vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle that can effectively cool the battery while improving passenger comfort. [Solution] The vehicle 10 comprises a battery unit 11, a battery temperature control unit 12, an occupant detection unit 15, and a calculation control unit 16. The battery temperature control unit 12 has a battery air passage 13 configured to cool the battery unit 11, and a blower 14 that adjusts the airflow in the battery air passage 13. The occupant detection unit 15 is configured to detect whether or not an occupant is present in the rear seat. The calculation control unit 16 controls the operation of the blower 14 based on the detection result of the occupant detection unit 15.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle having a mechanism for cooling a battery.

Background Art

[0002] When a vehicle is running, the interior of the vehicle is air-conditioned by an air conditioner mounted on the vehicle. That is, when the outside temperature is low, the air conditioner heats the vehicle interior, and when the outside temperature is high, the air conditioner cools the vehicle interior. Also, the air-conditioning of the vehicle interior is performed in an internal air circulation mode or an outside air introduction mode. In the internal air circulation mode, air-conditioning is performed while circulating the air inside the vehicle interior. In the outside air introduction mode, air-conditioning is performed while introducing outside air into the vehicle interior.

[0003] In recent years, vehicles driven by electricity charged in large batteries have emerged. In such vehicles, temperature control of the battery is performed in order to ensure the discharge characteristics and charging characteristics of the battery. Such matters are described in Patent Document 1 and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the inventions described in the above-mentioned patent documents, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of effectively controlling the temperature of the battery and making the temperature environment inside the vehicle comfortable.

[0006] Specifically, in vehicles that use electricity for at least a portion of their driving energy, it is important to reduce the energy required for temperature control in order to conserve energy while driving. For this reason, recirculation control is sometimes performed when regulating the temperature inside the vehicle. Recirculation control is the process of circulating a portion of the air inside the vehicle when regulating the temperature inside the vehicle. However, when recirculation control is performed, the air outlet is often located on the front seat side. Therefore, when recirculation control is performed, it is difficult for cool or warm air to reach the rear seats, and the comfort of rear-seat passengers is easily compromised. It should be noted that this issue can also occur in air conditioning control other than recirculation control.

[0007] On the other hand, the intake duct for cooling the battery is often located near the rear seats. However, if the hot air exchanged with the battery unexpectedly leaks into the passenger compartment, it may cause discomfort to the occupants.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and its objective is to provide a vehicle that can effectively cool the battery while improving the comfort of the occupants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vehicle of the present invention comprises a battery unit, a battery temperature control unit, an occupant detection unit, and a calculation control unit, wherein the battery temperature control unit has a battery air passage configured to allow air that controls the temperature of the battery unit to flow through it, and a blower that adjusts the airflow in the battery air passage, the occupant detection unit is configured to detect whether or not an occupant is present in the rear seat, and the calculation control unit controls the operation of the blower based on the detection result of the occupant detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the vehicle of the present invention, by controlling the operation of the blower based on the detection results of the occupant detection unit, the battery temperature can be effectively regulated without compromising the comfort of occupants in the rear seats. Furthermore, the energy required for air conditioning in the vehicle cabin can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A] A side view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view showing a mechanism for cooling the battery section in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is a perspective view showing the position of the opening in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the opening and air passage in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] A side view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] This is a perspective view showing a mechanism for cooling the battery section in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the opening and air passage in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing a method for controlling battery temperature and cabin temperature in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] This is a side view showing the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] This is a plan view showing airflow in the battery section in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows other methods for controlling battery temperature and cabin temperature in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing the operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directions of front, rear, up, down, left, and right will be used, but left and right will refer to the left and right when the vehicle 10 is viewed from the rear. Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components in principle, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0013] Figure 1A is a side view showing the vehicle 10. Here, a case where the battery unit 11 is disposed below the rear floor 25 is shown.

[0014] The vehicle 10 includes a battery unit 11 and a motor for driving the vehicle body 23. Specifically, the vehicle 10 is an EV (Electric Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or the like. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 mainly includes a battery unit 11, a battery temperature control unit 12, an occupant detection unit 15, and an arithmetic control unit 16.

