Vehicle air circuit anti-icing methods, vehicle controller, vehicle and medium

Abstract

This application provides a method for preventing air icing in a vehicle, a vehicle controller, a vehicle, and a medium, relating to the field of vehicle control technology. The method includes: after detecting high pressure on the vehicle, acquiring the vehicle's ambient temperature; and controlling a first switching valve and a second switching valve according to the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply lines. The gas supply lines include a first gas supply line and a second gas supply line, the first gas supply line including a first conduit, and the second gas supply line including a second conduit. This method effectively prevents icing in the vehicle's gas supply lines, ensuring unobstructed airflow in low-temperature environments, thereby guaranteeing normal vehicle control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle control technology, and in particular to a method for preventing air icing in a vehicle, a vehicle controller, a vehicle, and a medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, more and more vehicles are using air pressure as a power source, such as heavy trucks and engineering vehicles that use air pressure brakes, or passenger cars with airbags. Taking heavy trucks as an example, heavy trucks use high-pressure gas as power to brake the vehicle. Air is compressed by an air pump, and the pressurized air reaches the brake chamber through pipes and valves. The brake chamber push rod extends and pushes the brake adjustment arm to brake.

[0003] In related technologies, because air contains a certain amount of moisture, the air first passes through an air filter to remove liquid water, then enters an air compressor for pressurization. The pressurized gas has high pressure and high temperature. After passing through a 4-6m long steel pipe for cooling, the high-pressure gas then passes through an air processing unit (APU) for drying and filtration. Finally, the clean, low-temperature high-pressure gas enters the air reservoir for vehicle braking. Furthermore, electric heavy-duty trucks use electric air compressors, which generally have a smaller displacement, resulting in longer inflation times and longer drying times for the APU. To alleviate APU pressure, a condenser is often added before the APU. The condenser can precipitate liquid water and cool the high-pressure gas.

[0004] However, when the ambient temperature is low, the air supply pipeline from the air compressor to the steel pipe, condenser, APU, and air tank is prone to freezing, which can cause air blockage and affect the normal control of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method for preventing air icing in a vehicle, a vehicle controller, a vehicle, and a medium, which can effectively prevent the air supply line of the vehicle from freezing, ensure unobstructed air flow in low-temperature environments, and thus ensure normal vehicle control.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for preventing air icing in a vehicle. The vehicle includes an air compressor, a condenser, an air handling unit (APU), and an air reservoir. The air compressor is connected to a first pipe and a second pipe via a first switching valve. The condenser is connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a second switching valve. The condenser is connected to the air reservoir via the APU. The method includes:

[0007] After detecting high voltage on the vehicle, the vehicle's ambient temperature is obtained;

[0008] The first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled according to the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply pipeline. The gas supply pipeline includes a first gas supply pipeline and a second gas supply pipeline. The first gas supply pipeline includes the first pipe, and the second gas supply pipeline includes the second pipe. The length of the first pipe is greater than the length of the second pipe.

[0009] In one possible implementation, controlling the first switching valve and the second switching valve according to the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply line includes any one of the following:

[0010] When the ambient temperature exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled respectively to execute the first air supply line. The first air supply line includes an air compressor, a first switching valve, a first pipeline, a second switching valve, a condenser, an APU, and an air storage tank in sequence.

[0011] When the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled respectively to execute the second air supply line. The second air supply line includes an air compressor, a first switching valve, a second pipeline, a second switching valve, a condenser, an APU, and an air storage tank in sequence.

[0012] In one possible implementation, it also includes:

[0013] After the vehicle stops, if the ambient temperature does not exceed a preset temperature threshold, and after the stop time exceeds a preset duration threshold, the exhaust port of the condenser / APU is controlled to open for a first duration to release the gas in the first / second pipe.

[0014] In one possible implementation, after obtaining the ambient temperature of the vehicle, the method further includes:

[0015] When the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, a de-icing operation is performed: the air compressor is controlled to pump air, and the exhaust port of the condenser / APU is controlled to open for a second duration.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the vehicle further includes a barometric pressure sensor connected to the air reservoir, and after acquiring the vehicle's ambient temperature, it further includes:

[0017] Step S1: During vehicle operation, when the ambient temperature is detected to be below the preset temperature threshold and the vehicle is not using gas, the current gas pressure value of the gas storage tank is obtained using the gas pressure sensor.

