Air conditioning control device

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning control device capable of continuously operating an air conditioner when an electric vehicle is in a ready-off state.SOLUTION: An air conditioning control device according to the present invention is an air conditioning control device used for an electric vehicle equipped with an air conditioner, the air conditioning control device including a control unit configured to perform control to shift to an air conditioning continuation mode in which the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time when the electric vehicle is parked at a predetermined position and a predetermined condition is satisfied in a ready-off state of the electric vehicle. The predetermined time includes a first time set by a user and a second time obtained by learning an operation state of the air conditioner using a machine learning model, and the operation state includes a first operation state in which the air conditioner operates in a continuous air conditioning mode and a second state in which the air conditioner does not operate in the continuous air conditioning mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning control device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electric vehicle equipped with an air conditioner or the like controls the air conditioning in the vehicle cabin using power supplied from a battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-163052 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-152038 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-297796 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when a user stops at a convenience store, the user may leave the electric vehicle with the air conditioning device running to ensure comfort inside the vehicle. Since electric vehicles are in a READY ON state, for example, if the air conditioning unit is operated when the remaining battery capacity is low, there is a risk that this will affect future driving or that the electric vehicle will be stolen by malicious individuals, which can make users feel uneasy.

[0005] On the other hand, if an electric vehicle is placed in the READY OFF state, this risk can be reduced, but the air conditioning system will not operate, resulting in a loss of comfort inside the vehicle.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning control device that can continue to operate an air conditioning device even when an electric vehicle is in a ready-off state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the air conditioning control device of the present invention is an air conditioning control device used in an electric vehicle equipped with an air conditioning unit, and is equipped with a control unit that controls the air conditioning unit to transition to an air conditioning continuation mode in which the air conditioning unit operates for a predetermined time when the electric vehicle is parked in a predetermined position and predetermined conditions are met in the electric vehicle's ready-off state, the predetermined time including a first time set by the user and a second time in which the operating state of the air conditioning unit is learned using a machine learning model, and the operating state including a first operating state in which the air conditioning unit operates in the air conditioning continuation mode and a second state in which the air conditioning unit is not operating in the air conditioning continuation mode.

[0008] According to this configuration, when the electric vehicle is in a ready-off state, parked in a predetermined position, and predetermined conditions are met, the air conditioning control device controls the air conditioner to continue operating for a predetermined time. As a result, the air conditioning control device operates the air conditioner while reducing the risk of affecting driving or the risk of theft, allowing the user to lock the electric vehicle and leave the vehicle while maintaining comfort inside the vehicle.

[0009] The air conditioning control device also operates the air conditioner according to a time set by the user or a time according to the operating state of the air conditioner, so that the air conditioning control device can provide the user with a comfortable interior that reflects the user's preferences. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the air conditioner can be operated continuously when the electric vehicle is in the ready-off state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the air conditioning control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of air conditioning control performed by the air conditioning control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of air conditioning control performed by the air conditioning control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an air conditioning control device according to the first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by an air conditioning control device according to the first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An air conditioning control device according to an embodiment of the present invention controls the air conditioning device to operate for a predetermined time when a predetermined condition is met, for example, when a user visits a convenience store and the electric vehicle is in a READY OFF state. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] (Air conditioning system for electric vehicles) 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an air conditioning system for an electric vehicle. The air conditioning system for an electric vehicle is a system that adjusts the temperature of the interior space of an electric vehicle (not shown). The electric vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a battery, such as a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle.

[0014] The air conditioning system for an electric vehicle includes a navigation device 1, a vehicle speed sensor 2, a shift sensor 3, an air conditioning operation panel 4, a battery 5, an inside air temperature sensor 6, an outside air temperature sensor 7, a start switch 8, an air conditioning control device 9, and an air conditioner 10. Note that the configuration of the air conditioning system for an electric vehicle is not limited to this.

[0015] The navigation device 1 includes a display and a navigation ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The navigation device 1 has a navigation function that displays, for example, the user's current location on the display, superimposed on a road map, and provides a recommended route from the current location to a destination specified by the user. The navigation device 1 is equipped with a GPS 11.

