Air conditioning system, air conditioning control method, and air conditioning control program

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system, etc., capable of effectively reporting an error.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system comprises: an air conditioning device mounted in a mobile including a cooling box; an intra-box temperature sensor for measuring an intra-box temperature which is a temperature inside of the cooling box; a report device for reporting an error of the air conditioning device; and a controller which performs control relating to an air conditioning operation. The controller includes: an acquisition section which acquires the intra-box temperature; a setting section which sets a proper temperature range in the cooling box; a determination section which determines whether the intra-box temperature is within the proper temperature range; and a report control section which controls the error report using the report device. The report control section performs the temperature error report after pre-cooling using the air conditioning device is completed and in a case where the intra-box temperature is out of the proper temperature range and, before the pre-cooling using the air conditioning device is completed, does not perform the temperature error report. Therefore, the air conditioning system, etc., capable of effectively reporting the error can be obtained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Patent Application No. 2020-21748 filed in Japan on February 12, 2020, and the contents of the original application are incorporated by reference in their entirety. [Technical field]

[0002] The disclosure in this specification relates to an air conditioning system, an air conditioning control method, and an air conditioning control program. [Background technology]

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a temperature recording device equipped with an alarm generating means for generating an alarm when the temperature in the trunk of a vehicle deviates from an appropriate set value. This temperature recording device does not generate or suppresses an alarm when the trunk door is open, even if the trunk temperature is out of the appropriate range. The contents of the prior art documents are incorporated by reference as explanations of the technical elements in this specification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-201825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration of the prior art document, an alarm sound is suppressed when the luggage compartment door is open. This prevents troublesome alarm sounds from being generated during loading and unloading situations in which temperature abnormalities are anticipated. However, there are other situations in which temperature abnormalities are anticipated in advance besides loading and unloading in which the luggage compartment door is anticipated to be open. For this reason, it is necessary for the air conditioning system to effectively notify errors by broadly responding to various situations in which temperature abnormalities are anticipated in advance. In the above-mentioned respects and other respects not mentioned, further improvements are required in air conditioning systems.

[0006] One disclosed object is to provide an air conditioning system that can effectively report an error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An air conditioning system according to one embodiment disclosed herein includes an air conditioning device mounted on a mobile object having a refrigerator, an internal temperature sensor that measures an internal temperature inside the refrigerator, a position detection device that detects the current position of the mobile object, an alarm device that notifies an error in the air conditioning device, and a control unit that controls air conditioning operation, the control unit including an acquisition unit that acquires the internal temperature, a setting unit that sets an appropriate temperature range for the refrigerator, a determination unit that determines whether the internal temperature is within the appropriate temperature range, and an alarm control unit that controls error alarms using the alarm device. a door opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of a refrigerator door, which is a door of the refrigerator; The notification control unit issues a temperature error notification when the determination unit determines that the temperature inside the storage unit is outside the appropriate temperature range before the moving body arrives at the unloading site, and does not issue a temperature error notification after the moving body arrives at the unloading site. After detecting that the refrigerator door is open, the temperature error will not be notified until the refrigerator door is closed and the temperature inside the refrigerator falls within the appropriate temperature range. do not have.

[0012] Also, an air conditioning control method which is one aspect disclosed herein is an air conditioning control method for an air conditioner that conditions the inside of a cooler provided in a mobile body, and includes a temperature acquisition step executed by a processor to acquire an inside temperature, which is the temperature inside the cooler, a temperature setting step executed by the processor to set an appropriate temperature range for the cooler, a temperature determination step executed by the processor to determine whether the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range or not, a position determination step executed by the processor to determine whether the mobile body has already arrived at the unloading site, and an alarm step executed by the processor to control an error alarm using an alarm device, in which the alarm step issues a temperature error alarm before the mobile body arrives at the unloading site and when it is determined by the temperature determination step that the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range, and no temperature error alarm is issued after the mobile body arrives at the unloading site. After detecting that the refrigerator door is open, the temperature error notification is not performed until the temperature inside the refrigerator falls within the appropriate temperature range after detecting that the refrigerator door is closed. do not have.

[0013] Moreover, an air conditioning control program, which is one aspect disclosed herein, is an air conditioning control program for controlling air conditioning of an air conditioner that conditions the inside of a cool storage provided in a mobile body, and includes processes to be executed by a processor, a process of acquiring an inside temperature, which is the temperature inside the cool storage, a process of setting an appropriate temperature range for the cool storage, a process of determining whether the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range, a process of determining whether the mobile body has arrived at an unloading site, and a process of controlling error notification using an alarm device, in which a temperature error notification is issued before the mobile body arrives at the unloading site and when it is determined that the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range, and a process of not issuing a temperature error notification after the mobile body arrives at the unloading site. After detecting that the refrigerator door, which is the door of the refrigerator, is open, the process does not notify of a temperature error until the temperature inside the refrigerator falls within the appropriate temperature range after detecting that the refrigerator door is closed. Includes.

[0014] According to the disclosed aspects, before the mobile body arrives at the unloading site, if the temperature inside the storage unit is outside the appropriate temperature range, a temperature error is not notified, and after the mobile body arrives at the unloading site, a temperature error is not notified. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary error notifications from being made after the mobile body arrives at the unloading site, where it is expected that the temperature inside the storage unit will be outside the appropriate temperature range. This makes it possible to provide an air conditioning system or the like that can effectively notify an error.

[0019] The various aspects disclosed in this specification adopt different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the parenthetical symbols described in this section are merely illustrative of the corresponding relationship with the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle equipped with a refrigerator. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a cooler and an air conditioner. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram relating to control of the air conditioning system. [Figure 4] 13 is a graph showing changes in temperature inside the cabinet over time. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart relating to control of the air conditioning system. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart relating to the process of step S110 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 13 is a graph showing the change in temperature inside the storage compartment over time when an error notification is included. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart relating to control of an air conditioning system in a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart relating to the process of step S210 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10]13 is a graph showing the change in temperature inside the refrigerator over time when an error notification is included in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram relating to control of an air conditioning system in a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart relating to control of an air conditioner in a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart relating to the process of step S310 in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart relating to control of an air-conditioning communication device in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart relating to control of a server in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart relating to control of a server in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart relating to control of a server in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In a number of embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding and / or associated parts may be given the same reference numerals or reference numerals with different digits in the hundredths or more. For corresponding and / or associated parts, reference may be made to the description of other embodiments.

[0022] First embodiment In FIG. 1, the vehicle 2 is a mobile body called a freezer vehicle or a refrigerated vehicle equipped with a refrigerated storage 3. The refrigerated storage 3 is composed of a heat-insulating panel with high heat-insulating performance in order to reduce heat exchange with the outside. The objects to be cooled are stored inside the refrigerated storage 3, and the objects to be cooled are transported to a destination at low temperature together with the refrigerated storage 3. The vehicle 2 can be used for transporting various objects to be cooled that require low-temperature transport. The vehicle 2 can be used, for example, for low-temperature transport of medicines that require precise temperature control. The vehicle 2 can be used, for example, for low-temperature transport of agricultural products, livestock products, and the like that require maintaining a refrigerated temperature. The vehicle 2 can be used, for example, for low-temperature transport of frozen foods and the like that require maintaining a frozen temperature. The vehicle 2 provides an example of a mobile body.

[0023] The temperature inside the cool storage box 3 is controlled by the air conditioner 10 so that the temperature inside the box is maintained near a set temperature. The compressor 11, which is part of the air conditioner 10, includes an electric compressor 11a and an engine-driven compressor 11b. The electric compressor 11a is a compression device that is driven by power supplied from the power supply control unit 41. The engine-driven compressor 11b is a compression device that is driven by power obtained from an engine used to run the vehicle 2. However, the compressor 11 may be configured with either the electric compressor 11a or the engine-driven compressor 11b. Furthermore, the compressor 11 may be configured to include another compression device in addition to the electric compressor 11a and the engine-driven compressor 11b.

[0024] The cool storage box 3 is provided with a cool storage box door 3d for switching communication between the inside and outside of the cool storage box 3. The cool storage box door 3d is a door that opens and closes like a double door to the left and right. The cool storage box door 3d is provided on the opposite side of the cool storage box 3 from the position where the air conditioner 10 is installed. Therefore, the inside of the cool storage box 3 has a front part close to the air conditioner 10 and a rear part close to the cool storage box door 3d. In the cool storage box 3, by dividing the inside of the cool storage box 3 into front and rear parts using a curtain or the like, it is possible to create a temperature difference between the front part and the rear part of the cool storage box 3.

[0025] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the air conditioner 10 when the electric compressor 11a is used as the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10r. When the engine-driven compressor 11b is used as the compressor 11, the compressor 11 is driven by power supplied from the engine to the engine-driven compressor 11b instead of the power supply control unit 41.

[0026] The air conditioner 10 includes a refrigeration cycle device 10r having a compressor 11, a condenser 12, an expansion valve 14, and an evaporator 15. The compressor 11 is a device that compresses a gas-phase refrigerant to make the gas-phase refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure state. The condenser 12 is a device that lowers the temperature of the gas-phase refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 and condenses it into a liquid-phase refrigerant. The condenser 12 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the surrounding air to heat the surrounding air.

[0027] The expansion valve 14 is a device that expands the liquid-phase refrigerant condensed in the condenser 12 to reduce the temperature and pressure to a state where the refrigerant is easy to evaporate. Instead of a variable throttle valve such as the expansion valve 14, a fixed throttle such as a capillary tube or an orifice may be used to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion valve 14 provides an example of a pressure reducing device. The evaporator 15 is a device that evaporates the liquid-phase refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve 14. The evaporator 15 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the surrounding air to cool the surrounding air.

[0028] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 10r includes a high-pressure pipe 16 that connects the compressor 11 to the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 14 to form a refrigerant flow path. High-pressure refrigerant that has been compressed by the compressor 11 and decompressed by the expansion valve 14 flows through the high-pressure pipe 16. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 10r includes a low-pressure pipe 17 that connects the expansion valve 14 to the evaporator 15 and the compressor 11 to form a refrigerant flow path. Low-pressure refrigerant that has been decompressed by the expansion valve 14 and compressed by the compressor 11 flows through the low-pressure pipe 17. The high-pressure pipe 16 and the low-pressure pipe 17 form a refrigerant flow path in a ring shape.

[0029] A receiver 13 is provided in the high-pressure pipe 16 between the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 14. The receiver 13 is a device that separates the gas phase refrigerant and the liquid phase refrigerant. Therefore, only the liquid phase refrigerant flows to the expansion valve 14, which is located downstream of the receiver 13 in the refrigerant flow.

[0030] The air conditioner 10 includes an evaporator case 31 that separates the evaporator 15, which becomes low temperature when the compressor 11 is driven, from the surroundings. The evaporator case 31 is constructed using a heat-insulating panel with high heat-insulating performance. The evaporator case 31 is fitted and fixed in an opening 3h provided in an upper part of a front wall 3w of the cooler 3. The expansion valve 14 is located inside the evaporator case 31.

