Heater, heater failure detection processing method, electric device, and medium

Abstract

The application discloses a heater, a fault detection processing method of the heater, a power consumption equipment and a computer readable storage medium. The heater comprises a controller, a switch module and at least one heating core. The switch module comprises a first switch unit and a second switch unit. A first end of the first switch unit is connected with a first end of the heating core, and a first end of the second switch unit is connected with a second end of the heating core. The controller is connected with a second end of the first switch unit and a second end of the second switch unit respectively. The controller is configured to: acquire a current value of a loop in which the heating core is located; judge a short circuit state of the first switch unit and the second switch unit according to the current value; and control a switch unit in a normal state to be disconnected in the case that the first switch unit or the second switch unit is short-circuited. In this way, the short circuit state of the switch unit can be judged based on the current value, and another switch unit is controlled to be disconnected in the case that one switch unit is short-circuited, thereby reducing the safety risk of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a heater, a method for detecting and handling heater malfunctions, an electrical device, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles can control the heater to provide both air conditioning heating and battery insulation. Related technologies typically use a single-bridge insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) to control the heater. However, in the event of an IGBT short circuit, the heater is prone to continuous heating and dry burning, potentially posing a vehicle safety risk. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a heater, a method for detecting and handling heater malfunctions, an electrical device, and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0004] This application provides a heater, which includes a controller, a switching module, and at least one heating core. The switching module includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit. A first end of the first switching unit is connected to a first end of the heating core, and a first end of the second switching unit is connected to a second end of the heating core. The controller is connected to the second ends of the first switching unit and the second switching unit, respectively. The controller is configured to: Obtain the current value of the circuit where the heating core is located; Based on the current value, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit and the second switching unit; In the event of a short circuit in the first or second switching unit, the switching unit in normal operation is disconnected.

[0005] Thus, the heater in this embodiment includes a controller, a switching module, and at least one heating core. The switching module includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit. A first end of the first switching unit is connected to a first end of the heating core, and a first end of the second switching unit is connected to a second end of the heating core. The controller is connected to the second ends of both the first and second switching units. The controller is configured to acquire the current value of the circuit containing the heating core; determine the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units based on the current value; and, in the event of a short circuit in either the first or second switching unit, control the normally functioning switching unit to disconnect. The short-circuit state of the first and second switching units can be determined based on the current value, allowing for real-time response to fault conditions. Compared to relying on a single-bridge switch for shutdown control, by detecting the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units, even in the event of a short circuit in a single switching unit, the circuit can still be shut off through another normally functioning switching unit. This achieves accurate detection of the short-circuit state of the switching units, thereby reducing the risk of heater dry burning and the resulting vehicle safety hazards.

[0006] In some embodiments, the heater further includes a relay, the controller is connected to a first terminal of the relay, and a second terminal of the relay is connected to a third terminal of the first switching unit; The controller is configured to control the relay to disconnect when both the first switching unit and the second switching unit are short-circuited.

[0007] Thus, the heater also includes a relay, with the controller connected to the first terminal of the relay and the second terminal of the relay connected to the third terminal of the first switching unit. The controller is configured to disconnect the relay in the event of a short circuit in both the first and second switching units. In this way, the relay, connected in series between the high-voltage input and the load, serves as a protective component in the event of a short circuit failure in both the first and second switching units, forcibly cutting off the high-voltage circuit, de-energizing the heating core, and preventing the heater from burning dry and eliminating vehicle safety risks.

[0008] In some implementations, the current value includes a detection current and a target current, and the controller is configured to: When the relay is closed, the detection current of the circuit containing the heating core is obtained; If the detected current is greater than a first preset current threshold, the target current is acquired. Based on the target current, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.

[0009] Thus, the current value includes the detected current and the target current. The controller is configured to acquire the detected current of the circuit containing the heating core when the relay is closed; acquire the target current when the detected current is greater than a first preset current threshold; and determine the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units based on the target current. This initial screening based on the detected current, followed by further screening based on the target current when the detected current exceeds the first preset current threshold, filters out weak virtual currents caused by errors, avoids the limitations of a single current signal, ensures that real abnormal currents are not missed, and improves the accuracy of short-circuit state determination for the switching units.

[0010] In some embodiments, the detection current includes a first detection current, a second detection current, and a third detection current, and the controller is configured to: When the relay is closed, the first detection current is obtained, wherein the first detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when both the first switching unit and the second switching unit are open and remain open for a first duration; When the first detected current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, the second detected current is obtained, wherein the second detected current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when the first switch unit is open, the second switch unit is closed and the operation continues for a second duration; When the second detection current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, the third detection current is obtained, wherein the third detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when the first switch unit is closed, the second switch unit is open and continues for a third duration; If the third detected current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, it is determined that both the first switching unit and the second switching unit are in normal condition. The target current is obtained when the first detection current, the second detection current, or the third detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold.

[0011] Thus, the detection current includes a first detection current, a second detection current, and a third detection current. The controller is configured to acquire the first detection current when the relay is closed, wherein the first detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when both the first and second switching units are open for a first duration; acquire the second detection current when the first detection current is less than or equal to a first preset current threshold, wherein the second detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when the first switching unit is open, the second switching unit is closed, and the second switching unit is closed for a second duration; acquire the third detection current when the second detection current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, wherein the third detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when the first switching unit is closed, the second switching unit is open, and the second switching unit is open for a third duration; determine that both the first and second switching units are in normal condition when the third detection current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold; and acquire the target current when the first, second, or third detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold. In this way, the detection current is collected in the order of the first detection current, the second detection current, and the third detection current. The premise that the detection current of the previous step is qualified is the premise for starting the subsequent collection. This can realize the inspection of the first switch unit, the second switch unit, and the entire circuit. Then, the target current collection is only started when the detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold. This avoids the verification of the switch unit in normal state, improves the reliability and anti-interference ability of the detection to a certain extent, improves the detection efficiency, and reduces the risk of heater dry burning and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0012] In some implementations, the controller is configured to: Obtain the detection current of the circuit containing the heating core under the no-duty-cycle output state; If the detected current is greater than the second preset current threshold, the target current is obtained; Based on the target current, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.

