Automobile air conditioner evaporator self-cleaning control method and system based on temperature in vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a car air conditioner evaporator self-cleaning control method and system based on the temperature in the car, and relates to the technical field of car air conditioners. The method comprises a data acquisition module, a control decision module, an execution control module and an effect evaluation module. The temperature in the car is divided into three temperature intervals by setting a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, and a corresponding cleaning mode is configured for each temperature interval, so that the cleaning strategy is linked with the actual thermal environment in the car. When the temperature in the car is higher than the first threshold, a dry mode is adopted to quickly dehumidify and inhibit bacteria; when the temperature in the car is between the two thresholds, a frost formation and defrosting flushing mode is adopted to remove surface dirt; and when the temperature in the car is lower than the second threshold, a prolonged defrosting mode is adopted to prevent ice blockage and ensure the cleaning effect at low temperature. The adaptive matching of the cleaning strategy and the working condition is realized based on the differential mode selection of the temperature intervals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive air conditioning technology, specifically to a self-cleaning control method and system for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature. Background Technology

[0002] When a car's air conditioning system is in cooling mode, a large amount of condensation occurs on the evaporator surface because the fin temperature is lower than the air dew point temperature. Dust, mold spores, and microorganisms in the air are intercepted and adhere to the moist surface as they pass through the gaps between the evaporator fins with the airflow. Over time, a complex layer of dirt, consisting of dust, fibers, and microbial metabolic products, gradually forms on the evaporator surface. This dirt layer increases air resistance between the fins, reduces heat exchange efficiency, and provides the temperature and humidity conditions for mold and bacteria to grow, resulting in unpleasant odors from the air vents and worsening the air quality inside the vehicle.

[0003] Several technical solutions have already proposed self-cleaning methods for evaporators. Common technical approaches include: controlling the compressor to operate at full load to frost the evaporator surface, then turning off the compressor and turning on the heating device to melt the frost, using defrosting water to wash away surface dirt; or using a blower to continuously blow air after the vehicle is turned off to dry the residual moisture on the evaporator surface and inhibit mold growth. For example, patent publication number CN115771382B describes an air conditioning system and automobile that adopts a dual evaporator structure. The evaporator group has parallel and series connections. When self-cleaning is required in cooling mode, one evaporator is first frosted in parallel. After frosting, the system switches to series connection, allowing the refrigerant flowing from the condenser to flow directly into the frosted evaporator for defrosting. The defrosting water washes the evaporator surface to achieve self-cleaning, while the other evaporator maintains normal cooling. This solution achieves uninterrupted cooling during the self-cleaning process by switching between the two evaporators.

[0004] However, the above solutions lack a differentiated cleaning strategy that is linked to the vehicle's interior temperature. Regardless of the interior temperature, the frosting-defrosting process is executed. In high-temperature environments, mold multiplies rapidly, but the frosting-defrosting process is time-consuming and energy-intensive. In low-temperature environments, if the evaporator surface is already at risk of freezing, executing the conventional frosting procedure may exacerbate ice blockage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-cleaning control method and system for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature, in order to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A self-cleaning control system for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature includes a data acquisition module, a control decision module, an execution control module, and an effect evaluation module. The data acquisition module is used to collect the temperature signal inside the vehicle. The control decision module is communicatively connected to the data acquisition module and is used to respond to the generation of the evaporator cleaning trigger signal and determine the target cleaning mode from a variety of preset cleaning modes based on the preset temperature range where the vehicle interior temperature signal is located. The preset temperature range includes a first temperature range, a second temperature range, and a third temperature range; The multiple preset cleaning modes include a first cleaning mode corresponding to the first temperature range, a second cleaning mode corresponding to the second temperature range, and a third cleaning mode corresponding to the third temperature range; The execution control module is communicatively connected to the control decision module and is used to control the actuator of the automotive air conditioning system to perform corresponding cleaning actions according to the target cleaning mode. The effect evaluation module is communicatively connected to the control decision module. After the cleaning action is completed, it determines whether the cleaning effect meets the standard based on the comparison between the evaporator surface temperature recovery time and the preset recovery time threshold. If the cleaning does not meet the standard, it sends a supplementary cleaning trigger signal to the control decision module.

