CN103608557A

CN103608557A - System and method for pumping coolant through internal combustion engine for vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN103608557A
Application number: CN201280023600.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 兹比斯洛·斯塔尼耶维奇
Original assignee: LITENS AUTOMOTIVE (SUZHOU) CO Ltd
Current assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership; Litens Automotive Inc; LITENS AUTOMOTIVE (SUZHOU) CO Ltd
Priority date: 2011-07-04
Filing date: 2012-07-04
Publication date: 2014-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-04
Also published as: CN103608557B; WO2013003950A1

Abstract

In an aspect, the invention is directed to a system and method for pumping coolant through an internal combustion engine for a vehicle. The system includes a water pump and a control system that is programmed to: a) determining a selected target coolant temperature; b) determining the actual coolant temperature; c) selecting an average flow rate for the water pump that is in at least some situations non-zero and lower than the maximum possible flow rate; and d) controlling the operation of the water pump to provide the selected average flow rate by alternately starting and stopping the water pump to bring the actual coolant temperature towards the target coolant temperature.

Description

For the system and method through the explosive motor of vehicle by freezing mixture pumping

The cross reference of related application

The application requires the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/504 submitting on July 4th, 2011,283 and the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/569 that submits on December 11st, 2011,278 preference, the disclosure of described application is all incorporated herein by reference as stated fully in detail.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of vehicle with fluid-cooled internal combustion engine, and more specifically, relate to a kind of vehicle with the fluid-cooled internal combustion engine that has adopted the water pump that comprises torsional spring clutch.

Background technique

At present, most of vehicles have fluid-cooled internal combustion engine, wherein, by engine-driven water pump constantly pumping coolant through cooling recirculation system.This cooling recirculation system is comprised of the first loop and second servo loop conventionally, and in this first loop, the freezing mixture that leaves motor is transported through radiator, and in this second servo loop, the freezing mixture that leaves motor is transported through car cabin heater core.Ratio through the flow of each circulatory system is controlled by thermostat activated valve (this thermostat activated valve can be called thermostat for short), and this thermostat activated valve starts at the temperature place of selecting to open and is further elevated to the temperature of selection at coolant temperature and little by little further starts to shift more flow through radiator when above.Conventionally, this thermostat set is relatively low temperature, enough cooling to guarantee to provide in all cases.Yet, this cause motor in most of environment with unnecessary cold operation, this is undesirable for the combustion efficiency being associated with motor and toxic emission.In addition, coolant temperature how all always the water pump of running from motor, obtain power, and water pump when to turn round be all a kind of supplementary loss.

Speed change electric water pump can be used for the flow of freezing mixture that stronger control is provided, and this is favourable, yet this water pump can exhaust a large amount of electric power and carry out the operation for them, thereby has also increased significantly the cost for the heat management system of vehicle.In addition, the loss of electric power has caused the loss of coolant flow, and this is totally unfavorable to motor certainly.

It is useful to vehicle, providing a kind of heat management system, and this heat management system can be controlled coolant flow with speed change electric water pump similarly, thereby has solved at least in part the problem of above-mentioned discovery.

Summary of the invention

In first aspect, the present invention relates to a kind ofly to the method for freezing mixture pumping is controlled through the water pump of the explosive motor of vehicle, the method comprises:

A) determine the target coolant temperature of selecting;

B) determine actual coolant temperature;

C) be that water pump selects mean flowrate, this mean flowrate is non-zero and lower than maximum possible flow in some situation at least; And

D) by alternately starting and stop operation that water pump controlling water pump so that the mean flowrate of selection to be provided, thereby by actual coolant temperature vector coolant temperature.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind ofly for the system through the explosive motor of vehicle by freezing mixture pumping, this system comprises:

Water pump; And

Control system, this control system is programmed for execution said method.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind of control for having the method for water pump of the vehicle of explosive motor, wherein, this water pump has relative maximum possible flow, and the method comprises:

A) whether sensing motor starts;

B) for water pump, select the mean flowrate of freezing mixture, wherein, the mean flowrate of this selection is non-zero and lower than maximum possible flow in some situation at least; And

C) by alternately starting and stop operation that water pump controlling water pump so that the flow of the selection of freezing mixture to be provided, until the temperature of motor to be defined as be at least the target engine temperature of selecting.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind ofly to the method for controlling for having the water pump of the vehicle of explosive motor and temperature transducer, this temperature transducer is orientated the temperature for detection of freezing mixture as.This water pump has the maximum possible flow of relative freezing mixture.The method comprises:

A) whether sensing motor starts;

B) starting water pump continues the period of selecting, and with the distance that the coolant feed from motor is selected, thereby guarantees to arrive temperature transducer from the freezing mixture of motor, makes the mean flowrate of freezing mixture remain on below maximum possible flow simultaneously;

C) after the freezing mixture from motor has arrived temperature transducer, from temperature transducer, obtain reading; And

D) switch off the pump and continue the period of another selection.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind of after engine start the method to the wind screen defrosting of vehicle, the method comprises:

A) circulation that delay chilling agent is passed heater core from motor is until the time of the selection after engine start; And

B), at the time place of this selection, begin to cool down agent circulation through heater core from motor, to heat through heater core and to enter into the air-flow in the car cabin of vehicle.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Now with reference to accompanying drawing, only by example, All aspects of of the present invention are described, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram with the vehicle of heat management system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 a is the end elevation of the motor in the vehicle shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 b is the exploded perspective view by engine-driven water pump;

Fig. 3 is the flow chart that shows the method for the water pump shown in control graph 2b during the warm-up phase of operational vehicle;

Fig. 4 is the flow chart that shows the alternative method of the water pump shown in control graph 2b during the warm-up phase of operational vehicle;

Fig. 5 a and Fig. 5 b are the zoomed-in view of a part for the motor shown in Fig. 2 a, and wherein this zoomed-in view is illustrated in the minimizing of focus in the situation of having utilized the method shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is the flow chart that shows the method for the water pump shown in control graph 2b during the travel phase of operational vehicle;

Fig. 7 is the flow chart that shows the alternative method of the water pump shown in control graph 2b during the travel phase of operational vehicle;

Fig. 8 shows control for the flow chart of the method for the fan of the radiator of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 a to Fig. 9 c is the plotted curve that the test data for vehicle of the variant that has utilized the method shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 is shown;

Fig. 9 d is the plotted curve of test data of vehicle illustrating for having the heat management system of prior art;

Figure 10 is the plotted curve that the test data for vehicle of the variant that has utilized the method shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown, and for the plotted curve of test data of vehicle that has utilized the heat management system of prior art;

Figure 11 is the schematic diagram having according to the vehicle of the heat management system of another embodiment of the present invention; And

Figure 12 is the plotted curve that shows the temperature of the air-flow that enters car cabin based on some different scenes.

Embodiment

With reference to Fig. 1, it shows the schematic diagram of vehicle 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and wherein, this vehicle 10 has explosive motor 12, water pump 14, car cabin heater core 15, radiator 16, fan 18 and control system 20.

This water pump 14 passes motor 12 with the temperature of control engine 12 by freezing mixture pumping.In the downstream of motor 12, coolant flow is divided into the first loop and second servo loop, and in this first loop, freezing mixture also turns back to the entrance of water pump 14 subsequently through radiator 16; In this second servo loop, freezing mixture also turns back to the entrance of water pump 14 subsequently through heater core 15.Thermostat 21 is arranged in the first loop as in present a lot of vehicles, in order to control the distribution of freezing mixture between the first loop and second servo loop.Be provided with heater fan 22 and heater fan 22 can optionally be operable to from the freezing mixture of the heater core 15 of flowing through, obtain heat for heating with the car cabin shown in 24 and for demist the vehicle window from car cabin 24.Flow through the freezing mixture of radiator 16 by being cooled through flowing of the gas of radiator.The air-flow that fan 18 is controlled through radiator 16, and therefore control and offer by the amount of cooling water of the coolant flow of radiator 16.This layout is similar to the coolant system layout in present many vehicles, and this has promoted the combination of parts of the present invention and existing vehicle.

Control system 20 is controlled the operation of water pump 14, fan 18 and heater fan 22.Control system 20 can be comprised of one or more independent control unit, and described control unit includes but not limited to control unit of engine, control unit for vehicle and the independent control unit separated with control unit for vehicle with control unit of engine.Control system 20 is shown schematically as single box in Fig. 1, yet, will be understood that this is only that schematic diagram and control system 20 can be comprised of a plurality of boxes that communicate with one another.Control system 20 can comprise code and the data in processor and storage and storage.This code and data can be used for carrying out one or more method further describing in literary composition.In order to carry out described one or more method, control system 20 receives from the input in a plurality of sources and one or more output is dealt into one or more reception unit, as further described in the text.

