JP2011169203A - Control device of hybrid automobile, and hybrid automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform 'regeneration' of a post-treatment device, by prohibiting travel only by an electric motor and assist of an engine by the electric motor, while the 'regeneration' is not completed. <P>SOLUTION: In a hybrid automobile 1 traveled by cooperation of an engine 10 with the electric motor 11, an HV_ECU 16 and ECU 17 for post-treatment device are provided to control treatment for regeneration of a function of the post-treatment device 19 removing a predetermined substance from exhaust gas by utilizing the exhaust gas in high-load operation of the engine 10. The HV_ECU 16 prohibits the travel only by the electric motor 11 and the assist of the engine 10 by the electric motor 11, until the regeneration of the function of the post-treatment device 19 is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hybrid vehicle control apparatus and a hybrid vehicle.

  Hybrid vehicles in which an engine and an electric motor drive in cooperation are rapidly spreading because they are effective in reducing fuel consumption and exhaust gas. In recent years, hybrid vehicles have become popular in large vehicles such as trucks.

  In vehicles equipped with diesel engines such as trucks, particulate filter systems for reducing particulate matter in exhaust gas, or urea SCR (selective catalytic reduction) for reducing NOx in exhaust gas are used. : Selective Catalytic Reduction) In this specification, such a particulate filter system, a urea SCR catalyst system, and the like are collectively referred to as an aftertreatment device.

  Further, in the particulate filter system, when particulates exceeding a specified value are accumulated in the filter, high-temperature exhaust gas due to high-load operation of the engine is circulated through the accumulated particulates. Thereby, the particulates accumulated in the filter are burned and the filter function is regenerated. Similarly, in the urea SCR catalyst system, when a sulfur content exceeding a specified value is accumulated (poisoned) in the catalyst, high-temperature exhaust gas due to high-load operation of the engine is circulated through the catalyst. Thereby, the sulfur content accumulated in the catalyst is decomposed to regenerate the catalyst.

  In the following description, filter regeneration by particulate combustion in the particulate filter system and catalyst regeneration by catalyst heating in the urea SCR catalyst system are collectively referred to as “regeneration”.

  For example, in the hybrid vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the electric power stored in the battery is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the engine is operated at a high load in order to burn the particulates, and the battery is charged. Thus, energy is effectively used by allocating the high-load operation of the engine to two tasks of particulate combustion and battery charging.

JP 2006-220036 A

  The above-mentioned idea of “high-load operation of the engine is applied to two tasks of particulate combustion and battery charging” in Patent Document 1 is useful from the viewpoint of effective use of energy.

  However, when the time required for charging the battery is compared with the time required for “regeneration” described above, the time required for “regeneration” is often longer than the time required for charging the battery. Therefore, in most cases, the battery has been charged to the upper limit specified value, but “regeneration” has not yet been completed.

  In a hybrid vehicle, when the state of charge of the battery (hereinafter referred to as SOC: State of Charge) is good, the engine assist amount by the electric motor increases. The engine load is reduced by the assistance of the electric motor. However, during the time when “regeneration” is performed, it is necessary to operate the engine at a high load, and it is not preferable that the engine is assisted by the electric motor.

  The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid vehicle control device and a hybrid vehicle capable of efficiently performing “regeneration” in the post-processing device.

  One aspect of the present invention is a viewpoint as a control device for a hybrid vehicle. That is, the control device for a hybrid vehicle according to the present invention is a post-processing device that removes a predetermined substance from exhaust gas using exhaust gas during high-load operation of the engine of a hybrid vehicle in which an engine and an electric motor cooperate. Control means for controlling the process for regenerating the function of the motor, and the control means prohibits running only by the electric motor and assisting the engine by the electric motor until the reproduction of the function of the post-processing device is completed.

  The battery control means further stops the charging of the battery when the SOC exceeds the upper limit specified value of the SOC, and the control means can increase the assist amount of the engine by the electric motor before starting the regeneration of the post-processing device. .

  Another aspect of the present invention is a hybrid vehicle. That is, the hybrid vehicle of the present invention has a function of a post-treatment device that removes a predetermined substance from exhaust gas using exhaust gas during high-load operation of the engine of a hybrid vehicle that runs in cooperation with an engine and an electric motor. Control means for controlling processing for regeneration is provided, and the control means prohibits running only by the electric motor and assisting the engine by the electric motor until the reproduction of the function of the post-processing device is completed.

  The battery control means further stops the charging of the battery when the SOC exceeds the upper limit specified value of the SOC, and the control means can increase the assist amount of the engine by the electric motor before starting the regeneration of the post-processing device. .