[0007] Based on the above technical solutions, the present invention also provides the following optional technical solutions: In one alternative: the data acquisition module is further used to acquire evaporator surface temperature signal, air conditioning operation cumulative duration signal and vehicle status signal; the control decision module determines whether the cleaning trigger condition is met based on the air conditioning operation cumulative duration signal or the evaporator surface temperature signal.

[0008] In one alternative solution, an interactive feedback module is also included. The interactive feedback module is communicatively connected to the control decision module and the effect evaluation module, respectively, and is used to receive cleaning instructions actively input by the user, and at the same time push cleaning operation status, cleaning completion results and fault prompt information to the user.

[0009] The self-cleaning control method for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on vehicle interior temperature, applicable to any of the above-mentioned self-cleaning control systems for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on vehicle interior temperature, includes the following steps: S1: Acquire the vehicle interior temperature signal; S2: In response to the generation of the evaporator cleaning trigger signal, determine the target cleaning mode from a variety of preset cleaning modes based on the preset temperature range where the vehicle interior temperature signal is located; S3: Control the actuators of the automotive air conditioning system to perform corresponding cleaning actions according to the target cleaning mode; S4: After the cleaning action is completed, obtain the recovery time required for the evaporator surface temperature to rise from the first preset temperature to the second preset temperature. Based on the comparison result of the recovery time and the preset recovery time threshold, determine whether the cleaning effect meets the standard. If the cleaning does not meet the standard, start the supplementary cleaning process.

[0010] In one alternative: the evaporator cleaning trigger signal is generated by at least one of the following methods: The cumulative operating time of the air conditioner is obtained, and the trigger signal is generated when the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner reaches a preset time threshold. The evaporator surface temperature change rate is obtained, and the trigger signal is generated when the evaporator surface temperature change rate deviates from the calibration value by more than a preset deviation threshold. The surface humidity of the evaporator is acquired, and the trigger signal is generated when the surface humidity of the evaporator exceeds a preset humidity threshold and continues for a preset duration. The air outlet wind speed is obtained, and the trigger signal is generated when the air outlet wind speed decreases by more than a preset percentage threshold from the initial value; The trigger signal is generated when the system reaches its periodic timer. Obtain the user's input of an active cleaning command, and generate the trigger signal based on the active cleaning command.

[0011] In one alternative: the first cleaning mode is a drying mode, including the following steps: Control the compressor to shut down or reduce its frequency, control the heating device to turn on to heat the airflow, and deliver the heated airflow to the surface of the evaporator for drying; The second cleaning mode is the frosting-melting rinsing mode, which includes the following steps: Perform the frosting stage: Control the compressor to operate at or above the rated frequency to reduce the evaporator surface temperature to below the preset frosting temperature; Execute the defrosting stage: Control the heating device to turn on, so that the surface temperature of the evaporator rises above the preset defrosting temperature; The third cleaning mode is an extended defrost mode, which includes the following steps: Perform the frosting stage: Control the compressor to operate at or above the rated frequency to reduce the evaporator surface temperature to below the preset frosting temperature; Extended defrosting phase: Control the heating device to turn on, raise the evaporator surface temperature to above the preset defrosting temperature and maintain it for the preset extended time; The heating power and target defrosting temperature of the extended defrosting stage are both higher than those of the defrosting stage in the second cleaning mode.

[0012] In one alternative: the supplemental cleaning process includes: If the original target cleaning mode was the first cleaning mode, then switch to the second cleaning mode for complete execution; If the original target cleaning mode was the second cleaning mode, the defrosting stage duration will be extended and the air drying cycle will be increased. If the original target cleaning mode was the third cleaning mode, then the third cleaning mode will be re-executed.

