JP2012096707A - Vehicle control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle control device capable of easily and inexpensively setting an economy mode.SOLUTION: The vehicle control device 1 includes: air-conditioning panel 10 including operation switches 12a-12i for setting various types of functions corresponding to air-conditioning in the vehicle; an air-conditioning ECU 20 (economy mode signal generation means) for generating an economy mode on-signal prompting the setting of the economy mode by subjecting an operation switch 12c (air-conditioning SW) out of the operation switches 12a-12i to off-operation when an operation switch 12a (auto SW) of the air-conditioning panel 10 is in an on state; and a communication circuit 21 (communication means) to transmit the economy mode on-signal to a meter ECU 30 and an engine ECU 40 (specific economy mode control means).

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular control device, and more particularly to a vehicular control device capable of setting economy mode control that prioritizes reduction of fuel consumption.

  In recent years, driving modes that prioritize fuel consumption in automobiles, that is, the shift timing is set lower in electronically controlled automatic cars, the engine output is suppressed, the idle stop area is expanded, or the effectiveness of the air conditioner is set weaker Economy mode control that performs such functions as is known. By setting to such an economy mode, the fuel efficiency can be improved better than in the normal mode. The vehicle is provided with an economy mode switch that sets the above-described economy mode in accordance with a user's switch operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2006-182165 A

  However, in order to install the economy mode switch, there is a problem that a new installation space must be secured. In addition, since the number of parts increases as the economy mode switch is added, there is a problem that an increase in cost cannot be avoided.

  The present invention has been made to address the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device that can easily and inexpensively set an economy mode.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle control device according to the present invention includes an air conditioning panel having operation switches for setting various functions corresponding to in-vehicle air conditioning, and a switch operation according to a method in which a specific switch among the operation switches is determined in advance. An economy mode signal generating means for generating an economy mode on signal that prompts the specific economy mode control means to set an economy mode, and a communication means for transmitting the generated economy mode on signal to the economy mode control means. It is characterized by providing.

  In the present invention, the economy mode on signal that prompts the user to set the economy mode by operating a specific switch among the operation switches of the air conditioning panel according to a predetermined method is used to execute the economy mode control. Will be transmitted to the means. This makes it possible to use the existing air-conditioning panel operation switch without having to install a dedicated economy mode switch so that the function as an economy mode switch can be demonstrated. can do.

  In this case, the specific switch can be configured to be a switch that functions to reduce power consumption due to vehicle air conditioning. Specifically, the specific switch is configured to be an air conditioner switch that turns off the compressor when the vehicle interior air conditioning is an auto control that automatically turns on the compressor as a cooling device, for example. Can do. The specific switch is, for example, an off switch for turning off the air conditioning in the vehicle, and the economy mode signal generating means can be configured to generate an economy mode on signal when the off switch is operated for a long time. Further, the specific switch includes, for example, at least an off switch for turning off the air conditioning in the vehicle, and the economy mode signal generating means is configured to be ecological when the off switch and any one of the operation switches other than the off switch are simultaneously pressed. It can also be configured to generate a mode-on signal.

  Lowering the power consumption by in-vehicle air conditioning and requesting an economy mode (demand for fuel saving) are easy to link imageically. For this reason, even if the user forgets the specific switch, it is possible to easily remember the specific switch with the clue that the switch functions to reduce the power consumption by the air conditioning in the vehicle.

The block diagram which shows typically an example of the control apparatus for vehicles which concerns on this invention. The flowchart which concerns on Example 1 of this invention and shows the economy mode signal generation and transmission program performed by the air-conditioner ECU of FIG. The flowchart which concerns on Example 2 of this invention and shows the economy mode signal generation and transmission program performed by the air-conditioner ECU of FIG. The flowchart which concerns on Example 3 of this invention, and shows the economy mode signal generation and transmission program performed by the air-conditioner ECU of FIG.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a vehicle control device 1 according to the present invention. The vehicle control device 1 is a device that is a basis for setting an economy mode. The vehicle control device 1 sets predetermined functions by an air conditioner unit 22 (air conditioner) and a compressor 23 (cooling device), and an operation of the air conditioner panel 10. Accordingly, the air conditioner unit 22 and the air conditioner ECU 20 that drives the compressor 23 are included.

