Automotive interior temperature control systems and electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide an automobile interior temperature regulation device, which can achieve both quick achievement of an environment suitable for an occupant in terms of temperature and reduction of electric power consumption.SOLUTION: The automobile interior temperature regulation device comprises: an air conditioner 40 including an air outlet 52 that blows out air having temperatures regulated including air regulated by a refrigeration cycle including a compressor 42 that is driven by an electric motor 54, toward an automobile interior; air blowing devices 62 and 76 that blow out the air having temperatures regulated toward passengers seated on seats 26 and 38, which consume less electric power than the air conditioner 40; and a control device 100 that makes the air blowing devices 62 and 76 operate over a predetermined period of time, when activating the air conditioner 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle temperature control device for automobiles and electric vehicles, and more particularly, to an in-vehicle temperature control device for automobiles having an air conditioner and a seat temperature control device, and an electric vehicle equipped with such a temperature control device.

Background Art

[0002] An automobile is known that includes an air conditioner (main air conditioner) using a refrigeration cycle to blow air into the vehicle interior, and a seat temperature control device (auxiliary air conditioner) such as a seat warm air device that blows air heated by an electric heater from the seat toward the occupant or an electric seat heater (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an electric air conditioner in which a compressor of an air conditioner using a refrigeration cycle is driven by an electric motor, there is a problem that the power consumption of the electric motor is large compared to the power consumption of the seat heater, and the power consumption of the battery is large.

[0005] Therefore, in an electric vehicle, if the power source of the electric motor that drives the compressor of the refrigeration cycle is shared with the battery that serves as the power source of the electric motor that drives the driving wheels, the power consumption of the battery by the electric motor for the compressor reduces the cruising range of the electric vehicle per battery charge.

[0006] In particular, if rapid heating or cooling is performed when the air conditioning system is started in order to quickly achieve a comfortable temperature environment, the power consumption of the battery increases significantly due to the increased load on the compressor, drastically reducing the driving range of electric vehicles. This is a major problem for electric vehicles.

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to achieve both a comfortable temperature environment for occupants in an automobile's interior temperature control system and a reduction in power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An interior temperature control device for an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention is an interior temperature control device for controlling the temperature inside the cabin of an automobile, comprising: an electric air conditioning device (40) including an air outlet (52) that blows temperature-controlled air into the cabin; a seat temperature control device (60, 62, 76) that includes at least one of an air outlet or a seat heater that blows air whose temperature has been controlled by at least one of a heater or a semiconductor device toward an occupant seated in a seat, and which consumes less power than the air conditioning device; and a control device (100) that operates the seat temperature control device for a predetermined period of time when the air conditioning device is started.

[0009] This configuration allows for both achieving a comfortable temperature environment quickly and reducing power consumption.

[0010] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the air conditioning device includes a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor (42) driven by an electric motor (54).

[0011] This configuration makes it easy to obtain the appropriate air conditioning capacity.

[0012] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the predetermined period is the period from the start of the air conditioning device until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0013] With this configuration, the seat temperature control device operates from the time the air conditioning system is started until a predetermined time has elapsed, achieving both a comfortable temperature environment quickly and reduced power consumption.

[0014] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the predetermined period is the period from the start of the air conditioning device until the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioning device and the interior temperature of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0015] With this configuration, the seat temperature control device operates during the period from the start of the air conditioning system until the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioning system and the temperature inside the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value, thus achieving both a comfortable temperature environment quickly and reduced power consumption.

[0016] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the control device lowers the temperature of the seat temperature control device in the first half of the operating period compared to the second half.

[0017] This configuration prevents hot air from blowing directly onto the occupant's neck from the start, improving comfort.

[0018] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the control device reduces the airflow rate of the air outlet of the air outlet device in the first half of the operating period compared to the second half.

[0019] With this configuration, the warm air does not hit the occupant's neck with a large volume of airflow from the moment it is blown out, improving comfort.

[0020] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the control device intermittently operates the air blowing device.

[0021] With this configuration, the average power consumption of the air blower is reduced compared to continuous operation, resulting in a reduction in the power consumption of the air blower.

