Vehicle air conditioning system and air conditioning control device

Abstract

A WS heater (2) is provided to a WS (1) of a vehicle and is capable of heating the WS (1). An air conditioning device (3) has: a blower unit (7) capable of adjusting a ratio of an introduction amount of outside air of a vehicle cabin and a circulation amount of inside air of the vehicle cabin; and an air conditioning unit (8) that heats air supplied from the blower unit (7) by an air conditioning heater (35) and blows the air into the vehicle cabin. An outside air temperature sensor (41) detects an outside air temperature. An inside air temperature sensor (42) detects an inside air temperature of the vehicle cabin. An air conditioning ECU (4) drives the WS heater (2) so that the WS (1) does not fog, drives the air conditioning heater (35) so that the inside air temperature of the vehicle cabin becomes a set temperature, and further drives the blower unit (7) so that the ratio of the introduction amount of the outside air of the vehicle cabin is reduced and the ratio of the circulation amount of the inside air of the vehicle cabin is increased, in accordance with the outside air temperature.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-186984, filed on October 31, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an air conditioning system and air conditioning control device for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, in electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or plug-in hybrid vehicles, there was a known type of vehicle with a windshield heater that heated the windshield by electricity. Hereinafter, the windshield will be referred to as "WS" and the windshield heater will be referred to as "WS heater".

[0005] The air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 does not drive the air conditioning unit in defrost mode when the outside air temperature is below a specified temperature threshold and the WS fogs up. Instead, it controls the heating of the WS through the WS heater.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-041521.

[0009] However, the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 does not disclose a control method for further reducing the total energy consumed by the air conditioning heater and the WS heater.

[0010] Through in-depth research, the inventors of this disclosure have discovered a control method that can further reduce the total energy consumed by the air conditioning heater and the WS heater according to various conditions of vehicle use. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system and air conditioning control device that can simultaneously reduce the total energy consumed by the air conditioning heater and the WS heater, as well as the WS's anti-fogging function.

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle air conditioning system includes:

[0013] A WS heater, which is installed in the WS of the vehicle and is capable of heating the WS;

[0014] An air conditioning unit, comprising a blower unit and an air conditioning unit, wherein the blower unit is capable of adjusting the ratio of the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle to the amount of indoor air circulated, and the air conditioning unit heats the air supplied from the blower unit and blows it into the vehicle interior via an air conditioning heater.

[0015] An outside air temperature sensor detects the outside air temperature, which is the temperature outside the vehicle.

[0016] Interior air temperature sensor, which detects the temperature inside the vehicle; and

[0017] The air conditioning control device drives the WS heater to prevent WS from fogging and drives the air conditioning heater to make the interior temperature of the vehicle reach the set temperature. Furthermore, it drives the blower unit according to the outside air temperature to reduce the proportion of outside air introduced into the vehicle and increase the proportion of air circulating in the vehicle interior.

[0018] In the following explanation, outdoor air is referred to as "outdoor air," and indoor air is referred to as "indoor air." Furthermore, the indoor air recirculation volume, which is the sum of the outdoor air intake and the indoor air recirculation volume, is called the "indoor air ratio." The air conditioning control device is referred to as the "air conditioning ECU." ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit.

[0019] According to the structure of one aspect of this disclosure, the air conditioning ECU increases the proportion of interior air when the outside air temperature is low. This significantly reduces the energy required to heat the cold outside air via the air conditioning heater when the outside air temperature is low. On the other hand, as the proportion of interior air increases, the relative humidity inside the vehicle increases, thus increasing the energy required to heat the WS (heating system) via the WS heater. However, when the outside air temperature is low, the increase in energy of the WS heater due to the increase in the proportion of interior air is less than the increase in energy required to heat the cold outside air via the air conditioning heater; therefore, the total energy consumed by the air conditioning heater and the WS heater is reduced.

[0020] In contrast, the air conditioning ECU reduces the proportion of interior air when the outside air temperature is high, thus increasing the amount of outside air introduced. This reduces the relative humidity of the air inside the vehicle, decreasing the energy required to heat the air conditioning system (WS) heater. On the other hand, as the amount of outside air introduced increases, the energy required by the air conditioning heater to heat the outside air also increases. However, when the outside air temperature is high, the energy reduction of the WS heater due to the decrease in the proportion of interior air is greater than the energy increase of the air conditioning heater due to the increase in the proportion of interior air. Therefore, the total energy consumed by the air conditioning heater and the WS heater is reduced.

[0021] Therefore, when the outside air temperature is low, the vehicle's air conditioning system can increase the proportion of internal air to bring the total energy consumed by the air conditioning heater and the WS heater close to the minimum value determined by the outside air temperature.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the air conditioning ECU is mounted on a vehicle and controls the operation of the WS heater and the air conditioning unit. The vehicle includes: a WS heater disposed in the vehicle's WS and capable of heating the WS; an air conditioning unit having a blower unit and an air conditioning unit, the blower unit capable of adjusting the ratio of the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle to the amount of air recirculated into the vehicle interior, the air conditioning unit heating the air supplied from the blower unit via the air conditioning heater and blowing it into the vehicle interior; an outside air temperature sensor that detects the outside air temperature; and an inside air temperature sensor that detects the inside air temperature. The air conditioning ECU performs the following control: driving the WS heater to prevent fogging of the WS, driving the air conditioning heater to achieve a set temperature inside the vehicle interior, and further, driving the blower unit according to the outside air temperature to reduce the proportion of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and increase the proportion of air recirculated into the vehicle interior.

[0023] Therefore, the air conditioning ECU of another aspect of this disclosure also has the same effect as the vehicle air conditioning system of one aspect of this disclosure.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle air conditioning system includes:

[0025] A WS heater, which is installed in the WS of the vehicle and is capable of heating the WS;

[0026] An air conditioning unit comprising a blower unit and an air conditioning unit, the blower unit drawing in outside air and inside air, and the air conditioning unit heating the air supplied from the blower unit via an air conditioning heater and blowing it into the vehicle interior; and

[0027] In each of the following modes—defrosting mode for de-icing the WS, defogging mode for eliminating fogging of the WS, anti-fogging mode for preventing fogging of the WS, and body temperature regulation mode for warming occupants through air conditioning air blown from the air conditioning unit and radiant heat from the WS heater—the air conditioning control device performs control over driving the WS heater.

[0028] Therefore, when the WS heater is activated, the radiant heat from the WS heater can warm the upper body of the occupant. Thus, by using the WS heater not only for de-icing, defogging, and anti-fogging of the WS, but also for regulating the body temperature of the occupant, the comfort of the vehicle's air conditioning can be improved, while the total energy consumed by the air conditioning heater and the WS heater can be reduced.

[0029] Furthermore, the parenthesized reference symbols used to annotate each constituent element, etc., represent an example of the correspondence between that constituent element, etc., and the specific constituent elements, etc., described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the control system of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a graph showing the results of a simulation of the relationship between the total power consumption of the WS heater and air conditioning unit and the ratio of indoor air temperature for each outdoor air temperature.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the air conditioning ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the blower unit of the air conditioning unit included in the vehicle air conditioning system according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 The diagram corresponding to the VI directional arrow view is a front view showing the blower unit of the air conditioning device included in the vehicle air conditioning system according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the air conditioning ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an air conditioning device included in a vehicle air conditioning system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle air conditioning system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a block diagram of the control system of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the air conditioning ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 12This is a top view of the WS heater included in the vehicle air conditioning system according to the sixth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle air conditioning system according to the seventh embodiment.

[0043] Figure 14 This is a block diagram of the control system of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the seventh embodiment.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a top view of the WS heater included in the vehicle air conditioning system according to the eighth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the air conditioning ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the ninth embodiment.

[0046] Figure 17 This is a block diagram of the control system of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the tenth embodiment.

[0047] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the air conditioning ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0048] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the air conditioning ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the twelfth embodiment.

[0049] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating the control processing performed by the air conditioning ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the thirteenth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same symbols, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0051] (First Implementation)

[0052] Reference Figures 1-4 The first embodiment will be described. The vehicle air conditioning system of the first embodiment is, for example, installed in vehicles that cannot utilize engine heat dissipation or have limited engine heat dissipation utilization, such as electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The vehicle air conditioning system is capable of regulating the air inside the vehicle and defogging the windshield 1 (hereinafter referred to as "WS1"). Furthermore, in this disclosure, defogging, in addition to preventing window fogging, sometimes also includes de-icing, defogging, and other methods to eliminate window fogging.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle air conditioning system includes a WS heater 2, an air conditioning unit 3, and an air conditioning ECU 4.

[0054] The WS heater 2 is a transparent electric heater installed on the WS1 in the vehicle. The WS heater 2 has a transparent conductive film 5 disposed in the light-transmitting area of ​​the WS1 and multiple electrode portions 6 electrically connected to the transparent conductive film 5. The WS heater 2 generates heat by being energized, and can directly heat the light-transmitting area of ​​the WS1.

[0055] The air conditioning unit 3 includes a blower unit 7 and an air conditioning unit 8. The blower unit 7 includes a blower unit housing 9, an indoor / outdoor air switching door 10, and a blower 11, and is capable of adjusting the ratio of outdoor air intake to indoor air circulation. The blower unit housing 9 is provided with an outdoor air intake 12 for drawing in outdoor air and an indoor air intake 13 for drawing in indoor air. The indoor / outdoor air switching door 10 opens and closes the outdoor air intake 12 and the indoor air intake 13. Specifically, the indoor / outdoor air switching door 10 adjusts the opening area of ​​the outdoor air intake 12 and the opening area of ​​the indoor air intake 13. Thus, the indoor / outdoor air switching door 10 can adjust the airflow of outdoor air drawn into the blower unit housing 9 from the outdoor air intake 12 and the airflow of indoor air drawn into the blower unit housing 9 from the indoor air intake 13. The blower 11 is, for example, a centrifugal fan. As the blower 11 rotates, the air drawn in from the outside air intake 12 and the inside air intake 13 into the blower unit housing 9 flows through the air conditioning unit 8 and the pipes 14, 15, and 16, and is blown out from the air outlets 17, 18, and 19 located in the vehicle interior.

[0056] The air conditioning unit 8 includes an air conditioning unit housing 20, a cooling heat exchanger 21, a heating heat exchanger 22, an air mixing door 23, and multiple mode switching doors 24, 25, and 26. A ventilation passage 27 is formed inside the air conditioning unit housing 20. The cooling heat exchanger 21, located within the ventilation passage 27, is an evaporator that forms part of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle 28. In the refrigeration cycle 28, the compressor 29, condenser 30, expansion valve 31, evaporator (serving as the cooling heat exchanger 21), and receiver 32 are connected via refrigerant piping. The gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 29 exchanges heat with outside air in the condenser 30 to become a liquid refrigerant. Upon passing through the expansion valve 31, it is depressurized and expands to become a two-phase gas-liquid state, flowing into the evaporator (i.e., the cooling heat exchanger 21). The refrigerant that evaporates in the evaporator through heat exchange with the air flowing through the ventilation passage 27 passes through the receiver 32 and is drawn into the compressor 29. The evaporator allows the refrigerant flowing through the pipe to exchange heat with the air flowing through the ventilation passage 27, thereby cooling the air flowing through the ventilation passage 27.

