Air-conditioning system

Abstract

To effectively prevent a vehicle window from fogging up.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning system 41 for a vehicle 1 provided with an imaging device 10 configured to capture an image of a vehicle outer space from a vehicle inner space through a window includes: a temperature detection device 47 configured to detect a temperature of the vehicle interior space and a temperature of the vehicle outer space; a humidity detection device 48 configured to detect humidity of the vehicle inner space and humidity of the vehicle outer space; an outside introduction device 8 configured to introduce outside air into the vehicle inner space; and a control device 51 configured to calculate a vehicle inner dew point temperature based on the temperature and the humidity of the vehicle inner space, calculate a vehicle outer dew point temperature based on the temperature and the humidity of the vehicle outer space, and operate the outside air introduction device 8 based on the vehicle inner dew point temperature and the vehicle outer dew point temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, and more particularly to an air conditioning system for a vehicle equipped with an image capturing device that captures an image of an exterior space of the vehicle through a window from an interior space of the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide vulnerable transport participants with access to sustainable transport systems have been gaining momentum. To achieve this, research and development into driver assistance technologies that can further improve transport safety and convenience has been attracting attention.

[0003] For example, development of a driving support technology using images captured by an image capturing device such as a camera is underway. The image capturing device is usually configured to capture an image of an external space of the vehicle through a window from an internal space of the vehicle.

[0004] In cold regions, the vehicle may start with the window temperature relatively low. In such a case, if the humidity in the vehicle interior increases due to water vapor emitted by the passengers, the moist air in the vehicle interior may be cooled by the window, causing the window to fog up. Various methods have been considered to solve this problem.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for heating a window with a heater attached to a bracket that holds an imaging device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-98282 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, since the heater indirectly heats the window through the bracket and the air, it takes a certain amount of time for the window temperature to rise, so there is a risk that the window cannot be effectively prevented from fogging up.

[0008] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that can effectively prevent vehicle windows from fogging up, and ultimately to contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning system (41) for a vehicle (1) equipped with an imaging device (10) that images an exterior space (SP2) from an interior space (SP1) through a window (6), and includes a temperature detection device (47) that detects the temperature of the interior space and the temperature of the exterior space, a humidity detection device (48) that detects the humidity of the interior space and the humidity of the exterior space, an outside air introduction device (8) that introduces outside air into the interior space, and a control device (51) that calculates an interior dew point temperature based on the temperature and humidity of the interior space, calculates an exterior dew point temperature based on the temperature and humidity of the exterior space, and operates the exterior air introduction device based on the interior dew point temperature and the exterior dew point temperature.

[0010] According to this embodiment, when the windows are prone to fogging (for example, when the vehicle is started with the window temperature being relatively low), the outside air introduction device can be operated at an appropriate timing based on the inside dew point temperature and the outside dew point temperature. Therefore, an increase in humidity in the vehicle interior can be suppressed, and fogging of the windows can be effectively prevented.

[0011] In the above aspect, the control device may operate the outside air introduction device when the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature is higher than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature.

[0012] According to this aspect, when the air in the vehicle interior is more humid than the air outside, the air outside can be introduced into the vehicle interior, thereby reducing the humidity in the vehicle interior and more effectively preventing the windows from fogging up.

[0013] In the above aspect, the control device may stop operation of the outside air introduction device when the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature becomes equal to or lower than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature while the outside air introduction device is operating.

[0014] According to this aspect, when the state in which the air in the vehicle interior is more humid than the outside air is resolved, the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior can be stopped, thereby making it possible to avoid a situation in which the introduction of outside air would actually increase the humidity in the vehicle interior.

[0015] In the above aspect, the air conditioning system includes a water temperature detection device (50) that detects the temperature of the coolant of an internal combustion engine (43A) installed in the vehicle, and a heated air introduction device (8) that heats air by heat exchange with the coolant of the internal combustion engine and introduces the heated air into the vehicle interior space, and the control device may operate the outside air introduction device when the temperature of the coolant of the internal combustion engine is less than a predetermined threshold value and the inside vehicle dew point temperature and the outside vehicle dew point temperature satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0016] When the temperature of the cooling water of the internal combustion engine is low, the air cannot be sufficiently heated by the heated air introduction device, and it is difficult to quickly raise the temperature of the window with the air heated by the heated air introduction device. According to the above aspect, when the temperature of the cooling water of the internal combustion engine is low, outside air can be introduced into the vehicle interior space. As a result, even when it is difficult to quickly raise the temperature of the window, fogging of the window can be effectively prevented by reducing the humidity in the vehicle interior space.

[0017] In the above aspect, when the temperature of the cooling water of the internal combustion engine becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value while the outside air introduction device is operating, the control device may stop operation of the outside air introduction device and operate the heated air introduction device.