[0022] In the indoor temperature control device of the above-mentioned motor vehicle, preferably, during operation of the seat temperature control device, the control device operates the air conditioner with electric power having a value lower than the electric power value during steady operation.

[0023] According to this configuration, the load on the power supply of the air conditioner is reduced.

[0024] In the indoor temperature control device of the above-mentioned motor vehicle, preferably, the air blowing device is provided on the seat back or headrest of the seat, and includes an air blowing outlet for blowing the air toward the neck of the seated person.

[0025] According to this configuration, the temperature-controlled air can be appropriately blown from the seat back or headrest toward the neck of the seated person.

[0026] An electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electric vehicle in which driving wheels are driven by an electric motor, has the indoor temperature control device according to the above embodiment, and the power supplies of the electric motor for driving the driving wheels, the electric motor for driving the compressor, and the seat temperature control device are a common battery.

[0027] According to this configuration, the power consumption of the battery is reduced, and a reduction in the cruising range of the electric vehicle is suppressed.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] An indoor temperature control device for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is an indoor temperature control device for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle compartment of a motor vehicle, and includes an electric air conditioner (40) including an air blowing outlet (52) for blowing the temperature-adjusted air into the vehicle compartment, and at least one of an air blowing device for blowing the temperature-adjusted air by at least one of a heater or a semiconductor device toward a passenger seated on the seat or a seat heater, and a seat temperature control device (60, 62, 76) having less power consumption than the air conditioner, and a control device (100) for operating the seat temperature control device for a predetermined period when the air conditioner is started.

[0029] This configuration allows for both achieving a comfortable temperature environment quickly and reducing power consumption.

[0030] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the air conditioning device includes a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor (42) driven by an electric motor (54).

[0031] This configuration makes it easy to obtain the appropriate air conditioning capacity.

[0032] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the predetermined period is the period from the start of the air conditioning device until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0033] With this configuration, the seat temperature control device operates from the time the air conditioning system is started until a predetermined time has elapsed, achieving both a comfortable temperature environment quickly and reduced power consumption.

[0034] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the predetermined period is the period from the start of the air conditioning device until the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioning device and the interior temperature of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0035] With this configuration, the seat temperature control device operates during the period from the start of the air conditioning system until the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioning system and the temperature inside the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value, thus achieving both a comfortable temperature environment quickly and reduced power consumption.

[0036] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the control device lowers the temperature of the seat temperature control device in the first half of the operating period compared to the second half.

[0037] This configuration prevents hot air from blowing directly onto the occupant's neck from the start, improving comfort.

[0038] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the control device reduces the airflow rate of the air outlet of the air outlet device in the first half of the operating period compared to the second half.

[0039] With this configuration, the warm air does not hit the occupant's neck with a large volume of airflow from the moment it is blown out, improving comfort.

[0040] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the control device intermittently operates the air blowing device.

[0041] With this configuration, the average power consumption of the air blower is reduced compared to continuous operation, resulting in a reduction in the power consumption of the air blower.

[0042] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the control device operates the air conditioning system with a power value lower than the power value for steady-state operation while the seat temperature control device is in operation.

[0043] This configuration reduces the power load on the air conditioning system.

[0044] In the above-mentioned automobile interior temperature control device, preferably, the air blowing device is provided on the seat back or headrest of the seat and includes an air outlet that blows the air towards the neck of the occupant.

[0045] This configuration allows for the proper blowing of temperature-controlled air from the seatback or headrest towards the occupant's neck.

[0046] An electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electric vehicle in which the wheels are driven by an electric motor, and has an interior temperature control device according to the above embodiment, wherein the electric motor that drives the wheels, the electric motor that drives the compressor, and the seat temperature control device are powered by a common battery.