[0057] A heating heat exchanger 22 is installed downstream of the cooling heat exchanger 21 within the ventilation passage 27. The heating heat exchanger 22 is a heat exchanger that forms part of the water circuit 33. The water circuit 33 is constructed by water piping connecting a water pump 34, an electric heater (serving as an air conditioning heater 35), the heating heat exchanger 22, and a storage tank 36. Water circulates in the water circuit 33 driven by the water pump 34. The air conditioning heater 35 is an electric heater, for example, a PCT heater. PCT is an abbreviation for Positive Temperature Coefficient. The water heated by the air conditioning heater 35 exchanges heat with the air flowing through the ventilation passage 27 as it passes through the heating heat exchanger 22, thereby heating the air flowing through the ventilation passage 27. Therefore, the electric heater (serving as an air conditioning heater 35) generates heat by being energized, indirectly heating the air flowing through the ventilation passage 27 of the air conditioning unit 8 via the heating heat exchanger 22.

[0058] Air mixing door 23 adjusts the flow rate of air passing through heating heat exchanger 22 in ventilation path 27 and the flow rate of air bypassing heating heat exchanger 22.

[0059] Multiple mode switching doors 24, 25, and 26 open and close the air outlets 37, 38, and 39 of the air conditioning unit 8. Specifically, defrost door 24 opens and closes defrost air outlet 37, face door 25 opens and closes face air outlet 38, and foot door 26 opens and closes foot air outlet 39. When defrost door 24 opens defrost air outlet 37, air conditioning air is blown out from defrost outlet 17. When face door 25 opens face air outlet 38, air conditioning air is blown out from face outlet 18. When foot door 26 opens foot air outlet 39, air conditioning air is blown out from foot outlet 19.

[0060] The air conditioning ECU4 consists of a microcomputer containing a processor for performing control and arithmetic operations, and storage units such as ROM and RAM for storing programs and data, along with its peripheral circuitry. The storage units are composed of non-transient physical storage media. The air conditioning ECU4 executes various control and arithmetic operations based on the programs stored in the storage units, and controls the drives of various devices connected to the output ports. Specifically, the air conditioning ECU4 controls the drive of the WS heater 2 and the drives of various components of the air conditioning unit 3, including the refrigeration cycle 28 and the water circuit 33.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, signals from various sensors and the control panel 40 are input to the air conditioning ECU 4. The outside air temperature sensor 41 detects the outside air temperature, which is the temperature outside the vehicle. The inside air temperature sensor 42 detects the inside air temperature. The vent temperature sensor 43 detects the temperature of the air conditioning air blowing out from each vent 17, 18, and 19. The vehicle speed sensor 44 detects the vehicle speed. The solar radiation sensor 45 detects the amount of sunlight.

[0062] WS temperature sensor 46 detects the temperature of WS1. Temperature and humidity sensor 47 is located in an area slightly rearward from the center of the vehicle interior, detecting temperature and relative humidity. Seating sensor 48 is located at each seat in the vehicle interior, detecting whether an occupant is seated. CO2 sensor 49 detects the carbon dioxide concentration in the vehicle interior. Furthermore, only at least one of these three sensors (temperature and humidity sensor 47, seating sensor 48, and CO2 sensor 49) needs to be used.

[0063] The control panel 40 includes, for example, an air conditioning switch, an automatic switch, a temperature setting switch, a blowout mode switch, an inside / outside air switching switch, and a fan speed switching switch. The air conditioning switch drives the compressor 29 of the cooling cycle 28. The automatic switch automatically controls the air conditioning mode. The temperature setting switch sets the interior temperature. The blowout mode switch manually sets the blowout mode. The inside / outside air switching switch manually sets the inside / outside air intake mode. The fan speed switching switch manually sets the fan speed of the blower 11. Furthermore, as blowout modes, there are face mode, foot mode, two-way mode, foot / defrost mode, and defrost mode.

[0064] The air conditioning ECU 4 drives the WS heater 2 to prevent the WS1 from fogging. Specifically, the air conditioning ECU 4 adjusts the heat output of the WS heater 2 to keep the relative humidity near the surface of the WS1 below a specified humidity threshold. The specified humidity threshold is set to a value below 100%. The relative humidity near the surface of the WS1 is calculated or estimated based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle and the temperature of the WS1. The relative humidity inside the vehicle is detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 47, or estimated by the number of passengers detected by the seating sensor 48 or the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the CO2 sensor 49. The carbon dioxide concentration inside the vehicle is equivalent to the exhaled breath volume of the occupants.

[0065] In addition, the air conditioning ECU4 can adjust the heat output of the WS heater 2 according to the outside air temperature, or it can adjust the heat output of the WS heater 2 according to the outside air temperature and the relative humidity inside the vehicle.

[0066] When the air conditioning ECU4 performs automatic control during heating, it drives various components of the air conditioning unit 3, including the air conditioning heater 35 and blower 11, which contain the water circuit 33, to bring the interior temperature to the set temperature. Specifically, the air conditioning ECU4 sets the target airflow temperature and air volume of the air conditioning unit 3 based on the set temperature, outside air temperature, interior temperature, and sunlight intensity. Then, it controls the power supply to the air conditioning heater 35 to ensure that the temperature of the air conditioning air (i.e., the outlet temperature) blown from each outlet 17, 18, and 19 is close to the target outlet temperature. The target outlet temperature is called TAO. TAO is an abbreviation for Temperature Air Output.

[0067] Furthermore, the air conditioning ECU4 in this embodiment is configured to control the drive of the WS heater 2 and the air conditioning unit 3, so that the total power consumption, including the power consumption of the WS heater 2 and the power consumption of the air conditioning unit 3, is close to a minimum value determined by the outside air temperature. In the following description, the total power consumption, including the power consumption of the WS heater 2 and the power consumption of the air conditioning unit 3, will be simply referred to as "total power consumption".

[0068] Here, refer to Figure 3 The chart illustrates the results of simulations conducted by the inventors of this disclosure, based on each outside air temperature, regarding the relationship between total power consumption and the internal air ratio. Furthermore, the internal air ratio is the internal air circulation volume relative to the sum of the outside air intake and the internal air circulation volume.

[0069] Furthermore, in this simulation, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the WS heater 2 to prevent WS1 from fogging. Additionally, in automatic control (i.e., automatic mode), the air conditioning ECU4 drives the air conditioning heater 35 and the blower 11 to bring the interior temperature to the set temperature. Moreover, when the outside air temperature is below 0°C, the compressor 29 of the cooling cycle 28 stops.

[0070] The simulation was conducted under the following conditions.

[0071] • Cargo compartment volume: The volume of a typical passenger car (e.g., 410-420L).

[0072] • Number of passengers: 5

[0073] Driving mode: 40km / h

[0074] • Evaluation time: 10000s

[0075] • AC heating: Auto (automatic control)

[0076] • Set temperature: 25℃

[0077] • Sunshine: 0W

[0078] exist Figure 3In the charts, the minimum values ​​of total power consumption are marked with circles on the graphs of various outside air temperatures.

[0079] exist Figure 3 In the chart, when the outside air temperature is -20°C and the internal air ratio is 100%, the total power consumption is minimal. As the internal air ratio decreases, the total power consumption increases. This is because if the internal air ratio decreases, the amount of outside air introduced increases, thus increasing the energy required to heat the low-temperature outside air via the air conditioning heater 35.

[0080] exist Figure 3 In the chart, when the outside air temperature is -15℃, -10℃, and -5℃, the total power consumption is minimal when the internal air ratio is 90%. That is, the total power consumption is lower when the internal air ratio is 90% than when it is 100%. As the internal air ratio decreases from 90%, the total power consumption increases.

[0081] exist Figure 3 In the chart, when the outside air temperature is 0°C, the total power consumption is minimal when the interior air ratio is 70%. That is, the total power consumption at 70% interior air ratio is lower than at 100%. This is because if the interior air ratio decreases, the amount of outside air introduced increases, thus decreasing the relative humidity of the air inside the vehicle and reducing the energy required to heat WS1 via WS heater 2. On the other hand, as the amount of outside air introduced increases, the energy required to heat outside air via air conditioning heater 35 increases. However, the higher the outside air temperature, the greater the decrease in energy of WS heater 2 due to the decrease in interior air ratio compared to the increase in energy of air conditioning heater 35 due to the decrease in interior air ratio, resulting in a lower total power consumption.

[0082] As in Figure 3 As shown by the dashed line T in the chart, it can be seen that when the outside air temperature is below the first specified value (e.g., Figure 3 When the outside temperature is -15℃, by further increasing the proportion of internal air when the outside temperature is at the first specified value, the total power consumption tends to be minimized. Furthermore, it can be seen that when the outside temperature is higher than the second specified value (e.g., when the outside temperature is -15℃), the total power consumption tends to be minimized. Figure 3 When the outside air temperature is -5℃, by further reducing the proportion of interior air when the outside air temperature is at a second predetermined value, the total power consumption approaches a minimum. The air conditioning ECU4 adjusts the proportion of interior air based on the outside air temperature to minimize the total power consumption. Furthermore, Figure 3The values ​​for the proportion of internal air where the total power consumption is minimized, as shown in the charts, are valid under the simulated conditions described above and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Therefore, the first and second specified values ​​are set based on various conditions such as vehicle volume, number of passengers, driving mode, set temperature, and sunlight exposure. The first and second specified values ​​are preset through experiments and stored in memory. Furthermore, the first and second specified values ​​are not limited to being different values; they may also be set to the same value.

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 4 The flowchart below explains the control process by which the air conditioning ECU4 of this embodiment performs heating through automatic control. Furthermore, in the following description and flowchart, each step will be abbreviated as "S".

[0084] When the automatic switch is turned on, the air conditioning ECU4 repeats the operation according to the prescribed control cycle. Figure 4 The control process is shown in the flowchart.

[0085] In S11, the air conditioning ECU4 sets the position of the indoor / outdoor air switching door 10 of the blower unit 7 based on the outside air temperature. Specifically, the air conditioning ECU4 sets the position of the indoor / outdoor air switching door 10 and moves it to that position as follows: increasing the proportion of indoor air when the outside air temperature is low, and decreasing the proportion of indoor air when the outside air temperature is high. Specifically, as follows... Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning ECU4, for example, performs control by increasing the proportion of interior air as the outside air temperature decreases within a specified temperature range. Conversely, the air conditioning ECU4, for example, performs control by decreasing the proportion of interior air as the outside air temperature increases within the specified temperature range.

