Switching system

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching system. In a switching system including a set temperature upward switch that raises a set temperature of an air conditioner unit and a set temperature downward switch that lowers the set temperature, when a fixed-on determination unit determines that only the set temperature upward switch is in a fixed-on state, the set temperature upward switch is in a fixed-on state. The fixed opening recognition unit also sets the set temperature downward switch to be in the fixed opening state. This makes it possible to eliminate faults caused by only one of the switches becoming fixed on.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a switch system including a switch for operating a vehicle-mounted device or the like. In particular, the present application relates to control in a case where the switch is in a stuck-ON state. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, various switches represented by a switch for operating an air conditioner are installed inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle. As such a type of switch, for example, a switch that outputs an ON signal when operated to be pushed in and outputs an OFF signal when the push-in operation is released is known.

[0003] However, even after the operation is released, it is possible to continuously output the ON signal from the switch that has been operated (pushed in), that is, a stuck-ON state can occur. Such a stuck-ON state can occur not only in a physical switch (a switch that is moved by a mechanical push-in operation) but also in a touch panel switch.

[0004] Examples of the cause of the stuck-ON state of the switch in the case of the physical switch include a case where the switch is stuck in another member (such as a frame that surrounds the switch) when the switch is pushed in and cannot return to its original position, and a case where the switch (the switch that has been pushed in) cannot return to its original position due to stickiness when liquid (such as a beverage) is spilled around the switch and moisture in the liquid evaporates and the liquid residue has stickiness. Furthermore, an example of the cause of the stuck-ON state in both the physical switch and the touch panel switch is a case where the switch is kept in an ON state due to an electrical failure inside the switch.

[0005] When the switch becomes stuck-ON, stuck-ON determination needs to be performed in response thereto. In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-144709 (JP 2018-144709 A), when the switch continuously outputs an ON signal for a predetermined time, it is determined that the switch is in a stuck-ON state, the fact that the switch is in the stuck-ON state is stored, and control is performed to disable a long press operation on the switch thereafter (even when the switch outputs an ON signal, the ON signal is invalidated). SUMMARY

[0006] As an example of the type of switch, there are switches for providing different control instructions to the same control target. Examples of these switches include a set temperature UP switch and a set temperature DOWN switch on an air conditioner operation panel. In this case, the control target is, for example, a heat pump (e.g., a compressor and an expansion valve). Other examples of switches for providing different control instructions to the same control target include a wind volume increase switch and a wind volume decrease switch on an air conditioner operation panel. In this case, the control target is a blower fan.

[0007] Only one of the switches for providing different control instructions to the same control target can become a fixed ON. In this case, when the operation of the switch in the fixed ON state is disabled as in JP 2018-144709 A, since the other one of the switches can be operated, only the control to one side provided by the operation of the operable switch is enabled, which can lead to a situation where the control of the control target cannot be returned to the other side. For example, when the set temperature UP switch becomes a fixed ON, an occupant can operate the set temperature DOWN switch to check the operation of the air conditioner because the operation of the set temperature UP switch is disabled. However, in this case, since the set temperature can be lowered, but cannot be raised, a malfunction can occur in which the temperature in the vehicle cabin becomes too low. In particular, in the case where the set temperature is turned to a default set value (e.g., 25°C) when one of the set temperature UP switch and the set temperature DOWN switch becomes a fixed ON, this malfunction is particularly evident when the set temperature UP switch or the set temperature DOWN switch has already become a fixed ON and the set temperature has been turned to the default set value.

[0008] The present application has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a switch system capable of eliminating a malfunction that occurs when one of switches for providing different control instructions to the same control target becomes a fixed ON.

[0009] A scheme to achieve the above object of the present application is a switch system including a first switch that provides a control instruction to a control target by being operated, and a second switch that provides a control instruction different from the control instruction from the first switch to the control target by being operated. In the switch system, when it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in a fixed ON state and the operation of the one in the fixed ON state is disabled, the other one of the first switch and the second switch is also set to be in a fixed ON state.

[0010] The technical category in which the control command of the first switch and the control command of the second switch differ from each other is not limited to the case in which the details (e.g., the direction of control) of the control command of the first switch and the details (e.g., the direction of control) of the control command of the second switch are opposite (the direction of control is opposite) (e.g., the case in which the first switch is a set temperature up switch and the second switch is a set temperature down switch in an air conditioner), but also includes the case in which the control mode is different (e.g., the case in which the air conditioner includes a plurality of switches that switch the outlet for air-conditioned air and switches the mode for blowing air-conditioned air according to the switch that is operated).

