Vehicle air conditioning system
By adjusting the primary heating device's output based on the thermal contribution of secondary devices, the vehicle air conditioning system achieves both comfort and power savings by optimizing warmth provision.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DENSO CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle air conditioning systems fail to consider the type and calorific value of secondary heating devices, limiting comfort and power savings.
Adjust the output of the primary heating device based on the thermal contribution of operating secondary heating devices, such as seat heaters, radiant heaters, and steering wheel heaters, rather than just their number, to provide appropriate warmth and conserve energy.
This approach ensures both comfort and power savings by optimizing the output of the primary heating device according to the thermal contribution of secondary devices, maintaining appropriate interior warmth.
Smart Images

Figure JP2025036539_07052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Vehicle air conditioning system Cross-reference to related applications
[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-193339 filed on November 4, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This disclosure relates to a vehicle air conditioning system.
[0003] Conventionally, as a vehicle air conditioning system, one having a plurality of devices for heating the interior of a vehicle is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle air conditioning system including a first heating device, a plurality of second heating devices using heat sources different from the first heating device, and a control device that reduces the output of the heat source of the first heating device according to the number of operating second heating devices.
[0004] Patent No. 7517122
[0005] In the above Patent Document 1, although the output of the heat source of the first heating device is reduced according to the number of operating second heating devices, no consideration is given to the type, calorific value, etc. of the operating second heating devices, and comfort and power saving are limited. Thus, there is still room for improvement in the prior art regarding the compatibility between ensuring comfort and power saving.
[0006] An object of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system capable of achieving both comfort and power saving.
[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle air conditioning system includes a first heating device that heats the interior of a vehicle, and a plurality of second heating devices provided separately from the first heating device. The plurality of second heating devices include those having different degrees of contribution to the thermal sensation of the occupants, and the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the degree of contribution by the operating devices among the plurality of second heating devices.
[0008] In the vehicle air conditioning system of this disclosure, the output of the first heating unit is adjusted not by the number of second heating units in operation, but by the degree to which the operating second heating unit contributes to the feeling of warmth to the occupants. This makes it possible to provide an appropriate amount of warmth to the occupants through the first and second heating units, thereby achieving both comfort and energy saving.
[0009] This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic front view of a vehicle seat including a seat heater. This is a block diagram for explaining the control device of the vehicle air conditioning system. This is a flowchart showing an example of heating processing performed by the control device of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the lower limit of the output of the first heating device and the outside air temperature. This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contribution of each second heating device to the occupant's sense of warmth in the vehicle air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the output adjustment of the first heating device according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupant's sense of warmth. This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contribution of each second heating device to the occupant's sense of warmth in the vehicle air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the output adjustment of the first heating device according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupant's sense of warmth. This is a schematic front view of a vehicle seat including a seat heater in the vehicle air conditioning system according to the third embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contribution of the seat heater to the occupant's sense of warmth. This is a flowchart showing an example of heating processing performed by the control device of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the fourth embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the contribution of the second heating system to the occupant's sense of warmth and the amount of air blown from the defroster outlet. This is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating processing performed by the control device of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the fifth embodiment. This is a schematic configuration diagram of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the sixth embodiment. This is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating processing performed by the control device of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the sixth embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the output adjustment of the first heating system according to the contribution of the second heating system to the occupant's sense of warmth. This is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating processing performed by the control unit of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the seventh embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the output adjustment of the first heating system according to the contribution of the second heating system to the occupant's sense of warmth. This is a flowchart illustrating an example of heating processing performed by the control device of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the eighth embodiment.
[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the prior embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted. Also, if only a part of a component is described in an embodiment, the components described in the prior embodiments can be applied to the other parts of that component. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other, even if not explicitly stated, as long as it does not impede the combination.
[0011] (First Embodiment) This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of the present disclosure is applied to an electric vehicle that obtains driving force for vehicle operation from a traction motor. In an electric vehicle, various on-board equipment such as a traction motor and electric devices that constitute the vehicle air conditioning system 1 are driven by electricity from a battery pack mounted on the vehicle.
[0012] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 air-conditions the interior of the vehicle using electricity supplied from a battery pack. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning unit 10 as a "first heating device" for heating the interior of the vehicle, and a set of "second heating devices" provided separately from the air conditioning unit 10, including seat heaters 30, radiant heaters 40, and steering wheel heaters 50, as well as a control device 100. In the following, the air conditioning unit 10 may be referred to as the "first heating device," and the seat heaters 30, radiant heaters 40, and steering wheel heaters 50 may be referred to as the "second heating devices."
[0013] The air conditioning system 10 includes an air conditioning case (not shown) that forms an air passage, a refrigeration cycle (not shown) for cooling the air flowing through the passage, a heating device 11 that serves as a heat source for the air flowing through the passage, and an air outlet 12 that blows air adjusted to an appropriate temperature into the vehicle interior.
[0014] The air conditioning case is a component that forms an air passage for air blown into the vehicle interior. Inside the air conditioning case are the evaporator of the refrigeration cycle, the heater core of the heating equipment 11, and an air mix door that adjusts the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior.
[0015] The refrigeration cycle consists of a compressor that compresses and discharges the refrigerant, a radiator that dissipates heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a pressure reducing device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the radiator, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing device. The evaporator is located inside the air conditioning case as a heat exchanger that cools the air blown into the passenger compartment.
[0016] The heating device 11 is a device that heats the air blown into the vehicle cabin. The heating device 11 includes a heater core through which a fluid heated by a heater or an on-board heat-generating device flows. The heater core is located inside the air conditioning case as a heat exchanger that cools the air blown into the vehicle cabin. Note that the heating device 11 may consist of an electric heater, a heat exchanger for releasing waste heat from the vehicle, etc., instead of a heater core.