  According to the present invention, “regeneration” in the post-processing apparatus can be performed efficiently.

1 is a block diagram of a main part of a hybrid vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of HV_ECU of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of HV_ECU of 2nd embodiment of this invention.

(About the hybrid vehicle 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention)
(Constitution)
A configuration of a hybrid vehicle (hereinafter referred to as an HV vehicle) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The HV vehicle 1 is a vehicle in which the engine 10 and the electric motor 11 are operated in cooperation, and the electric motor 11 is used instead of the engine 10 in a situation where the engine 10 requires high torque such as when starting. By doing so, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the HV vehicle 1 includes an engine 10, an electric motor 11, a transmission 12, a clutch 13, an inverter 14, an HV battery 15, an HV_ECU (part of control means in claims) 16, and an ECU 17 for an aftertreatment device. (A part of the control means referred to in the claims), an exhaust pipe 18, an aftertreatment device 19, a sensor 20, and a wheel 21. Other members (brake, fuel tank, compressor, air tank, body, etc.) are not shown.

  The engine 10 is an internal combustion engine that uses gasoline or light oil as fuel. In the HV vehicle 1, the engine 10 is used when the HV vehicle 1 is driven and the motor 11 is operated as a generator.

  The electric motor 11 is a motor that is driven by being supplied with power from the HV battery 15 via the inverter 14. In the HV vehicle 1, the electric motor 11 assists the engine 10 to run the HV vehicle 1, and is driven by the engine 10 to operate as a generator.

  The transmission 12 transmits the output of the engine 10 or the electric motor 11 to the wheels 21 with shifting or changing the rotation direction.

  The clutch 13 connects the output of the engine 10 to the electric motor 11 and the transmission 12, or disconnects the output of the engine 10 from the electric motor 11 and the transmission 12. The clutch 13 is controlled by the HV_ECU 16 and is different from a clutch that moves when a driver operates a pedal.

  For example, when the HV automobile 1 is driven by the output of the engine 10, the clutch 13 is connected. At this time, the electric motor 11 operates as a generator by the output of the engine 10. On the other hand, when the HV vehicle 1 is driven by the output of the electric motor 11, the clutch 13 is disconnected. At this time, the engine 10 stops. The clutch 13 is also connected when the engine 10 is started by the electric motor 11.

  The inverter 14 generates AC power from the HV battery 15 that is a DC power supply and supplies the AC power to the electric motor 11 that is an AC motor. In addition, when the electric motor 11 is operating as a generator, the inverter 14 operates as a rectifier and converts AC power generated by the electric motor 11 into DC power to charge the HV battery 15.

  The HV battery 15 is a power source for driving the electric motor 11. The HV battery 15 is charged when the electric motor 11 operates as a generator.

  The HV_ECU 16 is a control unit for controlling operations related to the hybrid of the HV vehicle 1, and controls the engine 10, the electric motor 11, the clutch 13, the inverter 14, and the like. Further, the HV_ECU 16 monitors the SOC of the HV battery 15. The HV_ECU 16 includes a calculation unit, a memory, an I / O port, and the like (not shown). The arithmetic unit is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a microprocessor (microcomputer), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and the like.

  The post-processing device ECU 17 determines whether or not the post-processing device 19 requires “regeneration” based on the detection result of the sensor 20 and transmits the determination result to the HV_ECU 16. Further, after the post-processing device 19 starts “regeneration”, the post-processing device ECU 17 determines whether or not “regeneration” is completed based on the detection result of the sensor 20, and transmits the determination result to the HV_ECU 16. . The configuration of the post-processing device ECU 17 is the same as the configuration of the HV_ECU 16. In order to make the explanation easier to understand, the HV_ECU 16 and the post-processing device ECU 17 are illustrated as separate ECUs. However, one ECU may have the functions of these two ECUs.

  The exhaust pipe 18 is a pipe for leading the exhaust gas of the engine 10 to the outside. Further, the exhaust pipe 18 is provided with a post-processing device 19 at the end opposite to the end where the engine 10 is provided.

  As described above, the post-processing device 19 is, for example, a particulate filter system or a urea SCR catalyst system. Moreover, you may have these two systems together as the post-processing apparatus 19. FIG. The aftertreatment device 19 is disposed at the end of the exhaust pipe 18 opposite to the end where the engine 10 is disposed.

  The sensor 20 outputs information for the post-processing device ECU 17 to determine whether or not the post-processing device 19 needs “regeneration”. For example, when the post-processing device 19 is a particulate filter system, the sensor 20 detects a pressure difference between exhaust gas before passing through the filter and after passing through the filter in order to detect clogging of the filter. If the pressure difference becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value compared with the normal state, the post-processing device ECU 17 determines that the filter is clogged.