[0015] The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 23, and various component devices of the vehicle 10 are attached to the vehicle body 23. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a front seat 221 and a rear seat 222 on which an occupant 24 can sit.

[0016] The battery unit 11 is a battery having a capacity capable of applying a driving force to the vehicle body 23. As the battery unit 11, a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-hydrogen battery is adopted. Here, the battery unit 11 is disposed below the rear floor 25 on the rear side of the rear seat 222.

[0017] The battery temperature control unit 12 is configured to control the temperature of the battery unit 11 within a predetermined temperature range in order to ensure the discharge characteristics and charge characteristics of the battery unit 11. The battery temperature control unit 12 includes a battery air passage 13 and a blower 14, which will be described later.

[0018] The arithmetic control unit 16 is composed of a semiconductor element such as a CPU. Here, based on a sensor (not shown) and an instruction from the occupant 24, etc., the arithmetic control unit 16 executes predetermined arithmetic processing and controls the operations of various component devices of the vehicle 10. For example, the arithmetic control unit 16 controls the operation of the blower 14 based on the detection result of the occupant detection unit 15.

[0019] The occupant detection unit 15 is configured to detect whether or not an occupant 24 is present in the rear seat 222. The occupant detection unit 15 is built into the rear seat 222 and consists of, for example, a strain sensor or a pressure sensor. The occupant detection unit 15 is, for example, installed in the left and right portions of the rear seat 222, and transmits a signal to the calculation control unit 16 indicating whether or not an occupant 24 is seated.

[0020] The cabin air conditioning unit 21 is composed of, for example, a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle and blows conditioned air into the cabin 29. Depending on the temperature of the cabin 29, the cabin air conditioning unit 21 blows either cool air or warm air into the cabin 29. The cabin air conditioning unit 21 can perform internal air circulation control, outside air introduction control, and internal air mixing control. In internal air circulation control, the cabin air conditioning unit 21 controls the temperature while circulating the air inside the cabin 29. In outside air introduction control, the cabin air conditioning unit 21 controls the temperature of the cabin 29 while introducing air from outside the vehicle. In internal air mixing control, the cabin 29 controls the temperature of the cabin 29 while circulating the internal air inside the cabin 29 and introducing air from outside the vehicle.

[0021] The first air outlet 261 is an opening located near the lower edge of the windshield 30. Air conditioned by the passenger compartment air conditioning unit 21 is blown into the passenger compartment 29 via the first air outlet 261. The air that has passed through the first air outlet 261 flows along the upper surface of the passenger compartment 29 and reaches the rear side of the rear seats 222.

[0022] The second air outlet 262 is an opening located near the rear end of the dashboard. Air conditioned by the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is blown into the cabin 29 via the second air outlet 262. The air that has passed through the second air outlet 262 flows along the upper surface of the cabin 29 and reaches the rear side of the rear seats 222.

[0023] The third air outlet 263 is an opening located near the underside of the dashboard. Air conditioned by the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is blown into the cabin 29 via the third air outlet 263. The air that has passed through the third air outlet 263 travels along the underside of the cabin 29 to the area near the bottom of the rear seats 222.

[0024] The battery temperature control unit 12 is configured to control the temperature of the battery unit 11. The battery temperature control unit 12 mainly comprises a battery air passage 13, a blower 14, a front opening 19, and a rear opening 20. The battery air passage 13 is a path through which air supplied to the battery unit 11 for temperature control and air that has been heated to a temperature in the battery unit 11 circulate. The blower 14 circulates the air that is heated to a temperature in the battery unit 11. The front opening 19 and the rear opening 20 are located at the ends of the battery air passage 13 and are the parts that blow air into the passenger compartment 29 or draw air in from the passenger compartment 29. The specific configuration of the battery temperature control unit 12 will be explained with reference to Figure 1B, etc.

[0025] Figure 1B is a perspective view showing the battery temperature control unit 12 that cools the battery unit 11. In Figure 1B, the rear seat 222, which is located above and in front of the battery unit 11, is shown by a dotted line.

[0026] A first battery air passage 131 and a second battery air passage 132 are provided at the front end of the battery section 11. The first battery air passage 131 and the second battery air passage 132 are in communication with the inside of the battery section 11.

