The linkage control method between electrochromic unit and air conditioning and vehicle

Abstract

This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a method for the coordinated control of an electrochromic unit and an air conditioner, as well as a vehicle. In this method, the vehicle can receive a transmittance adjustment command, adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit based on the transmittance adjustment command to adjust the intensity of ambient light entering the vehicle interior through the electrochromic unit; and control the operation of the air conditioner based on the transmittance adjustment command, thereby achieving coordinated control between the electrochromic unit and the air conditioner. This application embodiment does not require separate control of the electrochromic unit and the air conditioner, thus simplifying user operation and improving user experience. Furthermore, to prevent the electrochromic unit from stopping operation due to exceeding its critical operating temperature, when the controller detects through a temperature sensor that the temperature of the electrochromic unit exceeds a preset temperature threshold, the controller can also control the air conditioner to be turned on to reduce the temperature of the electrochromic unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a method for the linkage control of an electrochromic unit and an air conditioner, and a vehicle thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochromism (EC) refers to the phenomenon where the optical properties (reflectivity, transmittance, absorptivity, etc.) of a material undergo stable and reversible changes under the influence of an applied electric field. Applying electrochromic technology to automotive glass can not only adjust the intensity of light inside the car to improve comfort, but also selectively absorb or reflect external heat radiation, thereby reducing the use of air conditioning and saving energy.

[0003] Typically, changes in the intensity of ambient light outside a vehicle also lead to changes in the vehicle's interior temperature; for example, the stronger the ambient light, the higher the interior temperature. However, the control process for the light transmittance of the EC glass and the control process for the air conditioning are independent of each other. For example, after adjusting the light transmittance of the EC glass, the operation of the air conditioning still needs to be controlled separately, which is a relatively cumbersome process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To simplify user operation, this application provides a method and vehicle for the linkage control of an electrochromic unit and an air conditioner. The vehicle can control the light transmittance of the electrochromic unit and the operation of the air conditioner based on the light transmittance adjustment command, thereby realizing the linkage between the electrochromic unit and the air conditioner.

[0005] In a first aspect of this application, a method for coordinating the control of an electrochromic unit and an air conditioner is provided. The vehicle includes a main body and an air conditioner and an electrochromic unit disposed on the main body. In this method, the vehicle receives a transmittance adjustment command; the vehicle adjusts the transmittance of the electrochromic unit based on the transmittance adjustment command to adjust the intensity of ambient light entering the vehicle interior through the electrochromic unit; and the operation of the air conditioner is controlled based on the transmittance adjustment command.

[0006] In the embodiments of this application, the vehicle can obtain a transmittance adjustment command, adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit based on the transmittance adjustment command, and control the operation of the air conditioner based on the transmittance adjustment command, thereby realizing the linkage between the electrochromic unit and the air conditioner. The embodiments of this application do not require separate control of the electrochromic unit and the air conditioner, thus simplifying user operation and improving the user experience.

[0007] In some embodiments, the light transmittance adjustment command includes a target light transmittance level signal corresponding to a target light transmittance level, wherein the target light transmittance level corresponds to a target light transmittance; controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the light transmittance adjustment command includes: obtaining a target first control signal of the air conditioner based on the target level signal; controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the target first control signal; wherein the target first control signal is used to control the air conditioner to be in an on or off state, and / or, the target first control signal is also used to control the air supply temperature of the air conditioner.

[0008] In some embodiments, the target gear signal and the target first control signal have a mapping relationship; obtaining the target first control signal of the air conditioner based on the target gear signal includes: determining the target first control signal corresponding to the target gear signal based on the target gear signal and the mapping relationship.

[0009] In some embodiments, before determining the target first control signal corresponding to the target gear signal based on the target gear signal and the mapping relationship, the method further includes: determining air conditioning control parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of preset transmittance gears, the air conditioning control parameters including air conditioning status control parameters and / or air supply temperature control parameters, the air conditioning control parameters being used to generate a first control signal, and the target first control signal being any signal among the first control signals; establishing a mapping relationship between each of the transmittance gears and the air conditioning control parameters corresponding to each of the transmittance gears, thereby establishing a mapping relationship between each gear signal and each of the first control signals.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control mode of the air conditioner includes a first mode, in which the air conditioner is linked with the electrochromic unit; controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the light transmittance adjustment command includes: determining the current control mode of the air conditioner; if the current control mode is the first mode, then controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the light transmittance adjustment command.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes: monitoring the temperature of the electrochromic unit using a temperature sensor; if the temperature exceeds a preset temperature threshold, controlling the air conditioner to be turned on based on a preset second control signal, thereby reducing the temperature of the electrochromic unit; wherein the priority of the second control signal is higher than the priority of the target first control signal, and the preset temperature threshold is not greater than the operating critical temperature of the electrochromic unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a first air conditioning vent disposed on the main body, the first air conditioning vent being disposed toward the electrochromic unit, and the method further includes: if the temperature exceeds a preset temperature threshold, controlling the first air conditioning vent to be in an open state, so that the air conditioning air delivered from the first air conditioning vent blows toward the electrochromic unit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the target first control signal is further used to control the air supply speed of the air conditioner.

