Vehicle air conditioning device

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner for a vehicle capable of suppressing spread of infectious diseases through the vehicle.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 10 for a vehicle is equipped with a switching damper 11, a blower 12, a cooler 13, a heater 14, and a sterilizing heater 15. The switching damper 11 is configured to take in air in a vehicle inside 16 in an inside air circulation mode and to take in air in a vehicle outside 17 in an outside air introduction mode. The blower 12 blows air introduced by the switching damper 11. The cooler 13 cools the air blown by the blower 12. The heater 14 heats the air blown by the blower 12. The sterilizing heater 15 heats the air blown by the blower 12 to a temperature at which viruses contained in the air are sterilized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner, and particularly to a vehicle air conditioner capable of sterilizing the air in a vehicle interior.

Background Art

[0002] With the recent aggravation of the novel coronavirus infection and the like, the awareness of users who use vehicles regarding hygiene has been increasing.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a heating and cooling air conditioning unit provided with an ion generator. In this heating and cooling air conditioning unit, during heating, air is heated by a heater core, and during cooling, heat is absorbed by an indoor heat exchanger. The cold air and the hot air become air at the target temperature and are blown out through a duct. An ion generator is arranged in the duct, and the ion generator operates during pre-air conditioning to perform sterilization or deodorization. By doing so, since the sterilization or deodorization in the vehicle interior is completed, the comfort can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the invention for sterilizing the vehicle interior described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of effectively sterilizing the viruses existing in the vehicle interior.

[0006] Specifically, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, only the air inside the vehicle is sterilized by an ion generator. Therefore, if the sterilization by the ion generator is insufficient, viruses will remain in the air inside the vehicle. If the remaining viruses cause serious effects such as, for example, COVID-19, there is a risk that the infection will spread through the air in the vehicle interior and the like.

[0007] In addition, in the case of rental cars or carsharing, a plurality of users use a single vehicle. In such a case, the risk of the spread of infectious diseases through the vehicle is even greater.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioner that can effectively suppress the spread of infectious diseases through a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The vehicle air conditioner of the present invention includes a switching damper, a blower, a cooler, a heater, and a sterilization heater, An arithmetic control unit, and is configured such that the switching damper takes in the air inside the vehicle interior in the recirculation mode and takes in the air outside the vehicle in the outside air introduction mode. The blower blows the air introduced by the switching damper. The cooler cools the air blown by the blower. The heater heats the air blown by the blower. The sterilization heater heats the air blown by the blower to a temperature at which the viruses contained in the air are sterilized. is configured such that the arithmetic control unit discharges the air in the vehicle interior to the outside by executing the outside air introduction mode, and after the outside air introduction mode ends, executes the internal air circulation mode while heating the air with the sterilization heater. It is characterized by the above.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the vehicle air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization heater heats the air blown by the blower to a temperature at which the viruses contained in the air are sterilized, thereby sterilizing the viruses that cause infectious diseases such as COVID-19, and preventing the passengers boarding the vehicle from suffering from infectious diseases.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the vehicle air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same members are basically denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle 30 equipped with a vehicle air conditioner 10. Here, in the air flow inside the vehicle air conditioner 10, the upstream side is referred to as the front, and the downstream side is referred to as the bottom.

[0014] The vehicle air conditioner 10 is a device for controlling the temperature of the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30, that is, for heating, cooling, and ventilation. The vehicle air conditioner 10 is also referred to as an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. Further, in the present embodiment, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sterilizes viruses that cause novel coronavirus infection and the like existing in the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30. Specifically, the vehicle air conditioner 10 includes a switching damper 11, a blower 12, a cooler 13, a heater 14, and a sterilization heater 15. These various component devices are housed inside the housing 25.

[0015] The housing 25 is made of a synthetic resin plate or the like formed in a substantially box shape. Openings 26 to 34 are formed in the housing 25 for air intake and exhaust. The opening 26 communicates with the outside of the vehicle 17 via a duct (not shown here). The opening 27 communicates with the passenger compartment 16 via a duct (not shown here). Also, the openings 28, 29, and 34 communicate with the passenger compartment 16 via a duct (not shown here).

