CN103608557B

CN103608557B - For pumping coolant through the system and method for the explosive motor of vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN103608557B
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 (SUZHOU) CO Ltd
Priority date: 2011-07-04
Filing date: 2012-07-04
Publication date: 2016-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-04
Also published as: WO2013003950A1; CN103608557A

Abstract

The present invention relates to the system and method for a kind of explosive motor for pumping coolant through vehicle.This system includes water pump and control system, and this control system is programmed to: a) determine the target coolant temperature of selection；B) actual coolant temperature is determined；C) being this pump suction sump average discharge, this average discharge is non-zero at least some situations and is less than maximum possible flow；And d) by alternately starting and stopping, water pump controls water pump runs to provide the average discharge selected, thus by actual coolant temperature vector coolant temperature.

Description

For pumping coolant through the system and method for the explosive motor of vehicle

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61 that on July 4th, 2011 submits to / 504,283 and on December 11st, 2011 submit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/569,278 Priority, the disclosure of described application is all incorporated by reference into as fully in detail statement Herein.

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 fluid-cooled internal combustion engine having and have employed the water pump that includes torsional spring clutch Vehicle.

Background technology

At present, most of vehicles have fluid-cooled internal combustion engine, wherein, engine drive Water pump pumping coolant constantly through cooling recirculation system.This cooling recirculation system is generally by Primary Ioops and second servo loop composition, in this first loop, the cooling agent leaving engine is transported Through radiator, in this second servo loop, leave the cooling agent of engine and be transported through cabin and add Hot device core.Ratio through the flow of each circulatory system is activated valve by thermostat, and (this thermostat causes Dynamic valve is briefly termed as thermostat) control, this thermostat activates valve to start at the temperature selected Open and further when coolant temperature further rises to more than the temperature of selection Start to shift more flow through radiator.Generally, this thermostat set is relatively low temperature Degree, to guarantee to provide in all cases enough cooling.But, this causes engine mostly With unnecessary cold operation in ring of numbers border, this is for the efficiency of combustion being associated with engine and gives up Gas discharge is undesirable.Additionally, the water pump that coolant temperature operates is from sending out the most always Motivation obtains power, and water pump when to operate be all a kind of supplementary loss.

Variable speed power water pump can be used to the control that the flow to cooling agent provides higher, and this is favourable , but, this water pump can exhaust substantial amounts of electric power and carry out the operation for them, thus the most notable Add the cost of the heat management system for vehicle.Additionally, the loss of electric power result in cooling The loss of agent flux, this is totally unfavorable to engine certainly.

Thering is provided a kind of heat management system to be useful to vehicle, this heat management system can make similarly Control coolant flow with variable speed power water pump, thus solve above-mentioned discovery at least in part Problem.

Summary of the invention

In first aspect, the present invention relates to a kind of to the internal combustion for pumping coolant through vehicle The method that the water pump of engine is controlled, the method includes:

A) the target coolant temperature of selection is determined；

B) actual coolant temperature is determined；

C) be pump suction sump average discharge, this average discharge be at least some situations non-zero also And less than maximum possible flow；And

D) operation the putting down with offer selection of water pump is controlled by alternately starting and stop water pump All flows, thus by actual coolant temperature vector coolant temperature.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind of internal combustion for pumping coolant through vehicle send out The system of motivation, this system includes:

Water pump；And

Control system, this control system is programmed to carry out said method.

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

A) whether sensing engine has been started up；

B) being the average discharge of pump suction sump cooling agent, wherein, the average discharge of this selection is extremely Few be non-zero in some cases and be less than maximum possible flow；And

C) operation choosing with offer cooling agent of water pump is controlled by alternately starting and stop water pump The flow selected, until the target engine temperature that the temperature of engine is defined as at least selecting is Only.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to one to for having explosive motor and temperature sensor The method that is controlled of the water pump of vehicle, this temperature sensor is orientated as detecting cooling agent Temperature.This water pump has the maximum possible flow of relative cooling agent.The method includes:

A) whether sensing engine has been started up；

B) start the period that water pump persistently selects, select so that the cooling agent from engine is carried Distance, so that it is guaranteed that from engine cooling agent arrive temperature sensor, make cooling agent simultaneously Average discharge be maintained at below maximum possible flow；

C) after having arrived at temperature sensor from the cooling agent of engine, from TEMP Device obtains reading；And

D) switch off the pump another period selected lasting.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind of windshield to vehicle after the start of engine The method of defrosting, the method includes:

A) delay chilling agent passes the circulation of heater core until engine start from engine Selection time till；And

B) at the time of this selection, agent is begun to cool down from engine through the circulation of heater core, With heating through heater core and enter into vehicle cabin in air-flow.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Only by example, various aspects of the invention are described now with reference to accompanying drawing, in the accompanying drawings:

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

Fig. 2 a is the end-view of the engine in the vehicle shown in Fig. 1；

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

Fig. 3 is to show to control the water pump shown in Fig. 2 b during running the warm-up phase of vehicle The flow chart of method；

Fig. 4 is to show to control the water pump shown in Fig. 2 b during running the warm-up phase of vehicle The flow chart of alternative method；

Fig. 5 a and the zoomed-in view of a part that Fig. 5 b is the engine shown in Fig. 2 a, wherein This zoomed-in view is shown in and make use of the minimizing of focus in the case of the method shown in Fig. 4；

Fig. 6 is to show to control the water pump shown in Fig. 2 b during running the travel phase of vehicle The flow chart of method；

Fig. 7 is to show to control the water pump shown in Fig. 2 b during running the travel phase of vehicle The flow chart of alternative method；

Fig. 8 is the method showing the fan controlling the radiator for the vehicle shown in Fig. 1 Flow chart；

Fig. 9 a to Fig. 9 c be the variant that illustrates and make use of the method shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 for The curve map of the test data of vehicle；

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

Figure 10 be the variant that illustrates and make use of the method shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 for vehicle The curve map of test data, and for make use of the survey of the vehicle of the heat management system of prior art The curve map of examination data；

Figure 11 is the showing of vehicle with the heat management system according to another embodiment of the present invention It is intended to；And

Figure 12 is the curve of the temperature of the air-flow showing entrance cabin based on some different scenes Figure.

Detailed description of the invention

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

This water pump 14 pumps coolant through engine 12 to control the temperature of engine 12. In the downstream of engine 12, cooling agent stream is divided into the first loop and second servo loop, this first In loop, cooling agent passes radiator 16 and is subsequently returned to the entrance of water pump 14；This second In loop, cooling agent passes heater core 15 and is subsequently returned to the entrance of water pump 14.Thermostat 21 arrange in the first loop as in present a lot of vehicles, in order to control cooling agent Distribution between primary Ioops and second servo loop.It is provided with heater fan 22 and heater fan 22 can optionally operate into from the cooling agent flowing through heater core 15 obtain heat for Heat with the cabin shown in 24 and on the vehicle window from cabin 24, remove mist.Flow through radiator The cooling agent of 16 is cooled by the flowing through the gas of radiator.Fan 18 control through The air-flow of radiator 16, and therefore control to be supplied to the cold of cooling agent stream by radiator 16 But measure.The coolant system that this layout is similar in the most many vehicles is arranged, this facilitates this The parts of invention and the combination of existing vehicle.

Control system 20 controls water pump 14, fan 18 and the operation of heater fan 22.Control System 20 processed can be made up of one or more single control unit, described control unit bag Include but be not limited to control unit of engine, control unit for vehicle and with control unit of engine and car The independent control unit that control unit separates.Control system 20 is schematically in FIG Go out for single box, however, it will be appreciated that this is only schematic diagram and control system 20 Can be made up of the multiple boxes communicated with one another.Control system 20 can include processor and storage Code in device and memory and data.This code and data can be used to perform to enter in literary composition one One or more method that step describes.In order to perform one or more method, control system One or more output from the input in multiple sources and is dealt into one by system 20 reception Or more reception device, as further described in the text.

