System and method for preventing washer fluid odor indoor inflow

Abstract

A system and method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior are disclosed. A washer fluid odor prevention system according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a multifunction switch for receiving user input for controlling a washer, a touch sensor provided in the multifunction switch, and a processor that generates a first control signal for switching the mode of the air conditioning system to an internal air mode and outputs it to the air conditioning system when the mode of the air conditioning system is an external air mode and a touch is detected through the touch sensor.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior of a vehicle, and more specifically, to a system and method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, a vehicle is equipped with a wiper device and a washer fluid sprayer to remove contaminants from the windshield. The washer fluid sprayer can spray washer fluid onto the windshield of the vehicle, and the wiper device can remove contaminants by wiping them away together with the washer fluid.

[0004] In order to prevent the smell of washer fluid from entering the interior of the vehicle when such a washer fluid injection device is operated, conventional vehicles provide a function that automatically switches the mode of the air conditioning system to the internal air mode when the washer fluid is injected if the mode of the air conditioning system is the external air mode.

[0005] Meanwhile, conventional vehicles switch the mode of the air conditioning system from outside air mode to inside air mode after the washer fluid is sprayed, and in this case, the smell of the washer fluid may enter the interior of the vehicle and cause inconvenience to the user.

[0006] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2015-0007638 (January 21, 2015). The problem to be solved

[0008] An objective according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide a washer fluid odor prevention system and method that can more effectively prevent the odor of washer fluid from entering the interior of a vehicle by ensuring that the operation of switching the mode of the air conditioning device from outside air mode to inside air mode is performed before the operation of spraying washer fluid. means of solving the problem

[0010] A washer fluid odor prevention system according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a multifunction switch for receiving user input for controlling a washer; a touch sensor provided on the multifunction switch; and a processor that generates a first control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to an internal air mode and outputs it to the air conditioning device when the mode of the air conditioning device is an external air mode and a touch is detected through the touch sensor.

[0011] In the present invention, the touch sensor is characterized by being provided at the end or side of the multifunction switch.

[0012] The present invention further includes an input / output interface connected to the air conditioning device, and the processor receives status information of the air conditioning device through the input / output interface and determines whether the air conditioning device is in an outside air mode based on the status information.

[0013] In the present invention, the processor is characterized by generating a second control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to an outside air mode when a preset condition is satisfied after outputting the first control signal, and outputting the second control signal to the air conditioning device.

[0014] In the present invention, the processor determines that the condition is satisfied when the operation of the washer and wiper is completed, in the case where a touch is not detected through the touch sensor.

[0015] A method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a step of determining whether the mode of the air conditioning system is an outside air mode; a step of determining whether a touch is detected through a touch sensor provided in a multifunction switch that receives user input for controlling the washer when the mode of the air conditioning system is an outside air mode; and a step of generating a first control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning system to an inside air mode and outputting it to the air conditioning system when a touch is detected through the touch sensor. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention can more effectively prevent the smell of washer fluid from entering the interior of the vehicle by ensuring that the operation of switching the mode of the air conditioning device from outside air mode to inside air mode is performed before the operation of spraying washer fluid.

[0018] Meanwhile, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a washer fluid odor odor prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a touch sensor of a washer fluid odor inflow prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a first flowchart showing a method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a second flowchart showing a method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] Hereinafter, a system and method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a washer fluid odor ingress prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an example diagram for explaining a touch sensor of a washer fluid odor ingress prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a washer fluid odor inflow prevention system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a multifunction switch (110), a touch sensor (120), an input / output interface (130), a memory (140), and a processor (150). Each component included in the washer fluid odor inflow prevention system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be connected via a common bus, or may be connected via an individual interface or an individual bus centered on the processor (150). The washer fluid odor inflow prevention system (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include various additional components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1, or may omit some of the above components.

[0025] A multifunction switch (110) can be provided around the steering wheel as an input device for controlling various functions of the vehicle. The multifunction switch (110) can be used as an input device for controlling lamps, wipers, washer (washer pump), etc. The multifunction switch (110) can receive user input from the driver for controlling lamps, wipers, washer, etc. The multifunction switch (110) can generate and output a control signal corresponding to the user input.

[0026] The multifunction switch (110) can generate a control signal to control the washer according to movement operations by the user. For example, when the multifunction switch (110) is moved in a first direction (driver direction), it can generate a control signal to operate the washer (a control signal to spray washer fluid) and output it to the washer. When the multifunction switch (110) is moved in a second direction (opposite direction of the driver), it can output a control signal to stop the operation of the washer (a control signal to stop the spraying of washer fluid) to the washer.

[0027] A touch sensor (120) may be provided on a multifunction switch (110). For example, the touch sensor (120) may be provided at the end of the multifunction switch (110), as shown in FIG. 2. The touch sensor (120) may also be provided on the side of the multifunction switch (110). The installation location of the touch sensor (120) may be set by considering the area of ​​the multifunction switch (110) where contact is made with a normal driver during the process of operating the multifunction switch (110) to operate the washer.