[0016] The switching damper 11 is configured to take in the air in the passenger compartment 16 in the recirculation mode and take in the air outside the vehicle 17 in the outside air introduction mode. The switching damper 11 is switched by a motor (not shown here). The same applies to other dampers. As shown by the solid line, by closing the opening 27 connected to the passenger compartment 16 with the switching damper 11, it becomes the outside air introduction mode in which air is taken in from the outside of the vehicle 17 through the opening 26 in the open state. On the other hand, as shown by the dotted line, by closing the opening 26 connected to the outside of the vehicle 17 with the switching damper 11, it becomes the recirculation mode in which air is taken in from the passenger compartment 16 through the opening 27 in the open state.

[0017] The blower 12 is arranged near the switching damper 11 inside the housing 25 and blows the air introduced by the switching damper 11 toward the cooler 13 and the like. The blower 12 is sometimes referred to as a blower.

[0018] The cooler 13 is arranged on the rear side of the blower 12 and cools the air blown by the blower 12. As the cooler 13, for example, an evaporator of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle can be adopted.

[0019] The heater 14 is arranged on the rear side of the internal switching damper 18 and raises the temperature of the air blown by the blower 12. As the heater 14, for example, a heat core in which warm water heated by the exhaust heat of the engine is supplied and the air is heated by the warm water can be adopted.

[0020] The sterilization heater 15 heats the air blown by the blower 12 to a temperature at which the viruses contained in the air are sterilized. Here, the sterilization heater 15 is attached to the rear surface of the heater 14. As the sterilization heater 15, heating means that can heat the air blown inside the housing 25 to, for example, 65 degrees or higher is adopted. As an example, a PTC heater can be adopted. The PTC heater is a heater having the characteristics of a thermistor, and when energized, it rises to a preset temperature (for example, 80 degrees) and maintains that temperature. By heating the air to such a temperature, viruses (microorganisms) such as the novel coronavirus present in the vehicle interior can be effectively sterilized.

[0021] The internal switching damper 18 is disposed inside the housing 25 on the front side of the heater 14 and the sterilization heater 15. When the internal switching damper 18 is disposed on the lower side inside the housing 25 as shown by the solid line, the air blown by the blower 12 forms a first air passage 19 that passes through the upper part of the housing 25. In the first air passage 19, most of the air blown by the blower 12 passes through the sterilization heater 15. On the other hand, when the internal switching damper 18 is disposed on the upper side inside the housing 25 as shown by the dotted line, the air blown by the blower 12 forms a second air passage 20 that passes through the lower part of the housing 25. In the second air passage 20, most of the air blown by the blower 12 does not pass through the sterilization heater 15.

[0022] The openings 28, 29, and 34 are parts that open the rear part of the housing 25. The openings 28, 29, and 34 are each connected to the vehicle interior 16 via a duct (not shown here). The openings 28, 29, and 34 are connected to, for example, dashboard outlets, outlets installed under the front seats, rear seat outlets, outlets installed below the front windshield, etc. inside the vehicle interior 16.

[0023] When the vehicle air conditioner 10 of such a configuration is operated in the cooling mode, the internal switching damper 18 is arranged at the position shown by the dotted line, the vapor compression refrigeration cycle is operated, and the blower 12 is rotated. By doing so, the air taken into the housing 25 from the passenger compartment 16 is cooled by the cooler 13, travels rearward via the second air passage 20, and is blown into the passenger compartment 16 via the openings 28, 29, and 34.

[0024] When the vehicle air conditioner 10 is operated in the heating mode, the internal switching damper 18 is arranged at the position shown by the solid line. Also, the angle of the internal switching damper 18 is changed according to the temperature inside the passenger compartment set by the user or the like. By doing so, the air taken into the housing 25 from the outside 17 or the passenger compartment 16 travels rearward via the first air passage 19, is heated by the heater 14, and is blown into the passenger compartment 16 via the openings 28, 29, and 34.

[0025] In the sterilization operation for air-conditioning to sterilize the interior of the passenger compartment 16, the switching damper 11 closes the opening 26 to enter the internal air circulation mode. Also, the vapor compression refrigeration cycle is stopped, and the sterilization heater 15 is energized to be in the on state. The heater 14 may be in the operating state or the stopped state. Further, by setting the internal switching damper 18 to the state shown by the solid line, the lower part of the housing 25 is closed so that most of the air flowing through the housing 25 passes through the first air passage 19. When the blower 12 is operated in this state, the air introduced from the passenger compartment 16 and passing through the first air passage 19 is heated to a high temperature of, for example, 80°C or higher by the sterilization heater 15, so that the viruses contained in the air passing through the first air passage 19 are sterilized. Also, by performing the heating sterilization by the sterilization heater 15 and executing the internal air circulation mode, almost all of the viruses and the like present in the air in the passenger compartment 16 can be killed.