[0011] When it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in the fixed-on state and the operation of the switch in the fixed-on state is disabled, if the operation of the other one of the switches is enabled, it is not possible to return from the control corresponding to the operation of the other one of the switches to the control corresponding to the operation of the one of the switches. In view of this, in this scheme, in this case, the other one of the switches is also set to be in the fixed-on state, thereby eliminating the failure that only the one of the switches is in the fixed-on state.

[0012] Further, when it is determined that the fixed-on state of the one of the first switch and the second switch that is determined to be in the fixed-on state is cancelled, the setting of the other one of the first switch and the second switch to be in the fixed-on state can be cancelled.

[0013] Therefore, in response to the cancellation of the fixed-on state of the one of the switches, the operation of both the first switch and the second switch is enabled, and it is possible to return the switch system to its normal operation.

[0014] Further, the first switch and the second switch can indicate the direction of control of the control target, and the direction of the control command from the first switch and the direction of the control command from the second switch can be opposite to each other.

[0015] In the case of such a switch, when only one of the switches becomes fixed-on and its operation is disabled and only the control of the control target on one side performed by the operation of the other one of the switches is enabled as in the related art, it can lead to a situation in which it is not possible to return the control of the control target to the other side. In the present invention, as described above, when it is determined that only one of the switches is in the fixed-on state and the operation of the switch in the fixed-on state is disabled, the other one of the switches is also set to be in the fixed-on state, which prevents the situation in which only the control on one side is enabled. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem in the related art in this type of switch.

[0016] Further, the switching system can further include a third switch selectively providing a control command in both directions of control in the control target when the first switch is operated and in both directions of control in the control target when the second switch is operated. When it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in a fixed-on state and operation of the one switch in the fixed-on state is disabled, the other one of the first switch and the second switch can also be set in a fixed-on state, but operation of the third switch can be enabled without setting the third switch in a fixed-on state.

[0017] When it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in a fixed-on state and operation of these switches is disabled, a control command cannot be provided to the control target by operating these switches. However, when a third switch that can selectively provide a control command in both directions for control of the control target is provided, the third switch is not set in a fixed-on state. That is, operation of the third switch is enabled. Therefore, even when one of the first switch and the second switch becomes fixed-on, a control command can be provided to one side and the other side for control of the control target and the control target can be continuously controlled.

[0018] In the present invention, when it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in a fixed-on state and operation of the switch in the fixed-on state is disabled, the other one of these switches is also set in a fixed-on state. This makes it possible to eliminate a malfunction (a case where return from control corresponding to operation of the one of these switches to control corresponding to operation of the other one of these switches cannot be made) caused by only the one of these switches being in a fixed-on state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a diagram showing each switch of an air conditioner operating part according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a sequence of air conditioner control in response to switch operation in an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4A is a timing chart showing a relationship between a switch-down state and a switch determination corresponding to the switch-down state in an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4B is a timing chart showing a relationship between a switch-down state and a switch determination corresponding to the switch-down state in an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4C is a timing chart showing a relationship between a switch-down state and a switch determination corresponding to the switch-down state in an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5A is a diagram showing a variation of the air volume setting switch;

[0027] Figure 5B is a diagram showing a variation of the air volume setting switch;

[0028] Figure 5C is a diagram showing a variation of the air volume setting switch;

[0029] Figure 5D is a diagram showing a variation of the air volume setting switch;

[0030] Figure 5E is a diagram showing a variation of the air volume setting switch;

[0031] Figure 6A is a diagram showing a variation of the set temperature changing switch;

[0032] Figure 6B is a diagram showing a variation of the set temperature changing switch;

[0033] Figure 6C is a diagram showing a variation of the set temperature changing switch;

[0034] Figure 6D is a diagram showing a variation of the set temperature changing switch; and

[0035] Figure 6E is a diagram showing a variation of the set temperature changing switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the following, an embodiment of the present application will be described based on the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the switch system according to the present application is applied to a switch system including switches for operating an air conditioner of a battery electric vehicle will be described. In addition, in the present embodiment, one example will be described in which the switches are physical switches and output an on signal when operated to be pushed down and output an off signal when the push down operation is released. The switch system according to the present application can be applied not only to battery electric vehicles but also to other vehicles (e.g., conventional vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles).

[0037] Description of the air conditioner operation portion

[0038] Figure 1 is a view showing each of the switches of the air conditioner operation portion 1 according to the present embodiment. The air conditioner operation portion 1 is provided on an instrument panel inside a passenger compartment. When an occupant performs a push down (push in) operation on a switch, an air conditioner ECU (to be described further below) controls an air conditioner (air conditioner unit) in response to the operation.

