Control device and method for draining condensation water

Abstract

This application relates to a control device and method for discharging condensate. An embodiment of the condensate discharge control device includes a signal receiver configured to receive a power start-stop signal; a temperature receiver configured to receive outdoor air temperature information; and a controller configured to execute a condensate discharge mode that maintains the engine in an idling state for a preset power start-stop period in response to the signal receiver receiving the power start-stop signal and the outdoor air temperature information received from the temperature receiver being equal to or lower than a set temperature value.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0090254, filed on July 9, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a control device and control method for discharging condensate. Background Technology

[0004] In a vehicle, the engine burns fuel mixed with air to generate rotational force, and the large amount of combustion gases produced during engine operation are purified by the exhaust system and then released into the atmosphere.

[0005] The vehicle's exhaust system can be configured to include: an exhaust pipe through which exhaust gases from the engine flow to a predetermined location within the vehicle; a catalytic converter connected to the exhaust pipe to remove harmful substances contained in the exhaust gases; and a muffler connected to the exhaust pipe to reduce the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gases and to reduce the rapid expansion of the exhaust gases and exhaust noise.

[0006] Harmful exhaust gases from the engine can be converted into water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), etc., during the process of being treated by the catalytic converter, and can then be emitted. In this process, the water vapor can condense to form condensate. Recently, due to issues related to the vehicle's exhaust environment leading to enhanced catalytic converter performance, the amount of condensate produced has increased.

[0007] Under normal vehicle conditions, condensate in the muffler can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust pressure (e.g., discharge pressure). However, depending on the vehicle's operating conditions, the layout of the exhaust system, whether the vehicle is parked on a sloping surface or similar, condensate may accumulate in the exhaust pipe and / or muffler due to insufficient condensate drainage.

[0008] When outdoor air temperatures are low, such as in winter or in cold regions, condensation accumulated in the exhaust system may freeze. Specifically, when a large amount of condensation freezes, blockage (clogging) may occur in the exhaust flow path. In this case, the engine may fail to start upon restarting, resulting in poor starting, or the exhaust system (muffler, etc.) may deform or be damaged due to high exhaust pressure in the muffler. Specifically, in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), the likelihood of condensation freezing problems may increase because the electric motor drive mode, which may not even emit low-pressure exhaust gases, may occur frequently.

[0009] To address these issues, one approach is to use a method in which condensate is drained by gravity through drain holes formed in the lower portion of the exhaust system (e.g., the exhaust pipe and / or muffler), where the condensate is collected.

[0010] However, users may complain because drain holes exposed outside the exhaust system can look unsightly. Furthermore, users may perceive such drain holes as of poor quality. Additionally, the components around the drain holes are susceptible to corrosion due to condensation flowing out, and when drain holes are located in the middle of the exhaust system, it can be difficult to perform tests related to exhaust gas measurements. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention relates to a control device and method for discharging condensate generated in a vehicle exhaust system. Specifically, it relates to a control device and method for discharging condensate that can control the discharge of condensate when the vehicle's power is turned off.

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention can solve the problems of the prior art and provide a control device and control method for discharging condensate, which can reduce the amount of condensate remaining in the exhaust system without forming a drain hole in the exhaust system.

[0013] In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide a control device and control method for discharging condensate, which can prevent the exhaust pipe from being blocked by frozen condensate, or the exhaust system from being deformed or damaged, by reducing the amount of condensate remaining in the exhaust system.

[0014] In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide a control device and control method for discharging condensate, which can discharge condensate in a state known to the user under conditions where the condensate may freeze.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control device for discharging condensate includes: a signal receiver configured to receive a power-starting off signal; a temperature receiver configured to receive outdoor air temperature information; and a controller configured to execute a condensate discharge mode that maintains the engine in an idling state during a preset power-starting maintenance period in response to the signal receiver receiving the power-starting off signal and the outdoor air temperature information received from the temperature receiver being equal to or lower than a set temperature value.

[0016] In this case, the condensate draining mode may include an automatic draining mode, which is configured to control the engine drive to idle at a preset amount of draining mode RPM during a preset power start-up sustain period and then stop the engine.

[0017] The preset emission mode RPM can be set to a value greater than the engine RPM under idling conditions, and the preset emission mode RPM and power start-up duration can have preset values ​​based on vehicle type. The controller can be configured to guide the progress status of the automatic emission mode via a display unit.

[0018] Additionally, the condensate draining mode can include a manual draining mode, configured to indicate via the display unit that accelerator pedal operation is required to drain condensate. In this case, the controller can be configured to indicate via the display unit that accelerator pedal operation is required during a preset power start-up maintenance period in manual draining mode, and to indicate the progress status of the manual draining mode via the display unit. Furthermore, the controller can be configured to indicate via the display unit that condensate draining is complete, and to stop the engine in response to accelerator pedal operation meeting a set criterion. The controller can also be configured to indicate via the display unit that condensate has not been drained or has been insufficiently drained, and to stop the engine in response to no accelerator pedal operation during the power start-up maintenance period or in response to accelerator pedal operation not meeting a set criterion.

