JP2002225540A - Automatic air conditioner for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic air conditioner for a vehicle which can change over by automatically selecting operation that can provide more comfortable environment of the interior of the vehicle even in a cooling disabled state due to a compulsory stop of operation of a compressor at cooling operation time. SOLUTION: In the automatic air conditioner for the vehicle, which is provided with an air conditioning unit 1 that blows off air-conditioned introduced outside air or inside air to the interior of the vehicle and a control part 50 which controls operation of the air conditioner unit 1, and in which the control part 50 selects an inside air introduction mode at the cooling operation time, the first emergency operation mode, which changes over to an outside air introduction mode by interrupting the inside air introduction mode when an abnormal signal of the device is received at the cooling operation time, is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic air conditioner for a vehicle mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a vehicle air conditioner for cooling and heating and dehumidifying the interior of a vehicle, when the vehicle interior temperature desired by an occupant is set, the vehicle interior temperature is automatically adjusted by automatically adjusting a blowing mode, a blowing temperature, a blowing air volume and the like. Auto-air conditioners for vehicles that control the temperature to be kept constant have been developed and widely used.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a vehicle automatic air conditioner. This device includes an outside air temperature To detected by an outside air temperature sensor installed at an appropriate position outside the vehicle compartment, a vehicle interior temperature (hereinafter referred to as an indoor temperature) Ti detected by a room temperature sensor installed at an appropriate position inside the vehicle interior, By inputting the set temperature Ts set by the occupant by operating the switch provided on the operation unit to the control unit 50A, the air conditioner unit is calculated based on the calculation value obtained by the control unit 50A calculating the air conditioning load. 1 is performed. That is, if the occupant selects and sets the desired temperature Ts, the blowing mode, the blowing temperature, and the blowing volume of the air conditioner unit 1 are basically automatically reflected by environmental conditions such as the outside air temperature To and the room temperature Ti. Opening and closing operations of various dampers provided in the air conditioner unit 1 in accordance with this,
The operation of the blower fan and the compressor for circulating the refrigerant are automatically controlled. The calculation value serving as a reference for the above control is generally corrected by a detection value of a solar radiation sensor (not shown) or the like.

FIG. 4 shows the structure of the air conditioner unit 1 described above. The air conditioner unit 1 is an example of a unit installed in a general passenger car.
0, a blower unit 20, a cooler unit 30, and a heater unit 40. Hereinafter, the air conditioner unit 1 will be briefly described in the order of air flow.

[0005] The air introduced into the air conditioner unit 1 is switched to open / close operation of the inside / outside air switching damper 12 in the inside / outside air box 10, so that either the outside air (air outside the vehicle compartment) a or the inside air (air inside the vehicle compartment) b is provided. Either is selected. The introduced outside air a or inside air b (hereinafter referred to as introduced air) is sucked by a blower fan 21 provided in the blower unit 20 or passes through the air-conditioning duct AD as the traveling wind of the vehicle. It is sent to the evaporator 31 in the cooler unit 30 installed on the downstream side. The evaporator 31 is supplied with a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant from a refrigerant system during the cooling operation, and can perform cooling and dehumidification by exchanging heat with the introduced air passing through the evaporator 31.

[0006] A heater unit 40 is provided downstream of the evaporator 31, and a heater core 42 is provided inside the heater unit 40. During the heating operation, high-temperature engine cooling water is introduced into the heater core 42, and heat can be exchanged with air introduced through the heater core 42 to perform heating. Further, the flow rate of the introduced air passing through the heater core 42 can be adjusted by the opening degree of the air mix damper 43. As a result, the introduced air is adjusted to a desired temperature in the heater unit 40 or the heater unit 40
Damper 44 for each of the outlets 44, 45, 46 provided in
By interlocking with the opening and closing operations of a, 45a, and 46a, so-called head cold foot heat, in which warm air is blown to the feet at the same time as blowing cold air that does not pass through the heater core 42 to the occupant's head, is also possible. The reference numeral 44 indicates a defroster outlet,
45 is called a face outlet, and 46 is called a foot outlet.

[0007] The above-mentioned defroster outlet 44 is provided with hot air and dehumidified air so as to directly hit the inner surface of the windshield or the like in order to remove defrost on the windshield before running in winter and to remove fogging of the windshield during rainy weather. This air-conditioning operation mode is called “defroster blowing mode”. In addition, face outlet 4
Numeral 5 blows cold air toward the upper body of the occupant mainly during cooling operation in summer, and such an air-conditioning operation mode is a “face blowing mode” or a “vent blowing mode”.
is called. The foot outlet 46 blows out warm air to the feet of the occupant mainly during a heating operation in winter, and such an operation mode is a “foot outlet mode”.
is called.

