Control device

Abstract

A control device (100) controls a motor (50) that drives a pump (60) which circulates a coolant (40) through lines (30) connected to a cooling device (20) for cooling a heat-generating component (10). The control device includes a processing unit (290). The processing unit includes a command acquisition unit (260) that acquires a rewrite command for an energy map. The processing unit also includes a correction unit (270) that rewrites the energy map based on actual energy consumption when the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command and the energy difference between the actual energy consumption and an estimated energy consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a fuel cell system with a cooling system comprising a cooling pump for circulating a coolant within the fuel cell. The fuel cell system stores a characteristic map in its memory, representing the relationship between coolant temperature, cooling pump speed, valve opening degree, and cooling pump energy consumption. An electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the fuel cell system detects abnormalities in the coolant flow by comparing an estimated cooling pump energy consumption, derived from the characteristic map, with the actual cooling pump energy consumption calculated based on a supply current and voltage. STATE-OF-THE-ART LITERATURE PATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent document 1: JP 5 194 827 B SUMMARY OF THE TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] The memory according to patent document 1 only stores the characteristic map defined for standard cases. It was not possible to obtain a characteristic map that corresponded to the actual situation of the cooling system, and the accuracy of the characteristic map was low.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is therefore to provide a control device with a highly accurate characteristic map. SOLUTION TO THE TASK

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control device (100) is provided for controlling a motor (50) which drives a pump (60) which circulates a coolant (40) through lines (30) which are connected to a cooling device (20) for cooling a heat-generating component (10).

[0007] The control device includes a storage device (230) and a processing device (290).

[0008] The storage device stores a power or energy characteristic map (231) in which a speed of the motor and an estimated energy consumption are linked, wherein the estimated energy consumption is estimated as being consumed by the motor for the circulation of the cooling medium by the pump driven by the motor for each of predetermined speeds.

[0009] The processing unit features: a speed detection unit (220) that detects a speed; an energy calculation unit (210) which, based on a voltage applied to the motor by a battery (11) and a current flowing through the motor, calculates an actual energy consumption consumed by the motor when the rotational speed is detected; a comparison unit (240) which acquires an estimated energy consumption from the energy map, which is linked to the rotational speed acquired by the rotational speed sensing unit, and is able to determine, by comparing the acquired estimated energy consumption and the actual energy consumption, whether or not an energy difference between the estimated energy consumption and the actual energy consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a command acquisition unit (260) that acquires an externally entered rewrite command of the energy characteristic map; and a correction unit (270) that rewrites the energy map based on the actual energy consumption when the command acquisition unit detects the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the energy difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0010] According to this configuration, it is possible to acquire an energy map (231) that is suitable for any situation, even if the performance of the pump (60) and motor (50) varies, the lines (30) are routed slightly differently, or the performance of the pump (60) and motor (50) decreases due to aging. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of an energy map (231) compared to an energy map (231) defined for the standard case.

[0011] The reference symbols in parentheses only indicate a correspondence to the configuration described in the following embodiment and do not restrict the technical scope in any way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram to illustrate a cooling system. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram to illustrate a control device. Fig. Figure 3 shows a table explaining the opening / closing patterns of valves. Fig. Figure 4 shows a diagram to illustrate a first energy map and a corrected first energy map. Fig. Figure 5 shows a diagram to illustrate a second energy map and a corrected second energy map. Fig. Figure 6 shows a diagram to illustrate a third energy map and a corrected third energy map. Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart to explain the steps for correcting an energy characteristic map and the steps for detecting a line defect. Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram to illustrate a modified embodiment of a cooling system. Fig. Figure 9 shows a flowchart to explain the steps for determining the drag rotation of a pump. Fig. Figure 10 shows a timing diagram to illustrate engine stop timing during a drag rotation determination. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following are embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the elements described in the preceding embodiments are designated with the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are sometimes omitted. If only one part of the configuration is described in each form, the other forms described previously may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0013] It may be possible not only to combine parts whose combination is expressly described in an embodiment, but also to combine parts of respective embodiments whose combination is not expressly described, provided that no particular obstacles arise when combining the parts of the respective embodiments. First embodiment

[0014] A cooling system 1 can be used as a system that is mounted on a vehicle and cools a heat-generating component 10 of the vehicle. In a battery-powered electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, for example, a coolant or cooling medium 40, such as coolant, circulates through the lines 30 to cool a heat-generating component 10 and / or a heat storage component 13. The heat-generating component 10 can include, for example, a battery 11, a drive motor, an inverter, a power control unit, and the like. The heat storage component 13 can include a heating element or the like. In the drawings, components are abbreviated as follows: the battery 11 as BATT, the drive motor as M1, the inverter as INV1, and the power control unit as PCU. The heating element is abbreviated as HC.

[0015] Cooling system 1 can be used not only in electric and hybrid vehicles, but also in vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. In an internal combustion engine vehicle, the coolant 40 can circulate through cooling system 1 to cool the heat-generating component 10, such as the combustion engine. Cooling system 1 can also be used for domestic air conditioning units and servers.

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the cooling system 1 has a cooling device 20, lines 30 and a pump device 80. In the drawings, the cooling device 20 is abbreviated as CS.

[0017] The cooling device 20 is a device for carrying out heat exchange between the coolant 40 flowing in the lines 30 and a fluid, such as air, flowing on a surface of the cooling device 20. If the cooling system 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the cooling device 20 captures the vehicle's airflow to promote heat exchange.

[0018] The lines 30 comprise a main path 31, a first branch path 32, and a second branch path 33. In the drawings, a boundary between the main path 31 and the first branch path 32, as well as a boundary between the main path 31 and the second branch path 33, are indicated by dashed lines. A pumping device 80 is provided in the main path 31. A pump 60 of the pumping device 80 is located within the main path 31. The operation of the pump 60 allows the coolant 40 to circulate in the lines 30. The coolant 40 can consist of a liquid such as cooling water or oil, a gas, or a refrigerant in a liquid or gaseous state.

