JP3632281B2 - Air conditioner for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner that purifies vehicle interior air when the gas concentration in the vehicle interior is greater than or equal to a predetermined level.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-240422, when the detection output of the smoke sensor provided in the passenger compartment is higher than a reference value, the inside / outside air mode is set to the outside air introduction mode or the air cleaner is operated. The one that purifies the inside air is described.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In general, the smoke sensor used in the above-described prior art detects not only cigarette smoke but also an odor of a fragrance, exhaust gas entering through a gap in a vehicle, and the like. Considering this point, the present inventors have examined the above prior art and found that there are the following problems.
[0004]
For example, when the air volume in the air conditioner is small, cigarette smoke is less likely to reach the smoke sensor than when the air volume is large, and therefore the timing at which the detection output of the smoke sensor exceeds the reference value is also delayed. In this case, the timing at which the inside air circulation mode is switched to the outside air introduction mode or the timing at which the air purifier is switched from the stopped state to the operating state is also delayed, which causes discomfort to the passenger.
[0005]
Therefore, if the reference value is set to a low value in accordance with the small air volume, the above problem can be solved. The detected output may become more than the reference value due to the exhaust gas coming in. In this case, even when the occupant is not smoking the cigarette, the detection output becomes equal to or higher than the reference value, and the outside air introduction mode is activated or the air purifier is activated, giving the occupant a sense of incongruity. .
[0006]
In this way, the sensitivity with which the smoke sensor detects cigarette smoke varies depending on the air flow state in the air conditioner, but the above-described prior art always maintains the reference value constant regardless of the air flow state. Therefore, depending on the level of this reference value, the internal air purification after the cigarette smoke concentration in the passenger compartment exceeds a predetermined level may be delayed, causing discomfort to the occupant, or the occupant smoking the cigarette. In spite of this, there is a problem that the inside air is purified and the passengers feel uncomfortable.
[0007]
Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention performs control such that the inside air is purified when the concentration of tobacco smoke in the passenger compartment is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and when the concentration is lower than the predetermined level, the inside air is not purified. The purpose is to be able to perform accurately without being affected by the flow condition.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the inventions according to claims 1 to 6
The reference value in the comparison means is set according to the air flow state in the air conditioning unit.
According to this, the detection sensitivity of the gas concentration detection means differs depending on the air flow state, but since the reference value is set accordingly, if this reference value is set according to the smoke concentration of tobacco, Without being affected by the air flow state, control is performed such that the inside air is purified when the concentration of tobacco smoke in the passenger compartment is above a predetermined level, and the inside air is not purified when it is below the predetermined level. .
[0009]
In particular, when the gas concentration detection means is provided on the outer wall surface of the air conditioning case in the vicinity of the inside air inlet as in the invention described in claim 6, the air hits the gas concentration detection means in the inside air circulation mode. On the other hand, the detection sensitivity of the gas concentration detection means is good, but the detection sensitivity of the gas concentration detection means is worse in the outside air introduction mode than in the inside air circulation mode because air does not hit the gas concentration detection means.
[0010]
Further, even in the inside air circulation mode, for example, in the face mode, air containing a large amount of gas in the vehicle interior that circulates almost the entire interior of the vehicle interior hits the gas concentration detection means, so that the detection sensitivity of the gas concentration detection means is good. On the other hand, in foot mode, a part of the air blown out from the foot outlet is immediately sucked into the inside air inlet without circulating in the passenger compartment (not including gas in the passenger compartment). Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the gas concentration detection means is poor.
[0011]
Further, for example, even in the inside air circulation mode, when the air volume is large, the air circulates over a wider area in the vehicle compartment than when the air volume is small, so the detection sensitivity of the gas concentration detection means is good.