[0018] Step S2: Control the air compressor to perform air pumping operation, determine the pumping duration of this operation, and the target air pressure value of the air storage tank after the pumping operation;

[0019] Step S3: Determine the amount of air to be pumped in this pumping operation based on the current air pressure value, the target air pressure value, and the volume of the air storage cylinder;

[0020] Step S4: Determine the air pumping efficiency of this air pumping operation based on the air pumping volume and the air pumping duration, and determine whether there is a blockage in the air supply pipeline based on the air pumping efficiency.

[0021] In one possible implementation, determining whether the air supply line is blocked based on the air pumping efficiency includes:

[0022] Determine whether the inflation efficiency is less than a preset efficiency threshold;

[0023] If the efficiency threshold is less than 1, it is determined that there is a blockage in the air supply line. When the air compressor is detected to be idle, a pre-set number of de-icing operations are performed: the air compressor is controlled to perform an air pumping operation, and the exhaust port of the condenser / APU is controlled to open for a second duration.

[0024] If the efficiency threshold is not less than the required efficiency, then the gas supply line is determined to be free of blockage.

[0025] In one possible implementation, after performing the pre-set number of de-icing operations, the method further includes:

[0026] Repeat steps S1-S3 above to obtain the inflation efficiency after de-icing;

[0027] Determine whether the defrosting efficiency is less than a preset efficiency threshold.

[0028] If the efficiency is still below the threshold, a risk warning message about gas supply line blockage will be displayed on the dashboard.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle controller, including:

[0030] The processor, and the memory that is in communication with the processor;

[0031] Memory is used to store instructions that the computer executes;

[0032] The processor is configured to execute computer execution instructions stored in memory, causing the processor to perform the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect as described above.

[0033] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle, including: an air compressor, a condenser, an air handling unit (APU), an air reservoir, and a vehicle controller as described in the second aspect;

[0034] The air compressor is connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a first switching valve. The condenser is connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a second switching valve. The condenser is connected to the air tank via the APU. A pressure sensor is installed on the air tank. The length of the first pipe is greater than the length of the second pipe. The vehicle controller is connected to the air compressor, the first switching valve, the second switching valve, the condenser, the APU, and the pressure sensor.

[0035] The vehicle controller is used to detect the high voltage on the vehicle and obtain the ambient temperature of the vehicle; according to the ambient temperature, it controls the first switching valve and the second switching valve to switch the gas supply pipeline. The gas supply pipeline includes a first gas supply pipeline and a second gas supply pipeline. The first gas supply pipeline includes the first pipe, and the second gas supply pipeline includes the second pipe.

[0036] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect described above.

[0037] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, is used to implement the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect as described above.

[0038] This application provides a method for preventing air icing in a vehicle, a vehicle controller, a vehicle, and a medium. The method replaces the steel pipe between the air compressor and the condenser with a first pipe and a second pipe of different lengths. The air compressor is connected to both the first and second pipes via a first switching valve, and the condenser is connected to both via a second switching valve. With this setup, after the vehicle is pressurized, the vehicle controller controls the first and second switching valves according to the ambient temperature, switching the use of the first and second pipes to change the gas supply path. By switching between different gas supply paths under different ambient temperatures, the temperature of the gas in the supply path can be maintained, effectively preventing icing in the vehicle's air supply path and ensuring unobstructed airflow in low-temperature environments, thereby guaranteeing normal vehicle control. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a gas supply pipeline in the prior art;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a system architecture diagram of an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a vehicle air circuit anti-icing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle controller according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle controller according to another embodiment of this application.

[0045] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0047] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0048] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, certain software, components, models and other existing solutions in the industry may be mentioned. These should be regarded as exemplary and are only intended to illustrate the feasibility of implementing the technical solution of this application. However, it does not mean that the applicant has used or necessarily used the solution.

[0049] It should also be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties. Furthermore, the collection, use and processing of the relevant data must comply with relevant laws, regulations and standards, and corresponding operation entry points are provided for users to choose to authorize or refuse.

[0050] The vehicle air circuit anti-icing method, vehicle controller, vehicle and medium of this application can be used in the field of vehicle control technology, or in any field other than vehicle control technology, such as pipeline anti-icing technology, etc. The application field of the vehicle air circuit anti-icing method, vehicle controller, vehicle and medium of this application is not limited.

[0051] The vehicle air circuit anti-icing method, vehicle controller, vehicle, and medium of this application can be applied to scenarios where air circuit anti-icing is performed in structures that use air pressure as a power source. Any scenario involving air pressure as a power source, such as heavy trucks with air brakes, passenger cars with airbags, engineering vehicles with other air-using structures, and construction machinery, can be applied to scenarios where air circuit anti-icing is performed.