[0047] This configuration reduces battery power consumption and minimizes the reduction in the electric vehicle's driving range. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] Side view showing an overview of an electric vehicle equipped with an interior temperature control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view of a seat used in an automobile interior temperature control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioning system used in the automobile interior temperature control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of an air blowing device used in an automobile interior temperature control system according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing the control system of the automobile interior temperature control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] (A) is a time chart relating to the power consumption of the automobile interior temperature control device according to this embodiment, and (B) is a time chart relating to temperature. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the control flow of the automobile interior temperature control device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] (A) is a time chart relating to the power consumption of an automobile's interior temperature control system according to another embodiment, and (B) is a time chart relating to temperature. [Figure 9] (A) is a time chart relating to the power consumption of an automobile's interior temperature control system according to another embodiment, and (B) is a time chart relating to temperature. [Figure 10] (A) is a time chart relating to the power consumption of an automobile's interior temperature control system according to another embodiment, and (B) is a time chart relating to temperature. [Figure 11] (A) is a time chart relating to the power consumption of an automobile's interior temperature control system according to another embodiment, and (B) is a time chart relating to temperature. [Figure 12] (A) is a time chart relating to the power consumption of an automobile's interior temperature control system according to another embodiment, and (B) is a time chart relating to temperature. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] Embodiments of the automotive temperature control device and an electric vehicle equipped with the temperature control device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0050] Figure 1 shows an electric vehicle 10. The electric vehicle 10 includes a body 12, left and right front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16 attached to the body 12, a traction motor 18 that drives the rear wheels 16, a rechargeable battery 20 provided in the body 12 that powers the traction motor 18, a passenger compartment 22 defined by the body 12, and a front seat 26 and a rear seat 28 provided on the floor panel 24 of the passenger compartment 22.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the front seat 26 and the rear seat 28 each have a seat cushion 30, a seat back 32 provided at the rear of the seat cushion 30, and a headrest 34 provided at the top of the seat back 32.

[0052] The electric vehicle 10 has an air conditioning system 40 as an interior temperature control device. The air conditioning system 40 is a refrigeration cycle that includes a refrigerant circuit including a compressor 42, a condenser 44, an expansion valve 46, and an evaporator 48, as shown in Figure 3. The air conditioning system 40 switches between cooling mode and heating mode by switching the circulation direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, and blows air whose temperature has been adjusted by heat exchange with fan air in the condenser 44 or evaporator 48 into the passenger compartment 22 through a duct 50 (see Figure 1) from an air outlet 52 provided on the instrument panel 36. The air conditioning system 40 using a refrigeration cycle can easily provide an appropriate air conditioning capacity.

[0053] The compressor 42 is driven by the air conditioning motor 54. The power supply for the air conditioning motor 54 is shared with the battery 20, which is the power supply for the traction motor 18.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, flexible, electrically heated, planar seat heaters 60 are incorporated into the seat cushions 30 and seat backs 32 of the front seat 26 and the rear seat 28.

[0055] The seat heater 60 has a rapid heating property, meaning its temperature rises faster from the start of power-on than the rise in room temperature caused by the air conditioning system 40.

[0056] A pair of first air blowers 62 are incorporated into the upper part of the seat back 32. As shown in Figure 4, each first air blower 62 includes an air duct 64, an electric heater 66, an electric fan 68, and a Peltier effect element 70 located in the middle of the air duct 64. As shown in Figure 2, air is drawn into the air duct 64 from an air intake 72 opening on the side of the seat back 32, and warm or cool air is blown onto the neck of the occupant from air outlets 74 opening on both the left and right sides of the front of the seat back 32.

[0057] Because the first air blower 62 is integrated into the seat back 32, the air duct 64 can be kept short, reducing the air pressure loss in the air duct 64, and allowing temperature-controlled air to be appropriately blown from the air outlet 88 towards the occupant's neck.

[0058] A pair of second air outlets 76 are incorporated into the upper part of the headrest 34. Each second air outlet 76 has substantially the same structure as the first air outlet 62 and, as shown in Figure 4, includes an air duct 78, an electric heater 80, an electric fan 82, and a Peltier effect element 84 located in the middle of the air duct 78. As shown in Figure 2, air is drawn into the air duct 78 from an air intake 86 opening on the side of the headrest 34, and warm or cool air is blown onto the neck of the occupant from air outlets 88 opening on both the left and right sides of the front of the headrest 34.

[0059] Because the second air outlet 76 is integrated into the headrest 34, the air duct 78 can be kept short, reducing air pressure loss through the air duct 78, and allowing temperature-controlled air to be appropriately blown from the air outlet 88 towards the occupant's neck.

