Automotive thermal management system, and vehicle

Abstract

An automotive thermal management system (1), and a vehicle. The automotive thermal management system (1) comprises an electric winch (7) and a cooling driving assembly (2), wherein the cooling driving assembly (2) is used for providing power for making a coolant flow. The automotive thermal management system (1) comprises a winch mode. Before the winch mode, the cooling driving assembly (2) operates at a first power to cool the coolant to a first preset temperature, and in the winch mode, the cooling driving assembly (2) operates at a second power, and the electric winch (7) is started, wherein the first power is greater than the second power.

Description

Automotive thermal management systems and vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 15, 2023, with application number 202311199275.8 and invention name “Automotive Thermal Management System and Vehicle”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of new energy vehicle technology, and in particular to an automobile thermal management system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] With the increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles, a growing number of hybrid vehicle types have been developed, including sedans, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). SUVs are particularly popular among users. Some existing off-road vehicles are equipped with electric winches, which are used for self-rescue or mutual rescue in certain situations, such as when a car is stuck in mud or climbing a steep slope.

[0004] However, when using an electric winch, the high power required can lead to insufficient power distribution from the vehicle's low-voltage power supply, necessitating power restrictions on other low-voltage electrical components in the vehicle, particularly those used to cool the engine and motor. If the engine and motor generate significant heat and the power of the components is limited, the cooling effect of the components on the driver will decrease, leading to driver overheating. Existing solutions typically involve replacing the low-voltage power supply with a larger one, but this increases vehicle costs.

[0005] Therefore, how to ensure that the electric winch works normally without changing the power supply and does not cause the vehicle to overheat has become an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide an automobile thermal management system and a vehicle to solve the problem of excessive power load when the electric winch is started.

[0008] To achieve the purpose of this application, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0009] In a first aspect, the present application provides an automotive thermal management system, comprising an electric winch and a cooling drive assembly, wherein the cooling drive assembly is used to provide power for the flow of a cooling medium. The automotive thermal management system can operate in a winch mode. Before the winch mode is enabled, the cooling drive assembly operates at a first power to cool the cooling medium to a first preset temperature; after the winch mode is enabled, the cooling drive assembly operates at a second power, and the electric winch is started; the first power is greater than the second power.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cooling medium includes a first cooling medium, the cooling drive assembly includes a fan, and the vehicle thermal management system also includes a first cooling circuit, and the fan is used to cool the first cooling circuit; before the winch mode is enabled, the fan operates at a first sub-power to cool the first cooling medium of the first cooling circuit to a first preset temperature; before the winch mode is enabled, the fan operates at a second sub-power; the first sub-power is greater than the second sub-power.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cooling drive assembly also includes a first water pump, the first cooling circuit includes a first driver, a first radiator and a first cooling flow path, the first water pump is arranged on the first cooling circuit, the first cooling flow path passes through the first driver, the first water pump and the first radiator in sequence, and the fan cools the first radiator.

[0012] In one embodiment, before the winch mode is enabled, the first water pump first operates at a third sub-power; after the winch mode is enabled, the first water pump operates at a fourth sub-power; the third sub-power is greater than the fourth sub-power.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cooling medium includes a second cooling medium, the vehicle thermal management system further includes a second cooling circuit, and the fan is further used to cool the second cooling circuit.

[0014] In one embodiment, before the winch mode is enabled, the fan operates at the fifth sub-power to cool the second cooling medium of the second cooling circuit to a second preset temperature; after the winch mode is enabled, the fan operates at the sixth sub-power; the fifth sub-power is greater than the sixth sub-power.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cooling drive assembly also includes a second water pump, the second cooling circuit includes a second driver, a second radiator and a second cooling flow path, the second water pump is arranged on the second cooling circuit, the second cooling flow path passes through the second driver, the second water pump and the second radiator in sequence, and the fan cools the second radiator.

[0016] In one embodiment, before the winch mode is enabled, the second water pump first operates at the seventh sub-power; after the winch mode is enabled, the second water pump operates at the eighth sub-power; the seventh sub-power is greater than the eighth sub-power.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first cooling circuit further includes a first water tank and a first branch flow path, the first branch flow path is connected in parallel to the first cooling flow path, and the first branch flow path passes through the first driver and the first water tank; the vehicle thermal management system can also operate in a maintenance mode, in which the first water pump operates at a third power, and the third power is greater than the power of the first water pump when not in the maintenance mode.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second cooling circuit further includes a second water tank and a second branch flow path, the second branch flow path is connected in parallel to the second cooling flow path, and the second branch flow path passes through the second driver and the second water tank; the vehicle thermal management system can also operate in a maintenance mode, in which the second water pump operates at a fourth power, and the fourth power is greater than the power of the second water pump when not in the maintenance mode.