In car cabin 24, can have for the heating request of car cabin being sent to the car cabin of control system 20 and for example heat Request Control element 26(, selective pan), and for example can there is vehicle window demist/defrosting Request Control element 28(for vehicle window demist/defrosting request being sent to control system 20, button or selective pan).

Water pump 14 can be the water pump 14 of any suitable type.For example, with reference to Fig. 2 a, water pump 14 can be driven by accessory driving belt 30, and this accessory driving belt self is by the crank-driven of motor 12.

With reference to Fig. 2 b, water pump 14 comprises housing 32, pump rotor 34 and input link 36, this pump rotor 34 is rotatable with pumping coolant in housing 32, for example this input link 36 of pulley is driven and can be operatively coupled to rotor 34 by torsional spring clutch 38 by accessory driving belt 30, and this torsional spring clutch 38 comprises torsion spring 39.Electromagnetic coil 40 is arranged on housing 32 and is controllable optionally to attract armature plate 42 near friction surface 44.This armature plate 42 is connected to one end of clutch spring 39.The other end of clutch spring 39 can engage with pump rotor 34 (that is, adjacency).In the situation that water pump is shut down, input link 36 can rotate (supposition motor 12 running), but torsion spring 39 is separated with the internal surface (illustrating with 45) of input link 36 and therefore torsion spring 39 be not transfused to member 34 and drive.Electromagnetic coil 40 is switched on so that armature plate 42 keeps near friction surface 44.In order to start the rotation of pump rotor 34, electromagnetic coil 40 is de-energized.Armature plate 42 for example, moves away from friction surface 44 by biasing member (, spring).The clearer board 46 that rises that is connected to armature plate 42 is pushed against on the friction surface (not shown in Fig. 2 b) on input link 36, and this has caused the rotation of a clearer board 46 and armature plate 42.The rotary actuation of armature plate 42 rotation of first end of clutch spring 39.Yet clutch spring 39 and the second ends pump rotor 34 adjacency are due to the inertia of pump rotor 34 and will revolt rotation by the inertia of the freezing mixture of pump rotor 34 pumpings.Therefore, the first end of clutch spring 39 rotates along driving direction with respect to its second end, and this causes clutch spring 39 radially to expand, until clutch spring 39 engages the internal surface of input link 36.Once clutch spring 39 engages with input link 36, this input link is driving clutch spring 39 directly, this then driven pump rotor 34.For the rotation of pump rotor 34 is stopped, electromagnetic coil 40 is energized, thereby attracts armature plate 42 near friction surface 44, and this slows down armature plate 42, then the first end of clutch spring 39 is slowed down.Yet the second end of clutch spring 39 does not temporarily continue because inertia slows down.Therefore, there is first end relative movement with respect to the second end of clutch spring 39 along the direction contrary with driving direction of clutch spring 39.This causes clutch spring 39 uncoilings and therefore radial contraction, this then cause himself and the internal surface of input link 36 separates.At PCT, announce shown in WO2010054487 and described applicable water pump, the content of this application is incorporated to herein by reference.

In Fig. 2 b, torsional spring clutch 38 is shown as Types Below: torsion spring 39 with engage the external diameter that occurs in torsion spring 39 with and end in an end.Favourable part is: torsion spring 29 is pressurized not having as in the torsional spring clutch of some other types time, the torsional spring clutch of more described other types for example shrinks to engage the torsional spring clutch of the outer surface of two coaxial axles for torsion spring, or expands to engage the torsional spring clutch of the internal surface of coaxial quill shaft for torsion spring.In the clutch of these other types, torsion spring causes shearing stress in the edge of axle.Yet, will be understood that and still can use the clutch 39 shown in this clutch alternate figures 2b.

When the motor of for example motor 12 is during in certain optimum temperature, the discharge relatively high and motor 12 of the combustion efficiency of motor 12 is relatively low.Lower than this temperature, motor 12 consumes relatively a large amount of fuel and has more discharge.Therefore, it is desirable to make as quickly as possible motor 12 to rise to optimal engine temperature.

With reference to Fig. 3.When vehicle 10 starts, the temperature of motor 12 is lower than optimal engine temperature, and therefore, and the relatively high and motor 12 of the discharge of motor 12 consumes relatively a large amount of fuel.Control system 20 can be programmed for to allow the relative mode that is preheating to quickly optimal engine temperature of motor 12 to control the operation of water pump 14.Control system 20 can be according to method 50 programmings shown in Fig. 3, and the method represents preheating algorithm.The method starts from step 52.At step 54 place, whether control system 20 sensing motors 12 start.This can complete with any applicable method.For example, control system 20 can receive from the RPM(rotating speed on bent axle) signal of sensor to be to judge whether engine RPM is greater than 0.At step 56 place, control system 20 is controlled water pump 14 and is closed to guarantee water pump 14.In the mode of execution shown in Fig. 2, this is by carrying out electromagnetic coil 40 energisings.By keeping water pump 14 to close, do not have freezing mixture to flow through motor 12 and heat is fallen from motor 12 transmission, and therefore, motor 12 heats up relatively quickly.At step 58 place, control system 20 judges whether motor has reached optimum temperature.For judging whether to reach optimum temperature, temperature transducer 60(Fig. 1) can be arranged in motor 12 or very near motor 12---preferably near the top of motor 12 and preferably with the plastic fittings on motor 12 opposed to each other in cylinder head---ooling channel in.Temperature transducer 60 is positioned to sensing coolant temperature.Engine temperature can be based on coolant temperature and other factors---for example engine load and vehicle traction pattern---determines.Engine load can---amount of the fuel for example being consumed by motor 12---be determined based on any suitable standard.This relation between engine temperature and coolant temperature can rule of thumb be determined by testing vehicle is tested during vehicle research and development.Therefore, control system 20 has been set target temperature for temperature transducer 60, and this target temperature represents the target temperature of motor.The target temperature of temperature transducer 60 is represented by variable Ttarget.

If control system 20 judges that motor 12 does not also reach its target temperature, control system 20 can not made any operation before judgement has reached target temperature.Once reach target temperature, control system 20 will stop preheating algorithm (that is, method 50) and Execution driven algorithm subsequently, and this drives the example of algorithm shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

In order to select selected target temperature Ttarget, control system 20 can be used any suitable method.As mentioned above, between the temperature of freezing mixture (being measured by temperature transducer 60) and the temperature of motor 12, there is relation.Be used for the example relationship of exemplary engine shown in curve Figure 61.Conventionally, when engine load increases, motor produces more heat, and therefore, because the freezing mixture in lower temperature has the ability of more heat sucking-off motor, so target coolant temperature T target reduces.As the supposition example in order to illustrate only, motor is in very high load and therefore produce a large amount of heats, and the coolant temperature of 60 ℃ may mean the engine temperature of 110 ℃.By contrast, when identical motor is when dallying and producing considerably less heat, coolant temperature is must will be 100 ℃, thereby means that engine temperature is 110 ℃.Selected target coolant temperature can during engine research, development by detect sample motor 12 with assessment different loads and running temperature under its fuel efficiency and discharge determine.Can develop and can be stored in for the data sheet of the storage of control system 20 with as carry out the look-up table of select target coolant temperature based on engine load.

If engine load can change between the spreadable life of vehicle 10, control system 20 can be located to redefine repeatedly selected target temperature Ttarget and can judge subsequently whether actual coolant temperature has reached target temperature Ttarget in some selected time lags.The suitable time lag can be for example 5 seconds.

It is effective during engine warming up, keeping water pump 14 to close.Yet, when water pump 14 cuts out, do not have heat to be delivered to heater core 15 from motor 12, and therefore, not for heating the heat in car cabin 24.It should be noted that in some cases, motor 12 spends possibly 10 minutes to 15 minutes and is preheating to target engine temperature, and this depends on a number of factors, the engine load for example, when vehicle 10 is driven during this stage on motor 12.Yet when ambient temperature Tamb is enough low, Vehicular occupant may be for comfortable and need to make car cabin 24 heat up.In addition or alternatively, Vehicular occupant may need that heat is delivered to windshield and think windshield demist or defrosting.In order to provide for passenger is comfortable or for demist/defrosting object, heat is delivered to the ability in car cabin 24, control system 20 can execution graph 4 in the method shown in 80.Method 80 starts from step 82.At step 84 place, whether control system 20 starts to be similar to the mode sensing motor 12 of step 54.When control system 20 really senses motor 12 and started, perform step 86, so control system 20 judges whether to need defrosting/demist behavior based on one or more standard.This standard is demist/defrosting behavior or adds thermal behavior and whether by Vehicular occupant, utilize car cabin heating Request Control element 26 and/or vehicle window demist/defrosting Request Control element 28 active request.Another standard is whether demist/defrosting behavior starts air conditioning compressor by Vehicular occupant and by request effectively (represent that Vehicular occupant wants air-conditioning system to open to reduce the humidity in car cabin 24, open to completely contradict for comfortable and cooling vehicle cabin with wanting air-conditioning system) when ambient temperature is relatively low.Another standard is whether ambient temperature can guarantee the request to heating or demist/defrosting.If one or more standard based in above-mentioned standard and judge and need defrosting/demist behavior, control system 20 proceeds to step 100, and the circulation of the operation of water pump 14 will be set up, wherein, operating between the first period and the second period of water pump 14 replaces, and during the first period, water pump 14 is opened and heat is delivered to heater core 15 from motor, during the second period, water pump 14 cuts out.In this way, water pump 14 is controlled to produce the average coolant flow through the selection of motor 12, the selected part of the maximum possible flow that this average coolant flow is water pump 14.The maximum possible flow of water pump 14 is the flow when it is opened of water pump 14.Can be by variable nominal PWM(pulsewidth modulation) be the summation of the first period and the second period cycle time of representing in cycle.The first period can be represented by variable PWM dutycycle.In the exemplary embodiment, PWM cycle cycle time can be 5 seconds.