As described above, the sensitivity of the gas concentration detection means differs depending on the inside / outside air mode, the air outlet mode, and the air volume. However, since the reference value is set according to this, the vehicle interior is not affected by the air flow state. Control is performed such that the inside air is purified when the gas concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and the inside air is not purified when the gas concentration is below the predetermined level.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The air conditioner for automobiles of this embodiment is configured such that an air conditioning control device (hereinafter referred to as ECU) controls each air conditioning means of the air conditioning unit based on a signal from each switch provided on the air conditioning panel. ing.
[0013]
First, the schematic configuration of the air conditioning unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The air upstream side portion of the air conditioning case 2 is formed with an inside air inlet 3 for inhaling air inside the vehicle and an outside air inlet 4 for inhaling outside air, and these inlets 3 and 4 are selected. An inside / outside air switching door 5 is provided as inside / outside air opening / closing means that opens and closes. The inside / outside air switching door 5 is driven by a servo motor 22 (see FIG. 2) as its driving means.
[0014]
A fan 6 as a blowing means is disposed in the air conditioning case 2 on the downstream side of the inside / outside air switching door 5, and this fan 6 is driven by a blower motor 7 (see FIG. 2) as the driving means. . The blower voltage applied to the blower motor 7 is controlled by the ECU 17 (see FIG. 2).
In the air conditioning case 2 on the downstream side of the fan 6, there are provided an evaporator 8 serving as an air cooling means, a heater core 9 serving as an air heating means, and an air mix door 10 serving as a temperature adjusting means. These are well known.
[0015]
Further, at the most downstream part of the air conditioning case 2, a face outlet 11 for blowing air to the upper body of the passenger in the passenger compartment, a foot outlet 12 for blowing air to the feet of the passenger in the passenger compartment, and the inner surface of the windshield The defroster blower outlet 13 for blowing off air toward is formed.
And the blower outlet mode switching doors 14-16 as a blower outlet opening / closing means are arrange | positioned in the upstream site | part of each said blower outlets 11-13. These doors 14 to 16 are driven by a servo motor 23 (see FIG. 2).
[0016]
Next, the configuration of the control system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The ECU 17 includes a well-known microcomputer comprising a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown), a drive circuit for controlling a blower voltage applied to the blower motor 7, an A / D conversion circuit, etc., and an ignition switch (not shown) for an automobile engine. When is closed, power is supplied from a battery (not shown).
[0017]
Each signal from an air volume setting switch 18, an inside / outside air mode setting switch 19 and an outlet mode setting switch 20 provided on the air conditioning panel is input to an input terminal of the ECU 17, and a gas concentration in the passenger compartment is set. A signal from a gas sensor 21 as a gas concentration detection means to be detected is also input. Each of the switches 18 to 20 constitutes an air flow state signal output means referred to in the first aspect of the invention.
[0018]
The signal from the gas sensor 21 is A / D converted by the A / D conversion circuit and then input to the microcomputer.
A control signal is output from the output terminal of the ECU 17 to the blower motor 7 and the servomotors 22 and 23.
Here, the air volume setting switch 18 is a switch for the occupant to manually set whether the air volume by the fan 6 is a small air volume, a medium air volume, or a large air volume.
[0019]
The inside / outside air mode setting switch 19 is an inside / outside air mode indicating the open / closed state of the inside air inlet 3 and the outside air inlet 4 in the inside / outside air switching door 5, and an inside air circulation mode in which the inside air inlet 3 is opened and the outside air inlet 4 is closed. And a switch for the occupant to manually set the outside air introduction mode in which the inside air inlet 3 is closed and the outside air inlet 4 is opened.
[0020]
The air outlet mode setting switch 20 is an air outlet mode indicating the open / closed state of the air outlets 11 to 13 in the air outlet mode switching doors 14 to 16, a face mode that opens the face air outlet 11, and closes the foot air outlet 12. This is a switch for the occupant to manually set the bi-level mode in which both the outlet 11 and the foot outlet 12 are opened and the foot mode in which the face outlet 11 is closed and the foot outlet 12 is closed.