[0086] Next, in S12, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether the relative humidity near the surface of WS1 is higher than a predetermined humidity threshold. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the predetermined humidity threshold is set to a value below 100%. Additionally, the relative humidity near the surface of WS1 is calculated or estimated based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle and the temperature of WS1. If it is determined that the relative humidity near the surface of WS1 is higher than the predetermined humidity threshold, the process proceeds to S13.

[0087] In S13, the air conditioning ECU4 activates the WS heater 2. As a result, WS1 is heated, preventing water vapor in the air inside the vehicle from condensing on WS1, thus preventing the windows from fogging up.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined in S12 that the relative humidity near the surface of WS1 is lower than a predetermined humidity threshold, the process proceeds to S14. In S14, the air conditioning ECU4 shuts off the WS heater 2. As a result, the WS heater 2 does not consume power.

[0089] After processing in S13 and S14, the air conditioning ECU4 repeats the process again starting from S11.

[0090] The vehicle air conditioning system of the first embodiment described above performs the following functions.

[0091] (1) In the first embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the WS heater 2 so that the WS1 does not fog up, and drives the air conditioning heater 35 so that the interior temperature of the vehicle becomes the set temperature. Furthermore, the blower unit 7 is driven according to the outside air temperature to increase the proportion of interior air.

[0092] Therefore, when the outside air temperature is low, the air conditioning ECU4 can significantly reduce the energy required to heat the low-temperature outside air by increasing the proportion of interior air. On the other hand, as the proportion of interior air increases, the relative humidity inside the vehicle increases, thus increasing the energy required to heat WS1 by WS heater 2. However, when the outside air temperature is low, the increase in energy of WS heater 2 due to the increase in the proportion of interior air is less than the increase in energy required by air conditioning heater 35 to heat the low-temperature outside air, thus reducing the total electrical energy consumption.

[0093] In contrast, when the outside air temperature is high, the air conditioning ECU4 reduces the relative humidity of the air inside the vehicle by decreasing the proportion of interior air (i.e., increasing the proportion of outside air intake), thus reducing the energy required for the WS heater 2 to heat the WS1. On the other hand, as the amount of outside air intake increases, the energy required for the air conditioning heater 35 to heat the outside air increases. However, when the outside air temperature is high, the reduction in energy of the WS heater 2 due to the decrease in the proportion of interior air is greater than the increase in energy of the air conditioning heater 35 due to the increase in the proportion of interior air, therefore, the total power consumption is reduced.

[0094] Therefore, the vehicle's air conditioning system, by increasing the proportion of interior air based on the outside air temperature, can bring the total power consumption close to a minimum value determined by the outside air temperature. Furthermore, specifically, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning ECU4, for example, performs control by increasing the proportion of interior air as the outside air temperature decreases within a specified temperature range. Conversely, the air conditioning ECU4, for example, performs control by decreasing the proportion of interior air as the outside air temperature increases within the specified temperature range.

[0095] (2) In the first embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 can estimate the humidity inside the vehicle based on the number of occupants or the concentration of carbon dioxide inside the vehicle. Then, when the relative humidity of the surface of WS1 calculated based on the estimated humidity inside the vehicle and the temperature of WS1 detected by the WS temperature sensor 46 is higher than a predetermined humidity threshold, the air conditioning ECU4 executes control to heat WS1 by the WS heater 2.

[0096] Therefore, the power consumption of the WS heater 2 can be reduced when the humidity inside the vehicle is low. As a result, the total power consumption can be reduced.

[0097] (3) In the first embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 47 may also be located in a region further rearward than the center of the vehicle interior in the front-rear direction. In this case, when the relative humidity of the surface of WS1, calculated based on the temperature and relative humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 47 and the temperature of WS1 detected by the WS temperature sensor 46, is higher than a predetermined humidity threshold, the air conditioning ECU 4 executes control to heat WS1 by the WS heater 2.

[0098] Therefore, the detection values ​​of the temperature and humidity sensor 47 may generally be delayed. Conversely, the area inside the vehicle interior at the rear is a region where the relative humidity is more likely to be higher than the area near the WS1 where the WS heater 2 is located. Therefore, by detecting the temperature and relative humidity of this area using the temperature and humidity sensor 47, and considering the difference in the likelihood of window fogging between the area near WS1 and the area at the rear of the vehicle interior as a safety factor, the drive control of the WS heater 2 can be executed more accurately. Consequently, the energy consumed by the WS heater 2 can be reduced, resulting in a reduction in overall power consumption.

[0099] (4) In the first embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 controls the drive of the WS heater 2 and the air conditioning device 3 so that the total power consumption is close to the minimum value determined according to the outside air temperature.

[0100] Therefore, by using the air conditioning ECU4 with the WS heater 2 and the air conditioning heater 35, and increasing the proportion of internal air when the outside air temperature is low, the total power consumption can be brought close to the minimum value determined by the outside air temperature.

[0101] (5) In the first embodiment, the air conditioning heater 35 is an electric heater that heats air by electricity.

[0102] Therefore, an electric heater is exemplified as an air conditioning heater 35 provided in an air conditioning unit 3 installed in an electric vehicle, fuel cell vehicle, hybrid vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0103] (6) In the first embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 performs control to drive the blower unit 7 according to the outside air temperature to increase the proportion of internal air, at least when the outside air temperature is below 0°C.

[0104] Therefore, when the outside air temperature is below 0°C, WS1 is likely to fog up, and the cooling cycle 28 also stops, so the control in this embodiment is effective.

[0105] (Second Implementation)

[0106] The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment describes the structure of the blower unit 7 relative to the first embodiment. The other parts are the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0107] like Figure 5 As shown, the blower unit 7 of the second embodiment, like that of the first embodiment, includes a blower unit housing 9, an internal / external air switching door 10, and a blower 11, and is capable of adjusting the ratio of external air intake to internal air circulation. Furthermore, the internal / external air switching door 10 is not limited to... Figure 5 The panel door shown can be a revolving door, sliding door, membrane door, or other types of door.

[0108] In addition, when the blower unit 7 slightly opens the external air intake 12 through the internal and external air switching door 10, it may produce a flute-like sound such as "whoosh".

[0109] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the air conditioning ECU4 simultaneously draws in both indoor and outdoor air into the blower unit housing 9, such as Figure 5 As indicated by arrow D1, the position of the indoor / outdoor air switching door 10 is set so that any abnormal noise emitted from the outside air intake 12 is within a range that the occupants cannot perceive as abnormal noise. That is, when the air conditioning ECU simultaneously draws in both indoor and outside air into the blower unit housing 9, it achieves a higher noise level than the outside air intake 12. Figure 5 The arrow D1 indicates the position of the internal / external air switching door 10 within a large range.

[0110] The vehicle air conditioning system of the second embodiment described above can suppress the occurrence of abnormal noise when the air conditioning ECU4 performs control to reduce the proportion of internal air.

[0111] (Third implementation method)

[0112] The third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment modifies a portion of the structure of the blower unit 7 compared to the first and second embodiments; the other parts are the same as in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first and second embodiments will be described. Furthermore, the third embodiment refers to... Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 The diagram corresponding to the VI directional arrow view.

[0113] like Figure 6 As shown, in the third embodiment, the blower unit 7 is provided with a first external air intake 121, a second external air intake 122, and an internal air intake 13 in the blower unit housing 9. Furthermore, in Figure 6In the diagram, the internal air intake 13 is located on the side opposite to the first external air intake 121, separated from the rotating shaft of the blower 11, and is therefore omitted from the illustration. The internal / external air switching door 10 can open and close the first external air intake 121, the second external air intake 122, and the internal air intake 13. Alternatively, multiple internal / external air switching doors 10 can be provided corresponding to the first external air intake 121 and the second external air intake 122, configured to allow the first external air intake 121 and the second external air intake 122 to be opened and closed independently. The internal / external air switching door 10 can be, for example, a revolving door, a sliding door, or other types of door.

[0114] Here, the opening area of ​​the second external air intake 122 is smaller than that of the first external air intake 121, and the aspect ratio of the second external air intake 122 is such that the abnormal noise emitted when the internal / external air switching door 10 is opened is within the range that the occupant cannot perceive as an abnormal noise. Furthermore, the shape of the second external air intake 122 is not limited to... Figure 6 The shape shown in the example can be various, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the second external air intake 122 is not limited to one; multiple elliptical intakes can be provided. Alternatively, the first external air intake 121 and the second external air intake 122 can be formed into a continuous opening.

[0115] When the air conditioning ECU4 simultaneously draws in both indoor and outdoor air into the blower unit housing 9, it sets the position of the indoor / outdoor air switching door 10 by opening the indoor air intake 13 and the second outdoor air intake 122. At this time, the air conditioning ECU4 operates as described in the second embodiment. Figure 5 The position of the indoor / outdoor air switching door 10 is set by opening the first outside air intake 121 in a manner that minimizes the range of arrow D1. Furthermore, when the air conditioning ECU4 simultaneously draws in both indoor and outdoor air into the blower unit housing 9, it can achieve a higher speed than described in the second embodiment. Figure 5 Arrow D1 opens the first external air intake 121 in a large range to set the position of the internal and external air switching door 10.

[0116] The aspect ratio of the second outside air intake 122 of the blower unit 7 in the third embodiment described above is set within a range that the occupant cannot perceive as abnormal noise when outside air is intake. Therefore, when the air conditioning ECU 4 performs control to reduce the indoor air ratio, by opening the indoor air intake 13 and the second outside air intake 122, and only slightly opening the first outside air intake 121 within a range that the occupant can perceive as abnormal noise, the occurrence of abnormal noise can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the air conditioning ECU 4 performs control to reduce the indoor air ratio, the first outside air intake 121 is allowed to open within a range that the occupant cannot perceive as abnormal noise.

[0117] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, compared to the second embodiment, the reduction in the internal gas ratio can be adjusted more precisely.

[0118] (Fourth Implementation)

[0119] The fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment describes the anti-fog control of WS1 executed by the air conditioning ECU4, which is the same as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0120] The air conditioning system of Patent Document 1 described in the [Prior Art Documents] section above does not drive the air conditioning unit 3 in defrost mode when the conditions for fogging of WS1 are met. Instead, it performs control by heating WS1 through WS heater 2.

[0121] However, regarding the air conditioning system of Patent Document 1, the inventors of this disclosure discovered that when eliminating fogging of the already fogged WS1, if only the WS heater 2 is driven, an increase in the power consumption of the WS heater 2 occurs. This can be attributed to the fact that when eliminating fogging of the already fogged WS1, if only the WS heater 2 is driven, the water vapor evaporated from the WS1 remains near the surface of the WS1, resulting in a higher relative humidity near the surface of the WS1, making it difficult for the fogging of the WS1 to evaporate.

