JP4055564B2 - Vehicle air conditioner with ion generator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator that blows air containing ions into a passenger compartment.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an ion generator having both a relaxation effect, a sterilization effect, and a deodorization effect is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This ion generator switches the operation mode to a refresh mode for generating negative ions when a relaxation effect is desired and to a clean mode by simultaneously generating positive ions and negative ions when a sanitization effect is desired.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-216933 [0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the vehicle air conditioner is generally configured such that the intake mode can be switched between an outside air introduction mode for sucking outside air into the air conditioning unit and an inside air circulation mode for sucking inside air. When the above-described ion generator is applied to such a vehicle air conditioner to sterilize the vehicle interior, if the ion generator is operated in the clean mode without taking the intake mode into account, Cannot be blown out and the vehicle interior cannot be sterilized efficiently.
[0005]
The present invention provides a vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator that can efficiently disinfect a vehicle interior.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An air conditioner for a vehicle with an ion generator according to the present invention includes an air conditioning unit that generates conditioned air by inside air or outside air sucked in according to an intake mode, and a ventilation path that guides the conditioned air generated by the air conditioning unit into the vehicle interior. , An ion generator that generates at least ions for sterilization (hereinafter referred to as sterilization ions) in the air flow path, and longer when the outside air is sucked into the air conditioning unit than when the inside air is sucked An ion control means for controlling the ion generator so as to generate sterilized ions over a predetermined time , which is a time determined to be a time, and is a time determined to reduce the number of germs in the vehicle by a predetermined amount The ion control means generates sterilization ions for a predetermined time at the start of the operation of the air conditioning unit, and stops generating the sterilization ions after the predetermined time has elapsed. Uni characterized that you control the ion generating device.
[0007]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when the outside air is sucked into the air conditioning unit, ions for obtaining the sterilization effect are generated for a longer time than when the inside air is sucked. Even if it is low, a desired sterilization effect can be obtained and the vehicle interior can be sterilized efficiently.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. At the entrance of the duct 3 of the air conditioning unit 100, a blower fan 4 that rotates by driving of the blower motor 5 is disposed. When the blower fan 4 rotates, the inside air or the outside air is sucked into the duct 3 according to the intake mode. That is, the inside air is sucked in the inside air circulation mode and the outside air is sucked in the outside air introduction mode, and is cooled by passing through the evaporator 1. This cooling air passes through the heater core 2 according to the opening degree of the air mix door 7 and is heated, or bypasses the heater core 2 with the cooling air remaining. The air that has passed through and bypassed the heater core 2 is mixed in the air mix chamber 8 downstream of the heater core 2 to obtain conditioned air at a predetermined temperature. The conditioned air is supplied from a center vent outlet provided at the center of the instrument panel, side vent outlets provided at the left and right ends, a foot outlet provided at the lower portion, and a defrost outlet provided near the front window. It is blown into the passenger compartment from the exit.
[0009]
An ion generator 10 is disposed in the middle of the air duct 12 that connects the air mix chamber 8 and the side vent outlet 11b on the driver's seat side. The ion generator 10 is a so-called plasma ion generator that generates ions in the air by discharge between electrodes. The mode mainly refreshes the passenger (refresh mode) and the mode that mainly disinfects and deodorizes the passenger compartment. The operation mode can be switched between (clean mode and deodorization mode). For example, negative ions (referred to as relaxation ions) are generated in the refresh mode, and negative ions and positive ions (referred to as sterilization ions) are generated simultaneously in the clean mode. Such a configuration is known in the field of household air purifiers, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Since ions have a characteristic that they tend to disappear when they collide with a wall such as a duct, the ion generator 10 is preferably arranged as close to the outlet 11b as possible in order to efficiently blow out the ions into the passenger compartment.
[0010]
Driving of the blower motor 5, the inside / outside air switching door 6, the air mix door 7, etc. is controlled by the air conditioning controller 20. For example, when a fan-on signal is input by operating the passenger's air conditioning panel 21, a control signal is output to the blower motor 5 to drive the blower motor 5, and when a fan-off signal is input, driving of the blower motor 5 is stopped. When the outside air introduction mode is selected by operating the air conditioning panel 21, a control signal is output to the inside / outside air switching door driving actuator 6a to switch the inside / outside air switching door 6 to the outside air suction side (solid line in FIG. 1). When the circulation mode is selected, the mode is switched to the inside air suction side (dotted line in FIG. 1). The air conditioning controller 20 receives not only the air conditioning panel 21 but also signals from various sensors (such as a vehicle interior temperature sensor and an outside air temperature sensor) that detect the vehicle state. Based on these information, the air conditioning controller 20 determines the blower motor 5. , Controls the drive of the inside / outside air switching door 6, the air mix door 7, and the like.
[0011]
The fan on / off signal from the air conditioning controller 20 and the switching signal for the inside / outside air switching door 6 are also input to the ion control circuit 30. Based on these signals, the ion control circuit 30 executes processing as described later, outputs a control signal to the ion generator 10, and controls the operation of the ion generator 10.
