JP2006291908A - Electric fan control device for engine cooling system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system capable of enhancing engine protecting efficiency at abnormal time. <P>SOLUTION: In the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system equipped with a cooling fan 1 for blowing air to a radiator 2 of the engine cooling system, an electric motor 3 for driving the cooling fan 1, and a control unit 4 for controlling the electric motor 3 based on an input signal, the control unit 4 is shifted to engine protection priority control for giving priority to engine protection when a water temperature sensor 7 is determined as being abnormal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device that controls driving of an electric motor that rotates a cooling fan used in an engine cooling system of a vehicle, and particularly relates to control when an abnormality occurs.

  Conventionally, an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system that controls rotation of a cooling fan for cooling a radiator used in an engine cooling system in a vehicle based on inputs from a temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an air conditioner switch, and the like. Are known.

Further, in such an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system, there is known an apparatus in which energization to an electric motor is stopped when an abnormality occurs (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-11-182244

  However, in the prior art, since the control of the electric motor is stopped in the event of an abnormality, even if there is no abnormality in the engine cooling system such as a sensor abnormality, the energization of the electric motor is stopped and the engine is stopped. There was a problem that cooling performance deteriorated.

  Furthermore, in the prior art, when an abnormality occurs, no warning is given to the vehicle occupant, and the vehicle occupant cannot know the occurrence of the abnormality. In addition, in order to notify the occurrence of this abnormality, a device for displaying it or generating a warning sound is required, which increases the number of components and increases the time and effort for considering the installation layout of these devices.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system that can enhance engine protection performance in the event of an abnormality, and also provides an engine cooling system that enables warning in the event of an abnormality without increasing the number of parts. An object of the present invention is to provide an electric fan control device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and detects a cooling fan that blows air to a heat exchanger of an engine cooling system, an electric motor that drives the cooling fan, and a temperature related to the engine cooling system. Motor control means for controlling the electric motor based on an input from an input means including a temperature sensor, wherein the motor control means has an abnormal temperature sensor. When the determination is made, the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system shifts to engine protection priority control giving priority to engine protection.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to the first aspect, the engine protection priority control ignores control of the electric motor by other control, and the electric motor is It is characterized in that the control is driven at the maximum rotation speed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the first aspect, the engine protection priority control ignores control of the electric motor by other control, and the temperature sensor It is control which drives the said electric motor by the control rotation speed corresponding to the normal time whose detected temperature is low temperature.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the motor control means may be such that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is an engine cooling system. It is characterized in that it is determined that the temperature sensor is abnormal when no temperature is detected.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the motor control unit is based on detection of a temperature sensor as the other control. When the detected temperature is high, overtemperature protection control for driving the electric motor at a rotation speed that promotes cooling is performed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to the fifth aspect, the overtemperature protection control is performed when the engine coolant temperature is 125 ° C. or higher.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the motor control means determines an abnormality determination temperature of the temperature sensor from an execution temperature of the overtemperature protection control. Is set to a high temperature, and after executing the engine protection priority control, a hysteresis is set to maintain the engine protection priority control even when the detected temperature is lower than the abnormality determination temperature.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cooling fan that blows air to a heat exchanger of an engine cooling system, an electric motor that drives the cooling fan, and motor control that performs PWM control on the electric motor based on an input signal. And an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system, wherein the motor control means outputs an audible frequency PWM signal to the electric motor to generate a warning sound by a motor PWM driving sound when abnormal. This is an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to the eighth aspect, the motor control means performs unidirectional communication having no mutual communication function.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the motor control means cancels the warning control when the control to the electric motor is stopped. Features.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, wherein the temperature sensor detects a temperature related to the engine cooling system when the abnormality occurs. It is characterized by including an abnormal time.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the warning control is performed in advance after the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on. It is characterized by executing for a set time.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the warning control is executed during an abnormal period. To do.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, the abnormality time is a time when the device protection control for protecting the device is executed. It is characterized by including.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to the fourteenth aspect, the warning control is executed for a preset time from the start of execution of the device protection control. And

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to the fourteenth aspect, the warning control is executed during an execution period of the device protection control.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, the device protection control includes an overtemperature state of the engine, an overvoltage state of the electric motor, This is performed in at least one of the overcurrent states of the electric motor.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of the eighth to seventeenth aspects, the motor control means, together with the warning control, when the temperature sensor is abnormal, The engine protection priority control according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is executed.

  In the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, when the temperature sensor is abnormal, it is possible to transit to engine protection priority control that prioritizes engine protection and protect the engine.

