JP2004182185A - Air-conditioner for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air-conditioner A for a vehicle, by which an operator can easily confirm whether or not an air-conditioning function of an ECU2 has been changed when a plurality of air-conditioner manipulating switches have been operated by a special manipulation. <P>SOLUTION: When the air-conditioning function of the ECU2 has been changed by operating a plurality of air-conditioner manipulating switches (an air quantity-setting switch 11, an inside and outside air-replacing switch 12, an automatic switch 13, a temperature-setting switch, a manually mode-switching switch, etc.) to be arranged on an air-conditioner A manipulating panel by the special manipulation, the ECU2 informs an operator of the change by making a face blowing-out port 37 open through operating a motor 53, and by making a blower 31 operate through supplying current to a blower motor 51. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an in-vehicle device and a vehicle air conditioner that can change a control function by a special operation of a switch.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique that can be set to an engine automatic stop prohibition mode by turning on an ignition switch three times in a row or fully opening an accelerator twice in a row (input of a special condition signal). I have.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2000-291460 (pages 18 to 20, FIG. 8)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The technique of Patent Document 1 has the following problems.
When the operator performs the above-mentioned special operation, to confirm that the mode has shifted from the automatic engine stop mode to the automatic engine stop prohibition mode, it is necessary to determine whether or not the vehicle actually runs and the automatic stop of the engine is not performed. I need to find out.
[0005]
In addition, even if the operator intends to perform a special operation, if the control unit can detect only less than three times of turning on the ignition switch or detect less than two times of full opening of the accelerator, the engine is stopped. Does not shift to the automatic stop prohibition mode.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioner that allows an operator to easily confirm whether an air conditioning control function of an air conditioning controller has been changed when a plurality of air conditioning operation switches are specially operated.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[About claim 1]
In the vehicle air conditioner, when the operator specially operates a plurality of air conditioning operation switches arranged on the air conditioning operation panel, the air conditioning control function of the air conditioning controller can be changed.
[0008]
When the air-conditioning control function is changed by a special operation, the air-conditioning controller instructs the notification means to notify the change.
When a plurality of air-conditioning operation switches are specially operated, the operator can easily confirm whether or not the air-conditioning control function of the air-conditioning controller has been changed by notification of the notification means.
[0009]
[About claim 2]
The notification means is a display, a lamp, a buzzer, or an air conditioning actuator belonging to the vehicle air conditioner, and performs notification using one or more of these. In the case of a vehicle air conditioner that does not have any of the display, the lamp, and the buzzer, the notification is performed using the air conditioning actuator.
[0010]
Since the configuration is used to notify that the air conditioning control function has been changed using a member belonging to the vehicle air conditioner, the operator can easily confirm the change. Further, it is not necessary to add a new member to perform the notification.
[0011]
[About claim 3]
The notification means is a vehicle-mounted electrical component such as a display, a lamp, a buzzer, a wiper, a horn, or a light other than the vehicle air conditioner, and performs notification using one or two or more of them.
[0012]
The configuration in which the in-vehicle electrical components other than the vehicle air conditioner are used to notify that the air conditioning control function has been changed allows the operator to easily confirm the change. Further, it is not necessary to add a new member to perform the notification.
Furthermore, since the notification is performed by the on-vehicle electrical components, the operator's attention is attracted.
[0013]
[About claim 4]
The vehicle air conditioner is used to drive an inside / outside air switching door arranged at an air inlet of an air conditioning duct, an outlet door arranged at an air outlet of an air conditioning duct, and an air mixing door arranged upstream of a heater core. A plurality of actuators and a blower that generates an airflow in the air conditioning duct are used as the notification means.
[0014]
The air-conditioning controller operates a predetermined actuator to issue a notification as described below. -The blower motor is operated with the outlet door in an open state or in a state where opening and closing are alternately repeated.
The occupant can feel the air pressure of the air blown from the outlet door and the change in the air pressure, and can confirm that the air conditioning control function has been changed.
[0015]
-The inside / outside air switching door is fixed at any position, or the inside air introduction position and the outside air introduction position are alternately repeated, and the blower motor is operated.
The occupant can feel the sound of the air blown from the outlet door and the change in the blown sound, and can confirm that the air conditioning control function has been changed.
[0016]
-The air mix door is fixed at any position, or the hot position and the cool position are alternately repeated, and the notification is performed by operating the motor of the blower.
The operator senses the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet door and the temperature change, and can confirm that the air conditioning control function has been changed.
[0017]
The notification may be performed by combining the above-described outlet port control, inside / outside air switching door control, and air mix door control.