[0013] In one alternative approach, the following steps are also included: S11: When a user gets into the vehicle or the vehicle starts during the cleaning process, pause the current cleaning action and record the current cleaning progress information; S12: Restore the normal control mode of the air conditioning system; S13: Obtain the vehicle engine off status signal. When the vehicle is off again and the interruption time has not exceeded the preset validity period, resume the cleaning action from the breakpoint according to the cleaning progress information.

[0014] In one alternative approach, the following steps are included: If the cleaning progress has reached or exceeded the preset progress threshold, only the remaining finishing cleaning steps will be performed. If the cleaning progress does not reach the preset progress threshold, the unfinished cleaning process will continue from the execution phase at the time of interruption.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention divides the vehicle interior temperature into three temperature ranges by setting a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, and configures a corresponding cleaning mode for each temperature range, so that the cleaning strategy is linked with the actual thermal environment inside the vehicle. When the vehicle interior temperature is higher than the first threshold, the air-drying mode is used to quickly dehumidify and inhibit bacteria. When the vehicle interior temperature is between the two thresholds, the frosting and defrosting flushing mode is used to remove surface dirt. When the vehicle interior temperature is lower than the second threshold, the extended defrosting mode is used to prevent ice blockage and ensure the cleaning effect at low temperatures. The differentiated mode selection based on temperature ranges realizes the adaptive matching of cleaning strategy and working conditions.

[0016] 2. This invention sets the cleaning program to be executed when the vehicle is turned off. When a user's entry signal is detected during the cleaning process, the current action is paused and the cleaning progress is recorded. The process resumes from the breakpoint after the vehicle is turned off again. This pause, record, and resume mechanism is different from the direct termination and exit method of the prior art. It preserves the execution progress of the cleaning task while ensuring the user's priority for vehicle use, avoids repeating completed cleaning steps, and reduces redundant energy consumption and the number of invalid actions of the compressor, blower, heater and other actuators.

[0017] 3. After cleaning is completed, this invention introduces a quantitative evaluation index based on the recovery time of the evaporator surface temperature. The cleaning effect is determined by comparing the recovery time with a preset threshold. If the effect is not met, a differentiated supplementary cleaning process is triggered according to the original cleaning mode type. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to have the ability to self-verify the cleaning effect. When a cleaning is not thorough, it can automatically perform upgraded or enhanced cleaning. This is different from the open-loop control method in the prior art, which ends the cleaning process as soon as it is completed. This improves the reliability and thoroughness of cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system structure of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the control method of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a logic matrix diagram for selecting a cleaning mode based on the vehicle interior temperature, as described in this invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the first cleaning mode of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the second cleaning mode of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart for evaluating the cleaning effect and supplementing the closed-loop control of cleaning according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the user boarding interruption handling process of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the self-cleaning control system for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature includes a data acquisition module, a control decision module, an execution control module, an effect evaluation module, and an interactive feedback module.

[0027] The data acquisition module is used to collect in-vehicle temperature signals, evaporator surface temperature signals, air conditioning operation status signals, and vehicle status signals. Specifically, the data acquisition module can collect the in-vehicle temperature T in real time through a temperature sensor installed inside the vehicle. incar The surface temperature T of the evaporator is collected by a temperature sensor installed on the surface of the evaporator. evap Simultaneously, the cumulative operating time (t) of the air conditioner was collected. ac And vehicle engine off status signal.

[0028] The control decision module is communicatively connected to the data acquisition module and, in response to the generation of the evaporator cleaning trigger signal, determines the target cleaning mode from multiple preset cleaning modes based on the preset temperature range of the vehicle interior temperature signal. The preset temperature range includes a first temperature range (T... incar ≥T1), second temperature range (T2≤T) incar <T1) and the third temperature range (T incar <T2); The multiple preset cleaning modes include a first cleaning mode (air-drying / air-drying mode) corresponding to the first temperature range, a second cleaning mode (frost-defrost flushing mode) corresponding to the second temperature range, and a third cleaning mode (extended defrost mode) corresponding to the third temperature range. In this embodiment, the first temperature threshold T1 is preferably 28°C, and the second temperature threshold T2 is preferably 18°C. The adjustable range of T1 is 25°C to 30°C, and the adjustable range of T2 is 15°C to 20°C.