At step 88 place, the value of PWM dutycycle is determined.In the exemplary embodiment, the value of PWM dutycycle can determine based on ambient temperature (being represented by variable Tamb), and this ambient temperature can utilize temperature transducer 102 as shown in Figure 1 to determine.The example of the relation between PWM dutycycle and ambient temperature illustrates with the plotted curve shown in 104 in Fig. 4.As shown in curve 104, when Tamb in or for example, while being less than first environment temperature (, 5 ℃), control system 20 select maximum possible flows 20% for average coolant flow (this flow rate conversion become 5 seconds cycle time within 1 second, be the value of PWM dutycycle).Value at Tamb (is for example more than or equal to second environment temperature, 20 ℃) situation under, control system 20 can elect the value of PWM dutycycle as 0(, mean that water pump 14 cuts out 5 seconds in cycle period), because be equal to or higher than the second temperature, heating car cabin 24 and can be considered as be unnecessary for windshield demist/defrosting.In curve Figure 104, with the curve shown in 106, show the value of PWM dutycycle and the example of the relation between ambient temperature Tamb, the value of Tamb is between first environment temperature and second environment temperature.In example plot 106, this pass is linear, yet, in some embodiments, can use non-linear relation.For example, once the value of PWM dutycycle (is selected by control system 20, pass through look-up table), algorithm just can proceed to step 90 or step 92, at step 90 place, if (the value non-zero of PWM dutycycle is opened water pump 14, electromagnetic coil 40 power-off shown in Fig. 2) the first period, at step 92 place, keep water pump 14 to close (that is, coil 40 energisings) until complete cycle time.If really carried out step 90, afterwards by proceeding to, will switch off the pump 14 until the step 92 completing cycle time.

If at step 86 place, this control system is judged not to be needed defrosting/demist behavior or adds the request of thermal behavior, and this control system is set as 0 and proceed to step 92 by the value of PWM dutycycle, and at step 92 place, maintenance water pump 14 cut out in cycle period.

The average coolant flow that is based upon the selection in curve Figure 104 can be selected to be enough to be thought by most of Vehicular occupants the heat that adds that can accept for car cabin provides, and/or the demist/defrosting amount that is enough to prevent that the windshield of vehicle from hazing between the spreadable life at vehicle is provided.The average coolant flow that meets these conditions can be by testing rule of thumb and determine during vehicle research and development in testing vehicle.Be alternatively, can use two independent values, a value obtains from the first curve when demist/defrosting is requested, and another different value obtains (or both requested situation, using larger one) when the heating of car cabin is requested from the second curve.

For example, after cycle time, (, 5 seconds) finished, control system 20 judges at step 94 place whether the true temperature T of freezing mixture has reached target temperature Ttarget.Target temperature Ttarget can the relation based on shown in curve Figure 61 select.If actual coolant temperature T has reached target temperature Ttarget, control system 20 is at step 98 place terminating method 80 and Execution driven algorithm, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7.If actual coolant temperature T is miss the mark temperature T target also, control system 20 turns back to step 86, and at step 86 place, it starts to rejudge whether need demist/defrost or add thermal behavior.

By selecting relatively short cycle time, for example 5 seconds, the flow that the operation of heat being delivered to heater core 15 of water pump 14 is similar to reduce from the angle of Vehicular occupant continued mobile operation.Yet, yet will be understood that in order to provide comfortable to Vehicular occupant, can select cycle time of more growing, but still be suitably similar to from water pump 14 continue reduce flow.In some embodiments, can use and not be to be similar to very much the lasting even longer cycle time of flowing reducing.Can select alternatively even more mobile closer to what continue with the cycle time than 5 seconds than 5 seconds shorter cycle time.Conventionally, provide the fluctuation in the hot-fluid that the benefit of relatively short cycle time is to enter car cabin to reduce.Shorter cycle time is in the situation that the water pump 14 shown in Fig. 2 becomes the use that a possible reason is torsional spring clutch 38.Torsional spring clutch 38 can be in the situation that there is no a large amount of thermosetting in short interval by periodically closed and disconnect repeatedly.This is different from the clutch of other types, friction disk clutch for example, and this friction disk clutch can not maintain quick joint and separation due to the formation of heat in the situation that of fault-free risk.In addition, torsional spring clutch can engage and separated circulation than more times ground of friction disk clutch in its operating life.In addition, torsional spring clutch can engage more quickly than the clutch of some other types and be separated, and its favourable part is, this allows to use short cycle time.Yet, in some embodiments of the present invention and for some application, also can use the clutch of friction disk clutch or another type to replace torsional spring clutch 38.

Algorithm shown in Fig. 4 is depicted as circulation is divided into the period that period that water pump 14 opens and water pump subsequently 14 are closed.Alternatively, two periods can be put upside down, make each cycle period water pump 14 first close and in the later stage of circulation, open subsequently.

During use, according to the design of motor 12, this motor 12 is being easy to form " focus " during through motor without coolant flow.Focus is the regional area of the obvious higher temperature of other parts that reach ratio engine 12 of motor 12.In the substituting mode of execution of the algorithm shown in Fig. 4, water pump 14 can, so that the mode that the generation of this focus in motor 12 reduces is moved, but still allow motor 12 to be preheating to relatively quickly its target temperature.For this feature is described, in a part for motor 12 shown in Fig. 5 a, Fig. 5 a shows the part through motor 12 of ooling channel 108.Focus illustrates with 110.When water pump 14 stops, with the freezing mixture of the first volume shown in 112 in pipeline 108, remain near the first focus 110 and by focus 110 be heated to than the freezing mixture around the first volume be positioned at upstream side with the freezing mixture shown in 114a and be positioned at the higher temperature of the freezing mixture with shown in 114b in downstream side.For the minimizing that realizes focus 110 (, in order to reduce the temperature difference between focus 110 and other parts of motor 12), the value of the PWM dutycycle of selecting at step 100 place can be very little fixed value (for example, 1 second some minutes several), to rotate on a small quantity corresponding to some, for example the half-turn of pump rotor 34, encloses or a few circle.After pump rotor 34 has opened and cut out the period of PWM dutycycle, pump rotor 34 mixes being turned to some with other adjacent freezing mixtures in pipeline 108 of the freezing mixture that is enough to cause in pipeline 108.Therefore, near freezing mixture 112 amounts of focus 110 and cooler freezing mixture (that is, the one or both in freezing mixture 114a amount and freezing mixture 114b amount), mix freezing mixture 115 amounts that there is more uniform temperature to form around.In this way, from the heat of hotter freezing mixture 112 amounts move on motor 12 can heated engine 12 point.In pipeline 108 in motor 12, the freezing mixture of few (substantially not having) leaves motor 12, and therefore, loses the few heat being produced by motor.Therefore, substantially kept the preheat time of the minimizing of motor 12, but the focus in motor 110 has at least reduced in some degree.Utilization has the water pump 14 of torsional spring clutch 38, can realize this level of control (that is, thus, water pump 14 has rotated considerably less amount as described above) flowing through motor 12 to freezing mixture.By selecting suitable cycle time and suitable time PWM dutycycle, temperature difference between other parts of focus 110 and motor 12 can be reduced motor 12 not being preheating to its target temperature (that is, its optimum temperature) required time and producing in the situation of large impact.During can researching and developing based on vehicle for the particular value of effective PWM dutycycle, the test of testing vehicle is rule of thumb determined, and can be stored in storage for control system 20 uses.Therefore, can find out, in order to reduce the focus in motor 12, for the value of PWM dutycycle not based on ambient temperature Tamb.