[0031] An evaporator fan 15f is provided inside the evaporator case 31. The evaporator fan 15f is a device for promoting heat exchange by flowing air around the evaporator 15. An inside air intake port 32 and an inside air outlet port 33 are formed in the evaporator case 31. The inside air intake port 32 and the inside air outlet port 33 communicate with the inside of the evaporator case 31 and the inside of the cool storage box 3. When the evaporator fan 15f rotates, the inside air, which is the air inside the cool storage box 3, is sucked into the inside of the evaporator case 31 from the inside air intake port 32. When the evaporator fan 15f rotates, the air inside the evaporator case 31 is blown out from the inside air outlet port 33 into the inside of the cool storage box 3. The evaporator fan 15f has a function of blowing the cool air after heat exchange with the evaporator 15 into the inside of the cool storage box 3.

[0032] The air conditioner 10 includes a condenser case 36 that separates the condenser 12, which becomes hot when the compressor 11 is driven, from the surroundings. The condenser case 36 is provided adjacent to the evaporator case 31 and in front of the evaporator case 31. In other words, the condenser case 36 is provided on the side of the evaporator case 31 opposite to the side that communicates with the inside of the cool storage 3.

[0033] A condenser fan 12f is provided inside the condenser case 36. The condenser fan 12f is a device for promoting heat exchange by flowing air around the condenser 12. An outside air intake port 37 and an outside air outlet port 38 are formed in the condenser case 36. The outside air intake port 37 and the outside air outlet port 38 communicate the inside of the condenser case 36 with the outside space. When the condenser fan 12f rotates, outside air, which is air in the outside space, is sucked into the inside of the condenser case 36 from the outside air intake port 37. When the condenser fan 12f rotates, air inside the condenser case 36 is blown out from the outside air outlet port 38 to the outside space. The outside air intake port 37 functions as an intake port that sucks air flowing in the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 into the inside of the condenser case 36 while the vehicle 2 is traveling.

[0034] The air conditioner 10 includes a defroster 20. The defroster 20 includes a hot gas pipe 21 and a hot gas valve 22. The hot gas pipe 21 is a pipe that connects the high-pressure pipe 16 and the evaporator 15, and is a pipe that guides high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant before it flows through the condenser 12 into the inside of the evaporator 15. The hot gas valve 22 is a valve device that adjusts the flow rate of refrigerant that can flow through the hot gas pipe 21. The hot gas valve 22 is a solenoid valve whose opening can be electrically adjusted.

[0035] By driving the compressor 11 with the hot gas valve 22 open, a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant can be made to flow through the evaporator 15. This allows frost formed on the surface of the evaporator 15 to be melted and defrosted. When defrosting is not required, the hot gas valve 22 is closed to block the flow of refrigerant through the hot gas pipe 21. This allows a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 14 to flow through the evaporator 15. In other words, by controlling the opening of the hot gas valve 22, the evaporator 15 can be switched between a high-temperature state and a low-temperature state.

[0036] The defroster 20 is not limited to a configuration in which a high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant is caused to flow through the evaporator 15 using the hot gas pipe 21 and the hot gas valve 22. For example, the defroster 20 may employ an electric heater provided near the evaporator 15. In this case, the defroster 20 can be designed to be smaller than when the hot gas pipe 21 and the hot gas valve 22 are used. In addition, the defrosting capacity can be adjusted by controlling the output of the electric heater. Therefore, the time required for defrosting can be shortened compared to when the hot gas pipe 21 and the hot gas valve 22 are used. As a defrosting method, two methods, a method using hot gas and a method using an electric heater, and other defrosting methods may be used in combination.

[0037] The air conditioner 10 includes a power supply control unit 41 and a power supply cable 42. The power supply control unit 41 is a device that controls the power supplied to the vehicle 2 and the air conditioner 10. The power supply cable 42 is a device for receiving power from an external power source. The power supply cable 42 is configured so as to be connectable to a commercial AC power source. The power supply control unit 41 has a function of converting AC power supplied using the power supply cable 42 into DC power. The power supply control unit 41 has a function of converting the magnitude of the supplied voltage into a desired voltage by stepping up or stepping down.

[0038] The air conditioner 10 includes an operation panel 51, an inside temperature sensor 52, and an outside air temperature sensor 53. The operation panel 51 is a device for an occupant to set a set temperature during air conditioning operation. The operation panel 51 includes a defrost button. The defrost button informs an occupant whether defrosting is in progress by turning on a lamp. When an occupant operates the defrost button during defrosting, the defrosting can be forcibly stopped. When an occupant operates the defrost button in a state where defrosting is not in progress, the defrosting can be started. The inside temperature sensor 52 is a sensor for measuring the inside temperature, which is the temperature inside the cool storage 3. The inside temperature sensor 52 is provided near the inside air intake 32. The installation position and the number of the inside temperature sensor 52 are not limited to the above example. For example, the inside temperature sensor 52 may be provided in two places, a front part and a rear part of the cool storage 3, to measure a plurality of inside temperatures. The outside air temperature sensor 53 is a sensor for measuring the outside air temperature, which is the temperature in the external space. The outside air temperature sensor 53 is provided near the outside air inlet 37 .

[0039] In Fig. 3, the control unit 70 is connected to an operation panel 51, an inside temperature sensor 52, and an outside air temperature sensor 53. The operation panel 51 is equipped with an air conditioning switch 51s for switching the air conditioner 10 on and off by an occupant's operation. The control unit 70 acquires information such as the set temperature for air conditioning operation inputted through the operation panel 51. The control unit 70 acquires the inside temperature measured by the inside temperature sensor 52. The control unit 70 acquires the outside air temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 53.

[0040] The control unit 70 is connected to the position detection device 54, the speed detection device 57, the door opening / closing sensor 55, and the key switch 56. The position detection device 54 includes a GNSS receiver used for a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) such as GPS or GLONASS. The position detection device 54 sequentially detects the current position of the vehicle 2 as position information based on a positioning signal received from a positioning satellite. The current position is expressed by coordinates including latitude and longitude. The coordinates indicating the current position may also include altitude. The control unit 70 acquires the current position measured by the position detection device 54. The position detection device 54 may employ a device that detects the current position by a method different from the GNSS receiver, such as a vehicle speed sensor, a gyro sensor, or an acceleration sensor. The position detection device 54 may also be configured by using a plurality of devices capable of detecting the current position. The control unit 70 acquires the current position of the vehicle 2 detected by the position detection device 54.

[0041] The speed detection device 57 is a vehicle speed sensor that detects the moving speed of the vehicle 2. It is sufficient for the speed detection device 57 to detect the vehicle speed with an accuracy sufficient to determine whether the vehicle 2 is moving or stationary. The control unit 70 acquires the speed of the vehicle 2 detected by the speed detection device 57.

[0042] The door open / close sensor 55 is a sensor that detects whether the refrigerator door 3d is open or closed. The control unit 70 acquires the open / close state of the refrigerator door 3d detected by the door open / close sensor 55. The control unit 70 acquires the detection result of the door open / close sensor 55, for example, every 30 seconds. The key switch 56 is a switch for switching the state of the vehicle 2 between an ignition state, an accessory state, and an off state. The control unit 70 acquires the state of the vehicle 2 switched by the key switch 56.

[0043] The control unit 70 is connected to the compressor 11, the power supply control unit 41, the condenser fan 12f, the evaporator fan 15f, and the hot gas valve 22. The control unit 70 controls the drive of the compressor 11 to control the amount of refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle device 10r. The control unit 70 controls the drive of the power supply control unit 41. The control unit 70 controls the drive of the condenser fan 12f to control the amount of air flowing around the condenser 12. The control unit 70 controls the drive of the evaporator fan 15f to control the amount of air flowing around the evaporator 15. The control unit 70 controls the opening degree of the hot gas valve 22 to switch between a state in which the evaporator 15 is defrosted and a state in which the evaporator 15 is not defrosted.

[0044] The control unit 70 is connected to the passenger notification device 45. The passenger notification device 45 is a device for notifying the passengers of the vehicle 2 of an error related to the air conditioning operation. The error notification includes notifying that the temperature inside the compartment is not at an appropriate temperature. The passenger notification device 45 issues an error notification when the temperature inside the compartment is too high or too low compared to the set temperature, for example. The passenger notification device 45 is a display device such as a display screen that visually notifies the passengers. The passenger notification device 45 is a sound generating device such as a buzzer that notifies the passengers by sound. The passenger notification device 45 is a vibration generating device that notifies the passengers by vibration, for example. The passenger notification device 45 may be a plurality of notification methods, such as a combination of a screen display and sound. The passenger notification device 45 provides an example of a notification device.

[0045] The control unit 70 includes an acquisition unit 71, a setting unit 72, and a determination unit 73. The acquisition unit 71 acquires various information related to air conditioning operation. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the set temperature. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the temperature inside the storage compartment. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the current position of the vehicle 2. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the open / closed state of the refrigerator compartment door 3d. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, whether the vehicle 2 is in the ignition state, the accessory state, or the off state.

[0046] The setting unit 72 sets various conditions related to the notification control. The setting unit 72 sets an appropriate temperature range for the inside temperature based on, for example, a set temperature. The determination unit 73 performs a determination related to the notification control. In other words, the determination unit 73 determines whether or not the conditions set by the setting unit 72 are satisfied based on the information of the vehicle 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 71.

[0047] The control unit 70 includes a notification control unit 75. The notification control unit 75 controls notification using the occupant notification device 45 based on the determination result by the determination unit 73. For example, when it is determined that an error notification should be performed, the notification control unit 75 performs the error notification until it is determined that the error notification should be stopped.

[0048] An example of air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 when no error notification is included will be described below using a graph. An example of air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 when an error notification is included will be described later. In Fig. 4, the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates temperature. The graph shows an example where the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 is 5°C and the outside air temperature is about 20°C.

[0049] At Tc0, which is the timing to start the air conditioning operation, the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are driven to start the cooling operation. This causes the internal temperature, which was equivalent to the outside air temperature, to drop and gradually approach the set temperature of 5°C. After that, when it is detected that the internal temperature has dropped to the cooling end temperature, which is set to a temperature lower than the set temperature, the driving of the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f is stopped to stop the cooling operation. The cooling end temperature is, for example, 3°C.

[0050] While the cooling operation is stopped, the temperature inside the refrigerator gradually rises due to the influence of the outside air temperature, which is higher than the refrigerator temperature. While the cooling operation is stopped, the evaporator 15 is defrosted as necessary. After that, when it is detected that the temperature inside the refrigerator has risen to the cooling start temperature, which is set to a temperature higher than the set temperature, the cooling operation is resumed. The cooling start temperature is, for example, 7°C. The timing at which the cooling operation is first resumed after Tc0 is Tc1.

