Temperature adjustment device for electric vehicle

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a temperature adjustment device (1) that controls temperature regulators (52, 72) to adjust the interior temperature; a key operation unit (8) that turns an electric vehicle's key on or off; a first operation unit (3) that activates or stops the temperature adjustment device (1); and a control device (2) that controls the temperature adjustment device (1). When a prescribed condition is satisfied in a state in which the key is off, the control device (2) validates an activating operation by the first operation unit (3).

Description

Electric vehicle temperature control device

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control device for controlling the temperature inside an electric vehicle.

[0002] A vehicle is provided with a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of interior spaces such as a driver's cab, a luggage compartment, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerated vehicle that uses an engine to cool the cabin and a refrigerator compartment.

[0003] JP 2010-174713 A

[0004] Recently, electric vehicles using electricity as a drive source have been developed. Even in these electric vehicles, the driver's cab, luggage compartment, etc. are cooled. For example, in a case where the engine is used to cool the cabin or the refrigerator compartment, etc., as in Patent Document 1, when a passenger turns off the key and leaves the vehicle, the engine stops and cooling of the cabin or the refrigerator compartment also stops. However, in an electric vehicle, like an internal combustion engine vehicle, it is considered that the driver's cab or the luggage compartment cannot be cooled when the key is off.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a temperature control device for an electric vehicle that is capable of controlling the temperature (for example, cooling) inside the vehicle even when the key is off.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be realized as the following aspects or application examples.

[0007] The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to this application example is a temperature control device that controls a temperature regulator to adjust the temperature inside the electric vehicle, and is equipped with a key operation unit that turns the key of the electric vehicle on or off, a first operation unit that activates or stops the temperature control device, and a control device that controls the temperature control device, and is characterized in that the control device enables the activation operation by the first operation unit when the key is in the off state and predetermined conditions are satisfied.

[0008] According to this application example, when the key of the electric vehicle is in the off state and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the first operating unit that activates or stops the temperature adjustment device enables the operation of the temperature adjustment device, so that the temperature adjustment device can be operated even when the key of the electric vehicle is in the off state. This makes it possible to adjust the temperature inside the electric vehicle with the key in the off state, and, for example, to maintain a constant temperature in the trunk of a truck to improve the quality of cargo, or to maintain a constant temperature in the driver's cab to improve driver comfort.

[0009] According to the present invention, the temperature inside the electric vehicle can be adjusted even when the key of the electric vehicle is in the off state.

[0010] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a temperature adjustment device according to an application example.

[0011] The following embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the embodiments. The configurations of the following embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed.

[0012] [1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a temperature adjustment device 1 according to this application example.

[0013] The temperature control device 1 is applied to an electric vehicle such as a truck that uses electricity as a drive source, and is a device for controlling the temperature inside the vehicle, such as the driver's cab and the luggage compartment (packing box) behind the driver's cab. Hereinafter, the electric vehicle may also be referred to as a vehicle. In the example shown below, the electric vehicle such as a truck is a refrigerated vehicle equipped with a refrigerator.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the temperature control device 1 includes a vehicle control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 2, an extended air conditioning switch 3, a high-voltage battery unit 4, a refrigerator unit 5, an ePTO (electric Power Take Off) 6, an air conditioning unit 7, a main key operation unit 8, and a notification device 9. Note that solid arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the flow of signals and information, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of power.

[0015] The temperature adjustment device 1 is a device that adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle by controlling the refrigerator 52 of the refrigerator unit 5 and the air conditioner 72 (hereinafter also referred to as the air conditioner 72) of the air conditioning unit 7.

[0016] The high-voltage battery unit 4 includes, for example, a high-voltage battery and a contactor (not shown), and supplies power output from the high-voltage battery to each of the refrigerator unit 5, the air conditioning unit 7, and the ePTO 6. The high-voltage battery is an example of a drive battery for driving each of the refrigerator unit 5, the air conditioning unit 7, and the ePTO 6. The high-voltage battery may be referred to as a high-voltage device.