[0014] In a second aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle comprising: a body, an electrochromic unit, an air conditioner, at least one processor, and a memory, wherein the electrochromic unit and the air conditioner are both disposed on the body, the memory is communicatively connected to the at least one processor, and the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method as described in the first aspect.

[0015] In some embodiments, the main body is provided with a first air conditioning outlet, which is disposed toward the electrochromic unit.

[0016] It should be understood that the description in the Summary of the Invention section is not intended to limit the key or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a vehicle for performing an air conditioning control method, provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of the vehicle from one perspective, provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a vehicle from another perspective, provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the linkage control method between an electrochromic unit and an air conditioner provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 5 These are schematic diagrams of the vehicle control interface provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 6 These are schematic diagrams of the vehicle control interface provided in other embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the linkage control method between an electrochromic unit and an air conditioner provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling air conditioner operation based on transmittance adjustment commands, provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 9 These are schematic diagrams of the vehicle control interface provided in other embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 10 These are schematic diagrams of the hardware structure of a vehicle controller provided in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The principles and spirit of this disclosure will be described below with reference to several exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these specific embodiments are described merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. In the following description and claims, 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.

[0029] As used herein, the term "comprising" and similar terms should be understood as open-ended inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on". The term "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects and are used only to distinguish the objects referred to, without implying a particular spatial order, temporal order, order of importance, etc., of the objects referred to.

[0030] For example, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a vehicle used to perform the air conditioning control method according to an embodiment of this application is shown, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 100 includes a controller 101, an electrochromic unit 102, an air conditioner 103, a light intensity sensor 104, a temperature sensor 105, and a human-machine interface 106.

[0031] It should be understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on vehicle 100. In other embodiments of this application, vehicle 100 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0032] Specifically, the electrochromic unit 102 is a device made using an electrochromic material. Materials possessing electrochromic properties can be called electrochromic materials. Electrochromism refers to the phenomenon where the optical properties of a material (such as reflectivity, transmittance, and absorptivity) undergo stable and reversible color changes under the influence of an applied electric field. Electrochromism manifests visually as reversible changes in the material's color and transparency. In its transparent state, the electrochromic unit 102 is as transparent as glass, while in its opaque state it possesses a strong ability to block light and heat radiation.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one electrochromic unit 102 is located on the top of the vehicle 100. Ambient light from outside the vehicle 100 can pass through the electrochromic unit 102 and enter the interior of the vehicle 100. The intensity of the ambient light entering the interior of the vehicle 100 through the electrochromic unit 102 varies with the light transmittance of the electrochromic unit 102. The electrochromic unit 102 can be a piece of electrochromic glass (skylight). When there are multiple electrochromic units 102, multiple electrochromic units 102 can be sequentially spliced ​​to form a larger electrochromic structure. The electrochromic structure may, for example, include a curtain wall formed by splicing multiple pieces of electrochromic glass, a vehicle sunroof (skylight), or a side window.

[0034] Taking the electrochromic unit 102 as an example of a sunroof. As the seasons change, users have different needs regarding the intensity of light entering the vehicle. For instance, in the summer when temperatures are high and sunlight is strong, users prefer less light entering the vehicle, which can be achieved by reducing the sunroof's light transmittance. Conversely, in the winter when temperatures are low and sunlight is weak, users prefer stronger light entering the vehicle. By adjusting the light transmittance of the sunroof glass, the intensity of light projected into the vehicle from the sunroof can be adjusted, improving user comfort.

[0035] In some embodiments, the light intensity sensor 104 is used to detect the ambient light intensity signal before entering the electrochromic unit 102, and to detect the vehicle interior light intensity signal passing through the electrochromic unit 102. Based on the ambient light intensity signal and the vehicle interior light intensity signal, a transmittance signal is generated, which reflects the transmittance of the electrochromic unit 102. The controller 101 can obtain the transmittance of the electrochromic unit 102 based on the transmittance signal generated by the light intensity sensor 104.

