Methods, devices, equipment and media for controlling heater valves in vehicle thermal management systems

Abstract

This application discloses a method, control device, electronic equipment, and storage medium for controlling the heater valve in a vehicle thermal management system. The heater valve in this solution is an electronically controlled valve. The solution first obtains the coolant temperature. If the coolant temperature is too high or too low, the heater valve is closed to ensure normal engine operation. If the coolant temperature is within the normal range, it further determines whether there is a need for passenger compartment cooling and determines the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the coolant temperature and the need for passenger compartment cooling. Furthermore, if there is no need for passenger compartment cooling, the heater valve is opened and closed based on the coolant temperature and the need for passenger compartment heating. This achieves flexible switching of the heater valve's opening and closing state as needed, thereby achieving a balance between vehicle safety, economy, and comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a method, control device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium for controlling the heater valve of a vehicle thermal management system. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle's thermal management system typically includes an engine, a cooling circuit, and a heating circuit. Coolant flowing from the engine can either be cooled by the cooling circuit and then return to the engine, or it can flow through the heating circuit and then back to the engine. The heating circuit generally includes a heater valve and a heater unit. The heater valve controls the flow rate of coolant from the engine to the heater unit. When the heater valve is open, high-temperature coolant can flow through the heater valve to the heater unit to heat the passenger compartment.

[0003] In the existing technology, there are two types of heater valves: The first type is a wax thermostat structure. The wax thermostat uses the deformation of paraffin wax at high and low temperatures to push the central rod and thus control the opening and closing of the valve. It is designed to open when the cooling water temperature reaches a certain temperature, so that the cooling water can enter the heating circuit. However, it cannot actively control the opening and closing state of the heater valve as needed. The second type is an electrically controlled valve, which is also based on the cooling water temperature to control the heater valve.

[0004] The above method, which uses water temperature as the sole control condition for opening and closing the heater valve, lacks flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of the prior art, this application provides a method, control device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium for controlling the heater valve of a vehicle thermal management system.

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for controlling a heater valve in a vehicle thermal management system is disclosed. The heater valve is an electronically controlled valve, and the heater valve controls the flow rate of coolant from the engine to the heater unit. The control method includes:

[0007] Obtain the temperature of the cooling water;

[0008] If the cooling water temperature is below the first temperature threshold, determine whether there is a current need for cabin cooling.

[0009] The opening and closing of the heating valve is determined based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for cabin cooling.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, determining the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current cooling demand in the passenger compartment includes:

[0011] If there is a current need for cooling in the passenger compartment, and the water temperature of the cooling water is above the second temperature threshold, the vehicle driving condition is obtained; the second temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold.

[0012] The opening and closing of the heater valve is determined based on the vehicle's driving conditions.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, determining the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the vehicle driving conditions includes:

[0014] If the vehicle is being driven aggressively, turn on the heater valve;

[0015] If the vehicle is not under aggressive driving conditions, turn off the heater valve;

[0016] The acquisition of vehicle driving conditions includes:

[0017] Obtain engine speed and engine torque;

[0018] If the engine speed is above the speed threshold and maintained for a preset time, and / or the engine torque is above the torque threshold and maintained for a preset time, the vehicle driving condition is identified as an aggressive driving condition.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, determining the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current cooling demand in the passenger compartment further includes:

[0020] If there is a current need for cooling in the passenger compartment, and the temperature of the cooling water is below the second temperature threshold, the heating valve is closed.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, after obtaining the water temperature of the cooling water, the control method further includes:

[0022] If the cooling water temperature reaches or exceeds the first temperature threshold, the heater valve is closed.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, after determining the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current occupant cabin cooling demand, the control method further includes:

[0024] If there is no current need for cabin cooling, determine if there is a current need for cabin heating.

[0025] The opening and closing of the heating valve is determined based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for crew cabin heating.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, determining the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for cabin heating includes:

[0027] If there is a current need for heating in the passenger compartment, and the cooling water temperature is above the third temperature threshold, the heating valve is opened; the third temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold.

[0028] If there is a current need for heating in the passenger compartment, and the cooling water temperature is below the third temperature threshold, the heating valve will be closed.

[0029] If there is no current need for cabin heating and the cooling water temperature is above the fourth temperature threshold, the heater valve is opened; the fourth temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold and greater than the third temperature threshold.

[0030] If there is no current need for cabin heating and the cooling water temperature is below the fourth temperature threshold, the heating valve will be closed.

