Switch system

Abstract

To provide a switch system capable of eliminating a failure when one of switches for giving different instructions to the same control object is in an ON fixed state.SOLUTION: In a switch system having a set temperature UP switch for raising a set temperature of an air conditioner unit 3 and a set temperature DOWN switch for raising the set temperature, when an ON fixing determination part 42 determines that only the set temperature UP switch is in an ON fixing state, an ON fixing recognition part 45 sets that the set temperature DOWN switch is also in the ON fixing state. As a result, it is possible to solve the problem caused by only one switch being in the ON-fixed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch system having a switch for operating an in-vehicle device, etc. In particular, the present invention relates to control when a switch is stuck ON. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, various switches, such as switches for operating air conditioners, are arranged inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Known switches of this type include those that output an ON signal when pressed and an OFF signal when released.

[0003] However, there are cases where a switch that has been operated (pushed) continues to output an ON signal even after the operation is released, resulting in a so-called "stuck-ON" state. This type of stuck-ON state can occur not only in physical switches (switches that move mechanically when pressed), but also in touch panel switches.

[0004] Examples of causes of a switch being stuck ON include, if the switch is a physical switch, when it is pressed in it gets caught on another component (such as the frame surrounding the switch) and is unable to return to its original position, or if liquid (such as a drink) is spilled around the switch and the remaining liquid becomes viscous after the water in the liquid evaporates, causing the switch (the pressed switch) to be unable to return to its original position due to that viscosity.Another example of a cause of a stuck ON state in both physical switches and touch panel switches is when an electrical malfunction inside the switch causes the switch to remain in the ON state.

[0005] When a switch becomes stuck on, it is necessary to determine whether the switch is stuck on in order to deal with the situation. In Patent Document 1, when an ON signal is continuously output from a switch for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that the switch has become stuck on, the fact that the switch is stuck on is stored, and control is performed to disable any subsequent long presses of the switch (even if an ON signal is output from the switch). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-144709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Incidentally, there are types of switches that issue different control instructions to the same control object. Examples of this type of switch include a set temperature UP switch and a set temperature DOWN switch on an air conditioner operation panel. In this case, the control object is, for example, a heat pump (compressor, expansion valve, etc.). Another example of a switch that issues different control instructions to the same control object is an air volume UP switch and an air volume DOWN switch on an air conditioner operation panel. In this case, the control object is a fan.

[0008] When only one of the switches for issuing different control instructions to the same control object becomes stuck on, if the operation of the switch that is stuck on is disabled as in Patent Document 1, the other switches remain operable, so only one-way control by the operable switch is enabled, and the control of the control object cannot be returned to the other direction. For example, if the set temperature UP switch becomes stuck on, an occupant may operate the set temperature DOWN switch to check the operation of the air conditioning system because the operation of the set temperature UP switch is disabled. In this case, the set temperature can be lowered but not increased, resulting in a malfunction such as an excessively low cabin temperature. In particular, if the set temperature is set to be reset to a default value (e.g., 25°C) when one of the set temperature UP switch and set temperature DOWN switch becomes stuck on, this malfunction becomes particularly noticeable if the set temperature is reset to the default value when the set temperature UP switch or set temperature DOWN switch becomes stuck on and the set temperature is reset to the default value.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a switch system that can eliminate the malfunction that occurs when one of the switches that issue different control instructions to the same control target becomes stuck ON. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above object is a switch system having a first switch for issuing a control instruction to a controlled object when operated, and a second switch for issuing a control instruction to the controlled object that is different from the control instruction from the first switch when operated. This switch system is characterized in that, when it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in a stuck-ON state and the operation of that switch is invalidated, the other switch is also set to be stuck-ON.

[0011] The technical category of the control instructions of the first switch and the control instructions of the second switch being different here is not limited to cases where the content of the control instructions of the first switch (e.g., the direction of control) and the content of the control instructions of the second switch (e.g., the direction of control) are opposite (the control directions are opposite) (for example, in an air conditioning device, the first switch is a set temperature UP switch and the second switch is a set temperature DOWN switch), but also includes cases where different control forms are used (for example, in an air conditioning device, multiple switches are provided to switch the air outlet for conditioned air, and the air outlet mode of the air conditioned air is switched depending on the switch that is operated).