[0036] Temperature sensor 105 is used to monitor the temperature of electrochromic unit 102. In the sweltering summer heat, the temperature of electrochromic unit 102 will inevitably rise under the scorching sun. When the temperature of electrochromic unit 102 exceeds its critical operating temperature, it will stop working. In this embodiment, controller 101 can detect the temperature of electrochromic unit 102 via temperature sensor 105 to promptly control air conditioner 103 to cool the electrochromic unit 102.

[0037] Specifically, the air conditioner 103 is used to regulate the temperature of the air inside the vehicle, and can also be used to regulate at least one of the parameters such as humidity, cleanliness, and airflow rate of the air inside the vehicle. The air conditioner 103 delivers conditioned air into the vehicle interior through several air conditioning vents.

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The vehicle structure is shown exemplarily from different perspectives. Please refer to... Figure 2 The vehicle 200 includes a main body 210 and an electrochromic unit 220 disposed on the main body, with the electrochromic unit 220 located on the top of the vehicle 210. The main body 210 includes an A-pillar 211.

[0039] Existing vehicle air conditioning vents primarily function in the middle of the passenger compartment, the floor of the passenger compartment, and the windshield. They cannot quickly and effectively reduce the temperature of the electrochromic unit, nor can they effectively assist in defrosting and defogging the panoramic sunroof. In some embodiments of this application, several air conditioning vents include a first air conditioning vent. Please refer to... Figure 3 The first air conditioning vent is located on the side of the main body closest to the electrochromic unit, specifically on the A-pillar 211 of the car near the electrochromic unit (for example, Figure 3 (The first position in the middle). The airflow direction of the first air conditioning outlet can be directed towards the electrochromic unit, so that the air conditioning air delivered from the first air conditioning outlet can blow towards the electrochromic unit, thereby reducing the temperature of the electrochromic unit when its temperature exceeds a preset temperature threshold. When the electrochromic unit (such as a panoramic sunroof) experiences frost or fogging, the first air conditioning outlet can also effectively help defrost and defog the panoramic sunroof. The number of first air conditioning outlets can be one or more. Multiple first air conditioning outlets are arranged around the electrochromic unit 102 on the main body 210, and all of the multiple first air conditioning outlets are directed towards the electrochromic unit 102, thereby ensuring that the air conditioning air delivered from the first air conditioning outlets blows towards the electrochromic unit 102, improving the cooling efficiency of the electrochromic unit 102. Those skilled in the art can set the number of first air conditioning outlets according to actual needs.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plurality of air conditioning vents further includes a second air conditioning vent. The second air conditioning vent acts on the middle of the vehicle compartment or on the lower part of the vehicle compartment. In some embodiments, the second air conditioning vent is specifically located at... Figure 3 The second air conditioning vent is located in the second position. The second air conditioning vent is mainly for regulating the temperature inside the passenger compartment, while the first air conditioning vent is mainly for regulating the temperature of the electrochromic unit.

[0041] In some embodiments, the human-machine interface includes a display screen and input controls; wherein the display screen may be a touch screen. The input controls may be mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons. The vehicle can receive button input and generate button signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the vehicle.

[0042] Typically, panoramic sunroofs and in-vehicle air conditioning are two independent systems, unrelated to each other. Therefore, when light intensity changes, after manually or automatically adjusting the translucency of the panoramic sunroof, it is also necessary to separately adjust the air conditioning's on / off status and airflow temperature. This process is relatively cumbersome and not convenient or intelligent. Based on this, this application provides a method and vehicle for the coordinated control of an electrochromic unit and air conditioning, enabling the panoramic sunroof and air conditioning to work together, simplifying user operation and improving the user experience. To facilitate the reader's understanding of this application, specific embodiments are described below.

[0043] Please see Figure 4 This application provides a method for the linkage control of an electrochromic unit and an air conditioner. This method is applied to a vehicle, for example, in an application... Figure 1 For vehicle 100, please refer to Figure 4 The method includes the following steps:

[0044] Step 31: Obtain the transmittance adjustment command;

[0045] In some embodiments, the transmittance adjustment mode of the electrochromic unit includes an automatic adjustment mode and / or a manual adjustment mode. In automatic adjustment mode, the controller can determine whether transmittance needs to be adjusted based on environmental parameter information (e.g., ambient light intensity); if so, the controller automatically generates a transmittance adjustment command. In other embodiments, the transmittance adjustment mode is a manual adjustment mode. In manual adjustment mode, when the user wishes to adjust the transmittance, the user can input a transmittance adjustment command through a human-machine interface.

[0046] Step 32: Adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit based on the transmittance adjustment command.