[0031] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a heater valve control device for a vehicle thermal management system is disclosed. The heater valve is an electronically controlled valve that controls the flow rate of coolant from the engine to the heater. The control device includes:

[0032] Water temperature acquisition module, used to acquire the temperature of cooling water;

[0033] The demand determination module is used to determine whether there is a current demand for occupant cabin cooling when the cooling water temperature is below a first temperature threshold.

[0034] The valve control module is used to determine the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for cabin cooling.

[0035] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is disclosed, including a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the processor executes the computer program, the electronic device implements the control method described above.

[0036] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is disclosed, the computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when the computer program is run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the control method described above.

[0037] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0038] The technical solution provided in this application realizes an active strategy for opening and closing the heater valve based on the engine coolant temperature and whether there is a current need for passenger compartment cooling. When the coolant temperature is below a first temperature threshold, it further determines whether there is a need for passenger compartment cooling and determines the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the coolant temperature and whether there is a need for passenger compartment cooling. This enables flexible switching of the heater valve's opening and closing state as needed. For example, when the coolant temperature is not very high and there is a need for passenger compartment cooling, the heater valve can be closed to prevent the heater from outputting hot air to the passenger compartment and affecting the passenger compartment cooling effect, thereby reducing the vehicle's cooling energy consumption.

[0039] Furthermore, this application closes the heater valve when the coolant temperature reaches or exceeds a first temperature threshold, thereby increasing the coolant flow through the cooling circuit and improving engine operating safety. This achieves a reduction in vehicle cooling energy consumption while ensuring engine operating safety.

[0040] Furthermore, this application allows for rapid engine warm-up by closing the heater valve when there is a need for passenger compartment cooling and the coolant temperature is below the second temperature threshold. Conversely, when there is a need for passenger compartment cooling and the coolant temperature is above the second temperature threshold under aggressive driving conditions, opening the heater valve reduces the temperature difference between the engine inlet and outlet coolant, ensuring vehicle safety. Under non-aggressive driving conditions, the heater valve is closed to ensure cooling needs are met and reduce cooling power consumption.

[0041] Furthermore, this application determines whether there is a need for passenger compartment heating when there is no need for passenger compartment cooling, and executes corresponding control strategies based on whether there is a need for passenger compartment heating, thereby realizing flexible switching of the opening and closing state of the heater valve as needed, thus achieving a balance between vehicle safety, economy and comfort.

[0042] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0044] Figure 1 This is an architectural diagram of a vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a heating valve control method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A detailed flowchart of step S103b in the corresponding embodiment.

[0047] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A detailed flowchart of step S203b in the corresponding embodiment.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a heating valve control method according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A detailed flowchart of step S404b in the corresponding embodiment.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a heating valve control method according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the components of a heater valve control device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0054] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0055] 10. Engine; 20. Cooling circuit; 21. Thermostat; 22. Radiator; 30. Heating circuit; 31. Heater valve; 32. Heater unit; 33. First pipeline; 34. Second pipeline; 40. Water pump; 200. Control device; 210. Water temperature acquisition module; 220. Demand determination module; 230. Valve control module; 240. Operating condition acquisition module; 300. Electronic equipment; 301. Processor; 302. Memory; 400. Computer system; 401. CPU; 402. ROM; 403. Storage section; 404. RAM; 405. Bus; 406. I / O interface; 407. Input section; 408. Output section; 409. Communication section; 410. Driver; 411. Removable media. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0057] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known methods, apparatuses, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this application.

[0058] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0059] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0060] Figure 1 This is an architectural diagram of a vehicle thermal management system according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 As shown in one example, the vehicle thermal management system mainly includes an engine 10, a cooling circuit 20, and a heating circuit 30.

[0061] During operation, the engine 10 generates a large amount of heat. The heat generated by the engine 10 is transferred to the cooling water, which carries away the heat from the engine 10, thus keeping the engine 10 operating within a certain temperature range.

[0062] Cooling circuit 20 includes a large loop and a small loop. In the large loop, coolant flows out from the outlet of engine 10, passes through thermostat 21, and then flows to radiator 22. Radiator 22 dissipates heat from the coolant, and the cooled water then flows back to the inlet of engine 10 via pipes. In the small loop, coolant flows out from the outlet of engine 10, passes through thermostat 21, and then flows back to the inlet of engine 10 via pipes. That is, unlike the large loop, in the small loop, engine coolant does not pass through radiator 22.