[0017] The air outlet 12 is an outlet that blows out air that has been adjusted to an appropriate temperature inside the air conditioning case. The air outlet 12 includes a defroster outlet 121, a face outlet 122, and a foot outlet 123.
[0018] The defroster outlet 121 is a "fogging-preventing outlet" that blows air toward the window glass W, which serves as a partition between the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The defroster outlet 121 has an opening in the instrument panel IP located near the front window glass W of the vehicle. An adjustment door is provided in this opening or in a duct connected to the opening to control the amount of air blown out from the defroster outlet 121.
[0019] The face vent 122 and the foot vent 123 constitute "occupant vents" that blow air toward the occupant's body. The face vent 122 blows air toward the occupant's upper body and has an opening that opens above the part of the instrument panel IP that faces the occupant. An adjustment door is provided in this opening or in the duct connected to the opening to control the amount of air blown from the face vent 122. The foot vent 123 blows air toward the occupant's lower body and has an opening that opens below the instrument panel IP. An adjustment door is provided in this opening or in the duct connected to the opening to control the amount of air blown from the foot vent 123.
[0020] The seat heater 30 is a heater installed in the seat ST on which the occupant sits. The seat heater 30 is composed of an electric heater that generates heat when power is applied. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the heaters that make up the seat heater 30 are arranged in both the seat cushion SC, which is the seat surface, and the seat back SB, which is the backrest.
[0021] The radiant heater 40 is a heater that warms the occupants' feet using radiant heat. The radiant heater 40 is composed of an electric heater that generates radiant heat when power is applied. Specifically, it is installed on the door trim on the side of the vehicle. However, the radiant heater 40 may be installed on the underside of the instrument panel, near the headrest, etc., instead of the door trim.
[0022] The steering heater 50 is a heater that warms the occupant's hands. The steering heater 50 is composed of an electric heater that generates heat when electricity is applied. The steering heater 50 is installed on the steering wheel SR of the vehicle.
[0023] Here, the air conditioning unit 10 is a device that warms the occupants in the vehicle interior by convection heat transfer. The seat heater 30 and steering wheel heater 50 are devices that warm the occupants by conduction heat transfer. The radiant heater 40 is a device that warms the occupants by radiant heat transfer. Thus, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is composed of multiple heating devices with different conduction methods.
[0024] The control device 100 is composed of a computer including a processor and memory, and its peripheral devices. The memory of the control device 100 is composed of a non-transitional tangible storage medium. The control device 100 reads and executes a program stored in memory. When a program stored in memory is executed, a method corresponding to the program is executed.
[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the input side of the control device 100 is connected to an outside air temperature sensor 101, an inside air temperature sensor 102, a humidity sensor 103, a solar radiation sensor 104, a seat temperature sensor 105, a radiant heater temperature sensor 106, a steering wheel temperature sensor 107, and the like.
[0026] Furthermore, the control device 100 is connected to an operation panel 110 for operating various heating devices. The operation panel 110 is equipped with switches 111 for turning various heating devices on and off, an auto switch 112 for turning the automatic air conditioner on and off, and a capacity adjustment unit 113 for setting the heating capacity of various heating devices. The capacity adjustment unit 113 includes, for example, a switch for setting the output of the seat heater 30 to "Hi" or "Lo", a switch for setting the output of the radiant heater 40 to "Hi" or "Lo", and a switch for setting the output of the steering heater 50 to "Hi" or "Lo".
[0027] The output side of the control device 100 is connected to various drive devices that operate the air conditioning system 10, a seat heater 30, a radiant heater 40, and a steering wheel heater 50. The control device 100 takes information from various sensors connected to the input side as input and controls the various devices connected to the output side according to a program stored in memory.
[0028] In this vehicle air conditioning system 1, it is conceivable that the control device 100 may perform a process to reduce the output of the heat source of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, according to the number of second heating devices such as the seat heater 30, radiant heater 40, and steering wheel heater 50 that are in operation.
[0029] However, the above-described process does not take into account the type or heat output of the second heating system in operation, resulting in limited comfort and power savings. In other words, although the multiple second heating systems include some that contribute to the occupants' sense of warmth differently, the amount of output reduction of the air conditioning system 10 is determined without considering this contribution. In this case, for example, the amount of output reduction of the air conditioning system 10 is the same whether the seat heater 30 is operating or the steering wheel heater 50 is operating, indicating that there is still room for improvement in achieving both comfort and power savings. In the following, the contribution to the occupants' sense of warmth may be simply referred to as "thermal contribution."
[0030] Taking these factors into consideration, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the output of the air conditioning system 10, which is the first heating device, is adjusted according to the contribution of the device that is currently operating among the multiple second heating devices. Specifically, the control device 100 of this embodiment performs a control process that adjusts the output of the air conditioning system 10, which is the first heating device, according to the contribution of the device that is currently operating among the multiple second heating devices.
[0031] The control processing performed by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 4. The control routine shown in Figure 4 is periodically executed by the control device 100 when the auto switch 112 is turned on, for example, under conditions where heating of the vehicle interior is required. Each step in Figure 4 functions as a function implementation unit of the control device 100.
[0032] As shown in Figure 4, in step S100, the control device 100 reads various information such as signals output by various sensors and operation signals output by the operation panel 110. Then, in step S110, the control device 100 sets the lower output limit of the first heating device, which is the air conditioning device 10.
[0033] Here, when the outside temperature is low, the need for heating the vehicle interior and preventing fogging of the window glass W increases compared to when the outside temperature is high. For this reason, the control device 100 of this embodiment sets the lower limit of the output of the first heating device, which is the air conditioning device 10, according to the outside temperature. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the control device 100 sets the lower limit of the output of the first heating device as the outside temperature decreases.