[0029] The execution control module is communicatively connected to the control decision module and is used to control the actuators of the automotive air conditioning system to perform corresponding cleaning actions according to the target cleaning mode. The actuators include a compressor, blower, PTC heater, and damper actuators, etc.

[0030] The effect evaluation module is communicatively connected to the control decision module. After the cleaning action is completed, it determines whether the cleaning effect meets the standard based on the comparison between the evaporator surface temperature recovery time and the preset recovery time threshold. If the cleaning does not meet the standard, it sends a supplementary cleaning trigger signal to the control decision module.

[0031] The interactive feedback module is communicatively connected to the control decision module and the effect evaluation module, respectively, and is used to receive cleaning instructions actively input by the user, and at the same time push cleaning operation status, cleaning completion results and fault prompt information to the user.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control decision module determines whether the cleaning triggering condition is met based on the cumulative operating time signal of the air conditioner or the surface state parameters of the evaporator.

[0033] Specifically, the evaporator cleaning trigger signal is generated by at least one of the following methods: Triggering condition 1 (based on runtime): Obtain the cumulative running time of the air conditioner. When the cumulative cooling runtime t of the air conditioner... acThe trigger signal is generated after ≥30 hours. The threshold is set based on the fact that the amount of dirt accumulated on the evaporator surface is positively correlated with the duration of cooling operation. After laboratory durability testing, the dust coverage on the evaporator surface exceeds 40% of the initial value after 30 hours of cumulative operation, and the air resistance between the fins increases by 15%~20%, at which point the need for cleaning is significant.

[0034] Triggering condition two (based on evaporator surface state parameters): The trigger signal is generated when any of the following conditions are met: Obtain the rate of change of evaporator surface temperature, when the rate of change of evaporator surface temperature d Tevap The trigger signal is generated when the compressor deviates from the factory calibration value by more than ±20% under rated operating conditions (i.e., the heat exchange efficiency decreases significantly); Obtain the air outlet wind speed; when the air outlet wind speed V out The trigger signal is generated when the value drops by more than 15% from the initial value (indicating increased air resistance between fins and the presence of dirt blockage). The humidity of the evaporator surface is obtained when the humidity sensor detects a value H. evap The trigger signal is generated when the RH level is ≥80% and remains so for more than 10 minutes (indicating long-term condensation buildup); The trigger signal is generated when the system reaches a periodic time (e.g., automatically triggered once every 7 days, preferably within a range of 5 to 10 days).

[0035] Triggering condition three (user-initiated): The system receives a user-inputted cleaning command and generates the trigger signal based on that command. Users can initiate cleaning commands via an interactive module (APP or in-vehicle button).

[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a self-cleaning control method for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature includes the following steps: S1: Acquire the vehicle interior temperature signal. Real-time acquisition of the vehicle interior temperature T. incar Evaporator surface temperature T evap Cumulative air conditioning operation time (t) ac And vehicle engine off status signal.

[0037] S2: In response to the generation of the evaporator cleaning trigger signal, a target cleaning mode is determined from multiple preset cleaning modes based on the preset temperature range of the vehicle interior temperature signal. Specifically: When T incar When the temperature is ≥T1 (first temperature threshold), the system selects the first cleaning mode; When T2≤T incar When T1 is less than T1, the system selects the second cleaning mode; When T incarWhen the temperature is less than T2 (the second temperature threshold), the system selects the third cleaning mode.

[0038] S3: Control the actuator of the automotive air conditioning system to perform the corresponding cleaning action according to the target cleaning mode.

[0039] S4: After the cleaning action is completed, obtain the recovery time required for the evaporator surface temperature to rise from the first preset temperature to the second preset temperature. Based on the comparison result of the recovery time and the preset recovery time threshold, determine whether the cleaning effect meets the standard. If the cleaning does not meet the standard, start the supplementary cleaning process.

