Air conditioner for vehicle

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner for vehicles which excels in quick heating or quick cooling performance.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 1 for vehicles includes: a refrigerant circuit 50 which includes a compressor 51, a high temperature-side heat exchanger 52, a decompression device 53, and a low temperature-side heat exchanger 54, and through which a refrigerant flows; a heating medium circuit 60 which includes at least one of a heater core 71 configured to heat air for heating the inside of a cabin and a cooler core 72 configured to cool air for cooling the inside of the cabin, and through which a heating medium flows; and a controller 10 configured to control operation of each component for air-conditioning including the heating and the cooling, predict the time for starting air-conditioning which is the time when receiving an instruction by a user to start air-conditioning, and perform control to adjust the temperature of the heating medium depending on the accuracy of the prediction before the time for starting air-conditioning.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A system is known that includes a refrigerant circuit that functions as a heat pump and a heat medium circuit in which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit transports heat to various parts for air conditioning of a vehicle or temperature regulation of an on-board device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such a system, which discloses that heating of the heat medium by a heat source device provided in the low-temperature side heat medium circuit is utilized during heating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 120271 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioner that has quick heating or cooling properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle air conditioning system includes a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a high-temperature side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger, and through which a refrigerant flows; a heat medium circuit including at least one of a heater core configured to heat air for heating the vehicle cabin and a cooler core configured to cool air for cooling the vehicle cabin, and through which a heat medium flows; and a control device configured to control the operation of each part for air conditioning, including the heating or cooling, and configured to predict the start time of air conditioning, which is the time when a command to start air conditioning is received from a user, and to perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium according to the accuracy of the prediction, before the start time of air conditioning. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle air conditioner that has good quick heating or cooling properties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a vehicle air conditioner according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of an example of control of the operation of a vehicle air conditioner by a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows the temperature change in the vehicle cabin and the temperature change in the cooler core over time. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of an example of a process related to heat storage or heating of a heat medium. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of an example of a process related to heat dissipation or cooling of a heat medium. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows the temperature change in the vehicle cabin and the temperature change in the cooler core over time. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows the temperature change in the vehicle cabin and the temperature change in the cooler core over time. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows the temperature change in the vehicle cabin and the temperature change in the cooler core over time. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when it is predicted that the air conditioning will not be turned on. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of an example of an operation relating to temperature adjustment of the heat medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle air conditioner according to this embodiment is an air conditioner that uses a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit. Generally, configurations that use a refrigerant circuit and a heat medium circuit tend to have low heating and cooling speeds. The vehicle air conditioner according to this embodiment achieves high heating and cooling speeds by predicting when a command to start air conditioning will be received from a user and adjusting the temperature of the heat medium before that time.

[0009] [Configuration of vehicle air conditioning system] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example configuration of a vehicle air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. The vehicle air conditioner 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. The vehicle air conditioner 1 has a function of adjusting the temperature, humidity, etc. of the air inside the vehicle cabin. The vehicle air conditioner 1 is a thermal management system configured to not only adjust the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, but also adjust the temperatures of the motor and battery mounted on the vehicle.

[0010] The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a control device 10 that controls the operation of each part of the vehicle air conditioner 1. The control device 10 is a microcomputer that includes a processor, memory, storage, an input / output interface, etc. The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes a refrigerant circuit 50 and a heat medium circuit 60. The vehicle air conditioner 1 also includes a sensor group 20 that includes various sensors.

[0011] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 of this embodiment. The heat medium circuit 60 is a circuit through which a heat medium flows that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circuit 50, and the heat medium transports heat required for each part of the vehicle. The heat medium circuit 60 is configured to be able to switch between circuits in response to various operations and to assume various states. Each of FIGS. 2 and 3 shows a certain state, which will be described later.

[0012] The refrigerant circuit 50 includes a compressor 51, a high-temperature heat exchanger 52, a pressure reduction device 53, a low-temperature heat exchanger 54, and an accumulator 55, which are arranged so that a refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant. Examples of the refrigerant that can be used include, but are not limited to, hydrofluoroolefins. The refrigerant circuit 50 is configured to function as a heat pump. That is, the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit 50 is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated in the compressor 51, the high-temperature heat exchanger 52, the pressure reduction device 53, and the low-temperature heat exchanger 54, respectively, and these processes are repeated.

[0013] In the high-temperature side heat exchanger 52 or the low-temperature side heat exchanger 54 of the refrigerant circuit 50, heat is exchanged between the heat medium in the heat medium circuit 60 and the refrigerant. The heat medium is a fluid such as a coolant liquid. The heat medium circulates through various parts of the vehicle to heat or cool the parts and transport heat from one part to another.

[0014] The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit 70. The HVAC unit 70 includes a heater core 71 and a cooler core 72 that constitute a part of a heat medium circuit 60. The heater core 71 of the heat medium circuit 60 is configured to circulate a heat medium heated by the high-temperature side heat exchanger 52. The heater core 71 is configured to heat air to be supplied into the vehicle cabin. The heater core 71 can be used to heat the vehicle cabin. The cooler core 72 of the heat medium circuit 60 is configured to circulate a heat medium cooled by the low-temperature side heat exchanger 54. The cooler core 72 is configured to cool the air to be supplied into the vehicle cabin. The cooler core 72 can be used to cool the vehicle cabin.

[0015] The HVAC unit 70 has an intake unit 75 that takes in outside air or inside air, and a blower 76 that supplies the air taken in through the intake unit 75 to an air flow passage. A cooler core 72 is installed upstream of the air flow passage. A heater core 71 is installed in a heater core passage 78 downstream of the air flow passage. A bypass passage 79 is formed in parallel with the heater core passage 78 in which the heater core 71 is installed. The flow of air into the heater core passage 78 or the bypass passage 79 is adjusted by an air mix damper 77. With this configuration, air that has passed through the heater core 71 or the cooler core 72 and has been heated or cooled is sent into the vehicle cabin.

