vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle that can reduce occupant discomfort associated with the transition to defroster mode. [Solution] A vehicle equipped with a windshield and a vehicle air conditioning system. The vehicle air conditioning system includes a group of sensors that measure information for calculating the temperature of the inner surface of the windshield and the humidity near the inner surface, and a control device that controls the vehicle air conditioning system based on an air intake mode and an air conditioning air outlet mode. The control device determines, based on the measurement results of the group of sensors, whether the humidity near the inner surface is in a specific state that is likely to cause fogging on the inner surface, and if the specific state is met while the vehicle air conditioning system is performing dehumidifying heating in outside air mode and in foot / defroster mode, it notifies the occupants of the need to switch the outlet mode to defroster mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a vehicle air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle, a vehicle air conditioner for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is mounted. The vehicle air conditioner sends conditioned air, whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted from the outside or inside of the vehicle cabin, into the vehicle cabin. The vehicle air conditioner is controlled based on an air intake mode and a conditioned air blowing mode. The intake mode includes an outside air mode for taking in outside air of the vehicle and an inside air mode for taking in inside air of the vehicle cabin. The blowing mode includes a foot mode, a defroster mode, and a foot / defroster mode. The foot mode is a mode in which conditioned air is sent out to the feet of the passengers. The defroster mode is a mode in which warm conditioned air is blown toward the inner surface of the windshield to prevent or remove fogging on the inner surface of the windshield. The foot / defroster mode is a mode in which conditioned air is blown out to both the feet of the passengers and the inner surface of the windshield.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle air conditioner including a plurality of sensors for acquiring information for estimating the temperature of the inner surface of the windshield and an inside air humidity sensor for detecting the humidity inside the vehicle cabin. In this vehicle air conditioner, the presence or absence of fogging on the inner surface of the windshield is determined based on the temperature of the inner surface of the windshield and the humidity inside the vehicle cabin. Fogging of the windshield occurs when the outside temperature of the vehicle is low and the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle cabin are high. That is, fogging of the windshield is likely to occur mainly when heating is being performed by the vehicle air conditioner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] When fogging of the windshield is detected, it is desirable from a safety standpoint to activate the vehicle's air conditioning system in defroster mode. However, in defroster mode, very little conditioned air is supplied to the occupants' feet, which may cause discomfort due to the cold. In particular, if the vehicle's air conditioning system switches to defroster mode automatically, occupants may be suddenly exposed to the cold and experience discomfort.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that can reduce the discomfort experienced by occupants when transitioning to defroster mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] <1> A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle comprising a windshield and a vehicle air conditioning system that supplies conditioned air, whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted from air taken in from outside or inside the vehicle, into the vehicle interior. The vehicle air conditioning system comprises a group of sensors that measure information for calculating the temperature of the inner surface of the windshield and the humidity near the inner surface, and a control device that controls the vehicle air conditioning system based on the air intake mode and the conditioned air outlet mode. The intake mode includes an outside air mode for taking in outside air and an inside air mode for taking in inside air. The outlet mode includes a foot mode for sending the conditioned air to the occupant's feet, a defroster mode for sending the conditioned air to the inner surface, and a foot / defroster mode for sending the conditioned air to both the feet and the inner surface. The control device determines, based on the measurement results of the group of sensors, whether the humidity near the inner surface is in a specific state that is highly likely to cause fogging on the inner surface. The control device further informs the occupant of the need to switch the air outlet mode to the defroster mode if the specific condition is met while the vehicle air conditioning system is performing dehumidifying heating in the outside air mode and the foot / defroster mode.