[0047] In some embodiments, the transmittance settings are used to adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit. Different transmittance settings correspond to different transmittance levels. The controller can preset multiple transmittance levels and set the transmittance corresponding to each transmittance level, such that one transmittance level corresponds to one transmittance. For example, a target transmittance level corresponds to a target transmittance. If the controller determines that the transmittance of the electrochromic unit needs to be adjusted to the target transmittance, then the transmittance setting needs to be adjusted to the target transmittance level.

[0048] The number of transmittance levels can be any suitable value, such as 2, 4, 7, 8, or 10 levels. Those skilled in the art can set the number of transmittance levels according to actual needs. The controller can also receive user input through a human-machine interface and, in response to the input, preset the transmittance corresponding to each level. Referring to Table 1, for example, in some embodiments, the number of transmittance levels is 6, specifically including levels 0 to 5; as the number of levels increases, the transmittance increases by a percentage of 20% between adjacent levels. In other embodiments, there may be more or fewer transmittance levels than shown in Table 1, and the percentage increase in transmittance between adjacent levels can be the same or different.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the controller can also continuously adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit in response to a transmittance adjustment command. That is, the controller can adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit to any suitable value between 0% and 100% in response to a transmittance adjustment command, thereby increasing the user's freedom to select the transmittance of the electrochromic unit.

[0050] Light transmittance 0％ 20％ 40％ 60％ 80％ 100％

[0051] Table 1. Transmittance levels and corresponding transmittance values.

[0052] In some embodiments, a transmittance level corresponds to a level signal; the target level signal is any signal among the various level signals. The transmittance adjustment command also includes a target level signal corresponding to the target transmittance level. The controller specifically adjusts the transmittance of the electrochromic unit based on the target level signal in the transmittance adjustment command. If the controller obtains the target level signal, the controller adjusts the transmittance level of the electrochromic unit from the current transmittance level to the target transmittance level based on the target level signal. For example, in some embodiments, when the controller obtains the level signal corresponding to level 2 in Table 1, the controller can adjust the transmittance level of the electrochromic unit to level 2, so as to adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit to 40%. In other embodiments, the user can also input the target transmittance when inputting the transmittance adjustment command at the human-machine interface.

[0053] For example, Figure 5 The vehicle's first control interface 500 was displayed. (For example...) Figure 5 As shown, the first control interface 500 includes a first input control 501, which is used to adjust the transmittance level of the electrochromic unit. If the controller receives a first gesture operation applied to the first input control 501, the controller responds to the first gesture operation and determines the target transmittance level. The first gesture operation can be any suitable gesture operation, such as a click or a swipe. For example, the user can adjust the transmittance level from the current transmittance level to another transmittance level by swiping left or right on the first input control 501.

[0054] Step 33: Control the operation of the air conditioner based on the light transmittance adjustment command.

[0055] In some embodiments, the air conditioner's control modes include a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the air conditioner and the electrochromic unit are linked; in the second mode, the air conditioner and the electrochromic unit are controlled independently. Step 33 specifically includes the following steps:

[0056] Determine the current control mode of the air conditioner;

[0057] If the current control mode is the first mode, the operation of the air conditioner is controlled based on the light transmittance adjustment command.

[0058] When the controller receives a light transmittance adjustment command, it determines the air conditioner's current control mode. If the current control mode is mode one, the controller will control the air conditioner's operation based on the light transmittance adjustment command. If the current control mode is mode two, the controller will not control the air conditioner's operation based on the light transmittance adjustment command; in this case, changing the light transmittance adjustment level will not affect the air conditioner's operation.

[0059] Users can preset the air conditioner's control mode through the human-computer interaction interface. For example, ... Figure 5 As shown, the first control interface 500 also includes a second input control 502, which is used to control the control mode of the air conditioner. When the controller receives a second gesture operation (such as a left-click operation) applied to the second input control 502, it determines that the electrochromic unit is not linked with the air conditioner, that is, it determines that the control mode of the air conditioner is the second mode. When the controller receives a third gesture operation (such as a right-click operation) applied to the second input control 502, it determines that the electrochromic unit is linked with the air conditioner, that is, it determines that the control mode of the air conditioner is the first mode; at this time, the controller switches the first control interface to the second control interface, for example, Figure 6 The second control interface 600 is shown.

[0060] like Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the second control interface 600 further includes a third input control 603, a fourth input control 604, and a fifth input control 605. By operating the third input control 603, the fourth input control 604, and the fifth input control 605, the user can preset the air conditioner's on / off state and / or air conditioner's air supply temperature corresponding to each light transmittance level. For example, Figure 6 In the context of the interface, when the light transmittance setting is 0, the corresponding air conditioner is on and the air supply temperature is 20℃. The sixth input control 606 is used to save the current interface settings.

