Vehicle air conditioning device

Abstract

An air conditioning device (10) is mounted in a vehicle and performs air conditioning, the air conditioning device comprising: an air conditioning mechanism (13) that includes a heating mechanism (131) and a cooling mechanism (132) and sends conditioned air into the vehicle cabin; an air conditioning sensor group (11) for detecting outside air temperature, temperature inside the vehicle cabin, and an amount of solar radiation; a display unit (121) that displays the operating state of the air conditioning mechanism (13); an input operation unit (122); and a controller (14) that controls operation of the air conditioning mechanism (13) and the image display on the display unit (121). The controller (14) executes a process for acquiring a set temperature on the basis of an input operation performed on the input operation unit (122), a process for calculating a target blowing temperature to be used for temperature control of the conditioned air in at least the air conditioning mechanism (13) on the basis of the set temperature, the outside air temperature, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin (1a), and the amount of solar radiation, and a process for displaying air conditioning air images (61a to 61f) showing the state of the conditioned air on the display unit (121) in a display color corresponding to the target blowing temperature.

Description

Vehicle air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle air conditioner.

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique that enables a user to visually recognize the state (warm air or cold air) of the air (air-conditioning air) sent from an air-conditioning mechanism (heating mechanism and cooling mechanism) in an air conditioner mounted in a vehicle by image display on a display device.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of coloring an image area indicating the state of air-conditioning air in accordance with a set temperature set by a user on a touch panel display. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique of changing an image (frame) representing an air flow (air-conditioning air) blown out from a blowout port in a vehicle interior on a liquid crystal display panel in accordance with the temperature of the blown-out air.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-49788, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-291410

[0005] Usually, a user can set an arbitrary set temperature within a predetermined range (for example, about 18°C to 32°C) in a vehicle air conditioner. The technique described in Patent Document 1 colors the image area with a stronger warm color system as the set temperature set by the user is higher (for example, closer to 32°C), and colors the image area with a stronger cool color system as the set temperature is lower (for example, closer to 18°C), so that the user can recognize that warm air or cold air is being sent.

[0006] The relationship between the set temperature and the operating state of the air conditioning system (heating or cooling) is not always constant. For example, if the set temperature is set to a relatively low temperature (e.g., 20°C), in the summer, cool air generated by the cooling system will be sent out, but in the winter, when the temperature inside the vehicle (room temperature) is low (e.g., around 0°C), warm air generated by the heating system will be sent out. However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, for example, even when warm air is sent out by the heating system in winter, if the set temperature is relatively low, the image area will be colored in cool colors (e.g., blue). Also, when the air conditioning system is off (A / C switch is OFF), the cooling system does not operate, and air at the same temperature as the air drawn in from the vents is sent out. However, if the set temperature is relatively low, the image area will be colored in cool colors (e.g., blue), and even though the cooling system is not operating, it may appear as if cool air is being sent out by the cooling system.

[0007] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 above changes the image representing the air conditioning air to red when the blown air (air conditioning air) is warm, and to blue when it is cold. The temperature of the blown air, like the set temperature mentioned above, does not necessarily correspond to the operating state of the air conditioning system (heating operation or cooling operation). For example, immediately after a soak in the summer sun (immediately after the vehicle has stopped), the blown air from the cooling system in the initial stages of operation becomes hot. Therefore, if the image representing the air conditioning air is colored according to the temperature of the blown air, the color of the image will be red (the color indicating warm air) even though the cooling system is operating, and the image may appear as if warm air is being sent out due to the operation of the heating system.

[0008] In other words, with conventional technology, the operating status of the air conditioning system (heating or cooling operation) and the status of the air conditioning airflow recognized by the image display (hot air / cold air and whether the air conditioning system is operating or not) do not match, which may cause users to feel uneasy or confused, thinking that the air conditioning system is malfunctioning.

[0009] This disclosure aims to visually display the operating status of an air conditioning system in an easy-to-understand manner by matching the operating status of the air conditioning system with the state of the air conditioning airflow recognized by the image display, thereby enabling the user to accurately perceive the operating status.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system for a vehicle that is mounted on a vehicle and provides air conditioning for the interior of the vehicle, comprising: a heating mechanism that generates warm air and a cooling mechanism that generates cold air, an air conditioning mechanism that sends conditioned air into the vehicle interior at a predetermined airflow rate and temperature, a plurality of sensors that detect the outside temperature, the temperature inside the vehicle, and the amount of solar radiation, respectively, a display unit that displays the operating status of the air conditioning mechanism so that a user inside the vehicle can see it, an input unit that accepts input operations from the user, and a controller that controls the operation of the air conditioning mechanism and the image display on the display unit, wherein the controller performs the following processes: acquiring a set temperature based on an input operation to the input unit, calculating a target outlet temperature used for temperature control of the conditioned air in the air conditioning mechanism based on the set temperature, the outside temperature, the temperature inside the vehicle, and the amount of solar radiation, and displaying an image of the conditioned air that shows the state of the conditioned air on the display unit in a display color corresponding to the target outlet temperature.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for displaying air conditioning information by an air conditioning system mounted in a vehicle and performing air conditioning in the vehicle cabin, the method for causing a controller to execute the following: a process for acquiring a set temperature based on an input operation to an input unit that accepts input operations from a user; a process for calculating a target outlet temperature used for temperature control of the air conditioning air in an air conditioning system that includes a heating mechanism for generating warm air and a cooling mechanism for generating cold air, and sends air conditioning air into the vehicle cabin at a predetermined airflow rate and temperature, based on the set temperature, the outside temperature detected by a plurality of sensors, the temperature inside the vehicle cabin and the amount of solar radiation; and a process for displaying an image of the air conditioning air indicating the state of the air conditioning air as air conditioning information on a display unit that displays the operating state of the air conditioning system so that a user inside the vehicle cabin can see it, using a display color corresponding to the target outlet temperature.

[0012] According to this disclosure, the operating status of the air conditioning system can be visually displayed in an easy-to-understand manner by matching the operating status of the air conditioning system with the state of the air conditioning airflow recognized by the image display, and the operating status can be accurately visually confirmed by the user.

[0013] This is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of each component of the air conditioning system according to one embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the controller shown in Figure 1A. This is a diagram showing an example of the air conditioning information screen displayed on the display unit shown in Figure 1A. This is a diagram illustrating the change in the display color of the air conditioning wind image shown in Figure 3A. This is a diagram illustrating the change in the display color of the set temperature image shown in Figure 3A. This is a diagram illustrating the change in the display color of the temperature adjustment slider bar shown in Figure 3A. This is a diagram showing an example of the display mode of the set temperature display area shown in Figure 3A. This is a diagram illustrating the display color of the air conditioning wind image when the limit temperature is set. This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control method in an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a flowchart illustrating another example of the display control method in an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] (Embodiment) (Configuration) The air conditioning system according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following figures are schematic diagrams, and the size and shape of each part have been exaggerated or simplified as appropriate to facilitate understanding. First, the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1A and 1B. The air conditioning system 10 installed in the vehicle 1 has an air conditioning function that conditioned the air inside the passenger compartment 1a. As shown in Figure 1A, the air conditioning system 10 includes an air conditioning sensor group 11, a human-machine interface 12, an air conditioning mechanism 13, and a controller 14. Hereinafter, the human-machine interface will be referred to as "HMI". The same will be used in the drawings.

[0015] The air conditioning sensor group 11 consists of multiple sensors that detect various information used for temperature control among the air conditioning functions of the air conditioning system 10. Specifically, the air conditioning sensor group 11 includes an interior temperature sensor 111 that detects the temperature inside the passenger compartment 1a, an exterior temperature sensor 112 that detects the outside temperature of the vehicle 1, and a solar radiation sensor 113 that detects the amount of solar radiation entering the passenger compartment 1a from the outside. In other words, the air conditioning sensor group 11 has multiple sensors that detect the outside temperature, the temperature inside the passenger compartment, and the amount of solar radiation, respectively. The interior temperature sensor 111 may be provided, for example, at the bottom of the dashboard 4. The exterior temperature sensor 112 may be provided, for example, on the back of the opening in the front bumper of the passenger compartment 1a. The solar radiation sensor 113 may be provided, for example, at the top of the dashboard 4 (near the windshield 7). Each sensor (indoor temperature sensor 111, outdoor temperature sensor 112, solar radiation sensor 113) that makes up the air conditioning sensor group 11 outputs its detection results (indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, solar radiation) to the controller 14.

[0016] The HMI 12 is an interface device that exchanges information between a user riding in the vehicle 1 and the controller 14. The HMI 12 is installed, for example, on the dashboard 4 in an area located between the two seats 3 (driver's seat 3a, passenger seat 3b). The HMI 12 includes a display unit 121 that displays predetermined information input from the controller 14 in a way that is visible to the user, and an input operation unit (an example of an input unit) 122 that receives input operations to the controller 14 from the user while riding in the vehicle. In other words, the HMI 12 is a device that can input and output (display) predetermined information. In this embodiment, the display unit 121 displays air conditioning information input from the controller 14, that is, information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning mechanism 13 in the air conditioning system 10, in a way that is visible to the user in the passenger compartment 1a. The input operation unit 122 outputs information input by the user's input operation (user input information) to the controller 14.