[0008] <2> the above <1> In the vehicle described above, the control device may, before notifying the need, control the vehicle air conditioning system to gradually reduce the humidity near the inner surface based on the determination result of whether or not the specific state is in place. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] the above <1> The vehicle, assuming it is in outside air mode and performing dehumidifying heating in foot / defroster mode, will notify the need to switch to defroster mode when certain conditions are met. Outside air taken in in outside air mode is usually drier than internal air. Also, in foot / defroster mode, some of the heated conditioned air is blown out onto the windshield, so the inside of the windshield is less likely to fog up. Dehumidifying heating reduces the humidity of the conditioned air. All of these requirements make the inside of the windshield less likely to fog up. In other words, the above <1> In these vehicles, dehumidifying heating is implemented to reduce fogging on the inside of the windshield, but if fogging is still likely to occur, the system notifies the occupants of the need to switch to defroster mode. This reduces the opportunities for occupants to feel uncomfortable due to the cold during their stay. In addition, because the system notifies the occupants of the need to switch to defroster mode, they have time to prepare for the cold, thus reducing discomfort caused by unexpected cold.

[0010] the above <2> In these vehicles, the humidity inside the cabin is gradually reduced while monitoring conditions that are prone to condensation, thus reducing the energy consumption required to lower humidity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the windshield and instrument panel of a vehicle according to this embodiment, as seen from inside the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle air conditioning system installed in a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the procedure for controlling the air conditioning of a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a part of a flowchart showing the procedure for controlling the air conditioning of a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is the remainder of the flowchart following Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, specific examples of vehicle 100 according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The sizes of the components shown in each drawing are represented for the purpose of clarifying the explanation and do not necessarily represent actual dimensions. The present invention is not limited to the following examples and is included in the claims, with all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0013] <Embodiment> The vehicle 100 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) or hybrid vehicle equipped with a drive motor and a battery that supplies power to the drive motor. Unlike this example, the vehicle 100 may also be an internal combustion engine vehicle that does not have a drive motor.

[0014] Vehicle 100 includes a windshield 10 and an instrument panel 11. The windshield 10 is located in front of the driver's and passenger's seats. The instrument panel 11 is located at the front of the passenger compartment. Vehicle 100 also includes a vehicle air conditioning system 1 that supplies conditioned air into the passenger compartment, with the temperature and humidity of the air taken in from outside or inside the passenger compartment adjusted. Figure 1 shows an air outlet 50, which is part of the vehicle air conditioning system 1. The instrument panel 11 includes a center display 12 that displays information for the occupants, and an operation panel 13 for the occupants to operate the vehicle air conditioning system 1. The information for the occupants includes information about the operating modes of the vehicle air conditioning system 1.

[0015] One of the features of the vehicle 100 in this example is that when the vehicle air conditioner 1 is operating in a specific operation mode and the temperature state inside the vehicle cabin is in a specific state where there is a high possibility of causing fogging on the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10, it prompts the occupant to change to the defroster mode to remove the fogging on the inner surface 10s. Hereinafter, each component of the vehicle 100 will be described.

[0016] ≪Vehicle air conditioner≫ As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a sensor group 2, an air conditioning duct 3, and a control device 6. By the vehicle air conditioner 1, the temperature and humidity of the conditioned air sent into the vehicle cabin are appropriately maintained, so that the occupants can spend comfortably. Here, since the vehicle air conditioner 1 consumes the power of the battery, the driving distance of the vehicle 100 is shortened. In an internal combustion engine vehicle, since the vehicle air conditioner 1 consumes gasoline, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle 100 decreases. According to the control procedure of the present embodiment described later, the consumption of these energies can be reduced.

[0017] [Air conditioning duct] The air conditioning duct 3 is a flow path through which air and conditioned air flow. The air conditioning duct 3 has an inlet 30, an air conditioning unit 4, and an outlet 50. The inlet 30 is a part that takes air into the air conditioning duct 3. The outlet 50 is a part that blows air from the air conditioning duct 3 into the vehicle cabin. In the air conditioning duct 3, the direction in which air flows is the upstream, and the direction in which air is flowing is the downstream. The inlet 30 is provided at the most upstream of the air conditioning duct 3. The outlet 50 is provided at the most downstream of the air conditioning duct 3. The air conditioning unit 4 is provided in the middle part of the air conditioning duct 3. The basic configuration of the air conditioning duct 3 can utilize the configuration of a known air conditioning duct.