[0016] The GPS 11 is a receiver that receives GPS positioning signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites. The GPS 11 receives the GPS positioning signals corresponding to the current position of the vehicle and outputs them to the navigation device 1. The navigation device 1 then outputs the acquired position information including the GPS positioning signals corresponding to the current position of the electric vehicle to the air conditioning control device 9.

[0017] The navigation device 1 also accepts an air conditioning continuation mode displayed on the display, operated by, for example, the user. The navigation device 1 outputs air conditioning continuation mode information indicating the air conditioning continuation mode operated by the user to the air conditioning control device 9. Here, the air conditioning continuation mode will be explained. The air conditioning continuation mode is a mode in which, when the electric vehicle has the air conditioner 10 operating, the air conditioner 10 continues to operate at a predetermined position after ready-off. The air conditioning continuation mode information includes the predetermined position and a set time for which the air conditioner 10 is to continue operating. For example, the user sets the predetermined position and the set time via the navigation device 1.

[0018] For example, the user sets a convenience store that the user visits as the predetermined location. The predetermined location is set arbitrarily by the user. The predetermined location may be set to a location category included in the map information stored in the navigation device 1.

[0019] Also, for example, the user may set the set time to "5 minutes," which is the time it takes for the user to return to the electric vehicle from the convenience store. Note that the set time may be set to a predetermined time. The set time is an example of the first time.

[0020] The vehicle speed sensor 2 detects a pulse signal synchronized with the rotation of a rotating body (such as a wheel) that rotates as the electric vehicle travels. The vehicle speed sensor 2 then outputs vehicle speed information including the detected pulse signal to the air conditioning control device 9.

[0021] The shift sensor 3 is a sensor that detects the position of the shift range. The shift ranges include, for example, D range (forward range), R range (reverse range), N range (neutral range), and P range (parking range). The shift sensor 3 detects a range signal that indicates the position of the detected range. The shift sensor 3 then outputs shift information including the detected range signal to the air conditioning control device 9. Note that in addition to the D range, a first-speed range and a second-speed range may also be provided as forward ranges.

[0022] The air conditioning operation panel 4 is a well-known component that is located near the instrument panel of the electric vehicle and that is operated by the user to adjust the set temperature inside the vehicle cabin. The air conditioning operation panel 4 receives an interior temperature setting signal corresponding to the interior temperature setting operated by the user, and an operation signal corresponding to turning on / off the air conditioner 10. The air conditioning operation panel 4 then outputs air conditioning operation information, including the received interior temperature setting signal and operation signal, to the air conditioning control device 9.

[0023] The battery 5 is an assembled battery made up of a combination of multiple secondary batteries, and is a device for storing power. The secondary batteries are, for example, lithium-ion batteries. The battery 5 supplies power to a motor that drives the electric vehicle. The battery 5 detects a remaining battery capacity signal that indicates the remaining capacity of the battery 5. The battery 5 then outputs remaining battery capacity information including the remaining battery capacity signal to the air conditioning control device 9. The battery 5 also supplies power to the air conditioning device 10.

[0024] The interior air temperature sensor 6 is a well-known component that is disposed inside the vehicle interior (cabin) and detects the air temperature inside the cabin. The interior air temperature sensor 6 outputs interior air temperature information, including an interior air temperature signal corresponding to the detected interior air temperature, to the air conditioning control device 9.

[0025] The outside air temperature sensor 7 is a well-known component that is disposed outside the vehicle (outside the cabin) and detects the air temperature outside the cabin. The outside air temperature sensor 7 outputs outside air temperature information, including an outside air temperature signal corresponding to the detected air temperature outside the cabin, to the air conditioning control device 9.

[0026] The start switch 8 is, for example, a touch-operated or key-rotating switch provided on an electric vehicle. Here, the period when the start switch 8 is in the off state corresponds to "the period when the power supply to the electric vehicle is off." Specifically, this refers to the period when the electric vehicle is not powered, such as when ACC is off or ready to go. As an example, this applies when the vehicle is parked, and therefore may also be described as "parked."

