Vehicular control device and vehicular control program

Abstract

To secure excellent comfortability in a cabin under a condition that revolution speed of a compressor is limited.SOLUTION: A vehicular control device comprises: a prediction part which predicts a restriction situation where increase of rotation number of a compressor of an on-vehicle air conditioner is restricted; a compressor control part which controls through a control unit of the compressor or directly the rotation number of the compressor; and a flow rate control part controlling a water flow rate to heat or cool a heater core of the on-vehicle air conditioner or a cooler core thereof and to receive energy or discharge energy according to the rotation number of the compressor through flow rate adjusting means arranged in a water passage. When the restriction situation is predicted by the prediction part, the compressor control part increases, before reaching the restriction situation, the rotation number of the compressor and the flow rate control part reduces the water flow rate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control device and a vehicle control program. [Background technology]

[0002] When the silent switch is on, a technique is known in which the compressor rotation speed used for air conditioning operation is limited so that it does not exceed 4000 rpm when the vehicle speed is below 5 km / h and the compressor rotation speed is above 4000 rpm. This allows the air conditioning operation to continue without stopping, minimizing noise generation when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds or is stopped, and there is little noise generated by the vehicle's driving motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-223428 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the above-described conventional technology, if the vehicle continues to run at a low speed or is stopped, the compressor rotation speed remains restricted, which may impair the comfort of the vehicle interior.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present disclosure is to ensure good comfort in the vehicle cabin even under conditions where the rotation speed of the compressor is limited. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, a prediction unit predicts a limiting state in which an increase in the rotation speed of a compressor of an on-board air conditioning device is limited; a compressor control unit that controls the rotation speed of the compressor directly or via a control device of the compressor; a flow rate control unit that controls the flow rate of water for heating or cooling a heater core or a cooler core of the vehicle-mounted air conditioning device, the flow rate of water receiving or releasing energy according to the rotation speed of the compressor, via a flow rate adjustment means provided in the water flow path; A vehicle control device is provided in which, when the prediction unit predicts the restrictive condition, the compressor control unit increases the compressor rotation speed and the flow rate control unit reduces the water flow rate before the restrictive condition is reached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure good comfort in the vehicle cabin even under conditions where the rotation speed of the compressor is limited. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of an in-vehicle air conditioner applicable to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a function of the control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a flow rate control process performed by a flow rate control unit of the present embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control map showing the relationship between water temperature and target flow rate. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the flow rate control process by the flow rate control unit, and is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a control map showing the relationship between the water temperature and the target flow rate. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart of a process executed by the control device of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are merely examples and are not limiting. Furthermore, shapes and the like in the drawings may be partially exaggerated for the sake of explanation. Furthermore, in the drawings, for ease of viewing, reference symbols may be assigned only to some of the parts that exist with the same attribute.

[0010] In the following description, "predetermined" means "predetermined in advance."

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of an in-vehicle air conditioner applicable to this embodiment.

[0012] The circuit 1 shown in FIG. 1 forms part of an in-vehicle air conditioning system (not shown in its entirety) and is configured to heat or cool a heater core 10 and a cooler core 20 using water based on the operation of a compressor 50.

[0013] Warm air obtained by passing air through the heater core 10 is used for heating, and cold air obtained by passing air through the cooler core 20 is used for cooling. In the example shown in Fig. 1, an air-cooled condenser 54 is also provided in the refrigerant circuit 52 associated with the compressor 50. An expansion valve 56 is provided between the air-cooled condenser 54 and the water-cooled condenser 60, similar to the expansion valve between the evaporator 40 and the water-cooled condenser 60.

[0014] The heater core 10 receives heat via a high-temperature water circuit 12 through which high-temperature water circulates. An electric water pump 14 (denoted as "EWP" in FIG. 1) is disposed in the high-temperature water circuit 12. The electric water pump 14 has the function of changing the flow rate of water (water in the high-temperature water circuit 12) passing through the water-cooled condenser 60.

[0015] Furthermore, in addition to the water-cooled condenser 60, the high-temperature water circuit 12 is provided with a high-temperature radiator 16 (referred to as "HT radiator" in FIG. 1) and a high-voltage hot water heater 18 (referred to as "HVH" in FIG. 1). Similar to the water-cooled condenser 60, the high-temperature radiator 16 and the high-voltage hot water heater 18 have the function of increasing the temperature of the water in the high-temperature water circuit 12 by imparting heat to the water circulating through the high-temperature water circuit 12. The high-temperature water circuit 12 is provided with a three-way valve 19 for controlling the direction in which the high-temperature water flows.