[0040] S5: If a user enters or starts the vehicle during the cleaning process, the cleaning program will be paused immediately, and the normal control of the air conditioning will be restored first.

[0041] S6: After cleaning is completed, record the cleaning log and push the cleaning completion information to the user through the interaction module.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the temperature inside the car is T incar When the temperature is ≥28℃ (T1 range: 25~30℃), the system selects the first cleaning mode. In this mode, the compressor is controlled to shut down or reduce its frequency, the heating device is controlled to turn on to heat the airflow, and the heated airflow is delivered to the surface of the evaporator for drying.

[0043] The control parameters for the first cleaning mode are shown in Table 1.

[0044] Table 1 Control Parameters for First Cleaning Mode (Air Drying / Drying Mode)

[0045] In practice, the control decision module sends a drying command to the execution control module. The execution control module shuts down the compressor, turns on the PTC heater and operates it at 70% of its rated power, controls the blower to operate at 80% duty cycle, and switches the damper to the fully open internal circulation state. The effect evaluation module reads the relative humidity of the evaporator surface in real time. When the humidity drops below 40% or the drying time reaches 10 minutes, the drying is considered complete.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the interior temperature is 18℃ (T2) ≤ T incar When the temperature is <28℃ (T1), the system selects the second cleaning mode. In this mode, the frosting-defrosting flushing procedure is performed, which is divided into three sub-stages: frosting stage, defrosting flushing stage, and air drying finishing stage.

[0047] (a) Frosting stage The control parameters for the frosting stage are shown in Table 2.

[0048] Table 2. Control Parameters for the Second Cleaning Mode – Frosting Stage

[0049] (ii) Frost Melting and Washing Stage The control parameters for the defrosting and flushing stage are shown in Table 3.

[0050] Table 3 Control Parameters for the Second Cleaning Mode – Defrosting and Rinsing Phase

[0051] (III) Final stage of air drying The control parameters for the final air-drying stage are shown in Table 4.

[0052] Table 4. Control Parameters for the Second Cleaning Mode – Drying Finishing Stage

[0053] In practice, the control decision module first sends a frosting command to the execution control module. The compressor operates at full load, and the blower runs at its lowest speed until the evaporator surface temperature drops below -5°C and remains there for at least 5 minutes. Then, the defrosting stage begins. The compressor is shut off, the PTC heater is turned on, and the blower switches to medium speed, allowing the evaporator surface temperature to rise back above 10°C and remain there for 30 seconds. Finally, the drying stage begins, with the blower running at high speed for 2 minutes.

[0054] In one embodiment, when the interior temperature T incar When the temperature is below 18℃, the system selects the third cleaning mode. This mode is based on the second cleaning mode and makes enhanced parameter adjustments for low-temperature conditions. The control parameters for each stage are shown in Table 5.

[0055] Table 5 Control Parameters for the Third Cleaning Mode (Extended Defrosting Mode)

[0056] In practice, the frosting stage is the same as in the second cleaning mode. During the defrosting stage, the PTC heater power is increased to 90% of its rated power, the target temperature is set to 12℃, and it runs continuously for 8-12 minutes. After defrosting, an additional 5 minutes of high-temperature drying is added (blower at high speed + PTC running at 50% power continuously) to ensure that the evaporator surface is completely dry in the low-temperature environment, with no residual moisture or ice crystals.

[0057] The first temperature threshold T1 is preferably 28℃, with an adjustable range of 25℃~30℃; the second temperature threshold T2 is preferably 18℃, with an adjustable range of 15℃~20℃.

[0058] The T1≥28℃ setting is based on the following: When the interior temperature exceeds 28℃, the air conditioning system typically operates in continuous cooling mode, resulting in condensation on the evaporator surface. High temperatures accelerate mold growth (the rate of mold growth increases exponentially above 25℃). In this situation, the drying mode should be prioritized for rapid dehumidification to prevent microbial growth. If the threshold is set too low (<25℃), the drying mode will be triggered excessively, increasing energy consumption; if set too high (>30℃), the drying mode may not be used during high-temperature periods, increasing the risk of mold growth.