[0027] The first battery air passage 131 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes forward from near the right end of the front surface of the battery section 11. The first opening 191 is the front end opening of the first battery air passage 131.

[0028] The first blower 141 is built into the first battery air passage 131 and is positioned on the right end side, which is the first end in the vehicle width direction. When the first blower 141 rotates in the first direction, the air inside the battery section 11 is discharged to the outside, forward, via the first battery air passage 131 and the first opening 191. When the first blower 141 rotates in the second direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, air is introduced into the battery section 11 from the outside via the first battery air passage 131 and the first opening 191.

[0029] The second battery air passage 132 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes forward from near the left end of the front surface of the battery section 11. The second opening 192 is the front end opening of the second battery air passage 132. The second blower 142 is built into the second battery air passage 132. The second blower 142 is located on the left end side, which is the second end in the vehicle width direction. The operation of the second blower 142 is substantially the same as that of the first blower 141 described above.

[0030] The first opening 191 and the second opening 192 are located below the rear seat 222, as shown in Figure 1A.

[0031] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing the location of the third opening 201, etc. Figure 2B is a perspective view showing the rear opening 20A, etc. and the configuration of the airflow path.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2A, the vehicle 10 has a front seat 221 and a rear seat 222. An occupant detection unit 151 is located to the right of the rear seat 222. An occupant detection unit 152 is located to the left of the rear seat 222. A third opening 201 is located to the rear right of the rear seat 222. A fourth opening 202 is located to the rear left of the rear seat 222. The third opening 201 and the fourth opening 202 are located in the left and right trim portions of the cargo area.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2B, the configuration of the rear portion of the battery temperature control unit 12 will be explained.

[0034] A third battery air duct 133 is provided on the rear right side of the battery unit 11, and a fourth battery air duct 134 is provided on the rear left side of the battery unit 11. The third battery air duct 133 and the fourth battery air duct 134 are in communication with the inside of the battery unit 11.

[0035] The third battery air passage 133 is a cylindrical portion that extends upward, with its lower end connected to the rear right side of the battery section 11. The third opening 201 is the upper end opening of the third battery air passage 133. The third opening 201 is located above the top surface of the battery section 11. The third blower 143 is built into the third battery air passage 133. The third blower 143 is located on the right end side, which is the first end in the vehicle width direction. The operation of the third blower 143 is substantially the same as that of the first blower 141 described above.

[0036] The fourth battery air passage 134 is a cylindrical portion that extends upward, with its lower end connected to the rear left side of the battery section 11. The fourth opening 202 is the upper end opening of the fourth battery air passage 134. The fourth opening 202 is located above the top surface of the battery section 11. The fourth blower 144 is built into the fourth battery air passage 134. The fourth blower 144 is located on the left end side, which is the second end in the vehicle width direction. The operation of the fourth blower 144 is substantially the same as that of the first blower 141 described above.

[0037] The heights of the third opening 201 and the fourth opening 202 are, for example, equal to the upper edge of the seatback of the rear seat 222.

[0038] Referring to Figures 3A, 3B, and 4, the configurations of the vehicle 10 and battery temperature control unit 12 in other configurations are shown. Referring to Figure 3A, the battery unit 11 is located below the front seat 221 or the rear seat 222. Here, we will focus on the differences from the vehicle 10 described above, and omit explanations of parts that are similar in configuration.

[0039] Figure 3A is a side view of the vehicle 10. The front opening 19 and the blower 14 are located below the rear seat 222. The rear opening 20 is located behind the rear seat 222. This configuration is the same as shown in Figure 1A.

[0040] Figure 3B is a partial perspective view of the battery temperature control unit 12. As mentioned above, the battery unit 11 is located below the front seat 221 and the rear seat 222. Therefore, the first battery airflow 131 and the second battery airflow 132 are located on the upper rear side of the battery unit 11.

[0041] The first battery air passage 131 is located on the upper surface of the battery section 11, on the right rear side. The lower end of the first battery air passage 131 connects to the inside of the battery section 11 from above. The upper end of the first battery air passage 131 is a first opening 191 that opens forward above the battery section 11. The configuration of the first opening 191 and the first blower 141 is the same as described above.