[0013] Thus, the controller is configured to acquire the detection current of the circuit containing the heating core in the state of no duty cycle output; acquire the target current when the detection current is greater than the second preset current threshold; and determine the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units based on the target current. In this way, by continuously acquiring the circuit current, i.e., the detection current, in the state of no duty cycle output, sudden short-circuit fault currents can be captured in a timely manner, avoiding fault omissions and improving the reliability of detection to a certain extent.

[0014] In some implementations, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current, and the controller is configured to: When the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, the first switching unit is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed with a preset duty cycle and the second switching unit is closed for a fourth duration. When the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, the second switching unit is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed, the second switching unit is closed with the preset duty cycle and continues for the fourth duration.

[0015] Thus, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current. The controller is configured to determine that the first switching unit is short-circuited when the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, wherein the first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed with a preset duty cycle and the second switching unit is closed for a fourth duration; and to determine that the second switching unit is short-circuited when the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, wherein the second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed and the second switching unit is closed with a preset duty cycle for a fourth duration. By using the equality of the first on-state current and the first average current, and the equality of the second on-state current and the second average current, as quantitative judgment criteria, interference caused by virtual current and acquisition errors can be avoided, improving the reliability and accuracy of short-circuit state judgment of the first and second switching units, and reducing the risk of heater dry burning and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0016] In some implementations, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current, and the controller is configured to: When the relay is closed, the first water temperature and the first circuit board temperature are obtained, wherein the first circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller is located when it is not powered on; When the detected current is greater than the first preset current threshold, the second water temperature and the second circuit board temperature are obtained, wherein the second circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller is located when it is powered on. The target current is obtained when the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature is greater than a first preset temperature threshold and the difference between the second circuit board temperature and the first circuit board temperature is greater than a second preset temperature threshold. When the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, the first switching unit is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed with a preset duty cycle and the second switching unit is closed for a fourth duration. When the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, the second switching unit is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed, the second switching unit is closed with the preset duty cycle and continues for the fourth duration.

[0017] Thus, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current. The controller is configured to acquire a first water temperature and a first circuit board temperature when the relay is closed, wherein the first circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller is located when it is not powered on; acquire a second water temperature and a second circuit board temperature when the detected current is greater than a first preset current threshold, wherein the second circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller is located when it is powered on; acquire the target current when the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature is greater than a first preset temperature threshold and the difference between the second circuit board temperature and the first circuit board temperature is greater than a second preset temperature threshold; determine that the first switching unit is short-circuited when the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, wherein the first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed with a preset duty cycle and the second switching unit is closed for a fourth duration; determine that the second switching unit is short-circuited when the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, wherein the second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed and the second switching unit is closed with a preset duty cycle for a fourth duration. In this way, by acquiring the detection current and temperature data of the circuit where the heating core is located, and combining the first preset current threshold, the first preset temperature threshold and the second preset temperature threshold, the target current is obtained. Based on the target current, the short circuit status of the first and second switching units can be determined. This avoids the false judgment of virtual current caused by the failure of the current acquisition circuit, and verifies whether the short circuit of the switching unit causes the risk of heating. This further improves the accuracy of the short circuit status judgment of the switching unit, thereby reducing the risk of heater dry burning and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0018] This application provides a fault detection and handling method for a heater. The heater includes a controller, a switching module, and at least one heating core. The switching module includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit. A first end of the first switching unit is connected to a first end of the heating core, and a first end of the second switching unit is connected to a second end of the heating core. The controller is connected to the second ends of both the first and second switching units. The method includes: Obtain the current value of the circuit where the heating core is located; Based on the current value, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit and the second switching unit; In the event of a short circuit in the first or second switching unit, the switching unit in normal operation is disconnected.

[0019] Thus, the heater includes a controller, a switching module, and at least one heating core. The switching module includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit. The first end of the first switching unit is connected to the first end of the heating core, and the first end of the second switching unit is connected to the second end of the heating core. The controller is connected to the second ends of both the first and second switching units to obtain the current value of the circuit containing the heating core. Based on the current value, the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units is determined. In the event of a short circuit in either the first or second switching unit, the normally functioning switching unit is disconnected. This allows for the determination of the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units based on the current value, enabling real-time response to fault conditions. Compared to relying on a single-bridge switch for shutdown, detecting the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units allows for circuit shutdown even in the event of a short circuit in a single switching unit, achieving accurate detection of the short-circuit state and reducing the risk of heater dry burning and the resulting vehicle safety hazards.

[0020] The heater according to this application includes a controller, a switching module, and at least one heating core. The switching module includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit. A first end of the first switching unit is connected to a first end of the heating core, and a first end of the second switching unit is connected to a second end of the heating core. The controller is connected to the second ends of both the first and second switching units. The controller is configured to acquire the current value of the circuit containing the heating core; determine the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units based on the current value; and, in the event of a short circuit in either the first or second switching unit, control the normally functioning switching unit to disconnect. The short-circuit state of the first and second switching units can be determined based on the current value, allowing for real-time response to fault conditions. Compared to relying on a single-bridge switch for shutdown control, by detecting the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units, even in the event of a short circuit in a single switching unit, the circuit can still be shut off through another normally functioning switching unit. This achieves accurate detection of the short-circuit state of the switching units, thereby reducing the risk of heater dry burning and the resulting vehicle safety hazards.

[0021] This application provides an electrical device including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the above-described method.

[0022] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by one or more processors, implements the steps of the above-described method.

[0023] The heater, electrical device, and computer-readable storage medium provided in this application include a heater comprising a controller, a switching module, and at least one heating core. The switching module includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit. A first end of the first switching unit is connected to a first end of the heating core, and a first end of the second switching unit is connected to a second end of the heating core. The controller is connected to the second ends of both the first and second switching units. The controller is configured to acquire the current value of the circuit containing the heating core; determine the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units based on the current value; and, in the event of a short circuit in either the first or second switching unit, control the normally functioning switching unit to disconnect. This allows for the determination of the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units based on the current value, enabling real-time response to fault conditions. Compared to relying on a single-bridge switch for shutdown control, by detecting the short-circuit state of the first and second switching units, even in the event of a short circuit in a single switching unit, the circuit can still be shut off through another normally functioning switching unit. This achieves accurate detection of the short-circuit state of the switching units, thereby reducing the risk of heater dry burning and the resulting vehicle safety hazards.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heater structure according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a heater circuit according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the short-circuit judgment process of the switching unit in certain embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the non-100% duty cycle operating current waveform in certain embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is the second schematic diagram of the non-100% duty cycle operating current waveform in certain embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is the second schematic diagram of the short-circuit judgment process of the switching unit in some embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is the third schematic diagram of the short-circuit judgment process of the switching unit in some embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a fault detection and handling method for a heater according to certain embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0027] A single-bridge insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is typically used to control the heater in order to regulate its on / off state and power output.