[0061] In this embodiment, when the controller receives a transmittance adjustment command, it can not only adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit based on the transmittance adjustment command, but also control the operation of the air conditioner based on the transmittance adjustment command. Therefore, this embodiment can link the electrochromic unit and the air conditioner; the user can simultaneously adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit and the operating mode of the air conditioner by inputting a single transmittance adjustment command; the user does not need to input multiple adjustment commands to adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic unit and the operating mode of the air conditioner separately, thereby simplifying user operation.

[0062] Specifically, in some embodiments, the controller controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the target setting signal in the transmittance adjustment command. See also... Figure 8 Step 33 above also includes the following steps:

[0063] Step 331: Obtain the target first control signal of the air conditioner based on the target gear signal in the light transmittance adjustment command;

[0064] In this embodiment, the light transmittance level corresponding to the level signal has a mapping relationship with the first control signal of the air conditioner; the controller specifically determines the target first control signal corresponding to the target level signal based on the target level signal and the mapping relationship.

[0065] In some embodiments, the controller can pre-establish a mapping relationship between each gear signal and each first control signal. Specifically, the controller can first determine the air conditioning control parameters corresponding to each of a plurality of preset transmittance gears, and establish a mapping relationship between each transmittance gear and the corresponding air conditioning control parameters, thereby establishing a mapping relationship between each gear signal and each first control signal. The air conditioning control parameters are used to generate the corresponding first control signals. Table 2 shows each transmittance gear and its corresponding air conditioning control parameters. In Table 2, if the air conditioning status parameter at a gear is "on," then the air conditioning temperature parameter at that gear also needs to be preset; if the air conditioning status parameter at a gear is "off," since the air conditioning is not working in the off state, the air conditioning temperature parameter does not need to be set.

[0066] The air conditioning control parameters include air conditioning status control parameters and / or supply air temperature control parameters. The air conditioning status control parameters include air conditioning status parameters, which are used to control the air conditioning status. In this embodiment, the air conditioning status is either on or off. Specifically, the air conditioning control parameters also include temperature parameters, which are used to control the supply air temperature. The first control signal specifically includes an air conditioning status signal generated corresponding to the air conditioning status parameters and a first temperature signal generated corresponding to the air conditioning temperature parameters. In other embodiments, the air conditioning control parameters may also include other suitable parameters such as air supply speed and / or air humidity.

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] Table 2 shows the air conditioning status and temperature settings corresponding to each light transmittance level.

[0070] Step 332: Control the operation of the air conditioner based on the target first control signal;

[0071] In this embodiment, the target first control signal is any of the first control signals. In some embodiments, the target first control signal includes an air conditioning status signal and a first temperature signal, wherein the first temperature signal is used to adjust the air conditioning's supply air temperature to the first temperature. In other embodiments, the first control signal may also include signals such as a wind speed signal and / or an air humidity signal; wherein the wind speed signal is used to adjust the air conditioning's supply air speed; and the air humidity signal is used to adjust the air conditioning's supply air humidity to regulate the air humidity inside the vehicle compartment. For example, the controller can control the air conditioning to be in an on or off state based on the air conditioning status signal. When the air conditioning is in an on state, the controller can control the air conditioning's supply air temperature based on the first temperature signal, and can also control the supply air speed and air humidity based on the wind speed signal and air humidity signal, respectively.

[0072] Table 3 shows the settings for air conditioning status, temperature parameters, and fan speed parameters corresponding to each transmittance level. The controller combines the air conditioning status parameters, temperature parameters, and fan speed parameters set by the user for the same transmittance level to obtain the air conditioning control parameters corresponding to each transmittance level. Then, the controller establishes a mapping relationship between each transmittance level and its corresponding air conditioning control parameters, thereby establishing a mapping relationship between each level signal and each first control signal.

[0073] 0 gear Open 20℃ 5 gears 1st gear Open 21℃ 4 gears 2nd gear Open 23℃ 3rd gear 3rd gear Open 24℃ 2nd gear 4 gears Open 25℃ 1st gear 5 gears Open 26℃ 1st gear

[0074] Table 3 shows the air conditioning status, temperature parameters, and fan speed parameters corresponding to each light transmittance level.

[0075] In this implementation, the controller can employ different control methods to manage the air conditioner's operation based on different light transmittance levels, resulting in more intelligent control and a better user experience. For example, when the ambient light intensity is high and the light transmittance level is adjusted to a lower setting, the controller can automatically turn on the air conditioner and set a lower temperature. When the ambient light intensity is low and the light transmittance level is adjusted to a lower setting, the controller can turn off the air conditioner or automatically set the temperature to a higher level.

