Compressor control device and control method

Abstract

To provide a compressor control apparatus and control method capable of simplifying the configuration of a compressor control circuit, reducing the number of components, and reducing a cost price.SOLUTION: A compressor control apparatus according to the present invention includes: a sensor for detecting information on an air conditioner operation state necessary to control the engagement and disengagement of a clutch of an air conditioner compressor; an electromagnetic coil in the clutch for performing clutch engagement upon receiving battery current; and a controller which includes a microcomputer for determining whether the current air conditioner operation state satisfies a clutch engagement allowing condition or a clutch disengagement allowing condition on the basis of the information on the air conditioner operation state detected by the sensor, and outputting an operation signal based on the result of determination, and which includes a switch actuated to be turned on or off according to the operation signal output by the microcomputer, for intermittently supplying the battery current to the electromagnetic coil so that the clutch is engaged or disengaged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a compressor control device and control method, and more particularly to a compressor control device and control method that can simplify the configuration of a compressor control circuit, reduce the number of parts, and reduce costs. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner that heats or cools the interior of the vehicle. The air conditioner in the vehicle provides a comfortable interior environment by constantly maintaining the interior temperature at an appropriate temperature regardless of changes in the external temperature.

[0003] A vehicle air conditioner includes an air conditioning system that circulates a refrigerant. The air conditioning system includes, as its main components, a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to liquefy it, an expansion valve that expands the liquefied refrigerant condensed by the condenser, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve and uses the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to cool the air blown into the vehicle cabin.

[0004] In an air conditioning system, in cooling mode in the summer, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by a compressor is condensed into liquid by a condenser, and then circulated back to the compressor via an expansion valve and evaporator. During this process, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve is supplied to the evaporator, and the air cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator is discharged into the vehicle cabin, thereby cooling the interior.

[0005] Meanwhile, the control and power supply of the vehicle's air conditioning compressor are performed by a controller and a relay switch in a junction box. In addition, the compressor clutch is the part that allows the compressor to selectively operate while using battery power in the vehicle's air conditioning system.

[0006] Fig. 1 shows a conventional compressor control circuit, which includes a controller 10 and a relay switch 20 for controlling the operation of the compressor, and a clutch 31 of the compressor 30.

[0007] The clutch 31 of the compressor 30 is provided with an electromagnetic coil 32, and this clutch 31 connects the compressor 30 to an engine (not shown) so as to be able to transmit power using a magnetomotive force induced by an electric current. That is, when the air conditioner is turned on, the clutch 31 of the compressor 30 is engaged by the controller 10, and the rotational force of the engine crankshaft (not shown) transmitted to the pulley (not shown) of the compressor 30 is transmitted to the compressor shaft (not shown), and ultimately the compressor 30 is operated to compress the refrigerant using the rotational force of the engine.

[0008] The relay switch 20 is used to selectively supply current from the battery 9 to the clutch 31 of the compressor 30. The relay switch 20 is turned on by an actuation signal (relay drive signal) output by the controller 10, and enables the operation of the compressor 30 to be controlled by interrupting the supply of power to the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31.

[0009] At this time, the controller 10 determines whether or not to operate the compressor based on the operating conditions and external conditions, and then sends an operation signal to the relay switch 20. That is, the coil side of the relay switch 20 is excited by the operation signal, which closes the contact side of the relay switch 20, and the current from the battery 9 is applied from this contact side to the electromagnetic coil 32 inside the clutch 31.

[0010] When current is applied to the electromagnet coil 32 in this way, the magnetic force of the electromagnet acts to engage the clutch 31, thereby enabling the engine rotation force transmitted to the pulley to be transmitted to the compressor shaft, thereby operating the compressor 30. Furthermore, when an operating signal (excitation current) is not applied to the coil side of the relay switch 20, the contact side opens, and no current from the battery 9 flows to the electromagnet coil 32 of the clutch 31, the magnetic force of the electromagnet is lost, the clutch is released, and the connection between the engine and the compressor is released.

[0011] In addition, diodes 21 and 33 are provided on the relay switch 20 side and the clutch 31 side, respectively, to solve the problem of surge voltage (back electromotive force) when the clutch is released. The controller 10 outputs only signals for operating (engaging the clutch) and not operating (disengaging the clutch) the compressor, and the relay switch 20 controls the compressor 30 by connecting and disconnecting the power supply path (opening and closing the contact side of the relay switch).