[0019] The first branch path 32 has a first inlet 32a, which is connected to the main path 31, and a first outlet 32b, which is also connected to the main path 31. The first inlet 32a is located at one end of the first branch path 32. The first outlet 32b is located at the other end of the first branch path 32. The first inlet 32a and the first outlet 32b are connected to the main path 31. The coolant 40 flows from the main path 31 through the first inlet 32a into the first branch path 32. The coolant 40 flows from the first branch path 32 through the first outlet 32b into the main path 31. The coolant 40 can circulate through the main path 31 and the first branch path 32.

[0020] The second branch path 33 has a second inlet 33a, which is connected to the main path 31, and a second outlet 33b, which is also connected to the main path 31. The second inlet 33a is located at one end of the second branch path 33. The second outlet 33b is located at the other end of the second branch path 33. The second inlet 33a and the second outlet 33b are connected to the main path 31. The coolant 40 flows from the main path 31 through the second inlet 33a into the second branch path 33. The coolant 40 flows from the second branch path 33 through the second outlet 33b into the main path 31. The coolant 40 can circulate through the main path 31 and the second branch path 33.

[0021] The coolant 40 flowing through the main path 31 can be split into the first branch path 32 and the second branch path 33. The coolant 40 flowing through the first branch path 32 and the second branch path 33 can be merged back into the main path 31. The quantity of coolant 40 flowing through the main path 31 is the sum of the quantity of coolant 40 flowing through the first branch path 32 and the quantity of coolant 40 flowing through the second branch path 33.

[0022] Furthermore, the first branch path 32 is equipped with a first valve 32c. The first valve 32c is a control valve that regulates the quantity of coolant 40 flowing through the first branch path 32. If the quantity of coolant 40 flowing through the first branch path 32 is assumed to be 100 when the first valve 32c is fully open, this quantity becomes 0 (zero) when the first valve 32c is fully closed. The opening / closing of the first valve 32c is regulated by an opening / closing unit 250, which is described below.

[0023] The second branch path 33 is equipped with a second valve 33c. The second valve 33c is a control valve that regulates the quantity of coolant 40 flowing through the second branch path 33. If the quantity of coolant 40 flowing through the second branch path 33 is assumed to be 100 when the second valve 33c is fully open, this quantity becomes 0 (zero) when the second valve 33c is fully closed. The opening / closing of the second valve 33c is regulated by the open / close unit 250, which is described below.

[0024] The pumping device 80 is a device that circulates the coolant 40 within the lines 30. The pumping device 80 is supplied with electrical energy by the battery 11. The pumping device 80 comprises a motor 50, a pump 60, and a control device 100. The pump 60 is attached to the motor 50. The motor 50 is controlled by the control device 100.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 100 is electrically connected to a host ECU 70. A target speed for the motor 50 is transmitted from the host ECU 70 to the control device 100. The control device 100 rotates the motor 50 according to the target speed. The pump 60 operates at the target speed of the motor 50. The coolant 40 circulates in the lines 30 according to the operation of the pump 60. In the drawings, the motor 50 is abbreviated as M2 and the control device 100 as MC. <steuervorrichtung>

[0026] The following describes an electrical connection configuration between battery 11, control device 100, and host ECU 70. Battery 11 and motor 50 are electrically connected via control device 100. Host ECU 70 and motor 50 are electrically connected via control device 100.

[0027] The control device 100 comprises a microcomputer 200, a control circuit 300, a voltage sensing circuit 400, a current sensing circuit 500, and a communication circuit 600. In the drawings, the components are abbreviated as follows: the control circuit 300 as DC; the voltage sensing circuit 400 as VDC; the current sensing circuit 500 as CDC; the communication circuit 600 as CC; and the filter circuit 700 as FC.

[0028] The control circuit 300 is located between the battery 11 and the motor 50. The control circuit 300 converts the direct current supplied by the battery 11 into alternating current to drive the motor 50. The control circuit 300 includes an inverter 310, which can convert the direct current into alternating current. In the drawings, the inverter 310 is abbreviated as INV2. The control circuit 300 is also electrically connected to the microcomputer 200.

[0029] The voltage sensing circuit 400 is arranged between the battery 11 and the microcomputer 200. The voltage sensing circuit 400 is a circuit capable of detecting the voltage applied to the motor 50. The voltage detected by the voltage sensing circuit 400 is fed to the microcomputer 200. An ignition switch 12 for controlling the switching on and off of the microcomputer 200 is provided in the electrical wiring that electrically connects the battery 11 and the control circuit 300. In the drawings, the ignition switch 12 is abbreviated as IG.

[0030] The current sensing circuit 500 is arranged between the control circuit 300 and the motor 50. The current sensing circuit 500 is a circuit capable of detecting the alternating current supplied to the motor 50 by the control circuit 300. A current value detected by the current sensing circuit 500 is then sent to the microcomputer 200.

[0031] The communication circuit 600 is provided between the host ECU 70 and the microcomputer 200. The communication circuit 600 is a circuit capable of transmitting information between the microcomputer 200 and the host ECU 70. The information to be transmitted is explained below.

[0032] The microcomputer 200 contains an arithmetic processing unit 290, such as a CPU, a memory unit 230, such as a ROM and a RAM, an I / O interface, and the like. The ROM stores a program executable by the CPU and energy maps 231. The energy maps 231 are a set of stored data containing information associated with a rotational speed of the motor 50 and an estimated energy consumption of the motor 50 at each of the rotational speeds. Part of the memory unit 230 stores several energy maps 231 for each of the opening / closing patterns that are in Fig. 3 are shown.

