초록 ▼

A controller for a hybrid vehicle (HV) idles first an internal combustion engine (ICE) when it is determined in advance that a load on the HV or a motor will increase, and thereafter switches to a travelling mode in which the ICE is used. Based on output of a vehicle weight sensor, a gradient sensor

A controller for a hybrid vehicle (HV) idles first an internal combustion engine (ICE) when it is determined in advance that a load on the HV or a motor will increase, and thereafter switches to a travelling mode in which the ICE is used. Based on output of a vehicle weight sensor, a gradient sensor, a towing sensor, a start/power mode switch and other on-board sensors or switches, it is determined in advance that a load on the HV or the motor will increase. Otherwise, based on information obtained from a navigation system or from another vehicle to be towed, it is determined in advance that a load on the HV or the motor will increase. Based on a difference of output between an open air temperature sensor and a cabin temperature sensor, a load on an on-board appliance is detected, and based on the detected load, it is determined in advance that a load on the HV or the motor will increase. Thus, a delay in following the ICE in response to the switching of travelling modes can be decreased or remedied.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A controller mounted on a hybrid vehicle having a motor and an internal combustion engine, the controller comprising:detecting means for detecting specified operating conditions affecting the hybrid vehicle;a controller that determines in advance, based on the specified o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A controller mounted on a hybrid vehicle having a motor and an internal combustion engine, the controller comprising:detecting means for detecting specified operating conditions affecting the hybrid vehicle;a controller that determines in advance, based on the specified operating conditions, that a load on said hybrid vehicle or motor will exceed a prescribed value at a future time when said hybrid vehicle is being driven in a first mode;idling means for idling the internal combustion engine according to the determination; andmode switching means for keeping the hybrid vehicle mode in the first mode when the load on said hybrid vehicle or motor does not exceed the prescribed value, and for switching said hybrid vehicle's traveling mode from said first mode to a second mode after the idling and when the load on said hybrid vehicle or motor actually exceeds the prescribed value, said first mode being a traveling mode for driving the motor only and said second mode being a traveling mode for driving at lease the internal combustion engine.