[0063] The heating circuit 30 includes a heater valve 31, a heater unit 32, a first pipe 33, and a second pipe 34. The heater valve 31 is an electrically controlled valve located between the engine 10 and the heater unit 32, controlling the flow rate of cooling water from the engine 10 to the heater unit 32. When the heater valve 31 is open, high-temperature cooling water flows from the outlet of the engine 10 and through the heater valve 31 and the first pipe 33 to the heater unit 32. The heater unit 32 has a cooling water flow channel and an air flow channel. When the heater valve 31 is open, the high-temperature cooling water flows through the heater valve 31 and the first pipe 33 to the cooling water flow channel of the heater unit 32. In the cooling water flow channel, the high-temperature cooling water exchanges heat with the air in the air flow channel, heating the air in the air flow channel to utilize the heat generated by the engine 10 to heat the passenger compartment. The cooling water flowing out of the cooling water channel returns to the water inlet of the engine 10 via the second pipe 34.

[0064] Furthermore, a water pump 40 can be installed at the water inlet of the engine 10 to adjust the flow rate of cooling water in each pipeline to meet the cooling water flow requirements.

[0065] The inventors discovered that when there is a cooling demand in the passenger compartment, if the heater valve 31 remains open, the heater unit 32 outputs hot air into the passenger compartment due to heat exchange between the high-temperature coolant and the air in the airflow channel. In the passenger compartment, the hot air mixes with the cold air output by the air conditioner, resulting in poor cooling performance and high air conditioning energy consumption. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to shut off the heating circuit 30 when there is a cooling demand in the passenger compartment. However, the traditional wax-type thermostat heater valve can only passively adjust based on the engine coolant temperature. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches a certain level, such as 40-50°C, the wax-type thermostat heater valve remains open and cannot shut off the heating circuit as needed. Existing vehicles using electronically controlled valves for the heater valve also rely on coolant temperature control, resulting in a simplistic opening and closing strategy and high cooling energy consumption in the passenger compartment.

[0066] Furthermore, the inventors discovered that when the engine is operating at high water temperatures, such as when the engine coolant temperature reaches 108°C, if the heater valve 31 remains open, the cooling water flow through the cooling circuit 20 will decrease because some of the cooling water is diverted from the heating circuit 30. This could eventually cause the engine 10 to overheat due to insufficient cooling capacity. Therefore, even when there is a need for cabin heating, it is desirable to close the heating circuit 30 when the engine 10 is operating at high water temperatures to increase the cooling water flow through the cooling circuit 20, prevent the engine 10 from overheating, and improve the operational safety of the engine 10.

[0067] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new method to control the heater valve, which can proactively adopt the appropriate heater valve opening and closing strategy based on factors such as engine coolant temperature and whether there is a current need for passenger compartment cooling, while taking into account the vehicle's safety, economy, and comfort.

[0068] The heating valve control method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific implementation methods.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a heater valve control method according to an exemplary embodiment. The execution subject of this method can be a vehicle, specifically the vehicle's overall controller. The method mainly includes the following steps S101 to S106. Each step is described in detail below.

[0070] Step S101: Obtain the temperature of the cooling water.

[0071] Specifically, a water temperature sensor can be installed on the coolant outlet side of the engine to detect the temperature of the coolant flowing out of the engine, and the coolant temperature can be obtained by acquiring the detection data of the water temperature sensor.

[0072] Step S102: Determine whether the cooling water temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S103a; if no, proceed to step S103b.

[0073] In one example, the first temperature threshold is 108°C. That is, if the coolant temperature obtained in step S101 reaches 108°C, proceed to step S103a; otherwise, proceed to step S103b. When the coolant temperature reaches 108°C, the engine is already in a high-temperature state. If the engine remains in this high-temperature state for a long time, it will lead to high-temperature safety risks. Therefore, 108°C is used as the first temperature threshold to prevent high-temperature safety issues.

[0074] It should be noted that the first temperature threshold can also be adjusted according to the actual situation of the engine, and is not limited to 108℃.

[0075] Step S103a: Close the heater valve.

[0076] At this time, in high-temperature protection mode, the cooling water does not pass through the heating circuit, but instead passes through the cooling circuit to cool down, and then flows back to the engine. This ensures that there is enough cooling water flowing through the radiator to participate in the large circulation, thereby achieving rapid cooling.

[0077] After the heater valve is turned off, the cooling water temperature will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, the cooling water temperature is still monitored even after the heater valve is turned off. When the monitored cooling water temperature drops below the fifth temperature threshold, for example, the fifth temperature threshold is 103℃, the high temperature protection mode is exited.

