Automobile air conditioning system and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides an automobile air conditioning system and a control method thereof. An evaporating temperature sensor is fixed on the side of a cold core close to a warm core, and a unique air outlet temperature sensor is arranged on the inner wall of an air conditioning box between the warm core and an air outlet. The number of air outlet temperature sensors in the traditional automobile air conditioning system is effectively reduced. One end of the warm core close to the air outlet temperature sensor is abutted against the end of a first air door away from the cold core and movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning box. The first air door is used for controlling the air volume entering the warm core. A corresponding second air door is arranged at each air outlet. The second air door is used for controlling the air outlet and the air volume of the corresponding air outlet. Specifically, the unique air outlet temperature sensor is used in cooperation with each second air door, so that the overall manufacturing cost can be controlled without affecting the temperature adjustment of each region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of automotive air conditioning, specifically relating to an automotive air conditioning system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of society, cars have become an indispensable means of transportation for people, and the comfort of the driving environment is receiving more and more attention.

[0003] The ambient temperature inside a vehicle is one of the indicators for evaluating environmental comfort. This temperature is regulated by the car's air conditioning system. It's worth noting that the air conditioning system is one of the three core components of an electric vehicle, and its energy consumption ranks second among pure electric vehicles. The electric compressor and the PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater are the main energy-consuming components of the air conditioning system. The evaporator temperature sensor and the air outlet temperature sensor are crucial input signals for the air conditioning control module's thermal comfort and energy-saving control, thereby controlling the operating power of the electric compressor and PTC heater.

[0004] Currently, the air conditioning systems of electric vehicles typically have dedicated pipes at multiple air conditioning outlets, such as the face outlet, defrost outlet, and foot outlet, and each outlet is equipped with a corresponding air outlet temperature sensor. These air outlet temperature sensors are used to monitor the air outlet temperature at each location for localized temperature adjustment. Although this arrangement can accurately adjust the temperature of each area, the human body is not very sensitive to temperature changes, which leads to a certain waste of resources and ultimately results in a higher manufacturing cost for the entire air conditioning system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, the present invention provides an automotive air conditioning system and its control method, aiming to solve the problem of high manufacturing cost of electric vehicle air conditioning systems in the prior art.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides an automotive air conditioning system, the system comprising an air conditioning unit, and a blower, a cooling core, a heating core, and a plurality of air outlets disposed within the air conditioning unit and fixedly arranged in sequence according to the airflow direction. An evaporation temperature sensor is fixedly disposed on the side of the cooling core near the heating core, and an outlet temperature sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit between the heating core and the air outlets. One end of the heating core near the outlet temperature sensor abuts against the end of a first damper movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit away from the cooling core. The first damper controls the airflow into the heating core. Each air outlet is provided with a corresponding second damper, which controls the airflow and airflow volume from the corresponding outlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the outlet air temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the uniformly mixed air output from the cooling core and the heating core, respectively.

[0008] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit is provided with a third damper at the air inlet of the blower. The third damper is movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit and is used to control the flow of external or external gas into the blower.

[0009] Furthermore, within the air conditioning unit, a receiving cavity is provided between the heating core and the blower, wherein the middle part of the receiving cavity is used to place the cooling core and is adapted to the cooling core, and the receiving space on both sides of the receiving cavity is smaller than the receiving space in the middle of the receiving cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, the angle between the inner wall of the air conditioning unit near the blower and the cold core of the receiving cavity is 15° to 30°, and the angle between the inner wall of the air conditioning unit near the heating core and the cold core is 60° to 75°.

[0011] Furthermore, a fixing part extends outward from the inner wall of the air conditioning unit, and the end of the heating core away from the air outlet temperature sensor is fixedly connected to the fixing part. The fixing part is used to cooperate with the first air damper so that the heating core is fixedly fixed inside the air conditioning unit at an angle.

[0012] Furthermore, the angle between the warm core and the cold core is 30° to 45°.

[0013] Furthermore, a first abutment is provided on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit on the side away from the fixing part. The surface height of the first abutment is lower than the surface height of the inner wall of the air conditioning unit on the same side near the cold core. The first abutment is used to limit the first air damper.

[0014] Furthermore, a second abutment is provided at a corresponding position on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit at each of the air outlets, and the second abutment is used to limit the second air damper.

[0015] Furthermore, the outlet air temperature sensor is located in the middle area inside the air conditioning unit.