[0059] The setting of T2≤18℃ is based on the following: When the interior temperature is below 18℃, the air conditioning cooling demand is low or nonexistent, and the evaporator surface temperature may be below 0℃, posing a risk of icing. In this case, the frosting-defrosting flushing mode should be prioritized, and the defrosting time should be extended to prevent ice blockage. If the threshold is set too low (<15℃), using the normal defrosting mode in the 15~18℃ range may result in incomplete defrosting; if it is set too high (>20℃), excessive use of the extended defrosting mode in the 18~20℃ range will increase unnecessary energy consumption.

[0060] Between 18℃ and 28℃: The conventional frosting-melting flushing mode is used to balance energy consumption while ensuring cleaning effectiveness.

[0061] The above thresholds can be calibrated and adjusted according to different vehicle models, climate zones, and user habits.

[0062] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the effect evaluation module uses the evaporator surface temperature recovery time Δt as the main judgment indicator, supplemented by surface humidity monitoring for comprehensive judgment.

[0063] (a) Evaluation Criteria After the cleaning process is completed, the system stops heating and drying, allowing the evaporator to rest, and records the time Δt required for the evaporator surface temperature to rise from 5°C to (current ambient temperature - 2°C).

[0064] The evaluation criteria are shown in Table 6.

[0065] Table 6. Criteria for Evaluating Cleaning Effectiveness

[0066] The selection criteria for the 90-second and 120-second thresholds are as follows: Laboratory control tests were conducted after manually coating the evaporator surface with standard dust (ISO12103-1A2 fine ash) and bacterial culture solution, followed by a complete cleaning process. Test results showed that: when Δt ≤ 90 seconds, the heat exchange efficiency recovery rate ≥ 95% and the sterilization rate ≥ 99%; when 90 seconds < Δt ≤ 120 seconds, the heat exchange efficiency recovery rate 80%~95% and the sterilization rate 90%~99%; when Δt > 120 seconds, the heat exchange efficiency recovery rate ≤ 80% and the sterilization rate ≤ 90%. 90 seconds corresponds to the inflection point of 95% heat exchange efficiency recovery rate; beyond this point, further improvements in heat exchange efficiency tend to plateau (diminishing marginal returns). 120 seconds corresponds to the critical value of 80% heat exchange efficiency recovery rate; values ​​below this indicate that the cleaning effect has not met basic requirements.

[0067] (ii) Supplementary cleaning mechanism When the effectiveness evaluation module determines that the cleaning is not up to standard, a supplementary cleaning process is triggered, and the specific strategies are shown in Table 7.

[0068] Table 7 Supplementary Cleaning Strategy Table

[0069] After the additional cleaning is completed, the effectiveness evaluation module will reassess the situation: If the target is met: Record it as "Replenishment cleaning successful" and send a push notification; If the problem persists: record the fault code and prompt the user through the interactive module that "evaporator cleaning is abnormal, manual inspection or repair is recommended," and stop automatic retrying to avoid endless cycle and energy consumption.

[0070] The maximum number of times you can attempt to clean again is 2.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the system also includes a user interruption and automatic recovery mechanism.

[0072] S11: When a user gets into the vehicle or the vehicle starts during the cleaning process, pause the current cleaning action and record the current cleaning progress information.

[0073] "User detected boarding" is triggered by any of the following signals: Car door unlock signal; Switch the ignition switch from OFF to ACC or ON. Seat pressure sensors detected that an occupant had taken a seat; Central locking unlock signal.

[0074] Interruption actions include: (1) Immediately suspend all cleaning operations: the compressor, blower, PTC heater and damper actuator should all stop or return to their default state; (2) Record interruption status: The system writes the current cleaning progress into non-volatile memory. The recorded content includes the current cleaning mode, current execution stage, running time, evaporator surface temperature and humidity at the time of interruption, and interruption timestamp.

[0075] S12: Restore the normal control mode of the air conditioning system and prioritize responding to users' temperature control and airflow operation requests.