[0060] The first air outlet 62 and the second air outlet 76 have a rapid heating property, where the temperature rise from the start of power supply is faster than the rise in room temperature caused by the air conditioning system 40. Either the first air outlet 62 or the second air outlet 76 may be used in a switchable manner depending on the occupant's physique and preference.

[0061] The seat heater 60, the first air blower 62, and the second air blower 76 are all temperature control devices for the seats, and their power supply is shared with the battery 20, which is the power supply for the traction motor 18. The individual power consumption of the seat heater 60, the first air blower 62, and the second air blower 76 is less than the power consumption of the air conditioning system 40. More specifically, the individual power consumption of the seat heater 60, the first air blower 62, and the second air blower 76 is less than the difference (increase in power consumption) between the power consumption of the air conditioning system 40 during rapid heating operation and during normal operation. Furthermore, the combined power consumption of the seat heater 60 and the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76 is less than the increase in power consumption due to rapid heating operation.

[0062] The control system of the temperature control device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0063] The temperature control device 100 is an electronically controlled device that controls the air conditioning unit 40, seat heater 60, first air outlet 62, and second air outlet 76 in a unified manner. The control device 100 includes a microcomputer 101 and a free-run timer 102, and takes in various information from the cabin temperature setting unit 104, cabin temperature sensor 106, exterior temperature sensor 108, and air outlet temperature sensor 110, respectively, and outputs control commands to the air conditioning motor 54, seat heater 60, first air outlet 62, and second air outlet 76 to control them.

[0064] When the start switch (not shown) of the air conditioning unit 40 is turned on by an occupant, the control device 100 controls the air conditioning unit 40 so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature based on the set target temperature set by the indoor temperature setting unit 104, the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 106, the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 108, and the outlet temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet 52 detected by the air outlet temperature sensor 110.

[0065] The air conditioning unit 40 operates in heating mode, blowing out warm air when the cabin temperature detected by the cabin temperature setting unit 104 is lower than the set temperature, and operates in cooling mode, blowing out cold air when the cabin temperature is higher than the set temperature.

[0066] The control device 100 controls the operation of the seat heater 60 and the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76, which are seat temperature control devices, for a predetermined period of time when the start switch (not shown) of the air conditioning system 40 is turned on, that is, when the air conditioning system 40 is started. The predetermined period during which the seat heater 60 and the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76 operate is the period from the start of the air conditioning system 40, which is measured by the free-run timer 102, until a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time may be a constant value determined according to the thermal capacity of the air conditioning system 40, or it may be a variable value determined according to the difference between the cabin temperature and the set temperature of the air conditioning system 40.

[0067] Next, the operation of this embodiment (heating mode) will be explained with reference to the time chart shown in Figure 6 and the flowchart shown in Figure 7.

[0068] At time t1, when the start switch for the air conditioning unit 40 is turned on (step ST1, affirmative), the air conditioning unit 40 is started (step ST2). Simultaneously, the seat heater 60 and the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76, which are temperature control devices for the seats, are turned on (step ST3).

[0069] At this time, the air conditioning unit 40 is operating under normal conditions, and as shown in Figure 6(A), the power consumption Pc of the air conditioning unit 40 under normal conditions is power value W2. The total power consumption Ps of the seat heater 60, which is a seat temperature control device, and the first air outlet 62 or the second air outlet 76 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the power consumption Ps of the seat temperature control device) is power value W1. Power value W1 is less than power value W2.

[0070] The seat heater 60 has faster heating capabilities than the air conditioning unit 40, and at time t1, it begins to warm the seated person's buttocks and back by heat conduction. As a result, the seated person feels warmth in their buttocks and back almost simultaneously with the activation of the air conditioning unit 40.