[0018] According to the above aspect, when the temperature of the coolant of the internal combustion engine rises, the heated air introduction device can introduce heated air into the vehicle interior space. This allows the temperature of the window to be quickly increased by the air heated by the heated air introduction device, making it possible to more effectively prevent the window from fogging up.

[0019] In the above aspect, the control device may acquire information relating to an outside environment of the vehicle, and operate the outside air introduction device based on the vehicle interior dew point temperature, the vehicle exterior dew point temperature, and the information relating to the outside environment of the vehicle.

[0020] According to the above aspect, when the state of the outside world of the vehicle is not suitable for introducing outside air into the vehicle interior space, the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior space can be stopped.

[0021] In the above-mentioned aspect, the control device may determine whether there is a risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space when introducing outside air into the vehicle interior space based on information regarding the outside world of the vehicle, and may operate the outside air introduction device when there is no risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space when introducing outside air into the vehicle interior space and when the inside vehicle dew point temperature and the outside vehicle dew point temperature satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0022] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent exhaust gas from being introduced into the vehicle interior space along with the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior space.

[0023] In the above aspect, the information regarding the outside world of the vehicle includes information regarding a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle, and the control device estimates the model of the preceding vehicle and the distance from the vehicle to the preceding vehicle based on the information about the preceding vehicle, and determines that there is a risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space when the model of the preceding vehicle is a specific model and the distance from the vehicle to the preceding vehicle is less than a predetermined reference distance, and determines that there is no risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space when the model of the preceding vehicle is not the specific model and the distance from the vehicle to the preceding vehicle is equal to or greater than the reference distance.

[0024] According to this aspect, it is possible to determine whether there is a risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior without using a sensor that detects the amount of exhaust gas contained in the outside air, thereby preventing the air conditioning system from becoming complicated in configuration.

[0025] In the above-mentioned aspect, the control device may determine whether there is a risk of introducing pollen into the vehicle interior space based on information regarding the outside world of the vehicle, and may operate the outside air introduction device if there is no risk of introducing pollen into the vehicle interior space by introducing outside air into the vehicle interior space and the inside vehicle dew point temperature and the outside vehicle dew point temperature satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0026] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent pollen from being introduced into the vehicle interior space when outside air is introduced into the vehicle interior space.

[0027] In the above aspect, the information regarding the outside world of the vehicle includes weather information for the area in which the vehicle is traveling, and the control device obtains a predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersed in the area in which the vehicle is traveling based on the weather information for the area in which the vehicle is traveling, and if the predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersed in the area in which the vehicle is traveling is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard value, determines that there is a risk of pollen being introduced into the interior space of the vehicle due to the introduction of outside air into the interior space, and if the predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersed in the area in which the vehicle is traveling is less than the standard value, determines that there is no risk of pollen being introduced into the interior space of the vehicle due to the introduction of outside air into the interior space.

[0028] According to this aspect, it is possible to determine whether there is a risk of introducing pollen into the vehicle interior without using a sensor that detects the amount of pollen contained in the outside air, thereby preventing the configuration of the air conditioning system from becoming complicated.

[0029] In the above aspect, the image capturing device may capture an image of the exterior space in front of the vehicle, and the outside air introduction device may introduce outside air into the interior space in front of the image capturing device.

[0030] According to this aspect, by reducing the humidity in the interior space in front of the image capturing device, it is possible to effectively prevent fogging of the window in front of the image capturing device, thereby improving the clarity of the image captured by the image capturing device. Effect of the Invention

[0031] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system that can effectively prevent vehicle windows from fogging up. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a front portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a bracket and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]A functional configuration diagram showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a dew point temperature calculation table according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an execution example 1 of anti-fogging control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an execution example 2 of anti-fogging control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing an execution example 3 of anti-fogging control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing an execution example 4 of anti-fogging control according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] <Vehicle 1> First, a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. An arrow Fr in Figures 1 and 2 indicates the front of the vehicle 1.

[0034] 1, vehicle 1 is an automobile. Vehicle 1 has a vehicle body 2 that is long in the front-rear direction. An interior space SP1 is formed inside vehicle body 2, and a plurality of seats 4 are provided in the center of interior space SP1 in the front-rear direction.

[0035] Side doors 5 are provided on both the left and right sides of a plurality of seats 4 at the front of the vehicle 1. A door window 5A is provided at the upper part of the side door 5. The door window 5A is provided to be movable between a lowered position that opens the interior space SP1 and a raised position that closes the interior space SP1.

