Vehicle air conditioning control methods

Abstract

This invention discloses a vehicle air conditioning control method, which includes: after the vehicle is powered off, determining the required intelligent air conditioning mode based on the vehicle's environmental information and parking time; after the vehicle is powered on, prompting the user whether to activate the intelligent air conditioning mode; the user confirms activation of the intelligent air conditioning mode and determines whether the vehicle is in a parked state; when the vehicle is in a parked state, controlling the air conditioning system to enter the intelligent air conditioning mode and cutting off power to all electrical devices in the vehicle except the air conditioning system; after exiting the intelligent air conditioning mode, restoring power to the vehicle's electrical devices. According to the vehicle air conditioning control method of this invention, the required operating mode of the air conditioning system can be determined more accurately, eliminating the step of the user determining and controlling the air conditioning system mode based on vehicle conditions, thus simplifying user operation. Furthermore, it can reduce the overall energy consumption after the vehicle enters the intelligent air conditioning mode, and better ensure vehicle safety when in a parked state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle control technology, and in particular to a vehicle air conditioning control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of the new energy vehicle industry, the market share of new energy vehicles is increasing day by day. During the use of a car, the air conditioning can adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and airflow inside the cabin to the optimal state, providing a comfortable riding environment for passengers. However, there are many air conditioning modes, such as cooling, heating, defrosting / defogging, etc., which require users to select manually according to the situation, making the operation cumbersome. Moreover, the air conditioning accounts for a large proportion of energy consumption in electric vehicles, directly affecting the driving range of new energy vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention proposes a vehicle air conditioning control method, which has the advantages of simplifying user operation steps and reducing power consumption in intelligent air conditioning mode.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle air conditioning control method includes: after the vehicle is powered off, determining the required intelligent air conditioning mode based on the vehicle's environmental information and the vehicle's parking time, wherein the vehicle's environmental information includes at least the vehicle's real-time geographical location, the weather information of the real-time geographical location, and the temperature and humidity inside and outside the vehicle; after the vehicle is powered on, prompting the user whether to turn on the intelligent air conditioning mode, wherein the intelligent air conditioning mode includes at least a defrost / defogging mode, a cooling mode, and a heating mode; the user confirms that the intelligent air conditioning mode is turned on, and determining whether the vehicle is in a parked state; when the vehicle is in a parked state, controlling the air conditioning system to enter the intelligent air conditioning mode and cutting off the power supply to all electrical devices in the vehicle except for the air conditioning system; after exiting the intelligent air conditioning mode, restoring the power supply to the vehicle's electrical devices.

