamber or a mixed fuel composed of the at least two types of fuel is led to a combustion chamber and operated.
Input means for specifying user preferences;
The fuel type corresponding to the user's preference specified by the input means and / or the fuel content ratio of a plurality of types of fuel in the combustion chamber are searched, and if the fuel type is searched, If the engine performance or / and fuel cost corresponding to the type is searched and the fuel content ratio of the plurality of types of fuel is searched, the engine performance or / and fuel cost corresponding to the fuel content ratio of the plurality of types of fuel is searched. A search means for searching for,
The fuel type searched by the search means and / or the fuel content ratios of the plurality of types of fuel in the combustion chamber are notified to the user, and if the fuel type is informed, the fuel type is specified. If the corresponding engine performance or / and fuel cost is informed to the user and the fuel content ratio of the plurality of types of fuel is informed , the engine performance or / and the corresponding fuel content ratio of the plurality of types of fuel Informing means for notifying the user of the fuel cost, and informing the user of engine performance and fuel cost different from the user's preference searched by the searching means;
A multi-fuel internal combustion engine comprising:   2. A multi-fuel internal combustion engine according to claim 1, further comprising communication means for acquiring the latest information on the fuel cost.

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