Cabin 24 can have the cabin for cabin heat request is sent to control system 20 Heat request control element 26 (such as, selection dish), and can have for by window defoggers/ Defrosting request is sent to the window defoggers/defrosting request of control system 20 and controls element 28 (such as, Button or selection dish).

Water pump 14 can be the water pump 14 of any suitable type.For example, referring to Fig. 2 a, water pump 14 Can be driven by accessory transmission band 30, this accessory transmission band self is driven by the bent axle of engine 12.

With reference to Fig. 2 b, water pump 14 includes housing 32, pump rotor 34 and input link 36, should Pump rotor 34 is rotatable this input structure with pumping coolant, such as pulley in housing 32 Part 36 is driven by accessory transmission band 30 and is operatively connected to by torsional spring clutch 38 Rotor 34, this torsional spring clutch 38 includes torsion spring 39.Solenoid 40 is arranged on housing 32 And it is controllable optionally to attract armature plate 42 against friction surface 44.This armature plate 42 one end being connected to clutch spring 39.The other end of clutch spring 39 can be with pump rotor 34 engage (that is, adjacent).In the case of water pump is shut down, input link 36 can rotate (false Determine engine 12 to operate), but torsion spring 39 and the inner surface (illustrating with 45) of input link 36 Separate and therefore torsion spring 39 is not transfused to component 34 and drives.Solenoid 40 be energized so that Armature plate 42 is held against friction surface 44.In order to start the rotation of pump rotor 34, solenoid 40 are de-energized.Armature plate 42 passes through biasing member (such as, spring) away from friction surface 44 Mobile.Be connected to armature plate 42 plays the friction table that clearer board 46 is pushed against on input link 36 On face (not shown in Fig. 2 b), clearer board 46 and the rotation of armature plate 42 are which results in.Electricity The rotation of pin plate 42 drives the rotation of the first end of clutch spring 39.But, clutch The second end adjacent with pump rotor 34 of spring 39 due to pump rotor 34 inertia and will be by The inertia of cooling agent of pump rotor 34 pumping and anti-rotation.Therefore, the of clutch spring 39 One end rotates along driving direction relative to its second end, and this causes clutch spring 39 radially Expand, until clutch spring 39 engages the inner surface of input link 36.Once clutch Spring 39 engages with input link 36, this input link will direct driving clutch spring 39, This then drive pump rotor 34.In order to make the rotation of pump rotor 34 stop, solenoid 40 Being energized, thus attract armature plate 42 against friction surface 44, this makes armature plate 42 slow down, Then make the first end of clutch spring 39 slow down.But, the second end of clutch spring 39 Portion does not temporarily continue due to inertial deceleration.Accordingly, there exist the first end of clutch spring 39 Along the direction contrary with driving direction relative to the relative motion of the second end of clutch spring 39. This causes clutch spring 39 uncoiling and therefore radial contraction, this then cause himself with defeated The inner surface entering component 36 separates.Shown in PCT Publication WO2010054487 and describe The water pump being suitable for, disclosure of which is incorporated herein by.

In figure 2b, torsional spring clutch 38 is shown as such as Types Below: torsion spring 39 and joint There is an end in the external diameter and its end of torsion spring 39.It is advantageous in that: turn round Spring 29 is not pressurized as in some other kinds of torsional spring clutches time, more described Other kinds of torsional spring clutch for example, torsion spring shrinks to engage the outer surface of two coaxial axles Torsional spring clutch, or expand the torsion spring clutch of inner surface to engage coaxial quill shaft for torsion spring Device.In these other kinds of clutches, torsion spring causes shear stress in the edge of axle.But, Will be understood that and still can use the clutch 39 shown in this clutch alternate figures 2b.

When the engine of such as engine 12 is in certain optimum temperature, the combustion of engine 12 Burn of a relatively high and engine 12 the discharge of efficiency relatively low.Less than this temperature, engine 12 consume relatively large amount of fuel and have more discharge.Accordingly, it would be desirable to as far as possible Engine 12 is made to rise to optimal engine temperature soon.

With reference to Fig. 3.When vehicle 10 starts, the temperature of engine 12 is less than optimal engine temperature Degree, and therefore, the discharge of engine 12 is of a relatively high and engine 12 consumes relatively large The fuel of amount.Control system 20 can be programmed for allowing engine 12 to be comparatively quickly preheating to The mode of optimal engine temperature controls the operation of water pump 14.Control system 20 can be according to Fig. 3 Shown in method 50 program, the method represents preheating algorithm.The method starts from step 52. In step 54 place, control system 20 senses whether engine 12 has been started up.This can be to appoint The method what is suitable for completes.Such as, control system 20 can receive and (turn from the RPM on bent axle Speed) signal of sensor to be to judge that engine RPM is whether more than 0.In step 56 place, control System 20 controls water pump 14 to guarantee that water pump 14 cuts out.In the embodiment shown in figure 2, This performs by being energized by solenoid 40.By keeping water pump 14 to close, there is no cooling agent Flow through engine 12 and heat is fallen from engine 12 transmission, and therefore, engine 12 phase To heating up quickly.In step 58 place, control system 20 judges that engine has reached Good temperature.For judging whether to have reached optimum temperature, temperature sensor 60 (Fig. 1) can set Put in engine 12 or be preferably close to engine 12 very close to engine 12 top Portion and preferably cold with what the plastic fittings on engine 12 was opposed in cylinder head But in agent pipeline.Temperature sensor 60 is positioned to sense coolant temperature.Engine temperature can Based on coolant temperature and other factors such as engine load and vehicle driving patterns Determine.Engine load can be based on any suitable standard such as by engine 12 The amount of the fuel consumed determines.This relation between engine temperature and coolant temperature Can be by testing and empirically determined testing vehicle during vehicle is researched and developed.Therefore, Control system 20 sets target temperature for temperature sensor 60, and this target temperature represents engine Target temperature.The target temperature of temperature sensor 60 is represented by variable Ttarget.

If control system 20 judges engine 12 also not up to its target temperature, then control be System 20 will not make any operation before judging to have reached target temperature.Reach Target temperature, control system 20 will terminate preheating algorithm (that is, method 50) and can be subsequently Performing to drive algorithm, the example of this driving algorithm illustrates in fig. 5 and fig..

In order to select selected target temperature Ttarget, control system 20 can use any conjunction Suitable method.As it has been described above, the temperature of cooling agent (being measured by temperature sensor 60) with start Relation is there is between the temperature of machine 12.Example relationship for exemplary engine represents at curve Shown in 61.Generally, when engine load increases, engine produces more heat, and Accordingly, because the cooling agent being in lower temperature has the energy of more heat sucking-off engine Power, therefore target coolant temperature Ttarget reduces.As the supposition example only for explanation, Engine is in the highest load and therefore produces substantial amounts of heat, the coolant temperature of 60 DEG C Might mean that the engine temperature of 110 DEG C.By contrast, when identical engine is in idle running And when producing considerably less heat, coolant temperature is for will must be 100 DEG C, thus means Engine temperature is 110 DEG C.Selected target coolant temperature can be during engine research, development By detection sample engine 12 with its fuel efficiency under assessment different loads and running temperature and Discharge determines.The number can being stored in the memory of control system 20 can be developed According to table for use as the look-up table selecting target coolant temperature based on engine load.

If engine load can change during the use of vehicle 10, control system 20 is permissible Selected target temperature Ttarget is redefined repeatedly also at the time interval that some are selected And can subsequently determine whether that actual coolant temperature has reached target temperature Ttarget.Properly Time interval can be such as 5 seconds.