[0051] Thereafter, the cooling operation is repeatedly started and stopped to perform air conditioning operation so that the inside temperature falls within the temperature range from the cooling end temperature to the cooling start temperature. However, the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 may be performed by inverter control that appropriately changes the rotation speed of the compressor 11 according to the cooling load. In this case, instead of repeatedly starting and stopping the cooling operation, the cooling operation is continued while adjusting the cooling capacity so that the inside temperature maintains the set temperature.

[0052] The time when the container arrives at the final unloading point, which is the place where the low-temperature transportation ends, is Te. At this time Te, the crew operates the operation panel 51 to turn off the power to the air conditioner 10. After the power to the air conditioner 10 is turned off, the air conditioner 10 does not perform cooling operation. Therefore, after Te, the temperature inside the container rises above the cooling start temperature and reaches a temperature close to the outside air temperature. The final unloading point provides an example of a unloading point.

[0053] An example of air conditioning control by the air conditioner 10 will be described below using a flowchart. In FIG. 5, when an occupant starts air conditioning operation by inputting information on the operation panel 51, an appropriate temperature range is set in step S101. The appropriate temperature range is the temperature range permitted inside the cool storage cabinet 3. If the temperature inside the cabinet is within the appropriate temperature range, the air conditioner 10 and other components are in a normal state. On the other hand, if the temperature inside the cabinet is outside the appropriate temperature range, there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the air conditioner 10 and other components. For this reason, if the temperature inside the cabinet is outside the appropriate temperature range, an error notification may be issued to the occupant. Step S101 provides an example of a temperature setting step.

[0054] The appropriate temperature range is defined by an upper limit and a lower limit. The upper limit is, for example, a temperature higher than the cooling start temperature. The lower limit is, for example, a temperature lower than the cooling end temperature. The set temperature set by the crew is included in the appropriate temperature range. If the set temperature is 5°C, the cooling start temperature is 7°C, and the cooling end temperature is 3°C, the upper limit can be set to 9°C and the lower limit to 1°C. However, values ​​such as the set temperature can be set appropriately by the crew depending on the purpose of the low-temperature transportation and the external environment such as the outside air temperature. After setting the appropriate temperature range, proceed to step S102.

[0055] In step S102, the pre-cooling start time is stored. The pre-cooling start time is the time when the air conditioning operation is started to bring the inside temperature within the appropriate temperature range. Pre-cooling includes air conditioning operation to lower the inside temperature equivalent to the outside air temperature to a temperature below the upper limit value in order to start low-temperature transportation. Pre-cooling includes air conditioning operation to lower the inside temperature, which temporarily rose to the outside air temperature by opening the refrigerator door 3d to unload the cargo, to a temperature below the upper limit value. The timing when the refrigerator door 3d, which was open while the air conditioning operation is maintained, is closed can be considered as the start timing of pre-cooling. In the air conditioning operation, the same control may be performed when pre-cooling is in progress and when pre-cooling is not in progress, or different controls may be performed. If the inside temperature is already within the appropriate temperature range at the time pre-cooling is started, the pre-cooling start time to be stored does not exist. Since the pre-cooling start time is stored, it can be determined that pre-cooling is in progress. After storing the pre-cooling start time, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0056] In step S104, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the pre-cooling start time. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 30 minutes. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the pre-cooling start time, it is determined that the air conditioner 10 may not be functioning properly, and the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the pre-cooling start time, it is determined that the air conditioner 10 is functioning properly, and the process proceeds to step S106. Also, if the pre-cooling start time has not been stored, it is determined that the air conditioner 10 is functioning properly, and the process proceeds to step S106, as in the case where the predetermined time has not elapsed since the pre-cooling start time.

[0057] In step S105, a pre-cooling error notification is performed. The pre-cooling error notification is an error notification that notifies that pre-cooling has not been completed within a predetermined time. The pre-cooling error notification is an example of an error notification. There are various reasons why pre-cooling is not completed within the predetermined time. One reason is that the refrigerator door 3d is open, and high-temperature outside air flows into the refrigerator 3. Another reason is that the air conditioner 10 has broken down and is unable to start cooling. Another reason is that the appropriate temperature range is too low for the outside air temperature, exceeding the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 10. Step S105 provides an example of a notification step.

[0058] In the pre-cooling error notification, a warning message indicating that pre-cooling has not been completed within a predetermined time is displayed on the display screen of the passenger notification device 45. Furthermore, a warning sound is generated from the sound generation device of the passenger notification device 45. This notifies the passenger that an error has occurred and the contents of the error that has occurred. Upon receiving the pre-cooling error notification, the passenger can deal with the temperature abnormality by checking whether the refrigerator door 3d is closed or whether the power supply of the air conditioner 10 is on or not. In addition, if there is a cooling method other than the air conditioner 10, it is also possible to use that cooling method to cool the object to be cooled. As an example of a cooling method other than the air conditioner 10, there is a method of communicating the refrigerator 3 with the freezer and flowing the cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator 3. After the pre-cooling error notification, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0059] In step S106, the pre-cooling error notification is stopped. In other words, if the pre-cooling error notification is being made, the pre-cooling error notification is stopped. On the other hand, if the pre-cooling error notification is not being made, the state in which the pre-cooling error notification is not being made is maintained. After the pre-cooling error notification is stopped, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0060] In step S110, the normal cooling mode is executed. After the normal cooling mode is executed, the normal cooling mode is maintained and the process proceeds to step S141. Details of the normal cooling mode are described below. In FIG. 6, when the normal cooling mode is started, the inside temperature is acquired in step S111. The inside temperature is acquired as the temperature measured by the inside temperature sensor 52. After the inside temperature is acquired, the process proceeds to step S112. Step S111 provides an example of a temperature acquisition step.

[0061] In step S112, it is determined whether the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range. If the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range, it is determined that pre-cooling is complete and the process proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range, it is determined that pre-cooling is in progress and the process proceeds to step S115.

[0062] In step S113, the pre-cooling start time is deleted. In other words, if the pre-cooling start time is stored, the pre-cooling start time is deleted and a state in which the pre-cooling start time is not stored is established. This means that pre-cooling has ended and pre-cooling is not in progress. On the other hand, if the pre-cooling start time is not stored, the state in which the pre-cooling start time is not stored is maintained. Also, if a pre-cooling error has been notified, the pre-cooling error notification is stopped. After deleting the pre-cooling start time, proceed to step S115.

[0063] In step S115, it is determined whether the inside temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature. If the inside temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature, it is determined that cooling is necessary to cool the refrigerator 3, and the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if the inside temperature is lower than the cooling start temperature, it is determined that further determination is required as to whether cooling is necessary for the refrigerator 3, and the process proceeds to step S125.

[0064] In step S116, the compressor 11 is driven. If the compressor 11 is stopped, it is started to be driven again. On the other hand, if the compressor 11 is already being driven, the compressor 11 is maintained in a driven state. The compressor 11 is driven and the condenser fan 12f is driven. This promotes the heat dissipation to the surrounding air by the condenser 12. In addition, the compressor 11 is driven and the evaporator fan 15f is driven. This promotes the heat absorption from the surrounding air by the evaporator 15 and causes cool air to be blown into the cool storage 3. The compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are maintained in a driven state, and the process proceeds to step S117.

[0065] In step S117, it is determined whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit. If the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S118A. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is lower than the upper limit, it is determined that no error that should be notified has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S139. Step S117 provides an example of a temperature determination step.

[0066] In step S118A, it is determined whether pre-cooling is in progress. Whether pre-cooling is in progress can be determined by whether pre-cooling start time is stored. From the start of pre-cooling until the inside temperature falls within the appropriate temperature range, the state in which the pre-cooling start time is recorded is maintained. On the other hand, after the inside temperature falls within the appropriate temperature range, the pre-cooling start time is deleted, and a state in which the pre-cooling start time is not recorded is maintained. Therefore, if the pre-cooling start time is stored, it can be determined that pre-cooling is in progress, that is, before pre-cooling is completed. On the other hand, if the pre-cooling start time is not stored, it can be determined that pre-cooling is not in progress, that is, after pre-cooling is completed. If pre-cooling is in progress, it is determined that there is no need to notify an error, and the process proceeds to step S139. On the other hand, if pre-cooling is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S118B. Step S118A provides an example of a pre-cooling determination step.

[0067] The reason why it is possible to determine that there is no need to issue an error notification even if the temperature inside the cooler is equal to or higher than the upper limit during pre-cooling will be described below. The cooler 3 used for low-temperature transportation only needs to keep the temperature inside the cooler low while the object to be cooled is stored therein, and there is no need to keep the temperature inside the cooler low when the object to be cooled is not stored therein. For this reason, the temperature inside the cooler is generally equivalent to the outside air temperature when the object to be cooled is not stored, such as before the low-temperature transportation is started or after the low-temperature transportation is completed. Here, it is preferable that the object to be cooled is temperature-controlled at the time it is stored inside the cooler 3. Therefore, before storing the object to be cooled inside the cooler 3, pre-cooling is required to cool the inside of the cooler 3 in advance.

[0068] Pre-cooling can be performed by starting the air conditioning operation by driving the air conditioner 10. Pre-cooling may also be performed by connecting the cool storage 3 to the freezer warehouse and flowing cold air from the freezer warehouse into the cool storage 3. Pre-cooling may also be performed by using both the air conditioning operation by the air conditioner 10 and the inflow of cold air from the freezer warehouse.

[0069] Pre-cooling continues until the inside temperature falls within the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, while the air conditioner 10 is running and pre-cooling is being performed, the inside temperature will naturally be equal to or higher than the upper limit. The occupant, who is the user of the air conditioner 10 performing pre-cooling, can of course recognize that the inside temperature will be equal to or higher than the upper limit during pre-cooling. Therefore, it can be said that there is no need to notify the occupant of something that is already recognized as an error.

[0070] In step S118B, it is determined whether the vehicle 2 is stopped. In other words, it is determined whether the vehicle 2 is moving. Whether the vehicle 2 is stopped can be determined from the vehicle speed detected by the speed detection device 57. If the vehicle speed is zero, it can be determined that the vehicle is stopped. On the other hand, if the vehicle speed is not zero, it can be determined that the vehicle is not stopped. The method of determining whether the vehicle is stopped is not limited to the method using the speed detection device 57. For example, if the current position detected by the position detection device 54 is the same as the previous position, it can be determined that the vehicle is stopped. For example, if the key switch 56 is in an off state, it can be determined that the vehicle is stopped. For example, if the shift lever of the vehicle 2 is in a parking state, it can be determined that the vehicle is stopped. If the vehicle 2 is stopped, it is determined that there is no need to issue an error notification, and the process proceeds to step S139. On the other hand, if the vehicle 2 is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S119. Step S118B provides an example of a movement determination step.

