Air conditioner and air conditioning control method

Abstract

To reduce energy consumption of an air conditioner by utilizing an adjustment effect of a sensible temperature by color.SOLUTION: A variable color panel 40 that is provided in an area of the indoor space R that can be visually recognized by an occupant and that can change a color to a first color and a second color, a thermal sensor SW2 that acquires a temperature of the indoor space R, and a controller 50 that controls the variable color panel 40, the controller 50 sets the color of the variable color panel 40 to the first color when the temperature acquired by the thermal sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, sets the color of the variable color panel 40 to the second color when the temperature acquired by the thermal sensor SW2 is lower than a second predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature, and gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel after setting the color of the variable color panel 40 to the first color or the second color.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein belongs to the technical field of air conditioning devices and air conditioning control methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to improve the air conditioning effect of an air conditioner, it has been considered to use color to indicate perceived temperature.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning and lighting control device that changes the color temperature of indoor lighting by linking the air conditioning control unit and lighting control unit in accordance with the thermal sensation information of the occupants, and controls the output to maintain or increase the target indoor temperature during cooling operation, and to maintain or decrease the target indoor temperature during heating operation, so that the occupants feel at a comfortable temperature.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle lighting device that includes a light source consisting of a light-emitting diode arranged in a duct of a vehicle air conditioner that blows air into the vehicle cabin at a position that allows the light source to illuminate the vehicle cabin, and a switching circuit that switches the light color of the light-emitting diode light source to a warm color during heating and to a cool color during cooling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-64499 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-328486 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It takes time for an air conditioner to actually produce a temperature adjustment effect after it is started. As in Patent Documents 1 and 2, by utilizing the effect of adjusting the perceived temperature by color (the so-called Hue-Heat effect), the temperature adjustment effect can be felt as a perceived temperature even when the temperature adjustment effect is not yet being produced.

[0007] However, the Hue-Heat effect is not long-lasting. Also, in bright spaces, such as during the day, the lighting color becomes less noticeable, which can reduce its effectiveness. When the color's effect on adjusting perceived temperature is small, using lighting and air conditioning at the same time can result in high energy consumption.

[0008] The technology disclosed herein has been developed in light of these points, and its purpose is to reduce the energy consumption of air conditioners by utilizing the effect of adjusting the perceived temperature through color. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is directed to an air conditioning device for a vehicle having an interior space in which an occupant is located. The air conditioning device includes an air conditioning mechanism that supplies conditioned air to the interior space, a variable color panel that is provided in an area of ​​the interior space visible to the occupant and that can change its color between a first color that lowers the occupant's perceived temperature and a second color that increases the occupant's perceived temperature, a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the interior space, and a controller that controls the air conditioning mechanism and the variable color panel, wherein the controller sets the variable color panel to the first color when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, and sets the variable color panel to the second color when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature, and gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel after setting the variable color panel to the first color or the second color.

[0010] In the first aspect, by using a color-changeable panel, it is possible to achieve the effect of adjusting the perceived temperature by color (hereinafter referred to as the Hue-Heat effect) regardless of day or night. Furthermore, after the color-changeable panel is set to the first or second color, the color tone is gradually weakened, so that the color tone of the color-changeable panel is maintained as the Hue-Heat effect weakens, thereby reducing energy consumption. Therefore, the air conditioner can reduce energy consumption by utilizing the Hue-Heat effect.

[0011] A second aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the first aspect, wherein the first color is a cool chromatic hue, and the second color is a warm chromatic hue.

[0012] In the second aspect, the effect of lowering the sensible temperature when the variable color panel is set to the first color and the effect of raising the sensible temperature when the variable color panel is set to the second color can be enhanced, thereby enabling the air conditioner to reduce energy consumption by utilizing the Hue-Heat effect.

[0013] A third aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the first aspect, further comprising an occupant sensor that detects the presence or absence of an occupant in the interior space, and when the occupant sensor detects an occupant in the interior space, the controller controls the variable color panel based on the result of the temperature sensor.

[0014] In the third aspect, the variable color panel is controlled when an occupant is present in the cabin, thereby reducing the energy consumption associated with controlling the variable color panel. This allows the air conditioner to reduce energy consumption by utilizing the Hue-Heat effect.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the controller, after setting the variable color panel to the first color or the second color, gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel after the temperature change in the indoor space has converged or a predetermined time has passed.

[0016] In the fourth aspect, the color tone of the variable color panel can be weakened when the Hue-Heat effect is no longer necessary or when the Hue-Heat effect is reduced, thereby allowing the air conditioner to reduce energy consumption while appropriately utilizing the Hue-Heat effect.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is the first or second aspect, wherein the controller changes the variable color panel to the first color when a preset time has passed and the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, and changes the variable color panel to the second color when a preset time has passed and the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature.