  The air conditioning panel 10 is provided along the surface of the instrument panel part IP. A setting display unit 11 is provided at the center of the air conditioning panel 10, and operation switches 12 a to 12 i are arranged around the setting display unit 11.

  The operation switch 12a (auto SW) is a function for performing full auto control of the air conditioner unit 22 and the compressor 23, and the operation switch 12b (off SW) is a function for turning off the air conditioner unit 22 and the compressor 23, and the operation switch 12c (air conditioner SW). Sets a function for turning the compressor 23 on and off.

  The operation switches 12d and 12e are functions for raising and lowering the blower output level, the operation switches 12f and 12g are functions for raising and lowering the set temperature, the operation switch 12j is a function for setting the outlet to the front defroster, and the operation switch 12k is The function for setting the rear window defogger, the operation switch 12h sets the function for fixing the suction port to the inside air, and the operation switch 12i sets the function for fixing the suction port to the outside air.

  The setting display unit 11 visually recognizes the setting states of various functions by the operation switches 12a to 12i. The setting temperature, the blower output level, the operation switch 12a (auto SW) is turned on, and the operation switch 12c (air conditioner SW) is turned on. Display the position of the outlet.

  The air conditioner ECU (Electronic Control Unit: control circuit) 20 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an A / D conversion unit, an input / output interface circuit, and the like as main components. When an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on. The economy mode on signal generation / transmission program of FIG. 2 stored in the ROM or the like is repeatedly executed every predetermined short time.

  The air conditioner ECU 20 is connected to a multiple communication line BUS (for example, in-vehicle communication line such as CAN, LIN, etc.) via a communication circuit 21 (for example, CAN transceiver), and is connected to the multiple communication line BUS via a communication circuit 31. The information is exchanged between the meter ECU 30 connected to the engine ECU 40 and the engine ECU 40 connected to the multiple communication line BUS via the communication circuit 41.

  Meter ECU30 is provided with display part 32, and performs lighting and blinking control of the indicator in display part 32 according to information from each ECU including air-conditioner ECU20. The engine ECU 40 controls the rotational speed of the engine 42 and the like according to information from each ECU including the air conditioner ECU 20. The air conditioner ECU 20 corresponds to the economy mode on signal generating means of the present invention, the communication circuit 21 corresponds to the communication means of the present invention, the meter ECU 30, the engine ECU 40, etc. correspond to the economy mode control means. In the first embodiment, the air conditioner ECU 20 is configured to function as an economy mode ON signal generation unit and also function as an economy mode control unit.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. When the ignition switch is turned on, the air conditioner ECU 20 starts executing the economy mode on signal generation / transmission program of FIG.

  First, the air conditioner ECU 20 determines whether or not the operation switch 12a (auto SW) is on. If the operation switch 12a (auto SW) is on (S1: YES), the operation switch 12c (air conditioner) is determined. It is determined whether or not (SW) is turned off (S2). If the operation switch 12a (auto SW) is in the OFF state, this process is immediately terminated (S1: NO).

  When the operation switch 12c (air conditioner SW) is turned off (S2: YES), the air conditioner ECU 20 determines that the off operation is a fuel saving request by the user, generates an economy mode on signal, and transmits the transmission circuit. 21 and the ECUs such as the meter ECU 30 and the engine ECU 40 via the multiple communication line BUS (S3). If the operation switch 12c (air conditioner SW) is not turned off, this process is immediately terminated (S2: NO).

  The economy mode on signal has a function of urging each ECU to execute the economy mode control, and each ECU that has received the economy mode on signal executes a preset economy mode control. Specifically, the meter ECU 30 controls lighting of an indicator (for example, a character “ECO” and a mark associated therewith) of the display unit 32 so that the user can visually recognize that the economy mode setting state has been reached.

  Further, the air conditioner ECU 20 suppresses the driving of the compressor 23 so as not to lower the temperature of the evaporator more than necessary, for example, during cooling. For example, the engine ECU 40 changes the ignition timing in the combustion chamber to suppress the driving force for the accelerator operation. Further, in a hybrid vehicle, for example, the engine stop state is lengthened, and the driving is switched to drive driving that actively uses an electric motor.

  As is apparent from the above description, in the first embodiment, when the operation switch 12a (auto SW) of the air conditioning panel 10 is in the on state, the operation switch 12c (air conditioner SW) of the operation switches 12a to 12i is off. By being operated, an economy mode on signal that prompts the user to set the economy mode is transmitted from the air conditioner ECU 20 to each ECU such as the meter ECU 30 and the engine ECU 40.