[0033] In particular, part of the storage unit 230 stores a first energy map 231a, which is one of the energy maps 231, in a first opening / closing pattern PTN1, in which the first valve 32c is in the fully open state OPN and the second valve 33c is in the fully closed state CLS. Part of the storage unit 230 stores a second energy map 231b, which is one of the energy maps 231, in a second opening / closing pattern PTN2, in which the first valve 32c is in the fully closed state CLS and the second valve 33c is in the fully open state OPN. Part of the storage unit 230 stores a third energy map 231 c, which is one of the energy maps 231, in a third opening / closing pattern PTN3, in which the first valve 32c is in the fully open state OPN and the second valve 33c is in the fully open state OPN.The first valve 32c is also referred to as valve “A” and the second valve 33c as valve “B”.

[0034] The RAM temporarily stores the results of calculations performed by the Arithmetic Processing Unit 290, signals received from the I / O interface, and the like. The Arithmetic Processing Unit 290 executes the program stored in the ROM, utilizing a temporary storage function of the RAM. Accordingly, the Microcomputer 200 performs 200 different functions.

[0035] The control device 100 includes as functions a driver control unit 205, an electrical energy calculation unit 210, a speed detection unit 220, a comparator unit 240, an open / close unit 250, a command detection unit 260, a correction unit 270, and a determination unit 280. Functions are also referred to as function blocks. It can be said that the program comprises the driver control unit 205, the electrical energy calculation unit 210, the speed detection unit 220, the comparator unit 240, the open / close unit 250, the command detection unit 260, the correction unit 270, and the determination unit 280.

[0036] In the drawings, each unit is abbreviated as follows: the driver control unit 205 as DCC; the energy calculation unit 210 as PCC; the speed sensing unit 220 as RSAC; the comparison unit 240 as CPC; the open / close unit 250 as OPC; the command acquisition unit 260 as CAC; the correction unit 270 as CRC; and the determination unit 280 as JC. The storage unit 230 is abbreviated as MD.

[0037] The driver control unit 205 performs vector control of the drive circuit 300 based on information from the communication circuit 600. In vector control, a current component that generates torque and a current component that generates magnetic flux in the rotor are treated separately, and each current component is controlled independently. The motor control device 100 can calculate actual energy consumption based on a current component that generates torque and a voltage applied by the battery 11. The functions of the energy calculation unit 210, the speed detection unit 220, the comparison unit 240, the open / close unit 250, the command detection unit 260, the correction unit 270, and the determination unit 280 are described below.

[0038] The control device 100 is sometimes also referred to in this description as the electronic control device (ECU).

[0039] The control device 100 or control system can be provided by (a) an algorithm in the form of a multitude of logical connections, referred to as an if-then-else form, or (b) a learned model tuned by machine learning, e.g. an algorithm in the form of a neural network.

[0040] The control device 100 is provided by a control system comprising at least one computer. The control system may include multiple computers interconnected via a data communication device. The computer contains at least one processor (hardware processor), which is a hardware component. The hardware processor may be provided by (i), (ii), or (iii) as follows.

[0041] (i) The hardware processor may be at least one processor core that executes a program stored in at least one memory. In this case, the computer is equipped with at least one memory and at least one processor core. The processor core is referred to as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a RISC CPU, or the like. Memory may also be referred to as storage medium. Memory is a non-volatile and tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program and / or data that can be read by the processor. The storage medium may be semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or the like. The program may be distributed as a single unit or as a storage medium on which the program is stored.

[0042] (ii) The hardware processor may be a hardware logic circuit. In this case, the computer is provided by a digital circuit with an array of programmed logic units (gate circuits). The digital circuit is also referred to as a logic circuit array, e.g., ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, SoC: System-on-a-Chip, PGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, or CPLD: Complex Programmable Logic Device. The digital circuit may include memory that stores programs and / or data. The computer may be provided by an analog circuit. A computer may be provided by a combination of a digital circuit and an analog circuit.

[0043] (iii) The hardware processor may be a combination of (i) and (ii) mentioned above. (i) and (ii) may be located on different chips or on a single, shared chip. In these cases, part (ii) is also referred to as an accelerator.

[0044] The control device 100, a signal source(s), and a controlled object(s) represent different elements. At least some of these elements can be referred to as blocks, modules, or sections. Furthermore, elements of the control system are only referred to as functional means if they are intended to be.

[0045] The control unit 100 and an associated method described in this disclosure can be implemented by a special computer provided by the configuration of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control device 100 and the associated method described in this disclosure can also be implemented by a special computer configured as a processor with one or more special hardware logic circuits.

[0046] The control device 100 and the associated method described in this disclosure can be provided by one or more special computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions, and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program can be stored on a computer-readable, non-volatile, physical recording medium as a command executed by a computer. <Ist-Energieverbrauch und geschätzter Energieverbrauch von Motor>

[0047] The pump 60 is located in the middle of the flow path through which the coolant 40 flows and serves to circulate the coolant 40 in the lines 30. Therefore, the actual energy consumption of the motor 50 is considered to be the work done by the motor 50 to circulate the coolant 40 in the lines 30. If an abnormality such as a blockage or leakage occurs in the lines 30, the flow rate of the coolant 40 flowing in the lines 30 may be reduced. This, in turn, reduces the flow rate of the coolant 40 through the motor 50. As a result, the workload of the motor 50, i.e., its actual energy consumption, is reduced.