[0122] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 changes the anti-fogging control method of WS1 when eliminating fogging of WS1 in a fogging state and when performing anti-fogging of WS1 in a non-fogging state.

[0123] Reference Figure 7 The flowchart illustrates the anti-fog control of WS1 performed by the air conditioning ECU4 in the fourth embodiment.

[0124] In step S21, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether WS1 has fogged up. This determination can be made, for example, based on information obtained from an in-vehicle camera installed inside the vehicle. The in-vehicle camera captures images of the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle via WS1. Therefore, the air conditioning ECU4 can determine whether WS1 has fogged up based on the image information captured by the in-vehicle camera. If it is determined that WS1 has fogged up, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0125] In S22, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the WS heater 2 and operates the air conditioning unit 3 in defrost mode. Thus, by blowing air from the defrost outlet 17 toward the WS1, the relative humidity near the surface of the WS1 can be prevented from increasing, while the WS1 is heated by the WS heater 2, allowing the fogging on the WS1 to evaporate efficiently. Therefore, the total power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, when using defrost mode and the WS heater 2, the defrost mode only requires airflow to prevent the relative humidity near the WS1, so air not heated by the air conditioning heater 35 can be blown onto the WS1. In this case, the air conditioning ECU4, for example... Figure 8 As shown, the air conditioning unit 3 includes a middle door 50, an air mixing door 23, and multiple mode switching doors 24, 25, and 26. In this state, the air conditioning unit 3 blows unheated air, which bypasses the heating heat exchanger 22 through the air mixing door 23, from the defrost outlet 17 toward WS1. Additionally, the air conditioning unit 3 blows warm air from the foot outlet 19, which is obtained by heating the passing air with the air conditioning heater 35 via the heating heat exchanger 22.

[0126] On the other hand, if it is determined in S21 that WS1 is not fogged, the process proceeds to S23. In S23, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether the possibility of WS1 fogging is high. This determination can be made, for example, based on whether the relative humidity near the surface of WS1 is higher than a specified humidity threshold. Alternatively, this determination can be made, for example, based on whether the outside air temperature is lower than a specified temperature threshold, or based on whether the relative humidity inside the vehicle is higher than a specified humidity threshold. If it is determined that the possibility of WS1 fogging is high, the process proceeds to S24.

[0127] In S24, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the WS heater 2. This prevents the WS1 from fogging. Furthermore, when defogging the WS1 before it fogs up, directly heating the WS1 by the WS heater 2 reduces power consumption compared to using the defrost mode.

[0128] On the other hand, if it is determined in S23 that the possibility of WS1 fogging is low, the air conditioning ECU4 shuts off the WS heater 2 and drives the air conditioning unit 3 in a mode other than defrost mode or stops it. Then, the air conditioning ECU4 repeats the above-described processes S21 to S24 in a predetermined control cycle.

[0129] The vehicle air conditioning system of the fourth embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0130] (1) In the fourth embodiment, when the fogging of WS1 in a fogging state is eliminated, the air conditioning ECU4 executes the defrost mode and controls the heating of WS1 by WS heater 2. On the other hand, when defogging is performed on WS1 in a non-fogging state, the air conditioning ECU4 does not execute the defrost mode, but controls the heating of WS1 by WS heater 2.

[0131] Therefore, while eliminating fogging of the already fogged WS1, the airflow in defrost mode prevents the relative humidity near the surface of WS1 from increasing, and the WS1 is heated by the WS heater 2, enabling efficient evaporation of the fog on the WS1. This reduces overall power consumption.

[0132] On the other hand, when performing defogging on the WS1 that is not fogging, directly heating the WS1 by the WS heater 2 can reduce power consumption compared to using the defrost mode.

[0133] (2) In the fourth embodiment, when the fogging of WS1 in a fogging state is eliminated, the air conditioning ECU4 can execute a defrost mode in which WS1 is heated by WS heater 2 and air that is not heated by air conditioning heater 35 is blown toward WS1.

[0134] Therefore, when defogging the WS1, since the WS1 is heated by the WS heater 2, the airflow in the defrost mode does not need to be warm air; only airflow to prevent an increase in relative humidity near the WS1 is required. This reduces total power consumption and allows the fogging of the WS1 to be eliminated in a short time.

[0135] (3) In addition, in the fourth embodiment, when the occupant turns on the defrost mode switch or foot / defrost mode on the operation panel 40, the WS1 can be heated by the WS heater 2 while the defrost mode or foot / defrost mode is being executed.

[0136] Therefore, by using the airflow in defrost mode and the WS heater 2 together, window fog can be eliminated in a short time. In addition, the air conditioning air from the footwell vent 19 can improve the comfort of the vehicle interior heating.

[0137] (A variation of the fourth embodiment)

[0138] A variation of the fourth embodiment will be described. In S24 of the fourth embodiment described above, when the WS1 is in a non-fogging state, the air conditioning ECU4 performs control to heat the WS1 by the WS heater 2 instead of performing the defrost mode.

[0139] In contrast, in a variation of the fourth embodiment, when performing defogging on WS1 in its non-fogging state, as long as the airflow has a substantially small impact on power consumption, a small amount of airflow can flow from the defroster while controlling the heating of WS1 via WS heater 2. That is, in this case, it is not necessary to stop the airflow based on the defrosting mode.

[0140] In summary, in the fourth embodiment and its variations, when the air conditioning ECU4 is performing anti-fogging on the WS1 in a non-fogging state, it can stop the airflow based on the defrost mode or reduce the airflow, and perform control to heat the WS by the WS heater 2.

[0141] (Fifth Implementation)

[0142] The fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment describes the anti-fog control of the side window glass executed by the air conditioning ECU4, compared to the first embodiment and the like. All other parts are the same as in the first embodiment and the like; therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0143] The air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 in the [Prior Art Documents] section above describes the anti-fog function of WS1, but does not describe the anti-fog function of the side window glass.

[0144] The inventors of this disclosure have discovered that when WS1 is defogging solely through WS heater 2 and the internal air ratio is increased, fogging occurs in the side windows. Fogging in the side windows can potentially cause driving safety issues.

[0145] Therefore, the air conditioning ECU4 in the fifth embodiment is configured to perform control that reduces the proportion of interior air (i.e., increases the amount of outside air) when there is a high probability of fogging on the side windows. Furthermore, in this case, as... Figure 9 As shown, air conditioning air can also be blown out from the side defrost outlet 60 located in the vehicle interior toward the side window glass 61.

[0146] like Figure 10 As shown, in addition to the signals from the various sensors described in the first embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 of the fifth embodiment also inputs signals from the side window humidity sensor 51 and the side window temperature sensor 52. The side window humidity sensor 51 is located inside the vehicle interior of the side window 61 and detects the humidity near the surface of the side window 61. The side window temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the side window 61. Furthermore, only at least one of the three sensors—the side window humidity sensor 51, the seating sensor 48, and the CO2 sensor 49—needs to be used.

[0147] Next, refer to Figure 11The flowchart illustrates the anti-fog control of the side window glass 61 performed by the air conditioning ECU4 in the fifth embodiment.

[0148] In S31, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether the side window glass 61 is highly likely to fog up. This determination can be made, for example, by subtracting the dew point temperature of the side window glass 61 from its temperature and determining whether the value is less than a specified temperature threshold. Alternatively, the air conditioning ECU4 can also determine the high likelihood of fogging based on whether the outside air temperature is below a specified temperature threshold or whether the relative humidity inside the vehicle is above a specified humidity threshold.

[0149] The dew point temperature of the side window glass 61 is calculated based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior and the temperature of the side window glass 61. The relative humidity inside the vehicle interior is detected by the side window glass humidity sensor 51, or estimated by the number of passengers detected by the occupancy sensor 48 or the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the CO2 sensor 49. If it is determined that there is a high probability of fogging in the side window glass 61, the process proceeds to S32.

[0150] In S32, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the blower unit 7 to reduce the proportion of interior air. Alternatively, the air conditioning ECU4 can also reduce the proportion of interior air and execute the side defrost mode. Furthermore, the side defrost mode is a mode in which air conditioning air is blown from the side defrost outlet 60 toward the side window glass 61. This prevents the side window glass 61 from fogging up.

[0151] On the other hand, if it is determined in S32 that the possibility of fogging on the side window glass 61 is low, the air conditioning ECU4 sets the interior air ratio as described in the first embodiment and drives the air conditioning unit 3 in a mode other than the side defrost mode or stops it. Then, the air conditioning ECU4 repeats the above-described processes S31 to S32 in a predetermined control cycle.

[0152] The vehicle air conditioning system of the fifth embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0153] (1) In the fifth embodiment, when the value obtained by subtracting the dew point temperature of the side window glass 61 from the temperature of the side window glass 61 is less than a predetermined threshold, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the blower unit 7 to reduce the proportion of internal air.

[0154] Therefore, when the internal air ratio is increased while driving the WS heater 2, although the fogging of the WS1 window can be prevented by the WS heater 2, the side window glass 61 may fog up. Therefore, when the temperature of the side window glass 61 is close to the dew point temperature, the internal air ratio is reduced (i.e., the amount of outside air introduced is increased), thereby reducing the relative humidity of the air inside the vehicle and preventing fogging of the side window glass 61.

[0155] (2) In the fifth embodiment, when the value obtained by subtracting the dew point temperature of the side window glass 61 from the temperature of the vehicle side window glass 61 is less than a predetermined threshold, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the blower unit 7 to reduce the internal air ratio and executes the side defrost mode.

[0156] Therefore, by reducing the relative humidity of the air inside the vehicle and further implementing the side defrosting mode, the side window glass 61 can be reliably defogged.

[0157] (3) In the fifth embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 calculates the dew point temperature of the side window glass 61 based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior and the temperature of the side window glass 61.

[0158] Therefore, the air conditioning ECU4 calculates the dew point temperature of the side window glass 61 and performs the above control, thereby preventing the side window glass 61 from fogging.

[0159] (4) In the fifth embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 estimates the dew point temperature of the side window glass 61 based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior estimated according to the number of occupants or the concentration of carbon dioxide inside the vehicle interior and the temperature of the side window glass 61.

[0160] Therefore, the air conditioning ECU4 estimates the dew point temperature of the side window glass 61 and performs the above control, thereby preventing fogging of the side window glass 61.

[0161] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0162] The sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a portion of the structure of the WS heater 2 is modified, while the other parts are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0163] The inventors of this disclosure discovered that in WS1, the outer peripheral portion 54 is more prone to window fogging compared to the central portion 53. Therefore, if the heat output per unit area of ​​the central portion 53 of the WS heater 2 is made the same as that of the outer peripheral portion 54, the heat output of the central portion 53 will be wasted, which may lead to increased power consumption.