[0052] Heavy trucks use high-pressure gas as a power source to brake the vehicle. The air is compressed by an air pump, and the pressurized air reaches the brake chamber through pipes and valves. The brake chamber push rod extends and pushes the brake adjustment arm to apply the brake.

[0053] In related technologies, because air contains a certain amount of moisture, the air first passes through an air filter to remove liquid water, then enters an air compressor for pressurization. The pressurized gas has high pressure and high temperature. After passing through a 4-6m long steel pipe for cooling, the high-pressure gas passes through an air handling unit (APU) for drying and filtration. Finally, the clean, low-temperature high-pressure gas enters the air reservoir for vehicle braking. Furthermore, electric heavy-duty trucks use electric air compressors, which generally have a smaller displacement, resulting in longer inflation and APU drying times. To alleviate APU pressure, a condenser is often added before the APU. The condenser can precipitate liquid water and cool the high-pressure gas.

[0054] For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas supply pipeline in the prior art, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the air supply pipeline includes an air compressor, a condenser, an APU, an air tank, and a vehicle control unit (VCU). A brake steel pipe is installed between the air compressor and the condenser. The VCU is connected to the air compressor, condenser, APU, and air tank respectively to control them.

[0055] Dew point is the temperature at which water vapor begins to condense under a specified pressure. When compressed air is cooled, the relative humidity increases. After the air is compressed, the temperature gradually decreases, and when the relative humidity reaches 100%, water droplets will precipitate from the compressed air. This temperature is the "pressure dew point" of the compressed air.

[0056] Under constant air pressure, the lower the temperature, the lower the dew point, and the easier it is for water to precipitate. Therefore, when the ambient temperature is low, the air supply pipeline from the air compressor to the steel pipe, condenser, APU, and air tank is prone to freezing, which can lead to obstructed airflow and affect the normal control of the vehicle.

[0057] At a constant temperature, the higher the air pressure, the lower the dew point, and the easier it is for water to precipitate. After each air compressor finishes pumping air and the APU is unloaded, there will be residual high-pressure gas in the steel pipe, which further leads to the air supply pipeline being prone to freezing.

[0058] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, the inventive concept of this application is: how to provide a vehicle air supply line anti-icing solution that can prevent the air supply line of a vehicle from freezing, ensure the air passage is unobstructed in low-temperature environments, and thus ensure the normal control of the vehicle.

[0059] This application provides a method for preventing air icing in a vehicle, a vehicle controller, a vehicle, and a medium. The method involves replacing the steel pipe between the air compressor and the condenser with a first pipe and a second pipe of different lengths. After the vehicle is pressurized, the vehicle controller controls the first and second switching valves according to the ambient temperature, switching the use of the first and second pipes to change the gas supply line. By switching between different gas supply lines under different ambient temperatures, the temperature of the gas in the supply line can be maintained, increasing the dew point and effectively preventing icing in the vehicle's gas supply line. This ensures unobstructed airflow in low-temperature environments and guarantees normal vehicle control.

[0060] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 2 This is a system architecture diagram of an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 2As shown, the vehicle may include an air compressor, a condenser, an APU, an air reservoir, and a pressure sensor. The air compressor is connected to a first pipeline and a second pipeline via a first switching valve. The condenser is connected to both the first and second pipelines via a second switching valve. The condenser is also connected to the air reservoir via the APU, and the air reservoir is connected to the pressure sensor. The VCU is connected to the air compressor, the first switching valve, the second switching valve, the condenser, the APU, and the pressure sensor. After detecting high pressure on the vehicle, the VCU acquires the vehicle's ambient temperature. Based on the ambient temperature, it controls the first and second switching valves to switch the gas supply lines. The gas supply lines include a first gas supply line and a second gas supply line. The first gas supply line includes a first pipe, and the second gas supply line includes a second pipe.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a vehicle air circuit anti-icing method according to an embodiment of this application. This embodiment describes the vehicle air circuit anti-icing method with the vehicle controller as the executing entity. Figure 3 As shown, the air circuit anti-icing method for this vehicle may include the following steps:

[0063] S301: After detecting high voltage on the vehicle, obtain the vehicle's ambient temperature.

[0064] In this embodiment, the vehicle may include an air compressor, a condenser, an air handling unit (APU), and an air tank. The air compressor is connected to a first pipe and a second pipe via a first switching valve. The condenser is connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a second switching valve. The condenser is connected to the air tank via the APU.