[0019] In one embodiment, the automobile thermal management system can also operate in a wading mode. In the wading mode, the fan operates at a fifth power, which is less than the power of the fan in a non-wading mode.

[0020] In one embodiment, the vehicle thermal management system can also operate in a wading mode. In the wading mode, the first water pump operates at a sixth power, which is less than the power of the first water pump in a non-wading mode.

[0021] In one embodiment, the vehicle thermal management system can also operate in a wading mode. In the wading mode, the second water pump operates at a seventh power, and the seventh power is less than the power of the second water pump in a non-wading mode.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electric winch, the fan, the first water pump and the second water pump are connected in parallel.

[0023] In one embodiment, the automotive thermal management system can also operate in a sand mode. In the sand mode, the cooling drive assembly operates at an eighth power, which is greater than the power of the cooling drive assembly in a non-sand mode.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a vehicle comprising the automotive thermal management system according to any one of the first aspects.

[0025] In one embodiment, when the vehicle is in a hybrid electric (HEV) mode, both the first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit are activated, and the fan is used to cool the first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit; when the vehicle is in an electric vehicle (EV) mode, the second cooling circuit is activated, and the fan is used to cool the second cooling circuit; when the vehicle is in an engine direct drive mode, the first cooling circuit is activated, and the fan is used to cool the first cooling circuit.

[0026] The present application sets a winch mode in a vehicle thermal management system, and before the winch mode, controls the cooling drive component to operate at a first power so that the cooling medium can be cooled to a first preset temperature, thereby allowing the cooling medium to have a lower initial temperature before the electric winch is started; in the winch mode, controls the cooling drive component to operate at a second power lower than the first power, so that the electric winch can operate at normal power after starting, and ensures that the cooling medium will not overheat during use of the electric winch; this process does not require the use of a high-power power supply, and can also ensure the normal operation of the electric winch, thereby reducing vehicle costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the implementation methods of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the implementation methods or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some implementation methods of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an automotive thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an automotive thermal management system according to an embodiment.

[0030] Description of reference numerals:

[0031] 1 - vehicle thermal management system, 2 - cooling drive assembly, 10 - first cooling circuit, 11 - first driver, 21 - first three-way valve, 31 - first water pump, 41 - first radiator, 51 - first water tank, 61 - first cooling flow path, 71 - first branch flow path;

[0032] 20 - second cooling circuit, 12 - second driver, 22 - second three-way valve, 32 - second water pump, 42 - second radiator, 52 - second water tank, 62 - second cooling flow path, 72 - second branch flow path;

[0033] 6-Fan, 7-Electric winch, 8-Power supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in this specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0037] The following describes some embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features therein may be combined with each other.

[0038] The present application provides an automobile thermal management system 1, please refer to Figures 1 and 2, including a power supply 8, an electric winch 7 and a cooling drive assembly 2, the power supply 8 is electrically connected to the electric winch 7 and the cooling drive assembly 2, the cooling drive assembly 2 is used to provide power to make the cooling medium flow, the automobile thermal management system 1 includes a winch mode, before the winch mode, the cooling drive assembly 2 operates at a first power to cool the cooling medium to a first preset temperature; in the winch mode, the cooling drive assembly 2 operates at a second power, and the electric winch 7 is started; the first power is greater than the second power.

[0039] Specifically, the vehicle thermal management system can be applied to a hybrid vehicle, such as an off-road vehicle, having an electric winch 7. A hybrid vehicle can include an engine direct drive mode, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode, and a pure electric vehicle (EV) mode.

[0040] Optionally, the power supply 8 can be a 12V low-voltage DC power supply 8, the positive pole of the power supply 8 can be connected to the electric winch 7 and the cooling drive assembly, and the negative pole of the power supply 8 can be grounded, thereby forming a closed 12V low-voltage circuit.

[0041] Optionally, the cooling drive assembly may include a variety of low-voltage electrical components, including but not limited to a water pump, a fan 6, an air conditioner, etc.

