Method and device for maintaining range extender, vehicle and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of vehicle control, in particular to a range extender maintenance control method and device, a vehicle and a storage medium, wherein the method comprises the following steps: calculating a time difference value of a current time and a maintenance completion time of a range extender; if a current operation mode of the vehicle is a power-off hibernation mode, controlling a maintenance action of the range extender according to at least one of the time difference value, a first water temperature of the range extender and a state of charge of a power battery; and if the current operation mode of the vehicle is a power-on operation mode, controlling the maintenance action of the range extender according to at least one of the time difference value, a second water temperature of a driving motor and a third water temperature of a start power generation integrated machine. Therefore, the problems that a vehicle in the related art cannot trigger a maintenance action when being parked for a long time, and energy is wasted due to oil injection and operation during the maintenance process are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle control technology, and in particular to a range extender maintenance control method, device, vehicle, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) have gained widespread popularity in recent years due to their combination of the long driving range of pure electric vehicles and the elimination of range anxiety. A REEV is equipped with a range extender system consisting of an engine and a generator. When the battery is fully charged, the vehicle can be driven entirely on electric power, and the range extender does not operate. When the battery is low, the range extender starts and generates electricity to extend the vehicle's driving range. If the range extender is left idle for extended periods, the lubricating oil film on the surface of its internal moving parts can easily be lost, potentially leading to corrosion or decreased sealing performance. Therefore, regular maintenance startups are necessary for the range extender.

[0003] Related technologies typically employ a time-cycle-based maintenance strategy. This involves forcibly starting the range extender when the vehicle is in operation after a preset time (e.g., 30 days) has been detected as not having started, and then running it with fuel injection and ignition until the coolant temperature reaches a specific threshold (e.g., 60°C). This strategy aims to ensure adequate lubrication and maintenance of the range extender's internal components through thermal cycling and mechanical operation.

[0004] However, the relevant technology can only be triggered when the vehicle is in driving mode. If the vehicle is parked for a long time (such as when the user is away on a long business trip), the maintenance procedure will not be able to be executed, resulting in maintenance failure. In addition, fuel must be injected and ignited to burn fuel to raise the water temperature, which causes additional energy waste and exhaust emissions when there is no driving demand. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a range extender maintenance control method, device, vehicle, and storage medium to solve problems in the related art, such as the inability to trigger maintenance actions when the vehicle is parked for a long time, and the energy waste caused by the need for fuel injection and ignition during the maintenance process.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a range extender maintenance control method, including the following steps: calculating the time difference between the current time and the maintenance completion time of the range extender; if the current operating mode of the vehicle is a power-off sleep mode, controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery; if the current operating mode of the vehicle is a power-on operating mode, controlling at least one of the maintenance actions of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the starter generator.

[0007] Optionally, the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery, including: if the time difference is less than a time threshold, maintaining the vehicle in a dormant state; if the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold, controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery.

[0008] Optionally, the maintenance actions of the range extender are controlled based on the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery, including: if the state of charge is less than the charge threshold, maintaining the vehicle in a dormant state, generating maintenance reminder information for the range extender, and performing maintenance reminder actions based on the maintenance reminder information; if the state of charge is greater than or equal to the charge threshold, controlling the vehicle to perform a high-voltage operation and controlling the heating circulation loop to heat the range extender until the first water temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, controlling the range extender to run in reverse for a first preset time, and updating the maintenance completion time.

[0009] Optionally, after controlling the range extender to reverse for a first preset duration, the method further includes: controlling the vehicle to perform a high-pressure action and enter a dormant state.

[0010] Optionally, the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on at least one of the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the start-up generator, including: if the time difference is less than a time threshold, the maintenance action of the range extender is not performed; if the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold, the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the start-up generator.

[0011] Optionally, the maintenance actions of the range extender are controlled according to the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator, including: if the second water temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and the third water temperature is greater than or equal to the third temperature threshold, the electronic ball valve is controlled to put the range extender into the heat dissipation circulation loop, the range extender is heated by the heat of the drive motor, and the range extender is controlled to run in reverse for a first preset time, and the maintenance completion time is updated after the vehicle is powered off.