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of the vehicle air conditioner 10.

[0027] The arithmetic control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on signals input from sensors 35, etc. to be described later, and controls the operations of the switching damper 11, etc. The arithmetic control unit 21 may also be referred to as an ECU or the like.

[0028] The sensor 35, the operation unit 36, and the communication unit 22 are connected to the input side terminals of the arithmetic control unit 21.

[0029] The sensor 35 is a sensor that measures the temperature, etc. outside the vehicle 17 or inside the passenger compartment 16, and the information indicating the measured temperature, etc. is transmitted to the arithmetic control unit 21. The arithmetic control unit 21 controls the temperature adjustment operation, etc. of the vehicle air conditioner 10 based on the input temperature information.

[0030] The operation unit 36 is, for example, a switch arranged on the dashboard, etc., and is operated by the user to set the set temperature, etc. of the vehicle air conditioner 10.

[0031] The communication unit 22 is a part provided in the vehicle 30 for communicating with the outside, and communicates with an operation device 37 to be described later via weak radio waves, etc.

[0032] The aforementioned switching damper 11, the sterilization heater 15, the internal switching damper 18, the outlet switching damper 31, the outlet switching damper 32, the outlet switching damper 33, the refrigeration cycle 39, and the blower 12 are connected to the output side terminals of the arithmetic control unit 21 and operate based on control signals from the arithmetic control unit 21.

[0033] The operation device 37 is a device carried by the user, such as a smartphone or a smart key. The operation device 37 includes a communication unit 38, an operation unit 23, and a display unit 24. The communication unit 38 is a part that communicates with the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. The operation unit 23 is a part operated by the user to operate the functions of the vehicle air conditioner 10, such as buttons or a touch display. The display unit 24 is a part that shows the state, history, etc. of the vehicle air conditioner 10, such as a liquid crystal display.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, a method for sterilizing the passenger compartment 16 before boarding using the above-described vehicle air conditioner 10 when using a vehicle 30 that is a car-sharing or rental car will be described.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, first, in step S10, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37 to reserve an operation for sterilizing the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle air conditioner 10 in advance. Specifically, the user registers the time of departure when driving the vehicle 30, selects whether a sterilization operation for sterilizing the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 before departure is necessary, and further selects whether pre-air conditioning is necessary. Here, pre-air conditioning means that before the user boards the vehicle 30, heating or cooling is performed by the vehicle air conditioner 10 so that the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0036] In step S11, the arithmetic control unit 21 confirms, based on the user input in step S10, that a prior sterilization operation is necessary and that pre-air conditioning is unnecessary. Such confirmation is performed, for example, one hour before the reserved time.

[0037] In step S12, the arithmetic control unit 21 communicates with the operation device 37 and notifies by displaying the usage history of the previous user on the display unit 24 of the operation device 37. Specifically, on the display unit 24 of the operation device 37, a history regarding the sterilization operation of the passenger compartment 16 performed using the vehicle air conditioner 10 is displayed. For example, on the display unit 24, the usage history of the previous user, for example, the date and time when the sterilization operation was last performed, is displayed.

[0038] In step S14, the arithmetic control unit 21 confirms, based on the user input in step S10, that a prior sterilization operation is necessary and that pre-air conditioning is necessary. Such confirmation is performed, for example, one hour before the reserved time.

[0039] In step S15, the arithmetic control unit 21 notifies the usage history of the previous user. The details of step S15 are the same as those of step S12 described above.

[0040] In step S17, the arithmetic control unit 21 confirms, based on the user input in step S10, that a prior disinfection operation is unnecessary and pre-air conditioning is unnecessary. Such confirmation is performed, for example, one hour before the reservation time.

[0041] In step S18, the arithmetic control unit 21 notifies the usage history of the previous user. The details of step S18 are the same as those of step S12 described above.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, the operations of the vehicle air conditioner 10 after step S12 described above, that is, when in step S11, the user sets a requirement for prior disinfection and reserves registration that pre-air conditioning is unnecessary, will be described.

[0043] In step S30, the arithmetic control unit 21 notifies and confirms whether the vehicle air conditioner 10 can be operated based on the reservation registration input in step S10. Specifically, the information registered for reservation is displayed on the display unit 24 of the operation device 37, and the user operates the operation unit 23 to select whether to operate the vehicle air conditioner 10 while maintaining the reservation registration.

