JPH03137448A - Air-conditioning control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform proper control through the body temperature regulating function of a man which a feeling of physical disorder is made not to be produced for a man in a space to be air-conditioned as much as possible by providing a pulse wave detecting means in a space to be air-conditioned, a temperature feeling deciding means based on temperature feeling - pulse wave characteristics, a temperature feeling difference output signal generating means, and a temperature control means. CONSTITUTION:When it is decided by a non-sensing state deciding means 2a that the value of a pulse wave detecting signal from a pulse wave detecting means 1 does not belong to a pulse wave amplitude range, an output signal generating means 3a generates an output signal necessary to a fact that the value of a pulse wave signal is caused to belong to a pulse wave amplitude range. According to the output signal, a control means 4 controls temperature in a space to be air-conditioned to a value equivalent to that in a non-sensing state. Thereafter, when it is decided by the non-sensing state deciding means 2a that it belongs to the pulse wave amplitude range, the output generating means 3a brings an output signal into an OFF-state, and the temperature control means 4 maintains temperature control in a present state. Thus, temperature in the space to be air-conditioned where no feeling of physical disorder is produced is controlled so as to match with the comfortable temperature feeling of a man based on the pulse wave of a man and a relation between the pulse wave and a non-sensing state regardless of various fluctuations in an environment physical amount inside and outside the space to be air-conditioned, a clothing amount of a man, and a fluctuation in an active mass.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus, and particularly to an air conditioning control apparatus suitable for automatically controlling the air conditioning state in an air-conditioned space such as a room.

(Prior art) Conventionally, for example, in a vehicle air conditioning control device, environmental physical quantities such as the temperature inside the vehicle, the outside temperature, and the amount of solar radiation are detected.
Normally, the temperature inside the vehicle is controlled to a desired temperature in accordance with this detection result.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) In this configuration, the temperature sensation of the occupant inside the vehicle is determined not only by the above-mentioned environmental physical quantities but also by the amount of clothing worn by the occupant, the amount of exercise before riding, the thermal history, etc. It also changes from time to time. For example, when controlling the air conditioning inside a vehicle, if the temperature inside the vehicle is controlled below the desired temperature, even if the occupants are physiologically angry about the heat, the temperature inside the vehicle will be controlled further. Therefore, it is not possible to secure an air-conditioning effect that can relieve the heat felt by the passengers. On the other hand, even when the occupant feels physiologically cold, it is similarly impossible to obtain an air conditioning effect that can relieve the cold that the occupant feels.

One possible solution to this problem is to reset the above-mentioned desired temperature to an appropriate temperature according to the passenger's sense of temperature, but it is troublesome to reset the desired temperature every time the passenger's sense of temperature changes. be. In addition, as in the air conditioner shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-99449, a transmitter is attached to the wrist of the passenger, and a skin temperature sensor is built into the transmitter. The skin temperature of the wrist is detected, and a receiver is installed at an appropriate location in the vehicle interior. When the passenger's sense of temperature changes, the skin temperature detected by the skin temperature sensor is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. It is also possible to automatically control the temperature inside the vehicle according to the skin temperature received by the receiver.

However, even with such a configuration, it is necessary to operate the transmitter for each change in temperature sensation of the occupant, which is troublesome.

To deal with this, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 57-37642, skin temperature related to passenger comfort is detected in a non-contact manner using an infrared sensor, and the detected skin temperature is There are some devices that control the temperature inside the vehicle to a desired temperature, but due to the characteristics inherent to the above-mentioned infrared sensors, high accuracy cannot be expected from the detection results.In such cases, contact-type temperature sensors are used. Although it is conceivable to directly detect the skin temperature of the occupant, the temperature sensor would be directly attached to the occupant's skin with tape or the like, which would physically make the occupant feel uncomfortable.

Therefore, in order to deal with the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an air conditioning control device that is based on the human body temperature regulation function while minimizing the discomfort described above to the people in the air-conditioned space. The aim is to ensure that air conditioning is controlled appropriately.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the problems, the configuration of the present invention, as shown in FIG. means 1; a thermal sensation determining means 2 for determining the thermal sensation according to the pulse wave detection signal based on a thermal sensation-pulse wave characteristic representing a relationship between a predetermined human thermal sensation and the pulse wave; a temperature difference output signal generating means 3 for generating a temperature difference output signal necessary to reduce the difference between the determined temperature sensation and the insensitivity on the temperature sensation-pulse wave characteristics; and temperature control means 4 for controlling the temperature in the air-conditioned space to a value corresponding to the insensitive state.

(Operation and Effect) By configuring the present invention as described above, the thermal sensation determination means 2 determines the human thermal sensation in response to the pulse wave detection signal from the pulse wave detection means 1 based on the thermal sensation-pulse wave characteristics. The temperature difference output signal generating means 3 generates a temperature difference output signal so as to reduce the difference between the determined temperature sensation and the no sensation, and the temperature control means 4 responds to the same temperature difference output signal. Since the temperature in the air-conditioned space is controlled to a value corresponding to the insensitivity state, in this type of air conditioning control device, the pulse wave detecting means 1 is adopted to prevent insensitivity from taking human's sense of temperature into consideration. Optimal air conditioning control can be achieved. This means that the temperature within the conditioned space can be made to match the comfortable temperature sensation of humans despite variations in various environmental physical quantities inside and outside the conditioned space, as well as changes in the amount of clothing and activity of humans. means.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the configuration of the present invention includes a pulse wave detection means 1 that detects the pulse wave of a person in an air-conditioned space and generates it as a pulse wave detection signal, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1B. , an insensitivity state determining means 2a for determining whether the value of the pulse wave detection signal belongs to a pulse wave amplitude range corresponding to a predetermined insensitivity state; In response to the determination, an output signal necessary for making the value of the pulse wave detection signal belong to the pulse wave amplitude range is generated, and in response to the determination that the value of the pulse wave detection signal belongs to the pulse wave amplitude range by the insensitive state determination means 2a, the output signal is generated. The present invention is provided with an output signal generating means 3a for extinguishing the temperature, and a temperature control means 4 for controlling the temperature in the air-conditioned space to a value corresponding to the insensitive state in response to the output signal.