  Alternatively, for example, when the aftertreatment device 19 is a urea SCR catalyst system, the sensor 20 detects the amount of NOx contained in the exhaust gas in order to detect poisoning of the catalyst. If the NOx amount becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value as compared with the normal time, the post-processing device ECU 17 determines that the catalyst is poisoned.

  The wheel 21 is a drive wheel of the HV automobile 1. Although only one is shown here, it has a plurality of wheels 21.

(Operation)
Next, operations of the HV_ECU 16 and the post-processing device ECU 17 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  START: The HV_ECU 16 proceeds to the process of step S1 when the key switch of the hybrid vehicle 1 is turned to the ON position.

  Step S1: The HV_ECU 16 determines the subsequent processing according to the determination result of whether or not the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 transmitted from the post-processing device ECU 17 is necessary. In other words, the HV_ECU 16 proceeds to the process of step S2 when “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is required as a result of determination by the post-processing device ECU 17 (Yes in step S1). On the other hand, when the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is not necessary as a result of determination by the post-processing device ECU 17 (No in step S1), the HV_ECU 16 repeatedly executes the processing in step S1.

  Step S2: The HV_ECU 16 starts the high-load operation of the engine 10 for “regeneration” and prohibits traveling by only the electric motor 11 (that is, a state in which the clutch 13 is disengaged) and assisting the engine 10 by the electric motor 11. The process proceeds to step S3.

  Step S3: The HV_ECU 16 determines the subsequent processing according to the determination result of whether or not the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 transmitted from the post-processing device ECU 17 is completed. That is, when the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is completed as a determination result of the post-processing device ECU 17 (Yes in step S3), the HV_ECU 16 proceeds to the processing in step S4. On the other hand, if the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is not completed as a result of determination by the post-processing device ECU 17 (No in step S3), the HV_ECU 16 returns to the processing in step S2.

  Step S4: The HV_ECU 16 terminates the high load operation of the engine 10, cancels the prohibition of traveling by the electric motor 11 alone and the assist of the engine 10 by the electric motor 11, and ends the processing (END).

(effect)
As described above, in the HV vehicle 1, in order to maintain the high load state of the engine 10 necessary for “regeneration”, while the “regeneration” is not completed, traveling by only the electric motor 11 and the engine 10 by the electric motor 11 are performed. Assistance is prohibited. Thereby, in the HV automobile 1, “reproduction” can be appropriately executed.

(About the HV automobile 1A of the second embodiment of the present invention)
The HV vehicle 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the HV vehicle 1 in the operations of the HV_ECU 16A and the post-processing device ECU 17A. Therefore, the HV vehicle 1A changes the code of the HV vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 to “1A”, changes the code of the HV_ECU 16 to “16A”, and changes the code of the ECU 17 for the post-processing device to “17A”. Illustration is omitted.

  The HV_ECU 16A of the HV automobile 1A keeps the SOC of the HV battery 15 below the lower limit specified value before the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is started. Thereby, the high load operation of the engine 10 by “regeneration” can be applied to the charging of the HV battery 15.

  At this time, the post-processing device ECU 17A transmits to the HV_ECU 16A information that the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is necessary soon. In order for the post-processing device ECU 17A to determine that the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is necessary soon, for example, a threshold value that is smaller than the determination threshold value of the post-processing device ECU 17 used in the first embodiment May be used.

  That is, the post-processing device ECU 17 makes a determination using a threshold value that immediately requires “regeneration”, whereas the post-processing device ECU 17A determines that “slight margin” is required until “regeneration” is required. Judgment is made using a threshold value having. Here, the “slight margin” is preferably equal to or longer than the time during which the SOC of the HV battery 15 can be equal to or lower than the lower limit value in the processes of steps S11 and S12 described later.

  For example, assuming that the SOC of the HV battery 15 is the upper limit specified value, it is preferable that the SOC is equal to or longer than the time required for the SOC to be equal to or lower than the lower limit specified value. Such a time can be set statistically from the past history.

  Actually, in most cases, the SOC of the HV battery 15 is less than or equal to the upper limit specified value. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the “slight margin” is set longer than the actually required time. However, in the process of step S12 described later, when the SOC of the HV battery 15 becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit specified value, the process immediately proceeds to the process of step S13 and “regeneration” is started. Therefore, there is no problem even if the “slight margin” is long.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the HV_ECU 16A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  START: HV_ECU 16A proceeds to the process of step S10 when the key switch of hybrid vehicle 1A is turned to the ON position.

