Vehicle air conditioning control system

Abstract

This disclosure provides a vehicle air conditioning control system that reduces the discrepancy between the indoor temperature and the user's perceived temperature, thereby enhancing comfort. [Solution] A vehicle air conditioning control system comprising a control unit that changes a predetermined target index for the temperature setting of the air conditioning unit in the vehicle interior based on the operating status of multiple radiant heaters installed near the seats in the vehicle interior and other heating devices other than the radiant heaters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle air conditioning control system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle heating device that can enhance the thermal sensation of passengers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a radiation heater or other heating device installed near the seat of a vehicle operates, the interior of the vehicle may warm up faster than the set temperature of the air conditioner. As a result, a deviation from the temperature environment assumed by the user may occur, and comfort may be temporarily impaired.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle air conditioning control system that suppresses the deviation between the indoor temperature and the user's perceived temperature and enhances comfort.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 1 includes a control unit that changes a correction amount of a predetermined target index regarding the temperature setting of the air conditioning unit in the vehicle interior based on the operating status of a plurality of radiation heaters installed near the seat in the vehicle interior and heating devices other than the radiation heaters.

[0007] In the vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 1, the deviation between the indoor temperature and the user's perceived temperature is suppressed during the operation of the air conditioner, the radiation heater, and the heating device, and comfort is enhanced.

[0008] The vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 2 is the vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a correction amount using at least one of a required blowing temperature, a target heater water temperature, and a blower slow start for the air conditioning unit as the target index.

[0009] In the vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 2, the correction amount for any target index of the air conditioning unit is changed, and the comfort can be flexibly improved according to the index.

[0010] The vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 3 is the vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit changes the correction amount so that the target index becomes lower as the number of operating radiation heaters and the presence or absence of operating heat devices among the operating conditions increase.

[0011] In the vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 3, the correction amount can be set so as to suppress the deviation from the user's perceived temperature according to the number of devices operating other than the air conditioning.

[0012] The vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 4 is the vehicle air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit sets the operation and stop of each of the plurality of radiation heaters.

[0013] In the vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 4, by individually setting the operation and stop of the radiation heaters, temperature adjustment according to the user's needs becomes possible.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] As described above, according to the present disclosure, the deviation between the indoor temperature and the user's perceived temperature can be suppressed, and the comfort can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle air conditioning control system provided in a vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of the electrical configuration of the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This graph shows an example of the relationship between the required discharge temperature and the ambient temperature according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow by the control program according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an example of an embodiment for carrying out the technology of this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle air conditioning control system 100 provided in a vehicle according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle air conditioning control system 100 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 10, sensors 20, an air conditioning unit 30, a radiant heater 40, a steering heater 41, and a seat heater 42. The vehicle air conditioning control system 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of radiant heaters 40, steering heaters 41, and seat heaters 42, but it is sufficient to have at least one steering heater 41 and one seat heater 42. The steering heater 41 and seat heater 42 are examples of the heating devices of this disclosure.

[0018] The control unit 10 is configured, for example, as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The sensors 20 include, for example, a room temperature sensor, an outside temperature sensor, and a solar radiation sensor, which detect temperature information inside and outside the vehicle. The room temperature sensor detects the room temperature, the outside temperature sensor detects the outside temperature, and the solar radiation sensor detects the amount of solar radiation entering the vehicle. The air conditioning unit 30 adjusts the temperature of the introduced air and supplies it to the vehicle.