[0017] The refrigerator unit 5 includes a refrigerator ECU 51, a refrigerator 52, and a refrigerator switch 53, and power supplied to the refrigerator unit 5 is supplied to the refrigerator ECU 51 and the refrigerator 52. Similarly, the air conditioning unit 7 includes an air conditioning ECU 71, an air conditioner 72, and an air conditioning switch 73, and power supplied to the air conditioning unit 7 is supplied to the air conditioning ECU 71 and the air conditioner 72. The high-voltage battery is started up and shut down by a vehicle control ECU 2, which will be described later. The high-voltage battery also transmits information indicating its remaining charge to the vehicle control ECU 2.

[0018] The contactor is an example of a switching device, and when set to a closed state, power output from the high-voltage battery is supplied to each of the refrigerator unit 5, ePTO 6, and air conditioning unit 7. When the contactor is set to an open state, the power output from the high-voltage battery is cut off from the refrigerator unit 5, ePTO 6, and air conditioning unit 7. The opening and closing of the contactor is controlled by the vehicle control ECU 2, which will be described later. The vehicle control ECU 2 controlling the opening and closing of the contactor to control the power supply from the high-voltage battery can simply be said to be controlling the high-voltage battery.

[0019] The refrigerator ECU 51 controls the temperature inside the luggage compartment by controlling the operation of the refrigerator 52. The refrigerator 52 is a device that cools the luggage compartment of the vehicle, and is an example of a temperature regulator that adjusts the temperature inside the luggage compartment.

[0020] The refrigerator 52 is also provided with a refrigerator switch 53. When the refrigerator switch 53 is on, the refrigerator 52 is in an operable state, and when the refrigerator switch 53 is off, the refrigerator 52 is stopped. The refrigerator switch 53 is an example of a second operating unit that operates or stops the refrigerator 52 (temperature regulator). The state in which the refrigerator switch 53 is on is also an example of a state in which the refrigerator switch 53 (second operating unit) operates the refrigerator 52 (temperature regulator).

[0021] The refrigerator ECU 51 notifies the vehicle control ECU 2 of the operating state of the refrigerator 52 (for example, start of operation, end of operation).

[0022] The refrigerator switch 53 may be disposed in the driver's cab or in the luggage compartment of the luggage box. The refrigerator switch 53 is operated, for example, by the driver. The setting state of the refrigerator switch 53 is notified to the vehicle control ECU 2, which will be described later.

[0023] The ePTO 6 is a device that extracts power from the vehicle's driving motor and supplies the extracted power to, for example, the refrigerator 52. The refrigerator 52 uses the power supplied from the ePTO 6 to operate, for example, a compressor (not shown) to compress refrigerant gas, and uses the temperature change of the gas that accompanies this compression to cool the interior of the luggage compartment.

[0024] The air conditioner ECU 71 controls the temperature in the driver's cab by controlling the operation of the air conditioner 72. The air conditioner 72 is a device that adjusts the temperature in the driver's cab (inside the cab) of the vehicle by cooling or heating, and is an example of a temperature regulator that adjusts the temperature in the driver's cab. The air conditioner 72 may also be called an air conditioning device for the driver's cab.

[0025] The air conditioner ECU 71 notifies the vehicle control ECU 2 of information indicating the operating state (for example, start or end of operation) of the air conditioner 72 .

[0026] The air conditioner 72 is also provided with an air conditioner switch 73. When the air conditioner switch 73 is in the on position, the air conditioner 72 is in an operable state, and when the air conditioner switch 73 is in the off position, the air conditioner 72 is stopped. The air conditioner switch 73 is an example of a second operating unit that operates or stops the air conditioner 72 (temperature regulator). The on position of the air conditioner switch 73 is also an example of a state in which the air conditioner switch 73 (second operating unit) operates the air conditioner 72 (temperature regulator).

[0027] The air conditioning switch 73 may be located in the driver's cab. The air conditioning switch 73 is operated, for example, by the driver. The setting state of the air conditioning switch 73 is notified to the vehicle control ECU 2.

[0028] The main key operation unit 8 is a device through which a driver or the like performs operation input to control the on / off of a main key (key) of a vehicle. By turning on the main key in the vehicle, the main power may be turned on and the doors may be unlocked.