[0005] According to the vehicle air conditioning control method of the present invention, the required working mode of the air conditioning system can be more accurately determined by the environmental information of the vehicle parking location and the parking time of the vehicle. This eliminates the need for the user to determine and control the mode of the air conditioning system based on the vehicle's condition, thus simplifying the user's vehicle operation. Furthermore, when the air conditioning system enters the intelligent air conditioning mode, only the air conditioning system is powered, which can reduce the overall energy consumption of the vehicle after entering the intelligent air conditioning mode. When the vehicle is parked, the safety of the vehicle can be better guaranteed.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the vehicle is powered on, prompting the user whether to turn on the intelligent air conditioning mode includes: displaying an intelligent air conditioning mode turn-on button on the touch screen; and / or highlighting the physical button corresponding to the intelligent air conditioning mode; and / or announcing via voice whether to turn on the intelligent air conditioning mode.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, determining whether the vehicle is in a parking state includes: determining whether the vehicle is stationary; when the vehicle is stationary, determining whether the caliper is clamped; when the caliper is clamped, determining whether the vehicle is in P gear; when the vehicle is stationary, the caliper is clamped, and the vehicle is in P gear, determining that the vehicle is in a parking state.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, determining whether the vehicle is stationary includes: acquiring the vehicle speed signal and the wheel speed; when the vehicle speed and the wheel speed are zero, determining that the vehicle is stationary.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the vehicle is not in a parked state after the user confirms entering the intelligent air conditioning mode, the user is prompted to control the vehicle to a parked state and try again.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, prompting the user to control the vehicle to the parking state and then try again includes: prompting the user to stop and try again when the vehicle is not stationary; prompting the user to engage the handbrake and try again when the caliper is not in the clamping state; and prompting the user to switch to the P gear and try again when the vehicle is not in P gear.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the air conditioning system enters the intelligent air conditioning mode, it exits the intelligent air conditioning mode after detecting that the vehicle has left the parking state and prompts the user that the intelligent air conditioning mode has been exited.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the air conditioning system enters the smart air conditioning mode, the user can confirm exiting the smart air conditioning mode by interacting with the button to cancel the smart air conditioning mode.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after entering the intelligent air conditioning mode, the vehicle windows and sunroof are closed.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the smart air conditioner is in cooling mode, after entering the smart air conditioner mode, the internal circulation is turned on and the skylight is turned off.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a vehicle air conditioning control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the vehicle air conditioning control method for determining the intelligent air conditioning mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the vehicle air conditioning control method according to an embodiment of the present invention for determining whether a vehicle is in a parked state;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of exiting the intelligent air conditioning mode in the vehicle air conditioning control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0021] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. Additionally, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0022] The vehicle air conditioning control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the vehicle air conditioning control method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: after the vehicle is powered off, determining the required intelligent air conditioning mode based on the vehicle's environmental information and the vehicle's parking time. When the vehicle is powered off, the vehicle's air conditioning system cannot continue to operate after power failure. However, it is affected by the external environment. For example, in winter, the external ambient temperature is low, and as the vehicle's parking time increases, the temperature inside the cabin gradually decreases. In this case, to ensure the cabin temperature can be restored to a comfortable level for the user, heating is required, i.e., the air conditioning system needs to enter heating mode. Similarly, in summer, the external ambient temperature is high, and as the vehicle's parking time increases, the temperature inside the cabin gradually increases. In this case, to ensure the cabin temperature can be restored to a comfortable level for the user, cooling is required, i.e., the air conditioning system needs to enter cooling mode. Furthermore, in addition to conventional cooling and heating functions, the vehicle's air conditioning system also has functions such as ventilation, defrosting, and defogging. For example, when the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle reaches a certain value, fogging and frost easily form on the vehicle's windows. In this case, the air conditioning system needs to enter defogging / defrosting mode, such as blowing air onto the windshield. By using environmental information about the vehicle's parking location and the parking time, the operating mode of the air conditioning system can be determined more accurately, saving users the step of judging and controlling the air conditioning system mode based on the vehicle's condition, thus simplifying the user's vehicle operation.

[0024] After the vehicle is powered on, the system prompts the user whether to activate the intelligent air conditioning mode. In other words, when the vehicle is restarted after being parked, if it determines that the air conditioning system needs to intervene to improve the cabin environment or perform defrosting and defogging, it will inform the user of the above information. This allows the user to accurately know the operation of the intelligent air conditioning mode and makes it controllable. The user only needs to confirm whether to enter the intelligent air conditioning mode, eliminating the need for the user to switch between different modes and adjust the temperature, demonstrating a high degree of intelligence.

[0025] The system determines whether the vehicle is in a parked state after the user confirms that the intelligent air conditioning mode is activated. Parking refers to a state where the vehicle remains stationary for an extended period; brief braking or stopping actions do not qualify as parking. In other words, after the user confirms that the intelligent air conditioning mode is activated, the system will assess whether the vehicle is ready to remain parked for a considerable period.

[0026] When the vehicle is parked, the air conditioning system enters intelligent air conditioning mode, cutting off power to all other electrical devices in the vehicle. In other words, the air conditioning system can only enter intelligent air conditioning mode after the vehicle is parked, and at this time, only the air conditioning system is powered, while all other electrical devices, such as daytime running lights and ambient lights, are powered off. Therefore, this reduces the overall energy consumption of the vehicle when in intelligent air conditioning mode, and better ensures vehicle safety when parked.