[0044] In step S31, if reservation registration is acceptable, the user performs an operation to that effect on the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Based on an instruction from the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs a ventilation operation of the vehicle air conditioner 10 in the outside air introduction mode starting one hour before the user uses the vehicle 30. For example, referring to FIG. 1, based on an instruction from the arithmetic control unit 21, the switching damper 11 closes the opening 27, the outlet switching dampers 31, 32, and 33 are opened, and the blower 12 is operated. By doing so, the air taken in from the outside 17 passes through the inside of the housing 25 and is blown into the passenger compartment 16 from the openings 28, 34, and 29, and a ventilation operation for ventilation is executed. For example, the vehicle air conditioner 10 continuously performs the ventilation operation for 15 minutes. By doing so, the air present in the passenger compartment 16 is discharged to the outside, and viruses and the like present in the air of the passenger compartment 16 are discharged to the outside. Also, while step S31 is being executed, the window of the vehicle 30 may be slightly opened. By doing so, the effect of ventilating the passenger compartment 16 can be further enhanced.

[0045] In step S32, based on an instruction from the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the above-described disinfection operation. Here, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the disinfection operation for, for example, 15 minutes. By doing so, viruses and the like contained in the air of the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 in advance can be disinfected, and the user boarding the vehicle 30 can be prevented from suffering from infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus. Also, since the air in the passenger compartment 16 is disinfected in step S32 after ventilating the passenger compartment 16 in step S31, the effect of disinfecting the viruses contained in the air of the passenger compartment 16 can be made remarkable.

[0046] After such steps S31 and S32 are completed, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives. The above-described steps S31 and S32 are referred to as process A.

[0047] In step S33, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets not to perform the sterilization operation but only to perform the pre-air conditioning. For example, when referring to the usage history in step S12 described above, if the previous user has already performed the sterilization operation after boarding, the sterilization operation becomes unnecessary. Such operation information is transmitted to the vehicle air conditioner 10 and stored in the storage device provided in the arithmetic control unit 21.

[0048] In step S34, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the above-described pre-air conditioning so that the indoor temperature of the passenger compartment 16 becomes the preset temperature before the user boards. The pre-air conditioning is continuously performed for, for example, 30 minutes.

[0049] After such steps S33 and S34 are completed, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives. Steps S31 and S32 described above are referred to as process B.

[0050] In step S35, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets not to perform sterilization and not to perform pre-air conditioning either. For example, when referring to the usage history in step S12 described above, if the previous user has already performed the sterilization operation after boarding, the sterilization operation becomes unnecessary. Also, if the temperature when the user uses the vehicle 30 is comfortable, the pre-air conditioning becomes unnecessary. Such setting information is transmitted to the vehicle air conditioner 10 and stored in the storage device provided in the arithmetic control unit 21. Thereafter, the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not perform the sterilization operation and the pre-air conditioning, and the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0051] In step S36, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. As a result, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets to perform ventilation operation, sterilization operation, and pre-air conditioning. Such setting information is stored in the storage device provided in the arithmetic control unit 21. For example, when the user boards the vehicle 30 and air conditioning of the passenger compartment 16 is required according to the temperature change, the user makes such a change.

[0052] In step S37, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs a ventilation operation for, for example, 15 minutes starting one hour before the passenger boards. The content of the ventilation operation is the same as that in step S31.

[0053] In step S38, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs a sterilization operation for, for example, 15 minutes. The content of the sterilization operation is the same as that in step S32.

[0054] In step S39, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs pre-air conditioning for, for example, 30 minutes. The content of the pre-air conditioning is the same as that in step S34.

[0055] After such steps S36 to S39 are completed, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives. Steps S36 and S39 described above are referred to as process C.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 5, the subsequent operations of the vehicle air conditioner 10 when the user sets the need for pre-sterilization and reserves the need for pre-air conditioning in step S14, that is, each step after step S15 described above, will be described.

[0057] In step S50, the arithmetic control unit 21 checks whether the vehicle air conditioner 10 can be operated based on the reservation registration input in step S10. Specifically, the information registered on the display unit 24 of the operation device 37 is displayed, and the user operates the operation unit 23 to select whether to operate the vehicle air conditioner 10 while maintaining the reservation registration.