It is effective for keeping water pump 14 to close during engine prewarming.But, when water pump 14 closes When closing, heat is not had to be delivered to heater core 15 from engine 12, and therefore, not used for The heat of heating cabin 24.It should be noted that in some cases, engine 12 may Spending and be preheating to target engine temperature to 15 minutes in 10 minutes, this depends on a number of factors, Such as when vehicle 10 was driven during this stage engine load on engine 12.But, When environment temperature Tamb is of a sufficiently low, Vehicular occupant is perhaps to comfortable and need to make cabin 24 Heat up.Additionally or alternatively, Vehicular occupant may need that heat is delivered to windshield and thinks gear Wind glass removes mist or defrosting.In order to provide for occupant comfort or in order to incite somebody to action except mist/defrosting purpose Heat delivers to the ability of cabin 24, and control system 20 can perform in Fig. 4 with the side shown in 80 Method.Method 80 starts from step 82.In step 84 place, control system 20 is to be similar to step The mode of 54 senses whether engine 12 has been started up.Start when control system 20 senses really When machine 12 has been started up, performing step 86, then control system 20 is marked based on one or more Standard judges whether to need defrosting/except mist behavior.One this standard is except mist/defrosting behavior or heating Behavior is the most utilized cabin heat request to control element 26 and/or window defoggers by Vehicular occupant / defrosting request controls element 28 active request.Another standard is except whether mist/defrosting behavior is by vehicle Passenger starts air conditioning compressor and (is represented by request effectively when environment temperature is relatively low Vehicular occupant wants air handling system to open to reduce the humidity in cabin 24, and wants air Regulation system is opened with in order to comfortable and cool down cabin and completely contradict).Another standard is environment temperature Whether can ensure that to heating or except the request of mist/defrosting.If based on one in above-mentioned standard Or more standard and judging needs defrosting/except mist behavior, then control system 20 proceeds to step Rapid 100, and the circulation of the operation of water pump 14 will be set up, wherein, water pump 14 operate in Between one period and the second period alternately, during the first period, water pump 14 is opened and by heat Amount is delivered to heater core 15 from engine, and during the second period, water pump 14 cuts out.With this Mode, water pump 14 is controlled to produce the average coolant flow of the selection through engine 12, This average coolant flow is the selected part of the maximum possible flow of water pump 14.Water pump 14 The flow when it is opened that maximum possible flow is water pump 14.Can be by variable name The circulation timei that PWM (pulsewidth modulation) cycle represents is the first period and the summation of the second period. First period can be represented by variable PWM duty cycle.In the exemplary embodiment, during circulation Between PWM cycle can be 5 seconds.

In step 88 place, the value of PWM duty cycle is determined.In the exemplary embodiment, PWM The value of dutycycle can determine based on environment temperature (being represented by variable Tamb), this environment temperature Degree can utilize temperature sensor 102 as shown in Figure 1 to determine.PWM duty cycle and environment The example of the relation between temperature illustrates by representing with the curve shown in 104 in Fig. 4.Such as curve table Show shown in 104, when Tamb at or less than first environment temperature (such as, 5 DEG C) time, control System 20 processed selects the 20% of maximum possible flow to be average coolant flow (this flow rate conversion one-tenth The value that 1 second is PWM duty cycle of the circulation timei of 5 seconds).Value at Tamb is more than or equal to In the case of second environment temperature (such as, 20 DEG C), PWM can be accounted for by control system 20 The value of empty ratio elects 0 (i.e., it is meant that water pump 14 cuts out 5 seconds during circulating) as, because being equal to Or higher than the second temperature, heat cabin 24 and for windshield except mist/defrosting can be considered as not Necessary.Show the value of PWM duty cycle with the curve shown in 106 in curve represents 104 And the example of the relation between environment temperature Tamb, the value of Tamb is in first environment temperature and the Between two environment temperatures.In example plot 106, this relation is linear, but, real at some Execute in mode, it is possible to use non-linear relation.Once the value of PWM duty cycle is by control system 20 Selecting (such as, pass through look-up table), algorithm can be carried out step 90 or step 92, in step At rapid 90, if the value non-zero of PWM duty cycle, then water pump 14 is opened (that is, in Fig. 2 Shown solenoid 40 power-off) the first period, in step 92 place, keep water pump 14 to close (that is, coil 40 is energized) is until completing circulation timei.If really performing step 90, Proceed to after then to switch off the pump 14 until the step 92 completed circulation timei.

If in step 86 place, this control system judge need not to defrosting/except mist behavior or heating The request of behavior, then the value of PWM duty cycle is set as 0 and proceeds by this control system To step 92, in step 92 place, water pump 14 is kept to close during circulating.

Set up the average coolant flow of selection in curve represents 104 can be selected so that into Cabin provides the heat that adds that be enough to be regarded to acceptance by most of Vehicular occupants, and/or provides foot With prevent that the windshield of vehicle from hazing during vehicle uses except mist/defrosting amount.Meet these The average coolant flow of condition can be by surveying during researching and developing at vehicle in test vehicle Examination comes empirically determined.It is, it is possible to use two single values that one value is being removed alternatively Obtain from the first curve when mist/defrosting is the most requested, and another different value heats in cabin Obtain from the second curve time the most requested and (or use relatively in the case of the most requested Big one).

After circulation timei, (such as, 5 seconds) terminated, control system 20 is sentenced in step 94 place Actual temperature T of disconnected cooling agent has reached target temperature Ttarget.Target temperature Based on curve, Ttarget can represent that the relation shown in 61 selects.If actual cooling agent temperature Degree T has reached target temperature Ttarget, then control system 20 is in step 98 place terminating method 80 and perform drive algorithm, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7.If actual coolant temperature T is also Miss the mark temperature Ttarget, then control system 20 returns to step 86, in step 86 place, It starts to rejudge the need of except mist/defrost or add thermal behavior.

By selecting relatively short circulation timei, such as 5 seconds, water pump 14 heat is delivered to The operation of heater core 15 is similar to persistently flow with the flow reduced from the perspective of Vehicular occupant Dynamic operation.However, it will be appreciated that but in order to Vehicular occupant provide comfortable, permissible Select longer circulation timei, but still be suitably similar to the lasting reduction from water pump 14 Flowing.In some embodiments, it is possible to use be not the flowing closely approximating lasting reduction The most longer circulation timei.Can select alternatively the circulation timei more shorter than 5 seconds with than The circulation timei of 5 seconds is even closer to lasting flowing.Generally, it is provided that relatively short circulation The fluctuation that time has an advantage that in the hot-fluid entering cabin reduces.Shorter circulation timei is at Fig. 2 Shown in water pump 14 in the case of a reason being possibly realized be making of torsional spring clutch 38 With.Torsional spring clutch 38 can be all in short interval in the case of not having a large amount of thermosetting Phase property ground Guan Bi and disconnection are repeatedly.This is different from other kinds of clutch, such as friction plate clutch Device, this friction disk clutch can not maintain due to the formation of heat in the case of fault-free risk It is quickly engaged and separates.Additionally, torsional spring clutch can compare friction plate clutch in its working life Device carries out the circulation engaging and separating more times.Additionally, torsional spring clutch is than some other types Clutch can engage more quickly and separate, it is advantageous in that, this allow use short Circulation timei.But, in certain embodiments of the present invention and for some apply for, Friction disk clutch or another type of clutch can also be used to replace torsional spring clutch 38.

Algorithm shown in Fig. 4 is shown as being divided into circulation period that water pump 14 opens and subsequently Water pump 14 close period.Alternatively, two periods can be overturned so that each During circulation, water pump 14 is first shut off and opens in the later stage circulated subsequently.