[0012] Optionally, before controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the integrated generator, the method further includes: obtaining the operating speed of the range extender, identifying the duration for which the first water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the operating speed is greater than or equal to a speed threshold; if the duration is greater than or equal to a second preset duration, then the maintenance action of the range extender is not performed, and the maintenance completion time is updated after the vehicle is powered off; if the duration is less than the second preset duration, then the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the integrated generator.

[0013] A second aspect of this application provides a range extender maintenance control device, comprising: a calculation module for calculating the time difference between the current time and the maintenance completion time of the range extender; a first control module for controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery when the current operating mode of the vehicle is a power-off sleep mode; and a second control module for controlling at least one of the maintenance actions of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the start-up generator when the current operating mode of the vehicle is a power-on operating mode.

[0014] Optionally, the first control module is used to: maintain the vehicle in a dormant state if the time difference is less than a time threshold; and control the maintenance actions of the range extender based on the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery if the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold.

[0015] Optionally, the first control module is used to: maintain the vehicle's dormant state if the state of charge is less than the power threshold, generate maintenance reminder information for the range extender, and execute maintenance reminder actions for the range extender based on the maintenance reminder information; if the state of charge is greater than or equal to the power threshold, control the vehicle to perform a high-voltage action and control the heating circulation loop to heat the range extender until the first water temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, control the range extender to run in reverse for a first preset time, and update the maintenance completion time.

[0016] Optionally, the range extender maintenance control device further includes: a third control module, used to control the vehicle to perform a high-pressure action and enter a dormant state after controlling the range extender to reverse to run for a first preset time.

[0017] Optionally, the second control module is used to: if the time difference is less than a time threshold, not to perform the maintenance action of the range extender; if the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold, to control the maintenance action of the range extender according to the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator.

[0018] Optionally, the second control module is used to: if the second water temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and the third water temperature is greater than or equal to the third temperature threshold, control the electronic ball valve to put the range extender into the heat dissipation circulation loop, heat the range extender by the heat of the drive motor, and control the range extender to run in reverse for a first preset time, and update the maintenance completion time after the vehicle is powered off.

[0019] Optionally, the range extender maintenance control device further includes: an acquisition module, used to acquire the operating speed of the range extender and identify the duration for which the first water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the operating speed is greater than or equal to a speed threshold before controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator-generator; an update module, used to not perform the maintenance action of the range extender if the duration is greater than or equal to a second preset duration, and to update the maintenance completion time after the vehicle is powered off; and a fourth control module, used to control the maintenance action of the range extender based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator-generator if the duration is less than the second preset duration.

[0020] A third aspect of this application provides a vehicle including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The processor executes the program to implement the range extender maintenance control method as described in the above embodiments.

[0021] A fourth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which is executed by a processor to implement the range extender maintenance control method as described in the above embodiments.

[0022] Therefore, this application has the following beneficial effects: This application embodiment can control maintenance actions in power-off sleep mode by combining the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery. This allows for automatic wake-up and performance of range extender maintenance even when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, effectively preventing component corrosion and lubrication failure caused by prolonged inactivity. In power-on operation mode, maintenance actions are controlled based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the integrated generator. This fully utilizes the waste heat generated by the motor and generator during vehicle operation for thermal management maintenance of the range extender, maximizing the use of the vehicle's existing thermal energy and reducing additional energy consumption during maintenance. Therefore, it solves the problems in related technologies where maintenance actions cannot be triggered when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, and the energy waste caused by the need for fuel injection and ignition during maintenance.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages 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 this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a hybrid vehicle range extender system provided according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2This is a flowchart of a range extender maintenance control method provided according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the small-scale heating cycle for range extender maintenance provided according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the series circulation of the maintenance heating motor for the range extender provided according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a range extender maintenance control device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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 intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0026] Before introducing the method of this application, the hybrid vehicle range extender system involved in this application will be described, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it mainly consists of: a vehicle controller - VCU (1 unit), an engine and controller - EMS (1 unit), a drive motor and controller - RMCU (1 unit), a battery and controller - BMS (1 unit), a generator and controller - GCU (1 unit), a vehicle networking remote controller - TBOX (1 unit), water temperature sensors (3 units), and electric ball valves (3 units).

