Vehicle control method and vehicle

Abstract

The embodiment of the application is suitable for the technical field of vehicles, and provides a vehicle control method and a vehicle. The method comprises the following steps: if the vehicle is in a limp-home mode, switching a power supply device in the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device; disconnecting a relay of a high-voltage battery device in the vehicle in the limp-home mode, and stopping a driving motor in the vehicle from working, wherein the power supply device comprises a generator; adjusting the voltage of the high-voltage battery device to a pre-charging voltage; switching the power supply device to the high-voltage battery device, so as to control the vehicle to switch to a normal mode; in the normal mode, the relay is closed, the high-voltage battery device is used to supply power to the driving motor, and the generator and the driving motor are used to provide torque for the vehicle when working. By using the above method, the mode of the vehicle can be switched to the normal mode when the relay of the high-voltage battery device is disconnected, and the driving scene of the vehicle is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular relates to a vehicle control method and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Limp mode refers to a vehicle's automatic activation of a backup control circuit to control the engine when an electronic control device (such as a high-voltage battery) malfunctions, allowing the vehicle to drive briefly or stop and await assistance. However, this vehicle control strategy is not perfect.

[0003] For example, when the battery temperature of the high-voltage battery device is lower than its operating temperature, the high-voltage battery device will disconnect its relay due to limitations in battery performance, preventing the high-voltage battery device from discharging properly. At this time, high-voltage equipment within the vehicle (e.g., the drive motor) cannot function normally. Therefore, to maintain vehicle operation, the vehicle can only rely on the engine for propulsion.

[0004] Therefore, in the existing technology, the control strategy when a vehicle is in limp mode due to the disconnection of the relay of the high-voltage battery device is unreasonable and cannot restore the vehicle to normal driving mode, resulting in vehicle driving limitation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a vehicle control method and a vehicle that can solve the problem that the control strategy is unreasonable when the vehicle is in limp mode due to the disconnection of the relay of the high-voltage battery device.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle control method, the method comprising:

[0007] If the vehicle is in limp mode, the power supply in the vehicle is switched to the low-voltage battery device; in limp mode, the relay of the high-voltage battery device in the vehicle is disconnected, the drive motor in the vehicle stops working, and the power supply device includes the generator.

[0008] Adjust the voltage of the high-voltage battery equipment to the pre-charge voltage;

[0009] The power supply is switched to a high-voltage battery device to control the vehicle to switch to normal mode; in normal mode, the relay closes, the high-voltage battery device is used to supply power to the drive motor, and the generator and drive motor are used to provide torque to the vehicle when working.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle control device, the device comprising:

[0011] The first switching module is used to switch the power supply equipment in the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device if the vehicle is in limp mode; in limp mode, the relay of the high-voltage battery device in the vehicle is disconnected, the drive motor in the vehicle stops working, and the power supply equipment includes a generator.

[0012] The regulating module is used to regulate the voltage of the high-voltage battery device to the pre-charge voltage.

[0013] The first control module is used to switch the power supply equipment to a high-voltage battery device to control the vehicle to switch to normal mode; in normal mode, the relay closes, the high-voltage battery device is used to supply power to the drive motor, and the generator and drive motor are used to provide torque to the vehicle when working.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the method described in the first aspect above.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first aspect above.

[0016] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run on a vehicle, causes the vehicle to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this application embodiment compared to the prior art are as follows: When the vehicle is in limp mode due to the disconnection of the relay of the high-voltage battery device, the drive motor in the vehicle stops working. The engine not only needs to drive the vehicle but also needs to drive the generator to power the vehicle's electrical equipment (e.g., low-voltage equipment) to maintain vehicle operation. At this time, in order to switch the vehicle back to normal mode, the low-voltage battery device in the vehicle can temporarily replace the generator in supplying power to the low-voltage equipment. Then, after adjusting the voltage of the high-voltage battery device to the pre-charge voltage and closing the relay, a short circuit in the high-voltage battery device due to relay closure can be avoided, thus protecting the high-voltage battery device. Furthermore, after the relay closes, the high-voltage battery device can normally replace the low-voltage battery device and the generator in supplying power to both the low-voltage and high-voltage equipment (e.g., the drive motor). At this time, both the generator and the drive motor can provide torque normally, enabling the vehicle to drive in the driving mode corresponding to normal mode. Because the generator cannot directly switch to torque output mode while in power supply mode, a brief power supply from the low-voltage battery device can be used during the switching process to maintain vehicle operation while controlling the generator to exit power supply mode. Then, after the relay closes, the generator and drive motor can switch to torque output mode to provide torque to the vehicle. Based on this, when the battery device relay opens, the vehicle mode can also be switched to normal mode, improving vehicle driving performance. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a vehicle control method according to another embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of various devices in a vehicle control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle control device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.

[0025] It should be understood that, when used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or a collection thereof.

[0026] Furthermore, in the description of this application and the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] Limp mode in vehicles refers to the automatic activation of a backup control circuit to control the engine when an electronic control device (such as a high-voltage battery) malfunctions, allowing the vehicle to drive briefly or stop and await assistance. However, this vehicle control strategy is not perfect.

[0028] For example, when the battery temperature of the high-voltage battery device is lower than its operating temperature, such as below -30°C, the high-voltage battery device will automatically disconnect the relay due to limitations in battery performance, preventing the high-voltage battery device from discharging normally.