The temperature of the temperature being sensed by temperature transducer 60 as mentioned above, and motor 12 itself is different.This is especially obvious during engine warming up.For example, because the outside that temperature transducer 60 is positioned at motor 12 (, in the housing of thermostat), and so temperature of the freezing mixture of sensing external engine, therefore and owing to substantially there is no ANALYSIS OF COOLANT FLOW during engine warming up, between the coolant temperature at sensor 60 places and the coolant temperature in motor 12, can there is large difference.In addition, this species diversity changes according to some factors of for example engine speed and engine load and so on.Therefore, for the coolant temperature based on being measured by sensor 60, predict exactly the temperature of motor, need to vehicle 10, test in a large number in advance.This test is consuming time and expensive.

Mistake in the supposition temperature of motor 12 has caused the ECU(electronic control unit of vehicle) mistake in the various actions taked, and this mistake directly affects fuel economy.For example, in some motor at least, ECU determines the amount that will be injected into the fuel in firing chamber based on engine temperature at least in part.For lower engine temperature, ECU is conventionally programmed for relatively a large amount of fuel is injected in firing chamber and meets driver requested selected quantity of power to realize.And therefore this is because the combustion efficiency of expection motor is relatively low at lower temperature place,, although take discharge and fuel economy, is cost, and the injection of fuel is intended to make up lower combustion efficiency in a large number.On the contrary, for higher engine temperature, ECU is conventionally programmed for relatively a small amount of fuel is injected in firing chamber to realize identical power requirements, because the combustion efficiency of expection motor 12 is relatively high at higher RPM place.Substantially do not having coolant flow to go out motor 12(in order to reduce the engine warming up time) engine warming up during, motor 12 is warmmer than the coolant temperature recording at sensor 60 places, in some cases, heat similar 30 ℃ or 40 ℃ or more.If ECU supposition engine temperature is lower than its true temperature, this ECU can carry out behavior discharge and fuel economy to negative effect, for example, will be injected in firing chamber than the more fuel of needed fuel.If ECU supposition engine temperature is higher than its true temperature, ECU can carry out the behavior power stage of motor to negative effect.For example, considerably less fuel can be injected in firing chamber to meet driver requested and when the engine temperature lower than expection causes the combustion efficiency lower than expection, resulting power stage is lower than the desired power stage of driver.Similarly, ECU on impact discharge and the valve timing of fuel economy and the control of other parameters also at least in part the engine temperature based on supposition and so can ECU the supposition of engine temperature is same as to real engine temperature far from time to discharging and fuel economy has a negative impact.

In order to address this problem, water pump 14 can be programmed for from motor 12 is interior and periodically send a small amount of freezing mixture to sensor 60.Amount of time during water pump 14 is opened (that is, " opening " period) is preferably chosen as and is long enough to freezing mixture to be transported to sensor 60 in motor 12, but short as much as possible so that the heat minimization of fortune output engine 12.From another viewpoint, be chosen to realize freezing mixture flowing on selected distance (that is, the distance from motor 12 to sensor 60) " opening " period.To change this period based on engine RPM; At higher RPM place, water pump 14 will rotate sooner and therefore realize required flowing shorter " opening " period, yet at lower RPM place, water pump 14 rotates slowly and realizes flowing of selection " opening " period that therefore need to be longer.Can select by the look-up table based on relevant with engine RPM and other correlative factors the period of " opening ".

Once the starting frequency of water pump 14 can be closed based on water 14 pumps, the speed degree that the freezing mixture at sensor 60 places and the temperature difference between the freezing mixture in motor 12 form again and/or based on other because usually selecting.If it is slower that temperature difference forms, the temperature that sensor 60 places record is the long-term accurately indication to the coolant temperature in motor 12 normally, and therefore, can accept the starting of the lower frequency of water pump 14.By contrast, if temperature difference forms comparatively fast, the temperature recording at sensor 60 places becomes more coarse indication of the coolant temperature in coupled engines 12 quickly, and therefore, needs the starting of the upper frequency of water pump 14.

In example embodiment, at relatively high RPM place, the dutycycle of water pump 14 can be chosen as 5% of 5 seconds frequencies, and at lower RPM place, the dutycycle of water pump 14 can be chosen as 10% of 5 seconds frequencies.

Will be understood that water pump 14 termly by freezing mixture from being transported to the starting of sensor 60 in motor 12 and having caused some little clean coolant flows and therefore having caused during engine warming up the loss from some heats of motor 12.This extended the engine warming up time and due to motor 12 still lower than the slightly long period of its optimum operation temperature and fuel economy is had to corresponding negative effect.Yet, the correct setting that by obtaining the temperature information more accurately about motor by freezing mixture is transported to sensor 60 termly from motor 12, ECU can determine better to various motor corelation behaviour---for example correct valve time and will be injected into the correct fuel quantity in firing chamber---.With heat loss a small amount of in motor between warming up period 12, the negative effect of the fuel economy of vehicle 10 is compared, this has the more positive impact on the fuel economy of vehicle 10, and therefore, final result is to increase and discharge minimizing when carrying out now fuel economy.

Another advantage of freezing mixture being delivered to the said method of sensor 60 from motor relates to the serviceability of motor 12.In mode of execution, wherein, between the freezing mixture at temperature transducer 60 places and the freezing mixture in motor 12, there is large temperature difference, ECU does not obtain " truly " information about the freezing mixture in motor 12.ECU processes other data, for example, from the coolant temperature information of the outside sensor 60 of motor 12 and other possible data, and based on using these data to move with control engine to the assumed value of the engine temperature based on all data likely.Yet, exist there is motor 12 than some possibility of the situation of the temperature hotter (or at least hotter at certain some place) of ECU supposition because ECU according to the engine temperature data run of indirect correlation only.Therefore, exist motor 12 become Tai Re or at certain some place too hot and can when ECU does not recognize, suffer damage or too early wearing and tearing situation.By freezing mixture is delivered to sensor 60 from motor 12, obtained the more directly indication to engine temperature, and therefore, if motor 12 is too warm, ECU can sense by sensor 60, and can make to this behavior (for example, starting water pump 14 with cooled engine 12 until temperature drops to acceptable level).By obtaining the more direct measurement result to engine temperature, whether ECU needs cooling unlikely making a mistake for motor 12.

Apart from the above, will be noted that, when sensor 60 sensings are during from the freezing mixture of motor 12, need to be to quite few test of motor 12 so that the temperature based on being sensed by sensor 60 be determined engine temperature.More needed times and cost when this has reduced the former software that should have research and develop motor and be used by ECU and carrys out control engine with the temperature based on being read by sensor 60.

After motor 12 reaches its target temperature, (, after the temperature of the freezing mixture being recorded by temperature transducer 60 reaches target temperature Ttarget), control system 20 stops preheating algorithm, and Execution driven algorithm, this driving algorithm has the target that engine temperature is remained on to its target temperature place relatively consistently and not affected by engine load.Exemplary driving algorithm or method illustrate with 120 in Fig. 6.This driving algorithm 120 starts from step 122.At step 124 place, drive algorithm 120 the initial value of PWM dutycycle can be set as to 0(, water pump 14 cuts out), and PWM cycle cycle time can be set as any suitable value, for example 5 seconds.At step 126 place, drive algorithm 120 based on present engine load, to determine the current goal temperature T target of freezing mixture, wherein, the current goal temperature T target of this freezing mixture makes engine temperature remain on relatively consistently its target temperature place.As above about preheating arthmetic statement, when motor 12 idle running, Ttarget can be the first higher target temperature, and when motor 12 is during in high loading, Ttarget can be for second compared with low target temperature, the more substantial heat being produced at high load place by motor 12 with compensation, as shown in by curve Figure 127.In addition,, at step 126 place, control system 20 is determined poor between actual coolant temperature T and target temperature Ttarget.Control system 20 can adopt any suitable algorithm with realize target temperature T target subsequently.For example, for each circulation, control system 20 can be used PID(proportional-integral-differential) the average coolant flow of control algorithm to determine that water pump 14 will provide.The value of PWM dutycycle (this value represents the period shared when water pump 14 is worked in cycle time) can easily be determined based on using the average coolant flow of the definite selection of pid control algorithm subsequently.Once the value of PWM dutycycle is selected for current circulation, control system 20 will be at step 128 place by making electromagnetic coil 40 power-off start water pump 14 until through the first period, and subsequently at step 132 place by making electromagnetic coil 40 energisings stop water pump 14.Control system 20 turns back to step 126 subsequently to redefine target temperature Ttarget based on engine load, and starts new circulation.

Will note, the similar pulse duration modulation of control system 20 use moves water pump 14, so that the basic unlimited adjustable control to the effective discharge of water pump 14 to be provided in the situation that or not using valve in coolant line.What will note is, be suitable for well carrying out by torsional spring clutch, this torsional spring clutch can be processed repetitive cycling in the situation that there is no superheating or damage in this control---particularly in the situation that for example the relatively short cycle time of 5 seconds---.