[0019] The control unit may also include a transmission mode checking unit configured to check whether the transmission mode indicates a parking mode or a neutral mode, wherein the controller may be configured to execute a condensate drain mode when a power start-off signal is received in a parking mode or a neutral mode and the outdoor air temperature information is equal to or lower than a set temperature value.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for discharging condensate includes: a signal receiving operation for receiving a power start-off signal; a temperature comparison operation for comparing outdoor air temperature information with a set temperature value in response to receiving the power start-off signal; and a discharge mode execution operation for executing a condensate discharge mode to discharge condensate from the exhaust system to the outside in response to the outdoor air temperature information being equal to or lower than the set temperature value, wherein the condensate discharge mode maintains the engine in an idling state during a preset power start maintenance period.

[0021] In this scenario, the condensate discharge mode may include an automatic discharge mode, which controls the engine drive during a preset power start-up maintenance period to idle the engine at a preset discharge mode RPM and then stop the engine. In this case, the discharge mode execution operation may include setting a preset discharge mode RPM and power start-up maintenance period based on the vehicle type. Additionally, the discharge mode execution operation may include providing the progress status of the automatic discharge mode via a display unit.

[0022] The condensate drainage mode may include a manual drainage mode, which indicates via the display unit that accelerator pedal operation is required to drain condensate. In this case, the drainage mode execution operation may include, in manual drainage mode, indicating via the display unit to begin accelerator pedal operation during a preset power start-up sustain period; and providing the progress status of the manual drainage mode via the display unit. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an exhaust system employing a control device for discharging condensate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a control device for discharging condensate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a control method for discharging condensate from the main silencer;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for discharging condensate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figures 5A to 5C An image showing the process status displayed on the dashboard to guide the condensate drain mode is shown;

[0029] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 The flowchart shown is an example of a modified control method for discharging condensate.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for discharging condensate according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figures 9A to 9D An image showing the process status displayed on the dashboard to guide the condensate drain mode is shown; and

[0032] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 The flowchart shown is an example of a modified control method for discharging condensate. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various other modifications may be made to the embodiments of the invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0034] In this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly requires otherwise, and the same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same or corresponding elements. Additionally, for clarity, the shapes and dimensions of elements in the drawings may be enlarged.

[0035] In this specification, "vehicle" refers to any vehicle that moves a person, animal, object, or other transport object from a point of origin to a point of destination. Such vehicles are not limited to those that travel on roads or tracks.

[0036] In the following description, the terms used relative to direction, such as "forward," "backward," "lateral," "front," "rear," "above and below," "above," "upper," "upper part," "lower," "lower part," "left and right," etc., may be defined based on the vehicle or its body. Additionally, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not restricted by terms such as "first," "second," etc., in terms of order, size, position, and importance, and one component may be named simply to distinguish it from another component.

[0037] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 A control device 100 for discharging condensate water according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an exhaust system 200 employing a control device 100 for discharging condensate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a control device 100 for discharging condensate according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a control method for discharging condensate from the main muffler 240.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle's exhaust system 200 may include: an exhaust pipe 210 that allows exhaust gases from the engine 160 to flow to a predetermined location within the vehicle; a catalytic converter 220 connected to the exhaust pipe 210 and removing harmful substances included in the exhaust gases; and mufflers 230 and 240 connected to the exhaust pipe 210 to reduce the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gases and to reduce rapid expansion of the exhaust gases and exhaust noise. The mufflers 230 and 240 may include a center muffler 230 located upstream of the exhaust system 200 and a main muffler 240 located downstream of the exhaust system 200 and connected to the tailpipe 245.

[0041] Harmful exhaust gases (HC, CO, etc.) emitted from the engine can pass through the catalytic converter 220 and then be converted into water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), etc., before being discharged. In this process, the water vapor can condense to form condensate. Under normal operating conditions, the condensate in the main muffler 240 can be discharged to the outside through the tailpipe 245 by the exhaust pressure (discharge pressure) of the exhaust gas.

[0042] When condensate drainage is insufficient depending on the vehicle's operating conditions, condensate may accumulate in the exhaust system 200 (such as the exhaust pipe and / or muffler), and when the outside air temperature is low, the condensate accumulated in the exhaust system 200 may freeze.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a power start-stop signal is received under conditions corresponding to the freezing of condensate, the control device 100 for discharging condensate can reduce the amount of condensate remaining in the exhaust system 200 by controlling the drive of the engine 160 by the engine control unit (ECU) 150 to discharge condensate from the exhaust system 200 to the outside.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control device 100 for discharging condensate may include a signal receiver 110 for receiving a power start-stop signal, a temperature receiver 120 for receiving outdoor air temperature information, and a controller 150 for controlling the engine 160 to perform a condensate discharge mode. It may also include at least a portion of a display unit 170 configured to guide the user on the progress status of the condensate discharge mode, or a transmission mode checking unit 130 for checking the transmission mode.