[0012] At this time, a diode 21 and a ground wire 22 are required to reduce sparks generated by the relay switch 20 and switching surge voltages generated at the front and rear ends of the contacts. Also, the clutch 31 of the compressor 30, which is the load end, requires a diode 33 and circuit configuration to remove back electromotive force caused by fluctuations in current when the relay switch 20 is opened and closed, which makes the circuit configuration complicated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-106473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] The present invention has been created to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional compressor control circuit, and an object of the present invention is to provide a compressor control device and control method that can simplify the configuration of the compressor control circuit, reduce the number of parts, and reduce costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a compressor control device comprising: a sensor that detects information about the operating state of an air conditioner necessary for controlling the engagement and disengagement of the clutch of an air conditioner compressor; an electromagnetic coil in the clutch of the air conditioner compressor that receives battery current and engages the clutch; a microcomputer that determines whether the current operating state of the air conditioner satisfies the clutch engagement or clutch disengagement conditions based on the information about the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the sensor and outputs an operation signal according to the result of the determination; and a controller that includes a switch that turns on or off the supply of battery current to the electromagnetic coil so that the clutch is engaged or disengaged according to the operation signal output by the microcomputer.

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, a compressor control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: detecting, by a sensor, information on the operating state of an air conditioner necessary for controlling clutch engagement and release of the air conditioner compressor; determining, by a microcomputer of a controller, whether the current operating state of the air conditioner satisfies a clutch engagement condition or a clutch release condition based on the information on the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the sensor, and outputting an actuation signal according to the result of the determination; and turning on or off a switch that interrupts the supply of battery current to an electromagnetic coil in the clutch based on the actuation signal output by the microcomputer, thereby engaging or releasing the clutch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The compressor control device and control method according to the present invention can simplify the configuration of the compressor control circuit, reduce the number of components, and reduce costs. More specifically, the relay switch and diode for preventing surge voltages in the existing junction box for selectively applying battery current to the air conditioner compressor clutch can be omitted, along with the associated circuitry and wiring. Furthermore, the diode for eliminating back electromotive force and surge voltages caused by current fluctuations when the relay switch is opened and closed in the compressor clutch (the load end) can be omitted, along with the associated circuitry and wiring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional compressor control device. [Figure 2] 1 is a configuration diagram showing a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3A] 4 is a flowchart showing a logic for determining whether a clutch operation condition of a compressor is met in a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 4 is a flowchart showing a logic for determining whether a clutch operation condition of a compressor is met in a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting data in which the clutch temperature is set based on the refrigerant pressure in the control method according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the reactivation logic of the air conditioning compressor in a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The specific structure or functional description presented in the embodiments of the present invention is merely for illustrative purposes of the embodiments based on the concept of the present invention, and the embodiments based on the concept of the present invention can be embodied in various forms. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but includes any modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0020] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms such as "first" and / or "second" are used to describe various components, but the components are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, within the technical scope based on the concept of the present invention, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may be named a first component.

[0021] When a component is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is described as being "directly coupled" to or "in direct contact with" another component, it is understood that there are no other components in between. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "exactly between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted similarly.

[0022] Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular includes the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements to a stated component, step, operation, and / or element.

[0023] The present invention relates to a compressor control device and control method that can simplify the configuration of the compressor control circuit, reduce the number of parts, and lower costs.Instead of eliminating the relay switch and related circuits in the junction box for operating the compressor, the present invention uses a switch in the controller located behind the load end (the electromagnetic coil of the compressor clutch) as a means for opening and closing the circuit for controlling the compressor, thereby simplifying and optimizing the circuit compared to conventional methods.

[0024] In addition, in the present invention, the controller (ECU) directly opens and closes the circuit for controlling the power supply to the clutch, and after the controller determines whether or not the clutch can be engaged, it directly controls the operation of the clutch.

[0025] To achieve this, the controller must select an acceptable resistance and power value for the compressor clutch (electromagnet coil of the clutch), and logic is required to determine and resolve any issues where the current exceeds the allowable value (current limit) before restarting the compressor. Furthermore, logic must be added to estimate the temperature at which the clutch resistance reaches its lower limit and determine whether the clutch can be engaged, thereby ensuring circuit safety and expanding the range in which it can actually be engaged.

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the conventional control circuit (see Fig. 1), the relay switch 20 for the compressor clutch in the junction box and the diode 21 for preventing surge voltages are omitted, and also the diode 33 and the like are omitted from the clutch 31 of the compressor 30.

