JP5191684B2 - Air conditioner for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle, and more particularly to an automatic air conditioner control technique that can control the amount of air blown out and the temperature in a passenger compartment optimally according to the state of passengers in the passenger compartment from the viewpoint of energy saving.

Conventionally, the control of the amount of air blown into the vehicle interior under auto air-conditioning conditions has been controlled so that the entire vehicle interior becomes the target temperature (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, there is also known a control in which an automatic air conditioner can be corrected so as to obtain a passenger's favorite air volume by a learning function (for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-6-64442 JP 2003-1446046 A

However, the conventional control as described above has the following problems.
In normal auto air conditioners, the entire interior of the vehicle is controlled to reach the target temperature.However, if there are no passengers in the rear seats, the air will be exhausted to a place where no passengers are present. It is supposed to be. That is, since the amount of air blown into the passenger compartment is large, the required cooling capacity is increased, and the energy consumption of the compressor in the refrigeration circuit and the energy consumption of the blower fan in the air conditioner are increased.

  Further, at the time of auto air conditioner control, the minimum value of the amount of air blown into the passenger compartment is set to a large value that sufficiently air-conditions the rear seats, so that the power consumption of the air conditioner increases. Furthermore, if the amount of air blown into the passenger compartment is large, the passenger may feel discomfort due to the airflow, particularly when the passenger gets on the front seat.

  Further, when a learning function as described in Patent Document 2 is provided, the correction amount varies depending on the operation of the occupant, and thus the correction that solves the above problems is not always performed.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to focus on the above-mentioned problems, and particularly from the viewpoint of energy saving and prevention of discomfort to the front seat occupant, optimally according to the occupant's riding state in the passenger compartment. The object is to provide an automatic air-conditioning control technology that can control the volume and temperature of air blown into the passenger compartment.

In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention includes a blower fan for blowing conditioned air into the vehicle interior, an air volume control means for controlling the air volume of the blower fan, and air blown into the vehicle interior. In a vehicle air conditioner having a blown air temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the vehicle and a set temperature operation means as a means for the passenger to set a target temperature in the passenger compartment, limited to the area of the front seat in the passenger compartment, to be the target temperature set by the passenger, so that the air temperature and blowing air volume of the blower fan is controlled, and have a power-saving mode as a control mode that is pre-built, for selecting該省saving mode the operating means consists of those characterized that you have been displayed symbols and characters representing a selection when the occupant is riding only the front seats.

  In such a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention, by setting the energy saving mode, it becomes possible to control only the area of the front seat in the vehicle interior to be in a more optimal air conditioning state, and the rear seat Energy saving is achieved by eliminating the need for a large air volume for air conditioning. In addition, if the blower air volume is set so that it sufficiently air-conditions to the rear seats, the air volume may become excessive for the front seat passengers close to the air outlet, which may cause discomfort due to the airflow. Thus, the air volume is reduced and the discomfort caused by the air current can be reduced.

  Moreover, in the vehicle air conditioner which concerns on this invention, it is preferable that a passenger | crew has an operation means for selecting the said energy saving mode arbitrarily. For example, there are personal preferences for airflows as described above. By providing such operating means, passengers prefer the normal mode for those who prefer a large airflow, and the energy saving mode for those who prefer a small airflow. The air volume according to the can be selected arbitrarily.

In the operation means for selecting the energy saving mode, symbols and characters representing the selection when the occupant is in the front seat only are displayed . In this way, the occupant can operate the operating means very easily without making a mistake.

  Moreover, in the vehicle air conditioner which concerns on this invention, it is preferable to have a passenger | crew detection means which detects that a passenger | crew is boarding other than a front seat. The occupant detection means includes, for example, means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant by detecting infrared rays emitted from the occupant or by detecting the weight of the occupant. Based on the detection by the occupant detection means, the following convenient automatic air-conditioner control becomes possible.