[0018] In the fifth aspect, for example, the color tone of the variable color panel can be changed in advance when a passenger gets into the vehicle, allowing the air conditioner to effectively achieve the Hue-Heat effect while reducing energy consumption.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the technology disclosed herein is directed to an air conditioning control method for a mobile body, the mobile body including an air conditioning mechanism that sends conditioned air to an interior space where an occupant of the mobile body is located, a variable color panel that is provided in an area of ​​the interior space visible to the occupant and that can change its color between a first color that lowers the occupant's perceived temperature and a second color that increases the occupant's perceived temperature, and a temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the interior space, the method including a first step of changing the variable color panel to the first color when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, a second step of changing the variable color panel to the second color when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature, and a third step of gradually fading the color of the variable color panel after the first step or the second step is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, the technology disclosed herein makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of air conditioners by utilizing the effect of adjusting the sensible temperature using color. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the air conditioner. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a part of a flowchart showing the processing of the controller. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the relationship between the sensible temperature, the air conditioning mechanism, and the color-changeable panel during cooling. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the relationship between the sensible temperature, the air conditioning mechanism, and the color-changeable panel during heating. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the process of the controller according to the modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the relationship between the sensible temperature, the air conditioning mechanism, and the color-changeable panel in a modified example, in which the sensible temperature is lowered. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the controller of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the relationship between the room temperature, the fan, and the color-changeable panel in the second embodiment, during cooling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] First Embodiment (1) Vehicle configuration FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 100 having an air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle 100 is an electrically driven vehicle that can travel mainly using a drive motor (not shown) that rotates using electricity. The vehicle 100 is, for example, an electric vehicle. The vehicle 100 is an example of a moving body. In the following description, the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom as viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle 100 are referred to as front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom.

[0024] Vehicle 100 is a vehicle with two rows of seats. A driver's seat 20, a passenger seat 21, and two rear seats 22 are arranged in a vehicle interior space R where occupants are seated. Vehicle 100 is a right-hand drive vehicle, and driver's seat 20 is arranged relatively to the right. One of the rear seats 22 is a seat for one person, and the other is a seat for two people.

[0025] The driver's seat 20, the passenger's seat 21, and the two rear seats 22 each have an occupant sensor SW1. The occupant sensor SW1 is a pressure sensor that detects whether or not an occupant is seated.

[0026] An instrument panel 4 extends in the vehicle width direction in front of the driver's seat 20 and the passenger seat 21. The instrument panel 4 is provided with an air outlet 4a for blowing conditioned air into the vehicle interior space R.

[0027] An air conditioning mechanism 30 that generates conditioned air is disposed in front of the instrument panel 4. The air conditioning mechanism 30 is a heat pump type. The air conditioning mechanism 30 includes a compressor 31, an expansion valve 32, a blower 33, a heat exchanger 34, and a duct 35.

[0028] The compressor 31 compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The compressor 31 is, for example, a scroll compressor.

[0029] The expansion valve 32 vaporizes the refrigerant by reducing its pressure during cooling operation, and allows the refrigerant to pass through without reducing its pressure during heating operation.

[0030] The blower 33 is a blower fan. The blower 33 sends conditioned air through a duct 35 and from the air outlet 4a to the vehicle interior space R.

[0031] Heat exchanger 34 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the conditioned air sent by blower 33. During cooling operation, heat exchanger 34 causes the refrigerant to absorb heat from the conditioned air, thereby lowering the temperature of the conditioned air, and during heating operation, causes the refrigerant to release heat to the conditioned air, thereby raising the temperature of the conditioned air. Heat exchanger 34 is arranged in duct 35.

[0032] A temperature sensor SW2 for detecting the temperature inside the vehicle interior space R is disposed on the driver's seat side of the instrument panel 4.

[0033] (2) Configuration of the vehicle interior space R As shown in FIG. 2 , a steering wheel 8 is disposed at the driver's seat. In the vehicle interior space R, a windshield glass 1 is disposed in front of the driver's seat. When viewed from the vehicle interior space R, the windshield glass 1 is partitioned by a plurality of vehicle components. Specifically, the windshield glass 1 is partitioned by left and right front pillar trims 2, a roof trim 3, and an instrument panel 4.

[0034] The left and right front pillar trims 2 respectively constitute outer boundaries in the vehicle width direction of the front window glass 1. Each front pillar trim 2 is disposed along each front pillar.

[0035] The roof trim 3 forms the upper boundary of the front windshield glass 1. The roof trim 3 covers the interior space R side of the roof panel of the vehicle 100. A rearview mirror 5 is attached to the center of the front windshield glass 1 in the vehicle width direction and slightly below the roof trim 3.