[0028] The touch sensor (120) can detect a touch (user contact). The touch sensor (120) may be capacitive or pressure-sensitive, but is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can detect user contact in various ways. The touch sensor (120) can output a signal regarding whether a touch has occurred to the processor (150).

[0029] The input / output interface (130) can receive arbitrary data from the outside and transmit it to the processor (150). For example, the input / output interface (130) can receive status information of the air conditioning unit from the air conditioning unit (or body control module (BCM)). Here, the status information of the air conditioning unit may be information indicating the current mode of the air conditioning unit. The modes of the air conditioning unit may include an internal air mode that circulates indoor air internally and an external air mode that circulates outside air.

[0030] The input / output interface (130) can output data generated through the processor (150) to the outside. For example, the input / output interface (130) can output a first control signal or a second control signal generated through the processor (150) to the air conditioning device. Here, the first control signal may be a control signal for switching the mode of the air conditioning device from outside air mode to inside air mode. The second control signal may be a control signal for switching the mode of the air conditioning device from inside air mode to outside air mode.

[0031] Various information required during the operation of the processor (150) may be stored in the memory (140). Additionally, various information generated during the operation of the processor (150) may be stored in the memory (140).

[0032] The processor (150) may be operatively connected to a multifunction switch (110), a touch sensor (120), an input / output interface (130), and a memory (140). The processor (150) may be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a System on Chip (SoC), and may control multiple hardware or software components connected to the processor (150) by running an operating system or application, and may perform various data processing and operations. The processor (150) may be configured to execute at least one instruction stored in the memory (140) and store the execution result data in the memory (140).

[0033] The processor (150) can generate a first control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to the internal air mode and output it to the air conditioning device when the mode of the air conditioning device is the external air mode and a touch is detected through the touch sensor (120).

[0034] Generally, a touch operation on the multifunction switch (110) precedes the operation of the washer. The present invention is inspired by the aforementioned facts, and by confirming the driver's intention to operate the washer through a touch on the multifunction switch and switching to the recirculation mode when the driver has an intention to operate the washer, it is possible to prevent the switching operation to the recirculation mode from occurring after the washer fluid has been ejected, thereby more effectively preventing the smell of the washer fluid from entering the interior of the vehicle.

[0035] The processor (150) can output an operation delay signal to the washer so that the washer operates after the air conditioning system's mode is switched to the recirculation mode when the multifunction switch (110) is operated within a preset time from the point when a touch is detected through the touch sensor (120) (i.e., before the air conditioning system's mode is switched to the recirculation mode). When the operation delay signal is received, the washer does not immediately spray washer fluid even if a control signal for spraying washer fluid is output from the multifunction switch (110), but sprays washer fluid after a preset time.

[0036] The processor (150) receives status information of the air conditioning device through the input / output interface (130) and can determine whether the air conditioning device is in an outside air mode based on the received status information. The processor (150) can determine whether the air conditioning device is in an outside air mode or an outside air mode from the status information of the air conditioning device received through the input / output interface (130).

[0037] After outputting the first control signal, the processor (150) may generate a second control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to an outside air mode when a preset condition is satisfied, and output it to the air conditioning device. Here, the preset condition may include non-detection of touch through the touch sensor (120) and completion of operation of the washer and wiper.

[0038] The processor (150) can generate a second control signal and output it to the air conditioning unit so that when the user removes their hand from the multifunction switch (110) after the air conditioning unit's mode has been switched from the outside air mode to the inside air mode, the mode of the air conditioning unit is switched back to the outside air mode, which is the original mode.

[0039] At this time, the processor (150) can generate a second control signal and output it to the air conditioning device after a predetermined time has elapsed from the point when the operation of the washer and wiper is completed, when the washer and wiper are in operation. Meanwhile, the processor (150) can maintain the mode of the air conditioning device in the recirculation mode while a touch is detected through the touch sensor (120).

[0041] FIG. 3 is a first flowchart showing a method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, we will examine a method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention. Some of the processes described below may be performed in a different order than the order described below or may be omitted.

[0043] First, the processor (150) can determine whether the mode of the air conditioning device is an outside air mode (S301). In step S301, the processor (150) receives status information of the air conditioning device through the input / output interface (130) and can determine whether the air conditioning device is an outside air mode based on the received status information.

[0044] When the mode of the air conditioning unit is the outside air mode, the processor (150) can determine whether a touch is detected on the multifunction switch (110) (S303). In step S303, the processor (150) can check in real time whether a touch is detected on the multifunction switch (110) through the touch sensor (120).