[0042] Optionally, the cooling drive assembly is used to provide power for the flow of the cooling medium. It should be noted that different low-voltage electrical components in the cooling drive assembly can provide power for different cooling medium flows. For example, the cooling drive assembly may include a water pump, the cooling medium may be coolant, and the water pump provides power for the flow of the coolant; alternatively, the cooling drive assembly may include a fan 6, the cooling medium may be air, and the fan 6 provides power for the flow of the air.

[0043] Optionally, a cooling drive assembly is used to generate the cooling medium's power and primarily acts on the vehicle's (hybrid electric vehicle's) drive to reduce the drive's temperature. The vehicle's drive may include an engine and / or an electric motor. It will be appreciated that the cooling medium can flow through the drive, thereby exchanging heat and cooling the drive, and the cooling drive assembly then exchanges heat and cools the cooling medium.

[0044] Optionally, the cooling drive assembly is used to power the cooling medium flow and can be used on the vehicle's (hybrid electric vehicle's) electronic control equipment to reduce the temperature of the electronic control equipment. The vehicle's electronic control equipment may include an onboard charger, battery pack, etc. It is understood that the cooling medium can flow through the electronic control equipment, thereby exchanging heat and cooling the electronic control equipment, and the cooling drive assembly then exchanges heat and cools the cooling medium.

[0045] Furthermore, the vehicle thermal management system includes a winch mode. In winch mode, the electric winch 7 is activated. However, the power required by the electric winch 7 is relatively high, which can lead to insufficient power distribution from the power supply 8. This requires power limitation of other low-voltage electrical components in the vehicle, especially the cooling drive assembly. However, when the electric winch 7 is in use, if the driver (engine and / or motor) generates a lot of heat and the power of the cooling drive assembly is limited, the cooling drive assembly will not be able to cool the driver, resulting in overheating of the driver.

[0046] Therefore, the solution provided by this application is to control the cooling drive assembly to operate at a first power before the winch mode is activated, so that the cooling medium cooling the driver is cooled to a first preset temperature before the electric winch 7 is activated. In the winch mode, the cooling drive assembly operates at a second power to ensure that the cooling drive assembly can still cool the cooling medium, thereby providing a certain heat dissipation effect for the driver.

[0047] It is understandable that in winch mode, the temperature of the cooling medium flowing through the driver rises rapidly. However, because the temperature of the cooling medium is low before the electric winch 7 is activated and the winch is unstuck for a short time, the driver may not reach an overtemperature state after the vehicle is unstuck. If the winch is unstuck for a long time and the temperature of the vehicle's cooling medium reaches the warning value, the cooling drive assembly can be restarted to operate at the first power.

[0048] Optionally, the first preset temperature is not specifically limited, and the temperature of the cooling medium after the winch mode can be the first actual temperature, and the first preset temperature should not be higher than the first actual temperature. For example, the first preset temperature is 50°C, and the first actual temperature can be 80°C.

[0049] Optionally, the first power may be the total power of each low-voltage electrical component in the cooling drive assembly. It should be noted that before the winch mode, the first power should be the total power of each low-voltage electrical component in the cooling drive assembly that participates in cooling.

[0050] Optionally, the second power may be the total power of each low-voltage electrical component in the cooling drive assembly. It should be noted that in the winch mode, the first power should be the total power of each low-voltage electrical component in the cooling drive assembly that participates in cooling.

[0051] It is understandable that the cooling drive assembly needs to cool the cooling medium both before and in the winch mode. The difference is that in the winch mode, in order to facilitate the winch to run at full power, the power of the cooling drive assembly must be reduced.

[0052] Optionally, the number of low-voltage electrical components involved in cooling the cooling drive assembly before the winch mode is different from the number of low-voltage electrical components involved in cooling the cooling drive assembly during the winch mode. For example, before the winch mode, the number of low-voltage electrical components involved in cooling the cooling drive assembly may be three; during the winch mode, the number of low-voltage electrical components involved in cooling the cooling drive assembly may be two.

[0053] The present application sets a winch mode in the automobile thermal management system, and before the winch mode, controls the cooling drive component to operate at a first power so that the cooling medium can be cooled to a first preset temperature, so that the cooling medium can have a lower initial temperature before the electric winch 7 is started; in the winch mode, controls the cooling drive component to operate at a second power lower than the first power, so that the electric winch 7 can operate at normal power after starting, and ensures that the cooling medium will not overheat during the use of the electric winch 7; this process does not require the use of a high-power power supply 8, and can also ensure the normal operation of the electric winch 7, thereby reducing the cost of the vehicle.