[0018] The air conditioning duct 3 includes a blower 35. The blower 35 is arranged upstream of the air conditioning unit 4. When the blower 35 rotates, air is sucked into the air conditioning duct 3 from the inlet 30, and the sucked air is sent to the outlet 50 through the air conditioning unit 4. By adjusting the output of the blower 35, the air volume of the air blown out from the outlet 50 is adjusted.

[0019] Inlet The inlet 30 includes an outside air inlet 31 and an inside air inlet 32. The outside air inlet 31 is a part for taking in the air outside the vehicle compartment. The inside air inlet 32 is a part for taking in the air inside the vehicle compartment. A switching door 33 for opening and closing the outside air inlet 31 and the inside air inlet 32 is provided at the branch part between the flow path connected to the outside air inlet 31 and the flow path connected to the inside air inlet 32. When the switching door 33 closes the inside air inlet 32, the outside air inlet 31 is in an open state, and air is taken into the air conditioning duct 3 from the outside air inlet 31. When the switching door 33 closes the outside air inlet 31, the inside air inlet 32 is in an open state, and air is taken into the air conditioning duct 3 from the inside air inlet 32.

[0020] Air conditioning unit The air conditioning unit 4 adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air taken into the air conditioning duct 3. The air conditioning unit 4 has an evaporator 41, a heater core 42, and an air mix door 43. The evaporator 41 cools the air taken into the air conditioning duct 3. The configuration of the evaporator 41 is the same as that of a known one. A refrigerant circulates through the evaporator 41. When the refrigerant circulates through the evaporator 41, the air passing through the evaporator 41 is cooled.

[0021] The heater core 42 is a component for heating the air that has passed through the evaporator 41. The heater core 42 is arranged downstream of the evaporator 41. The configuration of the heater core 42 is the same as that of a known one. A high-temperature heat medium is circulated through the heater core 42, so that the heater core 42 becomes high in temperature.

[0022] The air mix door 43 is a component that adjusts the ratio of air passing through the heater core 42 to air bypassing the heater core 42. The air mix door 43 is located between the evaporator 41 and the heater core 42. In other words, the air mix door 43 is located downstream of the evaporator 41 and upstream of the heater core 42. The configuration of the air mix door 43 is the same as known. By adjusting the opening of the air mix door 43, the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet 50 is adjusted.

[0023] Near the low-temperature evaporator 41, the air temperature decreases, and the amount of water vapor in that air saturates decreases. As a result, some of the water vapor in the air liquefies, and the air is dehumidified. The dehumidified air is heated as it passes through the heater core 42, and the dehumidified warm air is introduced into the vehicle cabin. In other words, by adjusting the temperature and amount of refrigerant circulated through the evaporator 41, it is possible to perform dehumidifying heating.

[0024] (Air outlet) The air outlet 50 includes a defroster outlet 51, a face outlet 52, and a foot outlet 53. The defroster outlet 51 is the part that blows conditioned air toward the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 (see Figure 1). A defroster door 51d for opening and closing the defroster outlet 51 is provided in the airflow path connected to the defroster outlet 51. The face outlet 52 is the part that blows conditioned air toward the upper body of the occupant (see Figure 1). A face door 52d for opening and closing the face outlet 52 is provided in the airflow path connected to the face outlet 52. The foot outlet 53 is the part that blows conditioned air toward the feet of the occupant. A foot door 53d for opening and closing the foot outlet 53 is provided in the airflow path connected to the foot outlet 53. Especially during heating, blowing conditioned air from the foot outlet 53 makes it easier for the occupant to feel warm, thus improving occupant comfort.