[0042] The second battery air passage 132 is located on the upper surface of the battery section 11, on the left rear side. The lower end of the second battery air passage 132 connects to the inside of the battery section 11 from above. The upper end of the second battery air passage 132 is a second opening 192 that opens forward above the battery section 11. The configuration of the second opening 192 and the second blower 142 is the same as described above.

[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the third battery airflow passage 133 and the fourth battery airflow passage 134, etc. The third battery airflow passage 133 is located to the right of the battery section 11, and the fourth battery airflow passage 134 is located to the left of the battery section 11.

[0044] The third battery air passage 133 is a cylindrical portion that extends upward, with its lower end connected to the front right side of the battery section 11. That is, the lower portion of the third battery air passage 133 extends along the right side of the battery section 11, from the rear end to the front end of the battery section 11. The configuration of the third blower 143 and the third opening 201 is the same as described above.

[0045] The fourth battery air passage 134 is a cylindrical portion that extends upward, with its lower end connected to the front left side of the battery section 11. That is, the lower portion of the fourth battery air passage 134 extends along the left side of the battery section 11, from the rear end to the front end of the battery section 11. The configuration of the fourth blower 144 and the fourth opening 202 is the same as described above.

[0046] Based on Figures 5 and 6, and also referring to the previously mentioned figures, the operation of temperature control for the battery unit 11 and the passenger compartment 29 in the vehicle 10 will be explained.

[0047] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the method for controlling battery temperature and cabin temperature. The battery temperature and cabin temperature described below can be performed using any of the previously mentioned internal air circulation control, external air intake control, and internal air mixing control. When considering power saving of the battery unit 11 during vehicle operation, it is preferable to adopt internal air mixing control.

[0048] In step S10, the calculation control unit 16 determines, based on the output of the occupant detection unit 15, whether or not an occupant 24 is seated in the rear seat 222.

[0049] If the answer in step S10 is YES, that is, if an occupant 24 is detected in the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S12.

[0050] If the answer in step S10 is NO, that is, if no occupant 24 is detected in the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S11.

[0051] In step S11, the calculation control unit 16 turns off the suction control. That is, it does not operate the blower 14 and other components that make up the battery temperature control unit 12.

[0052] In step S12, the calculation control unit 16 determines whether the air outlet is VENT or DEF. That is, referring to Figure 1, the calculation control unit 16 determines whether the conditioned air generated by the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is blown into the cabin 29 via the first air outlet 261 or the second air outlet 262. In other words, the calculation control unit 16 determines whether the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is operating in cooling mode.

[0053] If the answer in step S12 is YES, that is, if the vehicle cabin air conditioning unit 21 is operating in cooling mode, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S16.

[0054] If the answer in step S12 is NO, that is, if the vehicle cabin air conditioning unit 21 is not operating in cooling mode, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S13.

[0055] In step S13, the calculation control unit 16 determines whether the air outlet is in HEAT mode. That is, referring to Figure 1, the calculation control unit 16 determines whether the conditioned air generated by the cabin air conditioning unit 21 passes through the third air outlet 263. In other words, the calculation control unit 16 determines whether the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is operating in heating mode.

[0056] If the answer in step S13 is YES, that is, if the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is operating in heating mode, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S14.

[0057] If the answer in step S13 is NO, that is, if the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is not operating in heating mode, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S11.

[0058] In step S14, the calculation control unit 16 determines whether the airflow of the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is Hi, or whether the temperature of the battery unit 11 is below the reference temperature. Here, "Hi" of the cabin air conditioning unit 21 means, in other words, whether the airflow of the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is above a predetermined threshold airflow. The reference temperature is the threshold temperature at which the battery unit 11 is required to be heated.

[0059] If the answer in step S14 is YES, that is, if the airflow of the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is Hi, or if the temperature of the battery unit 11 is below the reference temperature, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S15.

[0060] If the answer in step S14 is NO, that is, if the airflow of the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is not Hi, and furthermore, if the temperature of the battery unit 11 is not below the reference temperature, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S11. In this way, the accumulation of hot air in the upper part of the cabin 29 is suppressed, and the comfort of the occupants 24 is suppressed due to the accumulation of hot air.