[0034] Next, in step S120, the control device 100 determines the number of times each second heating device is activated and the output of each second heating device. The control device 100 determines the number of times each second heating device is activated based, for example, on the operation signals of the switches 111 that turn the various heating devices on and off. The control device 100 also determines the output of each second heating device based, for example, on the operation signals of the capacity adjustment unit 113 and the indoor air temperature.
[0035] Next, in step S130, the control device 100 determines the output of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' sense of warmth. As a result, the output of the air conditioning device 10 is adjusted according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' sense of warmth.
[0036] Here, the thermal contribution will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The thermal contribution is predetermined for each second heating device. The thermal contribution is determined by taking into account at least one of the following: the ease with which heat is felt in the area to be heated by each second heating device (hereinafter also referred to as the target area), the distance from the second heating device to the target area, and the amount of heat generated by the second heating device.
[0037] In this embodiment, among the multiple second heating devices, those with different distances to the target area are considered to contribute more to heating if they are closer to the target area. For example, the seat heater 30 and the radiant heater 40 contribute more to heating than the steering heater 50 because they warm areas that are more sensitive to heat, such as the waist, thighs, and knees, rather than the hands which are the target area of the steering heater 50.
[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, among the multiple second heating devices, those that heat different target areas are considered to contribute more to heating when heating the target area that is more sensitive to heat. For example, the seat heater 30 is in contact with the occupant's body and is closer to the occupant's body than the radiant heater 40, and therefore contributes more to heating than the radiant heater 40.
[0039] Specifically, when the thermal contribution of the seat heater 30 is denoted as "SE," the thermal contribution of the radiant heater 40 as "RA," and the thermal contribution of the steering heater 50 as "ST," the thermal contributions are determined to be in the order of SE > RA > ST, as shown in Figure 6. The thermal contribution of each second heating device is stored in memory beforehand.
[0040] The control device 100 in this embodiment controls the air conditioning system 10 such that the output of the first heating system decreases as the thermal contribution of the operating second heating system among the multiple second heating systems increases. The control device 100 determines the output of the air conditioning system 10, which is the first heating system, using, for example, the formula F1 shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7, the actual output of the air conditioning system 10 is set to "Ea", and the output of the air conditioning system 10 when each second heating system is not operating is set to "Eb". In Figure 7, "SE", "RA", and "ST" are calculated as "0" when the seat heater 30, radiant heater 40, and steering heater 50 are not operating.
[0041] However, if the value of "Ea" obtained by formula F1 in Figure 7 is smaller than the lower output limit of the air conditioning unit 10, then "Ea" is determined to be the lower output limit of the air conditioning unit 10. Also, in situations where the humidity inside the vehicle is high and window fogging is likely to occur, or when the interior temperature is low, heating inside the vehicle is necessary, so the value of "Ea" obtained by formula F1 in Figure 7 is increased by a predetermined value to determine the final "Ea".
[0042] In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 described above, among the plurality of second heating devices, the output of the air conditioning device 10, which is the first heating device, is adjusted according to the contribution degree of the operating device. Thus, in the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the contribution degree of the thermal sensation to the passengers of the operating second heating device, rather than the number of operating second heating devices. According to this, it is possible to provide an appropriate amount of heat to the passengers through the first heating device and the second heating device, so that it is possible to achieve both comfort and power saving.
[0043] In addition, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment has the following features. (1) In the vehicle air conditioning system 1, among the plurality of second heating devices, the higher the thermal contribution degree of the operating device, the smaller the output of the first heating device is adjusted. When the contribution degree of the operating second heating device to the thermal sensation of the passengers is high, even if the output of the first heating device is suppressed to save power, the comfort of the passengers can be ensured. Therefore, if the output of the first heating device is adjusted to be smaller as the contribution degree of the operating second heating device to the thermal sensation of the passengers is higher, it is possible to achieve both comfort and power saving.
[0044] (2) The plurality of second heating devices include those with different target parts. The thermal contribution degree is determined by taking into account at least one of the ease of feeling heat at the target part, the distance from the second heating device to the target part, and the heat generation amount of the second heating device. Thus, it is desirable that the contribution degree to the thermal sensation of the passengers is determined by taking into account various viewpoints.
[0045] (3) For the first heating device, the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature. When the outside air temperature is low, the need for heating and anti-fogging in the vehicle interior increases compared to when the outside air temperature is high. Therefore, in a system that adjusts the output of the first heating device according to the contribution degree of the operating second heating device to the thermal sensation of the passengers, it is desirable that the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature.
[0046] (4) The lower limit of the output of the first heating device is set higher as the outside air temperature is lower. According to this, even when the outside air temperature is low, the output of the first heating device can be maintained to some extent, so that the comfort in the vehicle interior can be ensured and anti-fogging can be achieved.
[0047] (5) Among the plurality of second heating devices, for those with a difference in the distance to the target part, the one with a closer distance to the target part is considered to have a higher heat contribution degree. Thus, it is desirable that the heat contribution degree to the thermal sensation of the occupant when there is a difference in the distance to the target part to be heated by the second heating device is determined in consideration of the distance to the target part. Specifically, it is desirable that in the vehicle air conditioning system 1, among the plurality of second heating devices, the output of the first heating device is adjusted to be smaller as the distance from the operating device to the target part is closer.
[0048] (6) Among the plurality of second heating devices, for those heating different target parts, the one heating the target part where heat is more easily felt is considered to have a higher heat contribution degree. Thus, it is desirable that the heat contribution degree when the target parts to be heated by the second heating device are different is determined in consideration of the ease of feeling heat at the target part. Specifically, it is desirable that in the vehicle air conditioning system 1, among the plurality of second heating devices, the output of the first heating device is adjusted to be smaller as the thermal sensation of the target part corresponding to the operating device is higher.