[0029] In this scenario, for hybrid vehicles, the vehicle needs to be driven by the engine to maintain operation, and high-voltage equipment needs to be shut down. For example, the drive motor and high-voltage air conditioning within the vehicle need to be disabled. Since the drive motor is disabled, the only device providing drive torque is the engine.

[0030] Therefore, in the existing technology, the strategy for controlling a vehicle in limp mode due to relay disconnection is unreasonable, and it cannot restore the vehicle to normal driving mode, resulting in vehicle driving restriction.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the vehicle is in limp mode due to the disconnection of the battery device's relay, in order to switch the vehicle back to normal mode, this application provides a vehicle control method that can be applied to in-vehicle equipment. For example, the aforementioned in-vehicle equipment can be a vehicle control unit or a battery management system (BMS) within the vehicle, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0032] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the power supply equipment within the vehicle includes a generator, a high-voltage battery, and a low-voltage battery. However, in normal vehicle mode, the generator provides torque, the high-voltage battery supplies power to various electrical devices (high-voltage and low-voltage devices), and the low-voltage battery, due to its limited battery performance, cannot store large amounts of electricity. Therefore, the low-voltage battery cannot supply power to the high-voltage and low-voltage devices for extended periods. Thus, in practical applications, the low-voltage battery is only used to supply power to the low-voltage devices.

[0033] Therefore, when a vehicle is in limp mode, the high-voltage battery stops supplying power, and it can only be powered by the alternator or the low-voltage battery. Furthermore, because the low-voltage battery cannot provide power for extended periods, the alternator is typically powered by the engine in limp mode. However, if the alternator were to supply power to the high-voltage equipment (drive motor), it would increase the alternator's energy consumption, causing its output power to exceed its maximum output power and resulting in over-discharge. Therefore, in limp mode, the alternator usually only supplies power to the low-voltage equipment, preventing the vehicle from returning to normal operation.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 The following is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps:

[0035] S101. If the vehicle is in limp mode, the power supply equipment in the vehicle is switched to the low-voltage battery equipment; in limp mode, the relay of the high-voltage battery equipment in the vehicle is disconnected, the drive motor in the vehicle stops working, and the power supply equipment includes the generator.

[0036] In one embodiment, the aforementioned high-voltage battery device can be a battery pack composed of multiple individual cells, or it can be a 48V rechargeable battery; there is no limitation in this regard. The high-voltage battery device supplies power to various high-voltage devices within the vehicle, and can convert the battery voltage output by the high-voltage battery device into a lower amplitude voltage via a Direct Current-to-Direct Current (DCDC) converter to supply power to low-voltage devices. For example, the battery voltage output by the high-voltage battery device is typically 48V, while the operating voltage required by the low-voltage devices is typically 12V.

[0037] In one embodiment, the aforementioned high-voltage equipment includes, but is not limited to, DC-DC converters, drive motors, and high-voltage air conditioners, which will not be described in detail. It is understood that after the relay of the high-voltage battery equipment is disconnected, the high-voltage battery equipment cannot supply power normally; therefore, all high-voltage equipment will stop working. That is, the aforementioned drive motor will stop working and enter a standby state. At this time, the vehicle will only be able to be driven by the engine, and the vehicle cannot return to normal driving mode.

[0038] It should be noted that in limp mode, the vehicle's electrical equipment must still function properly while the vehicle is in motion. In this mode, the engine must also drive the generator to provide power. In other words, the power supply equipment includes the generator.

[0039] It should be added that when the electrical equipment includes low-voltage devices, the voltage generated by the generator is usually greater than 12V. Therefore, the aforementioned power supply equipment typically also includes a DC-DC converter to convert the voltage generated by the generator.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aforementioned low-voltage battery device may be a 12V storage battery or other battery pack that can provide a 12V voltage, and there is no limitation thereto.

[0041] It should be noted that when switching the vehicle from limp mode to normal mode, the high-voltage battery device needs to be operating normally; at this time, no alternator power is required. However, to ensure normal power supply to the vehicle's electrical equipment, if the alternator stops supplying power after the high-voltage battery device's relay closes, there is a possibility that the voltage supplied by the alternator to the electrical equipment may be lower than the battery voltage generated by the high-voltage battery device during operation. In this case, the high-voltage battery device will supply a high voltage to the alternator. However, if the supplied high voltage exceeds the alternator's output voltage, the alternator will enter a depressurization state, which can easily cause alternator failure. For example, the rotor in the alternator needs to rotate at high speed to consume the high voltage provided by the high-voltage battery device. However, high-speed operation may cause rotor failure, reducing driving safety.

[0042] Furthermore, if the generator is stopped first and then the relay is closed, the electrical equipment inside the vehicle will not function properly during the period between the generator stopping and the relay closing. At this time, the vehicle will be powered down and stop moving. In other words, this method requires the user to pull over and power down the vehicle, which reduces the user experience and fails to achieve vehicle automation.

[0043] Therefore, in order to automatically switch the vehicle from limp mode to normal mode without requiring the user to pull over, and to ensure driving safety, the onboard equipment can switch the vehicle's power supply to a low-voltage battery. That is, the alternator can stop supplying power, and during the aforementioned mode switch, the low-voltage battery will provide power. At this time, the alternator does not need to supply power and its state can be standby.

[0044] It should be noted that the high-voltage battery device may cause the relay to disconnect due to its own battery performance, for example, when the battery temperature of the high-voltage battery device is lower than the preset temperature (-30℃ or -10℃), causing the vehicle to drive in limp mode.