[0071] The first air outlet 62 or the second air outlet 76 also has faster heating capabilities compared to the air conditioning unit 40. As shown in Figure 6(B), at time t1, the outlet air temperature Ts blows warm air at temperature T4 from the air outlet 74 or 88 towards the occupant's neck at a predetermined airflow Q1. As a result, the occupant's neck is warmed by the warm air without any substantial delay in the start-up of the air conditioning unit 40. The carotid artery is located in the neck, and it is known that warming the area around the carotid artery is efficient due to the body's temperature sensitivity. Therefore, warming the area around the carotid artery allows the occupant to feel sufficiently warm even if the outlet air temperature Ts and airflow Q1 are relatively low. As a result, the occupant quickly obtains a comfortable temperature environment almost simultaneously with the start switch of the air conditioning unit 40 being turned on.

[0072] At time t2, after a predetermined time has elapsed from time t1, the air conditioning unit 40 becomes capable of blowing out air at the temperature required for heating, and blows out warm air with an outlet air temperature Tc of temperature T3 into the passenger compartment 22 from the air outlet 52. As a result, the passenger compartment temperature Ti begins to rise. At time t4, after another predetermined time has elapsed from time t2, the passenger compartment temperature Ti reaches the air conditioning set temperature T2. From this point onward, the air conditioning unit 40 operates to maintain the passenger compartment temperature Ti at the air conditioning set temperature T2.

[0073] A short time has passed since time t4, and at time t5 (step ST4, affirmative), a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the air conditioning unit 40, the seat heater 60 and the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76 are turned off (step ST5).

[0074] Subsequently, when the start switch is turned off (step ST6, affirmative), the operation of the air conditioning unit 40 is stopped (step ST7).

[0075] The cumulative power consumption of the air conditioning unit 40 and the seat temperature control device during normal operation from time t1 to time t4 is given by (W1 + W2) × (t4 - t1). When the air conditioning unit 40 is operated in rapid heating mode, the power consumption Pc of the air conditioning unit 40 becomes a power value W3, which is greater than the power value W2, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6(A), and the cabin temperature Ti reaches the air conditioning set temperature T2 at time t3, earlier than time t4, as shown in Figure 6(A). The cumulative power consumption of the air conditioning unit 40 from time t1, when rapid heating operation is started, to time t3 is given by W3 × (t3 - t1). The increase in power consumption due to rapid heating operation (W3-W2) is significantly smaller than the power value W1 of the power consumption Ps of the seat temperature control device. Therefore, (W3-W2)≫W1, which means {(W1+W2)×(t4-t1)}<{W3×(t3-t1)}, and the power consumption of battery 20 is reduced by the difference.

[0076] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to quickly obtain a comfortable environment for the occupants in terms of temperature and to reduce the power consumption of the battery 20. This reduction in the power consumption of the battery 20 suppresses the reduction in the driving range of the electric vehicle 10.

[0077] Other embodiments of the indoor temperature control device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. In Figures 8 to 12, parts corresponding to Figure 6 are given the same reference numerals as those used in Figure 6, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the control device 100 controls the blown air temperature Ts to a temperature T5 that is lower than the temperature T4 in the above embodiment during the first half of the operating period of the first air blown device 62 or the second air blown device 76, from time t1 to time t6, and to a temperature T6 that is higher than the temperature T4 in the above embodiment during the second half of the operating period, from time t6 to time t5.

[0079] In this case, the power consumption Ps of the temperature control device for the sheet during the period from time t1 to time t5 is a power value W4 which is lower than the power value W1, and the power consumption Ps during the period from time t5 to time t6 is a power value W5 which is higher than the power value W1.

[0080] In this embodiment, as in the previously described embodiment, it is possible to quickly obtain a comfortable environment for the occupants in terms of temperature and to reduce the power consumption of the battery 20 at the same time.

[0081] In this embodiment, the temperature Ts of the warm air blown out from the air outlet 74 or 88 is lower in the first half of the airflow than in the second half. Therefore, hot air does not hit the occupant's neck from the beginning of the airflow, improving comfort.

[0082] Furthermore, the temperature Ts of the warm air blown out from the air outlet 74 or 88 may increase gradually or continuously over time.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the control device 100 controls the airflow rate Q of the discharged air to be less than the airflow rate Q1 in the above embodiment during the first half of the operating period of the first air blowing device 62 or the second air blowing device 76, from time t1 to time t6, which is airflow rate Q2, and to be more than the airflow rate Q1 in the above embodiment, from time t6 to time t5, which is airflow rate Q3.