[0018]
[About claim 5]
If the notification is periodically performed a plurality of times, the operator can easily confirm that the air conditioning control function has been changed.
[0019]
[About claim 6]
The air conditioning control function can be changed in a plurality of types corresponding to a plurality of types of special operations. Then, the notification means performs different notification in accordance with the changed air conditioning control function.
Thereby, the air-conditioning control function changed by the type of special operation performed by the operator can be easily confirmed from the content of the notification by the notification unit.
[0020]
[About claim 7]
The air conditioning control function can be changed by switching the engine key to the ON position while simultaneously pressing a plurality of predetermined air conditioning operation switches, or by pressing the plurality of predetermined air conditioning operation switches in a predetermined order and then turning the engine key to the ON position. Switch and do.
The special operation is an operation that is hardly performed by the user in normal use, so that the air conditioning control function is not changed during normal use.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A vehicle air conditioner A (corresponding to claims 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the vehicle air conditioner A.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ECU 2.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle air conditioner A is for air-conditioning the interior of an automobile, and includes a set value determined by a plurality of air-conditioning operation switches arranged on an air-conditioning operation panel (not shown); The ECU 2 controls the air conditioning actuator of the air conditioner main body 3 based on the detection values of the sensors. Reference numeral 20 denotes an LED, a symbol, or the like, which is a display for displaying a set temperature, a blower air volume, an outlet mode, and the like.
[0023]
The air conditioning operation switches include an air volume setting switch 11 for setting an air volume, an inside / outside air changeover switch 12 for setting an introduction mode, an auto switch 13 for instructing automatic air conditioning operation, a temperature setting switch (not shown) for setting a vehicle room temperature, and a blower. A DEF switch (not shown) for setting the outlet mode to the DEF mode, a MODE switch (not shown) for manually setting the outlet mode, and the like.
[0024]
Further, the air conditioning actuator includes a blower motor 51 of the blower 31, a motor 52 for driving the inside / outside air switching door 32, a motor 53 for switching the outlet mode, a motor 54 for determining the opening of the air mix door 33, and It is a refrigerant compressor or the like.
[0025]
Sensors include an inside air temperature sensor 41 for detecting the temperature inside the vehicle, an outside air temperature sensor 42 for detecting the outside air temperature, a cooling water temperature sensor 43 for detecting the temperature of the engine cooling water, an insolation sensor 44 for detecting the amount of insolation, and The sensor 45.
[0026]
The air conditioner main body 3 is configured by a plurality of air conditioning members arranged in the air conditioning duct 30 and a refrigeration cycle.
The inside / outside air switching door 32 and the blower 31 are provided on the upstream side of the air conditioning duct 30.
[0027]
The inside / outside air switching door 32 is driven by a motor 52 and selectively opens and closes the inside air suction port or the outside air suction port.
[0028]
The blower 31 is for generating an airflow from the inside / outside air suction port to each outlet in the air conditioning duct 30.
[0029]
The evaporator 34 is disposed in the air conditioning duct 30 so as to block the passage of the air conditioning duct 30 and cools the passing air.
[0030]
Downstream of the evaporator 34, a heater core 35 through which engine cooling water flows is provided.
[0031]
On the upstream side of the heater core 35, an air mix door 33 for changing the blowout temperature of the conditioned air is provided.
[0032]
The air mix door 33 is driven by a motor 54, and is capable of changing the ratio of the bypass airflow and the passing airflow.
[0033]
The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor that compresses and discharges the refrigerant, a condenser that condenses and liquefies the discharged refrigerant, a receiver that separates the liquid refrigerant flowing from the condenser into gas and liquid, and adiabatically expands the liquid refrigerant that flows from the receiver. And an evaporator 34 for evaporating and vaporizing the mist-like refrigerant flowing from the expansion valve.
[0034]
A defroster outlet 36, a face outlet 37, and a foot outlet 38 are opened downstream of the air conditioning duct 30.
Each of the outlets is provided with mode switching doors 55, 56, and 57 for switching the outlet mode, and these doors are driven by a motor 53.
[0035]
The outlet mode includes a FACE mode in which the face outlet 37 is opened, a B / L mode in which the face outlet 37 and the foot outlet 38 are opened, a FOOT mode in which the foot outlet 38 is opened, and an opening of the defroster outlet 36. DEF mode.
[0036]
The ECU 2 controls the air conditioner main body 3 as described below.
The target room temperature TAO is calculated by applying the set room temperature set by the temperature setting switch and the detection value of each sensor to a predetermined formula (not shown).
[0037]
The blower control voltage VA is obtained by applying the target blow temperature TAO to a preset target blow temperature-blower control voltage curve (not shown).