[0045] Therefore, when the vehicle is in limp mode, the battery temperature must be controlled to be higher than the preset temperature before the above vehicle control method can be executed.

[0046] Specifically, the onboard equipment can obtain the battery temperature in the battery device. Then, when the battery temperature is lower than or equal to the preset temperature, the high-voltage battery device is heated based on the residual heat generated by the engine when the vehicle is driving in limp mode, until the battery temperature is higher than the preset temperature.

[0047] Specifically, when the battery temperature exceeds a preset temperature, the high-voltage battery device is considered to have met the prerequisite for relay closure. Therefore, the relay can be controlled to close, thus executing the vehicle control method described above.

[0048] In one embodiment, as described above, in limp mode, the vehicle relies solely on the engine for power. Therefore, to implement the vehicle control method, the onboard equipment can use the waste heat generated by the engine to heat the high-voltage battery device when the battery temperature is determined to be below or equal to a preset temperature, until the battery temperature is detected to be above the preset temperature, at which point the power supply device in the vehicle is switched to the low-voltage battery device. Otherwise, the vehicle still needs to operate in limp mode. The method for obtaining the battery temperature has already been described above and will not be explained further.

[0049] In one embodiment, the battery temperature can be determined by the BMS system, which will not be described in detail.

[0050] It should be noted that, since the power supply equipment in the vehicle is switched to a low-voltage battery device, the on-board equipment also needs to determine in advance whether the battery information of the low-voltage battery device meets the preset power supply conditions, so that the low-voltage battery device can supply power normally during the execution of S102-S103 below, avoid the vehicle from suddenly losing power and stopping, and ensure driving safety.

[0051] For example, the on-board equipment can obtain battery information from the low-voltage battery device. Then, if it is determined from the battery information that the low-voltage battery device meets preset power supply conditions, the power supply device in the vehicle is switched to the low-voltage battery device. Otherwise, if it is determined from the battery information that the low-voltage battery device does not meet the preset power supply conditions, the vehicle is still controlled to maintain limp mode driving.

[0052] Specifically, the onboard equipment can obtain the remaining power and battery voltage of the low-voltage battery device. Then, if the remaining power is greater than a preset power level and the battery voltage is greater than the operating voltage of the low-voltage device in the vehicle, it is determined that the low-voltage battery device meets the preset power supply conditions. Subsequently, the power supply device in the vehicle is switched to the low-voltage battery device. Otherwise, if the remaining power is less than or equal to the preset power level, and / or the battery voltage is less than or equal to the operating voltage of the low-voltage device in the vehicle, it is determined that the low-voltage battery device does not meet the preset power supply conditions. Consequently, the vehicle continues to operate in limp mode.

[0053] The battery voltage of a low-voltage battery device is usually related to the device's own performance. Therefore, the operating voltage can be determined directly based on the device information of the low-voltage battery device.

[0054] Specifically, regarding battery voltage, the onboard equipment can acquire the battery temperature and remaining charge of the low-voltage battery device. Then, based on the preset operating performance of the low-voltage battery device, it determines the battery voltage of the low-voltage battery device at the given battery temperature and remaining charge.

[0055] The battery temperature and remaining charge of the aforementioned low-voltage battery device can be determined by the battery management system. The preset operating performance parameters are inherent properties of the battery itself, which are determined at the factory.

[0056] Specifically, the aforementioned preset operating performance can be used to characterize specific parameters of low-voltage battery devices, such as rated capacity, operating voltage, charge / discharge rate, maximum charging power, impedance, and self-discharge rate, under different battery temperatures and remaining charge levels.

[0057] In one embodiment, the preset power level can be set according to actual conditions. For example, the preset power level can be 75% of the rated power of the low-voltage battery device. Furthermore, the operating voltage of each low-voltage device in the vehicle is typically a fixed voltage, specifically 12V.

[0058] It should be noted that since the low-voltage battery device supplies power during steps S101-S102, the remaining battery power needs to be greater than the preset power level to ensure that the low-voltage battery device can supply power normally, prevent the vehicle from suddenly losing power and stopping, and ensure driving safety.

[0059] Furthermore, the purpose of requiring the battery voltage to be higher than the operating voltage of the low-voltage equipment in the vehicle is to prevent unstable battery voltage output from the low-voltage equipment during vehicle operation due to vibrations or changes in battery temperature. In such cases, the output voltage of the low-voltage equipment may be significantly lower than its operating voltage, causing undervoltage and ultimately leading to a halt in power supply to the low-voltage equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the battery voltage is higher than the operating voltage of the low-voltage equipment to guarantee driving safety.

[0060] It is important to note that because the on-board equipment can control the high-voltage equipment within the vehicle to stop operating (e.g., to enter standby mode), only the operating voltage of the low-voltage equipment needs to be considered when performing steps S101-S103. This allows the low-voltage battery to provide power for an extended period without the output voltage of the low-voltage battery being reduced due to the operation of the high-voltage equipment, thus preventing the low-voltage battery from failing to meet the operating voltage requirements of the low-voltage equipment. This, in turn, ensures the stability of the high-voltage equipment within the vehicle during the execution of steps S101-S103. Furthermore, it prevents the generator's output power from exceeding its maximum output power, thus avoiding over-discharge of the generator.

[0061] S102. Adjust the voltage of the high-voltage battery device to the pre-charge voltage.