[0039] As the plurality of switches provided on the air conditioner operation portion 1 shown in Figure 1 From the right side of the view, in order, are provided: a driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11; an air conditioner switch 12; an automatic switch 13; an off switch 14a; a wind volume increase switch (corresponding to the first switch in the present application) 14b; a wind volume decrease switch (corresponding to the second switch in the present application) 14c; a blowout mode switch 15; a rear window defroster switch (also used as a mirror heater switch) 16a; a front defroster switch 16b; an inside / outside air selector switch 17; and a front passenger seat side set temperature change switch 18. Further, the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 includes a set temperature up switch (corresponding to the first switch in the present application) 11a and a set temperature down switch (corresponding to the second switch in the present application) 11b, and the front passenger seat side set temperature change switch 18 includes a set temperature up switch (corresponding to the first switch in the present application) 18a and a set temperature down switch (corresponding to the second switch in the present application) 18b.

[0040] Since the switches 11 to 18 are operated to be pushed down (i.e., operated to be pushed down in a direction perpendicular to the Figure 1The operation of the air-conditioner unit when the driver's seat side is pushed (when the driver's seat side is pushed in the direction of the paper in the drawing) is well known, and thus a description thereof will be omitted. The various switches provided on the air-conditioner operation section 1 are not limited to those described above, and a synchronization switch for linking the driver's seat side set temperature and the front passenger seat side set temperature with each other, a direct instruction switch for directly instructing (controlling) each set temperature, or a relative instruction switch for raising or lowering the temperature in the vehicle cabin from the current temperature can be provided. Examples of the direct instruction switch and the relative instruction switch will be described further below.

[0041] Schematic configuration of air-conditioner system

[0042] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the air-conditioner system 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this drawing, the air-conditioner system 2 includes the air-conditioner operation section 1, the air-conditioner unit 3, and the air-conditioner ECU 4, the air-conditioner operation section 1 including the above-described switches 11 to 18 (refer to Figure 2 ). Figure 1 ).

[0043] The air-conditioner unit 3 is configured to blow air-conditioned air having a regulated temperature and a regulated humidity into the vehicle cabin through an outlet. The air-conditioner unit 3 includes a heat pump 31, a blower 32, and an outlet switching door 33.

[0044] The heat pump 31 includes, for example, an electric compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve, and is configured to form a refrigerant circulation path in response to an air-conditioning request in the vehicle cabin. The electric compressor is provided to circulate the refrigerant through the circulation path. The electric compressor is operated with electric power from a battery, and is configured to have a rotational speed that can be regulated by, for example, inverter control. In a conventional vehicle equipped with an engine, the compressor can be a mechanical compressor and is operated by receiving power from the engine. The outdoor heat exchanger is provided in a motor compartment, and the indoor heat exchanger is provided in an air duct (not shown). The expansion valve decompresses the refrigerant circulated through the circulation path.

[0045] The blower 32 is configured to selectively suck in outside air and / or inside air, and feed the sucked-in air to the air duct. The blower 32 is operated with electric power from a battery, and is configured to have a rotational speed that can be regulated.

[0046] In the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, thereby cooling the blown air in the indoor heat exchanger. In the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, thereby heating the blown air in the indoor heat exchanger. In addition to the indoor heat exchanger, a heating heat exchanger can be installed inside the duct, and the blown air dehumidified in the indoor heat exchanger can be heated by the heating heat exchanger. In a conventional vehicle equipped with an engine, heating in the passenger compartment is performed using the heat of the engine coolant.

[0047] The downstream end of the duct has a plurality of outlets, and outlet switching doors 33 are provided at the outlets. The outlets include a face outlet through which air-conditioned air is blown toward the upper body of an occupant in the passenger compartment, a foot outlet through which air-conditioned air is blown toward the feet of an occupant in the passenger compartment, and a defroster outlet through which air-conditioned air is blown toward the inner face of the windshield.

[0048] The air conditioner ECU 4 is provided to control the air conditioner unit 3. An ignition (IG) switch 51 and various sensors 52 are connected to the air conditioner ECU 4 through signal lines. This allows an on signal (IG-on signal) and an off signal (IG-off signal) from the IG switch 51 and a sensing signal from the various sensors 52 to be input to the air conditioner ECU 4. Examples of the various sensors 52 include an in-cabin temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, and a solar radiation sensor.

[0049] Further, control programs for performing various types of control on the air conditioner unit 3 are stored in the air conditioner ECU 4 (more specifically, in the ROM of the air conditioner ECU 4).