[0028] However, related technologies typically use single-bridge IGBTs for switching control. When an IGBT short-circuits, it loses controllability and remains permanently on. Even if the vehicle sends a shutdown command, the heater will continue to heat at full power, which can lead to the risk of dry burning.

[0029] Furthermore, fault detection of IGBTs often relies on the bus current in the off state, which is susceptible to virtual current generated by current sensor failure, component aging, or environmental interference, leading to false fault diagnosis and thus threatening vehicle driving safety.

[0030] Based on the above issues, please refer to Figure 1 This application provides a heater 100, which includes a controller 110, a switch module 120, and at least one heating core 130. The switch module 120 includes a first switch unit 121 and a second switch unit 122. The first end of the first switch unit 121 is connected to the first end of the heating core 130, and the first end of the second switch unit 122 is connected to the second end of the heating core 130. The controller 110 is connected to the second end of the first switch unit 121 and the second end of the second switch unit 122. Controller 110 is configured as follows: Obtain the current value of the circuit where the heating core 130 is located; Based on the current value, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122; In the event of a short circuit in the first switch unit 121 or the second switch unit 122, the switch unit in the normal state is disconnected.

[0031] Specifically, the controller 110 is used to receive signals, perform data processing, issue control commands, and coordinate the collaborative work of each module. The controller 110 is connected to the second terminal of the first switch unit 121 and the second terminal of the second switch unit 122 respectively, and can control the on / off state of the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122.

[0032] The switch module 120 is used to control the on / off state of the high-voltage circuit where the heating core 130 is located. The switch module 120 includes a first switch unit 121 and a second switch unit 122. The first end of the first switch unit 121 is connected to the first end of the heating core 130, and the first end of the second switch unit 122 is connected to the second end of the heating core 130. The controller 110 is connected to the second end of the first switch unit 121 and the second end of the second switch unit 122.

[0033] The first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 can be Figure 2 The insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) shown correspond to the upper and lower IGBTs in the heating circuit, respectively, and can be used to control the on / off state of the high-voltage circuit where the heating core 130 is located.

[0034] The heating core 130 can generate heat quickly after being connected to a high-voltage power supply, and achieves heating or heat preservation functions through heat exchange. The heater 100 includes at least one heating core 130.

[0035] exist Figure 2 The circuit diagram of heater 100 shown contains two heating cores 130. The circuit of each heating core 130 is a closed circuit with the heating core 130 as the core, which is connected in series with the high voltage power supply terminal, the first switching unit 121, the heating core 130, the second switching unit 122, and the high voltage power supply terminal. For example, the circuit composed of IGBT1 and IGBT2 as upper and lower bridges, and the circuit composed of IGBT3 and IGBT4 as upper and lower bridges.

[0036] The current value is an electrical signal data obtained by a current acquisition sensor in the circuit. It can characterize the conduction state of the circuit and determine whether the switching unit is short-circuited.

[0037] The controller 110, or microcontroller unit (MCU), collects the current value of the heating core 130 circuit in real time. Based on the current data, it can determine the short circuit status of the two switching units. When it detects that only the first switching unit 121 or only the second switching unit 122 is short-circuited, the controller 110 sends a shutdown command to the other switching unit that is in normal condition. By cutting off the circuit, the heating core 130 is de-energized, avoiding continuous heating and achieving reliable shutdown under fault conditions.

[0038] In one example, after the controller 110 acquires the current value of the circuit where the heating core 130 is located in real time, it first performs preprocessing such as filtering and calibration on the current data to eliminate the influence of environmental interference and component errors. Then, it compares the processed current value with the current threshold under normal operating conditions to determine whether the two switching units are in a short circuit state. Understandably, the circuit current tends to be close to 0 under normal off state. If the current value is significantly greater than the threshold, it is determined that the corresponding switching unit is short-circuited. The controller 110 sends a shutdown command to the other switching unit in the normal state, thereby cutting off the power to the heating core 130 by cutting off the circuit, avoiding continuous heating, and achieving reliable shutdown under fault conditions.

[0039] The embodiments of this application can determine the short-circuit state of the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 based on the current value and respond to the fault state in real time. Compared with relying on a single bridge switch to control the shutdown, by detecting the short-circuit state of the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122, even if a single switch unit is short-circuited, the circuit can still be shut off through another normal switch unit, thereby achieving accurate detection of the short-circuit state of the switch unit and reducing the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0040] In summary, the heater 100 of this application includes a controller 110, a switching module 120, and at least one heating core 130. The switching module 120 includes a first switching unit 121 and a second switching unit 122. The first end of the first switching unit 121 is connected to the first end of the heating core 130, and the first end of the second switching unit 122 is connected to the second end of the heating core 130. The controller 110 is connected to the second end of the first switching unit 121 and the second end of the second switching unit 122, respectively. The controller 110 is configured to acquire the current value of the circuit in which the heating core 130 is located; determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 based on the current value; and control the switching unit in the normal state to disconnect when the first switching unit 121 or the second switching unit 122 is short-circuited. The short-circuit state of the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 can be determined based on the current value, and the fault state can be responded to in real time. Compared with relying on a single bridge switch to control the shutdown, by detecting the short-circuit state of the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122, the circuit can still be shut off through another normal switch unit in the case of a short circuit in a single switch unit. This achieves accurate detection of the short-circuit state of the switch unit, thereby reducing the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the heater 100 further includes a relay 140, the controller 110 is connected to a first terminal of the relay 140, and the second terminal of the relay 140 is connected to a third terminal of the first switching unit 121. The controller 110 is configured to control the relay 140 to disconnect when both the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 are short-circuited.

[0042] Specifically, relay 140 is an electrical control switch that operates based on the principle of electromagnetic induction and has the characteristics of strong high voltage carrying capacity and fast response speed.