[0027] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, outlines a range extender maintenance control method, apparatus, vehicle, and storage medium according to embodiments of this application. Addressing the problems mentioned in the background section, this application provides a range extender maintenance control method. In this method, in a power-off sleep mode, maintenance actions are controlled based on the range extender's first water temperature and the power battery's state of charge. This allows for automatic wake-up and execution of range extender maintenance even when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, effectively preventing component corrosion and lubrication failure caused by prolonged inactivity. In a power-on operation mode, maintenance actions are controlled based on the drive motor's second water temperature and the generator's third water temperature. This fully utilizes the waste heat generated by the motor and generator during vehicle operation for thermal management maintenance of the range extender, maximizing the use of the vehicle's existing thermal energy and reducing additional energy consumption during maintenance. This solves the problems in related technologies where maintenance actions cannot be triggered when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, and the energy waste caused by the need for fuel injection and ignition during maintenance.

[0028] Specifically, Figure 2A flowchart illustrating a range extender maintenance control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the range extender maintenance control method includes the following steps: In step S101, the time difference between the current time and the maintenance completion time of the range extender is calculated.

[0030] It is understood that the vehicle controller (VCU) in this application embodiment can obtain the current system time, compare the current time with the maintenance completion time of the range extender, and obtain the time difference. This time difference reflects the urgency of the range extender maintenance.

[0031] In actual implementation, this application embodiment can use the range extender coolant temperature as the determination condition. When the range extender coolant temperature collected by the coolant temperature sensor-1 (provided by CAN signal-EMS controller interaction) is ≥60℃ (calibrated value) and the operating speed is ≥800rpm (provided by CAN signal-EMS controller interaction) for more than 120 seconds, the VCU stores the maintenance history completion time of the range extender when the current driving cycle ends and the power is turned off for hibernation. The VCU wakes up based on periodic inspections (active wake-up every 1 / 2 days) and simultaneously wakes up all controllers of the vehicle, compares the current time (provided by CAN signal-TBOX control interaction) with the stored range extender maintenance history time, and determines whether to perform range extender maintenance.

[0032] In step S102, if the vehicle's current operating mode is a power-off sleep mode, then the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery.

[0033] The power-down sleep mode allows the vehicle to be in a locked state.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery, including: if the time difference is less than a time threshold, maintaining the vehicle in a dormant state; if the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold, controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery.

[0035] The time threshold can be set according to the actual situation, such as 30 days, without specific limitation.

[0036] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, when the time difference is less than the time threshold of 30 days, it indicates that there is still a margin before the scheduled maintenance cycle, and the range extender does not require maintenance at the moment. At this time, the vehicle is kept in a power-off sleep state to avoid unnecessary wake-up and energy consumption. When the time difference is greater than or equal to 30 days, maintenance needs to be arranged as soon as possible, thereby achieving accurate prediction and control of the maintenance timing of the range extender.

[0037] Specifically, when the vehicle is in a power-down sleep state, this embodiment of the application can actively wake up the vehicle controller by receiving remote maintenance instructions from the cloud via an onboard timed wake-up mechanism or a T-BOX to initiate the maintenance process. First, the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery are obtained, and based on these two parameters, it is determined whether the conditions for performing maintenance and the corresponding maintenance strategy are met.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, the maintenance actions of the range extender are controlled according to the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery, including: if the state of charge is less than the power threshold, maintaining the vehicle in a dormant state, generating maintenance reminder information for the range extender, and performing maintenance reminder actions for the range extender based on the maintenance reminder information; if the state of charge is greater than or equal to the power threshold, controlling the vehicle to perform a high-voltage operation and controlling the heating circulation loop to heat the range extender until the first water temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, controlling the range extender to run in reverse for a first preset time, and updating the maintenance completion time.