[0065] In this embodiment, the vehicle can be a vehicle that uses air pressure as a power source, such as a heavy truck with air brakes, a passenger car with airbags, an engineering vehicle with other air-using structures, or construction machinery. The specific type of vehicle is not limited here, as long as the vehicle has structures such as an air compressor, condenser, APU, and air tank.

[0066] In this embodiment, the outside air is filtered by the air filter, pressurized by the air compressor, cooled by the first / second pipe, condensed by the condenser and further cooled, then dried and filtered by the APU, and finally enters the air storage tank through the air pipe for use by the whole vehicle.

[0067] S302: Control the first switching valve and the second switching valve according to the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply pipeline.

[0068] In this embodiment, the gas supply pipeline includes a first gas supply pipeline and a second gas supply pipeline. The first gas supply pipeline includes a first pipe, and the second gas supply pipeline includes a second pipe. The length of the first pipe is greater than the length of the second pipe. For example, the first pipe can be 4m or 5m, and the second pipe can be 2m or 3m.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first switching valve / second switching valve can be an electrically controlled three-way switching valve or a manually controlled three-way switching valve, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0070] In this embodiment, the steel pipe between the air compressor and the condenser can be replaced with a first pipe and a second pipe of different lengths. The air compressor is connected to both the first and second pipes via a first switching valve, and the condenser is connected to both via a second switching valve. With this setup, after the vehicle is pressurized, the vehicle controller controls the first and second switching valves according to the ambient temperature, switching the use of the first and second pipes to change the gas supply path. By switching between different gas supply paths under different ambient temperatures, the temperature of the gas in the supply path can be maintained, effectively preventing the vehicle's gas supply path from freezing and ensuring unobstructed airflow in low-temperature environments, thereby ensuring normal vehicle control.

[0071] In one possible implementation, step S302, which controls the first switching valve and the second switching valve according to the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply line, may include any of the following:

[0072] S11: When the ambient temperature exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled respectively to execute the first air supply line. The first air supply line includes an air compressor, a first switching valve, a first pipeline, a second switching valve, a condenser, an APU, and an air storage tank in sequence.

[0073] S12: When the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled respectively to execute the second air supply line. The second air supply line includes an air compressor, the first switching valve, the second pipeline, the second switching valve, the condenser, the APU and the air tank in sequence.

[0074] In this embodiment, the preset temperature threshold can be flexibly set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions. For example, the temperature threshold can be 0℃ or -1℃, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0075] For example, taking a temperature threshold of 0°C as an example, when the ambient temperature is higher than 0°C, the VCU can execute mode 1: control. Figure 2In the middle switching valve, port 21 of valve A (first switching valve) is open and port 22 is closed. In the middle switching valve, port 11 of valve B (second switching valve) is open and port 12 is closed. At this time, the air supply pipeline is a long loop, specifically: air compressor - switching valve A - long steel pipe (first pipeline) - switching valve B - condenser - APU - air tank. Using a long loop when the temperature is high can ensure the gas cooling effect and ensure that the APU inlet air temperature is below 65℃.

[0076] When the ambient temperature is below or equal to 0°C, there is a risk of piping freezing. The VCU can then execute Mode 2: Control. Figure 2 In this configuration, port 21 of switching valve A (first switching valve) is closed and port 22 is open, while port 11 of switching valve B (second switching valve) is closed and port 12 is open. At this time, the air supply pipeline is a short loop, specifically: air compressor - switching valve A - short steel pipe (second pipeline) - switching valve B - condenser - APU - air receiver. Using a short loop at lower temperatures helps maintain a certain temperature in the pipeline to prevent icing.

[0077] Alternatively, the first / second switching valve can be a manual valve, such as a three-way ball valve, suitable for use in areas with stable climates and distinct seasonal changes. In winter, manual switching is in mode 2, and in summer, it's in mode 1. If the vehicle operates between low and high altitudes, an electronically controlled switching valve can be used, controlled by the VCU or a rocker switch. Simultaneously, the second switching valve can be replaced by a two-way check valve, meaning that high-pressure gas can flow from either the long or short steel pipe to the three-way outlet.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the ambient temperature is high (exceeding the temperature threshold), a long loop (first air supply line) can be used to ensure gas cooling and maintain a low APU intake temperature. When the ambient temperature is low (not exceeding the temperature threshold), due to the low compressor outlet temperature and low pipe temperature, a longer pipe is not required to achieve the cooling effect. Using a long loop may result in excessively low APU intake temperature, even posing a risk of icing. Therefore, a short loop (second air supply line) is used to maintain the gas temperature in the pipe to prevent icing and ensure that the APU intake temperature is maintained at a certain level. By using a switching valve to switch between long and short pipes, the pipes can maintain a certain temperature when the temperature is low, while ensuring good cooling when the temperature is high. This effectively prevents icing of the vehicle's air supply lines while ensuring unobstructed airflow in low-temperature environments.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the method may include:

[0080] After the vehicle stops, if the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, and after the stop time exceeds the preset duration threshold, the condenser / APU exhaust port is opened for a first duration to release the gas in the first / second pipe.