[0016] 1, the electric water pump 14 is disposed closer to the water-cooled condenser 60 than the branch point P1 of the flow paths leading to the high-temperature radiator 16 and the water-cooled condenser 60. However, the electric water pump 14 may be disposed in any position as long as the flow rate of water flowing through the water-cooled condenser 60 can be adjusted.

[0017] The cooler core 20 releases heat via a low-temperature water circuit 22, through which low-temperature water circulates. An electric water pump 24 (denoted as "EWP" in FIG. 1) is disposed in the low-temperature water circuit 22. The electric water pump 24 has the function of changing the flow rate of water passing through the evaporator 40 (water in the low-temperature water circuit 22). The water in the low-temperature water circuit 22 is cooled by the evaporator 40 and the air-cooled condenser 54.

[0018] 1 is merely an example, and the control device of this embodiment described below can also be applied to circuits with various configurations different from circuit 1. Specifically, such a circuit can be any configuration as long as it provides energy to or removes energy from water circulated by an electric water pump with a capacity corresponding to the rotation speed of compressor 50, and provides or removes heat from heater core 10 and / or cooler core 20 via the water.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 100 of this embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates other in-vehicle electronic devices 130 in association with the hardware configuration of the control device 100.

[0021] The other in-vehicle electronic devices 130 may include, in addition to the electric water pump 14 and the electric water pump 24, various sensors such as water temperature sensors 131 and 132, and other control devices such as an air conditioning control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 133 and a navigation ECU 134.

[0022] The water temperature sensor 131 generates an electric signal corresponding to the water temperature in the high-temperature water circuit 12. The water temperature sensor 132 generates an electric signal corresponding to the water temperature in the low-temperature water circuit 22.

[0023] The air conditioning control ECU 133 controls an in-vehicle air conditioner (not shown). The in-vehicle air conditioner includes the compressor 50, heater core 10, cooler core 20, evaporator 40, etc., which are described above with reference to Fig. 1. The in-vehicle air conditioner may include a mix door or the like that adjusts the temperature of air (a mixture of warm air and cool air) supplied to an air outlet in the vehicle cabin.

[0024] In this embodiment, the air conditioning control ECU 133 limits an increase in the rotation speed of the compressor 50 in a vehicle speed range (hereinafter also referred to as a "predetermined vehicle speed range") in which the operating sound of the compressor 50 is significantly recognized by the occupants as noise (or abnormal noise). The predetermined vehicle speed range is a low speed range that includes a vehicle speed of 0 when the vehicle is stopped, and may be, for example, a vehicle speed of 5 km / h or less. Hereinafter, the limit on the increase in the rotation speed of the compressor 50 realized by the air conditioning control ECU 133 in this manner will also be referred to as a "compressor rotation speed limit." Note that the air conditioning control ECU 133 may also limit the compressor rotation speed when the vehicle speed remains within the predetermined vehicle speed range for a predetermined period of time or more, or when the average vehicle speed within the most recent predetermined period of time is within the predetermined vehicle speed range.

[0025] The compressor rotation speed limit may be implemented in any manner. For example, the air conditioning control ECU 133 may control the compressor 50 so that the rotation speed of the compressor 50 does not increase beyond a predetermined limit rotation speed. In this case, the limit rotation speed is a constant value, but may also be a value that changes depending on the vehicle speed.

[0026] Note that the control method for the compressor 50 when the compressor rotation speed limit is not executed is normal control. The details of this control are arbitrary, but for example, the air conditioning control ECU 133 calculates a target rotation speed for the compressor 50 based on various settings (temperature settings by the occupant and operation mode) and temperature information (e.g., the cabin temperature and the temperature at the air outlet). Then, the air conditioning control ECU 133 limits the compressor 50 so that the target rotation speed is achieved. Hereinafter, the target rotation speed of the compressor 50 calculated in this manner in the case of normal control will also be referred to as the "target rotation speed of the compressor 50 during normal control." Note that the target rotation speed during normal control of the compressor 50 can be significantly higher than the above-mentioned limited rotation speed.