[0021]
The gas sensor 21 is a sensor whose resistance value changes according to a gas such as CO or HC. In other words, it reacts not only to cigarette smoke, but also to the smell of fragrance and exhaust gas entering through the gaps in the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the gas sensor 21 is provided on the outer surface of the air conditioning case 2 in the vicinity of the inside air inlet 3. 3A is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the air conditioning case 2 in the vehicle, FIG. 3B is a view as seen from the arrow A in FIG. 3A, 24 is a windshield, 25 is It is a dashboard.
[0022]
Next, the control process performed by the microcomputer when the ignition switch is turned on and power is supplied to the ECU 17 will be described.
According to the air volume set by the air volume setting switch 18, the inside / outside air mode set by the inside / outside air mode setting switch 19, and the air outlet mode set by the air outlet mode setting switch 20. Control signals are output to the blower motor 7 and the servomotors 22 and 23.
[0023]
The microcomputer starts the routine of FIG. 4 when power is supplied, performs initialization processing in step S10, and inputs detection of the gas sensor 21 in next step S20. Then, in the next step S30, by inputting each signal from the air volume setting switch 18, the inside / outside air mode setting switch 19, and the outlet mode setting switch 20, a signal corresponding to the air flow state in the air conditioning unit 1 is obtained. input.
[0024]
In the next step S40, the inside / outside air mode set by the inside / outside air mode setting switch 19 is determined. When it is determined that the internal air circulation mode is selected, the process proceeds to the next step S50, and when it is determined that the external air introduction mode is selected, the process jumps to step S220 of FIG.
In step S50, the air outlet mode set by the air outlet mode setting switch 20 is determined. When the face mode is determined, the process proceeds to step S60. When the bi-level mode is determined, the process jumps to step S140 in FIG. 5, and when the foot mode is determined, the process jumps to step S180 in FIG.
[0025]
In step S60, the air volume set by the air volume setting switch is determined. If it is determined that the air volume is small, a reference value level, which will be described later, is set to A in step S70. If it is determined that the air volume is medium, the reference value level is set to B in step S80. If it is determined that the air volume is large, the reference value level is set to C in step S90.
[0026]
In the next step S100, the reference value is compared with the detection value of the gas sensor 21. Here, when the detected value is smaller than the reference value, the gas concentration in the passenger compartment is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, so a control signal is output to 22 so that the outside air introduction mode is set in step S110. If the detected value is larger than the reference value, a control signal is output to the servo motor so that the inside air circulation mode is set in step S120.
[0027]
Then, in the next step S130, the process waits until a predetermined control cycle time τ elapses, and when it elapses, the process returns to step S20.
Further, in steps S140 to S170 in FIG. 5 and steps S180 to S210 in FIG. 6, the same processing as steps S60 to S90 in FIG. 4 is performed. In steps S150 to S210, the reference values are set to D to I, respectively.
[0028]
Further, in steps S220 to S260 in FIG. 7, the same processing as in steps S50 to S90 in FIG. 4 is performed. In steps S240 to S260, the reference values are set to J to L, respectively.
Further, in steps S270 to S300 in FIG. 8 and steps S310 to S340 in FIG. 9, the same processing as steps S60 to S90 in FIG. 4 is performed. In steps S280 to S340, the reference values are set to M to R, respectively.
[0029]
Here, the magnitude relationship between the levels A to R is set based on the following concept.
First, since the air hits the gas sensor 21 in the inside air circulation mode, the detection sensitivity of the gas sensor 21 is good. On the other hand, in the outside air introduction mode, the air does not hit the gas sensor 21 as compared with the inside air circulation mode. The detection sensitivity of 21 is bad.
[0030]
Therefore, in the outside air introduction mode, it is necessary to increase the reference value level when the air volume is the same as that in the air outlet mode and to easily determine YES in step S100 as compared with the inside air circulation mode.
Therefore, in this embodiment, A <J, B <K, C <L, D <M, E <N, F <O, G <P, H <Q, and I <R.
