In-vehicle environment control system

Abstract

The device provides a thrilling experience of driving without being restricted by the driving environment. [Solution] An in-vehicle environment control device comprising an openable and closable window separating the vehicle interior from the outside and a blower that blows air toward the driver inside the vehicle, wherein the controller that controls the amount of airflow from the blower comprises a driving determination unit (step S1) that determines whether the vehicle speed is above a predetermined vehicle speed, an opening degree determination unit (step S4) that determines whether the window opening degree is below a predetermined opening degree, and a blower control unit (steps S5, S6) that controls the airflow toward the driver when predetermined conditions are met, including the driving determination unit determining whether the vehicle speed is above a predetermined vehicle speed and the opening degree determination unit determining whether the window opening degree is below a predetermined opening degree.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for controlling the environment inside a vehicle, and more particularly to a device for controlling air flow.

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle is not just a means of transportation, but also a means for motor sports and for leisure such as driving. The enjoyment of driving a vehicle is underpinned by its excellence in various characteristics such as driving performance, running stability, quietness, habitability, and functional diversity. As an example of functional diversity, an example of driving assistance is given. In Patent Document 1, a device that uses the opening and closing of windows for driving assistance is described. The original function of the vehicle window is ventilation of the passenger compartment and, conversely, blocking rain and outside air. The device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to use the window for notifying the approach of other vehicles from behind. That is, the device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to cause the driver to recognize a state where other vehicles are approaching from behind by changing the state of the window. Also, in the device described in Patent Document 1, when changing the opening degree as the change in the state of the window, the opening degree is made smaller as the rainfall is greater.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The need to open the windows while a vehicle is in motion is not only for simple ventilation of the cabin or for driving assistance as described in Patent Document 1, but also to obtain the refreshing feeling of the wind while driving, as in a convertible. However, as also described in Patent Document 1, the degree to which the windows are opened must be reduced, such as by closing them during rainfall, and the same applies when there are unpleasant odors from exhaust or when dust is in the air. Thus, conventionally, the refreshing feeling of the wind while driving can be limited, and there was room for improvement in this respect.

[0005] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and the object of this invention is to provide a device that can provide a sense of exhilaration by driving without being restricted by the driving environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, this invention provides an in-vehicle environment control device comprising an opening / closing section that separates the vehicle interior from the outside, and a blower that blows air toward the driver inside the vehicle interior, wherein the device has a controller that controls the amount of air blown by the blower, and the controller is characterized by comprising a driving determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in motion, an opening degree determination unit that determines whether the opening degree of the opening / closing section is less than or equal to a predetermined opening degree, and a blower control unit that controls the air blown toward the driver when predetermined conditions are met, including the driving determination unit determining that the vehicle is in motion and the opening degree of the opening / closing section determining whether or not it is less than or equal to a predetermined opening degree.

[0007] In this invention, the driving determination unit may include a vehicle speed detection unit, and the airflow control unit may include an airflow control unit that increases the amount of airflow directed towards the driver according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit.

[0008] This invention may further include a fan selection unit that, when operated by the driver, allows the fan control unit to control the fan blowing directed towards the driver.

[0009] In this invention, the blower is configured as an air conditioning system that controls the temperature inside the vehicle by the air it sends into the vehicle, and the blower control unit may, when the blower selection unit is operated by the driver, use the air conditioning system to blow air towards the driver.

[0010] In this invention, the vehicle further comprises a motor as a driving force source, a blower and an energy storage device that supplies power to the motor, and the controller may further comprise a SOC detection unit that detects when the remaining charge of the energy storage device is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and an air blower prohibition unit that prohibits the air blower control unit from controlling the air blower directed towards the driver when the remaining charge is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0011] In this invention, the vehicle may further be equipped with a sound generator that generates a sound corresponding to the airflow when air is blown into the vehicle interior by control of the airflow control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this invention, when a vehicle is in motion and windows or a retractable roof are closed or only partially open, making it difficult for outside air to enter the cabin, air is blown in as an alternative to the incoming outside air. Therefore, even when it is not possible to fully open the opening due to rain or dust, the driver can enjoy a refreshing driving experience similar to receiving a breeze while driving. Furthermore, by adding a new function to enhance the driving experience, the value of the vehicle can be increased.

