JP7089691B2 - Vehicle air conditioning control device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning control device.

As the air conditioner mounted on the vehicle, an air conditioner for a vehicle interior that generates air conditioning air and blows it into the vehicle interior is generally used. In the automatic mode, the vehicle interior air-conditioning device automatically controls the temperature of the air-conditioning air, the air volume, and the air-conditioning air outlet based on the target temperature of the vehicle interior set by the occupants.

On the other hand, recently, as shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it is becoming more common to equip the seat with an air conditioner for a seat that circulates air in the vehicle interior. Patent Document 2 discloses a blower provided on a seat to circulate air in a vehicle interior inside the seat.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-158226 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-16727

By the way, in the air conditioner for a seat, when the blower is provided on the seat, the blower is present near the occupant seated on the seat, so that the operating noise of the blower is given to the occupant as compared with the air conditioner for the passenger compartment. The impact is large, and it is easy for the occupants to feel annoyed. In particular, when the operating noise of the blower is increased due to the increase in the air volume in the seat air conditioner, the occupant is likely to feel annoyed.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air-conditioning control device capable of reducing the annoyance felt by an occupant regarding the operating noise of a blower in a seat air-conditioning device. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, the following basic solution method is adopted in the present invention. That is,
An air conditioner for the passenger compartment that generates air conditioning air and supplies it to the passenger compartment,
An air conditioner for seats that has a blower arranged on the seat and circulates the air inside the vehicle inside the seat.
A control means for controlling the vehicle interior air conditioner and the seat air conditioner,
Equipped with
When the control means is in a condition to increase both the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner and the air volume in the seat air conditioner, the control means first increases the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner. , Delay control to increase the air volume in the seat air conditioner with a delay.
It is done like this.

According to the above-mentioned basic solution method, the air volume increase in the vehicle interior air conditioner is performed first, so that the occupant predicts in advance the increase in the air volume in the seat air conditioner. As a result, even if the air volume of the seat air conditioner is increased, the annoyance (or discomfort) felt by the occupant is reduced. In addition, since the operating noise of the air conditioner is increased in advance due to the increase in the air volume in the passenger compartment air conditioner, the air volume in the seat air conditioner is increased thereafter, so that the air volume in the seat air conditioner is increased. It becomes difficult to feel (or feel uncomfortable) the increase in operating noise that accompanies it.

On the premise of the above basic solution method, the following aspects are adopted in the present invention.
When the control means is in a condition for increasing only the air volume in the seat air conditioner, the seat air conditioner is used until the condition for increasing the air volume in the passenger compartment air conditioner is satisfied. Suppression control that suppresses the increase in air volume is performed . In this case, the increase in the air volume in the seat air conditioner is performed after waiting until the air volume in the passenger compartment air conditioner increases. It is possible to reduce the annoyance (or discomfort) felt by the air conditioner.

The delay control and the suppression control by the control means are executed on condition that the operating noise of the seat air conditioner has a large influence on the occupant in a predetermined state . In this case, it is preferable to increase the opportunity for the air volume to be increased in the seat air conditioner as much as possible to enhance the air conditioning effect.

The predetermined state is such that the degree of increase in the air volume in the passenger compartment air conditioner and the degree of increase in the air volume in the seat air conditioner are each set to be equal to or less than a preset predetermined degree. be. In this case, when the degree of increase in air volume is large, it is easy for the occupants to understand that it is an unavoidable situation to ensure proper air conditioning even if the operating noise is loud, while the smaller the degree of increase in air volume, the more the occupants. This is a preferable setting as the above-mentioned predetermined state because the situation is easy to worry about.

The predetermined state is set to be when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined vehicle speed . In this case, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined vehicle speed, the running noise is small, so that the operating noise is likely to be noticeable. Therefore, the predetermined setting is preferable.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the annoyance felt by the occupant regarding the operating noise of the blower in the seat air conditioner.

The figure which shows an example of the air conditioning operation panel. An exploded perspective view of a main part of a seat showing an example of an air conditioner for a seat. The figure which shows the setting example of the air volume level in the air conditioner for a passenger compartment, and the air volume level in an air conditioner for a seat. A time chart showing a control example of the present invention. The figure which shows the example of the control system of this invention. The flowchart which shows the control example of this invention.

In FIG. 1, P is an air conditioning operation panel. The air-conditioning operation panel P is provided, for example, in a substantially middle portion in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel, and can be operated by a driver's seat occupant and a passenger's seat occupant.