[0049] (Modification of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the heat contribution degree of each second heating device is set as a fixed value stored in the memory in advance. However, the heat contribution degree may be a variable value that changes according to, for example, the outside air temperature, the inside air temperature, and the temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the inside air temperature.
[0050] In the first embodiment, the output of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, is determined using the formula F1 shown in Figure 7 as an example. However, the method for determining the output of the air conditioning device 10 may differ from that described above. For example, the output of the air conditioning device 10 may be determined using a map in which the correspondence between the thermal contribution of each second heating device and the output of the air conditioning device 10 is defined in advance.
[0051] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0052] Each second heating unit allows for changes in heat output by switching between "Hi" and "Lo" settings. In each second heating unit, for example, as shown in Figure 8, the "Hi" setting, which generates more heat, contributes more to thermal comfort than the "Lo" setting.
[0053] Taking these factors into consideration, the control device 100 of this embodiment is configured to change the thermal contribution of each second heating device according to the heat output of each second heating device. The control device 100, for example, refers to the map shown in Figure 9 and changes the thermal contribution of each second heating device according to the "Hi," "Lo," and "OFF" settings of each second heating device. The map shown in Figure 9 defines the correspondence between the "Hi," "Lo," and "OFF" settings of the second heating device and the thermal contribution of each second heating device.
[0054] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[0055] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment has the following features: (1) The control device 100 of this embodiment is configured to change the thermal contribution according to the heat output of each second heating device. With this configuration, which changes the thermal contribution according to the state of each second heating device, it is possible to provide an appropriate amount of heat to the occupants through the first heating device and the second heating device.
[0056] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, each second heating device is exemplified as being able to switch the heat output in two stages, such as "Hi" and "Lo," but the invention is not limited to this, and may be able to switch the heat output in three stages or more. Also, only a part of each second heating device may be able to switch the heat output.
[0057] (Third Embodiment) Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the seat heater 30 is divided into a cushion heater 31 provided on the seat cushion SC and a back heater 32 provided on the seat back SB. The control device 100 is configured to be able to control the cushion heater 31 and the back heater 32 independently. That is, the control device 100 has a functional unit 100a for controlling the cushion heater 31 and a functional unit 100b for controlling the back heater 32.
[0059] In this configuration, the seat heater 30 can change its heat output by independently operating the cushion heater 31 and the back heater 32. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, for example, when both the cushion heater 31 and the back heater 32 are operating, the contribution to heating is higher than when only one of them is operating.
[0060] Taking these factors into consideration, the control device 100 of this embodiment is configured to change the thermal contribution depending on the operating status of the cushion heater 31 and the back heater 32. For example, the control device 100 determines the thermal contribution by referring to a map that defines the correspondence between the operating status of the cushion heater 31 and the back heater 32 and the thermal contribution of the second heating device.
[0061] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[0062] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment has the following features: (1) The control device 100 of this embodiment is configured to change the amount of heat contribution according to the operating status of the seat heater 30. With this configuration, which changes the amount of heat contribution according to the operating status of the seat heater 30, it is possible to provide an appropriate amount of heat to the occupants through the first heating device and the second heating device.
[0063] (2) Furthermore, among the multiple second heating devices, the cushion heater 31 and the back heater 32 are devices with the same heating method. In this way, for devices with the same heating method, it is desirable that the one with a higher heat output has a higher contribution to thermal comfort. Note that "same heating method" means, for example, that the heat generation mode and heat transfer method are the same.
[0064] (Modification of the Third Embodiment) The control device 100 of the third embodiment is configured to change the degree of thermal contribution according to the operating status of the seat heater 30, but is not limited thereto. Since the cushion heater 31 and the back heater 32 heat different target areas, the one that heats the target area that is more sensitive to heat may be configured to have a higher degree of thermal contribution.
[0065] The seat heater 30 of the third embodiment is divided into a cushion heater 31 and a back heater 32, but is not limited to this, and may be divided into three or more members. For example, the seat heater 30 may have at least one of the cushion heater 31 and the back heater 32 divided into multiple members.
[0066] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0067] In this embodiment, when the output of the air conditioning unit 10 is adjusted according to the thermal contribution, the air outlet ratio is adjusted so that the amount of air blown out from the defroster outlet 121, which is an "anti-fogging outlet," increases. Specifically, when the control device 100 of this embodiment adjusts the output of the air conditioning unit 10 according to the thermal contribution, it performs a control process to increase the amount of air blown out from the defroster outlet 121.
[0068] The control processing performed by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 12. The control routine shown in Figure 12 corresponds to the control routine shown in Figure 4, which was described in the first embodiment. The processing from steps S100A to S120A shown in Figure 12 is the same as the processing from steps S100 to S120 shown in Figure 4, so its explanation will be omitted.
[0069] As shown in Figure 12, in step S130A, the control device 100 determines the output of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, according to the degree of contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' feeling of warmth, and increases the amount of air blown from the defroster outlet 121 as the contribution to warmth increases.
[0070] Specifically, the control device 100 increases the amount of air blown from the defroster outlet 121 while maintaining the total amount of air blown into the vehicle cabin. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the control device 100 increases the amount of air blown from the defroster outlet 121 by switching the air blowing mode into the vehicle cabin to foot mode, foot differential mode, and differential mode as the thermal contribution increases. The foot mode is a mode in which air is mainly blown from the foot outlet 123, while a small amount of air is also blown from the defroster outlet 121 (for example, differential: 20%, foot: 80%). The foot differential mode is a mode in which air is blown from both the foot outlet 123 and the defroster outlet 121 (for example, differential: 50%, foot: 50%). The differential mode is a mode in which air is mainly blown from the defroster outlet 121 (for example, differential: 100%).
