JP5951342B2 - Vehicle control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device used in a vehicle using an engine as a drive source.

  In recent years, some vehicles that use an engine as a drive source are equipped with an idle stop function that automatically stops the engine when the vehicle stops at an intersection, etc., in order to improve fuel efficiency and suppress exhaust gas emissions when the vehicle is stopped. Has been.

  When the engine is automatically stopped by the idle stop function, the engine is automatically restarted in response to an operation prior to starting the vehicle, such as releasing the foot from the brake pedal. (Automatic restart).

  In addition to the engine stop by the idle stop function, for example, there is also a proposal to automatically restart the engine when a so-called engine stall occurs due to a driver (user) clutch operation error or the like. ing.

JP 2001-55941 A

  Since the engine stall is an engine stop that is not desired by the driver, it is conceivable that the engine is automatically restarted whenever the engine stall occurs.

  However, in this case, the engine may be automatically restarted against the driver's will. For example, when the driver gets into the vehicle and starts the engine for the first time, the normal operation for starting the engine (for example, cranking by turning the key to the start position) is performed, and the engine does not start smoothly. If the start operation is canceled halfway for the reason, engine stall occurs. In this case, when the engine is automatically restarted, the automatic restart is contrary to the intention of the driver who has stopped the starting operation, and may cause the driver to feel uncomfortable.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device that can prevent an engine from being automatically started when an engine start operation by a driver is stopped.

In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle control device according to the present invention is used in a vehicle including an engine and a starter for starting the engine. The vehicle control device while the starting operation you place the ignition key switch to the start position of the vehicle Ri by the driver is being performed, a starter drive means for driving the starter, when an engine stall has occurred In addition, automatic start means for driving the starter to automatically start the engine, boarding detection means for detecting that the driver is on the vehicle, and the engine by the start operation by the driver. A driver's boarding is not detected by the boarding detection means at a predetermined timing based on the driver operating the ignition key switch from the start position to a position different from the start position without starting. And an automatic start prohibiting means for prohibiting starting of the engine by the automatic start means.

While you place the ignition key switch of the vehicle Ri by the driver to the start position start operation is being performed, the starter is driven. Before the engine is started perfectly, the Rukoto stops folding the starting operation, when the ignition key switch is operated to the start position a position different from the start position, the engine stall occurs. In this case, it is detected whether or not the driver is on board at a predetermined timing based on the cancellation of the starting operation.

  If the driver is on board, the engine is allowed to start automatically when an engine stall occurs thereafter. As a result, when an engine stall occurs due to a mistake in the clutch operation by the driver, the engine is automatically started even if the driver does not perform the start operation. be able to.

  On the other hand, when the driver is not in the vehicle, it is determined that the driver has no intention to start the vehicle and the start operation is intentionally canceled by the driver, and the engine after the engine stall is automatically Start is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engine from being automatically started against the will of the driver who has stopped the starting operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the start of the engine against the driver's will. Further, since unnecessary start of the engine is prevented, fuel consumption can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when starting operation of the engine by a driver | operator is stopped, it can prevent starting an engine automatically. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the start of the engine against the driver's will. Further, since unnecessary start of the engine is prevented, fuel consumption can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a vehicle to which a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining the automatic restart control.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a vehicle to which a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  The vehicle 1 is an automobile that uses the engine 2 as a drive source. The vehicle 1 has an idle stop function. In the idle stop function, the engine 2 is stopped (idle stop) in response to establishment of a predetermined stop condition while the engine 2 is being driven, and the idle stop state is changed in response to establishment of a predetermined restart condition thereafter. This function is released and the engine 2 is restarted.

The output of the engine 2 includes a torque converter 3 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT: Continuously
It is transmitted to the drive wheels of the vehicle 1 via a variable transmission 4.

A starter (starting motor) 5 is provided along with the engine 2. The stopped engine 2 starts after cranking by the starter 5.
An alternator 6 is provided in association with the engine 2.

  The rotation of the output shaft of the engine 2 is transmitted to the rotation shaft (rotor) of the alternator 6. When the rotating shaft of the alternator 6 rotates, the rotation is converted into electric power, and electric power is output from the alternator 6.

The vehicle 1 is provided with an ABS actuator 7 for ABS (Antilock Brake System) control. The ABS actuator 7 incorporates a valve for controlling the hydraulic pressure of the wheel cylinder provided in the brake of each wheel, a pump for returning the brake fluid to the master cylinder, and the like. The hydraulic pressure transmitted from the master cylinder to the ABS actuator 7 is distributed and transmitted to each wheel cylinder. A braking force is applied to the wheel by the hydraulic pressure of the wheel cylinder.
The vehicle 1 is further provided with a battery 11.