[0058] In step S51, if the user determines that it is acceptable to maintain the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37 to input to that effect, and such operation information is transmitted to the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the sterilization operation and pre-air conditioning in this order. That is, the above-described process C is executed, and thereafter, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0059] In step S52, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and such operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets to perform only the sterilization operation and not to perform the pre-air conditioning. For example, when the temperature immediately before the user boards the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not require air conditioning, the user makes such a change.

[0060] Thereafter, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs only the sterilization operation and does not perform the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process A is executed, and thereafter, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0061] In step S53, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and such operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, it is set not to perform the sterilization operation and to perform the pre-air conditioning. For example, when the temperature immediately before the user boards the vehicle air conditioner 10 requires air conditioning and the previous user has already performed the sterilization operation after driving, the user makes such a change.

[0062] After that, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs only pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process B is executed, and then the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives it.

[0063] In step S54, when changing the content of reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. As a result, the disinfection operation is not performed, and the pre-air conditioning is also set not to be performed. For example, if the temperature immediately before the user boards the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not require air conditioning and the previous user has already performed the disinfection operation after driving, the user makes such a change.

[0064] After that, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not perform pre-air conditioning and disinfection operation. That is, the above-described step S35 is executed, and then the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives it.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 6, the subsequent operations of the vehicle air conditioner 10 when the user sets that pre-disinfection is unnecessary and reserves that pre-air conditioning is unnecessary in step S17, that is, in each step after step S18 described above, will be described.

[0066] In step S70, the arithmetic control unit 21 confirms whether the vehicle air conditioner 10 can be operated as reserved based on the reservation registration input in step S10. Specifically, the information registered in the display unit 24 of the operation device 37 is displayed, and the user operates the operation unit 23 to select whether to operate the vehicle air conditioner 10 as reserved.

[0067] In step S71, when the user determines that it is acceptable to keep the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37 to input to that effect, and such operation information is transmitted to the vehicle air conditioner 10. After that, in step S72, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not perform the disinfection operation and the pre-air conditioning. Then, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives it.

[0068] In step S73, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets to perform only the sterilization operation and not to perform the pre-air conditioning. Then, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs only the sterilization operation and does not perform the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process A is executed, and then the user gets on the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0069] In step S74, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, it is set not to perform the sterilization operation and to perform the pre-air conditioning. For example, when the temperature immediately before the user gets on the vehicle air conditioner 10 requires air conditioning, the user makes such a change. Then, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not perform the sterilization operation and performs only the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process B is executed, and then the user gets on the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0070] In step S75, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, it is set to perform the sterilization operation and the pre-air conditioning. For example, when the temperature immediately before the user gets on the vehicle air conditioner 10 requires air conditioning and the sterilization operation is desired, the user makes such a change. Then, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the sterilization operation and the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process C is executed, and then the user gets on the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0071] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 10 when the operation of the vehicle 30 ends will be described.

[0072] In step S90, when the operation of the vehicle 30 ends, the arithmetic control unit 21 inquires of the user whether a sterilization operation after the end of the operation is necessary. Specifically, the inquiry is displayed on a mobile device such as a smartphone carried by the user, on the navigation screen of the vehicle air conditioner 10, or on the display section of an Internet website. The user gives an instruction regarding whether a sterilization operation after the end of the operation is necessary by operating the mobile device, the navigation screen, or the like.

[0073] In step S91, when a sterilization operation after the end of the operation is necessary, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets to perform the sterilization operation after the operation of the vehicle 30 by the user ends. Thereafter, after the user gets out of the vehicle 30, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the above-described process A, that is, performs a ventilation operation and a sterilization operation to sterilize the virus existing inside the passenger compartment 16.

[0074] In step S92, when a sterilization operation after the end of the operation is unnecessary, the arithmetic control unit 21 does not perform the sterilization operation after the user gets out of the vehicle 30.

[0075] The above is an explanation of a method for sterilizing the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 using the above-described vehicle air conditioner 10 when using the vehicle 30 which is a car-sharing or rental car.

[0076] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 12, a method for sterilizing the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 using the above-described vehicle air conditioner 10 when using the vehicle 30 owned by the user himself / herself will be described.

[0077] With reference to FIG. 8, first, in step S110, the user uses the operation device 37 to reserve an operation for sterilizing the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle air conditioner 10 in advance. Specifically, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37 to register the time to start driving the vehicle 30, selects whether it is necessary to sterilize the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 before departure, and further selects whether it is necessary to perform pre-air conditioning.