Further, a "bi-level blowing mode" is used mainly in the middle period of spring and autumn to blow conditioned air from both the face outlet 45 and the foot outlet 46.
There is also an air-conditioning operation mode called, and in this case, it is general that the air blown out from the face air outlet 45 is head cold foot heat in which the temperature is lower than that of the foot air outlet 46. Some air conditioners are used especially in cold regions and have an air-conditioning operation mode called a “foot / diff blow-out mode” in which conditioned air (warm air) is blown out from both the defroster outlet 44 and the foot outlet 46.

[0009]

In the above-described conventional vehicle air conditioner, the control unit 50A automatically switches the inside air introduction mode in order to obtain a cooling effect in the passenger compartment in an operating condition requiring a large cooling capacity. It is designed to be selected. This is because, under operating conditions such as summer, when the cooling load is the largest, after performing cooling operation to some extent, the temperature and humidity of the inside air introduced from the cabin are lower than the outside air, This is because the temperature can be efficiently lowered (cooled). In general, the timing of the switching operation to the inside air introduction mode is determined by judging from the relationship between the outside air temperature To, the temperature Ti in the vehicle compartment, the amount of solar radiation, and the set temperature. However, such control of the switching operation is based on the premise that a vehicle auto air conditioner such as a compressor for circulating a refrigerant is normally operated.

On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs in the auto air conditioner or the compressor for the vehicle, a known protection system is activated to forcibly turn off the electromagnetic clutch to stop the operation of the compressor. The number of configured vehicle air conditioners is increasing. In such a conventional auto air conditioner for a vehicle, the operation of the compressor can be forcibly stopped and protected, but the operation is performed with the compressor stopped, that is, in the inside air introduction mode in a state where cooling is impossible. Will be done. For this reason, if the operation is continued in the inside air introduction mode, the temperature of the inside air circulating without being cooled becomes higher than that of the outside air due to various kinds of heat, so that the air conditioning feeling given to the occupant in the vehicle compartment is further deteriorated.
Such a driving situation is an emergency in which the compressor is forcibly stopped by the operation of the protection system. An air conditioner is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even if the operation of the compressor is forcibly stopped due to abnormality detection, manual stop, or the like, and the compressor cannot be cooled, It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicular auto air conditioner that can automatically select and switch driving that can provide a more comfortable vehicle interior environment.

[0012]

The present invention employs the following means to solve the above-mentioned problems. The vehicle auto air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: an air conditioner unit that air-conditions the introduced outside air or inside air and blows the air into the vehicle interior; and a control unit that controls operation of the air conditioner unit, wherein the control unit is configured to perform cooling. In a vehicular auto air-conditioning apparatus for selecting an inside air introduction mode during operation, a first emergency operation mode for interrupting the inside air introduction mode and switching to an outside air introduction mode when an abnormality signal of the apparatus is received during cooling operation is provided. It is assumed that.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first emergency operation mode for automatically switching from the inside air introduction mode to the outside air introduction mode in response to the abnormality signal of the apparatus during the cooling operation is provided. With this arrangement, in an operating condition in which the operation of the compressor is stopped and there is no cooling capacity, outside air having a lower temperature than the inside air can be introduced into the vehicle to improve the air conditioning feeling.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: an air conditioner unit that air-conditions the introduced outside air or inside air and blows the air into the vehicle interior; and a control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner unit. A second emergency operation mode in which when the compressor is stopped during the cooling operation, the internal air introduction mode is interrupted and the operation mode is switched to the outside air introduction mode in the vehicular automatic air-conditioning apparatus in which the unit selects the inside air introduction mode during the cooling operation. Is provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the second emergency operation automatically switches from the inside air introduction mode to the outside air introduction mode when the compressor is stopped during the cooling operation. Since the mode is provided, the outside air having a lower temperature than the inside air can be introduced into the vehicle in an operation state where there is no cooling capacity due to the stoppage of the compressor, and the air conditioning feeling can be improved.

In the vehicle air conditioner according to the first or second aspect, the selection switching between the inside air introduction mode and the outside air introduction mode is performed by a manual operation prior to the first or second emergency operation mode. Preferably.

[0017]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic air conditioner for a vehicle according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicular auto air conditioner according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an air conditioner unit configured as described in the related art, 2 denotes an outside air temperature sensor, and 3 denotes a room temperature. Reference numeral 4 denotes a solar radiation sensor, 50 denotes a control unit, 60 denotes an operation unit, and 70 denotes a compressor protection signal. The switching operation of the inside / outside air switching damper is performed by a dedicated inside / outside air switching damper operating motor 12a.