[0029] For example, the main power supply may be turned on by turning the main key on, and the main power supply may be turned off by turning the main key off. Also, the door lock may be unlocked by turning the main key on, and the door lock may be locked by turning the main key off.

[0030] The main key operation unit 8 may include, for example, a smart entry system, and may also include a physical key and a main power button.

[0031] Information relating to the on / off operation of the main key performed on the main key operation unit 8 is notified to the vehicle control ECU 2 .

[0032] When the extended air conditioning switch 3 is set to on and the temperature control device 1 starts operating, the notification device 9 outputs an operation start alarm to the driver or the like, indicating that the temperature control device 1 has started operating.

[0033] The notification device 9 may include, for example, a display device, and may display a message on this display device notifying that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating. The notification device 9 may also include, for example, a speaker, and may output an alarm sound from this speaker notifying that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating.

[0034] The notification device 9 outputs an operation start alarm under control of a notification control unit 14, which will be described later. The notification device 9 notifies the operator (driver, etc.) of the main key operation unit 8 (first operation unit) that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating.

[0035] The extended air conditioning switch 3 is a switch for controlling the activation / deactivation of the temperature adjustment function when the vehicle's main key is in the OFF state, and is operated at will by the driver, etc. The driver, etc. sets the extended air conditioning switch 3 to ON when the air conditioning unit 7 or the refrigeration unit 5 is to be operated when the main key is in the OFF state. Also, the driver, etc. sets the extended air conditioning switch 3 to OFF when the air conditioning unit 7 or the refrigeration unit 5 is not to be operated when the main key is in the OFF state.

[0036] Hereinafter, performing temperature control in a vehicle with the main key of the vehicle turned off may be referred to as extended temperature control. The extended air conditioning switch 3 may be referred to as a switch for setting whether or not to perform extended temperature control. The setting state of the extended air conditioning switch 3 is notified to the vehicle control ECU 2.

[0037] The expansion air conditioning switch 3 is an example of a first operating unit that activates and deactivates the temperature adjustment device 1 .

[0038] The expansion air conditioning switch 3 may be located, for example, in the driver's cab or in the luggage compartment. Furthermore, the expansion air conditioning switch 3 may be located on the exterior of the vehicle. Furthermore, multiple expansion air conditioning switches 3 may be located at multiple positions in the vehicle. The expansion air conditioning switch 3 (first operating unit) is located in at least one of the driver's cab and the exterior of the vehicle.

[0039] The function of the extended air conditioning switch 3 may also be realized using, for example, telematics, which is connected to the vehicle via a communication system and realizes various functions. The extended air conditioning switch 3 may also be an application switch realized by an application installed on an electronic device such as a smartphone.

[0040] That is, the expansion air conditioning switch 3 (first operation unit) may be realized by a terminal device capable of operating the temperature adjustment device 1 via wireless communication.

[0041] The vehicle control ECU 2 controls the high-voltage battery unit 4, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71. The vehicle control ECU 2 is an example of a control device that controls the temperature adjustment device 1, such as the refrigerator ECU 51 and the air conditioner ECU 71.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle control ECU 2 has functions as a confirmation unit 12, an operation control unit 13, and a notification control unit 14.

[0043] The confirmation unit 12 confirms the setting states (input states) of the main key operation unit 8 , the expansion air conditioning switch 3 , the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 provided in the temperature adjustment device 1 .

[0044] The confirmation unit 12 may store the acquired value representing the state of each switch in a predetermined storage area such as a memory (not shown). The value representing the state of each switch may be, for example, a flag.

[0045] The confirmation unit 12 also confirms whether an operation start warning flag is set to ON. The operation start warning flag is a flag indicating that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started adjusting the temperature in the luggage compartment or the driver's cab using the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72, and is set by the operation control unit 13, which will be described later. The operation start warning flag is set, for example, in a predetermined storage area such as a memory (not shown).

[0046] The operation control unit 13 adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle, such as the driver's cab or luggage compartment, by controlling the high-voltage battery unit 4, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71. The operation control unit 13 controls each unit according to the state of each switch confirmed by the confirmation unit 12.