[0016] The heat medium circuit 60 includes a motor temperature regulator 81, a battery temperature regulator 82, a heat medium heater 83, and an exterior heat exchanger 84. The motor temperature regulator 81 is configured so that the heat medium flowing through the motor temperature regulator 81 can exchange heat with the motor. The motor is heated or cooled by the heat medium flowing through the motor temperature regulator 81. The battery temperature regulator 82 is configured so that the heat medium flowing through the battery temperature regulator 82 can exchange heat with the battery. The battery is heated or cooled by the heat medium flowing through the battery temperature regulator 82. Note that a configuration similar to the battery temperature regulator 82 can also be applied to an in-vehicle device temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of other in-vehicle devices that require temperature regulation, not just the battery. The heat medium heater 83 is configured to generate heat using electric power and heat the heat medium. By heating the heat medium by the heat medium heater 83, it is possible to heat a battery or the like, even when there is no other heat source. The outdoor heat exchanger 84 is configured so that the heat medium flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 84 can exchange heat with the outdoor air. In the outdoor heat exchanger 84, the heat medium can release heat to the outdoor air and absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0017] Each component, such as the heater core 71, the cooler core 72, the motor temperature regulator 81, the battery temperature regulator 82, the heat medium heater 83, and the outdoor heat exchanger 84, is connected to a flow path through which the heat medium flows. These flow paths are connected to an eight-way valve 61, a four-way valve 62, a three-way valve 63, etc. The eight-way valve 61, the four-way valve 62, the three-way valve 63, etc., switch the connections of the flow paths, so that the heat medium circuit 60 can form various circulation circuits. A plurality of pumps 64 are provided in these flow paths. The pumps 64, by their operation, can circulate the heat medium in the formed circulation circuits.

[0018] The control device 10 can control the operation of the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60. The control device 10 is also connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of a navigation device 92 installed in the vehicle via a communication bus 91. The control device 10 can transmit and receive various data, such as estimated arrival time data, driving route data, and weather information data, to and from the navigation device 92. The control device 10 can acquire necessary data from other ECUs (not shown) via the communication bus 91. For example, the control device 10 can also acquire data such as vehicle speed. In addition to the information acquired from the vehicle's ECU, the control device 10 can also acquire detailed route information, such as topography and traffic congestion information, from the cloud, other vehicles, infrastructure facilities, etc., via V2X communication or the like. The control device 10 can acquire various information by acquiring detection signals from each sensor of the sensor group 20. The sensor group 20 can include a sensor that measures the temperature and humidity of the air inside the vehicle cabin, a sensor that detects the temperature and humidity outside the vehicle cabin, a sensor that detects solar radiation levels, and a sensor that detects the number of occupants and their body surface temperatures. The sensor group 20 may also include a camera or an image sensor that captures images inside and outside the vehicle.

[0019] [Vehicle air conditioning system operation] An outline of the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of an example of control of the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 1 by the control device 10.

[0020] In step S101, the control device 10 determines whether the air conditioning has been turned on by, for example, the user pressing the air conditioning button. If the air conditioning has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the control device 10 controls each component to perform air conditioning so that the environment in the vehicle cabin is in a specified state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0021] If it is determined in step S101 that the air conditioning button is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S103. At this time, the air conditioning is off. In step S103, the control device 10 predicts the air conditioning start time, which is the time when the control device 10 receives a command from the user to start the air conditioning. That is, the control device 10 analyzes various factors to predict when the user will turn on the air conditioning. The factors for predicting when to turn on the air conditioning may be one or more of the following: the temperature or humidity inside and outside the vehicle, the vehicle's traveling speed, images of the inside and outside the vehicle, solar radiation conditions, vehicle route information, current or predicted weather, date and time, the number of passengers, the user's state, accumulated trends in user behavior, and the user's history of operating the air conditioning.

[0022] For example, based on weather information, information from a sensor detecting solar radiation, image information, route information, time information, etc., an inference result such as whether solar radiation will continue in the future can be derived, and based on such information, it can be inferred that the air conditioner will be turned on in, for example, 10 minutes. Alternatively, based on an image of the interior of the vehicle, it can be detected that the user has taken off their jacket, and based on the user's tendencies, it can be inferred that the air conditioner will be turned on in, for example, 5 minutes. Alternatively, if the user tends to turn on the heater at a specific location on their commute route in a specific season, it can be inferred that the heater will be turned on in, for example, 5 minutes based on that timing. In addition, for example, the user's clothing can be analyzed based on an image, the user's body surface temperature can be acquired as the user's condition, or it can be inferred that the user has just exercised based on the user's schedule information, boarding location information, etc., or other information can be used.

[0023] In step S104, the control device 10 determines whether it is predicted that the user will turn on the air conditioning within a predetermined time. If it is predicted that the air conditioning will not be turned on within the predetermined time, or if it cannot be predicted, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the control device 10 controls the operation of each component to adjust the temperature of the heat medium according to various conditions. For example, the control device 10 controls the operation of each component to adjust the temperature of the battery to an appropriate temperature, for example, 25±5°C. At this time, the control device 10 controls the operation of each component to adjust the temperature of the heat medium to an appropriate temperature. Then, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0024] If it is determined in step S104 that the user will turn on the air conditioning within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the control device 10 determines whether it is predicted that the heating will be turned on within the predetermined time. If it is determined that the heating will be turned on, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the control device 10 performs control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium before the air conditioning start time. That is, the control device 10 controls each component to store heat in the heat medium and heat the heat medium so that air at an optimal temperature can be blown out from the HVAC unit 70 using the heater core 71 at the time it is predicted that the air conditioning will be turned on. At this time, the control device 10 controls each component so that heating is not yet performed. That is, the control device 10 restricts heat exchange between the air and the heat medium, or restricts the blowing of air that has exchanged heat with the heat medium into the vehicle interior. To achieve this, for example, the blower 76 is stopped or the air passage through which the air passes is closed. Then, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0025] As an example of the processing in step S107, the control device 10 stores heat in the heat medium by setting the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 to the state shown in Fig. 2. In this state, the operation of the refrigerant circuit 50 is stopped, and the heat medium circulates through the motor temperature adjustment unit 81 and the battery temperature adjustment unit 82 in the heat medium circuit 60. In this state, the heat medium receives heat from the motor and battery that generate heat in the motor temperature adjustment unit 81 and the battery temperature adjustment unit 82, respectively, thereby cooling the motor and battery and increasing the temperature of the heat medium.

[0026] If it is not determined in step S106 that the heating will be turned on, i.e., if it is determined that the cooling will be turned on, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the control device 10 performs control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium before the start of the air conditioning. That is, the control device 10 controls each component to cause the heat medium to radiate heat or cool the heat medium so that air at an optimal temperature can be blown out from the HVAC unit 70 using the cooler core 72 at the timing when it is estimated that the air conditioning will be turned on. At this time, the control device 10 controls each component so that the cooling process is not yet performed. That is, the control device 10 restricts heat exchange between the air and the heat medium, or restricts the blowing of air that has exchanged heat with the heat medium into the vehicle interior. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0027] As an example of the processing of step S108, the control device 10 cools the heat medium by setting the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 to the state shown in Fig. 3. In this state, the refrigerant circuit 50 is operated to cool the heat medium circulating through the cooler core 72. In this state, the HVAC unit 70 does not blow out air, and the refrigerant circuit 50 removes heat from the heat medium circulating through the cooler core 72, thereby cooling the heat medium. In addition, the heat medium circulating through the high-temperature side heat exchanger 52 of the refrigerant circuit 50 discharges the heat received from the refrigerant circuit 50 to the outside of the vehicle via the exterior heat exchanger 84.