[0048] At this time, the amount of alternating current flowing through the electrical wiring connecting the control circuit 300 and the motor 50 is reduced. The actual energy consumption of the motor 50 is calculated based on the voltage detected by the voltage sensing circuit 400 and the current value of the alternating current detected by the current sensing circuit 500. Consequently, if an abnormality such as a blockage or leakage occurs in the wiring 30, the actual energy consumption of the motor 50 is reduced. As described above, in the case of an abnormality such as a blockage or leakage in the wiring 30, the actual energy consumption tends to be lower than the estimated energy consumption calculated from the energy map 231. <Korrektur von Energiekennfeld>

[0049] In the vehicle to which the pump device 80 is attached, there may be instances where the power output of the motor 50 and the pump 60 varies, and the routing or routing of the lines 30 varies depending on the vehicle model. Even within the same vehicle model, the condition of the lines 30 may differ due to aging or similar factors. Furthermore, the actual energy consumption of the motor 50, even within the same vehicle, may vary depending on the opening / closing patterns of the valves 32c and 33c. Therefore, in this embodiment, the energy map 231, stored in advance as a default, is rewritten to adapt it to the actual situation. The previously stored energy map 231 corresponds to the first energy map 231a, the second energy map 231b, and the third energy map 231c described above.

[0050] The energy characteristic curves 231 after correction are designated as a first corrected energy characteristic curve 231d, a second corrected energy characteristic curve 231e, and a third corrected energy characteristic curve 231f. In the Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 6 shows the horizontal axis as the motor speed Mrev and the vertical axis as the estimated energy consumption Epw. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first energy characteristic 231a, indicated by the solid line, is corrected to the first corrected energy characteristic 231d, indicated by the dashed line. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the second energy characteristic 231b, indicated by the solid line, is corrected to the second corrected energy characteristic 231e, indicated by the dashed line. As shown in Figure 5, the second energy characteristic 231b, indicated by the solid line, is corrected to the second corrected energy characteristic 231e, indicated by the dashed line. Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the third energy characteristic 231c, which is marked by the solid line, is corrected to the third corrected energy characteristic 231f, which is marked by the dashed line. <Ablauf von Korrektur>

[0051] Below is a correction procedure for the energy characteristic map 231 with reference to the one in Fig. The process is described in the flowchart shown in Figure 7. To clarify which component of the control device 100 performs the process, in this description the subject of the sentence that explains the process is described by a component of the control device 100 that performs the process instead of the control device 100.

[0052] The control device 100 begins executing the sequence diagram in response to the ignition switch 12 being turned on. In step S710, when the command acquisition unit 260 detects a rewrite command for the energy map 231 through external input, etc., the open / close unit 250 performs an open / close control of valves 32c and 33c in step S720 based on the rewrite command. It should be noted that instances in which the command acquisition unit 260 detects the rewrite command may encompass a period of vehicle assembly and a period of service at a dealership, assuming there is no abnormality in the lines 30.

[0053] The rewrite command contains an instruction to capture a correlation between the rotational speed and the actual energy consumption for each of the predetermined rotational speeds and for each of the opening / closing patterns. The rewrite command comprises a first rewrite command, a second rewrite command, and a third rewrite command. The first rewrite command, issued in the first opening / closing pattern, captures a correlation between the rotational speed and the actual energy consumption for each of the predetermined rotational speeds and rewrites the first energy map 231a to the first corrected energy map 231d. The second rewrite command, issued in the second opening / closing pattern, captures a correlation between the rotational speed and the actual energy consumption for each of the predetermined rotational speeds and rewrites the second energy map 231b to the second corrected energy map 231e.The third rewrite command is a command in the third opening / closing pattern to capture a correlation between the rotational speed and the actual energy consumption for each of the predetermined rotational speeds and to rewrite the third energy map 231c to the third corrected energy map 231f.

[0054] When the command acquisition unit 260 acquires the first to third rewrite commands, the open / close unit 250, for example, first controls the opening / closing of valves 32c and 33c in step S720 based on the first rewrite command. The open / close unit 250 opens the first valve 32c and closes the second valve 33c based on the first rewrite command.

[0055] Subsequently, in step S730, the speed sensing unit 220 detects the rotational speed Mrev of the motor 50. For example, the speed sensing unit 220 detects the rotational speed Mrev of the motor 50 based on a predetermined arithmetic expression using the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the electrical wiring that connects the control circuit 300 and the motor 50. Additionally, in step S730, temperature information Itemp is detected, indicating the temperature of the coolant, such as water and / or a refrigerant.

[0056] Subsequently, in step S740, the comparator unit 240 acquires the estimated energy consumption Epw of motor 50, corresponding to the motor speed of motor 50 acquired in step S730, based on the energy map 231 corresponding to the opening / closing pattern. Specifically, in step S740, the comparator unit 240 acquires the estimated energy consumption of motor 50, corresponding to the motor speed of motor 50 acquired in step S730, based on the first energy map 231a. The acquired estimated energy consumption is temporarily stored in the RAM of the storage device 230. For example, the comparator unit 240 can select the energy map 231 according to the opening / closing pattern by acquiring the opening / closing signal from the opening / closing unit 250.

[0057] Subsequently, in step S750, the energy calculation unit 210 calculates an actual energy consumption Rpw that is actually consumed by the motor 50, based on a voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 400 and an alternating current detected by the current detection circuit 500.

[0058] Subsequently, in step S760, the comparison unit 240 determines whether or not an energy difference |Epw-Rpw| between the estimated energy consumption Epw recorded in step S740 and the actual energy consumption Rpw recorded in step S750 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value Th1. The energy difference is an absolute value calculated by subtracting the actual energy consumption from the estimated energy consumption, or alternatively, an absolute value can be calculated by subtracting the estimated energy consumption from the actual energy consumption.

[0059] If the energy difference is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value (|Epw-Rpw|≥Th1), the process proceeds to step S770. In step S770, the correction unit 270 corrects the energy map 231. Specifically, in step S770, the correction unit 270, which corrects the first energy map 231a, receives the first rewrite command from the command acquisition unit 260 and acquires the actual energy consumption of the motor 50 for each of the predetermined speeds. The correction unit 270 then recreates the first corrected energy map 231d based on a correlation between the speed and the actual energy consumption. Furthermore, the correction unit 270 rewrites the first energy map 231a into the first corrected energy map 231d. The rewritten first corrected energy map 231d is stored in a rewritable portion of the memory device 230. The process flow is then complete.

