JP2004359133A - Air conditioner for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remove bedewing in an air conditioner caused by cooling operation without impairing air conditioning comfortability of an occupant. <P>SOLUTION: The air conditioner for the vehicle is constituted so as to detect existence of the occupant by an infrared sensor 21 after completion of the cooling operation by turning off of a main switch 22. In the air conditioner, when the existence of the occupant is detected, energization to a blower 11 is stopped to stop rotation of the blower 11 and air-blowing to the occupant is stopped. When no existence of the occupant is detected, the blower 11 is rotated only by a predetermined time t1 by a control signal from the air conditioner 10 and air in the air conditioner is blown to dry the bedewing in the air conditioner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner that removes dew condensation generated in the air conditioner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus in which dew condensation generated by a cooling operation is dried and removed by heat generated by a heater (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to this, a heater is incorporated in the louver of the air outlet, and after the cooling operation is completed, the heater is energized for a certain period of time to remove dew adhering to the louver and the surrounding housing.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2001-18637
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described device, the heater is energized for a certain period of time after the cooling operation is completed, so that warm air that has evaporated enters the passenger compartment, thereby impairing the air conditioning comfort of the occupant.
[0005]
The present invention provides an air conditioner for a vehicle that removes dew condensation generated in the air conditioner without impairing air conditioning comfort.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention has an occupant detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant, a dew condensation removing means for removing dew condensation generated in the air conditioner, and the presence of the occupant detected by the occupant detecting means after the end of the cooling operation. The dew-condensation removing means stops the dew-condensation operation, and controls the dew-condensation removing means to start the decondensing operation when the occupant detection means detects the absence of the occupant. It is characterized by.
Further, when the presence of the occupant is detected by the occupant detection means after the cooling operation is completed, the dew condensation removal operation by the dew condensation removal means is restricted so that the air from the air conditioner does not hit the occupant, and the occupant detection is performed. When the absence of an occupant is detected by the means, a dew control means for controlling the dew condensation means so as to release the restriction and promote the dew condensation operation is provided.
[0007]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, after the end of the cooling operation, when the presence of the occupant is detected, the dew condensation removing operation by the dew condensation removing means is stopped or limited, and when the absence of the occupant is detected, the dew condensation removing operation is started or Since the restriction is released, dew condensation generated in the air conditioner can be removed without impairing the comfort of the occupant.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
-1st Embodiment-
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the dew condensation generated in the air conditioner due to the blowing from the blower 11 is removed. That is, the rotation of the blower 11 blows out air from an outlet 15 such as a vent outlet through the duct 12, the evaporator 13 and the duct 14, and also causes the dew condensation attached to the evaporator 13 and the louver 15a of the outlet 15 to be dried.
[0009]
The infrared sensor 21 detects infrared rays emitted from the occupant's body, and is attached so that the detection range includes the seat 16. Specifically, for example, it is attached to the upper end of the A-pillar 17 as shown in FIG. 2A or to the ceiling 18 in the vehicle interior as shown in FIG. 2B. Thereby, the presence or absence of the occupant in the driver's seat is detected.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 1, signals from an infrared sensor 21 and a main switch 22 that is turned on by operating an engine key are input to the air conditioning control device 10. The air-conditioning control device 10 controls the blower 11 by executing processing described later based on these input signals.
[0011]
Although not shown, the air conditioner includes, in addition to the blower 11 and the evaporator 13, a compressor that pressure-feeds the refrigerant to the evaporator 13, and an inside air or an outside air inside the duct 12 depending on an intake mode, provided upstream of the blower 11. And a heater core for heating the cooling air that has passed through the evaporator 13, an air mix door that is provided downstream of the evaporator 13 and determines the flow rate of passing through and bypassing the heater core, and blowing out. It has an outlet door that opens and closes according to the mode and blows temperature-adjusted air from a predetermined outlet according to the blowout mode.
[0012]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the air-conditioning control device 10 according to the first embodiment. This flowchart starts when the main switch 22 is turned on, for example. First, a normal air-conditioning operation is performed in step S1. In this case, the air-conditioning control device 10 outputs a control signal not only to the blower 11 but also to the compressor and the above-mentioned various air-conditioning doors, so that the fan air volume is adjusted to the set temperature set by the temperature setting dial or the like. , The temperature of the blown air, the intake mode, the blowout mode, and the like. This type of air-conditioning operation is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0013]
In step S2, it is determined whether the main switch 22 is on. If step S2 is affirmed, the process returns to step S1, and normal air conditioning control is continued. If step S2 is denied, the process proceeds to step S3, where the detection signal of the infrared sensor 21 is read. Next, in step S4, it is determined based on a signal from the infrared sensor 21 whether an occupant is present in the driver's seat. When step S4 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S5, in which the power supply to the blower 11 is stopped, and the rotation of the blower 11 is stopped. Next, the process returns to step S3, and the same processing is repeated.