[0027] After exiting the smart air conditioning mode, restore power supply to the vehicle's electrical equipment to ensure normal vehicle operation.

[0028] According to the vehicle air conditioning control method of the present invention, the required working mode of the air conditioning system can be more accurately determined by the environmental information of the vehicle parking location and the parking time of the vehicle. This eliminates the need for the user to determine and control the mode of the air conditioning system based on the vehicle's condition, thus simplifying the user's vehicle operation. Furthermore, when the air conditioning system enters the intelligent air conditioning mode, only the air conditioning system is powered, which can reduce the overall energy consumption of the vehicle after entering the intelligent air conditioning mode. When the vehicle is parked, the safety of the vehicle can be better guaranteed.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the environmental information of the vehicle includes at least the vehicle's real-time geographical location, the weather information of the real-time geographical location, and the temperature and humidity inside and outside the vehicle. The real-time geographical location includes the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle's parking location. The weather information may include cloud cover, precipitation, temperature, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed. The temperature and humidity inside and outside the vehicle can be acquired through corresponding sensors to more accurately obtain the temperature and humidity of both the vehicle's interior and exterior spaces. It is understood that latitude and longitude facilitate the precise location of the vehicle's parking position, enabling the acquisition of current weather conditions. Furthermore, different altitudes result in different air pressures, affecting frost or fog formation differently. The actual temperature and humidity inside and outside the vehicle can better correct for deviations in the weather information; for example, high humidity and low temperature in the exterior space make frost more likely to form on the outer walls of the vehicle's windows. Therefore, by simultaneously referencing the vehicle's real-time geographical location, the weather information of the real-time geographical location, and the temperature and humidity inside and outside the vehicle to determine the required intelligent air conditioning mode, the accuracy of the determination can be improved.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the intelligent air conditioning mode includes at least a defrost / defogging mode, a cooling mode, and a heating mode. Therefore, when it is determined that there is a risk of frost or fogging on the vehicle's windows, the intelligent air conditioning mode can switch to defrost / defogging mode to blow air forward onto the windshield for defrosting or defogging; when it is determined that the temperature inside the vehicle is lower than a comfortable seating temperature, the intelligent air conditioning mode can switch to heating mode to heat the cabin space; when it is determined that the temperature inside the vehicle is higher than a comfortable seating temperature, the intelligent air conditioning mode can switch to cooling mode to cool the cabin space. This allows the intelligent air conditioning mode to be flexibly applied to different scenarios, demonstrating a high level of intelligence.

[0031] In some embodiments, when the smart air conditioning mode is entered, the air conditioning system operates at maximum power to ensure defrosting / defogging, heating, or cooling efficiency.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the vehicle is powered on, prompting the user whether to activate the intelligent air conditioning mode includes displaying an intelligent air conditioning mode activation button on the touch screen. Therefore, the intelligent air conditioning mode activation button is a virtual button formed on the touch screen, saving the space occupied by a traditional activation button. The user can confirm entering the intelligent air conditioning mode by clicking the activation button on the touch screen, which is more eye-catching and easier to operate.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the vehicle is powered on, a prompt is made to the user whether to activate the intelligent air conditioning mode, including highlighting the physical button corresponding to the intelligent air conditioning mode. That is, the button to activate the intelligent air conditioning mode is a physical button. The user confirms entry into the intelligent air conditioning mode by pressing the physical button. The physical button provides good interaction accuracy and avoids accidental touches.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method of prompting the user whether to turn on the intelligent air conditioning mode after the vehicle is powered on includes: broadcasting whether to turn on the intelligent air conditioning mode via voice. That is, when the conditions for entering the intelligent air conditioning mode are met, the above information can be played through the vehicle's speaker, which can inform the user more directly and accurately. Furthermore, the user can turn on the intelligent air conditioning mode through voice interaction, such as by saying the voice recognition command "confirm turn on".