  That is, when the occupant detection means detects that a passenger is riding other than the front seat and the energy saving mode is selected, the blower fan air volume and the blown air temperature are set so that the entire passenger compartment becomes the target temperature. In order to be controlled, it is possible to shift to a normal mode as a control mode that is built in advance. As a result, the entire interior of the vehicle is automatically controlled to an optimum temperature as necessary. On the other hand, when the occupant detection means does not detect a ride other than the front seat, the energy saving mode can be automatically selected. Thereby, the energy saving in the vehicle interior air conditioning targeted by the present invention is automatically achieved.

  In the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention, it is preferable that the minimum value of the air volume of the blower fan in the energy saving mode is set to a value smaller than that in the normal mode. By setting the minimum air volume to be lower than that in the normal mode, for example, the blower air volume in a reheat (a part of the air at the evaporator outlet of the air conditioner is reheated by the heater core) is reduced, and the reheat quantity is also reduced. Therefore, the energy loss lost by reheating can be reduced, and it can contribute to further energy saving.

Moreover, it is preferable that the maximum value of the air flow of the blower fan in the energy saving mode is set to a value smaller than that in the normal mode . By setting the maximum air volume lower than that in the normal mode, for example, it is possible to avoid setting a large air volume immediately after the air conditioner is activated under a high heat load. Therefore, the power consumption of the air conditioner at startup can be reduced, which can contribute to further energy saving.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention, as shown in the flowchart described later, in the energy saving mode, the target value of the blown air temperature is calculated to be higher than that in the normal mode. Based on the target blown air temperature, it is possible to calculate and control the air volume of the blower fan so as to be lower than that in the normal mode.

  According to the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention, by having the energy saving mode as a control mode that is built in advance, only the area of the front seat in the vehicle interior is controlled to be in a more optimal air conditioning state. This eliminates the need for a large air volume that air-conditions to the rear seats, saves energy, and reduces the amount of air blown from the air outlet to the near front seat to prevent discomfort caused by the airflow. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, by providing an operation means for selecting the energy saving mode, it becomes possible to arbitrarily select an air volume according to the passenger's preference. If symbols and characters are displayed on the operation means, the operation means can be operated very easily.

  In addition, by providing an occupant detection means for detecting that an occupant is in a seat other than the front seat, if the passenger is detected to be in a seat other than the front seat and the energy saving mode is selected, the passenger compartment It is possible to automatically shift to the normal mode so that the overall temperature becomes the target temperature, and when no passengers are detected other than the front seats, the automatic energy saving mode can be selected to save energy. It is possible to automatically achieve both a comfortable air conditioning of the entire vehicle interior as needed.

  Also, by setting the maximum air volume in the energy saving mode lower than the normal mode, the power consumption of the air conditioner at startup can be reduced, and by setting the minimum air volume lower than in the normal mode, the energy loss lost by reheating is reduced. be able to.

  Furthermore, various methods can be used in the design of the blower fan air volume based on the target value of the blown air temperature in the energy saving mode and the calculated target blown air temperature, facilitating more optimal control. You can aim.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an air conditioner system which is a premise of control in a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Show. The intake air adjusted by the inside / outside air switching damper 3 is introduced from the suction port 4 of the ventilation duct 2, and the conditioned air is blown into the vehicle interior by the blower fan 7 driven by the blower motor 6 through the blower amplifier 5. An evaporator 8 is disposed on the downstream side of the blower fan 7, and a heater core 10 whose flow rate is controlled by a flow rate control valve 9, for example, through which engine cooling water is passed, is disposed on the downstream side of the blower fan 7. . The ratio of the amount of air that passes through the heater core 10 and the amount of air that bypasses and passes through the heater core 10 can be controlled by the air mix damper 11. The heater core 10 recycles the air cooled by the evaporator 8. It can be heated (reheated). The conditioned air whose temperature is controlled is controlled by the dampers 12 and 13 and the like, and the air is supplied from the blowing ports 14, 15, and 16 (for example, the DEF mode blowing port, the VENT mode blowing port, and the FOOT mode blowing port). It is blown into the room.