[0061] The control by the arithmetic control unit 16 in step S15 will be explained with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A is a side view showing the operation of the vehicle 10. Figure 6B is a plan view showing the airflow in the battery unit 11. Figure 6A shows the case where the battery unit 11 is located below the front seat 221 and the rear seat 222.

[0062] Referring to Figure 6A, in step S15, the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is operating in heating mode. That is, based on instructions from the calculation control unit 16, the cabin air conditioning unit 21 blows warm air heated to a predetermined temperature into the cabin 29 from the third air outlet 263. The warm air supplied by the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is taken in from the front opening 19 located below the rear seat 222. The warm air taken in from the front opening 19 heats the battery unit 11, then passes through the battery air passage 13 and is released into the cabin 29 from the rear opening 20. As a result, the battery unit 11 is kept in a temperature range that can maintain its discharge and charge characteristics above a certain level. In Figure 6A, the flow of the heated air is shown by a dotted line.

[0063] In step S15, the behavior of the blower 14 differs depending on the seating position of the occupant 24 in the rear seat 222.

[0064] Specifically, when an occupant 24 is seated only on the left side of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 stops the fourth blower 144, rotates the third blower 143 to exhaust, rotates the second blower 142 to intake, and stops the first blower 141. In this way, referring to Figure 6B, the warm air drawn in by the second blower 142 circulates inside the battery section 11 and is then discharged into the passenger compartment 29 from the third blower 143. In Figure 6B, the airflow inside the battery section 11 at this time is shown by a dashed line. In this way, the warm air can be circulated along the diagonal of the battery section 11, effectively raising the temperature of the battery section 11. Furthermore, the warm air before it flows into the battery section 11 is collected at the feet of the occupant 24 seated on the left side of the rear seat 222, improving the comfort of the occupant 24.

[0065] On the other hand, if an occupant 24 is seated only on the right side of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 rotates the fourth blower 144 to exhaust, stops the third blower 143, stops the second blower 142, and rotates the first blower 141 to intake. In this way, referring to Figure 6B, warm air drawn in from the first blower 141 circulates inside the battery section 11 and is then discharged into the passenger compartment 29 from the fourth blower 144. In Figure 6B, the airflow inside the battery section 11 is shown by a dotted line. In this way, warm air can be circulated along the diagonal of the battery section 11, effectively raising the temperature of the battery section 11. Furthermore, the warm air before it flows into the battery section 11 can be collected at the feet of the occupant 24 seated on the right side of the rear seat 222, improving the comfort of the occupant 24.

[0066] Furthermore, in cases other than those described above, namely when occupants 24 are seated on both the left and right sides of the rear seat 222, or when three occupants 24 are seated on the left, right, and center sides of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 controls each blower 14 as follows: The calculation control unit 16 rotates the fourth blower 144 to exhaust, the third blower 143 to exhaust, the second blower 142 to intake, and the first blower 141 to intake. In this way, warm air can be evenly collected below the rear seat 222 in the left-right direction, and if occupants 24 are seated on both the left and right sides of the rear seat 222, the feet of both occupants can be effectively warmed. In addition, air can be blown over the entire battery section 11, effectively raising the temperature of the battery section 11.

[0067] The control performed by the arithmetic control unit 16 in step S16 will be explained with reference to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0068] Referring to Figure 6A, in step S16, the cabin air conditioning unit 21 is operating in cooling mode. The calculation control unit 16 takes in the cool air supplied by the cabin air conditioning unit 21 through the rear opening 20 located behind the rear seats 222. The cool air taken in through the rear opening 20 cools the battery unit 11 and is then released into the cabin 29 through the front opening 19. As a result, the battery unit 11 is kept in a temperature range that maintains its discharge and charge characteristics above a certain level. In Figure 6A, the flow of the cool air is shown by a dashed line.

[0069] Even in step S16, the behavior of the blower 14 differs depending on the seating position of the occupant 24 in the rear seat 222.