[0012] If it is determined that only one of the first and second switches is stuck on and the operation of that switch is invalidated, and then the operation of the other switch is validated, it will be impossible to return from the control based on the operation of the other switch to the control based on the operation of one switch. In view of this, the present solution sets the other switch to be stuck on in such a situation, thereby eliminating the problem caused by only one switch being stuck on.

[0013] Furthermore, when it is determined that the ON-stuck state of one of the first switch and the second switch, which has been determined to be in an ON-stuck state, has been released, the setting of the other switch as being in an ON-stuck state is released.

[0014] As a result, when one of the switches is released from the stuck-ON state, operations of both the first switch and the second switch become valid, and the switch system can be restored to normal operation.

[0015] The first switch and the second switch are used to instruct the direction of control in the controlled object, and the directions of the control instructions are opposite to each other.

[0016] In the case of such switches, as in the prior art, if only one switch is stuck ON and its operation is invalid, and if operation of the other switch only enables control of the controlled object in one direction, it can lead to a situation where control of the controlled object cannot be returned to the other direction. In the present invention, as described above, if it is determined that only one switch is stuck ON and its operation is invalid, the other switch is also set to be stuck ON, so that only control in one direction is no longer enabled, and the problems with the prior art for this type of switch can be solved.

[0017] The device also includes a third switch that can selectively issue control instructions in both directions: the direction of control of the controlled object when the first switch is operated, and the direction of control of the controlled object when the second switch is operated. When it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is stuck on and the operation of that switch is invalidated, the other switch is also set to be stuck on, while the operation of the third switch is enabled without being set to be stuck on.

[0018] If it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is stuck on, the operation of these switches is disabled, making it impossible to issue control instructions to the controlled object by operating these switches. However, if a third switch is provided in addition to these switches that can selectively issue control instructions in both directions of control of the controlled object, this third switch is not set to be stuck on. In other words, the operation of the third switch is enabled. As a result, even if one of the first switch and the second switch is stuck on, it is possible to issue control instructions to both sides of the control of the controlled object, allowing continuous control of the controlled object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] In the present invention, when it is determined that only one of the first and second switches is in a stuck-ON state and the operation of that switch is invalidated, the other switch is also set to be in a stuck-ON state, thereby eliminating a problem caused by only one switch being in a stuck-ON state (such as the inability to return from control according to the operation of the other switch to control according to the operation of one switch). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating switches in an air conditioner operation unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of air conditioning control in accordance with switch operations in the embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a timing chart illustrating the relationship between a switch depression state and the associated switch determination in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing several modified examples of the air volume setting switch; [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing several modified examples of the set temperature change switch; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a switch system according to the present invention will be described as being applied as a switch system including a switch for operating an air conditioning device of an electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the switch is a physical switch that outputs an ON signal when pressed and outputs an OFF signal when the pressing operation is released. Note that the switch system according to the present invention is not limited to electric vehicles, and can also be applied to other vehicles (conventional vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, etc.).

[0022] -Explanation of the air conditioner controls- 1 is a diagram showing the switches of the air conditioner operating unit 1 according to this embodiment. The air conditioner operating unit 1 is disposed on an instrument panel inside the vehicle cabin, and when a passenger presses (pushes) a switch, the air conditioner ECU (described later) controls the air conditioner (air conditioner unit) in response to that operation.

[0023] 1 includes, from the right side in the figure, a driver's seat-side set temperature change switch 11, an air conditioner switch 12, an auto switch 13, an OFF switch 14a, an airflow increase switch (corresponding to the first switch in the present invention) 14b, an airflow decrease switch (corresponding to the second switch in the present invention) 14c, a blowout mode switch 15, a rear window defogger switch (also serves as a mirror heater switch) 16a, a front defroster switch 16b, an inside / outside air selector switch 17, and a passenger's seat-side set temperature change switch 18. The driver's seat-side set temperature change switch 11 and the passenger's seat-side set temperature change switch 18 each include a set temperature increase switch (corresponding to the first switch in the present invention) 11a, 18a and a set temperature decrease switch (corresponding to the second switch in the present invention) 11b, 18b, respectively.