  The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 2 is configured such that when the temperature sensor is abnormal, other control on the electric motor is ignored and the electric motor is driven at the maximum number of rotations to maximize the cooling capacity of the cooling fan. Demonstrate engine protection.

  The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 3, when the temperature sensor is abnormal, ignores other controls on the electric motor, drives the electric motor at a normal control rotation speed, and cools by the cooling fan. To protect the engine.

  The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 4 determines that the sensor is open when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is not possible in the engine cooling system, and determines that the sensor cannot be restored to the normal state. Transition to priority control and reliably achieve engine protection.

  The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of claims 5 to 6 executes an overtemperature protection control for promoting cooling when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes high, so that the engine becomes hot. Suppress and improve engine protection performance.

  The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor determines that the temperature sensor is abnormal when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches a set temperature higher than the execution temperature of the overtemperature protection control. Execute priority control. Further, after the execution of the engine protection priority control is started, the engine protection priority control is maintained within a predetermined temperature range even if the temperature is lower than the abnormality determination temperature by setting the hysteresis.

  Therefore, when the temperature sensor is abnormal, the engine protection priority control is prioritized over the overtemperature protection control based on the detected value of the abnormal temperature sensor, and the end of the engine protection priority control is broadened by setting the hysteresis. Thereby, engine protection can be further ensured.

  According to the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to the eighth to eighteenth aspects, when an abnormality occurs, the motor control means executes warning control, and the electric motor generates a warning sound by the motor PWM driving sound of an audible frequency. Thus, the vehicle occupant can know the abnormality even without a dedicated means such as a buzzer or a display.

  Thus, since the warning sound is generated by the existing electric motor for driving the cooling fan, it is possible to issue a warning of occurrence of an abnormality without increasing the number of parts, which is advantageous in terms of cost. This is also advantageous in terms of in-vehicle layout.

  Furthermore, in the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system according to the ninth aspect, since the motor control means having no mutual communication function is used, the above effect can be obtained with an inexpensive configuration. That is, in the present invention, since the warning sound is generated by the electric motor, for example, it is not necessary to operate the warning sound generating means provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat such as an instrument panel. For this reason, the main control unit It is possible to perform abnormality determination and warning control by motor control means that does not require communication with the above and does not have a mutual communication function.

  In the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system according to the tenth aspect, the motor control means releases the warning control when stopping the control to the electric motor.

  In the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system according to the eleventh aspect, the vehicle occupant can know that an abnormality has occurred in the temperature sensor without using a dedicated means such as a buzzer or a display.

  In the invention described in claim 12, when an abnormality occurs, a warning sound is generated by warning control for a preset time after the occupant turns on the ignition switch.

  Thus, since the warning sound is emitted at the time of starting when the ignition switch is turned on, the warning sound can be reliably transmitted without being obstructed by running noise or the like.

  In the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system according to the thirteenth aspect, a warning sound is generated continuously during an abnormality. Thus, since the warning sound is continuously generated during the abnormal time, the warning sound can be reliably transmitted to the vehicle occupant.

  In the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claims 14 to 17, for example, when device protection control for protecting devices such as an engine and an electric motor is executed, warning control is executed and a warning sound is emitted. In the invention described in claim 15, the warning to be performed at the time of device protection control is performed for a preset time after the device protection control is started. In the invention described in claim 16, the device protection control is executed. Do as long as you are. According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, at least one of an overtemperature state where the engine temperature is too high, an overvoltage state where the supply voltage to the electric motor is too high, and an overcurrent state where the supply current to the electric motor is too high Execute device protection control in the state.

  Accordingly, in the inventions according to these fourteenth to seventeenth aspects, the vehicle occupant is in a state where it is necessary to protect the equipment such as the engine and the electric motor without the dedicated means such as the buzzer and the display, and It is possible to know from the warning sound that the device protection control for protecting these devices is being executed.

  In the invention described in claim 18, when the temperature sensor is abnormal, the motor control means issues a warning by warning control and executes engine priority protection control to protect the engine.

  Therefore, when the temperature sensor is abnormal, the engine is surely protected, and the vehicle occupant can know this abnormality even without a dedicated means such as a buzzer or a display.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of this embodiment includes a cooling fan 1 that blows air to a heat exchanger (radiator 2) in the engine cooling system, an electric motor 3 that drives the cooling fan 1, and an input signal. In the electric fan control device for an engine cooling system, which includes a motor control means (control unit 4) for controlling the electric motor 3 on the basis, the motor control means (control unit 4) is a water temperature sensor 7 as a temperature sensor. Changed to engine protection priority control that prioritized engine protection.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an electric fan control device A for an engine cooling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in terms of configuration, the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the first embodiment includes a cooling fan 1. The cooling fan 1 blows air to a radiator 2 that is a heat exchanger for cooling an engine (not shown), and is driven by an electric motor 3.