[0062] In one embodiment, the pre-charge voltage is the voltage before the high-voltage battery device is powered on, and it can be set according to actual conditions, without limitation. The purpose of pre-charging is to prevent the high-voltage current at the moment of power-on from damaging other electronic components in the high-voltage battery device.

[0063] Understandably, after the high-voltage battery equipment stops working, the bus voltage in the high-voltage battery equipment will gradually drop to 0V. At this time, if the relay is closed directly, the high-voltage battery equipment will output a high-voltage current at the moment of power-on. The bus voltage will differ significantly from the battery voltage provided by the high-voltage battery equipment, which may damage other electronic components.

[0064] It should be noted that if a low-voltage battery device is used to precharge a high-voltage battery device, the low voltage output of the low-voltage battery device will not meet the pre-charge voltage required for pre-charging of the high-voltage battery device. In other words, it will be impossible to complete the pre-charge of the high-voltage battery device.

[0065] However, when using a DC-DC converter to convert the low voltage output from a low-voltage battery device into a high voltage to precharge a high-voltage battery device, the DC-DC converter cannot operate because the high-voltage battery device stops supplying power. Therefore, the low-voltage battery device still needs to supply power to the DC-DC converter. However, when the low-voltage battery device supplies power to the DC-DC converter in the high-voltage device, it will reduce the battery voltage output from the low-voltage battery device to other low-voltage devices. Consequently, there is a possibility that the voltage received by the low-voltage device is much lower than its operating voltage, causing undervoltage and preventing the low-voltage device from operating normally.

[0066] Based on this, on-board equipment can regulate the voltage of the high-voltage battery to the pre-charge voltage via the BMS system. For example, the BMS system can control the closure of the pre-charge relays (the main relays on the positive and negative sides of the high-voltage battery) in the high-voltage battery to pre-charge the high-voltage battery. Furthermore, while achieving the pre-charge purpose, it can prevent low-voltage equipment from operating normally.

[0067] S103. Switch the power supply to a high-voltage battery device to control the vehicle to switch to normal mode; in normal mode, the relay closes, the high-voltage battery device is used to supply power to the drive motor, and the generator and drive motor are used to provide torque to the vehicle when working.

[0068] In one embodiment, in normal mode, the relay in the high-voltage battery device is closed and can be used to supply power to electrical devices. For example, it supplies power to high-voltage devices (drive motors) and low-voltage devices in the vehicle. That is, the power supply device in the vehicle will be the high-voltage battery device. At this time, both the drive motor and the generator can provide torque to the vehicle, and all electrical devices in the vehicle can work normally to maintain the normal operation of the vehicle.

[0069] Specifically, the on-board equipment can send a relay closing command to the high-voltage battery device; the relay closing command instructs the high-voltage battery device to close the relay. Then, after the relay closes within a predetermined first time period, the on-board equipment switches the power supply to the high-voltage battery device to control the vehicle to switch to normal mode. Otherwise, if the relay does not close within the predetermined first time period, the on-board equipment can still control the vehicle to maintain limp-mode operation.

[0070] The first preset time can be set according to the actual situation. For example, the first preset time can be 10 seconds.

[0071] It should be noted that if the relay fails to close within the first preset time, it can be considered that there is a relay contact fault, a fault in other components of the high-voltage battery device, a lost relay closing command, or a failure to pre-charge the high-voltage battery device (e.g., the pre-charge relay in the high-voltage battery device fails to close). In this case, to ensure driving safety, the onboard equipment needs to control the vehicle to maintain limp mode. That is, the vehicle's power supply equipment will switch back to the generator, and the low-voltage battery device will not operate.

[0072] The high-voltage battery equipment is controlled by the BMS system; therefore, it can be assumed that the on-board equipment sends a relay closing command to the BMS system. The BMS system then responds to this relay closing command by controlling the closing of the relays in the high-voltage battery equipment.

[0073] It should be noted that if the relay fails to close within the first preset time, it may be due to a lost relay closing command or a failure to pre-charge the high-voltage battery. In this case, to facilitate the vehicle's transition to normal mode, the onboard equipment can execute the target step and subsequent steps after the second preset time. The target step, if the vehicle is in limp mode, is to switch the vehicle's power supply to the low-voltage battery. That is, the onboard equipment can repeat steps S101-S103 until the vehicle switches to normal mode, or the target step is executed an equal number of times (preset).

[0074] In one embodiment, the preset number of times can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited thereto. For example, the preset number of times can be 3 times. It is understood that performing the above steps S101-S103 multiple times can avoid the situation where the relay fails to close due to accidental failure.

[0075] In one embodiment, the second preset duration can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited thereto. When S101 is executed again, since the vehicle is in limp mode, the power supply equipment in the vehicle will switch back to the generator.

[0076] It should be noted that the purpose of the second preset time interval is to avoid the low-voltage battery device supplying power for a long time. Within the second preset time interval, the vehicle equipment can charge the low-voltage battery device through the generator to ensure that the low-voltage battery device can supply power normally during the execution of the above steps S101-S103, thereby improving driving safety.