[0025] (Sensor group) Sensor group 2 consists of multiple sensors that measure information for estimating the temperature of the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 and the humidity near the inner surface 10s. Here, the outer surface of the windshield 10 is exposed to the outside air, and the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 is exposed to the inside air. Therefore, in order to estimate the temperature of the inner surface 10s, information on at least the temperature of the outside air and the temperature of the inside air is required. Accordingly, sensor group 2 in this example includes at least an outside air temperature sensor 21 and an inside air temperature sensor 23. The outside air temperature sensor 21 is a sensor that detects the outside air temperature outside the vehicle compartment. The outside air temperature sensor 21 is located outside the vehicle compartment. For example, the outside air temperature sensor 21 is located in an opening in the bumper (not shown). The inside air temperature sensor 23 is a sensor that detects the temperature inside the vehicle compartment, i.e., the inside air temperature. For example, the inside air temperature sensor 23 is mounted on the circuit board of the center display 12 (Figure 1).

[0026] Sensor group 2 may further include a solar radiation sensor 24. If the amount of solar radiation is high, the temperature of the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 will rise. If the amount of solar radiation is low, the temperature of the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 will not rise easily. The solar radiation sensor 24 detects the amount of solar radiation that has passed through the windshield 10. The solar radiation sensor 24 is provided, for example, on the upper surface of the instrument panel 11.

[0027] Sensor group 2 may include a vehicle speed sensor (not shown). If the vehicle speed is high, the amount of outside air that comes into contact with the outer surface of the windshield 10 per unit time increases, and the temperature of the outer surface of the windshield 10, and consequently the temperature of the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10, tends to decrease.

[0028] Sensor group 2 further includes a humidity sensor 22. The humidity sensor 22 is a sensor that detects the humidity inside the vehicle cabin. The measurement results of the humidity sensor 22 are used when adjusting the amount of dehumidification by the air conditioning unit 4. The measurement results of the humidity sensor 22 are also used to calculate the humidity near the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10. The humidity sensor 22 is located at a distance from the windshield 10. A distance from the windshield 10 means a location excluding the vicinity of the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10. Specifically, it is located at a distance that is not immediately affected by the temperature and humidity of the air blown out from the defroster outlet 51. The humidity sensor 22 is, for example, installed in the instrument panel 11 shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The humidity sensor 22 is, for example, a known electronic humidity sensor. The humidity detected by the humidity sensor 22 may be either relative humidity or absolute humidity. Absolute humidity is the humidity of air 1 m³. 3 This refers to volumetric absolute humidity, which represents the amount of water vapor contained in a given area, and its unit is g / m³. 3 In this embodiment, the humidity sensor 22 is a sensor that detects relative humidity. Absolute humidity can be determined by multiplying the saturated water vapor amount by the relative humidity.

[0030] In this embodiment, the humidity sensor 22 is a temperature and humidity sensor integrated with the internal temperature sensor 23. Unlike this embodiment, the humidity sensor 22 and the internal temperature sensor 23 may be independent sensors.

[0031] To improve the accuracy of measuring humidity inside the vehicle, vehicle 100 may be equipped with an occupant detection sensor (not shown). The occupant detection sensor is a sensor that detects occupants seated in seats. For example, the occupant detection sensor can be a load sensor that detects the load on the seat, or a seat belt sensor that detects the fastening of a seat belt. The more occupants there are, the more likely the humidity inside the vehicle is to rise. If occupants are seated far from the humidity sensor 22, there may be a difference between the measurement taken by the humidity sensor 22 and the actual humidity inside the vehicle. By measuring the number of occupants with the occupant detection sensor and correcting the measurement result of the humidity sensor 22 according to the number of occupants, the accuracy of measuring humidity inside the vehicle is improved.

[0032] (Control device) The control device 6 is a device that controls the temperature and airflow of the air supplied to the vehicle interior. In addition to controlling the air conditioning of the vehicle interior, the control device 6 also performs controls to prevent fogging of the windshield 10. The control device 6 is composed of an electronic control unit (ECU). An ECU typically includes a processor and memory. The processor is, for example, a CPU. The memory stores control programs to be executed by the processor, as well as various data. The control device 6 operates when the control programs stored in memory are executed by the processor. The control device 6 also performs necessary calculation and decision processing based on the control programs stored in memory.