[0070] Specifically, when an occupant 24 is seated only on the left side of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 rotates the fourth blower 144 to the intake state, stops the third blower 143, stops the second blower 142, and rotates the first blower 141 to the exhaust state. In this way, referring to Figure 6B, the cool air drawn in from the fourth blower 144 flows through the inside of the battery section 11 and is then discharged into the passenger compartment 29 from the first blower 141. In Figure 6B, the airflow inside the battery section 11 is shown by a dashed line. In this way, the cool air can be directed along the diagonal of the battery section 11, effectively cooling the battery section 11. Furthermore, the cool air before it flows into the battery section 11 can be concentrated around the head of the occupant 24 seated on the left side of the rear seat 222, improving the occupant's comfort.

[0071] On the other hand, if an occupant 24 is seated only on the right side of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 stops the fourth blower 144, rotates the third blower 143 to the intake state, rotates the second blower 142 to the exhaust state, and stops the first blower 141. In this way, referring to Figure 6B, the cool air drawn in from the third blower 143 flows through the inside of the battery section 11 and is then discharged into the passenger compartment 29 from the second blower 142. In Figure 6B, the airflow inside the battery section 11 in step S15 is shown by a solid line. In this way, cool air can be directed along the diagonal of the battery section 11, effectively cooling the battery section 11. Furthermore, the cool air before it flows into the battery section 11 can be concentrated around the head of the occupant 24 seated on the right side of the rear seat 222, improving the occupant's comfort.

[0072] Furthermore, in cases other than those described above, namely when occupants 24 are seated on both the left and right sides of the rear seat 222, or when three occupants 24 are seated on the left, right, and center sides of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 controls each blower 14 as follows: The calculation control unit 16 rotates the fourth blower 144 to the intake state, the third blower 143 to the intake state, the second blower 142 to the exhaust state, and the first blower 141 to the exhaust state. In this way, cool air can be evenly collected above the rear seat 222 in the left-right direction, and if occupants 24 are seated on both the left and right sides of the rear seat 222, their heads can be effectively cooled.

[0073] As described above, the battery temperature control unit 12 and the cabin air conditioning unit 21 effectively control the temperature of the battery unit 11 while improving the comfort of the occupant 24 seated in the rear seat 222.

[0074] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, other configurations for temperature control of the battery section 11 and the passenger compartment 29 will be described. Here, the vehicle 10 differs from the vehicle 10 described above in that it has an external blower 28 and an external air duct 27. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on these differences, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0075] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing other methods for controlling battery temperature and cabin temperature. Figure 8 is a side view showing the operation of vehicle 10.

[0076] First, the external air passage 27 and the external blower 28 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. The external air passage 27 is an air passage that connects the battery air passage 13 (first battery air passage 131 to fourth battery air passage 134) to the outside of the vehicle. The external blower 28 is a blower installed inside the external air passage 27.

[0077] The operations in steps S20, S21, S22, S23, and S24 in Figure 7 are the same as the operations in steps S10, S11, S12, S13, and S14 in Figure 5, respectively.

[0078] Step S25 is a process performed if the answer in step S22 is YES. In step S25, the calculation control unit 16 determines whether the temperature at the lower fan, that is, the temperature of the air after cooling the battery unit 11, is below the ambient temperature. Specifically, referring to Figure 8, the calculation control unit 16 compares the temperature of the air at the blower 14 located near the front opening 19 with the ambient temperature outside the vehicle.

[0079] If the answer in step S25 is YES, that is, if the temperature at the lower fan is below the ambient temperature, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S27.

[0080] If the answer in step S25 is NO, that is, if the temperature at the lower fan is not below the ambient temperature, the calculation control unit 16 proceeds to step S28.

[0081] Step S26 is a process performed if the answer to step S24 is YES. The operation in step S26 is the same as in step S15 described above, except that the operation of external exhaust is added. Specifically, regardless of the seating position of the occupants 24 in the rear seats 222, that is, in all seating patterns, the external exhaust is stopped, meaning the external blower 28 is stopped. This prevents the heating air from the cabin air conditioning unit 21 from leaking to the outside via the external blower 28.

[0082] The operation in step S27 is the same as in step S16 described above, except that the operation of external exhaust is added. Specifically, regardless of the seating position of the occupants 24 in the rear seats 222, that is, in all seating patterns, the external exhaust is stopped, meaning the external blower 28 is stopped. In this way, air that is below the outside temperature can be blown into the passenger compartment 29, which contributes to the cooling operation of the passenger compartment 29.