[0013] In particular, configuring the system to increase the airflow in accordance with the vehicle speed can make the driver's sense of vehicle speed even more realistic.

[0014] Furthermore, by configuring the system to use an air conditioning system for ventilation, the equipment or components required to simulate airflow during driving can be reduced.

[0015] Furthermore, if the battery storage device is configured to provide airflow that simulates the wind while driving when its remaining charge exceeds a predetermined amount, it is possible to avoid any disruption or malfunction in the vehicle's operation.

[0016] Furthermore, by generating sound effects in response to airflow that mimics driving wind, the driver's sense of vehicle speed can be made even more realistic. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of a vehicle in an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the controller in an embodiment of this invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control performed by the controller. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Next, embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of how to implement this invention and do not limit it.

[0019] First, let's describe the vehicle 1 in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 schematically shows the vehicle 1. The most common example of the vehicle 1 is a passenger car in which the driver 2 sits in the driver's seat 3 and operates the vehicle. The front door 4 through which the driver 2 gets in and out is provided with a door glass (window) 5 that can be opened and closed by operating a switch or lever. In addition, an air conditioning system (air conditioner) 7 is provided to control the environment inside the passenger compartment 6, such as the temperature. The air conditioning system 7 has an air outlet 8 that blows air towards the driver 2, although this will be described in detail later. Therefore, the air conditioning system corresponds to the blower in this embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Furthermore, a speaker 9 corresponding to the sound generator in the embodiment of the present invention is provided inside the passenger compartment 6. This speaker 9 may be a speaker that is part of an audio system not shown, or may be a speaker or oscillator that emits a sound with a phase opposite to that of environmental noise (background noise) to quiet the inside of the passenger compartment 6.

[0021] The vehicle 1 is a so-called electric vehicle equipped with a motor 10 as a driving force source. That is, the vehicle 1 may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that uses only the motor 10 as a driving force source, or a hybrid vehicle (HEV, PHEV) that also has an internal combustion engine (engine). Therefore, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a power storage device (for example, a secondary battery) 11 that stores electric power supplied to the motor 10 and the air conditioning system 7.

[0022] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 is equipped with various sensors for obtaining data for executing the control in the embodiment of the present invention. Those sensors include, as shown in FIG. 3 described later, a vehicle speed sensor 12, an opening degree sensor 13 for detecting the opening degree of the window (door glass) 5, and a SOC sensor 14 for detecting the remaining charge of the power storage device 11. Furthermore, a selection switch 15 for selecting a mode for performing blowing is provided in the vehicle 1. These sensors and switches are provided at appropriate positions such as on the dashboard. Note that these sensors and switches will be described later.

[0023] Here, an example of the air conditioning system 7 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The basic configuration of the air conditioning system 7 is the same as that installed in conventional vehicles. The air conditioning system 7 is located in the front housing where the motor 10 is located, for example, and is equipped with a casing 16 for circulating air. A heat exchanger 17 is located inside the casing 16. The heat exchanger 17 is, for example, an evaporator in a compression refrigeration cycle, and a compressor 18 that cools the air and pressurizes and compresses the evaporated refrigerant is connected to the heat exchanger 17. A condenser 19 is connected to the outlet side of the compressor 18. Furthermore, the condenser 19 is in communication with the heat exchanger 17 via an expansion valve 20. The refrigerant that has been liquefied by heat dissipation in the condenser 19 undergoes adiabatic expansion in the expansion valve 20 to lower its temperature, and this refrigerant cools the air in the heat exchanger 17 and evaporates.