[0071] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[0072] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment has the following features: (1) In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, even when the output of the air conditioning system 10, which is the first heating device, is reduced according to the degree of contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' feeling of warmth, the amount of air blown out from the anti-fogging outlet increases according to the degree of contribution. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fogging of the window glass W while ensuring comfort and saving power.
[0073] (Fifth Embodiment) Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0074] In this embodiment, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is configured such that when the second heating device is operating, the lower limit of the output of the air conditioning device 10 is adjusted according to the outside air temperature. Specifically, when the second heating device is operating, the control device 100 of this embodiment performs a control process to adjust the lower limit of the output of the air conditioning device 10 according to the outside air temperature.
[0075] The control processes executed by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 14. The control routine shown in Figure 14 corresponds to the control routine shown in Figure 4, which was described in the first embodiment. The processes of steps S100B and S110B shown in Figure 14 are the same as the processes of steps S100 and S120 shown in Figure 4, so their explanation will be omitted.
[0076] As shown in Figure 14, in step S120B, the control device 100 determines whether the second heating device is operating or not. Specifically, the control device 100 determines whether any one of the seat heater 30, radiant heater 40, or steering heater 50 is operating or not.
[0077] If the second heating system is operating, the control device 100 sets the lower output limit of the first heating system, the air conditioning system 10, in step S130B. The process in step S130B is the same as the process in step S110 shown in Figure 4, so its explanation is omitted.
[0078] Next, in step S140B, the control device 100 determines the output of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' sense of warmth. As a result, the output of the air conditioning device 10 is adjusted according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' sense of warmth.
[0079] On the other hand, if the second heating system is not operating, the control device 100 determines the output of the first heating system, the air conditioning system 10, in step S150B so that the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior approaches a target blown temperature based on the outside air temperature, inside air temperature, solar radiation, etc.
[0080] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[0081] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment has the following features: (1) When the second heating device is operating, the lower limit of the output of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, is adjusted according to the outside air temperature. Thus, the air conditioning device 10 may be configured so that the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature while the second heating device is operating.
[0082] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0083] As shown in Figure 15, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes a film-type anti-fog heater 60 as an anti-fog device for preventing fogging of the window glass W at the front of the vehicle. The anti-fog heater 60 is made of a transparent film-like material with a visible light transmittance of a predetermined value (for example, 70%) or more so as to ensure visibility for the driver. The anti-fog heater 60 is turned on by the control device 100 when window fogging is expected or when a switch provided on the operation panel 110 is operated.
[0084] Here, the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, is capable of preventing fogging of the window glass W by blowing air from the defroster outlet 121. In other words, the air conditioning device 10 is configured to function as a device that prevents fogging of the window glass W, separately from the anti-fogging heater 60 which constitutes the anti-fogging device.
[0085] In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 configured in this way, the output of the air conditioning unit 10, which is the first heating device, is adjusted depending on whether or not the anti-fog heater 60, which is an anti-fog device, is operating. Specifically, the control device 100 of this embodiment performs a control process to adjust the output of the air conditioning unit 10 depending on whether or not the anti-fog heater 60 is operating.
[0086] The control processing performed by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 16. The control routine shown in Figure 16 corresponds to the control routine shown in Figure 4, which was described in the first embodiment. The processing of steps S100C to S120C shown in Figure 16 is the same as the processing of steps S100 to S120 shown in Figure 4, so its explanation will be omitted.
[0087] As shown in Figure 16, in step S130C, the control device 100 determines whether or not the anti-fogging device is in operation. Specifically, the control device 100 determines whether or not the anti-fogging heater 60 is turned on.
[0088] When the anti-fog heater 60 is off, the control device 100 determines the output of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, in step S140C, according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' sense of warmth. As a result, the output of the air conditioning device 10 is adjusted according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' sense of warmth.
[0089] On the other hand, when the anti-fog heater 60 is on, the control device 100 determines the output of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, in step S150C, according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' sense of warmth and the anti-fog capacity of the anti-fog device.
[0090] In this case, when the anti-fogging device is activated, the anti-fogging capacity of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, can be reduced, thereby improving the air conditioning performance of the first heating device. For this reason, the operation of the anti-fogging device indirectly contributes to the body's sense of warmth.
[0091] Taking this into consideration, the control device 100 of this embodiment controls the air conditioning system 10 such that the output of the first heating system decreases as the thermal contribution of the operating device among the multiple second heating systems and anti-fogging devices increases. The control device 100 determines the output of the air conditioning system 10, which is the first heating system, using, for example, the formula F2 shown in Figure 17. In Figure 17, the thermal contribution of the anti-fogging device is denoted as "Wsh". In Figure 17, "Wsh" is calculated as "0" when the anti-fogging heater 60 is not operating. Furthermore, if "Ea" obtained by formula F2 in Figure 17 is smaller than the lower limit of the output of the air conditioning system 10, "Ea" is set to the lower limit of the output of the air conditioning system 10.
[0092] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[0093] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment has the following features: (1) The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is configured to adjust the output of the first heating device depending on whether or not the anti-fogging device is operating. In scenes where the anti-fogging device is operating, depending on the situation, the window glass W can be prevented from fogging by the anti-fogging device even if the output of the first heating device is reduced. For this reason, it is desirable that the output of the first heating device be adjusted depending on whether or not the anti-fogging device is operating.
[0094] (2) In addition, in the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, when the anti-fogging device is activated, the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the thermal contribution of the operating device among the plurality of second heating devices and the anti-fogging capacity of the anti-fogging device. It is desirable that the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the anti-fogging capacity of the anti-fogging device.