[0028] In step S109, the control device 10 determines whether the battery temperature is below 35°C. If it is determined that the battery temperature is not below 35°C but is equal to or higher than 35°C, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the control device 10 controls each unit to dissipate heat or cool the heat medium flowing through the battery temperature adjustment unit 82. That is, in order to protect the battery and prevent its deterioration, the control device 10 controls to lower the temperature of the heat medium, cool the battery, and adjust the battery temperature to within an appropriate temperature range. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0029] If the control device 10 determines in step S109 that the battery temperature is less than 35°C, the process proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the control device 10 determines whether the operation of the automotive air conditioner 1 has been stopped, for example, when the vehicle is stopped. If the automotive air conditioner 1 has not been stopped, the process returns to step S101. That is, the above-described series of processes is repeated. If the automotive air conditioner 1 has been stopped in step S111, the series of processes ends.

[0030] [Explanation of operation] According to the above operation, when the user turns on the air conditioning, the HVAC unit 70 can immediately perform the operation desired by the user. An example of this will be described with reference to the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram that schematically shows the temperature in the vehicle cabin and the temperature of the cooler core 72 over time. In this example, the temperature gradually rises with the air conditioning off, and at time ton, the user turns on the air conditioning. The thick solid line T1 shows the temperature change in the vehicle cabin when the timing to turn on the air conditioning according to this embodiment is not estimated. The thin solid line T2 shows the temperature change in the cooler core 72 when the timing to turn on the air conditioning according to this embodiment is not estimated.

[0031] In this example, if the timing to turn on the air conditioning according to this embodiment is not estimated, the temperature in the vehicle cabin and the temperature of the cooler core 72 rise from time t0 to time t on, as indicated by the thick solid line T1 and the thin solid line T2. When the user turns on the air conditioning at time t on, cooling of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72 begins. However, in order to cool the heat medium, the refrigerant circuit 50 must be operated to cause the refrigerant to absorb heat from the heat medium in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 54 of the refrigerant circuit 50. Therefore, even when the air conditioning is turned on, the temperature of the cooler core 72 does not immediately decrease but increases for a while, as indicated by the thin solid line T2. At this time, the temperature in the vehicle cabin also continues to increase, as indicated by the thick solid line T1. In the example shown in FIG. 5, at time t2, the temperature of the cooler core 72 begins to decrease as the heat medium is cooled by the operation of the refrigerant circuit. It may take several minutes from time t on to time t2.

[0032] Even when the temperature of the cooler core 72 begins to drop, the temperature of the air inside the HVAC unit 70 does not drop immediately, and as indicated by the thick solid line T1, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin does not drop immediately but instead rises for a while. In the example shown in FIG. 5, it is shown that at time t3, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin begins to drop as sufficiently cooled air is blown out from the HVAC unit 70. It may take several minutes from time t2 to time t3. For the above reasons, it may take several minutes from when the user turns on the air conditioner at time ton until time t3 when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin begins to drop. In other words, the user feels the burden of not being able to start cooling for a while even after turning on the air conditioner.

[0033] This is not limited to the case of cooling, but also occurs in the case of heating. As described above, the vehicle air conditioner 1 using the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 does not have good quick heating and cooling capabilities due to its configuration.

[0034] Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning device 1 is configured to estimate the timing at which the user will turn on the air conditioning, and based on this, adjust the temperature of the heat medium in advance, so that the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is adjusted immediately when the user turns on the air conditioning.

[0035] The present is assumed to be time t0. At time t0, the control device 10 estimates the timing when the air conditioning will be turned on. When it is predicted that time t0 is the air conditioning start time when the user's instruction to start air conditioning is received, the control device 10 calculates the time required for the cooler core 72 to reach a temperature at which air conditioning can be started at time t0. The required time may be, for example, several minutes. Because there is no immediate need for air conditioning, the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72 may be controlled to be gradually cooled, taking into account energy efficiency, etc.

[0036] The control device 10 starts cooling the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72 at time t1, which is a calculated time before time t o n. That is, at time t1, the refrigerant circuit 50 is operated to circulate the refrigerant, and the heat medium circuit 60 is operated to circulate the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72. The operation of the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium in the low-temperature side heat exchanger 54, thereby cooling the heat medium. As a result, as indicated by the thin dashed line T22, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72 begins to decrease a short time after time t1. At this time, the air conditioning is not turned on, so no air is blown into the vehicle cabin. Thereafter, at time t o n, the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72 has been cooled to a temperature at which cool air can be blown into the vehicle cabin when the air conditioning is started.

[0037] Assume that the user turns on the air conditioner at time t on as predicted. At this time, the control device 10 causes the HVAC unit 70 to start blowing cooled air. As a result, as indicated by the thick dashed line T12, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin starts to drop from time t on. In this way, the user can experience that the air conditioner starts to cool immediately after turning on the air conditioner. Furthermore, because the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72 has already been cooled sufficiently to an appropriate temperature, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin drops rapidly, and the user can experience that the air conditioner is working well. The same applies to heating.

[0038] The above-described operations may be performed after the user gets into the vehicle and the vehicle starts operating, but are not limited to this. For example, the above-described operations may be started before the user gets into the vehicle. In this case, even if the heating or air conditioning is turned on immediately after the user gets into the vehicle, the temperature of the heat medium is adjusted before that, so that the heating or air conditioning can be appropriately started immediately after the user turns it on. For example, suppose there is data indicating that the user gets into the vehicle at a fixed time every morning and turns on the heating immediately after getting into the vehicle if the air temperature is below a predetermined temperature. In this case, the predicted time of getting into the vehicle may be predicted as the time the heating will be turned on, and the heat medium may be heated from an appropriate time a few minutes before that.

[0039] [Regarding heat transfer medium temperature adjustment] An example of heat storage or heating of the heat medium in step S107 and heat release or cooling of the heat medium in step S108, which are performed when the air conditioning is not turned on, will be further described. In this example, consideration is given to not wasting more energy than necessary when adjusting the temperature of the heat medium when the air conditioning is not turned on. That is, the mode of temperature adjustment of the heat medium is changed depending on various conditions to limit wasted power consumption.

[0040] 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the process relating to heat storage or heating of the heat medium in step S107. The description will be made with reference to this figure.