[0027] 2, in the present invention, a switch 12 for opening and closing a circuit by interrupting the supply of power to the clutch 31 of the compressor 30 is configured inside the controller (ECU) 10. That is, the switch 12 inside the controller 10 can be used to interrupt the supply of power to the clutch 31 of the compressor 30. Here, the part of the clutch 31 of the compressor 30 to which power is supplied, i.e., the part that serves as a load, is the electromagnetic coil 32.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the switch 12 may be a switching element that is opened or closed by an actuation signal output from the microcomputer 11 in the controller 10, and may be, for example, a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

[0029] The vehicle is provided with an IG2 power supply terminal 1 that is turned on (IG2 on) when the starter is turned on (key on), and in the present invention, the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 is directly connected to the IG2 power supply terminal 1 of the vehicle. This results in a structure in which the electromagnetic coil 32 is connected to the battery power supply (B+) through the IG2 power supply terminal 1 of the vehicle. By connecting the electromagnetic coil 32 to the battery power supply (B+) through the IG2 power supply terminal 1 in this way, it is possible to prevent battery discharge due to a short circuit occurring in the starter-off (key off) state.

[0030] 2, if the battery 9 and the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31, which is the load, are directly connected by a circuit, there is a risk that the battery will be discharged. Therefore, in the present invention, the IG2 power supply terminal 1 is disposed between the battery power supply (B+) and the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 so that current is supplied from the battery 9 only when the starter is turned on (key on).

[0031] That is, the electromagnet coil 32 of the clutch 31 is connected to the IG2 power supply terminal 1, and the electromagnet coil of the clutch is connected to the battery power supply (B+) through the IG2 power supply terminal 1. The IG2 power supply terminal 1 closes its circuit only when the starter is on (i.e., the IG2 is on) to supply the battery power supply (B+), which is the vehicle's power source, to the loads within the vehicle. As a result, current from the battery 9 flows to the electromagnet coil 32 of the clutch 31 through the IG2 power supply terminal 1 only when the starter is on (i.e., the IG2 is on).

[0032] Of course, when current from the battery 9 flows through the electromagnetic coil 32, the clutch 31 is engaged and the rotational force of the engine transmitted to the pulley is transmitted to the compressor shaft, thereby operating the compressor 30 to compress the refrigerant. Since the air conditioner only operates when the key is on (i.e., IG2 is on), there is no problem in connecting the electromagnetic coil 32 of the load clutch 31 to the IG2 power supply terminal 1.

[0033] Furthermore, the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 is connected to one terminal of the switch 12 in the controller 10, and the other terminal of the switch 12 in the controller 10 is connected to the ground terminal 13. In other words, the circuit is configured so that a current path is formed from the battery 9 → IG power supply terminal 1 → clutch 31 (electromagnet coil) of the compressor 30 → switch 12 inside the controller (ECU) 10 → ground terminal 13.

[0034] In this way, the battery power supply (B+) is connected to the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 through the IG2 power supply terminal 1, and the electromagnetic coil 32 of this clutch 31 is connected to the ground terminal 13 through the switch 12 inside the controller 10. Therefore, when the air conditioner is off, the microcomputer 11 turns off the switch 12 inside the controller 10, and no current flows to the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31.

[0035] In the present invention, when current from the battery 9 flows through the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31, the clutch 31 is engaged, and when current from the battery 9 stops flowing through the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 while the vehicle is running, the clutch 31 is released. In the following description, "engaged" refers to a state in which the clutch is engaged to allow power transmission, and "released" refers to a state in which the clutch is separated so that power between both ends is cut off.

[0036] On the other hand, when the air conditioner is on, an operation signal output from a microcomputer 11 in a controller (ECU) 10 is transmitted to a switch 12 in the controller, which closes the switch. At this time, the current of the battery 9 passes through the IG power terminal 1, the electromagnet coil 32 of the clutch 31, and the switch 12 in the controller 10 in sequence, and then flows to the ground terminal 13 of the vehicle body connected to the controller.

[0037] In this way, current is applied to the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 to engage the clutch, and with the clutch engaged, the rotational force of the engine (not shown) transmitted to the pulley (not shown) is transmitted to the compressor shaft (not shown), thereby causing the compressor 30 to compress the refrigerant.