[0043] exist Figure 2 In the circuit diagram of heater 100 shown, power module 170 includes a low-voltage power supply (LV), which can provide power to modules such as controller 110. The low-voltage power is filtered by an electromagnetic compatibility filter. Figure 2 The EMC filter in the circuit can filter electromagnetic interference, prevent interference with other components or interference from other components, and ensure circuit stability. After passing through a DC-DC power converter, the low voltage input of LV can be converted to other voltage levels to provide the required voltage for different modules. The power module 170 also includes a DC power supply, which is a high voltage DC input that can provide high voltage DC power to the heating core 130.

[0044] The drive module 150, or Driver, can amplify the control signal emitted by the control module to realize the switching control of IGBT1~4, namely the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122.

[0045] The signal acquisition module 160 includes ADI-1, ADI-2, TEMP, 16V-AD, and ADV. ADI-1 and ADI-2 are used to acquire current signals, i.e., detection current and target current; TEMP is used to acquire heating core temperature, PCB board temperature, water temperature, etc., which can be used in conjunction with current data to verify faults and avoid misjudgment; 16V-AD is used to detect the status of voltage signals such as 16V power supply; ADV is used to acquire voltage signals.

[0046] RELAY means that relay 140 is connected in series in the high-voltage circuit. When the MCU detects that the IGBT is completely short-circuited, that is, when both the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 are short-circuited, it controls relay 140 to open, cut off the power supply to the core, and prevent dry burning.

[0047] The first terminal of relay 140 is connected to controller 110, and the second terminal is connected to the third terminal of first switching unit 121, as follows: Figure 2 The relay 140 shown is connected in series between the high voltage input terminal and the load. It can be used as a protective component when both the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 fail due to short circuit. It can forcibly cut off the high voltage circuit, so that the heating core 130 is de-energized and stops heating, thus preventing the heater 100 from burning dry and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0048] Thus, the heater 100 also includes a relay 140, with the controller 110 connected to the first terminal of the relay 140 and the second terminal of the relay 140 connected to the third terminal of the first switching unit 121. The controller 110 is configured to control the relay 140 to disconnect when both the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 are short-circuited. In this way, the relay 140 is connected in series between the high-voltage input terminal and the load, serving as a protective component when both the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 fail due to short circuit. This allows for the forced disconnection of the high-voltage circuit, de-energizing the heating core 130 and stopping heating, thus preventing the heater 100 from burning dry and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0049] In some implementations, the current value includes a detection current and a target current, and the controller 110 is configured to: With relay 140 closed, the detection current of the circuit containing heating core 130 is obtained; If the detected current is greater than a first preset current threshold, the target current is obtained; Based on the target current, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122.

[0050] Specifically, the detection current is the loop current collected under specific switching conditions, used to initially investigate short-circuit faults, quickly screen out abnormal operating conditions, and improve detection efficiency.

[0051] The target current is current data collected after the current trigger threshold is detected. It can characterize the actual working state of the switching unit and is used to accurately verify short-circuit faults.

[0052] The first preset current threshold is a critical current value calibrated based on parameters such as the heater's rated power, operating voltage, and circuit resistance. It is used to distinguish between normal current and abnormal current and can be calibrated and set according to actual conditions, for example, 0.8A.

[0053] The closed state of relay 140 refers to the default state of relay 140 when heater 100 is working normally or during self-test. At this time, the current in the high-voltage circuit can flow into the first switching unit 121 through relay 140, laying the foundation for circuit current detection.

[0054] When relay 140 is closed, controller 110 can obtain the detection current of the circuit where heating core 130 is located through signal acquisition devices such as sampling resistor and current sensor, and compare the detection current with the first preset current threshold. If the detection current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, it can be determined that the current switching unit is in normal working condition and no further detection is required. Controller 110 maintains the current state of switching module 120 and relay 140, and heater 100 responds normally to vehicle heating demand. If the detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold, it can be determined that the current switching unit may have a short circuit fault. Controller 110 needs to start a precise verification process, obtain the target current through the current acquisition module, and accurately determine whether the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 are in a real short circuit state based on the target current to avoid misjudgment. Finally, based on the judgment result of the target current, the corresponding control command is output to achieve accurate detection of the short circuit state of the switching unit, thereby reducing the dry burning of heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0055] Preliminary investigation is conducted based on the detected current. If the detected current exceeds the first preset current threshold, further investigation is conducted based on the target current. This can filter out weak virtual currents caused by errors, avoid the limitations of a single current signal, ensure that real abnormal currents are not missed, and improve the accuracy of short-circuit state judgment of the switching unit.

[0056] Compared to relying solely on the current in the off state to determine the short-circuit state of the switching unit, the embodiment of this application obtains the detection current of the circuit where the heating core 130 is located and, in combination with a first preset current threshold, obtains the target current. Based on the target current, the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 is determined. This avoids false judgments of virtual current caused by faults in the current acquisition circuit, improves the accuracy of short-circuit state determination of the switching unit to a certain extent, and reduces the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0057] Thus, the current value includes the detected current and the target current. The controller 110 is configured to acquire the detected current of the circuit containing the heating core 130 when the relay 140 is closed; acquire the target current when the detected current is greater than a first preset current threshold; and determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 based on the target current. In this way, preliminary screening is performed based on the detected current, and further screening is performed based on the target current when the detected current is greater than the first preset current threshold. This can filter out weak virtual currents caused by errors, avoid the limitations of a single current signal, ensure that real abnormal currents are not missed, and improve the accuracy of short-circuit state judgment of the switching units.

[0058] In some implementations, the detection current includes a first detection current, a second detection current, and a third detection current, and the controller 110 is configured to: When relay 140 is closed, a first detection current is obtained, wherein the first detection current is the current in the circuit where heating core 130 is located when both the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 are open and continue for a first duration; When the first detected current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, a second detected current is obtained, wherein the second detected current is the current in the circuit where the heating core 130 is located when the first switch unit 121 is open, the second switch unit 122 is closed and continues for a second duration; When the second detection current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, a third detection current is obtained, wherein the third detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core 130 is located when the first switch unit 121 is closed, the second switch unit 122 is open and continues for a third duration. If the third detection current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, it is determined that both the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 are in normal condition. If the first detection current, the second detection current, or the third detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold, the target current is obtained.

[0059] Specifically, the detection current includes a first detection current, a second detection current, and a third detection current.