[0164] Therefore, as Figure 12 As shown, the WS heater 2 of the sixth embodiment is configured such that the current flowing to the outer periphery 54 of the WS1 is greater than that flowing to the central portion 53 of the WS1. That is, the WS heater 2 is structured such that the resistance per unit area of ​​the outer periphery 54 of the WS1 is lower than the resistance per unit area of ​​the central portion 53 of the WS1. Therefore, the heat generated per unit area of ​​the outer periphery 54 of the WS1 in the WS heater 2 is greater than the heat generated per unit area of ​​the central portion 53 of the WS1. Furthermore, in Figure 12For ease of explanation, the boundary between the central portion 53 and the outer periphery 54 of WS1 is shown by a dashed line BL, but it is not limited to this. For example, the WS heater 2 may also be configured such that the resistance per unit area gradually decreases from the central portion 53 of WS1 toward the outer periphery 54 of WS1.

[0165] In the sixth embodiment described above, the WS heater 2 has the following structure: the resistance value per unit area of ​​the outer peripheral portion 54 of the WS1 is lower than the resistance value per unit area of ​​the central portion 53 of the WS1.

[0166] Therefore, by increasing the heat generation by directing more current to the outer peripheral portion 54 of WS1, which is prone to fogging, the anti-fogging performance can be maintained, and by reducing the current in the central portion 53 of WS1, the power consumption of WS heater 2 can be reduced.

[0167] (Seventh Implementation)

[0168] The seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment adds the function of the air conditioning ECU4 to the first embodiment and the like, and the other parts are the same as the first embodiment and the like, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0169] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in the seventh embodiment, a vehicle-mounted camera 55 is installed inside the vehicle interior. The vehicle-mounted camera 55 captures images of the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle via the WS1. The vehicle-mounted camera 55 is equipped with a heating device 56 for heating its own lens. This heating device 56 is driven and controlled by the air conditioning ECU 4. That is, the air conditioning ECU 4 in the seventh embodiment is configured to drive and control the heating device 56 of the vehicle-mounted camera 55 together with the WS heater 2 and the air conditioning unit 3.

[0170] In the seventh embodiment described above, by using the air conditioning ECU4 to drive and control the heating device 56 for heating the lens of the vehicle-mounted camera 55, the number of ECU components can be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0171] (Eighth Implementation)

[0172] The eighth embodiment will be described. The eighth embodiment adds a window fogging determination method of WS1 compared to the first embodiment, etc. The other parts are the same as the first embodiment, etc., so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0173] The inventors of this disclosure have discovered that when determining whether the WS1 is fogging based on image information captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 55, a temporary deterioration in the occupant's visibility can occur. When the WS1 fogs up, it may cause driving safety issues, and power is consumed in order to clear the fog from the WS1.

[0174] Therefore, as Figure 15 As shown, in the eighth embodiment, a portion 57 is provided in the WS1 that is not easily heated by the WS heater 2 and is prone to window fogging. The portion 57 that is prone to window fogging is located in the WS1 in a position that does not obstruct the occupant's view. In addition, methods to make the window fogging more likely to occur include increasing the resistance value of the WS heater 2 in this portion 57 and decreasing the current value.

[0175] Therefore, when the window fogs up at the part 57 in WS1 that is prone to fogging, the fogging is detected by the vehicle camera 55 taking a picture of the part 57, and the WS heater 2 is activated.

[0176] In the eighth embodiment described above, anti-fog control can be initiated without temporarily impairing the occupants' visibility.

[0177] (Ninth Implementation)

[0178] The ninth embodiment will be described. The ninth embodiment adds anti-fog control compared to the first embodiment, etc., but the rest is the same as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0179] The ninth embodiment of the air conditioning ECU4 incorporates the following control: if the WS1 fogs up while the vehicle is parked, the WS heater 2 is started before the occupants get into the vehicle.

[0180] Reference Figure 16 The flowchart illustrates the anti-fog control performed by the air conditioning ECU4 in the ninth embodiment. This process is repeated when the vehicle is parked and no occupant is seated in the driver's seat.

[0181] In step S41, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether an occupant has approached the vehicle from outside. This determination can be made, for example, by analyzing image information captured by an onboard side camera that captures images of the area including the side of the vehicle. Alternatively, it can be made by receiving radio waves emitted from a transmitter installed in a smart key or similar device carried by the occupant via a receiver mounted in the vehicle. If it is determined that an occupant has approached the vehicle from outside, the process proceeds to step S42.

[0182] In step S42, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether WS1 is fogged. Whether WS1 is fogged can be determined, for example, by analyzing image information captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 55, which takes pictures of the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle via WS1. If WS1 is determined to be fogged, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0183] In step S43, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the WS heater 2. This ensures that the WS heater 2 is activated before passengers enter the vehicle, thus eliminating fogging on the WS1. Furthermore, at this time, the air conditioning ECU4 can control the heating of the WS1 via the WS heater 2 and execute a defrosting mode that directs unheated air towards the WS1. This reduces overall power consumption and eliminates fogging on the WS1 in a short time.

[0184] On the other hand, after determining in S41 that the occupants have not approached the vehicle, in S42 that WS1 has not fogged up, and after executing the process in S43, the air conditioning ECU4 temporarily ends the process and repeats the above-mentioned processes in S41 to S43 again in a prescribed control cycle.

[0185] The ninth embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0186] (1) In the ninth embodiment, when an occupant is detected approaching the vehicle from outside and fogging of WS1 is detected in an image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 55, the air conditioning ECU4 performs control to eliminate the fogging of WS1. As a control to eliminate the fogging of WS1, control to perform a defrost mode and heat WS1 by the WS heater 2 can be included.

[0187] Therefore, the air conditioning ECU4 activates the WS heater 2 when the WS1 fogs up while the vehicle is parked and when passengers are in the vehicle. This allows the WS heater 2 to be activated when needed, reducing its power consumption. Furthermore, it can quickly eliminate the fogging of the WS1.

[0188] (2) In addition, in the ninth embodiment, when an occupant is detected approaching the vehicle from outside and the image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 55 shows that the WS1 has fogged up, the air conditioning ECU4 performs control to eliminate the fogging of the WS1. As a control to eliminate the fogging of the WS1, a defrosting mode can be executed, in which the WS1 is heated by the WS heater 2 and air that has not been heated by the air conditioning heater 35 is blown toward the WS1.

[0189] Therefore, when defogging the WS1, since the WS1 is heated by the WS heater 2, the airflow in the defrost mode does not need to be warm air; only airflow to prevent an increase in relative humidity near the WS1 is required. This reduces total power consumption and allows the defogging of the WS1 to be eliminated in a short time.

[0190] (Tenth Implementation)

[0191] The tenth embodiment will be described. The tenth embodiment adds anti-fog feedforward control compared to the first embodiment, etc., and the rest is the same as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0192] The inventors of this disclosure have discovered that, for example, when sunlight decreases due to a vehicle entering a tunnel, or when the amount of outside air introduced decreases sharply due to exhaust control, fogging can occur in the WS1 due to rapid temperature changes and rapid changes in the internal air-to-gas ratio. When fogging occurs in the WS1, electricity is consumed to eliminate the fogging.

[0193] In contrast, such as Figure 17 As shown, the air conditioning ECU4 in the tenth embodiment is configured to increase the power supply to the WS heater 2 by feedforward control when fogging of the WS1 is predicted based on the outside air temperature, vehicle speed, sunlight intensity and interior air ratio.

[0194] The air conditioning ECU4 of the tenth embodiment described above improves responsiveness through feedforward control, preventing WS1 from fogging even with rapid changes in the interior air ratio or temperature. For example, when the interior air ratio increases sharply due to exhaust control or when sunlight decreases sharply due to entering a tunnel, the heat output of the WS heater 2 can be increased to prevent WS1 from fogging.

[0195] (Eleventh Implementation Method)

[0196] The eleventh embodiment will be described. The eleventh embodiment adds anti-fog control compared to the first embodiment, etc., and the rest are the same as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0197] In recent years, the number of people using cars as living environments has increased, and windows sometimes fog up when people sleep in their cars. In such cases, if the visibility of the WS1 is not required, such as when sleeping in a car, it will consume excess power when the WS heater 2 is driven with a large amount of electricity.

[0198] Therefore, the air conditioning ECU4 in the eleventh embodiment is set to an anti-fog suppression mode when the vehicle is parked.

[0199] Reference Figure 18The flowchart describes the anti-fog control performed by the air conditioning ECU4 in the eleventh embodiment during parking.

[0200] In step S51, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether the parking state has lasted for a certain period of time. This determination can be made, for example, based on the status of the parking brake or handbrake. If it is determined that the parking state has lasted for a certain period of time, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0201] In S52, the air conditioning ECU4 executes the anti-fog suppression mode. In the anti-fog suppression mode, the heat output of the WS heater 2 is controlled within a range where slight fogging of WS1 is not a problem.

[0202] On the other hand, if it is determined in S51 that the parking state has not lasted for a certain period of time, the process proceeds to S53. In S53, the air conditioning ECU4 executes the normal anti-fog mode. In the normal anti-fog mode, the heat generation of the WS heater 2 is not suppressed, but is set to the normal control heat generation.

[0203] After processing in S52 and S53, the air conditioning ECU4 repeats the process again starting from S51.

[0204] The air conditioning ECU4 of the eleventh embodiment described above can execute an anti-fog suppression mode that suppresses the power supply of the WS heater 2 when the vehicle remains in a parked state for a certain period of time or longer.

[0205] Therefore, by setting an anti-fog suppression mode for the air conditioning ECU4, the heat generated by the WS heater 2 can be controlled within a range where visibility is not required and slight fogging is acceptable. This reduces the power consumption of the WS heater 2.

[0206] (Twelfth Implementation)

[0207] The twelfth embodiment will be described. The twelfth embodiment adds anti-fog control compared to the first embodiment, etc., and the rest are the same as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0208] The vehicle air conditioning system of the twelfth embodiment is installed in a vehicle capable of charging a vehicle battery, such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The air conditioning ECU4 incorporates the following control: when charging the vehicle battery or for a certain period of time after charging, if an event that anticipates the vehicle's movement (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle movement indication") is detected, power is supplied to the WS heater 2.

[0209] Reference Figure 19 The flowchart illustrates the anti-fog control performed by the air conditioning ECU4 in the twelfth embodiment.

[0210] In S61, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether the vehicle battery is charging or has been charging for a certain period of time. Whether the vehicle battery is charging can be determined, for example, by connecting a charging connector extending from an external charging device to a charging socket on the vehicle side. Whether it has been charging for a certain period of time can be determined, for example, by whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the charging connector was unplugged from the charging socket on the vehicle side. If it is determined that the vehicle battery is charging or has been charging for a certain period of time, the process proceeds to S62.

[0211] In S62, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether any indication of vehicle movement has been detected. Indications of vehicle movement include, for example, the driver's side door being opened, a passenger sitting in the driver's seat, the parking brake or handbrake being released, or the start button or power switch being pressed. If any indication of vehicle movement is detected, the process proceeds to S63.

