JP2002091788A - Method and system for version-up for car air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To distribute a versioned-up program or data for air conditioning control to the air conditioning control part of a vehicle. SOLUTION: After shipping, a user U transmits working information Inf or the like of an air conditioner to a host computer HST of a vehicle maker M by using a terminal equipment PC. On the basis of the working information Inf or the like, the host computer HST distributes a program P or the like to the terminal equipment PC and the user U loads this program on a memory 22b. Thus, an optimal air conditioning function different for each user U of a vehicle 1 can be provided. Further, even when the defect of an algorithm is discovered, by distributing a corrected program to the terminal equipment PC, repairing is enabled and both costs and labor can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and system for upgrading a car air conditioner, which can efficiently and accurately upgrade the version of the car air conditioner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A car air conditioner generally has an operation panel having an input section for setting a temperature and an air volume in a vehicle, and an air conditioning control section based on the temperature and the air volume set through these input sections. Are configured to perform control such as changing the angle of a mix damper that changes the mixing ratio of cold air and hot air, and changing the rotation speed of a blower for blowing air.

[0003] When the vehicle is shipped, the control parameters such as the opening degree of the mix damper and the number of rotations of the blower are defined in advance so as to be controlled in accordance with a predetermined algorithm with respect to a set temperature and a set air volume.

[0004]

However, air conditioning has various uses and feelings depending on individual differences and preferences of users, or depending on regions where the vehicle is used. For this reason, it is difficult to realize an air-conditioning function that satisfies all users and an efficient air-conditioning function only by making uniform settings at the time of shipment. In addition, when a defect is found in an algorithm after shipment and hardware replacement is required, enormous cost and labor may be required.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following measures.

That is, the version upgrade method for a car air conditioner according to the present invention utilizes a computer system, and distributes the upgraded air conditioning control program or data to the air conditioning control unit of the vehicle. It is characterized in that.

According to such a method, when the air-conditioning function is not sufficiently satisfactory for the user or when there is a problem with the air-conditioning function, if the upgraded program or data is distributed, it is transmitted to the air-conditioning system of the vehicle. The air conditioning function can be improved and improved simply by installing it in the control unit. And, of course, this version upgrade may be performed uniformly, but if it is performed individually for each vehicle, the air conditioning function will be improved and improved according to the individual differences and preferences of the users and the location. Can be individually and specifically addressed. Moreover, the present invention requires only soft replacement.
The hardware is economical because it does not require replacement.
Version upgrade can be completed quickly in a short time.

As a specific configuration for this purpose, a distribution means such as a server for distributing the upgraded air-conditioning control program or data to the air-conditioning control unit of the vehicle may be provided. On the other hand, the air-conditioning control unit can be operated by installing a program, and it is sufficient if the program is configured to be rewritable.

[0009] In order to accurately upgrade the version,
It is desirable to receive the provision of the operation information on the air-conditioning control, and to distribute an air-conditioning control program or data upgraded based on the operation information. To this end, a reception unit for receiving provision of operation information on air conditioning control is provided, and a program or data for air conditioning control upgraded based on the operation information received by the reception unit may be distributed to the distribution unit. Good.

In order to efficiently collect operation information, it is effective to handle operation data extracted from the air conditioning control unit of the vehicle as the operation information.

[0011] In order to realize more individual and specific measures, it is particularly preferable to use usage data issued by the user regarding the usage status of the air conditioner as operation information.

In order to easily upgrade the version at home or the nearest office, it is preferable that the distribution of the program or the data and the reception of the operation information can be performed through a network.

[0013]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The vehicle operation data collecting method and system of this embodiment is intended for an electric vehicle equipped with a car air conditioner. As shown conceptually in FIG.
Operation data d1 related to air conditioning control from the air conditioning control unit 10 of FIG.
Or the usage data d2 relating to the usage status of the air conditioner is taken from the user U, and the air conditioning control program or data is upgraded based on the air conditioner operation information Inf (d1, d2), and the version is upgraded. Program P or data D
Can be distributed to users through a network NW such as the Internet.

More specifically, the air-conditioning control unit 10
As illustrated in FIG. 3, a mix damper 15 arranged in a flow path 13 communicating between an air intake port 11 for taking in outside air or room air and an air outlet 12 and having a variable opening degree by an actuator, Heat exchangers 16a and 16b arranged upstream and downstream of the flow path 13 near the mix damper 15 for exchanging the taken-in external air with the refrigerant, and refrigerant circulation for circulating the refrigerant through the heat exchangers 16a and 16b A circuit 17, a motor-driven compressor 19 that compresses the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 17 through rotation control by an inverter 18, an air intake blower 20 disposed near the air intake 11, and a set temperature. An operation panel 21 provided with input units 21a and 21b for inputting T and a set air volume W, a set temperature T and a set air input to the operation panel 21 The inverter 18 based on the W,
An auto amplifier 22 that outputs a control signal to the blower 20 and the mix damper 15 is provided.