[0016] A second aspect of this invention provides a control method for an automotive air conditioning system, applied to the aforementioned automotive air conditioning system, the method comprising:

[0017] Obtain the air conditioner start command, and according to the air conditioner start command, control the blower, cooling core and heating core to start working and reach the initial power. At the same time, control the corresponding first air damper and second air damper to rotate to the initial position.

[0018] The system acquires air conditioning adjustment information and controls the blower, cooling core, and heating core to reach a preset power based on the air conditioning adjustment information, and controls the first damper and the second damper to rotate to a preset position.

[0019] The automotive air conditioning system and its control method provided in the embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0020] By fixing an evaporation temperature sensor on the side of the cold core closer to the warm core, and installing a unique outlet temperature sensor on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit between the warm core and the air outlet, the number of outlet temperature sensors in traditional automotive air conditioning systems is effectively reduced. The end of the warm core near the outlet temperature sensor abuts against the end of the first damper that is movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit away from the cold core. The first damper is used to control the airflow into the warm core. Each air outlet is equipped with a corresponding second damper, which is used to control the airflow and airflow volume of the corresponding air outlet. Specifically, by using a unique outlet temperature sensor in conjunction with each second damper, the overall manufacturing cost can be controlled without affecting the temperature regulation of each area. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automotive air conditioning system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a control method for an automotive air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0023] The following detailed embodiments will be further described in conjunction with the above-mentioned accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete.

[0025] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of an automotive air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The automotive air conditioning system includes an air conditioning unit, and a blower 1, a cooling core 2, a heating core 3, and several air outlets arranged sequentially in the direction of airflow inside the air conditioning unit. The first outlet can be a face outlet, the second outlet can be a defrost outlet, and the third outlet can be a foot outlet.

[0029] Specifically, the air conditioning unit contains a blower 1, a cooling core 2, a heating core 3, and several air outlets. The heating core 3 includes one or more heat exchangers such as an air PTC heater (positive temperature effect electric heater), a traditional heater core (with coolant flowing inside), or an indoor heat exchanger (with refrigerant flowing inside). The cooling core 2 includes one or more evaporators or other heat exchangers. Air enters the air conditioning unit from the blower 1 and exits to the driver's cab from the air outlets. It should be noted that a third damper 53 is installed at the air inlet of the blower 1, movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit, to control the flow of external or internal air into the blower 1. The third damper 53 can be understood as a damper that controls the internal and external air circulation. One end of the third damper 53 is hinged to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit, and the third damper 53 is rotated by a motor. It should be noted that when the third damper 53 rotates to the rightmost position, internal circulation is performed, and when the third damper 53 rotates to the leftmost position, external circulation is performed. In addition, the motor is electrically connected to the controller and is used to rotate to a specified angle under the control of the controller. In this embodiment, the first damper 51 and the second damper 52 work on the same principle as the third damper 53, but their lengths or sizes differ depending on the actual application scenario. The working methods of the first damper 51 and the second damper 52 will not be described in detail later.

[0030] Furthermore, within the air conditioning unit, a receiving cavity is provided between the heating core 3 and the blower 1. The middle part of the receiving cavity is used to place the cooling core 2 and is adapted to the cooling core 2, ensuring that all the air output from the blower 1 can pass through the cooling core 2. Further, the receiving space on both sides of the receiving cavity is smaller than the receiving space in the middle, i.e., a structure that is small at both ends and large in the middle. In this embodiment, the angle between the inner wall of the air conditioning unit near the blower 1 and the cooling core 2 is 15°–30°, and the angle between the inner wall of the air conditioning unit near the heating core 3 and the cooling core 2 is 60°–75°. The advantage of this arrangement is that the air output from the blower 1 can quickly enter the cooling core 2 while being output from the cooling core 2 in a certain direction and entering the subsequent heating core 3. On the other hand, it improves the utilization efficiency of the cooling core 2.