[0024] The operation of the air conditioning unit when these switches 11 to 18 are pressed (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1) is well known, and therefore will not be described here. The various switches provided on the air conditioning operating unit 1 are not limited to those described above, and may include a synchro switch for linking the driver's seat set temperature and the passenger seat set temperature, a so-called direct instruction switch that directly indicates (controls) each set temperature, and a relative instruction switch for raising or lowering the cabin temperature from the current temperature. Examples of direct instruction switches and relative instruction switches will be described later.

[0025] -Outline of air conditioning system configuration- 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioning system 2 includes an air conditioning operation section 1 having the above-mentioned multiple switches 11 to 18 (see Fig. 1), an air conditioning unit 3, and an air conditioning ECU 4.

[0026] The air conditioning unit 3 is configured to blow conditioned air, the temperature and humidity of which has been adjusted, into the vehicle interior through an air outlet. The air conditioning unit 3 includes a heat pump 31, a blower 32, an air outlet switching door 33, and the like.

[0027] 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 according to the air conditioning demands in the vehicle cabin. The electric compressor is provided to circulate the refrigerant through the circulation path. The electric compressor is powered by power from the battery and is configured so that its rotational speed can be adjusted, for example, by inverter control. In conventional vehicles equipped with an engine, the compressor may be mechanical and operated by engine power. The outdoor heat exchanger is located in the motor compartment, and the indoor heat exchanger is located in an air duct (not shown). The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant circulating through the circulation path.

[0028] The blower 32 is configured to selectively take in outside air and inside air and send it to the air duct. The blower 32 is operated by power from a battery and is configured to have an adjustable rotational speed.

[0029] During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, thereby cooling the air being blown by the indoor heat exchanger. During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, thereby warming the air being blown by the indoor heat exchanger. Note that a heating heat exchanger may be provided in the air duct separately from the indoor heat exchanger, and the air being blown that has been dehumidified by the indoor heat exchanger may be heated by the heating heat exchanger. In addition, in conventional vehicles equipped with an engine, the heat of the engine coolant is used to heat the passenger compartment.

[0030] A plurality of air outlets are provided at the downstream end of the air duct, and the air outlets are provided with an air outlet switching door 33. The plurality of air outlets include a face air outlet that blows conditioned air toward the upper bodies of occupants in the vehicle cabin, a foot air outlet that blows conditioned air toward the feet of occupants in the vehicle cabin, and a defroster air outlet that blows conditioned air toward the inner surface of the windshield.

[0031] 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 via signal lines. As a result, the ON signal (IG-ON signal) and OFF signal (IG-OFF signal) of the IG switch 51 and sensing signals from the various sensors 52 are input to the air conditioner ECU 4. The various sensors 52 include a vehicle interior temperature sensor, an outside air temperature sensor, and a solar radiation sensor.

[0032] Further, the air conditioner ECU 4 (more specifically, the ROM of the air conditioner ECU 4) stores a control program for performing various controls on the air conditioner unit 3.

[0033] The air conditioner ECU 4 has, as its functional units, an operation status determination unit 41, an ON-stuck determination unit 42, a memory unit 43, an IG detection unit 44, an ON-stuck determination unit 45, and a default set value command unit 46. The operation status determination unit 41, the ON-stuck determination unit 42, the IG detection unit 44, the ON-stuck determination unit 45, and the default set value command unit 46 are each realized by a control program stored in the ROM of the air conditioner ECU 4. The memory unit 43 is realized by a backup RAM (non-volatile memory) that stores information even after the IG is turned off.

[0034] The operation status determination unit 41 acquires a status signal when any switch in the air conditioner operation unit 1 is operated. For example, when the set temperature UP switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is pressed, its ON signal (ON signal of the set temperature UP switch 11a) is input to the operation status determination unit 41 of the air conditioner ECU 4. When the set temperature UP switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is released from the pressed state, its OFF signal (OFF signal of the set temperature UP switch 11a) is input to the operation status determination unit 41 of the air conditioner ECU 4. When any other switch is pressed or released from the pressed state, its ON signal or OFF signal is similarly input to the operation status determination unit 41 of the air conditioner ECU 4.