[0012]
By the way, since outside air is introduced into the vehicle interior during the outside air introduction mode, the ion concentration in the vehicle interior during the outside air introduction mode is lower than that during the inside air circulation mode. Therefore, the disinfection effect in the clean mode is higher in the inside air circulation mode than in the outside air introduction mode. FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the operating time T of the ion generator 10 and the number of bacteria Q in the passenger compartment. When the ion generator 10 is operated in the clean mode at time T0, the time required to reduce the number of bacteria in the passenger compartment from the initial value Q0 to the target value Q1 is TF in the outside air introduction mode and TR in the inside air circulation mode. TF> TR. Therefore, if the operation is performed in the clean mode for a certain time (for example, TR) without considering the difference in the intake mode, there is a possibility that a sufficient sterilization effect cannot be obtained in the outside air introduction mode. In the present embodiment, by controlling the operation of the ion generator 10 as follows, a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained even in the outside air introduction mode.
[0013]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ion control circuit 30. The memory of the ion control circuit 30 stores in advance the initial times TR and TF shown in FIG. First, in step S1, it is determined whether the ignition switch is turned on and a fan-on signal is input. If step S1 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S2 to determine the intake mode. If it is determined in step S2 that the outside air introduction mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S3, and the initial time TF is set as the remaining clean mode operation time t. If it is determined in step S2 that the inside air circulation mode is set, the process proceeds to step S4, and the initial time TR is set as the remaining clean mode operation time t. Next, in step S5, a control signal is output to the ion generator 10, and the ion generator 10 is started to operate in the clean mode.
[0014]
Next, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the intake mode has been switched from the inside air circulation mode to the outside air introduction mode. If step S6 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S7, where a predetermined arithmetic expression is executed to change the remaining clean mode operation time t. That is, a value obtained by multiplying the initial time ratio (TF / TR) by the current remaining clean mode operation time t is newly set as the remaining clean mode operation time t. If step S6 is negative, the process proceeds to step S8 to determine whether or not the intake mode has been switched from the outside air introduction mode to the inside air circulation mode. If step S8 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S9. If negative, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S9, the ratio of the initial time (TR / TF) multiplied by the current remaining clean mode operation time t is newly set as the remaining clean mode operation time t.
[0015]
In step S10, the timer is counted, and the remaining clean mode operation time t is updated. That is, the remaining clean mode operation time t is decreased by the counted time. In step S11, it is determined whether the remaining clean mode operation time t updated in step S10 is 0 or less. If step S11 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S12, and if not, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12, a control signal is output to the ion generator 10, and the ion generator 10 is operated in the refresh mode. In step S13, a control signal is output to the ion generator 10, and the ion generator 10 is operated in the clean mode.
[0016]
On the other hand, if step S1 is negative, that is, it is determined that it is not immediately after the fan-on signal is input, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether or not a fan-off signal is input. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S15, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S15, a control signal is output to the ion generator 10 to stop the operation of the ion generator 10.
[0017]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described more specifically.
When the ignition switch is turned on by a passenger and a fan-on signal is input, and the inside air or outside air is sucked into the air conditioning unit 100, the ion generator 10 starts operating in the clean mode (step S5). As a result, sterilization ions are generated in the air duct 12, and are blown out into the passenger compartment together with the conditioned air. As a result, the number of germs in the passenger compartment gradually decreases from the value Q0 before boarding.
[0018]
When the inside air circulation mode is selected at the start of the operation of the air conditioner, the ion generator 10 operates in the clean mode for a predetermined time TR as shown in FIG. 2 (Step S6 → Step S8 → Step S10 → Step S11 → Step S13). ), After a predetermined time TR, the mode is switched to the refresh mode (step S11 → step S12). As a result, the number of germs in the passenger compartment is reduced to the target value Q1, the interior of the passenger compartment can be sufficiently sterilized, and negative ions can be blown into the passenger compartment to relax the occupant.
[0019]
When the ion generator 10 is operating in the clean mode, when the inside air circulation mode is switched to the outside air introduction mode, the ion concentration in the passenger compartment is reduced, and the sterilization effect is reduced. In this case, the ratio (TF / TR) of the initial time for sterilizing a certain amount of bacteria Q0, that is, the rate of decrease in the sterilization effect when the intake mode is changed from the inside air circulation mode to the outside air introduction mode Accordingly, the remaining clean mode operation time t is changed (step S7). As a result, when the inside air circulation mode is switched to the outside air introduction mode, the operation time of the clean mode is extended, and a predetermined number (Q0-Q1) of germs can be sterilized.
[0020]
On the other hand, when the outside air introduction mode is selected at the start of the operation of the air conditioner, the ion generator 10 operates in the clean mode for a predetermined time TF (> TR) from the start of the rotation of the fan 4 and then switches to the refresh mode. As a result, sterilization ions are blown out for a longer time than in the inside air circulation mode, and a predetermined sterilization effect can be obtained even in the outside air introduction mode in which the ion concentration in the passenger compartment is low.