[0077] In another embodiment, the second preset duration can be 0 seconds. That is, after controlling the vehicle to maintain limp mode driving, steps S101-S103 are executed directly, and there is no limitation on this.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the vehicle is in limp mode due to the disconnection of the high-voltage battery device's relay, the vehicle's drive motor stops working. The engine not only needs to drive the vehicle but also needs to power the generator to supply power to the vehicle's electrical equipment (e.g., low-voltage equipment) to maintain vehicle operation. At this time, to switch the vehicle back to normal mode, the low-voltage battery device can temporarily replace the generator in supplying power to the low-voltage equipment. Then, after adjusting the voltage of the high-voltage battery device to the pre-charge voltage and closing the relay, a short circuit in the high-voltage battery device can be avoided, protecting it. Furthermore, after the relay closes, the high-voltage battery device can normally replace both the low-voltage battery device and the generator in supplying power to both the low-voltage and high-voltage equipment (e.g., the drive motor). At this time, both the generator and the drive motor can provide torque normally, allowing the vehicle to drive in the manner corresponding to normal mode. Since the generator cannot directly switch to torque output mode when in power supply mode, during the switching process, the low-voltage battery device can be used briefly to supply power to the low-voltage equipment to maintain vehicle operation while controlling the generator to exit power supply mode. For example, the generator can be kept in standby mode. Then, after the relay closes, the generator can directly switch to torque output mode to provide torque to the vehicle. Based on this, when the relay of the battery device is open, the vehicle mode can also be switched to normal mode, improving the vehicle's driving experience.

[0079] In another embodiment, to further ensure driving safety during vehicle mode switching, before switching the power supply device in the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device, the on-board device can also obtain the vehicle's vehicle information, and when it is determined based on the vehicle information that the vehicle meets the preset limp mode recovery conditions, the power supply device in the vehicle is switched to a low-voltage battery device; otherwise, when it is determined based on the vehicle information that the vehicle does not meet the preset limp mode recovery conditions, the vehicle is still controlled to maintain limp mode driving.

[0080] Specifically, the onboard equipment can acquire the vehicle's speed and accelerator pedal opening. Then, if it's determined that the vehicle speed is less than a preset speed and the accelerator pedal opening is less than a preset opening, the vehicle meets the preset limp-mode recovery conditions. Subsequently, the vehicle's power supply is switched to a low-voltage battery. Otherwise, if it's determined that the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a preset speed, and / or the accelerator pedal opening is greater than or equal to a preset opening, the vehicle does not meet the preset limp-mode recovery conditions. Therefore, the vehicle continues to operate in limp-mode.

[0081] The preset vehicle speed and preset throttle opening can be set according to actual conditions and are not limited thereto. For example, the preset vehicle speed can be 12 km / h; the preset throttle opening can be 20% of the accelerator pedal opening.

[0082] In one embodiment, high-speed driving or significant acceleration of the vehicle can affect the battery voltage when the low-voltage battery device supplies power, thus preventing the low-voltage battery device from supplying power normally during the execution of steps S101-S103. Therefore, to ensure driving safety, the on-board equipment needs to control the vehicle to travel at a low speed.

[0083] The vehicle's dashboard typically displays the vehicle's speed, therefore it can be assumed that the vehicle contains devices that collect speed data, such as a speed sensor. Additionally, the accelerator pedal opening can be determined using a accelerator sensor.

[0084] In summary, in one specific embodiment, referring to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a vehicle control method according to another embodiment of this application. The vehicle control unit (VCU) is used as an example for explanation of the on-board equipment. When the vehicle is determined to be in limp mode, the VCU can acquire the battery temperature of the high-voltage battery device. If the battery temperature is lower than or equal to a preset temperature, the VCU uses the waste heat generated by the engine to heat the high-voltage battery device until the battery temperature exceeds the preset temperature. Then, when the battery temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the VCU can acquire the remaining charge and battery voltage of the low-voltage battery device, as well as the vehicle speed and accelerator pedal opening. Then, when the remaining charge, battery voltage, vehicle speed, and accelerator pedal opening all meet preset conditions, the power supply device is switched to the low-voltage battery device. Otherwise, the vehicle is controlled to maintain limp mode driving. The preset conditions are: remaining charge greater than a preset charge, battery voltage greater than the operating voltage of the low-voltage device in the vehicle, vehicle speed less than a preset speed, and accelerator pedal opening less than a preset opening.

[0085] At this point, after switching the power supply to a low-voltage battery, the on-board equipment can adjust the voltage of the high-voltage battery to the pre-charge voltage and send a relay closing command to the high-voltage battery. Then, if relay closing is detected within a first preset time, it can be considered that the vehicle has been switched to normal mode. Otherwise, if the relay does not close within the first preset time, the vehicle will continue to maintain limp mode driving for a second preset time. Afterwards, steps S101-S103 are repeated until the vehicle switches to normal mode, or if the vehicle still fails to switch to normal mode after repeating the steps a preset number of times, the on-board equipment can control the vehicle to maintain limp mode driving.

[0086] It should be noted that during the execution of steps S101-S103 above, the operating states of the various devices within the vehicle (high-voltage battery device, low-voltage battery device, and generator, etc.) change as follows: In limp mode, when the generator is operating, it needs to supply power to the electrical devices within the vehicle (e.g., low-voltage devices). At this time, the generator is in a power supply state; the relay in the high-voltage battery device is disconnected, and both the high-voltage and low-voltage battery devices can be in a stopped state. Subsequently, when executing step S101 to switch the power supply device within the vehicle to the low-voltage battery device, the generator does not need to supply power. Therefore, the generator can exit the power supply state, for example, it can be in a standby state. At this time, the low-voltage battery device is in a power supply state, and the high-voltage battery device can be in a standby state.