[0019] The radiant heater 40, steering heater 41, and seat heater 42 are examples of heaters and are installed in predetermined locations within the vehicle interior. The radiant heater 40 is a radiant type heater, while the steering heater 41 and seat heater 42 are heat transfer type heaters. Figure 1 shows the radiant heater 40 located below the steering column (40 h1 ), next to the console (40 h2 ), door trim top (40 h3 ), and under the door trim (40 h4 The configuration is shown as being installed in the seat, and is composed of multiple radiant heaters 40. The steering heater 41 is installed in the steering wheel, and the seat heater 42 is installed in the seat. The seat heater 42 is installed in the seat portion (42 s1 ) and backrest (42 s2 They are provided in each of the following locations.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioning unit 30 according to this embodiment. The white arrows in Figure 2 indicate the airflow. The air conditioning unit 30 according to this embodiment has a housing 31. An interior air intake 32 and an exterior air intake 33 are provided at the upstream end of the housing 31. The interior air intake 32 is an air inlet that takes in air from inside the vehicle into the housing 31. The exterior air intake 33 is an air inlet that takes in air from outside the vehicle into the housing 31. An interior / exterior air switching door 34 is provided adjacent to the interior air intake 32 and the exterior air intake 33. The interior / exterior air switching door 34 is driven by an actuator (not shown) and changes the opening degree of the interior air intake 32 and the exterior air intake 33. Downstream from the interior / exterior air switching door 34, a blower 35 is provided as a fan. The blower 35 takes in air from the interior air intake 32 or the exterior air intake 33 and sends it to the downstream side of the housing 31. Downstream of the blower 35 are the evaporator 36, the air mix door 37, and the heater core 38. During cooling operation, the evaporator 36 cools the air blown from the blower 35 using the latent heat of vaporization of the refrigerant. The cooled conditioned air is then output into the vehicle, cooling the interior. The air mix door 37 is located upstream of the heater core 38 and adjusts the amount of air passing through the heater core 38. During heating operation, the air mix door 37 moves to a position that does not obstruct the heater core 38. As a result, the air blown from the blower 35 passes through the heater core 38 and is heated. The heated conditioned air is then output into the vehicle, heating the interior. The downstream end of the housing 31 is divided into multiple (three in the illustrated example) passages, each passage connected to a specific outlet. In this embodiment, the air outlets include a defroster outlet 39A facing the windshield, a face outlet 39B facing the occupant's face, and a foot outlet 39C facing the occupant's feet.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the control unit 10 according to this embodiment. The control unit 10 according to this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an input / output unit (I / O) 14, a storage unit 15, and an input / output interface (I / O I / F) 16. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and I / O 14 are connected to each other via a bus. Each functional unit, including the storage unit 15 and the I / O I / F 16, is connected to the I / O 14. Each of these functional units can communicate with the CPU 11 via the I / O 14.

[0022] For example, the storage unit 15 can be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The storage unit 15 stores the control program 15A. This control program 15A may also be stored in the ROM 12. The control program 15A may be pre-installed in the control unit 10, for example. The control program 15A may be stored in a non-volatile storage medium or distributed via a network and installed in the control unit 10 as appropriate. Examples of non-volatile storage mediums include CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), magneto-optical disk, HDD, DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), flash memory, memory card, etc.

[0023] The input / output interface 16 is an interface for connecting to the sensors 20, the air conditioning unit 30, the radiant heater 40, the steering heater 41, and the seat heater 42. The control unit 10 is a controller that controls the operation of these sensors 20, the air conditioning unit 30, the radiant heater 40, the steering heater 41, and the seat heater 42.

[0024] The CPU 11 of the control unit 10 according to this embodiment executes the following control by writing the control program 15A stored in the ROM 12 or the storage unit 15 into the RAM 13 and executing it.

[0025] As an example, the control unit 10 controls the air conditioning unit 30 based on the required blowing temperature set as a target index. The required blowing temperature is set based on the room temperature, the outside air temperature, and the solar radiation amount. The required blowing temperature is called TAO (Temperature Air Output), and it is the temperature calculated from the preset set temperature, outside air temperature, room temperature, and solar radiation amount as to how many degrees of wind should be blown out now. Specifically, for example, it is represented by the following formula (1). However, T set is the target set temperature, T r is the room temperature, T am is the outside air temperature, ST is the solar radiation amount, K set 、K r 、K am are correction coefficients, and C is a constant.