[0045] When the user presses the start button to activate the power starter or presses the start button again to deactivate the power starter, the signal receiver 110 can receive signals. For example, the signal receiver 110 can receive engine start signals and power start deactivation signals.

[0046] Temperature receiver 120 can receive outdoor air temperature information of the vehicle. As an example, temperature receiver 120 can be configured to measure the outdoor air temperature outside the vehicle or to measure the outdoor air temperature introduced into the intake manifold. Temperature receiver 120 can receive information about the outdoor air temperature expected over time through communication with the outside world, as well as directly measured outdoor air temperature. For example, temperature information related to the freezing of condensate can be received from the outside, such as the lowest temperature within a predetermined period (e.g., 8 hours) corresponding to the parking period, the average temperature within the predetermined period, etc.

[0047] The transmission mode checking unit 130 can be configured to check which state of the transmission mode indicates which mode. For example, the transmission mode checking unit 130 can check which state of the transmission mode indicates parking mode (P mode), neutral mode (N mode), driving mode (D mode), and reverse mode (R mode).

[0048] When a power start / stop signal is input from the signal receiver 110 based on the user's operation of the start button, the controller 150 can determine whether condensate needs to be drained. When condensate needs to be drained, the controller 150 can execute a condensate draining mode that discharges the condensate in the exhaust system 200 to the outside.

[0049] As an example, when the outdoor air temperature information received from the temperature receiver 120 is equal to or lower than a set temperature value, conditions requiring condensate drainage can be set. In this case, the outdoor air temperature information may include the expected outdoor air temperature value through communication with the outside world, as well as the outdoor air temperature value measured inside the vehicle.

[0050] Additionally, the set temperature value can be configured to 0°C, which can be the freezing point of water, but it can also be set to a temperature slightly below the freezing point (e.g., -2°C) to reduce the frequency of operation of the condensate discharge mode. For example, the set temperature value can be set to the temperature at which condensate freezes (the freezing point), or it can be set to a temperature to prevent blockage of the exhaust pipe 210 or deformation and damage to the exhaust system 200 due to excessive freezing of condensate.

[0051] When a power start-stop signal is input and the temperature information received from the temperature receiver 120 is equal to or lower than the set temperature value, the condensate drain mode can be executed.

[0052] Specifically, even if a power start-off signal is input, the condensate drain mode may not shut off if the temperature information received from the temperature receiver 120 is equal to or lower than the set temperature value. This allows the engine 160 to maintain power start-up without immediately stopping the engine during the preset power start-up maintenance period. When the condensate drain mode is executed while the engine 160 is being driven, the engine 160 can remain in an idling state. In hybrid vehicles, the engine 160 can be stopped, and an electric motor drive mode can be executed. Therefore, when the engine 160 is stopped and a power start-off signal is received while driving in electric motor drive mode, the condensate drain mode can restart the engine 160 to maintain it in an idling state.

[0053] Furthermore, since the condensate drain mode keeps the engine 160 idling, the transmission can operate in parking mode to restrict vehicle movement, and it can also operate in neutral mode. Therefore, the controller 150 can be configured to execute the condensate drain mode when a power start off signal is input in the transmission mode of parking mode or neutral mode, and can be configured not to execute the condensate drain mode for safety when a power start off signal is input in the transmission mode of driving mode or reverse mode.

[0054] The condensate drainage mode may include an automatic drainage mode in which the engine 160 is actively controlled according to the control criteria (logic) pre-input to the controller 150 when the condensate drainage conditions are met, and a manual drainage mode in which the user is informed and guided to operate the accelerator pedal to run the engine 160 when condensate drainage is required.

[0055] First, in automatic discharge mode, engine 160 can be controlled to idle at a preset number of discharge mode revolutions to discharge condensate during a preset power start maintenance period, and then stop engine 160. When automatic discharge mode is completed, engine 160 can be stopped and power start can be turned off.

[0056] As engine speed and exhaust gas pressure increase, the amount of condensate discharged may increase, and the amount of condensate discharged may also increase as the period during which the engine is driven to discharge condensate increases. Additionally, based on the amount of condensate discharged, the period during which the engine is driven to discharge condensate may shorten as engine speed increases.

[0057] Since the condensate drain mode (e.g., automatic drain mode) can be activated simultaneously with the user pressing the start button to end vehicle operation, it is desirable to complete it as quickly as possible. With this in mind, the drain mode RPM corresponding to the engine RPM in the condensate drain mode can be set to a value higher than the engine RPM in idling conditions. For example, when the engine RPM in idling conditions in Park (P) or Neutral (N) is 1000 rpm, the drain mode RPM for draining condensate can have a value between 1500 and 3000 rpm, which can be a value higher than the engine RPM in idling conditions.