  The drive of the electric motor 3 is controlled by a PWM signal output from a control unit 4 serving as motor control means.

  The control unit 4 operates by receiving power supply from an in-vehicle battery 5 as a power source, and controls a voltage output to the electric motor 3 by PWM control. The control unit 4 has a controller 41 that outputs a signal corresponding to an output voltage based on input signals Sign, Tsen, Vsen, and Isen, which will be described later, and has a switching element inside to respond to an output from the controller 41. And a PWM drive / output circuit 42 for outputting the PWM signal.

  The signals input to the controller 41 include an ON / OFF signal Sign from the ignition switch 6 and a water temperature signal from a water temperature sensor 7 (temperature sensor in claims) that detects the water temperature of the radiator 2. Tsen, a voltage signal Vsen from a voltage detection circuit 43 that detects an applied voltage to the electric motor 3, and a current signal Isen from a current detection circuit 44 that detects an applied current to the electric motor 3 are included. .

  The control unit 4 controls the driving of the electric motor 3 based on the input signals Tsen, Vsen, and Isen. In the first embodiment, the normal temperature control and the overtemperature protection control included in the device protection control are performed. And engine protection priority control and warning control.

  The normal time control, overtemperature protection control, and engine protection priority control are performed while the ignition switch 6 is turned on, and for a predetermined time after the ignition switch 6 is switched from ON to OFF as necessary. Is a control for driving the electric motor 3 based on the detected water temperature Tw indicated by the water temperature signal Tsen. That is, the controller 41 determines an output based on the temperature characteristics shown in FIG. 2, and outputs a PWM signal corresponding to the output from the PWM drive / output circuit 42. By this PWM signal, the electric motor 3, that is, the number of rotations of the electric motor 3 and the cooling fan 1 is determined.

  As shown in FIG. 2, normal control is executed when the detected water temperature Tw detected by the water temperature sensor 7 is a low temperature of 0 ° C. or higher and lower than 125 ° C., and when the detected water temperature Tw is a high temperature of 125 ° C. or higher, an overtemperature is detected. Protection control is executed, and engine protection priority control is executed when the detected water temperature Tw is 300 ° C. or higher.

  First, the normal time control will be described.

  In the normal time control executed when the detected water temperature Tw is a low temperature of 0 ° C. to 125 ° C., the normal temperature control output with the PWM signal set in advance is determined. Thereby, the electric motor 3 performs rotation at a preset low speed, that is, low speed rotation.

  Next, the overtemperature protection control will be described.

  In the over-temperature protection control executed when the detected water temperature Tw is higher than 125 ° C., the PWM signal is determined as a low-high temperature control output higher than the normal temperature control output when the detected water temperature Tw is in the range of 125 ° C. or higher and lower than 149 ° C. To do. Thereby, the electric motor 3 rotates at a low and high speed higher than the low speed rotation, that is, performs a low and high speed rotation.

  In the range where the detected water temperature Tw is not less than 149 ° C. and less than 150 ° C., the PWM signal is determined to be a medium / high temperature control output higher than the preset low / high temperature control output. As a result, the electric motor 3 rotates at a medium to high speed that is higher than the low and high speed rotation, that is, performs medium to high speed rotation.

  Further, when the detected water temperature Tw becomes 150 ° C. or higher, the PWM signal is determined to be a high / high temperature control output that is higher than the preset medium / high temperature control output. As a result, the electric motor 3 rotates at a high and high rotation speed higher than the medium and high rotation speed, that is, performs high and high speed rotation.

  In the above-described over-temperature protection control, hysteresis is given, and once the control temperature is determined as one of the low-high temperature control output, the medium-high temperature control output, and the high-high temperature control output, the detected water temperature Tw decreases to 115 ° C. Until that time, the determined control output is maintained.

  In the first embodiment, when the detected water temperature Tw is 150 ° C. or higher, the high-high temperature control output determined by the over-temperature protection control is maintained until engine protection priority control described later is executed.

  Next, the engine protection priority control will be described.

  This engine protection priority control is a control for determining the PWM signal as a normal temperature control output when the detected water temperature Tw becomes 300 ° C. or higher. That is, it is impossible for the water temperature of the radiator 2 to be 300 ° C. and 175 ° C. described later. In this case, the water temperature sensor 7 determines that the water temperature is abnormal. In such a case, it is assumed that it is impossible to return to normal control, and in order to protect the engine (not shown), the electric motor 3 is rotated at a low speed by using a PWM signal as a normal temperature control output. To maintain.