[0050] The air conditioner ECU 4 includes, as its functional units, an operation condition determination unit 41, a stuck-ON determination unit 42, a storage unit 43, an IG detection unit 44, a stuck-ON recognition unit 45, and a default setting value command unit 46. Each of the functional units including the operation condition determination unit 41, the stuck-ON determination unit 42, the IG detection unit 44, the stuck-ON recognition unit 45, and the default setting value command unit 46 is implemented by a control program stored in the ROM of the air conditioner ECU 4. Further, the storage unit 43 is implemented by a backup RAM (non-volatile memory) that stores information even after IG-off.

[0051] When any of the switches of the air conditioner operation section 1 is operated, the operation condition determining unit 41 acquires a state signal. For example, when the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is operated to be pressed, an on signal (on signal of the set temperature up switch 11a) is input to the operation condition determining unit 41 of the air conditioner ECU 4. Further, when the pressing operation of the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is released, an off signal (off signal of the set temperature up switch 11a) is input to the operation condition determining unit 41 of the air conditioner ECU 4. Similarly, when another switch is operated to be pressed or the pressing operation is released, an on signal or an off signal of the switch is input to the operation condition determining unit 41 of the air conditioner ECU 4.

[0052] When an on signal (state signal) is continuously input to the operation condition determining unit 41 from a certain switch, the fixed on determining unit 42 determines that the switch is in a fixed on state. For example, when an on signal is continuously output from the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) and the on signal is continuously input to the operation condition determining unit 41, the fixed on determining unit 42 determines that the set temperature up switch 11a is in a fixed on state. The value of the predetermined time is not limited to 5 seconds. Further, when an on signal is continuously output from another switch for the predetermined time, the fixed on determining unit 42 determines that the switch outputting the on signal is in a fixed on state. Information on the result of the determination made by the fixed on determining unit 42 is output to the storage unit 43, the fixed on recognizing unit 45, and the default set value command unit 46. Further, when the vehicle enters the next trip by IG-on after IG-off and an off signal is input to the operation condition determining unit 41 from a switch that has been determined to be in a fixed on state, the fixed on determining unit 42 cancels the determination that the switch is in a fixed on state.

[0053] The storage unit 43 stores a previous set value for air conditioner control and information on a switch being fixed on. The storage of the previous set value for air conditioner control means that information on a set air volume and a set temperature immediately before IG-off is stored even when IG-off is performed while the air conditioner unit 3 is operating during IG-on of the vehicle. Further, the storage of the information on the switch being fixed on means that information that the switch is in a fixed on state even after IG-off is stored when the fixed on determining unit 42 determines that there is a switch in a fixed on state during IG-on of the vehicle. These information is maintained when the next trip of the vehicle is started by IG-on after IG-off.

[0054] The on signal and the off signal of the IG switch 51 are input to the IG detecting unit 44, and the IG detecting unit 44 outputs information of the signals to the default set value command unit 46.

[0055] The fixed-on identification unit 45 is a functional unit that identifies (sets) a switch (the other of the first and second switches in this invention) as being in a fixed-on state. This switch provides a control command different from the command from the switch (the switch already identified as being in a fixed-on state) to a device or unit that is the control target of the switch (one of the first and second switches in this invention) and whose operation has been disabled by the fixed-on identification unit 42. In other words, when the switch (the other switch in this invention) is not in a fixed-on state, but the switch (one of the switches in this invention) that provides a control command different from the command from the other switch to the device or unit that is the control target of the other switch is in a fixed-on state and its operation is disabled, the switch not in a fixed-on state is also identified as being in a fixed-on state. For example, when it is determined that the set temperature upward switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is in a fixed-on state, the set temperature downward switch 11b is identified as being in a fixed-on state, and the operation of the set temperature downward switch 11b is disabled. For example, when it is determined that the airflow increase switch 14b is in the fixed open state, the airflow decrease switch 14c is also identified as being in the fixed open state, and operation of the airflow decrease switch 14c is disabled. This prevents a situation where, when one of the switches providing different control commands to the same control objective becomes fixed open, it is impossible to switch back from control in one direction, which was performed by pressing a switch that is not in the fixed open state, to control in another direction.

[0056] The default setting value command unit 46 is capable of receiving signals from the fixed-on determination unit 42 and the IG detection unit 44. When the fixed-on determination unit 42 determines that a certain switch is in the fixed-on state while the IG-on state is maintained, the default setting value command signal is sent as a command signal to the device (control target) that is the target of the switch (the switch in the fixed-on state). For example, the default setting value is zero for the amount of air blown by the blower fan 32 and 25°C for the set temperature of the air conditioner air in the heat pump 31. That is, when the amount of air increase switch 14b or the amount of air decrease switch 14c becomes the fixed-on, the amount of air blown by the blower fan 32 is set to zero (the blower fan 32 is stopped). Further, when the set temperature up switch 11a or the set temperature down switch 11b of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 becomes the fixed-on while the IG-on state is maintained, the driver's seat side set temperature is set to 25°C. Similarly, when the set temperature up switch 18a or the set temperature down switch 18b of the front passenger seat side set temperature change switch 18 becomes the fixed-on while the IG-on state is maintained, the front passenger seat side set temperature is set to 25°C. Although these values can be set to any value, these values are preferably values that enable a significant reduction in power consumption.