[0076] S13: Obtain the vehicle engine off status signal. When the vehicle is off again and the interruption time has not exceeded the preset validity period, resume the cleaning action from the breakpoint according to the cleaning progress information.

[0077] Automatic recovery conditions include: Recovery Condition 1 (Status Condition): The vehicle is turned off and locked; Recovery condition two (time limit): Interruption duration ≤ preset validity period (preferred 2 hours, adjustable range 1~4 hours).

[0078] The execution resumption logic is as follows: If the cleaning progress has reached or exceeded the preset progress threshold (e.g., ≥80%, which means it has entered the defrosting and finishing stage), then only the remaining finishing cleaning steps (e.g., finishing air drying for 3 minutes) will be performed. If the cleaning progress does not reach the preset progress threshold (<80%), the unfinished cleaning process will continue from the execution stage at the time of the interruption, and the process will be restored to the mode and stage before the interruption, rather than starting over, so as to avoid repeating the completed steps. If the interruption lasts longer than the validity period (e.g., >2 hours), the task will be abandoned, a log will be recorded saying "Cleaning task timed out and cancelled", and the user will be notified via APP push notification that "The last cleaning has timed out, it is recommended to re-trigger" to prevent invalid recovery.

[0079] The system is set to a maximum of 3 retries. If this number is exceeded, the cleaning task will be abandoned and logged. The interactive module will then send a notification: "The cleaning task has been canceled due to multiple interruptions. Please re-trigger it at an appropriate time."

[0080] To verify the technical effectiveness of the present invention, the applicant conducted comparative tests under various environmental conditions. The test vehicle was the same model of experimental vehicle, and the solution of the present invention was compared with the existing single-mode cleaning solution (control group). The test results are shown in Table 8.

[0081] Table 8 Comparison of Cleaning Effects Between the Invention and Existing Technologies

[0082] The test results above demonstrate that the present invention, through adaptive cleaning mode selection based on in-vehicle temperature, can achieve a cleaning effect superior to existing single-mode solutions under different environmental conditions, while also providing lower energy consumption and greater user comfort.

[0083] Any aspects of this invention not described in detail are well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0084] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning control system for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature, characterized in that, It includes a data acquisition module, a control decision module, an execution control module, and an effect evaluation module; The data acquisition module is used to collect the temperature signal inside the vehicle. The control decision module is communicatively connected to the data acquisition module and is used to respond to the generation of the evaporator cleaning trigger signal and determine the target cleaning mode from a variety of preset cleaning modes based on the preset temperature range where the vehicle interior temperature signal is located. The preset temperature range includes a first temperature range, a second temperature range, and a third temperature range; The multiple preset cleaning modes include a first cleaning mode corresponding to the first temperature range, a second cleaning mode corresponding to the second temperature range, and a third cleaning mode corresponding to the third temperature range; The execution control module is communicatively connected to the control decision module and is used to control the actuator of the automotive air conditioning system to perform corresponding cleaning actions according to the target cleaning mode. The effect evaluation module is communicatively connected to the control decision module. After the cleaning action is completed, it determines whether the cleaning effect meets the standard based on the comparison between the evaporator surface temperature recovery time and the preset recovery time threshold. If the cleaning does not meet the standard, it sends a supplementary cleaning trigger signal to the control decision module.

2. The self-cleaning control system for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data acquisition module is also used to acquire evaporator surface temperature signal, air conditioning operation cumulative duration signal and vehicle status signal; the control decision module determines whether the cleaning trigger condition is met based on the air conditioning operation cumulative duration signal or the evaporator surface temperature signal.

3. The self-cleaning control system for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an interactive feedback module; The interactive feedback module is communicatively connected to the control decision module and the effect evaluation module, respectively, and is used to receive cleaning instructions actively input by the user, and at the same time push cleaning operation status, cleaning completion results and fault prompt information to the user.