[0031] Specifically, an evaporation temperature sensor 4 is fixedly installed on the side of the cold core 2 near the warm core 3. In this embodiment, the evaporation temperature sensor 4 is installed in the air conditioning unit in an insert-type manner. The insert-type means that the sensor is inserted into the heat exchange fins of the evaporator. The evaporation temperature sensor 4 is installed in the middle area of ​​the cold core 2 and is used to detect the temperature of the air output from the cold core 2. In this embodiment, the end of the warm core 3 near the outlet air temperature sensor 5 abuts against the end of the first air damper 51 that is movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit away from the cold core 2. In addition, a fixing part 6 extends outward from the inner wall of the air conditioning unit. The end of the warm core 3 away from the outlet air temperature sensor 5 is fixedly connected to the fixing part 6. The fixing part 6 is used to cooperate with the first air damper 51 so that the warm core 3 is fixedly tilted in the air conditioning unit. It should be noted that a sealing strip can be provided at the abutment position of the warm core 3 and the first air damper 51 to ensure that the gas flows into the preset area without leakage. Similarly, sealing strips can also be installed at other positions where sealing is required.

[0032] To ensure the overall size and integration of the air conditioning unit, the working efficiency of the heating core 3, and to prevent the selection angle of the first air damper 51 from being too large, the included angle between the heating core 3 and the cooling core 2 is set to 30° to 45°. It should be noted that a first abutment part 71 is provided on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit on the side away from the fixed part 6. The surface height of the first abutment part 71 is lower than the surface height of the inner wall of the air conditioning unit on the same side near the cooling core 2. The first abutment part 71 is used to limit the first air damper 51. That is, the inner wall of the air conditioning unit on the side away from the fixed part 6 is not a single plane, but two or more planes with height differences. When the air output from the cooling core 2 needs to pass through the heating core 3, the first air damper 51 is controlled to rotate until it abuts against the first abutment part 71. Due to the plane difference, the sealing effect is better. When the air output from the cooling core 2 does not pass through the heating core 3, the first air damper 51 is controlled to rotate until it abuts against the fixed part 6.

[0033] Furthermore, an air outlet temperature sensor 5 is installed on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit between the heating core 3 and the air outlet. This sensor 5 is located in a preset area within the air conditioning unit and is used to detect the temperature of the uniformly mixed air output from the cooling core 2 and the heating core 3. The sensor outputs air conditioning air as the corresponding second damper 52 rotates. The first damper 51 controls the airflow into the heating core 3. Each air outlet has a corresponding second damper 52, which controls the airflow and air volume. A second abutment 72 is located on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit at each air outlet, limiting the movement of the second damper 52. It can be understood that arranging one air outlet temperature sensor in this area can replace conventional face-blowing and foot-blowing air outlet temperature sensors without affecting thermal comfort or energy-saving algorithms. Therefore, the vehicle can save at least one air outlet temperature sensor, one wiring harness branch, and one air conditioning control module temperature acquisition interface, effectively reducing manufacturing costs.

[0034] It should be noted that, in order to determine the specific installation location of the outlet air temperature sensor 5, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis and physical verification were used to confirm that the first damper 51 is in any adjustable position. The area where the outlet air temperature sensor 5 is located is a region where cold and warm air are fully mixed. This region was selected through CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) analysis in the early stage of R&D and subsequent physical testing and optimization. The specific CAE analysis and physical test conditions are shown in the table below:

[0035]

[0036]

[0037] Understandably, when the first damper is in a fully cold position, that is, the first damper 51 is at the top and in close contact with the heating core 3, and when the first damper is in a fully hot position, that is, the first damper 51 is at the bottom and in contact with the inner wall of the air conditioning unit, in this embodiment, the rotatable angle of the first damper 51 is divided into 16 positions, and relevant verification experiments are carried out at each position to determine the final position of the outlet air temperature sensor 5.

[0038] In summary, the automotive air conditioning system proposed in this invention effectively reduces the number of outlet temperature sensors in traditional automotive air conditioning systems by fixing an evaporation temperature sensor on the side of the cold core near the warm core and installing a unique outlet temperature sensor on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit between the warm core and the air outlet. The end of the warm core near the outlet temperature sensor abuts against the end of the first damper movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit away from the cold core. The first damper is used to control the airflow into the warm core. Each air outlet is provided with a corresponding second damper, which is used to control the airflow and airflow volume of the corresponding air outlet. Specifically, by using a unique outlet temperature sensor in conjunction with each second damper, the overall manufacturing cost can be controlled without affecting the temperature regulation of each area.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] Please see Figure 2 The above is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a control method for an automotive air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The method specifically includes:

[0041] Step S01: Obtain the air conditioner start command, and according to the air conditioner start command, control the blower, cooling core and heating core to start working and reach the initial power. At the same time, control the corresponding first air damper and second air damper to rotate to the initial position.