[0054] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 and 2, the cooling drive assembly includes a fan 6, and the vehicle thermal management system also includes a first cooling circuit 10. The fan 6 is used to cool the first cooling circuit 10, and a first cooling medium is passed into the first cooling circuit 10; before the winch mode, the fan 6 operates at a first sub-power to cool the first cooling medium in the first cooling circuit 10 to a first preset temperature; in the winch mode, the fan 6 operates at a second sub-power; the first sub-power is greater than the second sub-power.

[0055] Specifically, the fan 6 can be a suction fan 6. The first cooling circuit 10 can be used to exchange heat with the engine body; alternatively, the first cooling circuit 10 can be used to exchange heat with the motor body. The fan 6 can be used to cool the radiator in the first cooling circuit 10.

[0056] Optionally, the cooling medium in the above embodiment may include a first cooling medium, i.e., a coolant, which flows in the first cooling circuit 10 to achieve heat exchange. It should be noted that the fan 6 actually provides the motive force for the flow of gas (air), so the cooling medium acted upon by the fan 6 is gas (air), and the first cooling medium is cooled by increasing the gas flow rate and flow rate.

[0057] Before the winch mode, the fan 6 is controlled to operate at the first sub-power to cool the first cooling medium in the first cooling circuit 10 to a first preset temperature before starting the electric winch 7. In the winch mode, the fan 6 operates at the second sub-power to ensure that the fan 6 can still cool the first cooling medium, thereby providing a certain heat dissipation effect for the driver.

[0058] Optionally, the first power may be the first sub-power; or, the first power may be the sum of the first sub-power and the power of other low-voltage electrical components.

[0059] Optionally, the second power may be the second sub-power; or, the second power may be the sum of the second sub-power and the power of other low-voltage electrical components.

[0060] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 and 2, the cooling drive assembly also includes a first water pump 31, the first cooling circuit 10 includes a first driver 11, a first radiator 41 and a first cooling flow path 61, the first water pump 31 is arranged on the first cooling circuit 10, the first cooling flow path 61 passes through the first driver 11, the first water pump 31 and the first radiator 41 in sequence, and the fan 6 cools the first radiator 41; before the winch mode, the first water pump 31 first works at the third sub-power; in the winch mode, the first water pump 31 works at the fourth sub-power; the third sub-power is greater than the fourth sub-power.

[0061] Specifically, the first cooling circuit 10 includes a first driver 11, which can be an engine block. A first cooling medium is used to cool the first driver 11. A first radiator 41 can be a high-temperature fan. The first cooling flow path 61 is the flow path of the first cooling medium driven by the first water pump 31. Therefore, within the first cooling circuit 10, the first cooling flow path 61 flows sequentially through the first driver 11, the first water pump 31, the first radiator 41, and then back to the first driver 11.

[0062] Furthermore, the first water pump 31 provides flow power for the first cooling medium. After the first cooling medium flows through the first radiator 41 , heat exchange occurs therewith, the first radiator 41 is heated, and the fan 6 is used to cool the first radiator 41 .

[0063] Before the winch mode, the fan 6 is controlled to operate at the first sub-power and the first water pump 31 is controlled to operate at the third sub-power, so that the first cooling medium in the first cooling circuit 10 is cooled to the first preset temperature before the electric winch 7 is started. In the winch mode, the fan 6 operates at the second sub-power and the first water pump 31 is controlled to operate at the fourth sub-power, thereby ensuring that the first water pump 31 can still provide power for the first cooling medium and the fan 6 can also cool the first radiator 41, thereby providing a certain heat dissipation effect for the first driver 11.

[0064] Optionally, the first power may be the sum of the first sub-power and the third sub-power; or, the first power may be the sum of the first sub-power, the third sub-power and the power of other low-voltage electrical devices.

[0065] Optionally, the second power may be the sum of the second sub-power and the fourth sub-power; or, the second power may be the sum of the second sub-power, the fourth sub-power and the power of other low-voltage electrical devices.

[0066] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 and 2, the automobile thermal management system also includes a second cooling circuit 20, and the fan 6 is also used to cool the second cooling circuit 20, and a second cooling medium is introduced into the second cooling circuit 20; before the winch mode, the fan 6 operates at the seventh sub-power to cool the second cooling medium in the second cooling circuit 20 to a second preset temperature; in the winch mode, the fan 6 operates at the sixth sub-power; the seventh sub-power is greater than the sixth sub-power.

[0067] Specifically, the second cooling circuit 20 can be used to exchange heat with the motor body; or the second cooling circuit 20 can be used to exchange heat with the engine body. The fan 6 can be used to cool the radiator in the second cooling circuit 20.