[0021]
If the outside air introduction mode is switched to the inside air circulation mode during operation in the clean mode, the ion concentration in the passenger compartment increases and the sterilization effect is enhanced. In this case, the remaining clean mode operation time t is changed according to the ratio of the initial time (TR / TF), that is, the rate of increase in the sterilization effect when the intake mode is changed from the outside air introduction mode to the inside air circulation mode. (Step S9). As a result, when the outside air introduction mode is switched to the inside air circulation mode, the operation time of the clean mode is shorter than TF, and the ion generator 10 is quickly switched to the refresh mode. As a result, passenger comfort can be improved and the vehicle interior can be sterilized efficiently.
[0022]
According to the present embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) Since the operation time TF in the clean mode in the outside air introduction mode is set longer than the operation time TR in the clean air circulation mode (TF> TR), the ion concentration in the passenger compartment is low. In addition, a desired sterilization effect can be obtained, and the vehicle interior can be sterilized efficiently.
(2) When the engine key switch is turned on and a fan-on signal is input when the occupant is on board, the ion generator 10 starts to operate in the clean mode. The time to do this is shortened, and the influence of various bacteria on the occupant can be reduced. In addition, the vehicle interior can be appropriately sterilized without detecting a germ state in the vehicle interior using a sensor or the like.
(3) Immediately after the operation of the ion generator 10 is started, the operation is performed in the clean mode, and the operation mode is changed from the clean mode to the refresh mode after a predetermined time t has elapsed. A relaxation effect can be exerted.
(4) If the intake mode is changed before the predetermined time TF, TR elapses, the remaining clean mode operation time t is changed according to the difference in the sterilization effect due to the change of the intake mode (ratio of TF and TR). Thus, even if the intake mode is switched before the predetermined time TF, TR has elapsed, a predetermined number (Q0-Q1) of germs can be sterilized. (5) Since the ion generator 10 is operated and stopped with the operation and stop of the blower fan 4, the ion generator 10 can be operated efficiently.
[0023]
In the above embodiment, the ion generator 10 having the clean mode and the refresh mode is used. However, the refresh mode may not be provided as long as at least the clean mode is provided. Although the operation of the ion generator 10 is started when the fan 4 starts operating, the number of germs in the passenger compartment is detected by a sensor or the like, and the operation of the ion generator 10 is started when the detected value is a predetermined value or more. May be. Moreover, you may operate the ion generator 10 by manual operation. Although the intake mode can be switched between the inside air circulation mode and the outside air introduction mode, the intake mode may be switched to a mode in which the inside air and the outside air are sucked at a predetermined ratio. In this case, the clean mode operation may be set according to the ion concentration corresponding to the inhalation mode.
[0024]
In the above embodiment, the ion generating device 10 is arranged in the air duct 12, but the ion generating device may be arranged in another air blowing path. The remaining operation time t is changed in accordance with the change in the intake mode so as to sterilize a predetermined number (Q0-Q1) of germs even when the intake mode changes, but at least to reduce the change in the intake mode. If the remaining operation time t is changed, the predetermined number (Q0-Q1) of germs may not be sterilized. If the operation in the clean mode is set longer in the inside air circulation mode than in the outside air introduction mode, the ion control circuit 30 as ion control means may control the ion generator 10 in any way. That is, as long as the features and functions of the present invention can be realized, the present invention is not limited to the vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator according to the embodiment.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operating time of the ion generator and the number of bacteria in the passenger compartment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to operation control of the ion generator of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
4 Blower fan 6 Inside / outside air switching door 10 Ion generator 11b Side vent outlet 12 Air duct 20 Air conditioning controller 30 Ion control circuit 100 Air conditioning unit

Claims (3)

An air conditioning unit that generates conditioned air from inside air or outside air sucked in according to the intake mode;
A ventilation path for guiding the conditioned air generated by the air conditioning unit into the vehicle interior;
An ion generator that generates at least ions for obtaining a sterilization effect (hereinafter referred to as sterilization ions) in the air flow path;
When the outside air is sucked into the air conditioning unit, it is a time determined so as to be longer than when the inside air is sucked , and is a predetermined time that is set to reduce the number of germs in the vehicle by a predetermined amount. An ion control means for controlling the ion generator so as to generate the sterilization ions over time ,
The ion control means, operation start of the air conditioning unit, the generated the sterilization ions for a predetermined time, that controls the ion generator to stop the generation of the sterilization ions after the predetermined time period elapses A vehicle air conditioner equipped with an ion generator. In the vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator according to claim 1,
  The ion generator is capable of separately generating the sterilization ions and ions for obtaining a relaxation effect (hereinafter referred to as relaxation ions), and the ion control means generates the sterilization ions over the predetermined time. Then, the ion generator is controlled so as to generate the relaxation ions, and the vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator is provided. In the vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator according to claim 1 or 2,
  A vehicle air conditioner with an ion generator, wherein when the intake mode is changed while the ion generator is generating the sterilized ions, the predetermined time is changed according to the change of the intake mode.

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