(Operation and Effect) By configuring the present invention in this manner, the insensitive state determining means 2a determines that the value of the pulse wave detection signal from the pulse wave detecting means 1 does not belong to the pulse wave amplitude range. and,
The output signal generating means 3a generates an output signal necessary to make the value of the pulse wave detection signal belong to the pulse wave amplitude range, and the temperature control means 4 controls the temperature in the air-conditioned space according to this output signal. It is controlled to a value corresponding to the insensitive state. Then, when the insensitivity state determining means 2a determines that it belongs, the output signal generating means 3a eliminates the output signal, and the temperature controlling means 4 maintains the temperature control as it is.

Therefore, when controlling the temperature inside the air-conditioned space, changes in various environmental physical quantities inside and outside the air-conditioned space, the amount of human clothing,
Despite fluctuations in the amount of activity, the temperature in the air-conditioned space matches the comfortable temperature sensation of the person based on the pulse wave of the person and the relationship between this pulse wave and the insensitive state without causing discomfort as described above. can be controlled to

In such a case, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1B, if a change means 5 is provided for changing the pulse wave amplitude range by the human's operation, the above-mentioned insensitive Temperature control can be realized by controlling the human's inherent insensitivity state.

In addition, in solving the above-mentioned problems, the configuration of the present invention includes, as shown in FIG. a thermal sensation determining means 2 that determines the thermal sensation according to the pulse wave detection signal based on a thermal sensation-pulse wave characteristic representing a relationship between a predetermined human thermal sensation and the pulse wave; Environmental physical quantity representing the relationship between the environmental physical quantity of the air-conditioned space and the above-mentioned thermal sensation -
a converted environmental physical quantity setting means 6 that determines the environmental physical quantity according to the determined thermal sensation based on the thermal characteristics and sets it as a converted environmental physical quantity; Necessary outlet temperature determining means 7 for determining the required outlet temperature of the airflow from the outlet into the air-conditioned space, and controlling the airflow so that the outlet temperature thereof becomes the required outlet temperature. This is because a control means 8 is provided.

(Operation and Effect) By configuring the present invention as described above, the thermal sensation determining means 2 determines the thermal sensation based on the thermal sensation-pulse wave characteristic in response to the pulse wave detection signal from the pulse wave detecting means 1. , the converted environmental physical quantity setting means 6 determines the environmental physical quantity based on the environmental physical quantity-thermal sensation characteristic according to the determined thermal sensation and sets it as the converted environmental physical quantity, and the necessary outlet temperature determining means 7 sets the environmental physical quantity to the desired temperature. and the required outlet temperature of the air flow is determined according to the converted environmental physical quantity, and the control means 8 controls the air flow so that the outlet temperature thereof becomes the required outlet temperature. In other words, instead of controlling the outlet temperature using the desired temperature and environmental physical quantities as in the past, by controlling the outlet temperature using the desired temperature and the converted environmental physical quantities using the pulse wave detection means l, the environmental It is possible to realize air conditioning control that takes into account human temperature sensation in addition to physical quantities, and as a result, it becomes possible to perform temperature control that matches the human sense of comfortable temperature.

(Example) Hereinafter, one example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The figure shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle air conditioning control device. The air conditioning control device includes an air duct 10, and the air duct 10 includes an inlet 1.
An inside/outside air switching damper 11, a blower 12, an evaporator 13, an air mix damper 14, a heater core 15, and an air outlet switching damper 16 are sequentially arranged from 0a to the air outlet 10b into the vehicle interior 20 of the vehicle. Blower 12
The air flow is introduced into the air duct 10 through the inside/outside air switching damper 11, and the evaporator 13 and air mix damper 1
4, the air is blown into the vehicle interior 20 via the heater core 15 and the air outlet switching damper 16.

Evaporator 13 cools the airflow from blower 12 . The air mix damper 14 allows the air flow from the evaporator 13 to partially flow into the heater core 15 according to its actual opening degree θ, and causes the remaining air flow to flow directly to the outlet switching damper 16. In this case, when the opening degree θ is the minimum, the flow rate of air flowing into the heater core 15 is the minimum. The heater core 15 heats the incoming air flow and causes it to flow toward the outlet switching damper 16 .

Next, the electric circuit configuration of the air conditioning control device will be described. The operation switch 30 is operated to generate an operation signal when control by the air conditioning control device is required. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heart rate sensor 40 includes a clip 41 made of a black material that holds the earlobe M of the driver of the vehicle. When the proximal ends of the earlobe M are grasped from the outside and pressed against the coil spring 42, the tips of the clips 41a and 41b are tilted outward relative to each other about the shaft 41c, thereby releasing the grip on the earlobe M. . On the other hand, the clip 41 has both clip pieces 41a.

When the gripping pressure on 41b is released, both clip pieces 41 are moved around shaft 41c by the action of coil spring 42.
The tip portions of a and 41b are tilted inwardly to grip the earlobe M.

The heart rate sensor 40 is also equipped with a photoreflector 43 (P2826 type manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Ltd.), and this photoreflector 43 is inserted into the recess on the inner surface of the clip piece 41a via the printed circuit board 44 by an appropriate means. It is supported parallel to the bottom wall.

Further, this photoreflector 43 is a light emitting diode 43
A and a phototransistor 43b (see FIG. 2) are integrated into a single chip using an IC.

The spacer 45 is formed into a rectangular ring plate shape from a black foam material, and is fixed to the opening end of the recess of the clip piece 41a so that the photoreflector 43 is fitted into the hollow part of the spacer 45. ing. This spacer 45 has a thickness thicker than that of the photoreflector 43, and when the earlobe M is held between the clips 41, it contracts in the direction of its thickness and aligns the light receiving and emitting surface of the photoreflector 43 with the surface of the earlobe M. It has the function of bringing you into contact with each other. In the heart rate sensor 40 configured in this way, the light emitting diode 4
3a emits light due to its conduction, the light from this light emitting diode 43a enters the earlobe M and is reflected by the blood flow in the open earlobe M (located at a depth of about 2 (mm) from the surface of the earlobe M). At the same time, this reflected light enters the phototransistor 43b, undergoes photoelectric conversion, and is generated as a pulse wave signal from the phototransistor 43b.In such a case, the amplitude Vp-p of the pulse wave signal is
3b corresponds to the amount of received light, that is, the amount of change in blood flow within the earlobe M. Note that FIG. 4 illustrates the waveform of the pulse wave signal.