[0035] When an ON signal (status signal) is continuously input from a certain switch to the operation status determination unit 41, the stuck-ON determination unit 42 determines that the switch is in the stuck-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 (e.g., 5 seconds) and this ON signal is continuously input to the operation status determination unit 41, the set temperature up switch 11a is determined to be in the stuck-ON state. The value of this predetermined time is not limited to this. When an ON signal is continuously output from another switch for a predetermined time, the switch outputting the ON signal is also determined to be in the stuck-ON state. Information on the result of the determination by the stuck-ON determination unit 42 is output to the memory unit 43, the stuck-ON determination unit 45, and the default set value command unit 46. Furthermore, when the vehicle is next tripped due to IG-ON after IG-OFF, and an OFF signal is input to the operation status determination unit 41 from the switch that was determined to be in the stuck-ON state, this stuck-ON determination unit 42 cancels the determination that the switch is in the stuck-ON state.

[0036] The memory unit 43 stores the previous setting values ​​for air conditioning control and information on whether the switches are stuck on. Storing the previous setting values ​​for air conditioning control means that if the air conditioning unit 3 was operating while the vehicle's ignition was on and the ignition was then turned off, the memory stores information on the set airflow and set temperature immediately before the ignition was turned off. Storing information on whether the switches are stuck on means that if the stuck-on determination unit 42 determines that a switch is stuck on while the vehicle's ignition is on, the memory stores information that the switch is stuck on even after the ignition is turned off. This information is also stored at the start of the next trip when the vehicle's ignition is turned on after the ignition is turned off.

[0037] The IG detector 44 receives an ON signal or an OFF signal from the IG switch 51 and outputs the information to the default setting value command unit 46 .

[0038] The stuck-ON determination unit 45 is a functional unit that determines (sets) a switch (the other of the first and second switches) that issues a control instruction different from the instruction from the switch (the switch determined to be stuck-ON) to a device or unit controlled by the switch (one of the first and second switches) determined to be stuck-ON by the stuck-ON determination unit 42 and whose operation is disabled, as being stuck-ON. In other words, even if the switch (the other switch) is not stuck-ON, if the switch (the one switch) that issues a control instruction different from the instruction from the switch to the device or unit controlled by the switch is stuck-ON and whose operation is disabled, the stuck-ON determination unit 45 also determines that the switch that is not stuck-ON is in the stuck-ON state. For example, if the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat set temperature change switch 11 is determined to be stuck-ON, the set temperature down switch 11b is determined to be stuck-ON, and the operation of the set temperature down switch 11b is disabled. Furthermore, for example, if it is determined that the air volume increase switch 14b is stuck on, the air volume decrease switch 14c is also determined to be stuck on, and the operation of this air volume decrease switch 14c is invalidated. This makes it possible to avoid a situation where, when one of the switches that issue different control instructions to the same control target becomes stuck on, it becomes impossible to return from one-way control to the other direction by pressing a switch that is not stuck on.

[0039] The default set value command unit 46 can receive signals from the stuck-ON determination unit 42 and the IG detection unit 44. If the stuck-ON determination unit 42 determines that a switch is stuck-ON while the IG-ON state is active, the default set value command unit 46 transmits a default set value command signal as a command signal to the device (control target) targeted by that switch (the switch stuck-ON). This default set value may be, for example, zero for the air volume blown by the blower 32, or 25°C for the set temperature of the conditioned air in the heat pump 31. In other words, if the air volume increase switch 14b or the air volume decrease switch 14c is stuck-ON, the air volume blown by the blower 32 is set to zero (the blower 32 is stopped). If the set temperature UP switch 11a or the set temperature DOWN switch 11b of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is stuck-ON, the driver's seat side set temperature is set to 25°C. Similarly, if the set temperature UP switch 18a or set temperature DOWN switch 18b of the passenger seat set temperature change switch 18 is stuck ON, the passenger seat set temperature will be set to 25° C. These values ​​can be set arbitrarily, but it is preferable to set them to values ​​that will enable a significant reduction in power consumption.

[0040] Furthermore, when information that a certain switch is in a stuck-ON state is stored in the memory unit 43, even at the start of the next trip due to IG-ON after IG-OFF, the default set value command unit 46 transmits a default set value command signal to the air conditioning unit 3 as a command signal for the device targeted by that switch (the switch stuck-ON state). In other words, even when IG-ON is turned on while a certain switch is stuck-ON, the device targeted by that switch (the switch stuck-ON state) is controlled by the default set value.