[0027] The navigation ECU 134 provides route guidance and the like via an in-vehicle display (not shown) and acquires traffic congestion information and the like from external facilities and servers that provide traffic information.

[0028] The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, an auxiliary storage device 114, a drive device 115, and a communication interface 117, all connected by a bus 119, as well as a wired transceiver unit 125 and a wireless transceiver unit 126 connected to the communication interface 117.

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 114 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and is a storage device that stores data related to application software and the like.

[0030] The wired transceiver 125 includes a transceiver capable of communicating using a wired network 128 based on a protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network). Other in-vehicle electronic devices 130 are connected to the wired transceiver 125. However, some or all of the other in-vehicle electronic devices 130 may be connected to the bus 119 or may be connected to the wireless transceiver 126.

[0031] Wireless transceiver 126 is a transceiver capable of communicating using a wireless network. The wireless network may include a wireless communication network for mobile phones, the Internet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), etc. Wireless transceiver 126 may also include a Near Field Communication (NFC) unit, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) transceiver, an infrared transceiver, etc.

[0032] The control device 100 may be connectable to a recording medium 116. The recording medium 116 stores a predetermined program. The program stored in the recording medium 116 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 114 of the control device 100 via the drive device 115. The installed predetermined program can be executed by the CPU 111 of the control device 100. For example, the recording medium 116 may be a recording medium that records information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a flexible disk, or a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM or a flash memory.

[0033] 3 is a functional block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the functions of the control device 100. Note that some or all of the functions of the control device 100 described below may be implemented by another control device (for example, the air conditioning control ECU 133 or the navigation ECU 134). Alternatively, conversely, some or all of the functions of another control device (for example, the air conditioning control ECU 133 or the navigation ECU 134) may be implemented by the control device 100.

[0034] 3, the control device 100 includes a restriction status prediction unit 150, a compressor control unit 152, and a flow rate control unit 154. Note that the functions of the restriction status prediction unit 150 to the flow rate control unit 154 can be realized by the CPU 111 shown in FIG. 2 executing one or more programs in a storage device (for example, the ROM 113 or auxiliary storage device 114 shown in FIG. 2).

[0035] The restriction situation prediction unit 150 predicts a restriction situation in which an increase in the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is restricted. That is, the restriction situation prediction unit 150 predicts a situation in which the air conditioning control ECU 133 restricts the compressor rotation speed (hereinafter also referred to as a "restriction situation").

[0036] The method for predicting the restricted state is arbitrary and may be adapted according to the execution conditions for limiting the compressor rotation speed by the air conditioning control ECU 133. In this embodiment, the restricted state prediction unit 150 predicts, as the restricted state, a state in which the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined vehicle speed range, based on route information from the navigation ECU 134 and vehicle position information (for example, a positioning result based on a satellite signal from a GPS satellite).

[0037] For example, if a traffic jam occurs within a predetermined distance ahead of the current vehicle position on the planned route of the vehicle, the restriction situation prediction unit 150 predicts the restriction situation. The predetermined distance is arbitrary and may vary depending on the vehicle speed. The planned route may be a route calculated by the navigation ECU 134 when a destination is set. Route information from the navigation ECU 134 may include traffic jam information obtained through road-to-vehicle communication with an external organization such as a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) or traffic jam information obtained through vehicle-to-vehicle communication. For example, when traffic jam information from the VICS is used, the restriction situation prediction unit 150 may predict the restriction situation when it determines that the tail end of the traffic jam is located a predetermined distance ahead of the current location on the route to the destination. Furthermore, if a destination is not set, the restriction situation prediction unit 150 may predict the restriction situation in cooperation with the navigation ECU 134 as follows. That is, the restriction situation may be predicted assuming that the vehicle will travel along a road following the road on which the vehicle is currently located. The road data used by the navigation ECU 134 is stored as a sequence of nodes and links, with intersections as nodes and roads between intersections as links. In this case, for example, National Route 1 is stored as a sequence of links for National Route 1, so if the current position of the vehicle is on National Route 1, it is possible to follow the sequence of links along the road.

[0038] Furthermore, the situation in which the vehicle speed reaches the predetermined vehicle speed range may occur not only due to traffic congestion but also due to other factors. For example, the restriction situation prediction unit 150 may predict the restriction situation based on speed limit data, school zone data, railroad crossing data, traffic light data (red, green, yellow lighting cycle), traffic regulation information due to events, construction, etc.