[0084] In this case, the power consumption Ps of the seat temperature control device during the period from time t1 to time t5 is a power value W6 which is lower than the power value W1, and the power consumption Ps during the period from time t5 to time t6 is a power value W7 which is higher than the power value W1.

[0085] In this embodiment, as in the previously described embodiment, it is possible to quickly obtain a comfortable environment for the occupants in terms of temperature and to reduce the power consumption of the battery 20 at the same time.

[0086] In this embodiment, the airflow Q of the warm air blown out from the air outlet 74 or 88 is less in the first half of the airflow than in the second half. Therefore, the warm air does not hit the occupant's neck with a large airflow from the beginning of the airflow, improving comfort.

[0087] Furthermore, the airflow rate Q of the warm air blown out from the air outlet 74 or 88 may be increased gradually or continuously over time.

[0088] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the control device 100 controls the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76 to perform intermittent operation, repeatedly switching them on and off from time t1 to time t5.

[0089] In this case, the average power consumption Ps of the seat temperature control device, including the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76, during the period from time t1 to time t6 is reduced compared to the case of continuous operation.

[0090] As a result, in this embodiment, the power consumption of the battery 20 is further reduced, and it is possible to quickly obtain a comfortable environment for the occupants in terms of temperature while simultaneously reducing the power consumption of the battery 20.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the control device 100 controls the operation of the air conditioning system 40 from the time of startup until the vehicle interior temperature Ti reaches the air conditioning set temperature T2, so that the power consumption Pc is a power value W4 that is smaller than the power value W2 during normal operation.

[0092] As the power consumption Pc of the air conditioning unit 40 decreases from power value W2 to power value W4, the point at which the cabin temperature Ti reaches the air conditioning set temperature T2 is delayed from time t4 to time t7. Consequently, the point at which the seat heater 60 and the seat temperature control device using the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76 are turned off is also delayed from time t5 to time t8.

[0093] In this embodiment, the time required from the start of the air conditioning system 40 until the cabin temperature Ti reaches the set air conditioning temperature T2 is extended. However, the power consumption Pc of the air conditioning system 40 during this period is reduced from power value W2 to power value W4, thereby reducing the load on the battery 20 during this period and suppressing heat generation in the battery 20. Even if the time required from the start of the air conditioning system 40 until the cabin temperature Ti reaches the set air conditioning temperature T2 is extended, the seat heater 60 and the first air outlet 62 or the second air outlet 76 are operating, so the comfort environment for occupants in terms of temperature does not deteriorate.

[0094] As a result, in this embodiment, heat generation of the battery 20 is suppressed, and a comfortable temperature environment for the occupants is quickly achieved while simultaneously reducing the power consumption of the battery 20.

[0095] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the control device 100 controls the operation of the seat heater 60 and the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76, which are temperature control devices for seats, from time t1, when the air conditioning system 40 is started, until the time t4, when the cabin temperature Ti becomes the air conditioning set temperature T2 of the air conditioning system 40, during which the difference between the set temperature T2 of the air conditioning system 40 and the cabin temperature Ti is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0096] This prevents the seat temperature control device from turning off before the time t4 when the cabin temperature Ti reaches the air conditioning set temperature T2 of the air conditioning unit 40, and also prevents the seat temperature control device from remaining on after the time t4 when the cabin temperature Ti reaches the air conditioning set temperature T2 of the air conditioning unit 40.

[0097] This allows the seat temperature control device to operate without being excessive or insufficient, enabling both the rapid establishment of a comfortable temperature environment for the occupants and a reduction in the power consumption of the battery 20.

[0098] The operation of the air conditioning unit 40 when it is in heating mode has been described above. However, when the air conditioning unit 40 is in cooling mode, the control device 100 also operates the seat temperature control device for a predetermined period of time when the air conditioning unit 40 is started, in the same manner as in heating mode. In cooling mode, the Peltier effect elements 70 and 84 of the first air outlet 62 or the second air outlet 76 operate in place of the electric heaters 66 and 80 as the seat temperature control device, and cool air is blown from the air outlets 74 and 88 towards the neck of the seated person.