[0095] (Modification of the sixth embodiment) The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of the sixth embodiment determines the output of the first heating device, which is the air conditioning system 10, according to the contribution of the second heating device to the occupants' sense of warmth and the anti-fogging capacity of the anti-fogging device when the anti-fogging device is operating, but is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may determine the output of the first heating device, which is the air conditioning system 10, according to the anti-fogging capacity of the anti-fogging device when the anti-fogging device is operating. Also, when the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is not operating, it may determine the output of the first heating device, which is the air conditioning system 10, so that the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior approaches a target blown temperature based on the outside air temperature, inside air temperature, solar radiation, etc.
[0096] In the sixth embodiment, an anti-fog heater 60 was exemplified as an anti-fog device, but the anti-fog device is not limited to the anti-fog heater 60. The anti-fog device may be, for example, a device that blows warm air toward the window glass W, or an electric defogger attached to the window glass W.
[0097] (Seventh Embodiment) Next, the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0098] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, like the sixth embodiment, is equipped with an anti-fogging device that prevents fogging of the window glass W on the front of the vehicle. The operation of the anti-fogging device is controlled by the control device 100.
[0099] Here, the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, is capable of preventing fogging of the window glass W by blowing air from the defroster outlet 121. In other words, the air conditioning device 10 is configured to function as a device that prevents fogging of the window glass W, separate from the aforementioned anti-fogging device.
[0100] In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 configured in this way, the output of the air conditioning system 10, which is the first heating device, is adjusted according to whether the anti-fogging device is operating, regardless of whether the second heating device is operating or not. Specifically, the control device 100 of this embodiment performs a control process to adjust the output of the air conditioning system 10 according to whether the anti-fogging device is operating or not.
[0101] The control processing performed by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 18. The control routine shown in Figure 18 is periodically executed by the control device 100 when the auto switch 112 is turned on, for example, when heating of the vehicle interior is required. Each step in Figure 18 functions as a function implementation unit of the control device 100.
[0102] As shown in Figure 18, in step S100D, the control device 100 determines whether or not the anti-fog device is operating. Specifically, the control device 100 determines whether or not the anti-fog device is turned on.
[0103] If the anti-fogging device is off, the control device 100 controls the air conditioning unit 10, which is the first heating device, in step S110D so that the output of the air conditioning unit 10 is maintained. Specifically, the control device 100 determines the output of the air conditioning unit 10, which is the first heating device, so that the temperature of the air blown into the vehicle interior approaches a target discharge temperature based on the outside air temperature, inside air temperature, solar radiation, etc.
[0104] On the other hand, when the anti-fogging device is on, the control device 100 reduces the output of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, in step S120D. In this embodiment, the control device 100 determines the output of the air conditioning device 10 such that the output of the air conditioning device 10 decreases as the anti-fogging capacity of the anti-fogging device increases.
[0105] Specifically, the control device 100 controls the air conditioning system 10 such that the output of the first heating system decreases as the thermal contribution of the anti-fogging device increases. The control device 100 determines the output of the air conditioning system 10, which is the first heating system, using, for example, the formula F3 shown in Figure 19. In Figure 19, the thermal contribution of the anti-fogging device is denoted as "Wsh". In Figure 19, "Wsh" is calculated as "0" when the anti-fogging heater 60 is not operating. Furthermore, if "Ea", obtained by formula F3 in Figure 19, is smaller than the lower limit of the output of the air conditioning system 10, "Ea" is set to the lower limit of the output of the air conditioning system 10.
[0106] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[0107] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment has the following features: (1) The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is configured to adjust the output of the first heating device depending on whether or not the anti-fogging device is operating. In scenes where the anti-fogging device is operating, depending on the situation, the window glass W can be prevented from fogging by the anti-fogging device even if the output of the first heating device is reduced. For this reason, it is desirable that the output of the first heating device be adjusted depending on whether or not the anti-fogging device is operating.
[0108] (Modification of the 7th Embodiment) The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of the 7th embodiment is configured such that the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to whether the anti-fogging device is operating, regardless of whether the second heating device is operating or not, but is not limited to this. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 may be configured such that the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to whether the second heating device is operating or not and whether the anti-fogging device is operating or not. For example, when both the second heating device and the anti-fogging device are operating, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may be configured such that the output of the first heating device is adjusted to a lower level than when either the second heating device or the anti-fogging device is operating or not.
[0109] (Eighth Embodiment) Next, the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 20. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0110] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, like the sixth embodiment, is equipped with an anti-fogging device that prevents fogging of the window glass W on the front of the vehicle. The operation of the anti-fogging device is controlled by the control device 100.
[0111] Here, the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, is capable of preventing fogging of the window glass W by blowing air from the defroster outlet 121. In other words, the air conditioning device 10 is configured to function as a device that prevents fogging of the window glass W, separate from the aforementioned anti-fogging device.
[0112] Furthermore, if the anti-fogging device has high anti-fogging capabilities, the anti-fogging capabilities of the first heating device, the air conditioning device 10, can be reduced, thereby improving the air conditioning performance of the first heating device. For this reason, the operation of the anti-fogging device indirectly contributes to the body's sense of warmth.
[0113] Taking these factors into consideration, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the output of the air conditioning unit 10, which is the first heating unit, is adjusted according to the total number of operating units among the multiple second heating units and anti-fogging units. Specifically, the control device 100 of this embodiment performs a control process to adjust the output of the air conditioning unit 10 according to the number of operating second heating units and anti-fogging units.
[0114] The control processing performed by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 20. The control routine shown in Figure 20 corresponds to the control routine shown in Figure 4, which was described in the first embodiment. The processing of steps S100E to S120E shown in Figure 20 is the same as the processing of steps S100 to S120 shown in Figure 4, so its explanation will be omitted.