[0041] With such a system configuration, the air conditioner operating unit 1 and the above-mentioned functional units in the air conditioner ECU 4 constitute a switch system according to the present invention.

[0042] -Air conditioning control- Next, air conditioning control when a switch is operated in the above-described configuration will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for air conditioning control in response to switch operation in this embodiment. Figure 4 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the switch depression state and the associated switch determination. The following description focuses on one of the switches 11 to 18 (for example, the driver's seat temperature setting change switch 11).

[0043] First, in step ST1, it is determined whether the IG is turned on (whether the IG detection unit 44 receives an ON signal from the IG switch 51). If the IG is not turned on and the determination is NO in step ST1, the process ends.

[0044] On the other hand, if the IG-ON switch is turned on and the determination in step ST1 is YES, the process proceeds to step ST2, where it is determined whether or not information about the switch being stuck on is stored in the memory unit 43. If none of the switches are in a stuck-on state and no information about the switch being stuck on is stored in the memory unit 43, the determination in step ST2 is NO and the process proceeds to step ST3. In step ST3, air conditioning control is started using the previous setting values ​​for air conditioning control (the set air volume and set temperature in the previous trip) stored in the memory unit 43, and the process proceeds to step ST4.

[0045] In step ST4, it is determined whether a certain switch (for example, the set temperature UP switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11) has been pressed and an ON signal (switch ON signal) has been input (input to the operation status judgment unit 41) from the switch.

[0046] If an ON signal is input from the switch and the determination in step ST4 is YES, the process proceeds to step ST5, where air conditioning control is performed in accordance with the switch operation. For example, if the set temperature UP switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is pressed, the driver's seat side set temperature is increased by one level (for example, 0.5°C). If the switch is pressed and held down at this time, air conditioning control is performed in accordance with the operation every predetermined time. For example, if the set temperature UP switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is pressed and held down, the driver's seat side set temperature is increased by one level every predetermined time.

[0047] When air conditioning control according 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 proceeds to step ST7. In this step ST7, it is determined whether the count of the timer has exceeded a predetermined ON-stuck determination time. In other words, it is determined whether an ON signal from the switch has been continuously input for a predetermined time. This ON-stuck determination time can be set arbitrarily.

[0048] If the count of the timer has not yet exceeded the predetermined ON-stuck determination time and the determination is NO in step ST7, the process proceeds to step ST8, where it is determined whether the input of the ON signal from the switch is continuing. If the input of the ON signal from the switch has stopped, the determination is NO in step ST8 and the process proceeds to step ST10, whereas if the input of the ON signal from the switch is continuing, the determination is YES in step ST8 and the process returns to step ST7.

[0049] If the ON signal input from the switch is not stopped and the time during which the ON signal continues to be input (the timer count) exceeds the ON-stuck determination time, a YES determination is made in step ST7, and the process proceeds to step ST9. In step ST9, the ON-stuck determination unit 42 determines that the switch is in the ON-stuck state, stores the ON-stuck information in the memory unit 43, and sends a default setting value command signal from the default setting value command unit 46 to the air conditioning unit 3. FIG. 4(a) shows the relationship between the switch pressed state and the associated switch determination. That is, because the switch has been pressed for a predetermined time (the ON-stuck determination time), the switch is determined to be in the ON-stuck state. If the switch is determined to be in the ON-stuck state in this way, air conditioning control is performed using the default setting value. For example, if the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is determined to be in the ON-stuck state, the driver's seat side set temperature is set to 25°C. Also, for example, if it is determined that the air volume increase switch 14b is stuck ON, the air volume sent by the blower 32 is set to zero (the blower 32 is stopped).

[0050] As a feature of this embodiment, in step ST9, a switch that issues a control instruction to a device that is the control target and that differs from the instruction issued by the switch determined to be in the stuck-ON state by the stuck-ON determination unit 42 is recognized as being in the stuck-ON state. For example, if it is determined that the set temperature UP switch 11a of the driver's seat set temperature change switch 11 is in the stuck-ON state, the set temperature DOWN switch 11b is recognized as being in the stuck-ON state, and its operation is invalidated. Also, if it is determined that the airflow increase switch 14b is in the stuck-ON state, the airflow decrease switch 14c is recognized as being in the stuck-ON state, and its operation is invalidated. In this way, switches that issue different control instructions to the same control target are both treated as being in the stuck-ON state (their operations are invalidated), and air conditioning control is initiated using the default setting values ​​described above. After that, the process proceeds to step ST10.