[0068] Optionally, the cooling medium in the above embodiment may include a second cooling medium, namely a coolant, which flows in the second cooling circuit 20 to achieve heat exchange. It should be noted that the fan 6 actually provides the motive force for the flow of gas (air), so the cooling medium acted upon by the fan 6 is gas (air), and the second cooling medium is cooled by increasing the gas flow rate and flow rate.

[0069] Before the winch mode, the fan 6 is controlled to operate at the fifth sub-power to cool the second cooling medium in the second cooling circuit 20 to the second preset temperature before starting the electric winch 7. In the winch mode, the fan 6 operates at the sixth sub-power to ensure that the fan 6 can still cool the second cooling medium, thereby providing a certain heat dissipation effect for the driver.

[0070] Optionally, the first power may be the fifth sub-power; or, the first power may be the sum of the fifth sub-power and the power of other low-voltage electrical components.

[0071] Optionally, the second power may be the sixth sub-power; or, the second power may be the sum of the sixth sub-power and the power of other low-voltage electrical devices.

[0072] Optionally, the second preset temperature is not specifically limited, and the temperature reached by the second cooling medium after the winch mode can be the second actual temperature, and the second preset temperature should not be higher than the second actual temperature. For example, the second preset temperature is 40°C, and the second actual temperature can be 70°C.

[0073] Optionally, the second preset temperature and the first preset temperature may be different.

[0074] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 and 2, the cooling drive assembly also includes a second water pump 32, the second cooling circuit 20 includes a second driver 12, a second radiator 42 and a second cooling flow path 62, the second water pump 32 is arranged on the second cooling circuit 20, the second cooling flow path 62 passes through the second driver 12, the second water pump 32 and the second radiator 42 in sequence, and the fan 6 cools the second radiator 42; before the winch mode, the second water pump 32 first works at the seventh sub-power; in the winch mode, the second water pump 32 works at the eighth sub-power; the seventh sub-power is greater than the eighth sub-power.

[0075] Specifically, the second cooling circuit 20 includes a second driver 12, which can be a motor body. The second cooling medium is used to cool the second driver 12. The second radiator 42 can be a low-temperature fan. The second cooling flow path 62 is the flow path formed by the second cooling medium driven by the second water pump 32. Therefore, in the second cooling circuit 20, the second cooling flow path 62 sequentially passes through the second driver 12, the second water pump 32, the second radiator 42, and then returns to the second driver 12.

[0076] Furthermore, the second water pump 32 provides flow power for the second cooling medium. After the second cooling medium flows through the second radiator 42 , heat exchange occurs therewith, the second radiator 42 is heated, and the fan 6 is used to cool the second radiator 42 .

[0077] Before the winch mode, the fan 6 is controlled to operate at the fifth sub-power and the second water pump 32 is controlled to operate at the seventh sub-power, so that the second cooling medium in the second cooling circuit 20 is cooled to the second preset temperature before the electric winch 7 is started. In the winch mode, the fan 6 operates at the sixth sub-power and the second water pump 32 is controlled to operate at the eighth sub-power, thereby ensuring that the second water pump 32 can still provide power for the second cooling medium and the fan 6 can also cool the second radiator 42, thereby providing a certain heat dissipation effect for the second driver 12.

[0078] Optionally, the first power may be the sum of the fifth sub-power and the seventh sub-power; or, the first power may be the sum of the fifth sub-power, the seventh sub-power and the power of other low-voltage electrical devices.

[0079] Optionally, the second power may be the sum of the sixth sub-power and the eighth sub-power; or, the second power may be the sum of the sixth sub-power, the eighth sub-power and the power of other low-voltage electrical devices.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first cooling circuit 10 and the second cooling circuit 20 act on different drivers respectively, and the fan 6 is used to cool the first cooling circuit 10 and / or the second cooling circuit 20 .

[0081] Optionally, the first cooling circuit 10 is the cooling circuit for cooling the engine body, and the second cooling circuit 20 is the cooling circuit for cooling the motor body. According to the difference between the HEV mode and the EV mode of the vehicle, the winch mode provided in this application may include the following situations:

[0082] (1) When the vehicle is in HEV mode, the first cooling circuit 10 and the second cooling circuit 20 work together, that is, the fan 6 is used to cool the first cooling circuit 10 and the second cooling circuit 20. Therefore, before the winch mode, the first power is the sum of the power of the fan 6, the first water pump 31, and the second water pump 32; in the winch mode, the second power is the sum of the power of the fan 6, the first water pump 31, and the second water pump 32.