Furthermore, the blowing mode is determined by applying the target blowing temperature TAO to a preset target blowing temperature-blowing mode curve (not shown).
[0038]
Next, a special air-conditioning control function set by a special operation such as an air-conditioning operation switch will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
(No special operation)
With none of the air-conditioning operation switches pressed, the engine key is turned on to supply operating power to the ECU 2 of the vehicle air conditioner A (NO in step s1 in FIG. 2).
In this case, the vehicle air conditioner A operates in the normal mode.
[0039]
(Special operation 1)
With the air volume setting switch 11 and the inside / outside air changeover switch 12 pressed simultaneously, the engine key is turned on to supply the operating power to the ECU 2 of the vehicle air conditioner A (YES in step s1).
[0040]
When the special operation 1 is performed, the ECU 2 sets the DEF mode LED of the display 20 to a blinking state, sets the outside air introduction mode, the air mixing door 33 to the intermediate position, sets the outlet mode to the DEF mode, and energizes the blower motor 51. After performing answer-back (step s2) for operating the blower 31 for 10 seconds, the mode shifts to the special mode 1.
[0041]
When the special mode 1 is executed, the ECU 2 releases the automatic switching of the introduction mode.
This is because, in the normal mode, the automatic switch 13 is turned on, and the introduction mode is automatically switched depending on the degree of dirt in the outside air or inside air, but is changed so as not to be automatically switched.
[0042]
(Special operation 2)
With the inside / outside air changeover switch 12 and the auto switch 13 pressed at the same time, the engine key is turned on to supply the operating power to the ECU 2 of the vehicle air conditioner A (YES in step s1).
[0043]
When the special operation 2 is performed, the ECU 2 causes the FACE mode LED of the display 20 to blink, the outside air introduction mode, the air mix door 33 to the intermediate position, the outlet mode to the FACE mode, and energizes the blower motor 51. Then, after performing answer-back (step s2) for operating the blower 31 for 10 seconds, the mode shifts to the special mode 2.
[0044]
When the special mode 2 is performed, the ECU 2 releases the DEF-linked A / C.
In the normal mode, the compressor is turned on to operate the air conditioner A for the vehicle by pressing the DEF switch, but the air conditioner A for the vehicle is operated with the compressor turned off.
[0045]
(Special operation 3)
With the auto switch 13 and the air volume setting switch 11 simultaneously pressed, the engine key is turned on to supply operating power to the ECU 2 of the vehicle air conditioner A (YES in step s1).
[0046]
When the special operation 3 is performed, the ECU 2 sets the FOOT mode LED of the display 20 to a blinking state, sets the outside air introduction mode, the air mix door 33 to the intermediate position, sets the outlet mode to the FOOT mode, and energizes the blower motor 51. Then, after performing answer-back (step s2) for operating the blower 31 for 10 seconds, the mode shifts to the special mode 3.
[0047]
When the special mode 3 is performed, the ECU 2 cancels the delayed blowing operation, and the blower 31 is operated immediately.
In the delayed air blowing operation, when the operation of the vehicle air conditioner A is started, the blower 31 is delayed (stopped or operated at a low speed) until the blown air substantially reaches the target blowout temperature so that unair-conditioned hot air or cold air is not blown out. This is the operation to be performed.
[0048]
The vehicle air conditioner A of the present invention has the following advantages.
[A] The vehicle air conditioner A is configured to, when the air conditioning control function is changed by a special operation of a plurality of air conditioning operation switches or the like, perform an answer back to the effect of the change according to an instruction from the ECU 2.
That is, when a plurality of predetermined air-conditioning operation switches and the like are specially operated, the air-conditioning control of the ECU 2 is performed by answering back by the blinking of the LED of the display 20 or the blowing from the predetermined air outlet, which belongs to the vehicle air-conditioning apparatus A. The occupant can easily confirm that the function has been changed.
[0049]
[A] Since the answer back is performed using the functional member belonging to the vehicle air conditioner A, it is not necessary to add a new member to perform the answer back.
[0050]
[C] In the vehicle air conditioner A, three types of changes in the air conditioning control function of the ECU 2 are possible corresponding to three types of special operations. Then, a different answer back is performed according to the changed air conditioning control function.
Thereby, the occupant can easily confirm the air conditioning control function changed by the type of special operation performed by the occupant from the contents of the notification of the answerback.
[0051]
[D] Changing the air conditioning control function is performed by switching the engine key to the ON position while simultaneously pressing a plurality of predetermined air conditioning operation switches.
The special operation is an operation that is hardly performed by the occupant in normal use, so that the air conditioning control function is not erroneously changed during normal use.