[0027] The start switch 8 also receives a switch signal corresponding to the operation of a switch operated by a user. The switch signal is, for example, a signal corresponding to putting the electric vehicle into a ready-on or ready-off state, or to turning the ignition on or off. The start switch 8 then outputs switch information including the received switch signal to the air conditioning control device 9.

[0028] The air conditioning control device 9 sets (stores) the air conditioning continuation mode information output by the navigation device 1 in a storage unit.

[0029] The air conditioning control device 9 also controls the air conditioner 10 based on air conditioning continuation mode information stored in the storage unit and information output from the navigation device 1, vehicle speed sensor 2, shift sensor 3, air conditioning operation panel 4, battery 5, inside air temperature sensor 6, outside air temperature sensor 7, and start switch 8. For example, the air conditioning control device 9 calculates a target outlet temperature (hereinafter also referred to as TAO (Temperature Air Outlet)) at which conditioned air is to be output based on the acquired information. The air conditioning control device 9 then outputs a target outlet temperature signal corresponding to the calculated target outlet temperature to the air conditioner 10. The functional configuration of the air conditioning control device 9 will be described later.

[0030] The air conditioner 10 is a well-known component that outputs conditioned air from an air outlet (not shown) in the vehicle cabin. Using power supplied from the battery 5, the air conditioner 10 outputs conditioned air from the air outlet based on a target air outlet temperature signal calculated by the air conditioning control device 9.

[0031] (Hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 9 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 9 according to this embodiment.

[0032] 2, the air conditioning control device 9 is constructed by a computer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 92, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 93, an external I / F (Interface) 94, and an auxiliary storage device 95. These components are connected via a bus 96 so as to enable data communication with each other.

[0033] The CPU 91 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the air conditioning control device 9. The ROM 92 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs that the CPU 91 initially executes, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 93 is a volatile storage device that is used as a work area for the CPU 91. The CPU 91, ROM 92, and RAM 93 may be configured as an SoC (System on a Chip) mounted on a single board, for example.

[0034] The external I / F 94 is, for example, an interface for connecting to an external device or the like and communicating data. The auxiliary storage device 95 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), eMMC (Embedded Multi Media Card), or microSD card that stores various data such as programs used in the control processing of the air conditioning control device 9. The auxiliary storage device 95 is an example of a storage unit.

[0035] Next, the functions of the air conditioning control device 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] (Functional configuration of the embodiment) 3 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the air conditioning control device 9. The air conditioning control device 9 includes an acquisition unit 911, a calculation unit 912, a determination unit 913, and a control unit 914. Note that the functions included in the air conditioning control device 9 are not limited to these.

[0037] The acquisition unit 911 acquires air conditioning continuation mode information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 911 acquires air conditioning continuation mode information output by the navigation device 1.

[0038] The acquisition unit 911 also acquires information output by the navigation device 1, vehicle speed sensor 2, shift sensor 3, air conditioning operation panel 4, battery 5, inside air temperature sensor 6, outside air temperature sensor 7, and starter switch 8.

[0039] Specifically, the acquisition unit 911 acquires position information output by the navigation device 1. The acquisition unit 911 also acquires vehicle speed information output by the vehicle speed sensor 2. The acquisition unit 911 also acquires shift information output by the shift sensor 3. The acquisition unit 911 also acquires air conditioning operation information output by the air conditioning operation panel 4. The acquisition unit 911 also acquires remaining battery capacity information output by the battery 5. The acquisition unit 911 also acquires inside air temperature information output by the inside air temperature sensor 6. The acquisition unit 911 also acquires outside air temperature information output by the outside air temperature sensor 7. The acquisition unit 911 also acquires switch information output by the start switch 8.