[0033] The control device 6 controls the vehicle air conditioning system 1 based on the air intake mode and the air conditioning air outlet mode. More specifically, the control device 6 adjusts the temperature and airflow rate of the air blown out from the outlet 50, switches the intake port 30, and switches the outlet 50. The temperature is adjusted by changing the opening degree of the air mix door 43. The airflow rate is adjusted by changing the output of the blower 35. The intake port 30 is switched by controlling the opening and closing of the switching door 33. The outlet 50 is switched by controlling the opening and closing of the defroster door 51d, face door 52d, and foot door 53d.

[0034] The control device 6 receives signals from switches on the operation panel 13. The switches include, for example, a temperature control switch 13a, an airflow control switch 13b, an intake mode switch 13c, an exhaust mode switch 13d, a defroster switch 13e, an auto switch 13f, and an A / C switch 13g. The temperature control switch 13a is a switch for setting the temperature inside the vehicle. The airflow control switch 13b is a switch for setting the airflow volume blown out from the air outlet 50. The intake mode switch 13c is a switch for changing between outside air mode and inside air mode by switching between the outside air intake 31 and the inside air intake 32. The outside air mode is a mode in which outside air is taken in from outside the vehicle through the outside air intake 31. The inside air mode is a mode in which inside air is taken in from inside the vehicle through the inside air intake 32.

[0035] The air outlet mode switch 13d is a switch that changes the air outlet mode by switching the air outlet 50. The air outlet mode can be selected from, for example, face mode, foot mode, bilevel mode, foot / defroster mode, and defroster mode. Face mode is a mode in which air is blown out from the face air outlet 52. Foot mode is a mode in which air is blown out from the foot air outlet 53. Bilevel mode is a mode in which air is blown out from both the face air outlet 52 and the foot air outlet 53. Foot / defroster mode is a mode in which air is blown out from both the foot air outlet 53 and the defroster air outlet 51. Defroster mode is a mode in which air is blown out from the defroster air outlet 51. The defroster switch 13e is a switch that sets the air outlet mode to defroster mode.

[0036] Auto switch 13f is a switch that turns the automatic air conditioner ON or OFF. When the automatic air conditioner is ON, it automatically adjusts the temperature and airflow of the air blown out from the vent 50, switches the intake 30, and switches the vent 50 so that the temperature inside the vehicle reaches the set temperature. A / C switch 13g is a switch that turns on or off the compressor installed in the vehicle 100 to adjust the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle.

[0037] The control device 6 receives signals from the sensor group 2. Specifically, the outside temperature sensor 21 sends a signal corresponding to the outside temperature. The humidity sensor 22 sends a signal corresponding to the humidity inside the vehicle. The inside temperature sensor 23 sends a signal corresponding to the inside temperature. The solar radiation sensor 24 sends a signal corresponding to the amount of solar radiation transmitted through the windshield 10. In this embodiment, the control device 6 also receives signals from a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) and an occupant detection sensor (not shown). The vehicle speed sensor sends a signal corresponding to the vehicle speed. The occupant detection sensor sends a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of an occupant seated in the vehicle.

[0038] The control device 6 determines whether the humidity state near the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 is in a specific state that is highly likely to cause fogging on the inner surface 10s. The mechanism by which fogging occurs on the inner surface 10s is well known. (Air 1m² near the inner surface 10s) 3 If the amount of water vapor present, i.e., the absolute humidity, is greater than or equal to the saturation water vapor amount at the temperature of the inner surface 10s, condensation will occur on the inner surface 10s. In other words, if the temperature of the inner surface 10s falls below the dew point temperature, condensation will occur on the inner surface 10s. Therefore, whether or not there is a high probability of condensation occurring on the inner surface 10s can be determined based on the measurement results of sensor group 2. Known methods can be used for this determination. A known method is, for example, the method described in Patent Document 1.

[0039] In this example, the control device 6 controls the vehicle air conditioning system 1 to gradually reduce the humidity near the inner surface 10s based on the determination result of whether or not a specific state is in place during heating. Figure 3 is a matrix diagram showing an example of stepwise control. In the matrix diagram, a leftward-pointing arrow indicates the same mode as the mode shown to the left of the cell where the arrow is placed.