  The battery 11 is charged with electric power output from the alternator 6. A starter 5 and the like are electrically connected to the battery 11. Drive power is supplied from the battery 11 to the starter 5. A relay 12 is interposed on a power supply path from the battery 11 to the starter 5.

  The vehicle 1 is also provided with a plurality of ECUs (electronic control units) including a CPU and a memory. The ECU includes an engine ECU 21, a CVTECU 22, an ABS ECU 23, and an idle stop ECU 24. The engine ECU 21, the CVTECU 22, the ABS ECU 23, and the idle stop ECU 24 can communicate with each other using a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol.

  The engine 2 is connected to the engine ECU 21 as a control target. The engine ECU 21 is connected to an engine speed sensor 25 that detects the speed of the engine 2 and an ignition key switch 26 disposed in front of the driver's seat. The ignition key switch 26 is operated by a driver (driver), such as an off position, an accessory position that enables operation of audio, an ignition position at which power can be supplied to each part of the vehicle 1, and cranking by the starter 5. Is rotationally displaced to the start position.

  The CVT ECU 22 is connected to the continuously variable transmission 4 as a control target.

  The ABS ECU 23 is connected to the ABS actuator 7 as a control target. The ABS ECU 23 is connected to a wheel speed sensor 27 for detecting the rotational speed (wheel speed) of each wheel and a hydraulic pressure sensor 28 for detecting the hydraulic pressure of a master cylinder (not shown). Yes. The ABS ECU 23 calculates the wheel speed of each wheel based on the detection signal input from the wheel speed sensor 27 and acquires, for example, the average value of the wheel speeds as the vehicle speed (body speed). Further, the ABS ECU 23 acquires the hydraulic pressure of the master cylinder based on the detection signal input from the hydraulic pressure sensor 28.

  The relay 12 is connected to the idle stop ECU 24 as a control target. The idle stop ECU 24 is connected to a courtesy switch 29 that detects opening / closing of a driver's seat door (not shown). The idle stop ECU 24 executes control for the idle stop function (idle stop control). Further, when an engine stall occurs, the idle stop ECU 24 executes control (automatic restart control) for automatically restarting the engine 2. For idle stop control and automatic restart control, the engine stop 21 receives the engine speed and the position of the ignition key switch 26, and the ABS ECU 23 receives the vehicle speed and the master cylinder hydraulic pressure. .

  In the idle stop control, when the driver depresses the brake pedal while the vehicle 1 is traveling and the hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder exceeds a predetermined pressure, the idle stop ECU 24 determines whether a predetermined stop condition is satisfied. Is repeatedly determined. The stop condition is, for example, a condition that the vehicle speed is zero and a brake pedal (not shown) is depressed for a predetermined time or more. If the stop condition is satisfied, an engine stop command is output from the idle stop ECU 24 to the engine ECU 21, and the engine 2 is stopped by the engine ECU 21.

  For example, when the foot is released from the brake pedal while the engine 2 is stopped by the idle stop control, the restart condition is satisfied, and the relay 12 is turned on by the idle stop ECU 24. When the relay 12 is turned on, the engine 2 is started through cranking by the starter 5.

  FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining the automatic restart control.

  When starting the engine 2, the driver first opens the door of the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 (time T1).

  Next, the ignition key switch 26 is turned from the off position (OFF) to the start position (ON) (time T2). In response to this, the starter 5 is driven and cranking by the starter 5 is performed. Cranking is continuously performed while the start operation is performed, that is, while the ignition key switch 26 is disposed at the start position (time T2-T4). Due to the cranking, the rotational speed of the engine 2 increases.

  When the rotational speed (ENGREV) of the engine 2 increases to a predetermined rotational speed (for example, 500 rpm) or more, the engine 2 is started without being operated by the ignition key switch 26, that is, the engine 2 is automatically started (automatic restart). An automatic restart permission flag (XNOTKEYRESTA) indicating whether or not it is permitted is switched from OFF to ON, and automatic start of the engine 2 is permitted (time T3). The automatic restart permission flag is provided in the memory of the idle stop ECU 24. The automatic restart permission flag is turned off (reset) when the ignition key switch 26 is returned to the off position.