[0078] In step S111, the arithmetic control unit 21 checks, based on the user input in step S110, that a pre-sterilization operation is necessary and that pre-air conditioning is unnecessary. Such checking is performed, for example, one hour before the reserved time.

[0079] In step S112, the arithmetic control unit 21 communicates with the operating device 37 and notifies by displaying the reservation input in step S110 on the display unit 24 of the operating device 37.

[0080] In step S114, the arithmetic control unit 21 checks, based on the user input in step S110, that a pre-sterilization operation is necessary and that pre-air conditioning is necessary. Such checking is performed, for example, one hour before the reserved time.

[0081] In step S115, the arithmetic control unit 21 notifies its own reservation history. The details of step S115 are the same as those of step S112 described above.

[0082] In step S117, the arithmetic control unit 21 checks, based on the user input in step S110, that a pre-sterilization operation is unnecessary and that pre-air conditioning is unnecessary. Such checking is performed, for example, one hour before the reserved time.

[0083] In step S118, the arithmetic control unit 21 notifies its own reservation history. The details of step S118 are the same as those of step S112 described above.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 9, the operations of the vehicle air conditioner 10 after step S112 described above, that is, when the user sets a need for pre-sterilization and reserves that pre-air conditioning is unnecessary in step S111, will be described.

[0085] In step S130, the arithmetic control unit 21 notifies and confirms whether the vehicle air conditioner 10 can be operated based on the reservation details input in step S110. Specifically, the information registered for reservation is displayed on the display unit 24 of the operation device 37, and the user operates the operation unit 23 to select whether to operate the vehicle air conditioner 10 while maintaining the reservation registration.

[0086] In step S131, if it is acceptable to maintain the reservation registration, the user performs an operation to that effect on the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. The vehicle air conditioner 10 operates the vehicle air conditioner 10 in the outside air introduction mode to perform a ventilation operation starting one hour before the user uses the vehicle 30. For example, referring to FIG. 1, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the switching damper 11 closes the opening 27, the outlet switching dampers 31, 32, and 33 are opened, and the blower 12 is operated. By doing so, the air taken in from the outside 17 by the blowing force of the blower 12 passes through the inside of the housing 25 and is blown into the passenger compartment 16 from the openings 28, 34, and 29, and a ventilation operation for ventilating the passenger compartment 16 is executed. For example, the vehicle air conditioner 10 continuously performs the ventilation operation for 15 minutes. By doing so, the air present in the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 is discharged to the outside, and viruses and the like present in the air of the passenger compartment 16 are discharged to the outside. Also, while step S131 is being executed, the window of the vehicle 30 may be slightly opened. By doing so, the effect of ventilating the passenger compartment 16 can be further enhanced.

[0087] In step S132, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the above-described sterilization operation. Here, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the sterilization operation for, for example, 15 minutes. By doing so, viruses and the like contained in the air of the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 can be sterilized, and the user boarding the vehicle 30 can be prevented from contracting infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus. Also, since the air in the passenger compartment 16 is sterilized in step S132 after ventilating the passenger compartment 16 in step S131, the effect of sterilizing the viruses contained in the air of the passenger compartment 16 can be made remarkable.

[0088] After such steps S131 and S132 are completed, the user gets on the vehicle 30 and drives. The above-described steps S131 and S132 are referred to as process D.

[0089] In step S133, when changing the reservation registration content, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 21 is set to perform only pre-air conditioning without performing the sterilization operation.

[0090] In step S134, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs pre-air conditioning so that the indoor temperature of the passenger compartment 16 becomes a preset temperature before the user gets on. The pre-air conditioning is continuously performed, for example, for 30 minutes.

[0091] After such steps S133 and S134 are completed, the user gets on the vehicle 30 and drives. The above-described steps S131 and S132 are referred to as process E.

[0092] In step S135, when changing the reservation registration content, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 21 is set not to perform sterilization and further not to perform pre-air conditioning. Such setting information is transmitted to the vehicle air conditioner 10 and stored in the storage device provided in the arithmetic control unit 21. Thereafter, the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not perform the sterilization operation and pre-air conditioning, and the user gets on the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0093] In step S136, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. As a result, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets to perform ventilation operation, sterilization operation, and pre-air conditioning. Such setting information is stored in the storage device provided in the arithmetic control unit 21. For example, when the user boards the vehicle 30 and air conditioning of the passenger compartment 16 is required according to the temperature, the user makes such a change.

