Hybrid vehicle and method for controlling hybrid vehicle

Abstract

An EV priority switch is configured to allow a user to request a change between an EV priority mode and an HV mode. If an SOC of a power storage device is less than a first threshold value when the change to the HV mode is requested from the EV priority switch during the EV priority mode, an ECU changes the running mode to attain the HV mode and controls the SOC to be close to the SOC at the moment of a request for the change to the HV mode. If the SOC is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the ECU maintains the EV priority mode. If the SOC reaches a second threshold value less than the first threshold value, the ECU forcefully changes the running mode to attain the HV mode.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A hybrid vehicle comprising:
 a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device; 
 an internal combustion engine; 
 a power generation device configured to be capable of generating generate electric power using kinetic energy produced by said internal combustion engine to charge said power storage device; 
 a charging device configured to be capable of receiving receive a supply of electric power from a power source outside the vehicle to charge said power storage device; 
 an electric motor for receiving a supply of electric power from said power storage device to produce driving force for the vehicle; 
 a running mode control unit for controlling changing in a running mode including a first mode of running without maintaining a state quantity indicative of a state of charge of said power storage device and a second mode of running with said state quantity maintained at a predetermined target; and 
 a running-mode-change request switch configured to allow a user to request a change in said running mode, wherein 
 when the change to said second mode is requested from said running-mode-change request switch during said first mode, said running mode control unit changes said running mode to attain said second mode if said state quantity is less than a first prescribed value, and said running mode control unit maintains said first mode if said state quantity is greater than or equal to said first prescribed value. 
 
     
     
       2. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein
 when said state quantity falls below said first prescribed value in the case where said first mode is maintained since said state quantity is greater than or equal to said first prescribed value, said running mode control unit changes said running mode to attain said second mode and sets said predetermined target at a value prescribed based on said first prescribed value. 
 
     
     
       3. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein when said state quantity reaches a second prescribed value less than said first prescribed value, said running mode control unit forcefully changes said running mode to attain said second mode irrespective of an operation input from said running-mode-change request switch. 
     
     
       4. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 3 , wherein said running mode control unit sets said predetermined target at a value prescribed based on said second prescribed value. 
     
     
       5. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein when the change to said second mode is requested from said running-mode-change request switch during said first mode, said running mode control unit changes said running mode to attain said second mode and sets said predetermined target at a value prescribed based on said state quantity at a moment of the request for the change to said second mode if said state quantity is less than a first prescribed value. 
     
     
       6. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein said running mode control unit sets said running mode at said first mode after a termination of charging of said power storage device through said charging device. 
     
     
       7. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein said running-mode-change request switch is set at said first mode after a termination of charging of said power storage device through said charging device. 
     
     
       8. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein it is determined the running mode control unit determines, based on an output demand value of said internal combustion engine and a vehicle speed, whether to cause running with said internal combustion engine operated or shut down, and during said first mode, a range of running with said internal combustion engine shut down is rendered larger than in said second mode. 
     
     
       9. The hybrid vehicle according  claim 1 , further comprising a reporting unit for reporting to the user a history current state of an operation input from said running-mode-change request switch irrespective of the control of changing said running mode executed by said running mode control unit. 
     
     
       10. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein
 when said state quantity reaches a second prescribed value less than said first prescribed value, said running mode control unit forcefully changes said running mode to attain said second mode irrespective of an operation input from said running-mode-change request switch, 
 the hybrid vehicle further comprising a reporting unit for reporting that said running mode has been changed to attain said second mode irrespective of the operation input from said running-mode-change request switch when said running mode is forcefully changed to attain said second mode by said running mode control unit. 
 
     
     
       11. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein
 a charge/discharge map is provided that defines a charge/discharge demand amount for said power storage device in order to maintain said state quantity at said predetermined target, and 
 during said first mode, the charge demand amount for said power storage device is set at zero. 
 
     
     
       12. A hybrid vehicle comprising:
 a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device; 
 an internal combustion engine; 
 a power generation device configured to be capable of generating generate electric power using kinetic energy produced by said internal combustion engine to charge said power storage device; 
 an electric motor for receiving a supply of electric power from said power storage device to produce driving force for the vehicle; 
 a running mode control unit for controlling changing in a running mode including a first mode of running without maintaining a state quantity indicative of a state of charge of said power storage device and a second mode of running with said state quantity maintained at a predetermined target; 
 a running-mode-change request switch configured to allow a user to request the change in said running mode; and 
 a reporting unit for reporting to the user a history current state of an operation input from said running-mode-change request switch irrespective of control of changing said running mode executed by said running mode control unit, wherein 
 when the change to said second mode is requested from said running-mode-change request switch during said first mode, said running mode control unit maintains said first mode if said state quantity is greater than or equal to a first prescribed value, and even if said first mode is maintained since said state quantity is greater than or equal to said first prescribed value, said reporting unit reports that the change to said second mode has been requested from said running-mode-change request switch. 
 