The outside air temperature sensor 2 is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature outside the vehicle compartment (outside air temperature To), and the detected value is input to the control unit 50. The room temperature sensor 3 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the vehicle (indoor temperature Ti), and the detected value is input to the control unit 50. The solar radiation sensor 4 detects the amount of solar radiation H of sunlight, and the detected value is input to the control unit 50.

The control unit 50 controls the outside air temperature sensor 2,
Based on various detection values and control signals input from the room temperature sensor 3, the solar radiation sensor 4, an operation unit 60 described below, and the like, an "air-conditioning load calculation" 51, a "determination of inside air or outside air" 52, etc. 1 has a function of controlling the operation. Specifically, the operation of the compressor for supplying the refrigerant to the evaporator, the operation of the engine to be introduced into the heater core, the operation of the engine to be introduced into the heater core, the operation of the compressor, the operation of the compressor, the operation of the compressor, and the operation of the air conditioner are automatically determined from the detected value and the set temperature. It controls the opening / closing operation of cooling water (hot water), various dampers, and the operation of a blower fan.

The operation unit 60 is installed, for example, at the center of the instrument panel so that various operations can be performed from the driver's seat. The operation unit 60 displays ON / OFF of the auto air conditioner, an operation of setting a desired vehicle interior temperature, a manual selection of an inside / outside air introduction mode, a manual selection of a blowing mode, an air volume, and the like, and various displays. A display unit and the like are provided. An operation signal and a set value of the operation unit 60 are input to the control unit 50, and the air conditioning unit 1
Is reflected in the operation control of

Specific operation signals and set values include a "set temperature Ts" 61 for setting a desired vehicle interior temperature by a set temperature operation switch, and an "A / C switch" for ON / OFF by an automatic air conditioner operation switch. A signal 62, and a "selection signal of inside / outside air switching operation" 63, which is selectively switched by a manual selection switch of the inside / outside air introduction mode. When the auto air conditioner operation switch is turned ON / OFF, for example, during the heating operation, the operation of the compressor can be stopped so that dehumidification and heating are not performed. The operation is turned ON / OFF.

In addition, a "compressor protection signal" 70, which is output when an abnormality occurs in the compressor or the vehicle air conditioner, is also input to the control unit 50. This “compressor protection signal” 70 is output, for example, when a pressure switch provided on the discharge side of the compressor detects abnormally high pressure, and simultaneously forcibly activates the electromagnetic clutch connected to the engine serving as the drive source. The compressor is turned off and the operation of the compressor is stopped.

In the automatic air conditioner for a vehicle according to the present invention, during the cooling operation in which the electromagnetic clutch is turned on to drive the compressor and supply the refrigerant to the evaporator, the "compressor protection signal" 70 Is output, or when the outside air introduction mode is selected by the "inside / outside air switching operation selection signal" 63, the control shown in FIG. In the first step 1 (S1), it is determined whether the selection of the inside / outside air switching operation is set to automatic or manual. As a result, if the manual selection switch of the inside / outside air introduction mode is turned ON and the selection of the inside / outside air switching operation is set to manual, the subsequent operation has a manual priority.

Accordingly, in the following step 2 (S2), either the inside air or the outside air is manually selected. If outside air is selected, the process proceeds to step 3 (S3) where the outside air mode is set, and if inside air is selected. Proceeding to step 4 (S4), the inside air mode is set. That is, when the setting is made manually in step 1, even if the auto air conditioner switch is ON, the introduction mode of the inside / outside air selectively switched by the occupant manually is given priority.

If the selection switch of the inside / outside air introduction mode is turned off in step 1 and the selection of the inside / outside air switching operation is set to automatic, the process proceeds to step 5 (S5), and the air conditioning load calculation 51 is performed. In the air-conditioning load calculation 51, the blowing mode, the blowing temperature, and the blowing air volume of the air conditioner unit 1 are determined based on the input values of the outside air temperature To, the room temperature Ti, the solar radiation H, and the set temperature Ts. Then, in the subsequent step 6 (S6), "determination of inside air or outside air" 52 is performed. As a result, if the operation mode for introducing outside air is selected according to the blowing mode, the blowing temperature, and the blowing air volume, the mode is automatically switched to the outside air mode in step 7 (S7).

