JP7409105B2 - Air conditioning system and air conditioning control method - Google Patents

Description

The disclosure in this specification relates to an air conditioning system, an air conditioning communication device, an air conditioning control method, and an air conditioning control program.

Patent Document 1 discloses a defrosting control device for a cooling device. In this document, defrosting is controlled by detecting the temperature difference between the internal temperature and the evaporator outlet pipe temperature. The contents of the prior art documents are incorporated by reference as explanations of technical elements in this specification.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-203570

In the configuration of the prior art document, defrosting is controlled by detecting actual changes in the internal temperature or the evaporator outlet pipe temperature as a temperature difference. Therefore, even if the baggage compartment door is opened, there is no change in defrosting control until the internal temperature actually changes. In other words, it was not possible to predict in advance how the temperature inside the refrigerator would change and control defrosting. Therefore, due to the combination of the rise in temperature inside the refrigerator due to the door being opened and the inability to cool the interior of the refrigerator due to defrosting of the evaporator, the temperature inside the refrigerator may rise significantly. Further improvements in air conditioning systems and the like are required in the above-mentioned aspects and in other aspects not mentioned.

One object of the disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system or the like that suppresses the internal temperature of a cold storage box from greatly deviating from a set temperature.

The air conditioning system, which is one embodiment disclosed herein, is mounted on a mobile body (2) having a cold storage (3), and includes a compressor (11), a condenser (12), a pressure reducing device (14), and an evaporator. (15); a defrosting device (20) for defrosting the evaporator; a position detection device (54) for detecting the current position of the moving object; and a current position of the moving object. a control unit (70) that controls whether or not to permit defrosting by the defrosting device based on information including the above information ; and a door opening/closing sensor that detects the opening/closing state of the cold storage door (3d), which is the door of the cold storage. (55) , the control unit includes an acquisition unit (71) that acquires the current position of the moving object, and a geofence (7, 507) that divides the designated area (8, 508) from other areas. a setting section (72, 382) for setting the current location of the moving object, and a determining section (73, 383) for determining whether the current location of the moving object is within the geofence; If the moving body is outside, the defrosting device is allowed to defrost, and if the current position of the moving object is within the geofence, the defrosting device is not allowed to defrost, and the control unit disables the defrosting device from inside the geofence. The controller includes an opening/closing storage unit (687) that stores the door closing time, which is the time when the cold storage door was closed when the cold storage door was opened and then closed, and the control unit stores the elapsed time from the door closing time to the current time. is longer than the predetermined time, defrosting is permitted even if the current position of the moving object is within the geofence .
Another air conditioning system, which is one embodiment disclosed herein, is mounted on a moving body (2) having a cold storage (3), and includes a compressor (11), a condenser (12), and a pressure reducing device (14). an air conditioner (10) having an evaporator (15); a defrosting device (20) for defrosting the evaporator; a position detecting device (54) for detecting the current position of the moving object; A control unit (70) that controls whether or not to permit defrosting by the defrosting device based on information including the current position, and a defrosting timer (58) that acquires the timing for defrosting by the defrosting device. The control unit includes a defrosting temperature sensor (59) that measures the temperature of the evaporator, and a timing determination unit (78) that determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous defrosting timing, and A temperature determination unit (79) that determines whether the temperature is lower than the defrosting start temperature, and a temperature determining unit (79) that stores a history of disapproval when defrosting by the defrosting device is not permitted, and allowing defrosting by the defrosting device. a history storage section (274) that deletes the disapproval history when the disapproval history is stored; , the temperature determination section starts the determination, and if the rejection history is stored, the temperature determination section starts the determination regardless of the determination result of the timing determination section.

Further, an air conditioning control method, which is one aspect disclosed herein, is an air conditioning control method for an air conditioner (10) that air-conditions the inside of a cold storage (3) provided in a mobile body (2). a setting step (S112, S222, S302, S402, S502, S602, S702, S802) for setting conditions for not allowing the defrosting device (20) to defrost the air conditioner in relation to the position information of the moving body; an acquisition step (S111, S221, S301, S401, S501, S601, S701, S703, S801) of acquiring information including the current position of the moving object, and whether the current position of the moving object satisfies the conditions for not allowing defrosting. Determination steps (S112, S222, S305, S405, S505, S506, S508, S605, S606, S705, S805) to determine whether defrosting (S131, S231, S321, S421, S521, S621), and disallowing steps (S134, S234) in which defrosting is not permitted when it is determined that the conditions for not allowing defrosting are met. , S312, S412, S512, S612) and the cold storage door (3d), which is the door of the cold storage, is opened and then closed within the geofence for dividing the designated area (8, 508) from other areas. a door closing time acquisition step (S601) for acquiring a door closing time that is the time when the cold storage door was closed; the setting step sets a geofence (7, 507); and the determining step It is determined whether the current position of the moving object is within the geofence, and the permission step allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the current position of the moving object is outside the geofence, and the disallowing step allows the defrosting of the moving object. If the current position is within the geofence, defrosting by the defrost device is not permitted, and the permission step is if the elapsed time from the door close time to the current time is longer than the predetermined time, the defrost is within the geofence. Allow defrosting even if
Another air conditioning control method, which is one aspect disclosed herein, is an air conditioning control method for an air conditioner (10) that air conditions the inside of a cold storage (3) provided in a moving body (2). , a setting step (S112, S222, S302, S402, S502, S602, S702, S802) of setting a condition for not allowing the defrosting device (20) to defrost the air conditioner in relation to the position information of the moving body; Acquisition steps (S111, S221, S301, S401, S501, S601, S701, S703, S801) for acquiring information including the current position of the moving object, and whether the current position of the moving object satisfies conditions for not allowing defrosting. Determination steps (S112, S222, S305, S405, S505, S506, S508, S605, S606, S705, S805) for determining whether or not defrosting is permitted, and when it is determined that the conditions for not allowing defrosting are met, A permission step for permitting defrosting (S131, S231, S321, S421, S521, S621) and a disallowing step for not permitting defrost (S134) when it is determined that the conditions for not permitting defrost are satisfied. , S234, S312, S412, S512, S612), a timing determination step (S202) for determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous defrosting timing, and a timing determination step (S202) for determining whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting timing; a temperature determination step (S211) for determining whether or not the temperature is lower than the frost start temperature; a history storage step (S224) for storing a history of disapproval when defrosting by the defrosting device is not permitted; If defrosting is permitted, there is a history deletion step (S223) for deleting the non-permission history, and if no non-permission history is stored, the temperature is a history determination step (S203) in which the determination in the determination step is started, and if a rejection history is stored, the determination in the temperature determination step is started regardless of the determination result in the timing determination step; There is.

According to the disclosed aspects, whether or not to permit defrosting by the defrosting device is controlled based on information including the current position of the moving object. Therefore, if the current position of the vehicle is a position where defrosting should not be performed, that is, a position where the temperature inside the refrigerator is expected to rise, defrosting can be prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to enable cooling operation by the air conditioner at a position where the temperature inside the refrigerator is expected to rise or at a position immediately before the rise. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system or the like that suppresses the temperature inside the cold storage box from deviating significantly from the set temperature.

The multiple aspects disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses described in this section exemplarily indicate correspondence with parts of the embodiment described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objects, features, and advantages disclosed in this specification will become more apparent by reference to the subsequent detailed description and accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a vehicle provided with a cold storage. It is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of a cold storage box and an air conditioner. It is a block diagram regarding defrosting control of an air conditioning system. It is a graph showing the time change of the temperature inside the refrigerator. It is a flowchart regarding defrosting control of an air conditioning system. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a geofence. It is a block diagram regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 2nd embodiment. It is a flow chart regarding defrosting control of an air conditioning system in a 2nd embodiment. It is a block diagram regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart on the vehicle side regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart on the server side regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 4th embodiment. It is a flowchart on the server side regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 4th embodiment. It is a block diagram regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 5th embodiment. It is a flowchart on the server side regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 5th embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the geofence in 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 6th embodiment. It is a flowchart on the server side regarding defrosting control of an air conditioning system in a 6th embodiment. It is a flowchart on the server side regarding defrosting control of the air conditioning system in a 7th embodiment. It is a flowchart on the server side regarding the defrosting control of the air conditioning system in 8th Embodiment.

A plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In embodiments, functionally and/or structurally corresponding and/or related parts may be provided with the same reference numerals or with reference numerals that differ by hundreds or more. Descriptions of other embodiments can be referred to for corresponding and/or related parts.

First Embodiment In FIG. 1, a vehicle 2 is a moving body called a refrigerated vehicle, a refrigerated vehicle, etc., which is equipped with a cold storage 3. The cold storage 3 is constructed of a heat insulating panel with high heat insulation performance in order to reduce exchange of heat with the outside. Objects to be cooled are stored inside the cold storage 3, and the objects to be cooled together with the cold storage 3 are transported to a destination at a low temperature. The vehicle 2 can be used to transport various objects to be cooled that need to be transported at low temperatures. The vehicle 2 can be used, for example, for low-temperature transportation of pharmaceutical products that require precise temperature control. The vehicle 2 can be used, for example, for low-temperature transportation of agricultural products, livestock products, and the like that require maintenance of refrigerated temperature. The vehicle 2 can be used, for example, for low-temperature transportation of frozen foods that require maintenance of frozen temperatures.

The temperature inside the cold storage 3 is controlled by the air conditioner 10 so that the temperature inside the refrigerator is maintained around a set temperature. A compressor 11 that forms part of the air conditioner 10 includes an electric compressor 11a and an engine-driven compressor 11b. The electric compressor 11a is a compression device that is driven by being supplied with electric power from the power supply control unit 41. The engine-driven compressor 11b is a compression device that is driven by obtaining power from the engine used to drive the vehicle 2. However, the compressor 11 may be configured as either the electric compressor 11a or the engine-driven compressor 11b. Moreover, the compressor 11 may be configured to include another compression device in addition to the electric compressor 11a and the engine-driven compressor 11b.

The cold storage 3 is provided with a cold storage door 3d for switching communication between the inside and the outside of the cold storage 3. The cold storage door 3d is a door that opens and closes from left to right in a double-sided manner. The cold storage door 3d is provided on the opposite side of the cold storage 3 from the position where the air conditioner 10 is installed. Therefore, the inside of the cold storage 3 has a front portion close to the air conditioner 10 and a rear portion close to the cold storage door 3d. In the cold storage 3, by partitioning the inside of the cold storage 3 into front and rear parts using a curtain or the like, it is possible to create a temperature difference between the front part and the rear part of the cold storage 3.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the vicinity of the air conditioner 10 when the electric compressor 11a is used as the compressor 11 of the refrigeration cycle device 10r. When the engine-driven compressor 11b is used as the compressor 11, power is supplied from the engine to the engine-driven compressor 11b instead of the power supply control unit 41, and the compressor 11 is driven.

The air conditioner 10 includes a refrigeration cycle device 10r having a compressor 11, a condenser 12, an expansion valve 14, and an evaporator 15. The compressor 11 is a device that compresses a gas phase refrigerant to bring the gas phase refrigerant into a high temperature and high pressure state. The condenser 12 is a device that lowers the temperature of the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 and condenses it into liquid refrigerant. The condenser 12 is a heat exchanger that heats the surrounding air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the surrounding air.

The expansion valve 14 is a device that expands the liquid phase refrigerant condensed in the condenser 12 to bring it into a state where the temperature and pressure are low and it is easy to evaporate. Instead of a variable throttle valve like the expansion valve 14, a fixed throttle such as a capillary tube or orifice may be used to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant. Expansion valve 14 provides an example of a pressure reduction device. The evaporator 15 is a device that evaporates the liquid phase refrigerant expanded by the expansion valve 14. The evaporator 15 is a heat exchanger that cools the surrounding air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the surrounding air.