[0045] When a touch is detected on the multifunction switch (110), a first control signal is generated to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to the recirculation mode (S305), and the generated first control signal can be output to the air conditioning device (S307). In step S307, the processor (150) can switch the mode of the air conditioning device to the recirculation mode by outputting the first control signal to the air conditioning device.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a second flowchart showing a method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, we will examine a method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process of FIG. 4 may be performed after the process of FIG. 3. Meanwhile, some of the processes described below may be performed in a different order than the order described below or omitted.

[0049] The processor (150) can determine whether the touch on the multifunction switch (110) has been interrupted (S401). In step S401, the processor (150) can determine whether the touch on the multifunction switch (110) has been interrupted by checking in real time whether the touch on the multifunction switch (110) is detected through the touch sensor (120). Step S401 can be performed when contact with the multifunction switch (110) is maintained after the first control signal is output.

[0050] When the touch on the multifunction switch (110) is interrupted, the processor (150) generates a second control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to an outside air mode (S403) and can output the generated second control signal to the air conditioning device (S405). In step S405, the processor (150) can switch the mode of the air conditioning device to an outside air mode by outputting the second control signal to the air conditioning device. In step S405, if the washer and wiper are in operation, the processor (150) can output the second control signal to the air conditioning device after a predetermined time has elapsed from the point when the operation of the washer and wiper is completed.

[0052] As described above, the washer fluid odor prevention system and method according to an embodiment of the present invention can more effectively prevent the odor of washer fluid from entering the interior of the vehicle by ensuring that the operation of switching the mode of the air conditioning device from outside air mode to inside air mode is performed before the operation of spraying washer fluid.

[0053] The implementations described herein may be implemented, for example, as methods or processes, devices, software programs, data streams, or signals. Even if discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (e.g., discussed only as a method), the implementation of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (e.g., devices or programs). Devices may be implemented in appropriate hardware, software, and firmware, etc. Methods may be implemented in devices such as processors, which generally refer to processing devices including, for example, computers, microprocessors, integrated circuits, or programmable logic devices. Processors also include communication devices such as computers, cell phones, portable / personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), and other devices that facilitate the communication of information between end-users.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims below. Explanation of the symbols

[0056] 100: Washer fluid odor prevention system 110: Multifunction switch 120: Touch sensor 130: Input / Output Interface 140: Memory 150: Processor

Claims

Claim 1 A washer fluid odor prevention system comprising: a multifunction switch for receiving user input for controlling a washer; a touch sensor provided on the multifunction switch; and a processor that generates a first control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to an internal air mode and outputs it to the air conditioning device when the mode of the air conditioning device is an external air mode and a touch is detected through the touch sensor, wherein the processor outputs an operation delay signal to the washer to delay the operation of the washer when the multifunction switch is operated within a preset time from the time when a touch is detected through the touch sensor. Claim 2 A washer fluid odor inflow prevention system according to claim 1, characterized in that the touch sensor is provided at the end or side of the multifunction switch. Claim 3 A washer fluid odor inlet prevention system according to claim 1, further comprising an input / output interface connected to the air conditioning device, wherein the processor receives status information of the air conditioning device through the input / output interface and determines whether the air conditioning device is in an outside air mode based on the status information. Claim 4 A washer fluid odor inflow prevention system according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor generates a second control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to an outside air mode and outputs it to the air conditioning device when a preset condition is satisfied after outputting the first control signal. Claim 5 A washer fluid odor inflow prevention system according to claim 4, characterized in that the processor determines that the condition is satisfied when the operation of the washer and wiper is completed as a case where no touch is detected through the touch sensor. Claim 6 A method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior of a room, performed on a computing device including a processor, comprising: a step of determining whether the mode of the air conditioning unit is an outside air mode; a step of determining whether a touch is detected through a touch sensor provided in a multifunction switch that receives user input for controlling a washer when the mode of the air conditioning unit is an outside air mode; and a step of generating a first control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning unit to an inside air mode and outputting it to the air conditioning unit when a touch is detected through the touch sensor, and further comprising a step of outputting an operation delay signal to the washer to delay the operation of the washer when the multifunction switch is operated within a preset time from the time when a touch is detected through the touch sensor. Claim 7 A method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the cabin, characterized in that, in claim 6, the touch sensor is provided at the end or side of the multifunction switch. Claim 8 In claim 6, the step of determining whether it is in an outside air mode is characterized by receiving status information of the air conditioning device through an input / output interface connected to the air conditioning device, and determining whether the air conditioning device is in an outside air mode based on the status information. Claim 9 A method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the cabin, characterized in that, in claim 6, it further includes the step of generating a second control signal to switch the mode of the air conditioning device to an outside air mode and outputting it to the air conditioning device when a preset condition is satisfied after outputting the first control signal. Claim 10 A method for preventing washer fluid odor from entering the interior according to claim 9, wherein the step of generating the second control signal and outputting it to the air conditioning device is characterized by determining that the condition is satisfied when the operation of the washer and wiper is completed and no touch is detected through the touch sensor.

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