[0041] In step S201, the control device 10 determines whether a first condition for allowing some power consumption is met. If the first condition is not met, that is, if not much power consumption is allowed, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0042] In step S202, the control device 10 performs a process for storing heat in the heat medium, but does not perform a process for heating the heat medium. For example, as described above, the control device 10 places the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 in the state shown in FIG. 2 to store heat in the heat medium. In this state, the heat medium circulates through the motor temperature adjustment unit 81 and the battery temperature adjustment unit 82 in the heat medium circuit 60. In this state, heat is stored in the heat medium by the motor and battery that generate heat in the motor temperature adjustment unit 81 and the battery temperature adjustment unit 82, respectively, and the temperature of the heat medium rises. Meanwhile, operation of the refrigerant circuit 50 is stopped, and power consumption due to operation of the compressor 51 and the like is suppressed. With the process of step S202, the main process shown in FIG. 6 ends, and the process returns to the process described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0043] In step S201, if it is determined that the first condition is met, i.e., if a certain amount of power consumption is permitted, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the control device 10 determines whether a second condition that permits further power consumption is met. If the second condition is not met, i.e., if a certain amount of power consumption is not permitted, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0044] In step S204, the control device 10 performs a process for storing heat in the heat medium or a process for heating the heat medium, as necessary. For example, the control device 10 may store heat in the heat medium without operating the refrigerant circuit 50 by setting the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 to the state shown in FIG. 2, or may operate the refrigerant circuit 50 and heat the heat medium passing through the high-temperature side heat exchanger 52 by the refrigerant circuit 50. In this case, the target temperature of the heater core 71 may be limited to a relatively low temperature. The target temperature of the heater core 71 may be set to, for example, 40°C. Alternatively, the target temperature of the heat medium may be limited to a relatively low temperature. Furthermore, an upper limit value for the rotation speed of the compressor 51 may be set to limit the rotation speed of the compressor 51. With the process of step S204, the main process shown in FIG. 6 ends, and the process returns to the process described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0045] If it is determined in step S203 that the second condition is satisfied, i.e., if further power consumption is permitted, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the control device 10 determines whether the heat medium will be heated in time by heating the heat medium using the refrigerant circuit 50, i.e., whether the heat medium will reach a predetermined temperature by a predetermined time. If the heat medium will be heated in time, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0046] In step S206, the control device 10 performs a process for storing heat in the heat medium or a process for heating the heat medium, as necessary. For example, heat may be stored in the heat medium without operating the refrigerant circuit 50, or the refrigerant circuit 50 may be operated to heat the heat medium in the refrigerant circuit 50. In this case, the target temperature of the heater core 71 may be set relatively high. The target temperature of the heater core 71 may be set to, for example, 50°C. Alternatively, the target temperature of the heat medium may be allowed to be relatively high, or the rotation speed of the compressor 51 may not be limited. With the process of step S206, this process shown in FIG. 6 ends, and the process returns to the process described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0047] If it is determined in step S205 that the heating of the heat medium using the refrigerant circuit 50 is not enough to heat the heat medium in time, the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the control device 10 also uses the heat medium heater 83 to heat the heat medium. By also using the heat medium heater 83, power consumption increases, but the temperature of the heat medium increases more quickly. The target temperature of the heater core 71 may be set relatively high, for example, to 50°C, or the target temperature of the heat medium may be set high or the rotation speed of the compressor 51 may be set high. With the process of step S207, the process shown in FIG. 6 ends, and the process returns to the process described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0048] As described above, in this example, the operation for increasing the temperature of the heat medium is changed depending on the allowable power consumption.

[0049] 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the process relating to the heat dissipation or cooling of the heat medium in step S108. The description will be made with reference to this figure.

[0050] In step S301, the control device 10 determines whether a first condition for allowing some power consumption is met. If the first condition is not met, that is, if not much power consumption is allowed, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0051] In step S302, the control device 10 performs a process for dissipating heat from the heat medium, but does not perform a process for cooling the heat medium. For example, heat is dissipated from the heat medium through heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 84. The operation of the refrigerant circuit 50 is stopped, and power consumption due to operation of the compressor 51, etc. is suppressed. By the process of step S302, the main process shown in FIG. 7 is terminated, and the process returns to the process described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0052] If it is determined in step S301 that the first condition is met, i.e., a certain amount of power consumption is permitted, the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the control device 10 determines whether a second condition is met, which permits further power consumption. If the second condition is not met, i.e., if not much power consumption is permitted, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0053] In step S304, the control device 10 performs a process for dissipating heat from the heat medium or a process for cooling the heat medium, as necessary. For example, the control device 10 may cause the heat medium to dissipate heat in the exterior heat exchanger 84. Alternatively, the control device 10 may cool the heat medium by setting the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 to the state shown in FIG. 3 as described above. In this state, the refrigerant circuit 50 operates and the heat medium circulating through the cooler core 72 is cooled. In this state, the HVAC unit 70 does not blow air, and the refrigerant circuit 50 removes heat from the heat medium circulating through the cooler core 72, thereby cooling the heat medium. The heat medium circulating through the high-temperature side heat exchanger 52 of the refrigerant circuit 50 discharges the heat received from the refrigerant circuit 50 to the outside of the vehicle via the exterior heat exchanger 84. In this case, the target temperature of the cooler core 72 may be limited to a relatively high temperature. The target temperature of the cooler core 72 may be set to, for example, 20°C. Alternatively, the target temperature of the heat medium may be limited to a relatively high value. Also, an upper limit value for the rotation speed of the compressor 51 may be set to limit the rotation speed of the compressor 51. By the process of step S304, the main process shown in Fig. 7 ends, and the process returns to the process described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0054] When it is determined in step S303 that the second condition is satisfied, that is, when further power consumption is permitted, the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, the control device 10 performs a process for dissipating heat from the heat medium or a process for cooling the heat medium, as necessary. For example, the heat medium may be dissipated without operating the refrigerant circuit 50, or the refrigerant circuit 50 may be operated to cool the heat medium. In this case, the target temperature of the cooler core 72 may be set relatively low. The target temperature of the cooler core 72 may be set to, for example, 10°C. Alternatively, the target temperature of the heat medium may be allowed to be relatively low, or the rotation speed of the compressor 51 may not be limited. With the process of step S305, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends, and the process returns to the process described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0055] As described above, in this example, the operation for lowering the temperature of the heat medium is changed depending on the allowable power consumption.

[0056] The first and second conditions may be, for example, conditions related to the accuracy of predictions regarding whether or not a user will turn on the air conditioner and the timing of doing so. For example, the probability of a prediction being correct may be calculated based on past prediction results, and a determination may be made based on the calculated probability.