[0040] Step-by-step control is performed when the auto switch 13f is turned ON. In this example, the control modes that define step-by-step control are divided into 'Standard', 'Level 1', 'Level 2', and 'Level 3'. Standard control is performed when the automatic air conditioner switch is turned ON. In standard control, for example, the intake mode is internal air mode, the discharge mode is bi-level mode, and the amount of dehumidification by the evaporator 41 is small. In internal air mode, warmer internal air is used than outside air, so less energy is needed to heat the air. The discharge mode may be face mode or foot mode depending on the temperature inside the vehicle. In foot mode, conditioned air is blown to the occupants' feet, making them feel warmer. Under conditions where the temperature inside the vehicle is below a certain level, for example below 14°C, the higher the humidity inside the vehicle, the more likely occupants are to feel cold. In other words, by performing dehumidification during heating, occupants feel warmer. To increase the amount of dehumidification, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the heat transfer medium introduced into the evaporator 41 or to increase the amount of heat transfer medium. Energy is consumed both to lower the temperature of the heat transfer medium and to increase the amount of heat transfer medium. If the amount of dehumidification is small, the energy consumption during heating will be small.

[0041] If the humidity near the inner surface 10s is determined to be in a specific state during standard control, the control device 6 switches to Level 1 control. In Level 1 control, the airflow mode is switched to foot mode, and the amount of dehumidification is increased. If the humidity near the inner surface 10s is determined to be in a specific state during Level 1 control, the control device 6 switches to Level 2 control. In Level 2 control, the airflow mode is switched to foot / defroster mode. In foot / defroster mode, conditioned air is blown onto the inner surface 10s, so the humidity near the inner surface 10s tends to decrease. If the humidity near the inner surface 10s is determined to be in a specific state during Level 2 control, the control device 6 switches to Level 3 control. In Level 3 control, the intake mode is switched to outside air mode. In winter, when heating is performed, the outside air is dry, so the humidity near the inner surface 10s tends to decrease.

[0042] In Level 3 control, dehumidifying heating is performed in outside air mode and foot / defroster mode, and all possible measures are taken to reduce the humidity near the inner surface 10s. If the humidity near the inner surface 10s is still determined to be at a specific level in this state, the control device 6 notifies the occupants of the need to switch the airflow mode to defroster mode. This notification is carried out, for example, by at least one of a visual announcement and an audio announcement. The visual announcement may be, for example, displayed on the center display 12 in Figure 1, or by illuminating a lamp located near the tachometer and speedometer on the instrument panel 11.

[0043] In defroster mode, very little warm air is supplied to the occupants' feet. Therefore, occupants tend to feel cold in defroster mode. In this example configuration, the occupants can recognize the need to switch to defroster mode, and thus prepare for the cold associated with the switch. The switch to defroster mode may be performed by the occupants or by the control device 6.

[0044] A concrete example of the step-by-step control procedure of the automatic air conditioner, as explained using Figure 3, will be described based on the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5. When the auto switch 13f is turned ON and heating is started, the control device 6 makes decisions in steps S1, S2, and S3 in parallel.

[0045] Step S1 determines whether the variable DO1 is 0 (zero). Variable DO1 is used to determine whether to switch the dehumidification amount and can take the value of 0 or 1. If the result of the determination in step S1 is Yes, the control device 6 controls each part of the air conditioning unit 4 so that the dehumidification amount is small (step S4). If the result of the determination in step S1 is No, step S4 is not executed. In other words, the setting immediately before step S1 is maintained regarding the adjustment of the dehumidification amount.

[0046] In step S2, it is determined whether the variable DO2 is zero or not. The variable DO2 is used to determine whether to switch the blowing mode, and can take the value of 0 or 1. If the result of the determination in step S2 is Yes, the control device 6 switches the blowing mode according to conditions such as the temperature inside the vehicle (step S5). The blowing mode can be face mode, foot mode, or bi-level mode. If the result of the determination in step S2 is No, step S5 is not executed. In other words, the setting for the blowing mode immediately before step S2 is maintained. In this example, the blowing mode is bi-level mode.

