Vehicular air conditioner

Abstract

To maintain a temperature in a vehicle interior at which an occupant feels comfortable, while securing sufficiently a running distance using a charged battery in an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicular air conditioner, which is provided with an air conditioning system 10 that can perform air-conditioning for each occupant, is configured to comprise: a getting-on detecting part 21b that detects a person getting-on from the vehicle exterior, during driving of the air-conditioning system 10; a scheduled-seat temperature obtaining part 22b that obtains information on temperatures around a scheduled seat on which the person gets on from the vehicle exterior; a suggestion-information generating part 24b that compares the information on temperatures around the scheduled seat with predetermined target temperature information, and when a temperature difference between the information on temperatures around the scheduled seat and the predetermined target temperature information is above a predetermined value, generates predetermined suggestion-information for making the temperature difference to be below the predetermined value, with respect to settings of air-conditioning of the air conditioning system to the scheduled seat on which the person gets on from the vehicle exterior; and an air-conditioning control part 25b that controls the air-conditioning system, on the basis of the suggestion information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner that controls an air conditioning system mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV) powered by an electrically driven motor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of electric vehicles has been increasing. In electric vehicles, battery power is also used to regulate the temperature of the vehicle interior and various on-board devices. In order to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle interior using air conditioning equipment while ensuring a sufficient driving distance using a charged battery, it is necessary to use power efficiently. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to a vehicle air conditioner that controls the air conditioner so that the temperature inside the vehicle compartment is kept at a comfortable temperature for the occupants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-182121 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an air conditioning system for vehicles that can maintain and control the temperature inside the vehicle cabin to a comfortable level for the occupants while ensuring a sufficient driving distance for an electric vehicle using a charged battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning device for a vehicle equipped with an air conditioning system capable of adjusting air conditioning for each occupant can be configured to include an entry detection unit that detects when a person enters the vehicle from outside while the air conditioning system is operating, a planned seat temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information around the planned seat where the person is to enter from outside the vehicle, a proposal information generation unit that compares the temperature information around the planned seat with predetermined target temperature information and, if the temperature difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, generates predetermined proposal information for the air conditioning setting of the air conditioning system for the planned seat where the person is to enter from outside the vehicle, such that the temperature difference between the temperature information around the planned seat and the predetermined target temperature information is less than or equal to the predetermined value, and an air conditioning control unit that controls the air conditioning system based on the proposal information. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner for a vehicle that can maintain and control the temperature inside the vehicle cabin to a comfortable temperature for the occupants while ensuring a sufficient driving distance using a charged battery of an electric vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall configuration of a vehicle air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioning system controlled by a vehicle air conditioning device according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows an air conditioning unit (blower) and (b) shows an air agitator (circulator). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a control process of an air conditioning system by an air conditioning control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of proposal information generated and output by an air conditioning control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning control unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a control process of an air conditioning system by an air conditioning control means according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of proposal information generated and output by an air conditioning control unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning control unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a control process of an air conditioning system by an air conditioning control unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of proposal information generated and output by an air conditioning control unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing device constituting the vehicle air conditioner (air conditioning control means) of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings attached to this specification, a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention is a vehicle air conditioning device that is installed in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV) powered by an electrically driven motor, and controls an air conditioning system (so-called car air conditioner) in the vehicle interior space.

[0009] Here, an EV (electric vehicle) is a vehicle that can run by driving a motor with electricity, and is equipped with a storage battery that supplies power to the air conditioning system that is controlled by the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention. The storage batteries installed in EVs can have a capacity of 40 kWh (single cell type), a charging time of 6 to 12 hours, and a driving range of approximately 400 to 480 km when fully charged. EVs include ultra-compact EVs whose bodies are the same size as or smaller than a minicar. Furthermore, HVs (hybrid vehicles) equipped with two power sources, a motor and an engine, can be included in the EVs to which the vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention is applied. Furthermore, FCVs (fuel cell vehicles), which generate electricity using hydrogen and oxygen to drive a motor, can also be included in the EVs to which the present invention applies.

[0010] The vehicle air conditioning system according to this embodiment is capable of maintaining and controlling the temperature inside the vehicle cabin to a comfortable level for the occupants by controlling the air conditioning system while ensuring that the battery-powered driving distance of the electric vehicle constituting the vehicle is as long as possible. As mentioned above, if an electric vehicle that runs on battery power operates its air conditioning system unlimitedly and unconditionally to prioritize passenger comfort, power consumption will increase accordingly, and the vehicle's cruising range will be reduced. For this reason, the vehicle air conditioning device that controls the air conditioning system is required to have the capacity and control to satisfy passenger comfort, while also reducing power consumption and preventing a reduction in the vehicle's cruising range.

[0011] One method for solving the issue of a trade-off between the operation of the air conditioning system and improving the vehicle's driving range in such electric vehicles has been to use "individual (independent) air conditioning," which provides air conditioning individually for each passenger in the vehicle. By not conditioning spaces where no passengers are present, the power consumption of the air conditioning system is reduced. Here, with the individual air conditioning used up until now, for example, if someone gets in during a pick-up or drop-off, individual air conditioning is not performed on the spaces where no one is in the vehicle during the period when no passengers are in the vehicle, and individual air conditioning is started for the space where the person is in the vehicle when they get in. As a result, by providing individual air conditioning to one or more spaces where occupants are present, the spaces could be kept at a comfortable temperature, and the entire interior space of the vehicle, including spaces where no one is present, could also be brought closer to the target comfortable temperature to a certain extent by "natural circumstances."

[0012] However, for example, passengers who get into a shared car or taxi midway through the ride may find it difficult to ask for a change to the set temperature, even if they feel it is "hot" or "cold" due to the temperature difference with the outside air. Also, there are cases where people have different perceptions of temperature, such as the elderly and the young, men and women, adults and children, and so the temperature may not necessarily be comfortable for passengers who get in later. In addition, especially for elderly people, the ability to sense hot / cold may decline with age, and depending on the degree of temperature control in the vehicle cabin, it may be possible for them to suffer from heat stroke due to high temperatures or heat shock due to sudden temperature changes.

[0013] In addition, in spaces where no passengers are present, even if the temperature is controlled to a certain extent by "natural" means through individual air conditioning in the spaces where passengers are present, the target value (comfortable temperature) may not be reached when passengers enter the vehicle midway through, and comfort may be compromised. Furthermore, for example, when using a vehicle, there are cases where shopping or other baggage is placed on an empty seat, and the baggage may include items that require temperature control, such as maintaining a low temperature. However, with individual air conditioning, which does not condition spaces where passengers are not present, the temperature of the space where the baggage is placed is not regulated, and temperature control for baggage was not even anticipated in the first place.

[0014] The vehicle air conditioning system of this embodiment does not simply provide individual air conditioning for occupants as in the past, but dynamically determines whether or not temperature control is necessary in the vehicle cabin, regardless of whether there are occupants or not, and for those spaces that require temperature control, active air conditioning control is performed to adjust the temperature of one or more target spaces to the desired target temperature.In addition, by suggesting changes to the set temperature to people who are unable to directly ask for a change in the set temperature, it is possible to always provide a comfortable interior space in the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle air conditioning system of this embodiment can maintain and control the temperature inside the vehicle cabin to a comfortable level for the occupants while ensuring the vehicle's battery-powered driving distance as much as possible, and can also appropriately regulate the temperature for luggage, etc.

[0015] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment includes an air conditioning system 10 (air conditioning unit 11, air agitator 12), a sensor 13, an operation unit 14, and an air conditioning control means 20, and the entire vehicle air conditioner 1 including these units is adapted to be mounted in a vehicle (EV) not shown.