[0039] The power threshold, first temperature threshold, and first preset duration can be set according to actual conditions, such as setting the power threshold to 10, the first temperature threshold to 60℃, and the first preset duration to 120s, without specific limitations.

[0040] Understandably, once the time difference is determined to meet the maintenance conditions, this application embodiment can further combine the state of charge (SOC) of the power battery with the first coolant temperature of the range extender for refined control. If the power battery charge is detected to be less than 10%, to prevent excessive energy consumption during the maintenance process from affecting the subsequent normal use of the vehicle, the vehicle will remain in a dormant state. At the same time, a maintenance reminder action for the range extender will be generated and executed (such as reminding the owner through the vehicle screen or mobile APP), guiding the owner to manually trigger maintenance when conditions permit. If the power battery charge is greater than or equal to 10%, the vehicle will be automatically woken up and controlled to perform a high-voltage action, starting the PTC heater and electric water pump to build an internal small circulation loop, using high-voltage energy to heat the range extender with zero fuel consumption. When the first coolant temperature of the range extender reaches 60°C, the range extender will be controlled to run in reverse for 120 seconds to achieve mechanical lubrication and maintenance of moving parts. After the entire maintenance process is completed, the maintenance completion time will be updated, thus ensuring that the range extender receives comprehensive maintenance while perfectly balancing the vehicle's power safety and energy-saving needs.

[0041] Specifically, if the time difference between the current time and the range extender maintenance operation time is ≥30 days (calibrated value) and the power battery SOC <10 (calibrated value, sent and interacted by BMS signal), the VCU sends a maintenance reminder signal to the TBOX to remind the user via mobile APP / SMS that the range extender needs maintenance operation reminder. The VCU controls the periodic inspection wake-up strategy to be prohibited (until the user actively powers on and wakes up the vehicle) and the VCU controls the network wake-up to stop the maintenance requirement and controls the vehicle to hibernate. If the time difference between the current time and the extended-range maintenance operation time is ≥30 days (calibrated value) and the power battery SOC is ≥10 (calibrated value, transmitted and interacted via BMS signal): VCU control maintains network wake-up requirements, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment of the application can control the high-pressure state of the vehicle and control the electronic ball valves (1, 2 and 3), WTC and electronic water pump-1, so that the WTC can provide small-circulation heating for the range extender (the coolant does not flow through the radiator, such as...). Figure 3 As shown), when the water temperature sensor-1 collects the range extender water temperature ≥60℃ (provided by CAN signal-EMS controller interaction), the VCU controls the GCU and ISG to run the range extender in reverse towing mode {speed control, target speed = 1200rpm (calibrable)} for 120s. During the reverse towing operation, the VCU controls the WTC and electronic water pump to maintain the range extender water temperature at 60~70℃. After the reverse towing range extender runs for ≥120s, the VCU controls and stores the range extender maintenance operation time.

[0042] In one embodiment of this application, after controlling the range extender to run in reverse for a first preset duration, the method further includes: controlling the vehicle to perform a high-pressure action and enter a dormant state.

[0043] Understandably, once the range extender completes the prescribed duration of lubrication maintenance for the towing machinery, it indicates that the maintenance task has been successfully completed. At this point, the controller will actively cut off the power supply to high-voltage electrical equipment such as the PTC heater and electric water pump, and execute a high-voltage shutdown action to disconnect the high-voltage circuit. Subsequently, it will control the vehicle controller and all subsystems to return to the power-down sleep mode. This ensures a complete closed loop in the range extender maintenance process, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption caused by the high-voltage system remaining in an active state after maintenance, and enabling the vehicle to promptly return to a low-power standby state. Thus, while ensuring that the range extender hardware is fully maintained, it also maximizes the vehicle's electrical safety and energy economy.

[0044] In step S103, if the vehicle's current operating mode is the power-on operating mode, then at least one maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on at least one of the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the start-up generator.