[0071] The reason why it is possible to determine that there is no need to issue an error notification even if the temperature inside the refrigerator is equal to or higher than the upper limit value if the vehicle 2 is stopped will be described below. The vehicle 2 starts moving from a departure point where low-temperature transportation begins, and may move to the final unloading location via multiple unloading locations. In this case, unloading is performed to transport the refrigerated objects at multiple unloading locations before arriving at the final unloading location. During unloading, the vehicle 2 must be stopped and the refrigerator door 3d must be opened. For this reason, outside air is likely to flow into the refrigerator 3 during unloading, which makes it easy for the temperature inside the refrigerator to rise.

[0072] The occupants of the vehicle 2 stopped for unloading are naturally aware that the temperature inside the storage compartment may rise due to unloading. Therefore, it is not necessary to notify the occupants of the rise in temperature inside the storage compartment due to unloading as an error, which the occupants are already aware of.

[0073] In step S125, it is determined whether the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature. If the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature, it is determined that there is no need to perform air conditioning to cool the refrigerator 3, and the process proceeds to step S126. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature, it is determined that the current state should be maintained, and the process proceeds to step S136.

[0074] In step S126, the compressor 11 is stopped. If the compressor 11 is in a driving state, it is stopped. On the other hand, if the compressor 11 is already stopped, the compressor 11 is maintained in a stopped state. The compressor 11 is stopped, and the condenser fan 12f is stopped. This creates a state in which there is little heat exchange between the condenser 12 and the surrounding air. In addition, the compressor 11 is stopped, and the evaporator fan 15f is stopped. This creates a state in which there is little heat exchange between the evaporator 15 and the surrounding air, and the blowing of cold air into the cool storage 3 is stopped. The compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are maintained in a stopped state, and the process proceeds to step S127.

[0075] In step S127, it is determined whether the internal temperature is below the lower limit. If the internal temperature is below the lower limit, the process proceeds to step S119. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the lower limit, it is determined that no error that should be notified has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S139.

[0076] In step S136, the state of the compressor 11 is maintained. If the compressor 11 is in a driving state, the driving state of the compressor 11 is maintained. On the other hand, if the compressor 11 is in a stopped state, the stopped state of the compressor 11 is maintained. Furthermore, the condenser fan 12f and the evaporator fan 15f are also maintained in their previous states, similar to the compressor 11. The compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are maintained in their previous states, and the process proceeds to step S139.

[0077] In step S119, a temperature error is notified. The temperature error is an error notification indicating that the inside temperature is not within the appropriate temperature range. The temperature error notification includes a notification that the inside temperature is higher than the upper limit. The temperature error notification includes a notification that the inside temperature is lower than the lower limit. The temperature error notification is an example of an error notification. Step S119 provides an example of a notification step.

[0078] An example of a temperature error notification is a passenger's mistake in operating the air conditioning switch 51s. More specifically, when unloading at an unloading site, the air conditioner 10 may be turned off and cold air from the freezer may be allowed to flow into the cool storage 3 to cool the inside of the cool storage 3. If the unloading is then completed and the driver starts moving to the next unloading site while forgetting to turn on the air conditioner 10, the temperature inside the cool storage 3 will gradually rise due to the influence of the outside air temperature. As a result, the temperature inside the cool storage 3 will exceed the upper limit, and a temperature error notification will be issued.

[0079] In the temperature error notification, a warning message indicating that the current temperature inside the refrigerator is not within the appropriate temperature range is displayed on the display screen of the passenger notification device 45. Furthermore, a warning sound is emitted from the sound output device of the passenger notification device 45. This notifies the passenger that an error has occurred regarding the temperature of the refrigerator 3. Upon receiving the temperature error notification, the passenger can deal with the temperature abnormality by checking whether the refrigerator door 3d is closed or whether the power supply to the air conditioner 10 is on or not. After the temperature error notification is issued, the state of the compressor 11 and the state in which the temperature error notification is being issued are maintained, and the change in control in the normal cooling mode is terminated.

[0080] The error notification may be suppressed or forcibly stopped by operating the operation panel 51. This can prevent the error notification from being maintained until the internal temperature actually falls within the appropriate temperature range after the occupant has taken measures to resolve the abnormality.

[0081] In step S139, the temperature error notification is stopped. In other words, if a temperature error notification is being made, the temperature error notification is stopped. On the other hand, if a temperature error notification is not being made, the state in which no temperature error notification is being made is maintained. After the temperature error notification is stopped, the state of the compressor 11 and the state in which the temperature error notification is stopped are maintained, and the change in control in the normal cooling mode is completed. Step S139 provides an example of a notification step.

[0082] 5, the current position of the vehicle 2 is obtained. The current position of the vehicle 2 can be obtained from position information detected using the position detection device 54. After the current position of the vehicle 2 is obtained, the process proceeds to step S142.

[0083] In step S142, it is determined whether or not the vehicle 2 has arrived at the final unloading site. If the vehicle 2 has arrived at the final unloading site, it is determined that there is no need to issue an error notification, and the process proceeds to step S143. On the other hand, if the vehicle 2 has not arrived at the final unloading site, the process returns to step S104, and the air conditioning operation is maintained until the vehicle 2 arrives at the final unloading site. Step S142 provides an example of a position determination step.

[0084] The reason why it is possible to determine that there is no need to issue an error notification even if the temperature inside the storage unit is not within the appropriate temperature range after the vehicle 2 has arrived at the final unloading location is explained below. When the vehicle 2 arrives at the final unloading location and completes unloading, there are no items to be cooled stored inside the refrigerated storage unit 3. In other words, there is no object subject to temperature management for low-temperature transport. For this reason, it can be said that there is no need to notify the occupants of a rise in the temperature inside the storage unit as an error.

[0085] In step S143, the air conditioning operation by the air conditioner 10 is stopped. However, the air conditioning operation may be stopped after completing control for the next air conditioning operation by performing a defrosting operation before stopping the air conditioner 10. After the air conditioning operation is stopped, the process proceeds to step S169.

[0086] In step S169, the error notification is stopped. If a temperature error notification is being made, the temperature error notification is stopped. On the other hand, if a temperature error notification is not being made, the state in which no temperature error notification is being made is maintained. After the error notification is stopped, a series of air conditioning controls using the air conditioner 10 is ended. Step S169 provides an example of a notification step.

[0087] An example of air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 including a temperature error notification will be described below using a graph. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates temperature. The graph shows an example in which the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 is 5°C and the outside air temperature is about 20°C.

[0088] Tc0 is the timing when low-temperature transportation is started, or when the refrigerator door 3d, which was opened to unload the cargo while air conditioning is being performed, is closed. In other words, it is the timing when the refrigerator door 3d is opened and the temperature inside the refrigerator rises to an outside temperature that exceeds the upper limit, and is the timing when air conditioning is first started. Ts is the timing when the temperature inside the refrigerator first falls within the appropriate temperature range after the normal cooling mode is started. In other words, Ts is the timing when the temperature inside the refrigerator first falls below the upper limit after the normal cooling mode is started. The period from Tc0 to Ts is a pre-cooling state. Therefore, although the temperature inside the refrigerator exceeds the upper limit, no temperature error is reported. The temperature inside the refrigerator fluctuates within the temperature range from the cooling start temperature to the cooling end temperature after pre-cooling is completed, from Ts to Te1.

[0089] Te1 is the timing when the air conditioning switch 51s is turned off due to an operational error by the occupant. Therefore, from Te1 to Tc4, the air conditioning operation is not started even if the cooling start temperature is exceeded, and the inside temperature continues to rise. As a result of the continued rise in the inside temperature, the inside temperature exceeds the upper limit value, and a temperature error notification is started. Upon receiving this temperature error notification, the occupant switches the air conditioning switch 51s on, and the air conditioning operation is resumed at Tc4. This resumes the normal cooling mode of the air conditioner 10.

[0090] Between Tc4 and Te2, air conditioning operation in normal cooling mode is performed. The temperature error notification is maintained from immediately after air conditioning operation is resumed at Tc4 until the inside temperature falls below the upper limit. After that, the inside temperature is maintained within the appropriate temperature range, and the temperature error notification is stopped. Te2 is the timing when the final unloading site is reached and the air conditioning switch 51s is switched off. After Te2, the air conditioner 10 does not perform air conditioning operation. Therefore, the inside temperature rises above the cooling start temperature and rises to a temperature close to the outside air temperature. After Te2, no temperature error notification is performed even if the inside temperature exceeds the upper limit.

[0091] According to the above-described embodiment, the notification control unit 75 issues a temperature error notification when the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range after the air conditioning operation is started and the inside temperature falls within the appropriate temperature range. In addition, the notification control unit 75 does not issue a temperature error notification from the start of the air conditioning operation until the inside temperature falls within the appropriate temperature range. In other words, before the completion of pre-cooling, even if the inside temperature exceeds the upper limit value, a temperature error notification is not issued. Therefore, a situation that the occupant has already recognized, that the inside temperature is higher than the upper limit value before the completion of pre-cooling, is not notified again by a temperature error notification. Therefore, in the temperature error notification, the proportion of error notifications due to reasons that the occupant has already recognized can be reduced, and the proportion of error notifications due to reasons that the occupant has not recognized, such as an operating error or a malfunction of the air conditioner 10, can be increased. In other words, in the temperature error notification, the proportion of error notifications that do not require an action by the occupant can be reduced, and the proportion of error notifications that require an action by the occupant can be increased. Thus, an air conditioning system 1 that can effectively notify errors can be provided.

[0092] The notification control unit 75 issues a temperature error notification when the temperature inside the storage compartment is outside the appropriate temperature range before the vehicle 2 arrives at the unloading site, and does not issue a temperature error notification after the vehicle 2 arrives at the unloading site. Therefore, a temperature error notification is not issued in a situation where it is not a problem if the temperature inside the storage compartment is higher than the upper limit value after arrival at the unloading site due to reasons such as the absence of objects to be cooled. Therefore, in temperature error notifications, the proportion of error notifications that do not require action by the occupant can be reduced, and the proportion of error notifications that require action by the occupant can be relatively increased. Thus, an air conditioning system 1 that can effectively notify errors can be provided.

[0093] The notification control unit 75 issues a temperature error notification when the vehicle 2 is moving and the temperature inside the compartment is outside the appropriate temperature range, and does not issue a temperature error notification while the vehicle 2 is stopped moving. Therefore, a situation that the occupant has already recognized, that the temperature inside the compartment is higher than the upper limit value, such as during unloading, is not notified again by a temperature error notification. Therefore, in the temperature error notification, the proportion of error notifications that do not require action by the occupant can be reduced, and the proportion of error notifications that do require action by the occupant can be increased. Therefore, an air conditioning system 1 that can effectively notify errors can be provided.