[0016] [Air conditioning system] The air conditioning system 10 is a means for controlling the temperature and air conditioning of the interior space of a vehicle, and includes an air conditioning unit 11, an air agitator 12, and the like. The air conditioning unit 11 is configured with a blower, a heat exchanger, etc., and functions as an individual air conditioning device that can blow out temperature-controlled air and wind into the vehicle interior space at the driver's seat, passenger seat, right rear seat, and left rear seat, respectively, as shown in Figure 2(a). Specifically, the blower that constitutes the air conditioning unit 11 is equipped with a heat exchanger and the like inside, and as shown in FIG. 2(a), outlets for temperature-controlled air (cold air / hot air) (driver's foot outlet: DFV / passenger's foot outlet: PFV), registers (center register: CR / side register: SR / center pillar register: CPR / console rear face register: CRFR), defrosters (front defroster: FD / side defroster: SD), heater ducts (rear heater duct: RHD), etc. are provided at designated locations in the vehicle interior space, so that the designated temperature and air conditioning can be performed in each individual space, such as the driver's seat, passenger seat, right rear seat, and left rear seat.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the air agitator 12 is a device known as a circulator, which can adjust and control the temperature of the entire interior space of the vehicle by agitating and circulating the air in the interior space of the vehicle. Furthermore, although not specifically shown, the air conditioning system 10 may also be equipped with seat heaters or the like that can individually adjust the temperature of each seat in the vehicle. The air conditioning system 10 (air conditioning unit 11, air agitator 12, seat heater, etc.) as described above can be configured using existing air conditioning systems and air conditioners.

[0018] In the air conditioning system 10, the power consumption during operation varies as follows according to a plurality of different operation / control patterns of control 1-3 as follows, for example. "Power consumption: Control 2> Control 1> Control 3" Control 1: Individual air conditioning that increases the blower's air volume when the number of air outlets increases due to an increase in passengers or luggage (the target temperature of the heat exchanger is feedback controlled according to the blower's air volume). Control 2: Individual air conditioning in which the target condenser temperature is set higher (or the target evaporator temperature lower) than in Control 1 when the air temperature in the space where the occupants are seated deviates from the target value by a certain amount (for example, by 5°C or more). - Control 3: Mixing and circulating the air inside the vehicle cabin using an air blowing means (circulator) inside the vehicle cabin.

[0019] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control of the air conditioning system 10 can be adjusted or changed to a number of different operating patterns as described above depending on the target comfortable temperature, the presence or absence of occupants, luggage, etc., and such a number of different operating patterns can be generated and presented as suggested information to the occupants (see Figures 4, 7 and 10 described later). The above-mentioned operation patterns (control 1-3) of the air conditioning system 10 are just examples, and it goes without saying that control other than the above, such as four or more operation / control patterns, can also be performed. This makes it possible to maintain the vehicle's driving range as long as possible while creating a comfortable interior environment for the occupants.

[0020] [Sensor] The sensor 13 is a sensor means for detecting temperature, people (passengers), and objects (baggage) in each seat in the vehicle interior space. For example, the sensor 13 can be composed of a temperature sensor, a thermographic camera, etc. that acquires temperature information of each seat space in the vehicle, a human presence sensor, a weight sensor, an in-vehicle camera, etc. that detects the presence or absence of an occupant in the seat, an object sensor / weight sensor that detects luggage placed on the seat, an in-vehicle camera, etc. Such a sensor 13 can be configured using various existing sensors, information acquisition devices, and the like. The temperature information, human presence signal, and objective signal acquired and output by this sensor 13 are input to the air conditioning control means 20 described below, which then controls the air conditioning system 10 as described above, including generating and outputting predetermined proposal information.

[0021] [Operation section] The operating unit 14 is an operating means that can be manually operated by a passenger to operate and operate the air conditioning system 10 described above. For example, the operation unit 14 can be configured by an operation panel / buttons, a display / display panel, a speaker, etc., provided at the driver's seat or in the back seat of the vehicle. Incidentally, such an operation unit 14 can also be configured with existing operation means, a display panel, and the like.

[0022] An operation signal output by operating this operation unit 14 is input to the air conditioning control means 20 described below, and the above-mentioned control of the air conditioning system 10, including the generation and output of predetermined proposal information, is executed. In addition, suggested information for air conditioning control, which will be described later, is displayed and output, for example, via a display of this operation unit 14 (see Figures 5, 8 and 11), and the suggested information is output and notified by voice via a speaker of the operation unit 14.

[0023] [Air conditioning control means] The air conditioning control means 20 is a control means that controls the operation of the above-mentioned air conditioning system 10, thereby maintaining a comfortable interior space of the vehicle while balancing the vehicle's cruising distance and the power consumption by the air conditioning. Specifically, the air conditioning control means 20 is composed of software (programs) and hardware (information processing device such as a computer) that executes processes, means, and functions to control the temperature in the vehicle cabin to a predetermined target temperature by monitoring and detecting the temperature and the presence or absence of people / objects in the vehicle cabin space using the above-mentioned sensors 13, and controlling the air conditioning unit 11 and air agitator 12 of the air conditioning system 10 in accordance with predetermined proposed information described later (see Figure 12).

[0024] The air conditioning control means 20 according to this embodiment is configured according to at least one of the first, second and third embodiments, as will be described below (see FIGS. 3, 6 and 9). Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 3-11, a specific embodiment of the air conditioning control means 20 of the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail, including the configuration of each part and the operation, processing, and function thereof.

[0025] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the air conditioning control means 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3-5. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning control means 20a according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the air conditioning control means 20a according to the first embodiment includes an interior temperature acquisition unit 21a, an occupancy detection unit 22a, an occupant temperature acquisition unit 23a, a proposal information generation unit 24a, and an air conditioning control unit 25a.

[0026] The vehicle interior temperature acquisition unit 21a is a means for acquiring temperature information in the vehicle interior. Specifically, the vehicle interior temperature acquisition unit 21a inputs temperature information generated and acquired by the temperature sensors, thermographic cameras, etc. constituting the above-mentioned sensor 13, and constantly monitors and grasps the temperature of each space (seat) within the vehicle interior.

[0027] The boarding detection unit 22a is a means for detecting that a person has boarded the vehicle from outside the vehicle. Specifically, the occupancy detection unit 22a inputs human presence signals, occupant information, etc. generated and acquired by the human presence sensor, weight sensor, in-vehicle camera, etc. constituting the above-mentioned sensor 13, and constantly monitors and grasps the presence or absence of occupants and the temperature in each space (seat) within the vehicle cabin.

[0028] The occupant temperature acquisition unit 23a is a means for acquiring temperature information of an occupant. Specifically, the occupant temperature acquisition unit 23a inputs temperature information generated and acquired by the temperature sensors, thermographic cameras, etc. that constitute the above-mentioned sensor 13, and is configured to constantly monitor and grasp the body surface temperatures of occupants in each space (seat) within the vehicle cabin.

[0029] The proposed information generation unit 24a is a means for generating predetermined proposed information by comparing the temperature information in the vehicle interior acquired by the vehicle interior temperature acquisition unit 21a with predetermined target temperature information for the space in which the occupant is riding, when the boarding detection unit 22a detects that a person has boarded from outside the vehicle. Specifically, when it is detected that a person has boarded the vehicle from outside, the proposal information generating unit 24a compares the temperature information of the space in which the occupant boarded (ambient temperature of the seat) with predetermined target temperature information to calculate the temperature difference. If the calculated temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the proposal information generating unit 24a generates proposal information for setting the air conditioning setting of the air conditioning system 10 for the person who boarded the vehicle from outside to make the temperature difference between the temperature information in the vehicle cabin and the predetermined target temperature information equal to or less than a predetermined value. For example, the proposed information generating unit 24a can estimate and determine target temperature information based on temperature information of an occupant who gets into the vehicle from outside the vehicle, and generate and output predetermined proposed information.