[0060] The first detection current is the current collected in the circuit where the heating core 130 is located under the condition that both the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 are disconnected and continue for a first time. It is used to check whether both switch modules 120 are short-circuited or the circuit where the heating core 130 is located is abnormal. The second detection current is the current collected in the circuit where the heating core 130 is located under the condition that the first switch unit 121 is open, the second switch unit 122 is closed and continues for a second duration, and is used to check for short circuits in the first switch unit 121. The third detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core 130 is located under the condition that the first switch unit 121 is closed, the second switch unit 122 is open, and the condition lasts for a third time. It is used to check for short circuits in the second switch unit 122.

[0061] The first, second, and third durations are all durations set to ensure the stability of current acquisition and avoid measurement errors caused by acquisition before the current is stable. They are usually 500ms.

[0062] It should be noted that the first, second, and third durations, typically 500m, in this application are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the corresponding values. In other examples, the first, second, and third durations may not be equal, and the corresponding values ​​may also be 350ms, 400ms, 600ms, etc., which are not limited here. The settings should be adapted to the electrical response characteristics of the heater 100 circuit and combined with the actual situation.

[0063] In such Figure 3 In the fault detection process shown, after the heater 100 is powered on, the controller 110 controls the relay 140 to engage, putting the high-voltage circuit into a state of being ready for detection. At the same time, the state of the switch module 120 is initialized, and the IGBT module is fully turned off, that is, both the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 remain in the off state. After a duration of A0s, the first detection current can be collected and compared with the first preset current threshold. If the first detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold, it can be considered that there is a current value in the current circuit, and it can be determined that there is an abnormality in the circuit as a whole, such as both switch units being short-circuited or the circuit leaking current. The target current needs to be collected to further verify the short circuit of the switch unit. If the first detection current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, it can be determined that there is no abnormality in the circuit as a whole, and the second detection current can be collected. By controlling the first switching unit 121 to remain open and the second switching unit 122 to be closed, such as IGBT1 and IGBT3 being open and IGBT2 and IGBT4 being turned off for a duration of A1s (i.e., the second duration), the second detected current is compared with the first preset current threshold. If the second detected current is greater than the first preset current threshold, it can be considered that there is a current value in the current circuit, and it can be determined that the first switching unit 121 may have a short circuit fault. The target current needs to be collected to further verify the short circuit of the switching unit. If the second detected current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, it can be determined that the second switching unit 122 is normal, and the third detected current can be collected. The controller 110 controls the first switch unit 121 to close and the second switch unit 122 to remain open. If IGBT1 and IGBT3 are turned off and IGBT2 and IGBT4 are turned on for a period of A2s (i.e., a third duration), the collected third detection current is compared with the first preset current threshold. If the third detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold, it can be considered that there is a current value in the current circuit, and it can be determined that the second switch unit 122 may have a short circuit fault. The target current needs to be collected to further verify the short circuit of the switch unit. If the third detection current is less than the first preset current threshold, it can be determined that both the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 are in normal condition, and the preliminary detection process is exited. The heater 100 responds normally to the vehicle's heating demand. In determining whether a current value exists in the circuit, a smaller current value can be set as the judgment threshold, that is, a current greater than the first preset current threshold is considered an effective current. When an effective current is detected, a current value such as 0.8A can also be set as the judgment threshold, that is, the first preset current threshold. When the detected current is less than or equal to 0.8A, it is considered that the virtual current value is generated due to the failure of various components during the acquisition of the detected current, rather than a short circuit of the switching unit. When the detected current is greater than 0.8A, the target current is acquired for short circuit detection to further verify the short circuit status of the switching unit.

[0064] In the process of further verifying the short circuit condition of the switching unit, analysis can be performed based on the characteristics of the target current, such as comparing the on-state current with the average current, to finally determine the specific state of the short circuit fault and output the corresponding control command, so as to control the normal switching unit to turn off when a single switching unit is short-circuited; and control the relay 140 to open when both switching units are short-circuited.

[0065] By categorizing the detection scenarios into three types based on the on / off state of the switch module 120, and progressively collecting data in the order of the first detection current, the second detection current, and the third detection current, the qualified detection current of the previous step serves as a prerequisite for starting the subsequent collection step. This allows for the screening of the first switch unit 121, the second switch unit 122, and the entire circuit. Furthermore, the target current collection is only initiated when the detected current exceeds the first preset current threshold, avoiding the verification of switch units in normal states. This improves the reliability and anti-interference capability of the detection to a certain extent, increases the detection efficiency, and reduces the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0066] Thus, the detected current includes a first detected current, a second detected current, and a third detected current. The controller 110 is configured to acquire the first detected current when the relay 140 is closed, wherein the first detected current is the current in the circuit where the heating core 130 is located when both the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 are open for a first duration; acquire the second detected current when the first detected current is less than or equal to a first preset current threshold, wherein the second detected current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when the first switching unit 121 is open and the second switching unit 122 is closed for a second duration; acquire the third detected current when the second detected current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, wherein the third detected current is the current in the circuit where the heating core 130 is located when the first switching unit 121 is closed and the second switching unit 122 is open for a third duration; determine that both the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 are in a normal state when the third detected current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold; and acquire the target current when the first detected current, the second detected current, or the third detected current is greater than the first preset current threshold. In this way, the detection current is collected in the order of the first detection current, the second detection current, and the third detection current. The premise that the detection current of the previous step is qualified is to start the acquisition of the next step. This can realize the inspection of the first switch unit 121, the second switch unit 122 and the entire circuit. Then, the target current acquisition is only started when the detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold. This avoids the verification of the switch unit in normal state, improves the reliability and anti-interference ability of the detection to a certain extent, improves the detection efficiency, and reduces the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0067] In some implementations, controller 110 is configured to: Obtain the detection current of the circuit containing the heating core 130 under the no-duty-cycle output state; If the detected current is greater than the second preset current threshold, the target current is obtained; Based on the target current, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122.

[0068] Specifically, the no-duty-cycle output state refers to the non-working condition of the heater 100, that is, when the vehicle has no heating demand, the controller 110 does not send a conduction command to the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122, the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 are both in the off state, and the heating core 130 has no power output.

[0069] The second preset current threshold is a critical current value adapted to the no-duty-cycle output state. It can be used to distinguish between normal leakage current and abnormal fault current, and can be calibrated and set according to actual conditions.

[0070] Understandably, when the heater 100 enters the power-on self-test or the heating core 130 is in a state with no duty cycle output, there should normally be no effective current in the circuit where the heating core 130 is located. By detecting the circuit current under this condition, it is possible to preliminarily determine whether the switching unit is short-circuited.