  Step S10: The HV_ECU 16A determines the subsequent processing according to the determination result whether or not the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 transmitted from the post-processing device ECU 17 is necessary soon. In other words, the HV_ECU 16A proceeds to the processing of step S11 when “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is required in the near future as a determination result of the post-processing device ECU 17 (Yes in step S10). On the other hand, the HV_ECU 16A repeatedly executes the process of step S10 when “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is not required immediately as a determination result of the post-processing device ECU 17 (No in step S10).

  Step S11: The HV_ECU 16A increases the assist amount of the engine 10 by the electric motor 11 prior to “regeneration”, and proceeds to the process of step S12.

  Step S12: The HV_ECU 16A determines whether or not the SOC of the HV battery 15 is equal to or lower than a lower limit specified value. When the SOC of the HV battery 15 is equal to or lower than the lower limit specified value (Yes in step S12), the HV_ECU 16A proceeds to the process of step S13. On the other hand, when the SOC of the HV battery 15 is greater than the lower limit specified value (No in step S12), the HV_ECU 16 returns to the process of step S11.

  Step S13: The HV_ECU 16A starts high-load operation of the engine 10 for “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19, and proceeds to the process of step S14. Even if the start of the high load operation of the engine 10 for “regeneration” in step S13 is started before the timing at which “regeneration” is actually required, this is an error to the safe side and there is no problem.

  Step S14: The HV_ECU 16A prohibits traveling by only the electric motor 11 (that is, a state in which the clutch 13 is disengaged) and assisting the engine 10 by the electric motor 11, and proceeds to the processing of step S15.

  Step S15: The HV_ECU 16A determines whether or not the SOC of the HV battery 15 is equal to or higher than the upper limit specified value. If the SOC of the HV battery 15 is greater than or equal to the upper limit specified value (Yes in step S15), the HV_ECU 16A proceeds to the process of step S19. On the other hand, if the SOC of the HV battery 15 is less than the upper limit specified value (No in step S15), the HV_ECU 16A proceeds to the process of step S16.

  Step S16: The HV_ECU 16A starts charging the HV battery 15, and proceeds to the process of step S17. That is, the HV_ECU 16A operates the inverter 14 as a rectifier, and charges the HV battery 15 with electric power generated by the electric motor 11 driven as a generator by the engine 10. As a result, the SOC of the battery 15 rises.

  Step S <b> 17: The HV_ECU 16 </ b> A determines subsequent processing according to the determination result of whether or not the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 transmitted from the post-processing device ECU 17 is completed. That is, when the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is completed as a determination result of the post-processing device ECU 17 (Yes in step S17), the HV_ECU 16A proceeds to the processing in step S18. On the other hand, if the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is not completed as a result of determination by the post-processing device ECU 17 (No in step S17), the HV_ECU 16A returns to the processing in step S15.

  Step S18: The HV_ECU 16A ends the high-load operation of the engine 10, cancels the prohibition of traveling by the electric motor 11 alone and the assist of the engine 10 by the electric motor 11, and ends the processing (END).

  Step S19: The HV_ECU 16A stops charging the HV battery 15, and proceeds to the process of step S17. That is, the HV_ECU 16A stops the inverter 14 and stops the electric power generated by the electric motor 11 driven as a generator by the engine 10 from flowing into the HV battery 15.

(effect)
As described above, since the HV vehicle 1A increases the assist amount of the electric motor 11 so that the SOC of the HV battery 15 is equal to or lower than the lower limit specified value prior to “regeneration”, the fuel consumption of the engine drive is accordingly increased. The time until the SOC reaches the upper limit specified value can be lengthened, and accordingly, the high load operation of the engine 10 associated with “regeneration” can be applied to the charging of the HV battery 15 accordingly. it can. Thereby, HV vehicle 1A can aim at effective use of energy. That is, energy can be effectively used by allocating the high load operation of the engine to two tasks of “regeneration” and charging of the battery.

  Further, when the charging of the HV battery 15 is completed before the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is completed, the HV_ECU 16A does not charge the HV battery 15. Thereby, when the HV battery 15 is in a fully charged state, the “regeneration” of the post-processing device 19 is performed regardless of the charging of the HV battery 15. At this time, the HV_ECU 16 </ b> A also remains prohibited from traveling only by the electric motor 11 and assisting the engine 10 by the electric motor 11. Therefore, the engine 10 can continue the high load operation until the “regeneration” is completed. As a result, the HV automobile 1A can finish the “reproduction” in the shortest time.