[0057] For example, the first condition may be that the probability of the prediction being correct is 50% or more, and the second condition may be that the probability of the prediction being correct is 80% or more. In this case, if the probability of the prediction being correct is less than 50%, heat storage is performed in step S202, or heat dissipation is performed in step S302, resulting in low power consumption. Furthermore, if the probability of the prediction being correct is 50% or more but less than 80%, heat storage or heating is performed in step S204, or heat dissipation or cooling is performed in step S304, resulting in high power consumption. However, power consumption is limited to some extent by limiting the temperature of the heat medium, heater core 71, or cooler core 72, or limiting the rotation speed of the compressor 51. Furthermore, if the probability of the prediction being correct is 80% or more, heat storage or heating is performed in step S206 or step S207, or heat dissipation or cooling is performed in step S305, resulting in even higher power consumption depending on the target temperature, etc.

[0058] In this way, the allowable power consumption is changed based on the probability that the calculated prediction will be correct, and the operation of adjusting the temperature of the heat medium is changed depending on the allowable power consumption. That is, the allowable range of temperature adjustment of the heat medium varies depending on the accuracy of the prediction. The higher the accuracy of the prediction, the wider the allowable range of temperature adjustment of the heat medium becomes, depending on the temperature setting and the rotation speed setting of the compressor 51, etc. As a result, the temperature of the heat medium is adjusted in advance, and unnecessary power consumption due to incorrect predictions can be reduced.

[0059] Alternatively, the first and second conditions may be conditions related to the remaining battery capacity, for example. The remaining battery capacity may be the current remaining battery capacity, or the remaining battery capacity calculated from the destination and travel route, etc., after subtracting the power required for traveling to the destination or the next charging point, i.e., the remaining battery capacity predicted to remain after traveling.

[0060] For example, the first condition may be that the remaining battery charge is 30% or more, and the second condition may be that the remaining battery charge is 60% or more. In this case, if the remaining battery charge is less than 30%, heat storage is performed in step S202, or heat dissipation is performed in step S302, resulting in low power consumption. Furthermore, if the remaining battery charge is 30% or more but less than 60%, heat storage or heating is performed in step S204, or heat dissipation or cooling is performed in step S304, resulting in high power consumption. However, power consumption is limited to some extent by limiting the temperature of the heat medium, heater core 71, or cooler core 72, or limiting the rotation speed of the compressor 51. Furthermore, if the remaining battery charge is 60% or more, heat storage or heating is performed in step S206 or step S207, or heat dissipation or cooling is performed in step S305, resulting in even higher power consumption depending on the target temperature, etc.

[0061] In this way, the allowable power consumption is changed based on the remaining battery charge, and the operation of adjusting the temperature of the heat medium is changed depending on the allowable power consumption. That is, the allowable range of temperature adjustment of the heat medium varies depending on the remaining battery charge. The greater the remaining battery charge, the wider the allowable range of temperature adjustment of the heat medium becomes, depending on the temperature setting and the rotation speed setting of the compressor 51, etc. As a result, it is possible to avoid running out of battery charge. The control device 10 may perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium by adjusting the power consumption so that the battery has enough power to travel to the next charging point.

[0062] An example of the above-mentioned process will be described with reference to the schematic diagram shown in Fig. 8. Similar to Fig. 5 described above, Fig. 8 is a diagram that schematically shows the temperature inside the vehicle cabin with a thick line and the temperature of the cooler core 72 with a thin line over time. In this example, the temperature gradually rises with the air conditioning turned off, and at time ton, the air conditioning is turned on by the user. The thick solid line T1 shows the temperature change inside the vehicle cabin when the timing to turn on the air conditioning according to this embodiment is not estimated, and the thin solid line T2 shows the temperature change in the cooler core 72 when the timing to turn on the air conditioning according to this embodiment is not estimated.

[0063] In this embodiment, the timing when the air conditioning is turned on is estimated, and cooling of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72 is started at time t1.

[0064] The thin dashed line T22 indicates the temperature change of the cooler core 72 when it is determined that the second condition is satisfied. When the second condition is satisfied, that is, for example, when the probability of the prediction being correct is high or when the remaining battery charge is high, the temperature of the cooler core 72 can be sufficiently lowered even if it consumes a relatively large amount of power. As a result, as indicated by the thick dashed line T12, when the air conditioning is turned on at time ton, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is quickly lowered.

[0065] The thin dotted line T23 indicates the temperature change of the cooler core 72 when it is determined that the first condition is satisfied but the second condition is not satisfied. When the first condition is satisfied but the second condition is not satisfied, that is, for example, when the probability of the prediction being correct is medium or when the remaining battery charge is medium, the temperature of the cooler core 72 is lowered to a certain extent even if it consumes some power. As a result, as indicated by the thick dotted line T13, when the air conditioning is turned on at time ton, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is lowered to a certain extent quickly.

[0066] The thin dashed-dotted line T24 indicates the temperature change of the cooler core 72 when it is determined that the first condition is not satisfied. When the first condition is not satisfied, that is, for example, when the probability of the prediction being correct is low or when the remaining battery charge is low, power consumption is suppressed and the temperature of the cooler core 72 does not drop very much. As a result, as shown by the thick dashed-dotted line T14, when the air conditioning is turned on at time ton, cooling begins but the temperature inside the vehicle cabin does not drop very quickly.

[0067] The determination of the first condition or the second condition is repeatedly performed. Therefore, if the determination result of the condition changes, the state of the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 may also change. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0068] For example, assume that it is determined at time t1 that the first condition is not satisfied. At this time, as described above, the temperature of the cooler core 72 does not decrease very much, as indicated by the thin dashed-dotted line T24. If the air conditioning is turned on at time ton in this state, cooling starts, but the temperature inside the vehicle cabin does not decrease very quickly, as indicated by the thick dashed-dotted line T14.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first condition is not satisfied at time t1 but that the second condition is satisfied at a later time t2, the temperature of the cooler core 72 is rapidly lowered as shown by the thin dashed line T22. As a result, as shown by the thick dashed line T12, when the air conditioning is turned on at time ton, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin is quickly lowered.

[0070] [What to do if the prediction is wrong] The operation when it is not predicted that the user will turn on the air conditioning in step S105 will be further described. In the above description, an example was given in which the temperature of the heat medium is adjusted to an appropriate temperature to keep the battery temperature at an appropriate temperature, as an example of adjusting the temperature of the heat medium in accordance with various situations. Various operations are possible in step S105. Here, the operation when it is predicted that the user will turn on the air conditioning and the temperature of the heat medium is adjusted accordingly, and then the prediction result is changed and it is determined that the user will not turn on the air conditioning will be described.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a diagram that, similar to FIG. 5 described above, schematically illustrates the temperature inside the vehicle cabin over time, with a thick line representing the temperature of the cooler core 72, and a thin line representing the temperature of the cooler core 72. In this example, the temperature gradually rises while the air conditioning is off, and it is assumed that the user will turn on the air conditioning at time t o . The thick solid line T1 represents the temperature change inside the vehicle cabin. The thin solid line T2 represents the temperature change of the cooler core 72 when no estimation is made as to when the air conditioning will be turned on. The thin dashed line T22 represents the temperature change of the cooler core 72 when the timing at which the air conditioning will be turned on is estimated and cooling of the heat medium flowing through the cooler core 72 begins at time t1. In this example, it is assumed that the user will turn on the air conditioning at time t o , but the air conditioning is not actually turned on, and the assumption is changed to not turn on the air conditioning at time t o . Then, at time t d , the vehicle arrives at the destination, and various vehicle operations are stopped.