[0042] Specifically, the system receives the air conditioner start command, which means starting the air conditioner via the air conditioner switch. At this time, the system receives the air conditioner start command and controls the blower, cooling core, and heating core to start working and reach the initial power. Generally, the initial power is the power when the air conditioner was working last time. In some other embodiments, the initial power can also be the system default power. Similarly, the corresponding first air damper and second air damper are controlled to rotate to the initial position.

[0043] Step S02: Obtain air conditioning adjustment information, and according to the air conditioning adjustment information, control the blower, cooling core and heating core to reach the preset power, and control the first damper and the second damper to rotate to the preset position.

[0044] It should be noted that, firstly, an adjustment model is established. Specifically, by pre-calibrating the airflow and temperature at each air outlet corresponding to different blower power, cooling core power, heating core power, first damper rotation angle, and second damper rotation angle, a mapping relationship is established between cooling core power, heating core power, first damper rotation angle, second damper rotation angle, and airflow and temperature. Airflow can be detected by an airflow detection device, and temperature can be obtained by an outlet temperature sensor, calibrated using an additional standard temperature sensor. This outlet temperature sensor can be used to determine whether the currently adjusted temperature is the specified temperature. In essence, when air conditioning adjustment information is obtained, such as a specified airflow and a specified temperature, the specified airflow and temperature are input into the adjustment model. Matching is then performed in the mapping relationship, i.e., querying and retrieving the blower power, cooling core power, heating core power, first damper rotation angle, and second damper rotation angle corresponding to the specified airflow and temperature. Since the blower, cooling core, heating core, first damper, and each second damper are all electrically connected to the controller, control can be completed simultaneously to achieve the purpose of air conditioning adjustment.

[0045] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0046] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automotive air conditioning system, characterized in that, The system includes an air conditioning unit, and a blower, a cooling core, a heating core, and several air outlets, which are fixedly arranged in the air conditioning unit according to the airflow direction. An evaporation temperature sensor is fixedly installed on the side of the cooling core near the heating core, and an air outlet temperature sensor is installed on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit between the heating core and the air outlets. The end of the heating core near the air outlet temperature sensor abuts against the end of the heating core that is movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit away from the cooling core. The first air outlet is used to control the air volume entering the heating core. Each air outlet is provided with a corresponding second air outlet, which is used to control the air outlet and the air volume. The outlet air temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the air that is mixed evenly after being output from the cold core and the warm core, respectively. The air conditioning unit is equipped with a third damper at the air inlet of the blower. The third damper is movably connected to the inner wall of the air conditioning unit and is used to control the flow of external or external gas into the blower. Inside the air conditioning unit, a receiving cavity is provided between the heating core and the blower. The middle part of the receiving cavity is used to place the cooling core and is adapted to the cooling core. The receiving space on both sides of the receiving cavity is smaller than the receiving space in the middle of the receiving cavity.

2. The automotive air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the inner wall of the air conditioning unit near the blower and the cold core of the receiving cavity is 15°~30°, and the angle between the inner wall of the air conditioning unit near the heating core and the cold core is 60°~75°.

3. The automotive air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A fixing part extends outward from the inner wall of the air conditioning unit. The end of the heating core away from the air outlet temperature sensor is fixedly connected to the fixing part. The fixing part is used to cooperate with the first air damper so that the heating core is fixedly fixed inside the air conditioning unit at an angle.

4. The automotive air conditioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angle between the warm core and the cold core is 30°~45°.

5. The automotive air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first abutment is provided on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit on the side away from the fixed part. The surface height of the first abutment is lower than the surface height of the inner wall of the air conditioning unit on the same side near the cold core. The first abutment is used to limit the first air damper.

6. The automotive air conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second abutment is provided at a corresponding position on the inner wall of the air conditioning unit at each of the air outlets, and the second abutment is used to limit the second air damper.

7. A control method for an automotive air conditioning system, applied to the automotive air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the air conditioner start command, and according to the air conditioner start command, control the blower, cooling core and heating core to start working and reach the initial power. At the same time, control the corresponding first air damper and second air damper to rotate to the initial position. The system acquires air conditioning adjustment information and controls the blower, cooling core, and heating core to reach a preset power based on the air conditioning adjustment information, and controls the first damper and the second damper to rotate to a preset position.

Images