Here, the basis for adopting the heartbeat sensor 40 in this embodiment will be explained. The heart rate sensor 40 detects the amount of change in blood flow in the earlobe of each subject as a pulse wave signal when the environmental temperature of each of the subjects is varied in various ways, and the Each subject's
We asked each subject to report their temperature sensations (hereinafter referred to as warm sensations) such as cold J, hot J, etc., and each subject's pulse wave amplitude (i.e.,
When the relationship between the amplitude (Vp-p) of the pulse wave signal and the temperature was investigated, a characteristic curve was obtained as shown in FIG. According to this, when the thermal sensations of a large number of subjects were classified into seven types, it was confirmed that the amplitude V pp increased sequentially from "cold" to "hot".

In such a case, in the curve, "no feeling" refers to a feeling of warmth that is neither cold nor hot.
Even if various factors such as the influence of sunlight, changes in occupant clothing, and changes in occupant activity occur, if the air conditioning is controlled so that the occupants do not feel any warmth, the air conditioning will be optimal for the occupants. can be realized.

From this point of view, in controlling the air conditioning in the vehicle interior 20, this embodiment uses the heart rate sensor 4 on the premise of utilizing the characteristic curve.
I decided to adopt 0.

As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. . The fine adjustment switch 51 is closed by pressing its pressing surface 51a to generate a first fine adjustment signal when the occupant's thermal sensation corresponds to "slightly hot". The fine adjustment switch 52 is closed by pressing the pressing surface 52a and generates a second fine adjustment signal when the occupant feels comfortable. The fine adjustment switch 53 is pressed when the occupant's temperature sensation corresponds to [slightly cold J].
When a is pressed, it closes and generates a third fine adjustment signal. lamp 5
Reference numeral 4 denotes a pressing surface 51a of each fine adjustment switch 51 to 53 when turned on.

It functions as a backlight for 52a and 53a. Each of the pushing surfaces 51a to 53a is semi-transparent, and each of the pushing surfaces 51a to 53a has the words "slightly hot,""comfortable," and "comfortable."
The text "Slightly cold" is displayed. In addition, each pushing surface 5
The words "temperature sensation adjustment" are displayed on the part of the instrument panel 20a located directly above 1a to 53a.

The thermal memory mechanism 60, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7,
It is composed of interlocking type double memory switches 61, 62 and a lamp 63, and when the memory switch 61 stores the first fine temperature sensing value in the microcomputer 130 as described later, The first storage command signal is generated when the first storage command signal is closed. On the other hand, the storage switch 62 is closed by pressing the pressing surface 62a when storing the second fine temperature sensing value in the microcomputer 130 as described later.
Generates a storage command signal. In such a case, when one of the memory switches 61, 62 is closed, the other opens. When the lamp 63 is lit, each memory switch 6
It functions as a backlight for the pushing surfaces 61a and 62a of 1.62 mm. Note that each pushing surface 61a, 62a is semitransparent. Furthermore, the words "temperature sensation memory" are displayed on a portion of the instrument panel 20a located directly above each of the pushing surfaces 51a and 62a.

The drive power source 70 makes the light emitting diode 43a of the photoreflector 4o conductive in response to an operation signal from the operation switch 30. The amplifier 80 amplifies the pulse wave signal from the phototransistor 43b and generates it as an amplified signal. The peak hold circuit 9o peak-holds the maximum level and minimum level of the amplified signal from the amplifier 80, respectively, and generates a maximum level hold signal and a minimum level hold signal. A subtracter 100 subtracts the level of the minimum level hold signal from the peak hold circuit 90 from the level of the maximum level hold signal from the peak hold circuit 9o, and generates the result of this subtraction as a subtraction signal. A-D converter 11
0 is generated as a digital subtraction signal by digitally converting the subtraction signal from the subtracter 100. Pulse generator 12
0 is synchronized to the maximum level of the amplified signal from amplifier 80 (
That is, a synchronous pulse signal that is synchronized with the heartbeat of the passenger is sequentially generated.

The microcomputer 130 operates the operation switch 30, each of the fine adjustment switches, 51 to 53, each of the memory switches 61, 62, according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
In cooperation with the A-D converter 110 and the pulse generator 120, the main control program and the first and second interrupt control programs are executed, and during this execution, each lamp 54
．． 63, various calculation processes necessary for driving the drive circuit 140 of the blower 12 and the drive mechanism 150 of the air mix damper 14 are performed. However, the main control program and the first and second interrupt control programs are executed by the microcomputer 130.
is stored in advance in the ROM. Note that the microcomputer 130 is connected to the ignition switch IG of the vehicle.
Power is supplied from battery B when the battery is closed.

In this embodiment configured as described above, it is assumed that the vehicle is in a running state with its engine started in response to closing of the ignition switch IQ. At this time, the main/inlet computer 130 is being supplied with power from the battery B as the ignition switch IG is closed. Further, it is assumed that a heartbeat sensor 40 is attached to the earlobe M of the driver of the vehicle as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In this state, when an operation signal is generated from the operation switch 30, the microcomputer 130 starts executing the main control program at step 200 according to the flowchart of FIG. 8, and performs initialization processing at step 210. , a blower output signal for driving the blower 12 is generated at step 220 .

Therefore, the drive circuit 140 is connected to the microcomputer 13.
When the blower 12 is driven in response to the blower output signal from 0, an air flow is introduced into the air duct 10 by the blower 12 through its inlet 10a, and the air flow is introduced into the air duct 10 by the blower 12, the inside/outside air switching damper 11, the evaporator 13, and the air mix damper 14. , the air outlet 1 through the heater core 15 and the air outlet switching damper 16.
Furthermore, when the light emitting diode 43a in the heartbeat sensor 40 is driven by the drive power source 70 in response to an operation signal from the operation switch 30 and emits light, the light from the light emitting diode 43a enters into the earlobe M. It is reflected by the blood flow of the perilla and enters the phototransistor 43b. Therefore, the phototransistor 43b generates a pulse wave signal in accordance with the change in the amount of light received.