[0094] The notification control unit 75 uses the occupant notification device 45 to notify the occupant of a temperature error. Also, the notification step uses the occupant notification device 45 to notify the occupant of a temperature error. Therefore, the temperature error is notified to the occupant, and the occupant can be directly prompted to deal with the error. Therefore, when the temperature error is notified for a reason that the occupant can easily deal with, the error state can be quickly resolved. Possible reasons that the occupant can easily deal with include a mistake in operating the air conditioning switch 51s or forgetting to close the refrigerator door 3d.

[0095] The notification control unit 75 issues a pre-cooling error notification if the inside temperature does not fall within the appropriate temperature range within a predetermined time after the start of air conditioning operation. Also, in the notification step, a pre-cooling error notification is issued if the inside temperature does not fall within the appropriate temperature range within a predetermined time after the start of air conditioning operation. This allows the occupant to recognize an abnormality occurring during pre-cooling. In particular, if the setting is such that a temperature error notification is not issued during pre-cooling, a pre-cooling error notification is issued instead of a temperature error notification. This allows an abnormality that should be notified of as an error to be issued during pre-cooling without a temperature error notification to be issued.

[0096] After detecting that the refrigerator door 3d is open, the notification control unit 75 does not issue a temperature error notification until the temperature inside the refrigerator falls within the appropriate temperature range after detecting that the refrigerator door 3d is closed. In addition, after detecting that the refrigerator door 3d is open, the notification step does not issue a temperature error notification until the temperature inside the refrigerator falls within the appropriate temperature range after detecting that the refrigerator door 3d is closed. For this reason, a temperature error is not notified during unloading, which requires the refrigerator door 3d to be opened. In addition, a temperature error is notified when a temperature abnormality occurs after the completion of pre-cooling after the refrigerator door 3d is closed. Therefore, in the temperature error notification, the proportion of error notifications that do not require a response by the occupant can be reduced, and the proportion of error notifications that require a response by the occupant can be increased. Therefore, an air conditioning system 1 that can effectively notify an error can be provided. In particular, even after the refrigerator door 3d is closed, it takes time for the temperature inside the refrigerator to fall below the upper limit value. In this way, by not issuing a temperature error notification for a temperature abnormality that has already been dealt with by the occupant, the effectiveness of error notification for an abnormality of high importance can be relatively increased.

[0097] The air conditioning control method of the air conditioner 10 includes a notification step of issuing a temperature error notification when the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range after pre-cooling is completed, and not issuing a temperature error notification before pre-cooling is completed. The air conditioning control program for controlling the air conditioning of the air conditioner 10 includes a process of issuing a temperature error notification when the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range after pre-cooling is completed, and not issuing a temperature error notification before pre-cooling is completed. Therefore, a situation that the occupant has already recognized is not notified again by a temperature error notification. Therefore, in the temperature error notification, the proportion of error notifications due to reasons that the occupant has already recognized can be reduced, and the proportion of error notifications due to reasons that the occupant has not recognized can be increased. Thus, an air conditioning control method and an air conditioning control program that can effectively notify errors can be provided.

[0098] The air conditioning control method of the air conditioner 10 includes a notification step of issuing a temperature error notification before the vehicle 2 arrives at the unloading site and when the temperature inside the storage compartment is outside the appropriate temperature range, and not issuing a temperature error notification after the vehicle 2 arrives at the unloading site. The air conditioning control program for controlling the air conditioning of the air conditioner 10 includes a process of issuing a temperature error notification before the vehicle 2 arrives at the unloading site and when the temperature inside the storage compartment is outside the appropriate temperature range, and not issuing a temperature error notification after the vehicle 2 arrives at the unloading site. For this reason, a temperature error notification is not issued in a situation where there is no problem even if the temperature inside the storage compartment is higher than the upper limit value. Therefore, in the temperature error notification, the proportion of error notifications that do not require a response by the occupant can be reduced, and the proportion of error notifications that require a response by the occupant can be relatively increased. Therefore, an air conditioning control method and an air conditioning control program that can effectively notify errors can be provided.

[0099] The air conditioning control method of the air conditioner 10 includes a notification step of issuing a temperature error notification when the vehicle 2 is moving and the temperature inside the compartment is outside the appropriate temperature range, and not issuing a temperature error notification while the vehicle 2 is stopped. The air conditioning control program for controlling the air conditioning of the air conditioner 10 includes a process of issuing a temperature error notification when the vehicle 2 is moving and the temperature inside the compartment is outside the appropriate temperature range, and not issuing a temperature error notification while the vehicle 2 is stopped. Therefore, a situation that the occupant has already recognized is not notified again by a temperature error notification. Therefore, in the temperature error notification, the proportion of error notifications that do not require the occupant's action can be reduced, and the proportion of error notifications that require the occupant's action can be increased. Therefore, an air conditioning control method and an air conditioning control program that can effectively notify errors can be provided.

[0100] Second embodiment This embodiment is a modification of the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In this embodiment, when the timing for not issuing a temperature error notification is reached and the internal temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range, a preliminary error notification is issued.

[0101] An example of air conditioning control by the air conditioner 10 will be described below using a flowchart. In Fig. 8, when an occupant starts air conditioning operation by inputting information on the operation panel 51, an appropriate temperature range is set in step S101, and the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the pre-cooling start time is stored, and the process proceeds to step S104.

[0102] In step S104, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since the pre-cooling start time. If the predetermined time has passed since the pre-cooling start time, it is determined that the air conditioner 10 may not be functioning properly, and the process proceeds to step S105, where a pre-cooling error is issued. Then, the process proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not passed since the pre-cooling start time or if the pre-cooling start time has not been stored, it is determined that the air conditioner 10 is functioning properly, and the process proceeds to step S106, where the pre-cooling error notification is stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0103] In step S210, the normal cooling mode is executed. After the normal cooling mode is executed, the normal cooling mode state is maintained and the process proceeds to step S141. Details of the normal cooling mode are described below. In FIG. 9, when the normal cooling mode is started, the inside temperature is acquired in step S111 and the process proceeds to step S112. In step S112, it is determined whether the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range. If the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range, it is determined that pre-cooling is complete and the process proceeds to step S113, where the pre-cooling start time is deleted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range, it is determined that pre-cooling is in progress and the process proceeds to step S115.

[0104] In step S214, the preliminary error notification is stopped. A preliminary error notification is a timing when a temperature error notification is not made, and is an error notification made when the temperature inside the refrigerator is outside the appropriate temperature range. Details of the preliminary error notification will be explained later. If a preliminary error notification is being made, the preliminary error notification is stopped. On the other hand, if a preliminary error notification is not being made, the state in which no preliminary error notification is being made is maintained. After the preliminary error notification is stopped, proceed to step S115.

[0105] In step S115, it is determined whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature. If the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature, the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is lower than the cooling start temperature, the process proceeds to step S125.

[0106] In step S116, the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are driven, and the process proceeds to step S117. In step S117, it is determined whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit. If the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit, it is determined that an error notification, either a temperature error notification or a preliminary error notification, is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S118A. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is lower than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S139.

[0107] In step S118A, it is determined whether or not pre-cooling is in progress. Pre-cooling means that the pre-cooling start time is stored. If pre-cooling is in progress, a temperature error notification is not necessary, but it is determined that a preliminary error notification is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S229. On the other hand, if pre-cooling is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S118B.

[0108] In step S118B, it is determined whether the vehicle 2 is stopped. If the vehicle 2 is stopped, it is determined that a temperature error notification is not necessary, but a preliminary error notification is not necessary, and the process proceeds to step S229. On the other hand, if the vehicle 2 is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S119.

[0109] In step S125, it is determined whether the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature. If the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature, the process proceeds to step S126, where the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are stopped. Then, the process proceeds to step S127. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature, the process proceeds to step S136, where the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are maintained in their previous states. Then, the process proceeds to step S139.

[0110] In step S119, a temperature error is notified, the state of the compressor 11 and the state in which the temperature error is being notified are maintained, and the change in control in the normal cooling mode is terminated.

[0111] In step S229, a preliminary error notification is performed. The preliminary error notification is a timing when a temperature error notification is not performed, and is an error notification indicating that the inside temperature is not within the appropriate temperature range. The preliminary error notification includes a notification that the inside temperature is higher than the upper limit value. The preliminary error notification is an example of an error notification. Step S229 provides an example of a notification step.

[0112] An example of a case where a preliminary error is reported is a temperature abnormality that has already been recognized by the crew. More specifically, a temperature abnormality during pre-cooling before storing the objects to be cooled at the starting point of the low-temperature transport. Or, a temperature abnormality while the vehicle 2 is stopped and unloading work is being performed.

[0113] In the preliminary error notification, a warning message indicating that the current temperature inside the refrigerator is not within the appropriate temperature range is displayed on the display screen of the passenger notification device 45. The preliminary error notification is an error notification that is suppressed compared to the temperature error notification. More specifically, in the preliminary error notification, the size of the warning message displayed on the display screen is set smaller than that in the temperature error notification. This notifies the passenger that an error has occurred regarding the temperature of the refrigerator 3 in a more subdued manner than the temperature error notification. If the preliminary error notification is an unexpected error notification, the passenger can deal with the temperature abnormality by checking whether the refrigerator door 3d is closed or whether the power supply of the air conditioner 10 is on. After the preliminary error notification is performed, the state of the compressor 11 and the state in which the preliminary error notification is being performed are maintained, and the change in control in the normal cooling mode is completed.

[0114] The method of making the preliminary error notification a more subdued error notification than the temperature error notification is not limited to reducing the size of the display. For example, in the preliminary error notification, the volume of the warning sound emitted from the sound device of the occupant notification device 45 may be made smaller than that in the temperature error notification. Alternatively, in the preliminary error notification, the sound device of the occupant notification device 45 may not emit a sound. For example, in the temperature error notification, the display screen may be made to flash, and in the preliminary error notification, the display screen may not be made to flash. For example, the temperature error notification may be color-coded by turning on a red lamp and turning on a yellow lamp.

[0115] In step S139, the error notification is stopped, the state of the compressor 11 and the state in which the error notification is stopped are maintained, and the change in control in the normal cooling mode is completed.

[0116] In step S141 of Fig. 8, the current position of vehicle 2 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S142. In step S142, it is determined whether vehicle 2 has already arrived at the final unloading site. If vehicle 2 has arrived at the final unloading site, the process proceeds to step S143. On the other hand, if vehicle 2 has not arrived at the final unloading site, the process returns to step S104, and air conditioning operation continues until vehicle 2 arrives at the final unloading site.

[0117] In step S143, the air conditioning operation by the air conditioner 10 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S251.

[0118] In step S251, the inside temperature is acquired. Since the air conditioning operation has been stopped, the inside temperature is gradually approaching the outside air temperature, and is measured. After acquiring the inside temperature, the process proceeds to step S252.

[0119] In step S252, it is determined whether the internal temperature is within the appropriate temperature range. If the internal temperature is within the appropriate temperature range, the process proceeds to step S253. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range, the process proceeds to step S254.