[0038] When the air conditioner is in the off state, the switch 12 inside the controller 10 is maintained in the off state (open state) by the microcomputer 11 inside the controller (ECU), and when the air conditioner is in the on state, it is switched to the on state (closed state) by an actuation signal output from the microcomputer 11 inside the controller. That is, when the switch 12 inside the controller 10 is in the on state, the clutch 31 is in the engaged state, the compressor 30 is in the on state, and the air conditioner is in the on state, and when the switch 12 inside the controller 10 is in the off state, the clutch 31 is in the disengaged state, the compressor 30 is in the off state, and the air conditioner is in the off state.

[0039] In this way, if the switch 12 inside the controller 10 is turned on and then turned off again while current is flowing, a momentary voltage difference occurs between the front and rear ends of the switch, which may cause a surge voltage or spark. To eliminate this, a reduction element such as a shared diode that is pre-installed inside the controller 10 and connected to the switch through a circuit may be used.

[0040] In this way, surge voltages or sparks can be removed using a reduction element on the switch side inside the controller, so that reduction elements such as diodes that have been installed in existing junction boxes and on the load side can be omitted. However, if the capacity of the reduction element inside the controller is insufficient, a diode can be added to the load end (clutch side) to suppress the occurrence of surge voltages or sparks.

[0041] 2, when the switch 12 inside the controller 10 is in the on state, the current that flows along the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 passes through the switch 12 inside the controller 10 and then flows to the ground terminal 13. At this time, a limit current value is set in the microcomputer 11 to prevent current above a certain value from flowing inside the controller 10 and through the switch 12.

[0042] That is, the operating current that flows through the inside of the controller 10 and the switch 12 after passing through the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 is monitored by a sensor in the microcomputer 11 inside the controller 10, and if the operating current reaches an overcurrent state, that is, exceeds a set limit current value, the microcomputer 11 keeps the switch 12 inside the controller 10 in an off state. As described above, when the switch inside the controller is in an off state, this means that the clutch is released and the air conditioner is turned off.

[0043] A compressor control method according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Figures 3A and 3B are flowcharts showing the logic for determining the compressor clutch operating conditions in the control method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of setting data in which the clutch temperature is set according to the refrigerant pressure in the control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The logic for determining the clutch operating conditions in Figures 3A and 3B is executed by the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10.

[0044] The value of the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 varies depending on the resistance value of the electromagnetic coil and the voltage value of the battery 9. Furthermore, the resistance value of the electromagnetic coil 32 varies depending on the temperature of the electromagnetic coil. That is, the lower the temperature of the electromagnetic coil, the smaller the resistance value of the electromagnetic coil 32 becomes.

[0045] The value of the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 increases as the temperature of the electromagnetic coil acting as resistance decreases or the voltage of the battery 9 increases. In other words, the lower the temperature of the electromagnetic coil 32 or the higher the voltage of the battery 9, the more current flows through the electromagnetic coil. Hereinafter, the current passing through the electromagnetic coil of the clutch will be referred to as the "operating current."

[0046] Normally, the temperature of the electromagnetic coil is the temperature of the clutch, but the clutch does not have a sensor to detect the temperature of the electromagnetic coil. Therefore, in the present invention, the temperature of the electromagnetic coil 32, i.e., the temperature of the clutch, is converted from the air conditioner refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor 2, and then the clutch engagement possible condition is determined based on the converted clutch temperature (clutch temperature).

[0047] That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the compressor clutch 31 is in the released state (S1 stage), the converted clutch temperature (temperature of the electromagnetic coil) is compared with a first preset temperature (e.g., −10° C.) (S2 stage). If it is higher than the first preset temperature, the resistance value of the electromagnetic coil 32 will increase and the operating current will be lower than the limit current. In this case, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 determines that the clutch engagement condition exists (S5 stage).

[0048] On the other hand, in step S2, if the converted temperature of the clutch 31 is equal to or lower than the first set temperature, the resistance value of the electromagnetic coil 32 becomes low and the operating current becomes equal to or higher than the limit current, so the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 determines that the clutch release condition is currently met (step S3).

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3A, when it is determined that the clutch disengagement condition exists, the converted temperature of the clutch 31 (temperature of the electromagnetic coil) is compared with a second set temperature (for example, -5°C) (step S4), and if it is higher than the second set temperature, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 determines that the clutch engagement condition exists (step S5).