[0039] Furthermore, the restriction status prediction unit 150 may predict the restriction status based on artificial intelligence. In this case, the restriction status may be predicted based on a prediction model that has been learned based on a huge amount of past traffic information data.

[0040] Furthermore, the restriction status prediction unit 150 may predict the restriction status taking into consideration the scale of the traffic jam. For example, the restriction status may be predicted only when the scale of the traffic jam is relatively large.

[0041] Furthermore, when the restriction situation prediction unit 150 predicts a restriction situation, it may predict the duration of the restriction situation. In this case, the restriction situation prediction unit 150 may predict the duration of the restriction situation in such a manner that, for example, the larger the scale of traffic congestion, the longer the duration of the restriction situation.

[0042] The compressor control unit 152 cooperates with the air conditioning control ECU 133 to control the rotation speed of the compressor 50. That is, the compressor control unit 152 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 50 via the air conditioning control ECU 133.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the restriction situation prediction unit 150 predicts a restriction situation, the compressor control unit 152 increases the rotation speed of the compressor 50 before the restriction situation is reached. Hereinafter, this processing is also referred to as "pre-increase processing of the rotation speed of the compressor 50." The pre-increase processing of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 includes processing of increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 to raise the temperature of the water in the high-temperature water circuit 12 during heating and lowering the temperature of the water in the low-temperature water circuit 22 during cooling. In this case, the pre-increase processing of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 may be processing of increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 up to a fixed maximum value and continuing the increase, or may be processing of continuing the increase up to a rotation speed that is a predetermined percentage (e.g., 50%) higher than the target rotation speed during normal control. Alternatively, the pre-processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 during heating may be processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 so that the temperature of the water in the high-temperature water circuit 12 reaches a maximum value higher than the target temperature during normal control, or processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 so that the temperature reaches a temperature that is a predetermined percentage (for example, 20%) higher than the target temperature. Similarly, the pre-processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 during cooling may be processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 so that the temperature of the water in the low-temperature water circuit 22 reaches a fixed predetermined target temperature, or processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 so that the temperature reaches a predetermined target temperature that is a predetermined percentage (for example, 20%) lower than the target temperature during normal control.

[0044] The pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is a process for storing extra energy in preparation for a predicted restriction situation, and when the predicted restriction situation is realized, the stored energy is used to maintain the comfort of the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin.

[0045] Therefore, the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 may be executed not only when a restrictive state is predicted but also only when there is a high need to maintain the comfort of the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin, i.e., only when the vehicle air conditioner is operating. For example, the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 may be executed only when the A / C switch (or Auto switch) is in the on state.

[0046] The pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is initiated immediately when the limiting condition prediction unit 150 predicts a limiting condition, but in a modified example, it may be initiated at a different timing. For example, if the predicted duration of the limiting condition is relatively long, the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is initiated immediately, whereas if the predicted duration of the limiting condition is relatively short, the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 may be initiated after a certain time has elapsed since the limiting condition was predicted (but before the predicted limiting condition is reached), as long as time is ensured to accumulate the necessary energy.

[0047] The flow rate control unit 154 executes a flow rate limiting process to reduce the flow rate of water in the high-temperature water circuit 12 or the low-temperature water circuit 22 in conjunction with the process of pre-increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 .

[0048] Specifically, during heating, the flow rate control unit 154 reduces the flow rate in the high-temperature water circuit 12 compared to the flow rate at the start of the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50. During cooling, the flow rate control unit 154 reduces the flow rate in the low-temperature water circuit 22 compared to the flow rate at the start of the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50. Hereinafter, such flow rate restriction process will also be referred to as "flow rate control process linked with pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50" or simply as "flow rate control process."

[0049] The flow rate control process linked to the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is executed mainly to minimize the energy loss caused by the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50.

[0050] That is, as described above, the pre-increase processing of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is a process for preparing for a predicted limiting situation, and is a process for storing energy that is not needed at that time. Therefore, the flow rate control process is executed as a process for preventing the excess energy generated by the pre-increase processing of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 from being wasted.

[0051] Here, when the pre-processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is performed, the temperature of the water changes in the high-temperature water circuit 12 or the low-temperature water circuit 22. In this case, if the flow rate of water in the high-temperature water circuit 12 or the low-temperature water circuit 22 is the same before and after the pre-processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50, the temperature of the air that has passed through the heater core 10 or the cooler core 20 changes before and after the pre-processing for increasing the rotation speed of the compressor 50. Such a change is essentially unnecessary and results in energy loss.