P value, I value and D value for pid control algorithm can be by testing to select to testing vehicle during vehicle research and development.The fast-changing different condition that control system 20 can be programmed for the load based on motor 12 for example changes these values.For example, if vehicle 10 changes to high loading condition from idle running suddenly, can expect that engine temperature raises soon.Know this point, P value, I value and D value just can be selected to increases the mean flowrate of water pump 14 rapidly to compensate and therefore to help prevent the relatively large fluctuation of temperature in motor 12, and the relatively large fluctuation of this temperature can occur originally in the situation that P value, I value and D value remain unchanged.By contrast, if motor 12 is progressively increased to high loading condition from idle running, the P value that can be used, I value and D value provide the slope relatively relaxing about the increase of the mean flowrate of water pump 14.

Select for example to have the relatively short cycle time of 5 seconds some advantages.For example, when motor 12 has reached its target temperature, mean the period of short cooling and heated engine 12 short cycle time, this means that the temperature fluctuation between the first period and the second period is little.Therefore, motor 12 keeps relatively close its target temperature, and this makes motor 12 keep relatively high combustion efficiency.In addition, little temperature fluctuation has reduced in any motor packing ring that occurs in head gasket and so on for example and the amount of the wearing and tearing in other seal elements, thereby compares with the motor with the prior art of larger engine temperature fluctuation the operating life that has increased them.Utilize pid control algorithm further to reduce the overshoot by 20 pairs of target temperatures of control system together with the pulse duration modulation with relatively short cycle time.Drive algorithm 120 can continue to be performed until motor 12 cuts out.

As above pointed about preheating algorithm, it is desirable to provides the heating in car cabin 24 and/or the demist/defrosting to windshield when driving vehicle 10.Driving algorithm shown in Fig. 7 or method 150 provide this ability.Algorithm 150 starts from step 152, and proceeds to step 154 place, at step 154 place, PWM dutycycle can be set as at first zero and the PWM cycle can set the value of selection for, for example 5 seconds.Algorithm 150 is subsequently for PWM dutycycle is determined two potential values and set the value of PWM dutycycle in described two potential values larger one.Step 156 and step 126(Fig. 6) similar part be, target coolant temperature T target sets based on engine load, the Current Temperatures T of freezing mixture determined and contrasted with target temperature Ttarget, and the difference of any applicable algorithm based between two temperature that the first potential value of PWM dutycycle is used pid control algorithm and so on for example set.At step 158(, can before step 156, occur alternatively) locate, control system 20 any one condition based in following some conditions determines whether needs demist/defrosting behavior, described some conditions comprise for example whether Vehicular occupant has utilized control unit 26 or 28 to make the request of demist/defrosting behavior, and comprise that for example whether ambient temperature is lower than the ambient temperature shown in curve Figure 104.If control system 20 is determined, need demist/defrosting behavior, control system 20 is set the second potential value of PWM dutycycle at step 160 place.For example, second of PWM dutycycle the potential value can be set as 1 second when be 5 seconds cycle time.If control system 20 does not sense defrosting/demist behavior request of being made by Vehicular occupant, control system 20 can be utilized the second potential value of PWM dutycycle and the relation that is similar between the ambient temperature of the curve Figure 104 in Fig. 4 is determined the second potential value of PWM dutycycle based on ambient temperature.At step 162 place, control system 20 checks whether the first potential values are less than the second potential value, if so, the value using the second potential value as PWM dutycycle.Otherwise, the value using the first potential value as PWM dutycycle.That is to say, the larger one in described two the potential values of control system 20 use is as the value of PWM dutycycle.In this way, control system 20 has been used ambient temperature and has been considered to the needs of demist/defrosting or the heating of car cabin have been carried out to the minimum value for this circulation selection PWM dutycycle, and while being less than this minimum value, the first period can not be counted this circulation.After having set up the value of PWM dutycycle, control system 20 proceeds to step 164 subsequently, at step 164 place, open water pump 14 and continued for the first period, and proceed to subsequently step 166, at step 166 place, the 14 lasting remainders that circulate (that is, continuing for the second period) switch off the pump.If at step 158 place, control system 20 is determined does not need demist/defrosting behavior, and control system 20 is defined as the value in PWM dutycycle the first potential value and proceeds to step 164 and step 166 place.After step 166, algorithm 150 sends back to step 156 place by control.Drive algorithm 120 can be performed until motor 12 cuts out.

With reference to Fig. 1, when control system 20 stops preheating algorithm and starts Execution driven algorithm, according to ambient temperature and according to whether at warm-up phase, any ANALYSIS OF COOLANT FLOW occurring, motor 12 can be in relatively high temperature, for example approximately 100 ℃, and coolant temperature in radiator 16 can be in relatively low temperature, for example 0 ℃.Therefore, for some reason, if water pump 14 open continue than select time segment length period, for example 4 seconds, it can be transported to water motor 12 from radiator.That is to say, water pump 14 can replace to freezing mixture cold in radiator 16 by the freezing mixture of all heat in motor 12.For fear of this thermal shock to motor 12, control system 20 can select the value of little but non-zero so that the freezing mixture in radiator 16 is more gently delivered to motor 12 for PWM dutycycle going into effect while driving the arbitrary driving algorithm in algorithm described in literary composition first.After moving in this way in the period of some selections, that the temperature of freezing mixture becomes is more consistent (that is, the temperature difference between the freezing mixture in motor 12 and other the freezing mixture in cooling circuit diminishes), and therefore, thermal shock still less.At that time, drive algorithm can proceed to such step: based on engine load select target temperature, and PWM dutycycle is selected with by motor 12 vector temperature based on pid control algorithm.

In some embodiments, fan 18 can be two-speed fan, and replaces single speed fan.Except the operation for water pump 14 provides, drive algorithm, as in Fig. 8 with as shown in the of 180, can also provide for the operation of fan 18 drive algorithm for its fan 18 of vehicle 10 in two-speed fan mode of execution.Utilize this driving algorithm 180, control system 20 is utilized pulse duration modulation and is utilized the second pid control algorithm operation fan 18.Drive algorithm 180 to start from step 182 and proceed to subsequently step 184, in step 184, cycle time of fan 18, value (for the period for 18 work of fan during the cycle time of fan 18) selected and PWM fan dutycycle was set as initial value, for example, for 20% of cycle time of fan 18.For cycle time of fan 18 can with for the cycle time of water pump 14 identical or different.At step 186 place, control system 20 judges whether that such situation occurs: actual coolant temperature has surpassed the cycle time (for water pump 14) of the amount of some selections of target coolant temperature T target and the value of PWM dutycycle (for water pump 14) correspondence 100% during being greater than the amount of time of selection.If not control system 20 is set as the value of PWM fan dutycycle at step 187 place zero and turn back to step 186.If, control system 20 proceeds to step 188, at step 188 place, control system 20 determines that difference between actual coolant temperature T and target coolant temperature T target and utilization for example determine the value of PWM fan dutycycle for the suitable control algorithm of second pid control algorithm of fan 18 and so on, different from above-mentioned the first pid control algorithm for water pump 14 for the second pid control algorithm of fan 18.At step 190 place, whether control system 20 judgement is selected for the value of PWM fan dutycycle is cycle time for fan of 100%.If so, fan 18 is sentenced circulation of its high speed operation in step 192, and control system 20 turns back to step 184 subsequently.If the cycle time that the value of PWM dutycycle is less than 100%, fan 18 is sentenced its low cruise until complete for the first period of fan in step 194.At step 196 place, fan 18 cuts out the remainder that continues circulation.Control and turn back to subsequently step 184 place.By controlling in this way fan, move, fan 18 only uses when needed, and only with it, sets at a high speed use when needed.In some embodiments, fan 18 is relatively large power consumpiton part in vehicle 10, and therefore, advantageously possible in the situation that, uses water pump 14 to reduce the use of fan 18.In addition,, because the operation of fan 18 has relatively strong impact to coolant temperature, the operation of therefore controlling in this way fan 18 has reduced the temperature fluctuation in freezing mixture.

In some embodiments, two single speed fans can be set and substitute two-speed fan.In this embodiment, except replacing sentencing low speed and sentence fan of high speed operation in step 192 in step 194, above-mentioned control algorithm for fan is identical, first the first fan can move at step 194 place, and the second fan can be in step 192 place operation, with substitute the first fan or with the first fan cooperation.

In addition, in some other mode of executions, be provided with single fan, this single fan is infinite variable speed in certain velocity range.In this example, PID controls except without being can still use together with this fan pulse duration modulation form.As an alternative, fan speed can only utilize the difference of pid control algorithm based between actual coolant temperature and target coolant temperature to select.Yet when water pump 14 can not prevent surpassing target temperature during coolant temperature is being greater than period of selection, fan will preferably only be opened.