The refrigeration cycle device 10r includes a high-pressure pipe 16 that connects the compressor 11, condenser 12, and expansion valve 14 to form a refrigerant flow path. High-pressure refrigerant flows through the high-pressure pipe 16 until it is compressed by the compressor 11 and depressurized by the expansion valve 14 . The refrigeration cycle device 10r includes a low-pressure pipe 17 that connects the expansion valve 14 to the evaporator 15 and compressor 11 to form a refrigerant flow path. A low-pressure refrigerant whose pressure is reduced by the expansion valve 14 and is compressed by the compressor 11 flows through the low-pressure pipe 17 . The high-pressure pipe 16 and the low-pressure pipe 17 form an annular refrigerant flow path.

A liquid receiver 13 is provided between the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 14 in the high-pressure pipe 16 . The liquid receiver 13 is a device that separates gas phase refrigerant and liquid phase refrigerant. Therefore, only liquid phase refrigerant flows into the expansion valve 14 located downstream of the liquid receiver 13 in the flow of refrigerant.

The air conditioner 10 includes an evaporator case 31 that separates the evaporator 15, which becomes cold when the compressor 11 is driven, from the surroundings. The evaporator case 31 is constructed using a heat insulating panel with high heat insulating performance. The evaporator case 31 is fitted and fixed into an opening 3h provided in the upper part of the front wall 3w of the cold storage 3. The expansion valve 14 is located inside the evaporator case 31.

An evaporator fan 15f is provided inside the evaporator case 31. The evaporator fan 15f is a device for flowing air around the evaporator 15 to promote heat exchange. The evaporator case 31 has an inside air intake port 32 and an inside air outlet 33 formed therein. The inside air inlet 32 and the inside air outlet 33 communicate the inside of the evaporator case 31 and the inside of the cold storage 3. When the evaporator fan 15f is rotating, inside air, which is the air inside the cold storage 3, is sucked into the evaporator case 31 through the inside air suction port 32. When the evaporator fan 15f is rotating, air inside the evaporator case 31 is blown out from the inside air outlet 33 into the cold storage 3. The evaporator fan 15f has a function of blowing cold air into the cold storage 3 after exchanging heat with the evaporator 15.

The air conditioner 10 includes a condenser case 36 that separates the condenser 12, which becomes hot when the compressor 11 is driven, from the surroundings. The condenser case 36 is provided adjacent to the evaporator case 31 and in front of the evaporator case 31. In other words, the condenser case 36 is provided on the surface of the evaporator case 31 opposite to the surface communicating with the inside of the cold storage 3.

A condenser fan 12f is provided inside the condenser case 36. The condenser fan 12f is a device for flowing air around the condenser 12 to promote heat exchange. The condenser case 36 is formed with an outside air inlet 37 and an outside air outlet 38 . The outside air inlet 37 and the outside air outlet 38 communicate the inside of the condenser case 36 with the outside space. When the condenser fan 12f is rotating, outside air, which is air in the outside space, is sucked into the condenser case 36 from the outside air suction port 37. When the condenser fan 12f is rotating, the air inside the condenser case 36 is blown out from the outside air outlet 38 into the outside space. The outside air suction port 37 functions as a suction port that sucks air flowing in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 into the condenser case 36 while the vehicle 2 is running.

The air conditioner 10 includes a defrosting device 20. The defrosting device 20 includes a hot gas pipe 21 and a hot gas valve 22. The hot gas pipe 21 is a pipe that connects the high-pressure pipe 16 and the evaporator 15 , and is a pipe that guides the high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase refrigerant into the evaporator 15 before flowing through the condenser 12 . The hot gas valve 22 is a valve device for adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant that can flow through the hot gas pipe 21. The hot gas valve 22 is a solenoid valve whose opening degree can be electrically adjusted.

By driving the compressor 11 with the hot gas valve 22 open, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant can flow into the evaporator 15. Thereby, the frost generated on the surface of the evaporator 15 can be melted and defrosted. Moreover, when defrosting is not necessary, the flow of refrigerant in the hot gas pipe 21 is cut off by closing the hot gas valve 22. Thereby, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid phase refrigerant that has passed through the condenser 12 and the expansion valve 14 can flow into the evaporator 15 . In other words, by controlling the opening degree of the hot gas valve 22, the evaporator 15 can be switched between a high temperature state and a low temperature state.

The defrosting device 20 is not limited to a configuration in which the hot gas pipe 21 and the hot gas valve 22 are used to flow high temperature and high pressure gas phase refrigerant to the evaporator 15. The defrosting device 20 can employ, for example, an electric heater provided near the evaporator 15. In this case, the defrosting device 20 can be more easily designed to be smaller than the case where the hot gas piping 21 and the hot gas valve 22 are used. Furthermore, the defrosting ability can be adjusted by controlling the output of the electric heater. Therefore, compared to the case where the hot gas pipe 21 and the hot gas valve 22 are used, the time required for defrosting can be easily shortened. As the defrosting method, two methods, a method using hot gas and a method using an electric heater, or other defrosting methods may be used in combination.

The air conditioner 10 includes a power control unit 41 and a power cable 42. The power supply control unit 41 is a device that controls power supplied to the vehicle 2 and the air conditioner 10. The power cable 42 is a device for receiving power supply from an external power source. The power cable 42 is configured to be connectable to a commercial AC power source. The power supply control unit 41 has a function of converting AC power supplied using the power cable 42 into DC power. The power supply control unit 41 has a function of increasing or decreasing the magnitude of the supplied voltage to convert it into a desired voltage.

The air conditioner 10 includes an operation panel 51, an internal temperature sensor 52, and an outside temperature sensor 53. The operation panel 51 is a device for a passenger to set a temperature setting for air conditioning operation. The operation panel 51 includes a defrost button. The defrost button notifies the occupant whether or not defrosting is in progress by lighting a lamp. Defrosting can be forcibly stopped by the passenger operating the defrost button during defrosting. Defrosting can be started by the passenger operating the defrost button in a state where defrosting is not being performed. The internal temperature sensor 52 is a sensor for measuring the internal temperature, which is the temperature inside the cold storage 3. The internal temperature sensor 52 is provided near the internal air suction port 32. The installation position and number of internal temperature sensors 52 are not limited to the above example. For example, the internal temperature sensors 52 may be provided at two locations, the front part and the rear part of the cold storage 3, to measure a plurality of internal temperatures. The outside air temperature sensor 53 is a sensor for measuring outside air temperature, which is the temperature of the outside space. The outside air temperature sensor 53 is provided near the outside air intake port 37.

In FIG. 3, the control unit 70 is connected to an operation panel 51, an internal temperature sensor 52, and an outside temperature sensor 53. The control unit 70 acquires information such as the set temperature for air conditioning operation that is input through the operation panel 51. The control unit 70 acquires the internal temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor 52. The control unit 70 acquires the outside air temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 53.

The control unit 70 is connected to the position detection device 54, the door opening/closing sensor 55, and the key switch 56. The position detection device 54 includes a GNSS receiver used for GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) such as GPS and GLONASS. The position detection device 54 sequentially detects the current position of the vehicle 2 as position information based on positioning signals received from positioning satellites. The current location is represented by coordinates including latitude and longitude. Further, the altitude may be included in the coordinates indicating the current position. The control unit 70 acquires the current position measured by the position detection device 54. The position detection device 54 may employ a device that detects the current position using a method different from that of a GNSS receiver, such as a vehicle speed sensor, a gyro sensor, or an acceleration sensor. Further, the position detection device 54 may be configured by using a plurality of devices capable of detecting the current position.

The door opening/closing sensor 55 is a sensor that detects whether the cold storage door 3d is open or closed. The control unit 70 acquires the open/close state of the cold storage door 3d detected by the door open/close sensor 55. The control unit 70 acquires the detection results of the door opening/closing sensor 55, for example, every 30 seconds. The key switch 56 is a switch for switching the state of the vehicle 2 between an ignition state, an accessory state, and an off state. The control unit 70 acquires the state of the vehicle 2 switched by the key switch 56.

The control unit 70 is connected to the defrost timer 58 and the defrost temperature sensor 59. The defrost timer 58 measures the elapsed time from the previous defrost timing. Here, the defrosting timing is not the timing when the evaporator 15 is actually defrosted, but the timing at which it is determined whether or not to start defrosting. Therefore, even if it is the defrosting timing, defrosting may not be performed if there is no need for defrosting or if defrosting is not permitted. The control unit 70 acquires the elapsed time from the previous defrost timing measured by the defrost timer 58. The defrosting temperature sensor 59 is a temperature sensor that measures the surface temperature of the evaporator 15. The defrosting temperature sensor 59 measures the temperature of the outlet pipe of the evaporator 15, for example. The control unit 70 acquires the surface temperature of the evaporator 15 measured by the defrosting temperature sensor 59.

The control unit 70 is connected to the display panel 45. The display panel 45 is a device for displaying information regarding air conditioning operation to the occupants of the vehicle 2. The display panel 45 displays, for example, information indicating whether or not the air conditioner 10 is properly performing air conditioning operation.

The control unit 70 is connected to the compressor 11, the power supply control unit 41, the condenser fan 12f, the evaporator fan 15f, and the hot gas valve 22. The control unit 70 controls the drive of the compressor 11 to control the amount of refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle device 10r. The control section 70 controls the driving of the power supply control unit 41. The control unit 70 controls the amount of air flowing around the condenser 12 by controlling the drive of the condenser fan 12f. The control unit 70 controls the amount of air flowing around the evaporator 15 by controlling the driving of the evaporator fan 15f. The control unit 70 controls the opening degree of the hot gas valve 22 to switch between a state in which the evaporator 15 is defrosted and a state in which the evaporator 15 is not defrosted.

The control unit 70 includes an acquisition unit 71, a setting unit 72, and a determination unit 73. The acquisition unit 71 acquires various information regarding air conditioning operation. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, a set temperature. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the temperature inside the refrigerator. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the outside temperature. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the current position of the vehicle 2. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, the open/close state of the cold storage door 3d. The acquisition unit 71 acquires, for example, whether the vehicle 2 is in an ignition state, an accessory state, or an off state.

The setting unit 72 sets various conditions regarding whether or not defrosting of the evaporator 15 is permitted. The determination unit 73 determines whether defrosting of the evaporator 15 is permitted. In other words, the determination unit 73 determines whether the conditions set by the setting unit 72 are satisfied based on the information about the vehicle 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 71. For example, the setting unit 72 sets a geofence 7, which will be described in detail later, and the determination unit 73 determines whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7.

The control section 70 includes a timing determination section 78 and a temperature determination section 79. The timing determining unit 78 determines whether the current timing is the defrosting timing based on the elapsed time from the defrosting timing measured by the defrosting timer 58. The temperature determining unit 79 determines whether defrosting is necessary based on the surface temperature of the evaporator 15 measured by the defrosting temperature sensor 59.

An example of air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 will be described below. FIG. 4 is a graph showing temporal changes in temperature inside the refrigerator due to air conditioning operation. The horizontal axis shows time, and the vertical axis shows temperature. The graph shows an example in which the set temperature is 5°C and the outside temperature is about 20°C.

At Tc0, which is the timing to start the air conditioning operation, the cooling operation is started by driving the compressor 11, the condenser fan 12f, and the evaporator fan 15f. As a result, the temperature inside the refrigerator, which was equivalent to the outside temperature, decreases and gradually approaches the set temperature of 5°C. Thereafter, by detecting that the internal temperature has decreased to the cooling end temperature that is set to be lower than the set temperature, the drive of the compressor 11, condenser fan 12f, and evaporator fan 15f is stopped. Stop cooling operation. The cooling end temperature is, for example, 3°C.