[0081] In this embodiment, the duration threshold and the first duration can be flexibly set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0082] In this embodiment, at a constant temperature, higher air pressure results in a lower dew point, making it easier for water to precipitate. Furthermore, after each air compressor pumps air and the APU is unloaded, high-pressure gas remains in the steel pipes, further contributing to icing in the air supply lines. Therefore, upon detecting vehicle shutdown, it is necessary to promptly execute the exhaust mode to release the gas in the air supply lines, raising the dew point and preventing liquid water precipitation, thus avoiding freezing or the growth of small ice crystals.

[0083] For example, after detecting that the vehicle has stopped, the VCU monitors the downtime and ambient temperature. When the downtime exceeds 10 minutes and the ambient temperature does not exceed 0°C, it controls the condenser exhaust port to open for 5 seconds to release the high-pressure gas in the pipeline.

[0084] In this embodiment, after the vehicle is turned off, high-pressure gas remains in the pipeline. Pressurization lowers the gas dew point, and when the dew point is below the ambient temperature, condensation occurs, leading to icing. Therefore, when the vehicle controller detects that the ambient temperature does not exceed a preset temperature threshold and the vehicle has been off for more than a specified duration, it controls the condenser / APU exhaust port to open for a first duration to release the high-pressure gas in the pipeline, thereby increasing the dew point in the air supply line and preventing condensation and icing.

[0085] In one possible implementation, after obtaining the vehicle's ambient temperature in step S301 above, the following may also be included:

[0086] When the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, perform the de-icing operation: control the air compressor to perform air pumping operation, and control the condenser / APU exhaust port to open for a second duration.

[0087] In this embodiment, the specific second duration can be flexibly set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions. For example, the second duration can be 5s or 6s, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0088] For example, after the vehicle is powered on, when the VCU detects that the ambient temperature does not exceed 0°C, it first controls the air compressor to perform air pumping operation, and then controls the exhaust port of the condenser / APU to open for 5 seconds.

[0089] In this embodiment, after the vehicle is powered on and before use, the VCU can perform a power supply system self-check and de-icing process when it detects that the ambient temperature does not exceed a preset temperature threshold: it turns on the air compressor pump and opens the condenser / APU exhaust port for a period of time, allowing high-pressure gas to be discharged from the air supply line, while carrying away any condensate and small ice crystals that may be in the line. The exhaust sound during the self-check process can also provide a signal to the outside world, allowing the driver to determine whether the line is clear based on the exhaust sound.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the vehicle may further include a pressure sensor connected to an air reservoir. After obtaining the vehicle's ambient temperature in step S301 above, the vehicle may further include:

[0091] Step S1: During vehicle operation, when the ambient temperature is detected to be below the preset temperature threshold and the vehicle is not using gas, the current gas pressure value of the air tank is obtained using the air pressure sensor.

[0092] Step S2: Control the air compressor to perform air pumping operation, determine the pumping duration of this operation, and the target air pressure value of the air tank after the pumping operation.

[0093] Step S3: Determine the amount of air to be pumped in this pumping operation based on the current air pressure value, the target air pressure value, and the volume of the air storage tank.

[0094] Step S4: Determine the air pumping efficiency of this air pumping operation based on the air pumping volume and pumping time, and determine whether there is a blockage in the air supply line based on the air pumping efficiency.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the VCU detects that the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, it will only control the air compressor to perform air pumping operation when it detects that the vehicle is not using air. That is, it prioritizes ensuring the vehicle's air supply during vehicle operation.

[0096] In this embodiment, the VCU can monitor the change in air pressure in the air tank before and after air compressor operation (from the previous air pressure value to the target air pressure value), and monitor the duration of the air compressor operation. The volume of the air tank is known. Based on the change in air pressure in the air tank before and after air compressor operation and the volume of the air tank, the air volume of this air compressor operation can be accurately determined. Based on the air volume and the air compressor duration, the air compressor efficiency of this air compressor operation can be calculated.