[0036] A windshield 6 (an example of a window) is provided in front of the seats 4 at the front of the vehicle body 2. The windshield 6 is made of glass. In other embodiments, the windshield 6 may be made of a transparent material other than glass (for example, a transparent resin). The windshield 6 is inclined upward toward the rear. A dashboard 7 is provided below the windshield 6 at the front of the vehicle body 2.

[0037] An air conditioner 8 (an example of an outside air introduction device and a heated air introduction device) is provided inside the dashboard 7 at the front of the vehicle body 2. The air conditioner 8 is a device that adjusts the air in the vehicle interior space SP1. The air conditioner 8 includes a duct connected to the vehicle interior space SP1 and the vehicle exterior space SP2, an evaporator and a heater core installed in the duct, a blower fan that generates an air flow in the duct, and an electric motor that drives the blower fan. The duct is in communication with an air outlet 9 provided on the upper surface of the dashboard 7.

[0038] The operation mode of the air conditioner 8 can be switched between a plurality of modes including an outside air introduction mode and a heated air introduction mode. In the outside air introduction mode, the air conditioner 8 functions as an outside air introduction device that introduces outside air into the vehicle interior space SP1. For example, in the outside air introduction mode, the air conditioner 8 blows the outside air taken into the duct from the outlet 9 of the dashboard 7. In the heated air introduction mode, the air conditioner 8 functions as a heated air introduction device that heats air by heat exchange with the engine coolant and introduces the heated air into the vehicle interior space SP1. For example, in the heated air introduction mode, the air conditioner 8 heats the air of the vehicle interior space SP1 taken into the duct by heat exchange with the coolant in the heater core and blows the heated air from the outlet 9 of the dashboard 7.

[0039] 1 and 2, a front camera 10 (an example of an imaging device) is provided at the upper rear of the front window 6. The front camera 10 is a device that images an external space SP2 (in this embodiment, the external space SP2 in front of the vehicle 1) from an internal space SP1 through the front window 6. The front camera 10 is, for example, a digital camera that uses a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS. The front camera 10 includes a lens 11 that converges light that is incident from the front through the front window 6. Hereinafter, the portion of the front window 6 in front of the lens 11 of the front camera 10 will be referred to as the "light receiving portion 6A of the front window 6."

[0040] 1, a bracket 14 for holding a front camera 10 is fixed to the inner surface of the windshield 6. An air blowing space 16 is provided along the inner surface of the windshield 6 between the air outlet 9 of the dashboard 7 and the bracket 14.

[0041] 2, a light receiving space 17 is provided in the vehicle interior space SP1 in front of the front camera 10 to receive light incident from the front into the lens 11 of the front camera 10. The light receiving space 17 is covered by the front window 6 and the bracket 14.

[0042] A communication opening 18 that connects the light-receiving space 17 and the air-blowing space 16 is provided between the front window 6 and the bracket 14. The communication opening 18 is provided in front of the light-receiving space 17 and extends in the left-right direction along the inner surface of the front window 6.

[0043] The bracket 14 includes a rectangular frame-shaped base portion 21 that is adhered to the inner surface of the front window 6, a hood portion 22 that protrudes downward from the base portion 21, and an on-off valve 23 that is attached to the hood portion 22.

[0044] A stray light suppression structure 31 for suppressing stray light entering the lens 11 of the front camera 10 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom of the hood portion 22. For example, the stray light suppression structure 31 is composed of a large number of protrusions 32 arranged continuously in the front-rear direction. A heating device 36 for heating the front window 6 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom of the hood portion 22. The heating device 36 is composed of a plurality of heating wires (not shown).

[0045] The on-off valve 23 of the bracket 14 is provided in the communication port 18. The on-off valve 23 is supported by the hood portion 22 so as to rotate about a rotation axis 38 between a closed position (see solid line in FIG. 2) where the light-receiving space 17 is closed and an open position (see dashed double-dashed line in FIG. 2) where the light-receiving space 17 is opened.

[0046] <Air Conditioning System 41> Next, an air conditioning system 41 for the vehicle 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0047] 3, in addition to the air conditioner 8 and front camera 10, the air conditioning system 41 includes a millimeter wave radar 42, a drive device 43, a navigation device 44, an opening / closing motor 45, a lifting motor 46, a temperature detection device 47, a humidity detection device 48, an air pressure detection device 49, a water temperature detection device 50, a control device 51, and a weather information server 52. All of the components of the air conditioning system 41 except for the weather information server 52 are provided in the vehicle 1. The weather information server 52 is provided outside the vehicle 1.

[0048] The millimeter wave radar 42 detects the position of an object present around the vehicle 1 (for example, a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle 1) by emitting millimeter waves toward the periphery of the vehicle 1 and capturing the reflected waves.