While the cooling operation is stopped, the temperature inside the refrigerator gradually increases due to the influence of the outside air temperature, which is higher than the temperature inside the refrigerator. While the cooling operation is stopped, the evaporator 15 is defrosted as necessary. After that, when it is detected that the internal temperature has increased to the cooling start temperature, which is set higher than the set temperature, the cooling operation is restarted. The cooling start temperature is, for example, 7°C. The timing for restarting the cooling operation is Tc1.

Thereafter, the cooling operation is repeatedly executed and stopped, and the air conditioning operation is performed so that the temperature inside the refrigerator falls within the temperature range from the cooling end temperature to the cooling start temperature. However, the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 may be performed by inverter control that appropriately changes the rotation speed of the compressor 11 according to the cooling load. In this case, instead of repeating execution and stop of the cooling operation, the cooling operation is continued while adjusting the cooling capacity so that the temperature inside the refrigerator is maintained at the set temperature.

Te is the timing when the operator operates the operation panel 51 and turns off the power to the air conditioner 10. After the power of the air conditioner 10 is turned off, the air conditioner 10 does not perform a cooling operation. For this reason, the temperature inside the refrigerator rises above the cooling start temperature and rises to a temperature close to the outside air temperature.

An example of control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In FIG. 5, when the air conditioning operation is started by an input from the operator on the operation panel 51, the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is acquired in step S101. The defrosting timing is the timing at which it is determined whether it is necessary to start defrosting. The timing at which control regarding defrosting is started is the first defrosting timing, and thereafter, the defrosting timing is repeated at predetermined time intervals. However, when defrosting is actually being performed, the defrosting timing is reset at the timing when the defrosting is finished. In other words, the timing when defrosting is finished becomes the defrosting timing, and the elapsed time from the timing when defrosting is finished is acquired. After acquiring the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing, the process advances to step S102.

In step S102, it is determined whether the current timing is the defrosting timing. If the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that it is the defrosting timing. On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is less than the predetermined time, it is determined that it is not the defrosting timing. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 60 minutes. However, the predetermined time is not limited to the above value. In situations where frost is likely to form on the surface of the evaporator 15, such as when the set temperature of the air conditioning operation is low, it is preferable to set a short predetermined time and frequently determine whether defrosting is necessary. If it is determined that it is defrost timing, the process advances to step S111. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the defrosting timing, the process advances to step S134.

In step S111, the current position of the vehicle 2 is acquired. The current position of the vehicle 2 can be detected by the position detection device 54. After acquiring the current position of the vehicle 2, the process advances to step S112. Step S111 provides an example of an acquisition step.

In step S112, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7. Here, the geofence 7 will be explained using FIG. 6. The geofence 7 is information that separates the designated area 8 from other areas. In other words, the area inside the geofence 7 is the designated area 8. On the other hand, the area outside the geofence 7 is another area. Although the shape of the geofence 7 can be set to any shape, for example, it can be set to a circular shape.

The geofence 7 can be set by specifying the center position using longitude and latitude, and specifying the size of the radius from the center position. The center position can be set at a place where cargo to be cooled is expected to be brought in or taken out, such as a loading point, a stopover point, or a destination in low-temperature transportation. If the center position is set as the destination and the radius is set as 1 km, the geofence 7 will be set as a circle with the destination as the center and the radius as 1 km. However, the method for setting the geofence 7 is not limited to the above-mentioned method, and can be set by any method.

The geofence 7 is set in advance by the setting section 72. The number of set geofences 7 is not limited to one. Geofences 7 can be set for each of a plurality of points, such as loading points, intermediate points, and destinations. Further, the radius may be changed for each geofence 7. Depending on whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is inside or outside the geofence 7, the content of control in the vehicle 2 can be changed.

In FIG. 5, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7, it is determined that there is no problem even if defrosting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7, it is determined that defrosting should not be performed and the process proceeds to step S134. The larger the radius of the geofence 7, the wider the area where it is determined that defrosting should not be performed. Step S112 provides an example of a determination step including a setting step.

An example of why defrosting should not be performed within the geofence 7 that is set to include the destination will be explained. When the vehicle 2 arrives at the destination, it is expected that the cold storage door 3d will be opened for carrying in and out of objects to be cooled. By opening the cold storage door 3d, outside air tends to flow into the inside of the cold storage 3, and the temperature inside the refrigerator tends to rise. In other words, the temperature of the object to be cooled is likely to rise temporarily. In this state, the temperature of the object to be cooled tends to deviate from the set temperature to be controlled, which may affect the quality of the object to be cooled. Furthermore, if there is a large discrepancy between the internal temperature and the set temperature to be controlled, there is a possibility that the temperature measurement will fail. Therefore, at the time of arriving at the destination or just before arriving at the destination, it is preferable that the air conditioner 10 maintains a state in which the object to be cooled can be cooled.

While the evaporator 15 is being defrosted, the temperature of the evaporator 15 is high. In other words, during defrosting and immediately after defrosting is completed, the temperature of the evaporator 15 is high, and the air conditioner 10 is in a state where it cannot appropriately cool the object to be cooled. Therefore, by not defrosting within the geofence 7 with the destination set at the center position, the air conditioner 10 can maintain a cooling state until just before arriving at the destination. In other words, appropriate temperature management can be performed in consideration of opening of the cold storage door 3d at the destination. This is an example of why defrosting should not be performed within the geofence 7 that is set to include the destination.

In step S121, the evaporator temperature, which is the temperature of the outer surface of the evaporator 15, is acquired. The evaporator temperature can be measured by a defrost temperature sensor 59. After acquiring the evaporator temperature, the process advances to step S122.

In step S122, it is determined whether the evaporator temperature is lower than the defrosting start temperature. The defrosting start temperature is, for example, 0°C. If the evaporator temperature is less than the defrosting start temperature, it is determined that defrosting is necessary and the process proceeds to step S131. On the other hand, if the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting start temperature, it is determined that defrosting is not necessary and the process proceeds to step S134.

In step S131, defrosting of the evaporator 15 is started. More specifically, the compressor 11 is driven with the hot gas valve 22 open. As a result, a high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase refrigerant is flowed into the evaporator 15 to increase the temperature of the evaporator 15 and melt the frost formed on the outer surface of the evaporator 15. During defrosting, the evaporator fan 15f is stopped. Thereby, air heated by the high-temperature evaporator 15 can be suppressed from flowing into the cold storage 3. After starting defrosting of the evaporator 15, the process advances to step S132. Step S131 provides an example of a permission step.

In step S132, the evaporator temperature of the evaporator 15 during defrosting is acquired. The heat added to the evaporator 15 by defrosting is consumed as latent heat for the frost to melt and change into water, and when the defrosting is completed, it is consumed as sensible heat for increasing the temperature. Therefore, when defrosting is completed, the evaporator temperature becomes higher than before defrosting. After acquiring the evaporator temperature of the evaporator 15 during defrosting, the process advances to step S133.

In step S133, it is determined whether the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature. The defrosting end temperature is, for example, 3°C. If the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature, it is determined that defrosting has been completed and the process proceeds to step S134. If the evaporator temperature is less than the defrosting end temperature, it is determined that defrosting has not been completed, and the process returns to step S132, where defrosting is continued until the evaporator temperature becomes equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature.

In step S134, defrosting of the evaporator 15 is finished. In other words, if defrosting has not started, the current state of not performing defrosting is maintained. On the other hand, if defrosting has started, the state shifts to a state where defrosting is not performed. When shifting to a state in which defrosting is not performed, the compressor 11 is driven with the hot gas valve 22 closed. As a result, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid phase refrigerant that has been condensed in the condenser 12 and expanded in the expansion valve 14 is caused to flow into the evaporator 15, thereby lowering the temperature of the evaporator 15. At this time, it is preferable that the evaporator fan 15f is stopped after the defrosting is completed until the evaporator temperature decreases. Thereby, the air heated by the evaporator 15 before it becomes low temperature can be suppressed from flowing into the inside of the cold storage 3. Moreover, when the state shifts to a state in which no defrosting is performed, the defrosting timing is reset, and the timing at which the state shifts to a state in which no defrosting is performed is set as a new defrosting timing. Therefore, when the process returns to step S101 next time, the elapsed time is obtained by setting the timing of step S134, which is the timing at which the state transitioned from the defrosting state to the non-defrosting state, as the previous defrosting timing. becomes. After finishing defrosting, the process advances to step S141. Step S134 provides an example of a disallowing step.

In step S141, it is determined whether the air conditioning is off. In other words, it is determined whether there is an air conditioning request. For example, when the power to the air conditioner 10 is turned off by operating the operation panel 51, the air conditioning is turned off. The method for turning off the air conditioning is not limited to the above method. For example, the air conditioning may be turned off when the key switch 56 is turned off. For example, the air conditioner may be turned off by remote control by the administrator. If the air conditioning is off, the air conditioning control including the control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 is ended. On the other hand, if the air conditioning is on, that is, if there is a request for air conditioning, the process returns to step S101 and repeats the series of controls.

According to the embodiment described above, the air conditioning system 1 includes the control unit 70 that controls whether to permit defrosting by the defrosting device 20 based on information including the current position of the vehicle 2. Therefore, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is a position where defrosting should not be performed, that is, a position where the temperature inside the refrigerator is expected to rise, defrosting can be prohibited. Therefore, the cooling operation by the air conditioner 10 can be made possible at a position where the temperature inside the refrigerator is expected to rise or at a position immediately before the rise. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the timing of opening of the cold storage door 3d and the timing of the evaporator 15 being unable to be cooled during defrosting to overlap. As described above, it is possible to provide the air conditioning system 1 in which the temperature inside the cold storage 3 is suppressed from greatly deviating from the set temperature.

The control unit 70 allows the defrosting device 20 to defrost when the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7 . Further, when the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7, defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is not permitted. Therefore, by setting the area where you want to stop defrosting using the geofence 7, defrosting can be automatically stopped if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7. Further, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7, defrosting can be automatically resumed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress complicated operations by the occupant to determine whether or not to permit defrosting.

The control unit 70 can easily determine whether to permit defrosting by comparing two pieces of information: the geofence 7 and the current position of the vehicle 2. In other words, it can be determined whether or not to permit defrosting without considering complex information such as the driving route of the vehicle 2 or traffic congestion. Therefore, the processing in the control unit 70 can be simplified, and it can be determined at short intervals whether to permit defrosting in accordance with the current position that changes every moment as the vehicle 2 travels. Therefore, it is easy to shorten the time period during which defrosting is permitted without determining the current position even after entering the geofence 7.

The air conditioning control method for the air conditioner 10 includes a determination step of determining whether the current position of the vehicle 2 satisfies a condition that does not permit defrosting. Furthermore, a disallowing step is provided in which defrosting is not permitted when it is determined that conditions for not permitting defrosting are satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to suppress defrosting at the timing when the cold storage door 3d is opened, which is expected in advance. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the timing of opening of the cold storage door 3d from overlapping with the timing of the evaporator 15 being unable to be cooled during defrosting. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control method that suppresses the internal temperature of the cold storage 3 from deviating significantly from the set temperature.

The air conditioning control method for the air conditioner 10 includes a permission step of permitting the defrosting device 20 to defrost when the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7. Further, a disallowing step is provided in which defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is not permitted when the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7. Therefore, by setting the area where you want to stop defrosting using the geofence 7, defrosting can be automatically stopped if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7. Further, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7, defrosting can be automatically restarted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress complicated operations by the occupant to determine whether or not to permit defrosting.