[0040] The calculation unit 912 calculates temperature difference information. Specifically, the calculation unit 912 calculates the temperature difference information based on the inside temperature information and outside temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 911. For example, the calculation unit 912 calculates the difference between the inside temperature included in the inside temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 and the outside temperature included in the outside temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 911. Here, the difference calculated by the calculation unit 912 is the temperature difference between the inside temperature and the outside temperature. Furthermore, the calculation unit 912 calculates temperature difference information indicating the temperature difference between the inside temperature and the outside temperature. The temperature difference information includes the temperature difference between the inside temperature and the outside temperature, and the date and time when the calculation unit 611 calculated the temperature difference information. Furthermore, the calculation unit 912 stores the calculated temperature difference information in the auxiliary storage device 95.

[0041] The determination unit 913 determines whether the conditions are satisfied. Specifically, the determination unit 913 determines whether the conditions for operating the air conditioning device 10 in the air conditioning continuation mode are satisfied. The conditions for operating the air conditioning continuation mode are the first to seventh conditions shown below.

[0042] The first condition is that the pulse signal of the vehicle speed information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 is 0 (zero). In other words, the first condition is that the vehicle speed of the electric vehicle is 0 [km / h]. The second condition is that the range position of the shift information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 is the P range. In other words, the second condition is that the electric vehicle is parked. The third condition is that the operation signal of the air conditioning operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 is an ON signal. In other words, the third condition is that the air conditioner 10 is on and operating.

[0043] The fourth condition is that the remaining capacity of the battery 5 in the remaining battery capacity information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 is equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity. Here, "equal to or greater than the predetermined capacity" means, for example, 50% or greater. In other words, the fourth condition is a state in which the electric vehicle can continue to run. Note that the predetermined capacity is not limited to 50% and can be set arbitrarily.

[0044] The fifth condition is that the difference in the temperature difference information calculated by the calculation unit 912 is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature. Here, equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature is, for example, 3 degrees or greater. In other words, the fifth condition is a state in which the interior of the electric vehicle is not kept comfortable. Note that the predetermined temperature is not limited to 3 degrees and can be set arbitrarily.

[0045] The sixth condition is that the current position of the electric vehicle in the position information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 is a predetermined position included in the air-conditioning continuation mode information. In other words, the sixth condition is that the electric vehicle is parked in a position where the user has set the air-conditioning continuation mode. The seventh condition is that the switch signal in the switch information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 is ready-off. In other words, the seventh condition is that the user operates the air conditioner 10 in the air-conditioning continuation mode and moves away from the electric vehicle.

[0046] If all of the above-mentioned first to seventh conditions are met, the determination unit 913 determines that the conditions for the air conditioner 10 to operate in the air conditioning continuation mode are met. On the other hand, if at least one of the above-mentioned first to seventh conditions is not met, the determination unit 913 determines that the conditions for the air conditioner 10 to operate in the air conditioning continuation mode are not met. In addition, the determination unit 913 stores the determination results for each of the first to seventh conditions in the auxiliary storage device 95 as air conditioning continuation mode history information.

[0047] The control unit 914 sets (stores) the air conditioning continuation mode information in the auxiliary storage device 95. Specifically, the control unit 914 sets (stores) the air conditioning continuation mode information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 in the auxiliary storage device 95.

[0048] The control unit 914 also controls the air conditioner 10 to transition to the air conditioning continuation mode. Specifically, when the determination unit 913 determines that the conditions are satisfied, the control unit 914 controls the air conditioner 10 to transition to the air conditioning continuation mode in order to operate the air conditioner 10 in the air conditioning continuation mode. After performing control to transition the air conditioner 10 to the air conditioning continuation mode, the control unit 914 associates the history of control of the air conditioner 10 with the determination result stored in the auxiliary storage device 95 by the determination unit 913, and stores the history of control of the air conditioner 10 as air conditioning continuation mode history information in the auxiliary storage device 95. The air conditioner 10 then uses power supplied from the battery 5 to output conditioned air corresponding to the air conditioning continuation mode from the outlet.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 914 performs control to stop the air conditioner 10. Specifically, when the determination unit 913 determines that the conditions are not satisfied, the control unit 914 performs control to stop the air conditioner 10 in order to stop the air conditioner 10. After performing control to stop the air conditioner 10, the control unit 914 stores the history of control of the air conditioner 10 as air conditioning continuous mode history information in the auxiliary storage device 95, in association with the determination result stored in the auxiliary storage device 95 by the determination unit 913. Then, the air conditioner 10 stops.