In the case of this embodiment, the auto amplifier 22 includes a CPU 22a, a memory 22b, and an interface 2
The memory 22b has a program for controlling the inverter 18, the blower 20, and the mix damper 15 with respect to a set temperature T and a set airflow W in the memory 22b. Is stored. The CPU 22a sets the set temperature T and the set airflow W to perform predetermined air-conditioning control according to the program.
, The rotation speed calculation for the inverter 18 and the blower 20 and the opening degree calculation for the mix damper 15 are performed.

In the figure, the reference numeral 23 designates a sensor for detecting the outside air temperature t1, a sensor 24 for detecting the inside air temperature t2, a sensor 25 for detecting the amount of solar radiation v, and a reference numeral 26 for controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant. It is a throttle valve. The detected outside air temperature t1, inside air temperature t2, and solar radiation amount v are treated as correction parameters in the air conditioning control described below.

Here, an example of the air conditioning control will be schematically described with reference to FIG. For example, cool air by cooling (5 ° C. to 1
(5 ° C.), the input unit 21a is operated to a position between A and A. The auto amplifier 22 controls the throttle valve 26 of the refrigerant circuit 17 to an appropriate throttle amount. At this time, the opening calculating function of the auto amplifier 22 calculates the opening θ corresponding to the full cold, and moves the mix damper 15 to the full cold position.
Activate A. In addition, the rotation speed calculation function of the auto amplifier 22 calculates the highest rotation speed N when the set temperature T is A, and decreases the rotation speed N as the set temperature T shifts to the direction A. The lowest rotational speed N is calculated. Therefore, by adjusting the input unit 21a to the positions A to A, the rotation speed N of the compressor 19 is changed,
Is controlled to increase or decrease the amount of circulating refrigerant, and control in the low-temperature region of the blowing temperature becomes possible.

In the spring, autumn, etc., when an air temperature in the intermediate temperature range (for example, 15 ° C. to 30 ° C.) is required by dehumidifying and heating, the input unit 21a is operated to a position between a and c. The auto amplifier 22 is connected to the throttle valve 26 of the refrigerant circuit 17.
Is controlled to an appropriate aperture amount. At this time, the auto amplifier 2
The opening degree calculation function 2 calculates the opening degree θ corresponding to full cold at the position of A, and changes the opening degree θ in the hot direction as the position is changed to C. The rotation speed calculation function of the auto amplifier 22 calculates a constant rotation speed N while the set temperature is between a and c. Therefore, by adjusting the input portion 21a at the positions A to C, the opening degree θ of the mix damper 15 can be changed between the full cold position A and the full hot position B, and the control of the blowing temperature in the medium temperature region can be performed. Become.

Further, when warm air (for example, 30 ° C. or more) for heating is required, the input unit 21a is operated at a position between “W” and “D”. The auto amplifier 22 controls the throttle valve 26 of the refrigerant circuit 17 to an appropriate throttle amount. At this time, the opening calculating function of the auto amplifier 22 calculates the mix damper opening θ corresponding to full hot, and operates the mix damper 15 to the full hot position B. Also, the rotation speed calculation function of the auto amplifier 22 has the lowest rotation speed N when the set temperature T is c.
Is calculated, and as the set temperature T shifts toward d, the rotational speed N
Is increased, and the highest rotational speed N at the position d is calculated.
Therefore, by operating the input unit 21a at the positions of (a) to (d), the rotation speed N of the compressor 1 is changed, the throttle is controlled to increase or decrease the amount of circulating refrigerant, and the blowout temperature can be controlled in a low temperature range. Become.

On the other hand, the manual air flow W
Is set, the auto amplifier 22 outputs the rotation speed X of the blower 20 and the rotation speed N of the inverter 18 calculated based on the temperature T set by the input unit 21a.
Is corrected so that the lower the air volume, the lower the rotation.
It reduces excess cooling and heating capacity and prevents freezing during cooling.

In addition, the auto amplifier 22 of this embodiment
Inputs detection values t1, t2, and v from the outside air temperature detection sensor 23, the inside air temperature detection sensor 24, and the solar radiation amount detection sensor 25, and performs correction to lower the set temperature T as they are higher.