     
     
       13. The hybrid vehicle according to  claim 12 , wherein
 when said state quantity reaches a second prescribed value less than said first prescribed value, said running mode control unit forcefully changes said running mode to attain said second mode irrespective of the operation input from said running-mode-change request switch, and 
 when said running mode is forcefully changed to attain said second mode by said running mode control unit, said reporting unit reports that said running mode has been changed to attain said second mode irrespective of the operation input from said running-mode-change request switch. 
 
     
     
       14. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle, wherein
 said hybrid vehicle comprises:
 a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device; 
 an internal combustion engine; 
 a power generation device configured to be capable of generating generate electric power using kinetic energy produced by said internal combustion engine to charge said power storage device; 
 a charging device configured to be capable of receiving receive a supply of electric power from a power source outside the vehicle to charge said power storage device; and 
 an electric motor for receiving a supply of electric power from said power storage device to produce driving force for the vehicle, 
 
 said method comprising:
 a first step of, during a first mode of running without maintaining a state quantity indicative of a state of charge of said power storage device, determining whether or not a change to a second mode of running with said state quantity maintained at a predetermined target has been requested by a user; 
 a second step of determining whether or not said state quantity is less than a first prescribed value when it is determined that the change to said second mode has been requested; 
 a third step of changing said running mode to attain said second mode when it is determined that said state quantity is less than said first prescribed value; and 
 a fourth step of maintaining said first mode when it is determined that said state quantity is greater than or equal to said first prescribed value. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The method for controlling a hybrid vehicle according to  claim 14 , wherein when it is determined in said second step that said state quantity is less than said first prescribed value in the case where said first mode is maintained in said fourth step, then, in said third step, said running mode is changed to attain said second mode, and said predetermined target is set at a value prescribed based on said first prescribed value. 
     
     
       16. The method for controlling a hybrid vehicle according to  claim 14 , further comprising a fifth step of forcefully changing said running mode to attain said second mode irrespective of the request to change said running mode made by the user when said state quantity reaches a second prescribed value less than said first prescribed value. 
     
     
       17. The method for controlling a hybrid vehicle according to  claim 16 , wherein said predetermined target is set at a value prescribed based on said second prescribed value in said fifth step. 
     
     
       18. The method for controlling a hybrid vehicle according to  claim 14 , wherein, in said third step, said running mode is changed to attain said second mode and said predetermined target is set at a value prescribed based on said state quantity at a moment of the request for the change to said second mode, when it is determined that said state quantity is less than said first prescribed value. 
     
     
       19. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle, wherein
 said hybrid vehicle comprises:
 a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device; 
 an internal combustion engine; 
 a power generation device configured to be capable of generating generate electric power using kinetic energy produced by said internal combustion engine to charge said power storage device; 
 an electric motor for receiving a supply of electric power from said power storage device to produce driving force for the vehicle; and 
 a running-mode-change request switch configured to allow a user to request a change in a running mode including a first mode of running without maintaining a state quantity indicative of a state of charge of said power storage device and a second mode of running with said state quantity maintained at a predetermined target, 
 
 said method comprising:
 a first step of executing control of changing said running mode based on an operation input from said running-mode-change request switch; 
 a second step of reporting to the user a history current state of the operation input from said running-mode-change request switch irrespective of the control of changing said running mode; 
 a third step of determining whether or not the change to said second mode has been requested from said running-mode-change request switch during said first mode; 
 a fourth step of determining whether or not said state quantity is greater than or equal to a first prescribed value when it is determined in said third step that the change to said second mode has been requested; and 
 a fifth step of maintaining said first mode when it is determined in said fourth step that said state quantity is greater than or equal to said first prescribed value, wherein even if said first mode is maintained in said fifth step, it is reported to the user in said second step that the change to said second mode has been requested from said running-mode-change request switch. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The method for controlling a hybrid vehicle according to  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a sixth step of forcefully changing said running mode to attain said second mode irrespective of the operation input from said running-mode-change request switch when said state quantity reaches a second prescribed value less than said first prescribed value; and 
 a seventh step of reporting to the user that said running mode has been changed to attain said second mode irrespective of the operation input from said running-mode-change request switch when said running mode is forcefully changed to attain said second mode in said sixth step. 
 