  This makes it possible to use the operation switches 12a to 12i of the existing air-conditioning panel 10 without using a dedicated economy mode switch so that the function as an economy mode switch can be exhibited. And it can be set inexpensively. Further, when the operation switch 12c (air conditioner SW) is turned off in the full auto setting state, the power consumption due to the air conditioning in the vehicle is lower than in the normal full auto setting state. For this reason, since setting the economy mode and turning off the operation switch 12c (air conditioner SW) are easy to be imaged, it is necessary to turn off the operation switch 12c (air conditioner SW) when setting the economy mode. It is also possible to obtain an effect that the user can easily remember that.

  The air conditioner ECU 20 may be configured to execute, for example, the economy mode on signal generation / transmission program of FIG. 3 in addition to or instead of the execution of the economy mode on signal generation / transmission program of FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when the operation switch 12b (OFF SW) is pressed for a predetermined time (S11: YES), the air conditioner ECU 20 determines that the long press operation is a fuel saving request by the user, and the economy A mode-on signal is generated and transmitted to each ECU such as the meter ECU 30 and the engine ECU 40 via the transmission circuit 21 and the multiple communication line BUS (S12).

  When the operation switch 12b (OFF SW) is turned off, air-conditioning control is not performed, so that the power consumption of the vehicle is reduced. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, setting the economy mode and turning off the operation switch 12b (OFF SW) are easily connected in an image. Therefore, the operation switch is set when setting the economy mode. The effect that the user can easily memorize that the off operation of 12b (off SW) is necessary (however, long press operation) is obtained.

  The air conditioner ECU 20 may be configured to execute, for example, the economy mode on signal generation / transmission program of FIG. 4 in addition to or instead of the execution of the economy mode on signal generation / transmission program of FIGS. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, when the operation switch 12b (off SW) and the operation switch 12j (diff SW) are simultaneously pressed (S21: YES), the air conditioner ECU 20 requests the fuel saving by the user for the simultaneous pressing operations. The economy mode on signal is generated and transmitted to each ECU such as the meter ECU 30 and the engine ECU 40 via the transmission circuit 21 and the multiple communication line BUS (S22).

  In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, setting the economy mode and turning off the operation switch 12b (OFF SW) are easily connected in an image manner. Therefore, when setting the economy mode, the operation switch 12b ( The effect that the user can easily memorize that the off operation of (OFF SW) is necessary (however, simultaneous pressing with the operation switch 12j (diff SW)) is obtained. The switch simultaneously pressed with the operation switch 12b (off SW) is not limited to the operation switch 12j (diff SW), and may be, for example, operation switches 12h and 12i (suction port switching SW).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle control apparatus 10 Air-conditioning panel 12a-12i Operation switch 12a Operation switch (auto switch, specific switch)
12b Operation switch (off switch, specific switch)
12c Operation switch (air conditioner switch, specific switch)
12j Operation switch (Differential switch, specific switch)
20 Air-conditioner ECU (economy mode on signal generating means, economy mode control means)
21 Communication circuit (communication means)
22 Air conditioner unit 23 Compressor 30 Meter ECU (economy mode control means)
32 Display unit 40 Engine ECU (economy mode control means)
42 engine

Claims (5)

An air conditioning panel having operation switches for setting various functions corresponding to in-vehicle air conditioning;
An economy mode signal generating means for generating an economy mode on signal that prompts a specific economy mode control means to set an economy mode when a specific switch among the operation switches is operated according to a predetermined method;
Communication means for transmitting the generated economy mode on signal to the economy mode control means;
A vehicle control device comprising:   The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the specific switch is a switch that functions to reduce power consumption by the vehicle air conditioning.   3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the specific switch is an air conditioner switch that turns off the compressor when the interior air conditioning is an automatic control that automatically turns on the compressor as a cooling device. 4. Control device.   The said specific switch is an off switch for turning off the air conditioning in the vehicle, and the economy mode signal generating means generates the economy mode on signal when the off switch is operated for a long time. Vehicle control device.   The specific switch includes at least an off switch for turning off the air conditioning in the vehicle, and the economy mode signal generation means is configured such that the off switch and any one of the operation switches other than the off switch are simultaneously pressed. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the eco mode on signal is generated.

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