[0058] Furthermore, based on factors such as displacement, fuel type, engine specifications, and hybridization method, vehicles can be offered in various detailed vehicle types, and the amount of residual condensate produced in the exhaust system 200 can vary depending on the vehicle type. Specifically, in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), because a pure electric motor operation mode that does not emit exhaust gases can be performed, a significant amount of condensate may remain in the exhaust system compared to gasoline / diesel vehicles.

[0059] Therefore, depending on the vehicle type, the emission mode RPM and power start-up duration can be varied. The vehicle's emission mode RPM and power start-up duration can be determined through vehicle testing and converted into data, which can then be stored in a controller 150 such as an engine control unit (ECU).

[0060] The controller 150 can be configured to execute a condensate drain mode based on preset emission mode RPMs and power start-up durations, depending on the vehicle type. In hybrid vehicles, since a significant amount of condensate may remain in the exhaust system compared to gasoline / diesel vehicles, at least one of the emission mode RPMs or power start-up durations can be set to be greater than that of gasoline / diesel vehicles. For example, in a gasoline vehicle, the condensate drain mode (e.g., automatic emission mode) in Park Mode (P) can be executed at 2000 rpm for 30 seconds, while in a hybrid vehicle, the condensate drain mode (e.g., automatic emission mode) in Park Mode (P) can be executed at 2500 rpm for 60 seconds. The purpose of executing the condensate drain mode is to reduce the amount of condensate remaining to mitigate problems caused by condensate freezing, rather than to completely drain the condensate remaining in the exhaust system. Therefore, depending on the vehicle type, the emission mode RPMs or power start-up durations to be set may be less than the aforementioned emission mode RPMs or power start-up durations.

[0061] In this way, the control device 100 for discharging condensate according to an embodiment of the present invention can be universally installed on various vehicle types by setting a preset amount of discharge mode revolutions and a preset power start-up maintenance period, depending on the type of vehicle.

[0062] If the power start is not immediately deactivated after the user presses the start button and enters the condensate drain mode, it may be identified as a vehicle malfunction. With this in mind, the controller 150 can be configured to guide the user through the display unit 170 to indicate the progress status of the automatic discharge mode. For example, the start of the automatic discharge mode, the progress status (elapse of the power start maintenance period), and the end can be displayed on the instrument panel (dashboard) (see [link]). Figures 5A to 5CSince users can recognize the condensate discharge through such a display, it is convenient for them to predict the time it will take until the condensate discharge mode ends, and users will not mistakenly regard the progress of the condensate discharge mode as a failure.

[0063] In manual venting mode, when the conditions for venting condensate are met, the display unit 170 instructs the user to operate the accelerator pedal to vent the condensate. In automatic venting mode, no user intervention is required, but in manual venting mode, user intervention may be necessary. Therefore, manual venting mode is less resistant to user intervention compared to automatic venting mode.

[0064] In manual emission mode, the controller 150 can be configured to inform the user of accelerator pedal operation during a preset power-start maintenance period via the display unit 170, and to inform the user of the progress status of the manual emission mode via the display unit 170. For example, the controller 150 can be configured to inform the user of accelerator pedal operation via the instrument panel (dashboard) and display the elapsed power-start maintenance period (see [link]). Figures 9A to 9D ).

[0065] Additionally, when the user's operation of the accelerator pedal meets the set criteria, the controller 150 can be configured to guide the end of condensate drainage via the display unit 170, stop the engine, and disable power start.

[0066] In this case, the setting criterion for operating the accelerator pedal can be set to whether the user has operated the accelerator pedal during the power start-up maintenance period.

[0067] Even if the user operates the accelerator pedal, if the operation is too short or the engine speed is too low, condensate may not drain sufficiently. To address this, a setting for accelerator pedal operation can be set based on the duration of the accelerator pedal operation within the power-on hold period or the engine speed at which the accelerator pedal is operated. For example, if the power-on hold period is 30 seconds, and the user operates the accelerator pedal at 2000 rpm or higher for 20 seconds or more, this setting can be configured to meet the criteria.

[0068] As described in the automatic emission mode, even in the manual emission mode, the power start-up duration can be predetermined through experimentation, depending on the vehicle type. For example, depending on the vehicle type, the controller 150 can guide the execution of the manual emission mode within a preset power start-up duration via the display unit 170.

[0069] When the user does not operate the accelerator pedal at all during the power-start maintenance period, the controller 150 can indicate through the display unit 170 that condensate has not been drained, and can stop the engine and deactivate the power start. Additionally, if the accelerator pedal operation does not meet the set criteria, even if the user operates the accelerator pedal during the power-start maintenance period, the controller 150 can still indicate through the display unit 170 that condensate drainage is insufficient. In this way, the user is aware of the possibility of condensate freezing by indicating that condensate has not been drained or has been drained insufficiently. Therefore, if concerned about the possibility of condensate freezing, the user can restart the power start to continue draining the condensate.

[0070] When the power start maintenance period is completed, the controller 150 can be configured to indicate the end of condensate drainage, no condensate drainage, or insufficient condensate drainage via the display unit 170, and stop the engine and turn off the power start.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 The process of discharging condensate from the main muffler 240 in condensate discharge mode will be described.