Then, the amplifier 80 generates the pulse wave signal as an amplified signal, the peak hold circuit 90 generates the maximum level and minimum level of the amplified signal as a maximum level hold signal and minimum level hold signal, respectively, and the subtracter 100 generates these signals. The level difference between both signals is generated as a subtraction signal, and A-
A D converter 110 converts the subtraction signal into a digital subtraction signal.

Further, the pulse generator 120 sequentially generates synchronous pulse signals in synchronization with the maximum level of the amplified signal from the amplifier 80,
In response to each of these synchronizing pulse signals in sequence, the microcomputer 130 repeats interrupt execution of the first interrupt control program according to the flowchart of FIG. The values of the digital subtraction signals are sequentially inputted as the pulse wave amplitude Vp-p.

After the arithmetic processing in step 220 of the main control program as described above, the microcomputer 130 compares and determines the latest pulse wave amplitude v PP in step 310 with a predetermined amplitude ΔV in step 230 . However, in this embodiment, the predetermined amplitude width ΔV is determined as follows and is stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 130 in advance. As shown in FIG. 5, there is a range in the pulse wave amplitude (pp) for the insensitive region in the characteristic curve. Therefore,
Pulse wave amplitude v on the characteristic curve corresponding to the center of the insensitive region
Let p-p be the reference amplitude Vpo (see Fig. 5), and let the pulse wave amplitudes corresponding to each of the image boundaries of the insensitive area be (Vpo+α) and (Vpo-β), and ■po-
Δ■ was determined to satisfy β≦Δ■≦VPO+α.

Note that α〉0. Let β〉0.

Therefore, V p-p > V po+α or Vp-
If p<Vpo-β holds, the microcomputer 130 determines "N○" in step 230 based on the determination that Vp-p does not belong to AV, and in step 231, Each lamp 54.63 is kept turned off under the disappearance of the first and second lighting signals necessary for lighting each lamp 54.63, and in step 232, each fine adjustment switch 5
1 to 53 are prohibited, and in step 233, the pulse wave amplitude v pp and the reference amplitude V in step 310 are
The difference from pO (Vp-p Vpo) is calculated, and the main control program proceeds to step 270.

In such a case, as shown in FIG.
” If V pa>V po+α holds true, the driver's thermal sensation corresponds to "warm". Therefore, the microcomputer 130 generates (■p-Vpo) as a temperature difference signal. However, this temperature sensing difference signal decreases the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 (air mix damper 1
4) corresponds to the signal for tilting upward as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, V pp = V
If p6<Vpo-β is satisfied, the driver's thermal sensation corresponds to "cool". Therefore, the microcomputer 130 generates (Vpo Vpb) as a temperature difference signal. However, this temperature difference signal corresponds to a signal for increasing the opening degree of the air mix damper 14.

As described above, when the temperature difference signal is generated from the microcomputer 130 in step 270, the drive mechanism 150
However, when Vp-p>Vpo10α, the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 is decreased, and on the other hand, when Vp-p<V
In the case of po-β, the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 is increased. Therefore, the temperature of the air flow blown into the vehicle interior 20 from the air outlet 10b decreases as the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 decreases, and increases as the opening degree increases. This means that the driver's sense of warmth is automatically adjusted toward insensitivity.

In such a state, when the latest pulse wave amplitude Vp-p in step 310 comes to belong to the predetermined amplitude width Δ■, the microcomputer 130 determines rYES in step 230, and in step 234 the first and A second lighting signal is generated. Then, the lamp 54 is turned on in response to the first lighting signal from the microcomputer 130, and the temperature sensing fine adjustment mechanism 5 of the instrument panel 20a is turned on.
On the other hand, the lamp 63 lights up in response to the second lighting signal from the microcomputer 130, and the part corresponding to the instrument panel 20.0 is illuminated. Temperature memory mechanism 6 of a
Illuminate the part corresponding to 0. This allows the driver to
It is visually notified that the temperature sensation fine adjustment mechanism 50 and the temperature sensation storage mechanism 60 are operable.

After the arithmetic processing in step 234, the microcomputer 130 performs each fine adjustment switch 5 in step 235.
1 to 53 are permitted, and the main control program proceeds to step 240. If the first storage command signal is generated from the storage switch 61 of the thermal storage mechanism 60 at this stage, the microcomputer 130 determines rYES in step 240, and in step 250, the operation flag F = 0 (initialized in step 210), and in step 251, as in step 233, (V p-p
Vpo> is calculated, and the calculation result is generated as a temperature sensing difference signal. Thereby, the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 is adjusted in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, if the second storage command signal is generated from the storage switch 62 of the thermal storage mechanism 60 after the arithmetic processing in step 235 as described above, the microcomputer 130 determines "No" in step 240, Step 26
0, it is determined that it is rNOJ based on F=O, and step 2
At 61, as in step 233, (Vp
-p Vpo) and advances the main control program to step 270 and thereafter.

In such a state, if the driver desires to adjust the temperature inside the vehicle compartment 2Oa to a thermal sensation state that suits his/her preference at this stage, he/she operates the thermal sensation fine adjustment mechanism 50. That is, when the driver feels "slightly hot,""slightlycold," or "comfortable," the first,
A third or second fine adjustment signal is generated. The reason why such adjustment was taken into consideration in this embodiment is as follows. The relationship between the pulse wave amplitude Vp-p and the thermal sensation specified by the characteristic curve described above is an average of the results reported by a large number of subjects. Therefore, the state of insensitivity specified by the characteristic curve may vary somewhat depending on the subject.

To illustrate this, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, V p-p = V p surrounded by a broken line circle A.

In the case of the part based on , there is a fluctuation in the median value of insensitivity, as specified by the curve La. For this reason, as described above, fine adjustment by the thermal sensitivity fine adjustment mechanism 50 is employed.