  The normal temperature control output by this engine protection priority control is provided with a hysteresis that is maintained until the detected water temperature Tw becomes 175 ° C. or lower.

  Next, the warning control will be described. This warning control is a control for generating a warning sound using the electric motor 3 at the time of abnormality.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a warning control routine according to the first embodiment. This warning control is started by switching the ignition switch 6 from the OFF state to the ON state, and is repeated at a predetermined control cycle.

  In step S1, 1 is added to the timer count t0.

  In the next step S2, it is determined whether or not the detected water temperature Tw of the water temperature sensor 7 has exceeded an abnormal water temperature Tab that indicates a preset abnormality of the water temperature sensor 7. If YES, that is, if Tw> Tab, the process proceeds to step S3. That is, when Tw ≦ Tab, one control flow is finished. Note that the abnormal water temperature Tab is a temperature that cannot be the water temperature of the radiator 2 and is, for example, a temperature higher than 150 ° C., and is set to 175 ° C. in the first embodiment.

  In step S3, it is determined whether or not the accumulated timer count t0 has exceeded a preset set time tset after turning on the ignition switch 6 (after executing this warning control routine), and YES, that is, t0> tset. In this case, the process proceeds to step S6. The set time tset is a short time of about 1 minute to 10 minutes.

  In step S4, a warning operation is executed. In this warning operation, an audible frequency PWM signal is output to the electric motor 3 to generate a warning sound by a motor PWM driving sound. That is, at the time of the warning operation, the PWM drive / output circuit 42 outputs a PWM signal having an audible frequency different from the frequency used in the normal time control, the overtemperature protection control, and the engine protection priority control. In the motor 3, electromagnetic vibration is generated and a warning sound is emitted.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not a motor control stop process, which is a control for the electric motor 3, has been performed. If YES, i.e., if the motor control stop determination is made, the process proceeds to step S6. In this case, one control flow is completed.

  The motor control stop process is performed when the ignition switch 6 is turned off, the input signal to the control unit 4 is turned off, a preset reset signal (this reset signal is used during repairs, etc. This is done when an input is entered.

  In step S6, the warning operation started in step S4 is canceled, and the timer count t0 is reset to zero. Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the timer count t0 is reset to 0 even when the ignition switch 6 is turned off.

  The control unit 4 also has a circuit that bypasses the ignition switch 6 and inputs power, but this configuration is not the gist of the present application, and therefore illustration and description thereof are omitted.

Next, the operation of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the first embodiment will be described.
(Normal time)
When there is no abnormality in the water temperature sensor 7 and the detected water temperature Tw detected by the water temperature sensor 7 is a low temperature lower than 125 ° C., the control unit 4 executes the normal control and is normal as shown in the temperature characteristic diagram of FIG. A PWM signal corresponding to the temperature control output is output, and the electric motor 3 is rotated at a low speed.

(Over temperature)
When the detected water temperature Tw detected by the water temperature sensor 7 rises to a high temperature of 125 ° C. or higher, the control unit 4 executes overtemperature protection control as shown in the temperature characteristic diagram of FIG.

  In this overtemperature protection control, when the detected water temperature Tw is in the range of 125 ° C. or higher and lower than 149 ° C., a PWM signal corresponding to the low high temperature control output is output, the electric motor 3 is rotated at a low speed, and engine cooling is promoted.

  Further, when the detected water temperature Tw is in the range of 149 ° C. or more and less than 150 ° C., a PWM signal corresponding to the medium / high temperature control output is output, the electric motor 3 is rotated at medium / high speed, and engine cooling is further promoted.

Further, when the detected water temperature Tw becomes 150 ° C. or higher, a PWM signal corresponding to the high-temperature control output is output, the electric motor 3 is rotated at a high speed, and the engine cooling is further promoted.
The low-speed rotation, medium-high speed rotation, and high-speed rotation of these electric motors 3 are maintained until the detected water temperature Tw decreases to 115 ° C., respectively.

  In this way, when the water temperature of the radiator 2 becomes high, the rotational speed of the electric motor 3, that is, the cooling fan 1, is made higher than usual so as to promote engine cooling and protect the engine outside the figure. Plan.

(When abnormal)
In the case of an abnormality exceeding the abnormal water temperature Tab (in this embodiment, 175 ° C.) that the water temperature Tw detected by the water temperature sensor 7 is not possible, the control unit 4 turns on the ignition switch 6 at the time of engine start and sets the set time tset. Until the time elapses, a warning sound is emitted using the electric motor 3.