[0049] The drive device 43 is a device that applies a driving force to the vehicle 1. The drive device 43 is equipped with a water-cooled internal combustion engine 43A. The internal combustion engine 43A generates a driving force for running the vehicle 1 by rotating the wheels.

[0050] The navigation device 44 is a device that provides route guidance to the destination of the vehicle 1. The navigation device 44 identifies the current position of the vehicle 1 based on a GNSS signal received from an artificial satellite. The navigation device 44 sets a route to the destination of the vehicle 1 based on the vehicle position and the destination set by the occupant.

[0051] The opening / closing motor 45 is configured by an electric motor. The opening / closing motor 45 is connected to the opening / closing valve 23 and rotates the opening / closing valve 23 between a closed position and an open position.

[0052] The lifting motor 46 is configured by an electric motor. The lifting motor 46 is connected to the door window 5A and moves the door window 5A between a lowered position and a raised position.

[0053] The temperature detection device 47 has an interior temperature sensor 54 that detects the temperature of the interior space SP1 (hereinafter referred to as the "interior temperature"), and an exterior temperature sensor 55 that detects the temperature of the exterior space SP2 (hereinafter referred to as the "exterior temperature").

[0054] The humidity detection device 48 has an interior humidity sensor 56 that detects the humidity in the interior space SP1 of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "interior humidity"), and an exterior humidity sensor 57 that detects the humidity in the exterior space SP2 of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "exterior humidity").

[0055] The air pressure detection device 49 has an interior air pressure sensor 58 that detects the air pressure in the interior space SP1 of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "interior air pressure"), and an exterior air pressure sensor 59 that detects the air pressure in the exterior space SP2 of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "exterior air pressure").

[0056] The water temperature detection device 50 is provided in the internal combustion engine 43A. The water temperature detection device 50 detects the temperature of the cooling water of the internal combustion engine 43A. Hereinafter, the cooling water of the internal combustion engine 43A will be referred to as "engine cooling water", and the temperature of the cooling water of the internal combustion engine 43A will be referred to as "engine water temperature".

[0057] The control device 51 includes an arithmetic processing unit (a processor such as a CPU or an MPU) and a storage device (a memory such as a ROM or a RAM). The control device 51 may be configured as a single piece of hardware, or may be configured as a unit consisting of multiple pieces of hardware. The control device 51 is connected to each component of the vehicle 1 via a communication network such as a Controller Area Network (CAN), and controls each component of the vehicle 1.

[0058] The control device 51 includes, as functional components, an external environment recognition unit 61, a driving control unit 62, an air conditioning control unit 63, and a storage unit 64. At least a part of these components may be realized by hardware such as an LSI, an ASIC, or an FPGA, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0059] The external environment recognition unit 61 of the control device 51 recognizes the state of the vehicle exterior space SP2 based on the detection results of various external environment sensors (for example, the front camera 10 and the millimeter wave radar 42) provided in the vehicle 1.

[0060] The driving control unit 62 of the control device 51 controls the driving of the vehicle 1 in response to the driving operation by the driver. For example, the driving control unit 62 controls the drive unit 43 in response to the accelerator operation by the driver to accelerate the vehicle 1. The driving control unit 62 executes various driving assistance controls such as preceding vehicle following control and lane keeping control based on the recognition result of the external environment recognition unit 61 on the state of the vehicle exterior space SP2.

[0061] The air conditioning control unit 63 of the control device 51 switches the operation mode of the air conditioner 8 between a plurality of modes including an outside air introduction mode and a heated air introduction mode. The air conditioning control unit 63 rotates the opening / closing valve 23 between a closed position and an open position by the opening / closing motor 45. The air conditioning control unit 63 moves the door window 5A between a lowered position and a raised position by the lifting motor 46.

[0062] The storage unit 64 of the control device 51 is composed of a memory, a HDD, etc. The storage unit 64 stores programs, tables, etc. necessary for controlling the vehicle 1. For example, the storage unit 64 stores a dew-point temperature calculation table T. With reference to FIG. 4, the dew-point temperature calculation table T specifies the relationship between the temperature (X1 to Xn) and humidity (φ1 to φn) and the dew-point temperature (A11 to Ann). The dew-point temperature calculation table T is set so that the higher the temperature and humidity, the higher the dew-point temperature becomes.

[0063] 3, the weather information server 52 stores weather information for each region. The weather information for each region stored in the weather information server 52 includes a predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersion for each region. The weather information server 52 is connected to the control device 51 via a wireless communication network, and transmits to the control device 51 weather information for the region in which the vehicle 1 is traveling (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle traveling region").

[0064] <Anti-fog control> Next, the defogging control executed by the control device 51 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8. The defogging control is a control for preventing fogging of the windshield 6 (particularly the light receiving portion 6A of the windshield 6). The defogging control is preferably executed repeatedly at regular time intervals. In the following, it is assumed that the operation of the air conditioner 8 is stopped and the on-off valve 23 is in the closed position when the defogging control starts.