[0057] Further, in a state where the information of a certain switch in the fixed-on state is stored in the storage unit 43, when the next trip is started by the IG-on after the IG-off, the default setting value command unit 46 is also configured to send the default setting value command signal as a command signal to the air conditioner unit 3 to the device that is the target of the switch (the switch in the fixed-on state). That is, in the case where a certain switch is in the fixed-on state, at the IG-on, the device that is the target of the switch (the switch in the fixed-on state) is also controlled using the default setting value.

[0058] Due to this system configuration, the above-mentioned functional units in the air conditioner operation part 1 and the air conditioner ECU 4 constitute the switch system according to the present application.

[0059] Air conditioner control

[0060] Next, the air conditioner control when the switch operation is performed in the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to Figure 3 Figure 4A Figure 4B Figure 4C Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the order of the air conditioner control in response to the switch operation in the present embodiment. Figure 4A Figure 4B Figure 4C are timing charts showing the relationship between the switch-on state and the switch determination corresponding to the switch-on state. Hereinafter, one of the switches 11 to 18 (for example, the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11) will be described as an example.​​​​​​

[0061] First, in step ST1, it is determined whether IG-ON (whether the IG detection unit 44 has received an ON signal from the IG switch 51) has been executed. When IG-ON has not been executed and thus a NO determination is made in step ST1, the process ends.

[0062] On the other hand, when IG-ON has been executed and thus a YES determination is made in step ST1, the process moves to step ST2 to determine whether fixed ON information is stored in the storage unit 43. When there is no switch in the fixed ON state and no fixed ON information is stored in the storage unit 43, a NO determination is made in step ST2, and the process moves to step ST3. In step ST3, air conditioning control is started using the previously set values of the air conditioning control (set air volume and set temperature in the previous run) stored in the storage unit 43, and the process moves to step ST4.

[0063] In step ST4, in response to the switch being operated to be pressed, it is determined whether an ON signal (an input signal) has been input (to the operation condition determination unit 41) from some switch (for example, the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11).

[0064] When a YES determination is made in step ST4 due to the input of the ON signal from the switch, the process moves to step ST5, and air conditioning control corresponding to the switch operation is executed. For example, when the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is operated to be pressed, the driver's seat side set temperature is raised by one level (for example, 0.5°C). In this case, when the switch is pressed for a long time, air conditioning control corresponding to the operation is executed every predetermined time. For example, when the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is pressed for a long time, the driver's seat side set temperature is raised by one level every predetermined time.

[0065] When air conditioning control corresponding to the switch operation is started in this way, in step ST6, a timer provided in the air conditioner ECU 4 starts counting, and the process moves to step ST7. In step ST7, it is determined whether the count of the timer exceeds a predetermined fixed ON determination time. That is, it is determined whether the ON signal from the switch is continuously input for the predetermined time. The fixed ON determination time can be set to any time.

[0066] When the count of the timer does not exceed the predetermined fixed-on determination time and thus a No determination is made in step ST7, the process shifts to step ST8 to determine whether the input of the on signal from the switch is continuing. When the input of the on signal from the switch is stopped, a No determination is made in step ST8, and the process shifts to step ST10. On the other hand, the input of the on signal from the switch is continuing, a Yes determination is made in step ST8, and the process returns to step ST7.

[0067] When the input of the on signal from the switch is not stopped, and the time (the count of the timer) during which the on signal is continuously input exceeds the fixed-on determination time, a Yes determination is made in step ST7, and the process shifts to step ST9. In step ST9, the fixed-on determination unit 42 determines that the switch is in the fixed-on state and the fixed-on information is stored in the storage unit 43, and the default setting value command unit 46 sends a default setting value command signal to the air conditioner unit 3. Figure 4A The relationship between the switch-on state at this time and the switch determination corresponding to the switch-on state is shown. That is, since the duration of the switch-on state exceeds the predetermined time (the fixed-on determination time), it is determined that the switch is in the fixed-on state as the switch determination. When it is determined in this way that the switch is in the fixed-on state, air conditioning control using the default setting value is executed. For example, when it is determined that the set temperature upward switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is in the fixed-on state, the set temperature of the driver's seat side is set to 25°C. For example, when it is determined that the air volume increase switch 14b is in the fixed-on state, the air volume blown by the blower fan 32 is set to zero (the blower fan 32 is stopped).