Based on the above, when the current temperature control state is a "slightly hot" temperature sensation state for the driver, the first fine adjustment signal is generated from the fine adjustment switch 51 under the generation of the first memory command signal. If you let it, microcomputer 13
0 starts interrupt execution of the second interrupt control program at step 400a according to the flowchart of FIG.
Based on the judgment that "it's a little hot", the second interrupt control program advances to step 420. Then, the microcomputer 130 changes the fine adjustment amplitude δ(>0) from the reference amplitude Vpo.
, and the subtraction result (Vpo−δ) is calculated in step 2.
On the premise that rYEsJ is determined in step 40, a first finely adjusted temperature sensing value (hereinafter referred to as the first finely adjusted temperature sensing value Vd1fa) is set in step 450 as a value corresponding to the driver's inherent insensitivity. However, the fine adjustment amplitude δ is
The reference amplitude ■po is stored in advance in the ROM of No. 30.

Note that the microcomputer 130 performs step 450.
At step 460, the first fine temperature sensing value Vatra is temporarily stored, and at step 460, the operation flag F=1 is set.

After that, when the main control program proceeds to step 250 again, the microcomputer 130 determines rYES based on F==1 in step 460, and proceeds to step 2.
52, the latest pulse wave amplitude Vp in step 310
-p to the first fine-tuned temperature sensing value Va in step 450
+ t *, and the result of this subtraction (Vp-p V
a+r-) is generated as a temperature sensing difference signal. Then, the drive mechanism 150 changes the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 in response to the temperature difference signal from the microcomputer 130.
(Vp-p V6th). Therefore, the amount of airflow heated by the heater core 15 is reduced, and the temperature at which the airflow is blown into the passenger compartment 20 is lowered. As a result, the warm sensation of "slightly hot" that the driver felt after the initial determination of rYESJ in step 230 can be finely adjusted, and a state of insensitivity unique to the driver can be achieved.

After such temperature control, if the driver feels "a little hot" and generates the third fine adjustment signal from the fine adjustment switch 53 after determining rYESJ in both steps 230 and 240, the microcomputer 130 will In step 410 of the second interrupt control program, it is determined that it is "slightly cold", and in step 430, the fine adjustment amplitude δ is added to the reference amplitude vPo,
This addition result (Vpo+δ) is calculated as r in step 240.
On the premise that it is determined to be YESJ, the first fine-tuned thermal sensation value V is determined in step 450 as equivalent to the driver's inherent insensitivity.
d1fa, and set F=1 in step 460.

After that, the microcomputer 130 performs step 25.
0, it is determined as rYES based on F=1, and step 25
2, the latest pulse wave amplitude Vp- in step 310
Updated first fine temperature sensing value Vd in step 450 from p
1ft is subtracted, and this subtraction result (V pp -V a
ir-) is generated as a temperature difference signal. Then, the drive mechanism 150 changes the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 to (Vp-p Va+ra=Vp-
p-Vpo-δ). The amount of airflow heated by this test core 15 increases, raising the temperature of the airflow into the passenger compartment 20. As a result, as described above, the driver's thermal sensation of "slightly cold" is finely adjusted, and a state of insensitivity unique to the driver can be achieved.

Further, when the driver of the vehicle is replaced by another person, after determining "NO" in step 240 as described above, the first fine adjustment signal is generated from the fine adjustment switch 51 or the first fine adjustment signal is generated from the fine adjustment switch 53. After generating the third fine adjustment signal, the microcomputer 130 converts the second fine temperature sensing value vd+rb to (Vpo
-δ) or (Vpo+δ), the same Vd, . . . is temporarily stored in step 450, and F=1 is set in step 460. Therefore, when it is determined in step 260 that it is rYESJ, the microcomputer 130 in step 262
Vd+rb), and in step 270, the result of the calculation is generated as a temperature difference signal. Thereby, the insensitivity state specific to the substitute can be finely adjusted in substantially the same manner as after the arithmetic processing in step 252. In addition, according to the generation of the second fine adjustment signal from the fine adjustment switch 52, the microcomputer 130 determines that it is comfortable in step 410, and in step 470, V dlfa=V PP
Alternatively, set Vd1fav pp.

As explained above, when the pulse wave amplitude Vp-p does not belong to the predetermined amplitude width ΔV by effectively utilizing the characteristic curve based on the adoption of the heart rate sensor 40, ■2-P changes to ΔV. By controlling the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 so that the temperature inside the passenger compartment 2o is controlled to a value corresponding to the insensitive state on the characteristic curve, the uneven temperature distribution in the passenger compartment 20, Despite changes in the amount of solar radiation, the amount of clothing worn by the driver, the amount of activity, etc., the driver remains in a state of insensitivity (
The temperature inside the vehicle interior 20 can be appropriately controlled to a temperature corresponding to the temperature specified by the characteristic curve. If the heart rate sensor 4
0 can be worn on the earlobe of the driver, etc., so it will not cause any particular discomfort to these people.

Furthermore, by using the thermal sensation fine adjustment mechanism 50 and the thermal sensation memory mechanism 60 under temperature control as described above, it is possible to further finely adjust the control temperature to a value corresponding to a state of insensitivity peculiar to the driver, etc. This makes it possible to accurately realize a state of insensitivity that suits the preferences of each passenger.