[0071] By continuously acquiring the loop current (i.e., detecting the current) in the state of no duty cycle output, sudden short-circuit fault currents can be captured in a timely manner, avoiding fault omission. When the detected current is greater than the second preset current threshold, the target current can be obtained, and then the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 can be determined based on the target current, thereby improving the reliability of detection to a certain extent.

[0072] Thus, the controller 110 is configured to acquire the detection current of the circuit containing the heating core 130 in the no-duty-cycle output state; acquire the target current when the detection current is greater than the second preset current threshold; and determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 based on the target current. In this way, by continuously acquiring the circuit current, i.e., the detection current, in the no-duty-cycle output state, sudden short-circuit fault currents can be captured in a timely manner, avoiding fault omissions and improving the reliability of detection to a certain extent.

[0073] In some implementations, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current, and the controller 110 is configured to: When the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, it is determined that the first switching unit 121 is short-circuited. The first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit 121 is closed with a preset duty cycle, the second switching unit 122 is closed and continues for a fourth time. When the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, the second switching unit 122 is determined to be short-circuited. The second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit 121 is closed and the second switching unit 122 is closed with a preset duty cycle and continues for a fourth time.

[0074] Specifically, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current.

[0075] The first on-state current is the on-state current collected under the condition that the first switch unit 121 is closed with a preset duty cycle, the second switch unit 122 is normally closed and continues for a fourth time, and is used to verify the short-circuit state of the first switch unit 121. That is, it is the instantaneous current value of the loop within the conduction range of the first switch unit 121. The second on-state current is collected from the working condition where the first switch unit 121 is normally closed and the second switch unit 122 is closed with a preset duty cycle and lasts for a fourth time. It is used to verify the on-state current of the second switch unit 122 in the short-circuit state. That is, it is the instantaneous current value of the loop in the conduction range of the second switch unit 122. The first average current is the average current value of the loop during the entire PWM cycle when the first switching unit 121 is closed with a preset duty cycle and the second switching unit 122 is normally closed, corresponding to the first on-state current. It can be calculated from the first on-state current, the resistive current and the duty cycle. The second average current is the average current value of the circuit during the entire PWM cycle when the first switching unit 121 is normally closed and the second switching unit 122 is closed with a preset duty cycle, corresponding to the second on-state current. It can be calculated from the second on-state current, the resistive current, and the duty cycle. For example, the average current value = on-state current * PWM duty cycle + resistive current * (1 - PWM duty cycle).

[0076] The preset duty cycle is a non-100% duty cycle set to verify the controllability of the switching unit. It is achieved through pulse width modulation technology, such as 50%.

[0077] The fourth duration refers to the duration of target current acquisition, which is used to ensure that current data for the complete cycle is acquired and to avoid judgment errors caused by incomplete data. It is usually 500ms.

[0078] In one example, such as Figure 4 In the non-100% duty cycle operating current waveform shown, t0 is the on-time of the controller 110 controlling the switching unit, t1 is the off-time of the controller 110 controlling the switching unit, the sum of t0 and t1 is one PWM control cycle, and (t0 / (t0+t1))*100% is the duty cycle output of the switching unit.

[0079] During the period when the controller 110 controls the switching unit to conduct, the instantaneous current value passing through the heating core 130 circuit is as follows: Figure 5 A1, A2, and A3 shown are the on-state currents described in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, due to the high accuracy of current acquisition and the short duty cycle, the on-state currents obtained through multiple filtering can be considered almost equal, i.e., A1 = A2 = A3. The instantaneous current value passing through the heating core 130 circuit during the period when the controller 110 controls the switch unit to turn off is, as shown... Figure 5 B1, B2, and B3 shown are the resistive currents, which are usually close to zero.

[0080] Understandably, when the switching unit is short-circuited, the state of the switching unit is uncontrollable and it is always in the conducting state. The duty cycle can be considered to be set to 100%. When the duty cycle is 100%, the current is in the conducting state throughout the entire operating cycle and the average current is equal to the current in the conducting state. Therefore, the value of the current in the conducting state and the average current can be used to determine whether the switching unit is in a true short-circuit state.

[0081] Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown, after entering the IGBT short circuit judgment, when the PTC heater 100 has no duty cycle output and the single-channel current is greater than Ba ​​(first preset current threshold), that is, when the detected current is greater than the first preset current threshold, the upper bridge IGBT (second switching unit 122) of the hot core circuit is turned on with a 100% duty cycle, and the lower bridge IGBT (first switching unit 121) is turned on with a 50% duty cycle (preset duty cycle) for A3s (fourth duration). When the first on-state current is not equal to the first average current, it can be considered that the first switching unit 121 is controlled by the duty cycle and is in a normal state; when the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, it can be considered that the first switching unit 121 is not controlled, and thus it can be determined that the first switching unit 121 is short-circuited. Next, the lower bridge IGBT (first switching unit 121) of the hot core circuit is turned on with a 100% duty cycle, and the upper bridge IGBT (second switching unit 122) is turned on with a 50% duty cycle (preset duty cycle) for A3s (fourth duration). If the second on-state current is not equal to the second average current, it can be considered that the second switching unit 122 is controlled by the duty cycle and is in a normal state; if the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, it can be considered that the second switching unit 122 is not controlled, and it can be determined that the second switching unit 122 is short-circuited. Control is performed according to the final determined short-circuit state of the switching unit. For example, if the first switching unit 121 is short-circuited, the second switching unit 122 is disconnected, and vice versa; if both the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 are short-circuited, the control relay 140 is disconnected.