[0050] In the controller 10, the first set temperature and the second set temperature are set to have the relationship "second set temperature > first set temperature", and this is for setting a hysteresis interval when determining the compressor clutch engagement and release conditions based on the converted clutch temperature.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 uses data in which the temperature of the clutch (clutch temperature) corresponding to the refrigerant pressure is set according to the refrigerant pressure, as shown in Figure 4, in order to calculate the temperature of the clutch 31 from the air conditioner refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor 2. The set data shown in Figure 4 is obtained from data acquired from previous research and evaluation tests, and the example in Figure 4 shows a map that defines the correlation between the refrigerant pressure and the clutch temperature, but in addition to such a map, a table or formula that defines the correlation between the refrigerant pressure and the clutch temperature may also be used.

[0052] In the map of FIG. 4, the clutch temperature according to the refrigerant pressure can be expressed by the following formula 1. clutch ) can be calculated from the refrigerant pressure (p) using the following linear equation (Equation 1).

[0053]

number

[0054] When the above formula 1 is used, the values ​​of A and B are preset in the microcomputer of the controller.

[0055] In this way, in the present invention, the clutch temperature (T clutch Using set data that defines the correlation between the refrigerant pressure (p) and the refrigerant pressure (p), the clutch temperature is converted from the refrigerant pressure, and then based on the converted clutch temperature, it is determined whether the compressor clutch is currently in an engagement condition or a disengagement condition.

[0056] As described above, microcomputer 11 of controller 10 compares the clutch temperature with the first set temperature and determines whether the current clutch is in an engageable condition or a disengageable condition. Here, the clutch temperature is converted from the refrigerant pressure detected by refrigerant pressure sensor 2, and as shown in Figure 4, the clutch temperature and the refrigerant pressure increase and decrease proportionally. This makes it possible to make a determination by comparing the refrigerant pressure detected by refrigerant pressure sensor 2 with the set pressure, rather than by comparing the clutch temperature.

[0057] 3B, in the clutch disengaged state, the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor 2 is compared with a preset first set pressure (step S2'), and if the detected refrigerant pressure is higher than the first set pressure, the microcomputer 11 is configured to determine that the current clutch engagement condition is met (step S5). On the other hand, in the clutch disengaged state, if the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor 2 is equal to or lower than the first set pressure, the microcomputer 11 is configured to determine that the current clutch disengagement condition is met (step S3).

[0058] Furthermore, when it is determined that the clutch disengagement conditions are met, the microcomputer 11 is configured to compare the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor 2 with a second set pressure that has been set in advance (step S4'), and if the detected refrigerant pressure is higher than the second set pressure, to determine that the clutch engagement conditions are currently met (step S5).

[0059] In the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10, the first set pressure and the second set pressure are set to have the relationship "second set pressure > first set pressure." Here, the first set pressure is a pressure value that has the relationship with the first set temperature as shown in Equation 1 and Figure 4, and the second set pressure is also a pressure value that has the relationship with the first set temperature as shown in Equation 1 and Figure 4.

[0060] The compressor control method according to an embodiment of the present invention also includes a control method for restarting the compressor 30 in an overcurrent off state of the compressor. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the restart logic of the air conditioner compressor in a control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The restart logic of the air conditioner compressor illustrated in FIG. 5 is executed by the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10.

[0061] Basically, under an overcurrent condition where the operating current value flowing through the electromagnetic coil 32 of the compressor clutch 31 exceeds the limit current value set in the controller 10, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 turns off the switch 12 inside the controller to release the clutch, and controls the compressor and air conditioner to the off state.

[0062] In addition, in the clutch operation condition determination logic of Figure 3A, if the converted temperature of the clutch 31 becomes equal to or lower than the first set temperature and it is determined that the clutch release condition is met, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 turns off the switch 12 inside the controller to release the clutch 31 and controls the compressor and air conditioner to the off state.

[0063] More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 10 restarts the compressor when it determines that a predetermined restart condition is met when the compressor 30 is in an overcurrent off state and simultaneously determines that a clutch engagement condition exists. Here, the overcurrent off state of the compressor 30 includes a state in which, under an overcurrent condition in which the operating current value flowing through the electromagnetic coil 32 of the compressor clutch 31 is equal to or greater than the limit current value set in the controller 10, the controller 10 turns off the switch 12, disengages the clutch 31, and turns off the compressor 30.

[0064] The overcurrent off state of the compressor 30 includes a state in which, in the clutch operation condition determination logic of Figure 3A, the converted temperature of the clutch 31 is equal to or lower than the first set temperature, it is determined that the clutch can be released, the controller 10 turns off the switch 12, the clutch 31 is released, and the compressor 30 is turned off.