Note that in implementing the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the air mix damper 14, and may be implemented by applying the present invention to, for example, drive control of the blower 12.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the temperature inside the vehicle compartment 20 is controlled so as to make the driver's sense of warmth insensitive based on the determination in step 230, but instead of this,
Predetermined thermal characteristics of the driver (microcomputer 1
Pulse wave amplitude V obtained from
The difference between the warm sensation based on pp and the insensitivity obtained from the same temperature sensation characteristic may be determined, and the temperature in the vehicle interior 20 may be controlled to reduce this difference.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an electric circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 11 is adopted in place of the electric circuit configuration shown in FIG. 2 described in the previous embodiment. This is due to its structural characteristics. Temperature setting device 40
A generates a desired set temperature in the cabin of the vehicle as a set temperature signal by the setting operation. Inside temperature sensor 4
0b detects the actual temperature inside the vehicle and is generated as an inside temperature detection signal. The outside temperature sensor 40c detects the actual temperature of the outside air of the vehicle and generates an outside temperature detection signal.The solar radiation sensor 40d detects the actual amount of sunlight entering the vehicle interior and generates a solar radiation amount detection signal. . Opening sensor 40e
detects the actual opening degree θ of the air mix damper 14 and generates it as an opening degree detection signal. The A-D converter 110a receives the set temperature signal from the temperature setting device 40a, and the internal temperature sensor 40b.
The internal temperature detection signal from the external temperature sensor 40c, the solar radiation detection signal from the solar radiation sensor 40d, and the opening detection signal from the opening sensor 40e are digitally converted to generate a digital set temperature signal and a digital internal temperature signal. signal, a digital outside temperature signal, a digital solar radiation signal, and a digital opening signal.

The microcomputer 130a operates the operation switch 30 and each A-D converter 11 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 described in the above embodiment.
0, 110a and the pulse generator 120 (see the above embodiment), the main control program (hereinafter referred to as the second main control program) and the first interrupt control program are executed, and during this execution, the Performs various calculation processes necessary for driving the drive circuit 140 and drive machine [150] described in the embodiment. However, the second main control program and the first interrupt control program are R of the microcomputer 130a.
It is stored in OM in advance. Note that the microcomputer 130a is supplied with power from the battery B when the ignition switch IG is closed. Other configurations include temperature sensitivity fine adjustment machine! Except for omitting R50 and the temperature memory mechanism 60,
This is the same as in the previous embodiment.

In this other embodiment configured as follows, it is assumed that the vehicle is in a running state with its engine started as the ignition switch IG is opened. At this time, the microcomputer 130a is being supplied with power from the battery B as the ignition switch IG is closed. In such a state, when an operation signal is generated from the operation switch 30, the microcomputer 130a
According to the flowchart in FIG. 2, execution of the second main control program is started in step 500, and in step 510,
Initialization processing is performed, and in step 520, the heart rate sensor 4
The presence or absence of the device 0 is determined. At this stage, assuming that the heart rate sensor 40 is attached to the earlobe M of the driver of the vehicle in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, the microcomputer 130a is connected to the pulse generator 12 as in the embodiment described above.
The interrupt execution of the first interrupt control program is repeated in response to each synchronization pulse signal generated sequentially from 0, and the value of the digital subtraction signal from the A-D converter 110 is pulsed at step 310 every time this interrupt is executed. The wave amplitudes are inputted sequentially as wave amplitudes V pp.

Therefore, in step 520, the microcomputer 130a determines that the pulse wave amplitude Vp in step 310 is
-p, it is determined that the heart rate sensor 40 is already attached, and the pulse wave amplitude Vp-p in step 310 is determined to be rYESJ in step 520a.
0 beats are input, and in step 520b, the same 100 beats are input.
The average value of the pulse wave amplitudes Vp and -p for each beat is determined and set as the pulse wave amplitude average value V pave. In step 520c, the microcomputer 130a calculates a characteristic curve L representing the relationship between the thermal sensation and the pulse wave amplitude average value Vpt've.
a (see FIG. 13), the pulse wave amplitude average value V in step 520b. Temperature sensation (hereinafter, thermal sensation Tf)
).

However, the above-mentioned characteristic curve La is based on the characteristic curve L (see FIG. 5) described in the above embodiment,
It is determined from the relationship between each average value of the pulse wave amplitude V PP for each beat minute, that is, each pulse wave amplitude average value V ve and the thermal sensation Tf,
It is stored in advance in the ROM of the microcomputer 130a. In such a case, the temperature sensation Tf=+3. +2. +1. O
, -1, -2°-3 are "hot", "warm", and "slightly warm".

These correspond to "no feeling,""slightlycool,""cool," and "cold," respectively.

After completing the determination of the thermal sensation Tf as described above, the microcomputer 130a, in the next step 530,
The digital set temperature signal, digital inside temperature signal, digital outside temperature signal, and digital solar radiation amount signal from the A-D converter 110a are inputted as the set temperature Ts, inside temperature Tr, outside temperature Tam, and solar radiation amount ST, respectively. Second
The main control program proceeds to step 540. Therefore, if the temperature sensation Tf in step 520f is not "0", the microcomputer 130a
It is determined as "NO".

Next, coordinates (Tf, T
In step 550, the microcomputer 130a determines whether or not r) is within a predetermined internal temperature coordinate range. However, the above-mentioned predetermined internal temperature coordinate range is determined as follows. The correlation between the thermal sensation Tf and the internal temperature Tr was confirmed through experiments, and a characteristic straight line Lb was obtained as shown in FIG. 14. In such case,
- The so-called standard state is set in which the work load of the subject is approximately IMFT (seated stable state) and the subject's clothing is 0°50ρ0 (summer clothes R). It was also confirmed that this characteristic line Lb moves in parallel, for example, like the characteristic line Lbb, in response to changes in the amount of work and/or clothing of the subject. This means that even if the internal temperature Tr remains unchanged, the sensation of warmth varies.

In addition, when we investigated the permissible variation range of the characteristic line Lb in the standard state, taking into account the variation among subjects, we found that the 14th
As shown in the figure, it was confirmed that the coordinate range between each of the characteristic lines Lbu and Lbρ corresponded to the permissible variation range.

For this reason, the coordinate range between each characteristic straight line Lbu and Lbp was previously stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 130a as the above-mentioned predetermined internal temperature coordinate range.

However, since the driver's workload and amount of clothing are large at this stage, the driver's thermal sensation deviates from the predetermined thermal sensation interior temperature coordinate range in relation to the interior temperature Tr in step 530, for example. , on the characteristic line Lbb, the microcomputer 130a determines that it is necessary to correct the internal temperature due to the deviation in the thermal sensation, and performs step 55.
0 is determined as "NO" and the second main control program proceeds to step 550a.