  In response to the automatic restart permission flag being switched on, the control mode (EcoMode) of the engine 2 is switched from mode 0 to mode 1 (time T3). Mode 0 is a mode that requires the operation of the ignition key switch 26 to start the engine 2. Mode 1 is a mode in which the engine 2 can be automatically started even when the ignition key switch 26 is not operated.

  Normally, the rotational speed of the engine 2 exceeds a predetermined rotational speed, rises to a predetermined idling rotational speed (a rotational speed higher than the predetermined rotational speed), and is held at the idling rotational speed.

  However, even if the engine 2 exceeds the predetermined rotational speed, the rotational speed of the engine 2 may not increase to the idling rotational speed for some reason (for example, a defective plug). In such a case, the starting operation by the driver is temporarily stopped, and the ignition key switch 26 is returned from the starting position (ON) to the ignition position (OFF) by the driver (time T4), and then the starting operation by the driver is performed. May be performed again (time T8).

  If the ignition key switch 26 is returned to the ignition position before the rotational speed of the engine 2 reaches the idling rotational speed, the automatic restart permission flag is switched from on to off, and automatic restart of the engine 2 is prohibited ( Time T4).

  Further, the open / close state of the door of the driver's seat is determined with reference to the output signal of the courtesy switch 29 when the ignition key switch 26 is returned to the ignition position.

  If the driver's seat door is open when the ignition key switch 26 is returned to the ignition position, short cranking is performed with a relatively short drive time of the starter 5 without completing the ride of the driver. Therefore, it is determined that the driver has no intention to start the vehicle 1 immediately. Then, the short cranking determination flag (XSHRTCRANK) is switched from OFF to ON (time T4). The short cranking determination flag is provided in the memory of the idle stop ECU 24.

  When the ignition key switch 26 is returned to the ignition position, the rotational speed of the engine 2 is normally reduced to 0 rpm (time T5).

  When a certain waiting time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses after the rotation speed of the engine 2 drops to 0 rpm, the rotation speed of the engine 2 is determined to be 0 rpm, and the short cranking determination flag is on. In response, the control mode of engine 2 is switched from mode 1 to mode 0 (time T6). When the control mode is switched to mode 0, the short cranking determination flag is switched from on to off.

  Since the control mode of the engine 2 is mode 0 and the automatic restart permission flag is OFF, the automatic restart of the engine 2 is not performed even if the standby time elapses after the rotational speed of the engine 2 is reduced to 0 rpm. I will not.

  Thereafter, when the driver closes the door of the driver's seat (time T7) and starts the operation again (time T8), the starter 5 is driven and cranking by the starter 5 is performed. Due to the cranking, the rotational speed of the engine 2 increases again.

  When the rotational speed of the engine 2 rises to a predetermined rotational speed or more, the automatic restart permission flag is switched from OFF to ON, and automatic restart of the engine 2 thereafter is permitted (time T9). Further, in response to the automatic restart permission flag being switched on, the control mode of the engine 2 is switched from mode 0 to mode 1 (time T9).

  Thereafter, when the engine 2 starts smoothly and the driver recognizes this, the starting operation by the driver is terminated. That is, when the engine 2 starts smoothly, the ignition key switch 26 is returned from the start position (ON) to the ignition position (OFF) by the driver (time T10). At this time, since the door of the driver's seat is closed, the automatic restart permission flag is kept on.

  While the engine 2 is operating smoothly, the position of the ignition key switch 26 and the rotational speed of the engine 2 are constantly monitored.

  Hereinafter, it is assumed that the engine 2 is malfunctioning during driving, an engine stall occurs, and the rotational speed of the engine 2 is reduced to 0 rpm (time T11).

  When the standby time elapses after the rotation speed of the engine 2 is reduced to 0 rpm, the automatic restart permission flag is turned on, so that the control mode of the engine 2 is switched from mode 1 to mode 2 (time T12). When a predetermined time elapses after the control mode is switched to mode 2, the control mode is switched again from mode 2 to mode 1 (time T13). Mode 2 is a mode in which the starter 5 is automatically driven over a predetermined time in order to automatically restart the engine 2.

  While the control mode of the engine 2 is set to mode 2 (time T12-T13), the starter 5 is driven. If the engine 2 does not start smoothly during this time, after the engine 2 has been reduced to 0 rpm again (time T14), the standby time has elapsed (time T15) to a predetermined time (time T15-T16). The control mode of the engine 2 is switched to the mode 2, and the starter 5 is driven during that time.