  That is, when the ignition switch 6 is turned on and the detected water temperature Tw of the water temperature sensor 7 exceeds the abnormal water temperature Tab, the flow of steps S1 → S2 → S3 → S4 in the flowchart of FIG. Start.

  When this warning is activated, an audible frequency PWM signal that is different from the frequency used in the normal control, overtemperature protection control, and engine protection priority control is output to the electric motor 3 to warn by the motor PWM drive sound. Generate sound.

  Therefore, the vehicle occupant can know the abnormality of the water temperature sensor 7 by listening to a warning sound that is an operation sound of the electric motor 3 that is not familiar to the ear when the engine is started.

  In addition, when the timer count t0 accumulated after the ignition switch 6 is turned on exceeds the set time tset, the warning operation is a flow of steps S3 to S6, and the warning operation is canceled. Or, even before the timer count t0 reaches the set time tset, if the motor control stop process is performed, such as turning off the ignition switch 6, the flow of steps S5 to S6 is followed, and the warning operation is canceled. To do.

(Engine protection priority control)
When an abnormality occurs in the water temperature sensor 7 as described above and the detected water temperature Tw becomes 300 ° C. or higher, which is not possible, the control unit 4 outputs a PWM signal corresponding to the normal temperature control output as shown in FIG. Output and maintain the electric motor 3 at low speed.

  That is, when the water temperature sensor 7 is abnormal, it is impossible to return to normal control, so the overheat protection control is ignored and the electric motor 3 is maintained at a low speed to protect the engine.

  The low-speed rotation of the electric motor 3 by the engine protection priority control is maintained until the detected water temperature Tw becomes 175 ° C. or lower.

  As described above, in the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system of the first embodiment, when the detected water temperature Tw of the water temperature sensor 7 becomes an impossible temperature (300 ° C.), the other control is excessive. The engine protection priority control is executed ignoring the temperature protection control, and the electric motor 3 is rotated at a low speed without being stopped, and the engine cooling performance is ensured to ensure the engine protection.

  Further, in the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the first embodiment, when the water temperature sensor 7 is abnormal, the control unit 4 executes warning control, and the electric motor 3 generates a warning sound by the audible motor PWM driving sound. The vehicle occupant is informed of the abnormality even if there is no dedicated means such as a buzzer or a display.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, a warning is generated by the electric motor 3 for driving the existing cooling fan with an inexpensive configuration using the unidirectional communication control unit 4 having no mutual communication function and without increasing the number of parts. Since the sound is emitted, it is advantageous in terms of cost and also on the in-vehicle layout. In the first embodiment, as described above, an abnormality is determined based on the detected water temperature Tw of the water temperature sensor 7, and a warning sound is generated by driving the electric motor 7. Therefore, the determination and the warning control are performed. All can be performed in the control unit 4 that controls the drive of the electric motor 7. Therefore, there is no need to perform mutual communication with the main control unit (not shown) as in the case of operating a display device or a sound generating device provided on the instrument panel (not shown). The above control can be performed.

  Further, in the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the first embodiment, the warning by the electric motor 3 is performed until the set time tset elapses after the ignition switch 6 is turned on. The sound can be heard at the start without running noise, and the warning can be transmitted reliably.

  Further, since the warning is canceled when the motor control is stopped even before the set time tset elapses, the electric motor 3 is operated as a warning after the engine is stopped or reset by repair or the like. The operation can be optimized.

  Moreover, in the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system of the first embodiment, when the detected water temperature Tw detected by the water temperature sensor 7 rises to a high temperature of 125 ° C. or higher, the electric motor 7 ( Since the overheating protection control for rotating the cooling fan 1) at a higher speed as the temperature becomes higher, such as a low-speed rotation, a medium-speed rotation, and a high-speed rotation, is executed, the engine can be prevented from reaching a high temperature. In addition, at the time of this overtemperature protection control, hysteresis is given and high-speed rotation is maintained until the detected water temperature Tw decreases to 115 ° C., so that engine protection can be made more reliable.

  Next, an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  The electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the second embodiment is characterized in that a warning is issued during an abnormal period in warning control.

  FIG. 4 shows a control routine in the warning control of the control unit 4 of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the second embodiment. This control routine turns on the ignition switch 6 as in the first embodiment. From this time on, it is repeated at a predetermined control cycle.