Various switches and display units are provided on the air conditioning operation panel P, and these will be described below. First, reference numeral 1 denotes a main switch, and by operating the push-push type switch unit 1a in the center thereof, the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 (see FIG. 5) and the seat air conditioner 20 (see FIG. 2) are operated. Toggles on and off. Immediately after the main switch 1 is turned on, the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the seat air conditioner 20 are basically operated in the automatic mode. In FIG. 5, the seat air conditioner 20 is identified by using the reference numerals S12 and S13 in order to distinguish between the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

The switch 1 is also used for setting the air volume, and the air volume is manually set by rotating the rotary operation unit 1b set around the switch 1.

In the embodiment of the vehicle interior air conditioner S11, air conditioning can be individually controlled for the driver's seat and the passenger seat. That is, the switch 2 is for setting the target temperature for the driver's seat, and the set target temperature is displayed on the display unit 3. The switch 4 is for setting a target temperature for the passenger seat, and the set target temperature is displayed on the display unit 5.

In the automatic mode, the vehicle interior air-conditioning device S11 adjusts the air-conditioning air temperature and the air volume according to the difference between the actual temperature in the vehicle interior and the set target temperature, and adjusts the air-conditioning air. However, it is blown into the vehicle interior from a predetermined outlet. When the air volume is manually set by the switch unit 1b, control items other than the air volume are controlled in the automatic mode.

The switch 6 is, for example, a push-push type, and is for turning on / off the seat air conditioner 20 (corresponding to reference numeral S12 in FIG. 5) equipped for the driver's seat. When the switch 6 is turned on, the seat air conditioner 20 is forcibly operated even in the automatic mode. Further, when the switch 6 is turned off, the operation of the seat air conditioner 20 is forcibly stopped even in the automatic mode. By rotating the switch 7, the air volume of the seat air conditioner 20 is manually set in preference to the air volume set in the automatic mode.

The switch 8 is for turning on / off the seat air conditioner 20 (corresponding to S13 in FIG. 5) equipped for the passenger seat, and the switch 9 is for manually setting the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20. Since the switch 8 corresponds to the switch 6 and the switch 9 corresponds to the switch 7, the duplicated description thereof will be omitted.

The air-conditioning operation panel P is further provided with a switch for switching between outside air intake and inside air circulation, a switch for operating the defroster, a switch for changing the air-conditioning air outlet, and the like. It is omitted because it is not directly related to.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the seat air conditioner 20, and has substantially the same structure for the driver's seat and the passenger seat. First, reference numeral 10 is a frame for the seat back. The frame 10 is composed of an upper frame 11 made of a pipe material and a lower frame 12 made of a pressed material. The lower part of the lower frame 12 is swingably connected to the seat cushion frame.

A pair of left and right pipe-shaped mounting portions 13 are fixed to the upper portion of the upper frame 11, and the mounting leg portions 14a of the headrest 14 are inserted and held in the mounting portions 13.

An air conditioner 20 for a vehicle interior is attached to the upper frame 11 via a bracket 30. Specifically, the seat air conditioner 20 is formed at the blower 21 fixed to the bracket 30, the connecting cylinder portion 22 extending downward from the blower 21, and the lower end portion of the connecting cylinder portion 22 and opens toward the front. It has an air-conditioned intake / exhaust port 23. In the embodiment, the vehicle interior air is sucked by the blower 21, and the sucked vehicle interior air is discharged from the intake / exhaust port 23.

The seat air conditioner 20 is entirely covered with a cushion material for the seat back, but at least the portion covering the suction port and the suction / exhaust port 23 of the blower 21 is set to have ventilation. .. By operating the blower 21, seat air conditioning is performed in which the vehicle interior air is circulated in the seat. The blower 21 may be a discharge type instead of the suction type.

FIG. 3 shows an example of air volume setting between the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the seat air conditioner 20. Each air volume is set with Δθ as a parameter, which is the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the actual temperature in the vehicle interior, and the larger the Δθ, the larger the air volume. Note that FIG. 3 is premised on cooling.

The air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 can be changed in a plurality of stages (12 stages in the embodiment). The air volume of the seat air conditioner 20 (blower 21 in the blower 21) can be changed in a plurality of stages (five stages in the embodiment), but the change is made in a number of stages smaller than the number of stages in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11. It is said that.

When the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20 are increased at the same time or only in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 according to the increase and change of the temperature difference Δθ. And, it may be increased only by the air conditioner 20 for the vehicle interior.

When the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20 are simultaneously increased, the air volume increase control as shown in FIG. 4 is performed. That is, in FIG. 4, the time point t1 satisfies the condition that the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20 simultaneously increase. At this time, first, the air volume is increased in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11. At t2, which is delayed by a predetermined time T (for example, 3 seconds to 5 seconds) from the increase in the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11, the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20 is increased.