[0087] Then, after the relay closes, the high-voltage battery device supplies power to the electrical equipment inside the vehicle (e.g., the drive motor). At this time, the high-voltage battery device is in an active state, the low-voltage battery device can stop supplying power, and is in a stopped or standby state, while the generator and drive motor can provide torque normally. That is, the generator and drive motor are in torque output state (Buck). In summary, this describes the switching of the operating states between various devices inside the vehicle when executing the vehicle control method.

[0088] In one specific embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of various devices within a vehicle in a vehicle control method provided in an embodiment of this application. These devices include on-board equipment (taking the vehicle control unit, VCU, as an example), a generator, a high-voltage battery device, a DC-DC converter, a drive motor, high-voltage equipment, and a low-voltage battery device (taking a 12V battery, as an example).

[0089] In limp mode, the generator primarily supplies power to various electrical devices. For example, the generator may only supply power to low-voltage equipment. In this mode, when supplying power, the vehicle controller needs to determine the target voltage the generator should provide based on the actual operating status of each electrical device and send a target voltage request to the generator. The generator then responds normally to the target voltage request and outputs the target voltage. However, because the actual voltage output by the generator may fluctuate, potentially exceeding or falling below the target voltage, the generator also needs to detect the actual voltage and current output at each moment and send this data to the vehicle controller. This allows the vehicle controller to determine the generator's output power based on the actual voltage and current, ensuring that the generator's output power meets the normal power consumption of the low-voltage equipment.

[0090] Furthermore, when the vehicle switches to normal mode, the generator primarily outputs drive torque to propel the vehicle. Therefore, during mode switching, when the 12V battery supplies power to the vehicle's low-voltage equipment, the vehicle controller needs to send a standby request to the generator to switch it from power supply mode to standby mode. Afterward, the vehicle controller can send a target torque request to the generator based on the vehicle's driving needs in normal mode, causing the generator to switch to torque output mode and output the target torque. The generator can then detect its actual output torque and send it to the vehicle controller, allowing the controller to determine whether to adjust the target torque provided by the generator based on the actual torque. Based on this, the vehicle controller can also be considered to have the function of controlling the state of the vehicle's powertrain system (a system composed of power equipment such as the engine, generator, and drive motor).

[0091] For the high-voltage battery device, since this application embodiment addresses the implementation scenario where the relay is disconnected in a limp-down state, the high-voltage battery device needs to detect the relay's state (open or closed) and send it to the vehicle controller. Subsequently, after adjusting the high-voltage battery device's voltage to the pre-charge voltage, the vehicle controller can send a relay control request (e.g., a relay closing request) to the high-voltage battery device to cause the high-voltage battery device to control the relay to close. In other words, the high-voltage battery device has the function of controlling the relay's state.

[0092] Due to the inherent battery performance of the high-voltage battery device, the relay needs to close when the battery temperature exceeds a preset temperature (-30°C or -10°C). Therefore, the high-voltage battery device also needs to detect its own battery temperature and upload this information to the vehicle controller. Furthermore, the vehicle controller can send a relay control request (e.g., a relay disconnection request) to the high-voltage battery device when its battery temperature falls below the preset temperature, thereby controlling the relay to disconnect.

[0093] Furthermore, the vehicle controller can determine the required voltage from the high-voltage battery based on the actual operating status of each electrical device and send a voltage demand request to the high-voltage battery to enable it to output the required voltage. The high-voltage battery then responds normally to the voltage demand request and outputs the required voltage. Because the actual output voltage of the high-voltage battery may fluctuate, potentially exceeding or falling below the required voltage, the high-voltage battery also needs to detect the actual output voltage and current at each moment and send this data to the vehicle controller. This allows the vehicle controller to determine the high-voltage battery's output power based on the actual voltage and current, ensuring that the high-voltage battery's output power meets the normal power consumption of each electrical device. Additionally, the high-voltage battery needs to determine its available power at the current battery temperature based on its own battery performance. This available power is then sent to the vehicle controller, allowing the controller to adjust the high-voltage battery's output power accordingly and prevent over-discharge.

[0094] The DC-DC converter is responsible for voltage conversion between various low-voltage devices. Furthermore, in limp-mode, the generator may output a voltage significantly higher than the operating voltage of the low-voltage devices. Therefore, in limp-mode, the DC-DC converter needs to convert the target voltage provided by the generator to a lower voltage to power the various low-voltage devices. Consequently, in limp-mode, the DC-DC converter needs to respond to status requests from the vehicle controller, switching from standby to active status.

[0095] In limp mode, the vehicle controller needs to determine the generator's output power based on the power consumption of each low-voltage device. Therefore, the DC-DC converter needs to detect its actual current and voltage and send them to the vehicle controller so that the controller can determine the power consumption of the low-voltage devices. Furthermore, in normal mode, the actual voltage supplied by the high-voltage battery is greater than the operating voltage of the low-voltage devices. Therefore, the DC-DC converter still needs to be operational. In other words, the vehicle controller has the function of controlling the operating status of the DC-DC converter.

[0096] For the drive motor, in limp mode, the vehicle is driven by the engine. At this time, because the relay in the high-voltage battery is disconnected, power cannot be supplied to the high-voltage equipment (drive motor). Therefore, the actual state of the drive motor in limp mode is standby. In normal mode, the vehicle can be driven by either the drive motor or the engine. In this case, the drive motor needs to switch its actual state according to the status request output by the vehicle controller. For example, when switching to the operating state, the drive motor can respond to the torque demand sent by the vehicle controller and provide the required torque to the vehicle. That is, the vehicle controller has the function of controlling the operating state of the drive motor.