[0060] Is the energy difference less than the first predetermined value (|Epw-Rpwl) <Th1), schreitet der Prozess zu Schritt S780 voran. In Schritt S780 behält die Korrektureinheit 270 das erste Energiekennfeld 231a bei. Anschließend ist das Ablaufdiagramm abgeschlossen. Es ist zu beachten, dass die Steuervorrichtung 100 das Ablaufdiagramm wiederholt, solange der Zündschalter 12 eingeschaltet ist.

[0061] In a second sequence, if the command acquisition unit 260 maintains a state of acquiring the rewrite command in step S710, the open / close unit 250 performs an open / close control of valves 32c and 33c in step S720 based on the rewrite command. For example, in the second sequence, the open / close unit 250 closes the first valve 32c and opens the second valve 33c based on the second rewrite command. Then, as in the first sequence, the second energy map 231b is rewritten into the second corrected energy map 231e based on steps S730 to S770. The rewritten second corrected energy map 231e is stored in the rewritable part of the memory device 230. The flowchart is then complete.

[0062] As in the first sequence, if the energy difference is less than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds from step S760 to step S780. In step S780, the correction unit 270 maintains the second energy map 231a. The sequence is then complete. While the ignition switch 12 is on, the control device 100 repeats the sequence.

[0063] In a third sequence, if the command acquisition unit 260 maintains a state of acquiring the rewrite command in step S710, the open / close unit 250 performs the open / close control of valves 32c and 33c in step S720 based on the rewrite command. For example, in the third sequence, the open / close unit 250 opens the first valve 32c and opens the second valve 33c based on the third rewrite command. Subsequently, as in the first and second sequences, the third energy map 231c is rewritten into the third corrected energy map 231f based on steps S730 to S770. The rewritten third corrected energy map 231f is stored in the rewritable part of the memory device 230. The rewritable part of the memory device 230 can be provided by a non-volatile memory, an EPROM, or a rewritable ROM.The flowchart is then complete. If the energy difference is less than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S780 as in the first and second sequences. In step S780, the correction unit 270 maintains the third energy characteristic 231c. The flowchart is then complete. <Ablauf von Leitungsabnormitätsbestimmung>

[0064] If the command acquisition unit 260 did not acquire the rewrite command in step S710, the speed acquisition unit 220 acquires the speed Mrev of motor 50 in step S830. Next, the comparator unit 240 acquires the estimated energy consumption Epw of motor 50, corresponding to the speed of motor 50 acquired in step S830, from the energy map 231 corresponding to the opening / closing pattern in step S840. For example, the comparator unit 240 can select the energy map 231 according to the opening / closing pattern by acquiring the opening / closing signal from the opening / closing unit 250. Subsequently, in step S850, the energy calculation unit 210 calculates an actual energy consumption Rpw that is actually consumed by the motor 50, based on a voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 400 and an alternating current detected by the current detection circuit 500.

[0065] In step S860, the comparison unit 240 determines whether or not an energy difference |Epw-Rpw| between the estimated energy consumption Epw recorded in step S840 and the actual energy consumption Rpw recorded in step S850 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value Th2. The energy difference is an absolute value calculated by subtracting the actual energy consumption from the estimated energy consumption, or alternatively, an absolute value can be calculated by subtracting the estimated energy consumption from the actual energy consumption. The second predetermined value is an energy difference between the estimated energy consumption and the actual energy consumption in the event of an adverse problem, such as a decrease in the cooling capacity of the heat-generating component 10, due to an abnormality in the pipes 30. The second predetermined value is assumed to be greater than the first predetermined value.

[0066] If the energy difference is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value (|Epw-Rpw|≥Th2), the process proceeds to step S870. In step S870, the determination unit 280 determines that the lines 30 have an abnormality that reduces the cooling efficiency between the heat-generating component 10 and the coolant 40. The flowchart is then complete. If the energy difference is less than the second predetermined value (|Epw-Rpw| <Th1), schreitet der Prozess zu Schritt S880 voran. In Schritt S880 bestimmt die Bestimmungseinheit 280, dass keine Abnormalität in den Leitungen 30 vorhanden ist. Anschließend ist das Ablaufdiagramm abgeschlossen.

[0067] If the line abnormality determination of lines 30 is based on the flowchart in Fig. When step 7 is performed, a specific result is transmitted from the comparison unit 240 to the communication circuit 600. The communication circuit 600 is electrically connected to the host ECU 70. The determination result is transmitted from the communication circuit 600 to the host ECU 70. Furthermore, information from the engine 50, such as the actual energy consumption and the actual speed, can be transmitted to the host ECU 70 via the communication circuit 600. The host ECU 70 may also be permitted to determine an abnormality, a power adjustment, and the like. In addition to the result of the abnormality determination, the temperature information of the coolant or similar information can be transmitted to the host ECU 70. The coolant temperature is, for example, measured in steps S730 and S830 by a temperature sensor or similar device.The coolant temperature recorded in step S730 or step S830 can be transmitted to the host ECU 70 via the communication circuit 600. <Betriebsabläufe und Vorteile>

[0068] When the command acquisition unit 260 receives a command to rewrite the energy map 231 via an external input or the like, the speed acquisition unit 220 acquires a speed of the motor 50. The comparison unit 240 acquires the estimated energy consumption of the motor 50 according to the acquired speed of the motor 50 based on the energy map 231 and compares the actual energy consumption calculated by the energy calculation unit 210 with the estimated energy consumption. The comparison unit 240 determines whether the energy difference between the estimated energy consumption and the actual energy consumption is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value. If the energy difference is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the correction unit 270 corrects the energy map 231 based on the actual energy consumption.