  The refrigerant circulated through the refrigeration circuit 17 is circulated in the evaporator 8, and the air passing through the evaporator 8 is cooled. The refrigeration circuit 17 includes a compressor 18 that sucks and compresses refrigerant, a condenser 19 that dissipates and condenses the refrigerant from the compressor 18, gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant from the condenser 19, storage of liquid refrigerant, and gas refrigerant. A receiver 20 that flows out (including gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant) and an expansion valve 21 that expands and depressurizes the refrigerant from the receiver 20 are provided. The refrigerant expanded and depressurized by the expansion valve 21 is supplied to the evaporator 8. The refrigerant introduced from the evaporator 8 is again sucked into the compressor 18 and compressed.

  Reference numeral 22 denotes an air conditioner controller for controlling the vehicle air conditioner as described above, and the air conditioner controller 22 blows out into the vehicle compartment, the air volume control means for controlling the air volume of the blower fan 7 referred to in the present invention. The air-conditioner controller 22 includes a blow-out air temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the air and a set temperature operation means as means for setting a target temperature in the passenger compartment by the passenger. The air volume of the blower fan 7 and the air temperature of the blower fan 7 are controlled so that the target temperature set by the passenger is limited to the area of the front seat in the passenger compartment. In addition, an energy saving mode as a control mode that is built in advance is incorporated.

  The air conditioner controller 22 can set a target temperature Trset in the passenger compartment. The air conditioner controller 22 also includes a signal Teva from the evaporator outlet air temperature sensor 23 provided at the outlet of the evaporator 8, a signal Tamb from the outside air temperature sensor 24, and the cabin temperature for target air conditioning control. A signal Tr from the sensor 25, a signal Tw from the hot water temperature sensor 26 for detecting the temperature of the engine cooling water sent to the heater core 10 (heater core hot water temperature), and a signal Sun from the solar radiation sensor 27 are sent from the air conditioner controller 22. Then, the voltage signal BLV of the blower motor 6 for controlling the air volume of the blower fan 7 is sent to the blower amplifier 5, and the drive control signal Ccont of the compressor 18 is adjusted so that the target blown air temperature calculated by the air conditioner controller 22 is obtained. It is sent to drive control means 28 (for example, an electromagnetic clutch or an electric motor) of the compressor 18.

<Calculation method of target blowing air temperature TOC>
In the auto air conditioner, the target blown air temperature TOC is calculated so as to realize the target passenger compartment temperature set by the occupant, and the blowout air temperature and the blower air volume into the passenger compartment are controlled. The target blown air temperature TOC is obtained by feedback calculation of the current room temperature Tr with respect to the heat load information and the target room temperature Trset, and is calculated by the following equation.
TOC = f (Trset, Tr, Tamb, Sun, BLV) ・ ・ ・ Equation 1

In order to realize the target blown air temperature TOC, a part of the air cooled by the evaporator 8 is reheated by the heater core 10 to obtain the target blown air temperature. The amount of air passing through the heater core 10 is changed by the opening degree SW of the air mixing damper 11. Here, the opening degree SW of the air mixing damper 11 can be calculated by the following equation.
SW = f (TOC, Teva, Tw) ・ ・ ・ Equation 2

<Normal mode>
In the normal mode, the blown air temperature and the blower air volume are controlled so that the entire passenger compartment (the front seat and the rear seat) has a temperature comfortable for the occupant. The coefficient of the above formula 1 is determined so that the entire vehicle interior becomes the temperature intended by the occupant. The blower air volume is determined from the target blown air temperature TOC as shown in FIG. Here, the minimum value of the blower air volume is set so as to sufficiently air-condition the rear seats. In addition, the maximum value of the blower air volume is set so that the passenger compartment quickly reaches the target temperature even in the rear seats.

<Energy saving mode>
In the energy saving mode, the blowout air temperature and the blower air volume are controlled so that the temperature is comfortable for the occupant only in the front seat area. In the energy saving mode, since the control is limited to the area of the front seat, there is no need to consider causing the conditioned air to reach the rear seat. Therefore, the blower air volume is set to a value lower than that in the normal mode (however, the air conditioned air reaches at least the front seat). In this case, the maximum value and the minimum value are set lower than in the normal mode as shown in FIG. 2 (B), or the air volume is uniformly reduced at all target blown air temperatures TOC as shown in FIG. 2 (C). Any setting method may be used, or setting so as to change not only the maximum value and the minimum value but also the gradient of the blower airflow change with respect to the TOC as shown in FIG.