[0051] In step ST10, it is determined whether the IG has been turned off (whether the IG detection unit 44 has received an OFF signal from the IG switch 51). If the IG has been turned off and the determination in step ST10 is YES, the air conditioning control is stopped and the control ends. On the other hand, if the IG has not been turned off (the IG remains on) and the determination in step ST10 is NO, the process proceeds to step ST11, where it is determined whether information indicating that the switch is stuck on is stored in the memory unit 43. That is, if the determination in step ST7 is YES (the switch is determined to be in a stuck-on state), it is determined in step ST9 whether information indicating that the switch is stuck on is stored in the memory unit 43. If information indicating that the switch is stuck on is not stored in the memory unit 43 and the determination in step ST11 is NO, the process proceeds to step ST12, where air conditioning control is performed in accordance with the switch operation. On the other hand, if information indicating that the switch is stuck on is stored in the memory unit 43 and the determination in step ST11 is YES, the process proceeds to step ST13.

[0052] In step ST13, air conditioning control is performed using default setting values ​​based on the default setting value command signal sent from the default setting value command section 46 to the air conditioning unit 3 (if air conditioning control using default setting values ​​is performed in step ST9, that air conditioning control is continued). Then, in step ST14, it is determined whether or not an OFF signal (switch OFF signal) has been input (input to the operation status determination section 41) from the switch that was determined to be in a stuck ON state.

[0053] If an OFF signal is not input to the operation status determination unit 41 from the switch determined to be in the stuck-ON state and a NO judgment is made in step ST14, the process returns to step ST10. On the other hand, if an OFF signal is input to the operation status determination unit 41 from the switch determined to be in the stuck-ON state and a YES judgment is made in step ST14, the process proceeds to step ST15, where the information on the stuck-ON state stored in the memory unit 43 is cleared. That is, the switch that was in the stuck-ON state has returned to its original position, so the information on the stuck-ON state is cleared. Accordingly, the recognition of the stuck-ON state of the switch that was determined to be in the stuck-ON state in step ST9 is cleared, and its operation is made valid. For example, if the set temperature up switch 11a of the driver's seat side set temperature change switch 11 is determined to be in the stuck-ON state and the set temperature down switch 11b is determined to be in the stuck-ON state, the recognition of the stuck-ON state of the set temperature down switch 11b is cleared, and its operation is made valid. Furthermore, if it is determined in step ST9 that the increase airflow switch 14b is stuck on and therefore the decrease airflow switch 14c is also determined to be stuck on, then the increase airflow switch 14b is no longer stuck on and an OFF signal is output, and the determination of the decrease airflow switch 14c being stuck on is cancelled, and its operation is enabled.

[0054] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST16, where normal air conditioning control according to the switch operation is resumed.

[0055] Furthermore, if the switch is determined to be stuck-ON in step ST9 and the IG-OFF is performed in step ST10 while the information indicating that the switch is stuck-ON is stored in the memory unit 43, then in the next trip (next routine) due to the subsequent IG-ON, a YES determination is made in step ST1 and a YES determination is made in step ST2, and a default setting value command signal is sent from the default setting value command unit 46 to the air conditioning unit 3. As a result, air conditioning control is performed using default setting values ​​based on the default setting value command signal for the control object of the switch that is stuck-ON. If an OFF signal is not input to the operation status determination unit 41 from the switch determined to be stuck-ON in step ST14, the process proceeds to step ST10. FIG. 4(b) shows the relationship between the switch pressed state and the associated switch determination at this time. That is, since the switch is in the stuck-ON state, the pressed state is maintained, but since the stuck-ON state is stored, the switch determination is OFF (a state in which switch operation is not accepted).