[0094] In step S137, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs a ventilation operation for, for example, 15 minutes starting one hour before the passenger boards. The content of the ventilation operation is the same as that in step S131.

[0095] In step S138, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs a sterilization operation for, for example, 15 minutes. The content of the sterilization operation is the same as that in step S132.

[0096] In step S139, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs pre-air conditioning for, for example, 30 minutes. The content of the pre-air conditioning is the same as that in step S134.

[0097] After such steps S136 to S139 are completed, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives. Steps S136 and S139 described above are referred to as process F.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 10, the subsequent operations of the vehicle air conditioner 10 when the user sets that pre-sterilization is required and reserves that pre-air conditioning is required in step S114, that is, each step after step S115 described above, will be described.

[0099] In step S150, the arithmetic control unit 21 checks whether the vehicle air conditioner 10 can be operated based on the reservation registration input in step S110. Specifically, the information registered on the display unit 24 of the operation device 37 is displayed, and the user operates the operation unit 23 to select whether to operate the vehicle air conditioner 10 while maintaining the reservation registration.

[0100] In step S151, if the user determines that it is acceptable to maintain the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37 to input that fact, and such operation information is transmitted to the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the sterilization operation and pre-air conditioning in this order. That is, the above-described process F is executed, and then the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0101] In step S152, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and such operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 21 is set to perform only the sterilization operation and not perform the pre-air conditioning. For example, if the temperature immediately before the user boards the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not require air conditioning, the user makes such a change. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs only the sterilization operation and does not perform the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process D is executed, and then the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0102] In step S153, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and such operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, it is set not to perform the sterilization operation but to perform the pre-air conditioning. For example, if the temperature immediately before the user boards the vehicle air conditioner 10 requires air conditioning, the user makes such a change. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs only the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process E is executed, and then the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 11, the operations of the vehicle air conditioner 10 after step S118 described above, that is, in step S117, when the user sets that pre-sterilization is unnecessary and reserves that pre-air conditioning is unnecessary, will be described.

[0104] In step S170, based on the reservation registration input in step S110, the arithmetic control unit 21 checks whether the vehicle air conditioner 10 can operate while maintaining the reservation registration. Specifically, the information registered on the display unit 24 of the operation device 37 is displayed, and by the user operating the operation unit 23, the user selects whether to operate the vehicle air conditioner 10 while maintaining the reservation registration.

[0105] In step S171, if the user determines that it is okay to maintain the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37 to input to that effect, and such operation information is transmitted to the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereafter, in step S172, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not perform the sterilization operation and the pre-air conditioning. Thereafter, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0106] In step S173, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and such operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. Thereby, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets to perform only the sterilization operation and not to perform the pre-air conditioning. For example, when the temperature immediately before the user boards the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not require air conditioning, the user makes such a change. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs only the sterilization operation and does not perform the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process D is executed, and thereafter, the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0107] In step S174, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. As a result, the sterilization operation is not performed, and the pre-air conditioning is set to be performed. For example, when the temperature immediately before the user boards the vehicle air conditioner 10 requires air conditioning, the user makes such a change. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 does not perform the sterilization operation and only performs the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process E is executed, and then the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0108] In step S175, when changing the content of the reservation registration, the user operates the operation unit 23 of the operation device 37, and the operation information is transmitted to the communication unit 22 of the vehicle air conditioner 10. As a result, the sterilization operation and the pre-air conditioning are set to be performed. For example, when the temperature immediately before the user boards the vehicle air conditioner 10 requires air conditioning and the sterilization operation is desired, the user makes such a change. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the sterilization operation and the pre-air conditioning. That is, the above-described process F is executed, and then the user boards the vehicle 30 and drives.

[0109] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 10 when the operation of the vehicle 30 ends will be described.

[0110] In step S190, when the operation of the vehicle 30 ends, the arithmetic control unit 21 inquires of the user whether a sterilization operation after the operation end is necessary. Specifically, the inquiry is displayed on the operation device 37 which is a portable device such as a smartphone carried by the user, the navigation screen of the vehicle air conditioner 10, and the display unit of the Internet website. The user gives an instruction on whether a sterilization operation after the operation end is necessary by operating the portable device, the navigation screen, or the like.

[0111] In step S191, when a disinfection operation is required after the driving is finished, the arithmetic control unit 21 sets to perform the disinfection operation after the driving of the vehicle 30 by the user is finished. Then, after the user gets out of the vehicle 30, based on the instruction of the arithmetic control unit 21, the vehicle air conditioner 10 executes the above-mentioned process D, that is, performs the ventilation operation and the disinfection operation to disinfect the virus existing inside the passenger compartment 16.