[0115] As shown in Figure 20, in step S130E, the control device 100 determines the output of the air conditioning unit 10, which is the first heating unit, according to the total number of operating units among the multiple second heating units and anti-fogging units. Specifically, the control device 100 determines the output of the air conditioning unit 10 such that the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning unit 10 decreases as the total number of operating units among the multiple second heating units and anti-fogging units increases.
[0116] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[0117] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment has the following features: (1) In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, the output of the first heating system is adjusted according to the total number of operating devices among the multiple second heating devices and anti-fogging devices. In scenes where the anti-fogging device is operating, depending on the situation, the window glass W can be prevented from fogging by the anti-fogging device even if the output of the first heating system is reduced. For this reason, it is desirable that the output of the first heating system is adjusted according to the total number of operating devices among the multiple second heating devices and anti-fogging devices.
[0118] (Other Embodiments) Although typical embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways, for example, as follows.
[0119] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 in the above-described embodiment may be configured to provide a sense of warmth to some of the multiple occupants of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may be configured to provide a sense of warmth to either the driver's seat or the passenger seat, or to provide a sense of warmth to either the front seat or the rear seat.
[0120] Furthermore, the first heating device constituting the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may or may not be configured to allow independent output adjustment for each occupant in the vehicle. If the first heating device is configured to allow independent output adjustment for each occupant, it is desirable that the vehicle air conditioning system 1 be configured to, for example, determine the output required for each occupant and adjust the output of the first heating device for each occupant based on the determined output. If the first heating device is not configured to allow independent output adjustment for each occupant, it is desirable that the vehicle air conditioning system 1 be configured to, for example, determine the output required for each occupant and adjust the output of the first heating device based on the highest of the determined outputs.
[0121] The multiple second heating devices constituting the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may be provided for all seats in the vehicle, or for some seats. For example, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may have multiple second heating devices, such as a seat heater 30 and a radiant heater 40, for the driver's seat, and only a seat heater 30 as the second heating device for the passenger seat. Alternatively, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may have multiple second heating devices, such as a seat heater 30 and a radiant heater 40, for the front seats, and only a seat heater 30 as the second heating device for the rear seats. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may be configured such that multiple second heating devices are provided for some seats, and no second heating devices are provided for other seats.
[0122] In the embodiments described above, a seat heater 30, a radiant heater 40, and a steering heater 50 were exemplified as the second heating device, but the second heating device is not limited to these. The second heating device may consist of a part of the seat heater 30, radiant heater 40, or steering heater 50, or it may consist of other heaters such as a neck heater.
[0123] In the above-described embodiment, an air conditioning system 10 that air-conditions the space where the front seats of the vehicle are located was exemplified as the first heating system. However, the first heating system is not limited to this, and may, for example, be a system that air-conditions the space where the rear seats of the vehicle are located.
[0124] As described in the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is configured such that the output of the first heating device is reduced as the thermal contribution of the operating device among the plurality of second heating devices increases, but this is not required. For example, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 may be configured such that the upper limit of the output of the first heating device is reduced as the thermal contribution of the operating device among the plurality of second heating devices increases.
[0125] As described in the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature, but the lower limit of the output of the first heating device may be set regardless of the outside air temperature.
[0126] In the embodiments described above, an example of applying the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this disclosure to an electric vehicle was explained. However, the application of the vehicle air conditioning system 1 is not limited to electric vehicles. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 can also be applied to vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, such as hybrid vehicles.
[0127] In the embodiments described above, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except in cases where they are explicitly stated to be essential or where they are clearly considered essential in principle.
[0128] In the embodiments described above, if numerical values such as the number, numerical values, quantities, or ranges of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, the embodiment is not limited to those specific numbers unless explicitly stated as particularly essential or clearly limited to a specific number in principle.
[0129] In the embodiments described above, when referring to the shape, positional relationships, etc. of the components, the definition is not limited to those shapes, positional relationships, etc., unless otherwise specifically stated or when the definition is fundamentally limited to a particular shape, positional relationship, etc.
[0130] The control unit and its method of this disclosure may be implemented in a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. The control unit and its method of this disclosure may be implemented in a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. The control unit and its method of this disclosure may be implemented in one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may also be stored as instructions executed by the computer in a computer-readable non-transitional tangible storage medium.
[0131] This disclosure includes the following technical concepts: [First Technical Concept] [First Perspective] A vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a first heating device (10) for heating the interior of a vehicle; and a plurality of second heating devices (30, 40, 50) provided separately from the first heating device, wherein the plurality of second heating devices include those that contribute to the occupants' sense of warmth to different degrees, and the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the contribution of the device that is currently operating among the plurality of second heating devices. [Second Perspective] The vehicle air conditioning system according to the second perspective, wherein the output of the first heating device is adjusted to be smaller the higher the contribution of the device that is currently operating among the plurality of second heating devices. [Third viewpoint] A vehicle air conditioning system according to the first or second viewpoint, wherein, when the part of the occupant's body to be heated by the second heating device is defined as the target area, the plurality of second heating devices include those that serve different target areas, and the contribution is determined by taking into account at least one of the following: the ease with which the target area is perceived to heat, the distance from the second heating device to the target area, and the amount of heat generated by the second heating device. [Fourth viewpoint] A vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of the first to third viewpoints, wherein the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature. [Fifth viewpoint] A vehicle air conditioning system according to the fourth viewpoint, wherein the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is set higher the lower the outside air temperature. [Sixth viewpoint] A vehicle air conditioning system according to the fourth viewpoint, wherein, when the second heating device is operating, the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature.[Seventh viewpoint] The first heating device includes occupant outlets (122, 123) that blow air toward the occupants' bodies and an anti-fog outlet (121) that blows air toward a window glass (W) that separates the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle, and is configured to allow adjustment of the ratio of the amount of air blown from the occupant outlets to the amount of air blown from the anti-fog outlets, and when the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the contribution, the ratio of the blown air is adjusted so that the amount of air blown from the anti-fog outlets increases according to the contribution. This is the vehicle air conditioning system according to either the first or sixth viewpoint. [Eighth viewpoint] A vehicle air conditioning system according to either the first or sixth viewpoint, comprising an anti-fogging device (60) for preventing fogging of a window glass (W) that serves as a partition between the interior and exterior of the vehicle, wherein the first heating device is configured to also function as a device for preventing fogging of the window glass separately from the anti-fogging device, and the output of the first heating device is adjusted depending on whether or not the anti-fogging device is operating. [Ninth viewpoint] A vehicle air conditioning system according to the third viewpoint, wherein, among a plurality of second heating devices, the one with the same heating method has a higher heat output and is considered to have a higher contribution. [Tenth viewpoint] A vehicle air conditioning system according to the third or ninth viewpoint, wherein, among a plurality of second heating devices, those with different distances to the target area have a lower distance to the target area and are considered to have a higher contribution. [Aspect 11] A vehicle air conditioning system according to the third or ninth aspect, wherein, among the multiple second heating devices, those that heat different target parts contribute more to heating the target parts that are more sensitive to heat.