  In step S21, as in step S2, it is determined whether or not the detected water temperature Tw has exceeded the abnormal water temperature Tab. If Tw> Tab is determined abnormal, the process proceeds to step S22 to perform a warning operation. Since this warning operation is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  The warning operation is maintained until it is determined in step S23 that the motor control is stopped. That is, if it is determined that the motor control is stopped, the process proceeds to step S24, and the warning control is released.

  As described above, in the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the second embodiment, since the warning sound from the electric motor 3 is continuously generated during the period when the water temperature sensor 7 is abnormal, dedicated means such as a buzzer and a display are provided. Even without it, a warning sound can be reliably transmitted to the vehicle occupant.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as or equivalent to those of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to Example 3 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  The electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the third embodiment is characterized in that the time when the over-temperature protection control is executed is included as an abnormality time when the warning control is executed.

  FIG. 5 shows a control routine in warning control of the control unit 4 of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the third embodiment. Note that this control routine is repeatedly executed at a predetermined control cycle after the ignition switch 6 is turned on as in the first embodiment.

  Step S31 is a determination as to whether or not the overtemperature protection control is being performed, and it is determined whether or not the detected water temperature Tw is a temperature range in which the overtemperature protection control is performed, 125 ° C. ≦ Tw ≦ 150 ° C. YES, that is, if 125 ° C. ≦ Tw ≦ 150 ° C., the process proceeds to step S32, and if NO, ie, other than 125 ° C. ≦ Tw ≦ 150 ° C., one flow is finished.

  In step S32, as in step S3 described above, it is determined whether the timer count t0 has exceeded the set time tset3. If YES, the process proceeds to step S35, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the same warning operation as in step S4 described above is performed, and here, the timer count t0 is accumulated.

  In step S34, the same motor control stop determination as in step S5 described above is performed, the process proceeds to step S35 with YES, and one flow is finished with NO.

  In step S35, the warning operation canceling process similar to step S6 described above is executed, and the timer count t0 is reset to zero.

Next, the operation of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the third embodiment will be described.
In the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, until the detected water temperature Tw is 125 ° C. or higher and the engine protection priority control is executed, the electric motor 3 is rotated at low and high speeds according to the detected water temperature Tw. Over-temperature protection control for rotating and rotating at high speed is executed (see FIG. 2).

  Under the temperature condition for executing this overtemperature protection control, the warning routine is performed and the warning sound is generated by the electric motor 3 in the flow of steps S31 → S32 → S33 in the control routine of FIG. Further, this warning operation is maintained until the set time tset3 elapses from the start of the warning operation based on the determination in step S32.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when the set time tset3 has elapsed from the start of the warning operation or when the motor control is stopped, the flow of steps S32 → S35 or the flow of steps S34 → S35 is followed to cancel the warning operation. At the same time, the timer count t0 is reset to zero.

  As described above, in the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system according to the third embodiment, the vehicle occupant can control the overtemperature protection because the water temperature of the radiator 2 becomes high even without a dedicated means such as a buzzer or a display. It can be known from the warning sound by the electric motor 3 that the process is executed.

  In addition, the time for issuing the warning sound is whether the set time tset3 elapses or the motor control is stopped before the set time tset3 elapses, and the warning control execution time can be optimized. it can.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as or equivalent to those of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to Example 4 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  The electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the fourth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment, and is an example in which the warning control is continuously executed during the overtemperature protection control.

  FIG. 6 shows a control routine in warning control of the control unit 4 of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the fourth embodiment.

  That is, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the overtemperature protection control is being executed as in S31 described above, and it is determined that the overtemperature protection control is being executed at 125 ° C. ≦ Tw ≦ 150 ° C., and the process proceeds to step S42. Perform warning action. This warning operation is the same as in the first embodiment.

  This warning operation is maintained until it is determined in step S43 that the motor control is stopped. If it is determined that the motor control is stopped, the process proceeds to step S44 to cancel the warning control.

  In the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system according to the fourth embodiment, the warning sound from the electric motor 3 is maintained during an abnormal period when it is determined that the overtemperature protection control is being executed. Even if there is no dedicated means such as that, it is possible to know that it is an abnormal state in which over-temperature protection control is executed.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as or equivalent to those of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to Example 5 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  In the control unit 4 of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the fifth embodiment, the rotational speed of the electric motor 3 in the engine protection priority control is different from that of the first embodiment.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7 showing temperature characteristics in the control unit 4 of the fifth embodiment, the control unit 4 has a detected water temperature Tw of the water temperature sensor 7 within a range of 175 ° C. ≦ Tw ≦ 300 ° C. When the engine protection priority control is executed by judging that 7 is abnormal, a PWM signal of a fully open control output higher than the high and high temperature control output is output to the electric motor 3, and the electric motor 3 is fully opened. Let it run.

  Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, while the water temperature sensor Tw detects an abnormal temperature, the electric motor 3 performs the full-open operation to ensure engine protection.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as or equivalent to those of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to Example 6 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  The electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the sixth embodiment restricts driving of the electric motor 3 when the voltage signal Vsen input from the voltage detection circuit 43 exceeds a preset voltage Vset as device protection control. Overvoltage protection control is executed.

  The electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the sixth embodiment is an example in which warning control is executed during a preset time tset6 during overvoltage protection control, and is a modification of the third embodiment. is there.

  FIG. 8 shows a control routine in warning control of the control unit 4 of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the sixth embodiment.

  In step S61, it is determined whether or not the voltage signal Vsen input from the voltage detection circuit 43 has exceeded a preset value Vset corresponding to a preset voltage for executing overvoltage protection control. Proceed to S62.

  In step S62, as in step S3 described above, it is determined whether the timer count t0 has exceeded the set time tset6. If YES, the process proceeds to step S65, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S63. In addition, since the process of step S63-S65 which is a process after this is the same as step S33-S35 of Example 3, description is abbreviate | omitted.

Next, the operation of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the sixth embodiment will be described.
In the sixth embodiment, overvoltage protection is executed when the voltage for executing overvoltage protection control is reached based on the voltage signal Vsen.

  Then, under the voltage condition for executing this overvoltage protection, in the control routine of FIG. 8, a flow of steps S61 → S62 → S63 is performed, a warning operation is performed, and a warning sound by the electric motor 3 is emitted. Further, this warning operation is maintained until the set time tset6 elapses from the start of the warning operation based on the determination in step S62.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when the set time tset6 has elapsed from the start of the warning operation or when the motor control is stopped, the flow of steps S62 → S65 or the flow of steps S64 → S65 is followed to cancel the warning operation. At the same time, the timer count t0 is reset to zero.

  As described above, in the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system of the sixth embodiment, the vehicle occupant executes the overvoltage protection control because the voltage becomes high even without a dedicated means such as a buzzer and a display. It can be known from the warning sound by the electric motor 3.

  In addition, the time for generating the warning sound is whether the set time tset6 elapses or whether the motor control is stopped before the set time tset6 elapses, and the warning control execution time can be optimized. it can.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as or equivalent to those of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, an electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to Example 7 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.

  The electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the seventh embodiment limits the drive of the electric motor 3 when the current signal Isen input from the current detection circuit 44 exceeds a preset set current Iset as device protection control. Overcurrent protection control is executed.

  The electric fan control device for the engine cooling system according to the seventh embodiment is an example in which warning control is executed in advance for a set time tset7 during overcurrent protection control, which is a modification of the third embodiment. is there.

  FIG. 9 shows a control routine in warning control of the control unit 4 of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system of the seventh embodiment.

  In step S71, it is determined whether or not the current signal Isen input from the current detection circuit 44 has exceeded the set value Iset corresponding to the current for executing the overcurrent protection control set in advance. Proceed to step S72.

  In step S72, as in step S3 described above, it is determined whether the timer count t0 has exceeded the set time tset7. If YES, the process proceeds to step S75, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S73. In addition, since the process of step S73-S75 which is a process after this is the same as step S33-S35 of Example 3, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, in the electric fan control device for the engine cooling system according to the seventh embodiment, the vehicle occupant has a high current flowing to the electric motor 3 such as when the cooling fan 1 is locked with a foreign object. When overvoltage protection control is executed, even if there is no dedicated means such as a buzzer or a display, this can be known by issuing a warning sound from the electric motor 3.

  In addition, the time for generating the warning sound is whether the set time tset7 elapses or whether the motor control is stopped before the set time tset7 elapses, and the warning control execution time can be optimized. it can.

  Other configurations and operational effects are the same as or equivalent to those of the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system according to the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the embodiment of the present invention and each of Examples 1 to 7 have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and each of Examples 1 to 7, and Design changes that do not depart from the gist of the invention are included in the present invention.

  That is, the warning control that emits a warning sound when the water temperature sensor 7 is abnormal shown in the first embodiment and the warning control that emits a warning sound during the overtemperature protection control shown in the third embodiment are performed in parallel. Also good.

  In the first to seventh embodiments, the water temperature sensor 7 is shown as a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature related to the engine cooling system. As this temperature sensor, the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the radiator 2 or the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the electric motor 3 is used. A temperature sensor that detects the temperature can also be used, and a plurality of these temperature sensors can also be used.