[0097] In this embodiment, when the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, the VCU can control the air compressor to pump air into the air tank when the vehicle is not in use, and judge whether there is a blockage in the air supply line based on the pumping efficiency, and detect the risk of air line icing during vehicle operation in a timely manner.

[0098] In one possible implementation, step S4 above, which determines whether there is a blockage in the air supply line based on the air pumping efficiency, may include:

[0099] S21: Determine whether the pumping efficiency is less than the preset efficiency threshold.

[0100] S22: If the efficiency threshold is less than 1, it is determined that there is a blockage in the air supply line. When the air compressor is detected to be idle, a pre-set number of de-icing operations are performed: the air compressor is controlled to perform an air pumping operation, and the exhaust port of the condenser / APU is controlled to open for a second duration.

[0101] S23: If it is not less than the efficiency threshold, then it is determined that there is no blockage in the gas supply line.

[0102] In this embodiment, the specific efficiency threshold can be flexibly set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions, and no restrictions are imposed here. In addition, the preset number of times can also be flexibly set by those skilled in the art according to actual conditions. For example, the preset number of times can be 3 times or 4 times, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0103] In this embodiment, the VCU will only perform a preset number of de-icing operations when it detects that the air compressor is idle, that is, it prioritizes ensuring the vehicle's air supply while the vehicle is in motion.

[0104] In this embodiment, the gas in the pipeline after the APU is dried by a drying tank, theoretically making the possibility of icing and blockage low. However, the gas in the steel pipe system before the APU is not dried, making the possibility of icing and blockage relatively high. Therefore, when the air pumping efficiency is determined to be less than the efficiency threshold, de-icing operations can be performed a preset number of times to remove ice from the pipeline, allowing condensate and small ice crystals to be discharged through the condenser / APU.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the air pumping efficiency is less than the efficiency threshold, it indicates that there may be a risk of blockage in the air supply line. When the air compressor is detected to be idle, a certain number of de-icing operations need to be performed to remove as much condensate and small ice crystals as possible from the air supply line to prevent the air supply line from freezing and becoming blocked.

[0106] In one possible implementation, after performing the de-icing operation a preset number of times in step S22 above, the method may further include:

[0107] S31: Repeat steps S1-S3 above to obtain the inflation efficiency after de-icing.

[0108] S32: Determine whether the air pumping efficiency after de-icing is less than the preset efficiency threshold.

[0109] S33: If the efficiency is still less than the efficiency threshold, a risk warning message about the blockage of the air supply line will be output through the instrument panel.

[0110] In this embodiment, the air supply line blockage risk warning information can be displayed in text form on the vehicle dashboard to promptly alert the driver.

[0111] In this embodiment, after performing a preset number of de-icing operations, the air pumping efficiency after de-icing can be obtained again using the above steps S1-S3. If the air pumping efficiency after de-icing is still less than the efficiency threshold, the VCU can output air supply line blockage risk warning information through the instrument panel to remind the driver to check whether the air line is blocked in time and take corresponding measures.

[0112] The following describes the air circuit anti-icing method for vehicles according to this application using a specific embodiment.

[0113] In a specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a heavy-duty truck using air brakes includes an air compressor, a condenser, an APU (Air Purifier), and an air tank. The air compressor is connected to a first pipe and a second pipe via a first switching valve. The condenser is connected to both the first and second pipes via a second switching valve. The condenser is connected to the air tank via the APU. The air circuit anti-icing process of this vehicle is as follows:

[0114] The first step is for the vehicle controller to detect the high voltage on the vehicle, obtain the ambient temperature of the vehicle, and determine that the ambient temperature is below 0℃.

[0115] The second step involves vehicle controller control. Figure 2 The first switching valve opens port 21 and closes port 22, and the second switching valve opens port 11 and closes port 12, executing the second air supply line of the short circuit, specifically: air compressor - first switching valve - short steel pipe (second pipeline) - second switching valve - condenser - APU - air tank.

[0116] The third step involves the vehicle controller performing a de-icing operation: controlling the air compressor to pump air and opening the condenser / APU exhaust port for 5 seconds.

[0117] Fourth, when the vehicle controller detects that the vehicle is not using air during operation, it controls the air compressor to perform air pumping operation and calculates the air pumping efficiency of this operation.

[0118] Fifth, if the vehicle controller determines that the air pumping efficiency is less than the preset efficiency threshold, it will perform three de-icing operations when the air compressor is detected to be idle: control the air compressor to pump air and control the exhaust port of the condenser / APU to open for 5 seconds.