[0024] A blower fan 21 is positioned upstream of the heat exchanger 17. The blower fan 21 is, for example, a sirocco fan, which is rotated by a fan motor 22 to draw in air and blow that air towards the heat exchanger 17. The blower fan 21 and fan motor 22 are housed inside an inlet box 23 connected to the casing 16. The inlet box 23 has an outside air inlet 24 that opens to the outside air and an inside air inlet 25 that opens into the passenger compartment 6. A switching door 26 is provided to selectively open and close these outside air inlet 24 and inside air inlet 25. The switching door 26 is operated by a motor (not shown).

[0025] A heater core 27 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 17. The heater core 27 is a heat exchanger for heating, and in electric vehicles it is composed of an electric heater, and in electric vehicles equipped with an engine it is composed of a heat exchanger that heats air with engine coolant. A mix door 28 is provided to control the amount of air passing through this heater core 27. The mix door 28 is operated by a motor (not shown).

[0026] Three ducts 29, 30, and 31 are connected to the downstream end of the casing 16, further downstream than the heater core 27. The first duct 29 is a duct that supplies air to the aforementioned outlet 8 and is opened and closed by a switching door 32 operated by a motor (not shown). The second duct 30 is a duct that supplies air to the feet of the driver 2 and is opened and closed by a switching door 33 operated by a motor (not shown). The third duct 31 is a duct that supplies air for the defroster and is opened and closed by a switching door 34 operated by a motor (not shown).

[0027] The control device in this embodiment of the invention is configured to generate airflow in the passenger compartment 6 that simulates the wind (driving airflow) associated with the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is in motion. A controller 35 is provided for performing this control. The controller 35 is an electronic control device mainly composed of a microcomputer consisting of computing elements (CPU), memory elements (RAM, ROM), and interfaces, and is configured to perform calculations according to a predetermined program using input data and pre-stored data, and to output the result of the calculation as a control signal. The input data includes the vehicle speed V detected by the vehicle speed sensor 12, the opening degree of the window 5 detected by the opening degree sensor 13, the remaining charge SOC detected by the SOC sensor 14, and signals from the selection switch 15 for generating airflow that simulates driving airflow. Therefore, the selection switch 15 corresponds to the airflow selection unit in this embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the data stored in advance includes a predetermined vehicle speed that serves as a criterion for determining the vehicle speed, a predetermined opening degree that serves as a criterion for determining the opening or closing of the window 5, and a predetermined value that serves as a criterion for determining the amount of remaining charge. In addition, the control signals output include a signal that instructs the rotation speed of the aforementioned blower fan 21 or fan motor 22, and a signal that instructs the onomatopoeia to be emitted from the speaker 9.

[0029] The configuration of this controller 35 is shown in a block diagram in Figure 3. The controller 35 includes a driving determination unit 35a. The driving determination unit 35a determines that the vehicle 1 is in motion. More specifically, it determines that the vehicle speed V is equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle speed. Therefore, the driving determination unit 35a includes a vehicle speed detection unit 35a1. The controller 35 is also provided with an opening degree determination unit 35b that determines that the opening degree of the window 5 is less than or equal to a predetermined opening degree. The predetermined opening degree can be set to a small value such as "0", so the opening degree determination unit 35b essentially determines that the window 5 is closed.

[0030] A fan control unit 35c is provided in the controller 35 that blows air toward the driver 2 when vehicle 1 is moving, its speed is above a predetermined speed, and the window 5 is open to below a predetermined opening. The control mainly consists of starting and stopping the fan and adjusting the airflow. Therefore, the fan control unit 35c includes an airflow control unit 35c1. The fan control unit 35c also outputs an onomatopoeic command that simulates the sound produced by the airflow while driving, according to the airflow amount. The fan control unit 35c may also open and close the air outlet and adjust its direction as needed, or it may mix in ozone or add a sea breeze scent for the purpose of providing a fragrance through the fan.

[0031] Furthermore, the controller 35 includes a SOC detection unit 35d and a fan-disabling unit 35e. The SOC detection unit 35d detects that the remaining charge SOC input from the SOC sensor 14 is below a predetermined value. The fan-disabling unit 35e prohibits the control of the fan based on the vehicle speed and the opening degree of the window 5 when the remaining charge SOC is below the predetermined value.