[0035] It should be noted that the smart air conditioning mode can also have a corresponding physical button while the smart air conditioning mode is displayed on the touch screen; it can also have a voice prompt while the smart air conditioning mode is displayed on the touch screen; it can also have a corresponding physical button while the smart air conditioning mode is displayed on the touch screen and is announced via voice; it can also have a voice prompt while the smart air conditioning mode is displayed on the touch screen and is announced via voice, etc. There are no specific limitations here.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present invention, determining whether the vehicle is in a parking state includes: determining whether the vehicle is stationary; when the vehicle is stationary, determining whether the caliper is clamped; when the caliper is clamped, determining whether the vehicle is in P gear; when the vehicle is stationary, the caliper is clamped, and the vehicle is in P gear, determining that the vehicle is in a parking state.

[0037] In other words, a vehicle is only considered parked when it is stationary, the calipers are clamped on the brake discs, and the gear is in Park (P). It's understandable that when a vehicle is stationary, if the calipers are not clamped or the gear is not in Park, the vehicle may still move. Furthermore, even when the calipers are clamped, the vehicle may be decelerating, which doesn't necessarily mean it's completely stationary. Waiting at a red light, for example, only involves a short-term braking operation, and even when simply shifting into Park, the calipers may be disengaged. Therefore, determining when the vehicle is stationary, the calipers are clamped, and the gear is in Park ensures that the vehicle can be parked for an extended period, guaranteeing vehicle safety.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, determining whether a vehicle is stationary includes: acquiring a vehicle speed signal and the wheel speeds; when both the vehicle speed and the wheel speeds are zero, the vehicle is determined to be stationary. This improves the accuracy of confirming that a vehicle is stationary. In a specific example, the wheel speed of each wheel is acquired; if the wheel speed of each wheel is zero and the vehicle speed is zero, then the vehicle is determined to be stationary.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the vehicle is not in a parked state after the user confirms entry into the intelligent air conditioning mode, the user is prompted to control the vehicle to a parked state and try again. This allows the user to accurately understand the reason for the inability to enter the intelligent air conditioning mode, facilitating user operation to successfully enter the intelligent air conditioning mode.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, prompting the user to control the vehicle to the parking state and then try again includes: when the vehicle is not stationary, prompting the user to stop and try again; when the calipers are not in the clamped state, prompting the user to engage the handbrake and try again; when the vehicle is not in P gear, prompting the user to shift to P gear and try again. In other words, the reason why the vehicle has not entered the parking state can be accurately informed to the user, so that the user can perform the corresponding operation according to the prompt. For example, when the prompt indicates that the vehicle is not stationary, the user can stop the vehicle, and the prompt disappears after the vehicle stops; when the prompt indicates that the calipers are not in the clamped state, the user can engage the handbrake or other means to clamp the calipers, and then the prompt disappears; when the prompt indicates that the vehicle is not in P gear, the user can shift to P gear using the gear shift device, and after entering P gear, the prompt disappears. Therefore, it can be ensured that the vehicle can enter the parking state more quickly, so as to facilitate the subsequent execution of the intelligent air conditioning mode.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the air conditioning system enters the intelligent air conditioning mode, it exits the intelligent air conditioning mode upon detecting that the vehicle has left the parking position and prompts the user that it has exited the intelligent air conditioning mode. Therefore, after the vehicle has started moving, exiting the intelligent air conditioning mode can restore the normal power supply to the vehicle's electrical equipment, ensuring the safety of vehicle operation. In some embodiments, when the vehicle speed is not zero, the user is prompted that the intelligent air conditioning mode has been exited due to the non-zero speed; when the vehicle's calipers are not engaged, the user is prompted that the intelligent air conditioning mode has been exited due to the calipers not being engaged; when the vehicle is not in P gear, the user is prompted that the intelligent air conditioning mode has been exited due to not being in P gear. Therefore, the reason for exiting the intelligent air conditioning mode can be accurately informed to the user, so that the user can take appropriate action.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after the air conditioning system enters the smart air conditioning mode, the user can confirm and exit the smart air conditioning mode by interacting with the "Exit Smart Air Conditioning Mode" button. In other words, the user can independently choose to interrupt the smart air conditioning mode by pressing the "Exit Smart Air Conditioning Mode" button, thus ensuring the controllability of the smart air conditioning mode.