[0069] Even if the power output of motor 50 or pump 60 varies depending on the vehicle type, or the routing of lines 30 differs, the energy map 231 corresponding to the actual situation can be obtained. Even if the vehicle type is the same and the condition of lines 30 varies due to aging, etc., the appropriate energy map 231 for each actual situation can be obtained. The accuracy of the energy map 231 can be improved compared to the pre-stored energy map 231. Furthermore, the energy map 231 is only corrected when the command acquisition unit 260 detects a rewrite command. This prevents unintended correction of the energy map 231 in cases where the command acquisition unit 260 does not normally detect the rewrite command, for example, when the vehicle is in motion.

[0070] The command acquisition unit 260 receives a rewrite command for the energy map 231. The correction unit 270 receives the rewrite command from the rewrite command unit and acquires the actual energy consumption of the motor 50 for each of the predetermined speeds. The correction unit 270 corrects the energy map 231 based on a correlation between the speed and the actual energy consumption. The correction unit 270 then rewrites the energy map 231. In this way, it is possible to obtain an energy map that corresponds to the actual situation. Furthermore, the correction unit 270 retains the energy map 231 even if the command acquisition unit 260 receives a command to rewrite the energy map 231, provided the energy difference is smaller than the first predetermined value. In cases where no correction is required, the energy map 231 can be retained.

[0071] The lines 30 comprise the main path 31, the first branch path 32, and the second branch path 33. The first branch path 32 is equipped with the first valve 32c. The second branch path 33 is equipped with the second valve 33c. When the command acquisition unit 260 acquires the rewrite command, the open / close unit 250 performs the open / close control of valves 32c and 33c based on the rewrite command. The open / close unit 250 controls the opening / closing of valves 32c and 33c based on the open / close pattern contained in the rewrite command. The comparison unit 240 records the estimated energy consumption of the motor 50 according to the recorded speed of the motor 50 on the basis of the energy map 231 according to the opening / closing pattern and compares the actual energy consumption calculated by the energy calculation unit 210 with the estimated energy consumption.If the energy difference is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the correction unit 270 corrects the energy map 231 according to the opening / closing pattern based on the actual energy consumption. In this way, the energy map 231 can be corrected for each of the opening / closing patterns.

[0072] The correction unit 270 corrects the energy map 231 for each of the opening / closing patterns contained in the rewrite command. While the command acquisition unit 260 maintains the rewrite command acquisition state, the control device 100 repeats steps S710 to S780 to correct the energy map 231 for each of the opening / closing patterns. Accordingly, the energy map 231 can be corrected in each of the opening / closing patterns. Second embodiment

[0073] In the first embodiment, the lines 30 have the main path 31, the first branch path 32, and the second branch path 33. However, the paths provided by the lines 30 are not limited to the three mentioned above. The lines 30 can, as shown in Fig. 8 shown, which has the main path 31 and three or more secondary or branching paths.

[0074] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, a third branch path is depicted as third branch path 34. Third branch path 34 has a third inlet 34a and a third outlet 34b, which are connected to the main path 31. The third inlet 34a is located at one end of third branch path 34. The third outlet 34b is located at the other end of third branch path 34. The third inlet 34a and the third outlet 34b are connected to the main path 31. The coolant 40 flows from the main path 31 through the third inlet 34a into the third branch path 34. The coolant 40 flows from the third branch path 34 through the third outlet 34b into the main path 31. The main path 31 and the third branch path 34 are configured to circulate the coolant 40. The third branching path 34 is equipped with the third valve 34c, which adjusts or regulates the amount of coolant 40 flowing in it.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the energy maps 231 for each of the opening / closing patterns are also stored in the storage device 230. In the second embodiment, with the exception of the pattern in which all valves 32c, 33c, and 34c are closed, seven types of opening / closing patterns can be considered. In the second embodiment, the energy maps 231 for each of the seven opening / closing patterns are stored in the storage device 230. In other words, the storage device 230 of the second embodiment has seven (7) sets of the energy maps 231. It is also possible in the second embodiment to correct seven energy maps 231 in a flowchart similar to that in the first embodiment. Third embodiment

[0076] In the third embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, after determining the abnormality of the lines 30, a drag rotation determination of the pump 60 can be performed. The coolant 40 circulating in the lines 30 can cause the pump 60 to operate at a speed Mrev that is higher than the specified motor speed, which is a so-called drag rotation state (ROT). In the drag rotation state ROT, the motor is driven forward by a flow of coolant and reaches an overspeed range. In the third embodiment, the comparator unit 240 determines in step S910, after steps S870 and S880, whether or not the energy difference Dpw between the actual energy consumption and the estimated energy consumption is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value Th3, which is greater than the second predetermined value Th2. The third predetermined value Th3 is an energy difference value at which it can be estimated that the drag or...Drag rotation occurs in pump 60. The energy difference Dpw is an absolute value calculated by subtracting the actual energy consumption Rpw from the estimated energy consumption Epw.

[0077] It should be noted that when the ROT spin occurs, pump 60 tends to operate faster than expected. In step S910, the comparison unit 240 determines whether the estimated energy consumption Epw is greater than the actual energy consumption Rpw by the third predetermined value Th3 or more. If it is determined that the estimated energy consumption is greater than the actual energy consumption by the third predetermined value or more (|Epw-Rpw|≥Th3), the determination unit 280 determines in step S920 that pump 60 exhibits the ROT spin. The flowchart then concludes. If it is determined that the estimated energy consumption is not greater than the actual energy consumption by the third predetermined value or more (|Epw-Rpw|≥Th3), the determination unit 280 concludes in step S920. <Th3), bestimmt die Bestimmungseinheit 280 in Schritt S930, dass die Pumpe 60 nicht die Schleppdrehung ROT aufweist. Anschließend ist das Ablaufdiagramm abgeschlossen.