[0099] This allows for both quickly achieving a comfortable temperature environment for occupants in cooling mode and reducing the power consumption of the battery 20, just as in heating mode.

[0100] Although the present invention has been described above in terms of preferred embodiments, as will be easily understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the heat sources for the seat heater 60, the first air blower 62, and the second air blower 76 are not limited to electric heating types using Joule heating, but may be ceramic heaters or the like. The air conditioning unit 40 may be an electrically operated Stirling cyclone.

[0101] Furthermore, not all of the components shown in the above embodiments are necessarily essential, and they can be appropriately selected and omitted as long as the spirit of the present invention is not departed. For example, the seat heater 60 is not essential, and the seat temperature control device only needs to have either the first air blower 62 or the second air blower 76. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10: Electric vehicles 12: Vehicle body 14: Front wheel 16: Rear wheel 18: Motor for propulsion 20: Battery 22: Vehicle interior 24: Floor Panel 26: Front seats 28: Rear seats 30: Seat cushion 32: Seat back 34: Headrest 36: Instrument Panel 40:Air conditioner 42: Compressor 44: Condenser 46: Expansion valve 48: Evaporator 50: Duct 52: Air outlet 54:Air conditioning electric motor 60: Seat heater (seat temperature control device) 62: First air blowing device (seat temperature control device) 64: Air duct 66: Electric heater 68: Electric fan 70: Peltier effect element 72: Air intake 74: Air outlet 76: Second air outlet device (seat temperature control device) 78: Air duct 80: Electric heater 82: Electric fan 84: Peltier effect element 86: Air intake 88: Air outlet 100: Control device 101: Microcomputer 102: Free Run Timer 104: Vehicle interior temperature setting section 106: In-car temperature sensor 108: Vehicle exterior temperature sensor 110: Outlet temperature sensor

Claims

1. An interior temperature control device for adjusting the temperature inside a car, An air conditioning system that blows temperature-controlled air into the vehicle interior from air outlets located on the instrument panel, A seat temperature control device including a first air blowing device and a second air blowing device that blow air whose temperature has been regulated by at least one of a heater or a semiconductor device toward an occupant seated in a seat, The system includes a control device that, when the air conditioning system is started, operates the seat temperature control device for a period of time from the start of the air conditioning system until a predetermined time has elapsed, or for a period of time from the start of the air conditioning system until the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioning system and the temperature inside the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The first air blowing device is provided on the seat back of the seat and includes a first air outlet that blows air towards the neck of the occupant. The second air blowing device is Provided on the headrest of the aforementioned seat, It comprises a second air outlet that blows air towards the neck of the occupant, and an air intake that takes in air and sends it to the second air outlet via an air duct, An automobile interior temperature control system in which the individual power consumption of the first air outlet and the second air outlet is less than the difference between the power consumption of the air conditioning system during rapid heating operation and the power consumption during normal operation.

2. The aforementioned air intake opens on the side of the headrest, The interior temperature control device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein the second air outlet is open to the front of the headrest.

3. The control device is configured to lower the controlled temperature of the seat temperature control device in the first half of the operating period compared to the second half, as described in claim 1 or 2 for an automobile interior temperature control device.

4. The control device for controlling the interior temperature of an automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device reduces the amount of air blown out by the first air blowing device and the second air blowing device in the first half of the operating period compared to the second half.

5. The control device is configured to intermittently operate the first air blowing device and the second air blowing device, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for an interior temperature control device for an automobile.

6. The control device operates the air conditioning system with a power value lower than the power value for steady-state operation while the seat temperature control device is in operation. The vehicle interior temperature control device according to claim 2, wherein the first air blower and the second air blower operate from the time the air conditioning system is started until the temperature inside the vehicle reaches the air conditioning set temperature of the air conditioning system.

7. An electric vehicle in which the driving wheels are driven by a first electric motor, Having an indoor temperature control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An electric vehicle in which the first electric motor that drives the wheels, the second electric motor that drives the compressor of the air conditioning system, and the seat temperature control device share a common battery.

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