[0065] The predetermined restart conditions include the following: when the compressor restarts, this restart is not the first operation of the compressor after the vehicle is started; the air conditioner is on (the air conditioner switch is on); and the evaporator temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (thermistor) 3 is above a predetermined critical freezing temperature. The predetermined restart conditions also include the following: the air conditioner refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor 2 is within a predetermined pressure range.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the above-defined restart conditions (referred to as basic operating conditions) are met in the overcurrent-off state of the compressor 30, the controller 10 starts a control process for restarting the air conditioner compressor shown in FIG. 5.

[0067] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the compressor 30 is restarted while the overcurrent of the compressor 30 is in the off state, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 determines whether the following conditions are met: the current restart of the compressor is not the first operation of the compressor after the vehicle is started; the air conditioner is currently on (the air conditioner switch is on); the current evaporator temperature is above the critical freezing temperature; and the current air conditioner refrigerant pressure is within a predetermined pressure range (step S11). If it is determined that the conditions are met, the control process of FIG. 5 is started.

[0068] In this way, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 restarts the compressor 30 when the evaporator temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor 3 is equal to or higher than the critical freezing temperature, but does not restart the compressor when the evaporator temperature is lower than the critical freezing temperature, since icing may occur on the evaporator.

[0069] Furthermore, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 restarts the compressor 30 when the refrigerant pressure is within the appropriate pressure range, but does not restart the compressor if the refrigerant pressure is outside the pressure range.

[0070] If all the above conditions are met, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 determines whether a fault diagnosis delay time determined according to the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 4 has elapsed (step S12). If it is determined that the fault diagnosis delay time has elapsed, the microcomputer 11 performs the clutch actuation condition determination process of FIG. 3A or 3B (step S13).

[0071] Here, the fault diagnosis delay time is set as shown in Table 1 below, and the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 determines the fault diagnosis delay time corresponding to the current outside air temperature using the setting data as shown in Table 1 below.

[0072] [Table 1]

[0073] In the example of Table 1, the fault diagnosis delay time in the intermediate section between outside air temperatures of 35°C and -10°C is determined to a value by interpolation.

[0074] Next, after the fault diagnosis delay time has elapsed, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 performs the clutch operation condition determination process of Fig. 3A or 3B (step S13), and if it determines that the clutch engagement condition exists in steps S2 and S5 of Fig. 3A or 3B, it outputs an operation signal to turn on the switch 12 inside the controller 10. As a result, the switch inside the controller is turned on, the clutch is engaged, and the compressor is restarted (step S14).

[0075] Thereafter, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 monitors the operating current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 32 of the clutch 31 while the compressor 30 is operating, compares the monitored operating current with the limit current (step S15), and if the operating current value is less than the limit current value, keeps the switch 12 inside the controller 10 on, keeps the clutch 31 engaged, and keeps the compressor 30 operating.

[0076] Meanwhile, in step S13 of FIG. 5, the clutch operation condition determination process of FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B is performed. If it is determined that the clutch release condition exists in step S2 of FIG. 3A or step S2' of FIG. 3B, or step S3, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 keeps the switch 12 inside the controller in the off state, thereby keeping the clutch 31 in the released state and the compressor 30 in the off state.

[0077] Also, in step S15 of Figure 5 while the compressor 30 is operating, if the operating current value becomes equal to or greater than the limit current value, the microcomputer 11 of the controller 10 turns off the switch 12 inside the controller, releases the clutch 31 (step S16), and turns the compressor 30 off again.

[0078] As described above, the compressor control device and control method according to the present invention have been described in detail. The compressor control device and control method according to the present invention can eliminate the relay switch and diode for surge voltage prevention in the existing junction box for selectively applying battery current to the compressor clutch, and can also eliminate the associated circuits and wiring.

[0079] Furthermore, in the compressor clutch, which is the load end, it is possible to eliminate the diode that removes the back electromotive force and surge voltage caused by current fluctuations when the relay switch is opened and closed, and the related circuits and wiring can also be omitted. Furthermore, by reducing the number of parts and simplifying the circuit configuration, it is possible to reduce costs and the probability of equipment failure.