[0072] 11 is a flowchart outlining an example of an operation that is performed when there is no instruction to start air conditioning from the user, when it is predicted that there will be no instruction to start air conditioning from the user, or when the amount of heat stored by adjusting the heat medium is equal to or greater than the amount of heat required for air conditioning in the section from the current location to the destination, such as after time ton in the example shown in FIG. 10. This operation may be continued to adjust the temperature of each part even after the vehicle has arrived at the destination and operations for driving the vehicle have stopped.

[0073] In step S401, the control device 10 determines how to use the heat medium that has been heat-storing, heating, radiating, or cooling, etc. In step S402, the control device 10 stops the compressor 51 or reduces the rotation speed of the compressor 51 based on the determined how to use the heat medium, etc.

[0074] In step S403, the control device 10 controls the operation of each unit in accordance with the determined use of the heat medium.

[0075] For example, when the heat medium has been cooled, etc., and it is determined that it is appropriate to further cool the battery, the control device 10 may control the operation of each component so that the cooled heat medium is used to cool the battery in step S404. In Fig. 10, the temperature change of the cooler core 72 at this time is indicated by a thin dashed line T23.

[0076] By using a cooled heat medium to cool the battery, for example, it is possible to cool the battery faster than when only heat dissipation to the outside air is used to cool the battery. By effectively using the cooled heat medium, it is possible to reduce overall power consumption. For example, it is possible to appropriately reduce the temperature of the battery when the vehicle arrives at the destination. This makes it possible to shorten the time that the pump 64, which circulates the heat medium to reduce the temperature of the battery after the vehicle arrives at the destination, continues to operate. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption by the pump 64. Furthermore, when charging the battery after arriving at the destination, for example, it is possible to shorten the operation time of the compressor 51 and reduce the rotation speed of the compressor 51 by effectively continuing to use the cooled heat medium.

[0077] Similarly, the cooled heat transfer medium may be used to cool a motor instead of or in addition to the battery. In this way, the excess heat stored in the heat transfer medium may be used to regulate the temperature of an object other than air conditioning.

[0078] Alternatively, when the heat medium has been heated or cooled, etc., and it is predicted that the waiting time until the user's next ride will be shorter than a predetermined time, the control device 10 may control the operation of each component to keep the heat medium warm in step S405. In Fig. 10, the temperature change of the cooler core 72 at this time is indicated by a thin dotted line T24. By keeping the heat medium warm until the next ride, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required to heat or cool the heat medium again at the next ride.

[0079] Alternatively, when the heat medium has been heated or cooled, etc., and it is determined that it is not appropriate to maintain the heat medium in a heated or cooled state, the control device 10 may connect the various parts of the heat medium circuit 60 to equalize the temperature of the heat medium in step S406. For example, when there is no plan to ride the vehicle for a while after stopping, the various parts of the heat medium circuit 60 may be connected to equalize the temperature of the heat medium.

[0080] After each of the above operations, the main process shown in FIG. 11 ends, and the process returns to the process described with reference to FIG.

[0081] By this operation, even if the prediction that the user will turn on the air conditioning is incorrect, the heat medium whose temperature has been adjusted using electric power based on the prediction can be used effectively, resulting in a reduction in the overall power loss.

[0082] [Forecasts other than air conditioning start] As described above, the temperature of the heat medium is adjusted in advance by predicting the timing when the user will turn on the air conditioning. The temperature adjustment of the heat medium performed in advance is not limited to when the air conditioning is started. The temperature adjustment of the heat medium performed in advance can be applied to various cases where it is predicted that the load for adjusting the temperature of the heat medium will be large. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of an example of the operation related to the temperature adjustment of the heat medium. The following description will be made with reference to this figure.

[0083] In step S501, the control device 10 predicts the amount of heat required for heating or cooling by the heat medium. The control device 10 predicts the overall amount of heat required by referring to information such as the expected driving route, weather, solar radiation, and air conditioning requirements. For example, when the vehicle is traveling uphill, the motor output increases, increasing the cooling requirements for the motor and battery. Furthermore, when the vehicle is traveling uphill, the motor consumes more power, increasing the power load on the entire vehicle system. Furthermore, when the vehicle is traveling downhill, the motor output decreases and the battery temperature drops, which may require heating the battery. Furthermore, when the vehicle is traveling in the sun, the motor and battery need to be cooled and the vehicle interior needs to be cooled in order to suppress the temperature increase caused by the solar radiation. Conversely, when the vehicle is traveling in the shade, various components may need to be heated. Furthermore, when air conditioning or heating is required in the vehicle interior for various reasons, cooling or heating of the heat medium is required. Furthermore, as in the above-described embodiment, the timing of air conditioning start may also be predicted. Power consumption tends to be particularly high when air conditioning is started.

[0084] For example, when it is predicted that the road will continue uphill and be exposed to strong sunlight, the motor's power consumption will increase, the demand for cooling the motor and battery will increase, and the demand for cooling the vehicle interior will also increase, so that the amount of heat required for cooling from the heat medium is expected to increase. Conversely, when it is predicted that the road will continue downhill and be in the shade, the demand for heating the battery will increase, and the supply of heating to the vehicle interior will increase, so that the amount of heat required for heating from the heat medium is expected to increase.

[0085] In step S502, the control device 10 determines whether the predicted future required heat quantity is large. If the predicted future required heat quantity is large, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, the control device 10 controls the operation of each component to heat or cool the heat medium in advance before the required heat quantity becomes large. In the above example, for example, the heat medium is cooled in advance before entering a road with a continuous uphill slope. As a result, when entering an uphill slope, the cooled heat medium is used to cool or air-condition the motor and battery, thereby reducing energy consumption for cooling the heat medium. Also, for example, the heat medium is heated in advance before entering a road with a continuous downhill slope. As a result, when entering a downhill slope, the heated heat medium is used to heat or air-condition the battery, thereby reducing energy consumption for heating the heat medium. As a result, insufficient temperature control of each component due to a power shortage or the like does not occur. After processing in step S503, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0086] If it is determined in step S502 that the predicted future heat demand is not large, the control device 10 performs normal temperature control of the heat medium and operates the temperature control of each part normally in step S504. Then, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0087] In step S505, the control device 10 determines whether the operation of the automotive air conditioner 1 has been stopped, for example, when the vehicle is stopped. If the automotive air conditioner 1 has not been stopped, the process returns to step S501. That is, the above-described series of processes is repeated. If the automotive air conditioner 1 has been stopped in step S505, the series of processes ends.