Except providing for defog and defrost control unit 26 and 28, extra control knob can be set in car cabin 24, this allows Vehicular occupant energy-conservation at Eco() select between pattern and comfort mode.Can be with selecting comfort mode to carry out 14 the ability of switching off the pump completely of invalid control system.In other words, it prevents that control system 20 from setting the value of PWM dutycycle for zero; In this stage, the value of PWM dutycycle can be set as to some little numbers, for example 10% of maximum possible flow, this will be 0.5 second in circulation in 5 seconds.The particular value for PWM dutycycle of selecting can be chosen to guarantee that Vehicular occupant can keep comfortable.Test can be carried out to determine the value of PWM dutycycle during vehicle research and development, and the value of this PWM dutycycle offers the car cabin heating properties substantially approaching with the performance realizing the in the situation that of water pump 14 continuous firing.In some embodiments, under comfort mode, water pump 14 can be set continuous firing (that is, the value of PWM dutycycle is 100% of circulation) for alternatively until Eco pattern is selected.Can be with selecting Eco pattern to allow control system 20 value of PWM dutycycle to be set as to zero when control system thinks that Eco pattern is useful.

Plotted curve shown in Fig. 9 a, Fig. 9 b, Fig. 9 c and Fig. 9 d shows the temperature of freezing mixture relevant with time for testing vehicle, the temperature in the temperature of cylinder head, instrument panel outlet port and the value of PWM dutycycle (being expressed as the percentage of the maximum possible flow of water pump 14).In each figure.Solid line is cylinder head temperature, and dotted line is coolant temperature, and dot and dash line is instrument panel outlet temperature, and dotted line is the value of PWM dutycycle.Fig. 9 a shows the data in test, and in this test, control system 20 is allowed to the value of PWM dutycycle to be set as zero in the situation that of needs.Fig. 9 b shows the data in test, in this test, control system 20 be not allowed to by the value of PWM dutycycle be set as being less than water pump 14 maximum possible flow 5%.Fig. 9 c shows the data in test, in this test, control system 20 be not allowed to by the value of PWM dutycycle be set as being less than water pump 14 maximum possible flow 20%.Fig. 9 d shows the data for the standard water pump of work (effectively, the value of PWM dutycycle is 100%) always.Will note, motor 12 reaches optimum temperature (that is, about 120 ℃) the required time to be increased along with the increase of the minimum value of PWM dutycycle.In fact, after 2000 seconds of test, the engine temperature in Fig. 9 d never reaches 120 ℃.

With reference to Figure 10, it shows the plotted curve for the temperature reduced time of the some different tests on testing vehicle.Upper solid line in Figure 10 and lower solid line are in the situation that control system 20 is allowed to the value of PWM dutycycle to be set as zero cylinder head temperature and the instrument panel outlet temperature of having utilized water pump 14.Upper dotted line and lower dotted line be not in the situation that control system 20 is allowed to the value of PWM dutycycle to be set as being less than 20% cylinder head temperature and the instrument panel outlet temperature of having utilized water pump 14 of the maximum possible flow of water pump.Upper dotted line and lower dotted line are cylinder head temperature and the instrument panel outlet temperature of having utilized the conventional water pump of always working.It should be noted that, the algorithm that the minimum value of PWM dutycycle is 20% provides instrument panel outlet temperature curve, this curve is basic identical with the curve being provided by conventional water pump, provide the temperature curve for cylinder head, the temperature curve that this temperature curve provides while the value of PWM dutycycle being set as to zero close to control system 20 simultaneously.This means that the higher combustion efficiency of motor utilization heats relatively quickly, and with utilized the routine with the water pump of always working to arrange to compare, Vehicular occupant does not suffer damage aspect the ability of windshield demist/defrosting their comfortable or theys'.

In order to reduce, carry out the startup of water pump 14 and the number of times stopping, control system 20 can for example, be set as zero in the situation that definite value is considered to be little (, be less than maximum possible flow 5%) by the value of PWM dutycycle.In addition or alternatively, control system 20 can for example, be set as whole circulation in the situation that definite value is considered to be large (, be greater than maximum possible flow 80%) by the value of PWM dutycycle.Therefore, in these circulations, avoided at least starting or stoping of water pump.

In literary composition disclosed for control the strategy of the operation of water pump 14 reduced water pump 14 work total amount of time, this has reduced the total power consumpiton being associated with water pump 14, and then improved the fuel economy of vehicle 10.

In the mode of execution shown in Fig. 1, being provided with thermostat 21 and thermostat 21 can be independent of control system 20 effects according to the type of thermostat itself.Yet, because the actual coolant temperature of control system 20 based on being sensed by temperature transducer 60 and the difference between target coolant temperature provide the closed loop control to coolant temperature, so can not preventing control system 20, thermostat 21 do not utilize water pump 14 control engine temperature.Yet, the system of saving thermostat 21 is advantageously provided.

With reference to Figure 11, it shows substituting cooling system and arranges, wherein, two coolant circuits shown in Fig. 1 are replaced with single coolant circuit.Freezing mixture passes motor 12, passes car cabin heater core 15, through radiator 16, also finally turns back to the entrance of water pump 14 from water pump 14 continuous-flows.This configuration is simpler than the cooling system configuration that comprises two loops using in present many vehicles.Therefore,, due to the connected member having between parts still less and parts still less, the cooling system shown in Figure 11 is by firmer and more cheap than the cooling system shown in Fig. 1.In addition, the cooling system shown in Figure 11 does not comprise thermostat.Although P value, I value and D value can be different from those values of using in the system shown in Fig. 1, to the control of the cooling system shown in Figure 11, still can utilize the identical algorithm shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 to carry out.

Will note, system described herein can be easily retrofitted to many existing vehicles and maybe can be readily incorporated in many existing vehicle designs.The existing water pump of vehicle can replace with water pump 14 in the situation that of needs, temperature transducer 60 is attached in the ooling channel at motor place, suitable control unit can be set, and this control unit is together with existing ECU and/or VCU(control unit for vehicle) can forming control system 20.

In the above-described embodiment, control system 20 use coolant temperatures come the experience based on during vehicle research and development to test and the temperature of estimating engine 12.Yet, in some embodiments, replace or except for measuring the temperature transducer of coolant temperature, in motor self, can also arrange and provide making the temperature transducer of direct measurement of temperature of the metal of motor.In this embodiment, from the temperature signal of this sensor, can be used for representing true temperature and will be this true temperature target setting temperature, this target temperature will be controlled at the amount of time of cycle period work controlling water pump 14.Relation between the temperature of the hottest part of the temperature of reading from this sensor and motor can be more direct and clearer than the relation between the temperature at the hottest part place of coolant temperature and motor.Therefore,, if use this temperature transducer to replace measuring the temperature transducer of coolant temperature, can realize engine temperature is controlled more accurately.

With reference to Figure 12, it shows the plotted curve of Multiple-Curve.Curve 200 is for utilizing the temperature that flow into the air-flow in vehicle car cabin 24 in the situation of water pump, and this water pump moves at once substantially opening motor after.That by the freezing mixture of water pump pumps, through heater core, with heating, is below mentioned enters the air-flow in car cabin 24 subsequently.This air-flow can for example be required the wind screen defrosting to vehicle.For curve 200(and for the every other curve of representation temperature in plotted curve), the Y-axis line representation temperature of plotted curve (degree Celsius) and X-axis line represent the time (second).Can find out, the temperature of air-flow raises and immediately along with the time continues little by little to raise.Curve 202 represent according to the embodiment of the present invention in the situation that used the dutycycle of a method water pump 14 in control system 20 and said method.For curve 202, the Y-axis line of plotted curve represents that dutycycle (centesimal system, wherein 100% dutycycle represents water pump continuous firing) and the X-axis line of water pump 14 represent the time (second).Can find out, for some initial periods, that is, from time T 0(engine start) to time T1, water pump 14 cuts out (that is, it has 0 dutycycle).At time T 1 place, water pump 14 is opened and is usingd about 50% dutycycle operation (this dutyfactor value is only for example value and not as limiting).Water pump 14 runs through operation remaining time representing on plotted curve with this dutycycle.Curve 204 represents the temperature of water pumps freezing mixture in motor when moved as shown in curve 202.Can find out, in motor, the temperature of freezing mixture raises relatively quickly when water pump cuts out.At time T 1 place, when water pump 14 starts coolant pump to send motor and make freezing mixture pass heater core, the temperature that can see freezing mixture reduces the thermal release of accumulation during to air-flow at freezing mixture, and at air-flow itself, probably warms and sucking-off and raising gradually during through heater core recirculation from car cabin 24 subsequently.Curve 206 represents the temperature that water pump 14 enters the air-flow in car cabin 24 while moving as shown in by curve 202.Can find out, owing to not existing the heat being received from freezing mixture by air-flow to input, so the initial maintenance of the temperature of air-flow is relatively constant.Yet once water pump 14 is opened at time T 1 place, the heat accumulating in freezing mixture will be released into air-flow by heater core, thus the temperature of the air-flow that raise.Can find out, at time T 2 places and afterwards, the temperature of air-flow is elevated to the value that surpasses the temperature that while moving water pump at once after opening motor, air-flow reaches.When wind screen defrosting to vehicle, the temperature of blowing the air-flow on windshield need to be higher to produce and melt effect appearing at frost on windshield than some threshold temperature.For example, the in the situation that of low in ambient temperature----20 ℃---, air-flow reaches threshold temperature for Zao some minutes in the situation that water pump moves immediately after ato unit at ratio when water pump 14 moves as shown in by curve 202.Being exemplified as threshold temperature will be the TEMP1 temperature as shown in plotted curve.Can find out, when moving water pump 14 as shown in by curve 202, air-flow reaches TEMP1 temperature for approximately 400 seconds after engine start (being illustrated by curve 206), and when moving water pump immediately after engine start, air-flow just reaches TEMP1 temperature until (illustrated) approximately 580 seconds after engine start by curve 200.Therefore, compare by the air-flow shown in curve 200 and reach melting the time of the effective threshold temperature of frost on windshield, by the air-flow shown in curve 206, the frost on windshield has been melted about 3 minutes.