[0052] In this embodiment, when the restriction situation prediction unit 150 predicts a restriction situation, the flow rate control unit 154 reduces the flow rate of water in the high-temperature water circuit 12 or the low-temperature water circuit 22 so that the temperature of the air after passing through the heater core 10 or the cooler core 20 does not change before and after the restriction situation prediction unit 150 predicts a restriction situation. In this case, it is possible to minimize energy loss that may occur due to the pre-processing to increase the rotation speed of the compressor 50. It is also possible to reduce the processing load on the air conditioning control ECU 133 that may occur when the temperature of the air after passing through the heater core 10 or the cooler core 20 changes suddenly.

[0053] 4 is an explanatory diagram of the flow rate control process by the flow rate control unit 154, and is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control map showing the relationship between the water temperature and the target flow rate. When the control map shown in FIG. 4 is used, information corresponding to the control map may be stored in a storage device (for example, the ROM 113 or the auxiliary storage device 114 shown in FIG. 2).

[0054] In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents water temperature and the vertical axis represents target flow rate, showing the relationship between water temperature and target flow rate.

[0055] 4, the target flow rate is at a maximum value when the water temperature is T0, and decreases accordingly as the water temperature deviates from T0. In this case, the target flow rate decreases in proportion to the difference from T0, but it may also decrease nonlinearly. Such characteristics are adapted so that the temperature of the air after passing through the heater core 10 or the cooler core 20 does not change when the water temperature is T0 and at other times.

[0056] The water temperature T0 corresponds to the water temperature in the high-temperature water circuit 12 or the low-temperature water circuit 22 that is achieved during normal control of the compressor 50. For example, during cooling, the water temperature T0 may be approximately 60°C, and during heating, the water temperature T0 may be approximately 5°C. Note that the target rotation speed during normal control of the compressor 50 described above may be set so that the temperature of the water in the high-temperature water circuit 12 or the low-temperature water circuit 22 becomes the water temperature T0.

[0057] Here, when the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is executed during heating, the water temperature in the high-temperature water circuit 12 becomes a water temperature T1, which is higher than the water temperature T0. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the target flow rate is reduced, and the flow rate of water passing through the heater core 10 is reduced, and accordingly, the amount of heat released through the heater core 10 is made constant. The same is true during cooling. That is, when the pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is executed during cooling, the water temperature in the low-temperature water circuit 22 becomes a water temperature T2, which is lower than the water temperature T0. In this case, as shown in the figure, the target flow rate is reduced, and the flow rate of water passing through the cooler core 20 is reduced, and accordingly, the amount of heat released through the heater core 10 is made constant.

[0058] The control map showing the relationship between water temperature and target flow rate shown in Figure 4 has the same characteristics during heating and cooling, except for the water temperature T0, but the characteristics may be different for heating and cooling. For example, Figure 4A is an example of a control map for heating. In this case, the lower the water temperature, the larger the target flow rate, and when the water temperature falls below a threshold value Tth, the target flow rate decreases as the water temperature decreases. In this case, the same may be true for cooling.

[0059] In this embodiment, the flow control unit 154 may reduce the flow rate of water in the high-temperature water circuit 12 or the low-temperature water circuit 22 so that the temperature of the air after passing through the heater core 10 or the cooler core 20 does not change before and after the restriction situation is predicted by the restriction situation prediction unit 150, even in a restriction situation.

[0060] In the restricted state, during heating, the water temperature in the high-temperature water circuit 12 drops relatively rapidly due to the compressor speed restriction described above. If the water flow rate through the heater core 10 is maintained at a reduced level at this time, it will eventually become difficult to generate warm air at a desired temperature. The same applies to cooling. That is, during cooling, the water temperature in the low-temperature water circuit 22 increases relatively rapidly due to the compressor speed restriction described above. If the water flow rate through the cooler core 20 is maintained at a reduced level at this time, it will eventually become difficult to generate cool air at a desired temperature.