[0047] For example, the operation control unit 13 performs control to perform expanded temperature adjustment when the expanded air conditioning switch 3 is set to ON while the main key is turned OFF by the main key operation unit 8 (key operation unit). That is, the expanded air conditioning switch 3 is a switch for controlling the activation / deactivation of the temperature adjustment function when the main key of the vehicle is OFF.

[0048] In the extended temperature adjustment, the operation control unit 13 starts up the high-voltage battery by sending a signal to the high-voltage battery unit 4 instructing it to start up (wake up). Then, the operation control unit 13 causes the high-voltage battery unit 4 to supply power to each of the refrigerator unit 5, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioning unit 7.

[0049] Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 activates the refrigerator ECU 51, the air conditioner ECU 71, and the ePTO 6. When the ePTO 6 is activated, power is supplied from the ePTO 6 to the refrigerator unit 5.

[0050] When the extended air conditioning switch 3 is set to on even when the vehicle's main key is off, the operation control unit 13 controls the supply of power to the refrigerator unit 5, ePTO 6 and air conditioning unit 7, thereby realizing cooling of the luggage compartment by the refrigerator 52 and temperature adjustment of the driver's cab by the air conditioner 72.

[0051] Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 disables the expanded temperature control when at least one of the following four suppression conditions is satisfied. Disabling the expanded temperature control is an example of disabling the operation of the expanded air conditioning switch 3 (first operation unit).

[0052] (Suppression condition 1) The refrigerator switch 53 or the air conditioner switch 73 is off In the refrigerator unit 5, the operation control unit 13 does not start the refrigerator ECU 51 when the refrigerator switch 53 is off, but starts the refrigerator ECU 51 only when the refrigerator switch 53 is on. The state in which the refrigerator switch 53 (second operating unit) operates the refrigerator 52 (temperature regulator) (on state) is an example of a predetermined condition.

[0053] Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 does not activate the air conditioner ECU 71 when the air conditioner switch 73 of the air conditioner unit 7 is in the OFF state, but activates the air conditioner ECU 71 only when the air conditioner switch 73 is in the ON state. In other words, the state in which the air conditioner switch 73 (second operating unit) operates the air conditioner 72 (temperature regulator) (ON state) is also an example of the predetermined condition.

[0054] When both the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 are off, the operation control unit 13 disables the expansion temperature adjustment.

[0055] (Suppression condition 2) The elapsed time since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. Here, the vehicle control ECU 2 has a timer function (not shown) and may measure the continuous operating time of the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 based on information indicating the operating state (start of operation, end of operation) of the refrigerator 52 transmitted from the refrigerator ECU 51 or information indicating the operating state (e.g., start of operation, end of operation) of the air conditioner 72 transmitted from the air conditioner ECU 71.

[0056] The operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 after a predetermined time (maximum continuous operation time) has elapsed since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating. In other words, when the elapsed time (continuous operation time) since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating exceeds the maximum continuous operation time, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and disables the expanded temperature adjustment.

[0057] Here, when it is detected that the continuous operating time of either the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 is longer than a predetermined time, the operation control unit 13 may stop only the temperature regulator whose continuous operating time is detected to be longer than the predetermined time, or may stop all temperature regulators (both the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72).

[0058] When it is detected that the continuous operating time of the temperature regulator is longer than a predetermined time, at least one of the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72 is stopped, thereby reducing power consumption and protecting the high-voltage battery.

[0059] (Suppression condition 3) An error is detected in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71.If an error is detected in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, and the air conditioner ECU 71, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and disables the expanded temperature adjustment.

[0060] (Suppression Condition 4) The remaining charge of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value When the remaining charge (remaining battery charge) of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72. In other words, when the remaining charge (remaining battery charge) of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and disables the extended temperature adjustment.

[0061] When it is detected that the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the operation control unit 13 may stop all the temperature regulators (both the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72).

[0062] Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 sets the operation start warning flag to ON when starting to adjust the temperature in the luggage compartment or the driver's cab using the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 .

[0063] The notification control unit 14 controls the output from the notification device 9. For example, when the main key operation unit 8 has turned off the main key of the vehicle, the extended air conditioning switch 3 is set to on, and extended temperature adjustment by the vehicle control ECU 2 has started, the notification control unit 14 causes the notification device 9 to output an operation start alarm indicating that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating.