  The relationship between reheating by the heater core 10 in the normal mode and the energy saving mode as described above may be set as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

<Difference in airflow between normal mode and energy-saving mode>
FIG. 4 shows an image of the vehicle interior airflow 31. In the normal mode (B), the blower air volume is set so that the conditioned air reaches the rear seat. In the energy saving mode (A), the blower air volume is smaller than that in the normal mode, and the blower air volume is set so that the air flow circulates mainly in the area of the front seat, resulting in local air conditioning. Air-condition only around the passengers in the seat. Therefore, an efficient operation of the air conditioning system is possible. Here, it is desirable that the outlet is directed toward the ceiling of the passenger compartment. By facing the ceiling, an airflow that wraps around the passenger is realized.

<Occupant detection means>
In order to automatically switch to the energy saving mode, it is preferable that an occupant detection means for detecting that an occupant is in addition to the front seat is provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if infrared sensors 32a and 32b as occupant detection means are provided for the front seat and the rear seat, the occupant gets on only the front seat as the target of the energy saving mode (A). The state in which the passenger is in the front seat and the rear seat as the target of the normal mode (B) can be automatically detected. The occupant detection means may be a sensor that detects the weight of the occupant.

<Operation means for selecting and setting the energy saving mode>
FIG. 6 shows an example of operation buttons for selecting and setting the energy saving mode. It is preferable that the operation button 33 is displayed with symbols and characters that prompt the user to enter the energy saving mode when only the front seat is boarded. By pressing the operation button 33, the energy saving mode and the normal mode are switched. If the occupant detection means detects that the user has boarded the rear seat while the energy saving mode is selected, the energy saving mode is automatically canceled and the mode is switched to the normal mode. When the user wants to select the energy saving mode even when the ride to the rear seat is detected, the operation button 33 for setting the energy saving mode is operated in the state where the ride to the rear seat is detected by the passenger detection means. Thus, the energy saving mode can be set. This may be done when luggage is placed in the rear seats instead of passengers.

<Air conditioner control panel>
7 and 8 illustrate operation panels 34a and 34b of an air conditioner system incorporating operation buttons 33 for selecting and setting the energy saving mode as described above. When the AUTO button 35 is selected by the passenger, the automatic air conditioner is turned on. At this time, when the energy saving mode button 33 is not selected, the normal mode is selected. Further, if the energy saving mode operation button 33 is pressed when the air conditioner is OFF, the automatic air conditioner may be turned ON as the energy saving mode. The set temperature operation may be performed with a dial or a button. The current set temperature is preferably displayed on the panel.

<Automatic energy saving mode setting by occupant detection means>
In the above, there may be a form in which the operation means (operation button 33) for setting the energy saving mode is not provided. In this case, the energy saving mode is selected based on the detection amount of the occupant detection means. If the occupant detection means does not detect boarding of the rear seat, the normal mode may be automatically selected. When the boarding of the rear seat is detected, the normal mode may be selected.

<Form without occupant detection means>
Further, there may be a form without the occupant detection means. In this case, the normal mode and the energy saving mode may be switched only by the operation button 33 for setting the energy saving mode.

A control example in the vehicle air conditioner having the energy saving mode as the control mode constructed in advance is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10. In the control shown in FIG. 9, the blower air volume calculation formulas (f ₁ , f ₂ ) differ between the normal mode and the energy saving mode. The difference between the calculation formulas f ₁ and f ₂ is determined so as to realize the difference shown in FIG.

In the control shown in FIG. 10, the calculation formulas (f ₁ , f ₅ ) of the blower air volume are different from the calculation formulas (f ₃ , f ₄ ) of the target blown air temperature TOC in the normal mode and the energy saving mode. The difference between the calculation formulas f ₃ and f ₄ is that the coefficient in the above-described formula 1 is different. The coefficient of the normal mode is determined so that the entire passenger compartment has a temperature intended by the occupant. The coefficient of the energy saving mode is limited to the area of the front seat and is determined to be the temperature intended by the passenger. The energy saving mode, based on the calculation expression f ₄ target outlet air temperature TOC calculated in, blower air amount is calculated by the calculation equation f _5. In the control shown in FIG. 10, the calculation formula for the blower air volume BLV is the same for the normal mode and the energy saving mode, and only the calculation formula for the target blown air temperature TOC may be different between the normal mode and the energy saving mode. It is possible (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 10).