[0082] Using the equality of the first on-state current with the first average current and the equality of the second on-state current with the second average current as quantitative judgment criteria can avoid interference caused by virtual current and acquisition error, improve the reliability and accuracy of short-circuit state judgment of the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122, and reduce the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0083] Thus, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current. The controller 110 is configured to determine that the first switching unit 121 is short-circuited when the first on-state current is equal to the first average current. The first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and average current when the first switching unit 121 is closed with a preset duty cycle, and the second switching unit 122 is closed for a fourth duration. Similarly, the controller is configured to determine that the second switching unit 122 is short-circuited when the second on-state current is equal to the second average current. The second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and average current when the first switching unit 121 is closed, and the second switching unit 122 is closed with a preset duty cycle for a fourth duration. By using the equality of the first on-state current and the first average current, and the equality of the second on-state current and the second average current, as quantitative judgment criteria, interference from virtual currents and acquisition errors can be avoided, improving the reliability and accuracy of short-circuit state judgment for the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122, and reducing the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0084] In some implementations, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current, and the controller 110 is configured to: With relay 140 closed, the first water temperature and the first circuit board temperature are obtained, wherein the first circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller 110 is located when it is not powered on. When the detected current is greater than the first preset current threshold, the second water temperature and the second circuit board temperature are obtained, wherein the second circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller 110 is located when it is powered on. When the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature is greater than the first preset temperature threshold and the difference between the second circuit board temperature and the first circuit board temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold, the target current is obtained. When the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, it is determined that the first switching unit 121 is short-circuited. The first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit 121 is closed with a preset duty cycle, the second switching unit 122 is closed and continues for a fourth time. When the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, the second switching unit 122 is determined to be short-circuited. The second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit 121 is closed and the second switching unit 122 is closed with a preset duty cycle and continues for a fourth time.

[0085] Specifically, the first water temperature refers to the initial water temperature recorded when the heater 100 is powered on at low voltage, before heating is started, and when the controller 110 starts working. It is usually the initial temperature of the inlet or outlet of the heating core 130 and is the benchmark value for judging subsequent water temperature changes. The second water temperature is the current water temperature collected in real time by the controller 110 after the detection current exceeds the first preset current threshold. It corresponds to the first water temperature and can characterize the water temperature changes that may be caused by a short circuit.

[0086] The first circuit board temperature refers to the initial temperature of the printed circuit board (PCB) where the controller 110 is located when it is not powered on, that is, the ambient temperature of the circuit board before the heater 100 is powered on. It is the benchmark value for judging the heating of the circuit board. The second circuit board temperature is the current circuit board temperature collected by the controller 110 after the detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold. It can characterize the heating of the circuit board that may be caused by a short circuit in the switching unit.

[0087] The first preset temperature threshold is the critical value that distinguishes between normal water temperature fluctuations and water temperature rise caused by short-circuit heating.

[0088] The second preset temperature threshold is the critical value that distinguishes between normal circuit board temperature fluctuations and circuit board temperature rise caused by short circuits.

[0089] Understandably, during normal heating, the rate of temperature rise and the rhythm of change of the heating medium temperature (i.e., water temperature and PCB temperature) of the heating core 130 are within a certain range, namely the first preset temperature threshold and the second preset temperature threshold in this embodiment. However, in the case of IGBT short circuit, the heating core 130 continues to heat at full power, and the water temperature will rise more rapidly; at the same time, the IGBT continues to conduct and generate heat, and the rate of temperature rise of the PCB temperature will be even faster. The changes in water temperature and PCB temperature will deviate from the normal range. Therefore, before the step of detecting whether the switching unit is short-circuited based on the target current, the changes in the first water temperature and the second water temperature, as well as the changes in the first circuit board temperature and the second circuit board temperature, can be verified. By comparing the difference between the first water temperature and the second water temperature with the first preset temperature threshold, and the first circuit board temperature and the second circuit board temperature with the second preset temperature threshold, it can be determined whether there is abnormal heating caused by a short circuit in the switching unit.

[0090] In one example, such as Figure 7As shown, after entering the IGBT short-circuit judgment, when the PTC heater 100 has no duty cycle output and the single-channel current is greater than the second preset current threshold, such as bA, that is, when the detected current is greater than the first preset current threshold, it is determined whether the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature is greater than T1℃ (the first preset temperature threshold), and whether the difference between the second PCB temperature (the second circuit board temperature) and the first PCB temperature (the first circuit board temperature) is greater than T2℃ (the second preset temperature threshold). In order to obtain the target current when the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature is greater than the first preset temperature threshold and the difference between the second circuit board temperature and the first circuit board temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold, the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 is further detected based on the target current. This is the same as the above steps of determining whether the first on-state current is equal to the first average current and determining whether the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, and then detecting the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122. Please refer to the above content, and it will not be repeated here.

[0091] Compared to methods that rely solely on the current in the off state to determine the short-circuit state of the switching unit, the present application's implementation obtains the detection current and temperature data of the circuit where the heating core 130 is located, and combines this with a first preset current threshold, a first preset temperature threshold, and a second preset temperature threshold to obtain a target current. Based on the target current, the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 can be determined. This avoids false judgments of virtual current caused by current acquisition circuit failures, and verifies whether a short circuit in the switching unit causes a heating risk, further improving the accuracy of the short-circuit state determination of the switching unit, thereby reducing the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0092] Thus, the target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current. The controller 110 is configured to acquire a first water temperature and a first circuit board temperature when the relay 140 is closed, wherein the first circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller 110 is located when it is not powered on; and to acquire a second water temperature and a second circuit board temperature when the detected current is greater than a first preset current threshold, wherein the second circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller 110 is located when it is powered on; and to acquire a second water temperature and a second circuit board temperature when the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature is greater than a first preset temperature threshold and the difference between the second circuit board temperature and the first circuit board temperature is greater than a second preset temperature threshold. Under a preset temperature threshold, the target current is obtained; if the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, the first switching unit 121 is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit 121 is closed with a preset duty cycle and the second switching unit 122 is closed and continues for a fourth duration; if the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, the second switching unit 122 is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit 121 is closed and the second switching unit 122 is closed with a preset duty cycle and continues for a fourth duration. In this way, by acquiring the detection current and temperature data of the circuit where the heating core 130 is located, and combining the first preset current threshold, the first preset temperature threshold and the second preset temperature threshold, the target current is obtained. Based on the target current, the short circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 can be determined. This avoids the false judgment of virtual current caused by the failure of the current acquisition circuit, and verifies whether the short circuit of the switching unit causes the risk of heating. This further improves the accuracy of the short circuit state judgment of the switching unit, thereby reducing the risk of dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0093] Please see Figure 8 This application provides a fault detection and processing method for a heater 100. The heater 100 includes a controller 110, a switching module 120, and at least one heating core 130. The switching module 120 includes a first switching unit 121 and a second switching unit 122. A first end of the first switching unit 121 is connected to a first end of the heating core 130, and a first end of the second switching unit 122 is connected to a second end of the heating core 130. The controller 110 is connected to the second end of the first switching unit 121 and the second end of the second switching unit 122. The method includes: Obtain the current value of the circuit where the heating core 130 is located; Based on the current value, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122; In the event of a short circuit in the first switch unit 121 or the second switch unit 122, the switch unit in the normal state is disconnected.