As described above, the increase in the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 is performed first, so that the occupant predicts in advance the increase in the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20. As a result, even if the air volume of the seat air conditioner 20 is increased, the annoyance felt by the occupant is reduced. Further, since the operating noise of the air conditioner is increased in advance due to the increase in the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11, the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20 is subsequently increased, so that the seat air conditioner 20 is used. It becomes difficult to feel the operating noise that accompanies the increase in air volume.

When the air volume of the passenger compartment air conditioner S11 and the air volume of the seat air conditioner 20 are increased at the same time, the operating noise is suddenly increased due to the increase of both air volumes, so that the occupant tends to feel annoyed. It becomes. Further, when the air volume of the seat air conditioner 20 is increased first and then the air volume of the seat air conditioner S11 is increased, the operation is accompanied by the initial increase of the air volume of the seat air conditioner 20. It becomes easy for the occupants to feel annoyed by the increase in sound.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the control system of the present invention. In the figure, U is a controller (control unit) configured by using a microcomputer. Signals from various switches, sensors S1 to S5, and the like are input to the controller U. That is, the sensors S1 and S2 detect the set temperature (target room temperature) between the driver's seat side and the passenger seat side, and in the embodiment, S1 is supposed to detect the operation status of the switch 2, and S2 is It is assumed that the operation status of the switch 4 is detected.

Further, a signal from the temperature sensor S3 that detects the temperature inside the vehicle interior on the driver's seat side and a signal from the temperature sensor S4 that detects the temperature inside the vehicle interior on the passenger seat side are input. The temperature sensors S3 and S4 are appropriately provided, for example, provided on the left and right sides of the console box, or detect the temperature at a predetermined position on the driver's seat side and the temperature at a predetermined position on the passenger seat side by an infrared sensor. You can choose. Further, at least a signal from the seatbelt sensor S5 on the passenger seat side is input to the controller U (detection of whether or not an occupant is present in the passenger seat).

Next, the control contents of the controller U will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 shows an automatic mode during cooling (at least, an automatic mode in which the air volume control in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the air volume control in the seat air conditioner 20 are automatically controlled), and the air conditioning control on the driver's seat side. However, the same applies to the passenger side. Further, FIG. 6 is a control example especially in the case of an increase in air volume. In the following description, Q indicates a step.

First, in Q1, signals from various sensors S1 to S5 are input. After that, in Q2, it is determined whether or not the current vehicle interior temperature is larger than the set target temperature (determination of whether or not Δθ in FIG. 3 is larger than 0). If NO in the determination of Q2, it is assumed that cooling (particularly, the operation of the seat air conditioner 20) is unnecessary, and the product is returned as it is.

If YES in the determination of Q2, in Q3, the difference Δθ between the room temperature and the target temperature is collated with the map shown in FIG. 3, and the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the seat air conditioner 20 are collated. The air volume at is set.

After Q3, in Q4, it is determined whether or not only the air volume level in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 is changed (increased). If YES in the determination of Q4, the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 is changed (increased) in Q5.

If NO in the determination of Q4, it is determined in Q6 whether or not the air volume is increased for both the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the seat air conditioner 20. If YES in the determination of Q6, it is determined in Q7 whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied. This predetermined condition is defined as specifying a state in which the operating sound of the floor 21 has a large influence on the occupants.

Specifically, in the embodiment, it is said that when all of the following three conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied. It should be noted that when any one or any two of the following three conditions are satisfied, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions may be satisfied.
(1) At a low vehicle speed of a predetermined vehicle speed (for example, 40 km / h) or less. At this time, since the running noise is small, the environment is such that the operating noise is easily noticeable.
(2) When the degree of increase in air volume is small (for example, when the air volume is increased by one step). When the degree of increase in air volume is large, it is easy for the occupants to understand that it is unavoidable to reach the target temperature even if the operating noise is loud, while the smaller the degree of increase in air volume, the easier it is for the occupants to notice. Become.
(3) When a predetermined time (for example, 5 to 10 minutes) or more has passed since the ignition switch was turned on. At this time, during the period shortly after the ignition switch is turned on, it is easy for the occupants to understand that it is unavoidable even if the operating noise is loud immediately after the air conditioning control is started, but the air conditioning control is almost stable. The occupants are likely to be concerned about (increasing) the operating noise in such a state.