During use, according to the design of engine 12, this engine 12 is flowing through without cooling agent " focus " it is easily formed during engine.Focus is the reaching than its of engine 12 of engine 12 The regional area of the temperature that his part is considerably higher.The substituting enforcement of the algorithm shown in the diagram In mode, water pump 14 can by so that this focus in engine 12 produce minimizing in the way of transport OK, but still allow engine 12 be comparatively quickly preheating to its target temperature.In order to this is described Feature, illustrates that a part for engine 12, Fig. 5 a show ooling channel 108 in fig 5 a The part through engine 12.Focus illustrates with 110.When water pump 14 stops, with 112 The cooling agent of the first volume illustrated remain in pipeline 108 near the first focus 110 and by Focus 110 is heated to be positioned at illustrating with 114a of upstream side than the cooling agent around the first volume Cooling agent and be positioned at downstream with the higher temperature of the cooling agent shown in 114b.In order to realize The minimizing of focus 110 is (that is, in order to reduce between other parts of focus 110 and engine 12 Temperature difference), the value of PWM duty cycle selected in step 100 place can be the least consolidating Definite value (such as, the order of a fraction of 1 second), to rotate on a small quantity corresponding to some, such as pump rotor The half-turn of 34, circle or an a few circle.When PWM duty cycle is opened and closed to pump rotor 34 After phase, pump rotor 34 be enough to cause the cooling agent in pipeline 108 and pipeline 108 by being turned to In other adjacent cooling agents some mixing.Therefore, near the cooling agent 112 of focus 110 Cooling agent (that is, the one in cooling agent 114a amount and cooling agent 114b amount that amount is cooler with surrounding Or both) mix to form cooling agent 115 amount with more uniform temperature.In this way, come From the heat of hotter cooling agent 112 amount move on engine 12 can heated engine 12 Point.In pipeline 108 in engine 12, the cooling agent of few (substantially not having) leaves and starts Machine 12, and therefore, lose the few heat produced by engine.Therefore, substantially keep The preheating time of the minimizing of engine 12, but the focus in engine 110 is at least at some Decrease in degree.Utilize the water pump 14 with torsional spring clutch 38, it is possible to achieve to cooling agent Through this control level of flowing of engine 12, (i.e., thus, water pump 14 is as described above Have rotated considerably less amount).By selecting suitable circulation timei and suitable time PWM to account for Empty ratio, the temperature difference between other parts of focus 110 and engine 12 can be to starting Time needed for machine 12 is preheating to its target temperature (that is, its optimum temperature) produces big impact In the case of be reduced.Particular value for effective PWM duty cycle can be researched and developed based on vehicle Period to test vehicle test come empirically determined, and can store in memory for Control system 20 uses.Thus, it will be seen that in order to reduce the focus in engine 12, use Value in PWM duty cycle is not based on environment temperature Tamb.

As it has been described above, the temperature of the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 60 and engine 12 itself Different.This is especially apparent during engine prewarming.Because temperature sensor 60 is positioned at start The outside (such as, in the housing of thermostat) of machine 12, and therefore sense external engine The temperature of cooling agent, and owing to substantially not having cooling agent to flow, therefore during engine prewarming Can exist big between coolant temperature at sensor 60 and the coolant temperature in engine 12 Difference.Additionally, some according to such as engine speed and engine load etc of this species diversity Factor and change.Therefore, in order to the most pre-based on the coolant temperature measured by sensor 60 Survey the temperature of engine, need in advance vehicle 10 to be tested in a large number.This test is time-consuming And costliness.

Mistake in the supposition temperature of engine 12 result in the ECU (electronic control unit) of vehicle Mistake in the various actions taked, and this mistake directly affects fuel economy.Such as, exist In at least some of engine, ECU is based at least partially on engine temperature and determines combustion to be injected into The amount of the fuel in burning room.For relatively low engine temperature, ECU is generally programmed for relatively Larger amount of fuel is injected in combustion chamber to realize meeting driver requested selected quantity of power. This is because the efficiency of combustion of expection engine is relatively low at lower temperature, and therefore, though So to discharge with fuel economy as cost, but the injection of a large amount of fuel is intended to make up relatively low combustion Burn efficiency.Conversely, for higher engine temperature, ECU is generally programmed for relatively fewer The fuel of amount is injected in combustion chamber to realize identical power requirement, as it is expected that engine 12 Efficiency of combustion of a relatively high at higher RPM.Engine 12 is flowed out substantially there is no cooling agent During the engine prewarming of (in order to reduce the engine prewarming time), engine 12 is than in sensing The coolant temperature recorded at device 60 is warmmer, in some cases, hot similar 30 DEG C or 40 DEG C Or it is more.If ECU supposes that engine temperature is less than its actual temperature, then this ECU can hold Row has the behavior of negative effect to discharge and fuel economy, such as, by than required fuel More fuel is injected in combustion chamber.If ECU supposes that engine temperature is higher than its actual temperature Degree, then ECU can perform the power to engine and export the behavior with negative effect.Such as, Considerably less fuel can be injected in combustion chamber to meet driver requested and pre-when being less than When the engine temperature of phase causes less than intended efficiency of combustion, obtained power output ratio is driven Power output required by Yuan is lower.Similarly, ECU is on impact discharge and fuel economy The control of valve timing and other parameters can also be based at least partially on the engine temperature of supposition also And therefore can far from be same as real engine temperature in the supposition to engine temperature of ECU Time to discharge and fuel economy have a negative impact.

In order to solve this problem, water pump 14 can be programmed in engine 12 to sensor 60 Periodically send a small amount of cooling agent.Water pump 14 opens the time quantum of period (that is, when " opening " Phase) it is preferably chosen to be long enough in engine 12, transport to sensor 60 cooling agent, But it is the shortest so that being transported out the heat minimization of engine 12.From the point of view of another viewpoint, " open " be chosen to period to realize cooling agent selected distance (that is, from engine 12 to The distance of sensor 60) on flowing.This period will change based on engine RPM；? At higher RPM, water pump 14 will rotate faster and reality in the most shorter " opening " period Having showed required flowing, but at relatively low RPM, therefore water pump 14 rotates more slowly and Need longer " opening " period and realize the flowing selected." open " period can based on Engine RPM and the relevant look-up table of other correlative factors select.

The starting frequency of water pump 14 can be based on once water 14 pump cuts out, cold at sensor 60 But the temperature difference between the cooling agent in agent and engine 12 is formed again speed degree and/or Person based on other because usually selecting.If temperature difference is formed relatively slow, then record at sensor 60 Temperature is typically accurately to indicate the long-term of the coolant temperature in engine 12, and therefore, The starting of the lower frequency of water pump 14 can be accepted.By contrast, if temperature difference is formed comparatively fast, The temperature then recorded at sensor 60 becomes the coolant temperature in coupled engines 12 quickly More coarse instruction, and accordingly, it would be desirable to the starting of upper frequency of water pump 14.

In example embodiment, at of a relatively high RPM, the dutycycle of water pump 14 is permissible It is chosen as the 5% of 5 seconds frequencies, and at relatively low RPM, the dutycycle of water pump 14 is permissible It is chosen as the 10% of 5 seconds frequencies.

Will be understood that being transported to biography in engine 12 by cooling agent termly of water pump 14 The starting of sensor 60 result in some little clean cooling agent streams and therefore result at engine pre- From the loss of some heats of engine 12 during heat.This extends the engine prewarming time also And owing to engine 12 is still below its optimum operation temperature slightly longer period, fuel economy is had There is corresponding negative effect.But, by transporting termly from engine 12 by by cooling agent Obtain the temperature information more accurately about engine to sensor 60, ECU can be preferably Determine the valve times the most correct to various engine corelation behaviours and combustion to be injected into Burn the correct of the correct fuel quantity in room to set.A small amount of with engine 12 during preheating Thermal loss the negative effect of the fuel economy of vehicle 10 is compared, this has vehicle 10 The impact in more front of fuel economy, and therefore, final result is, when performing now to fire Oil economy increases and discharges minimizing.