[0068] As a feature of the present embodiment, in step ST9, a control command different from the command from the switch determined to be in the fixed-on state is provided to the switch of the device that is the control target of the switch determined by the fixed-on determination unit 42 to be in the fixed-on state is recognized to be in the fixed-on state. For example, when it is determined that the set temperature upward switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is in the fixed-on state, the set temperature downward switch 11b is recognized to be in the fixed-on state, and the operation of the set temperature downward switch 11b is disabled. For example, when it is determined that the air volume increase switch 14b is in the fixed-on state, the air volume decrease switch 14c is recognized to be in the fixed-on state, and the operation of the air volume decrease switch 14c is disabled. After the air conditioning control using the above-described default setting value is started in the case where two switches that provide different control commands to the same control target are processed in this way to be in the fixed-on state (in which their operations are disabled), the process shifts to step ST10.

[0069] In step ST10, it is determined whether IG-off has been performed (whether the IG detection unit 44 has received an off signal from the IG switch 51). When IG-off has been performed and thus a YES determination is made in step ST10, the air conditioner control is stopped to end the control. On the other hand, when IG-off has not been performed (the IG-on state is maintained) and thus a NO determination is made in step ST10, the process proceeds to step ST11 to determine whether fixed-on information is stored in the storage unit 43. That is, it is determined in step ST7 whether a YES determination is made (the switch is determined to be in the fixed-on state), and the fixed-on information is stored in the storage unit 43 in step ST9. When no fixed-on information is stored in the storage unit 43 and thus a NO determination is made in step ST11, the process proceeds to step ST12 to perform the air conditioner control corresponding to the switch operation. On the other hand, when the fixed-on information is stored in the storage unit 43 and thus a YES determination is made in step ST11, the process proceeds to step ST13.

[0070] In step ST13, the air conditioner control using the default setting value based on the default setting value command signal sent from the default setting value command unit 46 to the air conditioner unit 3 is performed (the air conditioner control using the default setting value is continued when the air conditioner control using the default setting value is performed in step ST9). Then, in step ST14, it is determined whether an off signal (off signal) has been input from the switch that has been determined to be in the fixed-on state (to the operation condition determination unit 41).

[0071] When a OFF signal has not been input to the operation condition determination unit 41 from the switch determined to be in the fixed ON state and thus a NO determination is made in step ST14, the process returns to step ST10. On the other hand, when a OFF signal has been input to the operation condition determination unit 41 from the switch determined to be in the fixed ON state and thus a YES determination is made in step ST14, the process shifts to step ST15 to clear the fixed ON information stored in the storage unit 43. That is, since the switch in the fixed ON state has returned to its original position, the fixed ON information is cleared. Further, in conjunction therewith, the recognition of the fixed ON state of the switch identified in step ST9 is cancelled, and the operation of the switch is enabled. For example, when it is determined in step ST9 that the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is in the fixed ON state and the set temperature down switch 11b is correspondingly recognized to be in the fixed ON state, the fixed ON state of the set temperature up switch 11a is cancelled in response to the OFF signal being output, the recognition of the fixed ON state of the set temperature down switch 11b is cancelled, and the operation of the switch is enabled. Further, when it is determined in step ST9 that the air volume increase switch 14b is in the fixed ON state and the air volume decrease switch 14c is correspondingly recognized to be in the fixed ON state, the fixed ON state of the air volume increase switch 14b is cancelled in response to the OFF signal being output, the recognition of the fixed ON state of the air volume decrease switch 14c is cancelled, and the operation of the switch is enabled.

[0072] Then, the process shifts to step ST16, and returns to the normal air conditioning control corresponding to the switch operation.

[0073] While the state in which the switch is determined to be in the fixed ON state in step ST9 and the fixed ON information is stored in the storage unit 43 is maintained, when IG-OFF is executed in step ST10, in the next stroke (next routine) caused by the subsequent IG-ON, a YES determination is made in step ST1, and a YES determination is made in step ST2, and the default set value command unit 46 transmits the default set value command signal to the air conditioner unit 3. Thus, the control target of the switch in the fixed ON state is executed using the air conditioning control using the default set value based on the default set value command signal. Then, in step ST14, when a OFF signal has not been input to the operation condition determination unit 41 from the switch determined to be in the fixed ON state, the process shifts to step ST10. Figure 4B The relationship at this time between the switch down state and the switch determination corresponding to the switch down state is shown. That is, since the switch is in the fixed ON state, the switch down state is maintained. On the other hand, since it is stored in the fixed ON state, the switch determination is OFF (a state in which the switch operation is not accepted).