If YES in the determination of Q7, the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 is increased in Q8 (corresponding to the time point t1 in FIG. 4). After that, in Q9, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time T has elapsed (confirmation as to whether or not the time has reached t2 in FIG. 4). If the determination of Q9 is NO, the process returns to Q9.

If YES in the determination of Q9, the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20 is increased in Q10 (corresponding to the increase in air volume at t2 in FIG. 4).

If NO in the determination of Q7, the product is returned as it is (the air volume does not increase in both the vehicle interior air conditioner S11 and the seat air conditioner 20). The processing when NO in the determination of Q7 is in a state of waiting for a situation where the determination is YES in Q7. However, if the judgment of Q7 is NO, the occupant does not care much about the operating noise. Therefore, the air volume of the passenger compartment air conditioner S11 should be increased and the air volume of the seat air conditioner 20 should be increased at the same time. It can also be.

If NO in the determination of Q6, the air volume in the seat air conditioner 20 is maintained at the current air volume. At this time, even when the air volume increase is requested by the seat air conditioner 20, the situation is such that the air volume increase by the seat air conditioner 20 is waited until the air volume increase is requested by the vehicle interior air conditioner S11. ..

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims, and includes, for example, the following cases. ..
(1) In the air conditioning operation panel P, the main switch 1 may be eliminated, and the main switch may be turned on / off in response to a push / push operation at the center of the driver's seat switch 2, for example. Further, it is also possible to switch between individual air conditioning control independent of the driver's seat and air conditioning control according to the setting for the driver's seat in response to a push-push operation of the passenger seat switch 4, for example, in the central portion.
(2) Switches 6 and 7 (8 and 9) may be combined as one switch, for example, on / off may be switched according to push and push operations, and the air volume may be changed by the rotation operation.
(3) The seat air conditioner 20 may be provided only in the driver's seat or in all passenger seats.
(4) It is also possible to control the air conditioning based only on the settings for the driver's seat without individually controlling the air conditioning for the driver's seat and the passenger seat.
(5) An object of the present invention is not limited to what is specified, but also implicitly includes providing what is expressed as substantially preferable or advantageous.

The present invention is suitable as an air conditioning control device for vehicles.

P: Air conditioning operation panel 1: Main switch 1a: Switch section (for on / off)
1b: Switch part (for changing air volume)
2: Switch (for setting the temperature of the driver's seat)
3: Display (set temperature of driver's seat)
4: Switch (for setting the temperature of the passenger seat)
5: Display (passenger seat set temperature)
6: Switch (for turning on / off the air conditioner for the driver's seat)
7: Switch (for changing the air volume of the air conditioner for the driver's seat)
8: Switch (for turning on / off the air conditioner for the passenger seat)
9: Switch (for changing the air volume of the air conditioner for the passenger seat)
20: Seat air conditioner 21: Blower 22: Connecting cylinder 23: Intake / exhaust port U: Controller S1: Sensor (target temperature for driver's seat)
S2: Sensor (target temperature for passenger seat)
S3: Sensor (room temperature in the driver's seat)
S4: Sensor (room temperature in the passenger seat)
S5: Sensor (detection of presence / absence of occupants)
S11: Air conditioner for passenger seat S12: Air conditioner for driver's seat S13: Air conditioner for passenger seat

Claims (4)

An air conditioner for the passenger compartment that generates air conditioning air and supplies it to the passenger compartment,
An air conditioner for seats that has a blower arranged on the seat and circulates the air inside the vehicle inside the seat.
A control means for controlling the vehicle interior air conditioner and the seat air conditioner,
Equipped with
When the control means is in a condition to increase both the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner and the air volume in the seat air conditioner, the control means first increases the air volume in the vehicle interior air conditioner. , Delay control is performed to increase the air volume in the air conditioner for the seat with a delay.
When the control means is in a condition to increase only the air volume in the seat air conditioner, the air volume in the seat air conditioner is satisfied until the condition for increasing the air volume in the passenger compartment air conditioner is satisfied. Suppression control to suppress the increase,
A vehicle air conditioning control device characterized by this. In claim 1 ,
The vehicle air-conditioning control device is characterized in that the delay control and the suppression control by the control means are executed on condition that the operation sound of the seat air-conditioning device has a large influence on the occupant in a predetermined state. .. In claim 2 ,
The predetermined state is characterized in that the degree of increase in the air volume in the passenger compartment air conditioner and the degree of increase in the air volume in the seat air conditioner are each set to a predetermined degree or less set in advance. Air conditioning control device for vehicles. In claim 2 ,
A vehicle air-conditioning control device, characterized in that the predetermined state is a predetermined vehicle speed or less.

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