[0064] The operation start warning may be realized by, for example, a warning sound. If the notification device 9 includes a speaker, the warning sound notifying the user that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating is emitted (output) from the speaker.

[0065] The operation start warning is not limited to an audible warning. For example, if the notification device 9 includes a display device, the notification control unit 14 may cause the display device to display a message notifying that the temperature adjustment device 1 has started operating as the operation start warning.

[0066] The notification control unit 14 causes the notification device 9 to issue a notification when the temperature adjustment device 1 is operated by the expansion air conditioning switch 3 (first operation unit).

[0067] Furthermore, when the main key operation unit 8 (key operation unit) turns on the vehicle's main key, the operation control unit 13 realizes air conditioning control using the refrigeration unit 5 and the air conditioning unit 7, regardless of the on / off state of the expansion air conditioning switch 3.

[0068] That is, the operation control unit 13 starts up the high-voltage device (high-voltage battery) and sets the contactor to a closed state. The operation control unit 13 also wakes up the refrigerator ECU 51, the air conditioner ECU 71, and the ePTO 6.

[0069] Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 causes the refrigerator ECU 51 to control the refrigerator 52 according to the setting state (on / off) of the refrigerator switch 53, the set temperature, the set air volume, etc. The operation control unit 13 also causes the air conditioner ECU 71 to control the air conditioner 72 according to the setting state (on / off) of the air conditioner switch 73, the set temperature, the set air volume, etc.

[0070] 2. Control FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the temperature adjustment device 1 of FIG.

[0071] The process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 may be started, for example, when the vehicle control ECU 2 is started, or may be repeatedly executed periodically.

[0072] In step S1, the confirmation unit 12 of the vehicle control ECU 2 confirms whether the main key is on (main key ON) in the main key operation unit 8. If the main key is not on (NO in step S1), in step S2, the confirmation unit 12 confirms whether the expansion air conditioning switch 3 is on.

[0073] If the expansion air conditioning switch 3 is on (YES in step S2), the confirmation unit 12 checks in step S3 whether the operation start warning flag is set to on. If the operation start warning flag is not set to on (NO in step S3), the notification control unit 14 causes the notification device 9 to emit an alarm indicating an operation start warning (operation start warning ON) in step S4. The operation control unit 13 also sets the operation start warning flag to on. Then, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0074] Also, if the result of the check in step S3 indicates that the activation alarm flag is set to ON (YES in step S3), the process also proceeds to step S5.

[0075] In step S5, the operation control unit 13 checks whether the time elapsed since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating has exceeded the maximum continuous operating time. If the time elapsed since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating has not exceeded the maximum continuous operating time (NO in step S5), the operation control unit 13 proceeds to step S6.

[0076] In step S6, the confirmation unit 12 confirms whether the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 are both off. If the confirmation result shows that at least one of the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 is on (NO in step S6), in step S7, the operation control unit 13 confirms whether an error has occurred in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioner ECU 71.

[0077] If no error has occurred in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, or the air conditioner ECU 71 (NO in step S7), the operation control unit 13 checks the remaining charge (battery capacity) of the high-voltage battery in step S8. The operation control unit 13 checks whether the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery has dropped to a predetermined value or less. If the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery has not dropped to a predetermined value or less (NO in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0078] In step S9, the operation control unit 13 adjusts the temperature in the driver's cab and cools the luggage compartment of the vehicle. Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 13 activates the high-voltage equipment (high-voltage battery) and sets the contactor to a closed state. The operation control unit 13 also wakes up the refrigerator ECU 51, the air conditioner ECU 71, and the ePTO 6.