[0212] In S63, when WS1 fogs up, the air conditioning ECU4 drives WS heater 2. Thus, WS heater 2 is activated before the occupants move the vehicle, eliminating the fogging of WS1. Furthermore, fogging of WS1 can be determined, for example, by analyzing images captured by the vehicle-mounted camera 55.

[0213] On the other hand, if it is determined in S61 that the vehicle is not charging the driving battery or that a certain period of time has passed since charging, if no vehicle driving sign is detected in S62, and after the processing in S63 is executed, the air conditioning ECU4 temporarily terminates the processing. Then, the air conditioning ECU4 repeats the processing in S61 to S63 again according to the prescribed control cycle.

[0214] In the twelfth embodiment described above, the air conditioning ECU4 activates the WS heater 2 when the WS1 fogs up, anticipating that the vehicle will be driven during or after the vehicle's battery is being charged. Thus, the air conditioning ECU4 can cooperate with the vehicle's charging device to activate the WS heater 2 when needed.

[0215] (Thirteenth Implementation Method)

[0216] The thirteenth embodiment will be described. The thirteenth embodiment adds control processing for the air conditioning ECU4 compared to the first embodiment, etc. The rest are the same as the first embodiment, etc., so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0217] In the thirteenth embodiment, the air conditioning ECU 4 controls both the air conditioning unit 3 and the WS heater 2 in various modes, including defrosting mode, defogging mode, anti-fogging mode, and human body temperature regulation mode. Furthermore, in the description of the thirteenth embodiment, defrosting mode is the mode that removes ice from the WS1. Defogging mode is the mode that eliminates fogging on the WS1. Anti-fogging mode is the mode that prevents fogging on the WS1. Human body temperature regulation mode is the mode that warms the occupant seated in the front seat by using air conditioning air blown from the air conditioning unit 3 and radiant heat from the WS heater 2.

[0218] Reference Figure 20 The flowchart below describes the control processing of the human body temperature regulation mode executed by the air conditioning ECU4 in the thirteenth embodiment. This processing is incorporated into the air conditioning control processing and is executed repeatedly.

[0219] In S71, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether there is a heating requirement. Specifically, the heating requirement is determined based on whether the interior temperature is lower than the set temperature. If there is a heating requirement, the process proceeds to S72.

[0220] In S72, the air conditioning ECU4 determines whether the two-way mode or facial recognition mode has been selected through automatic control or occupant operation. If the two-way mode or facial recognition mode has been selected, the process proceeds to S73.

[0221] In S73, the air conditioning ECU4 controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 3 and the WS heater 2. Specifically, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the air conditioning unit 3, which blows heated air out of designated outlets via the air conditioning heater 35. Specifically, when the two-way mode is selected, warm air is blown out from the face outlet 18 and the foot outlet 19. When the face mode is selected, warm air is blown out from the face outlet 18. Furthermore, the air conditioning ECU4 energizes the WS heater 2 to heat it up. Thus, the upper body of the occupant can be warmed by the warm air blown out by the air conditioning unit 3 and by the radiant heat of the WS heater 2.

[0222] On the other hand, if it is determined in S71 that there is no heating requirement, or if a mode other than bidirectional mode or face mode is selected in S72, the process proceeds to the next air conditioning control process (not shown).

[0223] The vehicle air conditioning system of the thirteenth embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0224] (1) In the thirteenth embodiment, the air conditioning ECU4 performs control of driving the WS heater 2 in each of the following modes: de-icing mode, de-fogging mode, anti-fogging mode and human body temperature adjustment mode.

[0225] Therefore, when the WS heater 2 is activated, the radiant heat from the WS heater 2 can warm the upper body of the occupant. Thus, by using the WS heater 2 not only for de-icing, defogging, and anti-fogging of the WS1, but also for human body temperature regulation, the comfort of the vehicle's air conditioning can be improved, while reducing the overall power consumption.

[0226] (2) In the thirteenth embodiment, when the two-way mode or face mode is selected by automatic control or the operation of the passenger and the temperature inside the vehicle is lower than the set temperature, the air conditioning ECU4 performs control to drive the air conditioning device 3 and drive the WS heater 2.

[0227] Therefore, when there is a heating requirement to warm the upper body of the occupants, the air conditioning ECU4 drives the air conditioning unit 3 and the WS heater 2. Thus, the upper body of the occupants can be warmed by the warm air blown from the air conditioning unit 3 and the radiant heat from the WS heater 2. This improves the comfort of the vehicle's air conditioning system and reduces overall power consumption.

[0228] (Fourteenth Implementation)

[0229] The fourteenth embodiment will be described. The fourteenth embodiment adds control processing of the air conditioning ECU4 compared to the first embodiment, etc., and the rest is the same as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0230] The air conditioning ECU4 of the fourteenth embodiment performs the following control: drives the WS heater 2 so that the WS1 does not fog up, and sets the target blowing temperature TAO of the air conditioning unit 3 based at least on the heat output of the WS heater 2, the set temperature, the vehicle interior temperature and the outside air temperature.

[0231] Therefore, the air conditioning ECU4 incorporates the heat generated by the WS heater 2 into the target airflow temperature TAO setting of the air conditioning unit 3. This improves the comfort of the vehicle's air conditioning system and reduces overall power consumption.

[0232] Furthermore, the heat generated by the WS heater 2 can be detected by measuring the surface temperature of the WS1, or it can be measured by the amount of electricity supplied to the WS heater 2. Alternatively, the heat generated by the WS heater 2 can be predicted by detecting the temperature of the occupant or the area around the occupant using an infrared sensor.

[0233] Furthermore, when WS1 fogs up, it is preferable to prioritize heating WS heater 2 based on fog prevention. Then, after WS1 defrosts, WS heater 2 is controlled and used for the vehicle's interior air conditioning. At this time, air conditioning ECU 4 also adjusts the power consumption of air conditioning unit 3 and WS heater 2 to minimize the total power consumption.

[0234] Alternatively, heaters can also be installed on the side windows 61 and the rear window, in addition to WS1. In this case, the air conditioning ECU4 and the heating based on these heaters together perform air conditioning control.

[0235] Furthermore, in the case where the air conditioning unit 3 blows air conditioning air into the rear area of ​​the vehicle interior for heating, the air conditioning ECU 4 preferably does not include the heat generated by the WS heater 2 in the target airflow temperature setting for the rear area. Alternatively, the air conditioning ECU 4 preferably corrects and controls the target airflow temperature for the rear area by not including the heat generated by the WS heater 2 in the target airflow temperature setting for the rear area. This allows for greater control over the comfort of the air conditioning within the vehicle interior, and reduces overall power consumption while preventing fogging of the WS1.

[0236] (Other implementation methods)

[0237] In the above embodiments, it is explained that the air conditioning heater 35 of the air conditioning unit 3 is a heater that forms part of the water circuit 33, but it is not limited thereto. The air conditioning heater 35 may also be a heater that is installed in the ventilation passage 27 of the air conditioning unit 8 and directly heats the air flowing through the ventilation passage 27. In addition, the air conditioning heater 35 is not limited to an electric heater, and may also be a part of the condenser 30 of the refrigeration cycle 28.

[0238] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and appropriate modifications can be made. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and parts thereof are not unrelated; appropriate combinations can be made unless the combination is clearly impossible. Additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except where specifically stated as necessary or where they are clearly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiments, the references are not limited to those specific numbers, except where specifically stated as necessary or where they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, the references are not limited to those shapes, positional relationships, etc., except where specifically stated or where they are limited to a specific shape or positional relationship in principle.

[0239] The control unit and methods described in this disclosure can be implemented using a dedicated computer, which is provided by comprising a processor and memory, the processor being programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and methods described in this disclosure can be implemented using a dedicated computer, which is provided by comprising a processor comprising one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and methods described in this disclosure can be implemented using one or more dedicated computers comprising a processor and memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor comprising one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program can be stored as instructions executable by a computer in a computer-readable, non-transient tangible storage medium.

[0240] (This is the viewpoint of the publication)

[0241] The above disclosure can be understood as an example of the following viewpoint.

[0242] [First Viewpoint]

[0243] A vehicle air conditioning system, comprising:

[0244] Windshield heater (2), which is installed on the windshield (1) of the vehicle and is capable of heating the windshield;

[0245] Air conditioning unit (3), which has a blower unit (7) and an air conditioning unit (8), the blower unit can adjust the ratio of the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and the amount of indoor air circulated, and the air conditioning unit heats the air supplied from the blower unit and blows it into the vehicle through an air conditioning heater (35);

[0246] An outside air temperature sensor (41) detects the outside air temperature, which is the temperature outside the vehicle.

[0247] Interior air temperature sensor (42), which detects the interior temperature of the vehicle; and

[0248] Air conditioning control device (4) drives the windshield heater to prevent the windshield from fogging up, and drives the air conditioning heater to make the interior temperature of the vehicle reach the set temperature. Furthermore, it drives the blower unit according to the outside air temperature to reduce the proportion of outside air entering the vehicle and increase the proportion of air circulating in the vehicle.

[0249] [Second Viewpoint]

[0250] In the vehicle air conditioning system described in the first viewpoint

[0251] The blower unit has:

[0252] Blower (11);

[0253] A blower unit housing (9) having an external air intake (12) and an internal air intake (13), the external air intake drawing in outside air from the vehicle by the drive of the blower, and the internal air intake drawing in inside air from the vehicle; and

[0254] An in-vehicle air switching door (10) opens and closes the outside air intake and the inside air intake, thereby adjusting the airflow of outside air drawn into the blower unit housing from the outside air intake and the airflow of inside air drawn into the blower unit housing from the inside air intake.

[0255] When both outside and inside air are simultaneously drawn into the blower unit housing, the air conditioning control device sets the position of the outside / inside air switching door so that any unusual noise emitted from the outside air intake is within a range that the occupants cannot perceive as unusual noise.

[0256] [Third Viewpoint]

[0257] In the vehicle air conditioning system described in the first viewpoint

[0258] The blower unit has:

[0259] Blower (11);

[0260] A blower unit housing (9) has: a first external air intake (121), a second external air intake (122), and an internal air intake (13). The first external air intake draws in outdoor air from the vehicle by the drive of the blower. The second external air intake has an opening area smaller than that of the first external air intake and draws in outdoor air from the vehicle. The internal air intake draws in indoor air from the vehicle.

[0261] An internal / external air switching door (10) is provided, which can open and close the first external air inlet, the second external air inlet, and the internal air inlet.

[0262] The second external air intake has an aspect ratio such that the abnormal noise emitted when the internal / external air switching door is opened is within a range that the occupant cannot perceive as an abnormal noise.