  The control as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 can smoothly switch between the normal mode and the energy-saving mode, and in particular, the air-conditioning control in the energy-saving mode limited to the front seat area targeted by the present invention. Can be performed appropriately.

  The present invention is applicable to any vehicle air conditioner that requires energy saving.

1 is a schematic equipment diagram of an air conditioner system in a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a relationship diagram between a target blown air temperature TOC and a blower fan voltage BLV showing a blower fan air volume pattern in a normal mode and an energy saving mode. FIG. 5 is a relationship diagram between a target blown air temperature TOC and a blower fan voltage BLV showing an example of a relationship with reheat. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the example of the air current state of energy saving mode and normal mode. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the example of a passenger | crew detection means. It is a front view of the operation button which shows the example of the operation means for selecting an energy saving mode. It is a front view which shows an example of the operation panel of an air conditioning system. It is a front view which shows another example of the operation panel of an air conditioning system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control in the vehicle air conditioner which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows another example of control in the vehicle air conditioner which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air-conditioner system 2 Ventilation duct 3 Inside / outside air switching damper 4 Inlet 5 Blower amplifier 6 Blower motor 7 Blower fan 8 Evaporator 9 Flow control valve 10 Heater core 11 Air mix damper 12, 13 Damper 14, 15, 16 Outlet port 17 Refrigeration circuit 18 Compressor 19 Condenser 20 Receiver 21 Expansion valve 22 Air conditioner controller 23 Evaporator outlet air temperature sensor 24 Outside air temperature sensor 25 Car interior temperature sensor 26 Hot water temperature sensor 27 Solar radiation sensor 28 Compressor drive control means 31 Air flow 32a, 32b Crew detection Infrared sensor 33 as means Operation buttons 34a and 34b for selecting and setting the energy saving mode Operation panel 35 for the air conditioner system AUTO button
Tamb outside temperature
Tr interior temperature
Trset Car interior target temperature
Teva evaporator outlet air temperature
Sun solar radiation
TOC Target blowout air temperature
BLV blower voltage
Tw Heater core hot water temperature
SW Open air damper position
Ccont Compressor drive control signal

Claims (9)

A blower fan for blowing conditioned air into the passenger compartment, an air volume control means for controlling the air volume of the blower fan, a blown air temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the air blown into the passenger compartment, and a target temperature in the passenger compartment. In a vehicle air conditioner having set temperature operating means as means for setting by the occupant, the air volume and blown air temperature of the blower fan are limited to the area of the front seat in the passenger compartment so that the target temperature set by the occupant is obtained. so they are controlled, and have a power-saving mode as a control mode that is pre-built, the operation means for selecting a該省saving mode, when the occupant is riding only the front seat air conditioning system design or characters representing the selecting is characterized that you have been displayed.   The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit for an occupant to arbitrarily select the energy saving mode. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising occupant detection means for detecting that an occupant is on board other than the front seat. The vehicular air conditioner according to claim 3 , wherein the occupant detection means includes means for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant by detecting infrared rays emitted from the occupant or detecting the weight of the occupant. When the occupant detection means detects boarding other than the front seat and the energy saving mode is selected, the air volume and blown air temperature of the blower fan are controlled so that the entire passenger compartment becomes the target temperature. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 3 , wherein the vehicle air conditioner shifts to a normal mode as a control mode constructed in advance. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the energy saving mode is automatically selected when the occupant detection means does not detect a passenger except for the front seat. The vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the minimum value of the air flow of the blower fan in the energy saving mode is set to a value smaller than that in the normal mode. The air conditioner for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the maximum value of the blower fan airflow in the energy saving mode is set to a value smaller than that in the normal mode.   In the energy saving mode, the target value of the blown air temperature is calculated to be higher than that in the normal mode. Based on the calculated target blown air temperature, the air volume of the blower fan is set to a value lower than that in the normal mode. The vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein calculation and control are performed so as to be.

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