The air conditioning control program for controlling the air conditioning of the air conditioner 10 includes processing for determining whether the current position of the vehicle 2 satisfies conditions that do not permit defrosting. Furthermore, a process for not permitting defrosting is provided when it is determined that conditions for not permitting defrosting are satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to suppress defrosting at the timing when the cold storage door 3d is opened, which is expected in advance. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the timing of opening of the cold storage door 3d from overlapping with the timing of the evaporator 15 being unable to be cooled during defrosting. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control program that suppresses the internal temperature of the cold storage 3 from greatly deviating from the set temperature.

Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 includes a history storage unit 274, and controls defrosting based on the history of disallowance of defrosting.

In FIG. 7, the control unit 70 includes a history storage unit 274. The history storage unit 274 has a function of storing a denial history that is information indicating that defrosting is not permitted. The denial history includes information on the date and time of denial. When the history storage unit 274 acquires a new rejection history with a new date and time while storing the rejection history, the history storage unit 274 updates the old rejection history to a new rejection history and stores it.

An example of control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In FIG. 8, when the air conditioning operation is started by an input from the passenger on the operation panel 51, the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is acquired in step S201. After acquiring the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing, the process advances to step S202.

In step S202, it is determined whether the current timing is the defrosting timing. If the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that it is the defrosting timing. On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is less than the predetermined time, it is determined that it is not the defrosting timing. If it is determined that it is time to defrost, the process advances to step S211. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the defrosting timing, the process advances to step S203. Step S202 provides an example of a timing determination step.

In step S203, it is determined whether there is a history of denial. If the history storage unit 274 stores a denial history, it is determined that the necessity of defrosting should be determined immediately, and the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if no denial history is stored, the process advances to step S234. Step S203 provides an example of a history determination step.

In step S211, the evaporator temperature, which is the temperature of the outer surface of the evaporator 15, is acquired. The evaporator temperature can be measured by a defrost temperature sensor 59. After acquiring the evaporator temperature, the process advances to step S212.

In step S212, it is determined whether the evaporator temperature is lower than the defrosting start temperature. If the evaporator temperature is less than the defrosting start temperature, it is determined that defrosting is necessary and the process proceeds to step S221. On the other hand, if the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting start temperature, it is determined that defrosting is not necessary and the process proceeds to step S234. Step S212 provides an example of a temperature determination step.

In step S221, the current position of the vehicle 2 is acquired. The current position of the vehicle 2 can be detected by the position detection device 54. After acquiring the current position of the vehicle 2, the process advances to step S222. Step S221 provides an example of an acquisition step.

In step S222, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7. If the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7, it is determined that there is no problem even if defrosting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S223. On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7, it is determined that defrosting should not be performed and the process proceeds to step S224. Step S222 provides an example of a determination step including a setting step.

In step S223, the denial history is deleted. Deleting the non-permission history indicates that the state in which defrosting of the evaporator 15 is required but defrosting is not permitted has been resolved. After deleting the denial history, the process advances to step S231. Step S223 provides an example of a history deletion step.

In step S231, defrosting of the evaporator 15 is started. After starting defrosting of the evaporator 15, the process advances to step S232. Step S231 provides an example of a permission step.

In step S232, the evaporator temperature of the evaporator 15 during defrosting is acquired. After acquiring the evaporator temperature of the evaporator 15 during defrosting, the process advances to step S233.

In step S233, it is determined whether the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature. If the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature, it is determined that defrosting has been completed and the process proceeds to step S234. If the evaporator temperature is less than the defrosting end temperature, it is determined that defrosting has not been completed and the process returns to step S221. As a result, the current position is acquired again, and it is determined whether the current position is outside the geofence 7 or not. Therefore, defrosting is continued until the vehicle 2 enters the geofence 7 or the evaporator temperature becomes equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature.

In step S224, the denial history is stored. In other words, it is stored that the evaporator 15 needs to be defrosted, but the current position is within the geofence 7 and defrosting is not permitted. After storing the denial history, the process advances to step S234. Step S224 provides an example of a history storage step.

In step S234, defrosting of the evaporator 15 is finished. In other words, if defrosting has not started, the current state of not performing defrosting is maintained. On the other hand, if defrosting has started, the state shifts to a state where defrosting is not performed. Moreover, when the state shifts to a state in which no defrosting is performed, the defrosting timing is reset, and the timing at which the state shifts to a state in which no defrosting is performed is set as a new defrosting timing. Therefore, when the process returns to step S201 next time, the elapsed time is obtained by setting the timing of step S234, which is the timing at which the state transitioned from the defrosting state to the non-defrosting state, as the previous defrosting timing. becomes. After finishing defrosting, the process advances to step S241. If the vehicle 2 enters the geofence 7 during defrosting, the defrosting will also end. Therefore, it is easy to restart the cooling operation by the air conditioner 10 before the vehicle 2 reaches the destination, which is the central position within the geofence 7. Step S234 provides an example of a disallowing step.

In step S241, it is determined whether the air conditioning is off. In other words, it is determined whether there is an air conditioning request. If the air conditioning is off, the air conditioning control including the control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 is ended. On the other hand, if the air conditioning is on, that is, if there is an air conditioning request, the process returns to step S201 and repeats the series of controls.

According to the embodiment described above, in the case where no permission history is stored, the control unit 70 starts the determination in the temperature determination unit 79 after the timing determination unit 78 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed. Further, if the denial history is stored, the control unit 70 starts the determination by the temperature determination unit 79 regardless of the determination result of the timing determination unit 78. Therefore, when the condition that disallows defrosting is resolved, it is possible to quickly determine whether defrosting is necessary. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether frost has formed on the outer surface of the evaporator 15 and defrost it as necessary. Therefore, it is easy to maintain a state in which the outer surface of the evaporator 15 is free from frost and has good heat exchange efficiency for a long time.

The air conditioning control method for the air conditioner 10 includes a history determination step. The history determination step determines whether there is a history of disapproval. If the denial history is not stored, after determining in the timing determining step that a predetermined time has elapsed, determination in the temperature determining step is started. Furthermore, if the denial history is stored, the determination in the temperature determination step is started regardless of the determination result in the timing determination step. Therefore, when the condition that disallows defrosting is resolved, it is possible to quickly determine whether defrosting is necessary. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether frost has formed on the outer surface of the evaporator 15 and defrost it as necessary. Therefore, it is easy to ensure that the evaporator 15 is free from frost and has good heat exchange efficiency for a long time.

Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning communication device 360 and a server 380. The air conditioning system 1 uses an air conditioning communication device 360 mounted on the vehicle 2 to communicate with an external server 380. Through this communication, a defrosting start signal or a defrosting stop signal is received from the server 380.

In FIG. 9, the vehicle 2 is provided with an operation panel 51, an internal temperature sensor 52, and an outside temperature sensor 53. The vehicle 2 is provided with a position detection device 54, a door opening/closing sensor 55, and a key switch 56. The vehicle 2 is provided with a defrost timer 58 and a defrost temperature sensor 59. The vehicle 2 is provided with a compressor 11, a power supply control unit 41, a condenser fan 12f, an evaporator fan 15f, and a hot gas valve 22.

The vehicle 2 is provided with a control unit 70 and an air conditioning communication device 360. The air conditioning communication device 360 is a device for communicating information regarding the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 with a server 380 provided outside the vehicle 2. The air conditioning communication device 360 includes a transmitter 361 and a receiver 362. The transmitting unit 361 has a function of transmitting information regarding the air conditioning operation acquired from the control unit 70 and information on the respective states of the position detection device 54, the door opening/closing sensor 55, and the key switch 56 to the server 380 at regular intervals. . The transmission interval of the transmitter 361 is, for example, 30 seconds. The receiving unit 362 has a function of receiving information regarding air conditioning operation from the server 380 at regular intervals. More specifically, the receiving unit 362 checks the presence or absence of a signal at the signal output unit 385 in the server 380, and if there is a signal, transmits the received signal to the control unit 70. The signal is, for example, a defrost start signal or a defrost stop signal. The reception interval of the reception unit 362 is, for example, 30 seconds. The air conditioning communication device 360 repeatedly communicates with the signal output unit 385 in the server 380 at predetermined time intervals to obtain signals related to air conditioning operation, regardless of whether there is a signal to be received. The control unit 70 is connected to the air conditioning communication device 360. The control unit 70 controls the air conditioning communication device 360 to communicate with the outside. The air conditioning communication device 360 is an on-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle 2.

The air conditioning system 1 includes a server 380 and an administrator terminal 390 provided outside the vehicle 2. The server 380 constitutes a part of the control unit 70. Server 380 is connected to a public communication network. The server 380 acquires information transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 via the public communication network. Further, the server 380 transmits information to the air conditioning communication device 360 via the public communication network.

The server 380 is mainly configured with a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that includes, for example, a processor, memory, I/O, and a bus that connects these. The server 380 executes various processes by executing control programs stored in memory. Memory as used herein is a non-transitory tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores computer-readable programs and data. Further, the non-transitional physical storage medium is realized by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

The server 380 may be composed of one server device or may be composed of a plurality of server devices. Server 380 may be a server device located on a cloud.

The server 380 includes a setting section 382, a determining section 383, and a signal output section 385. The setting unit 382 receives instructions from the web browser 391 in the administrator terminal 390 and sets various conditions regarding whether to permit defrosting of the evaporator 15. The determination unit 383 determines whether defrosting of the evaporator 15 is permitted. In other words, the determination unit 383 determines whether the condition set by the setting unit 382 is satisfied based on the information about the vehicle 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 71. The signal output section 385 holds the determination result determined by the determination section 383. Here, the determination result refers to a signal such as a defrosting start signal or a defrosting stop signal. The signal output unit 385 transmits the determination result to the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 in response to an inquiry from the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360. After transmitting the determination result to the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360, the signal output unit 385 deletes the retained determination result.

Administrator terminal 390 is connected to server 380. The administrator terminal 390 displays information regarding air conditioning operation acquired via the server 380. The administrator terminal 390 displays information regarding air conditioning operation determined by the server 380. The administrator terminal 390 includes a WEB browser 391. The WEB browser 391 functions as a display screen that displays information regarding air conditioning operation to the administrator.

The administrator terminal 390 updates the conditions for not allowing defrosting in the setting section 382 of the server 380. For example, by adding information about geofence 7, the conditions for not allowing defrosting are increased. Alternatively, the conditions for not allowing defrosting can be reduced by deleting the information on the geofence 7. The web browser 391 functions as an operation screen that allows the administrator to update the conditions for not allowing defrosting.

An example of control on the vehicle 2 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In FIG. 10, when the air conditioning operation is started by an input from the operator on the operation panel 51, the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is acquired in step S101, and the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, it is determined whether the current timing is the defrosting timing. If the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that it is the defrosting timing, and the process proceeds to step S121. On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the previous defrosting timing is less than the predetermined time, it is determined that it is not the defrosting timing, and the process proceeds to step S141. If it is determined that it is not the defrosting timing, the process proceeds to step S141, so that the state in which defrosting is not performed is maintained.

In step S121, the evaporator temperature, which is the temperature of the outer surface of the evaporator 15, is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S122. In step S122, it is determined whether the evaporator temperature is lower than the defrosting start temperature. If the evaporator temperature is less than the defrosting start temperature, it is determined that defrosting is necessary and the process proceeds to step S131. On the other hand, if the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting start temperature, it is determined that defrosting is not necessary and the process proceeds to step S141. If it is determined that the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting start temperature, the process proceeds to step S141, so that the state in which defrosting is not performed is maintained.