[0072] The main muffler 240 can be connected to the intake pipe 242 through which exhaust gases generated by the engine are introduced and the exhaust pipe 243 through which exhaust gases are discharged from the vehicle to the outside, and the tailpipe 245 can be connected to the exhaust pipe 243. A baffle (not shown) dividing the internal space of the muffler housing 241 into multiple chambers can be installed in the main muffler 240, and a metal carrier with an oxidation catalyst and a filter can be provided, but the structure of the main muffler 240 is schematically shown in [the diagram]. Figure 3 middle.

[0073] When the condensate discharge mode is activated, the condensate remaining on the bottom surface 241a of the muffler housing 241 can be drawn into the exhaust pipe 243 by the flow rate of the exhaust gas and can be discharged to the outside along with the exhaust gas. As the engine speed increases and the power start-up maintenance period increases, the amount of such condensate discharged can increase.

[0074] Table 1 lists the experimental data on the residual amount of condensate before and after implementing the condensate drain mode. The residual amount of condensate in the central pipe 211, central silencer 230, main silencer pipe 212, and main silencer 240 was measured before and after implementing the condensate drain mode. Figure 1 As shown. The condensate drain mode is for gasoline vehicles, and the automatic drain mode during idling operates at 2000 rpm (drain mode rpm) for 30 seconds (power start maintenance period).

[0075] As shown in Table 1, as a result of implementing the condensate drainage mode, it was confirmed that the amount of condensate remaining in the center muffler 230 and the main muffler pipe 212 before the main muffler 240, as well as the amount of condensate remaining in the main muffler 240, was reduced. Compared to the total amount of condensate remaining before implementing the condensate drainage mode, the total amount of condensate remaining after implementing the condensate drainage mode was reduced by approximately 82%.

[0076] By implementing the condensate drainage mode in this way, the total amount of condensate remaining in the exhaust system can be reduced, and therefore, even if the remaining condensate freezes, various problems such as exhaust system cracks or damage, poor power starting, etc. can still be significantly overcome.

[0077] Table 1

[0078]

[0079] Next, refer to Figures 4 to 10 A control method (S100) for discharging condensate water according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The control method (S100) for discharging condensate water according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a reference. Figures 1 to 3 The method of configuring the control device 100 for discharging condensate is described. Therefore, the description of the control device 100 can be applied to the control method (S100). For ease of explanation and to avoid repetition, the control method (S100) will be briefly described, and its detailed description will be replaced by the description of the control device 100.

[0080] First, refer to Figures 4 to 7 An embodiment of a control method (S100) for discharging condensate with an automatic discharge mode is described.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method (S100) for discharging condensate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5A to 5C An image showing the process status displayed on the dashboard to guide the condensate drain mode is shown, and Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 The flowchart shows a modified example of the control method (S100) for discharging condensate.

[0082] Reference Figure 4The control method (S100) for discharging condensate according to the embodiment may include a signal receiving operation (S110) for receiving a power start-stop signal; a temperature comparison operation (S120) for comparing outdoor air temperature information with a set temperature value when the power start-stop signal is input; and a condensate discharge mode execution operation (S130) for executing a condensate discharge mode that discharges condensate from the exhaust system to the outside when the outdoor air temperature information is equal to or lower than the set temperature value.

[0083] In the signal receiving operation (S110), when the user presses the start button to turn off the engine (OFF), a power start-off signal can be received. Additionally, the signal receiving operation (S110) can receive information regarding which state of the transmission mode is indicated and when the power start-off signal is received in park mode (P mode) or neutral mode (N mode), and a temperature comparison operation (S120) will be performed.

[0084] In the temperature comparison operation (S120), when a power start-off signal is input, the outdoor air temperature information can be compared with a set temperature value to determine whether condensate needs to be drained. The outdoor air temperature information can be configured to measure the outdoor air temperature outside the vehicle or the outdoor air temperature flowing into the intake manifold. The outdoor air temperature information can be obtained by receiving the expected outdoor air temperature value over time through communication with the outside world, as well as the directly measured outdoor air temperature value.

[0085] The set temperature value can be set to 0°C, which can be the temperature at which condensate freezes (e.g., the freezing point), but is not limited to this. For example, the set temperature value can be set to a temperature that can prevent the exhaust pipe 210 from becoming blocked or the exhaust system from being deformed or damaged due to excessive freezing of condensate (e.g., -2°C).

[0086] When the outdoor air temperature is higher than the set temperature, condensation freezing may not be a concern. Therefore, the engine can be stopped and the power starter can be turned off (S180).

[0087] When the outdoor air temperature is lower than the set temperature value, the condensate discharge mode execution operation (S130) can be performed to discharge the condensate from the exhaust system to the outside.

[0088] When the temperature information received from the temperature receiver 120 after the input power start-stop signal is equal to or lower than the set temperature value, the condensate drain mode can be executed.