[0030] More specifically, when it is detected that a person has entered the vehicle from outside, the proposal information generating unit 24a estimates and determines the target temperature to be set for the occupant when the temperature information of the occupant who entered the vehicle from outside, acquired and output by the occupant temperature acquiring unit 23a, for example, the temperature information (body temperature / body surface temperature) of an occupant who has been waiting outside in the summer, is 30° C. For example, the proposal information generating unit 24a estimates and determines the set temperature of the individual air conditioning already set for the driver (for example, 25° C.) as the target temperature information, compares the target temperature with the temperature (ambient temperature) of the space in which the occupant is seated, and calculates the temperature difference. If the temperature difference (5°C) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 1°C), then the above-mentioned "Control 2" can be selected as the control of the air conditioning system 10 for individual air conditioning of the space of the passenger who has just boarded, and this can be generated and output as suggested information (see FIG. 5).

[0031] Furthermore, the proposal information generating unit 24a can determine target temperature information based on any preset temperature information, and generate and output predetermined proposal information. Specifically, for example, the driver's preferred air conditioning setting temperature or the customer's preferred air conditioning setting temperature when making a reservation for a taxi or shared car can be stored and set in advance as target temperature information, and the proposal information generation unit 24a can select and extract any temperature information from the one or more set temperature information and set it as the target temperature information.

[0032] Such "preferred target temperature" information and taxi or shared car reservation information can be stored and managed, for example, in a specified storage means of an information processing device that constitutes the air conditioning control means 20, and can also be received by the air conditioning control means 20 via a network from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by the occupant or a taxi reservation system, and set as target temperature information. When a person gets in from outside the vehicle, if the difference between the passenger space and the preferred target temperature information is a predetermined value (e.g., 1°C) or more, the "preferred target temperature" can be generated and output as suggested information to the passenger who has just gotten in (see Figure 5).

[0033] Here, the proposal information generator 24a can propose, as the proposal information, one or more air-conditioning settings having air-conditioning capabilities different from those in the normal mode of the air-conditioning system 10. In this way, a passenger who gets in later can select a desired air conditioning setting from a plurality of pieces of suggested information. Furthermore, the proposed information generating unit 24a can output the generated proposed information as predetermined display information and / or predetermined audio information.

[0034] For example, the proposal information generated by the proposal information generating unit 24a can be displayed / output on a display panel / display provided in the operation unit 14 of the air conditioning system 10 described above (FIG. 5). In this way, a passenger looking at the display can intuitively recognize and grasp one or more pieces of suggested information through their eyes, and can easily and quickly make a selection decision and perform an operation.

[0035] Moreover, the proposed information can be output as audio information via a speaker or the like provided in the operation unit 14 of the air conditioning system 10 described above. In this way, for example, rear seat occupants, such as taxi passengers, who cannot see the display, can be notified of changes and suggestions to the air conditioning settings by voice.The suggested information can be reliably conveyed even to occupants who find it difficult to ask for a change to the air conditioning temperature setting or who may not have even noticed the suggested information, making it possible to suggest and create a comfortable in-vehicle environment.

[0036] The air conditioning control unit 25a is a means for controlling the air conditioning system based on the proposal information. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 25a operates and operates the air conditioning unit 11 and air agitator 12 of the air conditioning system 10 in accordance with the control content selected and determined by operating and inputting operations on the operation unit 14 described above, including the air conditioning settings and control patterns indicated in the proposed information. As a result, the air conditioning system 10 is operated in a predetermined control pattern, including the content of the proposed information presented to the occupants, the temperature and air conditioning inside the vehicle's cabin are controlled to the desired level, and a comfortable cabin environment for the occupants is provided and maintained.

[0037] Next, an example of a specific control process procedure for the air conditioning system 10 by the air conditioning control means 20a according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control process of the air conditioning system 10 by the air conditioning control means 20a according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, when an occupant is detected in any space in the vehicle cabin (S401), the air-conditioned space in which the occupant is riding is determined (S402), and individual air conditioning is performed (S403). Here, it is assumed that the driver of the vehicle is first detected, and individual air conditioning for the driver is performed and operated.

[0038] Thereafter, until the number of occupants is increased (S404: No), only the individual air conditioning for the space in which the occupant is seated will be performed. Then, when an increase in the number of passengers and their entry is detected (S404: Yes), the seat in which the passenger is seated is detected and determined as an additional space to be air-conditioned (S405). Next, when a passenger gets in the vehicle (S406), first, temperature information of the passenger who has gotten in is acquired, and the target temperature of the individual air conditioning to be set is estimated and determined from the temperature information of the passenger (S407). Next, b: ambient temperature information of the seat of the seated passenger is acquired (S408). Thereafter, the temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the occupant and the target temperature is calculated from the temperature information acquired in steps c:a and b (S409).

[0039] If the temperature difference between the occupant's ambient temperature and the target temperature is less than a predetermined value (here, ±1°C) (S410: No), no suggested information about air conditioning is generated, and individual air conditioning operation for the added space is started (S411). On the other hand, if the temperature difference between the occupant's ambient temperature and the target temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (±1° C.) (S410: Yes), suggested information about air conditioning is generated and a suggestion such as changing the target temperature is made (S412).

[0040] The proposed information is output and displayed, for example, on a display panel of the operation unit 14 of the air conditioning system 10, and the proposed contents are output and announced by voice via a speaker. An example of the proposed information generated and output by the air conditioning control means 20a according to the first embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. In the example shown in the figure, a change in the air conditioning settings is proposed, and if "Yes" is selected according to the occupant's selection or operation, individual air conditioning with a changed target temperature is performed, and if "No" is selected, the normal individual air conditioning mode is performed. Thereafter, when a change in the target temperature is selected in accordance with the suggested information, for example by operating the display panel or operation buttons of the operation unit 14 (S413: Yes), individual air conditioning for that occupant is started and executed at the changed target temperature (S414). Moreover, if a change in the target temperature in accordance with the proposed information is not selected (S413: No), the preset individual air conditioning is started and executed as is for that occupant (S415).

[0041] In the above control flow, a case has been described in which only the target temperature of the air conditioning system 10 is changed. However, by combining changes in other things besides temperature, such as air volume changes, it is possible to perform air conditioning control with increased heating and cooling capacities. In addition, in the above control flow, the target temperature that serves as the basis for the proposed information is described as a temperature (e.g., 24°C) that is estimated and determined based on the temperature (body temperature / body surface temperature) of the passenger who gets in later. However, this is not limited to this, and the target temperature may be, for example, an optimal blowing temperature that differs for each passenger (individual optimization).

[0042] Specifically, the temperature preferences of occupants are stored and set in a memory means or the like of the air conditioning control means 20 (vehicle air conditioning device 1), and when a passenger is identified, the "optimum temperature (preferred temperature)" associated with the corresponding passenger can be set as the target temperature, or the passenger can set the "optimum temperature (preferred temperature)" when reserving a ride, or the driver can change the target temperature based on information obtained from an information device such as a smartphone when making the reservation. In that case, by performing the process of "b: obtain target temperature information" in "S408" of the control flow in FIG. 4 described above, it is possible to suggest changing the target temperature.