  After the starter 5 is driven for a predetermined time and the engine 2 restarts smoothly, the position of the ignition key switch 26 and the rotational speed of the engine 2 are monitored again.

  On the other hand, if the ignition key switch 26 is returned to the ignition position by the driver before the rotational speed of the engine 2 reaches the idling rotational speed, and the driver's seat door is closed at that time, short cranking is performed. The determination flag is kept off. Thereby, the control mode of the engine 2 is maintained in mode 1. Therefore, when the standby time elapses after the rotational speed of the engine 2 is reduced to 0 rpm, the starter 5 is automatically driven, and the engine 2 is automatically restarted by the cranking of the starter 5.

  In addition, it may be assumed that the engine 2 starts smoothly after the ignition key switch 26 is returned to the ignition position by the driver before the engine 2 reaches the idling speed. In this case, if the driver's seat door is opened when the ignition key switch 26 is returned to the ignition position, the short cranking determination flag is switched from OFF to ON. Then, when the standby time elapses after the rotation speed of the engine 2 has decreased to 0 rpm, the control mode of the engine 2 is switched from mode 1 to mode 0 in response to the short cranking determination flag being on. Further, in response to the ignition key switch 26 being returned to the ignition position, the automatic restart permission flag is switched from on to off. Even after the engine 2 is started, if the control mode is maintained in mode 0 and the automatic restart permission flag is kept off, the engine 2 is in trouble during operation, and the engine 2 is rotated at 0 rpm. Even if it falls, the engine 2 is not automatically restarted. Therefore, when the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined vehicle speed or higher (for example, 10 km / h or higher), the automatic restart permission flag is switched from OFF to ON, and the control mode of the engine 2 is switched from mode 0 to mode 1.

  As described above, the starter 5 is driven while the start operation is performed by the driver. If the starting operation is canceled before the engine 2 is completely started, an engine stall occurs. In this case, when the starting operation is canceled, it is determined whether the driver is on board.

  If the driver is in the vehicle, the engine 2 is permitted to be automatically started when an engine stall occurs thereafter. As a result, when an engine stall occurs due to a mistake in the clutch operation by the driver, the engine 2 is automatically started without the driver performing the start operation. It can be omitted.

  On the other hand, when the driver is not in the vehicle, it is determined that the driver has no intention to start the vehicle 1 and the start operation is intentionally canceled by the driver, and the engine 2 after the engine stall is automatically Start is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engine 2 from being automatically started against the intention of the driver who has stopped the starting operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the start of the engine 2 against the driver's will. Moreover, since useless start-up of the engine 2 is prevented, fuel consumption can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

  For example, when the starting operation is canceled, it is determined whether or not the ride of the driver is completed. The state of the signal output from the courtesy switch 29 is stored in the memory of the idle stop ECU 24 in time series. In response to the cancellation of the starting operation, the completion / non-completion of the ride of the driver at a predetermined timing immediately before or after the cancellation may be determined.

  Moreover, although the structure which determines whether the driver's boarding has been completed based on the opening / closing state of the driver's seat door is taken up, the criterion for the determination is not limited to the opening / closing state of the driver's seat door. . For example, when a sensor that detects whether or not a seat belt is installed in the driver's seat is provided and the driver seated in the driver's seat is wearing the seat belt, it is determined that the ride of the driver is completed. May be. In addition, when a sensor (a weight sensor, an infrared sensor, etc.) for detecting that the driver is seated in the driver's seat is provided and the driver is seated in the driver's seat, the ride of the driver is completed. It may be determined that Furthermore, when two or more of these conditions are satisfied, it may be determined that the ride of the driver is completed. For example, when the driver's seat door is closed and the driver seated in the driver's seat driver's seat is wearing the seat belt, it may be determined that the ride of the driver is completed.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 2 Engine 5 Starter 24 Idle stop ECU (Vehicle control device, starter drive means, automatic start means, automatic start prohibition means)
29 Courtesy switch (boarding detection means)

Claims (1)

A control device used in a vehicle including an engine and a starter for starting the engine,
While you place the ignition key switch of the vehicle Ri by the driver to the start position start operation is being performed, a starter drive means for driving the starter,
Automatic start means for automatically starting the engine by driving the starter when an engine stall occurs;
Boarding detection means for detecting that the driver is on the vehicle;
The boarding detection means at a predetermined timing based on the driver operating the ignition key switch from the start position to a position different from the start position without the engine being started by the start operation by the driver. And an automatic start prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of the engine by the automatic start means when a driver's boarding is not detected.

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