[0032] An example of the control performed in this embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 4. The routine shown in Figure 4 is repeatedly executed at short intervals when the Ready Switch (not shown) of the vehicle 1 is ON. First, in step S1, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle speed V0, which is the judgment criterion. If the result of that determination is "yes", then in step S2, it is determined whether the selection switch 15 is ON or not. The selection switch 15 is a switch that selects to perform ventilation control based on the vehicle speed and the opening degree of the window 5, and is provided on an instrument panel (not shown) or the like so that the driver 2 can operate it. Note that the selection switch 15 may also be a touch button displayed on a touch panel (not shown).

[0033] If the selection switch 15 is ON and the result of the determination in step S2 is "yes", the process proceeds to step S3 to determine whether the remaining charge SOC is equal to or greater than a predetermined value W0, which is the determination criterion value. This predetermined value W0 is a predetermined amount of charge that does not interfere with the driving of vehicle 1 or the control for driving.

[0034] If the result of the judgment in step S3 is "yes" because the remaining charge (SOC) is sufficiently high, the process proceeds to step S4, where it is determined whether the opening of window 5 is less than or equal to a predetermined opening α. The control described here is for generating airflow that simulates driving wind inside the vehicle cabin 6, and therefore it is assumed that the driver 2 cannot feel the driving wind. Accordingly, the opening α, which is the criterion for determining the opening of window 5, is an opening that prevents driving wind from entering the vehicle cabin 6, or an opening that limits the driving wind to such a weak wind that the driver 2 cannot feel it, and is an opening that is determined in the design based on experiments and simulations. Note that the order of the judgments from step S1 to step S4 is not limited to the order shown in Figure 4, and may be performed in any order as needed, or each judgment may be performed simultaneously.

[0035] If the result of the judgment in step S4 is "yes", in step S5, the airflow control directed towards the driver 2 is turned ON and air is supplied. The amount of airflow is controlled to increase according to the vehicle speed V. Specifically, the rotation speed of the blower fan 21 or fan motor 22 is controlled based on the vehicle speed V. At the same time, in step S6, an onomatopoeic sound simulating the wind while driving is generated according to the amount of airflow. After that, the system returns. In this case, if there is dust or odor outside the vehicle, the outside air intake 24 shown in Figure 2 is closed by the switching door 26 and the inside air intake 25 is opened to send the air inside the vehicle towards the driver 2. If the temperature of the circulating air differs significantly from the outside air temperature, the refrigeration cycle is operated to lower the air temperature to approximately the outside air temperature, or conversely, the heater core 27 is used to heat it. On the other hand, if there is no particular problem with the air outside the vehicle, the outside air intake 24 is opened and the outside air taken in from here is supplied to the driver 2.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, even when it is not possible to introduce airflow into the passenger compartment 6 through the window 5 due to rain or dust, the driver 2 will still experience airflow that simulates driving airflow. As a result, the environment inside the passenger compartment 6 becomes closer to the environment when driving airflow is present, allowing the driver to enjoy a refreshing drive and experience the vehicle speed through the airflow. Alternatively, according to this embodiment of the invention, the driver can at least enjoy the pleasure of choosing such a refreshing drive, thereby increasing the value of the vehicle 1. On the other hand, as described above, by configuring the existing air conditioning system to provide airflow based on the vehicle speed V and the opening of the window 5, no new equipment or parts are required, and the invention can be implemented without increasing the size of the device.

[0037] If the result of any of the steps S1 to S4 described above is "no", the process proceeds to step S7 to prohibit the airflow. After that, the process returns. This prohibition in step S7 is a prohibition of the airflow control itself, based on the vehicle speed V and the opening degree of the window 5. Therefore, it is possible to operate the air conditioning system for cooling or heating the passenger compartment 6, and air conditioning can be performed in the same way as in conventional vehicles.