[0074] In addition, when the off signal has been input to the operation condition determination unit 41 from the switch that has been determined to be in the fixed-on state, the fixed-on information stored in the storage unit 43 is cleared in step ST15. That is, since the switch in the fixed-on state returns to its original position, the fixed-on information is cleared. Further, in conjunction therewith, in the same manner as above, the recognition of the fixed-on state of the switch recognized as being in the fixed-on state in step ST9 is cancelled, and the operation of the switch is enabled. Then, the process shifts to step ST16, and returns to the normal air conditioning control corresponding to the switch operation. Figure 4C The relationship between the switch-on state at this time and the switch determination corresponding to the switch-on state is shown. That is, since the switch returns to its original position, it is determined in the switch determination that the switch has returned to the normal state. When the switch is pressed thereafter, it is determined in the switch determination that the switch has been turned on accordingly. The above operation is repeated.

[0075] Effects of Embodiments

[0076] As described above, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that one of the switches that provide different control instructions to the same control target is in the fixed-on state, the other of the switches is also set to be in the fixed-on state. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which, when it is determined that only one of the switches is in the fixed-on state, the operation of the other of the switches is enabled, and it is not possible to return from the control in the direction corresponding to the operation of the other switch to the control in the other direction. That is, it is possible to eliminate the malfunction caused by only one of the switches becoming fixed-on.

[0077] Variations of Switch

[0078] Next, a plurality of variations of the switch will be described. Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D and Figure 5E are diagrams showing a plurality of variations of the air volume setting switch. Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 6D and Figure 6E are diagrams showing a plurality of variations of the set temperature changing switch.

[0079] Figure 5A A physical switch including the air volume increasing switch 14b disposed on the right side and the air volume decreasing switch 14c disposed on the left side is shown.

[0080] Figure 5BA configuration is shown in which a wind volume increase switch 14b configured as a physical switch is provided on the right side, a wind volume decrease switch 14c configured as a physical switch is provided on the left side, and a single-action selection switch 14d capable of setting the wind volume by operating a lever is provided below the wind volume increase switch 14b and the wind volume decrease switch 14c.

[0081] Figure 5C A touch panel switch is shown that includes a wind volume increase switch 14b provided on the right side, a wind volume decrease switch 14c provided on the left side, and a single-action selection switch provided between the switches 14b, 14c. The single-action selection switch makes it possible to increase or decrease the set wind volume by pressing a blower marker 14e displayed as an image with a finger and moving the finger in the left-right direction.

[0082] Figure 5D A touch panel switch is shown that includes a wind volume increase switch 14b provided on the right side, a wind volume decrease switch 14c provided on the left side, and a single-action selection switch provided between the switches 14b, 14c. The single-action selection switch makes it possible to set the wind volume by pressing any position of an indicator 14f displayed as an image with a finger.

[0083] Figure 5E A touch panel switch similar to the touch panel switch shown in Figure 5C A touch panel switch is shown that includes a wind volume increase switch 14b provided on the right side, a wind volume decrease switch 14c provided on the left side, and a single-action selection switch provided between the switches 14b, 14c. The single-action selection switch makes it possible to increase or decrease the set wind volume by pressing a circular marker 14g displayed as an image with a finger and moving the finger in the left-right direction.

[0084] In Figures 5B to 5EIn the case of the switches shown in FIG. 1, when it is determined that only one of the air volume increase switch 14b and the air volume decrease switch 14c is in the fixed-on state, the operation of the switches 14b, 14c is disabled, and thus it is not possible to provide a control command to the blower fan 32 by operating the switches 14b, 14c. However, since the single-action selection switch (the third switch in the present application) that can provide a command to increase or decrease the air volume of the blower fan 32 is provided in addition to the switches 14b, 14c, the single-action selection switch is not set in the fixed-on state. That is, the operation of the single-action selection switch is enabled. Thus, even when only one of the air volume increase switch 14b and the air volume decrease switch 14c becomes fixed-on, it is possible to provide a command to increase or decrease the air volume of the blower fan 32 and continuously control the blower fan 32. When it is determined that only one of the air volume increase switch 14b and the air volume decrease switch 14c is in the fixed-on state, not only the other one of these switches is recognized as being in the fixed-on state, but also the single-action selection switch can be recognized as being in the fixed-on state.

[0085] Figure 6A A physical switch including the set temperature up switch 11a provided on the right side and the set temperature down switch 11b provided on the left side is shown.

[0086] Figure 6B A configuration in which the set temperature up switch 11a configured as a physical switch is provided on the right side, the set temperature down switch 11b configured as a physical switch is provided on the left side, and a direct command switch 11c capable of changing the set temperature by operating a lever is provided below the set temperature up switch 11a and the set temperature down switch 11b is shown.