[0043] In a specific example, after exiting the smart air conditioning mode, the air conditioning system enters AUTO mode to reduce user operation.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the present invention, after entering the intelligent air conditioning mode, the vehicle's windows and sunroof are closed. By closing the windows and sunroof, a relatively enclosed space is created in the cabin, reducing the impact of the external environment on cabin temperature regulation and ensuring the cooling or heating efficiency in the intelligent air conditioning mode.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the intelligent air conditioning mode is in cooling mode, the internal circulation is activated and the skylight is closed after entering the intelligent air conditioning mode. Therefore, by activating the internal circulation, it is possible to prevent high-temperature air from the external environment from entering the cabin and causing the cabin temperature to rise. In addition, by closing the skylight, in summer and other conditions with high sunlight intensity, it is possible to prevent direct sunlight from hitting the cabin and causing the cabin temperature to rise rapidly, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the cabin in intelligent air conditioning mode.

[0046] In the description of this specification, the 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 present 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0047] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning control method, characterized in that, include: After the vehicle is powered off, the system determines the required intelligent air conditioning mode based on the vehicle's environmental information and the vehicle's parking time. The vehicle's environmental information includes at least the vehicle's real-time geographical location, the weather information of the real-time geographical location, and the temperature and humidity inside and outside the vehicle. After the vehicle is powered on, the user is prompted whether to turn on the intelligent air conditioning mode. The intelligent air conditioning mode includes at least a defrost / defogging mode, a cooling mode, and a heating mode. The system determines whether the vehicle is parked after the user confirms that the smart air conditioning mode is turned on. When the vehicle is parked, the air conditioning system is controlled to enter the intelligent air conditioning mode, and the power supply to all electrical equipment in the vehicle except for the air conditioning system is cut off. After exiting the smart air conditioning mode, power supply to the vehicle's electrical equipment will be restored.

2. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system prompts the user whether to turn on the smart air conditioning mode after the vehicle is powered on, including: Display the smart air conditioning mode activation button on the touchscreen display; and / or, The physical buttons corresponding to the smart air conditioning mode are highlighted; and / or, The system will announce whether to turn on the smart air conditioning mode via voice prompts.

3. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of whether the vehicle is in a parked state includes: Determine if the vehicle is stationary; When the vehicle is stationary, determine whether the caliper is in a clamped state; When the caliper is in the clamping state, determine whether the vehicle is in P gear; When the vehicle is stationary, the calipers are clamped, and the vehicle is in P gear, the vehicle is determined to be in a parked state.

4. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The determination of whether the vehicle is stationary includes: acquiring the vehicle speed signal and the wheel speed; When the vehicle speed and wheel speed are both zero, the vehicle is considered to be stationary.

5. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the vehicle is not in a parked state after the user confirms entering the intelligent air conditioning mode, the user is prompted to control the vehicle to a parked state and try again.

6. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The prompting the user to return the vehicle to park and try again includes: When the vehicle is not stationary, prompt the user to stop and try again; If the caliper is not in the clamped position, prompt the user to pull the handbrake and try again; If the vehicle is not in P gear, the user will be prompted to switch to P gear and try again.

7. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the air conditioning system enters the smart air conditioning mode, it exits the smart air conditioning mode upon detecting that the vehicle has left the parking position and prompts the user that the smart air conditioning mode has been exited.

8. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the air conditioning system enters smart air conditioning mode, the user can confirm and exit smart air conditioning mode by interacting with the button to exit smart air conditioning mode.

9. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, After entering the smart air conditioning mode, close the vehicle's windows and sunroof.

10. The vehicle air conditioning control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the smart air conditioner is in cooling mode, after entering the smart air conditioner mode, the internal circulation will be turned on and the skylight will be closed.

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