[0263] When simultaneously drawing in both outside and inside air into the blower unit housing, the air conditioning control device sets the position of the inside / outside air switching door so that the first outside air intake is not opened while the inside air intake and the second outside air intake are opened within a range where the occupants can detect abnormal noise.

[0264] [Fourth viewpoint]

[0265] In any of the first to third viewpoints, the vehicle air conditioning system described

[0266] The air conditioning unit is capable of executing a defrost mode that blows air toward the windshield.

[0267] When the windshield is fogged up, the air conditioning control device executes the defrost mode and controls the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater.

[0268] When performing defogging on the windshield in a non-fogging state, the air conditioning control device stops the airflow from the defrosting mode or reduces the airflow, and controls the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater.

[0269] [Fifth Viewpoint]

[0270] In the vehicle air conditioning system described in the fourth viewpoint

[0271] When the windshield is fogged up, the air conditioning control device can execute the defrosting mode, which heats the windshield by the windshield heater and blows unheated air to the windshield.

[0272] [Sixth Viewpoint]

[0273] In any of the five viewpoints, the vehicle air conditioning system described is...

[0274] The air conditioning unit is capable of executing a defrost mode that blows air toward the windshield.

[0275] When the windshield fogs up automatically, the air conditioning control unit executes the defrost mode and controls the windshield to heat up via the windshield heater.

[0276] When the windshield is in a non-fogging state and is defogging automatically, the air conditioning control device stops the airflow from the defrost mode or reduces the airflow, and controls the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater.

[0277] When the defrost mode switch or foot / defrost mode switch located in the driver's seat is turned on by the occupant, the air conditioning control device executes the defrost mode or foot / defrost mode and controls the heating of the windshield by the windshield heater.

[0278] [Seventh Viewpoint]

[0279] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through six,

[0280] When the value obtained by subtracting the dew point temperature of the side window glass (61) from the temperature of the side window glass of the vehicle is less than a specified threshold, the air conditioning control device drives the blower unit in a manner that increases the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and reduces the amount of indoor air circulated.

[0281] [Eighth Viewpoint]

[0282] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through seven,

[0283] When the value obtained by subtracting the dew point temperature of the side window glass (61) from the temperature of the side window glass of the vehicle is less than a specified threshold, the air conditioning control device drives the blower unit to increase the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and reduce the amount of indoor air circulated. Furthermore, the air conditioning control device executes a side defrost mode that blows air toward the side window glass.

[0284] [Ninth Viewpoint]

[0285] The vehicle air conditioning system described in the seventh or eighth viewpoint also includes:

[0286] A side window humidity sensor (51) is disposed on the interior side of the side window; and

[0287] A side window glass temperature sensor (52) is installed on the interior side of the side window glass.

[0288] The air conditioning control device calculates the dew point temperature of the side window glass based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior and the temperature of the side window glass.

[0289] [Tenth Viewpoint]

[0290] The vehicle air conditioning system described in the seventh or eighth viewpoint also includes:

[0291] A side window glass temperature sensor (52) is installed on the interior side of the side window glass.

[0292] The air conditioning control device estimates the dew point temperature of the side window glass based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior estimated according to the number of occupants and the temperature of the side window glass.

[0293] [Eleventh Viewpoint]

[0294] The vehicle air conditioning system described in the seventh or eighth viewpoint also includes:

[0295] A CO2 sensor (49) detects the concentration of carbon dioxide in the vehicle interior; and

[0296] A side window glass temperature sensor (52) is installed on the interior side of the side window glass.

[0297] The air conditioning control device estimates the dew point temperature of the side window glass based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior estimated according to the carbon dioxide concentration and the temperature of the side window glass.

[0298] [Twelfth Viewpoint]

[0299] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through eleven,

[0300] The windshield heater has the following structure: the resistance value per unit area of ​​the outer periphery (54) of the windshield is lower than the resistance value per unit area of ​​the central part (53) of the windshield.

[0301] [Thirteenth Viewpoint]

[0302] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through twelfth,

[0303] It also includes a windshield temperature sensor (46) that detects the temperature of the windshield.

[0304] The air conditioning control device is configured to control the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater when the relative humidity of the windshield surface, calculated based on the relative humidity of the vehicle interior (estimated from the number of occupants or the concentration of carbon dioxide in the vehicle interior) and the windshield temperature (detected by the windshield temperature sensor), is higher than a predetermined humidity threshold.

[0305] [Fourteenth Viewpoint]

[0306] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through twelfth, the following is also included:

[0307] Temperature and humidity sensor (47), the temperature and humidity sensor is disposed in an area rearward relative to the center of the vehicle interior in the longitudinal direction; and

[0308] Windshield temperature sensor (46) detects the temperature of the windshield.

[0309] The air conditioning control device is configured to control the windshield to heat the windshield via the windshield heater when the relative humidity of the windshield surface, calculated based on the temperature and relative humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor and the temperature of the windshield detected by the windshield temperature sensor, is higher than a predetermined humidity threshold.

[0310] [Fifteenth Viewpoint]

[0311] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through fourteen,

[0312] The vehicle is equipped with an onboard camera (55) that captures images of the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle through the windshield.

[0313] The vehicle-mounted camera is equipped with a heating device (56) that heats the lens of the vehicle-mounted camera itself.

[0314] The air conditioning control device is configured to drive and control the heating device.

[0315] [Sixteenth Viewpoint]

[0316] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through fifteen,

[0317] The vehicle is equipped with an onboard camera (55) that captures images of the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle through the windshield.

[0318] If the system detects that an occupant is approaching the vehicle from outside and detects that the windshield is fogged up in an image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera, the air conditioning control device executes a defrost mode and controls the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater.

[0319] [Seventeenth Viewpoint]

[0320] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through sixteen,

[0321] When the vehicle detects an occupant approaching from outside the vehicle and the windshield is fogged up as detected by the image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera, the air conditioning control device can execute a defrosting mode that heats the windshield by the windshield heater and blows unheated air toward the windshield.

[0322] [Eighteenth Viewpoint]

[0323] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through seventeen,

[0324] When the fogging of the windshield is predicted based on the outside air temperature, vehicle speed, sunlight intensity, and internal air ratio, the air conditioning control device executes a control to increase the power supply of the windshield heater. The internal air ratio is the internal air circulation volume relative to the sum of the outside air intake and the internal air circulation volume.

[0325] [Nineteenth Viewpoint]

[0326] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through eighteen

[0327] The air conditioning control device can execute an anti-fog suppression mode to suppress the power supply of the windshield heater when the vehicle remains stationary for a certain period of time.

[0328] [Twentieth Viewpoint]

[0329] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through nineteen,

[0330] The vehicle is an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

[0331] During or within a certain period after the vehicle's battery is being charged, if an event is detected that would cause the vehicle to move, the air conditioning control device begins to supply power to the windshield heater.

[0332] [Point 21]

[0333] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through twentieth,

[0334] The air conditioning control device controls the operation of the windshield heater and the air conditioning unit so that the total power consumption, including the power consumption of the windshield heater and the power consumption of the air conditioning unit, is close to a minimum value determined by the outside air temperature.

[0335] [Point 22]

[0336] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through twenty-one,

[0337] The air conditioning heater is an electric heater that generates heat by being energized and directly or indirectly heats the air flowing through the ventilation path (27) of the air conditioning unit.

[0338] [Point 23]

[0339] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through twenty-two,

[0340] The air conditioning control device performs the following control at least when the outside air temperature is below 0°C: drives the blower unit according to the outside air temperature to reduce the proportion of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and increase the proportion of indoor air recirculation.

[0341] [Point 24]

[0342] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through twenty-three,

[0343] In each of the following modes—de-icing mode for de-icing the windshield, defogging mode for eliminating fogging of the windshield, anti-fogging mode for preventing fogging of the windshield, and body temperature regulation mode for warming occupants through air conditioning air blown from the air conditioning unit and radiant heat from the windshield heater—the air conditioning control unit performs control to drive the windshield heater.

[0344] [Point 25]

[0345] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through twenty-four,

[0346] When a two-way mode or facial mode is selected through automatic control or occupant operation, and the interior temperature is lower than the set temperature, the air conditioning control device performs control to drive the air conditioning unit and the windshield heater.

[0347] [Point 26]

[0348] In any of the vehicle air conditioning systems described in viewpoints one through twenty-five,

[0349] The air conditioning control device performs the following control: drives the windshield heater to prevent the windshield from fogging up, and sets the target blowing temperature of the air conditioning device based at least on the heat output of the windshield heater, the set temperature, the vehicle interior temperature, and the outside air temperature.

[0350] [Point 27]

[0351] An air conditioning control device is mounted on a vehicle and controls the driving of a windshield heater and an air conditioning unit. The vehicle includes: a windshield heater (2) disposed on the windshield (1) of the vehicle and capable of heating the windshield; an air conditioning unit (3) having a blower unit (7) and an air conditioning unit (8), the blower unit being capable of adjusting the ratio of the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle to the amount of indoor air circulated, the air conditioning unit heating the air supplied from the blower unit via an air conditioning heater (35) and blowing it into the vehicle interior; an outside air temperature sensor (41) detecting the outside air temperature, which is the temperature outside the vehicle; and an inside air temperature sensor (42) detecting the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0352] The air conditioning control device performs the following controls: driving the windshield heater to prevent the windshield from fogging up, and driving the air conditioning heater to bring the interior temperature to a set temperature. Furthermore, it drives the blower unit according to the outside air temperature to reduce the proportion of outside air entering the vehicle and increase the proportion of air circulating inside the vehicle.

[0353] [Point 28]

[0354] A vehicle air conditioning system, comprising:

[0355] Windshield heater (2), which is installed on the windshield (1) of the vehicle and is capable of heating the windshield;

[0356] Air conditioning unit (3), comprising a blower unit (7) and an air conditioning unit (8), wherein the blower unit draws in outdoor air and indoor air, and the air conditioning unit heats the air supplied from the blower unit via an air conditioning heater (35) and blows it into the interior of the vehicle; and

[0357] In each of the following modes—de-icing mode for de-icing the windshield, defogging mode for eliminating fogging of the windshield, anti-fogging mode for preventing fogging of the windshield, and body temperature regulation mode for warming the occupants through air conditioning air blown from the air conditioning unit and radiant heat from the windshield heater—the air conditioning control device (4) performs control to drive the windshield heater.

[0358] [29th Viewpoint]

[0359] In the vehicle air conditioning system described in viewpoint twenty-eight,

[0360] When a two-way mode or facial mode is selected through automatic control or occupant operation, and the interior temperature is lower than the set temperature, the air conditioning control device performs control to drive the air conditioning unit and the windshield heater.