[0036] The instrument panel 4 forms the lower boundary of the front windshield 1. The instrument panel 4 is provided with the above-mentioned air outlet 4a and an air conditioning operation panel SW3 for operating the air conditioning mechanism 30. The air conditioning operation panel SW3 is provided with a switch for turning the air conditioning mechanism 30 on and off, a switch for setting the set temperature, a switch for setting the air volume of the blower 33, and the like.

[0037] The vehicle 100 has side mirrors 6 located on the outside of the left and right front pillars in the vehicle width direction. Each side mirror 6 is positioned so that the driver sitting in the driver's seat can see through the window of the side door.

[0038] A variable color panel 40 whose color can be changed is disposed on the roof trim 3. The variable color panel 40 is disposed in an area visible to the driver seated in the driver's seat 20 even while the vehicle is traveling. More specifically, the variable color panel 40 is disposed so as to be included in the field of vision of the driver seated in the driver's seat 20 while the vehicle is traveling.

[0039] The variable color panel 40 is a panel whose color can be changed by power. The variable color panel 40 can change its color among a first color, a second color, and a third color. The variable color panel 40 does not display any images or the like, but displays only colors. The first color is a color that lowers the occupant's perceived temperature and is a cool chromatic hue. The second color is a color that raises the occupant's perceived temperature and is a warm chromatic hue. The third color is transparent or achromatic. Although not particularly limited, the first color is, for example, blue, and the second color is, for example, red. When the third color is achromatic, the third color is, for example, black, gray, white, etc., and its brightness is not particularly limited. Note that "changing the color" does not simply mean changing the hue, but also includes changing the color tone.

[0040] The variable color panel 40 can adjust the intensity of the color tone by adjusting the amount of power supplied and continuously adjusting the saturation. When no power is supplied to the variable color panel 40 (i.e., when it is in a non-powered state), it is in the third color state, which is the lowest saturation state. The variable color panel 40 can bring the color tone closer to the third color by reducing the amount of power supplied from the first color and the second color to lower the saturation. This allows the variable color panel 40 to weaken the color tone.

[0041] (3) Air conditioning control system As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 10 includes a controller 50. The controller 50 is hardware that executes the functions described below, or hardware that is programmed to execute the functions described below. The controller 50 includes one or more processors 51 having a CPU, and a memory 52 that has ROM and RAM and stores various programs. The processor 51 is a processing circuit including transistors and other circuits. The memory 52 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a volatile memory, or a non-volatile memory. Programs related to the controls executed by the controller 50 are stored in the memory 52. ​​The controller 50 is executed when the processor 51 reads the programs stored in the memory 52. ​​The controller 50 may be a single ECU (Electrical Control Unit) or may be composed of multiple ECUs.

[0042] The controller 50 receives signals from an occupant sensor SW1, a temperature sensor SW2, and an air conditioning operation panel SW3 for controlling the air conditioning mechanism 30.

[0043] The controller 50 controls the air conditioning mechanism 30 and the variable color panel 40 based on signals from the sensors SW1 to SW3. Specifically, the controller 50 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 31 and the rotation speed of the blower 33 based on the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 and the target temperature of the vehicle interior space R. The controller 50 also controls the color of the variable color panel 40 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2.

[0044] (4) Control of variable color panel Here, it takes time for the air conditioning mechanism 30 to be introduced into the vehicle interior space R after sufficient heat exchange in the heat exchanger 34 after the air conditioning mechanism 30 is turned on. For this reason, in order to quickly condition the vehicle interior space R, the occupant may increase the airflow rate of the blower 33, set the temperature as low as possible during cooling operation, or set the temperature as high as possible during heating operation. Increasing the airflow rate of the blower 33 or increasing the difference between the temperature of the vehicle interior space R and the set temperature increases the load on the air conditioning mechanism 30, resulting in higher energy consumption (electricity cost). In an electric vehicle such as the vehicle 100, the load on the air conditioning mechanism 30 accounts for a large proportion of the energy consumption. If the load on the air conditioning mechanism 30 is high, the driving distance of the vehicle 100 will be shorter.

[0045] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the load on the air conditioning mechanism 30 is reduced by using the color-changeable panel 40 to adjust the temperature perceived by the passengers, particularly the driver.

[0046] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the controller 50 sets the variable color panel 40 to a first color when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature. The controller 50 sets the variable color panel 40 to a second color when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature. The controller 50 sets the variable color panel 40 to a third color when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature and lower than the first predetermined temperature. The first predetermined temperature is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 27°C. The second predetermined temperature is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 15°C.