[0078] When the ROT (red) drag rotation occurs, pump 60 is over-operated and its service life is reduced. In the third embodiment, when the determination unit 280 determines in step S930 that pump 60 is in the ROT drag rotation state, the ROT drag rotation state is transmitted to the host ECU 70 when the determination result is obtained. The determination unit 280 continuously monitors the energy difference Dpw between the actual energy consumption and the estimated energy consumption and continuously transmits a value of this energy difference to the host ECU 70. Subsequently, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, when a timing is reached at which the energy difference Dpw between the actual energy consumption and the estimated energy consumption is less than the third predetermined value Th3, the rotation of the motor 50 is stopped in response to a command from the host ECU 70. The driver control unit 205 stops the rotation of the motor 50 via the communication circuit 600. In the third embodiment, the rotation of the motor 50 can be stopped when the difference Dpw between the actual energy consumption and the estimated energy consumption reaches a level at which it can be determined that the trailing rotation state ROT has been lifted. The upper part of Fig. Figure 10 shows the energy difference Dpw, the middle part shows the motor speed Mrev0 of the comparison example, and the lower part shows the motor speed Mrev3 of this embodiment.

[0079] If pump 60 experiences a spin-up, control unit 100 prioritizes stopping the rotation of motor 50 over opening and closing valves 32c, 33c, and 34c. If pump 60 experiences a spin-up, control unit 100 stops the rotation of motor 50 and then opens and closes valves 32c, 33c, and 34c. After driver control unit 205 stops the rotation of motor 50 according to a command from host ECU 70, the open / close unit 250 performs a switching operation between opening and closing valves 32c, 33c, and 34c. When the energy difference Dpw between the actual energy consumption and the estimated energy consumption becomes smaller than the third predetermined value Th3, at which it can be determined that the drag rotation state ROT has been lifted, the rotation of the motor 50 is stopped, whereupon the open / close unit 250 may open and close the valves 32c, 33c and 34c.

[0080] The drag rotation determination described in the third embodiment can also be applied to the lines 30 described in the second embodiment. In the lines 30 described in the second embodiment, a heat-generating component 10 is provided in each of the first branch path 32, the second branch path 33, and the third branch path 34. When a timing is reached at which the energy difference Dpw between the actual energy consumption and the estimated energy consumption is less than the third predetermined value Th3, the rotation of the motor 50 is stopped, whereupon the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c can be controlled to open and close. Accordingly, the switching timing of valves 32c, 33c and 34c is advanced compared to a configuration where the speed of engine 50 is reduced to a level at which engine 50 can be stopped, and then valves 32c, 33c and 34c are switched.While the pump 60 is in the idling state (RED), it is possible to rapidly supply the coolant 40 to the heat-generating components 10, which are located in the branching flow paths 32, 33, and 34 through which the coolant 40 does not flow. Note that the heat-generating components 10 are abbreviated as HGP in the drawings.

[0081] Although the present disclosure is described above in connection with the embodiments, it should be noted that it is not limited to these embodiments or structures. The present disclosure includes various modified examples and modifications within a range of equivalence. Although various combinations and modes are shown in the present disclosure, other combinations and modes with only one element, more elements, or fewer elements are also included within the scope and concept of the present disclosure. Disclosure of technical concepts

[0082] This description reveals several technical concepts, which are described in several sections listed below. Some sections may be presented in a multi-dependent form, in which a subsequent section selectively refers to the preceding sections. Furthermore, some sections may be written in a multi-dependent form that refers to another multi-dependent form. These sections written in the multi-dependent form define several technical concepts. Technical Concept 1

[0083] Control device (100) for controlling a motor (50) which drives a pump (60) which circulates a coolant (40) through lines (30) which are connected to a cooling device (20) for cooling a heat-generating component (10), wherein the control device comprises: a storage device (230) and a processing unit (290), wherein the storage device stores: an energy map (231) in which a speed of the motor and an estimated energy consumption are linked, wherein the estimated energy consumption is estimated as being consumed by the motor for the circulation of the cooling medium by the pump driven by the motor for each of predetermined speeds, and wherein the processing unit has: a speed detection unit (220) that detects a speed; an energy calculation unit (210) which, based on a voltage applied to the motor by a battery (11) and a current flowing through the motor, calculates an actual energy consumption consumed by the motor when the rotational speed is detected; a comparison unit (240) which acquires an estimated energy consumption from the energy map, which is linked to the rotational speed acquired by the rotational speed sensing unit, and is able to determine, by comparing the acquired estimated energy consumption and the actual energy consumption, whether or not an energy difference between the estimated energy consumption and the actual energy consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a command acquisition unit (260) that acquires an externally entered rewrite command of the energy characteristic map; and a correction unit (270) that rewrites the energy map based on the actual energy consumption when the command acquisition unit detects the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the energy difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Technical Concept 2

[0084] Control device according to technical concept 1, wherein, when the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command, the command acquisition unit instructs the correction unit to acquire a correlation between the rotational speed and the actual energy consumption for each of predetermined rotational speeds, and wherein If the comparison unit determines that the energy difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the correction unit detects the correlation and rewrites the energy map based on the detected correlation. Technical Concept 3

[0085] Control device according to technical concept 1 or 2, wherein the correction unit maintains the energy characteristic map when the comparison unit determines that the energy difference is less than the predetermined value, even when the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command. Technical Concept 4

[0086] Control device according to one of the technical concepts 1 to 3, wherein the lines comprise: several branching paths (32, 33, 34), each equipped with a valve (32c, 33c, 34c), and a main path (31) that is connected to each of the branching paths and from which the amount of coolant flowing through varies in accordance with the opening / closing patterns of the valves, wherein the pump is provided in the main path, and wherein the storage device further stores several energy characteristic maps for each of the opening / closing patterns, and wherein the rewrite command contains a command for the opening / closing pattern, and where The correction unit rewrites the energy map in the opening / closing pattern when the command acquisition unit detects the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the energy difference in the opening / closing pattern is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Technical Concept 5