Another advantage of the said method that cooling agent is delivered to sensor 60 from engine relates to starting The durability of machine 12.In embodiments, wherein, the cooling agent at temperature sensor 60 with send out There is big temperature difference between cooling agent in motivation 12, ECU does not obtain about engine " truly " information of cooling agent in 12.ECU processes other data, such as, from starting The coolant temperature information of the sensor 60 of the outside of machine 12 and other possible data, and Based on the assumed value of the engine temperature being possibly based on all data is used these data with Control engine to run.But, exist generation engine 12 hotter than the temperature that ECU supposes (or At least hotter at certain point) some possibility of situation because ECU according to start The data run of machine temperature only indirect correlation.Accordingly, there exist engine 12 and become Tai Re or one At fixed point the hottest and can suffer damage when ECU is unaware that or the situation of premature abrasion.Logical Cross and cooling agent is delivered to sensor 60 from engine 12, it is thus achieved that more direct to engine temperature Instruction, and therefore, if engine 12 is the warmmest, then ECU can pass through sensor 60 Sense, and behavior of can making this (such as, starts water pump 14 to cool down engine 12 Until temperature drops to acceptable level).By obtaining more directly measuring engine temperature As a result, ECU makes a mistake the need of cooling is unlikely for engine 12.

Apart from the above, it will be noted that, when sensor 60 senses from engine 12 During cooling agent, need the relatively little of test to engine 12 to sense based on by sensor 60 To temperature determine engine temperature.Which reduce originally when research and development engine and by ECU When the software used to control engine based on the temperature read by sensor 60 required one A little times and cost.

After engine 12 reaches its target temperature, (that is, temperature sensor 60 recording The temperature of cooling agent reach target temperature Ttarget after), control system 20 terminates preheating and calculates Method, and perform to drive algorithm, this driving algorithm has and is relatively constantly kept by engine temperature The target not affected by engine load at its target temperature.Exemplary driving algorithm or side Method illustrates with 120 in figure 6.This driving algorithm 120 starts from step 122.In step 124 Place, drives algorithm 120 that the initial value of PWM duty cycle can be set as 0 (that is, water pump 14 Close), and PWM cycle circulation timei can be set as any suitable value, such as 5 seconds. In step 126 place, algorithm 120 is driven to determine the current mesh of cooling agent based on current engine load Mark temperature Ttarget, wherein, the current target temperature Ttarget of this cooling agent makes engine temperature Remain relatively constant at its target temperature.As above with respect to preheating arthmetic statement, when starting When machine 12 dallies, Ttarget can be the first higher target temperature, and at engine 12 When top load, Ttarget can be the second relatively low target temperature, exists by engine 12 to compensate The more substantial heat produced at high load, as represented shown in 127 by curve.Additionally, in step At rapid 126, control system 20 determine actual coolant temperature T and target temperature Ttarget it Between difference.Control system 20 can use any suitable algorithm to realize target temperature subsequently Ttarget.Such as, for each circulation, control system 20 can use PID (proportional, integral -differential) average coolant flow that control algolithm is to be provided to determine water pump 14.PWM duty The value (this value represents the period that in circulation timei, water pump 14 is shared when working) of ratio is then able to base It is readily determined in the average coolant flow of the selection using pid control algorithm to determine.Once The value of PWM duty cycle is selected for previous cycle, and control system 20 will be in step 128 Place by making solenoid 40 power-off start water pump 14 until through the first period, and subsequently In step 132 place by making solenoid 40 energising stop water pump 14.Control system 20 is subsequently Return to step 126 to redefine target temperature Ttarget based on engine load, and open Begin new circulation.

It will be noted that, control system 20 uses similar pulse width modulation to run water pump 14, Not provide the effective discharge to water pump 14 in coolant line in the case of use valve The most infinitely adjustable control.It will be noted that, this control is particularly at such as 5 seconds It is well adapted in the case of relatively short circulation timei being performed by torsional spring clutch, This torsional spring clutch can process repetitive cycling in the case of not having superheated or damaging.

P value, I value and D value for pid control algorithm can be by right during vehicle is researched and developed Test vehicle is tested to select.Control system 20 can be programmed for based on such as engine 12 On the fast-changing different condition of load change these values.Such as, if vehicle 10 is dashed forward So change to top load condition from idle running, then it can be anticipated that engine temperature raises soon.Know This point, P value, I value and D value just can be selected to increase rapidly the mean flow of water pump 14 Measure to compensate and therefore help prevent the relatively large fluctuation of temperature, this temperature in engine 12 The relatively large fluctuation of degree can occur originally in the case of the holding of P value, I value and D value is constant. By contrast, if engine 12 is stepped up top load condition from idle running, then can be made P value, I value and D value provide the increase of average discharge about water pump 14 relatively The slope relaxed.

The relatively short circulation timei selecting such as 5 seconds has some advantages.Such as, when starting When machine 12 has reached its target temperature, mean that short cooling and heating are sent out short circulation timei The period of motivation 12, it means that the temperature fluctuation between the first period and the second period is little. Therefore, engine 12 keeps its target temperature relatively close, and this makes engine 12 keep relatively High efficiency of combustion.Additionally, little temperature fluctuation decreases, and appointing at such as head gasket etc occurs The amount of the abrasion in what engine packing ring and in other potted components, thus start more greatly with having The working life adding them compared by the engine of the prior art of machine temperature fluctuation.Utilize PID Control algolithm further reduces together with the pulse width modulation with relatively short circulation timei By the control system 20 overshoot to target temperature.Drive algorithm 120 can continue to be performed until Till engine 12 cuts out.

As above with respect to pointed by preheating algorithm, it is generally desirable to provide right when driving vehicle 10 The heating of cabin 24 and/or to windshield except mist/defrosting.Driving algorithm shown in Fig. 7 or Method 150 provides this ability.Algorithm 150 starts from step 152, and proceeds to step At rapid 154, in step 154 place, PWM duty cycle initially can be set as zero and PWM Cycle can be set to select value, such as 5 seconds.Algorithm 150 is that PWM duty cycle is true subsequently Determine two potential values and the value of PWM duty cycle be set in the potential value of said two bigger One.Step 156 is with the similar part of step 126 (Fig. 6), target coolant temperature Ttarget sets based on engine load, and the Current Temperatures T of cooling agent is determined and and target Temperature Ttarget contrasts, and the first potential value of PWM duty cycle uses such as PID to control Any applicable algorithm of algorithm etc sets based on the difference between two temperature.In step 158 (can occur before step 156 alternatively) place, control system 20 is based on following some Any one condition in part determines a need for except mist/defrosting behavior, described some condition bags Including such as Vehicular occupant has utilized control element 26 or 28 to make except mist/defrosting behavior Request, and include such as whether environment temperature represents the environment temperature shown in 104 less than such as curve Degree.Need except mist/defrosting behavior if control system 20 determines, then control system 20 is in step The second potential value of PWM duty cycle is set at 160.Such as, the second of PWM duty cycle is dived Can be set as when circulation timei is 5 seconds 1 second in value.If control system 20 does not senses The defrosting made by Vehicular occupant/and except mist behavior request, then control system 20 can utilize PWM Second potential value of dutycycle and the curve being similar in Fig. 4 represent between the environment temperature of 104 Relation determines the second potential value of PWM duty cycle based on environment temperature.In step 162 place, Control system 20 checks that the first potential value whether less than the second potential value, is the most then dived second It is being worth the value as PWM duty cycle.Otherwise, using the first potential value as PWM duty cycle Value.It is to say, control system 20 uses the bigger one conduct in the potential value of said two The value of PWM duty cycle.In this way, control system 20 is used for environment temperature and quilt Think and come the needs heated except mist/defrosting or cabin to select PWM duty cycle for this circulation Little value, during less than this minimum of a value, the first period can not count this circulation.Account for establishing PWM After the value of empty ratio, control system 20 then continues to step 164, in step 164 place, Open water pump 14 and continued for the first period, and then proceed to step 166, in step 166 place, Switch off the pump the remainder (that is, continued the second period) of 14 persistent loop.If in step 158 Place, control system 20 determines and need not except mist/defrosting behavior, then control system 20 will be at PWM The value of dutycycle is defined as the first potential value and proceeds to step 164 and step 166 place. After step 166, control is sent back to step 156 place by algorithm 150.Driving algorithm 120 can To be performed until engine 12 cuts out.