[0083] In step S28, the operation of the blower 14 and the exhaust to the outside of the vehicle are controlled as follows, depending on the seating position of the occupant 24 in the rear seat 222.

[0084] Specifically, when an occupant 24 is seated only on the left side of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 rotates the fourth blower 144 to the intake state, stops the third blower 143, stops the second blower 142, stops the first blower 141, and further rotates the external blower 28 to the exhaust state. In this way, the head of the occupant 24 seated on the left side of the rear seat 222 can be cooled. Furthermore, the air heated by heat exchange with the battery unit 11 can be released to the outside via the external air passage 27, preventing the passenger compartment 29 from being unintentionally heated.

[0085] On the other hand, if an occupant 24 is seated only on the right side of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 stops the fourth blower 144, rotates the third blower 143 to the intake state, stops the second blower 142, stops the first blower 141, and further rotates the external blower 28 to the exhaust state. In this way, the head of the occupant 24 seated on the right side of the rear seat 222 can be cooled. Furthermore, the air heated by heat exchange with the battery unit 11 can be released to the outside via the external air passage 27, preventing the passenger compartment 29 from being unintentionally heated.

[0086] Furthermore, in cases other than those described above, namely when occupants 24 are seated on both the left and right sides of the rear seat 222, or when three occupants 24 are seated on the left, right, and center sides of the rear seat 222, the calculation control unit 16 controls each blower 14 as follows: The calculation control unit 16 rotates the fourth blower 144 to the intake state, rotates the third blower 143 to the intake state, stops the second blower 142, stops the first blower 141, and further rotates the external blower 28 to the exhaust state. In this way, cool air can be evenly collected above the rear seat 222 in the left-right direction, and if occupants 24 are seated on both the left and right sides of the rear seat 222, their heads can be effectively cooled. Furthermore, the air heated by heat exchange with the battery unit 11 can be released to the outside via the external air passage 27, preventing the passenger compartment 29 from being unintentionally heated.

[0087] As described above, the battery temperature control unit 12 and the cabin air conditioning unit 21 effectively control the temperature of the battery unit 11 while improving the comfort of the occupant 24 seated in the rear seat 222, and furthermore, prevent the cabin 29 from being unintentionally heated by the temperature-controlled air.

[0088] The technical concepts that can be understood from the above-mentioned embodiment, along with their effects, are described below.

[0089] The vehicle of the present invention comprises a battery unit, a battery temperature control unit, an occupant detection unit, and a calculation control unit, wherein the battery temperature control unit has a battery air passage configured for the circulation of air that controls the temperature of the battery unit, and a blower that adjusts the airflow in the battery air passage, the occupant detection unit is configured to detect whether or not an occupant is present in the rear seat, and the calculation control unit controls the operation of the blower based on the detection result of the occupant detection unit. According to the vehicle of the present invention, by controlling the operation of the blower based on the detection result of the occupant detection unit, the battery can be effectively temperature-controlled without impairing the comfort of occupants in the rear seat.

[0090] Furthermore, the vehicle of the present invention is further equipped with a cabin temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the passenger compartment, and when the cabin temperature control unit controls the temperature of the passenger compartment, the fan is not operated if the airflow for temperature control is below a certain level. According to the vehicle of the present invention, by not operating the fan when the temperature control airflow is below a certain level, hot air is allowed to accumulate in the upper part of the passenger compartment, thus suppressing discomfort for the occupants.

[0091] Furthermore, in the vehicle of the present invention, the calculation control unit, based on the detection result, determines that an occupant is present in only one of the rear seats, and then operates the blower located in a diagonally opposite portion of the battery section. According to the vehicle of the present invention, by operating the blower located in a diagonally opposite portion of the battery section, conditioned air can be distributed to the rear, thereby improving occupant comfort while effectively regulating the temperature of the battery section.