[0043] As described above, the vehicle air conditioner 1 equipped with the air conditioning control means 20a according to the first embodiment can achieve the effects described below. (1) That is, the vehicle air conditioner 1 in the first embodiment is a vehicle air conditioner 1 equipped with an air conditioning system 10 capable of adjusting the air conditioning for each occupant, and can include an interior temperature acquisition unit 21a that acquires temperature information inside the vehicle cabin, an entry detection unit 22a that detects that a person has entered the vehicle from outside, a proposal information generation unit 24a that, when it is detected that a person has entered the vehicle from outside, compares the temperature information inside the vehicle cabin with predetermined target temperature information, and, if the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, generates predetermined proposal information for setting the air conditioning setting of the air conditioning system 10 for the person who has entered the vehicle from outside the vehicle to a temperature difference between the temperature information inside the vehicle cabin and the predetermined target temperature information equal to or less than a predetermined value, and an air conditioning control unit 25a that controls the air conditioning system 10 based on the proposal information.

[0044] This makes it possible to ensure that an electric vehicle can travel a sufficient distance with a charged battery while maintaining and controlling the temperature inside the vehicle at a comfortable level for the occupants. In particular, according to the air conditioning control means 20a of the first embodiment, by suggesting a change in the air conditioning temperature to a passenger who gets into a vehicle, such as a shared car or taxi, midway through the journey, it becomes possible to proactively change or adjust the air conditioning temperature by presenting the suggestion information even in cases where it is difficult to ask for a change in the air conditioning temperature or where the perceived temperature differs from person to person. This allows passengers to enjoy a comfortable interior space without having to endure any discomfort. In addition, for example, if the occupants are elderly, it is possible to make it easier for them to change the air conditioning temperature by presenting them with suggested information that the air conditioning temperature can be changed, thereby preventing heatstroke due to high temperatures and heat shock due to sudden temperature changes.

[0045] For example, for passengers who board later, the heating or cooling capacity of the air conditioning can be increased for a specified period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) after they board, and then the operating mode can be switched back to normal after the specified period, thereby improving the comfort of the passengers. An example of this would be when the driver has set the individual air conditioning to 24°C during air conditioning operation in summer (outside temperature 35°C) and then a passenger gets in the car. In this case, the seat of the person who got in later was not individually air-conditioned, so the surrounding temperature was, for example, around 29°C, but the passenger who got in had been waiting for the car in an outside temperature of, for example, 35°C, so their skin temperature was close to 35°C and they might even be sweating. Therefore, by proposing air conditioning control that increases the cooling capacity to quickly lower the body temperature after getting in, it becomes possible to improve the comfort of the passengers early on. Another example is that elderly people have a weaker sense of temperature and tend to be more susceptible to heat stroke. Therefore, when an elderly person gets in the car, the system can create a safe space for the elderly by suggesting changes to the air conditioning settings to achieve an appropriate temperature based on the target temperature estimated from the elderly person's temperature information and the current temperature inside the car.

[0046] (2) In addition, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment is equipped with an occupant temperature acquisition unit 23a that acquires temperature information of occupants, and the proposal information generation unit 24a can determine target temperature information based on the temperature information of occupants who get into the vehicle from outside. This makes it possible to dynamically set and change the air conditioning settings individually and specifically according to the situation and condition of the passengers who get into the vehicle from outside, providing the optimal air conditioning environment for each passenger.

[0047] (3) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the proposal information generating unit 24a can determine the target temperature information based on any preset temperature information. This makes it possible to memorize and set the target temperature for air conditioning control, for example, the driver's preferred air conditioning temperature setting or the customer's preferred air conditioning temperature setting when a taxi reservation is made, making it possible to realize fine-tuned air conditioning suggestions and temperature control tailored to the preferences and tastes of the passengers.

[0048] (4) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the proposal information generator 24a can propose, as proposal information, one or more air conditioning settings with air conditioning capabilities different from those of the normal mode of the air conditioning system 10. This makes it possible for an occupant who gets into the vehicle later to arbitrarily select a desired air conditioning setting from a plurality of pieces of suggested information.

[0049] (5) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment, the proposal information generating unit 24a can output the proposal information as predetermined display information and / or predetermined sound information. This allows occupants looking at the display to intuitively recognize and understand one or more pieces of suggested information through their eyes, making it easier and faster to decide on and operate the air conditioning settings. In addition, occupants who hear the audio information via speakers, etc., can recognize changes and suggestions to the air conditioning settings through voice, even if they are sitting in the back seat where they cannot see the display, etc. This means that even occupants who find it difficult to ask to change the air conditioning temperature setting or who were unaware of the suggested information can reliably understand the suggested information and create a comfortable in-vehicle environment.

[0050] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the air conditioning control means 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning control means 20b according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, an air conditioning control means 20b according to the second embodiment includes an entry detection unit 21b, a planned seat temperature acquisition unit 22b, a proposal information generation unit 24b, and an air conditioning control unit 25b.

[0051] The entry detection unit 21b is a means for detecting that a person has entered the vehicle from outside while the air conditioning system 10 of the vehicle is operating. Specifically, the boarding detection unit 21b is capable of detecting that passengers are about to board or increase, for example, when it is determined that the vehicle is heading to pick up or drop off a family member based on past driving history information and car navigation information (GPS information), or when it is determined that a passenger will soon board based on taxi or shared car reservation information.

[0052] In addition, the boarding detection unit 21b predicts the space and seat position in which the detected occupant will board, and the proposed information generation unit 24b, which will be described later, is able to generate proposed information for appropriate and accurate air conditioning control for the planned boarding seat. For example, if it is determined based on past driving history information, GPS information, etc. that the vehicle is heading to pick up or drop off a family member, it can predict that there will be a total of three occupants, one in the passenger seat and two in the back seat; alternatively, if based on taxi reservation information, it can predict that there will be one passenger and one person in the back seat on the right. This makes it possible to realize appropriate air conditioning control for the seats of passengers who will soon be boarding the vehicle.

[0053] Furthermore, the entry detection unit 21b predicts the time it will take for a person to enter the vehicle from outside, and the proposal information generation unit 24b, which will be described later, is capable of generating proposal information for performing appropriate and accurate air conditioning control based on the predicted time. For example, if it is determined based on past driving history information, GPS information, etc. that a vehicle is heading to pick up or drop off a family member, the time until arrival and passengers boarding (e.g., "15 minutes left") can be predicted when the vehicle passes the intersection leading to the nearest station.Also, if based on taxi reservation information, the time until arrival and passengers boarding (e.g., "30 minutes left") can be predicted when the vehicle heads toward the passenger's planned pick-up address. This makes it possible to achieve appropriate air conditioning control based on the predicted time until passengers arrive and the timing of their arrival.

[0054] Here, the above-mentioned vehicle's past driving history information, car navigation information (GPS information), taxi or shared car reservation information, etc. can be stored and managed, for example, in a specified storage means of an information processing device constituting the air conditioning control means 20b, and can also be received by the air conditioning control means 20b via a network from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by the occupant or a taxi reservation system. This makes it possible to determine whether or not an occupant has been detected by the boarding detection unit 21b, predict the seat position where the occupant will board, and predict the time until the occupant boards, based on the stored and received information. Based on such passenger detection information from the boarding detection unit 21b, it becomes possible to generate predetermined proposal information for proposing and executing comfortable air conditioning control for passengers who are about to board.

[0055] The planned seat temperature acquisition unit 22b is a means for acquiring, from outside the vehicle, temperature information around the seat where a person is scheduled to get in. Specifically, the planned seat temperature acquisition unit 22b inputs temperature information generated and acquired by the temperature sensor, thermographic camera, etc. that constitute the above-mentioned sensor 13, and monitors and grasps the ambient temperature of the space inside the vehicle cabin where the occupant will soon board (planned seat) detected and predicted by the boarding detection unit 21b.