[0361] [Thirtieth Viewpoint]

[0362] In the vehicle air conditioning system described in viewpoint 28 or 29,

[0363] The air conditioning control device performs the following control: drives the windshield heater to prevent the windshield from fogging up, and sets the target blowing temperature of the air conditioning device based at least on the heat output of the windshield heater, the set temperature, the vehicle interior temperature, and the outside air temperature.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: Windshield heater (2), which is installed on the windshield (1) of the vehicle and is capable of heating the windshield; Air conditioning unit (3), which has a blower unit (7) and an air conditioning unit (8), the blower unit can adjust the ratio of the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and the amount of indoor air circulated, and the air conditioning unit heats the air supplied from the blower unit and blows it into the vehicle through an air conditioning heater (35); An outside air temperature sensor (41) detects the outside air temperature, which is the temperature outside the vehicle; Interior air temperature sensor (42), which detects the interior temperature of the vehicle; and Air conditioning control device (4) drives the windshield heater to prevent the windshield from fogging up, and drives the air conditioning heater to make the interior temperature of the vehicle reach the set temperature. Furthermore, it drives the blower unit according to the outside air temperature to reduce the proportion of outside air entering the vehicle and increase the proportion of air circulating in the vehicle.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blower unit has: Blower (11); The blower unit housing (9) has an external air intake (12) and an internal air intake (13). The external air intake draws in outdoor air from the vehicle by driving the blower, and the internal air intake draws in indoor air from the vehicle. as well as An in-vehicle air switching door (10) opens and closes the outside air intake and the inside air intake, thereby adjusting the airflow of outside air drawn into the blower unit housing from the outside air intake and the airflow of inside air drawn into the blower unit housing from the inside air intake. When both outside and inside air are simultaneously drawn into the blower unit housing, the air conditioning control device sets the position of the outside / inside air switching door so that any unusual noise emitted from the outside air intake is within a range that the occupants cannot perceive as unusual noise.

3. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blower unit has: Blower (11); The blower unit housing (9) has a first external air intake (121), a second external air intake (122) and an internal air intake (13). The first external air intake draws in outdoor air from the vehicle through the drive of the blower. The second external air intake is formed with an opening area smaller than that of the first external air intake and draws in outdoor air from the vehicle. The internal air intake draws in indoor air from the vehicle. as well as An internal / external air switching door (10) is provided, which can open and close the first external air inlet, the second external air inlet, and the internal air inlet. The second external air intake has an aspect ratio such that the abnormal noise emitted when the internal / external air switching door is opened is within a range that the occupant cannot perceive as an abnormal noise. When simultaneously drawing in both outside and inside air into the blower unit housing, the air conditioning control device sets the position of the inside / outside air switching door so that the inside air inlet and the second outside air inlet are opened instead of the first outside air inlet when the occupants can detect abnormal noise.

4. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit is capable of executing a defrost mode that blows air toward the windshield. When the windshield is fogged up, the air conditioning control device executes the defrost mode and controls the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater. When performing defogging on the windshield in a non-fogging state, the air conditioning control device stops the airflow from the defrosting mode or reduces the airflow, and controls the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater.

5. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the windshield is fogged up, the air conditioning control device can execute the defrosting mode, which heats the windshield by the windshield heater and blows unheated air to the windshield.

6. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit is capable of executing a defrost mode that blows air toward the windshield. When the windshield fogs up automatically, the air conditioning control unit executes the defrost mode and controls the windshield to heat up via the windshield heater. When the windshield is in a non-fogging state and is defogging automatically, the air conditioning control device stops the airflow from the defrost mode or reduces the airflow, and controls the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater. When the defrost mode switch or foot / defrost mode switch located in the driver's seat is turned on by the occupant, the air conditioning control device executes the defrost mode or foot / defrost mode and controls the heating of the windshield by the windshield heater.

7. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the value obtained by subtracting the dew point temperature of the side window glass (61) from the temperature of the side window glass of the vehicle is less than a specified threshold, the air conditioning control device drives the blower unit to increase the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and reduce the amount of indoor air circulated.

8. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the value obtained by subtracting the dew point temperature of the side window glass (61) from the temperature of the side window glass of the vehicle is less than a specified threshold, the air conditioning control device drives the blower unit to increase the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and reduce the amount of indoor air circulated. Furthermore, the air conditioning control device executes a side defrost mode that blows air toward the side window glass.

9. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: Side window humidity sensor (51), which is installed on the interior side of the side window glass; as well as A side window glass temperature sensor (52) is installed on the interior side of the side window glass. The air conditioning control device calculates the dew point temperature of the side window glass based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior and the temperature of the side window glass.

10. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A side window glass temperature sensor (52) is installed on the interior side of the side window glass. The air conditioning control device estimates the dew point temperature of the side window glass based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior estimated according to the number of occupants and the temperature of the side window glass.

11. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A CO2 sensor (49) detects the concentration of carbon dioxide in the vehicle interior; and A side window glass temperature sensor (52) is installed on the interior side of the side window glass. The air conditioning control device estimates the dew point temperature of the side window glass based on the relative humidity inside the vehicle interior estimated according to the carbon dioxide concentration and the temperature of the side window glass.

12. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The windshield heater has the following structure: the resistance value per unit area of ​​the outer periphery (54) of the windshield is lower than the resistance value per unit area of ​​the central part (53) of the windshield.

13. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a windshield temperature sensor (46) that detects the temperature of the windshield. The air conditioning control device is configured to control the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater when the relative humidity of the windshield surface, calculated based on the relative humidity of the vehicle interior (estimated from the number of occupants or the concentration of carbon dioxide in the vehicle interior) and the windshield temperature (detected by the windshield temperature sensor), is higher than a predetermined humidity threshold.

14. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Temperature and humidity sensor (47) is located in an area that is located on the rear side relative to the center of the vehicle interior in the front-rear direction. as well as Windshield temperature sensor (46) detects the temperature of the windshield. The air conditioning control device is configured to control the windshield to heat the windshield via the windshield heater when the relative humidity of the windshield surface, calculated based on the temperature and relative humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor and the temperature of the windshield detected by the windshield temperature sensor, is higher than a predetermined humidity threshold.

15. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with an onboard camera (55) that captures images of the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle through the windshield. The vehicle-mounted camera is equipped with a heating device (56) that heats the lens of the vehicle-mounted camera itself. The air conditioning control device is configured to drive and control the heating device.

16. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vehicle is equipped with an onboard camera (55) that captures images of the outside of the vehicle from inside the vehicle through the windshield. If the system detects that an occupant is approaching the vehicle from outside and detects that the windshield is fogged up in an image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera, the air conditioning control device executes a defrost mode and controls the windshield to be heated by the windshield heater.

17. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the vehicle detects an occupant approaching from outside the vehicle and the windshield is fogged up as detected by the image captured by the vehicle-mounted camera, the air conditioning control device can execute a defrosting mode that heats the windshield by the windshield heater and blows unheated air toward the windshield.

18. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the fogging of the windshield is predicted based on the outside air temperature, vehicle speed, sunlight intensity, and internal air ratio, the air conditioning control device executes a control to increase the power supply of the windshield heater. The internal air ratio is the internal air circulation volume relative to the sum of the outside air intake and the internal air circulation volume.

19. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air conditioning control device can execute an anti-fog suppression mode to suppress the power supply of the windshield heater when the vehicle remains stationary for a certain period of time.

20. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The vehicle is an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. During or within a certain period after the vehicle's battery is being charged, if an event is detected that would cause the vehicle to move, the air conditioning control device begins to supply power to the windshield heater.

21. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air conditioning control device controls the operation of the windshield heater and the air conditioning unit so that the total power consumption, including the power consumption of the windshield heater and the power consumption of the air conditioning unit, is close to a minimum value determined by the outside air temperature.

22. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air conditioning heater is an electric heater that generates heat by being energized and directly or indirectly heats the air flowing through the ventilation path (27) of the air conditioning unit.

23. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air conditioning control device performs the following control at least when the outside air temperature is below 0°C: drives the blower unit according to the outside air temperature to reduce the proportion of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle and increase the proportion of indoor air recirculation.

24. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In each of the following modes—de-icing mode for de-icing the windshield, defogging mode for eliminating fogging of the windshield, anti-fogging mode for preventing fogging of the windshield, and body temperature regulation mode for warming occupants through air conditioning air blown from the air conditioning unit and radiant heat from the windshield heater—the air conditioning control unit performs control to drive the windshield heater.

25. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When a two-way mode or facial mode is selected through automatic control or occupant operation, and the interior temperature is lower than the set temperature, the air conditioning control device performs control to drive the air conditioning unit and the windshield heater.

26. The vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air conditioning control device performs the following control: drives the windshield heater to prevent the windshield from fogging up, and sets the target blowing temperature of the air conditioning device based at least on the heat output of the windshield heater, the set temperature, the vehicle interior temperature, and the outside air temperature.

27. An air conditioning control device mounted on a vehicle and controlling the driving of a windshield heater and an air conditioning unit, the vehicle comprising: The windshield heater (2) is disposed on the windshield (1) of the vehicle and is capable of heating the windshield; The air conditioning unit (3) includes a blower unit (7) and an air conditioning unit (8). The blower unit is capable of adjusting the ratio of the amount of outdoor air introduced into the vehicle to the amount of indoor air circulated. The air conditioning unit heats the air supplied from the blower unit and blows it into the vehicle through an air conditioning heater (35). The unit also includes an outside air temperature sensor (41) that detects the outside air temperature, which is the temperature outside the vehicle. Finally, it includes an inside air temperature sensor (42) that detects the temperature inside the vehicle. The unit is characterized by... The air conditioning control device performs the following controls: driving the windshield heater to prevent the windshield from fogging up, and driving the air conditioning heater to bring the interior temperature to a set temperature. Furthermore, it drives the blower unit according to the outside air temperature to reduce the proportion of outside air entering the vehicle and increase the proportion of air circulating inside the vehicle.

28. A vehicle air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: Windshield heater (2), which is installed on the windshield (1) of the vehicle and is capable of heating the windshield; An air conditioning unit (3) has a blower unit (7) and an air conditioning unit (8). The blower unit draws in outdoor air and indoor air, and the air conditioning unit heats the air supplied from the blower unit and blows it into the interior of the vehicle through an air conditioning heater (35). as well as In each of the following modes—de-icing mode for de-icing the windshield, defogging mode for eliminating fogging of the windshield, anti-fogging mode for preventing fogging of the windshield, and body temperature regulation mode for warming the occupants through air conditioning air blown from the air conditioning unit and radiant heat from the windshield heater—the air conditioning control device (4) performs control to drive the windshield heater.

29. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 28, characterized in that, When a two-way mode or facial mode is selected through automatic control or occupant operation, and the interior temperature is lower than the set temperature, the air conditioning control device performs control to drive the air conditioning unit and the windshield heater.

30. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that, The air conditioning control device performs the following control: drives the windshield heater to prevent the windshield from fogging up, and sets the target blowing temperature of the air conditioning device based at least on the heat output of the windshield heater, the set temperature, the vehicle interior temperature, and the outside air temperature.

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