[0087] Control device according to one of technical concepts 1 to 4, wherein the rewrite command contains a command for one of the opening / closing patterns, and wherein The correction unit repeatedly rewrites each of the energy characteristic fields according to each of the opening / closing patterns. Technical Concept 6

[0088] Control device according to one of technical concepts 1 to 5, wherein the processing unit further comprises: a determination unit (280) which determines that an abnormality is present in the lines when the command detection unit does not detect the rewrite command and the energy difference is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value which is greater than a first predetermined value which is the predetermined value. Technical Concept 7

[0089] Control device according to technical concept 6, further comprising: a communication circuit (600) which transmits a determination result of the determination unit to a host ECU (70). Technical Concept 8

[0090] Control device according to technical concept 7, wherein the determining unit further determines that the pump is rotated with a drag rotation by the coolant circulating in the lines when the energy difference is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value which is greater than the second predetermined value, and transmits the drag rotation of the pump to the host ECU via the communication circuit. Technical Concept 9

[0091] Control device according to technical concept 8, wherein the determining unit further continuously transmits the energy difference to the host ECU, and when the energy difference becomes less than the third predetermined value, rotation of the motor is stopped by a command from the host ECU. Technical Concept 10

[0092] Control device according to one of the technical concepts 7 to 9, wherein the lines have several branching paths (32, 33, 34) in which the heat-generating component or the valves (32c, 33c, 34c) are provided, and wherein the processing unit further comprises an open / close unit (250) for controlling an opening / closing of each of the valves, and wherein The open / close unit switches between opening and closing each of the valves after a rotation of the engine has been stopped by a command from the host ECU. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 heat-generating components, 100 control device, 11 Battery, 20 Cooling device, 210 Energy calculation unit, 220 speed detection unit, 230 storage device, 231 Energy performance map, 240 comparison unit, 250 Open / Close Unit, 260 command acquisition unit, 270 correction units, 280 units of determination, 290 processing units, 30 lines, 31 Main Path, 32 branching path, 32c valve, 33 Branching path, 33c valve, 34 branching path, 34c valve, 40 Coolant, 50 engine, 60 pump, 600 communication circuit, and 70 Host ECUs. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 5194827 B

[0003] < / steuervorrichtung>

Claims

[1] Control device (100) for controlling a motor (50) which drives a pump (60) which circulates a coolant through lines (30) which are connected to a cooling device for cooling a heat-generating component (10), wherein the control device comprises: - a storage device (230) and a processing unit (290), wherein - the storage device stores: - an energy map (231) in which a motor speed and an estimated energy consumption are linked, wherein the estimated energy consumption is estimated to be consumed by the motor for the circulation of the cooling medium by the pump driven by the motor for each of predetermined speeds, and - the processing unit has: - a speed detection unit (220) that detects a speed; - an energy calculation unit (210) which, based on a voltage applied to the motor by a battery (11) and a current flowing through the motor, calculates an actual energy consumption consumed by the motor when the rotational speed is detected; - a comparison unit (240) which acquires an estimated energy consumption from the energy map, which is linked to the rotational speed acquired by the rotational speed sensing unit, and is able to determine, by comparing the acquired estimated energy consumption and the actual energy consumption, whether or not an energy difference between the estimated energy consumption and the actual energy consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; - a command acquisition unit (260) that acquires an externally entered rewrite command of the energy characteristic map; and - a correction unit (270) that rewrites the energy map based on the actual energy consumption when the command acquisition unit detects the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the energy difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. [2] Control device according to claim 1, wherein - the command acquisition unit, when it acquires the rewrite command, instructs the correction unit to acquire a correlation between the rotational speed and the actual energy consumption for each of the predetermined rotational speeds, and - if the comparison unit determines that the energy difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the correction unit detects the correlation and rewrites the energy map based on the detected correlation. [3] Control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the correction unit maintains the energy map when the comparison unit determines that the energy difference is less than the predetermined value, even when the command acquisition unit detects the rewrite command. [4] Control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein - the lines include: - several branching paths (32, 33, 34), each equipped with a valve (32c, 33c, 34c), and - a main path (31) that is connected to each of the branching paths and in which the amount of coolant flowing through it varies in accordance with the opening / closing patterns of the valves, - the pump is located in the main path, - the storage device furthermore stores several energy characteristic maps for each of the opening / closing patterns, - the rewrite command contains a command for the opening / closing pattern, and - the correction unit rewrites the energy map in the opening / closing pattern when the command acquisition unit detects the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the energy difference in the opening / closing pattern is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. [5] Control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein - the rewrite command contains a command for one of the opening / closing patterns, and - the correction unit repeatedly rewrites each of the energy characteristic fields according to each of the opening / closing patterns. [6] Control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing unit further comprises: a determination unit (280) which determines that an abnormality is present in the lines when the command detection unit does not detect the rewrite command and the energy difference is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value which is greater than a first predetermined value which is the predetermined value. [7] Control device according to claim 6, further comprising a communication circuit (600) which transmits a determination result of the determination unit to a host ECU (70). [8] Control device according to claim 7, wherein the determining unit further determines that the pump is rotated with a drag rotation through the coolant circulating in the lines when the energy difference is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value which is greater than the second predetermined value, and transmits the drag rotation of the pump to the host ECU via the communication circuit. [9] Control device according to claim 8, wherein the determining unit further continuously transmits the energy difference to the host ECU, and when the energy difference becomes less than the third predetermined value, rotation of the motor is stopped by a command from the host ECU. [10] Control device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein - the pipes contain several branch paths (32, 33, 34) in which the heat-generating component or the valves (32c, 33c, 34c) are arranged, - the processing unit further comprises an open / close unit (250) for controlling the opening / closing of each of the valves, and - the open / close unit switches between opening and closing each of the valves after a rotation of the engine has been stopped by a command from the host ECU.