[0050] (Air conditioning control of the embodiment) Next, the flow of air conditioning control performed by the air conditioning control device 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0051] 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of air conditioning control performed by the air conditioning control device 9 according to this embodiment. The process in Fig. 4 will be described as a process for setting the air conditioning continuation mode.

[0052] The acquisition unit 911 acquires air conditioning continuation mode information output by the navigation device 1 (step S1). Next, the control unit 914 sets (stores) the air conditioning continuation mode information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 in the auxiliary storage device 95 (step S2). When this process ends, the air conditioning control device 9 proceeds to the process shown in Fig. 5. This allows the air conditioning control device 9 to control the air conditioner 10 in accordance with the air conditioning continuation mode.

[0053] The processing in FIG. 5 will be described as processing after the air conditioning continuation mode is set in FIG.

[0054] The acquisition unit 911 acquires vehicle speed information output by the vehicle speed sensor 2 (step S11). Next, the acquisition unit 911 acquires shift information output by the shift sensor 3 (step S12). Next, the acquisition unit 911 acquires air conditioning operation information output by the air conditioning operation panel 4 (step S13). Next, the acquisition unit 911 acquires remaining battery capacity information output by the battery 5 (step S14). Next, the acquisition unit 911 acquires inside air temperature information output by the inside air temperature sensor 6 (step S15).

[0055] Next, the acquisition unit 911 acquires outside air temperature information output by the outside air temperature sensor 7 (step S16). Next, the calculation unit 912 calculates temperature difference information based on the inside air temperature information and outside air temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 911 (step S17). Next, the acquisition unit 911 acquires position information output by the navigation device 1 (step S18). Next, the acquisition unit 911 acquires switch information output by the start switch 8 (step S19).

[0056] Next, the determination unit 913 determines whether the conditions for operating the air conditioner 10 in the air conditioning continuous mode are met (step S20). If the determination unit 913 determines that the conditions are not met (step S20: No), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the determination unit 913 determines that the conditions are met (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0057] In step S21, the control unit 914 controls the air conditioner 10 to transition to the air conditioning continuous mode (step S21). In step S22, the control unit 914 controls the air conditioner 10 to stop (step S22). When the processing of step S21 or step S22 ends, the air conditioning control device 9 ends this processing. Then, the air conditioner 10 operates based on the processing controlled by the control unit 914.

[0058] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the air conditioning control device 9 according to this embodiment is an air conditioning control device 9 used in an electric vehicle equipped with the air conditioner 10, and when the electric vehicle is in a ready-off state, parked in a predetermined position and predetermined conditions are met, the air conditioning control device 9 controls the air conditioner 10 to transition to an air conditioning continuous mode in which the air conditioner 10 operates for a predetermined time. The predetermined conditions may also include the vehicle speed, the position of the shift range, the operating state of the air conditioner 10, the remaining capacity of the battery 5, and the temperature difference between the outside air temperature outside the vehicle cabin and the inside air temperature.

[0059] According to this configuration, when the electric vehicle is in a ready-off state, parked in a predetermined position, and predetermined conditions are met, the air conditioning control device 9 controls the air conditioner 10 to continue operating for a predetermined time. As a result, the air conditioning control device 9 operates the air conditioner 10 while reducing the risk of affecting driving and the risk of theft, allowing the user to lock the electric vehicle and leave the vehicle while maintaining comfort inside the vehicle.

[0060] (First Modification) The air conditioning control device 9 according to the first modification will be described below in terms of differences from the air conditioning control device 9 according to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the air conditioning continuation mode operates for a predetermined time or a set time set by the user. The air conditioning continuation mode according to the first modification learns the switching time when the user previously operated the start switch 8 from ready-off to READY ON, and sets the learned switching time as the operating time for the air conditioning continuation mode.

[0061] (Functional configuration of the first modified example) Fig. 6 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the air conditioning control device 9 according to the first modified example. The air conditioning control device 9 according to the first modified example further includes an input unit 915, a learning processing unit 916, and an output unit 917 in addition to the functional configuration shown in Fig. 3.