With reference to Fig. 1, when control system 20 terminates preheating algorithm and starts to perform to drive algorithm, According to environment temperature and according to whether occur any cooling agent to flow at warm-up phase, engine 12 May be at of a relatively high temperature, e.g., from about 100 DEG C, and the coolant temperature in radiator 16 May be at relatively low temperature, such as 0 DEG C.Accordingly, because some reason, if water pump 14 open persistently than select time segment length period, such as 4 seconds, then it can be by water from radiator Transport in engine 12.It is to say, water pump 14 can be by all warm in engine 12 Cooling agent replace to cooling agent cold in radiator 16.This in order to avoid to engine 12 Thermal shock, control system 20 can drive the arbitrary driving in algorithm going into effect described in literary composition First the little but value of non-zero is selected for PWM duty cycle so that cold in radiator 16 during algorithm But agent is more gently delivered to engine 12.After some periods selected are run in this way, The temperature of cooling agent becomes more consistent (that is, in the cooling agent in engine 12 and cooling circuit Other cooling agent between temperature difference diminish), and therefore, thermal shock is less.At that time, Algorithm is driven to can proceed to such step: to select target temperature based on engine load, and PWM duty cycle selects based on pid control algorithm with by engine 12 vector temperature.

In some embodiments, fan 18 can be two-speed fan, and replaces single speed fan. Drive in addition to algorithm except providing for the operation of water pump 14, as in Fig. 8, shown in 180, also may be used Think that the offer that runs of fan 18 drives algorithm to be double speed for the wherein fan 18 of vehicle 10 In fan embodiment.Utilizing this driving algorithm 180, control system 20 utilizes pulse width modulation And utilize the second pid control algorithm to run fan 18.Algorithm 180 is driven to start from step 182 And then continuing to step 184, in step 184, the circulation timei of fan 18 is selected Select and the value of DC fan dutycycle (is fan 18 during the circulation timei of fan 18 Work period) be set as initial value, such as fan 18 circulation timei 20%.With Can be identical or different with the circulation timei for water pump 14 the circulation timei of fan 18.In step At rapid 186, control system 20 judges whether that such situation has occurred and that: actual cooling agent temperature Degree alreadys more than some amounts selected of target coolant temperature Ttarget and PWM duty cycle is (right In water pump 14) value during more than the time quantum selected corresponding 100% circulation timei (for Water pump 14).If it is not, then control system 20 in step 187 place by DC fan dutycycle Value is set as zero and returns to step 186.The most then control system 20 proceeds to step 188, in step 188 place, control system 20 determines actual coolant temperature T and target coolant Difference between temperature Ttarget and utilizing such as the second pid control algorithm of fan 18 Etc suitable control algolithm determine the value of DC fan dutycycle, for the of fan 18 Two pid control algorithms are different from above-mentioned the first pid control algorithm for water pump 14.In step At 190, control system 20 judges to select whether the value for DC fan dutycycle is 100% The circulation timei for fan.The most then fan 18 in step 192 place with its high-speed cruising One circulation, and control system 20 is subsequently returned to step 184.If PWM duty cycle Value less than 100% circulation timei, then fan 18 in step 194 place with its low cruise until use Till the first period of fan completes.In step 196 place, fan 18 cuts out persistent loop Remainder.Control to be subsequently returned to step 184 place.Run by controlling fan in this way, Fan 18 uses the most when needed, and sets at a high speed use the most when needed with it.At some In embodiment, fan 18 is relatively large power-draining piece in vehicle 10, and therefore, Use water pump 14 to reduce the use of fan 18 the most in the conceived case.Additionally, by Operation in fan 18 has the strongest impact to coolant temperature, controls the most in this way The operation of fan 18 processed decreases the temperature fluctuation in cooling agent.

In some embodiments, two single speed fans can be set and substitute two-speed fan.This In embodiment, except replace in step 194 place with low speed and in step 192 place with at a high speed fortune Outside one fan of row, the above-mentioned control algolithm for fan is identical, first the first fan can be Run in step 194 place, and the second fan can run in step 192 place, to substitute the first wind Fan or run with the first Ih association.

Additionally, in some other embodiments, be provided with single fan, this single fan is one It is variable speed in fixed velocity interval.In such examples, PID controls except needing not be arteries and veins Can still be used together with this fan outside rushing width modulated form.As an alternative, fan speed Degree can merely with pid control algorithm based on actual coolant temperature and target coolant temperature it Between difference select.But, when water pump 14 can not prevent coolant temperature more than when selecting When exceeding target temperature during Duan, fan will the most only be opened.

In addition to for providing control element 26 and 28 except mist and defrosting, can set in cabin 24 Put extra control button, this allow Vehicular occupant Eco (energy-conservation) pattern and comfort mode it Between select.Can use and select what comfort mode carried out invalid control system to completely close water pump 14 Ability.In other words, it prevents control system 20 that the value of PWM duty cycle is set to zero； At this stage, the value of PWM duty cycle can be set as some little numbers, such as maximum The 10% of probable discharge, this will be 0.5 second in circulation in 5 seconds.Select accounts for for PWM The particular value of empty ratio can be chosen to guarantee that Vehicular occupant can keep comfortable.Test can be at vehicle Perform during research and development to determine that the value of PWM duty cycle, the value of this PWM duty cycle are supplied to car Cabin with in the case of water pump 14 continuous firing realize performance substantially close to heating properties.? In some embodiments, under comfort mode, water pump 14 can be set to continuous firing alternatively (that is, the value of PWM duty cycle is the 100% of circulation) is until Eco pattern is chosen. Selection Eco pattern can be used to allow control system 20 to think that Eco pattern has in control system During benefit, the value of PWM duty cycle is set as zero.

Curve map shown in Fig. 9 a, Fig. 9 b, Fig. 9 c and Fig. 9 d show with for testing Time of vehicle relevant temperature of cooling agent, the temperature of cylinder head, the temperature in instrument board exit And the value (being expressed as the percentage of the maximum possible flow of water pump 14) of PWM duty cycle.? In each figure.Solid line is cylinder head temperature, and dotted line is coolant temperature, and chain-dotted line is that instrument board goes out Mouth temperature, dotted line is the value of PWM duty cycle.Fig. 9 a shows the data in test, at this In test, control system 20 is allowed to set the value of PWM duty cycle in case of need It is zero.Fig. 9 b shows the data in test, and in this test, control system 20 is not allowed to The value of PWM duty cycle is set smaller than water pump 14 maximum possible flow 5%.Fig. 9 c Showing the data in test, in this test, control system 20 is not allowed to account for PWM The value of empty ratio is set smaller than the 20% of the maximum possible flow of water pump 14.Fig. 9 d show for Work the data of standard water pump of (effectively, the value of PWM duty cycle is 100%) always. It will be noted that, engine 12 reaches the time needed for optimum temperature (i.e., about 120 DEG C) Increase along with the increase of minimum of a value of PWM duty cycle.It practice, at 2000 seconds of test Afterwards, the engine temperature in Fig. 9 d is from not up to 120 DEG C.