[0045] Among them, the power-on operation mode can be when the vehicle is in a high-voltage state, including when parked and when driving.

[0046] In one embodiment of this application, at least one maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on at least one of the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the start-up generator, including: if the time difference is less than a time threshold, then the maintenance action of the range extender is not performed; if the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold, then the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the start-up generator.

[0047] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can calculate the time difference between the current time and the maintenance completion time of the range extender, and use this as the basis for determining whether to trigger maintenance. If the time difference is less than 30 days, it indicates that the range extender has not yet reached its maintenance cycle, and no range extender maintenance action is performed at this time to avoid unnecessary energy consumption; if the time difference is greater than or equal to 30 days, it indicates that the range extender has a maintenance requirement, and the specific maintenance action of the range extender will be comprehensively decided and controlled by combining the two key thermal management parameters of the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator set.

[0048] In one embodiment of this application, the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled according to the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the start-up generator. The action includes: if the second water temperature is greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold and the third water temperature is greater than or equal to a third temperature threshold, the electronic ball valve is controlled to put the range extender into the heat dissipation circulation loop, the range extender is heated by the heat of the drive motor, and the range extender is controlled to run in reverse for a first preset time. The maintenance completion time is updated after the vehicle is powered off.

[0049] The second and third temperature thresholds can be set according to actual conditions, such as setting the second and third temperature thresholds to 60℃, without specific limitations.

[0050] This embodiment of the application can monitor the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the starter-generator in real time. If both water temperatures are ≥60℃, it indicates that the waste heat generated by the vehicle's current operation is sufficient. At this time, the corresponding electronic ball valve will be controlled to switch the range extender into the heat dissipation circulation loop, cleverly utilizing the waste heat from the drive motor and the starter-generator to heat the range extender. After the range extender is heated to a suitable temperature, it will be controlled to run in reverse for 120 seconds to achieve mechanical lubrication and maintenance of moving parts. The maintenance completion time will be automatically updated after the vehicle is powered off, thus achieving waste heat utilization maintenance with zero additional energy consumption.

[0051] In one embodiment of this application, before controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the integrated generator, the method further includes: obtaining the operating speed of the range extender, identifying the duration for which the first water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the operating speed is greater than or equal to a speed threshold; if the duration is greater than or equal to a second preset duration, then the maintenance action of the range extender is not performed, and the maintenance completion time is updated after the vehicle is powered off; if the duration is less than the second preset duration, then the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the integrated generator.

[0052] The speed threshold can be set to 1200 rpm, and the second preset duration can also be set to 120 s.

[0053] To prevent the range extender from being over-maintained or from undergoing repeated maintenance actions when it is already adequately lubricated, this embodiment of the application can first obtain the actual operating speed of the range extender before formally controlling maintenance based on water temperature. If the range extender's first water temperature is identified as ≥60℃ and the operating speed is ≥1200rpm for 120s, it indicates that the range extender has recently received sufficient warm-up and lubrication. In this case, the maintenance action will be skipped, and the maintenance completion time will only be updated after the vehicle is powered off. If the duration is less than 120s, it indicates that the range extender has not yet received sufficient maintenance, and the subsequent waste heat heating maintenance action will be performed based on the water temperature of the drive motor and the starter generator.