[0078] In one example, after step S103a, the following is also included:

[0079] Step S104: Maintain operation for a first duration with the heater valve closed. Then, proceed to step S105.

[0080] Step S105: Determine whether the cooling water temperature is lower than the fifth temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S106; otherwise, keep the heater valve closed.

[0081] That is, if the cooling water temperature is determined to drop to less than 103°C, proceed to step S106; if the cooling water temperature still reaches 103°C, keep the heater valve closed until the cooling water temperature drops to less than 103°C, then proceed to step S106.

[0082] Step S106: Switch the heater valve to the open position.

[0083] It should be noted that in other embodiments, after step S103a, the water temperature of the cooling water can be obtained in real time. Once the water temperature of the cooling water drops to less than 103°C, step S106 is entered to switch the heater valve to the open state.

[0084] S103b, determine whether there is a current need for crew cabin cooling, and determine the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for crew cabin cooling.

[0085] Specifically, it can be determined whether there is a current need for cooling in the passenger compartment based on whether the vehicle's air conditioning system receives a cooling request. More specifically, if the vehicle's air conditioning system receives a cooling request, it is considered that there is a current need for cooling in the passenger compartment; if the vehicle's air conditioning system does not receive a cooling request, it is considered that there is no current need for cooling in the passenger compartment.

[0086] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A detailed flowchart of step S103b in the corresponding embodiment. See also... Figure 3 As shown, step 103b mainly includes the following steps S201 to S203.

[0087] Step S201: Determine if there is a current need for cabin cooling. If there is a current need for cabin cooling, proceed to step S202.

[0088] Step S202: Determine whether the cooling water temperature is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S203a; if no, proceed to step S203b.

[0089] The second temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold. In one example, the first temperature threshold is 108°C and the second temperature threshold is 78°C.

[0090] Step S203a: Close the heater valve.

[0091] When the coolant temperature is below the second temperature threshold, the engine is still in the warm-up phase. Closing the heater valve allows for rapid warm-up. At the same time, the heater system outputs no hot air, thus ensuring cooling performance.

[0092] Step S203b: Obtain the vehicle driving conditions and determine the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the vehicle driving conditions.

[0093] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A detailed flowchart of step S203b in the corresponding embodiment. See also... Figure 4 As shown, step S203b mainly includes the following steps S301 to S303.

[0094] Step S301: Determine whether the vehicle is in an aggressive driving condition. If yes, proceed to step S302a; if no, proceed to step S302b.

[0095] In one example, step S301 specifically includes: obtaining the engine speed; if the engine speed is above the speed threshold and maintained for a preset time, the vehicle driving condition is identified as an aggressive driving condition; otherwise, the vehicle driving condition is identified as a non-aggressive driving condition.

[0096] In one example, step S301 specifically includes: obtaining engine torque; if the engine torque is above the torque threshold and maintained for a preset time, the vehicle driving condition is identified as an aggressive driving condition; otherwise, the vehicle driving condition is identified as a non-aggressive driving condition.

[0097] In one example, step S301 specifically includes: obtaining engine speed and engine torque; if the engine speed is above the speed threshold and maintained for a preset time, or if the engine torque is above the torque threshold and maintained for a preset time, the vehicle driving condition is identified as an aggressive driving condition; otherwise, the vehicle driving condition is identified as a non-aggressive driving condition.

[0098] For example, the engine speed threshold is 3500 rpm, the torque threshold is 120 Nm, and the preset time is 7 seconds. That is, if the engine speed reaches 3500 rpm and is maintained for more than 7 seconds, or the engine torque reaches 120 Nm and is maintained for more than 7 seconds, the vehicle driving condition is identified as an aggressive driving condition; otherwise, the vehicle driving condition is identified as a non-aggressive driving condition.

[0099] Step S302a: Turn on the heater valve.

[0100] Step S302b: Close the heater valve.

[0101] The inventors discovered that under aggressive driving conditions, the increased temperature difference between the engine's inlet and outlet coolant can lead to engine block deformation and safety issues such as engine leaks. Therefore, under aggressive driving conditions, the heater valve is activated to reduce this temperature difference and ensure overall vehicle safety. Conversely, under non-aggressive driving conditions, the heater valve is deactivated to maintain cooling capacity and reduce power consumption. This achieves a balance between vehicle safety, fuel economy, and comfort.