[0065] <Anti-fogging control execution example 1> First, with reference to FIG. 5, a first execution example of the defogging control will be described.

[0066] When the defogging control is started, the control device 51 obtains the inside and outside vehicle temperatures from the temperature detection device 47, and obtains the inside and outside vehicle humidity from the humidity detection device 48 (step ST1).

[0067] Next, the control device 51 calculates the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature (dew-point temperature of the inside-vehicle space SP1) by referring to the dew-point temperature calculation table T based on the inside-vehicle temperature and the inside-vehicle humidity. Furthermore, the control device 51 calculates the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature (dew-point temperature of the outside-vehicle space SP2) by referring to the dew-point temperature calculation table T based on the outside-vehicle temperature and the outside-vehicle humidity (step ST2).

[0068] Next, the control device 51 determines whether the vehicle interior dew-point temperature is higher than the vehicle exterior dew-point temperature (step ST3). If the vehicle interior dew-point temperature is equal to or lower than the vehicle exterior dew-point temperature (step ST3: No), the control device 51 ends the defogging control without operating the air conditioner 8.

[0069] If the vehicle interior dew-point temperature is higher than the vehicle exterior dew-point temperature (step ST3: Yes), the control device 51 opens the light-receiving space 17 by rotating the on-off valve 23 from the closed position to the open position using the on-off motor 45. Furthermore, the control device 51 operates the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode (step ST4). Accordingly, the outside air blown out from the air outlet 9 of the dashboard 7 is introduced into the light-receiving space 17 via the air supply space 16. This reduces the humidity in the light-receiving space 17, preventing fogging of the light-receiving portion 6A of the front windshield 6.

[0070] With the air conditioner 8 operating in the outside air introduction mode, the control device 51 determines whether the in-vehicle dew-point temperature has become equal to or lower than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature (step ST5). If the in-vehicle dew-point temperature remains higher than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature (step ST5: No), the control device 51 continues to operate the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode and repeats the determination in step ST5 at regular intervals until the in-vehicle dew-point temperature becomes equal to or lower than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature.

[0071] If the inside dew-point temperature becomes equal to or lower than the outside dew-point temperature (step ST5: Yes), the control device 51 closes the light receiving space 17 by rotating the opening / closing valve 23 from the open position to the closed position using the opening / closing motor 45. Furthermore, the control device 51 stops the operation of the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode (step ST6).

[0072] <Anti-fogging control execution example 2> Next, a second execution example of the defogging control will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] When the defogging control is started, the control device 51 obtains the interior and exterior temperatures from the temperature detection device 47, the interior and exterior humidity from the humidity detection device 48, and the engine water temperature from the water temperature detection device 50 (step ST11).

[0074] Next, the control device 51 calculates the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature by referring to the dew-point temperature calculation table T based on the inside-vehicle temperature and the inside-vehicle humidity. Furthermore, the control device 51 calculates the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature by referring to the dew-point temperature calculation table T based on the outside-vehicle temperature and the outside-vehicle humidity (step ST12).

[0075] Next, the control device 51 judges whether the engine water temperature is less than a predetermined threshold value (step ST13). If the engine water temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value (step ST13: No), the control device 51 opens the light-receiving space 17 by rotating the on-off valve 23 from the closed position to the open position by the on-off motor 45. Furthermore, the control device 51 operates the air conditioner 8 in a heated air introduction mode (step ST14). Accordingly, heated air blown out from the air outlet 9 of the dashboard 7 is introduced into the light-receiving space 17 via the air supply space 16. As a result, the light-receiving portion 6A of the windshield 6 is heated by the heated air, and fogging of the light-receiving portion 6A of the windshield 6 is prevented.

[0076] If the engine water temperature is lower than the threshold (step ST13: Yes), the control device 51 determines whether the interior dew-point temperature is higher than the exterior dew-point temperature (whether the interior dew-point temperature and the exterior dew-point temperature satisfy a predetermined condition) (step ST15). If the interior dew-point temperature is equal to or lower than the exterior dew-point temperature (step ST15: No), the control device 51 ends the defogging control without operating the air conditioner 8.

[0077] If the vehicle interior dew-point temperature is higher than the vehicle exterior dew-point temperature (step ST15: Yes), the control device 51 rotates the on-off valve 23 from the closed position to the open position using the on-off motor 45, thereby opening the light-receiving space 17. Furthermore, the control device 51 operates the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode (step ST16). Accordingly, the outside air blown out from the air outlet 9 of the dashboard 7 is introduced into the light-receiving space 17 via the air supply space 16. This reduces the humidity in the light-receiving space 17, preventing fogging of the light-receiving portion 6A of the front windshield 6.