[0031]
For example, even in the inside air circulation mode, in the face mode, air containing a large amount of gas in the vehicle interior that circulates almost the entire interior of the vehicle interior hits the gas sensor 21, and thus the detection sensitivity of the gas sensor 21 is good. On the other hand, in the foot mode, a part of the air blown out from the foot outlet 12 is immediately sucked into the inside air inlet without circulating in the passenger compartment (not including the gas in the passenger compartment). In comparison, the detection sensitivity of the gas sensor 21 is poor.
[0032]
Therefore, in the foot mode, it is necessary to increase the level of the reference value when the air volume is the same as in the face mode so that it is easier to determine YES in step S100. Further, the detection sensitivity of the gas sensor 21 in the bi-level mode is worse than that in the face mode and better than that in the foot mode.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, A <D <G, B <E <H, C <F <I, J <M <P, K <N <Q, and L <O <R.
[0033]
Further, for example, even in the inside air circulation mode, the air sensor circulates in a wider area in the passenger compartment when the air volume is large than when the air volume is small. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the gas sensor 21 is good.
Therefore, when the air volume is small, it is necessary to increase the level of the reference value compared to when the air volume is large so that YES is easily determined in step S100.
Therefore, in this embodiment, A>B> C, D>E> F, G>H> I, J>K> L, M>N> O, and P>Q> R.
[0034]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the detection sensitivity of the gas sensor 21 varies depending on the air flow state of the air conditioning unit 1, the reference value is set as described above according to the air flow state. If the reference value is set according to the cigarette smoke concentration, the outside air input mode is set when the cigarette smoke concentration in the passenger compartment is equal to or higher than the predetermined level without being affected by the air flow state, and when the cigarette smoke concentration is lower than the predetermined level. Control such as setting to the inside air circulation mode is performed accurately.
[0035]
Moreover, if the installation position of the gas sensor 21 is the outer surface of the air conditioning case 2 in the vicinity of the inside air suction port 3 as shown in FIG. 3, it is easy to install the gas sensor 21 later.
(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, when the smoke concentration of the cigarette in the passenger compartment exceeds a predetermined level, the inside air is purified by setting the outside air introduction mode. For example, a well-known air purifier provided in the rear seat is installed. You may make it clean inside air by operating.
[0036]
Further, in the above embodiment, the gas sensor 21 is provided on the outer surface of the air conditioning case 2 in the vicinity of the inside air inlet 3, but at a position where the concentration of tobacco smoke in the vehicle interior can be detected, such as on the ceiling or rear tray of the vehicle interior. It can be installed anywhere. However, in this case, it goes without saying that the level of the reference value needs to be set accurately each time depending on the installation location of the gas sensor 21.
[0037]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the airflow state as used in the invention of Claim 1 was represented by the total of three parameters, the inside / outside air mode, the blower outlet mode, and an air volume, one of these was shown depending on the vehicle model. Or two may not need to be considered. In this case, the reference value may be set according to the airflow state excluding the parameters that do not need to be considered.
[0038]
In the above embodiment, the control for setting the reference value according to the air flow state is performed in both the inside air circulation mode and the outside air introduction mode. However, this control is performed only in the inside air circulation mode. Also good.
In the above embodiment, the gas concentration outside the passenger compartment is not taken into consideration at all. However, for example, an exhaust gas sensor for detecting the exhaust gas concentration outside the passenger compartment is provided, and the gas concentration of the outside air is detected from the detected value of the exhaust gas sensor. Is determined to be higher than the gas concentration of the inside air, even if the detection value of the gas sensor 21 is equal to or less than the reference value (even if YES is determined in step S100 in FIG. 4), the inside air circulation is not performed without entering the outside air introduction mode. You may make it be a mode.
[0039]
Further, when the exhaust gas sensor is provided and it is determined that the gas concentration of the inside air is higher than the gas concentration of the outside air from the detection value of the exhaust gas sensor, the detection value of the gas sensor 21 is equal to or higher than the reference value ( Even if NO is determined in step S100 in FIG. 4), the outside air introduction mode may be set instead of the inside air circulation mode.