[0092] Furthermore, in the vehicle of the present invention, the blower comprises a first blower, a second blower, a third blower, and a fourth blower, wherein the first blower is located on the front side of the vehicle and is positioned on the side of the first end in the vehicle width direction, the second blower is located on the front side of the vehicle and is positioned on the side of the second end opposite to the first end in the vehicle width direction, the third blower is located on the rear side of the vehicle and is positioned on the side of the first end in the vehicle width direction, and the fourth blower is located on the rear side of the vehicle and is positioned on the side of the second end in the vehicle width direction. According to the vehicle of the present invention, by having the first to fourth blowers, the battery section can be heated in various temperature control modes based on the detection results of the occupant detection unit, and the comfort of the air conditioning in the passenger compartment can be improved.

[0093] Furthermore, the vehicle of the present invention further comprises a rear opening which is connected to the battery air passage and is located behind the rear seats, a front opening which is connected to the battery air passage and is located in front of the rear opening and below the rear opening, and a cabin air conditioning unit for air conditioning the cabin, wherein when the cabin air conditioning unit cools the cabin, the battery section is cooled by the air introduced from the rear opening, and the cooled air is released into the cabin from the front opening, and when the cabin air conditioning unit heats the cabin, the battery section is heated by the air introduced from the front opening, and the heated air is released into the cabin from the rear opening. According to the vehicle of the present invention, when cooling, the air blown from the vehicle air conditioning unit reaches the rear opening and is blown to the heads of the occupants seated in the rear seats. Therefore, the cool air reaches the occupants, improving their comfort. On the other hand, when heating is used, air blown from the vehicle's air conditioning unit reaches the front opening and is then blown down to the feet of the occupants seated in the rear seats. Therefore, the warm air can reach the occupants' feet and effectively warm them.

[0094] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 10 vehicles 11 Battery section 12 Battery temperature control unit 13 Battery airflow 131 First Battery Airflow Path 132 Second Battery Airflow Path 133 Third Battery Airflow Path 134 Fourth Battery Airflow Path 14 Blower 141 1st blower 142 2nd blower 143 Third blower 144 4th blower 15 Crew detection unit 151 Crew detection unit 152 Crew detection unit 16. Calculation Control Unit 19 Front opening 191 First opening 192 Second opening 20 Rear opening 201 Third opening 202 Fourth opening 21. Vehicle compartment air conditioning unit 221 Front seats 222 Rear seat 23 car bodies 24 crew members 25 Rear Floor 261 1st outlet 262 2nd outlet 263 3rd outlet 27 External air passage 28 External blower 29 Cabin 30 Windshield

Claims

1. It comprises a battery unit, a battery temperature control unit, an occupant detection unit, and a calculation control unit. The battery temperature control unit comprises a battery air passage configured to allow air that controls the temperature of the battery to flow through it, and a blower that adjusts the airflow in the battery air passage. The occupant detection unit is configured to detect whether or not there is an occupant in the rear seat. The vehicle is characterized in that the calculation control unit controls the operation of the blower based on the detection result of the occupant detection unit.

2. It is further equipped with a cabin temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the cabin, The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that when the cabin temperature control unit controls the temperature of the cabin, the blower is not operated if the airflow for temperature control is below a certain level.

3. The calculation control unit, Based on the detection results, if it is determined that the occupant is present in only one of the rear seats, The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it operates the blower which is arranged in a portion corresponding to the diagonal of the battery section.

4. The aforementioned blower comprises a first blower, a second blower, a third blower, and a fourth blower. The first blower is located on the front side of the vehicle, and is positioned on the side of the first end in the vehicle width direction. The second blower is located on the front side of the vehicle, and is positioned on the side of the second end facing the first end in the vehicle width direction. The third blower is located on the rear side of the vehicle and on the first end side in the vehicle width direction, The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth blower is located on the rear side of the vehicle and on the second end side in the vehicle width direction.

5. An opening connected to the aforementioned battery air passage, and a rear opening located behind the rear seats, An opening connected to the battery air passage, located forward of the rear opening and positioned below the rear opening, It further comprises a vehicle compartment air conditioning unit for air conditioning the vehicle compartment, When the vehicle compartment air conditioning unit cools the vehicle compartment, the battery unit is cooled by the air introduced from the rear opening, and the air that has cooled the battery unit is released into the vehicle compartment from the front opening. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that when the cabin air conditioning unit heats the cabin, the battery unit is heated by the air introduced from the front opening, and the air heated from the battery unit is released into the cabin from the rear opening.

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