[0079] Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 causes the refrigerator ECU 51 to control the refrigerator 52 according to the setting state (on / off) of the refrigerator switch 53, the set temperature, the set air volume, etc. The operation control unit 13 also causes the air conditioner ECU 71 to control the air conditioner 72 according to the setting state (on / off) of the air conditioner switch 73, the set temperature, the set air volume, etc. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

[0080] Furthermore, if the result of the check in step S1 is that the main key in the main key operation unit 8 is on (main key ON) (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0081] Furthermore, if the result of the check in step S2 is that the expansion air conditioning switch 3 is off (NO in step S2), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0082] Also, if the result of the check in step S5 shows that the time elapsed since the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 started operating exceeds the maximum continuous operating time (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0083] Furthermore, if the result of the check in step S6 shows that both the refrigerator switch 53 and the air conditioner switch 73 are off (YES in step S6), if the result of the check in step S7 shows that an error has occurred in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, or the air conditioner ECU 71 (YES in step S7), or if the result of the check in step S8 shows that the remaining charge of the high-voltage battery has fallen below a predetermined value (YES in step S8), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0084] In step S10, the operation control unit 13 stops temperature adjustment in the driver's cab and cooling in the luggage compartment of the vehicle. Specifically, for example, the operation control unit 13 shuts down the high-voltage equipment (high-voltage battery) and sets the contactors to an open state. The operation control unit 13 also puts the refrigerator ECU 51, the air conditioner ECU 71, and the ePTO 6 into sleep mode. Furthermore, the operation control unit 13 instructs the refrigerator ECU 51 to turn off control of the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner ECU 71 to turn off control of the air conditioner 72.

[0085] The operation control unit 13 also sets the operation start warning flag to OFF, and then ends the process.

[0086] [3. Effects] The above-described embodiment provides the following effects.

[0087] In the temperature control device 1 of this application example, when the vehicle's main key is off and the extended air conditioning switch 3 is set to on, the operation control unit 13 performs extended temperature adjustment to adjust the temperature in the vehicle.

[0088] Specifically, even if the main key is in the OFF position, when the expansion air conditioning switch 3 is set to ON, the operation control unit 13 controls the supply of power to the refrigerator unit 5, the ePTO 6, and the air conditioning unit 7. As a result, even if the main key is in the OFF position in the vehicle, the refrigerator 52 can cool the luggage compartment, and the air conditioner 72 can regulate the temperature in the driver's cab.

[0089] In a vehicle, by cooling the luggage compartment with the refrigerator 52 while the main key is off, the temperature in the freezer can be kept constant, improving the quality of the luggage. Also, by adjusting the temperature in the driver's cab with the air conditioner 72 while the main key is off, the temperature in the driver's cab can be kept constant, improving the comfort of the driver.

[0090] Furthermore, even when the main key is off, the refrigerator 52 can cool the luggage compartment and the air conditioner 72 can adjust the temperature in the driver's cab. Therefore, when the driver leaves the vehicle to collect or deliver luggage, the refrigerator 52 can cool the luggage compartment and the air conditioner 72 can adjust the temperature in the driver's cab with the vehicle locked.

[0091] Furthermore, if the elapsed time (continuous operation time) since the start of operation of the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 exceeds the maximum continuous operation time, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and disables the extended temperature adjustment, thereby reducing power consumption and protecting the high-voltage battery.

[0092] Furthermore, if an error is detected in any of the high-voltage equipment, the refrigerator ECU 51, the ePTO 6, or the air conditioner ECU 71, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and disables the expanded temperature adjustment, thereby preventing secondary failures caused by the error.

[0093] Furthermore, when the remaining charge (remaining battery charge) of the high-voltage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the operation control unit 13 stops the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72 and disables the extended temperature adjustment, thereby protecting the high-voltage battery.

[0094] [4. Other] The temperature adjustment device 1 shown in the above embodiment is one example. For example, the temperature adjustment device 1 is provided with the refrigeration unit 5 and the air conditioning unit 7, but is not limited to this and may include only at least one of the refrigeration unit 5 and the air conditioning unit 7. Furthermore, the temperature adjustment device 1 may include a temperature regulator other than the refrigeration unit 5 and the air conditioning unit 7.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the conditions for which the operation control unit 13 disables the expanded temperature adjustment are exemplified as suppression conditions 1 to 4, but the present invention is not limited to these. The suppression conditions may include conditions other than the above suppression conditions 1 to 4.