[0097] For high-voltage equipment, when the relay of the high-voltage battery equipment is open, all high-voltage equipment can be kept in standby mode. Switching only occurs after the relay is closed, based on the status request sent by the vehicle controller. This avoids significant power consumption of the low-voltage battery equipment during mode switching due to the high-voltage equipment being active. Furthermore, it extends the power supply time of the low-voltage battery equipment, giving the vehicle controller sufficient time to execute the aforementioned vehicle control methods. In summary, the vehicle controller can be considered to have the function of controlling the operating status of the high-voltage equipment.

[0098] For low-voltage battery devices, when switching the vehicle's power supply to a low-voltage battery device, the battery state of the low-voltage battery device needs to meet preset requirements to ensure a stable power supply to the low-voltage device during vehicle mode switching. For example, the remaining charge of the low-voltage battery device must be greater than a preset charge, and the actual battery voltage must be greater than the operating voltage of the low-voltage device. Therefore, when determining whether to switch the vehicle's power supply to a low-voltage battery device, the vehicle controller needs to obtain parameters such as the remaining charge and battery voltage from the low-voltage battery device for judgment. In other words, the vehicle controller has the function of detecting the battery state of the low-voltage battery device.

[0099] In another embodiment, to ensure driving safety when switching vehicle modes, the vehicle's status also needs to be considered. For example, the vehicle controller can acquire the vehicle's speed and accelerator pedal opening based on various sensor devices, and when the vehicle speed is less than a preset speed and the accelerator pedal opening is less than a preset opening, switch the vehicle's power supply to a low-voltage battery device. That is, the vehicle controller has the function of detecting the vehicle's status.

[0100] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of a vehicle control device provided in an embodiment of this application. The modules included in this embodiment of the vehicle control device are used to execute... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steps in the corresponding embodiments. Please refer to the details. Figure 1 and Figure 2 as well as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The relevant descriptions in the corresponding embodiments are shown below. For ease of explanation, only the parts relevant to this embodiment are shown. See also... Figure 4 The vehicle control device 400 may include: a first switching module 410, an adjustment module 420, and a first control module 430, wherein:

[0101] The first switching module 410 is used to switch the power supply equipment in the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device if the vehicle is in limp mode; in limp mode, the relay of the high-voltage battery device in the vehicle is disconnected, the drive motor in the vehicle stops working, and the power supply equipment includes a generator.

[0102] The regulating module 420 is used to regulate the voltage of the high-voltage battery device to the pre-charge voltage.

[0103] The first control module 430 is used to switch the power supply equipment to a high-voltage battery device to control the vehicle to switch to normal mode; in normal mode, the relay is closed, the high-voltage battery device is used to supply power to the drive motor, and the generator and drive motor are used to provide torque to the vehicle when working.

[0104] In one embodiment, the vehicle control device 400 further includes:

[0105] The first acquisition module is used to acquire the battery temperature in the high-voltage battery device.

[0106] The heating module is used to heat the high-voltage battery device based on the residual heat generated by the engine when the vehicle is driving in limp mode, if the battery temperature is lower than or equal to the preset temperature, until the battery temperature is higher than the preset temperature.

[0107] In one embodiment, the vehicle control device 400 further includes:

[0108] The second acquisition module is used to acquire the remaining power and battery voltage of the low-voltage battery device.

[0109] The second switching module is used to switch the power supply device in the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device if the remaining power is greater than the preset power and the battery voltage is greater than the operating voltage of the low-voltage device in the vehicle.

[0110] In one embodiment, the vehicle control device 400 further includes:

[0111] The third acquisition module is used to acquire the vehicle speed and accelerator pedal opening.

[0112] The third switching module is used to switch the power supply equipment in the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device if the vehicle speed is less than the preset vehicle speed and the accelerator pedal opening is less than the preset opening.

[0113] In one embodiment, the vehicle control device 400 further includes:

[0114] The transmitting module is used to send relay closing commands to the high-voltage battery device; the relay closing command is used to instruct the high-voltage battery device to close the relay.

[0115] The second control module is used to switch the power supply device to a high-voltage battery device if the relay closes within a first preset time.

[0116] In one embodiment, the vehicle control device 400 further includes:

[0117] The third control module is used to control the vehicle to maintain limp mode driving if the relay does not close within a first preset time.

[0118] In one embodiment, the vehicle control device 400 further includes:

[0119] The execution module is used to execute the target step and the steps following the target step after a second preset time, until the vehicle switches to normal mode or the number of times the target step is executed equals the preset number of times; the target step is to switch the power supply device in the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device if the vehicle is in limp mode.

[0120] When it is understood that, Figure 4 In the structural block diagram of the vehicle control device shown, each module is used to perform... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steps in the corresponding embodiments, and for Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steps in the corresponding embodiments have been explained in detail in the above embodiments. Please refer to them for details. Figure 1 and Figure 2 as well as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The relevant descriptions in the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of a vehicle provided in one embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle 500 in this embodiment includes a processor 510, a memory 520, and a computer program 530 stored in the memory 520 and executable on the processor 510, such as a program for a vehicle control method. When the processor 510 executes the computer program 530, it implements the steps in the various embodiments of the above-described vehicle control methods, for example... Figure 1 S101 to S103 are shown. Alternatively, the processor 510 may implement the above when executing the computer program 530. Figure 4 The functions of each module in the corresponding embodiments, for example, Figure 4 For details on the functions of modules 410 to 430 shown, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions in the corresponding embodiments.