[0076] Please continue reading. Figure 7 In some embodiments, the above method further includes the following steps:

[0077] Step 34: Monitor the temperature of the electrochromic unit using a temperature sensor;

[0078] In some embodiments, when the controller receives a user-input command to activate temperature protection, the controller controls a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the electrochromic unit. Specifically, in some embodiments, the second control interface further includes a seventh input control, such as... Figure 6 The seventh input control 607 is used to enable or disable the temperature protection function of the electrochromic unit. In some embodiments, if the controller determines that the current control mode of the air conditioner is the first mode, it will use the control interface (such as...) Figure 6 The control interface (as shown in the image) displays the seventh input control. If the controller determines that the current control mode of the air conditioner is the second mode, the control interface (such as...) will then display the seventh input control. Figure 5 The seventh input control will not be displayed in the control interface.

[0079] Step 35: If the temperature exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the air conditioner is turned on based on the preset second control signal of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the temperature of the electrochromic unit; wherein, the priority of the second control signal is higher than the priority of the target first control signal.

[0080] In the embodiments of this application, the critical operating temperature is used to represent the highest temperature at which the electrochromic unit can maintain normal operation. To prevent the temperature of the electrochromic unit from exceeding its critical operating temperature and causing abnormalities, in some embodiments, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the electrochromic unit exceeds a preset temperature threshold, the controller controls the air conditioner to be turned on based on a preset second control signal to reduce the temperature of the electrochromic unit. The second control signal has a higher priority than the target first control signal. When the controller simultaneously acquires both the target first control signal and the second control signal, the controller prioritizes controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the second control signal. Specifically, the preset temperature threshold is not greater than the critical operating temperature of the electrochromic unit.

[0081] For example, in some embodiments, the critical operating temperature of the electrochromic unit is 85°C. A preset temperature threshold can be set to 70°C. If the temperature of the electrochromic unit reaches above 70°C, it indicates that the temperature of the electrochromic unit is close to its critical operating temperature of 85°C. When the temperature sensor detects that the current temperature of the electrochromic unit has reached above 70°C, the controller controls the air conditioner to cool the electrochromic unit, thereby preventing the electrochromic unit from stopping operation due to overheating. Those skilled in the art can set the preset temperature threshold according to the critical operating temperature of the electrochromic unit in practical applications. Specifically, the second control signal includes a second temperature signal, which is used to adjust the air conditioner's supply air temperature to the second temperature. To improve the cooling efficiency of the electrochromic unit, the second temperature is usually lower than the first temperature, and the second temperature is usually a lower temperature; for example, the temperature range of the second temperature can be 10°C-20°C.

[0082] In some embodiments, after the user selects to start temperature protection, the control interface will also display the currently set preset temperature threshold (e.g., ...). Figure 9 The system includes a preset temperature threshold (17℃) and at least one eighth input control 808. The eighth input control 808 is used to adjust the value of the preset temperature threshold. Users can set the preset temperature threshold value through the eighth input control 808.

[0083] In this embodiment, before the controller detects that the temperature of the electrochromic unit is high and close to its critical operating temperature through the temperature sensor, it can automatically control the air conditioner to turn on and set a lower air supply temperature to cool down the electrochromic unit, thereby preventing the electrochromic unit from stopping working due to overheating.

[0084] In some embodiments, the above method further includes the following steps:

[0085] Step 35: If the temperature exceeds the preset temperature threshold, control the first air conditioner outlet to be in the open state so that the air conditioner air delivered from the first air conditioner outlet acts on the electrochromic unit.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the controller detects through a temperature sensor that the temperature of the electrochromic unit exceeds a preset temperature threshold, it automatically turns on the air conditioner and cools the electrochromic unit through a first air conditioner outlet. The first air conditioner outlet can be directed towards the electrochromic unit, so that the air conditioning air delivered from the first air conditioner outlet can directly act on the electrochromic unit.

[0087] Existing air conditioning vents primarily target the air inside the vehicle, aiming to lower its temperature. There are no vents specifically designed to direct airflow towards the electrochromic unit. Therefore, even when the air conditioning is on to cool the electrochromic unit, its cooling efficiency is low. This embodiment of the application significantly improves the cooling efficiency of the electrochromic unit by incorporating a first air conditioning vent.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first control signal further includes a control signal for controlling the opening or closing state of the second air conditioning vent, such that the opening / closing state of the second air conditioning vent is consistent with the on / off state of the air conditioner. That is, the air conditioner and the second air conditioning vent are both in the on state, or the air conditioner and the second air conditioning vent are both in the closed state.