[0119] Step 6: When the vehicle is in a state of no air usage, the vehicle controller controls the air compressor to perform air pumping operation and calculates the air pumping efficiency after de-icing.

[0120] Step 7: If the vehicle controller determines that the air inflation efficiency after de-icing is still less than the efficiency threshold, it will output a risk warning message about the blockage of the air supply line through the instrument panel to remind the driver to check whether the air line is blocked in time and take corresponding measures.

[0121] Step 8: After the vehicle controller detects that the vehicle has stopped, if the stop time exceeds 10 minutes, it controls the condenser / APU exhaust port to open for 3 seconds to release the gas in the second pipe.

[0122] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle controller according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle controller includes: an acquisition module 41, used to acquire the ambient temperature of the vehicle after detecting high pressure on the vehicle; and a processing module 42, used to control the first switching valve and the second switching valve according to the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply pipeline. The gas supply pipeline includes a first gas supply pipeline and a second gas supply pipeline. The first gas supply pipeline includes a first pipe, and the second gas supply pipeline includes a second pipe. The length of the first pipe is greater than the length of the second pipe.

[0123] The vehicle controller provided in this application embodiment can execute the technical solution shown in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and beneficial effects are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0124] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle controller according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle controller includes a processor 501 and a memory 502 communicatively connected to the processor 501; the memory 502 stores computer execution instructions; the processor 501 executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory 502 to implement the steps of the air circuit anti-icing method for the vehicle in the above method embodiments.

[0125] In the aforementioned vehicle controller, the memory 502 and the processor 501 are electrically connected directly or indirectly to enable data transmission or interaction. For example, these components can be electrically connected to each other via one or more communication buses or signal lines, such as a bus connection. The memory 502 stores computer-executable instructions for implementing data access control methods, including at least one software function module that can be stored in the memory 502 in the form of software or firmware. The processor 501 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 502.

[0126] The memory 502 may be, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), etc. The memory 502 stores programs, which are then executed by the processor 501 upon receiving execution instructions. Furthermore, the software programs and modules within the memory 502 may include an operating system, which may include various software components and / or drivers for managing system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and can communicate with various hardware or software components to provide an operating environment for other software components.

[0127] Processor 501 can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. The aforementioned processor 501 can be a general-purpose processor, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Network Processor (NP), etc. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0128] One embodiment of this application also provides a vehicle, such as Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle includes: an air compressor, a condenser, an air handling unit (APU), an air tank, and other components. Figure 5 The vehicle controller shown.

[0129] The air compressor is connected to the first and second pipelines via the first switching valve. The condenser is connected to the first and second pipelines via the second switching valve. The condenser is connected to the air tank via the APU. A pressure sensor is installed on the air tank. The length of the first pipeline is greater than the length of the second pipeline. The vehicle controller is connected to the air compressor, the first switching valve, the second switching valve, the condenser, the APU, and the pressure sensor.

[0130] The vehicle controller is used to detect the high voltage applied to the vehicle and obtain the ambient temperature of the vehicle; according to the ambient temperature, it controls the first switching valve and the second switching valve to switch the gas supply pipeline. The gas supply pipeline includes a first gas supply pipeline and a second gas supply pipeline. The first gas supply pipeline includes a first pipe and the second gas supply pipeline includes a second pipe.

[0131] An embodiment of this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the steps of the various method embodiments of this application.

[0132] An embodiment of this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the various method embodiments of this application.

[0133] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all optional embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0134] It should be further noted that although the steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowchart may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0135] It should be understood that the above-described device embodiments are merely illustrative, and the device of this application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of units / modules in the above embodiments is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units, modules, or components may be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0136] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the functional units / modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one unit / module, or each unit / module can exist physically separately, or two or more units / modules can be integrated together. The integrated units / modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software program modules.

[0137] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered within the scope of this specification.

[0138] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the appended claims.

[0139] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure 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 preventing air icing in a vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes an air compressor, a condenser, an air handling unit, and an air tank. The air compressor is connected to a first pipe and a second pipe via a first switching valve. The condenser is connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a second switching valve. The condenser is connected to the air tank via the air handling unit. The method includes: After detecting high voltage on the vehicle, the vehicle's ambient temperature is obtained; The first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled according to the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply pipeline. The gas supply pipeline includes a first gas supply pipeline and a second gas supply pipeline. The first gas supply pipeline includes a first pipe, and the second gas supply pipeline includes a second pipe. The length of the first pipe is greater than the length of the second pipe. The step of controlling the first switching valve and the second switching valve according to the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply pipeline includes any one of the following: When the ambient temperature exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled respectively to execute the first air supply line. The first air supply line includes an air compressor, a first switching valve, a first pipeline, a second switching valve, a condenser, an air handling unit, and an air storage tank in sequence. When the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled respectively to execute the second air supply pipeline. The second air supply pipeline includes an air compressor, a first switching valve, a second pipeline, a second switching valve, a condenser, an air handling unit, and an air storage tank in sequence.