[0056] The proposed information generating unit 24a is a means for comparing the above-mentioned temperature information around the planned seat with predetermined target temperature information, and generating predetermined proposed information. Specifically, when the boarding detection unit 21b detects that a person is boarding from outside the vehicle, the proposal information generation unit 24b compares the temperature information around the planned seat where the person is predicted to board and sit with the predetermined target temperature information, and calculates the temperature difference. If the calculated temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the proposal information generation unit 24b generates proposal information for adjusting the air conditioning setting of the air conditioning system 10 for the planned seat so that the temperature difference between the temperature information around the seat and the predetermined target temperature information is equal to or less than the predetermined value. This means that the seats where passengers will soon board and sit are pre-conditioned (pre-air conditioning), so that when the passengers actually board the vehicle, the area around the designated seats is already maintained in a comfortable temperature-controlled environment.

[0057] Here, the proposal information generating unit 24b can select and determine target temperature information based on any preset temperature information, and generate and output predetermined proposal information. Specifically, for example, the driver's preferred air conditioning setting temperature or the customer's preferred air conditioning setting temperature when making a reservation for a taxi or shared car can be stored and set in advance as target temperature information, and the proposal information generation unit 24b can select and extract any temperature information from the one or more set temperature information and set it as the target temperature information. This point is similar to that of the proposal information generating unit 24a according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] Furthermore, the proposal information generator 24b of this embodiment can propose, as proposal information, one or more operation modes for the air conditioning settings of the air conditioning system 10 in ascending order of power consumption. In particular, the proposed information generation unit 24b can propose, as proposed information, one or more operating modes in order of least power consumption for the air conditioning settings of the air conditioning system 10 in which the temperature information around the planned seat becomes the target temperature information within the time from outside the vehicle to when a person gets on the vehicle.

[0059] The air conditioning settings of the air conditioning system 10 have different power consumption depending on the above-mentioned multiple operation modes (control 1-3), and the shorter the operation mode is to reach the target temperature, the greater the power consumption. Therefore, by estimating and predicting the power consumption of each operation mode, for example, within the range of the time from outside the vehicle until passengers get in, from an operation mode that can reach the target temperature in a short time to an operation mode that takes more time but can reach the target temperature before passengers get in, it is possible to generate proposal information that shows one or more operation modes in order of least power consumption (see Figure 8).

[0060] In addition to power consumption, it is also possible to make suggestions based on factors such as the distance and time it takes for passengers to board the vehicle (see Figure 8). This makes it possible, when pre-conditioning the seats where passengers will be boarding, to present multiple suggested air conditioning settings with different power consumption (low / high) depending on the time until the new passenger boards the vehicle. This makes it possible, for example, for the driver to select a more appropriate air conditioning setting in relation to the vehicle's cruising range.

[0061] By presenting multiple suggested air conditioning settings based on factors such as power consumption and the expected duration of the occupants' journey, it is possible to select and determine appropriate air conditioning settings for an additional air-conditioned space when a new occupant gets on the vehicle, for example, that will reduce power consumption from when the individual air conditioning is started until the target temperature is reached. In addition, after the planned seats reach the target temperature, the added air-conditioned spaces can be air-conditioned in individual conditioning mode in the same way as other air-conditioned spaces, making it possible to individually optimize and make each space and seat comfortable while reducing power consumption.

[0062] Furthermore, the proposed information generating unit 24b can output the generated proposed information as predetermined display information and / or predetermined audio information. This point is similar to that of the proposal information generating unit 24a according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The air conditioning control unit 25b is a means for controlling the air conditioning system based on the proposal information generated by the proposal information generating unit 24b. This point is also similar to that of the air conditioning control unit 25a according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] Next, an example of a specific control process procedure for the air conditioning system 10 by the air conditioning control means 20b according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control process of the air conditioning system 10 by the air conditioning control means 20b according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, when an occupant is detected in any space in the vehicle cabin (S701), the air-conditioned space in which the occupant is riding is determined (S702), and individual air conditioning is performed (S703). Here, as in the first embodiment, it is assumed that one driver of the vehicle is detected, and individual air conditioning for the driver is performed and operated. Thereafter, until the number of occupants is increased (S704: No), only the individual air conditioning for the space in which the occupant is seated will be performed.

[0064] Then, for example, when it is detected that a new passenger will board or an increase will occur based on past driving history information or taxi reservation information (S704: Yes), the seat in which the passenger will board is predicted and determined as an additional air-conditioned space (S705). Next, when the air conditioned space is determined, first, a: temperature information of the added air conditioned space is obtained (S706), and b: target temperature information to be compared with the temperature of the air conditioned space is obtained (S707). As described above, the extraction and determination of the target temperature here is performed based on any temperature information that is preset according to, for example, the preferences of the occupants. Then, c: the temperature difference between the current ambient temperature of the planned seat and the target temperature is calculated from the temperature information acquired in a and b (S708).

[0065] If the temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the planned seat and the target temperature is less than a predetermined value (here, ±5°C) (S709: No), no suggested information about air conditioning is generated, and individual air conditioning operation is started for the added planned seat space (S710). On the other hand, if the temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the planned seat and the target temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (±5° C.) (S709: Yes), suggested information regarding the air conditioning settings is generated. Specifically, for example, an air conditioning means (see control 1-3) capable of achieving the target temperature is selected (S711), the power consumption of each set air conditioning means is estimated (S712), and the air conditioning means are proposed in order of lowest power consumption (S713).

[0066] The proposed information is output and displayed, for example, on a display panel of the operation unit 14 of the air conditioning system 10, and the proposed contents are output and announced by voice via a speaker. FIG. 8 shows an example of the proposal information generated and output by the air conditioning control means 20b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8(a) is an example in which multiple air conditioning means are proposed from the viewpoint of "power consumption" alone, in which "operation modes 1-3" are displayed selectably in order of lowest power consumption via the display of the operation unit 14, and air conditioning is performed in the selected operation mode in response to manual operation of the operation unit 14 by the driver, etc.

[0067] FIG. 8(b) is an example of a case where multiple air conditioning means are proposed taking into consideration not only "power consumption" but also "time until passengers get in the car." In this case, "operation modes 1-3" are displayed selectable in order of lowest power consumption via the display of the operation unit 14, etc., and the "air conditioning time" required to reach the target temperature for each operation mode is also displayed. Also, in this example, since the scheduled boarding time is "7 minutes later," the air conditioning time to reach the target temperature for "operation mode 1" is "10 minutes," so the option is displayed, for example, grayed out, so that it cannot be selected.

[0068] Then, for example, by operating the display panel or operation buttons of the operation unit 14, an air conditioning means is selected in accordance with the proposed information, and the selected air conditioning means performs individual air conditioning for the intended seat space of the occupant (S714). Thereafter, air conditioning is performed by the selected air conditioning means until the temperature difference between the ambient temperature of the designated seat and the target temperature falls below a predetermined value (±3°C) (S715: No), and when the temperature difference with the target temperature reaches the predetermined value (±3°C), individual air conditioning operation is started for the designated seat in the same way as for the other seats (S716), and the passengers scheduled to board the vehicle will board at that time (S717). In addition, the start of individual air conditioning when the target temperature of the intended seat is reached (S716) and the entry of the occupant into that seat (S717) may occur at approximately the same time or around the same time, and there is no problem even if the individual air conditioning starts when the target temperature of the intended seat is reached after the intended occupant has entered the seat.

[0069] As described above, the vehicle air conditioner 1 equipped with the air conditioning control means 20b according to the second embodiment can achieve the effects described below. (1) That is, the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the second embodiment is a vehicle air conditioning device 1 equipped with an air conditioning system 10 capable of adjusting air conditioning for each occupant, and can include an entry detection unit 21b that detects that a person has entered the vehicle from outside while the air conditioning system 10 is operating, a planned seat temperature acquisition unit 22b that acquires temperature information around the planned seat where the person is to enter from outside the vehicle, a proposal information generation unit 24b that compares the temperature information around the planned seat with predetermined target temperature information and, if the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, generates predetermined proposal information for setting the air conditioning system 10 for the planned seat where the person is to enter from outside the vehicle to a temperature difference between the temperature information around the planned seat and the predetermined target temperature information equal to or less than a predetermined value, and an air conditioning control unit 25b that controls the air conditioning system 10 based on the proposal information.