[0061] In contrast, in this embodiment, in a restricted state, the flow rate control unit 154 increases the water flow rate in the high-temperature water circuit 12 during heating and the water flow rate in the low-temperature water circuit 22 during cooling, to values ​​greater than the reduced flow rates based on the restriction state prediction unit 150's prediction of the restriction state. For example, even in a restricted state, the flow rate control unit 154 executes flow rate control processing based on the control map shown in FIG. 4, which indicates the relationship between water temperature and target flow rate, during heating. This allows warm air of a desired temperature to be generated at least until the water temperature in the high-temperature water circuit 12 becomes equal to or lower than the water temperature T0. Similarly, even in a restricted state, the flow rate control unit 154 executes flow rate control processing based on the control map shown in FIG. 4, which indicates the relationship between water temperature and target flow rate, during cooling. This allows cool air of a desired temperature to be generated at least until the water temperature in the low-temperature water circuit 22 becomes equal to or higher than the water temperature T0. This control efficiently ensures good comfort in the vehicle cabin in a restricted state.

[0062] In this way, according to this embodiment, a restricted state is predicted, and when a restricted state is predicted, a pre-increase process of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is executed, so that good comfort inside the vehicle cabin can be ensured even in a state in which the rotation speed of the compressor is restricted (i.e., a restricted state).

[0063] Next, the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described in further detail with reference to Fig. 5. Below, processing during heating will be described, but the processing during cooling may be substantially the same.

[0064] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the process executed by the control device 100. The process shown in Fig. 5 may be repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals, for example, while the power supply to the vehicle is on.

[0065] In step S500, the control device 100 determines whether the value of the restriction flag F1 related to the compressor rotation speed restriction is "0." The value of the restriction flag F1 is set to "1" when the above-mentioned compressor rotation speed restriction is being executed, and is set to "0" otherwise. The value of the restriction flag F1 is changed by the air conditioning control ECU 133. In a modified example, instead of the restriction flag F1, the control device 100 may determine whether the compressor rotation speed restriction is being executed based on vehicle speed information, rotation speed information of the compressor 50, control information of the air conditioning control ECU 133, etc. If the determination result is "YES," the process proceeds to step S502; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S522.

[0066] In step S502, the control device 100 determines whether the value of the prediction flag F2 relating to the prediction of a restricted situation is "1." The value of the prediction flag F2 is set to "1" when the above-mentioned restricted situation is predicted, and is set to "0" in other situations. If the determination result is "YES," the process proceeds to step S504; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S516.

[0067] In step S504, the control device 100 executes or continues the pre-increase processing of the rotation speed of the compressor 50. The pre-increase processing of the rotation speed of the compressor 50 is as described above.

[0068] In step S506, the control device 100 acquires sensor information from the water temperature sensor 131 provided in the high-temperature water circuit 12.

[0069] In step S508, the control device 100 determines whether the water temperature of the high-temperature water circuit 12 is significantly higher than the water temperature T0 (e.g., 50°C) based on the sensor information obtained in step S506. For example, the control device 100 may determine whether the water temperature of the high-temperature water circuit 12 is higher than the water temperature T0 by a predetermined temperature (e.g., 5°C) or more. If the determination result is "YES," the process proceeds to step S510; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S512.

[0070] In step S510, the control device 100 sets the target flow rate of the high-temperature water circuit 12 to a target flow rate corresponding to the water temperature of the high-temperature water circuit 12 based on a control map such as that shown in Fig. 4. Note that if the target flow rate in the previous processing cycle was, for example, a target flow rate (default value) corresponding to the water temperature T0, the target flow rate is reduced in step S510.

[0071] In a modified example, step S510 may be executed only when the water temperature in the high-temperature water circuit 12 increases by a predetermined temperature or more. In this case, the target flow rate does not change in response to a slight change in water temperature, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0072] In step S512, the control device 100 sets (or maintains) the target flow rate of the high-temperature water circuit 12 to the target flow rate corresponding to the water temperature T0.

[0073] In step S514, the control device 100 controls the electric water pump 14 so that the currently set target flow rate is achieved. That is, the control device 100 controls the electric water pump 14 so that the flow rate of the high-temperature water circuit 12 matches the target flow rate.

[0074] In step S516, the control device 100 acquires various information required to predict the restricted situation (for example, route information and vehicle position information from the navigation ECU 134).

[0075] In step S518, the control device 100 determines whether a restricted situation has been predicted based on the various information acquired in step S516. The method for predicting a restricted situation may be as described above. If the determination result is "YES," the process proceeds to step S520; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S512.