[0102] Furthermore, in one example, when the engine speed drops to less than 3200 rpm or the engine torque drops to less than 80 Nm and remains there for more than 3 seconds; or when the coolant temperature reaches 108°C, it is considered that the vehicle has exited the aggressive driving condition. At this time, step S302b is entered to close the heater valve, so as to ensure the safety of the vehicle while ensuring the cooling demand and reducing the cooling power consumption.

[0103] That is, after step S302a, the following steps are also included:

[0104] Step S303: Determine whether the engine speed is less than a second speed threshold and remains at that threshold for a preset time, or whether the engine torque is less than a second torque threshold and remains at that threshold for a preset time, or whether the coolant temperature has reached a first temperature threshold. If any of these conditions are met, proceed to step S302b and close the heater valve.

[0105] It should be noted that the second speed threshold is lower than the aforementioned speed threshold, and the second torque threshold is lower than the aforementioned torque threshold. For example, the speed threshold is 3500 rpm, the second speed threshold is 3200 rpm; the torque threshold is 120 Nm, and the second torque threshold is 80 Nm.

[0106] In addition, in some embodiments, if it is determined in step S201 that there is no current demand for cabin cooling, it is further determined whether there is current demand for cabin heating, so as to further execute the corresponding control strategy based on whether there is current demand for cabin heating.

[0107] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a heater valve control method according to another exemplary embodiment. (See also...) Figure 5 As shown, the method mainly includes the following steps S401 to S405. Each step is described in detail below.

[0108] Step S401: Obtain the temperature of the cooling water.

[0109] Step S402: Determine whether the cooling water temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S403a; if no, proceed to step S403b.

[0110] Step S403a: Close the heater valve.

[0111] Step S403b: Determine if there is a current need for cabin cooling. If there is a current need for cabin cooling, proceed to step S404a; if there is no current need for cabin cooling, proceed to step S404b.

[0112] Step S404a: Determine whether the cooling water temperature is less than or equal to the second temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S405a; otherwise, proceed to step S405b.

[0113] Step S405a: Close the heater valve.

[0114] Step S405b: Obtain the vehicle driving conditions and determine the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the vehicle driving conditions.

[0115] Step S404b: Determine whether there is a current need for crew cabin heating, and determine the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for crew cabin heating.

[0116] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A detailed flowchart of step S404b in the corresponding embodiment. See also... Figure 6 As shown, step S404b mainly includes the following steps S501 to S503.

[0117] Step S501: Determine if there is a current need for crew cabin heating. If there is a current need for crew cabin heating, proceed to step S502a; if there is no current need for crew cabin heating, proceed to step S502b.

[0118] Specifically, it can be determined whether there is a current need for heating in the passenger compartment based on whether the vehicle's air conditioning system receives a heating request. More specifically, if the vehicle's air conditioning system receives a heating request, it is considered that there is a current need for heating in the passenger compartment; if the vehicle's air conditioning system does not receive a heating request, it is considered that there is currently no need for heating in the passenger compartment.

[0119] Step S502a: Determine whether the cooling water temperature is lower than the third temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S503a; otherwise, proceed to step S503b.

[0120] The third temperature threshold is lower than the first temperature threshold. In one example, the first temperature threshold is 108°C, the second temperature threshold is 78°C, and the third temperature threshold is 65°C.

[0121] Step S503a: Close the heater valve.

[0122] Step S503b: Turn on the heater valve.

[0123] When the coolant temperature is below the third temperature threshold, the engine is considered to be in the rapid warm-up phase. Priority is given to ensuring rapid engine warm-up, and the heater valve is closed to meet heating needs, thus achieving rapid engine warm-up. When the coolant temperature reaches the third temperature threshold, the engine is considered to be in normal operating condition. In response to heating needs, the heater valve is opened to provide heating to the passenger compartment while ensuring normal engine operation, thus balancing vehicle safety and driving comfort.

[0124] Furthermore, in one example, if the coolant temperature drops below a sixth temperature threshold when the heater valve is open, the heater valve will no longer respond to heating demands and will be closed to prioritize the normal operation of the engine. For example, the sixth temperature threshold is 40°C.

[0125] Step S502b: Determine whether the cooling water temperature is less than or equal to the fourth temperature threshold. If yes, proceed to step S503a; otherwise, proceed to step S503b.

[0126] The fourth temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold but greater than the third temperature threshold. In one example, the first temperature threshold is 108℃, the second temperature threshold is 78℃, the third temperature threshold is 65℃, and the fourth temperature threshold is 93℃.