[0078] With the air conditioner 8 operating in the outside air introduction mode, the control device 51 determines whether the engine water temperature has reached or exceeded a threshold value (step ST17). If the engine water temperature remains below the threshold value (step ST17: No), the control device 51 continues to operate the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode and repeats the determination in step ST17 at regular intervals until the engine water temperature reaches or exceeds the threshold value.

[0079] When the engine water temperature becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value (step ST17: Yes), the control device 51 switches the operation mode of the air conditioner 8 from the outside air introduction mode to the heated air introduction mode (step ST18). That is, the control device 51 stops the operation of the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode, and operates the air conditioner 8 in the heated air introduction mode. Accordingly, the heated air blown out from the air outlet 9 of the dashboard 7 is introduced into the light receiving space 17 via the air blowing space 16. As a result, the light receiving portion 6A of the windshield 6 is heated by the heated air, and fogging of the light receiving portion 6A of the windshield 6 is prevented.

[0080] <Anti-fogging control execution example 3> Next, a third execution example of the anti-fogging control will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that steps ST26 and ST27 of the third execution example of the anti-fogging control are similar to steps ST5 and ST6 of the first execution example of the anti-fogging control, and therefore will not be described.

[0081] When the defogging control is started, the control device 51 obtains the inside and outside temperatures from the temperature detection device 47, and the inside and outside humidity from the humidity detection device 48. Furthermore, the control device 51 obtains an image of the preceding vehicle (an example of information relating to the outside world of the vehicle 1) from the front camera 10, and obtains the position of the preceding vehicle (an example of information relating to the outside world of the vehicle 1) from the millimeter wave radar 42 (step ST21).

[0082] Next, the control device 51 calculates the inside-vehicle dew point temperature by referring to the dew point temperature calculation table T based on the inside-vehicle temperature and inside-vehicle humidity. Furthermore, the control device 51 calculates the outside-vehicle dew point temperature by referring to the dew point temperature calculation table T based on the outside-vehicle temperature and outside-vehicle humidity. Furthermore, the control device 51 estimates the type of the preceding vehicle and the distance from the vehicle 1 to the preceding vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the "inter-vehicle distance") based on the image of the preceding vehicle acquired from the front camera 10 and the position of the preceding vehicle acquired from the millimeter-wave radar 42 (step ST22).

[0083] Next, the control device 51 determines whether or not there is a risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space SP1 due to the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior space SP1 (hereinafter referred to as "exhaust gas introduction risk") (step ST23). For example, the control device 51 determines that there is a risk of exhaust gas introduction when the vehicle model of the preceding vehicle is a large vehicle (an example of a specific vehicle model) and the inter-vehicle distance is less than a predetermined reference distance. On the other hand, the control device 51 determines that there is no risk of exhaust gas introduction when the vehicle model of the preceding vehicle is not a large vehicle and / or the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance. If there is a risk of exhaust gas introduction (step ST23: Yes), the control device 51 ends the defogging control without operating the air conditioner 8.

[0084] If there is no risk of exhaust gas introduction (step ST23: No), the control device 51 determines whether the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature is higher than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature (whether the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature and the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature satisfy a predetermined condition) (step ST24). If the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature is equal to or lower than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature (step ST24: No), the control device 51 ends the defogging control without operating the air conditioner 8.

[0085] If the vehicle interior dew-point temperature is higher than the vehicle exterior dew-point temperature (step ST24: Yes), the control device 51 opens the light-receiving space 17 by rotating the on-off valve 23 from the closed position to the open position using the on-off motor 45. Furthermore, the control device 51 operates the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode (step ST25). Accordingly, the outside air blown out from the air outlet 9 of the dashboard 7 is introduced into the light-receiving space 17 via the air supply space 16. This reduces the humidity in the light-receiving space 17, preventing fogging of the light-receiving portion 6A of the front windshield 6.

[0086] <Anti-fogging control execution example 4> Hereinafter, Execution Example 4 of the defogging control will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that steps ST34 to ST37 of Execution Example 4 of the defogging control are similar to steps ST24 to ST27 of Execution Example 3 of the defogging control, and therefore will not be described.

[0087] When the defogging control is started, the control device 51 obtains the inside and outside temperatures from the temperature detection device 47, and obtains the inside and outside humidity from the humidity detection device 48. Furthermore, the control device 51 transmits the current position of the vehicle 1 identified by the navigation device 44 to the weather information server 52, and receives weather information about the area in which the vehicle is traveling (an example of information about the outside world of the vehicle 1) from the weather information server 52 (step ST31).