[0076] In step S520, the control device 100 sets the value of the prediction flag F2 to 1. When step S520 ends, the process proceeds to step S504.

[0077] In step S522, the control device 100 determines whether the value of the prediction flag F2 is 1. If the determination result is YES, the process proceeds to step S524, otherwise the process proceeds to step S506.

[0078] In step S524, the control device 100 resets the value of the prediction flag F2 to "0." Although not shown, once the prediction flag F2 becomes "1," it may be reset to "0" when a predetermined condition is met, in addition to being set to "0" in step S524. The predetermined condition may be met, for example, when a limiting situation is predicted but it is later discovered that the prediction was incorrect. After step S524 is completed, the process proceeds to step S506.

[0079] According to the processing shown in FIG. 5, when a restricted state is predicted, the water temperature in the high-temperature water circuit 12 is increased in step S504, and the flow rate of the high-temperature water circuit 12 is adjusted in steps S506 to S514 so that the temperature of the air after passing through the heater core 10 does not change suddenly (increase rapidly) due to an increase in the water temperature of the high-temperature water circuit 12.

[0080] 5, when the compressor rotation speed is restricted in a restricted state, the flow rate of the high-temperature water circuit 12 can be adjusted by the processes of steps S506 to S514 so that the temperature of the air after passing through the heater core 10 does not change suddenly while the compressor rotation speed is restricted. In this case, since the compressor rotation speed is restricted, the water temperature of the high-temperature water circuit 12 decreases toward the water temperature T0, and accordingly, the flow rate of the high-temperature water circuit 12 is gradually increased (see FIG. 4). Therefore, in a restricted state, the flow rate of the high-temperature water circuit 12 is made larger than the flow rate reduced based on the restriction state prediction by the restriction state prediction unit 150.

[0081] 5, the subsequent processing when the determination result of step S522 is "NO" is the same as the processing from step S504 onwards (steps S506 to S514), but is not limited to this. For example, in the subsequent processing when the determination result of step S524 is "NO", processing different from the processing of step S512 when the determination result of step S508 is "NO" may be executed. Specifically, when the determination result of step S508 is "NO" and the water temperature is significantly lower than the water temperature T0, the target flow rate may be set to the maximum value.

[0082] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of components of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100...control device (vehicle control device), 1...circuit (vehicle air conditioning device), 50...compressor, 10...heater core, 14...electric water pump (flow rate adjustment means), 20...cooler core, 24...electric water pump (flow rate adjustment means), 133...air conditioning control ECU (compressor control device), 150...restriction situation prediction unit (prediction unit), 152...compressor control unit, 154...flow rate control unit

Claims

1. a prediction unit that predicts a limiting state in which an increase in the rotation speed of a compressor of the vehicle air conditioner is limited; a compressor control unit that controls the rotation speed of the compressor directly or via a control device of the compressor; a flow rate control unit that controls the flow rate of water for heating or cooling a heater core or a cooler core of the vehicle-mounted air conditioning device, the flow rate of water receiving or releasing energy according to the rotation speed of the compressor, via a flow rate adjustment means provided in the water flow path; When the prediction unit predicts the restrictive condition, the compressor control unit increases the rotation speed of the compressor and the flow control unit reduces the flow rate of the water before the restrictive condition is reached.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 , wherein the restricted situation includes a situation in which the vehicle speed or average vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold.

3. 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the flow control unit reduces the flow rate of the water when the prediction unit predicts the restricted state so that the temperature of the air after passing through the heater core or the cooler core does not change before and after the prediction unit predicts the restricted state.

4. 4. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate control unit increases the flow rate of the water in the restricted state to a value greater than the flow rate reduced based on the prediction of the restricted state by the prediction unit.

5. A prediction process for predicting a limiting state in which an increase in the rotation speed of a compressor of an on-board air conditioner is limited; a compressor control process for controlling the rotation speed of the compressor directly or via a control device of the compressor; a flow rate control process for controlling the flow rate of water for heating or cooling a heater core or a cooler core of the vehicle-mounted air conditioner, the flow rate of water receiving or releasing energy according to the rotation speed of the compressor, via a flow rate adjustment means provided in the water flow path; When the restrictive condition is predicted by the prediction process, the compressor control process increases the rotation speed of the compressor and the flow rate of the water is reduced by the flow rate control process before the restrictive condition is reached.

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