[0054] The following is combined Figure 4 The detailed logic for performing maintenance operations on the range extender when the vehicle is in power-on operation mode, according to an embodiment of this application, is as follows: The VCU compares the current time (provided by the CAN signal-TBOX control interaction) with the stored range extender maintenance running time (historical time of the last maintenance): ① The range extender water temperature (provided by CAN signal-EMS controller interaction) collected by water temperature sensor-1 is ≥60℃ (calibrated value) and the operating speed is ≥800rpm (provided by CAN signal-EMS controller interaction) for more than 120 seconds. When the current driving cycle ends and the power is turned off to hibernate, the VCU control stores the range extender maintenance operation history time (same judgment as S101). ② If the water temperature of the range extender (provided by the interaction between the CAN signal and the EMS controller) collected by the water temperature sensor-1 is ≥60℃ (calibrated value) and the operating speed is ≥800rpm (provided by the interaction between the CAN signal and the EMS controller) for more than 120 seconds, and the time difference between the current time and the range extender maintenance operation time is <30 days, the VCU will not execute the range extender maintenance strategy and will continue to monitor. ③ If the water temperature of the range extender collected by water temperature sensor-1 (provided by CAN signal-EMS controller interaction) is ≥60℃ (calibrated value) and the operating speed is ≥800rpm (provided by CAN signal-EMS controller interaction) for more than 120 seconds, and the time difference between the current time and the range extender maintenance operation time is ≥30 days, the VCU will determine whether the water temperature of the motor cooling circulation can meet the maintenance requirements of the range extender based on the temperatures of water temperature sensors-2 and-3: a. When the water temperature of water temperature sensors-2 and-3 is ≥60℃ and remains above 10s (calibrated value), the electronic ball valves (1, 2, and 3) control the range extender to enter the cooling cycle in series. The heat dissipated by the motor is used to raise the water temperature / oil temperature of the range extender and control the GCU and ISG to drive the range extender in reverse {speed control, target speed = 1200rpm (calibrable)} for 120s. When the current driving cycle ends, the power is turned off and the system goes into hibernation. The VCU controls the storage of the range extender maintenance operation history.

[0055] b. If the water temperature of water temperature sensors-2 and-3 in the driving cycle is <60℃, the vehicle will be powered off (i.e., the current driving cycle ends) to maintain the high-pressure state of the vehicle and control the electronic ball valves (1, 2 and 3), PTC and electronic water pump-1, and enable the PTC to provide small-circuit heating for the range extender (coolant does not flow through the radiator, see the diagram below). When the range extender water temperature collected by water temperature sensor-1 is ≥60℃ (provided by CAN signal-EMS controller interaction), the VCU controls the GCU and ISG to tow the range extender in reverse {speed control, target speed = 1200rpm (calibrable)} for 120s. During the reverse towing operation, the VCU controls the PTC and electronic water pump to maintain the range extender water temperature at 60~70℃. After the reverse towing operation is ≥120s, the VCU controls and stores the range extender maintenance operation history time and controls the vehicle to be powered off and stops network wake-up maintenance requirements and vehicle hibernation.

[0056] In another embodiment, when the vehicle is awakened from power-down sleep mode and the range extender maintenance process is triggered, if the user starts the vehicle during this period (e.g., by pressing the brake pedal or shifting into Drive), the vehicle status transitions from power-down sleep mode to vehicle operation mode. At this time, the controller will cut off the power supply to the WTC heater and electric water pump, and control the relevant electronic ball valves to return to their default states. It will also determine whether the water temperature in the motor cooling circulation system meets the range extender maintenance requirements based on the current state of charge (SOC) of the power battery and the temperatures of water temperature sensors 2 and 3.

[0057] When the vehicle is operating normally, if the user actively powers off the vehicle (e.g., by pressing the start / stop button or locking the vehicle), the vehicle status transitions from running to powered-off. At this time, if the currently performing range extender maintenance is initiated, the vehicle will execute a high-voltage shutdown action, cutting off power to all high-voltage electrical equipment (such as the WTC, electric water pump, range extender ignition system, etc.), allowing the vehicle controller and all subsystems to safely enter a dormant state. Simultaneously, if the current maintenance process has met the preset maintenance completion conditions (e.g., the required towing time or water temperature reaching the target), the maintenance completion time will be automatically updated after the vehicle is powered off, completing a closed-loop record of this maintenance cycle.

[0058] According to the range extender maintenance control method proposed in this application, maintenance actions can be controlled in the power-off sleep mode based on the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery. This allows for automatic wake-up and execution of range extender maintenance even when the vehicle is parked for an extended period, effectively preventing component corrosion and lubrication failure caused by prolonged inactivity. In the power-on operation mode, maintenance actions are controlled based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the integrated generator. This fully utilizes the waste heat generated by the motor and generator during vehicle operation for thermal management maintenance of the range extender, maximizing the use of the vehicle's existing thermal energy and reducing additional energy consumption during maintenance. Therefore, this solves the problems in related technologies where maintenance actions cannot be triggered when the vehicle is parked for a long time, and the energy waste caused by the need for fuel injection and ignition during maintenance.