[0062] The acquisition unit 911 acquires the air conditioning continuation mode history information and switch information stored in the auxiliary storage device 95. The air conditioning continuation mode history information is information including a history of the air conditioner 10 operating / not operating in the air conditioning continuation mode in the past. The air conditioning continuation mode history information includes the number of times the air conditioner 10 has operated in the past after the air conditioning continuation mode was set by the user, the number of times the air conditioner 10 has not operated in the past, and the determination results of the first to seventh conditions described above.

[0063] The input unit 915 inputs the air conditioning continuation mode history information and the switch information to the learning processing unit 916. Specifically, the input unit 915 inputs to the learning processing unit 916 the number of times the operation was performed, which is included in the air conditioning continuation mode history information acquired by the acquisition unit 911, and the switching time at which the start switch 8 was operated from ready-off to ready-on, which is included in the switch information.

[0064] The learning processing unit 916 uses a machine learning model trained to calculate the operation time for operating the air conditioning continuation mode based on the air conditioning continuation mode history information in accordance with the switching time, and outputs a learned operation time corresponding to each piece of position information in the air conditioning continuation mode history information. Specifically, the learning processing unit 916 uses a machine learning model trained to calculate the operation time for operating the air conditioning continuation mode based on the air conditioning continuation mode history information input by the input unit 915 in accordance with the switching time input by the input unit 915, and outputs a learned operation time corresponding to each piece of position information in the air conditioning continuation mode history information. Note that the method of the machine learning model is well known, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The output unit 917 outputs operation time information for operating the air conditioning continuation mode based on the learning operation time corresponding to each piece of position information in the air conditioning continuation mode history information. Specifically, the output unit 917 outputs operation time information for operating the air conditioning continuation mode based on the learning operation time corresponding to each piece of position information in the air conditioning continuation mode history information output by the learning processing unit 916. The control unit 914 then sets (overwrites) the operation time information output by the output unit 917 to the operation time including the air conditioning continuation mode information stored in the auxiliary storage device 95. The air conditioning continuation mode information according to the first modification includes at least information associating predetermined positions with operation times.

[0066] For the operating time of the air conditioning continuation mode, the user selects either a set time set by the user or a learning time obtained by learning the operating state of the air conditioner 10 using a machine learning model. Here, the learning time is an example of a second time. The air conditioning control device 9 then operates the air conditioner 10 according to the time set by the user or a time according to the operating state of the air conditioner 10. The operating states include a first operating state in which the air conditioner 10 operates in the air conditioning continuation mode, and a second state in which the air conditioner 10 does not operate in the air conditioning continuation mode.

[0067] For example, if the learning time corresponding to the location where the electric vehicle is parked is stored in the auxiliary storage device 95, the air conditioning control device 9 controls the air conditioner 10 to operate in the air conditioning continuation mode for the operating time set by the learning time. Also, if the learning time corresponding to the location where the electric vehicle is parked is not stored in the auxiliary storage device 95, the air conditioning control device 9 controls the air conditioner 10 to operate in the air conditioning continuation mode for the set time set by the user.

[0068] (Air conditioning control of the first modified example) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the air conditioning control device 9 according to the first modified example.

[0069] The acquisition unit 911 acquires the air conditioning continuation mode history information and switch information stored in the auxiliary storage device 95 (step S31). Next, the input unit 915 inputs the number of times the operation was performed, which is included in the air conditioning continuation mode history information acquired by the acquisition unit 911, and the switching time when the start switch 8 was operated from ready-off to ready-on, which is included in the switch information, to the learning processing unit 916 (step S32).

[0070] Next, the learning processing unit 916 outputs learned operation times corresponding to each piece of position information in the air conditioning continuation mode history information (step S33) using a machine learning model trained to calculate the operation time for operating the air conditioning continuation mode from the air conditioning continuation mode history information input by the input unit 915, according to the switching time input by the input unit 915. Next, the output unit 917 outputs operation time information for operating the air conditioning continuation mode, based on the learned operation times corresponding to each piece of position information in the air conditioning continuation mode history information output by the learning processing unit 916 (step S34).