[0088] According to the above-described operation, the temperature of each part of the vehicle can be appropriately adjusted even under heavy load conditions. For example, the air conditioning inside the vehicle can be appropriately performed, allowing the user to ride in comfort.

[0089] [About vehicle air conditioning systems] The vehicle air conditioner 1 of this embodiment may have the following configuration.

[0090] (a1) The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 50 including a compressor 51, a high-temperature side heat exchanger 52, a pressure reducing device 53, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 54, through which a refrigerant flows, and a heat medium circuit 60 including at least one of a heater core 71 configured to heat air for heating the vehicle interior and a cooler core 72 configured to cool air for cooling the vehicle interior, through which a heat medium flows. The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a control device 10 configured to control the operation of each part for air conditioning, including heating or cooling, and configured to predict the start time of air conditioning, which is the time when a command to start air conditioning is received from a user, and to perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium before the start time of air conditioning.

[0091] The vehicle air conditioner 1 estimates the timing when the air conditioning will be turned on by the user and adjusts the temperature of the heat medium in advance, so that even though the vehicle air conditioner 1 has a configuration using the refrigerant circuit 50 and the heat medium circuit 60 that do not have very good quick heating and cooling capabilities, it can immediately adjust the temperature inside the vehicle cabin when the air conditioning is turned on by the user. In other words, quick heating or quick cooling of the air conditioning can be achieved.

[0092] (a2) The control device 10 is configured not to perform heating or cooling before the start of air conditioning.

[0093] This prevents the air conditioning from starting even though the user has not yet turned it on. As a result, it is possible to avoid the user feeling uneasy or uncomfortable due to unintended air conditioning operation. Furthermore, by suppressing heat exchange between the heat medium and the air before the air conditioning starts in this way, it is possible to shorten the time required to adjust the temperature of the heat medium.

[0094] (a3) The control device 10 is configured to predict the start time of air conditioning based on one or more of the following: temperature or humidity inside and outside the vehicle, vehicle speed, images inside and outside the vehicle, sunlight conditions, vehicle route information, current or expected weather, date and time, number of passengers, user status, accumulated trends in user behavior, and history of user air conditioning operation.

[0095] This allows for appropriate estimation based on the changing circumstances at any given time, preferences that may differ from user to user, etc., improving the accuracy of prediction. Achieving high prediction accuracy can reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0096] (b1) The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 50 including a compressor 51, a high-temperature side heat exchanger 52, a pressure reducing device 53, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 54, through which a refrigerant flows, and a heat medium circuit 60 including at least one of a heater core 71 configured to heat air for heating the vehicle interior and a cooler core 72 configured to cool air for cooling the vehicle interior, through which a heat medium flows. The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a control device 10 configured to control the operation of each part for air conditioning, including heating or cooling, and configured to predict the start time of air conditioning, which is the time when a command to start air conditioning is received from a user, and to perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium according to the accuracy of the prediction, before the start time of air conditioning.

[0097] The temperature of the heat medium can be adjusted according to the accuracy of the prediction, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption due to incorrect predictions. Even if the accuracy of the prediction is low, the temperature of the heat medium can be adjusted to some extent to achieve fast heating and cooling.

[0098] (b2) The control device 10 is configured to increase the tolerance for temperature adjustment of the heat medium as the prediction accuracy increases.

[0099] As a result, when the prediction accuracy is high, the required temperature adjustment of the heat medium is performed sufficiently, while when the prediction accuracy is low and there is a high probability that the air conditioning will not actually be turned on, power consumption is suppressed, and power loss when the prediction is incorrect can be reduced.

[0100] (b3) The control device 10 is configured to change one or more of the following depending on the accuracy of the prediction: whether or not the compressor 51 is operating; the rotation speed of the compressor 51; the target temperature of the heat medium; the target temperature of the heater core 71 or the cooler core 72; and whether or not the heat medium heating device 83 is operating to heat the heat medium.

[0101] Such control allows power consumption to be adjusted depending on the accuracy of the prediction.

[0102] (b4) The control device 10 determines the probability of receiving a command from the user to start air conditioning at the time of starting air conditioning as the accuracy of the prediction based on one or more of the temperature or humidity inside and outside the vehicle, the vehicle's traveling speed, images inside and outside the vehicle, sunlight conditions, vehicle route information, current or expected weather, date and time, number of passengers, user status, accumulated trends in user behavior, and history of user air conditioning operation.

[0103] This makes it possible to determine the probability according to the situation, which may change at any given time, preferences, which may differ from user to user, etc. By determining the probability appropriately, it is possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0104] (c1) The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 50 including a compressor 51, a high-temperature side heat exchanger 52, a pressure reducing device 53, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 54, through which a refrigerant flows, and a heat medium circuit 60 including at least one of a heater core 71 configured to heat air for heating the vehicle interior and a cooler core 72 configured to cool air for cooling the vehicle interior, through which a heat medium flows. The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a control device 10 configured to control the operation of each part for air conditioning, including heating or cooling, and configured to predict the start time of air conditioning, which is the time when a command to start air conditioning is received from a user, and to perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium according to the state of the battery before the start time of air conditioning.

[0105] By realizing quick heating or cooling of the air conditioning and adjusting the temperature of the heat medium according to the battery condition, such as the remaining battery charge, it is possible to avoid running out of battery charge and avoid any impact on driving to the destination.

[0106] (c2) The control device 10 is configured to adjust the temperature of the heat medium according to the current remaining battery charge or the remaining battery charge after subtracting the power required for traveling to the destination or the next charging point.

[0107] This allows for rapid heating and cooling of the air conditioner while avoiding battery shortage even when the destination is unknown. Also, even when the destination is known, it allows for rapid heating and cooling of the air conditioner without impeding arrival at the destination. Furthermore, charging can be reliably performed at the next charging station.

[0108] (c3) The control device 10 is configured so that the tolerance range for temperature adjustment of the heat medium increases as the remaining battery charge increases.

[0109] This allows the temperature of the heat medium to be adequately adjusted as required when the battery level is sufficient, while battery consumption is suppressed when the battery level is low, preventing the user from feeling anxious about running out of battery power.

[0110] (c4) The control device 10 is configured to perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium by adjusting the power consumption so that the battery has enough power to travel to the next charging point.

[0111] This makes it possible to avoid problems such as not being able to move to the next charging point.