[0038] It should be noted that this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the opening and closing part in this invention may be an openable roof in a so-called convertible, in addition to the windows or door glass described above. Furthermore, in this invention, airflow may be provided by a separately installed blower based on the vehicle speed and the degree of window opening, without using the air conditioning system. This invention can also be applied to vehicles other than electric vehicles. Moreover, in this invention, instead of electrically controlling and emitting the sound associated with the airflow from a speaker, a sound-generating member such as a reed that produces sound with the wind may be provided at the air outlet and the sound may be generated by the sound-generating member. Furthermore, the selection switch described above may also be used as a switch to select the mode of the air conditioner, in which case the airflow mode should be added as an air conditioning mode. In addition, the driving determination unit in this invention only needs to be able to determine that the vehicle is moving, and does not necessarily have to be configured to detect the vehicle speed or to determine driving by comparing the detected vehicle speed with a predetermined value. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1 vehicle 2. Driver 3. Driver's seat 4 Front Doors 5 windows 6 Cabin 7. Air conditioning system 8 Air outlet 9 speakers 10 motors 11. Energy storage device 12. Vehicle speed sensor 13. Opening degree sensor 14 SOC sensors 15 Selector Switch 16 Casing 17 Heat exchanger 18 Compressor 19 Capacitors 20 Expansion valve 21 Blower fan 22 Fan motor 23 Installation box 24. Outside air intake 25. Interior air intake 26 Switching Doors 27 Heater core 28 Mixed Doors 29, 30, 31 Ducts 32, 33, 34 Switching Doors 35 Controllers 35a1 Vehicle speed detection unit 35c1 Airflow control unit 35a Driving determination unit 35b Opening degree determination section 35c Air blower control unit 35d Detection unit 35e Air blow prohibition area SOC battery level V Vehicle speed V0 Specified vehicle speed W0 Predetermined value

Claims

1. An in-vehicle environment control device comprising an opening / closing section that separates the vehicle's interior from the outside, and a blower that blows air towards the driver inside the vehicle, The system includes a controller that controls the airflow rate from the aforementioned blower, The aforementioned controller, A driving determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in motion, An opening degree determination unit that determines whether the opening degree of the opening / closing part is less than or equal to a predetermined opening degree, When predetermined conditions are met, including the driving determination unit determining that the vehicle is in motion and the opening degree determination unit determining that the opening degree of the opening / closing part is less than or equal to a predetermined opening degree, the airflow control unit controls the airflow directed towards the driver. It is equipped with An in-vehicle environment control device characterized by the following:

2. The in-vehicle environment control device according to claim 1, The aforementioned driving determination unit includes a vehicle speed detection unit, The airflow control unit includes an airflow control unit that increases the amount of airflow directed towards the driver according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit. An in-vehicle environment control device characterized by the following:

3. A vehicle interior environment control device according to claim 1 or 2, The system further includes a fan selection unit which, when operated by the aforementioned driver, allows the fan control unit to control the fan blowing directed towards the driver. An in-vehicle environment control device characterized by the following:

4. The in-vehicle environment control device according to claim 3, The aforementioned blower is part of an air conditioning system that controls the temperature inside the vehicle by supplying air into the vehicle interior. The airflow control unit, when the airflow selection unit is operated by the driver, will use the air conditioning system to direct airflow towards the driver. An in-vehicle environment control device characterized by the following:

5. A vehicle interior environment control device according to claim 1 or 2, The vehicle further comprises a motor as a driving force source, and a power storage device that supplies power to the blower and the motor. The aforementioned controller, A State of Charge (SOC) detection unit that detects whether the remaining charge of the energy storage device is below a predetermined value, and a fan prohibition unit that prohibits the fan control unit from controlling the fan to the driver when the remaining charge is below a predetermined value. It also has An in-vehicle environment control device characterized by the following:

6. A vehicle interior environment control device according to claim 1 or 2, The vehicle is further equipped with a sound generator that generates a sound corresponding to the airflow when air is blown into the passenger compartment by control of the airflow control unit. An in-vehicle environment control device characterized by the following:

Images