If the inside air is selected in step 6, that is, if a high-load cooling operation is being performed,
In step 8 (S8), the state (ON / OFF) of the A / C switch signal 62 is determined. As a result, if the A / C switch signal 62 is turned off and the operation of the compressor is stopped, the circulation of the refrigerant supplied to the evaporator is also stopped and there is no cooling ability. Switch to outside air mode. In other words, since the air conditioner is in an unusual operating state in which the cooling capacity cannot be exhibited in a situation where a high-load cooling operation is required, the outside air having a lower temperature than the inside air can be blown into the vehicle interior. Is forcibly switched to the outside air introduction to be introduced into the vehicle interior.

In step 8, the A / C switch signal 62
In the state of N, that is, in an operating state where the compressor is operating and has a cooling capacity, the following step 9 (S
In 9), the presence or absence of the “compressor protection signal” 70 is determined. That is, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the compressor and the protection function is operating. As a result, when the protection function of the compressor is activated, the process proceeds to step 7 at the same time when the compressor is stopped to switch to the outside air mode. In other words, since the air conditioner is in an unusual operating state in which the cooling capacity cannot be exhibited in a situation where a high-load cooling operation is required, the outside air having a lower temperature than the inside air can be blown into the vehicle interior. Is forcibly switched to the outside air introduction to be introduced into the vehicle interior.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 9 that the protection function of the compressor is not operating, it is determined that normal operation is being performed (or normal operation is possible), and step 1 is performed.
The process proceeds to 0 to switch or maintain the inside air mode with good cooling efficiency. As a result, the inside air having a lower temperature than the outside air is cooled, so that the cooling operation can be performed more efficiently than the introduction of the outside air.

As described above, in the above-described auto air conditioner for a vehicle, the compressor is operated and the protection function of the compressor is operated in a cooling operation state having a cooling capacity, and the "compressor protection signal" 70 is output. Then, in step 9, a first emergency operation mode is provided in which the normal inside air mode is interrupted and the mode is forcibly switched to the outside air mode. Also, when the auto air conditioner operation switch is operated during the cooling operation to stop the operation of the compressor and the cooling capacity cannot be exhibited,
In step 8, a second emergency operation mode for interrupting the normal inside air mode and forcibly switching to the outside air mode is provided.

For this reason, in an emergency where the operation of the compressor is stopped or forced to stop while the vehicle auto air conditioner is operating, even in an operating condition where the inside air mode is selected as a result of the air conditioning load calculation. It is possible to forcibly select and switch to the outside air mode, and to lower the blowing temperature that rises due to the inside air circulation by introducing outside air, thereby minimizing the deterioration of the occupant's air conditioning feeling. That is, in an operating condition in which the inside air mode is selected as a result of the air conditioning load calculation, a cooling operation with a normal high load such as high outside air temperature or solar radiation intensity is required. If you continue driving, the temperature inside the cabin rises significantly from the outside air temperature due to heat generation from the electrical equipment and human body in the car, heat transfer from the engine room, and solar radiation. As a result, the deterioration of the occupant's feeling can be minimized.

The configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the description of the embodiment based on the above-described flowchart, Although both the first emergency operation mode and the second emergency operation mode are provided, the effect can be obtained with only one of them.

[0032]

According to the above-described vehicle air conditioner of the present invention, when the cooling operation becomes impossible during the cooling operation,
Control is performed to forcibly stop the introduction of inside air and switch to the introduction of outside air, so the introduction of outside air that has a lower temperature than the inside air that receives heat during circulation and rises in temperature will reduce the air conditioning feeling of the occupants. Can be minimized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle auto air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process of selectively switching inside / outside air introduction in a control unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a vehicle auto air conditioner as a conventional example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an air conditioner unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 air conditioner unit 2 outside temperature sensor 3 room temperature sensor 50 control unit 60 operation unit 70 compressor protection signal

Claims (3)

[Claims] An air conditioning unit that air-conditions the introduced outside air or inside air and blows the air into a vehicle interior; and a control unit that controls operation of the air conditioning unit, wherein the control unit selects an inside air introduction mode during a cooling operation. An auto air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: a first emergency operation mode for interrupting an inside air introduction mode and switching to an outside air introduction mode when an abnormality signal of the device is received during a cooling operation. 2. An air conditioner unit, which air-conditions the introduced outside air or inside air and blows the air into a vehicle interior, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the air conditioner unit, wherein the control unit selects an inside air introduction mode during a cooling operation. An auto air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: a second emergency operation mode for interrupting an inside air introduction mode and switching to an outside air introduction mode when a compressor stop operation is performed during a cooling operation. Air conditioning equipment. 3. The manual switching of the selection between the inside air introduction mode and the outside air introduction mode is given priority over the first or second emergency operation mode.
Or the automatic air conditioner for a vehicle according to 2.