Next, in step 550a, the microcomputer 130a calculates the internal temperature T on the characteristic straight line Lb based on the temperature sensation Tf in step 520c.
Determine r = T r b and set it as the converted internal temperature Tro. In such a case, as understood from FIG.
When the current internal temperature is Tr=Tra, the converted internal temperature Tro=Trb is a value converted from the internal temperature Tra. On the other hand, the determination in step 540 or 550 is rYE.
In the case of SJ, the microcomputer 130a determines that the air conditioning condition is comfortable for the driver, and in step 550b sets the inside temperature Tr in step 530 as the converted inside temperature TrO. Note that the characteristic line Lb is R of the microcomputer 130a.
It is stored in OM in advance.

After the arithmetic processing in step 550a or 550b as described above, the microcomputer 130a performs step 53 in step 560 based on the following relational expression (1).
Set temperature Ts, outside temperature Tam and solar radiation at 0, isT
and the converted internal temperature Tro in step 550a (or the converted internal temperature Tro in step 550b)
), the required outlet temperature Tao is calculated.

Tao = 1 - Ts - 2 - Tr.

- to 3 - Tan- to 4- ST - (11 However, in relational expression (1), the required outlet temperature Ta.

is the required blowout temperature of the airflow at the blowout port 10b of the air duct 10, and is for bringing the temperature inside the vehicle compartment 20 to an appropriate value. Also, each code has 1 and 2. ni, and ni 4
is the weighting coefficient.

Here, the basis for adopting relational expression (1) in this embodiment will be explained. The conventional relational expression representing the required outlet temperature TaO is specified by the following relational expression (2).

Tao = 1 - Ts-'2 TrK3- Tam
- to 4- ST...12] However, this relational expression (2)
The required air outlet temperature Tao is calculated in relation to so-called environmental physical quantities such as the set temperature Ts, the inside temperature Tr, the outside temperature T a m, and the amount of solar radiation ST. However, in general, even if the environmental physical quantities inside the vehicle cabin 20 are the same, the driver's sense of temperature varies from moment to moment due to differences in environmental conditions such as the amount of clothing worn, the amount of work done, or the thermal history before riding. It is. Therefore, unless the required air outlet temperature is determined by taking into account human factors such as the driver's sense of temperature, even if the air condition in the vehicle interior 20, for example, the internal temperature, is appropriate, it will not be comfortable for the driver. It is recognized that an air-conditioned environment has not been achieved. Therefore, the relational expression (1) is adopted in place of the relational expression (2) and is stored in advance in the ROM of the microcomputer 130a. In the relational expression (2), the symbol K12 represents a weighting coefficient.

Thus, when the second main control program proceeds from step 550a to step 560, the microcomputer 130. Based on relational expression (1), a is Ts, Tam
, ST and the required outlet temperature Ta according to Tro=Trb in step 550a.

Calculate. This means that the required outlet temperature Ta.

This means that it is calculated by also taking into account the difference in internal temperature between the points Qb and Qa, which corresponds to the difference in the temperature sensation between the points P and Qa in FIG. Further, when the second main control program proceeds from step 550b to step 560, the microcomputer 130a determines Ts, Tam, ST and T in step 550b based on relational expression (1).
The required outlet temperature Tao is calculated according to ro=Tr. This means that the required air outlet temperature Tao is calculated in consideration of the internal temperature Tr in step 530 in relation to the driver's insensitivity state.

After calculating the required outlet temperature T a o as described above, the microcomputer 130a calculates the required outlet temperature T a o in step 570 based on the characteristic curve Lc (see FIG. 15) in relation to the required outlet temperature T a o in step 560. Blower 12
Determine the air flow rate Q from .

However, the characteristic curve Lc is based on the air flow rate Q and the required outlet temperature T.
This characteristic curve Lc, which represents the relationship with ao, is stored in advance in the ROM of the microcomputer 130a. Further, in the characteristic curve Lc, the required air outlet temperature Tao corresponding to the symbol N in FIG. 15 corresponds to the driver's insensitive state.

Next, the microcomputer 130a performs step 5.
At 70a, the air flow rate Q from step 570 is generated as a blower output signal.

Further, the microcomputer 130a performs step 58.
0, θ represents a predetermined proportional relationship between the target opening degree θ0 of the air mix damper 14 and the required outlet temperature Tao.
. - Target opening degree θ according to the required outlet temperature Tao in step 560 based on the Tao characteristic. is determined, and a damper output signal necessary to reduce the difference between this target opening θ0 and the value of the digital opening signal from the A-D converter 110a (hereinafter referred to as opening θ) is generated in step 580a. . However, θ. -Tao characteristics are microcomputer 13
It is stored in advance in the ROM of 0a.

As described above, when the blower output signal and damper output signal are generated from the microcomputer 130a, the drive circuit 14
0 drives the blower 12 in response to the blower output signal and causes the blower 12 to deliver an air flow at an air flow rate Q. Further, the drive mechanism 150 is the microcomputer 1
The air mix damper 14 is driven to the target opening θ in response to the damper output signal from the damper 30a. Tilt it up to. Then, the air flow from the blower 12 flows into the evaporator 13 with an air flow rate Q and is cooled. Depending on the target opening degree θ0 of the air mix damper 14, a part of the cooling air flow from the evaporator 13 is transferred to the heater core 15. The heated air flow flows toward the outlet switching damper 16, and the remaining cooling air flow directly flows toward the outlet switching damper 16, and both flowing air flows at the air flow rate Q and the required outlet temperature Tao. It blows out into the vehicle compartment 20.

In such a case, if the air conditioning condition in the vehicle compartment 20 is such that cooling is required, the required air outlet temperature Tao is on the negative side of 25° C. in FIG. 15. On the other hand, if the air conditioning state in the vehicle compartment 20 is in a state that requires heating, the required air outlet temperature Tao
is on the positive side of 55° C. in FIG. Therefore, in the process of repeating the execution of the second main control program through each step 520 to 580a, as the actual temperature inside the vehicle compartment 20 approaches the set temperature, the required air outlet temperature TaO changes to the point N (Fig. 15). (see) As the air approaches the side, the air flow rate from the blower 12 decreases and the opening degree of the air mix damper 14 changes.