With respect to such an air conditioning control unit 10, FIG.
The method and system for upgrading the air conditioner according to the present embodiment shown in FIG.
Then, the operation data d1 is detected and recorded as operation information inf during the operation of the air conditioner. The operation data handled here includes, for example, the set temperature set by the user.
T, manual airflow W set by the user, outside air temperature t1,
The internal temperature t2, the amount of solar radiation v, and the like.

FIG. 5 shows one mode of the data collection by a simple flowchart. In this flowchart, the CPU 22a samples the outside air temperature t1, the inside air temperature t2, the amount of solar radiation v, the set temperature T, and the set airflow W at a predetermined sampling interval at the start of air conditioning, and calculates an average value thereof when air conditioning is stopped. In the memory 22b. Obviously, the method of collecting data is not limited to this.

On the other hand, as shown conceptually in FIG. 1, the recorded operation data d1 connects a terminal PC disposed in a home or the like to the auto amplifier 22 with a cable or interposes an appropriate recording medium. Thus, the auto amplifier 22
From the memory 22b of the terminal PC to the memory of the terminal PC. Also, this terminal PC
The terminal PC can be connected to the host computer HST of the maker M provided on the network NW, and the transferred operation data d1 can be transmitted from the terminal PC to the host computer HST.

The maker M is a host computer.
In response to a request from the user U who has accessed the HST, transmitting a check sheet in question form to the terminal PC via the network NW, and receiving a check sheet checked by the user U, The air conditioner use status data d2 of the user U can be downloaded as the operation information data inf. The host computer HST functions as a receiving unit of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data transfer between the terminal PC used by the user U and the host computer HST on the maker M side while standing on the host computer HST side. The relationship between the terminal PC and the host computer HST is, for example, the relationship between a client and a server. To the host computer HST, the terminal PC W
The connection can be made using a WW browser or the like. First,
The host computer HST provides
Display the upgrade menu screen. here,
For example, a button for selecting whether the host computer HST receives the operation data d1 required for the version upgrade or the usage data d2 is provided. When receiving the usage status data d2, a check sheet or the like is distributed from the host computer HST to the terminal PC in advance. The host computer HST stores the operation information data inf
When (d1 or d2) is received, an upgrade program is created automatically. Then, the program P serves as a distribution means of the present invention for distributing the program P to the accessing user terminal PC. Needless to say, there may be a step in which manual steps are involved in creating the version upgrade program. If there is a quality bug in the air-conditioner control program at the time of shipment of the vehicle, etc., a version upgrade recommendation is displayed positively on the menu screen, and the version upgrade program P created in advance by the manufacturer for connected users. May be downloaded.

User U who received program P
Loads a new control program P into the memory 22b of the auto amplifier 22 by connecting the terminal PC and the auto amplifier 22 with a cable or by interposing an appropriate recording medium. Thereby, the air-conditioning control unit 10 of the car air conditioner executes the air-conditioning control according to the program P.

Such a version upgrade can be performed for various purposes and modes. To give some examples, using the received set temperature data T, correction data is calculated for the opening degree θ of the mix damper 15 for controlling the blowout temperature illustrated in FIG. 4, and this data is incorporated into a program. Upgrade the version. When this version-up program P is newly stored in the memory 22b of the air-conditioning control unit 10, the control can be changed so that, for example, a slightly warmer person can set a slightly lower temperature.

Alternatively, the accumulated manual air volume data
Using W, the air volume that the user prefers (small preference, large preference, etc.) is assumed, the correction data of the rotation speed X for the blower 20 is calculated, and this data is incorporated into a program to upgrade the version. When this version-up program P is newly stored in the memory 22b of the air-conditioning control unit 10, the control can be changed so that, for example, a person who does not like to have a large amount of air can set a smaller amount of air. .

In the case of the inverter 18, the accumulated outside air temperature t1 and inside air temperature t2 during the air-conditioning operation, and the solar radiation amount data are stored.
Based on v, an environment in which air conditioning is performed (a hot summer area, a normal area, etc.) is assumed, drive conditions such as phase data input to the inverter 18 are calculated, and this data is incorporated into a program to upgrade the version. When this version-up program P is newly stored in the memory 22b of the air-conditioning control unit 10, it is possible to realize, for example, control for driving the inverter under conditions that are optimal for energy saving.