[0096] 2, when the main key is turned on (YES in step S1), the high-voltage equipment is started up and the contactors are closed in step S9, but this is not limiting. For example, a starter switch (not shown) may be provided in addition to the main key, and when the main key and the starter switch are both turned on, the high-voltage equipment may be started up and the contactors are closed in step S9. In other words, the condition for YES in step S1 may include the starter switch being on in addition to the main key being on.

[0097] In the above embodiment, a driving battery (high-voltage battery) is used to supply power to the temperature regulators (refrigerator 52, air conditioner 72), but this is not limitative. Another power source such as a battery may be provided, and power may be supplied to the temperature regulators, etc. from that power source.

[0098] Furthermore, a temperature regulator such as the refrigerator 52 may be driven by power generated by a device other than the ePTO, for example, by another motor.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the electric vehicle is a truck powered by electricity, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electric vehicle may be a passenger car or other vehicle powered by electricity. The electric vehicle may also be a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a drive battery.

[0100] Furthermore, an electric vehicle may use electricity as at least part of its power source, and may be, for example, a vehicle that has only a drive battery as its power source, or a hybrid vehicle that has an engine and a drive battery.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the refrigerator 52 is used as an example of a temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature in the luggage compartment, but this is not limited to this. The temperature regulation of the luggage compartment by the temperature regulation device 1 may be for not only cooling luggage but also keeping luggage warm or heating luggage. Also, for example, the luggage compartment may be divided into a portion that freezes the luggage compartment and a portion that is kept at a low temperature so that the luggage compartment does not freeze. Furthermore, the luggage compartment may be divided into a portion that only freezes the luggage compartment and a portion that is only kept at a low temperature so that the luggage compartment does not freeze.

[0102] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which the ePTO extracts power from the traction motor, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of extracting power from the traction motor, a separate motor may be used as the ePTO. In this case, the power output from the high-voltage battery can also be shared with the ePTO.

[0103] Although the above-described embodiment has a timer function, the maximum continuous operation time, which is the time period during which the extended temperature control is disabled, may be changeable to any desired time. In this case, for example, the maximum continuous operation time may be changed using at least one of an operation unit (e.g., a meter cluster, a touch panel, or a dial) located in the driver's cab, a terminal device capable of operating the temperature control device 1 via wireless communication, or an operation unit (e.g., a touch panel or a dial) located on the exterior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the maximum continuous operation time may be changed individually for each temperature control device, such as the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the refrigerator 52 and the air conditioner 72 are provided as examples of the temperature regulator, but the present invention is not limited to this. The temperature regulator may be a device other than the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72, or may be only one of the refrigerator 52 or the air conditioner 72, and various modifications can be made.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the first operating unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) is provided in the temperature adjustment device 1 independently of the refrigeration unit 5 and the air conditioning unit 7, but this is not limiting and the first operating unit may be provided in each temperature controller (refrigeration unit 52, air conditioner 72). In addition, the second operating unit (refrigeration unit switch 53, air conditioning switch 73) may be provided in the temperature adjustment device 1 independently of the refrigeration unit 5 and the air conditioning unit 7.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first operation unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) and the second operation unit (refrigerator switch 53, air conditioner switch 73) may be the same operation unit. For example, the first operation unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) and the second operation unit (refrigerator switch 53) may be the same operation unit A, and the first operation unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) and the second operation unit (air conditioner switch 73) may be the same operation unit B. In this case, for example, if operation unit A and operation unit B are both turned on when the key is turned on, the function of the extension air conditioning switch 3 of either operation unit A or operation unit B will be enabled when the key is turned off, allowing the operation of the refrigerator unit 5 or the air conditioner unit 7 to continue.

[0107] It is also possible to associate the first operation unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) provided in operation unit A only with the second operation unit (refrigerator switch 53) provided in the same operation unit A, and the first operation unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) provided in operation unit B only with the second operation unit (air conditioner switch 73) provided in the same operation unit B. In this case, for example, if at least one first operation unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) of operation unit A or operation unit B is turned on when the key is turned on, the function of the first operation unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) that has been turned on becomes active when the key is turned off, and it is also possible to selectively continue operation of the temperature regulator (refrigerator unit 5, air conditioner unit 7) that has been turned on with the first operation unit (extension air conditioning switch 3) that has been turned on.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, when operation unit A and operation unit B change from OFF to ON when the key is turned OFF, it is also possible to enable the functions of each expansion air conditioning switch 3. This means that even if the key is turned OFF while operation unit A or operation unit B is ON, operation of the refrigeration unit 5 by operation unit A and operation of the air conditioning unit 7 by operation unit B will be temporarily stopped, making it possible to prevent forgetting to stop operation of the refrigeration unit 5 or air conditioning unit 7 when the key is turned OFF.