In these conditions, step 540 or 550
If the determination is ``YES'' in
2), the temperature Tr in the vehicle interior 20 is adjusted to the set temperature Ts in accordance with only normal environmental physical quantities by applying the relational expression (1) based on Tro=Tr.゛Also, if the determination in step 220 is "NO", based on the determination that the driver's thermal sensation Tf is not in the standard thermal sensation state, the converted internal temperature Tro( By applying the relational expression (1) based on ≠Tr), the internal temperature Tr is adjusted to the set temperature Ts, and the temperature sensation Tf is adjusted to be insensitive. This makes it possible to realize optimal air conditioning control that also takes into account the driver's sense of warmth.

Further, as described above, the second main control program is executed in step 5.
20, if the determination at step 520 is rNo, the microcomputer 130
Based on the determination that a is not wearing the heart rate sensor 4o, in step 520d, as in step 530,
Set temperature Ts, inside temperature Tr, outside temperature Tam, and solar radiation ff1
sT is input, and in step 560, the required outlet temperature Tao is determined by applying the relational expression (1) based on Tro=Tr, and the calculation processing from step 570 is performed. This achieves control of the internal temperature based only on normal environmental physical quantities. In such a case, depending on whether or not the heart rate sensor 4o is attached to the earlobe M, it is possible to select either the arithmetic processing after step 520a or the arithmetic processing after step 520d, so that the driver can determine whether or not air conditioning control including temperature sensation is necessary. There is also the advantage of being able to make decisions freely.

In addition, in the other embodiments, the inside temperature Tr and the thermal sensation T
Using the relationship with f (see Figure 14), we controlled the indoor temperature taking into account the sense of warmth. Using the relationship between the combination and the thermal sensation, the indoor temperature control may also be performed in consideration of the thermal sensation, as described above.

Further, in the other embodiments, the pulse wave amplitude average value V pave in step 520b is calculated from the pulse wave amplitude Vp-p for 100 beats, but the invention is not limited to this. The pulse wave amplitude number, which is the basis for calculating □ve, may be changed as necessary.

Further, in implementing the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the heartbeat sensor 40, and for example, a laser blood flow sensor, an impedance plethysmography method, or the like may be employed.

Moreover, in implementing the present invention, the present invention is not limited to an air conditioning control device for a vehicle, and may be applied and implemented to various air conditioning control devices.

Furthermore, in implementing the present invention, in the second main control program (see FIG. 12) described in the other embodiments, wearing of the heart rate sensor 40 is set as an execution start condition in step 5°O, and both steps 520 If .520d is omitted, each characteristic line Lb, Lbu, L shown in FIG.
If bρ is stored in the microcomputer 130a, the calculated internal temperature Tro can be determined based on the temperature sensation, and the internal temperature sensor 40b can be omitted.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1A to 1C are diagrams corresponding to the descriptions of each claim, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a heartbeat sensor, and FIG. 4 is a diagram of the output waveform of the same sensor, Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between pulse wave amplitude and temperature sensation, Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of the same graph, and Figure 7 is the temperature sensitivity fine adjustment mechanism and temperature sensation in Figure 2. FIGS. 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of the microcomputer shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 11 is a main part showing another embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram, Fig. 12, is the flowchart of Fig. 9, and the
Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the action of the microcomputer, Country 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the average pulse wave amplitude and the sense of warmth, Figure 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the internal temperature and the sense of warmth, and Figure 15 is a graph showing the relationship between the internal temperature and the sense of warmth. , is a graph showing the relationship between air flow rate and required outlet temperature. Explanation of symbols 10... Air duct, 12... Blower, 13. Evaporator, 14... Air mix damper 15.
... Heater core, 2o ... Vehicle interior, 40 ... Heart rate sensor, 40a ... Temperature setting device, 40b ... Inside temperature sensor, 40c - Outside temperature sensor, 40d ... Solar radiation sensor,
40e・Opening sensor, 50... Temperature fine adjustment machine elliptical, 60・
・・Thermosensory memory mechanism, 130.130a・Microcomputer.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A pulse wave detection means that detects the pulse wave of a human in an air-conditioned space and generates a pulse wave detection signal, and a thermal sensation-pulse wave characteristic that expresses the relationship between a predetermined human thermal sensation and the pulse wave. a thermal sensation determining means for determining the thermal sensation according to the pulse wave detection signal based on the pulse wave detection signal; and a thermal sensation difference necessary to reduce the difference between the determined thermal sensation and the insensitivity based on the thermal sensation-pulse wave characteristic. A temperature sensing difference output signal generating means for generating an output signal, and a temperature controlling means for controlling the temperature in the air-conditioned space to a value corresponding to the insensitive state according to the temperature sensing difference output signal. air conditioning control equipment. (2) A pulse wave detection means that detects a pulse wave of a person in an air-conditioned space and generates a pulse wave detection signal, and a value of the pulse wave detection signal within a pulse wave amplitude range corresponding to a predetermined insensitive state. an insensitive state determining means for determining whether or not the pulse wave detection signal belongs to the pulse wave amplitude range; output signal generating means for generating a signal and extinguishing the output signal in response to the determination by the insensitive state determining means that the air-conditioned space belongs; An air conditioning control device is provided with a temperature control means for controlling the temperature to a value corresponding to a state of feeling. (3) The air conditioning control device according to item 2, further comprising a changing means for changing the pulse wave amplitude range by a human operation. (4) A pulse wave detection means that detects the pulse wave of a human being in an air-conditioned space and generates a pulse wave detection signal, and a thermal sensation-pulse wave characteristic that expresses the relationship between a predetermined human thermal sensation and the pulse wave. a thermal sensation determining means that determines the thermal sensation according to the pulse wave detection signal based on the pulse wave detection signal; a converted environmental physical quantity setting means for determining the environmental physical quantity according to the determined thermal sensation and setting it as a converted environmental physical quantity; A necessary outlet temperature determining means for determining a necessary outlet temperature of the air flow from the outlet, and a control means for controlling the air flow so that the outlet temperature thereof becomes the necessary outlet temperature. Air conditioning control equipment.