[0080] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and implementations can be made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 IG2 power end 2 Refrigerant pressure sensor 3 Evaporator temperature sensor 4. Outside air temperature sensor 9. Battery 10 Controller 11 Microcomputer 12 Switch 13 Ground end 20 Relay Switch 21 Diode 22 Ground wire 30 Compressor 31 Clutch 32 Electromagnet coil 33 Diode

Claims

1. a sensor for detecting information on the operating state of an air conditioner, which is necessary for controlling clutch engagement and release of the air conditioner compressor; an electromagnetic coil in the clutch of the air conditioner compressor for receiving battery current and engaging the clutch; a microcomputer that determines whether the current air conditioner operating state satisfies a clutch engagement condition or a clutch release condition based on information on the air conditioner operating state detected by the sensor, and outputs an operation signal according to the result of the determination; and a controller including a switch that turns on or off the supply of battery current to the electromagnetic coil in response to the operation signal output by the microcomputer, so that the clutch is engaged or released, The electromagnetic coil is directly connected to an IG2 power supply terminal of the vehicle, and is configured so that when the vehicle is started (key on), a battery current is applied through the IG2 power supply terminal in an on state; The switch is located in a circuit between the electromagnetic coil and a ground terminal, and when turned on or off, opens or closes a current path for battery current that passes through the electromagnetic coil and then flows to the ground terminal.

2. 2. The compressor control device according to claim 1, wherein the switch is a semiconductor switch installed together with the microcomputer inside the controller.

3. A sensor that detects information on the operating state of an air conditioner necessary for controlling clutch engagement and release of an air conditioner compressor; an electromagnetic coil in the clutch of the air conditioner compressor for receiving battery current and engaging the clutch; a microcomputer that determines whether the current air conditioner operating state satisfies a clutch engagement condition or a clutch release condition based on information on the air conditioner operating state detected by the sensor, and outputs an operation signal according to the result of the determination; and a controller including a switch that turns on or off the supply of battery current to the electromagnetic coil in response to the operation signal output by the microcomputer, so that the clutch is engaged or released, The sensor includes a refrigerant pressure sensor that detects the refrigerant pressure of the air conditioner, The microcomputer of the controller With the compressor off, A compressor control device characterized in that, when the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is higher than a preset first set pressure, it is determined that a clutch engagement enabling condition is satisfied.

4. The microcomputer of the controller If the detected refrigerant pressure is equal to or lower than the first set pressure, it is determined that a clutch release condition is satisfied, 4. The compressor control device according to claim 3, wherein the switch is turned off so that the clutch is released when it is determined that the clutch release condition is met or when the battery current applied to the electromagnetic coil is equal to or greater than a preset limit current.

5. The microcomputer of the controller In a state where it is determined that the clutch release condition is satisfied, 5. The compressor control device according to claim 4, wherein when the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is higher than a predetermined second set pressure (where the second set pressure is greater than the first set pressure), it is determined that the clutch engagement condition is satisfied.

6. The microcomputer of the controller When the compressor is turned off due to an overcurrent, 6. The compressor control device according to claim 3, wherein when it is determined that predetermined re-activation conditions are met and the clutch engagement possible condition is met, the switch is turned on to re-activate the clutch.

7. the sensor further includes an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the evaporator; The reactivation condition is:

7. The compressor control device according to claim 6, further comprising the following conditions: the compressor restart is not the first operation of the compressor after the vehicle is started; the air conditioner is on; and the temperature of the evaporator detected by the evaporator temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined critical freezing temperature.

8. The reactivation condition is: The compressor control device according to claim 7, further comprising a condition that the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is within a preset pressure range.

9. The microcomputer of the controller 7. The compressor control device according to claim 6, characterized in that when the specified re-activation condition is met, it is determined whether a certain time has elapsed, and if it is determined that the clutch engagement condition is met after the certain time has elapsed, the switch is turned on to re-activate the clutch.

10. 10. The compressor control device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined time is determined by a fault diagnosis delay time corresponding to an outside air temperature detected by an outside air temperature sensor in the microcomputer of the controller.

11. The compressor is turned off due to an overcurrent. The microcomputer of the controller The refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is equal to or lower than the first set pressure, so that it is determined that the clutch release condition is satisfied, and then the switch is in an off state; or 7. The compressor control device according to claim 6, wherein the switch is in an off state because the battery current applied to the electromagnetic coil is equal to or greater than a preset limit current.

