Patent ID: 7506639
Filing Date: 2009-03-24
Classification: B60K,F02M,F16H,G01M,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A diagnostic control device for a hybrid vehicle having an engine with an electric motor coupled to said engine, wherein said engine contains an induction system having an inlet pipe and is connected to a fuel tank, comprising: an evaporation process mechanism for guiding fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank through a vapor flow path to the induction system of the engine; a failure diagnosis unit that introduces negative-pressure of the inlet-pipe into the vapor flow path of said evaporation process mechanism for performing a failure diagnosis of the evaporation process mechanism based on pressure changes in said vapor flow path; and a motor control unit for driving said electric motor to assist the engine so as to relieve engine load when introducing negative-pressure of the inlet pipe into said vapor flow path; wherein said motor control unit prohibits driving of the electric motor to assist the engine when the inlet-pipe's negative pressure obtained by said engine alone goes below a prescribed assist threshold-value; and wherein said motor control unit makes the electric motor drive for electricity generation when the inlet-pipe's negative pressure obtained by said engine alone goes below a power-generation threshold-value which is on a lower side of the prescribed assist threshold-value.