[0047] In step S3, it is determined whether the variable DO3 is zero or not. The variable DO3 is used to determine whether to switch the intake mode, and can take the value of 0 or 1. If the result of the determination in step S3 is Yes, the control device 6 switches the intake mode to the internal air mode (step S6). If the result of the determination in step S3 is No, step S6 is not executed. In other words, the setting for the intake mode immediately before step S3 is maintained.

[0048] The state in which all steps S4, S5, and S6 have been executed corresponds to the standard mode in Figure 3.

[0049] Once the decisions in steps S1, S2, and S3 are complete, the control device 6 determines whether the humidity of the air near the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 is sufficiently low (step S7). In step S7, for example, it determines whether the humidity near the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 is in a predetermined state. The predetermined state is, for example, the saturated water vapor content (g / m³) at the temperature of the inner surface 10s. 3 ) to the absolute humidity (g / m²) near the inner surface 10s 3 The condition is that the subtracted value obtained by subtracting ) is equal to or greater than the first threshold. If the subtracted value is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it means that there is room for water vapor in the air near the inner surface 10s, that is, the humidity of the air is sufficiently low.

[0050] If the result of step S7 is Yes, then all variables D1, D2, and D3 are set to zero (step S8). After step S8, the flow returns to immediately after the start, i.e., immediately before steps S1, S2, and S3.

[0051] If the result of step S7 is No, the control device 6 determines whether window fogging is likely to occur, that is, whether the humidity near the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10 is in a specific state (step S9). The specific state is, for example, the amount of saturated water vapor (g / m³) at the temperature of the inner surface 10s. 3 ) to the absolute humidity (g / m²) near the inner surface 10s 3 The condition is that the subtracted value obtained by subtracting ( ) is less than or equal to the second threshold. If the subtracted value is zero, fogging occurs on the inner surface 10s of the windshield 10. In other words, if the subtracted value is greater than zero and less than or equal to the second threshold, it can be said that the state is just before fogging occurs on the inner surface 10s. The second threshold is a value smaller than the first threshold in step S7. Unlike this example, the second threshold may be zero. If the judgment result in step S9 is No, that is, if window fogging is unlikely to occur, the flow returns to just before steps S1, S2, and S3.

[0052] If the result of step S9 is Yes, the control device 6 determines whether the A / C switch is ON or OFF (step S10). If the A / C switch is ON, the compressor is operating, so dehumidification by the evaporator 41 can be performed even when heating is on. If the result of step S10 is Yes, the control device 6 determines whether the temperature inside the vehicle is below a predetermined temperature (step S11). The predetermined temperature is, for example, 14°C. According to the discomfort index, below 14°C, the higher the humidity, the more likely the occupants are to feel cold. In other words, below the predetermined temperature, the higher the humidity, the more likely the occupants are to feel cold. Therefore, if the result of step S11 is Yes, the control device 6 increases the amount of dehumidification by the evaporator 41 and sets the variable DO1 to 1 (step S12). The amount of dehumidification may be set to the maximum. In other words, in step S11, the control of 'Level 1' in Figure 3 is performed.

[0053] If the result of step S10 is No, if the result of step S11 is No, or after step S12, the control device 6 determines whether the blowing mode is foot mode or not (step S13 in Figure 5). If the result of step S13 is Yes, that is, if the current blowing mode is foot mode, the control device 6 determines whether window fogging is likely to occur or not (step S14). The process in step S14 is the same as in step S9.

[0054] If the result of step S13 is No, the control device 6 determines whether the blowing mode is foot / defroster mode (indicated as F / D mode in Figure 5) or not (step S20). The flow after the result of step S20 will be described later.