[0088] Next, the control device 51 calculates the inside-vehicle dew point temperature by referring to the dew point temperature calculation table T based on the inside-vehicle temperature and inside-vehicle humidity. Furthermore, the control device 51 calculates the outside-vehicle dew point temperature by referring to the dew point temperature calculation table T based on the outside-vehicle temperature and outside-vehicle humidity. Furthermore, the control device 51 acquires a predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersion in the vehicle traveling area based on the weather information of the vehicle traveling area received from the weather information server 52 (step ST32).

[0089] Next, the control device 51 determines whether or not there is a risk of introducing pollen into the vehicle interior space SP1 due to the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior space SP1 (hereinafter referred to as "pollen introduction risk") (step ST33). For example, the control device 51 determines that there is a risk of pollen introduction when the predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersion in the vehicle driving area is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. On the other hand, the control device 51 determines that there is no risk of pollen introduction when the predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersion in the vehicle driving area is less than the reference value. If there is a risk of pollen introduction (step ST33: Yes), the control device 51 ends the defogging control without operating the air conditioner 8.

[0090] If there is no risk of pollen introduction (step ST33: No), the control device 51 determines whether the interior dew-point temperature is higher than the exterior dew-point temperature (whether the interior dew-point temperature and the exterior dew-point temperature satisfy a predetermined condition) (step ST34).

[0091] <Effects> In the above-described execution examples 1 to 4 of the defogging control, the control device 51 operates the air conditioner 8 based on the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature and the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature. This allows the air conditioner 8 to be operated at an appropriate timing based on the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature and the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature when the windshield 6 is prone to fogging (for example, when the vehicle 1 is started with the windshield 6 at a relatively low temperature). This makes it possible to suppress an increase in humidity in the vehicle interior space SP1 and effectively prevent the windshield 6 from fogging up.

[0092] <Modification> In the above-described execution examples 1 to 4 of the defogging control, the control device 51 calculates the interior dew point temperature based on the interior temperature and humidity of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the control device 51 may calculate the interior dew point temperature based on the interior temperature, humidity, and air pressure of the vehicle. Similarly, the control device 51 may calculate the exterior dew point temperature based on the exterior temperature, humidity, and air pressure of the vehicle. In this way, by taking into account not only the temperature and humidity but also the air pressure, the interior dew point temperature and the exterior dew point temperature can be calculated more accurately.

[0093] Although not mentioned in the above Execution Examples 1 to 4 of the defogging control, when the defogging control is being performed, the control device 51 may adjust the air volume of the air conditioner 8. For example, when the air conditioner 8 is operated in the outside air introduction mode, the control device 51 may maximize the air volume of the air conditioner 8.

[0094] In the above-described execution example 1 of the defogging control, the control device 51 operates the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode when the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature is higher than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature. In other embodiments, the control device 51 may operate the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode when the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature is higher than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature and the humidity of the outside-vehicle space SP2 is lower than a predetermined reference humidity.

[0095] In the above-described second to fourth execution examples of the defogging control, the condition that the interior dew-point temperature is higher than the exterior dew-point temperature is set as the predetermined condition (the condition that causes the air conditioner 8 to operate in the exterior air introduction mode). In other embodiments, a condition other than the condition that the interior dew-point temperature is higher than the exterior dew-point temperature may be set as the predetermined condition. For example, in other embodiments, the predetermined condition may be set as the condition that the interior dew-point temperature is higher than the exterior dew-point temperature and the difference between the interior dew-point temperature and the exterior dew-point temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0096] In the above-described execution examples 3 and 4 of the defogging control, the control device 51 restricts the operation of the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode when there is a risk of introducing exhaust gas or pollen. In other embodiments, the control device 51 may restrict the operation of the air conditioner 8 in the outside air introduction mode when the air conditioner 8 is operating in a mode for heating the interior space SP1.

[0097] In the above-described execution example 3 of the defogging control, a large vehicle is set as the specific vehicle type. In other embodiments, a cargo transport vehicle (truck) or a diesel vehicle may be set as the specific vehicle type. In other words, any vehicle type that is expected to emit a large amount of exhaust gas may be set as the specific vehicle type.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the light receiving space 17 is opened and closed by the on-off valve 23. In other embodiments, the on-off valve 23 may not be provided and the light receiving space 17 may be constantly open.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 8 is used as the outside air introduction device. In other embodiments, the lift motor 46 may be used as the outside air introduction device. For example, when the dew point temperature inside the vehicle is higher than the dew point temperature outside the vehicle, the lift motor 46 may move the door window 5A from the raised position to the lowered position to introduce outside air into the vehicle interior space SP1.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the air outlet 9 and the light receiving space 17 are connected via the air blowing space 16. In other embodiments, the air outlet 9 and the light receiving space 17 may be connected via a dedicated duct.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the drive device 43 includes an internal combustion engine 43A. In other embodiments, the drive device 43 may include an electric motor, or may include both the internal combustion engine 43A and an electric motor.