With reference to Figure 10, when it illustrates the temperature comparisons for testing the some different tests on vehicle Between curve map.Upper solid line in Figure 10 and lower solid line are for be allowed to PWM in control system 20 The value of dutycycle is set as in the case of zero make use of the cylinder head temperature of water pump 14 and instrument board to go out Mouth temperature.Upper dotted line and lower dotted line are to be not allowed to PWM duty cycle in control system 20 Value be set smaller than the maximum possible flow of water pump 20% in the case of make use of the gas of water pump 14 Cylinder cap temperature and panel outlets temperature.Upper dotted line and lower dotted line are to make use of the routine always worked The cylinder head temperature of water pump and panel outlets temperature.It should be noted that PWM duty cycle Minimum of a value be 20% algorithm provide panel outlets temperature curve, this curve with by conventional water pump The curve provided is essentially identical, provides the temperature curve for cylinder head, this temperature curve simultaneously The temperature curve provided when the value of PWM duty cycle being set as zero close to control system 20. This means that engine utilizes higher efficiency of combustion comparatively quickly to heat, and have with make use of The conventional layout of the water pump always worked is compared, Vehicular occupant their comfortable or they for gear Wind glass does not suffer damage except the ability aspect of mist/defrosting.

In order to reduce the startup and the number of times of stopping performing water pump 14, control system 20 can be really Fixed value be considered to be little in the case of (such as, less than the 5% of maximum possible flow) by PWM The value of dutycycle is set as zero.Additionally or alternatively, control system 20 can be in the value determined Be considered to be big in the case of (such as, more than the 80% of maximum possible flow) PWM is accounted for The value of empty ratio is set as whole circulation.Therefore, in these circulate, avoid the startup of at least water pump Or stop.

The strategy of the operation for controlling water pump 14 disclosed in literary composition decreases water pump 14 work Total time quantum, which reduce the total power consumption being associated with water pump 14, and then improve The fuel economy of vehicle 10.

In embodiment shown in FIG, it is provided with thermostat 21 and thermostat 21 is permissible Type according to thermostat itself and act on independent of control system 20.But, owing to controlling system System 20 is based on the actual coolant temperature sensed by temperature sensor 60 and target coolant temperature Between difference provide the closed-loop control to coolant temperature, so thermostat 21 will not prevent control System 20 processed utilizes water pump 14 to control engine temperature.Constant temperature is saved however, it is advantageous that provide The system of device 21.

With reference to Figure 11, it illustrates substituting cooling system and arrange, wherein, shown in Fig. 1 Two coolant circuits are replaced with single coolant circuit.Cooling agent flows continuously from water pump 14 Through engine 12, through cabin heater core 15, through radiator 16 and be finally returned to water The entrance of pump 14.This configuration is than the cooling including two loops used in the most many vehicles System configuration is simpler.Accordingly, because have joint less between less parts and parts Part, the cooling system shown in Figure 11 is by firmer than the cooling system shown in Fig. 1 and more Cheaply.Additionally, the cooling system shown in Figure 11 does not include thermostat.Although P value, I value with And D value can be different from those values used in the system shown in Fig. 1, but in Figure 11 The control of shown cooling system still can utilize institute in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 The identical algorithm shown performs.

It will be noted that, system as described herein can be easily retrofitted to many existing Vehicle or can be easily incorporated in many existing Car design.The existing water pump of vehicle is at needs In the case of can replace with water pump 14, temperature sensor 60 is attached to the cooling agent at engine In pipeline, it is possible to suitable control unit is set, this control unit together with existing ECU and/or VCU (control unit for vehicle) can make up control system 20.

In the above-described embodiment, control system 20 uses coolant temperature to research and develop based on vehicle The experience of period is tested and the temperature of estimating engine 12.But, in some embodiments, Replace or except the temperature sensor for measuring coolant temperature, engine self can also set Put the temperature sensor measured directly that the temperature to the metal making engine is provided.In this reality Executing in mode, the temperature signal from this sensor can be used to represent actual temperature and will be This actual temperature sets target temperature, and this target temperature will be to controlling water pump 14 work during circulating The time quantum made is controlled.At the temperature read from this sensor and the hottest part of engine Temperature between relation can be than the temperature at the hottest part of coolant temperature and engine between Relation more directly and become apparent from.Therefore, if using this temperature sensor to replace measuring cooling agent The temperature sensor of temperature, then can realize engine temperature more precise control.

With reference to Figure 12, it illustrates the curve map of Multiple-Curve.Curve 200 is the feelings utilizing water pump The temperature of the air-flow being flowed under condition in vehicle cabin 24, this water pump substantially open engine it After run at once.It is mentioned below subsequently with heating through heater core by the cooling agent of water pump pumps Enter the air-flow in cabin 24.This air-flow can such as be required the wind screen defrosting to vehicle. For curve 200 (and for representing the every other curve of temperature in curve map), curve map Y-axis line represents temperature (degree Celsius) and X-axis line represents the time (second).It can be seen that gas The temperature of stream raises immediately and continues over time little by little to raise.Curve 202 represents according to this The feelings of in employing control system 20 and said method method of the embodiment of invention The dutycycle of water pump 14 under condition.For curve 202, the Y-axis line of curve map represents water pump 14 Dutycycle (hundred-mark system, wherein the dutycycle of 100% represents water pump continuous firing) and X-axis line The expression time (second).It can be seen that for some initial time period, i.e. (start from time T0 Machine starts) to time T1, water pump 14 cuts out (that is, it has the dutycycle of 0).In the time At T1, water pump 14 open and with about 50% dutycycle run (this dutyfactor value only shows Example value and without limitation).When water pump 14 runs through, with this dutycycle, the residue represented on curve map Between run.Curve 204 represents that water pump is as by the cooling agent in engine when running shown in curve 202 Temperature.It can be seen that the temperature of cooling agent comparatively quickly rises when water pump cuts out in engine High.At time T1, when water pump 14 starts cooling medium pump is sent engine and makes cooling agent During through heater core, it can be seen that the heat that the temperature of cooling agent will build up at cooling agent discharges extremely Reduce during air-flow, and probably warm and sucking-off and wearing from cabin 24 at air-flow itself subsequently Cross when heater core recycles and gradually rise.Curve 206 represents that water pump 14 is as by curve 202 institute The temperature of the air-flow of cabin 24 is entered when showing operation.It can be seen that due to do not exist by air-flow from The heat input that cooling agent receives, therefore the temperature of air-flow initially keeps relative constancy.But, one Denier water pump 14 is opened at time T1, and in cooling agent, the heat of accumulation will be released by heater core Put to air-flow, thus increase the temperature of air-flow.It can be seen that at time T2 and afterwards, The temperature of air-flow increase above when open run water pump after engine at once time air-flow reach The value of temperature.When to the wind screen defrosting of vehicle, blow the temperature of air-flow on the windshield Degree needs higher than some threshold temperature so that the frost occurred on the windshield to produce thawing effect. In the case of low such as-20 DEG C of environment temperature, air-flow is when water pump 14 is as by curve Ratio in the case of water pump runs after starting engine immediately Zao some minutes when running shown in 202 Reach threshold temperature.Example is the TEMP1 temperature that threshold temperature would is that as shown in the graph. It can be seen that when such as by when running water pump 14 shown in curve 202, air-flow engine start (by Curve 206 illustrates) after within about 400 seconds, reach TEMP1 temperature, and ought be after the start of engine When running water pump immediately, air-flow is until after engine start (being illustrated by curve 200) about 580 seconds Just reach TEMP1 temperature.Therefore, compare by the air-flow shown in curve 200 reach to melt gear The time of the effective threshold temperature of frost on wind glass, by the air-flow shown in curve 206 by gear Frost on wind glass has melted about 3 minutes.