[0017] The input operation unit 122 may be an operator or voice input device that receives user input to the controller 14. For example, the display unit 121 is provided with a touch panel 120 having a touch sensor, and in this embodiment, the touch sensor may be the input operation unit 122. The touch sensor detects contact with the operating surface as input position information. In other words, the input operation unit 122 may be an operation reception image such as a button, switch, lever, dial, or keyboard displayed on the touch panel 120. The user input information that the input operation unit 122 outputs to the controller 14 may be the input position information detected by the touch sensor. The operator may also be a mechanical interface device such as a button, switch, lever, dial, or keyboard, and these interface devices may be provided near the HMI 12 (display unit 121).

[0018] The air conditioning system 13 includes a heating system 131 that generates warm air and a cooling system 132 that generates cold air. The heating system 131 and the cooling system 132 operate, for example, using electrical energy to generate warm air and cold air, respectively. The heating system 131 and the cooling system 132 may be operated using electrical energy from the traction battery. The heating system 131 may also be configured to use the exhaust heat from the engine as an energy source. The air conditioning system 13 includes a blower fan 133 that blows air into the passenger compartment 1a and a motor that drives the blower fan, and blows conditioned air, including the warm air generated by the heating system 131 or the cold air generated by the cooling system 132, into the passenger compartment 1a from the outlet 5. The warm air and cold air generated by the air conditioning system 13 are referred to as "conditioned air". The air conditioning system 13, under the control of the controller 14, delivers conditioned air (warm or cold air) at a predetermined airflow rate and temperature into the passenger compartment 1a.

[0019] The heating mechanism 131 generates warm air using known technology. For example, it may generate warm air for air conditioning using a heat pump cycle, or it may generate warm air for air conditioning by directly heating the air with a PTC heater (electric heater). When using a water-heated PCT heater, for example, the heating mechanism 131 may generate warm air by converting electrical energy into heat using the heater, and releasing the heat transferred from the heater by a pump in the heater core. Furthermore, in a configuration that utilizes the waste heat of the engine as an energy source as described above, the engine waste heat may be sent to the heater core via cooling water, and the heat may be released in the heater core. The cooling mechanism 132 generates cold air using known technology. For example, the cooling mechanism 132 generates cold air by compressing a refrigerant with a compressor, condensing the compressed refrigerant with a condenser, expanding the condensed refrigerant with an expansion valve, and evaporating the expanded refrigerant with an evaporator that functions as an indoor heat exchanger.

[0020] The air conditioning system 13 operates the heating system 131 and the cooling system 132 based on the control of the controller 14. As will be described in detail later, the air conditioning system 13 operates the heating system 131 when the controller 14 supplies a control signal including a heating request indicating a temperature rise in the vehicle compartment 1a, and operates the cooling system 132 when the controller 14 supplies a control signal including a cooling request indicating a temperature drop in the vehicle compartment 1a. The heating request indicates the operating intensity of the heating system 131, and the stronger the operating intensity indicated by the heating request, the higher the temperature of the warm air generated by the heating system 131. Similarly, the cooling request indicates the operating intensity of the cooling system 132, and the stronger the operating intensity indicated by the cooling request, the lower the temperature of the cold air generated by the cooling system 132. The air conditioning system 13 may also be configured to perform dehumidification operation, which operates both the heating system 131 and the cooling system 132, and ventilation operation, which circulates the air in the vehicle compartment 1a by operating only the blower fan.

[0021] For example, the passenger compartment 1a is provided with multiple air outlets 5 that blow conditioned air from the air conditioning system 13. This allows for efficient temperature control within the passenger compartment 1a. As shown in Figure 1B, the multiple air outlets 5 include air outlets 5a, 5b, and 5c on the driver's seat 3a side, and air outlets 5d, 5e, and 5f on the passenger seat 3b side. Air outlet 5a on the driver's seat 3a side is an air outlet that sends conditioned air towards the windshield 7 and is located near the bottom of the windshield 7, facing the driver's seat 3a. Air outlet 5b is an air outlet that blows conditioned air towards the upper body of the user sitting in the driver's seat 3a and is located at the bottom of the dashboard 4, facing the driver's seat 3a. Air outlet 5c is an air outlet that blows conditioned air towards the feet of the user sitting in the driver's seat 3a and is located at the bottom of the dashboard 4, facing the driver's seat 3a. Similarly, on the passenger seat 3b side, there is an air outlet 5d that blows conditioned air toward the windshield 7, an air outlet 5e that blows conditioned air toward the upper body of the user sitting in the passenger seat 3b, and an air outlet 5f that blows conditioned air toward the feet of the user sitting in the passenger seat 3b. Of the air outlets 5, air outlets 5a and 5d are mainly used to deliver conditioned air to remove fog from the windshield 7.

[0022] Because the multiple air outlets 5 are arranged separately for the driver's seat 3a side and the passenger seat 3b side, the air conditioning unit 10 can individually control the air conditioning (for example, temperature control and airflow control) for the driver's seat 3a side and the passenger seat 3b side.

[0023] The controller 14 is a control unit in the air conditioning system 10 that controls the operation of the air conditioning mechanism 13 and the image display on the display unit 121. For example, the controller 14 may control the operation of the air conditioning mechanism 13 based on user input to the input operation unit 122. The controller 14 may also display an air conditioning information screen on the display unit 121 (touch panel 120) of the HMI 12, which presents air conditioning information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning mechanism 13 to the user.

[0024] The controller 14 may be a computer device that functions as a plurality of information processing circuits in the air conditioning system 10 (information acquisition unit 31, mechanism control unit 32, target temperature calculation unit 33, display control unit 34, and heat source state detection unit 35, as shown in Figure 2, which will be described later). Specifically, the controller 14 includes a processor 14a and peripheral components such as a storage unit 14b. The processor 14a may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The storage unit 14b may include a semiconductor memory device, a magnetic memory device, an optical memory device, etc. The functions of the controller 14 described below are realized, for example, by the processor 14a executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 14b. The controller 14 may also be formed as dedicated hardware for executing the control processing described below. The controller 14 is connected to each part of the air conditioning system 10, various sensors of the air conditioning sensor group 11, HMI 12, and air conditioning mechanism so as to be able to communicate with them, and can control each part of the air conditioning system 10 based on the information acquired from these. The controller 14 is installed, for example, in the vehicle's dashboard 4, but is not limited to this, and may be installed anywhere in the passenger compartment 1a.

[0025] The control function of the air conditioning system 10 by the controller 14 will be explained below with reference to Figure 1, and using Figures 2 and 3A. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example of the functional configuration of the controller 14. The controller 14 includes an information acquisition unit 31, a mechanism control unit 32, a target temperature calculation unit 33, a display control unit 34, and a heat source state detection unit 35 as an information processing circuit. Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of an example of an air conditioning information screen displayed by the controller 14 on the display unit 121 (touch panel 120).

[0026] The air conditioning information screen 50 consists of various images that display air conditioning information and various operators (operation reception images) that serve as input operation units 122. The controller 14 controls the operation of the air conditioning mechanism 13 based on input operations on the operation images in the air conditioning information screen 50, and controls the display of the various images in the air conditioning information screen 50 based on the input operations and the operating status of the air conditioning mechanism. As shown in Figure 3A, the air conditioning information screen 50 includes an air conditioning wind display area 51, a set temperature display area 52, a seat image 53, and an operation button display area 54.

[0027] The air conditioning air display area 51 is an image area positioned between two seat images 53 (driver's seat image 53a, passenger seat image 53b) that mimic the seats 3 (driver's seat 3a, passenger seat 3b) in the vehicle compartment 1a. Information relating to the state of the air conditioning air sent into the vehicle compartment 1a from the air outlets 5 is displayed in correspondence with each of the multiple air outlets 5. The air conditioning air display area 51 shows the state of the air conditioning air, for example, the airflow volume and the direction of the air conditioning airflow. Furthermore, the state of the air conditioning air may also include the temperature of the air conditioning air (for example, high or low temperature such as hot air or cold air), as described later. The air conditioning airflow display area 51 consists of a driver's side airflow area 511, which displays air conditioning airflow images 61a, 61b, 61c showing the state of air conditioning airflow from the air outlets 5a, 5b, 5c on the driver's side 3a, and air outlet switching buttons 55a, 55b, 55c corresponding to each of the air outlets 5a, 5b, 5c, and a passenger side airflow area 512, which displays air conditioning airflow images 61d, 61e, 66f showing the state of air conditioning airflow from the air outlets 5d, 5e, 5f on the passenger side 3b, and air outlet switching buttons 55d, 55e, 55f corresponding to each of the air outlets 5d, 5e, 5f. Between the driver's side airflow area 511 and the passenger side airflow area 512, airflow adjustment buttons 60a, 60b, which are operation reception images for adjusting the airflow, are positioned.

[0028] The set temperature display area 52 is an image area located on the side of each of the two seat images 53 (driver's seat image 53a, passenger seat image 53b), and displays information related to the set temperature used to adjust the temperature of the air conditioning supplied by the air conditioning system 13, which is the temperature inside the passenger compartment 1a desired by the user. The set temperature display area 52 consists of a set temperature display area 52a that shows the set temperature for the air conditioning supplied to the driver's seat 3a side, and a set temperature display area 52b that shows the set temperature for the air conditioning supplied to the passenger seat 3b side. Each of the set temperature display areas 52a and 52b displays temperature adjustment buttons 71 (71a, 71b) and a temperature adjustment slider bar 72, which are operation reception images for the user to adjust the set temperature, and a set temperature image 731 that shows the current set temperature. The set temperature image 731 is displayed in the temperature image area 73 between the temperature adjustment buttons 71a and 71b. The temperature control slider bar (an example of a slider bar image) 72 consists of a temperature bar image 721 and a slider 722. Of these, the slider 722 is an operation-receiving image that can be moved between the upper end of the temperature bar image 721, which indicates the upper limit (maximum temperature) of the set temperature, and the lower end of the temperature bar image 721, which indicates the lower limit (minimum temperature) of the set temperature, by the user's sliding operation.