(About the embodiment using the program)
The HV_ECUs 16 and 16A and the post-processing device ECUs 17 and 17A may be configured by general-purpose information processing devices that operate according to a predetermined program. For example, a general-purpose information processing apparatus has a memory, a CPU, an input / output port, and the like. The CPU of the general-purpose information processing apparatus reads and executes a control program as a predetermined program from a memory or the like. Thus, the functions of the HV_ECUs 16 and 16A and the post-processing device ECUs 17 and 17A are realized in the general-purpose information processing device. As for other functions, functions that can be realized by software can be realized by a general-purpose information processing apparatus and a program. An ASIC, a microprocessor (microcomputer), a DSP, or the like may be used instead of the CPU described above.

  Note that the control program executed by the general-purpose information processing apparatus may be stored in the memory of the general-purpose information processing apparatus before the HV_ECU 16, 16A and the post-processing apparatus ECUs 17 and 17A are shipped. It may be stored in a memory or the like of a general-purpose information processing device after shipment of 16A and ECUs 17 and 17A for post-processing devices. A part of the control program may be stored in a memory or the like of a general-purpose information processing device after shipment of the HV_ECUs 16 and 16A and the post-processing device ECUs 17 and 17A. A control program stored in a memory or the like of a general-purpose information processing device after shipment of the HV_ECUs 16 and 16A and the post-processing device ECUs 17 and 17A is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. May be installed, or may be installed via a download medium such as the Internet.

  The control program includes not only a program that can be directly executed by a general-purpose information processing apparatus, but also a program that can be executed by being installed on a hard disk or the like. Also included are those that are compressed or encrypted.

  As described above, by realizing the functions of the HV_ECUs 16 and 16A and the post-processing device ECUs 17 and 17A using general-purpose information processing devices and programs, it becomes possible to flexibly cope with mass production and specification changes (or design changes). .

(Other embodiments)
Various modifications can be made to the embodiment of the present invention without departing from the gist thereof. In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the post-processing device 19 is a particulate filter system or a urea SCR catalyst system. On the other hand, one aftertreatment device 19 may have the functions of both the particulate filter system and the urea SCR catalyst system. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to any aftertreatment device that involves “regeneration” due to high-load operation of the engine 10.

  Further, it has been described that the post-processing device ECU 17A determines whether or not “regeneration” is necessary in the near future by using a threshold having “slight margin” until “regeneration” is required. On the other hand, the post-processing device ECU 17A estimates that the time at which the predetermined date / time or the predetermined distance has elapsed from the date / time or travel distance when the previous “regeneration” is performed is the timing at which the “regeneration” should be performed this time. Alternatively, it may be determined that “reproduction” is necessary soon after a predetermined time.

  The “battery SOC lower limit specified value or less?” In step S12 of the flowchart in FIG. 4 may be “less than the battery SOC lower limit specified value?”. Similarly, “battery SOC upper limit specified value or higher in step S15?” May be “battery SOC upper limit specified value exceeded?”.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A ... HV automobile, 10 ... Engine, 11 ... Electric motor, 15 ... HV battery, 16, 16A ... HV_ECU (control means), 17, 17A ... ECU for post-processing devices (part of control means), 19 ... Rear Processing equipment

Claims (4)

Controls a process for regenerating the function of a post-processing device that removes a predetermined substance from exhaust gas by using exhaust gas during high-load operation of the engine of a hybrid vehicle in which the engine and an electric motor travel together Having control means,
The control means prohibits traveling only by the electric motor and assisting the engine by the electric motor until regeneration of the function of the post-processing device is completed.
The control apparatus of the hybrid vehicle characterized by the above-mentioned. A control device for a hybrid vehicle according to claim 1,
Battery control means for stopping charging of the battery when the SOC (State of Charge) exceeds the upper limit specified value;
The control means increases the assist amount of the engine by the electric motor before starting the regeneration of the post-processing device,
The control apparatus of the hybrid vehicle characterized by the above-mentioned. Controls a process for regenerating the function of a post-processing device that removes a predetermined substance from exhaust gas by using exhaust gas during high-load operation of the engine of a hybrid vehicle in which the engine and an electric motor travel together Having control means,
The control means prohibits traveling only by the electric motor and assisting the engine by the electric motor until regeneration of the function of the post-processing device is completed.
A hybrid vehicle characterized by that. A hybrid vehicle according to claim 3,
Battery control means for stopping charging of the battery when the SOC exceeds the upper limit specified value of SOC,
The control means increases the assist amount of the engine by the electric motor before starting the regeneration of the post-processing device,
A hybrid vehicle characterized by that.

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