[0056] Furthermore, if an OFF signal is input to the operation status determination unit 41 from a switch that was determined to be in a stuck-ON state, the information about the stuck-ON state stored in the memory unit 43 is released in step ST15. That is, the switch that was in a stuck-ON state has returned to its original position, and the information about the stuck-ON state is released. Accordingly, as described above, the recognition of the stuck-ON state of the switch that was recognized in step ST9 as being in a stuck-ON state is released, and the operation is validated. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST16, and normal air conditioning control is restored in response to the switch operation. FIG. 4(c) shows the relationship between the switch depression state and the associated switch determination at this time. That is, when the switch returns to its original position, the switch determination determines that the switch has returned to a normal state, and if the switch is subsequently pressed, the switch determination also determines that the switch has been turned ON. The above operations are repeated.

[0057] -Effects of the embodiment- As described above, according to this embodiment, when it is determined that one of the switches that issue different control instructions to the same control target is in a stuck-ON state, the other switch is also set to be in a stuck-ON state. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which, when it is determined that only one switch is in a stuck-ON state, the operation of the other switch is validated, making it impossible to return control in the direction corresponding to the operation of the other switch to control in the other direction. In other words, the above-mentioned problem caused by only one switch being in a stuck-ON state can be eliminated.

[0058] -Modified switch- Next, several modified examples of the switches will be described. Fig. 5 shows several modified examples of the air volume setting switch. Fig. 6 shows several modified examples of the set temperature change switch.

[0059] FIG. 5(a) shows a physical switch in which an air volume increase switch 14b and an air volume decrease switch 14c are arranged on the left and right.

[0060] Figure 5(b) shows a configuration in which a so-called one-touch selection switch 14d, which allows the air volume to be set by operating a lever, is located below the air volume increase switch 14b and air volume decrease switch 14c, which are configured as physical switches and arranged on the left and right.

[0061] Figure 5(c) shows a touch panel switch, which has an air volume increase switch 14b and an air volume decrease switch 14c on both the left and right sides, and a so-called one-touch selection switch between these switches 14b and 14c, which allows the set air volume to be increased or decreased by pressing the displayed fan mark 14e with a finger and moving the finger left or right.

[0062] FIG. 5(d) shows a touch panel switch, which has an air volume increase switch 14b and an air volume decrease switch 14c on both the left and right sides, and a so-called one-touch selection switch between these switches 14b and 14c, which allows the air volume to be set by pressing a finger at any position on the image-displayed indicator 14f.

[0063] Figure 5(e) shows a touch panel switch, which, like the one shown in Figure 5(c), has an air volume increase switch 14b and an air volume decrease switch 14c arranged on both the left and right sides, and a so-called one-touch selection switch arranged between these switches 14b and 14c, which allows the set air volume to be increased or decreased by pressing a displayed circular mark 14g with a finger and moving the finger left or right.

[0064] In the case of the switches shown in FIGS. 5(b) to 5(e), if it is determined that only one of the airflow increase switch 14b and the airflow decrease switch 14c is stuck ON, operation of these switches 14b and 14c is invalidated, making it impossible to issue a control instruction to the blower 32 by operating these switches 14b and 14c. However, since the system includes a single-push selection switch (referred to as a third switch in the present invention) that can issue an instruction to increase or decrease the airflow of the blower 32 in addition to these switches 14b and 14c, this single-push selection switch is not set to be stuck ON. In other words, operation of the single-push selection switch is enabled. As a result, even if only one of the airflow increase switch 14b and the airflow decrease switch 14c is stuck ON, it is possible to issue an instruction to increase or decrease the airflow of the blower 32, and the blower 32 can be continuously controlled. Furthermore, if it is determined that only one of the air volume increase switch 14b and the air volume decrease switch 14c is stuck ON, not only may the other switch be determined to be stuck ON, but also the one-touch selection switch may be determined to be stuck ON.

[0065] FIG. 6(a) shows a physical switch in which a set temperature UP switch 11a and a set temperature DOWN switch 11b are arranged on the left and right.

[0066] Figure 6(b) shows a configuration in which a so-called direct instruction switch 11c, which can change the set temperature by operating a lever, is arranged below the set temperature UP switch 11a and set temperature DOWN switch 11b, which are configured as physical switches and arranged on the left and right.

[0067] FIG. 6(c) shows a touch panel switch having a set temperature UP switch 11a and a set temperature DOWN switch 11b arranged one above the other.

[0068] FIG. 6(d) is a touch panel switch, a so-called direct instruction switch, which allows the set temperature to be changed by placing a finger on the display screen 11d of the current set temperature and sliding it left or right (a so-called swipe operation).