[0083] (2) When the vehicle is in EV mode, the second cooling circuit 20 is in operation, i.e., the fan 6 is used to cool the second cooling circuit 20. Therefore, before the winch mode, the first power is the sum of the powers of the fan 6 and the second water pump 32; in the winch mode, the second power is the sum of the powers of the fan 6 and the second water pump 32.

[0084] (3) The vehicle is in engine direct drive mode, and the first cooling circuit 10 is in operation, that is, the fan 6 is used to cool the first cooling circuit 10. Therefore, before the winch mode, the first power is the sum of the power of the fan 6 and the first water pump 31; in the winch mode, the second power is the sum of the power of the fan 6 and the first water pump 31.

[0085] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the electric winch 7 , the fan 6 , the first water pump 31 and the second water pump 32 are connected in parallel.

[0086] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first cooling circuit 10 further includes a first water tank 51 and a first branch flow path 71. The first branch flow path 71 is connected in parallel to the first cooling flow path 61, and the first branch flow path 71 passes through the first driver 11 and the first water tank 51. The vehicle thermal management system further includes a maintenance mode. In the maintenance mode, the first water pump 31 operates at a third power, which is greater than the power of the first water pump 31 in the non-maintenance mode.

[0087] Specifically, the first cooling circuit 10 further includes a first three-way valve 21, which is disposed on the first cooling flow path 61 and between the first driver 11 and the first water pump 31. A first branch flow path 71 sequentially passes through the first driver 11, the first water tank 51, and the first three-way valve 21, and then merges into the first cooling flow path 61 through the first three-way valve 21.

[0088] Furthermore, the vehicle thermal management system includes a maintenance mode. In this mode, the first coolant needs to be added to the first cooling circuit 10. In this mode, the first water pump 31 is activated and operates at a third power. To increase the refilling speed, the third power should be greater than the power of the first water pump 31 in the non-maintenance mode.

[0089] It can be understood that in the maintenance mode, the first water pump 31 operates at a higher power, so that the flow speed of the first cooling medium on the first cooling flow path 61 and the first branch flow path 71 is faster, so that negative pressure is more easily formed in the first water tank 51, thereby accelerating the liquid addition speed.

[0090] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the second cooling circuit 20 further includes a second water tank 52 and a second branch flow path 72, the second branch flow path 72 is connected in parallel to the second cooling flow path 62, and the second branch flow path 72 passes through the second driver 12 and the second water tank 52; the vehicle thermal management system further includes a maintenance mode, in which the second water pump 32 operates at a fourth power, which is greater than the power of the second water pump 32 in the non-maintenance mode.

[0091] Specifically, the second cooling circuit 20 further includes a second three-way valve 22, which is disposed on the second cooling flow path 62 and between the second driver 12 and the second water pump 32. A second branch flow path 72 sequentially passes through the second driver 12, the second water tank 52, and the second three-way valve 22, and then merges into the second cooling flow path 62 through the second three-way valve 22.

[0092] Furthermore, the vehicle thermal management system includes a maintenance mode. In this mode, the second coolant needs to be added to the second cooling circuit 20. In this mode, the second water pump 32 is activated and operates at a fourth power. To increase the speed of addition, the fourth power should be greater than the power of the second water pump 32 in the non-maintenance mode.

[0093] It can be understood that in the maintenance mode, the second water pump 32 operates at a higher power, so that the flow speed of the second cooling medium on the second cooling flow path 62 and the second branch flow path 72 is faster, so that negative pressure is more easily formed in the second water tank 52, thereby accelerating the liquid addition speed.

[0094] In one embodiment, the automobile thermal management system also includes a wading mode. In the wading mode, the fan 6 operates at a fifth power, which is less than the power of the fan 6 in the non-wading mode; and / or the first water pump 31 operates at a sixth power, which is less than the power of the first water pump 31 in the non-wading mode; and / or the second water pump 32 operates at a seventh power, which is less than the power of the second water pump 32 in the non-wading mode.

[0095] Specifically, the vehicle thermal management system also includes a wading mode. Upon detecting that the vehicle is wading, the vehicle thermal management system can switch to wading mode. In wading mode, the system detects whether the water level exceeds that of the fan 6, the first water pump 31, or the second water pump 32. The system then controls the fan 6, the first water pump 31, or the second water pump 32 to reduce power or even shut down, thereby protecting the water pump and the fan 6. Therefore, the fifth power, the sixth power, and the seventh power can be zero.