Further, when a plurality of reference value levels are provided as in the above embodiment, if these reference values are close to each other, the inside / outside air mode may cause hunting. Accordingly, when changing the level of the reference value, this change may be made gradually rather than suddenly.
[0040]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, the airflow state signal output means as used in the invention of Claim 1 is comprised with the air volume setting switch 18, the inside / outside air mode setting switch 19, and the blower outlet mode setting switch 20 which a passenger | crew sets manually. However, an air conditioning target value is calculated based on a detection value of a sensor (for example, an inside air temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, a solar radiation sensor, etc.) that detects the air conditioning load state in the passenger compartment, and the air volume, When the inside / outside air mode and the outlet mode are calculated, and when these are controlled automatically based on the calculation result, the air flow state signal output means calculates the air volume, the inside / outside air mode, and the outlet mode. You may comprise by a means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a mounting position of the gas sensor 21 of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by the microcomputer of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by the microcomputer.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by the microcomputer.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by the microcomputer.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by the microcomputer.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by the microcomputer.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Air conditioning unit, 2 ... Air conditioning case, 3 ... Inside air inlet, 4 ... Outside air inlet,
5 ... Inside / outside air switching door (inside / outside air opening / closing means), 6 ... Fan (air blowing means),
11 ... Face outlet, 12 ... Foot outlet,
14, 15 ... outlet mode switching door (air outlet opening / closing means),
18 ... Air volume setting switch (air flow state signal output means),
19 ... Inside / outside air mode setting switch (air flow state signal output means),
20 ... Air outlet mode setting switch (air flow state signal output means),
21 ... Gas sensor (gas concentration detection means).

Claims (6)

From the one end to the air conditioning case (2) in which the inside air inlet (3) and the outside air inlet (4) are formed at one end and at least the face air outlet (11) and the foot air outlet (12) are formed at the other end, respectively. Blowing means (6) for generating an air flow to the other end, inside / outside air opening / closing means (5) for opening / closing the inside air inlet (3) and the outside air inlet (4), and the face outlet (11) and the above An air conditioning unit (1) provided with air outlet opening / closing means (14, 15) for opening and closing the foot air outlet (12),
Gas concentration detection means (21) for detecting the gas concentration in the passenger compartment;
Comparing means (S100) for comparing the gas concentration detected by the gas concentration detecting means (21) with a reference value is obtained. As a result of comparison in the comparing means (S100), the gas concentration in the passenger compartment is above a predetermined level. In some cases, in a vehicle air conditioner that purifies the interior air of a vehicle,
Air flow state signal output means (18-20) for outputting a signal corresponding to the air flow state in the air conditioning unit (1),
The vehicle air conditioner characterized in that the reference value is set in accordance with a signal output by the air flow state signal output means (18 to 20). 2. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle interior air is purified by setting an outside air introduction mode in which the inside air inlet (3) is closed and the outside air inlet (4) is opened. The air flow state signal output means (18 to 20) is a signal corresponding to an inside / outside air mode indicating an open / closed state of the inside air inlet (3) and the outside air inlet (4) in the inside / outside air opening / closing means (5). The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle is an inside / outside air mode signal output means (19). The air flow state signal output means (18 to 20) is in accordance with the air outlet mode indicating the open / closed state of the face air outlet (11) and the foot air outlet (12) in the air outlet opening / closing means (14, 15). The air conditioner for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air conditioner is a blowout mode signal output means (20) for outputting a signal. The air flow state signal output means (18 to 20) is an air volume signal output means (18) for outputting a signal corresponding to the air volume in the air blowing means (6). One vehicle air conditioner. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gas concentration detection means (21) is provided on an outer wall surface of the air conditioning case (2) in the vicinity of the inside air inlet (3). Air conditioner.

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