[0127] If there is no heating demand, and the coolant temperature is less than or equal to the fourth temperature threshold, the engine is considered to be in the rapid warm-up phase, and the heater valve is closed; conversely, if the coolant temperature is greater than the fourth temperature threshold, the engine is considered to be in normal operating condition, and the heater valve is opened.

[0128] Furthermore, in one example, if the coolant temperature drops below 78°C or rises above 108°C when the heater valve is open, the heater valve is closed to prioritize the normal operation of the engine.

[0129] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a heater valve control method according to yet another exemplary embodiment, see also... Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, before the vehicle is powered on (the vehicle power-on flag KEY is OFF), the heater valve is in the OFF state by default. This ensures that sufficient coolant participates in the large circulation when the engine is at high water temperature, thereby ensuring engine safety. After the vehicle is powered on (the vehicle power-on flag KEY is ON), the engine coolant temperature sensor is checked. If the coolant temperature sensor is faulty, an alarm is triggered; if the coolant temperature sensor is not faulty, the current coolant temperature of the engine is identified, and the coolant temperature value (Tmot, i.e., the coolant temperature) is read. Next, the control strategy for the heater valve is determined based on Tmot and the cooling and heating requirements.

[0130] First, determine if Tmot ≥ 108℃ (first temperature threshold). If Tmot ≥ 108℃, enter high-temperature protection mode and close the heater valve (OFF) to ensure sufficient coolant flow through the cooling circuit. After maintaining the heater valve OFF for a time T1, if Tmot < 103℃ (fifth temperature threshold), the engine is considered to be operating normally, and the heater valve is switched to ON. If Tmot < 103℃ is not met, the heater valve remains closed. If the Tmot ≥ 108℃ check fails (Tmot < 108℃), further assessment of the passenger compartment cooling requirements is performed.

[0131] If there is a need for passenger compartment cooling (i.e., AC=ON), further determine whether Tmot≤78℃ (the second temperature threshold) is met. If Tmot≤78℃ is met, the heater valve is closed to achieve rapid engine warm-up while ensuring cooling needs are met. If Tmot≤78℃ is not met, i.e., 78℃<Tmot<108℃, the heater valve control strategy is further determined based on the current vehicle driving conditions. Specifically, if the engine speed (EngSpd) ≥3500rpm maintained for more than 7 seconds or the engine torque (Torque) ≥120Nm maintained for more than 7 seconds, the vehicle is considered to be under aggressive driving conditions, and the heater valve is opened to reduce the temperature difference between the engine inlet and outlet coolants, ensuring engine operation safety. Conversely, if the condition "engine speed (EngSpd) ≥3500rpm maintained for more than 7 seconds or engine torque (Torque) ≥120Nm maintained for more than 7 seconds" is not met, the vehicle is considered to be under non-aggressive driving conditions, and the heater valve is closed to ensure cooling needs and reduce cooling power consumption. In addition, if the engine speed EngSpd < 3200 rpm for more than 3 seconds or the engine torque Torque < 80 Nm for more than 3 seconds, or Tmot ≥ 108℃, it is considered that the vehicle has exited the intense driving condition, and the heater valve is switched to the closed state to ensure the cooling demand and reduce the cooling power consumption.

[0132] If there is no need for cooling in the passenger cabin, then the need for heating in the passenger cabin should be further assessed.

[0133] If there is a need for passenger compartment heating (i.e., HVAVReq = 1), further determine whether 65℃ (third temperature threshold) ≤ Tmot < 108℃ is met. If 65℃ ≤ Tmot < 108℃ is not met, i.e., Tmot < 65℃, then the heater valve is closed to prioritize rapid engine warm-up. If 65℃ ≤ Tmot < 108℃ is met, then respond to the passenger compartment heating need by opening the heater valve to achieve passenger compartment heating. In addition, after maintaining the heater valve ON for a time T2, if Tmot < 40℃ (sixth temperature threshold) is met, then exit the heating mode and switch the heater valve to the closed state.

[0134] If there is no need for cabin heating, the system further determines whether Tmot ≤ 93℃ (the fourth temperature threshold). If Tmot ≤ 93℃, the engine is considered to be in the rapid warm-up phase, and the heater valve is closed. Conversely, if Tmot ≤ 93℃ is not met (i.e., 93℃ < Tmot < 108℃), the engine is considered to be in normal operating condition, and the heater valve is opened. After maintaining the heater valve in ON position for a time T3, if Tmot < 78℃ or Tmot ≥ 108℃, the heater valve is switched back to the closed state.