[0132] [Challenges of the Second to Fourth Technical Concepts] Here, if the first heating device also functions as a device to prevent fogging of the window glass W, the anti-fogging capacity of the air conditioning device 10, which is the first heating device, can be reduced while the anti-fogging device is in operation, thereby improving the air conditioning performance of the first heating device. For this reason, the operation of the anti-fogging device indirectly contributes to the body's sense of warmth. Nevertheless, in the conventional technology, the output of the first heating device is limited according to the number of second heating devices operating to heat the vehicle interior, and the operation of the anti-fogging device is not considered at all. Thus, the conventional technology still has room for improvement in terms of achieving both comfort and power saving.
[0133] [Second Technical Concept] [First Perspective] A vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a first heating device (10) for heating the interior of a vehicle; and an anti-fogging device (60) for preventing fogging of a window glass (W) that serves as a partition between the interior of the vehicle and the exterior of the vehicle, wherein the first heating device is configured to also function as a device for preventing fogging of the window glass separately from the anti-fogging device, and the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to whether or not the anti-fogging device is operating. [Second Perspective] The vehicle air conditioning system according to the first perspective, wherein the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature.
[0134] [Third Technical Concept] [First Perspective] A vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a first heating device (10) for heating the interior of a vehicle; a plurality of second heating devices (30, 40, 50) provided separately from the first heating device; and an anti-fogging device (60) for preventing fogging of a window glass (W) that serves as a partition between the interior of the vehicle and the exterior of the vehicle, wherein the plurality of second heating devices include those that contribute to the occupants' sense of warmth, and when the anti-fogging device is activated, the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the contribution of the currently operating device among the plurality of second heating devices and the anti-fogging capacity of the anti-fogging device. [Second Perspective] The vehicle air conditioning system according to the first perspective, wherein the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature.
[0135] [Fourth Technical Concept] [First Perspective] A vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a first heating device (10) for heating the interior of a vehicle; a plurality of second heating devices (30, 40, 50) provided separately from the first heating device; and an anti-fogging device (60) for preventing fogging of a window glass (W) that serves as a partition between the interior of the vehicle and the exterior of the vehicle, wherein the first heating device is configured to also function as a device for preventing fogging of the window glass separately from the anti-fogging device, and the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the total number of devices operating among the plurality of second heating devices and the anti-fogging device. [Second Perspective] The vehicle air conditioning system according to the first perspective, wherein the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature.
Claims
1. A vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a first heating device (10) for heating the interior of a vehicle; and a plurality of second heating devices (30, 40, 50) provided separately from the first heating device, wherein the plurality of second heating devices include those that contribute to the occupants' sense of warmth to different degrees, and the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the contribution of the device currently in operation among the plurality of second heating devices.
2. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the output of the first heating device is adjusted to be smaller the higher the contribution of the operating device among the plurality of second heating devices.
3. When the part of the occupant's body to be heated by the second heating device is defined as the target area, the plurality of second heating devices include those for different target areas, and the contribution is determined by taking into account at least one of the following: the sensitivity of the target area to heat, the distance from the second heating device to the target area, and the amount of heat generated by the second heating device, the vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature.
5. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is set higher as the outside air temperature decreases.
6. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the second heating device is operating, the lower limit of the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the outside air temperature.
7. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first heating device includes occupant outlets (122, 123) that blow air toward the occupants' bodies and an anti-fog outlet (121) that blows air toward a window glass (W) that separates the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle, and is configured to allow adjustment of the ratio of the amount of air blown from the occupant outlets to the amount of air blown from the anti-fog outlets, and when the output of the first heating device is adjusted according to the contribution, the ratio of the blowing is adjusted so that the amount of air blown from the anti-fog outlets increases according to the contribution.
8. An air conditioning system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an anti-fogging device (60) for preventing fogging of a window glass (W) that serves as a partition between the interior and exterior of the vehicle, wherein the first heating device is configured to also function as a device for preventing fogging of the window glass separately from the anti-fogging device, and the output of the first heating device is adjusted depending on whether or not the anti-fogging device is operating.
9. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein, among the multiple second heating devices, the device with the same heating method has a higher heat output and is considered to have a higher contribution.
10. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein, among the multiple second heating devices, those with different distances to the target area are deemed to have a higher contribution if they are closer to the target area.
11. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein, among the multiple second heating devices, those that heat different target parts are deemed to contribute more to heating the target part that is more sensitive to heat.
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