[0070] This makes it possible to maintain and control the temperature inside the vehicle cabin at a comfortable level for the occupants while ensuring a sufficient driving distance for the electric vehicle using a charged battery, as in the case of the first embodiment described above. In particular, according to the air conditioning control means 20b of the second embodiment, it is possible to predict the boarding timing and perform advance air conditioning (pre-air conditioning) for the planned seats of passengers who will board the vehicle en route, for example, to pick up or drop off family members, or in a shared car or taxi. This makes it possible to improve the comfort of passengers when they get in while suppressing the increase in power consumed by air conditioning that is performed from outside the vehicle before passengers enter. Passengers who get in later can enjoy the same comfortable air-conditioned environment as passengers already in the vehicle, from the moment they get in.

[0071] (2) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the second embodiment, the proposal information generator 24b can propose, as proposal information, one or more operating modes for the air conditioning settings of the air conditioning system 10 in order of least power consumption. This makes it possible to present multiple suggested information from the perspective of power consumption when pre-conditioning the seat the passenger plans to board, enabling the driver of the vehicle, for example, to select an appropriate air conditioning setting in relation to the vehicle's cruising range.

[0072] (3) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioning device 1 according to the second embodiment, the entry detection unit 21b predicts the time until a person enters the vehicle from outside the vehicle, and the proposal information generation unit 24b can propose, as proposal information, one or more operating modes in order of least power consumption for the air conditioning settings of the air conditioning system 10 in which the temperature information around the planned seat becomes the target temperature information within the time until the person enters the vehicle from outside the vehicle. This makes it possible, when pre-conditioning the seats where passengers will be boarding, to present multiple suggested information with different power consumption depending on the time until the new passenger boards the vehicle, enabling, for example, the driver of the vehicle to select a more appropriate air conditioning setting in relation to the vehicle's cruising range.

[0073] (4) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the second embodiment, the proposal information generating unit 24b can output the proposal information as predetermined display information and / or predetermined sound information. As a result, as in the first embodiment described above, the occupants can reliably recognize and understand one or more pieces of suggested information regarding air conditioning control via a display, speaker, etc., and a comfortable in-vehicle environment can be realized based on the selected suggested information.

[0074] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the air conditioning control means 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning control means 20c according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, an air conditioning control means 20c according to the third embodiment includes a baggage detection unit 21c, a baggage space temperature acquisition unit 22c, a baggage temperature acquisition unit 23c, a proposal information generation unit 24c, and an air conditioning control unit 25c.

[0075] The luggage detector 21c is a means for detecting luggage in the interior space of the vehicle. Specifically, the luggage detection unit 21c inputs objective signals and luggage information generated and acquired by the weight sensor and the in-vehicle camera constituting the above-mentioned sensor 13, and constantly monitors and grasps the presence or absence of luggage and the temperature in each space (seat) within the vehicle interior.

[0076] The luggage space temperature acquisition unit 22c is a means for acquiring temperature information of the space in which the luggage detected by the luggage detection unit 21c is placed. Specifically, the luggage space temperature acquisition unit 22c inputs temperature information generated and acquired by the temperature sensor, thermographic camera, etc. that constitute the above-mentioned sensor 13, and constantly monitors and grasps the temperature of the space (seat) within the vehicle cabin in which the luggage detected by the luggage detection unit 21c is placed.

[0077] The luggage temperature acquisition unit 23c is a means for acquiring temperature information of luggage placed in the space inside the vehicle cabin. Specifically, the luggage temperature acquisition unit 23c inputs temperature information generated and acquired by the temperature sensor, thermographic camera, etc. constituting the above-mentioned sensor 13, and is configured to constantly monitor and grasp the surface temperature of luggage placed in each space (seat) within the vehicle cabin.

[0078] The proposed information generation unit 2c is a means for generating predetermined proposed information by comparing, when the luggage detection unit 21c detects that luggage brought in from outside the vehicle has been placed on any seat in the vehicle interior, the temperature information in the vehicle interior for the space (seat) where the luggage is placed, acquired by the luggage space temperature acquisition unit 22c with predetermined target temperature information. Specifically, when luggage is detected in the vehicle interior, the proposal information generating unit 24c compares the temperature information of the space where the luggage is placed (ambient temperature of the seat) with predetermined target temperature information to calculate the temperature difference. If the calculated temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the proposal information generating unit 24c generates proposal information for adjusting the air conditioning setting of the air conditioning system 10 for the seat of the luggage brought into the vehicle from outside to make the temperature difference between the temperature information of the vehicle interior where the luggage is placed and the predetermined target temperature information equal to or less than a predetermined value. For example, the proposal information generating unit 24c can determine target temperature information based on temperature information of luggage placed in the vehicle interior space, and generate and output predetermined proposal information.

[0079] More specifically, when luggage placed inside the vehicle is detected, the proposal information generating unit 24c estimates and determines the target temperature to be set for the seat on which the luggage is placed based on the luggage temperature information acquired and output by the luggage temperature acquiring unit 23c, for example, when a container or package containing ice cream or frozen food is brought into the vehicle in summer. For example, the proposal information generating unit 24c estimates and determines a temperature (e.g., 20°C) lower than the individual air conditioning setting temperature (e.g., 25°C) already set for the driver as the target temperature information, compares the target temperature with the temperature (ambient temperature) of the space in which the luggage is placed, and calculates the temperature difference. If the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 1°C), an operating mode capable of reaching the target temperature (e.g., the above-mentioned "Control 2") can be selected as individual air conditioning for the space where the luggage is located, as control of the air conditioning system 10, and this can be generated and output as proposed information (see FIG. 11(a)).

[0080] At this time, the proposed information generator 24c of the present embodiment can propose, as the proposed information, one or more air-conditioning settings of the air-conditioning system 10 that have little effect on the comfort of the passengers. Furthermore, the proposed information generating unit 24c can propose, as the proposed information, a luggage arrangement that has little effect on the comfort of the passengers (see FIG. 11(b)).

[0081] The air conditioning settings of the air conditioning system 10 have different power consumption depending on the multiple operating modes (control 1-3) described above. For example, when the cargo in the space to be air-conditioned is cold, such as ice cream or frozen foods, an operating mode with higher air conditioning capacity (cooler) that can adjust the temperature to a lower temperature in a shorter time is preferable. Also, for example, when the luggage is hot, such as takeaway food or prepared foods, an operating mode with a higher air conditioning capacity (warmer) that can adjust the temperature to a higher temperature in a shorter time is preferable. On the other hand, if the luggage space is individually air-conditioned in such a driving mode with high air-conditioning capacity, the air conditioning will affect the adjacent space or the seats behind it, for example, which could reduce the comfort of the occupants themselves, making them feel too cold or too hot.

[0082] Therefore, when proposing and implementing air conditioning settings for the space where luggage brought into the vehicle is placed, it is possible to propose one or more air conditioning settings that have little impact on passenger comfort, and luggage placement that has little impact on passenger comfort (see Fig. 8). For example, if the space where the luggage is placed is the passenger seat next to the driver's seat, one or more air conditioning settings can be selected or suggested so that the difference from the set temperature of the individual air conditioning for the driver's seat is within a specified value (e.g. ±5°C). In addition, if the space where the luggage is placed is the passenger seat next to the driver's seat, the system can select or suggest a space as far away from the driver's seat as possible as the space in which the luggage should be placed, such as the passenger seat in the back seat or the rearmost seat of a three-row seat.