  In the flowcharts shown in the first to seventh embodiments, even during execution of the warning operation, abnormality determination (comparison determination of the detected water temperature Tw in steps S2 and S21, execution determination of over-temperature protection control in S31 and S41, and S61). However, when these determinations are performed by other routines, a flag indicating the determination result may be read and this flag determination may be performed. In that case, the flag may be reset when the motor control stop determination is made (steps S5, S23, S34S43, S64, and S74), so that a warning sound is not generated even after recovery from the abnormality.

It is a whole block diagram which shows the electric fan control apparatus A of the engine cooling system of Example 1 of the best embodiment of this invention. It is a temperature characteristic figure which shows the temperature characteristic of the output to the electric motor in the electric fan control apparatus of the engine cooling system of Example 1 of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow of warning control in the electric fan control apparatus of the engine cooling system of Example 1 of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow in warning control of the electric fan control apparatus of the engine cooling system of Example 2. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow in warning control of the electric fan control apparatus of the engine cooling system of Example 3. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow in warning control of the electric fan control apparatus of the engine cooling system of Example 4. It is a temperature characteristic figure which shows the temperature characteristic of the output to the electric motor in the electric fan control apparatus of the engine cooling system of Example 5. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow in the warning control of the electric fan control apparatus of the engine cooling system of Example 6. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow in warning control of the electric fan control apparatus of the engine cooling system of Example 7.

Explanation of symbols

1 Cooling fan 2 Radiator (heat exchanger)
3 Electric motor 4 Control unit (motor control means)
6 Ignition switch 7 Water temperature sensor (temperature sensor)

Claims (18)

A cooling fan for blowing air to the heat exchanger of the engine cooling system;
An electric motor that drives the cooling fan;
Motor control means for controlling the electric motor based on an input from an input means including a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature related to the engine cooling system;
In the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system with
An electric fan control device for an engine cooling system, wherein the motor control means shifts to engine protection priority control that prioritizes engine protection when it is determined that the temperature sensor is abnormal.   2. The engine cooling priority control according to claim 1, wherein the engine protection priority control is control for ignoring control of the electric motor by another control and driving the electric motor at a maximum rotation speed. Fan control device.   The engine protection priority control is control for driving the electric motor at a control rotational speed corresponding to a normal time in which the temperature sensor detects a low temperature while ignoring control of the electric motor by other control. The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 1, wherein   The said motor control means judges that a temperature sensor is abnormal when the detected temperature of the said temperature sensor detects the temperature which cannot be used as an engine cooling system. The electric fan control apparatus of the described engine cooling system.   The motor control means executes, as the other control, overtemperature protection control for driving the electric motor at a rotation speed that promotes cooling when the detected temperature is high based on detection by a temperature sensor. The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.   The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the overtemperature protection control is performed when the engine coolant temperature is 125 ° C or higher.   The motor control means sets the abnormality determination temperature of the temperature sensor to be higher than the execution temperature of the overtemperature protection control, and after executing the engine protection priority control, the detected temperature is higher than the abnormality determination temperature. The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein hysteresis for maintaining engine protection priority control is set even when the temperature is low. A cooling fan for blowing air to the heat exchanger of the engine cooling system;
An electric motor that drives the cooling fan;
Motor control means for PWM controlling the electric motor based on an input signal;
In the electric fan control device of the engine cooling system with
An electric fan control device for an engine cooling system, wherein the motor control means executes warning control for generating a warning sound by a motor PWM drive sound by outputting an audible frequency PWM signal to the electric motor in an abnormal state .   9. The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 8, wherein the motor control means performs unidirectional communication having no mutual communication function.   The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the motor control means cancels the warning control when the control to the electric motor is stopped.   The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the abnormal time includes an abnormal time of a temperature sensor that detects a temperature related to the engine cooling system.   The electric power for the engine cooling system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the warning control is executed for a preset time from when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on. Fan control device.   The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the warning control is executed during an abnormal period.   The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the abnormal time includes a time of executing device protection control for protecting the device.   The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 14, wherein the warning control is executed for a preset time from the start of execution of the device protection control.   The electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to claim 14, wherein the warning control is executed during an execution period of the device protection control.   17. The device protection control according to claim 14, wherein the device protection control is performed in at least one of an engine overtemperature state, an electric motor overvoltage state, and an electric motor overcurrent state. Electric fan control device for engine cooling system.   The engine control priority control according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the motor control unit executes the engine protection priority control according to any one of claims 1 to 7 together with the warning control when the temperature sensor is abnormal. An electric fan control device for an engine cooling system according to Item.

Images