[0120] In step S253, the preliminary error notification is stopped. If a preliminary error notification is being made, the preliminary error notification is stopped. On the other hand, if a preliminary error notification is not being made, the state in which preliminary error notification is not made is maintained. After the preliminary error notification is stopped, the process proceeds to step S261.

[0121] In step S254, a preliminary error notification is performed. The preliminary error notification notifies the occupant that the temperature inside the compartment is not within the appropriate temperature range even after the vehicle has arrived at the final unloading location and the air conditioning operation has been stopped. After the preliminary error notification is performed, the process proceeds to step S261. Step S254 provides an example of a notification step.

[0122] In step S261, it is determined whether or not there is an air conditioning management request. An air conditioning management request is a request to check whether the inside temperature is within an appropriate temperature range and manage it, regardless of whether the power of the air conditioner 10 is on or off. For example, if it is desired to always check and record the inside temperature regardless of the presence or absence of an object to be cooled, there will always be an air conditioning management request. If there is an air conditioning management request, the process returns to step S251 and the latest inside temperature is obtained. On the other hand, if there is no air conditioning management request, the process proceeds to step S269.

[0123] In step S269, the error notification is stopped. If a temperature error notification is being made, the temperature error notification is stopped. On the other hand, if a temperature error notification is not being made, the state in which no temperature error notification is being made is maintained. After the error notification is stopped, the series of air conditioning controls using the air conditioner 10 is ended.

[0124] An example of air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 including a temperature error notification will be described below using a graph. In Fig. 10, the horizontal axis indicates time and the vertical axis indicates temperature. The graph shows an example in which the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 is 5°C and the outside air temperature is about 20°C.

[0125] Tc0 is the timing when low-temperature transportation begins, or when the refrigerator door 3d, which was opened to unload cargo while air conditioning is running, is closed. Ts is the timing when the temperature inside the refrigerator first falls within the appropriate temperature range after the start of normal cooling mode. The period from Tc0 to Ts is the pre-cooling period. Therefore, no temperature error notification is issued, but a preliminary error notification is issued. Between Ts and Te1, the temperature inside the refrigerator fluctuates within the temperature range from the cooling start temperature to the cooling end temperature.

[0126] Te1 is the timing when the air conditioning switch 51s is turned off due to an operational error by the occupant. Therefore, between Te1 and Tc4, the air conditioning operation does not start even when the cooling start temperature is exceeded, and the inside temperature continues to rise. As a result of the continued rise in the inside temperature, the inside temperature exceeds the upper limit value, and a temperature error notification is started. Upon receiving this temperature error notification, the occupant switches the air conditioning switch 51s on, and the air conditioning operation resumes at Tc4.

[0127] Between Tc4 and Te2, the normal cooling mode is executed. The temperature error notification is maintained from immediately after the air conditioning operation is restarted at Tc4 until the temperature inside the cabinet falls below the upper limit. After that, the temperature inside the cabinet remains within the appropriate temperature range, and the temperature error notification stops. Te2 is the timing when the cabinet arrives at the final unloading site and the air conditioning switch 51s is switched off.

[0128] After Te2, the air conditioner 10 does not perform air conditioning operation, so the temperature inside the cabinet rises above the cooling start temperature and reaches a temperature close to the outside air temperature. After Te2, even if the temperature inside the cabinet exceeds the upper limit, no temperature error notification is issued, but a preliminary error notification is issued. The preliminary error notification is maintained until the temperature inside the cabinet falls within the appropriate temperature range or the air conditioning management request is no longer required. However, the preliminary error notification may be forcibly stopped by operating the operation panel 51.

[0129] According to the above-described embodiment, the notification control unit 75 issues a preliminary error notification when the temperature error notification is not issued and the temperature inside the container is outside the appropriate temperature range. Also, the notification step issues a preliminary error notification when the temperature error notification is not issued and the temperature inside the container is outside the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, it is possible to notify the occupant of an error by using two error notifications, the temperature error notification and the preliminary error notification, separately. In particular, it is possible to use different error notifications according to the importance of the abnormality, such as by using a temperature error notification for an abnormality with a high degree of importance and a preliminary error notification for an abnormality with a low degree of importance. Therefore, the occupant can easily recognize what kind of abnormality has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to effectively motivate the occupant to deal with the abnormality.

[0130] When performing a preliminary error notification, the notification control unit 75 performs a more suppressed error notification than when performing a temperature error notification. Furthermore, when performing a preliminary error notification, the notification step performs a more suppressed error notification than when performing a temperature error notification. Therefore, in the error notification, the temperature error notification is notified to the occupant relatively more strongly than the preliminary error notification. Therefore, it is easy for the occupant who receives the error notification to determine whether the temperature abnormality requires immediate action or does not require immediate action.

[0131] Third embodiment This embodiment is a modification of the preceding embodiment as a basic form. In this embodiment, an air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning communication device 360 ​​and a server 380. The air conditioning system 1 communicates with an external server 380 using the air conditioning communication device 360 ​​mounted on a vehicle 2. Error notification in air conditioning control is performed using this communication.

[0132] 11, the vehicle 2 is provided with an operation panel 51 having an air conditioning switch 51s, an inside temperature sensor 52, and an outside air temperature sensor 53. The vehicle 2 is provided with a position detector 54, a speed detector 57, a door open / close sensor 55, and a key switch 56. The vehicle 2 is provided with a compressor 11, a power supply control unit 41, a condenser fan 12f, an evaporator fan 15f, and a hot gas valve 22.

[0133] The vehicle 2 is provided with a control unit 70 and an air-conditioning communication device 360. The air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​is a device for communicating information related to the air-conditioning operation of the air-conditioning device 10 with a server 380 provided outside the vehicle 2. The air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​includes a transmission unit 361 and a reception unit 362. The transmission unit 361 has a function of transmitting information related to the air-conditioning operation acquired from the control unit 70, and information on the states of the position detection device 54, the speed detection device 57, the door opening / closing sensor 55, and the key switch 56 to the server 380 at regular intervals. The transmission interval of the transmission unit 361 is, for example, 30 seconds. The reception unit 362 has a function of receiving information related to the air-conditioning operation from the server 380 at regular intervals. More specifically, the reception unit 362 checks whether or not there is a signal in the server 380, and if there is a signal, transmits the received signal to the control unit 70. The signal is, for example, a signal to turn off the power of the air-conditioning device 10. The reception interval of the receiving unit 362 is, for example, 30 seconds.

[0134] The air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​repeatedly communicates with the server 380 at predetermined time intervals to acquire signals related to air-conditioning operation, regardless of the presence or absence of a signal to be received. The control unit 70 is connected to the air-conditioning communication device 360. The control unit 70 controls the air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​to communicate with the outside. The air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​is an on-board device mounted in the vehicle 2.

[0135] The air conditioning system 1 includes a server 380 and an administrator terminal 390 provided outside the vehicle 2. The server 380 constitutes part of the control unit 70. The server 380 is connected to a public communication network. The server 380 acquires information transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 ​​via the public communication network. The server 380 also transmits information to the air conditioning communication device 360 ​​via the public communication network.

[0136] The server 380 is mainly composed of a microcomputer equipped with, for example, a processor, memory, I / O, and a bus connecting these. The server 380 executes various processes by executing a control program stored in the memory. The memory referred to here is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores computer-readable programs and data. The non-transitory tangible storage medium is realized by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

[0137] The server 380 may be a single server device or may be a plurality of server devices. The server 380 may be a server device arranged on a cloud.

[0138] The server 380 includes a setting unit 382, ​​a determination unit 383, and a notification control unit 385. The setting unit 382 receives an instruction from a WEB browser 391 in the manager terminal 390 and sets various conditions related to error notification. The determination unit 383 determines whether or not to perform an error notification. In other words, the determination unit 383 determines whether or not the conditions set by the setting unit 382 are satisfied based on the information of the vehicle 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 71. The notification control unit 385 controls the error notification based on the determination result determined by the determination unit 383. The notification control unit 385 outputs a signal for an error notification to be performed to the manager in response to an inquiry from the manager terminal 390. The manager terminal 390 provides an example of a notification device.

[0139] The manager terminal 390 is connected to the server 380. The manager terminal 390 displays information related to air conditioning operation obtained from the server 380. The manager terminal 390 displays information related to error notification determined by the server 380. The manager terminal 390 is equipped with a web browser 391. The web browser 391 functions as a display screen that displays the air conditioning operation status and information related to error notification to the manager.

[0140] The manager terminal 390 updates the error notification conditions in the setting unit 382 of the server 380. For example, it changes the appropriate temperature range. For example, it changes the conditions for determining whether the vehicle is pre-cooling or stopped. If the determination of whether the vehicle is stopped is based on the vehicle speed, it can be changed to determine whether the shift lever is in park rather than the vehicle speed. The WEB browser 391 functions as an operation screen that allows the manager to update the conditions related to error notification.

[0141] The control of the air conditioner 10 mounted on the vehicle 2 will be described below. In Fig. 12, when air conditioning operation is started, the normal cooling mode is executed in step S310. After the normal cooling mode is executed, the normal cooling mode state is maintained and the process proceeds to step S342. The details of the normal cooling mode will be described below. In Fig. 13, when the normal cooling mode is started, the inside temperature is obtained in step S311 and the process proceeds to step S315.

[0142] In step S315, it is determined whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature. If the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling start temperature, the process proceeds to step S316. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is lower than the cooling start temperature, the process proceeds to step S325.

[0143] In step S316, the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are driven, and the change in control in the normal cooling mode is completed.

[0144] In step S325, it is determined whether the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature. If the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature, it is determined that there is no need to perform air conditioning to cool the refrigerator 3, and the process proceeds to step S326. On the other hand, if the internal temperature is below the cooling end temperature, it is determined that the current state should be maintained, and the process proceeds to step S336.

[0145] In step S326, the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are stopped, and the change in control in the normal cooling mode is completed.

[0146] In step S336, the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are maintained in their previous states, and the change in control in the normal cooling mode is terminated.

[0147] In step S342 in Fig. 12, it is determined whether the air conditioning switch 51s is on or off. If the air conditioning switch 51s is off, the process proceeds to step S343. On the other hand, if the air conditioning switch 51s is on, the process returns to step S310 and the normal cooling mode is maintained until the air conditioning switch 51s is turned off. Here, the air conditioning switch 51s can be switched on and off not only by the operation of the occupant, but also by a signal output from the server 380.

[0148] In step S343, the air conditioning operation is stopped. More specifically, the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f are stopped from being driven. After the air conditioning operation is stopped, the air conditioning control in the air conditioner 10 is terminated.