[0094] This application also provides an electrical device, which includes a memory and a processor. The fault detection and processing method for the heater 100 according to this application can be implemented by the electrical device. Specifically, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is used to acquire the current value of the circuit where the heating core 130 is located. The processor is also used to determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122 based on the current value. The processor is also used to control the switching unit in the normal state to disconnect in the event of a short circuit in either the first switching unit 121 or the second switching unit 122.

[0095] Specifically, the steps of the fault detection and processing method of heater 100 in this application embodiment are the same as those of the heater 100 described above, and can be referred to the relevant content of heater 100 described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0096] Thus, the heater 100 includes a controller 110, a switching module 120, and at least one heating core 130. The switching module 120 includes a first switching unit 121 and a second switching unit 122. The first end of the first switching unit 121 is connected to the first end of the heating core 130, and the first end of the second switching unit 122 is connected to the second end of the heating core 130. The controller 110 is connected to the second end of the first switching unit 121 and the second end of the second switching unit 122 respectively to obtain the current value of the circuit in which the heating core 130 is located. Based on the current value, the controller determines the short-circuit state of the first switching unit 121 and the second switching unit 122. In the event of a short circuit in either the first switching unit 121 or the second switching unit 122, the controller controls the switching unit in the normal state to disconnect. In this way, the short-circuit state of the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122 can be determined based on the current value, and the fault state can be responded to in real time. Compared with relying on a single bridge switch to control the shutdown, by detecting the short-circuit state of the first switch unit 121 and the second switch unit 122, the circuit can still be shut off through another normal switch unit in the case of a short circuit in a single switch unit, so as to achieve accurate detection of the short-circuit state of the switch unit, thereby reducing the dry burning of the heater 100 and the resulting vehicle safety risks.

[0097] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the heater fault detection and processing method described above.

[0098] It is understood that a computer program includes computer program code. Computer program code can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or some intermediate form. Computer-readable storage media can include: any entity or device capable of carrying computer program code, recording media, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, optical disks, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and software distribution media, etc.

[0099] In this specification, the terms "specifically," "furthermore," "particularly," "understandably," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with embodiments or examples that are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0100] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of executable request code comprising one or more steps for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this application pertain.

[0101] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A heater, characterized in that, The heater includes a controller, a switching module, and at least one heating core. The switching module includes a first switching unit and a second switching unit. A first end of the first switching unit is connected to a first end of the heating core, and a first end of the second switching unit is connected to a second end of the heating core. The controller is connected to the second ends of the first switching unit and the second switching unit, respectively. The controller is configured to: Obtain the current value of the circuit where the heating core is located; Based on the current value, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit and the second switching unit; In the event of a short circuit in the first or second switching unit, the switching unit in normal operation is disconnected.

2. The heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater also includes a relay, the controller is connected to a first terminal of the relay, and a second terminal of the relay is connected to a third terminal of the first switching unit; The controller is configured to control the relay to disconnect when both the first switching unit and the second switching unit are short-circuited.

3. The heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The current value includes the detected current and the target current, and the controller is configured to: When the relay is closed, the detection current of the circuit containing the heating core is obtained; If the detected current is greater than a first preset current threshold, the target current is acquired. Based on the target current, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.

4. The heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection current includes a first detection current, a second detection current, and a third detection current, and the controller is configured to: When the relay is closed, the first detection current is obtained, wherein the first detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when both the first switching unit and the second switching unit are open and remain open for a first duration; When the first detected current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, the second detected current is obtained, wherein the second detected current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when the first switch unit is open, the second switch unit is closed and the operation continues for a second duration; When the second detection current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, the third detection current is obtained, wherein the third detection current is the current in the circuit where the heating core is located when the first switch unit is closed, the second switch unit is open and continues for a third duration; If the third detected current is less than or equal to the first preset current threshold, it is determined that both the first switching unit and the second switching unit are in normal condition. The target current is obtained when the first detection current, the second detection current, or the third detection current is greater than the first preset current threshold.

5. The heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: Obtain the detection current of the circuit containing the heating core under the no-duty-cycle output state; If the detected current is greater than the second preset current threshold, the target current is obtained; Based on the target current, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.

6. The heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current. The controller is configured to: When the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, the first switching unit is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed with a preset duty cycle and the second switching unit is closed for a fourth duration. When the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, the second switching unit is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed, the second switching unit is closed with the preset duty cycle and continues for the fourth duration.

7. The heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The target current includes a first on-state current, a second on-state current, a first average current, and a second average current. The controller is configured to: When the relay is closed, the first water temperature and the first circuit board temperature are obtained, wherein the first circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller is located when it is not powered on; When the detected current is greater than the first preset current threshold, the second water temperature and the second circuit board temperature are obtained, wherein the second circuit board temperature is the temperature of the circuit board where the controller is located when it is powered on. The target current is obtained when the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature is greater than a first preset temperature threshold and the difference between the second circuit board temperature and the first circuit board temperature is greater than a second preset temperature threshold. When the first on-state current is equal to the first average current, the first switching unit is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the first on-state current and the first average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed with a preset duty cycle and the second switching unit is closed for a fourth duration. When the second on-state current is equal to the second average current, the second switching unit is determined to be short-circuited, wherein the second on-state current and the second average current are the on-state current and the average current when the first switching unit is closed, the second switching unit is closed with the preset duty cycle and continues for the fourth duration.

8. A method for fault detection and handling of a heater, characterized in that, A heater is used, the heater including a controller, a switching module, and at least one heating core, the switching module including a first switching unit and a second switching unit, a first end of the first switching unit being connected to a first end of the heating core, a first end of the second switching unit being connected to a second end of the heating core, and the controller being connected to the second ends of the first switching unit and the second switching unit respectively, the method including: Obtain the current value of the circuit where the heating core is located; Based on the current value, determine the short-circuit state of the first switching unit and the second switching unit; In the event of a short circuit in the first or second switching unit, the switching unit in normal operation is disconnected.

9. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, It includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the method of claim 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by one or more processors, implements the method of claim 8.

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