[0029] The operation button display area 54 (operation button display areas 54a, 54b) is an image area where various operation buttons, which are operation reception images that accept input operations related to the operation of the air conditioning system 13, are displayed, and is located above and below the seat image 53, respectively. The operation button display area 54a, located above the seat image 53, has an automatic control button 541 for switching the automatic control of the air conditioning system 13 on (selecting automatic control) / off (disabling automatic control), and an operation switching button 542 for switching the air conditioning system 13 on (operating) / off (stopping). Detailed explanations of these buttons are omitted. The operation button display area 54b, located below the seat image 53, has a fan button 543 for switching whether to turn on the heat sources of the heating system 131 and the cooling system 132 to enable operation, or to turn off the heat sources to enable fan operation, when the air conditioning system 13 is blowing air. The operation button display area 54b also has an A / C button 544 for sequentially switching the cooling system and dehumidification operation on / off. As described above, multiple operation reception images, i.e., input operation units 122, are arranged within the air conditioning information screen 50 displayed on the display unit 121 (on the touch panel 120). In other words, the HMI 12 has multiple input operation units 122.

[0030] In the controller 14, the information acquisition unit 31 detects user input operations to the input operation unit 122 of the HMI 122 (operation reception image in the air conditioning information screen 50) and acquires user input information (in this example, input position information detected by the touch sensor) output from the input operation unit 122. The input position information is used to identify the input operation unit 122. When a user performs an input operation to the input operation unit 122, the touch sensor of the touch panel 120 detects this and outputs the input position information to the controller 14. The information acquisition unit 31 outputs the acquired input position information to the mechanism control unit 32 and the display control unit 34. The information acquisition unit 31 may also acquire signals from the air conditioning mechanism 13 indicating the operating status of each mechanism (heating mechanism 131, cooling mechanism 132, blower fan 133) and output them to the mechanism control unit 32 and the display control unit 34.

[0031] The mechanism control unit 32 controls the operation of the air conditioning system 13 based on the user's input operation to the input operation unit 122. Based on the input position information output from the information acquisition unit 31, the mechanism control unit 32 identifies the operation reception image that was the target of the input operation within the air conditioning information screen 50, generates control signals to control the operation of each mechanism of the air conditioning system 13 according to the identified operation reception image, and supplies them to the air conditioning system 13. The air conditioning system 13 generates a drive signal according to the supplied control signal and supplies the drive signal to the heating system 131, the cooling system 132, or the blower fan 133, thereby operating each mechanism constituting the air conditioning system 13 according to the control signal. In this way, the operation of the air conditioning system 13 is controlled by the mechanism control unit 32 based on the input operation to the input operation unit 122. Note that the drive signal may be generated by the mechanism control unit 32.

[0032] For example, if the mechanism control unit 32 determines that either of the airflow adjustment buttons 60a or 60b has been operated based on the input position information, it may generate a control signal (airflow control signal) to change the airflow of the conditioned air sent out by the air conditioning mechanism 13, that is, the strength of the airflow blown by the blower fan 133 of the air conditioning mechanism 13, and supply it to the air conditioning mechanism 13. If the upper airflow adjustment button 60a is operated, the mechanism control unit 32 generates an airflow control signal (airflow increase signal) indicating an airflow one level stronger than the current airflow, and if the lower airflow adjustment button 60b is operated, it generates an airflow control signal (airflow decrease signal) indicating an airflow one level weaker than the current airflow. The current airflow may be stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit 14b. Note that if the current airflow is at its maximum, an airflow increase signal is not generated, and if the current airflow is at its minimum, an airflow decrease signal is not generated. The airflow control signals (airflow increase signal, airflow decrease signal) may include selected outlet information indicating the outlet 5 to be adjusted. The mechanism control unit 32 can select the outlets 5a to 5c on the driver's side 3a or 5d to 5f on the passenger side to be adjusted by detecting a selection operation to either the outlet switching buttons 55a to 55c in the driver's side airflow area 511 or the outlet switching buttons 55d to 56f in the passenger side airflow area 512.

[0033] For example, if the mechanism control unit 32 determines that the temperature control button 71 or slider 722 has been operated based on the input position information, it may generate a control signal (temperature control signal) to control the temperature of the conditioned air sent out from the outlet 5 and supply it to the air conditioning mechanism 13. The temperature control signal includes a heating request indicating the operating strength of the heating mechanism 131 or a cooling request indicating the operating strength of the cooling mechanism 132. This controls the temperature of the warm or cool air generated by the air conditioning mechanism 13 (heating mechanism 131 or cooling mechanism 132). Hereinafter, heating requests and cooling requests will be collectively referred to as "operation requests". In generating the temperature control signal, the mechanism control unit 32 obtains (calculates) a new set temperature based on the input operation to the temperature control button 71 or slider 722, and outputs the set temperature to the target temperature calculation unit 33 to calculate a target outlet temperature that serves as an indicator of the operation request (heating request or cooling request) of the air conditioning mechanism 13. The control unit 32 determines that the temperature inside the passenger compartment 1a should rise and generates a temperature control signal (heating request signal) including a heating request when the target outlet temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30°C) and the air conditioning system 13 is not in fan operation mode (the fan button 543 is not selected). The control unit 32 also determines that the temperature inside the passenger compartment 1a should fall and generates a cooling request signal including a cooling request when the target outlet temperature is lower than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30°C) and the air conditioning system 13 is in cooling mode. The control unit 32 may determine that the air conditioning system 13 is in cooling mode when the fan button 543 is not selected and the A / C button 544 is selected. The intensity of the heating request increases as the target outlet temperature rises, and based on this, the temperature of the warm air generated by the heating system 131 increases, causing the temperature of the warm air from the outlet 5 (outlet temperature) to rise. Furthermore, the demand for cooling increases as the target outlet temperature decreases. Based on this, the temperature of the cool air generated by the cooling mechanism 132 decreases, and the temperature of the cool air (outlet temperature) from the outlet 5 decreases. In this way, the target outlet temperature is used for temperature control of the conditioned air in the air conditioning mechanism 13.

[0034] When the mechanism control unit 32 determines that the upper temperature control button 71a has been pressed or the slider 722 has been slid upward, it acquires a new set temperature by adding a predetermined temperature to the current set temperature. Similarly, when the mechanism control unit 32 determines that the lower temperature control button 71b has been pressed or the slider 722 has been slid downward, it acquires a new set temperature by subtracting a predetermined temperature from the current set temperature. This data may be stored in a predetermined area of ​​the storage unit 14b. Here, the predetermined temperature is 0.5°C when the temperature control buttons 71a and 71b are operated, and a value corresponding to the amount the slider 722 has been moved when the slider 722 is operated.

[0035] The set temperature that the user can input via the input operation unit 122 (temperature control button 71, slider 722 of the temperature control slide bar 72) includes a temperature within a predetermined numerical range (for example, 18°C ​​to 32°C), a maximum temperature indicating the upper limit of the warm air that can be generated by the heating mechanism 131, and a minimum temperature indicating the lower limit of the cold air that can be generated by the cooling mechanism 132. If the added temperature exceeds the upper limit (32°C) of the predetermined set temperature range (for example, 18°C ​​to 32°C), the maximum temperature is set as the set temperature. The maximum temperature is set to operate the heating mechanism 131 at maximum intensity, regardless of the target outlet temperature. If the subtracted temperature falls below the lower limit (18°C) of the predetermined set temperature range (for example, 18°C ​​to 32°C), the minimum temperature is set as the set temperature. The minimum temperature is set to operate the cooling mechanism 132 at maximum intensity, regardless of the target outlet temperature. When the maximum or minimum temperature is set as the set temperature, the mechanism control unit 32 generates a temperature control signal without calculating the target discharge temperature. In other words, when the maximum temperature is set as the set temperature, a temperature control signal indicating a maximum heating intensity request is generated, and when the minimum temperature is set as the set temperature, a temperature control signal indicating a maximum cooling intensity request is generated. In this way, the mechanism control unit 32 acquires a new set temperature based on the input operation to the input operation unit 122 (temperature adjustment button 71 or slider 722).

[0036] The control unit 32 can detect whether the temperature adjustment button 71 (or slider 722) is located in the set temperature display area 52a or 52b based on the input position information, and select either the air outlet 5 on the driver's seat 3a side (at least outlets 5b, 5c) or the air outlet 5 on the passenger seat 3b side (at least outlets 5e, 5f) that will be subject to temperature control of the air conditioning air. The control unit 32 may add information about the selected air outlet 5 to the temperature control signal. In this way, the air conditioning system 10 can control the temperature of the air conditioning air for each seat 3 (driver's seat 3a, passenger seat 3b) and deliver air conditioning air at the temperature desired by each user in each seat into the vehicle compartment 1a.