[0109] Furthermore, for example, the operation unit A and the operation unit B may be arranged in at least one of the inside of the driver's cab and the exterior surface of the vehicle.

[0110] Furthermore, for example, operation unit A and operation unit B may be operable on a terminal device via wireless communication.

[0111] [5. Supplementary Notes] (Supplementary Note 1) A temperature adjustment device for adjusting the temperature inside an electric vehicle by controlling a temperature regulator, comprising: a key operation unit for turning a key of the electric vehicle on or off; a first operation unit for activating or stopping the temperature adjustment device; and a control device for controlling the temperature adjustment device, wherein the control device enables the activation operation by the first operation unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied with the key in the off state.

[0112] (Supplementary Note 2) The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a second operating unit that activates or stops the temperature regulator, wherein the predetermined condition is a state in which the second operating unit activates the temperature regulator.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 3) The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the control device stops the temperature adjustment device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature regulator started operating.

[0114] (Supplementary Note 4) The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the control device disables the operation by the first operating unit when the remaining charge of the drive battery is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0115] (Supplementary Note 5) The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a notification device that notifies an operator of the first operation unit that operation of the temperature adjustment device has started, and the control device causes the notification device to make the notification when the operation of the temperature adjustment device is performed by the first operation unit.

[0116] (Supplementary Note 6) The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the first operating unit is disposed in at least one of a driver's cab and an exterior surface of the vehicle.

[0117] (Supplementary Note 7) The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein the first operation unit is a terminal device capable of operating the temperature control device via wireless communication.

[0118] (Supplementary Note 8) The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein the interior is a driver's cab.

[0119] (Supplementary Note 9) The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the interior space is a luggage space.

[0120] (Supplementary Note 10) The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein the electric vehicle is a refrigerated vehicle.

[0121] REFRIGERATOR LIST 1 Temperature adjustment device 2 Vehicle control ECU (control device) 3 Extended air conditioning switch (first operation unit) 4 High-voltage battery unit 5 Refrigerator unit 6 ePTO 7 Air conditioning unit 8 Main key operation unit (key operation unit) 9 Notification device 12 Confirmation unit 13 Operation control unit 14 Notification control unit 51 Refrigerator ECU 52 Refrigerator (temperature controller) 53 Refrigerator switch (second operation unit) 71 Air conditioning ECU 72 Air conditioner (temperature controller) 73 Air conditioning switch (second operation unit)

Claims

1. A temperature adjustment device for adjusting the interior temperature of an electric vehicle by controlling a thermostat, comprising: a key operation unit for turning a key of the electric vehicle on or off; a first operation unit for activating or stopping the temperature adjustment device; and a control device for controlling the temperature adjustment device, wherein the control device enables the activation operation by the first operation unit when the key is in the off state and a predetermined condition is satisfied.

2. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a second operation unit that activates or stops the temperature regulator, and wherein the predetermined condition is a state in which the second operation unit activates the temperature regulator.

3. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device stops the temperature control device a predetermined time after the temperature regulator starts operating.

4. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device disables the operation by the first operating unit when the remaining charge of the drive battery is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

5. The temperature adjustment device for an electric vehicle as described in claim 1, further comprising a notification device that notifies an operator of the first operation unit that operation of the temperature adjustment device has begun, and the control device causes the notification device to give the notification when the operation of the temperature adjustment device is performed by the first operation unit.

6. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation unit is disposed in at least one of the following locations: inside the driver's cab and on the exterior of the vehicle.

7. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operation unit is a terminal device capable of operating the temperature control device via wireless communication.

8. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the interior is a driver's cab.

9. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the interior space is a luggage compartment.

10. The temperature control device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric vehicle is a refrigerated vehicle.

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