Time T1 can select based on any suitable standard.Such as, time T1 can be chosen to Make air-flow can with less than select time quantum (such as, less than 420 seconds, or at engine start Latter 7 minutes) reach threshold temperature TEMP1.Time T1 can be according to environment during engine start Temperature change.Such as, when environment temperature is higher, owing to the cooling agent in engine will take for less Time reach the temperature of selection that air-flow will be made to reach threshold temperature TEMP1, because of this time T1 Can earlier.When the temperature of the surroundings is low, will take for the more time due to the cooling agent in engine Reach the temperature of selection that air-flow will be made to reach threshold temperature TEMP1, because this time T1 can evening. Time T1 can be utilized environment temperature during engine start to select based on look-up table by control system Select.

Curve 208 only illustrates the curve of the difference between curve 200 and curve 206.

Although above description constituting multiple embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that, not Deviate from claims understand meaning in the case of, the present invention is prone to make other remodeling and change Become.

Claims

1. controlling cooling agent to the method for the flowing of explosive motor, described method includes:

A) mechanical pump is set and is connected clutch, with selectivity between described engine with described pump Described pump is mechanically coupled to described engine or is disconnected with described engine by described pump by ground；

B) select to be supplied to the average discharge of the cooling agent of described engine；And

C) at the run duration of described engine, described clutch is controlled with by the circulation selected Switch to repeatedly open and close by described mechanical pump in time regardless of whether engine speed the most all The average discharge of the selection of cooling agent is provided described engine, wherein, in described circulation timei In Part I, described clutch act as described pump is connected to described engine so that cooling agent It is supplied to described engine, and in the Part II of described circulation timei, described clutch effect For described pump is disconnected with described engine so that substantially do not have cooling agent to be supplied to described engine.

Method the most according to claim 1, wherein, the described Part I of described circulation timei Relative to described circulation timei described Part II duty cycle change.

Method the most according to claim 1, wherein, described circulation timei periodically changes.

4. according to the method described in any one in claims 1 to 3, wherein, described circulation timei More longer than 5 seconds.

5. according to the method described in any one in claims 1 to 3, wherein, described circulation timei Equal to or less than 5 seconds.

6. according to the method described in any one in claims 1 to 3, wherein, described clutch is Torsional spring clutch, and described mechanical pump includes that housing, pump rotor and input link, described pump turn Son can rotate in described housing, and described input link is driven by described engine and can select Property ground be bonded to described pump rotor in the operative mode by described torsional spring clutch.

Method the most according to claim 6, wherein, described torsional spring clutch relative to institute Stating moving through of the pump rotor described input link of separation makes solenoid energising perform, and described Torsional spring clutch relative to described pump rotor engage moving through of described input link make described electricity Magnetic coil power-off performs.

8. according to the method described in any one in claims 1 to 3, wherein, cooling agent is described Average discharge is based in part at least one of the following and selects:

() environment temperature；

() target engine temperature；

() PID control algorithms；

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

Whether () has requested that at least one behavior in following behavior to Vehicular occupant Determine: cabin heat request and window defoggers/defrosting request.

9., according to the method described in any one in claims 1 to 3, also include:

Sensing engine start；

Determine the temperature of described engine；

Zero average coolant flow is selected when the engine temperature determined is less than threshold value；

Described mechanical pump is periodically switched into and opens the shortest period, with described averagely in holding The formation of hot localised points in described engine is prevented while coolant flow is essentially a zero.

10., according to the method described in any one in claims 1 to 3, also include:

Step) it is provided for detecting the temperature sensor of the temperature of described cooling agent；

Step) sensing engine start；

Step) after described engine has been started up, start the period that described pump persistently selects The distance of selection is sent with the cooling agent by the heating of the local from described engine, so that it is guaranteed that institute The cooling agent of the heating stating local arrives described temperature sensor, wherein, the period quilt of described selection Be chosen as minimum period so that described pump when being started by the cooling agent of the heating of described local Send the distance that be enough to just arrive described temperature sensor；

Step) after the cooling agent of the heating of described local has arrived at described temperature sensor Read described temperature sensor；And

Step) disable described pump another period selected lasting.

11. methods according to claim 10, including periodically repeating step), step Suddenly) and step), to obtain the more accurate reading of engine temperature.

12., according to the method described in any one in claims 1 to 3, also include:

Step) it is provided for heating the heater core of the cabin of vehicle；

Step) delay chilling agent from described engine through described heater core circulation until send out Till the time of the selection after dynamic startup；And

Step) at the time of described selection, begin to cool down agent from described engine through described The circulation of heater core, and enters in described vehicle cabin through described heater core with heating Air-flow.

13. methods according to claim 2, also include:

Step) be provided for for vehicle window defrost/except the heater core of mist；

Step) sense whether described engine temperature is less than threshold value running temperature, and this In the case of, described dutycycle is set as a value, described value is by the defrosting of the pump of simulation continuous service / except fog effect, allow described engine than under conditions of running constantly at described pump more simultaneously Ground reaches described threshold temperature.

14. methods according to claim 13, wherein, described dutycycle is set as 20%.

15. 1 kinds of cooling systems being used for there is the vehicle of explosive motor, including:

Mechanical pump；

Torsional spring clutch, described torsional spring clutch is connected to the drive member of described engine with described Between pump, described pump is optionally mechanically coupled to described engine or by institute by described clutch State pump to disconnect with described engine；

Control system, described control system operates into () and selects to supply to described engine The average discharge of cooling agent and () control described clutch with by the circulation timei selected Interior switch to repeatedly open and close by described mechanical pump regardless of whether engine speed is the most all incited somebody to action The average discharge of the described selection of cooling agent is supplied to described engine, wherein, when described circulation Between Part I in, described clutch act as described pump is connected to described engine so that Cooling agent is fed into described engine, and in the Part II of described circulation timei, described Clutch act as disconnecting described pump with described engine so that substantially do not have cooling agent to be supplied to Described engine.

16. cooling systems according to claim 15, wherein, described circulation timei equal to or Less than 5 seconds, and the described Part I of described circulation timei was relative to the institute of described circulation timei Change with stating the duty cycle of Part II.

17. 1 kinds of methods that the water pump of the vehicle for having explosive motor is controlled, its In, described water pump has the maximum possible flow of relative cooling agent, and described method includes:

Step a) senses whether described engine has been started up；

Step b) is the average discharge of cooling agent described in described pump suction sump, wherein, and putting down of selection All flows are non-zero at least some situations and are less than described maximum possible flow；And

Step c) controls the operation of described water pump by alternately starting and stop described water pump, To provide the average discharge of the described selection of described cooling agent until the temperature of described engine is by really Till being set to the target engine temperature at least selected,

Wherein, step c) includes that starting described water pump continued for the first selection period and stop institute subsequently Stating water pump and continue at least one circulation of the second selection period, wherein, described first period is chosen Become to make it possible to, while substantially not having cooling agent to flow out described engine, to will be adjacent to described sending out The cooling agent of the relatively focus of first in motivation is relative with adjacent to second in described engine The cooling agent mixing of relatively cold spot.

18. methods according to claim 17, wherein, step c) includes that at least one follows Ring, wherein, described first choosing period of time is to be delivered to by a small amount of cooling agent in described engine to incite somebody to action Corresponding a small amount of cooling agent is pushed to be in the downstream of described engine in described engine Temperature sensor, makes the part at least selected of described cooling agent be maintained at described engine simultaneously In.

19. methods according to claim 17, wherein, step c) includes that at least one follows Ring, wherein, described first choosing period of time is to be delivered to by a small amount of cooling agent in described engine to incite somebody to action Corresponding a small amount of cooling agent is pushed to be in the downstream of described engine in described engine Temperature sensor, and wherein, described first period is based at least partially on described engine and institute The distance stated between temperature sensor selects.