[0071] Next, the control unit 914 sets (overwrites) the operation time information output by the output unit 917 to the operation time including the air conditioning duration mode information stored in the auxiliary storage device 95 (step S35). When the processing of step S35 ends, the air conditioning control device 9 ends this processing. Then, the air conditioner 10 operates based on the operation time of the air conditioning duration mode information stored in the auxiliary storage device 95 and the processing controlled by the control unit 914.

[0072] (Operation and effect of the first modified example) As described above, the air conditioning control device 9 according to the first modified example inputs to the learning processing unit 916 the number of times the operation was performed, which is included in the air conditioning continuation mode history information indicating the history of control of the air conditioner 10, and the switching time when the start switch 8 was operated from ready-off to ready-on, which is included in the switch information, and outputs operating time information for operating the air conditioning continuation mode based on the learning operating time corresponding to each piece of position information in the air conditioning continuation mode history information output by the learning processing unit 916.

[0073] This allows the user to select, for the operating time of the air conditioning continuous mode, either a set time set by the user or a learned time obtained by learning the operating state of the air conditioner 10 using a machine learning model. The air conditioning control device 9 then operates the air conditioner 10 according to the time set by the user or a time according to the operating state of the air conditioner 10. With this configuration, the air conditioning control device 9 can provide the user with comfort in the vehicle cabin that reflects the user's preferences.

[0074] (Second Modification) For example, an electric vehicle according to a second modification includes a camera in the vehicle cabin that captures images of the interior of the vehicle cabin. For example, an acquisition unit 911 of the air conditioning control device 9 acquires an image of the interior of the vehicle cabin captured by the camera. A determination unit 913 of the air conditioning control device 9 determines whether a person or pet is present based on the image acquired by the acquisition unit 911 using known image recognition processing. Then, when the determination unit 913 determines the presence of a person or pet, a control unit 914 of the air conditioning control device 9 controls the air conditioner 10 to transition to the air conditioning continuous mode. This allows the air conditioning control device 9 to provide a comfortable interior environment for people and pets present in the vehicle cabin.

[0075] (Third Modification) For example, an electric vehicle according to a third modification includes a seat occupancy sensor that detects whether a seat is occupied under the seat. For example, an acquisition unit 911 of the air conditioning control device 9 acquires a seat occupancy sensor signal detected by the seat occupancy sensor. A determination unit 913 of the air conditioning control device 9 determines whether a person or a pet is present based on the seat occupancy sensor signal acquired by the acquisition unit 911. Then, when the determination unit 913 determines the presence of a person or a pet, a control unit 914 of the air conditioning control device 9 controls the air conditioner 10 to transition to the air conditioning continuous mode. This allows the air conditioning control device 9 to provide a comfortable indoor environment for people and pets present in the vehicle cabin.

[0076] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, this embodiment is included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and is also included in the inventions and their equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Navigation devices 2 Vehicle speed sensor 3 Shift sensor 4 Air conditioning control panel 5 Battery 6 Interior air temperature sensor 7. Outside air temperature sensor 8 Start switch 9 Air conditioning control device 10 Air conditioner 11 GPS 91 CPU 92 ROM 93 RAM 94 External I / F 95 Auxiliary storage device 96 Bus 911 Acquisition Department 912 Calculation Unit 913 Judgment section 914 Control Unit 915 Input section 916 Learning Processing Unit 917 Output section

Claims

[Claim 1] An air conditioning control device used in an electric vehicle equipped with an air conditioning device, a control unit that controls the air conditioner to transition to an air conditioning continuous mode in which the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time when the electric vehicle is parked in a predetermined position and predetermined conditions are satisfied in a ready-off state of the electric vehicle, the predetermined time includes a first time set by a user and a second time during which the operating state of the air conditioner is learned using a machine learning model; The operating states include a first operating state in which the air conditioner operates in the air conditioning continuation mode, and a second state in which the air conditioner does not operate in the air conditioning continuation mode. Air conditioning control device.

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