As described above, in the method of upgrading the car air conditioner according to the present embodiment, the upgraded air conditioning control program P is distributed to the air conditioning control unit 10 of the vehicle using the computer system. I am trying to do it.

For this reason, when the air-conditioning function is not sufficiently satisfactory for the user U or when there is a problem with the air-conditioning function, if the upgraded program P is distributed, it is installed in the air-conditioning control unit 10 of the vehicle. By simply doing so, the air conditioning function can be improved and improved extremely easily. In addition to this version upgrade, uniform functions can be improved, and if performed individually for each user, it is possible to individually and specifically cope with individual differences, preferences, and locations of users. In addition, the version upgrade requires only software replacement, and the hardware portion does not need to be replaced. Therefore, it is economical and the version upgrade can be completed quickly and in a very efficient manner.

In addition, since the provision of the operation information inf relating to the air conditioning control is received and the air conditioning control program P upgraded based on the operation information inf is distributed, the version upgrade is performed based on the highly accurate information. Can be performed accurately.

Since the operation data d1 is taken out from the air conditioning control unit 10 of the vehicle as the operation information inf, the data collection efficiency is high, and the operation information inf can be periodically collected during charging or the like. It becomes possible.

In addition, since the usage data d2 issued by the user regarding the usage status of the air conditioner is also handled as operation information, it is not listed as the operation data d1 such as the body sensitivity of the individual. Individual correspondence can be performed more accurately based on data having a large individual difference.

Further, the distribution and operation information i of the program P
Since the reception of nf is performed through the network NW, the version upgrade can be easily performed at home or the nearest office.

The specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0039]

The present invention is embodied in the form described above and has the following effects.

That is, according to the method of upgrading the vehicle according to the present invention, the upgraded air-conditioning control program and data can be distributed to the air-conditioning control unit of the vehicle using the computer system. .

For this reason, it is possible to easily and individually adjust the air-conditioning function for each user's vehicle, and effectively realize an air-conditioning function satisfying all users and an efficient air-conditioning function. is there. In addition, since the air conditioning function can be modified after shipment by uniform software processing, the cost and labor involved in this type of work can be significantly reduced as compared with the related art.

When the provision of the operation information on the air conditioning control is received and the air-conditioning control program or data upgraded based on the operation information is distributed, the version upgrade can be accurately performed based on the highly accurate information. Performance can be effectively improved.

When the operation data obtained from the air-conditioning control unit of the vehicle is used as the operation information, the data collection efficiency can be greatly improved. Individual correspondence can be performed more finely based on large data.

Further, when the distribution of programs and data and the reception of operation information are performed via a network, it is possible to easily upgrade the version at home or the nearest office.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an air conditioner to be collected in the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioner.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for recording operation data in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the whole embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 1… Vehicle (electric vehicle) 10… Air-conditioning control unit d1… Operation data d2… Usage condition data inf… Operation information

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 9/445 G06F 9/06 640A (72) Inventor Minoru Kajiya 1006 Odakadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Incorporated F term (reference) 3L060 AA01 AA04 AA08 CC19 DD05 DD08 EE01 5B076 AC01 AC03 AC09 BB06 5H215 AA10 AA11 BB10 CC07 CX04 GG04 HH03 KK06

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A version upgrade of a car air conditioner using a computer system, comprising a step of distributing an upgraded air conditioning control program or data to an air conditioning controller of a vehicle. Method. 2. The car air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a step of receiving provision of operation information related to air conditioning control, and distributing an upgraded air conditioning control program or data based on the operation information. How to upgrade. 3. The method for upgrading a car air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the operation information is operation data extracted from an air conditioning control unit of the vehicle. 4. The method for upgrading a car air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the operation information is use condition data issued by a user regarding the use condition of the air conditioner. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the distribution of the program or data is performed through a network.
Or, the method of upgrading the car air conditioner according to 4. 6. The method for upgrading a car air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the operation information is received through a network. 7. An upgrade system for a car air conditioner, comprising a distribution means for distributing an upgraded air conditioning control program or data to an air conditioning controller of a vehicle. 8. An air-conditioning control program or data upgraded based on the operating information received by the receiving means, the receiving means being provided with receiving means for providing operating information related to the air-conditioning control. The upgrade system for a car air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The version upgrade system for a car air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein the operation information is operation data extracted from an air conditioning control unit of the vehicle. 10. The method for upgrading a car air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein the operation information is use condition data issued by the user regarding the use condition of the air conditioner. 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the distribution of the program or data is performed through a network.
The car air conditioner upgrade system according to 9 or 10. 12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the operation information is received through a network.