[0149] The control of the air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​mounted on the vehicle 2 will be described below. In Fig. 14, when air-conditioning operation is started, in step S355 it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the previous information transmission. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 30 seconds. The air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​also records the time of communication each time it performs communication. If the predetermined time has passed since the previous information transmission, it is determined that new information should be transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S356. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not passed since the previous information transmission, it is determined that new information transmission is not necessary, and the process waits without transmitting any information until the predetermined time has passed.

[0150] In step S356, information is acquired from the control unit 70. The information acquired from the control unit 70 includes, for example, the internal temperature, the outside temperature, the set temperature, and the operating state of the air conditioner 10. Here, the operating state of the air conditioner 10 includes, for example, normal operation and defrosting operation. However, the information acquired from the control unit 70 is not limited to the above-mentioned information. After acquiring the information from the control unit 70, the process proceeds to step S357.

[0151] In step S357, information is obtained from the detection devices, namely, the position detection device 54 and the speed detection device 57. The information obtained from the position detection device 54 includes information indicating the current position, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude. The information obtained from the speed detection device 57 includes information on the vehicle speed. However, the information obtained from the control unit 70 is not limited to the above information. For example, information on the current range of the vehicle 2 may be obtained from the shift lever. After obtaining the information from the detection devices, the process proceeds to step S358.

[0152] In step S358, information is transmitted to server 380. The information transmitted to server 380 includes information obtained from control unit 70, such as the inside temperature, and information obtained from the detection device, such as the current position. In addition to transmitting information to server 380, the air conditioning communication device 360 ​​also obtains a signal to be transmitted to vehicle 2, which is stored in server 380. When the air conditioning communication device 360 ​​obtains a signal from server 380, it sends the obtained signal to control unit 70. After transmitting the information to server 380, the process proceeds to step S361.

[0153] In step S361, it is determined whether or not there is an air conditioning management request. If there is an air conditioning management request, the process returns to step S355 and repeats the series of communications. If there is no air conditioning management request, communication using the air conditioning communication device 360 ​​ends. However, information such as the temperature inside the vehicle 2 is essential for control related to error notification. For this reason, the state in which there is an air conditioning management request is basically maintained.

[0154] As described above, the vehicle 2 performs air conditioning control other than error notification and does not perform control related to error notification. Therefore, the devices on the vehicle 2 side, such as the air conditioner 10 and the air conditioner communication device 360, do not need to perform complex arithmetic processing related to error notification.

[0155] The control of the server 380 provided outside the vehicle 2 with respect to error notification will be described below. In Fig. 15, when air conditioning operation is performed as the air conditioning system 1, the server 380 is in a state in which it can receive a signal that is information transmitted from the vehicle 2 side. In this state, the server 380 receives a signal transmitted from the vehicle 2 side, and a control flow for error notification on the server 380 side is started. For example, if the air conditioning communication device 360 ​​transmits data every 30 seconds, the server 380 will receive the data every 30 seconds. In this case, on the server 380 side, a control flow to be described later will be repeatedly executed based on the latest data every 30 seconds.

[0156] 15, when the server 380 receives a signal transmitted from the air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​and starts control related to error notification, the received data is stored in step S371. The stored received data includes information such as the current position of the vehicle 2 acquired by the air-conditioning communication device 360 ​​from the control unit 70. The stored received data includes information such as the vehicle speed of the vehicle 2 acquired from the detection device. After storing the received data, the process proceeds to step S372. Step S371 provides an example of a temperature acquisition step.

[0157] In step S372, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed since the previous data reception time. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 10 minutes. The predetermined time is not limited to the above-mentioned value as long as it is sufficiently longer than the transmission interval of the air-conditioning communication device 360. If the predetermined time has passed since the previous data reception time, it is assumed that this is the timing when air-conditioning operation for low-temperature transportation has started, and the process proceeds to step S373. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not passed since the previous data reception time, it is assumed that air-conditioning operation is continuing, and the process proceeds to step S374.

[0158] The reason why it is possible to consider that the timing for starting air conditioning operation for low-temperature transportation is when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous data reception time will be described below. While air conditioning operation is being performed, data is transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 ​​at short transmission intervals, for example, every 30 seconds. Therefore, data is also received at short reception intervals, for example, every 30 seconds, on the server 380 side. Therefore, if no data is received for a predetermined time that is set to a time sufficiently longer than the transmission interval of the air conditioning communication device 360, it can be considered that air conditioning operation has not been performed for a while. In other words, the timing when data is received for the first time in a long time can be considered as the timing for starting air conditioning operation for low-temperature transportation.

[0159] In step S373, the current time is obtained from the built-in clock of server 380, and the obtained current time is regarded as the pre-cooling start time and stored. By storing the pre-cooling start time, the state becomes pre-cooling. After storing the pre-cooling start time, the process proceeds to step S374.

[0160] In step S374, the data reception time is stored. After the data reception time is stored, the process proceeds to step S375.

[0161] In step S375, the setting data is read. The setting data is data used to determine whether or not to perform an error notification. The setting data is data set by the administrator operating the administrator terminal 390. The setting data includes information on an appropriate temperature range. The information on the appropriate temperature range is, for example, information on the upper and lower limits of the appropriate temperature range. The setting data includes information for determining whether or not pre-cooling is in progress. The information for determining whether or not pre-cooling is in progress is, for example, information on the elapsed time since the previous data reception time. The setting data includes information for determining whether or not the vehicle is stopped. The information for determining whether or not the vehicle is stopped is, for example, information indicating a condition such as assuming that the vehicle is stopped when the speed is 5 km / h or less. The setting data includes information on the final unloading location. After reading the setting data, the process proceeds to step S376. Step S375 provides an example of a temperature setting step.

[0162] In step S376, it is determined whether the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range. The latest inside temperature from among the stored received data is used for the determination. If the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range, it is determined that no temperature abnormality that should be notified has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S377. On the other hand, if the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range, it is determined that further determination is required as to whether or not a temperature abnormality should be notified, and the process proceeds to step S398A. Step S376 provides an example of a temperature determination step.

[0163] In step S377, the pre-cooling start time is deleted. This means that the pre-cooling start time is not stored, that is, the pre-cooling is not in progress. If a pre-cooling error is being notified, the pre-cooling error notification is stopped. After deleting the pre-cooling start time, the process proceeds to step S379.

[0164] In step S398A, it is determined whether pre-cooling is in progress. Whether pre-cooling is in progress can be determined by whether the pre-cooling start time is stored. If pre-cooling is in progress, it is determined that there is no need to notify an error, and the process proceeds to step S379. On the other hand, if pre-cooling is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S398B. Step S398A provides an example of a pre-cooling determination step.

[0165] In step S398B, it is determined whether the vehicle 2 is stopped. In other words, it is determined whether the vehicle 2 is moving. Whether the vehicle 2 is stopped can be determined from the information on the speed of the vehicle 2 included in the received data. If the vehicle 2 is stopped, it is determined that there is no need to notify an error, and the process proceeds to step S379. On the other hand, if the vehicle 2 is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S398C. Step S398B provides an example of a movement determination step.

[0166] In step S398C, it is determined whether or not vehicle 2 has arrived at the final unloading site. Whether or not vehicle 2 has arrived at the final unloading site can be determined from the current position information of vehicle 2 contained in the received data. If vehicle 2 has arrived at the final unloading site, it is determined that there is no need to notify an error, and the process proceeds to step S379. On the other hand, if vehicle 2 has not arrived at the final unloading site, the process proceeds to step S399. Step S398C provides an example of a position determination step.

[0167] In step S399, a temperature error is notified. In the temperature error notification, a warning message indicating that the current inside temperature is not within the appropriate temperature range is displayed on the WEB browser 391, which is the display screen of the manager terminal 390. Furthermore, a warning sound is generated from the sound generating device of the manager terminal 390. This notifies the manager that an error has occurred regarding the temperature of the refrigerator 3. Upon receiving the temperature error notification, the manager can deal with the temperature abnormality by instructing the occupant of the vehicle 2 to check whether the refrigerator door 3d is closed or whether the power of the air conditioner 10 is on. After the temperature error notification is made, the state in which the temperature error notification is being made is maintained and the control of the server 380 is terminated. Step S399 provides an example of a notification step.

[0168] In step S379, the temperature error notification is stopped. After the temperature error notification is stopped, the temperature error notification is maintained in the stopped state, and the control of the server 380 is terminated. However, every time a signal transmitted from the vehicle 2 side is received, a series of control flows are repeated. Therefore, the error notification displayed on the web browser 391 is periodically updated to the latest state. After the temperature error notification is stopped, the temperature error notification is maintained in the stopped state, and the control of the server 380 is terminated. Step S379 provides an example of a notification step.

[0169] The system may be configured so that the error notification can be suppressed or forcibly stopped by the administrator operating the administrator terminal 390. This can prevent the error notification from being maintained until the internal temperature actually falls within the appropriate temperature range after the administrator has instructed the occupants to take measures to resolve the abnormality.

[0170] According to the embodiment described above, the notification control unit 385 uses the manager terminal 390 to notify the temperature error. Also, in the notification step, the temperature error is notified using the manager terminal 390. Therefore, the temperature error can be notified to the manager. Therefore, by having a manager other than the passengers manage the temperature inside the storage facility, the burden on the passengers during low-temperature transportation can be reduced. This allows the passengers to concentrate on driving, and the safety of vehicle operation can be improved. Also, when low-temperature transportation is performed using multiple vehicles 2, the manager can easily check whether the temperature inside the storage facility is appropriate.

[0171] Setting data related to error notification can be updated using the administrator terminal 390. Therefore, it is not necessary to update information such as the appropriate temperature range and the final unloading location by operating the operation panel 51 for each vehicle 2. This reduces operational errors when updating data, making it easier to accurately manage the check of the inside temperatures of multiple vehicles 2.

[0172] The server 380 includes a setting unit 382, ​​a determination unit 383, and a notification control unit 385. Therefore, the server 380 can determine whether or not to issue an error notification and control the error notification. Therefore, a function for determining whether or not to issue an error notification can be provided outside the vehicle 2. Therefore, the server 380 can quickly determine whether or not to issue an error notification and appropriately control the error notification. In particular, by quickly performing a series of complex arithmetic processing related to the error notification, it is possible to determine at short intervals whether or not an error notification is necessary. Therefore, when a temperature abnormality occurs, an error notification can be quickly issued, and an occupant or a manager can quickly deal with the temperature abnormality.

[0173] Fourth embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In this embodiment, when the internal temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range at the timing when the temperature error notification is not performed, the notification control unit 385 performs a preliminary error notification.

[0174] The overall configuration of the air conditioning system 1 may be the same as that described in the third embodiment. The control on the vehicle 2 side may be the same as that described in the third embodiment.

[0175] The control of the server 380 with regard to the error notification will be described below, focusing on the parts that differ from the third embodiment. In Fig. 16, if it is determined in step S398A that the vehicle is in pre-cooling mode, the process proceeds to step S489 rather than step S379, and a preliminary error notification is issued. If it is determined in step S398B that the vehicle is stopped, the process proceeds to step S489 rather than step S379, and a preliminary error notification is issued. If it is determined in step S398C that the vehicle has already arrived at the final unloading location, the process proceeds to step S489 rather than step S379, and a preliminary error notification is issued.