[0089] Specifically, the condensate discharge mode can be configured so that when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or lower than a set temperature value, the engine will not immediately stop even if a power start shutdown signal is input. For example, during a preset power start maintenance period, the engine can remain in the power start-on state without shutting off the power start. Therefore, the engine can be in an idling state (S131).

[0090] The condensate draining mode may include an automatic draining mode, which controls the engine drive to idle at a preset amount of draining mode RPM during a preset power start-up sustain period and then stops the engine. Figure 4 The operation of the condensate discharge mode, including the automatic discharge mode, is shown (S130).

[0091] The operation (S130) in the condensate discharge mode under the automatic discharge mode (S130) may include operation via the display unit ( Figure 2 The process of instructing the user on the progress status of the automatic discharge mode (S140) is described in section 170. For example, in the condensate discharge mode execution operation (S130), the start and progress of the automatic discharge mode (the elapsed time of the preset power start-up maintenance period) can be displayed on the instrument panel (dashboard). See reference... Figures 5A to 5C , Figure 5A and Figure 5B The dashboard screen displays the process status of the automatic emission mode according to the preset power start-up duration.

[0092] The automatic emission mode can be configured to allow the engine to idle at a preset emission mode speed during a preset power start-up maintenance period (S160).

[0093] When the automatic emission mode is completed, the user can be guided to the completion status of the emission mode via the display unit (S170). As an example, the completion status of the automatic emission mode can be displayed on the dashboard screen, such as... Figure 5C As shown. Additionally, when the automatic emission mode is complete, the engine can be stopped and the power starter can be turned off (S180).

[0094] Figure 6 The control method (S101) for discharging condensate shown can have the same characteristics as... Figure 4 The control method (S100) shown has the same configuration, except that it is the same as... Figure 4 Compared to the control method shown, this method also includes operation (S150), namely, determining the vehicle type and setting emission mode operating conditions based on the determined vehicle type to change the automatic emission mode depending on the determined vehicle type. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, detailed descriptions of the same or similar configurations will be replaced with... Figure 4Those described in the text, and will only describe components with different configurations.

[0095] exist Figure 6 In the process of performing the condensate discharge mode, the vehicle type can be determined (S151), and the discharge mode operating conditions can be set according to the determined vehicle type (S152).

[0096] Since the amount of condensate remaining in the exhaust system varies for different vehicle types, the power start-up duration and emission mode RPM can be set differently depending on the vehicle type. The emission mode RPM and power start-up duration for each vehicle type can be determined experimentally and converted into data, which can then be stored in a controller 150 such as an engine control unit (ECU). In this way, by setting preset emission mode RPM and preset power start-up duration according to the vehicle type, the control method S101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be universally applied to various vehicle types.

[0097] When the emission mode operating conditions are set according to the determined vehicle type (S152), the engine can idle at a preset emission mode speed during the preset power start maintenance period according to the vehicle model (S163), and when the automatic emission mode is completed, the completion status of the emission mode can be displayed (S170), and the engine can be stopped and the power start can be turned off (S180).

[0098] Figure 7 The control method (S102) for discharging condensate shown can have the same characteristics as... Figure 4 The control method (S100) shown has the same configuration, except that it is the same as... Figure 4 Compared to the control method (S100) shown, this method also includes operation (S151), namely, setting the operating conditions for the automatic emission mode according to the vehicle type. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, detailed descriptions of the same or similar configurations will be replaced with... Figure 4 Those described in the text, and will only describe components with different configurations.

[0099] exist Figure 7 In the process of implementing the condensate discharge mode, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle type is a gasoline / diesel vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) (S151), and the condensate discharge mode can be executed according to the emission mode operating conditions corresponding to gasoline / diesel vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (S160). Figure 6 In this system, emission modes can be set separately according to various detailed vehicle types (such as exhaust volume, fuel type, engine specifications, etc.). Figure 7 In China, because it can only distinguish between the emission modes of gasoline / diesel vehicles and hybrid vehicles, it is different from... Figure 6In comparison, it can provide a simpler configuration.

[0100] For example, in a gasoline / diesel vehicle, the engine can idle at a first emission mode speed during a first power start-up maintenance period (S161), and in a hybrid vehicle, the engine can idle at a second emission mode speed during a second power start-up maintenance period (S162).

[0101] Since hybrid vehicles have an electric motor drive mode that drives only the electric motor when the engine is off, at least one of the second power start-up duration or the second emission mode RPM can have a value greater than the first power start-up duration or the first emission mode RPM, taking into account the fact that more condensate is generated compared to gasoline / diesel vehicles.

[0102] When the automatic emission mode is completed, the completion status of the emission mode can be displayed (S170), and the engine can be stopped and the power start can be turned off (S180).

[0103] Next, we will refer to Figures 8 to 10 An embodiment of a control method (S103) for discharging condensate with a manual discharge mode is described.