12. A sensor for detecting information on the operating state of an air conditioner necessary for controlling clutch engagement and release of an air conditioner compressor; an electromagnetic coil in the clutch of the air conditioner compressor for receiving battery current and engaging the clutch; a microcomputer that determines whether the current air conditioner operating state satisfies a clutch engagement condition or a clutch release condition based on information on the air conditioner operating state detected by the sensor, and outputs an operation signal according to the result of the determination; and a controller including a switch that turns on or off the supply of battery current to the electromagnetic coil in response to the operation signal output by the microcomputer, so that the clutch is engaged or released, The sensor includes a refrigerant pressure sensor that detects an air conditioner refrigerant pressure, The microcomputer of the controller With the compressor off, A compressor control device characterized in that it determines that the clutch engagement condition is met when the temperature of the clutch converted using set data from the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is higher than a predetermined first set temperature.

13. The microcomputer of the controller If the converted clutch temperature is equal to or lower than the first set temperature, it is determined that a clutch release condition is satisfied, 13. The compressor control device according to claim 12, wherein when it is determined that the clutch release condition is met or when the battery current applied to the electromagnetic coil is equal to or greater than a preset limit current, the switch is turned off so that the clutch is released.

14. The microcomputer of the controller In a state where it is determined that the clutch release condition is satisfied, 14. The compressor control device according to claim 13, wherein the clutch engagement condition is determined to be satisfied when the temperature of the clutch converted from the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is higher than a predetermined second set temperature (where the second set temperature is greater than the first set temperature).

15. detecting, by a sensor, information on the operating state of an air conditioner, which is necessary for controlling clutch engagement and disengagement of an air conditioner compressor; a step in which the microcomputer of the controller determines whether the current operating state of the air conditioner satisfies a clutch engagement condition or a clutch release condition based on information on the operating state of the air conditioner detected by the sensor, and outputs an operation signal according to the result of the determination; a step in which a switch for interrupting the supply of battery current to an electromagnetic coil in the clutch is turned on or off in response to an actuation signal output by the microcomputer, thereby engaging or disengaging the clutch; The sensor includes a refrigerant pressure sensor that detects the refrigerant pressure of the air conditioner, The microcomputer of the controller With the compressor off, A compressor control method comprising determining that a clutch engagement condition is satisfied when the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is higher than a first set pressure.

16. The microcomputer of the controller If the detected refrigerant pressure is equal to or lower than the first set pressure, it is determined that a clutch release condition is satisfied, 16. The compressor control method according to claim 15, wherein the switch is turned off so that the clutch is released when it is determined that the clutch release condition is met or when the battery current applied to the electromagnetic coil is equal to or greater than a preset limit current.

17. The microcomputer of the controller In a state where it is determined that the clutch release condition is satisfied, 17. The compressor control method according to claim 16, wherein when the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is higher than a predetermined second set pressure (where the second set pressure is greater than the first set pressure), it is determined that the clutch engagement condition is satisfied.

18. The microcomputer of the controller When the compressor is turned off due to an overcurrent, 18. The compressor control method according to claim 15 or 17, characterized in that when it is determined that predetermined re-activation conditions are met and the clutch engagement possible condition is met, the switch is turned on to re-activate the clutch.

19. the sensor further includes an evaporator temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the evaporator; The reactivation condition is:

19. The compressor control method of claim 18, further comprising the following conditions: the current compressor restart is not the first compressor restart after the vehicle is started; the air conditioner is on; and the evaporator temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined critical freezing temperature.

20. The reactivation condition is:

20. The compressor control method according to claim 19, further comprising a condition that the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is within a preset pressure range.

21. The microcomputer of the controller 19. The compressor control method according to claim 18, further comprising the steps of: determining whether a certain time has elapsed when the predetermined re-activation condition is satisfied; and turning on the switch to re-activate the clutch when it is determined that the clutch engagement condition is satisfied after the certain time has elapsed.

22. 22. The compressor control method according to claim 21, wherein the predetermined time is determined by a fault diagnosis delay time corresponding to an outside air temperature detected by an outside air temperature sensor in the microcomputer of the controller.

23. The compressor is turned off due to an overcurrent. The microcomputer of the controller The clutch temperature converted from the refrigerant pressure detected by the refrigerant pressure sensor is equal to or lower than a first set temperature, and therefore it is determined that the clutch release condition is satisfied, and then the switch is in an off state; or 19. The compressor control method according to claim 18, wherein the switch is in an off state because the battery current applied to the electromagnetic coil is equal to or greater than a preset limit current.

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