[0047] When the temperature of the vehicle interior space R is high, if the variable color panel 40 is changed to a cool first color, the driver who looks at the variable color panel 40 will feel a lower perceived temperature due to the effect of adjusting the perceived temperature by color (the so-called Hue-Heat effect, hereinafter referred to as the Hue-Heat effect). This eliminates the need to excessively lower the set temperature when operating the air conditioning mechanism 30 in cooling mode or to excessively increase the airflow rate of the blower 33, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning mechanism 30. On the other hand, when the temperature of the vehicle interior space R is low, if the variable color panel 40 is changed to a warm second color, the driver who looks at the variable color panel 40 will feel a higher perceived temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect. This eliminates the need to excessively raise the set temperature when operating the air conditioning mechanism 30 in heating mode or to excessively increase the airflow rate of the blower 33, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning mechanism 30.

[0048] It is known that the Hue-Heat effect does not always exhibit a constant effect, but rather weakens over time. If the variable color panel 40 is set to a state in which the saturation of the first or second color is at maximum when the Hue-Heat effect has weakened, the power used to operate the variable color panel 40 will be wasted. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40 after setting the variable color panel 40 to the first or second color.

[0049] 4 is a flowchart showing the control process of the variable color panel 40 by the controller 50. This flowchart is repeatedly executed every time a certain time period has elapsed (for example, every five minutes). This flowchart is based on the premise that the color of the variable color panel 40 is the third color in the initial state. Furthermore, while the controller 50 is performing the process of this flowchart, it periodically acquires the detection result from the temperature sensor SW2.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 4, in step S101, the controller 50 determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. The controller 50 makes this determination based on the detection result of the occupant sensor SW1. If the result is YES, meaning that an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 ends the process.

[0051] In step S102, the controller 50 detects the temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S103. R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the answer is NO, that is, if the answer is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0052] In step S103, the controller 50 changes the color of the variable color panel 40 to the first color. The controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 so that the saturation of the first color becomes maximum.

[0053] In step S104, the controller 50 detects the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, the controller 50 R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 If the answer is NO, the process ends.

[0054] In step S105, the controller 50 changes the color of the variable color panel 40 to the second color. The controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 so that the saturation of the second color becomes maximum.

[0055] Next, in step S106, the controller 50 determines whether the air conditioning mechanism 30 is in the ON state. If the result is YES, meaning that the air conditioning mechanism 30 is in the ON state, the controller 50 proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the air conditioning mechanism 30 is in the OFF state, the controller 50 proceeds to step S108.

[0056] In step S107, the controller 50 determines whether the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is less than a predetermined rate. R The predetermined rate is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the rate of change of the detected temperature T R This is the rate at which the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is 1°C. If the result is YES, that is, the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is less than the predetermined rate, the controller 50 proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the result is NO, that is, the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is equal to or greater than the predetermined rate, the controller 50 proceeds to step S108.

[0057] In step S108, the controller 50 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the variable color panel 40 was set to the first color or the second color. The first predetermined time is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 60 minutes. If the result is YES, meaning that the first predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 50 proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller 50 returns to step S106.

[0058] In step S109, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40. The controller 50 weakens the color tone by lowering the saturation of the variable color panel 40 and bringing it closer to the third color. After step S109, the process ends.

[0059] 5 and 6 are time charts showing the relationship between temperature, the air conditioning mechanism 30, and the variable color panel 40. In the temperature graphs, the solid line represents the temperature perceived by the occupant, and the dashed line represents the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2. The vertical axis of the graph showing the color of the variable color panel 40 indicates that the further away from the third color the color is, the higher the saturation.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a case where the cooling operation is performed with an occupant present in the vehicle interior space R. In the initial state, the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature T C1 When the variable color panel 40 is in the third color state, the Hue-Heat effect is almost nonexistent, so the perceived temperature and the detected temperature become equal. From this point, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R rises, and at time t1, the detected temperature reaches the first predetermined temperature T C1 When this occurs, the color of the variable color panel 40 is changed to the first color. The detected temperature continues to rise even after the variable color panel 40 is changed to the first color, but the Hue-Heat effect occurs because the variable color panel 40 has changed to the first color, and the temperature felt by the occupant becomes lower than the detected temperature.

[0061] At time t2, when the air conditioning mechanism 30 is turned on, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R begins to drop. Immediately after the air conditioning mechanism is turned on, the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the conditioned air by the heat exchanger 34 is insufficient, so the detected temperature drops slowly. At this time, the detected temperature drops to the first predetermined temperature T C1 The temperature remains the same, but due to the Hue-Heat effect, the occupant's perceived temperature rises to the first predetermined temperature T C1 It can be made to a state less than this.

[0062] At time t3, when the air conditioning mechanism 30 begins to function fully, the detected temperature drops sharply toward the set temperature. This causes the sensible temperature to also drop sharply. Even at this time, the sensible temperature of the occupants remains lower than the detected temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect.