[0055] If the result of the judgment in step S14 is Yes, that is, if window fogging is likely to occur, the control device 6 switches the blowing mode to foot / defroster mode and sets the variable DO2 to 1 (step S15). In other words, the control mode transitions to level 2 in Figure 3.

[0056] After step S15, or if the result of step S20 is Yes, the control device 6 determines again whether window fogging is likely to occur (step S16). The process in step S14 is the same as in step S9. If the result of step S16 is Yes, the control device 6 switches the intake mode to the outside air mode and sets the variable DO3 to 1 (step S17). That is, the control mode transitions to level 3 in Figure 3.

[0057] After step S17, the control device 6 determines again whether or not window fogging is likely to occur (step S18). The process in step S18 is the same as in step S9. If the result of the determination in step S18 is Yes, that is, if window fogging is likely to occur even if the control mode is level 3, the control device 6 informs the occupants that it is necessary to change the blowing mode to defroster mode (indicated as DEF mode in the figure) (step S19).

[0058] If the result of the decision in step S14 is No, if the result of the decision in step S16 is No, if the result of the decision in step S18 is No, or if the result of the decision in step S20 is No, the flow returns to immediately after the start in Figure 4. After step S19, the flow also returns to immediately after the start in Figure 4.

[0059] As explained using the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5, this control system appropriately switches the control mode based on whether or not window fogging is likely to occur, and controls the vehicle's air conditioning system 1 to reduce energy consumption when window fogging is unlikely to occur. Therefore, this control system can reduce the amount of energy consumed to prevent window fogging. Furthermore, when it becomes impossible to prevent window fogging without using the defroster mode, the system notifies the occupants of the need to switch to defroster mode, prompting them to prepare for the cold. In this case, the control system is deactivated and the airflow mode is changed to defroster mode when the occupants press the defroster switch 13e (Figure 2).

[0060] Unlike this example, the control device 6 may automatically change the airflow mode to defroster mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since notifying the occupants. In this case, this control may be continued or canceled. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 100 vehicles 1. Vehicle air conditioning system 2 Sensor Groups 21 Outdoor temperature sensor, 22 Humidity sensor 23. Internal temperature sensor, 24. Solar radiation sensor 3. Air conditioning ducts 30 Inlet 31 Outside air intake, 32 Inside air intake, 33 Switching door 35 Blower 4. Air conditioning unit 41 Evaporator 42 Heater core 43 Air Mix Door 50 Air outlet 51 Defroster vent, 51d Defroster door 52 Face vent, 52d Face door 53 Foot vent, 53d Foot door 6. Control device 10 Windshield, 10s Interior 11. Instrument Panel 12 Center Display 13. Control Panel 13a Temperature control switch 13b Airflow adjustment switch 13c Input Mode Switch 13d Airflow mode switch 13e Defroster Switch 13f Auto Switch 13g A / C switch

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising a windshield and a vehicle air conditioning system that supplies conditioned air, whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted from air taken in from outside or inside the vehicle, into the vehicle interior, The aforementioned vehicle air conditioning system is, A group of sensors that measure information for calculating the temperature of the inner surface of the windshield and the humidity near the inner surface, The vehicle air conditioning system includes a control device that controls the vehicle air conditioning system based on the air intake mode and the air conditioning air outlet mode, The intake mode includes an outside air mode for taking in outside air and an inside air mode for taking in inside air. The aforementioned airflow modes include a foot mode that delivers the conditioned air to the occupant's feet, a defroster mode that delivers the conditioned air to the inner surface, and a foot / defroster mode that delivers the conditioned air to both the feet and the inner surface. The control device is Based on the measurement results of the sensor group, it is determined whether the humidity state near the inner surface is in a specific state that is highly likely to cause fogging on the inner surface. When the vehicle's air conditioning system is performing dehumidifying heating in the outside air mode and the foot / defroster mode and the specified condition is met, the system notifies the occupant of the need to switch the air outlet mode to the defroster mode. vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the vehicle air conditioning system to gradually reduce the humidity near the inner surface based on the determination result of whether or not the specific state is in place, before notifying the need for the need.

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