[0014]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the occupant is not present, the process proceeds to step S6, in which the power supply to the blower 11 is started, and the blower 11 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed. Next, a timer is operated in step S7. In step S8, it is determined whether or not the timer has counted a predetermined time t1. The predetermined time t1 is set in advance to a time required for removing dew condensation attached to the inside of the air conditioner. In this case, the predetermined time t1 can be set shorter as the air volume of the blower 11 increases. If step S8 is denied, the process returns to step S7 and repeats the counting of the timer. When step S8 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S9, in which the power supply to the blower 11 is stopped, the rotation of the blower 11 is stopped, and the process is terminated.
[0015]
The operation of the vehicle air conditioner according to the first embodiment will be described more specifically.
When the main switch 22 is turned on and the engine is started, a normal air-conditioning operation is performed (step S1). That is, in response to an occupant's air-conditioning command such as turning on / off an air-conditioner switch and operating a temperature adjustment dial, rotation of the compressor and rotation of the blower are controlled, and driving of various air-conditioning doors is controlled. When the main switch 22 is turned off after the execution of the cooling operation and the engine is stopped, the normal air-conditioning operation (cooling operation) ends, and the rotation of the compressor and the blower 11 stops. At this time, dew condensation generated by the cooling operation adheres to the inside of the air conditioner (for example, the evaporator 13 and the outlet 15). When the presence of the occupant in the driver's seat is detected by the infrared sensor 21 in this state, the blower 11 maintains the stopped state (step S5). Thus, after the cooling operation is completed, the occupant is not blown with moist air, and the air conditioning comfort can be maintained.
[0016]
When the occupant in the driver's seat gets off after the main switch 22 is turned off, the infrared sensor 21 detects the absence of the occupant, and the blower 11 rotates (step S6). As a result, the air that has passed through the air conditioner is blown into the vehicle interior, and the blow blows out the dew that has adhered to the air conditioner and removes it. As a result, it is possible to suppress the growth of various bacteria and molds in the air conditioner, and it is possible to prevent unpleasant air with an unpleasant odor from being produced during the operation of the air conditioner, particularly at the start of the cooling operation.
[0017]
When a predetermined time t1 elapses after the blower 11 starts rotating after the main switch 22 is turned off, the rotation of the blower 11 stops, and the blowing into the vehicle compartment stops (step S9). As a result, the dew condensation in the air conditioner can be sufficiently removed, and the power consumption can be suppressed without rotating the blower 11 more than necessary.
[0018]
According to the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) The presence or absence of an occupant after the main switch is turned off is detected by the infrared sensor 21. When the absence of the occupant is detected, the blower 11 is rotated, thereby preventing the humid air from being blown to the occupant. As a result, dew condensation in the air conditioner can be removed without impairing the comfort of the occupant.
(2) Since the operation of the blower 11 is stopped after a predetermined time t1 has elapsed from the start of rotation of the blower 11, power consumption can be suppressed.
(3) Since dew condensation in the air conditioner is removed by blowing air from the blower 11, there is no need to newly provide a dew condensation removing means, and an increase in the number of components can be suppressed.
[0019]
In the above description, the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle compartment is detected by the infrared sensor 21. However, the seat 16 is provided with a seat switch 23 that is turned on when the occupant is seated, and the presence or absence of the occupant is detected by the seat switch 23. Is also good.
[0020]
-2nd Embodiment-
A second embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment, the dew condensation in the air conditioner is removed by blowing air from the blower 11, but in the second embodiment, the dew condensation is removed by the heat generated by the heater.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to the second embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described below. As shown in FIG. 4, a heater 31 is provided at the outlet 15. The heater 31 is affixed to the louver 15a, for example. When the heater 31 is energized, the temperature of the louver 15a and its surroundings increases, and the dew condensation attached to the louver 15a and the like can be removed. Note that the heater 31 may be attached to a place other than the outlet 15 where dew condensation is likely to adhere. The energization of the heater 31 is controlled as follows.
[0022]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the air-conditioning control device 10 according to the second embodiment. The same processes as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and differences from FIG. 3 will be mainly described below. As shown in FIG. 5, when the presence of the occupant is detected by the infrared sensor 21 and the result of step S <b> 4 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S <b> 11, and the power supply to the heater 31 is stopped. If it is determined in step S4 that the occupant is not present, the process proceeds to step S12, and energization of the heater 31 is started. As a result, the heater 31 generates heat, and the temperature of the louver 15a and its surroundings increases. Due to this temperature rise, the water near the outlet 15 evaporates, and the evaporated warm water vapor enters the vehicle interior. As a result, the vicinity of the outlet 15 is dried, and dew is removed. If it is determined in step S8 that the timer has counted the predetermined time t1, the process proceeds to step S13, in which the power supply to the heater 31 is stopped.