[0104] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method (S103) for discharging condensate according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9A to 9D An image showing the process status displayed on the dashboard to guide the condensate drain mode is shown, and Figure 10 It is shown Figure 8 The flowchart shows a modified example of the control method (S103) for discharging condensate.

[0105] Figure 8 The control method (S103) for discharging condensate shown can be related to discharging condensate in a manual discharge mode, and can include a signal receiving operation (S110) for receiving a power start-stop signal; a temperature comparison operation (S120) for comparing outdoor air temperature information with a set temperature value when a power start-stop signal is input; and a condensate discharge mode execution operation (S130) for discharging condensate from the exhaust system to the outside when the outdoor air temperature information is equal to or lower than the set temperature value, similar to... Figure 4 The control method shown. Since the signal receiving operation (S110) and the temperature comparison operation (S120) can be combined with... Figure 4 The same applies to the embodiments described above, therefore detailed descriptions will be omitted and replaced with the descriptions above.

[0106] In manual exhaust mode, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature value, the engine may not stop immediately even if a power start off signal is input, similar to automatic exhaust mode. For example, during a preset power start maintenance period, the engine can remain in the power start on state without shutting off the power start. Therefore, the engine can be in an idling state (S135).

[0107] In manual venting mode, if it is necessary to operate the accelerator pedal to vent condensate, the user can be guided via the display unit (S145). For example, as... Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, the accelerator pedal operation can be guided to the user, and the elapsed preset power start-up duration can be displayed on the instrument panel (dashboard).

[0108] It can be determined whether the user performed the accelerator pedal operation within the preset power start-up maintenance period (S165). When the accelerator pedal operation was performed and the power start-up maintenance period has elapsed, the completion status of the manual emission mode can be displayed, such as... Figure 9C As shown in (S170). After this, the engine can be stopped and the power starter can be turned off (S180).

[0109] When no accelerator pedal operation is performed during the power start-up maintenance period, such as Figure 9D As shown, it can display that no condensate has been drained (S171), and the engine can be stopped and the power start can be turned off (S180). Since the undrained condensate can be displayed to inform the user of the possibility of condensate freezing, the user can turn the power start back on to continue draining the condensate when concerned about the possibility of condensate freezing.

[0110] When the outdoor air temperature is higher than the set temperature value when the power start-off signal is input (S120), the engine can be stopped and the power start can be turned off (S180) because there is no need to drain the condensate.

[0111] Given the following facts, namely Figure 10 The control method (S104) further includes determining whether the user's accelerator pedal operation meets the set criteria (S167) even after the user has performed the accelerator pedal operation (S165). Figure 10 The control method (S104) for discharging condensate shown may differ from... Figure 8 The control method shown is (S103). For example, Figure 10 The control method (S104) in the middle can have the same as Figure 8The control method shown (S103) has the same configuration, except that it also includes an operation (S167) to determine whether the user's accelerator pedal operation meets the set criteria. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, a detailed description of the same or similar configuration will be replaced with... Figure 8 Those described in the text, and will only describe components with different configurations.

[0112] Even when a user operates the accelerator pedal, if the operation is too short or the engine speed is too low, condensate may not drain sufficiently. To address this, accelerator pedal operation can be configured to meet a set standard based on the duration of the accelerator pedal operation within the power-on hold period or the engine speed at which the accelerator pedal is operated. For example, if the power-on hold period is 30 seconds and the user operates the accelerator pedal at 2000 rpm or higher for 20 seconds or more, this can be considered to meet the set standard.

[0113] When the accelerator pedal is operated during the power start-up maintenance period (S165) and the accelerator pedal operation meets the set criteria (S167), the completion status of the manual emission mode can be displayed on the instrument panel, such as... Figure 9C As shown in S170. Even if accelerator pedal operation is performed during the power start-up maintenance period (S165), and the accelerator pedal operation does not meet the set criteria, such as insufficient accelerator pedal operation time and / or insufficient engine speed (S167), the display can indicate to the user that the condensate is not being drained sufficiently (S172), so that the user is aware of the possibility of condensate freezing. Additionally, when no accelerator pedal operation is performed during the power start-up maintenance period, such as... Figure 9D As shown, it can be indicated that condensate has not been drained (S171). After this, the engine can be stopped and the power starter can be turned off (S180).

[0114] In this way, in manual discharge mode, if the user is concerned about the condensate freezing, the system can guide the user to restart the engine to discharge the condensate by informing them that the condensate has not been discharged or has not been discharged sufficiently.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the invention with such a configuration, condensate can be drained without forming a drain hole in the exhaust system. In other words, according to an embodiment of the invention, by maintaining the engine in an idling state after receiving a power start-stop signal, the amount of condensate remaining in the exhaust system can be reduced. For example, condensate can be easily drained by simply changing the control method without changing the configuration of the exhaust system.

[0116] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, by reducing the amount of condensate remaining in the exhaust system, it is possible to prevent exhaust pipe blockage and exhaust system deformation or damage caused by the freezing of condensate.