[0037] The target temperature calculation unit 33 calculates the target outlet temperature based on the latest set temperature output from the mechanism control unit 32 and the detection results of each sensor constituting the air conditioning sensor group 11. The target temperature calculation unit 33 calculates the target outlet temperature based on the latest set temperature, the temperature inside the vehicle compartment 1a detected by the interior temperature sensor 111, the outside temperature detected by the exterior temperature sensor 112, and the amount of solar radiation detected by the solar radiation sensor 113. The target temperature calculation unit 33 outputs the calculated target outlet temperature to the mechanism control unit 32. The target temperature calculation unit 33 may also calculate the target outlet temperature at predetermined intervals using the set temperature stored in a predetermined area of ​​the storage unit 14b and store it in a predetermined area of ​​the storage unit 14b. This allows, for example, the mechanism control unit 32 to supply temperature control signals to the air conditioning mechanism 13, including heating or cooling requests in response to changes in the environment (in this case, interior temperature, outside temperature, and amount of solar radiation). As will be described in detail later, the display control unit 34 can control the display of images related to the state of the air conditioning airflow and the set temperature according to the target outlet temperature.

[0038] The display control unit 34 controls the image display on the display unit 121 (air conditioning information screen 50 on the touch panel 120). The display control unit 34 may control the image display on the air conditioning information screen 50 based on input operations by the user to the input operation unit 122 (operation reception image) or the target discharge temperature calculated by the target temperature calculation unit 33. For example, the display control unit 34 displays air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f, which indicate the state of the air conditioning wind sent out by the air conditioning mechanism 13 (air volume, direction of air conditioning wind, etc.), on the display unit 121 (within the air conditioning information screen 50 on the touch panel 120) in a display color corresponding to the target discharge temperature. As described above, the target discharge temperature is an indicator of the strength of the heating or cooling request, and by determining the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f according to the target discharge temperature, the air conditioning wind images are displayed in a display color that matches the image of the operating state of the heating mechanism 131 and the cooling mechanism 132 in the air conditioning device 10. In other words, the air conditioning image allows the user to recognize the temperature of the air conditioning (e.g., hot air, cold air) as part of the air conditioning state. Therefore, without causing the user any discomfort due to a display color different from the image of the operating state, the operating state of the air conditioning mechanism 13 can be matched with the air conditioning state recognized by the image display, making the operating state of the air conditioning mechanism 13 visually easy to understand. In short, the operating state of the air conditioning mechanism 13 can be accurately visually confirmed by the user.

[0039] Here, the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f will be explained in detail using Figures 3A and 3B. The air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f are strip-shaped images that show the airflow volume of the air conditioning wind from the corresponding outlet 5, and indicate the state of the air conditioning wind, such as the direction of airflow and temperature (e.g., hot air or cold air). The length in the left-right direction (image width) of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f indicates the airflow volume of the air conditioning wind, and the expansion or contraction of the image width can represent an increase or decrease in the intensity of the airflow volume. Air conditioning wind image 61a shows the airflow volume of the air conditioning wind from outlet 5a to the windshield 7, air conditioning wind image 61b shows the airflow volume of the air conditioning wind from outlet 5b to the driver's seat 3a (upper body of the user sitting in the driver's seat 3a), and air conditioning wind image 61c shows the airflow volume of the air conditioning wind from outlet 5c to the lower part of the driver's seat 3a (feet of the user sitting in the driver's seat 3a). Furthermore, the air conditioning airflow image 61d shows the airflow volume of the air conditioning air from the outlet 5d to the windshield 7, the air conditioning airflow image 61e shows the airflow volume of the air conditioning air from the outlet 5e to the passenger seat 3b (the upper body of the user sitting in the passenger seat 3b), and the air conditioning airflow image 61f shows the airflow volume of the air conditioning air from the outlet 5f to the bottom of the passenger seat 3b (the feet of the user sitting in the passenger seat 3b). The air conditioning airflow images 61a to 61f may indicate the direction of the air conditioning airflow (wind direction) by, for example, displaying the airflow volume from each outlet.

[0040] The display control unit 34 may perform display control to represent the intensity of the airflow by expanding or contracting the image width of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f based on the airflow control signal generated by the mechanism control unit 32. The airflow control signal may be output to the display control unit 34 together with the output to the air conditioning mechanism 13. The airflow control signal includes information indicating the airflow and information on the selected air outlet. As a result, the display control unit 34 can determine which of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f is the subject of display control and determine the image width of the air conditioning wind image that is the subject of display control.

[0041] Furthermore, the display control unit 34 changes the display color of the air conditioning images 61a to 61f in accordance with the change in the target outlet temperature. This allows the air conditioning images 61a to 61f to indicate the temperature of the air conditioning (e.g., hot air, cold air, etc.). In the air conditioning unit 10, the air conditioning images 61a to 61f in the driver's seat airflow area 511 correspond to the target outlet temperature (driver's seat outlet temperature) calculated using the set temperature shown in the set temperature display area 52a on the driver's seat 3a side, which is indicated by the set temperature image 731. Similarly, the air conditioning images 61d to 61f in the passenger seat airflow area 512 correspond to the target outlet temperature (passenger seat outlet temperature) calculated using the set temperature shown in the set temperature display area 52b on the passenger seat 3b side, which is indicated by the set temperature image 731. The following explanation assumes this correspondence. Specifically, the display control unit 34 may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to be a first color, which is a warm color, when the target outlet temperature is higher than a predetermined reference value, and may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to be a second color, which is a cool color, when the target outlet temperature is lower than the reference value. This makes it possible to visually display the operating status of the air conditioning mechanism 13, that is, whether the heating mechanism 131 or the cooling mechanism 132 is operating in an easy-to-understand manner. In Figure 3A, for ease of understanding, the display colors of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c are shown as the first color (warm color), and the display colors of the air conditioning wind images 61d to f are shown as the second color (cool color), by different shading patterns. The first color is not particularly limited as long as it is a warm color, and may be red, orange, pink, yellow, etc. The second color is not particularly limited as long as it is a cool color, and may be blue-green, blue, blue-violet, etc.

[0042] The above reference values ​​include a first reference value indicating a predetermined temperature (e.g., 40°C) and a second reference value indicating a temperature lower than the first reference value (e.g., 30°C). The display control unit 34 may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to be the first color (warm color) when the target outlet temperature is higher than the first reference value, and may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to be the second color (cool color) when the target outlet temperature is lower than the second reference value. When the target outlet temperature exceeds the first reference value, the air conditioning wind becomes clearly warm due to the increased intensity of the heating request. At this time, the fact that the air conditioning wind is warm can be expressed by using a warm color for the display of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f. When the target outlet temperature falls below the second reference value, the air conditioning wind becomes clearly cold due to the cooling request. At this time, the fact that the air conditioning wind is cold can be expressed by using a cool color for the display of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f.

[0043] Furthermore, the display control unit 34 may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to a third color, which is an intermediate color other than the first and second colors, when the target outlet temperature corresponds to a reference value. For example, the display control unit 34 may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to a third color when the target outlet temperature corresponds to a numerical range between the first reference value and the second reference value (in this example, 30°C or more and 40°C or less). The third color may be achromatic (e.g., white) or chromatic (e.g., yellow-green, green), but white is preferred from the viewpoint of being easily distinguishable from the first and second colors. For example, when the target outlet temperature is between the first and second reference values, the intensity of the heating request is weak and the air conditioning wind is at a temperature close to the room temperature. In this case, by setting the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to an intermediate color, it is possible to express that the temperature of the air conditioning wind is close to the room temperature. In this way, the air conditioning system 10 can more reliably match the operating state of the air conditioning mechanism 13 with the state of the air conditioning air recognized by the display color of the air conditioning air image. Note that both the first and second colors may be chromatic colors.

[0044] Also, as the target blowing temperature becomes higher than the first reference value, the intensity of the heating demand increases and the temperature of the conditioned air rises. As the target blowing temperature becomes lower than the second reference value, the intensity of the cooling demand increases and the temperature of the conditioned air decreases. The display control unit 34 may enhance the redness of the first color, which is the display color of the conditioned air images 61a to 61f, as the target blowing temperature is higher than the reference value (the first reference value). Also, as the target blowing temperature approaches the first reference value, the redness of the first color as the display color may be reduced and the color may approach the intermediate color (white). Thereby, the change in the temperature of the warm air generated by the heating mechanism 131, that is, the height of the temperature of the warm air blown out from the outlet 5, can be visually and easily expressed. Further, the display control unit 34 may enhance the blueness of the second color set for the display color of the conditioned air images 61a to 61f as the target blowing temperature becomes lower than the reference value (the second reference value). Also, as the target blowing temperature approaches the second reference value, the blueness of the second color as the display color may be reduced and the color may approach the intermediate color (white). Thereby, the low temperature of the cold air generated by the cooling mechanism 132, that is, the temperature of the cold air blown out from the outlet 5, can be visually and easily displayed. As described above, the target blowing temperature is periodically calculated by the target temperature calculation unit 33. The display control unit 34 may perform display control to determine the display color of the conditioned air images 61a to 61f in accordance with the calculation period of the target blowing temperature. Thereby, for example, in response to a change in the intensity of the heating demand or the cooling demand due to a change (increase or decrease) in the room temperature, the first color and the second color as the display colors of the conditioned air images 61a to 61f are changed, and it is possible to visually notify the user of the operating intensity of the heating mechanism 131 or the cooling mechanism 132. Thus, by displaying the conditioned air images 61a to 61f with the display color of the image indicating the actual intensity of the heating demand / cooling demand (temperature of the conditioned air), it is possible to suppress giving the user a sense of discomfort due to the difference between the actual state of the conditioned air (temperature, etc.) and the image of the display color of the conditioned air image.