[0023]
According to the second embodiment, when the main switch 22 is turned off and the absence of the occupant is detected, the operation of the heater 31 is started. Thereby, when the occupant is in the passenger compartment, moist warm air is prevented from entering the passenger compartment, and dew condensation in the air conditioner can be removed without impairing the occupant's air conditioning comfort. Further, since the heater operation is stopped after the elapse of the predetermined time t1, power consumption can be suppressed.
[0024]
The blower 11 may be rotated when the heater 31 operates. That is, the heater operation and the blower operation may be performed in step S12, and the heater operation and the blower operation may be stopped in step S13. This promotes the removal of dew in the air conditioner, and can remove dew in a short time. The presence or absence of the occupant may be detected by the seat switch 23 instead of the infrared sensor 21.
[0025]
-Third embodiment-
A third embodiment of the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment, the time t1 required to remove the dew condensation by the blower operation is set in advance, and the blower operation is stopped after a predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the start of the heater operation. That is, the removal of the dew condensation is estimated after the elapse of the predetermined time t1. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the removal of the dew is detected, and the blower operation is stopped after the dew is removed.
[0026]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to the third embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described below. In FIG. 6, a non-contact type temperature sensor (infrared sensor 24) for detecting the temperature of the louver 15a is provided. The air conditioning control device 10 executes the following processing based on signals from the main switch 22 and the infrared sensors 21 and 24 to control the rotation of the blower 11.
[0027]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by the air conditioning control device 10 according to the third embodiment. Note that the same processes as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described below. When the blower 11 is operated in step S6, the process proceeds to step S21, in which a value detected by the infrared sensor 24 is read. Next, in step S22, it is determined based on the temperature of the louver 15a detected by the infrared sensor 24 whether or not condensation in the air conditioner has been removed. In this case, if there is dew condensation in the air conditioner, the detected temperature is low because the air temperature decreases due to heat of vaporization. On the other hand, when the dew condensation in the air conditioner is removed, the air temperature increases, and the detected temperature becomes higher than the predetermined temperature T1, for example. Therefore, in step S22, the detected temperature is compared with the predetermined temperature T1, and when the detected temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature T1, it is determined that the dew has been removed. When the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature T1, the dew has not been removed. Is determined. The removal of dew may be determined when the rate of increase in the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a certain value. Further, when the detected temperature is stabilized after the detected temperature is increased, it may be determined that the dew is removed. If it is determined in step S22 that the dew has been removed, the process proceeds to step S9, and the blower 11 is stopped. If it is determined in step S22 that the dew has not been removed, the process returns to step S21.
[0028]
According to the third embodiment, when the removal of dew is detected by the infrared sensor 24, the operation of the blower 11 is stopped. This makes it possible to minimize the power consumption while sufficiently removing the dew in the air conditioner.
[0029]
Steps S8 and S9 in FIG. 5 may be replaced with steps S21 and S22, and the heater operation may be stopped after detecting the removal of dew. In this case, when the heater operation is performed, the temperature of the louver 15a increases. However, before the dew condensation is removed, the temperature rise is reduced by the heat of vaporization. It is lower than the later detected temperature. Therefore, when the detected temperature reaches a temperature determined by the capability of the heater 31, it may be determined that the dew is removed.
[0030]
Although an infrared sensor 21 for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant and an infrared sensor 24 for detecting the temperature of the louver 15a are separately provided, one infrared sensor detects both the presence of an occupant and the temperature of the louver 15a. You may do so. A temperature detecting sensor other than the infrared sensor 24 may be provided.
[0031]
-Fourth embodiment-
A fourth embodiment of a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment, the blower operation is stopped when the presence of the occupant is detected after the main switch 22 is turned off. However, in the fourth embodiment, the blower operation is not stopped. Operation is restricted to a predetermined state.
[0032]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described below. As shown in FIG. 8, the outlet 15 is provided with an electric louver 15b capable of changing the blowing direction. The electric louver 15b is provided with a spring (not shown) for regulating an initial position (reference position), and the electric louver 15b is directed in a predetermined direction against a spring force by energization from the air conditioning controller 10. It turns and returns to the reference position by the spring force when the energization from the air conditioning controller 10 stops. Note that the reference position is a position where air is properly blown to the occupant during normal air-conditioning operation.