[0069] 6(e) is a touch panel switch, a so-called direct instruction switch, in which the set temperature can be changed by placing a finger on the operation ring 11e around the display screen of the current set temperature and moving the finger in the circumferential direction. It also has a function (a so-called relative instruction switch function) that changes the range of the set temperature depending on the speed of the finger movement.

[0070] In the case of the switches shown in FIGS. 6(b), 6(d), and 6(e), if it is determined that only one of the set temperature UP switch 11a and the set temperature DOWN switch 11b is stuck ON, operation of these switches 11a and 11b is disabled, making it impossible to issue control instructions to the heat pump 31 by operating these switches 11a and 11b. However, since the system also includes direct instruction switches and relative instruction switches (referred to as third switches in the present invention) that can issue instructions to raise or lower the set temperature of the heat pump 31 in addition to these switches 11a and 11b, these direct instruction switches and relative instruction switches are not set to be stuck ON. In other words, operation of the direct instruction switches and relative instruction switches is enabled. As a result, even if only one of the set temperature UP switch 11a and the set temperature DOWN switch 11b is stuck ON, it is possible to issue instructions to raise or lower the set temperature of the heat pump 31, and the heat pump 31 can be continuously controlled. Furthermore, if it is determined that only one of the set temperature UP switch 11a and the set temperature DOWN switch 11b is stuck ON, not only may the other switch be recognized as being stuck ON, but the direct instruction switch and relative instruction switch may also be recognized as being stuck ON.

[0071] -Other embodiments- The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and each of the modifications, and all modifications and applications encompassed within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereto are possible.

[0072] For example, in the above embodiment and each of the above modifications, the present invention has been described as being applied to a switch system including switches 11 to 18 (each switch of the front seat air conditioner operation unit 1) for operating an air conditioner (air conditioner unit 3) of a vehicle (electric vehicle). The present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to switch systems included in various devices. As an example, the present invention can be applied to a switch system including each switch of the rear seat air conditioner operation unit that allows control instructions to be issued independently of each switch of the front seat air conditioner operation unit 1 (so-called single operation), or as a switch system for a temperature-adjustable seat heater.

[0073] In the embodiment (FIG. 1), the switches 11 to 18 are physical switches that output an ON signal when pressed and an OFF signal when released. The present invention is not limited to this, and the switches may output 0V when not pressed and a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5V) when pressed. Alternatively, a switch having a function for determining a stuck-ON state may be used. In this case, the operation status determination unit 41 and the stuck-ON determination unit 42 described above are provided in the switch.

[0074] In the above embodiment and each of the above modifications, if a switch is determined to be stuck ON, a default setting value command signal is sent as a command signal to the device targeted by that switch. The present invention is not limited to being applied to air conditioning units that send such default setting value command signals. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The present invention is applicable to control when a switch in a switch system for operating an air conditioner of a vehicle is stuck ON. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 11a, 18a...Set temperature UP switch (first switch) 11b, 18b...Set temperature DOWN switch (second switch) 14b...Air volume increase switch (first switch) 14c...Air volume decrease switch (second switch)

Claims

1. a first switch for issuing a control instruction to a control object when operated; a second switch for issuing a control instruction to the control object that is different from a control instruction from the first switch when the second switch is operated, A switch system characterized in that, when it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is stuck ON and the operation of that switch is invalidated, the other switch is also set to be stuck ON.

2. 2. The switch system according to claim 1, A switch system characterized in that, when it is determined that the stuck-ON state of one of the first switch and the second switch, which has been determined to be in a stuck-ON state, has been released, the setting of the other switch as being in a stuck-ON state is released.

3. 3. The switch system according to claim 1, A switch system characterized in that the first switch and the second switch indicate a direction of control in the controlled object, and the directions of the control instructions are opposite to each other.

4. 4. The switch system according to claim 3, a third switch capable of selectively issuing a control instruction in both a direction of control of the controlled object when the first switch is operated and a direction of control of the controlled object when the second switch is operated, A switch system characterized in that, when it is determined that only one of the first switch and the second switch is in a stuck-ON state and operation of that switch is invalidated, the other switch is also set to be in a stuck-ON state, while operation of the third switch is enabled without being set to be in a stuck-ON state.

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