[0045] The display control unit 34 may also determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f based on the operating state of the heat source of the air conditioning mechanism 13 and the target outlet temperature. The display control unit 34 may request the heat source state detection unit 35 to detect the operating state of the heat source of the air conditioning mechanism, and determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f based on the detection result and the target outlet temperature. The heat source state detection unit 35 may detect the operating state of the heat source of the air conditioning mechanism 13 based on the state of the fan button 543 and the A / C button 544. When the mechanism control unit 32 detects an input operation (selection operation) to the fan button 543 and the A / C button 544, it may update the state of each button (selected state or deselected state) stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit 14b. The display control unit 34 may also switch the display color between the selected state and the deselected state as image display control for each button. The heat source status detection unit 35 may output a detection result to the display control unit 34 indicating that the heating heat source is not operating (the heating mechanism 131 is not operating) when the fan button 543 is selected, and output a detection result to the display control unit 34 indicating that the heating heat source is operating (the heating mechanism 131 is operational) when the fan button 543 is not selected (in the deactivated state). The heat source status detection unit 35 may also output a detection result to the display control unit 34 indicating that the cooling heat source is not operating (the cooling mechanism 132 is not operating) when the fan button 543 is selected or the A / C button 544 is not selected, and output a detection result to the display control unit 34 indicating that the cooling heat source is operating (the cooling mechanism 132 is operational) when the fan button 543 is not selected and the A / C button 544 is selected.

[0046] Figure 3B shows an example of the display colors of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f, which are determined by the heat source and target outlet temperature of the air conditioning mechanism 13. The display control unit 34 determines that the operating state of the heat source (heating heat source, cooling heat source) of the air conditioning mechanism 13 is a heat source operating state suitable for temperature control of the air conditioning wind by the air conditioning mechanism 13 (heating mechanism 131, cooling mechanism 132) when the detection result of the heat source state detection unit 35 satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, the display control unit 34 may determine that the heat source is operating when, as a result of the detection result of the heat source state detection unit 35, both the cooling heat source and the heating heat source are operating (the fan button 543 is in the released state and the A / C button 544 is in the selected state), or when the cooling heat source is not operating (the A / C button 544 is in the released state) and the target outlet temperature is 30°C or higher (an environment (scene) in which cooling is not applied). As shown in Figure 3B, the display control unit 34, when the heat source is operating (indicated as "ON" in Figure 3B), determines the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to be one of the first to third colors based on the target outlet temperature, as described above. In other words, if the target outlet temperature exceeds the first reference value (40°C), the first color (warm color) is selected; if it is between the first and second reference values ​​(30°C or more and 40°C or less), the second color (cool color) is selected; and if it is below the second reference value (30°C), the third color (intermediate color) is selected.

[0047] Furthermore, the display control unit 34 determines that the operating state of the heat sources (heating heat source, cooling heat source) of the air conditioning mechanism 13 is in a non-operating state, which is unsuitable for temperature control of the air conditioning air, if the detection result of the heat source state detection unit 35 does not meet predetermined conditions. For example, the display control unit 34 may determine that the heat source is in a non-operating state if, as a result of the detection result of the heat source state detection unit 35, both the cooling heat source and the heating heat source are not operating (the fan button 543 is selected), or if the cooling heat source is not operating (the A / C button 544 is not selected) and the target outlet temperature is less than 30°C (an environment where air conditioning is applied (a scene where air conditioning is applied)). As shown in Figure 3B, when the heat source is in a non-operating state (indicated as "OFF" in Figure 3B), the display control unit 34 displays the air conditioning air images 61a to 61f in gray, as described above. In other words, if the display control unit 34 determines that the operating state of the heat source is not suitable for temperature control of the air conditioning air (the heat source is in an inactive state), it may display a fourth color (gray in this example) that is different from the first color (warm color), the second color (cool color), and the third color (intermediate color), instead of determining the display color (first to third color) of the air conditioning air images 61a to 61f by referring to the target outlet temperature as described above. This allows the air conditioning unit 10 to visually indicate that the heat source of the air conditioning mechanism 13 is not operating (the air conditioning mechanism 13 is in an inactive state) by displaying it in gray in the air conditioning air images 61a to 61f. Therefore, the air conditioning unit 10 can visually inform users who have difficulty recognizing the inactivity of the air conditioning mechanism 13 from the state (selected state, deselected state) of the operation buttons (fan button 543, A / C button 544) that the air conditioning mechanism 13 is not operating.

[0048] The control of the display colors of the air-conditioning wind images 61a to 61f has been described above. Note that the air-conditioning wind images 61a and 61d mainly correspond to the air outlets 5a and 5d used for defogging the front glass 7, so display control may be performed separately from other air-conditioning wind images. Further, the display control unit 34 causes the display unit 121 (the set temperature display area 52 of the air-conditioning information screen 50 on the touch panel 120) to display a set temperature image 731 indicating the set temperature based on the user's input operation, and may determine the display color of the set temperature image 731 based on the set temperature and a predetermined comfortable temperature (an example of a reference temperature). The display control unit 34 acquires the latest set temperature from a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 14b based on the temperature control signal output from the mechanism control unit 32, and generates a set temperature image 731 indicating the set temperature (22.0 °C in this example). As described above, the mechanism control unit 32 acquires (calculates) the set temperature based on the selection operation of the temperature adjustment buttons 71 (71a, 71b) or the user's slide operation on the slider 722 of the temperature adjustment slide bar 72, and stores it in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 14b. The display control unit 34 acquires the set temperature and the comfortable temperature (for example, 25 °C) stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 14b, and may determine the display color of the set temperature image 731 based on the comparison result between the comfortable temperature and the set temperature. FIG. 3C is a diagram for explaining the display color of the set temperature image 731 based on the comparison result between the comfortable temperature and the set temperature. As shown in FIG. 3C, when the set temperature is less than the comfortable temperature (set temperature < 25 °C), the display control unit 34 may select a cool color system color (for example, a blue system color) as the display color of the set temperature image 731. When the set temperature is equal to the comfortable temperature (set temperature = 25 °C), the display control unit 34 may select an intermediate color (for example, white) as the display color of the set temperature image 731. When the set temperature exceeds the comfortable temperature (set temperature > 25 °C), the display control unit 34 may select a warm color system color (for example, a red system color) as the display color of the set temperature image 731.

[0049] In other words, the display control unit 34 may set the display color of the set temperature image 731 to the third color (intermediate color) when the set temperature is a predetermined comfortable temperature, set the display color of the set temperature image 731 to the first color (warm color) when the set temperature is higher than the comfortable temperature, and set the display color of the set temperature image 731 to the second color (cool color) when the set temperature is lower than the comfortable temperature. This makes it possible to visually show the user whether the set temperature is higher or lower than the comfortable temperature. Therefore, it is possible to express that setting the temperature higher than the comfortable temperature during cooling or lower than the comfortable temperature during heating leads to energy saving, and to visually inform the user of the contribution to energy saving.

[0050] Furthermore, if the display color of the air conditioning image and the set temperature image 731 are different, the display control unit 34 may match the display color of the set temperature image 731 to the display color of the air conditioning image based on the target outlet temperature (any of the first to fourth colors). This enables notification regarding energy saving and suppresses the user from feeling uncomfortable due to the difference in color tones between the air conditioning image and the set temperature image 731. Here, the matching of the display color of the set temperature image 731 and the display color of the air conditioning image is not limited to being the same color, but can be any color from the same color family. In other words, if the display color of the air conditioning image is red from the first color family (warm colors), the display color of the set temperature image 731 is not limited to red, but can be any of the first color family (warm colors). The display control unit 34 only needs to match the display color of the set temperature image 731 in the set temperature display area 52a to the display color of the air conditioning images 61a to 61c corresponding to the air outlet 5 on the driver's seat 3a side. Furthermore, the display control unit 34 only needs to match the display color of the set temperature image 731 in the set temperature display area 52b with the air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f corresponding to the air outlet 5 on the passenger side 3b.

[0051] The control of the display color of the set temperature image 731 has been described above. The display control unit 34 may also obtain the set temperature from a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit 14b based on the user's sliding operation on the slider 722 of the temperature adjustment slider bar 72, which is a slider bar image displayed on the touch panel 120 (air conditioning information screen 50) that allows adjustment of the set temperature, and display it on the touch panel 120 as the set temperature image 731, and determine the display color of the temperature adjustment slider bar 72 based on the target air outlet temperature. Specifically, the display control unit 34 may determine the display color of the temperature bar image 721 of the temperature adjustment slider bar 72 based on the target air outlet temperature. The display control unit 34 may determine the display color of the temperature control slider bar 72 (temperature bar image 721) to a first color (warm color) when the target outlet temperature is higher than a predetermined first reference value (40°C), determine the display color of the temperature control slider bar 72 (temperature bar image 721) to a second color (cool color) when the target outlet temperature is lower than a second reference value (30°C), and determine the display color of the temperature control slider bar 72 (temperature bar image 721) to a third color (intermediate color) when the target outlet temperature is between the first and second reference values ​​and corresponds to the reference value (30°C or more and 40°C or less). By determining the display color of the temperature control slider bar 72 according to the target outlet temperature, the intensity of the operation (heating, cooling) of the air conditioning mechanism 13 relative to the current set temperature, i.e., the temperature of the conditioned air, can be visually represented. Furthermore, the temperature of the conditioned air can be visually represented by changing the set temperature by sliding the slider 722.