Time T 1 can be selected based on any suitable standard.For example, time T 1 can be chosen to make air-flow for example, to be less than the amount of time (, be less than 420 seconds, or after engine start 7 minutes) of selection, to reach threshold temperature TEMP1.Variation of ambient temperature when time T 1 can be according to engine start.For example, when ambient temperature is higher, because the freezing mixture in motor reaches the less time of cost will make air-flow reach the temperature of the selection of threshold temperature TEMP1, so time T 1 can be earlier.When ambient temperature is lower, because the freezing mixture in motor reaches the more time of cost will make air-flow reach the temperature of the selection of threshold temperature TEMP1, so time T 1 can evening.Ambient temperature when time T 1 can be utilized engine start by control system based on look-up table is selected.

Curve 208 is only for having represented the curve of the difference between curve 200 and curve 206.

Although foregoing description has formed a plurality of mode of execution of the present invention, will be understood that in the situation that do not deviate from the meaning of knowing of claims, the present invention is easy to make other remodeling and change.

Claims (according to the modification of the 19th of treaty)

1. control freezing mixture to a mobile method for explosive motor, described method comprises:

A) mechanical pump is set and is connected clutch between described motor and described pump, optionally described pump is mechanically connected to described motor or described pump and described motor are disconnected;

B) selection will be supplied to the mean flowrate of the freezing mixture of described motor; And

C) at the run duration of described motor, no matter control described clutch to open and to close and how engine speed is all provided to the mean flowrate of the selection of freezing mixture described motor by described mechanical pump being switched to repeatedly within the cycle time of selecting, wherein, in the first portion of described cycle time, described clutch act as described pump is connected to described motor, make freezing mixture be supplied to described motor, and in the second portion of described cycle time, described clutch act as described pump and described motor is disconnected, make substantially not have freezing mixture to be supplied to described motor.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein, the described first portion of described cycle time with respect to the duty cycle of the described second portion of described cycle time change.

3. according to the method described in any one in claim 1 and 2, wherein, periodically change described cycle time.

4. according to the method described in any one in claims 1 to 3, wherein, described cycle time is longer than 5 seconds.

5. according to the method described in any one in claim 1 to 4, wherein, be equal to or less than 5 seconds described cycle time.

6. according to the method described in any one in claim 1 to 5, wherein, described clutch is torsional spring clutch, and described mechanical pump comprises housing, pump rotor and input link, described pump rotor can rotate in described housing, and described input link is by described engine-driving and can optionally by described torsional spring clutch, in the mode operating, be engaged to described pump rotor.

7. method according to claim 6, wherein, described torsional spring clutch with respect to separated the moving through of described input link of described pump rotor, make electromagnetic coil switch on to carry out, and the engaging moving through of described input link with respect to described pump rotor described electromagnetic coil power-off carried out of described torsional spring clutch.

8. according to the method described in any one in claim 1 to 7, wherein, the described mean flowrate of freezing mixture is based in part on lower at least one to be selected:

(I) ambient temperature;

(II) target engine temperature;

(III) proportion integration differentiation control algorithm;

(IV) is according to the target chilling temperature of engine load; And

Whether (V) has asked to be selected from determining of at least one behavior in following behavior to Vehicular occupant: the heating request of car cabin and vehicle window demist/defrosting are asked.

9. according to the method described in any one in claim 1 to 8, also comprise:

Sensing engine start;

Determine the temperature of described motor;

When being less than threshold value, definite engine temperature selects zero average coolant flow;

Described mechanical pump is periodically switched to and opened the lasting short period, to keep described average coolant flow to be roughly the formation that prevents hot localised points in described motor in zero.

10. according to the method described in any one in claim 1 to 8, also comprise:

I) be provided for detecting the temperature transducer of the temperature of described freezing mixture;

II) sensing engine start;

III) after described motor has started, start the lasting period of selecting of described pump the freezing mixture of the local heating from described motor is sent to the distance of selection, thereby the freezing mixture of guaranteeing the heating of described part arrives described temperature transducer, wherein, the period of described selection is selected as the minimum period, makes described pump, when by starting, the freezing mixture of the heating of described part be sent to the distance that is enough to just in time arrive described temperature transducer;

IV) after having arrived described temperature transducer, the freezing mixture of the heating of described part reads described temperature transducer; And

V) period of lasting another selection of inactive described pump.

11. methods according to claim 10, comprise periodically repeating step III), step IV) and step V), to obtain the more accurate reading of engine temperature.

12. according to the method described in any one in claim 1 to 8, also comprises:

I) be provided for heating the heater core in the car cabin of vehicle;

II) delay chilling agent is passed the circulation of described heater core until the time of the selection after starting to start from described motor; And

III), at the time place of described selection, begin to cool down agent circulation through described heater core from described motor, to heat through described heater core and to enter into the air-flow in described vehicle car cabin.

13. according to the method described in any one in claim 2 to 8, also comprises:

I) be provided for the heater core into vehicle window defrosting/demist;

II) described in sensing engine temperature whether lower than threshold value running temperature, and in this case, described dutycycle is set as to for example 20% value, described value is by the defrosting of the pump of simulation continuous service/except fog effect, allow described motor than reaching quickly described threshold temperature under the condition of moving constantly at described pump simultaneously.

14. 1 kinds for having the cooling system of the vehicle of explosive motor, comprising:

Mechanical pump;

Torsional spring clutch, described torsional spring clutch is connected between the driving component and described pump of described motor, and described clutch is optionally mechanically connected to described pump described motor or described pump and described motor is disconnected;

Control system, described control system is operable to (I) and selects to be supplied to the mean flowrate of freezing mixture of described motor and (II) and open and close and how engine speed all offers the mean flowrate of the described selection of freezing mixture described motor described mechanical pump is switched to repeatedly in the cycle time by selecting no matter control described clutch, wherein, in the first portion of described cycle time, described clutch act as described pump is connected to described motor, make freezing mixture be fed into described motor, and in the second portion of described cycle time, described clutch act as described pump and described motor is disconnected, make substantially not have freezing mixture to be supplied to described motor.

15. cooling systems according to claim 14, wherein, be equal to or less than 5 seconds described cycle time, and the described first portion of described cycle time with respect to the duty cycle of the described second portion of described cycle time change.

16. 1 kinds to the method for controlling for having the water pump of the vehicle of explosive motor, and wherein, described water pump has the maximum possible flow of relative freezing mixture, and described method comprises:

A) described in sensing, whether motor starts;

B), for described water pump is selected the mean flowrate of described freezing mixture, wherein, the mean flowrate of selection is non-zero and lower than described maximum possible flow in some situation at least; And

C) by alternately starting and stop described water pump, control the operation of described water pump, with provide described freezing mixture described selection mean flowrate until the temperature of described motor to be confirmed as be at least the target engine temperature of selecting,

Wherein, step c) comprises that starting described water pump continued for the first selection period and stop subsequently at least one circulation that described water pump lasting second is selected the period, wherein, described the first period is selected such that can be when not having freezing mixture to flow out described motor substantially, by adjacent to first in described motor relatively focus freezing mixture with adjacent to second in described motor relatively the freezing mixture of cold spot mix.

17. methods according to claim 16, wherein, step c) comprises at least one circulation, wherein, described the first choosing period of time for a small amount of freezing mixture is delivered in described motor with by a small amount of freezing mixture of correspondence from being pushed to the temperature transducer in the downstream in described motor in described motor, make the part of at least selecting of described freezing mixture remain in described motor simultaneously.