[0117] According to embodiments of the present invention, condensate can be discharged even under conditions where it may freeze, as recognized by the user. Therefore, by predicting the time elapsed until the condensate discharge pattern ends, convenience can be provided to the user, preventing them from mistakenly perceiving the progress of the condensate discharge pattern as a malfunction.

[0118] While exemplary embodiments have been described and illustrated above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0119] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, some components may be implemented in a state of deletion, and the configurations of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A control device for discharging condensate, the control device comprising: A signal receiver configured to receive a power start off signal for shutting off the power start of the engine; A temperature receiver configured to receive outdoor air temperature information; and A controller configured to execute a condensate drain mode in response to the signal receiver receiving the power start off signal and the outdoor air temperature information received from the temperature receiver being equal to or lower than a set temperature value, wherein the condensate drain mode maintains the engine power start during a preset power start maintenance period so that the engine is in an idling state.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, The condensate discharge mode includes an automatic discharge mode, which is configured to control the engine drive during the preset power start-up maintenance period so that the engine idles at a preset discharge mode speed and then stops.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, The preset emission mode speed is set to a value that is greater than the engine speed under idling conditions.

4. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, The preset emission mode speed and the preset power start-up duration have preset values ​​based on vehicle type.

5. The control device according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is configured to guide the progress status of the automatic emission mode via a display unit.

6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, The condensate drainage mode includes a manual drainage mode, which is configured to indicate via a display unit that the accelerator pedal needs to be operated to drain the condensate.

7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein, The controller is configured to inform the user of accelerator pedal operation during the preset power start-up maintenance period via the display unit in the manual emission mode, and to inform the user of the progress status of the manual emission mode via the display unit.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is configured to notify the completion of condensate drainage via the display unit and to stop the engine in response to the accelerator pedal operation meeting a set standard.

9. The control device according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is configured to inform the user via the display unit that the condensate has not been drained or has not been drained sufficiently, and to stop the engine in response to the absence of the accelerator pedal operation during the power start-up maintenance period or in response to the accelerator pedal operation not meeting a set standard.

10. The control device of claim 1, further comprising a transmission mode checking unit, the transmission mode checking unit being configured to check whether the transmission mode indicates a parking mode or a neutral mode, wherein the controller is configured to execute the condensate discharge mode when the power start-stop signal is received in the parking mode or the neutral mode and the outdoor air temperature information is equal to or lower than the set temperature value.

11. A method for controlling the discharge of condensate, the method comprising: Signal receiving operation for receiving a power start-off signal used to shut off the power start of the engine; In response to receiving the power start-stop signal, a temperature comparison operation is performed to compare the outdoor air temperature information with a set temperature value. and In response to the outdoor air temperature information being equal to or lower than the set temperature value, a condensate discharge mode execution operation is performed to discharge the condensate from the exhaust system to the outside, wherein the condensate discharge mode maintains the engine power start during a preset power start maintenance period so that the engine is in an idling state.

12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein, The condensate discharge mode includes an automatic discharge mode, which controls the engine drive during the preset power start-up maintenance period to make the engine idle at a preset discharge mode speed and then stop the engine.

13. The control method according to claim 12, wherein, The emission mode execution operation includes setting the preset emission mode revolutions and the power start-up maintenance period based on the vehicle type.

14. The control method according to claim 12, wherein, The operation of the emission mode includes providing the process status of the automatic emission mode through the display unit.

15. The control method according to claim 11, wherein, The condensate drainage mode includes a manual drainage mode, in which the display unit indicates that the accelerator pedal needs to be operated to drain the condensate.

16. The control method according to claim 15, wherein, The operation performed in the emission mode includes: In the manual emission mode, the display unit instructs the accelerator pedal operation to begin during the preset power start-up sustain period; and The display unit provides the progress status of the manual emission mode.

17. A method for controlling the discharge of condensate, the method comprising: Receives a power start off signal for shutting off the power start of the engine; In response to receiving the power start-stop signal, the outdoor air temperature information is compared with the set temperature value; Check if the transmission mode indicator shows Park mode or Neutral mode; and In response to receiving the power start off signal in the parking mode or the neutral mode and the outdoor air temperature information being equal to or lower than the set temperature value, a condensate drain mode is executed, the condensate drain mode including draining condensate from the exhaust system to the outside, wherein the condensate drain mode maintains the engine power start during a preset power start maintenance period so that the engine is in an idling state.

18. The control method according to claim 17, wherein, The condensate discharge mode includes an automatic discharge mode, which controls the engine drive during the preset power start-up maintenance period to make the engine idle at a preset discharge mode speed and then stop the engine.

19. The control method according to claim 18, further comprising providing the process status of the automatic emission mode via a display unit.

20. The control method according to claim 17, wherein, The condensate drainage mode includes a manual drainage mode, in which the accelerator pedal needs to be operated to drain the condensate. The method further includes: In the manual emission mode, the display unit instructs the user to begin the accelerator pedal operation during the preset power start-up sustain period; and The display unit provides the progress status of the manual emission mode.

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