2. The method for preventing air icing in a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: After the vehicle stops, if the ambient temperature does not exceed a preset temperature threshold, and after the stop time exceeds a preset duration threshold, the exhaust port of the condenser / air handling unit is controlled to open for a first duration to release the gas in the first / second pipe.

3. The method for preventing air icing in a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, After obtaining the ambient temperature of the vehicle, the following is also included: When the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, a de-icing operation is performed: the air compressor is controlled to pump air, and the exhaust port of the condenser / air handling unit is controlled to open for a second duration.

4. The method for preventing air icing in a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes a pressure sensor connected to the air reservoir. After acquiring the vehicle's ambient temperature, the vehicle further includes: Step S1: During vehicle operation, when the ambient temperature is detected to be below the preset temperature threshold and the vehicle is not using gas, the current gas pressure value of the gas storage tank is obtained using the gas pressure sensor. Step S2: Control the air compressor to perform air pumping operation, determine the pumping duration of this operation, and the target air pressure value of the air storage tank after the pumping operation; Step S3: Determine the amount of air to be pumped in this pumping operation based on the current air pressure value, the target air pressure value, and the volume of the air storage cylinder; Step S4: Determine the air pumping efficiency of this air pumping operation based on the air pumping volume and the air pumping duration, and determine whether there is a blockage in the air supply pipeline based on the air pumping efficiency.

5. The method for preventing air icing in a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of determining whether there is a blockage in the air supply line based on the air pumping efficiency includes: Determine whether the inflation efficiency is less than a preset efficiency threshold; If the efficiency threshold is less than 1, it is determined that there is a blockage in the air supply line. When the air compressor is detected to be idle, a pre-set number of de-icing operations are performed: the air compressor is controlled to perform an air pumping operation, and the exhaust port of the condenser / air handling unit is controlled to open for a second duration. If the efficiency threshold is not less than the required efficiency, then the gas supply line is determined to be free of blockage.

6. The method for preventing air icing in a vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, After performing the pre-set number of de-icing operations, the process further includes: Repeat steps S1-S3 above to obtain the inflation efficiency after de-icing; Determine whether the defrosting efficiency is less than a preset efficiency threshold. If the efficiency is still below the threshold, a risk warning message about gas supply line blockage will be displayed on the dashboard.

7. A vehicle controller, characterized in that, include: A processor, and a memory communicatively connected to the processor; The memory is used to store computer-executed instructions; The processor is used to execute computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to perform the air circuit anti-icing method for the vehicle as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: Air compressor, condenser, air handling unit, air tank, and vehicle controller as described in claim 7; The air compressor is connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a first switching valve. The condenser is connected to the first pipe and the second pipe via a second switching valve. The condenser is connected to the air tank via an air handling unit. A pressure sensor is installed on the air tank. The length of the first pipe is greater than the length of the second pipe. The vehicle controller is connected to the air compressor, the first switching valve, the second switching valve, the condenser, the air handling unit, and the pressure sensor. The vehicle controller is used to detect high pressure on the vehicle and obtain the vehicle's ambient temperature; based on the ambient temperature, it controls the first switching valve and the second switching valve to switch the gas supply pipeline. The gas supply pipeline includes a first gas supply pipeline and a second gas supply pipeline. The first gas supply pipeline includes a first pipe, and the second gas supply pipeline includes a second pipe. The control of the first switching valve and the second switching valve based on the ambient temperature to switch the gas supply pipeline includes any one of the following: when the ambient temperature exceeds a preset temperature threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled to execute the first gas supply pipeline, which sequentially includes an air compressor, a first switching valve, a first pipe, a second switching valve, a condenser, an air handling unit, and an air tank; when the ambient temperature does not exceed the preset temperature threshold, the first switching valve and the second switching valve are controlled to execute the second gas supply pipeline, which sequentially includes an air compressor, a first switching valve, a second pipe, a second switching valve, a condenser, an air handling unit, and an air tank.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the air circuit anti-icing method for the vehicle according to any one of claims 1-6.

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