[0063] At time t4, when the temperature change falls below a predetermined rate, the color tone of the variable color panel 40 is gradually weakened. The variable color panel 40 is gradually changed to approach the third color. As a result, the Hue-Heat effect weakens, and the difference between the passenger's perceived temperature and the detected temperature becomes smaller. Eventually, the passenger's perceived temperature and the detected temperature become equal.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows a case where the heating operation is performed with an occupant present in the vehicle interior space R. In the initial state, the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the second predetermined temperature T C2 In this state, the color-changeable panel 40 is in the third color state. From this point, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R decreases, and at time t5, the detected temperature reaches the second predetermined temperature T C2 When the temperature drops below this value, the color of the variable color panel 40 is changed to the second color. The detected temperature continues to decrease even after the color of the variable color panel 40 is changed to the second color, but the Hue-Heat effect occurs because the color of the variable color panel 40 has changed to the second color, causing the occupant's perceived temperature to be higher than the detected temperature.

[0065] At time t6, when the air conditioning mechanism 30 is turned on, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R starts to rise. Immediately after the air conditioning mechanism is turned on, the detected temperature rises slowly. At this time, the detected temperature rises to the second predetermined temperature T C2 However, due to the Hue-Heat effect, the temperature perceived by the occupants rises to the second predetermined temperature T C2 It can be in the above state.

[0066] At time t7, when the air conditioning mechanism 30 begins to function fully, the detected temperature rises rapidly toward the set temperature. This causes the sensible temperature to also rise rapidly. Even at this time, the sensible temperature of the occupants remains higher than the detected temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect.

[0067] At time t8, when the temperature change falls below a predetermined rate, the color tone of the variable color panel 40 is gradually weakened. The variable color panel 40 is gradually changed to approach the third color. As a result, the Hue-Heat effect weakens, and the difference between the occupant's perceived temperature and the detected temperature becomes smaller. Eventually, the occupant's perceived temperature and the detected temperature become equal.

[0068] (5) Effects of the First Embodiment In the first embodiment, a variable color panel 40 is arranged in an area visible to the occupant in the vehicle interior space R. The variable color panel 40 can change its color between a first color, which is a color that lowers the occupant's perceived temperature, and a second color, which is a color that raises the occupant's perceived temperature. The controller 50 changes the variable color panel 40 to the first color when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, and changes the variable color panel 40 to the second color when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor SW2 is lower than a second predetermined temperature. After changing the variable color panel 40 to the first or second color, the controller 50 gradually decreases the color tone of the variable color panel 40. By using the variable color panel 40, the Hue-Heat effect can be achieved regardless of the time of day or night. The Hue-Heat effect can lower the occupant's perceived temperature even when the air conditioning mechanism 30 is not functioning fully, such as immediately after starting the air conditioning mechanism 30. This eliminates the need to increase the airflow rate of the blower 33, excessively lower the temperature setting during cooling operation, or excessively raise the temperature setting during heating operation. This reduces the load on the air conditioning mechanism 30, and reduces energy consumption. Furthermore, after the color-changing panel 40 is set to the first color or the second color, the color tone is gradually weakened, and as the Hue-Heat effect weakens, the color tone of the variable color panel is maintained, thereby reducing energy consumption. Therefore, the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment can reduce energy consumption by utilizing the Hue-Heat effect.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first color is a cool chromatic hue, and the second color is a warm chromatic hue. When the variable color panel 40 is set to the first color, the effect of lowering the sensible temperature can be enhanced, and when the variable color panel 40 is set to the second color, the effect of raising the sensible temperature can be enhanced. As a result, the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment can reduce energy consumption by utilizing the Hue-Heat effect.

[0070] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the variable color panel 40 displays only colors and does not display any pictures, etc. This allows the structure of the variable color panel 40 to be simple.

[0071] Furthermore, in the present embodiment 1, when the occupant sensor SW1 detects an occupant in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 based on the result of the temperature sensor SW2. Since the variable color panel 40 is controlled when an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, it is possible to reduce energy consumption associated with controlling the variable color panel 40. As a result, the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment 1 can reduce energy consumption by utilizing the Hue-Heat effect.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, after the controller 50 sets the variable color panel 40 to the first color or the second color, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40 after the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R has converged or a first predetermined time has elapsed. The color tone of the variable color panel 40 can be weakened at a timing when it is no longer necessary to use the Hue-Heat effect or when the Hue-Heat effect becomes weak. This allows the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment to reduce energy consumption while appropriately utilizing the Hue-Heat effect.