4. A self-cleaning control method for automotive air conditioning evaporators based on in-vehicle temperature, characterized in that, The self-cleaning control system for an automotive air conditioning evaporator based on the in-vehicle temperature, applicable to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprises the following steps: S1: Acquire the vehicle interior temperature signal; S2: In response to the generation of the evaporator cleaning trigger signal, determine the target cleaning mode from a variety of preset cleaning modes based on the preset temperature range where the vehicle interior temperature signal is located; S3: Control the actuators of the automotive air conditioning system to perform corresponding cleaning actions according to the target cleaning mode; S4: After the cleaning action is completed, obtain the recovery time required for the evaporator surface temperature to rise from the first preset temperature to the second preset temperature. Based on the comparison result of the recovery time and the preset recovery time threshold, determine whether the cleaning effect meets the standard. If the cleaning does not meet the standard, start the supplementary cleaning process.

5. The self-cleaning control method for automotive air conditioning evaporator based on in-vehicle temperature according to claim 4, characterized in that, The evaporator cleaning trigger signal is generated by at least one of the following methods: The cumulative operating time of the air conditioner is obtained, and the trigger signal is generated when the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner reaches a preset time threshold. The evaporator surface temperature change rate is obtained, and the trigger signal is generated when the evaporator surface temperature change rate deviates from the calibration value by more than a preset deviation threshold. The surface humidity of the evaporator is acquired, and the trigger signal is generated when the surface humidity of the evaporator exceeds a preset humidity threshold and continues for a preset duration. The air outlet wind speed is obtained, and the trigger signal is generated when the air outlet wind speed decreases by more than a preset percentage threshold from the initial value; The trigger signal is generated when the system reaches its periodic timer. Obtain the user's input of an active cleaning command, and generate the trigger signal based on the active cleaning command.

6. The self-cleaning control method for automotive air conditioning evaporator based on in-vehicle temperature according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first cleaning mode is the air-drying mode, which includes the following steps: Control the compressor to shut down or reduce its frequency, control the heating device to turn on to heat the airflow, and deliver the heated airflow to the surface of the evaporator for drying; The second cleaning mode is the frosting-melting rinsing mode, which includes the following steps: Perform the frosting stage: Control the compressor to operate at or above the rated frequency to reduce the evaporator surface temperature to below the preset frosting temperature; Execute the defrosting stage: Control the heating device to turn on, so that the surface temperature of the evaporator rises above the preset defrosting temperature; The third cleaning mode is an extended defrost mode, which includes the following steps: Perform the frosting stage: Control the compressor to operate at or above the rated frequency to reduce the evaporator surface temperature to below the preset frosting temperature; Extended defrosting phase: Control the heating device to turn on, raise the evaporator surface temperature to above the preset defrosting temperature and maintain it for the preset extended time; The heating power and target defrosting temperature of the extended defrosting stage are both higher than those of the defrosting stage in the second cleaning mode.

7. The self-cleaning control method for automotive air conditioning evaporator based on in-vehicle temperature according to claim 4, characterized in that, The supplementary cleaning process includes: If the original target cleaning mode was the first cleaning mode, then switch to the second cleaning mode for complete execution; If the original target cleaning mode was the second cleaning mode, the defrosting stage duration will be extended and the air drying cycle will be increased. If the original target cleaning mode was the third cleaning mode, then the third cleaning mode will be re-executed.

8. The self-cleaning control method for automotive air conditioning evaporator based on in-vehicle temperature according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: S11: When a user gets into the vehicle or the vehicle starts during the cleaning process, pause the current cleaning action and record the current cleaning progress information; S12: Restore the normal control mode of the air conditioning system; S13: Obtain the vehicle engine off status signal. When the vehicle is off again and the interruption time has not exceeded the preset validity period, resume the cleaning action from the breakpoint according to the cleaning progress information.

9. The self-cleaning control method for automotive air conditioning evaporator based on in-vehicle temperature according to claim 8, characterized in that, Resuming the cleaning action from the breakpoint includes the following steps: If the cleaning progress has reached or exceeded the preset progress threshold, only the remaining finishing cleaning steps will be performed. If the cleaning progress does not reach the preset progress threshold, the unfinished cleaning process will continue from the execution phase at the time of interruption.

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