[0089] In some embodiments, when the temperature protection function of the electrochromic unit is not activated, the first air conditioning vent is closed and the second air conditioning vent is open. When the temperature protection function is activated and the temperature exceeds a preset temperature threshold, the air conditioner is turned on, and both the first and second air conditioning vents are open, so that the first and second air conditioning vents work together to help cool the electrochromic unit.

[0090] In the embodiments of this application, before the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the electrochromic unit is high and close to its critical operating temperature, the air conditioner can be automatically turned on and a lower temperature can be set to cool the electrochromic unit through the air conditioner vents, making the vehicle control method more intelligent.

[0091] The embodiments of this application can not only automatically adjust the state and temperature of the air conditioner when adjusting the light transmittance of the electrochromic unit, thus providing a comfortable in-vehicle environment for passengers in a timely and effective manner, but also monitor the temperature of the electrochromic unit through a temperature sensor, thereby preventing the temperature of the electrochromic unit from reaching its critical operating temperature.

[0092] In some embodiments, the controller includes a smart cockpit controller, a body controller, an electrochromic unit controller, and an air conditioning controller. The linkage control method between the electrochromic unit and the air conditioning specifically includes the following approaches.

[0093] Firstly, in some embodiments, when the user sets the air conditioner's control mode to the first mode on the control interface, but does not enable the temperature protection of the electrochromic unit, the user only needs to preset the air conditioner status and the first air conditioner temperature corresponding to each light transmittance level on the control interface. When adjusting the light transmittance, the intelligent cockpit controller sends the target level signal corresponding to the target light transmittance, as well as the corresponding air conditioning status signal, air conditioning temperature signal, and second air conditioning vent status signal at that target level, to the body controller. The status of the second air conditioning vent is consistent with the air conditioning status. The body controller sends the received target level signal to the electrochromic unit controller, and also sends the received air conditioning status signal, air conditioning temperature signal, and second air conditioning vent status signal at that level to the air conditioning controller. Finally, the electrochromic unit controller adjusts the light transmittance of the electrochromic unit according to the received target level signal to adjust the intensity of ambient light entering the vehicle interior through the electrochromic unit. The air conditioning controller adjusts the air conditioning status, temperature, and second air conditioning vent status according to the received air conditioning status signal, air conditioning temperature signal, and second air conditioning vent status signal. In this embodiment, the air conditioning temperature is the air supply temperature.

[0094] Secondly, in some embodiments, when the user sets the air conditioning control mode to the first mode on the control interface and activates the temperature protection of the electrochromic unit, in addition to preset the air conditioning status and temperature corresponding to each light transmittance level, a second air conditioning temperature for cooling is also preset when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the electrochromic unit is above a preset temperature threshold (e.g., 70°C). The temperature sensor is located on the electrochromic unit (e.g., panoramic sunroof glass). The electrochromic unit is connected to the electrochromic unit controller. The system flow from temperature acquisition to temperature feedback by the temperature sensor is as follows: the temperature sensor acquires the temperature signal of the electrochromic unit and feeds back the temperature signal of the electrochromic unit to the electrochromic unit controller; the electrochromic unit controller sends the temperature signal of the electrochromic unit to the body controller; the body controller then sends the temperature signal of the electrochromic unit to the intelligent cockpit controller, so that the intelligent cockpit controller can determine whether the temperature of the electrochromic unit exceeds the preset temperature threshold based on the temperature signal of the electrochromic unit. If so, the intelligent cockpit controller will send signals to turn on the air conditioning, the air conditioning temperature, and to open the first and second air conditioning vents to the body controller. If the light transmittance of the electrochromic unit is adjusted simultaneously, the intelligent cockpit controller will ignore the first control signal corresponding to its respective setting and only send the second control signal to the body controller. Subsequently, the body controller sends the received second control signal to the air conditioning controller and the received target setting signal to the electrochromic unit controller. Finally, the electrochromic unit controller adjusts the light transmittance of the electrochromic unit according to the received target setting signal, and the air conditioning controller adjusts the air conditioning status, air conditioning temperature, and the status of the air conditioning vents according to the received second control signal. If the temperature of the electrochromic unit is not above the preset temperature threshold, the temperature sensor will repeatedly monitor the temperature, and the electrochromic unit controller will not send the temperature signal of the electrochromic unit to the body controller.

[0095] Finally, when the user sets the air conditioner's control mode to the second mode on the control interface, the control interface will not display the option to enable "monitor the skylight temperature and protect it", nor will it display the air conditioner status and air supply temperature corresponding to each light transmittance level. At this time, whether the light transmittance of the electrochromic unit is adjusted or the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the panoramic skylight is above the preset temperature threshold, it will not affect the operation of the air conditioner. That is, it will not affect the air conditioner's on / off status, air supply temperature, or the on / off status of the air conditioner's air outlet.