[0026] TAO = K set ×T set -K r ×T r -K am ×T am -K s ×ST + C ···(1)

[0027] That is, as represented by the above formula (1), the control unit 10 considers the temperature information of the target set temperature, room temperature, outside air temperature, and solar radiation amount, and controls the required blowing temperature TAO so that the temperature in the vehicle interior becomes the target set temperature corresponding to each temperature information.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the required blowing temperature TAO and the outside air temperature T am in this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the relationship between the required blowing temperature TAO and the outside air temperature T am is shown, but it may also be shown by the relationship between the required blowing temperature TAO and the room temperature T r or the solar radiation amount ST. Here, the outside air temperature T amFor this reason, the lower limit of the required discharge temperature TAO is set to, for example, 30°C. Note that the dotted line shows the required discharge temperature TAO and outside temperature T when no lower limit is set. am This shows the correspondence between the two. The lower limit of the required discharge temperature TAO is determined, for example, based on the results of sensory evaluation. Specifically, as described above, the air conditioning unit 30 has a heater core 38. The control unit 10 controls the air so that the temperature of the air that has passed through the heater core 38 is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the required discharge temperature TAO.

[0029] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 changes the correction amount of the target indicator, the required discharge temperature TAO, based on the operating status of the radiant heater 40 and the heating device. For example, the control unit 30 controls the air conditioning unit 30 by changing the correction amount from the start of operation of the air conditioning unit 30, the radiant heater 40, and the heating device until a predetermined time (set to a few minutes) has elapsed.

[0030] For example, let the correction amount be α1. The control unit 10 reflects the correction amount α1 in the target indicator, the required discharge temperature TAO, as shown in the following equation (2) for the corrected required discharge temperature TAO. α Calculate. TAO α =TAO-α1 ···(2) In this way, a correction is made so that a value lower than the calculated required discharge temperature TAO described above is set. The control unit 10 then calculates the corrected required discharge temperature TAO α This activates the air conditioning unit 30.

[0031] The correction amount α1 is adjusted based on factors such as the number of operating radiant heaters 40 and the operation status of the heating devices. The more operating devices there are, the lower the target indicator should be. In other words, the correction amount α1 should be set to increase with increasing operating devices. As an example of the target indicator, the required discharge temperature TAO was used, but it is not limited to this. The target heater water temperature (TWO: Temperature Water Output) and the blower delay control value may also be used, and the correction amounts for these may be adjusted accordingly. The target heater water temperature TWO is the target temperature of the water in the heater core 38. The blower delay is the amount by which the operation of the blower 35 is delayed.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, to change the correction amount, if the required discharge temperature TAO, the value of the correction coefficient in equation (1) may be changed. Target setting temperature T set Correction coefficient K for set This involves changing the value of as a correction amount. r Correction coefficient K for r , outside temperature T am Correction coefficient K for am You may also change this as the correction amount.

[0033] Furthermore, the correction amount may be set according to the location where the radiant heater 40 and the thermal device are operating. For example, experimental results have shown that the sensitivity of localized thermal sensation to the amount of heat input tends to increase in the order of buttocks, back, upper arm, and thigh. Therefore, the magnitude of the correction amount α1 may be set according to the arrangement of the operating radiant heater 40 and thermal device.

[0034] For example, a placement close to the buttocks would be a radiant heater 40 (40) next to the console. h2 ) and seat heater 42 (42 s1 ) is present. Therefore, there is a radiant heater 40 (40) next to the console. h2 ) and seat heater 42 (42 s1When the radiant heater 40 (40) under the steering column is operating, the correction amount α1 is increased compared to when other radiant heaters 40 and heating devices are operating. h1 ) and the steering heater 41 are positioned in a location that does not require much sensitivity. Therefore, the radiant heater 40 (40 h1 The correction amount α1 when the steering heater 41 is operating is set to be smaller than the correction amount α1 when the other radiant heaters 40 and thermal devices are operating.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may also enable the setting of each radiant heater 40 to operate and stop. The operation of each radiant heater 40 is expected to be set automatically according to the user's preference or temperature difference. For example, the radiant heater 40 and heating device set according to the user's preference can be operated. This will enable the radiant heater 40 (40) next to the console. h2 I want to operate the radiant heater 40 (40) on the door trim. h3 This can meet the needs of users who do not want to activate certain functions. Also, if a temperature difference is set, the target setting temperature T set and room temperature T r If the difference is small, the system is configured to operate only some of the radiant heaters 40 and heating devices to slow down the rise in room temperature. Target setting temperature T set and room temperature T r If the difference is large, the system is set to operate the radiant heater 40 and the heating device at a certain rate or higher. By controlling the operation of the radiant heater 40 and the heating device in this way, comfort levels due to changes in room temperature can be improved.