     
     
       21. A control device for a hybrid vehicle including: (i) an internal combustion engine, (ii) a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device, and (iii) an electric motor for receiving a supply of electric power from the power storage device to produce a driving force for the vehicle, the control device comprising:
 an electronic control unit programmed to:
 change between a first mode in which a state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device is not maintained and a second mode in which the state of charge is maintained at a predetermined target, and 
 each of the first and second modes having a state where the internal combustion engine is operated and a state where the internal combustion engine is shut down; and 
   a storage medium that stores:
 a first threshold value indicative of a start threshold value for starting the internal combustion engine in the first mode, and 
 a second threshold value indicative of a start threshold value for starting the internal combustion engine in the second mode, 
   wherein the first threshold value is larger than the second threshold value.   
     
     
       22. The control device for the hybrid vehicle according to claim 21, wherein the electronic control unit is programmed to change from the first mode to the second mode when the state of charge falls below a predetermined value during the first mode. 
     
     
       23. The control device for the hybrid vehicle according to claim 21, wherein the hybrid vehicle further includes a charging device configured to receive a supply of electric power from a power source outside the vehicle to charge the power storage device. 
     
     
       24. The control device for the hybrid vehicle according to claim 22, wherein the hybrid vehicle further includes a charging device configured to receive a supply of electric power from a power source outside the vehicle to charge the power storage device. 
     
     
       25. The control device for the hybrid vehicle according to claim 21, wherein the first and second threshold values relate to a power demanded by the hybrid vehicle. 
     
     
       26. The control device for the hybrid vehicle according to claim 21, wherein the first and second threshold values relate to a torque demanded by the hybrid vehicle. 
     
     
       27. The control device for the hybrid vehicle according to claim 21, wherein the first and second threshold values relate to an accelerator pedal position. 
     
     
       28. The control device for the hybrid vehicle according to claim 21, further comprising:
 a running-mode-change request switch configured to allow a user to request a change between the first mode and the second mode.   
     
     
       29. A control device for a hybrid vehicle including: (i) an internal combustion engine, (ii) a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device, and (iii) an electric motor for receiving a supply of electric power from the power storage device to produce a driving force for the vehicle, the control device comprising:
 an electronic control unit programmed to:
 change between a first condition in which a state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device is not maintained and a second condition in which the state of charge is maintained at a predetermined target, and 
 each of the first and second conditions having a state where the internal combustion engine is operated and a state where the internal combustion engine is shut down; and 
   a storage medium that stores:
 a first start threshold value for starting the internal combustion engine in the first condition, and 
 a second start threshold value for starting the internal combustion engine in the second condition, 
   wherein the first start threshold value is larger than the second start threshold value.   
     
     
       30. The control device according to claim 29, wherein the first and second start threshold values relate to a power demanded by the hybrid vehicle. 
     
     
       31. The control device according to claim 29, wherein the first and second start threshold values relate to a torque demanded by the hybrid vehicle. 
     
     
       32. The control device according to claim 29, wherein the first and second start threshold values relate to an accelerator pedal position. 
     
     
       33. The control device according to claim 29, further comprising:
 a running-mode-change request switch configured to allow a user to request a change between the first condition and the second condition.   
     
     
       34. A hybrid vehicle comprising:
 a chargeable and dischargeable battery;   an internal combustion engine;   a charging device configured to be capable of receiving a supply of electric power from a power source outside the vehicle to charge the battery;   an electric motor for receiving a supply of electric power from the battery to produce driving force for the vehicle; and   an electronic control unit configured to control a running mode of the vehicle to switch between at least a first mode of running without maintaining a state quantity indicative of a state of charge of the battery and a second mode of running with the state quantity maintained at a predetermined target, each of the first and second modes having a state where the internal combustion engine is operated and a state where the internal combustion engine is shut down, wherein the electronic control unit uses a first start threshold value for starting the internal combustion engine in the first mode, and a second start threshold value for starting the internal combustion engine in the second mode, the second start threshold value being smaller than the first start threshold value.   
     
     
       35. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 34, further comprising:
 a memory in which the first and second start thresholds are stored.   
     
     
       36. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 34, further comprising:
 a running-mode-change request switch configured to allow a user to request a change between the first mode and the second mode.   
     
     
       37. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 34, wherein the first and second start threshold values relate to a power demanded by the hybrid vehicle. 
     
     
       38. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 34, wherein the first and second start threshold values relate to a torque demanded by the hybrid vehicle. 
     
     
       39. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 34, wherein the first and second start threshold values relate to an accelerator pedal position.