[0059] Next, the range extender maintenance control device proposed according to the embodiments of this application is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a range extender maintenance control device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the range extender maintenance control device 10 includes: a calculation module 100, a first control module 200, and a second control module 300.

[0062] The calculation module 100 is used to calculate the time difference between the current time and the maintenance completion time of the range extender; the first control module 200 is used to control the maintenance action of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery when the current operating mode of the vehicle is the power-off sleep mode; the second control module 300 is used to control at least one of the maintenance actions of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the start-up generator when the current operating mode of the vehicle is the power-on operating mode.

[0063] In one embodiment of this application, the first control module 200 is used to maintain the vehicle in a dormant state if the time difference is less than a time threshold; and to control the maintenance action of the range extender according to the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery if the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold.

[0064] In one embodiment of this application, the first control module 200 is used to maintain the vehicle's dormant state if the state of charge is less than the power threshold, generate maintenance reminder information for the range extender, and perform maintenance reminder actions for the range extender based on the maintenance reminder information; if the state of charge is greater than or equal to the power threshold, control the vehicle to perform a high-voltage action and control the heating circulation loop to heat the range extender until the first water temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, control the range extender to run in reverse for a first preset time, and update the maintenance completion time.

[0065] In one embodiment of this application, the range extender maintenance control device 10 further includes: a third control module, used to control the vehicle to perform a high-pressure action and enter a sleep state after controlling the range extender to run in reverse for a first preset time.

[0066] In one embodiment of this application, the second control module 300 is used to not perform the maintenance action of the range extender if the time difference is less than a time threshold; and to control the maintenance action of the range extender according to the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator set if the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold.

[0067] In one embodiment of this application, the second control module 300 is used to control the electronic ball valve to put the range extender into the heat dissipation circulation loop if the second water temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and the third water temperature is greater than or equal to the third temperature threshold, so as to heat the range extender by the heat of the drive motor, and control the range extender to run in reverse for a first preset time, and update the maintenance completion time after the vehicle is powered off.

[0068] In one embodiment of this application, the range extender maintenance control device 10 further includes: an acquisition module, configured to acquire the operating speed of the range extender and identify the duration for which the first water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the operating speed is greater than or equal to a speed threshold before controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator; an update module, configured to not perform the maintenance action of the range extender if the duration is greater than or equal to a second preset duration, and update the maintenance completion time after the vehicle is powered off; and a fourth control module, configured to control the maintenance action of the range extender based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator if the duration is less than the second preset duration.

[0069] It should be noted that the foregoing explanation of the embodiment of the range extender maintenance control method also applies to the range extender maintenance control device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] According to the range extender maintenance control device proposed in this application, maintenance actions can be controlled in the power-off sleep mode based on the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery. This allows for automatic wake-up and execution of range extender maintenance even when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, effectively preventing component corrosion and lubrication failure caused by prolonged inactivity. In the power-on operation mode, maintenance actions are controlled based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the integrated generator. This fully utilizes the waste heat generated by the motor and generator during vehicle operation for thermal management maintenance of the range extender, maximizing the use of the vehicle's existing thermal energy and reducing additional energy consumption during maintenance. Therefore, this solves the problems in related technologies where maintenance actions cannot be triggered when the vehicle is parked for extended periods, and the energy waste caused by the need for fuel injection and ignition during maintenance.

[0071] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application. The vehicle may include: The memory 601, the processor 602, and the computer program stored on the memory 601 and capable of running on the processor 602.

[0072] When the processor 602 executes the program, it implements the range extender maintenance control method provided in the above embodiments.

[0073] Furthermore, the vehicle also includes: Communication interface 603 is used for communication between memory 601 and processor 602.