[0036] Next, the operation of the control unit 10 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the control program 15A according to this embodiment.

[0037] When the control program 15A is instructed to execute, the CPU 11 of the control unit 10 executes the control program 15A, which is stored in the ROM 12 or memory unit 15, by writing it to the RAM 13.

[0038] In step S100, the CPU 11 turns on (operates) the air conditioning unit 30 according to the user's instructions.

[0039] In step S102, the CPU 11 turns on (operates) the radiant heater 40 and at least one of the heating devices (steering heater 41 and seat heater 42) according to the user's operation.

[0040] In step S104, the CPU 11 sets the target temperature T according to the user's operation. set Set it.

[0041] In step S106, CPU11 controls the room temperature T r , outside temperature T am , and the amount of solar radiation ST is detected.

[0042] In step S108, the CPU 11 calculates the required discharge temperature TAO using equation (1) described above.

[0043] In step S110, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it is within the time period for changing the correction amount. The time period for changing the correction amount is, for example, a certain period of time such as a few minutes after turning on the air conditioning unit 30, or until the operation of the radiant heater 40 and the heating device stops, or the room temperature T r Target setting temperature T set This refers to the period until the time limit is reached. If it is determined that the time limit has been reached, the process proceeds to step S106; if it is determined that the time limit has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0044] In step S112, the CPU 11 modifies the correction amount α1 of the required outlet temperature TAO of the in-cabin air conditioning unit 30 based on the operating status of the radiant heater 40 and the heating device.

[0045] In step S114, the CPU 11 uses equation (2) above to calculate the corrected required discharge temperature TAO α Calculate the required discharge temperature TAO α The air conditioning unit 30 is controlled accordingly.

[0046] In step S116, the CPU 11 controls the air conditioning unit 30 according to the calculated required discharge temperature TAO.

[0047] In step S118, the CPU 11 determines whether a termination timing has been reached, for example, when the operation of the air conditioning unit 30 has stopped (turned off). If it is determined that a termination timing has not been reached (negative determination), the process returns to step S106 and is repeated. If it is determined that a termination timing has been reached (positive determination), the series of processes by this control program 15A are terminated.

[0048] Thus, according to this embodiment, the target indicator is adjusted by a correction amount to suppress the discrepancy between the indoor temperature and the user's perceived temperature. Therefore, comfort during air conditioning operation can be improved.

[0049] The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit, and such modified or improved forms are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10 Control Unit 20 Sensors 30 Air conditioning units 40. Radiant heater 41. Steering wheel heater 42 Seat heaters 100 Vehicle Air Conditioning Control System

Claims

1. A control unit that changes the amount of correction for a predetermined target index related to the temperature setting of the air conditioning unit in the vehicle interior based on the operating status of multiple radiant heaters installed near the seats in the vehicle interior and other heating devices other than the radiant heaters. A vehicle air conditioning control system equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit modifies the correction amount for the air conditioning unit using at least one of the required discharge temperature, target heater water temperature, and blower delay as the target indicator. The vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit modifies the correction amount based on the number of operating radiant heaters and the presence or absence of operating heating devices in the operating status, so that the more operating devices there are, the lower the target index. The vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 1.

4. The control unit sets the operation and stopping of each of the multiple radiant heaters. The vehicle air conditioning control system according to claim 1.

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