In step S131, defrosting of the evaporator 15 is started. More specifically, the compressor 11 is driven with the hot gas valve 22 open. As a result, a high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase refrigerant is flowed into the evaporator 15 to increase the temperature of the evaporator 15 and melt the frost formed on the outer surface of the evaporator 15. During defrosting, the evaporator fan 15f is stopped. Thereby, air heated by the high-temperature evaporator 15 can be suppressed from flowing into the cold storage 3. After starting defrosting of the evaporator 15, the process advances to step S391.

In step S391, the control unit 70 makes an inquiry to the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360, and acquires signals such as a defrosting start signal and a defrosting stop signal sent from the server 380. After acquiring the signal sent from the server 380, the process advances to step S392.

In step S392, it is determined whether the acquired signal includes a defrost stop signal. If there is no defrost stop signal, it is determined that defrosting may be continued and the process proceeds to step S132. On the other hand, if there is a defrost stop signal, it is determined that defrosting needs to be stopped and the process proceeds to step S134.

In step S132, the evaporator temperature of the evaporator 15 during defrosting is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S133. In step S133, it is determined whether the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature. If the evaporator temperature is equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature, it is determined that defrosting has been completed and the process proceeds to step S134. If the evaporator temperature is less than the defrosting end temperature, it is determined that defrosting is not completed and the process returns to step S391, and the process continues until the defrosting stop signal is obtained or the evaporator temperature becomes equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature. Continue defrosting.

In step S134, defrosting of the evaporator 15 is finished. In other words, the state changes from a state in which defrosting is being performed to a state in which defrosting is not performed. Further, the defrosting timing is reset, and the timing at which defrosting is not performed is defined as the defrosting timing. After finishing defrosting the evaporator 15, the process advances to step S141. In step S141, it is determined whether the air conditioning is off. If the air conditioning is off, the air conditioning control including the control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 is ended. On the other hand, if the air conditioning is on, that is, if there is a request for air conditioning, the process returns to step S101 and repeats the series of controls.

An example of control on the server 380 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In a state where the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 is managed using the server 380, the server 380 is in a state where it can receive signals from the vehicle 2 side. In this state, by receiving a signal transmitted from the vehicle 2 side, a control flow regarding defrosting on the server 380 side is started. For example, if the air conditioning communication device 360 is transmitting data every 30 seconds, the server 380 will receive the data every 30 seconds. In this case, on the server 380 side, the control flow described below is repeated every 30 seconds based on the latest data.

In FIG. 11, when the server 380 receives a signal transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 and starts control regarding defrosting, the received data is stored in step S301. The received data includes, for example, information indicating whether or not the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. Information on the opening degree of the hot gas valve 22 can be used as information indicating whether defrosting is being performed. That is, when it is detected that the hot gas valve 22 has opened, it can be determined that defrosting has started. On the other hand, if it is detected that the hot gas valve 22 is closed, it can be determined that defrosting is not in progress. However, the evaporator temperature measured by the defrosting temperature sensor 59 may be acquired. In this case, if the evaporator temperature is less than the defrosting end temperature, it is considered that defrosting is in progress, and if it is equal to or higher than the defrosting end temperature, it is considered that defrosting is not in progress. In this way, it may be determined whether or not the evaporator 15 needs to be defrosted, rather than whether or not the defrosting device 20 is actually defrosting.

The received data to be stored is not limited to information indicating whether or not the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. The received data includes, for example, information on the current position of the vehicle 2. The received data includes, for example, opening/closing information of the cold storage door 3d. The received data includes information indicating which state the vehicle 2 is in, for example, by the key switch 56. The received data includes, for example, information on the temperature inside the refrigerator. The received data includes, for example, information on outside temperature. The received data includes, for example, information on the evaporator temperature. After storing the received data, the process advances to step S302. Step S301 provides an example of an acquisition step.

In step S302, the settings of the geofence 7 are read. After setting the geofence 7, the process advances to step S305. Step S302 provides an example of a setting step.

In step S305, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7. If the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7, it is determined that defrosting should not be performed and the process proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7, it is determined that there is no problem even if defrosting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S321. Step S305 provides an example of a determination step.

In step S311, it is determined whether the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. If the defrosting device 20 is defrosting, it is determined that the current defrosting should be stopped, and the process advances to step S312. On the other hand, if the defrosting device 20 is not defrosting, it is determined that there is no need to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process proceeds to step S341.

In step S312, a defrost stop signal is output. In other words, do not allow current defrosting. Therefore, the hot gas valve 22 is closed and defrosting of the evaporator 15 is stopped. More specifically, the signal output unit 385 outputs a defrost stop signal that is a signal for closing the hot gas valve 22. The receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 checks the presence or absence of a signal at the signal output unit 385 at regular intervals and receives the defrost stop signal. Therefore, the control unit 70 inquires of the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrosting stop signal from the receiving unit 362, and closes the hot gas valve 22. The process in which the control unit 70 receives the defrost stop signal corresponds to step S391 in FIG. 10. The process in which the control unit 70 closes the hot gas valve 22 corresponds to step S134 in FIG. 10. The hot gas valve 22 is opened once and then closed again, but the time from opening to closing the hot gas valve 22 is extremely short. For this reason, defrosting is stopped before the defrosting function is effectively achieved. The signal output unit 385 deletes the defrost stop signal held in the signal output unit 385 after the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost stop signal. After defrosting is not permitted, the process advances to step S341. Step S312 provides an example of a disallowing step including a signal output step.

In step S321, the defrosting stop signal is not output. In other words, allow current defrost. More specifically, the signal output unit 385 does not output the defrost stop signal, which is a signal to close the hot gas valve 22. If the defrost stop signal is being output, the defrost stop signal held in the signal output section 385 is deleted and the defrost stop signal is not output. If the defrost stop signal is not output, the state of not outputting the defrost stop signal is maintained. Therefore, during defrosting, the hot gas valve 22 is maintained in an open state to continue defrosting the evaporator 15. If defrosting is not in progress, the hot gas valve 22 can be opened for defrosting. After allowing defrosting, the process advances to step S341. Step S321 provides an example of a permission step.

In step S341, the status of the defrosting device 20 is displayed on the WEB browser 391. In other words, it is displayed whether defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is permitted or not. This allows the administrator to understand whether defrosting is permitted or not permitted as set. After displaying the state of the defrosting device 20 on the WEB browser 391, the air conditioning control on the server 380 side including the control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 is ended. However, by receiving the signal from the vehicle 2 side, the control flow regarding defrosting on the server 380 side is started again. Therefore, on the server 380 side, a series of control flows related to defrosting is repeated every time a signal from the vehicle 2 side is received.

According to the embodiment described above, the air conditioning system 1 includes the server 380 and the air conditioning communication device 360. The server 380 also includes a signal output unit 385 that outputs a signal indicating that defrosting is not permitted to the vehicle 2 when the determining unit 383 determines that defrosting is not permitted. Therefore, on the server 380 side, it is possible to determine whether or not to permit defrosting, and to control defrosting on the vehicle 2 side. Therefore, a function for determining whether to permit defrosting based on information including the current position of the vehicle 2 can be provided outside the vehicle 2. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether to permit defrosting on the server 380 side, and to appropriately control defrosting.

The air conditioning communication device 360 includes a transmitter 361 that transmits a signal indicating the current position of the vehicle 2 and a signal indicating the state of the defrosting device 20. The air conditioning communication device 360 includes a receiving unit 362 that receives a signal generated by the server 380 based on the signal transmitted by the transmitting unit 361 and indicating whether or not defrosting of the defrosting device 20 is permitted. Therefore, on the server 380 side, it is possible to determine whether or not to permit defrosting, and to control defrosting on the vehicle 2 side. Therefore, a function for determining whether to permit defrosting based on information including the current position of the vehicle 2 can be provided outside the vehicle 2. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether to permit defrosting on the server 380 side, and to appropriately control defrosting.

The air conditioning control method for the air conditioner 10 includes, when it is determined in the determination step that the defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is not permitted, a signal output that outputs to the vehicle 2 a signal indicating that the defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is not permitted. It has steps. Therefore, on the server 380 side, it is possible to determine whether or not to permit defrosting, and to control defrosting on the vehicle 2 side. Therefore, a function for determining whether to permit defrosting based on information including the current position of the vehicle 2 can be provided outside the vehicle 2. Therefore, it is possible to quickly determine whether to permit defrosting on the server 380 side, and to appropriately control defrosting.

The server 380 side can individually determine whether to permit defrosting for a plurality of vehicles 2 and output a signal related to defrosting for each vehicle 2 . Therefore, instead of setting conditions for not permitting defrosting such as the geofence 7 for each vehicle 2, the conditions for not permitting defrosting can be managed collectively on the server 380 side. Therefore, when carrying out low-temperature transportation using a plurality of vehicles 2, defrosting can be easily managed.

The geofence 7 can be updated using the administrator terminal 390. Therefore, there is no need to operate the operation panel 51 or the like to update the geofence 7 for each vehicle 2. Therefore, operational errors in updating the geofence 7 are reduced, and defrosting of a plurality of vehicles 2 can be easily managed accurately.

The signal output unit 385 does not output a signal to close the hot gas valve 22 when defrosting is permitted, and outputs a signal to close the hot gas valve 22 when defrosting is not permitted. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a signal is output to open the hot gas valve 22 when defrosting is permitted, and a signal to close the hot gas valve 22 is output when defrosting is not permitted, the signal output unit 385 outputs a signal. The number of outputs can be reduced, and communication costs can be reduced.

Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the server 380 that constitutes a part of the control unit 70 includes a history storage unit 484, and controls defrosting based on a history of disallowance, which is a history of disallowance of defrosting. ing.

In FIG. 12, the server 380 includes a history storage section 484. The history storage unit 484 has a function of storing a denial history that is information indicating that defrosting is not permitted. The denial history includes information on the date and time of denial. When the history storage unit 484 acquires a new rejection history with a new date and time while storing the rejection history, the history storage unit 484 updates the old rejection history to a new rejection history and stores it. The non-permission history includes a defrost stop history that is information indicating that defrosting was forcibly stopped after defrosting was started. The non-permission history includes information indicating that the start of defrosting is not permitted. The defrost stop history provides an example of a disallowance history.

For the control on the vehicle 2 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15, for example, control similar to the control shown in FIG. 10 can be adopted. An example of control on the server 380 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In FIG. 13, when the server 380 receives a signal transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 and starts control regarding defrosting, the received data is stored in step S401, and the process proceeds to step S402. Step S401 provides an example of an acquisition step.

In step S402, the settings of the geofence 7 are read. After setting the geofence 7, the process advances to step S405. Step S402 provides an example of a setting step.

In step S405, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7. If the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7, it is determined that defrosting should not be performed and the process proceeds to step S411. On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7, it is determined that there is no problem even if defrosting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S421. Step S405 provides an example of a determination step.

In step S411, it is determined whether the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. If the defrosting device 20 is defrosting, it is determined that the current defrosting should be stopped, and the process advances to step S412. On the other hand, if the defrosting device 20 is not defrosting, it is determined that there is no need to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process proceeds to step S441.

In step S412, a defrost stop signal is output. In other words, do not allow current defrosting. More specifically, the signal output unit 385 outputs a defrost stop signal that is a signal for closing the hot gas valve 22. The receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 checks the presence or absence of a signal at the signal output unit 385 at regular intervals and receives the defrost stop signal. Therefore, the control unit 70 inquires of the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost stop signal, which is a signal for closing the hot gas valve 22, and closes the hot gas valve 22. The process in which the control unit 70 receives the defrost stop signal corresponds to step S391 in FIG. 10. The process in which the control unit 70 closes the hot gas valve 22 corresponds to step S134 in FIG. 10. The signal output unit 385 deletes the defrost stop signal held in the signal output unit 385 after the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost stop signal. After defrosting is not permitted, the process advances to step S413. Step S412 provides an example of a disallowing step including a signal output step.