[0052]
The present invention includes the following embodiments in addition to the above embodiments.
a. The notification means for performing the answer-back may be an on-board electrical component such as a display, a lamp, a buzzer, a wiper, a horn, or a light other than the vehicle air conditioner. The notification may be made by using (a claim 3).
[0053]
b. The answerback may be performed periodically a plurality of times (corresponding to claim 5).
[0054]
c. After pressing a plurality of predetermined air conditioning operation switches in a predetermined order, the engine key may be switched to the ON position to change the air conditioning control function (corresponding to claim 7).
[0055]
d. When the air-conditioning control function is changed by the special operation, the notification performed by the notification unit may be as follows.
(Modification 1)
Special operation 1 → In the outside air introduction mode (the outside air introduction mode lamp blinks) and in the FACE mode, the blower motor 51 is energized to put the blower 31 into the operating state.
Special operation 2 → Inside air introduction mode (inside air introduction mode lamp blinks) and FACE mode, blower motor 51 is energized to put blower 31 into operation.
[0056]
(Modification 2)
Special operation 1 → the outside air introduction mode, the air mix door 33 is on the HOT side, and in the FACE mode, the blower motor 51 is energized to put the blower 31 into an operating state.
Special operation 2 → In the outside air introduction mode, the air mix door 33 is set to the COOL side, and in the FACE mode, the blower motor 51 is energized to put the blower 31 into the operating state.
[0057]
e. A configuration in which the special mode is released by turning off the engine key or a configuration in which the special mode is maintained may be employed.
In a case where the special mode is maintained, a mode for returning to the normal mode is required.
[0058]
f. The special mode may be the one shown below.
-In the normal mode, the F / D is turned on when the auto switch is turned on, but change this so that the F / D is not turned on.
・ Maintenance mode for checking the function of the vehicle air conditioner.
[0059]
g. The setting method of the special mode may be disclosed to an occupant (user) in a manual or the like, or may be known only by a service person.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of an ECU of the vehicle air conditioner.
[Explanation of symbols]
A vehicle air conditioner (vehicle equipment)
2 ECU (air conditioning controller)
11 Air volume setting switch (air conditioning operation switch)
12 Inside / outside air changeover switch (air conditioning operation switch)
13 Auto switch (air conditioning operation switch)
30 air conditioning duct 31 blower (notifying means, actuator for air conditioning)
32 Inside / outside air switching door 33 Air mix door 35 Heater core 36 Defroster outlet (air outlet)
37 Face outlet (air outlet)
38 Foot outlet (air outlet)
51 Blower motors 52 to 54 Actuator 53 Motor (notification means, actuator for air conditioning)
55-57 mode switching door (informing means, air conditioning actuator, outlet door)

Claims (7)

In a vehicle air conditioner in which the air conditioning control function of an air conditioning controller can be changed by specially operating a plurality of air conditioning operation switches arranged on an air conditioning operation panel,
When the air-conditioning control function is changed by the special operation, the air-conditioning controller instructs a notifying unit to notify the change of the air-conditioning control function. The notification means is a display, a lamp, a buzzer, or an air conditioning actuator belonging to the vehicle air conditioner, and performs notification using one or more of these. Item 2. The vehicle air conditioner according to Item 1. The notification means, other than the vehicle air conditioner, is a display, a lamp, a buzzer, a wiper, a horn, or an in-vehicle electrical component such as a light or the like. The air conditioner for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the air conditioning is performed. An inside / outside air switching door arranged at an air inlet of an air conditioning duct, an outlet door arranged at an air outlet of the air conditioning duct, and a plurality of actuators for driving an air mixing door arranged upstream of a heater core; A blower for generating an air flow in the air conditioning duct and a notification means,
The air-conditioning controller operates a predetermined actuator, the outlet port is in an open state or a state in which opening and closing are alternately repeated, or a notification is made by operating the motor of the blower,
Either fix the inside / outside air switching door at any position, or make the inside air introduction position and the outside air introduction position alternately repeat, and operate the motor of the blower to perform the notification,
The air mix door is fixed at any position, or a state in which a hot position and a cool position are alternately repeated, and a notification is performed by operating a motor of the blower. Vehicle air conditioner. The vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification is periodically performed a plurality of times. The change of the air-conditioning control function can be performed in a plurality of types corresponding to a plurality of types of special operations,
The vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notifying unit performs different notification in accordance with the changed air conditioning control function. The air conditioning control function is changed by switching the engine key to the ON position while simultaneously pressing a plurality of predetermined air conditioning operation switches,
The vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the engine key is switched to an on position after a plurality of predetermined air conditioning operation switches are pressed in a predetermined order.

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