[0052] Figure 3D is a diagram showing the correspondence between the target outlet temperature and the display color of the temperature bar image 721. As shown in Figure 3D, the display control unit 34 may determine the display color around the slider 722, which indicates the current set temperature, in the temperature bar image 721 based on the target outlet temperature. This makes it possible to visually represent the temperature of the conditioned air according to the current set temperature in the temperature bar image 721. The display control unit 34 may also change the display color of the upper region above the slider 722 and the lower region below the slider 722 in the temperature bar image 721 based on the display color around the slider 722 according to the target outlet temperature. For example, when the target outlet temperature is between the first reference value and the second reference value (30°C or more and 40°C or less), the display color around the slider 722 in the temperature bar image 721 may be set to an intermediate color (white). In this case, the display color of the upper area of ​​the slider 722 may be pink, and the display color of the lower area of ​​the slider 722 may be a gradient from white to blue (the blueness increases as you move downwards). This makes it possible to visually represent that the current temperature of the air-conditioned air is close to the room temperature, that sliding the slider 722 upwards increases the temperature of the air-conditioned air (warm air), and that sliding the slider 722 downwards changes the air-conditioned air from warm air to cool air.

[0053] If the target outlet temperature exceeds the first reference value (from over 40°C to 60°C), the display color around the slider 722 in the temperature bar image 721 may be a warm color (pink, red). In this case, the display color of the upper area of ​​the slider 722 may be red, and the display color of the lower area of ​​the slider 722 may be a gradient from pink to white (the redness decreases as you go down). This makes it possible to represent that the current temperature of the conditioned air is warm air, that sliding the slider 722 upwards will further increase the temperature of the conditioned air (warm air), and sliding the slider 722 downwards will decrease the temperature of the warm air and bring it closer to the room temperature. If the target outlet temperature is even higher than the first reference value (from over 60°C to 90°C), the display color around the slider 722 in the temperature bar image 721 may be a warm color (red). In this case, the display color of the upper area of ​​the slider 722 may be red, and the display color of the lower area of ​​the slider 722 may be a gradient from red to pink (the redness decreases as you move downwards). This makes it possible to represent that the current temperature of the conditioned air is hot air, that sliding the slider 722 upwards will further increase the temperature of the conditioned air (hot air), and that sliding the slider 722 downwards will slightly decrease the temperature of the hot air. When the target outlet temperature becomes even higher than the first reference value (over 90°C to 100°C) and corresponds to the maximum temperature, the display color of the entire temperature bar image 721 may be red. This makes it possible to represent that the current temperature of the conditioned air is the highest temperature hot air that can be delivered. In this example, by increasing the redness of the display color around the slider 722 in accordance with the rise in the target outlet temperature, the change in the temperature of the hot air blown out from the outlet 5 can be visually displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0054] If the target outlet temperature is below the second reference value (below 30°C to 20°C), the display color around the slider 722 in the temperature bar image 721 may be a cool color (light blue). In this case, the display color of the upper area of ​​the slider 722 may be an intermediate color (white), and the display color of the lower area of ​​the slider 722 may be a gradient from light blue to blue (a cool color) (the blueness increases as you go down). This makes it possible to represent that the current temperature of the conditioned air is cool air close to the room temperature, that sliding the slider 722 upwards will raise the temperature of the conditioned air to get even closer to the room temperature, and sliding the slider 722 downwards will lower the temperature of the cool air to become clearly cool air. If the target outlet temperature is even lower than the second reference value (below 20°C to 10°C), the display color around the slider 722 may be a cool color (blue). In this case, the display color of the upper area of ​​the slider 722 may be a gradient from light blue to white (the blueness decreases as you move upwards), and the display color of the lower area of ​​the slider 722 may be a cool color (blue). This makes it possible to represent that the current temperature of the conditioned air is clearly cold air, that sliding the slider 722 upwards will slightly increase the temperature of the conditioned air (cold air) to approach the room temperature, and that sliding the slider 722 downwards will further decrease the temperature of the cold air. When the target outlet temperature becomes even lower than the first reference value (from less than 10°C to 0°C) and corresponds to the lowest temperature, the display color of the entire temperature bar image 721 may be set to red. This makes it possible to represent that the current temperature of the conditioned air is the lowest possible temperature of cold air that can be delivered. In this example, by increasing the blueness of the display color around the slider 722 in accordance with the decrease in the target outlet temperature, the change in the temperature of the warm air blown out from the outlet 5 can be visually displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0055] The display control unit 34 may perform display control to determine the display color of the temperature bar image 721 in accordance with the calculation cycle of the target outlet temperature. This allows the display color of the temperature bar image 721 to change according to the change in the intensity of the heating or cooling request based on changes in the room temperature inside the vehicle compartment 1a, the outside temperature, and the amount of solar radiation over time, as shown in Figure 3B, thereby more reliably and visually representing the intensity at which the heating mechanism 131 or cooling mechanism 132 is operating, and the temperature change of the air-conditioned air due to adjustment (slide operation) of the current set temperature. Furthermore, if the set temperature is not changed, the position of the slider 722 does not change, and the display color of the temperature bar image 721 changes. Therefore, the change in the intensity of the heating or cooling request (change in the temperature of the air-conditioned air) relative to the set temperature, that is, the degree to which the temperature inside the vehicle compartment 1a is adjusted by the air-conditioned air, can be visually represented in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0056] Figure 4A shows an example of the set temperature display area 52 when the set temperature is set to the maximum or minimum temperature. Here, the maximum and minimum temperatures are collectively referred to as the "limit temperature". In this example, the set temperature display area 52a is used as an example for explanation, but the set temperature display area 52b has a similar configuration. As shown on the left side of Figure 4A, when the set temperature is the maximum temperature, the slider 722 on the temperature control slider bar 72 is located at the upper end of the temperature bar image 721. The slider 722 may be moved to the upper end of the temperature bar image 721 by the user's sliding operation, or it may be moved to the upper end in conjunction with repeated input operations to the temperature control button 71a. When the maximum temperature is input as the set temperature by the operation of the input operation unit 122 (temperature control button 71a or slider 722), the display control unit 34 displays the maximum temperature image 732 in place of the set temperature image 731 in the temperature image area 73 on the display unit 121 (touch panel 120). In this example, the string image "Hi" is displayed as the maximum temperature image 732. This visually indicates that the maximum temperature has been set, making it easy for the user to understand and visually inform them that the temperature of the air conditioning air has reached the maximum temperature. Also, as shown on the right side of Figure 4A, when the set temperature is the minimum temperature, the slider 722 on the temperature control slider bar 72 is located at the lower end of the temperature bar image 721. The slider 722 may move to the lower end of the temperature bar image 721 by the user's sliding operation, or it may move to the lower end in conjunction with repeated input operations on the temperature control button 71b. When the set temperature is the minimum temperature, the display control unit 34 displays the minimum temperature image 733 in place of the set temperature image 731 in the temperature image area 73 on the display unit 121 (touch panel 120) when the minimum temperature is input as the set temperature by the operation of the input operation unit 122 (temperature control button 71a or slider 722). In this example, the string image "Lo" is displayed as the minimum temperature image 733. This visually indicates that the minimum temperature has been set, making it easy for the user to understand and visually inform them that the temperature of the air conditioning air has reached the minimum temperature. The maximum or minimum temperature setting in the set temperature display area 52a affects the temperature of the air conditioning air coming from the corresponding air outlets 5a to 5c on the driver's seat 3a side.Furthermore, the maximum or minimum temperature setting in the temperature display area 52b affects the temperature of the air conditioning air coming from the corresponding passenger-side air vents 5d to 5f on the passenger side 3b.

[0057] Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating the display colors of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f when the limit temperature is set. When the maximum temperature is input as the set temperature, the display control unit 34 displays the maximum temperature image 732 on the display unit 121 (touch panel 120) as described above, and may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind image corresponding to the set temperature display area 52 on which the maximum temperature image 732 is displayed (at least one of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c corresponding to the set temperature display area 52a, and the air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f corresponding to the set temperature display area 52b) to a first color (a warm color) without referring to the target outlet temperature. At this time, as shown in Figure 4B, the first color in the display color may be red in the three primary colors, as the target outlet temperature is highest when the maximum temperature is set. This visually represents that the heating mechanism 131 is operating in the air conditioning mechanism 13 and warm air is being sent out from the outlet 5. At this time, the maximum temperature image 732 and the temperature control button 71a may also be displayed in red. This makes it easier to understand that the maximum temperature has been set. Furthermore, when the minimum temperature is input as the set temperature, the display control unit 34 may display the minimum temperature image 733 on the display unit 121 as described above, and without referring to the target outlet temperature, determine the display color of the air conditioning wind image corresponding to the set temperature display area 52 where the minimum temperature image 733 is displayed (at least one of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c corresponding to the set temperature display area 52a, and air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f corresponding to the set temperature display area 52b) to a second color (a cool color). At this time, as shown in Figure 4B, the second color in the display color may be blue in the three primary colors, as the target outlet temperature is at its lowest because the minimum temperature has been set. This visually represents that the cooling mechanism 132 is operating in the air conditioning mechanism 13 and cold air is being sent out from the outlet 5. Furthermore, the minimum temperature image 733 and the temperature control button 71b may also be displayed in blue. This makes it easier to understand that the minimum temperature has been set. In this way, the air conditioning unit 10 allows the user to visually understand that the limit temperature (maximum temperature, minimum temperature) has been set by the display color of the air conditioning wind image.