In step S413, the defrosting stop history is stored in the history storage unit 484. If the defrosting stop history is stored, it indicates that defrosting was started within the geofence 7, but the defrosting was forcibly stopped by the defrosting stop signal. In other words, although defrosting is not currently permitted, it indicates that the evaporator 15 should be defrosted. After storing the defrosting stop history in the history storage unit 484, the process advances to step S441. Step S413 provides an example of a history storage step.

In step S421, the defrosting stop signal is not output. In other words, allow defrosting at the current location. After allowing defrosting, the process advances to step S422. Step S421 provides an example of a permission step.

In step S422, it is determined whether the history storage unit 484 stores a defrosting stop history. If the defrosting stop history is stored, it is determined that defrosting should be started immediately, and the process advances to step S423. On the other hand, if the defrosting stop history is not stored, it is determined that there is no need to start defrosting, and the process proceeds to step S441.

In step S423, it is determined whether the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. If the defrosting device 20 is defrosting, it is determined that there is no need to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process proceeds to step S432. On the other hand, if the defrosting device 20 is not defrosting, it is determined that it is necessary to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process advances to step S431.

In step S431, the signal output unit 385 outputs a defrosting start signal. The defrosting start signal is a signal that causes the defrosting device 20 to start defrosting. More specifically, it is a signal that opens the hot gas valve 22 and drives the compressor 11. However, instead of the defrosting start signal, a temperature determination start signal may be output to provide a trigger to start defrosting. The receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 checks the presence or absence of a signal at the signal output unit 385 at regular intervals and receives the defrosting start signal. Therefore, the control unit 70 inquires of the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrosting start signal, opens the hot gas valve 22, and drives the compressor 11. The process in which the control unit 70 opens the hot gas valve 22 and drives the compressor 11 corresponds to step S131 in FIG. 10. The signal output unit 385 deletes the defrost start signal held in the signal output unit 385 after the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost start signal. After the signal output unit 385 outputs the defrosting start signal, the process advances to step S432. Step S431 provides an example of a signal output step.

In step S432, the defrosting stop history is deleted. Deleting the defrosting stop history indicates that the state in which defrosting of the evaporator 15 is required but defrosting is not permitted has been resolved. After deleting the defrost stop history, the process advances to step S441. Step S432 provides an example of a history deletion step.

In step S441, the status of the defrosting device 20 is displayed on the WEB browser 391. Thereafter, the air conditioning control on the server 380 side including the control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 is ended. However, by receiving the signal from the vehicle 2 side, the control flow regarding defrosting on the server 380 side is started again. Therefore, on the server 380 side, a series of control flows related to defrosting is repeated every time a signal from the vehicle 2 side is received.

According to the embodiment described above, the signal output unit 385 starts defrosting by the defrosting device 20 when the disallowance history is stored and the determining unit 383 determines to permit defrosting by the defrosting device 20. Outputs a signal to Therefore, when the conditions that disallow defrosting are resolved, defrosting can be started promptly. Therefore, the evaporator 15 can be quickly defrosted. Therefore, it is easy to ensure that the evaporator 15 is free from frost and has good heat exchange efficiency for a long time.

In the air conditioning control method of the air conditioner 10, when a history of disapproval is stored and it is determined in the determination step that defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is permitted, a signal is output to start defrosting by the defrosting device 20. Equipped with a signal output step. Therefore, when the conditions that disallow defrosting are resolved, defrosting can be started promptly. Therefore, the evaporator 15 can be quickly defrosted. Therefore, it is easy to ensure that the evaporator 15 is free from frost and has good heat exchange efficiency for a long time.

Fifth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, two geofences 507, a first geofence 507a and a second geofence 507b, are set to control defrosting. The vehicle also includes an entry storage unit 586 that stores information about entering the second geofence 507b.

In FIG. 14, the server 380 includes an entry storage section 586. The entry storage unit 586 has a function of storing a second geofence entry history, which is information indicating that the vehicle has entered a second geofence 507b, which will be described later.

For the control on the vehicle 2 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15, for example, control similar to the control shown in FIG. 10 can be adopted. An example of control on the server 380 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In FIG. 15, when the server 380 receives a signal transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 and starts control regarding defrosting, the received data is stored in step S501, and the process proceeds to step S502. Step S501 provides an example of an acquisition step.

In step S502, the settings of the geofence 507 are read. The geofence 507 includes a first geofence 507a and a second geofence 507b. After setting the geofence 507, the process advances to step S505. Step S502 provides an example of a setting step.

The settings of the geofence 507 will be explained below. In FIG. 16, the geofence 507 includes two sections: a first geofence 507a and a second geofence 507b. The first geofence 507a and the second geofence 507b have the same center position and different radii. The radius of the first geofence 507a is larger than the radius of the second geofence 507b. The radius of the first geofence 507a is, for example, 2 km, and the radius of the second geofence 507b is, for example, 50 m. The second geofence 507b is located inside the first geofence 507a.

The inner area surrounded by the first geofence 507a is the first designated area 508a. On the other hand, the area outside the first geofence 507a is another area. The inner area surrounded by the second geofence 507b is the second specified area 508b. In other words, the specified area 508 includes two areas: a first specified area 508a and a second specified area 508b. The second specified area 508b is narrower than the first specified area 508a. The first specified area 508a is an area that includes the second specified area 508b.

When the vehicle 2 stops at the center position, the vehicle 2 enters the first geofence 507a from outside the first geofence 507a, and then enters the second geofence 507b. Thereafter, the object to be cooled is carried in and taken out at the central position, and after exiting the second geofence 507b, the first geofence 507a is exited.

In step S505, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the first geofence 507a. If the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the first geofence 507a, it is determined that further determination is necessary as to whether or not defrosting should be permitted, and the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the first geofence 507a, it is determined that there is no problem even if defrosting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S509. Step S505 provides an example of a determination step.

In step S506, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the second geofence 507b. If the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the second geofence 507b, it is determined that defrosting should not be performed and the process proceeds to step S507. On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the second geofence 507b, it is determined that further determination is necessary as to whether or not defrosting should be permitted, and the process proceeds to step S508. Step S506 provides an example of a determining step.

In step S507, it is stored that the vehicle 2 has entered the second geofence 507b. The second geofence entry history includes information on the date and time when the vehicle 2 entered the second geofence 507b. After memorizing that the vehicle 2 has entered the second geofence 507b, the process advances to step S511.

In step S508, it is determined whether there is a history of the vehicle 2 entering the second geofence 507b. Even if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the first geofence 507a, if the vehicle 2 exits from the second geofence 507b, after the loading and unloading of objects to be cooled at the center position of the geofence 507 is completed. It can be assumed that the state is Therefore, it is considered that the possibility that the cold storage door 3d will be opened is low for a while. Therefore, it can be determined that defrosting may be permitted without waiting for the user to leave the first geofence 507a. If there is a history of entering the second geofence 507b, it is determined that the current position is within the first geofence 507a as a result of leaving the second geofence 507b, and the process advances to step S521.

On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the first geofence 507a and the vehicle has entered from outside the first geofence 507a, the It can be assumed that the state is Therefore, it is considered that the cold storage door 3d is likely to be opened. Therefore, it can be determined that defrosting should not be permitted. Therefore, if there is no history of entering the second geofence 507b, it is determined that the current position is within the first geofence 507a as a result of entering from outside the first geofence 507a, and the process proceeds to step S511. In this way, when the current position of the vehicle 2 is between the first geofence 507a and the second geofence 507b, whether or not to permit defrosting is determined depending on whether there is a history of entering the second geofence 507b. Judgments will be divided.

In step S509, the entry history of the vehicle 2 into the second geofence 507b is deleted. As a result, the next time the user enters the first geofence 507a from outside the first geofence 507a, the entry history will not be stored. After deleting the entry history of the vehicle 2 into the second geofence 507b, the process advances to step S521.

In step S511, it is determined whether the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. If the defrosting device 20 is defrosting, it is determined that the current defrosting should be stopped, and the process advances to step S512. On the other hand, if the defrosting device 20 is not defrosting, it is determined that there is no need to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process proceeds to step S541.

In step S512, a defrosting stop signal is output. In other words, do not allow current defrosting. More specifically, the signal output section 385 outputs a defrost stop signal. The receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 checks the presence or absence of a signal at the signal output unit 385 at regular intervals and receives the defrost stop signal. Therefore, the control unit 70 inquires of the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost stop signal, which is a signal for closing the hot gas valve 22, and closes the hot gas valve 22. The process in which the control unit 70 receives the defrost stop signal corresponds to step S391 in FIG. 10. The process in which the control unit 70 closes the hot gas valve 22 corresponds to step S134 in FIG. 10. The signal output unit 385 deletes the defrost stop signal held in the signal output unit 385 after the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost stop signal. After defrosting is not permitted, the process advances to step S513. Step S512 provides an example of a disallowing step including a signal output step.

In step S513, the defrosting stop history is stored in the history storage unit 484. The defrost stop history includes information on the date and time when the defrost stop signal was output. After storing the defrosting stop history in the history storage unit 484, the process advances to step S541. Step S513 provides an example of a history storage step.

In step S521, the defrosting stop signal is not output. In other words, allow current defrost. After allowing defrosting, the process advances to step S522. Step S521 provides an example of a permission step.

In step S522, it is determined whether the history storage unit 484 stores a defrosting stop history. If the defrosting stop history is stored, it is determined that defrosting should be started immediately, and the process advances to step S523. On the other hand, if the defrosting stop history is not stored, it is determined that there is no need to start defrosting, and the process proceeds to step S541.

In step S523, it is determined whether the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. If the defrosting device 20 is defrosting, it is determined that there is no need to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process proceeds to step S532. On the other hand, if the defrosting device 20 is not defrosting, it is determined that it is necessary to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process advances to step S531.

In step S531, the signal output unit 385 outputs a defrosting start signal, and the process proceeds to step S532. The receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 checks the presence or absence of a signal at the signal output unit 385 at regular intervals and receives the defrosting start signal. Therefore, the control unit 70 inquires of the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrosting start signal, opens the hot gas valve 22, and drives the compressor 11. The process in which the control unit 70 opens the hot gas valve 22 and drives the compressor 11 corresponds to step S131 in FIG. 10. The signal output unit 385 deletes the defrost start signal held in the signal output unit 385 after the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost start signal. Step S531 provides an example of a signal output step. In step S532, the defrosting stop history is deleted. After deleting the defrost stop history, the process advances to step S541. Step S532 provides an example of a history deletion step.

In step S541, the status of the defrosting device 20 is displayed on the WEB browser 391. Thereafter, the air conditioning control on the server 380 side including the control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 is ended. However, by receiving the signal from the vehicle 2 side, the control flow regarding defrosting on the server 380 side is started again. Therefore, on the server 380 side, a series of control flows related to defrosting is repeated every time a signal from the vehicle 2 side is received.

According to the embodiment described above, the control unit 70 including the server 380 determines that the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the first geofence 507a after the vehicle 2 exits from inside the second geofence 507b to outside the second geofence 507b. Allow defrosting even. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which defrosting is not permitted until the user exits the first geofence 507a, defrosting can be permitted more quickly. Therefore, even if defrosting is required, defrosting is not permitted and it is easy to prevent the cooling operation from continuing in a state where the heat exchange efficiency is deteriorated. In other words, it is easy to ensure that the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 15 remains good for a long time.

