Interrelated power delivery controls – including engine control – Plural engines – Electric engine
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-04
2001-02-20
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
Interrelated power delivery controls, including engine control
Plural engines
Electric engine
C477S174000, C180S065230
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190282
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control device for a hybrid vehicle which uses an engine and an electric motor as a motive source for the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A hybrid vehicle which uses an engine and an electric motor as the motive source for a vehicle is known.
This type of hybrid vehicle uses the output of the electric motor when the running load is small and switches to the output of the engine from the electric motor when the load is large. The engine and the electric motor are connected by a clutch. When the clutch is connected and the switch is made from the electric motor to the engine, a shock is generated on switching if there is a difference between the two outputs. Thus driving performance and driver comfort are adversely affected.
For example, when a vehicle accelerates from a low speed, a clutch is connected for the purpose of switching from driving on the electric motor to driving on the engine. At this time, the output of the engine is made to correspond with that of the electric motor before the engagement of the clutch so that a shock will not be generated at the time of switching. Furthermore it is necessary to place the output of the electric motor to zero at the moment that the clutch is connected. Actually since there is a response delay, this kind of control is not possible and the generation of a shock can not be avoided. Furthermore if there is a difference in the rotation speed between the engine and electric motor at the moment the clutch is engaged, not only will a shock be generated, but also the clutch will undergo wear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to avoid the generation of shocks when a clutch is engaged on switching from the output of an electric motor to that of an engine.
To achieve the above object the invention provides a control device for a hybrid vehicle which comprises an engine, a first electric motor connected to the engine, a second electric motor connected through a clutch to the engine, a transmission which transmits a motive force to a drive system and which is connected to the second electric motor, and a microprocessor which is programmed to decide whether or not to connect said clutch on the basis of driving conditions, to detect a required motive force of the vehicle, and to limit an output of the engine or an output of the second electric motor to meet the required motive force.
The microprocessor is further programmed when it is decided to connect the clutch, to control switching so as to control the engine so that an output of the engine reaches the required motive force to control the first motor so that an output of the engine is absorbed and a rotation speed reaches a target rotation speed, to control the clutch so that the clutch is connected after the engine rotation speed corresponds with a target rotation speed.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Deguchi Yoshitaka
Kitajima Yasuhiko
Komiyama Susumu
Okura Kazuma
Foley & Lardner
Marmor Charles A
Nissan Motor Co,. Ltd.
Pang Roger
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