[0083] Furthermore, the proposed information generating unit 24c can output the generated proposed information as predetermined display information and / or predetermined audio information. This point is similar to that of the proposal information generating unit 24a according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The air conditioning control unit 25c is a unit that controls the air conditioning system based on the proposal information generated by the proposal information generating unit 24c. This point is also similar to that of the air conditioning control unit 25a according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] Next, an example of a specific control process procedure for the air conditioning system 10 by the air conditioning control means 20c according to the third embodiment configured as above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control process of the air conditioning system 10 by the air conditioning control means 20c according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, when an occupant is detected in any space in the vehicle cabin (S1001), the air-conditioned space in which the occupant is riding is determined (S1002), and individual air conditioning is performed (S1003). Here, as in the first embodiment, it is assumed that one driver of the vehicle is detected, and individual air conditioning for that one driver is performed and operated. After that, until luggage (or passengers) are detected in other spaces within the vehicle cabin and the number of temperature control targets increases (S1004: No), individual air conditioning will only be performed for the space in which the passengers are seated.

[0085] Then, when an increase in temperature control targets due to new luggage or passengers is detected (S1004: Yes), the detected temperature control targets are judged to determine whether the increased targets are luggage or humans (S1005). For example, the image judgment of an in-vehicle camera or a thermography camera is used to determine whether the increased targets are luggage or humans. Here, a case where it is determined that the increase is luggage will be described. If it is determined that the increased number of people is a human (occupant), the air conditioning control of the first embodiment described above can be executed.

[0086] When it is determined that the temperature control target is baggage, the space (seat) in which the baggage is placed is detected and determined as the space to be temperature controlled (S1006). Next, a: the current temperature (surface temperature) of the luggage to be temperature-controlled is acquired (S1007), and b: the temperature (ambient temperature) of the seat on which the luggage is placed, which is the space to be air-conditioned, is acquired (S1008). Thereafter, c: from the temperature information acquired in a and b, the temperature difference between the temperature of the temperature control target (baggage) and the temperature inside the vehicle compartment around the seat on which the baggage is placed is calculated (S1009).

[0087] Then, if the temperature difference between the temperature of the luggage and the temperature of the space in which the luggage is placed is less than a predetermined value (here, ±1°C) (S1010: No), it is determined that temperature control for the luggage is not necessary (S1011), and individual air conditioning is not performed for the space in which the luggage is placed. On the other hand, if the temperature difference between the luggage temperature and the temperature of the space in which the luggage is placed is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (±1° C.) (S1010: Yes), proposal information for temperature adjustment control for the luggage space is generated.

[0088] Specifically, first, the range in which the temperature of the luggage space can be controlled by the air conditioning means (see control 1-3) is estimated and determined (S1012). For example, in the case of an air conditioning means with the highest temperature control capacity (eg, control 2), the temperature control possible range is estimated and determined to be "±5°C". Next, a target temperature to be adjusted is estimated and determined from the range within which the temperature can be adjusted by the air conditioning means and the current temperature of the luggage that is the object of temperature adjustment (S1013).

[0089] For example, if the temperature control target is cold luggage with a surface temperature of -5°C and the passenger space is controlled to a target temperature of 25°C, then if the air conditioning means with the highest temperature control capacity (e.g., control 2) is used, the target temperature for the luggage space will be estimated and determined to be 20°C. Next, air conditioning means (see control 1-3) capable of achieving the determined target temperature are selected (S1014), and the power consumption of each set air conditioning means is estimated and the air conditioning means are proposed in order of lowest power consumption (S1015).

[0090] As in the first and second embodiments described above, the proposed information is output and displayed, for example, on a display panel of the operation unit 14 of the air conditioning system 10, and the proposed contents are output and announced by voice via a speaker. FIG. 11 shows an example of proposal information generated and output by the air conditioning control means 20c according to the third embodiment. Figure 11(a) shows the proposed information suggesting the temperature control range and where to place luggage. First, along with information on the positioning of occupants and luggage in the vehicle cabin, the proposed air conditioning status for the current occupant (driver's seat) (operating mode: cooling; target temperature: 25°C) and possible luggage temperature control (luggage temperature: -5°C; Yes / No) are displayed.

[0091] Subsequently, when temperature control of the luggage is selected (pressing "Yes"), a suggested information screen will transition, presenting the luggage temperature and a settable target temperature, and presenting selectable options for whether or not to start temperature control (Yes / No) and whether or not to suggest a location for the luggage (suggested location). From this state, when a placement location proposal is selected (by pressing "Placement location proposal"), the proposal information screen transitions and the placement location proposal information shown in FIG. 11(b) is displayed. For example, multiple locations (seats) where luggage can be placed (Layout 1, Layout 2, Layout 3) are suggested and displayed in order of lowest power consumption, i.e., highest temperature setting.

[0092] Here, for example, if "Layout 3" is selected, the layout location will be displayed with the other layouts "Layout 1, Layout 2" greyed out, and information on the settable temperature (15°C) for the selected "Layout 3" will be displayed, and the option of whether or not to adjust the temperature in the selected layout (Yes / No) will be presented. Then, for example, when the display panel or operation buttons of the operation unit 14 are operated to select temperature control of the luggage space in accordance with the proposed information, individual air conditioning of the space in which the luggage is placed will be performed with the selected content (S1016). This means that if luggage is placed on an unoccupied seat, active individual air conditioning can be performed to maintain a temperature suitable for that luggage as much as possible without compromising the comfort of the passengers, thereby maintaining and prolonging the condition and quality of the object, for example, keeping the luggage cool in summer and warm in winter.

[0093] As described above, the vehicle air conditioner 1 equipped with the air conditioning control means 20c according to the third embodiment can achieve the following effects. (1) That is, the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the third embodiment is a vehicle air conditioner 1 equipped with an air conditioning system 10 capable of dividing the vehicle interior space into a plurality of spaces and providing air conditioning, and may include a luggage detection unit 21c that detects luggage in the vehicle interior space, a luggage space temperature acquisition unit 22c that acquires temperature information of the space in which the detected luggage is located, and when the air conditioning system 10 controls the vehicle interior space where an occupant is present based on an air conditioning target temperature for the occupant, a proposal information generation unit 24c that, when luggage is detected in the vehicle interior space, compares the temperature information of the space in which the luggage is located with predetermined target temperature information and, if the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, generates predetermined proposal information for setting the air conditioning setting of the air conditioning system 10 for the space in which the luggage is located so that the temperature difference between the temperature information of the space in which the luggage is located and the predetermined target temperature information is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and an air conditioning control unit 25c that controls the air conditioning system 10 based on the proposal information.

[0094] As a result, similar to the first and second embodiments described above, it is possible to ensure a sufficient driving distance for the electric vehicle using a charged battery while maintaining and controlling the temperature inside the vehicle cabin to a comfortable level for the occupants. In particular, according to the air conditioning control means 20c of the third embodiment, when luggage is placed in an empty space or seat in the vehicle cabin, individual air conditioning can be actively performed for the space in which the luggage is placed to achieve a temperature that is as suitable as possible for the luggage, without compromising the comfort of the occupants. This makes it possible to realize temperature control that is suitable for, for example, cold luggage in summer and warm luggage in winter. This allows the temperature of the luggage to be regulated without affecting the comfort of the passengers, thereby maintaining and extending the marketability of the luggage to the greatest extent possible.

[0095] (2) In addition, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment is equipped with a luggage temperature acquisition unit 23c that acquires temperature information of luggage placed in a space, and the proposal information generation unit 24c can determine target temperature information based on the temperature information of the luggage. This makes it possible to dynamically set and change the air conditioning settings individually and specifically depending on the situation and condition of the luggage brought in from outside the vehicle, providing a more appropriate air conditioning environment for the luggage.