[0058] (Operation) Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning unit 10. Here, an example of the display control method for the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f performed by the controller 14 will be explained using Figure 5 with reference to Figure 3A. The operation of the air conditioning unit 10 shown in Figure 5 is performed periodically, for example, during the period when the operation switch button 542 is in the ON state, indicating the operation of the air conditioning mechanism 13, and the process ends when the operation switch button 542 is switched to the OFF state, indicating the stop of the air conditioning mechanism 13, or when the power switch of the vehicle 1 is turned OFF.

[0059] In step S501, the display control unit 34 of the controller 14 determines whether or not the blower fan 133 is operating. Specifically, the display control unit 34 may determine the operating status of the blower fan 133 based on a signal indicating the operating status of the blower fan 133 output from the air conditioning mechanism 13. If the display control unit 34 determines that the blower fan 133 is operating based on the above signal (S501:Y), it proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if the display control unit 34 determines that the blower fan 133 is not operating based on the above signal acquired via the information acquisition unit 31 of the controller 14 (S501:N), in step S502, it stops the display of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f on the air conditioning information screen 50 and terminates the display control process. The air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f are displayed again based on the start of operation of the blower fan 133.

[0060] In step S503, the display control unit 34 determines whether the heating heat source is operating based on the detection result of the heat source state detection unit 35. If the display control unit 34 determines, based on the detection result, that the air conditioning mechanism 13 is not in fan operation mode (fan button 543 is not selected) and the heating heat source is operating (S503:Y), it proceeds to step S504. On the other hand, if the display control unit 34 determines, based on the detection result, that the air conditioning mechanism 13 is in fan operation mode (fan button 543 is selected) and the heating heat source (and cooling heat source) is not operating (S503:N), it proceeds to step S506. In step S504, the display control unit 34 determines, based on the detection result of the heat source state detection unit 35, whether the cooling heat source is operating. If the display control unit 34 determines, based on the detection result, that the cooling heat source is operating (the A / C button 544 is in the selected state (cooling operation state)) (S504:Y), it proceeds to step S507.

[0061] On the other hand, if the display control unit 34 determines based on the detection result that the cooling heat source is not operating (the A / C button 544 is in an unselected state (non-cooling operation state)) (S504:N), then in step 505, it determines whether the inside of the vehicle compartment 1a is an environment where cooling is applied (cooling application scene). If the latest target temperature calculated by the target temperature calculation unit 33 is less than 30°C, the display control unit 34 determines that it is a cooling application scene (S505:Y) and proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the target temperature calculation unit 33 is 30°C or higher, the display control unit 34 determines that it is not a cooling application scene (S505:Y) and proceeds to step S507. In step S506, the display control unit 34 determines the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to be gray, based on whether the heating and cooling heat sources are not operating (S503:N) or whether the cooling heat source is not operating in the cooling application scene (S505:N). Once the display control unit 34 has set the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to gray, it terminates the display control process.

[0062] In step S507, the display control unit 34 determines whether the current set temperature is the maximum or minimum temperature. Note that the processing from step S507 onward may be performed separately for the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c corresponding to the air vent 5 on the driver's seat 3a side and the air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f corresponding to the air vent 5 on the passenger seat 3b side. If the display control unit 34 determines that the set temperature in the set temperature display area 52a on the driver's seat image 53a side (or the set temperature display area 52b on the passenger seat image 53b side) is the maximum temperature, in step S508, it sets the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c (or air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f) to red and displays them, and terminates the display control processing. Furthermore, if the display control unit 34 determines that the set temperature in the set temperature display area 52a (or set temperature display area 52b) is the lowest temperature, in step S509, it determines the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c (or air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f) to be blue and displays them, and terminates the display control process. If the display control unit 34 determines that the set temperature in the set temperature display area 52a (or set temperature display area 52b) is anything else (neither the highest temperature nor the lowest temperature), it proceeds to step S510.

[0063] In step S510, the display control unit 34 compares a predetermined reference value with the target outlet temperature. If the display control unit 34 determines that the target outlet temperature exceeds the first reference value (40°C), in step S511, it sets the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c (or air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f) to a warm color (first color) and displays it, and terminates the display control process. If the display control unit 34 determines that the target outlet temperature is less than the second reference value (30°C), in step S512, it sets the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c (or air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f) to a cool color (second color) and displays it, and terminates the display control process. Furthermore, if the display control unit 34 determines that the target outlet temperature is within the range of the reference value (30°C to 40°C), in step S513 it determines the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61c (or air conditioning wind images 61d to 61f) to an intermediate color (third color) and displays it, and then terminates the display control process.

[0064] The display control of the air conditioning wind image in the air conditioning wind display area 51 has been described above. In addition, in the processing from step S507 onward, the display control (determination of display color) of the temperature bar image 721 based on the target outlet temperature may be performed together with the air conditioning wind image.

[0065] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the air conditioning unit 10. Here, an example of a method for controlling the display of the set temperature image 731 performed by the controller 14 will be explained using Figure 6 with reference to Figure 3A. This process may be performed individually for each display area (set temperature display area 52a, 52b) of the set temperature image 731. The operation of the air conditioning unit 10 shown in Figure 6 is performed periodically, for example, during the period when the operation switching button 542 is in the ON state, indicating the operation of the air conditioning mechanism 13, similar to the operation described in Figure 5. In step S601, the display control unit 34 of the controller 14 obtains the current set temperature shown by the set temperature image 731 in the set temperature display area 52 and compares the set temperature with a predetermined comfort temperature (for example, 25°C). If the display control unit 34 determines that the set temperature exceeds the comfort temperature, in step S602, it selects a warm color (first color) as the display color for the set temperature image 731. Furthermore, if the display control unit 34 determines that the set temperature is below the comfort temperature, in step S603 it selects a cool color (second color) as the display color for the set temperature image 731. Also, if the display control unit 34 determines that the set temperature is at the comfort temperature, in step S604 it selects an intermediate color (third color) as the display color for the set temperature image 731.

[0066] In step S605, the display control unit 34 determines whether the display color of the air conditioning wind image (air conditioning wind images 61a to c or air conditioning wind images 61d to f) corresponding to the set temperature display area 52 (set temperature display area 52a or set temperature display area 52b) to be processed matches the display color of the selected set temperature image 731. If the display control unit 34 determines that the display color of the air conditioning wind image matches the display color of the set temperature image 731 (step S605: Y), it moves the process to step S607. On the other hand, if the display control unit 34 determines that the display color of the air conditioning wind image does not match the display color of the set temperature image 731 (step S605: N), it moves the process to step S606. In step S606, the display control unit 34 selects the display color of the corresponding air conditioning wind image as the display color of the set temperature image 731 and moves the process to step S607. In step S607, the display control unit 34 displays the set temperature image 731 (referred to as the temperature image in Figure 6) in the selected display color and terminates the display control process. In this way, the display color of the set temperature image 731 in the air conditioning unit 10 is selected based on the set temperature and the comfort temperature, and if it differs from the display color of the air conditioning wind image, it can be made to match the display color of the air conditioning wind image. This makes the user aware of energy saving by suppressing the set temperature, and prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable due to the difference in display color between the set temperature image 731 and the air conditioning wind image. For example, if the current set temperature is the limit temperature (maximum temperature, minimum temperature), the display color of the set temperature image 731 can be made to match the display color of the air conditioning wind image, using the display color that indicates the limit temperature (red, blue), making it easier to understand that the limit temperature has been set.

[0067] (Effects of the Embodiment) (1) The air conditioning system 10 is an air conditioning system mounted on a vehicle 1 that provides air conditioning to the passenger compartment 1a, and includes a heating mechanism 131 and a cooling mechanism 132, an air conditioning mechanism 13 that sends conditioned air at a predetermined airflow rate and temperature into the passenger compartment 1a, an air conditioning sensor group 11 having a plurality of sensors that detect the outside temperature, the temperature inside the passenger compartment and the amount of solar radiation, respectively, a display unit 121 that displays the operating status of the air conditioning mechanism 13 so that it can be seen by a user inside the passenger compartment 1a, an input operation unit 122 that accepts input operations from the user, and a controller 13 that controls the operation of the air conditioning mechanism 13 and the image display on the display unit 122. The controller 14 performs the following processes: acquiring a set temperature based on an input operation to the input operation unit 122; calculating a target outlet temperature used for temperature control of the air conditioning air in the air conditioning mechanism 13 based on the set temperature, the outside temperature, the temperature inside the passenger compartment 1a, and the amount of solar radiation; and displaying air conditioning air images 61a to 61f, which indicate the state of the air conditioning air, on the display unit in a display color corresponding to the target outlet temperature. With this configuration, by displaying the air conditioning air images in a display color that matches the operating state of the air conditioning mechanism 13 (heating operation by the heating mechanism 131, cooling operation by the cooling mechanism 132), the operating state of the air conditioning mechanism 13 and the state of the air conditioning air recognized by the image display can be matched, and the operating state of the air conditioning mechanism 13 can be visually represented in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0068] (2) The controller 14 (display control unit 34) may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind image for the driver's seat airflow area 511 or passenger seat airflow area 512 corresponding to the target outlet temperature to a first warm color when the target outlet temperature is higher than a predetermined first reference value, determine the display color of the air conditioning wind image to a second cool color when the target outlet temperature is lower than a second reference value, and determine the display color of the air conditioning wind image to a third intermediate color other than the first and second colors when the target outlet temperature is equivalent to a reference value (between the first and second reference values). With this configuration, it is possible to clearly express whether the air conditioning wind is hot air (heating mechanism 131 is operating) or cold air (cooling mechanism 132) by changing the display color of the air conditioning wind image to a warm or cool color. Furthermore, it is possible to express that the temperature of the air conditioning wind is close to the room temperature by using an intermediate color.