[0074] The memory 601 is used to store computer programs that can run on the processor 602.

[0075] The memory 601 may include high-speed RAM (Random Access Memory) memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage.

[0076] If the memory 601, processor 602, and communication interface 603 are implemented independently, then the communication interface 603, memory 601, and processor 602 can be interconnected via a bus to complete communication between them. The bus can be an ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 6 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0077] Optionally, in a specific implementation, if the memory 601, processor 602, and communication interface 603 are integrated on a single chip, then the memory 601, processor 602, and communication interface 603 can communicate with each other through an internal interface.

[0078] The processor 602 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application.

[0079] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described range extender maintenance control method.

[0080] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which 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.

[0081] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "N" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0082] Any process or method described in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or N executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, 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.

[0083] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any of the following techniques known in the art, or a combination thereof: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods implementing the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0085] 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 maintenance control method for a range extender, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Calculate the time difference between the current time and the maintenance completion time of the range extender; If the vehicle's current operating mode is a power-off sleep mode, then the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery. If the vehicle's current operating mode is the power-on operating mode, then the range extender's maintenance action is controlled by at least one of the following: the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the start-up generator.

2. The range extender maintenance control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of controlling the maintenance action of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery includes: If the time difference is less than the time threshold, the vehicle remains in a dormant state. If the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold, the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled according to the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery.

3. The range extender maintenance control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maintenance actions of controlling the range extender based on the first water temperature of the range extender and the state of charge of the power battery include: If the state of charge is less than the charge threshold, the vehicle remains in a dormant state, maintenance reminder information for the range extender is generated, and maintenance reminder actions for the range extender are executed based on the maintenance reminder information. If the state of charge is greater than or equal to the power threshold, the vehicle is controlled to perform a high-voltage operation and the heating circulation loop is controlled to heat the range extender until the first water temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold. Then, the range extender is controlled to run in reverse for a first preset time, and the maintenance completion time is updated.

4. The range extender maintenance control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After controlling the range extender to reverse run for a first preset time, the method further includes: The vehicle is controlled to perform a high-pressure action and enter the hibernation state.

5. The range extender maintenance control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maintenance actions of controlling at least one of the following based on the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the integrated generator include: If the time difference is less than the time threshold, the maintenance action of the range extender will not be performed; If the time difference is greater than or equal to the time threshold, the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled according to the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator.

6. The range extender maintenance control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The maintenance actions of the range extender, which are controlled based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator, include: If the second water temperature is greater than or equal to the second temperature threshold and the third water temperature is greater than or equal to the third temperature threshold, the electronic ball valve is controlled to put the range extender into the heat dissipation circulation loop, the range extender is heated by the heat of the drive motor, and the range extender is controlled to run in reverse for a first preset time. The maintenance completion time is updated after the vehicle is powered off.

7. The range extender maintenance control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before controlling the maintenance actions of the range extender based on the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator, the following steps are also included: The operating speed of the range extender is obtained, and the duration during which the first water temperature is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold and the operating speed is greater than or equal to the speed threshold is identified. If the duration is greater than or equal to the second preset duration, the maintenance action of the range extender will not be performed, and the maintenance completion time will be updated after the vehicle is powered off. If the duration is less than the second preset duration, the maintenance action of the range extender is controlled according to the second water temperature of the drive motor and the third water temperature of the generator.

8. A range extender maintenance control device, characterized in that, include: The calculation module is used to calculate the time difference between the current time and the maintenance completion time of the range extender; The first control module is used to control the maintenance action of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the first water temperature of the range extender, and the state of charge of the power battery when the current operating mode of the vehicle is the power-off sleep mode. The second control module is used to control at least one maintenance action of the range extender based on at least one of the time difference, the second water temperature of the drive motor, and the third water temperature of the start-up generator when the vehicle's current operating mode is the power-on operating mode.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the processor executing the program to implement the range extender maintenance control method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed, they implement the range extender maintenance control method according to any one of claims 1-7.

Images