[0073] (6) Variations The first embodiment may be modified as follows: In the following explanation, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0074] The modified example differs from the first embodiment in that the color of the variable color panel 40 may be changed even when no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control process of the variable color panel 40 by the controller 50 in the modified example. This flowchart is repeatedly executed every time a certain period of time elapses (for example, every five minutes). This flowchart is based on the premise that the color of the variable color panel 40 is the third color in the initial state. Furthermore, while the controller 50 is performing the process of this flowchart, it periodically acquires detection results from the temperature sensor SW2.

[0075] 7, in step S201, the controller 50 determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. If the result is YES, meaning that an occupant is not present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 executes the normal control shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment.

[0076] In step S202, the controller 50 determines whether or not a time has been set for changing the color of the variable color panel 40. If the result is YES, that is, the time has been set, the controller 50 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the result is NO, that is, the time has not been set, the controller 50 ends the process.

[0077] In step S203, the controller 50 determines whether the set time has passed. If the result is YES, meaning that the set time has passed, the controller 50 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the set time has not passed, the controller 50 returns to step S201.

[0078] In step S204, the controller 50 detects the detected temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, the controller 50 R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the answer is NO, that is, if the answer is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0079] In step S205, the controller 50 changes the color of the variable color panel 40 to the first color. The controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 so that the saturation of the first color becomes maximum.

[0080] In step S206, the controller 50 detects the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S207. R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 If the answer is NO, the process ends.

[0081] In step S207, the controller 50 changes the color of the variable color panel 40 to the second color. The controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 so that the saturation of the second color becomes maximum.

[0082] In the next step S208, the controller 50 determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. If the result is YES, meaning that an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S209.

[0083] In step S209, the controller 50 determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the set time. If the result is YES, meaning that the second predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 50 proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the second predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller 50 returns to step S208.

[0084] In step S210, the controller 50 determines whether the air conditioning mechanism 30 is in the ON state. If the result is YES, meaning that the air conditioning mechanism 30 is in the ON state, the controller 50 proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the air conditioning mechanism 30 is in the OFF state, the controller 50 proceeds to step S212.

[0085] In step S211, the controller 50 determines whether the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is less than a predetermined rate. If the result is YES, that is, the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is less than the predetermined rate, the controller 50 proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if the result is NO, that is, the temperature change in the vehicle interior space R is equal to or greater than the predetermined rate, the controller 50 proceeds to step S212.

[0086] In step S212, the controller 50 determines whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the variable color panel 40 was set to the first color or the second color. If the result is YES, meaning that the first predetermined time has elapsed, the controller 50 proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, the controller 50 returns to step S210.

[0087] In step S213, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40. The controller 50 weakens the color tone by lowering the saturation of the variable color panel 40 and bringing it closer to the third color. After step S213, the process ends.

[0088] In this manner, the variable color panel 40 is controlled. Note that a plurality of set times can be set between midnight and 11:59 pm. In this case, the set time may be switched from the currently targeted set time to the next set time, for example, every preset time (for example, every 60 minutes).

[0089] 8 is a time chart showing the relationship between temperature, the air conditioning mechanism 30, and the variable color panel 40 in the modified example. In the temperature graph, the solid line represents the temperature perceived by the occupant, and the dashed line represents the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2. The vertical axis of the graph showing the color of the variable color panel 40 indicates that the further away from the third color is, the higher the saturation.

[0090] Fig. 8 shows a case where there is no occupant in the vehicle interior space R in the initial state and the sensible temperature of the occupant is lowered. In Fig. 8, as will be described later, it is assumed that an occupant gets into the vehicle interior space R at time t11. For this reason, the sensible temperature is not shown for the portion before time t11, and is shown only for the portion after time t11.

[0091] In the initial state, the detected temperature is the first predetermined temperature T C1 The color of the variable color panel 40 is in a state of the third color. From this point, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R rises, and at time t9, the set time has passed. At this time, the detected temperature is still below the first predetermined temperature T C1 Since this is not the case, the color variable panel 40 remains in the third color.

[0092] The temperature in the vehicle interior space R further rises and reaches the first predetermined temperature T C1 When this occurs, the color of the variable color panel 40 is changed to the first color. The detected temperature continues to rise even after the color of the variable color panel 40 is changed to the first color.

[0093] At time t11, when the occupant enters the vehicle interior space R, the color of the variable color panel 40 has been changed to the first color. Therefore, although the detected temperature continues to rise, the sensible temperature is maintained lower than the detected temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect.

[0094] At time t12, when the air conditioning mechanism 30 is turned on, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R begins to decrease. The temperature in the vehicle interior space R decreases gradually immediately after the air conditioning mechanism is turned on, and then decreases rapidly. The temperature perceived by the occupant decreases gradually while remaining lower than the detected temperature due to the Hue-Heat effect, and then decreases rapidly. After that, when the temperature change becomes less than a predetermined rate, the color tone of the variable color panel 40 is gradually weakened. The variable color panel 40 is gradually changed to approach the third color. Accordingly, the Hue-Heat effect weakens, and the difference between the perceived temperature of the occupant and the detected temperature becomes smaller. Eventually, the perceived temperature of the occupant and the detected temperature become equal.