[0069] (3) The controller 14 (display control unit 34) may increase the redness of the first color set as the display color of the air conditioning wind image for the driver's seat airflow area 511 or passenger seat airflow area 512 corresponding to the target outlet temperature as the target outlet temperature rises above the first reference value, and increase the blueness of the second color set as the display color of the air conditioning wind image as the target outlet temperature falls below the second reference value. With this configuration, changes in the temperature of the hot air or cold air blown out from the outlet 5 can be visually represented in an easy-to-understand manner. (4) The controller 14 may detect the operating state of the heat source of the air conditioning mechanism 13 in the heat source state detection unit 35, and if the display control unit 34 determines that the operating state of the heat source is not suitable for temperature control of the air conditioning wind, it may determine the display color of the air conditioning wind images 61a to 61f to a fourth color that is different from any of the first, second, and third colors without referring to the target outlet temperature. This configuration visually indicates that the heat source of the air conditioning mechanism 13 is not operating, making it easy for the user to understand that no conditioned air (warm or cold air) is being supplied.

[0070] (5) The controller 14 (display control unit 34) displays a set temperature image 731 indicating the set temperature on the display unit 121. When the set temperature is a predetermined comfort temperature, the display color of the set temperature image 731 is set to the third color. When the set temperature is higher than the comfort temperature, the display color of the set temperature image 731 is set to the first color. When the set temperature is lower than the comfort temperature, the display color of the set temperature image 731 is set to the second color. If the display color of the set temperature image 731 differs from the display color of the air conditioning wind image in the air conditioning wind display area 51 corresponding to the set temperature display area 52 where the set temperature image 731 is displayed, the display color of the set temperature image 731 may be made to match the display color of the air conditioning wind image. With this configuration, the difference between the set temperature and the comfort temperature can be expressed by the display color of the set temperature image 731, thereby visually informing the user of the contribution to energy saving. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the user from feeling any discomfort due to the color of the display color of the set temperature image 731 being different from the display color of the corresponding air conditioning wind image.

[0071] (6) The set temperature that the user can input via the input operation unit 122 includes a temperature within a predetermined numerical range, a maximum temperature indicating the upper limit temperature of warm air that can be generated by the heating mechanism 131, and a minimum temperature indicating the lower limit temperature of cold air that can be generated by the cooling mechanism 132. The controller 14 (display control unit 34) may, when the maximum temperature is input as the set temperature, display a maximum temperature image 732 indicating the maximum temperature on the display unit 121, and determine the display color of the air conditioning wind image in the air conditioning wind display area 51 corresponding to the set temperature display area 52 where the maximum temperature image 732 is displayed to the first color without referring to the target discharge temperature. The controller 14 (display control unit 34) may, when the maximum temperature is input as the set temperature, display a minimum temperature image 733 indicating the minimum temperature on the display unit 121, and determine the display color of the air conditioning wind image in the air conditioning wind display area 51 corresponding to the set temperature display area 52 where the minimum temperature image 733 is displayed to the second color without referring to the target discharge temperature. With this configuration, the display color of the air conditioning image sets the limit temperature (maximum temperature, minimum temperature), making it easy for the user to visually recognize when the air conditioning temperature reaches the maximum or minimum temperature.

[0072] (7) The display unit 121 is provided with a touch panel 120, and the input operation unit 122 is a touch sensor on the touch panel 120. The controller 14 (display control unit 34) obtains the set temperature based on the user's sliding operation on the slider 722 of the temperature adjustment slider bar 72 which is displayed on the touch panel 120 and allows adjustment of the set temperature, and displays it on the touch panel 120 as a set temperature image 731. If the target outlet temperature is higher than a predetermined first reference value, the display color of the temperature adjustment slider bar 72 (temperature bar image 721) is determined to be the first color. If the target outlet temperature is lower than a second reference value, the display color of the temperature bar image 721 is determined to be the second color. If the target outlet temperature is equivalent to a reference value (between the first and second reference values), the display color of the temperature bar image 721 may be determined to be the third color. With this configuration, the intensity of the operation (heating, cooling) of the air conditioning mechanism 13 relative to the current set temperature, i.e., the temperature of the air conditioning air, can be visually represented. Furthermore, it is possible to visually represent how the temperature of the air conditioning changes when the set temperature is changed.

[0073] 1...Vehicle, 3a...Driver's seat, 3b...Passenger seat, 5...Air vent, 10...Air conditioning unit, 11...Air conditioning sensor group, 111...Indoor temperature sensor, 112...Outdoor temperature sensor, 113...Solar radiation sensor, 12...Human-machine interface (HMI), 120...Touch panel, 121...Display unit, 122...Input operation unit, 13...Air conditioning mechanism, 131...Heating mechanism, 132...Cooling mechanism, 133...Blower fan, 14...Controller, 31...Information acquisition unit, 32... Mechanism control unit, 33... Target temperature calculation unit, 34... Display control unit, 35... Heat source status detection unit, 50... Air conditioning information screen, 51... Air conditioning wind display area, 55a-55f... Outlet switching buttons, 60a, 60b... Air volume adjustment buttons, 60a-61f... Air conditioning wind image, 52... Set temperature display area, 71... Temperature adjustment button, 72... Temperature adjustment slider bar, 721... Temperature bar image, 722... Slider, 73... Temperature image area, 731... Set temperature image

Claims

An air conditioning system installed in a vehicle that provides air conditioning for the interior of the vehicle, An air conditioning system that includes a heating mechanism for generating warm air and a cooling mechanism for generating cool air, and delivers conditioned air at a predetermined airflow rate and temperature into the vehicle interior, Multiple sensors that detect the outside temperature, the temperature inside the vehicle, and the amount of solar radiation, A display unit that displays the operating status of the air conditioning system in a way that can be seen by a user inside the vehicle, An input unit that accepts user input operations, The system includes a controller that controls the operation of the air conditioning mechanism and the image display on the display unit, The aforementioned controller, A process to obtain the set temperature based on the input operation to the aforementioned input unit, A process for calculating a target outlet temperature used for temperature control of the conditioned air in the air conditioning mechanism, based on the set temperature, the outside temperature, the temperature inside the vehicle, and the amount of solar radiation, A vehicle air conditioning system that performs the process of displaying an image of the air conditioning air showing the state of the air conditioning air on the display unit in a display color corresponding to the target outlet temperature. 　 The aforementioned controller, If the target outlet temperature is higher than a predetermined standard value, the display color of the air conditioning wind image is set to a first color, which is a warm color. If the target outlet temperature is lower than the reference value, the display color of the air conditioning wind image is determined to be a second color, which is a cool color. When the target outlet temperature corresponds to the reference value, the display color of the air conditioning wind image is determined to be a third color, which is an intermediate color other than the first color and the second color. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1. 　 The aforementioned controller, As the target outlet temperature rises above the reference value, the redness of the first color set as the display color for the air conditioning wind image is increased. The lower the target outlet temperature becomes compared to the reference value, the more the blue tint of the second color set as the display color for the air conditioning wind image is increased. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2. 　 The aforementioned controller, The operating state of the heat source of the air conditioning mechanism is detected, If it is determined that the operating state of the heat source is not suitable for temperature control of the air conditioning air, the display color of the air conditioning air image is determined to be a fourth color that is different from the first color, the second color, and the third color, without referring to the target outlet temperature. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2. 　 The aforementioned controller, The set temperature image showing the set temperature is displayed on the display unit. When the set temperature is a predetermined reference temperature, the display color of the set temperature image is set to the third color. If the set temperature is higher than the reference temperature, the display color of the set temperature image is set to the first color. If the set temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the display color of the set temperature image is set to the second color. If the display color of the air conditioning wind image and the display color of the set temperature image are different, the display color of the set temperature image will be made to match the display color of the air conditioning wind image. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2. 　 The set temperature that the user can input via the input unit includes a temperature within a predetermined numerical range, a maximum temperature indicating the upper limit of the warm air that can be generated by the heating mechanism, and a minimum temperature indicating the lower limit of the cold air that can be generated by the cooling mechanism. The aforementioned controller, When the maximum temperature is input as the set temperature, the maximum temperature image representing the maximum temperature is displayed on the display unit, and the display color of the air conditioning wind image is determined to be the first color without referring to the target discharge temperature. When the minimum temperature is input as the set temperature, the minimum temperature image representing the minimum temperature is displayed on the display unit, and the display color of the air conditioning wind image is determined to be the second color without referring to the target outlet temperature. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2. 　 The display unit is provided with a touch panel. The input unit is a touch sensor of the touch panel, The aforementioned controller, The set temperature is obtained based on the user's sliding operation on the slider of the temperature adjustment image, which is a slider bar image displayed on the touch panel and capable of adjusting the set temperature, and is displayed on the touch panel as a set temperature image. If the target outlet temperature is higher than a predetermined reference value, the display color of the temperature adjustment image is determined to be the first color. If the target outlet temperature is lower than the reference value, the display color of the temperature adjustment image is determined to be the second color. When the target outlet temperature corresponds to the reference value, the display color of the temperature adjustment image is determined to be the third color. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 2.

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