[0135] It should be noted that the engine is in normal operating condition, meaning that the engine is neither in the warm-up stage nor in the high water temperature stage.

[0136] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, based on the engine coolant temperature, whether there is a current demand for passenger compartment cooling, and whether there is a current demand for passenger compartment heating, a heater valve control strategy is proposed for the mode with no demand for cooling or heating, a heater valve control strategy for the mode with high coolant temperature, a heater valve control strategy when there is a demand for cooling, and a heater valve control strategy when there is a demand for heating. This realizes the flexible switching of the opening and closing state of the heater valve as needed, thereby achieving a balance between vehicle safety, economy, and comfort.

[0137] Furthermore, the heater valve is an electrically controlled valve. Compared to the original wax-type thermostat structure (where the wax pack takes time to expand), the heater valve's opening and closing speed is much faster, reaching millisecond levels, making control delay virtually negligible. At the same time, because the electrically controlled valve itself is smaller, it can be directly replaced in the location where a wax-type thermostat would have been installed. The inlet and outlet of the heater valve can be connected to the heating hose in the heating circuit via rigid pipes, without altering the original heating circuit structure.

[0138] The following are embodiments of the heating valve control device of this application. For details not disclosed in the embodiments of the heating valve control device of this application, please refer to the above-mentioned control method embodiments of this application.

[0139] Figure 8This is a block diagram illustrating a heater valve control device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment, the control device 200 being capable of performing... Figures 2 to 7 All or part of the steps of any of the control methods shown. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the control device 200 includes, but is not limited to: a water temperature acquisition module 210, a demand determination module 220, and a valve control module 230.

[0140] The water temperature acquisition module 210 is used to acquire the water temperature of the cooling water.

[0141] The demand determination module 220 is used to determine whether there is a current demand for occupant cabin cooling when the cooling water temperature is below a first temperature threshold.

[0142] The valve control module 230 is used to determine the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the water temperature of the cooling water and whether there is a current cooling demand in the crew cabin.

[0143] In one exemplary embodiment, the control device 200 further includes a driving condition acquisition module 240, which acquires vehicle driving conditions. When there is a demand for passenger compartment cooling and the coolant temperature is above a second temperature threshold, the valve control module 230 determines the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the vehicle driving conditions. The second temperature threshold is less than a first temperature threshold.

[0144] In one exemplary embodiment, the valve control module 230 opens the heater valve when the vehicle is in an aggressive driving condition and closes the heater valve when the vehicle is in a non-aggressive driving condition.

[0145] In one exemplary embodiment, the operating condition acquisition module 240 acquires the engine speed and engine torque; if the engine speed is above the speed threshold and maintained for a preset time, and / or the engine torque is above the torque threshold and maintained for a preset time, the vehicle driving condition is identified as an aggressive driving condition.

[0146] In one exemplary embodiment, the valve control module 230 closes the heater valve when there is a current demand for cabin cooling and the temperature of the cooling water is below a second temperature threshold.

[0147] In one exemplary embodiment, the valve control module 230 closes the heater valve when the cooling water temperature reaches or exceeds a first temperature threshold.

[0148] In one exemplary embodiment, if there is no current demand for cabin cooling, the demand determination module 220 further determines whether there is a current demand for cabin heating; the valve control module 230 determines the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current demand for cabin heating.

[0149] In one exemplary embodiment, the valve control module 230 opens the heater valve when there is a demand for cabin heating and the cooling water temperature is above a third temperature threshold; closes the heater valve when there is a demand for cabin heating and the cooling water temperature is below the third temperature threshold; opens the heater valve when there is no demand for cabin heating and the cooling water temperature is above a fourth temperature threshold; and closes the heater valve when there is no demand for cabin heating and the cooling water temperature is below the fourth temperature threshold. The third temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold; the fourth temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold but greater than the third temperature threshold.

[0150] See Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment provides an electronic device 300, which includes one or more processors 301 and a memory 302. The memory 302 stores one or more computer programs that can run on the processors 301. When one or more computer programs are executed by one or more processors 301, the electronic device 300 implements the control method of this application.

[0151] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing the electronic device of this application, according to an exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 10 The computer system shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0152] like Figure 10 As shown, the computer system 400 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 401, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) 402 or programs loaded from storage section 403 into random access memory (RAM) 404. The random access memory 404 also stores various programs and data required for device operation. The CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 404 are interconnected via a bus 405. An input / output interface 406 (I / O interface) is also connected to the bus 405.