[0096] (3) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the third embodiment, the proposal information generating unit 24c can propose, as the proposal information, one or more air conditioning settings that have little effect on the comfort of the occupants. This allows multiple suggested information to be presented from the perspective of occupant comfort when conditioning the air for luggage brought in from outside the vehicle, allowing the occupant to select an appropriate air conditioning setting that takes into account both temperature control for the luggage and occupant comfort.

[0097] (4) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the third embodiment, the proposed information generating unit 24c can propose, as proposed information, a luggage arrangement that has little effect on the comfort of the occupants. This makes it possible to provide passengers with information on where to place the luggage and available seats from the perspective of passenger comfort when adjusting the air conditioning for luggage brought in from outside the vehicle, allowing them to select more appropriate air conditioning settings that take into account both the temperature control for the luggage and passenger comfort. The individual air conditioning of luggage by the vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment controls the temperature of the temperature control target (luggage) within a range that does not affect the comfort of the occupants, so there is a certain limit or restriction on the temperature range that can be controlled.

[0098] For example, if a frozen product is placed on the passenger seat in winter, comfort may be compromised because the driver's seat ambient temperature cannot be raised, although it is desirable to avoid heating the frozen product as much as possible. Also, if a frozen product is placed on the passenger seat in summer, the driver's seat ambient temperature may become too low, which may reduce comfort. Therefore, by suggesting that passengers place their luggage in a location that will not affect the air conditioning in the space where the passengers are located, the temperature range over which the luggage can be heated can be expanded while maintaining comfort.

[0099] (5) Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to the third embodiment, the proposal information generating unit 24c can output the proposal information as predetermined display information and / or predetermined voice information. As a result, as in the first and second embodiments described above, the occupants can be reliably made to recognize and understand one or more pieces of suggested information regarding air conditioning control via a display, speaker, etc., and a comfortable in-vehicle environment can be realized based on the selected suggested information.

[0100] The air conditioning control means 20 of the vehicle air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized by processes, means, and functions executed by a computer according to instructions of a program (software) together with or in place of a physical electric circuit. The program sends commands to each component of the computer, and causes the above-mentioned air conditioning control means 20 to perform the predetermined processes and functions according to the present invention. Therefore, each process, means, and function of the air conditioning control means 20 in the present invention can be realized by a specific means in which a program and a computer work together.

[0101] Here, all or part of the program is provided by, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or any other computer-readable recording medium, and the program is read from the recording medium and installed on the computer for execution. The program can also be loaded directly into the computer through a communication line and executed without using a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer that executes the processing and functions of the air conditioning control means 20 according to the present invention can be configured as a single information processing device, or can be configured as a plurality of information processing devices.

[0102] Specifically, the information processing device constituting the air-conditioning control means 20 according to the present invention is constituted by hardware including a CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, a HDD 304, an input device 305, a display device (display) 306, a communication IF 307, etc., as shown in FIG. 12, for example. These components are connected by a system bus, and data is exchanged via the system bus. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, also called a central processing unit, is a part that performs central processing of the computer, and controls each device and calculates and processes data. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 302 is a type of memory device that allows data to be erased and rewritten. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 303 is a type of memory device that uses semiconductors, etc., and data can be written only once during manufacturing, and the recorded data can only be read during use. The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304 is an auxiliary storage device that uses the properties of magnetic materials to record and read information. The input device 305 is used by the user to give operating instructions to the computer or to input characters, etc., and is composed of, for example, a touch panel or operation buttons that function as the operation unit 14 of the air conditioning system 10 described above. The display device 306 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display that functions as the operation unit 14 of the air conditioning system 10 described above. The input device 305 and the display device 306 may be configured separately, or may be configured as an integrated touch panel device. In addition, the device may be provided with a communication function (communication IF 307) that enables communication with other terminals, information processing devices, etc. The communication IF (Interface) is a device for communicating with other devices according to a predetermined communication standard, and includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0103] As described above, according to the vehicle air conditioning device 1 of one embodiment of the present invention, the need for temperature control in the vehicle cabin is dynamically determined regardless of the presence or absence of occupants, thereby making it possible to always maintain a comfortable temperature-controlled environment in the vehicle cabin. As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to maintain the interior of the vehicle in a comfortable state for the occupants while ensuring the maximum driving distance possible using the battery of an electric vehicle, something that could not be achieved with simple individual air conditioning up to now, and it is also possible to properly regulate the temperature of luggage, etc. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that is comfortable, convenient, and reliable for electric vehicle users.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described above by showing preferred embodiments thereof, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first, second, and third embodiments of the air conditioning control means 20 are described as being configured and controlled independently of each other, but it is of course possible to realize these embodiments by combining some or all of them in any combination. Specifically, in relation to the individual air conditioning according to the body temperature or preferred temperature of the occupant as shown in the first embodiment, it is possible to perform advance air conditioning (pre-air conditioning) of the space in which the occupant is scheduled to board as shown in the second embodiment, and in addition to the individual air conditioning control of the first and second embodiments, it is also possible to perform individual air conditioning of baggage placed on an empty seat as shown in the third embodiment.

[0105] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an electric vehicle (EV) has been described as an example of a vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention is applied, but the application of the present invention is not necessarily limited to electric vehicles. From the viewpoint of ensuring a cruising distance while providing comfortable air conditioning control, it is preferable to apply the present invention to electric vehicles. However, in terms of controlling the air conditioning system to always maintain a state and temperature that is comfortable for the occupants, the present invention can also be applied to vehicles that run on internal combustion engines, not limited to electric vehicles. In other words, the present invention can be applied to vehicles of any type and structure as long as the vehicle is equipped with an air conditioning system and it is desired to provide comfortable air conditioning and temperature control for the occupants. [Industrial Applicability]

[0106] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be suitably used as a vehicle air conditioner that controls an air conditioning system mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV) powered by an electrically driven motor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Vehicle air conditioning system 10. Air Conditioning System 11 Air conditioning unit 12 Air circulator 13 Sensors 14 Control section 20 Air conditioning control means 21a vehicle interior temperature acquisition unit, 21b boarding detection unit, 21c luggage detection unit 22a boarding detection unit, 22b planned seat temperature acquisition unit, 22c luggage space temperature acquisition unit 23a passenger temperature acquisition unit, 23c luggage temperature acquisition unit 24a~24c Proposal information generation section 25a~25c Air conditioning control unit

Claims

1. An air conditioning device for a vehicle equipped with an air conditioning system capable of adjusting air conditioning for each passenger, an entry detection unit that detects when a person enters the vehicle from outside the vehicle while the air conditioning system is operating; a planned seat temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information around a planned seat where a person is to board from outside the vehicle; a proposal information generating unit that compares the temperature information around the intended seat with predetermined target temperature information, and generates, when a temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, predetermined proposal information for setting the air conditioning setting of the air conditioning system for the intended seat where a person is to board from outside the vehicle to a temperature difference between the temperature information around the intended seat and the predetermined target temperature information equal to or less than the predetermined value; an air conditioning control unit that controls the air conditioning system based on the proposal information; 1. A vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

2. The proposal information generation unit, As the proposal information, one or more operation modes are proposed in order of least power consumption for the air conditioning settings of the air conditioning system.

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The boarding detection unit, It predicts the time it will take for a person to get in from outside the vehicle, The proposal information generation unit, As the proposal information, one or more operation modes are proposed in order of least power consumption for the air conditioning setting of the air conditioning system in which the temperature information around the planned seat becomes the target temperature information within the time from outside the vehicle until the person gets on.

3. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The proposal information generation unit, The proposed information is output as predetermined display information and / or audio information.

3. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

Images