[0096] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the vehicle controller 90 that performs the above method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 Taking a processor 91 as an example, the processor 91 and the memory 92 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 10 Taking a bus connection as an example, memory 92, as a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-volatile software programs, non-volatile computer-executable programs, and modules, such as the program instructions / modules corresponding to the method in this embodiment of the invention. Processor 91 executes various functional applications and data processing of the server by running the non-volatile software programs, instructions, and modules stored in memory 92, thereby implementing the method of the above-described embodiment.

[0097] The memory 92 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the device, etc. Furthermore, the memory 92 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, the memory 92 may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor 91, and these remote memories may be connected to the device via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0098] The one or more modules are stored in the memory 92, and when executed by the at least one processor 91, they perform the methods in any of the above method embodiments, for example, the methods described above. Figure 4 Steps 31-33 in the method are as follows. Figure 7 Steps 31-35 in the method are as follows. Figure 8 The method steps are 331-332.

[0099] The above-described product can execute the method provided in the embodiments of the present invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for executing the method. Technical details not described in detail in this embodiment can be found in the method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0100] This invention provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. These instructions are executed by a vehicle using any of the methods described in the above embodiments, for example, performing the operations described above. Figure 4 Steps 31-33 in the method are as follows. Figure 7 Steps 31-35 in the method are as follows. Figure 8 The method steps are 331-332.

[0101] This invention provides a computer program product, including a computing program stored on a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods described in the above-described method embodiments, for example, to perform the methods described above. Figure 4 Steps 31-33 in the method are as follows. Figure 7 Steps 31-35 in the method are as follows. Figure 8 The method steps are 331-332.

[0102] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0103] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented using software and a general-purpose hardware platform, or it can be implemented using hardware. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0104] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; under the concept of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the present invention as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for the linkage control of an electrochromic unit and an air conditioner, applied to a vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a main body and an air conditioner and an electrochromic unit disposed on the main body. The control modes of the air conditioner include a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the air conditioner and the electrochromic unit are linked together. In the second mode, the air conditioner and the electrochromic unit are controlled independently. The method includes: Obtain a transmittance adjustment command, wherein the transmittance adjustment command includes a target level signal corresponding to a target transmittance level, the target transmittance level corresponds to a target transmittance, and the target level signal has a mapping relationship with a target first control signal; The transmittance of the electrochromic unit is adjusted based on the target transmittance signal to adjust the transmittance level of the electrochromic unit from the current transmittance level to the target transmittance level; and, Determine the current control mode of the air conditioner; If the current control mode is the first mode, then the operation of the air conditioner is controlled based on the light transmittance adjustment command; The step of controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the light transmittance adjustment command includes determining the target first control signal corresponding to the target gear signal based on the target gear signal and the mapping relationship. The operation of the air conditioner is controlled based on the target first control signal; The target first control signal is used to control the air conditioner to be in an on or off state, and the target first control signal is also used to control the air supply temperature, air supply speed and air supply humidity of the air conditioner.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before determining the target first control signal corresponding to the target gear signal based on the target gear signal and the mapping relationship, the method further includes: Determine the air conditioning control parameters corresponding to each of the multiple preset transmittance levels. The air conditioning control parameters include air conditioning status control parameters and / or air supply temperature control parameters. The air conditioning control parameters are used to generate a first control signal. The target first control signal is any one of the first control signals. A mapping relationship is established between each of the light transmittance levels and the corresponding air conditioning control parameters, thereby establishing a mapping relationship between each level signal and each of the first control signals.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The temperature of the electrochromic unit is monitored by a temperature sensor; If the temperature exceeds a preset temperature threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to be turned on based on a preset second control signal, thereby reducing the temperature of the electrochromic unit. Wherein, the priority of the second control signal is higher than that of the target first control signal, and the preset temperature threshold is not greater than the operating critical temperature of the electrochromic unit.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vehicle further includes a first air conditioning vent disposed on the main body, the first air conditioning vent being oriented toward the electrochromic unit, and the method further includes: If the temperature exceeds a preset temperature threshold, the first air conditioner outlet is controlled to be open so that the air conditioning air delivered from the first air conditioner outlet blows towards the electrochromic unit.

5. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes: a body, an electrochromic unit, an air conditioner, at least one processor, and a memory. The electrochromic unit and the air conditioner are both disposed on the body. The memory is communicatively connected to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor. The instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main body is also provided with a first air conditioning vent, which is positioned toward the electrochromic unit.

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