[0112] In step S192, when the disinfection operation after the driving is finished is not required, the arithmetic control unit 21 does not perform the disinfection operation after the user gets out of the vehicle 30.

[0113] The above is the description of the method for disinfecting the passenger compartment 16 of the vehicle 30 using the above-mentioned vehicle air conditioner 10 when using the vehicle 30 owned by oneself.

[0114] According to the above-described embodiment, the following main effects can be achieved.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the disinfection heater 15 heats the air blown by the blower 12 to the temperature at which the virus contained in the air is disinfected, thereby disinfecting the virus that causes infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease, and preventing the passengers boarding the vehicle 30 from suffering from infectious diseases.

[0116] Furthermore, in a state where the internal switching damper 18 switches the air blown by the blower 12 to the first air passage 19 passing through the disinfection heater 15, by performing heating by the disinfection heater 15, the virus existing in the air in the passenger compartment 16 can be more effectively disinfected.

[0117] Furthermore, after the air in the passenger compartment 16 is discharged to the outside 17 of the vehicle, the internal air circulation mode is executed while heating the air with the disinfection heater 15, so that the virus existing in the air in the passenger compartment 16 can be more effectively disinfected.

[0118] Before the user gets on the vehicle 30, the internal air circulation mode can be executed while heating the sterilization heater 15 to sterilize the air in the passenger compartment 16.

[0119] A user existing outside the vehicle 17 can easily refer to the history of the execution of the internal air circulation mode while heating the air with the sterilization heater 15 via the display unit 24, and can easily determine whether or not to execute the mode.

[0120] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each of the above-described methods is executed based on a program recorded on a recording medium such as a semiconductor recording device.

[0121] For example, although the vehicle air conditioner 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the vehicle 30 equipped with an engine, the vehicle air conditioner 10 can also be provided in an EV (Electric Vehicle), an HV (Hybrid Vehicle), a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle), an FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle), or the like.

[0122] In the vehicle air conditioner 10 shown in FIG. 1, the heater 14 employs a mechanism for raising the temperature of the air using the exhaust heat of the engine, but a condenser of the refrigeration cycle 39 can also be employed as the heater 14.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 1, the opening 27 and the blower 12 can also be arranged immediately before the heater 14.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0124] 10 Vehicle air conditioner 11 Switching damper 12 Blower 13 Cooler 14 Heater 15 Sterilization heater 16 Passenger compartment 17 Outside the vehicle 18 Internal switching damper 19 First air passage 20 Second air passage 21 Arithmetic control unit 22 Communication unit 23 Operation unit 24 Display unit 25 Housing 26 Opening 27 Opening 28 Opening 29 Opening 30 Vehicle 31 Outlet switching damper 32 Outlet switching damper 33 Outlet switching damper 34 Opening 35 Sensor 36 Operation unit 37 Operating device 38 Communication unit 39 Refrigeration cycle

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioner comprising a switching damper, a blower, a cooler, a heater, a sterilization heater, and an arithmetic control unit, wherein the switching damper is configured to take in air inside the vehicle compartment in the internal air circulation mode and take in air outside the vehicle in the outside air introduction mode, the blower blows the air introduced by the switching damper, the cooler cools the air blown by the blower, the heater heats the air blown by the blower, the sterilization heater is configured to heat the air blown by the blower to a temperature at which viruses contained in the air are sterilized, and the arithmetic control unit discharges the air inside the vehicle compartment to the outside by executing the outside air introduction mode, and executes the internal air circulation mode while heating the air with the sterilization heater after the outside air introduction mode ends.

2. further comprising an internal switching damper, wherein the internal switching damper can switch between a first air passage and a second air passage, in the first air passage, most of the air blown by the blower passes through the sterilization heater, and in the second air passage, most of the air blown by the blower does not pass through the sterilization heater. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. further comprising a communication unit, wherein the communication unit can communicate with an operation unit arranged outside the vehicle, and based on an instruction from the user via the operation unit and the communication unit, the internal air circulation mode is executed while heating the air with the sterilization heater before the user boards the vehicle. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. further comprising a communication unit, wherein the communication unit can communicate with a display unit arranged outside the vehicle, and information indicating a history of execution of the internal air circulation mode while heating the air with the sterilization heater is displayed on the display unit. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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