18. methods according to claim 16, wherein, step c) comprises at least one circulation, wherein, described the first choosing period of time for a small amount of freezing mixture is delivered in described motor with by a small amount of freezing mixture of correspondence from being pushed to the temperature transducer in the downstream in described motor in described motor, and wherein, described the first period at least in part the distance based between described motor and described temperature transducer select.

19. 1 kinds of methods to the wind screen defrosting of vehicle after engine start, comprising:

A) circulation that heater core is passed in delay chilling agent from motor is until the time of the selection after engine start; And

B), at the time place of described selection, begin to cool down agent circulation through described heater core from described motor, to heat through described heater core and to enter into the air-flow in the car cabin of described vehicle.

20. methods according to claim 19, wherein, step b) comprises:

For connecting into the water pump of the circulation that drives described freezing mixture, select the dutycycle of non-zero; And

In the time of described selection, sentence the dutycycle of the described non-zero of selection and move described water pump.

Claims

1. control is for having the method for water pump for the vehicle of explosive motor, and wherein, described water pump has the maximum possible flow of freezing mixture associated with it, and described method comprises:

A) described in sensing, whether motor starts;

B) select the mean flowrate for the described freezing mixture of described water pump, wherein, the mean flowrate of selection is non-zero and lower than described maximum possible flow in some situation at least; And

C) by alternately starting and stop described water pump, control the operation of described water pump, to provide the mean flowrate of described selection of described freezing mixture until determine that the temperature of described motor is at least the target engine temperature of selection.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein, the mean flowrate of described selection is selected based on ambient temperature at least in part.

3. method according to claim 1, wherein, step c) comprises that starting described water pump continued for the first selection period and stop subsequently at least one circulation that described water pump continued for the second selection period, wherein, described the first choosing period of time is to make it possible to when substantially not having freezing mixture to flow out described motor, by adjacent to first in described motor relatively focus freezing mixture with adjacent to second in described motor relatively the freezing mixture of cold spot mix.

4. method according to claim 1, wherein, the mean flowrate of described selection is reselected repeatedly after the time lag of selecting.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein, higher if described ambient temperature compares the ambient temperature of selecting, and the mean flowrate of described selection is zero.

6. method according to claim 1, wherein, whether the described temperature of determining described motor is at least described target engine temperature is determined by determining the target coolant the temperature whether temperature of described freezing mixture is at least selection.

7. method according to claim 6, wherein, the target coolant temperature of described selection at least in part the definite of the load capacity based on on described motor is selected.

8. method according to claim 1, wherein, described water pump comprises housing, pump rotor and input link, described pump rotor can rotate in described housing, and described input link is by described engine-driving and can optionally by torsional spring clutch, in the mode operating, be engaged to described pump rotor.

9. method according to claim 8, wherein, step c) comprise to by described torsional spring clutch, with respect to described pump rotor, alternately in the mode of operation, engage and separated described input link loop repetition.

10. method according to claim 9, wherein, described torsional spring clutch with respect to separated the moving through of described input link of described pump rotor, make electromagnetic coil switch on to carry out, and the engaging moving through of described input link with respect to described pump rotor described electromagnetic coil power-off carried out of described torsional spring clutch.

11. methods according to claim 9, wherein, each circulation approximately continues 5 seconds.

12. methods according to claim 9, wherein, whether the mean flowrate of described selection has asked the definite of at least one behavior who is selected from following behavior to select based on Vehicular occupant at least in part: the heating request of car cabin and vehicle window demist/defrosting request.

13. 1 kinds to the method for freezing mixture pumping is controlled through the water pump of the explosive motor of vehicle, and described method comprises:

A) determine the target coolant temperature of selecting;

B) determine actual coolant temperature;

C) be that described water pump is selected mean flowrate, described mean flowrate is non-zero and lower than maximum possible flow in some situation at least; And

D) by alternately starting and stop described water pump, control the operation of described water pump, so that the mean flowrate of described selection to be provided, thereby guide described actual coolant temperature into described target coolant temperature.

14. methods according to claim 13, wherein, described target coolant temperature at least in part the definite of the load capacity based on on described motor is selected.

15. methods according to claim 13, wherein, described water pump comprises housing, pump rotor and input link, described pump rotor can rotate in described housing, and described input link is by described engine-driving and can optionally by torsional spring clutch, in the mode operating, be engaged to described pump rotor.

16. methods according to claim 15, wherein, step d) comprises by described torsional spring clutch and alternately in the mode of operation, engaging and a plurality of circulations of separated described input link with respect to described pump rotor.

17. methods according to claim 16, wherein, described torsional spring clutch with respect to separated the moving through of described input link of described pump rotor, make electromagnetic coil switch on to carry out, and the engaging moving through of described input link with respect to described pump rotor described electromagnetic coil power-off carried out of described torsional spring clutch.

18. methods according to claim 13, wherein, described target coolant temperature is reselected repeatedly after the time lag of selecting.

19. methods according to claim 18, wherein, the mean flowrate of described selection is selected based on proportion integration differentiation control algorithm at least in part.

20. methods according to claim 19, wherein, step c) comprises that alternately starting described water pump continued for the first selection period and stop a plurality of circulations that described water pump continued for the second selection period, wherein, described first select the period and described second to select the period to be selected as providing the mean flowrate of described selection.

21. methods according to claim 13, wherein, whether the mean flowrate of described selection has asked the definite of at least one behavior who is selected from following behavior to select based on Vehicular occupant at least in part: the heating request of car cabin and vehicle window demist/defrosting request.

22. methods according to claim 13, wherein, the mean flowrate of described selection is selected based on ambient temperature at least in part.

23. methods according to claim 13, wherein, the mean flowrate of described selection is greater than zero according to described ambient temperature.

24. methods according to claim 13, wherein, described vehicle comprises radiator and fan, and described radiator is positioned to receive the coolant flow from motor, and described fan is positioned to the freezing mixture that cool stream is crossed described radiator,

And wherein, described fan has at least the first compared with low speed and the second fair speed, wherein, described fan is in the situation that described actual coolant temperature is greater than described target coolant temperature and described water pump has opened the amount of time of at least selecting and move compared with low speed with at least described.

25. methods according to claim 24, also be included as described fan and select the average operation time, and compared with low speed, alternately start and stop described fan with described, to have opened in the situation that described actual coolant temperature is greater than described target coolant temperature and described water pump the average operation time that the amount of time of at least selecting provides described selection.

26. methods according to claim 25, wherein, described fan detect for average operation time of the described selection of described fan and described fan with described compared with low speed in the situation that the corresponding amount of time of selecting with described fair speed operation of continuous service during the period of at least selecting.

27. methods according to claim 25, wherein, the average operation time of described selection is selected based on the second proportion integration differentiation control algorithm at least in part.

28. 1 kinds for the system through the explosive motor of vehicle by freezing mixture pumping, comprising:

Water pump;

Control system, wherein, described control system is programmed to:

A) determine the target coolant temperature of selecting;

B) determine actual coolant temperature;

29. systems according to claim 28, wherein, described water pump comprises housing, pump rotor and input link, described pump rotor can rotate in described housing, and described input link is by described engine-driving and can optionally by torsional spring clutch, in the mode operating, be engaged to described pump rotor.

30. systems according to claim 29, wherein, described torsional spring clutch with respect to separated the moving through of described input link of described pump rotor, make electromagnetic coil switch on to carry out, and the engaging moving through of described input link with respect to described pump rotor described electromagnetic coil power-off carried out of described torsional spring clutch.

31. 1 kinds to the method for controlling for having the water pump of the vehicle of explosive motor and temperature transducer, described temperature transducer is positioned as the temperature that detects freezing mixture, wherein, described water pump has the maximum possible flow of relative freezing mixture, and described method comprises:

A) described in sensing, whether motor starts;

B) start the lasting period of selecting of described water pump so that the distance of selection will be sent from the freezing mixture of described motor, thereby guarantee to arrive described temperature transducer from the described freezing mixture of described motor, make the mean flowrate of described freezing mixture keep below described maximum possible flow simultaneously;

C) after the described freezing mixture from described motor has arrived described temperature transducer, from described temperature transducer, obtain reading; And

D) close the period that described water pump continues another selection.

32. methods according to claim 31, wherein, the period of the described selection in step b) is selected such that described water pump time will sent the distance that is enough to just in time arrive described temperature transducer by starting from the freezing mixture of described motor.

33. 1 kinds of methods to the wind screen defrosting of vehicle after engine start, comprising:

34. methods according to claim 33, wherein, step b) comprises:

In the time of described selection, sentence the dutycycle of the non-zero of selection and move described water pump.