[0153] The following components are connected to the input / output interface 406: an input section 407 including a keyboard, mouse, etc.; an output section 408 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and speakers, etc.; a storage section 403 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 409 including a network interface card such as a local area network card, modem, etc. The communication section 409 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 410 is also connected to the input / output interface 406 as needed. A removable medium 411, such as a disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 410 as needed so that computer programs read from it can be installed into the storage section 403 as needed.

[0154] Specifically, according to embodiments of this application, the processes described in the various method flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this application include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 409, and / or installed from removable medium 411. When the computer program is executed by central processing unit 401, it performs the various functions defined in the apparatus of this application.

[0155] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the embodiments of this application can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor device, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this application, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution apparatus, device, or device. In this application, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such transmitted data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution device, apparatus, or apparatus. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0156] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0157] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0158] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the modular division is only a logical functional division, and other division methods may exist in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0159] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the heater valve in a vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that, The heater valve is an electrically controlled valve, which controls the flow rate of cooling water from the engine to the heater unit. The control method includes: Obtain the temperature of the cooling water; If the cooling water temperature is below the first temperature threshold, determine whether there is a current need for cabin cooling. The opening and closing of the heating valve is determined based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for cabin cooling, including: If there is a current need for cooling in the passenger compartment, and the water temperature of the cooling water is above the second temperature threshold, the vehicle driving condition is obtained; the second temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold. Determining the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the vehicle driving conditions includes: opening the heater valve if the vehicle driving conditions are aggressive driving conditions; and closing the heater valve if the vehicle driving conditions are non-aggressive driving conditions. The process of obtaining vehicle driving conditions includes: obtaining engine speed and engine torque; if the engine speed is above a speed threshold and maintained for a preset time, and / or the engine torque is above a torque threshold and maintained for a preset time, the vehicle driving conditions are identified as aggressive driving conditions.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of determining the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current cooling demand in the crew cabin also includes: If there is a current need for cooling in the passenger compartment, and the temperature of the cooling water is below the second temperature threshold, the heating valve is closed.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After obtaining the cooling water temperature, the control method further includes: If the cooling water temperature reaches or exceeds the first temperature threshold, the heater valve is closed.

4. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, After determining the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current cooling demand in the passenger compartment, the control method further includes: If there is no current need for cabin cooling, determine if there is a current need for cabin heating. The opening and closing of the heating valve is determined based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for crew cabin heating.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The determination of the opening and closing of the heating valve based on the cooling water temperature and whether there is a current need for crew cabin heating includes: If there is a current need for heating in the passenger compartment, and the cooling water temperature is above the third temperature threshold, the heating valve is opened; the third temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold. If there is a current need for heating in the passenger compartment, and the cooling water temperature is below the third temperature threshold, the heating valve will be closed. If there is no current need for cabin heating and the cooling water temperature is above the fourth temperature threshold, the heater valve is opened; the fourth temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold and greater than the third temperature threshold. If there is no current need for cabin heating and the cooling water temperature is below the fourth temperature threshold, the heating valve will be closed.

6. A heater valve control device for a vehicle thermal management system, characterized in that, The heater valve is an electrically controlled valve, which controls the flow rate of cooling water from the engine to the heater unit. The control device includes: Water temperature acquisition module, used to acquire the temperature of cooling water; The demand determination module is used to determine whether there is a current demand for occupant cabin cooling when the cooling water temperature is below a first temperature threshold. A valve control module is used to determine the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the coolant temperature and whether there is a current passenger compartment cooling demand. This includes: if there is a current passenger compartment cooling demand and the coolant temperature is above a second temperature threshold, obtaining the vehicle driving condition; the second temperature threshold is less than the first temperature threshold; determining the opening and closing of the heater valve based on the vehicle driving condition includes: if the vehicle driving condition is an aggressive driving condition, opening the heater valve; if the vehicle driving condition is a non-aggressive driving condition, closing the heater valve; wherein obtaining the vehicle driving condition includes: obtaining engine speed and engine torque; if the engine speed is above a speed threshold and maintained for a preset time, and / or the engine torque is above a torque threshold and maintained for a preset time, the vehicle driving condition is identified as an aggressive driving condition.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the processor executes the computer program, the electronic device causes the electronic device to implement the control method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the control method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

Images