[0033]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by the air conditioning control device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The same portions as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described below. As shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined in step S4 that an occupant is present, the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, a control signal is output to the electric louver 15b, and the louver 15b is rotated so that the air from the outlet 15 does not hit the occupant. Next, in step S32, a control signal is output to the blower 11, and the blower 11 is operated so as to blow a light wind or a weak wind into the vehicle interior. Thereby, dew condensation in the air conditioner is removed. In this case, no moist air is blown toward the occupant, and the occupant does not feel discomfort.
[0034]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S4 that the occupant is present, the process proceeds to step S33, in which the power supply to the electric louver 15b is stopped, and the electric louver 15b is rotated to the reference position. Next, in step S34, the blower 11 is operated so as to blow a strong wind into the vehicle interior. This facilitates the removal of dew more than when an occupant is present.
[0035]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, even after the main switch 22 is turned off, even when an occupant is present in the vehicle interior, air is blown into the vehicle interior while restricting the wind direction and air volume so that the occupant does not hit the wind. Therefore, the dew condensation in the air conditioner can be quickly removed without impairing the comfort of the occupant.
[0036]
In the above description, when the presence of the occupant is detected after the main switch 22 is turned off, the rotation of the blower 11 is limited to perform the blower operation. However, the heat generation of the heater 15b is limited to perform the heater operation. It may be. Instead of stopping the blower 11 after a lapse of a predetermined time t after detecting the absence of the occupant, the blower 11 may be stopped after the removal of dew is detected, as in FIG.
[0037]
In the first to fourth embodiments, a ventilation fan may be provided at the rear portion of the vehicle, and the fan may be rotated when dew condensation in the air conditioner is removed by a blower operation or a heater operation. As a result, the humid air discharged from the vehicle interior can be discharged to the outside of the vehicle interior, the humidity in the vehicle interior decreases, and the growth of various bacteria and fungi in the vehicle interior can be prevented.
[0038]
In the above embodiment, the end of the cooling operation is determined by turning off the main switch 22, but the end of the cooling operation is determined by another switch or the like, and the presence or absence of an occupant is detected after the end of the cooling operation. You may. Although the presence or absence of the occupant is detected by the infrared sensor 21 and the seat switch 23, other occupant detection means may be used. Although the dew condensation generated in the air conditioner due to the blown air by the blower 11 or the heating by the heater 31 is removed, other dew condensation removing means may be used. The processing in the air-conditioning control device 10 described above is an example, and the blower 11 and the heater 31 are configured to stop or limit the dew condensation operation when the occupant is present, and to start or accelerate the decondensing operation when the occupant is not present. If the electric louver 15b is controlled, the configuration of the condensation control means is not limited to the above. Although the presence or absence of condensation is detected by the infrared sensor 24, the configuration of the condensation detection means is not limited to this, and the presence or absence of condensation may be detected based on a physical quantity other than the temperature. The fan as the ventilation means may be provided other than at the rear of the vehicle. That is, the present invention is not limited to the vehicle air conditioner of the embodiment as long as the features and functions of the present invention can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a mounting position of the infrared sensor of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the air conditioning control device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the air conditioning control device of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the air conditioning control device of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in the air conditioning control device of FIG. 8;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air-conditioning control device 11 Blower 13 Evaporator 15 Air outlet 15a Louver 15b Electric louver 21 Infrared sensor 22 Main switch 23 Seat switch 24 Infrared sensor 31 Heater

Claims (5)

Occupant detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant;
Condensation removing means for removing condensation generated in the air conditioner;
When the presence of an occupant is detected by the occupant detection means after the end of the cooling operation, the dew condensation removal operation by the dew condensation removal means is stopped, and when the absence of the occupant is detected by the occupant detection means, the dew condensation is removed. An air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: dew condensation control means for controlling the dew condensation means so as to start operation. Occupant detection means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant;
Condensation removing means for removing condensation generated in the air conditioner;
After the end of the cooling operation, when the presence of the occupant is detected by the occupant detection means, the dew condensation removal operation by the dew condensation removal means is restricted so that the air from the air conditioner does not hit the occupant, and the occupant detection means An air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: a dew control unit that controls the decondensing unit to release the restriction and accelerate the decondensing operation when the absence of an occupant is detected. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,
The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the dew condensation control means continues the dew condensation operation for a predetermined time when the occupant detection means detects the absence of the occupant. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2,
Dew condensation detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of condensation in the air conditioner,
The dew condensation control unit starts the dew condensation operation when the occupant detection unit detects the absence of an occupant, and ends the dew condensation operation when the dew condensation detection unit detects the absence of dew. A vehicle air conditioner characterized by controlling the dew condensation removing means as described above. The vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
It further comprises ventilation means for ventilating the passenger compartment,
The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein said dew condensation control means controls said ventilation means so as to start ventilation operation by said ventilation means when said occupant detection means detects absence of an occupant.

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