The air conditioning control method of the air conditioner 10 is such that after the vehicle 2 exits from inside the second geofence 507b to outside the second geofence 507b, defrosting is performed even if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the first geofence 507a. It has an authorization step. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which defrosting is not permitted until the user exits the first geofence 507a, defrosting can be permitted more quickly. Therefore, even if defrosting is required, defrosting is not permitted and it is easy to prevent the cooling operation from continuing in a state where the heat exchange efficiency is deteriorated. In other words, it is easy to ensure that the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 15 remains good for a long time.

Sixth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, defrosting is controlled based on the opening and closing of the cold storage door 3d within the geofence 7.

In FIG. 17, the server 380 includes an opening/closing storage section 687. The opening/closing storage unit 687 stores the door closing time which is the closing timing when the cold storage door 3d is opened and then closed within the geofence 7. Here, the door closing time is the closing time of the cold storage door 3d within the geofence 7. Therefore, the time when the cold storage door 3d is opened and closed outside the geofence 7 is not included in the closing time. Further, the door closing time is the time when the cold storage door 3d is opened and then closed. Therefore, if the cold storage door 3d remains closed after the vehicle 2 enters the geofence 7, there is no door closing time.

When the opening/closing storage unit 687 acquires a new door closing time with a new date and time while storing the door closing time, the opening/closing storage unit 687 stores the old door closing time and adds and stores a new door closing time. In other words, when the cold storage door 3d is opened and closed multiple times within the geofence 7, the door closing times of the multiple times are stored in the opening/closing storage section 687. However, when a new door closing time is obtained with the door closing time stored, the old door closing time may be updated and stored with the new door closing time. In other words, when the cold storage door 3d is opened and closed multiple times within the geofence 7, only the most recent door closing time may be stored in the opening/closing storage section 687.

For the control on the vehicle 2 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15, for example, control similar to the control shown in FIG. 10 can be adopted. An example of control on the server 380 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In FIG. 18, when the server 380 receives a signal transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 and starts defrosting control, the received data is stored in step S601. The received data includes information on the current position of the vehicle 2. The received data includes information on the door closing time. After storing the received data, the process advances to step S602. Step S601 provides an example of an acquisition step. Step S601 provides an example of a door closing time acquisition step.

In step S602, the settings of the geofence 7 are read. After setting the geofence 7, the process advances to step S605. Step S602 provides an example of a setting step.

In step S605, it is determined whether the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7. If the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7, it is determined that further determination is necessary as to whether or not defrosting should be permitted, and the process proceeds to step S606. On the other hand, if the current position of the vehicle 2 is outside the geofence 7, it is determined that there is no problem even if defrosting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S609. Step S605 provides an example of a determination step.

In step S606, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the most recent door closing time within the geofence 7. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 minutes. If a predetermined period of time has not passed since the most recent door closing time, it is determined that defrosting should not be permitted and the process proceeds to step S611. On the other hand, if a predetermined period of time has passed since the most recent door closing time, it is unlikely that the cold storage door 3d will be opened again, and it is determined that defrosting should be permitted, and the process proceeds to step S621. Step S606 provides an example of a determination step.

In step S611, it is determined whether the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. If the defrosting device 20 is defrosting, it is determined that the current defrosting should be stopped, and the process advances to step S612. On the other hand, if the defrosting device 20 is not defrosting, it is determined that there is no need to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process proceeds to step S641.

In step S612, a defrost stop signal is output. In other words, do not allow current defrosting. More specifically, the signal output section 385 outputs a defrost stop signal. The receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 checks the presence or absence of a signal at the signal output unit 385 at regular intervals and receives the defrost stop signal. Therefore, the control unit 70 inquires of the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost stop signal, which is a signal for closing the hot gas valve 22, and closes the hot gas valve 22. The process in which the control unit 70 receives the defrost stop signal corresponds to step S391 in FIG. 10. The process in which the control unit 70 closes the hot gas valve 22 corresponds to step S134 in FIG. 10. The signal output unit 385 deletes the defrost stop signal held in the signal output unit 385 after the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost stop signal. After defrosting is not permitted, the process advances to step S613. Step S612 provides an example of a disallowing step including a signal output step.

In step S613, the defrosting stop history is stored in the history storage unit 484. The defrost stop history includes information on the date and time when the defrost stop signal was output. After storing the defrosting stop history in the history storage unit 484, the process advances to step S641. Step S613 provides an example of a history storage step.

In step S609, the door closing time stored in the opening/closing storage section 687 is deleted. As a result, the next time the user enters the geofence 7, the door closing time will not be stored. After deleting the door closing time, the process advances to step S621.

In step S621, defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is permitted. Even if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the door closing time, the state after the loading and unloading of the cooled object at the center position of the geofence 7 is completed. It can be assumed that. Therefore, it is considered that the possibility that the cold storage door 3d will be opened is low for a while. Therefore, it can be determined that defrosting may be permitted without waiting for the user to leave the geofence 7. After allowing defrosting, the process advances to step S622. Step S621 provides an example of a permission step.

In step S622, it is determined whether the history storage unit 484 stores a defrosting stop history. If the defrosting stop history is stored, it is determined that defrosting should be started immediately, and the process advances to step S623. On the other hand, if the defrosting stop history is not stored, it is determined that there is no need to start defrosting, and the process proceeds to step S641.

In step S623, it is determined whether the defrosting device 20 is defrosting. If the defrosting device 20 is defrosting, it is determined that there is no need to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process advances to step S632. On the other hand, if the defrosting device 20 is not defrosting, it is determined that it is necessary to output a signal on the server 380 side, and the process advances to step S631.

In step S631, the signal output unit 385 outputs a defrosting start signal, and the process proceeds to step S632. The receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 checks the presence or absence of a signal at the signal output unit 385 at regular intervals and receives the defrosting start signal. Therefore, the control unit 70 inquires of the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrosting start signal, opens the hot gas valve 22, and drives the compressor 11. The process in which the control unit 70 opens the hot gas valve 22 and drives the compressor 11 corresponds to step S131 in FIG. 10. The signal output unit 385 deletes the defrost start signal held in the signal output unit 385 after the receiving unit 362 in the air conditioning communication device 360 receives the defrost start signal. Step S631 provides an example of a signal output step. In step S632, the defrosting stop history is deleted. After deleting the defrost stop history, the process advances to step S641. Step S632 provides an example of a history deletion step.

In step S641, the status of the defrosting device 20 is displayed on the WEB browser 391. Thereafter, the air conditioning control on the server 380 side including the control regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 is ended. However, by receiving the signal from the vehicle 2 side, the control flow regarding defrosting on the server 380 side is started again. Therefore, on the server 380 side, a series of control flows related to defrosting is repeated every time a signal from the vehicle 2 side is received.

According to the embodiment described above, the control unit 70 including the server 380 controls the control unit 70 even if the current position of the vehicle 2 is within the geofence 7 if the elapsed time from the door closing time to the current time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. Allow defrosting. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which defrosting is not permitted until the user leaves the geofence 7, defrosting can be permitted more quickly. Therefore, even if defrosting is required, defrosting is not permitted and it is easy to prevent the cooling operation from continuing in a state where the heat exchange efficiency is deteriorated. In other words, it is easy to ensure that the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 15 remains good for a long time.

The air conditioning control method for the air conditioner 10 includes a permission step of permitting defrosting even within the geofence 7 if the elapsed time from the door closing time to the current time is a predetermined time or more. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which defrosting is not permitted until the user leaves the geofence 7, defrosting can be permitted more quickly. Therefore, even if defrosting is required, defrosting is not permitted and it is easy to prevent the cooling operation from continuing in a state where the heat exchange efficiency is deteriorated. In other words, it is easy to ensure that the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 15 remains good for a long time.

Seventh Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, it is determined whether to permit defrosting based on whether the expected arrival time calculated based on the current position is shorter than the defrosting disallowance time.

For the control on the vehicle 2 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15, for example, control similar to the control shown in FIG. 10 can be adopted. Further, the block configuration of the entire air conditioning system 1 in this embodiment may be similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 9, for example. An example of control on the server 380 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In FIG. 19, when the server 380 receives a signal transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 and starts defrosting control, the received data is stored in step S701. The received data includes information on the current position of the vehicle 2, such as the latitude, longitude, and altitude, for example. The received data may include information on the speed of the vehicle 2, for example. After storing the received data, the process advances to step S702. Step S701 provides an example of an acquisition step.

In step S702, the setting of the defrosting non-permission time is read. The defrosting-disallowed time is a period of time during which defrosting is not permitted retroactively from the time of arrival at the destination, which is the point at which the object to be cooled is expected to be transported. If the defrosting disallowance time is set to 10 minutes, defrosting will not be permitted from 10 minutes before the next time the vehicle is expected to arrive at its destination. After setting the defrosting prohibition time, the process advances to step S703. Step S702 provides an example of a setting step.

In step S703, the estimated arrival time is calculated based on the current position of the vehicle 2. The expected arrival time is the time expected to arrive at the destination from the current location. The expected arrival time can be calculated from the distance from the current position to the destination and the speed of the vehicle 2. When calculating the expected arrival time, traffic congestion and the like may be taken into account. Further, instead of calculating the expected arrival time, the expected arrival time may be obtained from a navigation device mounted on the vehicle 2. After calculating the expected arrival time, the process advances to step S703. Step S703 provides an example of an acquisition step.

In step S705, it is determined whether the expected arrival time calculated in step S703 is shorter than the defrosting disallowed time read in step S702. If the expected arrival time is shorter than the defrosting disallowance time, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the increase in temperature inside the refrigerator due to defrosting and the increase in temperature inside the refrigerator due to opening of the cold storage door 3d will overlap. Therefore, if the expected arrival time is shorter than the defrosting disallowed time, it is determined that defrosting should not be performed and the process proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, if the expected arrival time is longer than the defrosting disallowance time, it can be determined that there is a low possibility that the increase in temperature inside the refrigerator due to defrosting and the increase in temperature inside the refrigerator due to opening of the cold storage door 3d will overlap. Therefore, if the expected arrival time is longer than the defrosting disallowed time, it is determined that there is no problem even if defrosting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S321. Step S705 provides an example of a determination step. The flow after step S311 and after step S321 is the same as in the embodiment described above.

According to the embodiment described above, the control unit 70 allows the defrosting device 20 to defrost when the expected arrival time is longer than the defrosting disallowance time. On the other hand, if the expected arrival time is shorter than the defrosting disallowance time, defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is not permitted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress defrosting at the timing when the cold storage door 3d is opened, which is expected in advance. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the timing of opening of the cold storage door 3d from overlapping with the timing of the evaporator 15 being unable to be cooled during defrosting. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system 1 that suppresses the internal temperature of the cold storage 3 from deviating significantly from the set temperature.

The air conditioning control method for the air conditioner 10 includes a disallowing step of disallowing defrosting by the defrosting device 20 when the expected arrival time is shorter than the defrosting disallowance time. Therefore, it is possible to suppress defrosting at the timing when the cold storage door 3d is opened, which is expected in advance. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the timing of opening of the cold storage door 3d from overlapping with the timing of the evaporator 15 being unable to be cooled during defrosting. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control method that suppresses the internal temperature of the cold storage 3 from deviating significantly from the set temperature.

It is determined whether to permit defrosting based on the expected arrival time calculated based on the distance between the current location and the destination. Therefore, by calculating the expected arrival time by including information such as whether the expressway is used or not and traffic congestion, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not defrosting should be permitted.

It is determined whether to permit defrosting based on the estimated arrival time. Therefore, after arriving at the destination and setting the next destination, it is easy to realize a situation where defrosting is immediately permitted. Therefore, it is easy to ensure a long period of time during which defrosting is permitted, and to maintain a good heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 15 for a long time.