[0102] Although the specific embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and its modified examples, and can be modified in a wide range of ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1: Vehicle 6: Front window (example of a window) 8: Air conditioning equipment (an example of an outside air introduction device and a heated air introduction device) 10: Front camera (an example of a photographing device) 41: Air conditioning system 43A: Internal combustion engine 47: Temperature detection device 48: Humidity detector 50: Water temperature detector 51: Control device SP1: Car interior space SP2: Space outside the vehicle

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for a vehicle having an image capturing device that captures an image of an exterior space of the vehicle from an interior space of the vehicle through a window, a temperature detection device for detecting a temperature in the vehicle interior space and a temperature in the vehicle exterior space; a humidity detection device for detecting the humidity of the interior space of the vehicle and the humidity of the exterior space of the vehicle; An outside air introduction device that introduces outside air into the vehicle interior space; a control device that calculates an interior dew point temperature based on the temperature and humidity of the interior space of the vehicle, calculates an exterior dew point temperature based on the temperature and humidity of the exterior space of the vehicle, and operates the outside air introduction device based on the interior dew point temperature and the exterior dew point temperature.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device operates the outside air introduction device when the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature is higher than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 , wherein the control device stops the operation of the outside air introduction device when the inside-vehicle dew-point temperature becomes equal to or lower than the outside-vehicle dew-point temperature while the outside air introduction device is operating.

4. a water temperature detection device for detecting a temperature of a cooling water of an internal combustion engine provided in the vehicle; a heated air introduction device that heats air by heat exchange with a cooling water of the internal combustion engine and introduces the heated air into the vehicle interior space, 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control device operates the outside air introduction device when the temperature of the coolant of the internal combustion engine is less than a predetermined threshold value and the inside-vehicle dew point temperature and the outside-vehicle dew point temperature satisfy predetermined conditions.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the control device stops operation of the outside air introduction device and operates the heated air introduction device when the temperature of the cooling water of the internal combustion engine becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value while the outside air introduction device is operating.

6. The control device includes: acquiring information about an external environment of the vehicle; The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the outside air introduction device is operated based on the inside dew point temperature, the outside dew point temperature, and information related to the outside environment of the vehicle.

7. The control device includes: determining whether there is a risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space due to the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior space based on information regarding the environment outside the vehicle; 7. The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein the outside air introduction device is operated when there is no risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space by introducing outside air into the vehicle interior space, and when the vehicle interior dew point temperature and the vehicle exterior dew point temperature satisfy predetermined conditions.

8. The information about the external environment of the vehicle includes information about a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle, The control device includes: Estimating a type of the preceding vehicle and a distance from the vehicle to the preceding vehicle based on information about the preceding vehicle; When the vehicle model of the preceding vehicle is a specific vehicle model and the distance from the vehicle to the preceding vehicle is less than a predetermined reference distance, it is determined that there is a risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space due to the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior space, The air conditioning system of claim 7, further comprising: a determining unit that determines that there is no risk of introducing exhaust gas into the vehicle interior space when the vehicle model of the preceding vehicle is not the specific vehicle model and when the distance from the vehicle to the preceding vehicle is equal to or greater than the reference distance; and

9. The control device includes: determining whether there is a risk of introducing pollen into the vehicle interior space due to the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior space based on information about the outside environment of the vehicle; 7. The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein the outside air introduction device is operated when there is no risk of introducing pollen into the vehicle interior space by introducing outside air into the vehicle interior space, and when the inside vehicle dew point temperature and the outside vehicle dew point temperature satisfy predetermined conditions.

10. The information regarding the external environment of the vehicle includes meteorological information regarding the area in which the vehicle is traveling; The control device includes: obtaining a predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersed in the area in which the vehicle is traveling based on meteorological information of the area in which the vehicle is traveling; When a predicted value of the amount of pollen dispersed in the area in which the vehicle is traveling is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, it is determined that there is a risk of introducing pollen into the vehicle interior space due to the introduction of outside air into the vehicle interior space, The air conditioning system of claim 9, wherein if the predicted amount of pollen dispersion in the area in which the vehicle is traveling is less than the standard value, it is determined that there is no risk of introducing pollen into the vehicle interior space by introducing outside air into the vehicle interior space.

11. The imaging device captures an image of the exterior space in front of the vehicle, The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outside air introduction device introduces outside air into the vehicle interior space in front of the image capture device.

Images