[0176] In step S489, a preliminary error notification is performed. In the preliminary error notification, a warning message indicating that the current temperature inside the refrigerator is not within the appropriate temperature range is displayed on the WEB browser 391 of the manager terminal 390. As with the temperature error notification and preliminary error notification using the passenger notification device 45, the preliminary error notification is an error notification that is suppressed compared to the temperature error notification. More specifically, in the preliminary error notification, the size of the warning message displayed on the WEB browser 391 is set smaller than that in the case of the temperature error notification. This notifies the manager that an error has occurred regarding the temperature of the refrigerator 3 in a more modest manner than the temperature error notification. If the preliminary error notification is an unexpected error notification, the manager can deal with the temperature abnormality by instructing the passenger to check whether the refrigerator door 3d is closed or not. After the preliminary error notification is performed, the state in which the preliminary error notification is being performed is maintained and the control on the server 380 side is terminated. Step S489 provides an example of a notification step.

[0177] The method of making the preliminary error notification a more subdued error notification than the temperature error notification is not limited to making the display size smaller. For example, in the preliminary error notification, the volume of the warning sound emitted from the sound device of the manager terminal 390 may be made smaller than that in the temperature error notification. Alternatively, in the preliminary error notification, the sound device of the manager terminal 390 may not emit a sound.

[0178] According to the above-described embodiment, the notification control unit 385 issues a preliminary error notification when the temperature error notification is not issued and the temperature inside the compartment is outside the appropriate temperature range. Therefore, the error notification can be issued to the manager by using two types of error notification, the temperature error notification and the preliminary error notification, separately. In particular, by using a temperature error notification for an abnormality with a high degree of importance and a preliminary error notification for an abnormality with a low degree of importance, the manager can easily recognize what kind of abnormality has occurred. Therefore, the manager can effectively motivate the occupants to deal with the abnormality by issuing instructions.

[0179] When performing a preliminary error notification, the notification control unit 385 performs a more suppressed error notification than when performing a temperature error notification. Therefore, in the error notification, the temperature error notification is notified to the administrator relatively more strongly than the preliminary error notification. Therefore, it is easy for the administrator who receives the error notification to determine whether the temperature abnormality requires immediate action or does not require immediate action.

[0180] Fifth embodiment This embodiment is a modification of the preceding embodiment, in which a notification control unit 385 issues a pre-cooling error notification.

[0181] The overall configuration of the air conditioning system 1 may be the same as that described in the third embodiment. The control performed on the vehicle 2 side may be the same as that described in the third embodiment.

[0182] The control of the server 380 with regard to the notification of an error will be described below, focusing on the parts that are different from the third embodiment. In Fig. 17, if it is determined in step S398A that pre-cooling is in progress, the process proceeds to step S588 instead of step S379.

[0183] In step S588, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the pre-cooling start time. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 30 minutes. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the pre-cooling start time, it is determined that the air conditioner 10 may not be functioning properly, and the process proceeds to step S589. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the pre-cooling start time, it is determined that the air conditioner 10 is functioning properly, and the process proceeds to step S379.

[0184] In step S589, a pre-cooling error is notified. In the pre-cooling error notification, a warning message indicating that pre-cooling has not been completed within a predetermined time is displayed on the WEB browser 391 of the manager terminal 390. In addition, a warning sound is generated from the sound generating device of the manager terminal 390. This notifies the manager that an error has occurred and the contents of the error that has occurred. Upon receiving the pre-cooling error notification, the manager can deal with the temperature abnormality by instructing the passenger to check whether the refrigerator door 3d is closed or not. After the pre-cooling error notification is made, the state in which the pre-cooling error notification is being made is maintained and the control on the server 380 side is terminated. Step S589 provides an example of a notification step.

[0185] According to the embodiment described above, the notification control unit 385 issues a pre-cooling error notification if the inside temperature does not fall within the appropriate temperature range within a predetermined time after the start of pre-cooling. This allows the manager to recognize any abnormalities occurring during pre-cooling. In particular, if the setting is such that a temperature error notification is not issued to the manager during pre-cooling, a pre-cooling error notification is issued instead of a temperature error notification. This allows the manager to be notified of any abnormalities that should be notified by an error notification by the pre-cooling error notification even during pre-cooling when a temperature error notification is not issued.

[0186] Other embodiments The error notification may be performed using both the occupant notification device 45 and the manager terminal 390. This allows the error notification to be sent to both the occupant and the manager. Therefore, even if one of them does not notice the error notification, the other can recognize that an abnormality has occurred and take action.

[0187] The disclosure in this specification and drawings, etc. is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure includes the exemplified embodiments and modifications by those skilled in the art based thereon. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combination of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented by various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure includes the omission of parts and / or elements of the embodiments. The disclosure includes the substitution or combination of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. Some disclosed technical scopes are indicated by the description of the claims, and should be interpreted as including all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the description of the claims.

[0188] The disclosure in the specification and drawings is not limited by the claims. The disclosure in the specification and drawings includes the technical ideas described in the claims, and extends to more diverse and broader technical ideas than the technical ideas described in the claims. Therefore, various technical ideas can be extracted from the disclosure in the specification and drawings without being bound by the claims.

[0189] The control unit and the method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a special-purpose computer having a processor programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the device and the method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware logic circuit. Alternatively, the device and the method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured by a combination of a processor that executes a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. Also, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions executed by the computer.

Claims

1. An air conditioning device (10) mounted on a moving body (2) having a refrigerator (3); An internal temperature sensor (52) for measuring an internal temperature, which is the temperature inside the refrigerator; A position detection device (54) for detecting the current position of the moving object; An alarm device (45, 390) for notifying an error in the air conditioning device; A control unit (70) that controls air conditioning operation, The control unit is An acquisition unit (71) that acquires the inside temperature; A setting unit (72, 382) that sets an appropriate temperature range in the cooler; A determination unit (73, 383) for determining whether the internal temperature is within the appropriate temperature range; A notification control unit (75, 385) for controlling an error notification using the notification device; a door opening / closing sensor (55) for detecting opening / closing of a refrigerator door (3d) which is a door of the refrigerator; The notification control unit is Before the moving body arrives at a loading site, if the determination unit determines that the temperature inside the storage unit is outside the appropriate temperature range, a temperature error is notified. After the moving body arrives at the unloading site, the temperature error notification is not performed, After detecting that the refrigerator door is open, the air conditioning system does not issue the temperature error notification until the temperature inside the refrigerator falls within the appropriate temperature range after detecting that the refrigerator door is closed.

2. A server (380) constituting a part of the control unit and having the setting unit, the determination unit, and the notification control unit; An air conditioning communication device (360) that is mounted on the moving body and communicates with the server, The notification device includes an administrator terminal (390) that is provided outside the moving body and that notifies an error to an administrator who manages the status of the moving body from outside the moving body; The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification control unit performs the temperature error notification using the manager terminal.

3. The notification device includes an occupant notification device (45) mounted on the moving body and notifying an occupant of the moving body of an error, 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the notification control unit performs the temperature error notification using the passenger notification device.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification control unit issues a pre-cooling error notification when the inside temperature does not fall within the appropriate temperature range within a predetermined time after starting an air conditioning operation.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification control unit issues a preliminary error notification when the temperature inside the storage compartment is outside the appropriate temperature range at a timing when the temperature error notification is not issued.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5 , wherein the notification control unit, when making the preliminary error notification, makes a more restrained error notification than when making the temperature error notification.

7. An air conditioning control method for an air conditioning device (10) that conditions the inside of a cool storage (3) provided in a moving body (2), comprising: A temperature acquisition step (S111, S371) executed by a processor to acquire an inside temperature, which is the temperature inside the refrigerator; A temperature setting step (S101, S375) executed by a processor to set an appropriate temperature range in the cooler; A temperature determination step (S117, S376) executed by a processor to determine whether the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range; A position determination step (S142, S398C) executed by a processor to determine whether the moving body has arrived at a loading site; a notification step (S105, S119, S169, S254, S379, S399, S489, S589) executed by a processor to control an error notification using a notification device (45, 390); The air conditioning control method includes a step of issuing a temperature error notification before the moving body arrives at the unloading site and if the temperature determination step determines that the temperature inside the storage unit is outside the appropriate temperature range, and not issuing the temperature error notification after the moving body arrives at the unloading site, and not issuing the temperature error notification after it is detected that a refrigerator door (3d), which is the door to the refrigerator, has been opened until the temperature inside the storage unit falls within the appropriate temperature range after it is detected that the refrigerator door has been closed.

8. The temperature setting step includes setting the appropriate temperature range in a server (380) that is responsible for part of the air conditioning control, The temperature determination step includes determining, in the server, whether or not the inside temperature acquired in the temperature acquisition step is within the appropriate temperature range set in the temperature setting step; 8. The air conditioning control method according to claim 7, wherein the notification step notifies the temperature error using an administrator terminal (390) that notifies an error to an administrator who manages the status of the moving body from outside the moving body.

9. 9. The air-conditioning control method according to claim 7, wherein the notifying step notifies the temperature error by using an occupant notifying device (45) for notifying an error to an occupant of the moving body.

10. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the informing step performs a pre-cooling error notification when the inside temperature does not fall within the appropriate temperature range within a predetermined time after starting the air conditioning operation.

11. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the notification step is a timing at which the temperature error notification is not performed, and when the inside temperature is outside the appropriate temperature range, a preliminary error notification is performed.

12. The air conditioning control method according to claim 11 , wherein in the notifying step, when the preliminary error notification is made, a more restrained error notification is made than when the temperature error notification is made.

13. An air conditioning control program for controlling air conditioning of an air conditioner (10) that conditions the inside of a cooler (3) installed in a mobile object (2), comprising: A process of acquiring an inside temperature, which is a temperature inside the refrigerator, which is a process executed by a processor; A process for causing a processor to execute a process for setting an appropriate temperature range for the cooler; A process to be executed by a processor to determine whether the inside temperature is within the appropriate temperature range; A process to be executed by a processor to determine whether or not the moving object has arrived at an unloading site; An air conditioning control program including a process to be executed by a processor and a process for controlling error notification using an alarm device (45, 390), the process including: a process for issuing a temperature error notification before the moving body arrives at an unloading site and when it is determined that the temperature inside the storage unit is outside the appropriate temperature range, and a process for not issuing the temperature error notification after the moving body arrives at the unloading site; and a process for not issuing the temperature error notification after it is detected that a refrigerator door (3d), which is the door of the refrigerator, has been opened, until the temperature inside the storage unit falls within the appropriate temperature range after it is detected that the refrigerator door has been closed.

Images