[0096] Optionally, the power of the fan 6, the first water pump 31, or the second water pump 32 can be controlled individually by detecting the water level. For example, when it is detected that the water level has exceeded the fan 6, the fan 6 can be controlled to operate at the fifth power, while the power of the first water pump 31 and the second water pump 32 remain unchanged. Alternatively, when it is detected that the water level has exceeded the first water pump 31, the first water pump 31 can be controlled to operate at the sixth power, while the power of the fan 6 and the second water pump 32 remain unchanged.

[0097] In one embodiment, according to the difference between the HEV mode and the EV mode of the vehicle described above, the wading mode provided in this application may include the following situations:

[0098] (1) The vehicle is in HEV mode, and the first cooling circuit 10 and the second cooling circuit 20 work together. It is necessary to control the power changes of the fan 6, the first water pump 31 and the second water pump 32.

[0099] (2) The vehicle is in EV mode, the second cooling circuit 20 is in operation, and the power changes of the fan 6 and the second water pump 32 need to be controlled.

[0100] (3) The vehicle is in the engine direct drive mode, the first cooling circuit 10 is in effect, and the power changes of the fan 6 and the first water pump 31 need to be controlled.

[0101] In one embodiment, the automotive thermal management system further includes a sand mode. In the sand mode, the cooling drive assembly operates at an eighth power, which is greater than the power of the cooling drive assembly in the non-sand mode.

[0102] Specifically, the fan 6 operates at a ninth power, which is greater than the power of the fan 6 in the non-sand mode; and / or the first water pump 31 operates at a tenth power, which is greater than the power of the first water pump 31 in the non-sand mode; and / or the second water pump 32 operates at an eleventh power, which is greater than the power of the second water pump 32 in the non-sand mode.

[0103] Furthermore, when a vehicle is traveling in a hot desert and the terrain ahead is determined to be steep, the vehicle's thermal management system can switch to sand mode. In sand mode, the fan 6, first water pump 31, or second water pump 32 can be controlled to operate at high or full power to reduce the temperature of the first and second coolants. This delays the time it takes for the water temperature to rise sharply and reach the warning value after climbing a desert slope, thereby improving the vehicle's desert off-road thermal management performance.

[0104] In one embodiment, depending on the difference between the HEV mode and the EV mode of the vehicle described above, the sand mode provided in this application may include the following situations:

[0105] (1) When the vehicle is in HEV mode, the first cooling circuit 10 and the second cooling circuit 20 function together, i.e., the fan 6 is used to cool the first cooling circuit 10 and the second cooling circuit 20. Therefore, in sand mode, the eighth power is the sum of the power of the fan 6, the first water pump 31, and the second water pump 32.

[0106] (2) The vehicle is in EV mode, and the second cooling circuit 20 is in operation, that is, the fan 6 is used to cool the second cooling circuit 20. Therefore, in the sand mode, the eighth power is the sum of the power of the fan 6 and the second water pump 32.

[0107] (3) The vehicle is in engine direct drive mode, and the first cooling circuit 10 is in operation, that is, the fan 6 is used to cool the first cooling circuit 10. Therefore, in the sand mode, the eighth power is the sum of the power of the fan 6 and the first water pump 31.

[0108] In one embodiment, the automotive thermal management system provided by this application can be a hybrid vehicle thermal management system, a conventional fuel vehicle thermal management system, or a pure electric vehicle thermal management system. Optionally, the hybrid vehicle can be a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, a hydrogen-powered vehicle, etc.

[0109] In one embodiment, the present application also provides a vehicle, comprising the automotive thermal management system in the above embodiments.

[0110] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship of terms such as "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", and "outside" are based on the orientation or positional relationship of the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0111] The above disclosure is merely an embodiment of the present application, and certainly cannot be used to limit the scope of rights of the present application. A person skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present application still fall within the scope covered by the application.

Claims

1. An automotive thermal management system (1), characterized in that: include: An electric winch (7) and a cooling drive assembly (2), wherein the cooling drive assembly (2) is used to provide power to make the cooling medium flow, The automobile thermal management system (1) can operate in a winch mode. Before the winch mode is enabled, the cooling drive component (2) operates at a first power to cool the cooling medium to a first preset temperature. After the winch mode is enabled, the cooling drive component (2) operates at a second power and the electric winch (7) is started. The first power is greater than the second power.

2. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling medium comprises a first cooling medium, the cooling drive assembly (2) comprises a fan (6), the automobile thermal management system (1) further comprises a first cooling circuit (10), and the fan (6) is used to cool the first cooling circuit (10); Before the winch mode is enabled, the fan (6) operates at a first sub-power to cool the first cooling medium of the first cooling circuit (10) to a first preset temperature; after the winch mode is enabled, the fan (6) operates at a second sub-power; the first sub-power is greater than the second sub-power.

3. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cooling drive component (2) also includes a first water pump (31), the first cooling circuit (10) includes a first driver (11), a first radiator (41) and a first cooling flow path (61), the first water pump (31) is arranged on the first cooling circuit (10), the first cooling flow path (61) passes through the first driver (11), the first water pump (31) and the first radiator (41) in sequence, and the fan (6) cools the first radiator (41).

4. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: Before the winch mode is enabled, the first water pump (31) first operates at a third sub-power; after the winch mode is enabled, the first water pump (31) operates at a fourth sub-power; the third sub-power is greater than the fourth sub-power.

5. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The cooling medium includes a second cooling medium, the automobile thermal management system (1) also includes a second cooling circuit (20), and the fan (6) is also used to cool the second cooling circuit (20).

6. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: Before the winch mode is enabled, the fan (6) operates at the fifth sub-power to cool the second cooling medium of the second cooling circuit (20) to a second preset temperature; after the winch mode is enabled, the fan (6) operates at the sixth sub-power; the fifth sub-power is greater than the sixth sub-power.

7. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The cooling drive component (2) also includes a second water pump (32), the second cooling circuit (20) includes a second driver (12), a second radiator (42) and a second cooling flow path (62), the second water pump (32) is arranged on the second cooling circuit (20), the second cooling flow path (62) passes through the second driver (12), the second water pump (32) and the second radiator (42) in sequence, and the fan (6) cools the second radiator (42).

8. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: Before the winch mode is enabled, the second water pump (32) first operates at a seventh sub-power; after the winch mode is enabled, the second water pump (32) operates at an eighth sub-power; the seventh sub-power is greater than the eighth sub-power.

9. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that: The first cooling circuit (10) further comprises a first water tank (51) and a first branch flow path (71), wherein the first branch flow path (71) is connected in parallel to the first cooling flow path (61), and the first branch flow path (71) passes through the first driver (11) and the first water tank (51); The automobile thermal management system (1) can also operate in a maintenance mode. In the maintenance mode, the first water pump (31) operates at a third power, and the third power is greater than the power of the first water pump (31) when not in the maintenance mode.

10. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The second cooling circuit (20) further comprises a second water tank (52) and a second branch flow path (72), wherein the second branch flow path (72) is connected in parallel to the second cooling flow path (62), and the second branch flow path (72) passes through the second driver (12) and the second water tank (52); The automobile thermal management system (1) can also operate in a maintenance mode, in which the second water pump (32) operates at a fourth power, which is greater than the power of the second water pump (32) when not in the maintenance mode.

11. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The automobile thermal management system (1) can also operate in a wading mode. In the wading mode, the fan (6) operates at a fifth power, which is lower than the power of the fan (6) when not in the wading mode.

12. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The automobile thermal management system (1) can also operate in a wading mode, in which the first water pump (31) operates at a sixth power, which is less than the power of the first water pump (31) when not in the wading mode.

13. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The automobile thermal management system (1) can also operate in a wading mode, in which the second water pump (32) operates at a seventh power, and the seventh power is less than the power of the second water pump (32) when not in the wading mode.

14. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that: The electric winch (7), the fan (6), the first water pump (31) and the second water pump (32) are connected in parallel.

15. The automotive thermal management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The automobile thermal management system (1) can also operate in a sand mode, in which the cooling drive assembly (2) operates at an eighth power, which is greater than the power of the cooling drive assembly (2) when not in the sand mode.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that: The invention comprises an automotive thermal management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

17. The vehicle according to claim 16, characterized in that When the vehicle is in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode, both the first cooling circuit (10) and the second cooling circuit (20) are in operation, and the fan (6) is used to cool the first cooling circuit (10) and the second cooling circuit (20); When the vehicle is in a pure electric (EV) mode, the second cooling circuit (20) is in operation, and the fan (6) is used to cool the second cooling circuit (20); When the vehicle is in the engine direct drive mode, the first cooling circuit (10) is activated, and the fan (6) is used to cool the first cooling circuit (10).

Images