[0122] For example, the computer program 530 can be divided into one or more modules, one or more of which are stored in the memory 520 and executed by the processor 510 to implement the vehicle control method provided in the embodiments of this application. One or more modules can be a series of computer program instruction segments capable of performing a specific function, which describe the execution process of the computer program 530 in the vehicle 500. For example, the computer program 530 can implement the vehicle control method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0123] Vehicle 500 may include, but is not limited to, processor 510 and memory 520. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 5 This is merely an example of vehicle 500 and does not constitute a limitation on vehicle 500. It may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or different components. For example, a vehicle may also include input / output devices, network access devices, buses, etc.

[0124] The processor 510 may be a central processing unit, or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, off-the-shelf programmable gate arrays or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0125] The memory 520 can be an internal storage unit of the vehicle 500, such as a hard drive or memory of the vehicle 500. The memory 520 can also be an external storage device of the vehicle 500, such as a plug-in hard drive, smart memory card, flash memory card, etc., installed on the vehicle 500. Furthermore, the memory 520 can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the vehicle 500.

[0126] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which is executed by a processor using the vehicle control methods described in the above embodiments.

[0127] This application provides a computer program product that, when run on a vehicle, causes the vehicle to execute the vehicle control methods described in the above embodiments.

[0128] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A vehicle control method, characterized in that, The method includes: If the vehicle is in limp mode, the generator in the vehicle's power supply equipment is switched to a low-voltage battery device; in limp mode, the relay of the high-voltage battery device in the vehicle is disconnected, and the drive motor in the vehicle stops working. Adjust the voltage of the high-voltage battery device to the pre-charge voltage; The low-voltage battery device in the power supply equipment is switched to the high-voltage battery device to control the vehicle to switch to normal mode; in the normal mode, the relay is closed, the high-voltage battery device is used to supply power to the drive motor, and the generator and the drive motor are used to provide torque to the vehicle when working; Before switching the generator in the vehicle's power supply equipment to a low-voltage battery device, the method further includes: Obtain the battery information of the low-voltage battery device; the battery information includes the remaining power and battery voltage of the low-voltage battery device. If the low-voltage battery device is determined to meet the preset power supply conditions based on the battery information, then the generator in the power supply equipment in the vehicle is switched to the low-voltage battery device. If it is determined from the battery information that the low-voltage battery device does not meet the preset power supply conditions, then the vehicle is controlled to maintain the limp mode driving. After obtaining the battery information of the low-voltage battery device, the method further includes: If the remaining power is greater than the preset power and the battery voltage is greater than the operating voltage of the low-voltage device in the vehicle, then the low-voltage battery device is determined to meet the preset power supply conditions. If the remaining power is less than or equal to the preset power, and / or the battery voltage is less than or equal to the operating voltage of the low-voltage equipment in the vehicle, then it is determined that the low-voltage battery equipment does not meet the preset power supply conditions.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before switching the generator in the power supply equipment within the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device, the method further includes: Obtain the battery temperature in the high-voltage battery device; If the battery temperature is lower than or equal to a preset temperature, the high-voltage battery device is heated based on the residual heat generated by the engine when the vehicle is driving in the limp mode, until the battery temperature is higher than the preset temperature.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before switching the generator in the vehicle's power supply equipment to a low-voltage battery device, the method further includes: Obtain the vehicle information of the vehicle; If the vehicle information determines that the vehicle meets the preset limp mode recovery conditions, then the power supply device in the vehicle is switched to the low-voltage battery device. If it is determined from the vehicle information that the vehicle does not meet the preset limp mode recovery conditions, then the vehicle is controlled to maintain the limp mode driving.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vehicle information includes vehicle speed and accelerator pedal opening; Before switching the generator in the power supply equipment within the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device, the method further includes: If the vehicle speed is less than the preset vehicle speed and the accelerator pedal opening is less than the preset opening, then the vehicle is determined to meet the preset limp mode recovery conditions. If the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a preset vehicle speed, and / or the accelerator pedal opening is greater than or equal to a preset opening, then it is determined that the vehicle does not meet the preset limp mode recovery conditions.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After switching the generator in the power supply equipment within the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device, the method further includes: The high-voltage equipment inside the vehicle is controlled to stop working; After switching the low-voltage battery device in the power supply equipment to the high-voltage battery device, the method further includes: Control the high-voltage equipment inside the vehicle to ensure normal operation.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, After adjusting the voltage of the high-voltage battery device to the pre-charge voltage, the method further includes: A relay closing command is sent to the high-voltage battery device; the relay closing command is used to instruct the high-voltage battery device to close the relay; If the relay closes within a first preset time, the power supply device is switched to the high-voltage battery device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After sending the relay closing command to the high-voltage battery device, the method further includes: If the relay does not close within a first preset time, the vehicle is controlled to maintain the limp mode driving.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, After stating that if the relay does not close within a first preset time, the limp mode is maintained, the method further includes: After a second preset time, the target step and the steps following the target step are executed until the vehicle switches to the normal mode, or the number of times the target step is executed equals the preset number of times; the target step is to switch the generator in the power supply equipment in the vehicle to a low-voltage battery device if the vehicle is in limp mode.

9. A vehicle comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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