[0095] When the sensible temperature of the occupant is to be increased, the temperature changes in a manner that is like the temperature change shown in FIG. 8, but upside down, and the color of the variable color panel 40 is changed to the second color after the set time has elapsed.

[0096] (7) Effects of Modifications In this modification, the controller 50 changes the variable color panel 40 to a first color when a preset time has passed and the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor SW2 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, and changes the variable color panel 40 to a second color when the preset time has passed and the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor SW2 is lower than a second predetermined temperature. By setting the time when an occupant gets into the vehicle 100 as the set time, the color of the variable color panel 40 can be changed in advance. This allows the Hue-Heat effect to be exerted from the moment an occupant gets into the vehicle 100. Therefore, the air conditioner 10 according to this modification can reduce energy consumption while effectively exerting the Hue-Heat effect.

[0097] Furthermore, in this modification, the color tone of the variable color panel 40 is gradually weakened when the second predetermined time has elapsed while no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption required to maintain the color of the variable color panel 40 at the first color or the second color while no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R.

[0098] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, parts common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] (8) Control of variable color panel In the present embodiment 2, the control of the variable color panel 40 is different from that in the above-described embodiment 1. Specifically, in the present embodiment 2, the variable color panel 40 gradually weakens the color tone immediately after the change from the third color to the first color or the second color is completed.

[0100] 9 is a flowchart showing the control process of the variable color panel 40 by the controller 50. This flowchart is repeatedly executed every time a certain time period has elapsed (for example, every five minutes). This flowchart is based on the premise that the color of the variable color panel 40 is the third color in the initial state. Furthermore, while the controller 50 is performing the process of this flowchart, it periodically acquires the detection result from the temperature sensor SW2.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 9, in step S301, the controller 50 determines whether or not an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R. The controller 50 makes this determination based on the detection result of the occupant sensor SW1. If the result is YES, meaning that an occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if the result is NO, meaning that no occupant is present in the vehicle interior space R, the controller 50 ends the process.

[0102] In step S302, the controller 50 detects the temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S303. R is the first predetermined temperature T C1 If the answer is NO, that is, if the answer is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0103] In step S303, the controller 50 changes the color of the variable color panel 40 to the first color. The controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 so that the saturation of the first color becomes maximum.

[0104] In step S304, the controller 50 detects the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 The controller 50 determines whether the detected temperature T R is the second predetermined temperature T C2If the result is YES, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, the controller 50 R is the second predetermined temperature T C2 If the answer is NO, the process ends.

[0105] In step S305, the controller 50 changes the color of the variable color panel 40 to the second color. The controller 50 controls the variable color panel 40 so that the saturation of the second color becomes maximum.

[0106] Then, in step S306, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40. The controller 50 weakens the color tone by lowering the saturation of the variable color panel 40 and bringing it closer to the third color. The controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40 after the first predetermined time has elapsed so that the variable color panel 40 returns to the third color. After step S306, the processing ends.

[0107] Fig. 10 is a time chart showing the relationship between temperature, the air conditioning mechanism 30, and the variable color panel 40. In the temperature graph, the solid line represents the temperature perceived by the occupant, and the dashed line represents the temperature detected by the temperature sensor SW2. The vertical axis of the graph showing the color of the variable color panel 40 indicates that the further away from the third color the color is, the higher the saturation. Fig. 10 shows the case where cooling is performed with an occupant present in the vehicle interior space R.

[0108] In the initial state, the detected temperature is the first predetermined temperature T C1 The variable color panel 40 is in a state where the Hue-Heat effect is almost nonexistent when the variable color panel 40 is in the third color state, and the perceived temperature and the detected temperature become equal. From this point, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R rises, and at time t14, the detected temperature reaches the first predetermined temperature T C1 When this occurs, the color of the variable color panel 40 is changed to the first color. The detected temperature continues to rise even after the variable color panel 40 is changed to the first color, but the Hue-Heat effect occurs because the variable color panel 40 has changed to the first color, and the temperature felt by the occupant becomes lower than the detected temperature.

[0109] Immediately after the change to the first color of the variable color panel 40 is completed, the color tone of the variable color panel 40 is gradually weakened. The speed at which the color tone of the variable color panel 40 changes is slower than when the color tone of the variable color panel 40 is weakened in the first embodiment.