[0087] Figure 6C A touch panel switch having a configuration in which the set temperature up switch 11a is provided on the upper side and the set temperature down switch 11b is provided on the lower side is shown.

[0088] Figure 6D A touch panel switch that is a direct command switch that enables changing of the set temperature by sliding a finger placed on a display screen 11d showing the current set temperature in the left-right direction (slide operation) is shown.

[0089] Figure 6E A touch panel switch that is a direct command switch that enables changing of the set temperature by moving a finger placed on an operation ring 11e around a display screen showing the current set temperature in the circumferential direction is shown. Further, a function of changing the range of the set temperature according to the moving speed of the finger (relative command switch function) is also provided.

[0090] In Figure 6B , Figure 6D and Figure 6E , in the case of the switches shown in FIG. 1, when it is determined that only one of the set temperature up switch 11a and the set temperature down switch 11b is in the fixed-on state, the operation of the switches 11a, 11b is disabled, and thus it is not possible to provide a control instruction to the heat pump 31 by operating the switches 11a, 11b. However, since the direct instruction switch or the relative instruction switch (the third switch in the present application) that can provide an instruction to raise or lower the set temperature of the heat pump 31 is provided in addition to the switches 11a, 11b, the direct instruction switch or the relative instruction switch is not set in the fixed-on state. That is, the operation of the direct instruction switch or the relative instruction switch is enabled. Therefore, even when only one of the set temperature up switch 11a and the set temperature down switch 11b becomes fixed-on, it is possible to provide an instruction to raise or lower the set temperature of the heat pump 31 and continuously control the heat pump 31. When it is determined that only one of the set temperature up switch 11a and the set temperature down switch 11b is in the fixed-on state, not only the other one of these switches is recognized as being in the fixed-on state, but also the direct instruction switch or the relative instruction switch can be recognized as being in the fixed-on state.

[0091] Other Embodiments

[0092] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments and variations, and all variations and applications included in the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent to the claims can be made.

[0093] For example, in the above description of the embodiments and variations, the present application is applied to a switch system including the switches 11 to 18 (switches on the air conditioner operation section 1 for the front seats) of the air conditioner (air conditioner unit 3) for operating the vehicle (battery electric vehicle). The present application is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a switch system provided in various devices. For example, the present application can be applied to a switch system including each switch on the air conditioner operation section for the rear seats, in which a control instruction can be provided independently of each switch of the air conditioner operation section 1 for the front seats (a case in which single operation is possible), or the present application can be applied to a switch system of a seat heater that can be adjusted in temperature.

[0094] In the present embodiment Figure 1) are described as an example in the case where the switches 11 to 18 are physical switches that output an on signal when operated to be pressed and output an off signal when the pressing operation is released. The present application is not limited to this, and can include a switch that outputs 0 V when not operated and outputs a predetermined voltage (for example, 5 V) when operated. Furthermore, a switch having a function of determining a fixed-on state can be provided. In this case, the above-described operation condition determination unit 41 and the fixed-on determination unit 42 are provided in this switch.

[0095] In the above-described embodiments and variations, when it is determined that the switch is in the fixed-on state, a default setting value command signal is transmitted as the command signal to the target device of the switch. The application of the present application is not limited to the air conditioner unit that transmits such a default setting value command signal.

[0096] The present application can be applied to control performed when a switch in a switch system for operating an air conditioner of a vehicle becomes fixed-on.

Claims

1. A switching system comprising: a first switch that provides a control instruction to a control target by being operated; and a second switch that provides a control instruction different from the control instruction from the first switch to the control target by being operated, wherein when it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in a fixed-on state and operation of the one switch in the fixed-on state is disabled, the other of the first switch and the second switch is also set to be in a fixed-on state.

2. The switching system of claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the fixed-on state of the one of the first switch and the second switch determined to be in the fixed-on state is cancelled, the setting of the other of the first switch and the second switch to be in the fixed-on state is cancelled.

3. The switch system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first switch and the second switch indicate a direction of control in the control target, and the direction of the control instruction from the first switch and the direction of the control instruction from the second switch are opposite to each other.

4. The switching system according to claim 3, further comprising: a third switch that selectively provides a control instruction on both a direction of control in the control target when the first switch is operated and a direction of control in the control target when the second switch is operated, wherein when it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in a fixed-on state and operation of the one switch in the fixed-on state is disabled, the other of the first switch and the second switch is also set to be in a fixed-on state, but operation of the third switch is enabled without setting the third switch to be in a fixed-on state.

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