[0112] (c5) The control device 10 is configured to change one or more of the following depending on the state of the battery: whether or not the compressor 51 is operating; the rotation speed of the compressor 51; the target temperature of the heat medium; the target temperature of the heater core 71 or the cooler core 72; and whether or not the heat medium heating device 83 for heating the heat medium is operating.

[0113] Such control allows power consumption to be adjusted according to the state of the battery.

[0114] (d1) The vehicle air conditioning device 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 50 including a compressor 51, a high-temperature side heat exchanger 52, a pressure reducing device 53, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 54, through which a refrigerant flows, and a heat medium circuit 60 including at least one of a heater core 71 configured to heat air for heating the vehicle interior and a cooler core 72 configured to cool air for cooling the vehicle interior. The vehicle air conditioning device 1 includes a control device 10 configured to predict the amount of heat required for the heat medium on a travel route and to perform control to excessively adjust the temperature of the heat medium before traveling through a section where a large amount of heat is required.

[0115] By adjusting the temperature of the heat medium in advance before traveling through a section where a large amount of heat is required, in situations where a large amount of heat is required from the heat medium and the load on each part of the vehicle may be large, the necessary temperature adjustment of each part of the vehicle can be properly carried out by utilizing the extra cold or hot heat that has been stored in advance.

[0116] (d2) The control device 10 is configured to control the operation of each part for air conditioning, including heating or cooling, and is configured to predict the start time of air conditioning, which is the time when the user's instruction to start air conditioning is received, and to perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium before the start time of air conditioning.If the start time of air conditioning is when traveling through a section where a large amount of heat is required, the control device 10 is configured to perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium further before traveling through the section where a large amount of heat is required.

[0117] This ensures quick heating or cooling even when air conditioning is started in sections of the driving route where the required heat quantity is high, thereby satisfying the user's demands for appropriate air conditioning and avoiding causing discomfort to the user.

[0118] (d3) When the temperature of the heat medium is to be adjusted excessively, the control device 10 increases the rotation speed of the compressor 51 or causes the heat medium heater 83 provided in the heat medium circuit to heat the heat medium.

[0119] This reduces the time required to adjust the temperature of the heat medium, and allows the temperature adjustment of the heat medium to be completed before the section requiring a high amount of heat.

[0120] (e1) The vehicle air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 50 including a compressor 51, a high-temperature side heat exchanger 52, a pressure reducing device 53, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger 54, through which a refrigerant flows, and a heat medium circuit 60 including at least one of a heater core 71 configured to heat air for heating the vehicle interior and a cooler core 72 configured to cool air for cooling the vehicle interior. The vehicle air conditioner 1 is configured to control the operation of each part for air conditioning, including heating or cooling, and includes a control device 10 configured to predict an air conditioning start time, which is when a user's instruction to start air conditioning is received, to adjust the temperature of the heat medium before the air conditioning start time, and to reduce the rotation speed of the compressor 51 or stop the compressor 51 after adjusting the temperature of the heat medium when there is no user's instruction to start air conditioning at the air conditioning start time, when it is predicted that there will be no user's instruction to start air conditioning, or when the amount of heat stored by adjusting the heat medium is equal to or greater than the amount of heat required for air conditioning along the section from the current location to the destination.

[0121] The vehicle air conditioner 1 estimates the timing when the user will turn on the air conditioning and adjusts the temperature of the heat medium in advance, so that the temperature inside the vehicle cabin can be adjusted immediately when the user turns on the air conditioning. That is, quick heating or cooling of the air conditioning can be achieved. On the other hand, if the prediction is incorrect, the rotation speed of the compressor 51 can be quickly reduced or the compressor 51 can be stopped, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

[0122] (e2) The control device 10 is configured to determine a use of the amount of heat that is stored in excess by adjusting the heat medium when it is predicted that there will be no instruction from the user to start air conditioning.

[0123] The heat or cold energy stored in the heat medium for the predicted air conditioning can be effectively utilized, and as a result, the power consumption of the vehicle air conditioner 1 as a whole can be reduced.

[0124] (e3) The control device 10 is configured to determine that the heat amount is to be used for temperature regulation of an object other than air conditioning.

[0125] The hot or cold heat stored in the heat medium is effectively used to regulate the temperature of an object other than air conditioning, so that the power consumption of the vehicle air conditioner 1 as a whole can be reduced.

[0126] (e4) The control device 10 is configured to predict the waiting time from arrival at the destination until the start of the next journey, and if it is determined that the waiting time is less than a predetermined time, to decide to keep the heat stored in the heat medium warm.

[0127] This allows the heat stored in the heat medium to be effectively used during the next driving, thereby reducing power consumption during the next driving.

[0128] The present invention has been described above by showing preferred embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1: Vehicle air conditioning system 10: Control device, 20: Sensor group, 91: Communication bus, 92: Navigation device 50: refrigerant circuit, 51: compressor, 52: high-temperature side heat exchanger, 53: pressure reducing device, 54: low-temperature side heat exchanger, 55: accumulator 60: Heat medium circuit, 61: Eight-way valve, 62: Four-way valve, 63: Three-way valve, 64: Pump 70: HVAC unit, 71: heater core, 72: cooler core, 75: intake unit, 76: blower, 77: air mix damper, 78: heater core passage, 79: bypass passage 81: Motor temperature control unit, 82: Battery temperature control unit, 83: Heat medium heating device, 84: Outdoor heat exchanger

Claims

1. a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a high-temperature side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a low-temperature side heat exchanger, through which a refrigerant flows; a heat medium circuit including at least one of a heater core configured to heat air for heating the vehicle interior and a cooler core configured to cool air for cooling the vehicle interior, and through which a heat medium flows; a control device configured to control the operation of each unit for air conditioning including the heating or cooling, to predict the start time of air conditioning, which is the time when an instruction to start air conditioning is received from a user, and to perform control to adjust the temperature of the heat medium according to the accuracy of the prediction before the start time of air conditioning; A vehicle air conditioning system comprising:

2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device is configured to increase the tolerance range of the temperature adjustment of the heat medium as the accuracy of the prediction increases.

3. 3. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the control device is configured to change one or more of the following depending on the accuracy of the prediction: whether or not the compressor is operating; the rotation speed of the compressor; the target temperature of the heat medium; the target temperature of the heater core or the cooler core; and whether or not a heat medium heating device is operating to heat the heat medium.

4. 4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines, as the accuracy of the prediction, a probability of receiving an instruction from the user to start air conditioning at the time the air conditioning is to be started, based on one or more of the following: temperature or humidity inside and outside the vehicle, vehicle traveling speed, images of the inside and outside the vehicle, sunlight conditions, vehicle route information, current or expected weather, date and time, number of occupants, user status, accumulated trends in user behavior, and a history of user air conditioning operations.

Images