[0110] At time t15, when the air conditioning mechanism 30 is turned on, the temperature in the vehicle interior space R begins to decrease. Immediately after the air conditioning mechanism 30 is turned on, the detected temperature decreases gradually. Because the color tone of the variable color panel 40 becomes weaker, the difference between the temperature perceived by the occupants and the detected temperature becomes smaller than immediately after the variable color panel 40 is changed to the first color. Thereafter, when the air conditioning mechanism 30 begins to function fully, the detected temperature drops sharply toward the set temperature. This causes the perceived temperature to also drop sharply. At this time, too, the difference between the temperature perceived by the occupants and the detected temperature gradually decreases, and eventually the temperature perceived by the occupants and the detected temperature become equal.

[0111] (9) Effects of the Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40 immediately after the change to the first color or the second color of the variable color panel 40 is completed. This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the variable color panel 40. Furthermore, since the Hue-Heat effect can be exerted, the load on the air conditioning mechanism 30 can be reduced, and the energy consumption by the air conditioning mechanism 30 can be reduced. Therefore, the air conditioner 10 according to the second embodiment can reduce energy consumption while effectively exerting the Hue-Heat effect.

[0112] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the controller 50 gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel 40 after the first predetermined time has elapsed so that the variable color panel 40 returns to the third color. As the Hue-Heat effect weakens, the color tone of the variable color panel 40 can be weakened. This allows the air conditioner 10 according to the second embodiment to reduce energy consumption while effectively exerting the Hue-Heat effect.

[0113] Other Embodiments The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be substituted within the scope of the claims.

[0114] For example, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the color-changeable panel 40 is disposed on the roof trim 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the color-changeable panel 40 may be disposed on the front pillar trim 2 or the meter box.

[0115] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the variable color panel 40 is disposed so as to be included in the visual field of the driver seated in the driver's seat 20. In addition to this, the variable color panel 40 may be disposed so as to be included in the visual field of an occupant seated in the front passenger seat 21 or an occupant seated in a rear seat 22. In this case, the variable color panel 40 can be disposed, for example, in a portion of the roof trim 3 on the passenger seat 21 side, the front pillar trim 2 on the passenger seat 21 side, a portion of the instrument panel 4 on the passenger seat 21 side, the rear surface of the driver's seat 20, the rear surface of the passenger seat 21, etc.

[0116] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the variable color panel 40 does not display a pattern but only a color. However, the variable color panel 40 may be capable of displaying a pattern of a color that lowers the occupant's perceived temperature as a first color, and a pattern of a color that raises the occupant's perceived temperature as a second color.

[0117] In the first and second embodiments described above, the vehicle 100 is an automobile, but the vehicle may also be a railroad car, an airplane, or the like.

[0118] The above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the claims equivalents are within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0119] The technology disclosed herein is useful for controlling the air conditioning of a moving object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10 Air conditioner 30 Air conditioning mechanism 40 variable color panels 50 Controllers R Vehicle interior space SW1 Occupant Sensor SW2 temperature sensor

Claims

1. An air conditioning device for a vehicle having an interior space in which occupants are located, an air conditioning mechanism for supplying conditioned air to the indoor space; a variable color panel that is provided in an area visible to the occupant in the interior space and that can change its color between a first color that lowers the occupant's perceived temperature and a second color that increases the occupant's perceived temperature; a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the indoor space; a controller for controlling the air conditioning mechanism and the color-changeable panel, The controller When the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the variable color panel is set to the first color, and when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature, the variable color panel is set to the second color; an air conditioner, wherein after the variable color panel is set to the first color or the second color, the color tone of the variable color panel is gradually weakened.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, the first color is a cool chromatic hue; The second color is a warm chromatic color.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, an occupant sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an occupant in the interior space; The controller controls the color-changing panel based on the temperature sensor's result when the occupant sensor detects the occupant in the interior space.

4. In the air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the controller, after setting the variable color panel to the first color or the second color, gradually weakens the color tone of the variable color panel after the temperature change in the indoor space has converged or a predetermined time has passed.

5. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, The controller When a preset time has passed and the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature, the color-changeable panel is changed to the first color; When a preset time has passed and the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature, the variable color panel changes to the second color.

6. An air conditioning control method for a moving body, comprising: The moving body is an air conditioning mechanism for supplying conditioned air to an interior space in which occupants of the vehicle are located; a variable color panel that is provided in an area visible to the occupant in the interior space and that can change its color between a first color that lowers the occupant's perceived temperature and a second color that increases the occupant's perceived temperature; a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the indoor space; Equipped with a first step of changing the color-changeable panel to the first color when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature; a second step of changing the color of the variable color panel to the second color when the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor is lower than a second predetermined temperature that is lower than the first predetermined temperature; and a third step of gradually decreasing the color tone of the variable color panel after the first step or the second step is completed.

Images