The defrosting disallowance time may be set by calculating the expected arrival time instead of the expected arrival time. For example, if the expected arrival time at the destination is 11:30, the defrosting prohibition time can be set to 11:20, which is 10 minutes before the expected arrival time. In this case, if the current time is after 11:20, defrosting will not be permitted until the vehicle arrives at its destination.

Eighth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not defrosting is permitted based on whether or not the vehicle state, which is information from which the current position can be estimated, satisfies a state in which defrosting is not permitted.

For the control on the vehicle 2 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15, for example, control similar to the control shown in FIG. 10 can be adopted. Further, the block configuration of the entire air conditioning system 1 in this embodiment may be similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 9, for example. An example of control on the server 380 side regarding defrosting of the evaporator 15 will be described below. In FIG. 20, when the server 380 receives a signal transmitted from the air conditioning communication device 360 and starts control regarding defrosting, the received data is stored in step S801. The received data includes, for example, information indicating whether the cold storage door 3d is opened or closed. The received data includes vehicle state information indicating, for example, whether the vehicle 2 is in an ignition state, an accessory state, or an off state. After storing the received data, the process advances to step S802. Step S801 provides an example of an acquisition step.

In step S802, the setting of the defrosting non-permission time is read. A state in which defrosting is not permitted is a state in which a vehicle is expected to be transporting objects to be cooled. An example of a state in which defrosting is not permitted is an open state of the cold storage door 3d. This is because it is expected that the cold storage door 3d will not be opened except for loading and unloading objects to be cooled. In other words, since the cold storage door 3d is in the open state, it can be estimated that the current position of the vehicle 2 is one of the positions where objects to be cooled are carried in and out.

Another example of a state in which defrosting is not permitted is a state in which the vehicle 2 is turned off by operating the key switch 56. This is because it is expected that the vehicle 2 will not be turned off in situations other than loading and unloading objects to be cooled. In other words, since the vehicle 2 is in the OFF state, it can be estimated that the current position of the vehicle 2 is one of the positions where the object to be cooled is carried in or taken out. The accessory state of the vehicle 2 caused by the operation of the key switch 56 may be included in the defrosting disallowed state. After setting the defrosting disallowed state, the process advances to step S802. Step S801 provides an example of a setting step.

In step S805, it is determined whether the vehicle state stored in step S801 satisfies the defrosting disallowed state read in step S802. If the vehicle state satisfies the defrosting disallowed state, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the increase in temperature inside the refrigerator due to defrosting and the increase in temperature inside the refrigerator due to opening of the cold storage door 3d overlap. Therefore, it is determined that defrosting should not be performed, and the process proceeds to step S311, where defrosting is not permitted. On the other hand, if the vehicle state does not satisfy the defrosting disallowed state, it can be determined that there is a low possibility that the increase in temperature inside the refrigerator due to defrosting and the increase in temperature inside the refrigerator due to opening of the cold storage door 3d overlap. Therefore, it is determined that there is no problem even if defrosting is performed, and the process proceeds to step S321, where defrosting is permitted. Step S805 provides an example of a determination step. The flow after step S311 and after step S321 is the same as in the embodiment described above.

When the open state of the cold storage door 3d is set as the defrosting disallowed state, defrosting is permitted when the cold storage door 3d is closed, and defrosting is not permitted when the cold storage door 3d is open. A plurality of defrosting disallowed states may be set. For example, the open state of the cold storage door 3d and the off state of the vehicle 2 due to the operation of the key switch 56 can be set to a state in which defrosting is not permitted. In this case, defrosting is permitted when the cold storage door 3d is in the closed state and the vehicle 2 is in the on state. On the other hand, defrosting is not permitted when the cold storage door 3d is in an open state or when the vehicle 2 is in an off state.

According to the embodiment described above, the control unit 70 allows the defrosting device 20 to defrost when the vehicle state does not satisfy the defrosting prohibition state. On the other hand, when the vehicle condition satisfies the defrosting disallowed state, defrosting by the defrosting device 20 is not permitted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress defrosting at the timing of carrying in and out of objects to be cooled. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the timing of opening the cold storage door 3d and the timing of the evaporator 15, which is being defrosted and cannot be cooled, from overlapping for a long period of time. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system 1 that suppresses the internal temperature of the cold storage 3 from deviating significantly from the set temperature.

The air conditioning control method for the air conditioner 10 includes a disallowing step of disallowing defrosting by the defrosting device 20 when the vehicle state satisfies a defrosting disallowed state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress defrosting at the timing of carrying in and out of objects to be cooled. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the timing of opening the cold storage door 3d and the timing of the evaporator 15, which is being defrosted and cannot be cooled, from overlapping for a long period of time. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control method that suppresses the internal temperature of the cold storage 3 from deviating significantly from the set temperature.

It is determined whether to permit defrosting based on the vehicle condition. Therefore, when the cold storage door 3d is opened or the key switch 56 is operated to turn the vehicle 2 into an off state in which it cannot run, the current position of the vehicle 2 changes from the vehicle state to the point at which objects to be cooled can be carried in and out. It is possible to estimate whether the position is a sexual position or not. Therefore, after determining from the vehicle state that the current position of the vehicle 2 is a position where there is no possibility of carrying in or out of objects to be cooled, it is easy to permit defrosting immediately. Therefore, it is easy to ensure a long period of time during which defrosting is permitted, and to maintain a good heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 15 for a long time.

Other Embodiments The disclosure in this specification, drawings, etc. is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure includes the illustrated embodiments and variations thereon by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and/or elements illustrated in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure includes those in which parts and/or elements of the embodiments are omitted. The disclosure encompasses any substitutions or combinations of parts and/or elements between one embodiment and other embodiments. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The technical scope of some of the disclosed technical scopes is indicated by the description of the claims, and should be understood to include equivalent meanings and all changes within the scope of the claims.

The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. is not limited by the scope of the claims. The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. includes the technical ideas described in the claims, and further extends to a more diverse and broader range of technical ideas than the technical ideas described in the claims. Therefore, various technical ideas can be extracted from the disclosure of the specification, drawings, etc. without being restricted by the claims.

The controller and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by a special purpose computer comprising a processor programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the apparatus and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented with dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the apparatus and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by one or more special purpose computers configured by a combination of a processor executing a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may also be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium.

1 Air conditioning system, 2 Vehicle (mobile object), 3 Cold storage, 3d Cold storage door, 7 Geofence, 8 Designated area, 10 Air conditioner, 11 Compressor, 12 Condenser, 14 Expansion valve (pressure reducing device), 15 Evaporation device, 20 defrosting device, 54 position detection device, 55 door opening/closing sensor, 56 key switch, 58 defrosting timer, 59 defrosting temperature sensor, 70 control unit, 71 acquiring unit, 72 setting unit, 73 determining unit, 78 timing determination unit, 79 temperature determination unit, 274 history storage unit, 360 air conditioning communication device, 361 transmission unit, 362 reception unit, 380 server, 382 setting unit, 383 determination unit, 385 signal output unit, 484 history storage unit, 507 offense, 507a first geofence, 507b second geofence, 508 designated area, 508a first designated area, 508b second designated area, 586 approach storage unit, 687 opening/closing storage unit

Claims (16)

an air conditioner (10) mounted on a mobile body (2) having a cold storage (3), and having a compressor (11), a condenser (12), a pressure reducing device (14), and an evaporator (15);
a defrosting device (20) for defrosting the evaporator;
a position detection device (54) that detects the current position of the moving body;
a control unit (70) that controls whether to permit defrosting by the defrosting device based on information including the current position of the moving object;
A door opening/closing sensor (55) that detects the opening/closing state of the cold storage door (3d), which is the door of the cold storage ,
The control unit includes:
an acquisition unit (71) that acquires the current position of the mobile object;
a setting unit (72, 382) for setting a geofence (7, 507) for dividing the designated area (8, 508) from other areas;
a determination unit (73, 383) that determines whether the current position of the mobile object is within the geofence;
The control unit allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the current position of the mobile body is outside the geofence, and when the current position of the mobile body is within the geofence, not permitting defrosting by the defrosting device;
The control unit includes:
an opening/closing storage unit (687) that stores a door closing time that is the time when the cold storage door was closed when the cold storage door was opened and closed within the geofence;
In the air conditioning system, the control unit allows defrosting even if the current position of the moving body is within the geofence, if the elapsed time from the door closing time to the current time is a predetermined time or more. a defrost timer (58) that obtains the timing for defrosting by the defrosting device;
a defrosting temperature sensor (59) that measures the temperature of the evaporator;
The control unit includes:
a timing determination unit (78) that determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting timing;
a temperature determination unit (79) that determines whether the temperature of the evaporator is lower than the defrosting start temperature;
a history storage unit (274) that stores a disallowance history when defrosting by the defrosting device is not permitted, and deletes the disallowance history when defrosting by the defrosting device is permitted; Equipped with
If the rejection history is not stored, the control unit starts the determination by the temperature determination unit after the timing determination unit determines that a predetermined time has elapsed, and the rejection history is stored. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein if the timing determination section determines that the temperature is determined, the temperature determination section starts determination regardless of the determination result of the timing determination section. an air conditioner (10) mounted on a mobile body (2) having a cold storage (3), and having a compressor (11), a condenser (12), a pressure reducing device (14), and an evaporator (15);
a defrosting device (20) for defrosting the evaporator;
a position detection device (54) that detects the current position of the moving body;
a control unit (70) that controls whether to permit defrosting by the defrosting device based on information including the current position of the moving object;
a defrost timer (58) that obtains the timing for defrosting by the defrosting device;
a defrosting temperature sensor (59) that measures the temperature of the evaporator;
The control unit includes:
a timing determination unit (78) that determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting timing;
a temperature determination unit (79) that determines whether the temperature of the evaporator is lower than the defrosting start temperature;
a history storage unit (274) that stores a disallowance history when defrosting by the defrosting device is not permitted, and deletes the disallowance history when defrosting by the defrosting device is permitted; Equipped with
If the rejection history is not stored, the control unit starts the determination by the temperature determination unit after the timing determination unit determines that a predetermined time has elapsed, and the rejection history is stored. If so, the air conditioning system starts the determination in the temperature determination section regardless of the determination result of the timing determination section . The control unit includes:
an acquisition unit (71) that acquires the current position of the mobile object;
a setting unit (72, 382) for setting a geofence (7, 507) for dividing the designated area (8, 508) from other areas;
a determination unit (73, 383) that determines whether the current position of the moving object is within the geofence;
The control unit allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the current position of the mobile body is outside the geofence, and when the current position of the mobile body is within the geofence, The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein defrosting by the defrosting device is not permitted. The setting section includes a first geofence (507a) that partitions the first specified area (508a) from other areas, and an area within the first specified area that is narrower than the first specified area. setting a second geofence (507b) that partitions a second designated area (508b) and the first designated area;
After the movable body leaves from inside the second geofence to outside the second geofence, the control unit allows defrosting even if the current position of the movable body is within the first geofence. The air conditioning system according to claim 4 . A door opening/closing sensor (55) that detects the opening/closing state of the cold storage door (3d), which is the door of the cold storage, is provided,
The control unit includes:
an opening/closing storage unit (687) that stores a door closing time that is the time when the cold storage door was closed when the cold storage door was opened and closed within the geofence;
According to claim 4, the control unit allows defrosting even if the current position of the moving body is within the geofence, if the elapsed time from the door closing time to the current time is a predetermined time or more. Air conditioning system as described. The control unit includes:
an acquisition unit (71) that acquires the expected arrival time from the current location of the mobile object to the destination;
a setting section (382) for setting a defrosting disallowance time;
a determination unit (383) that determines whether the expected arrival time is shorter than the defrosting disallowance time;
The control unit allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the expected arrival time is longer than the defrosting disallowed time, and when the expected arrival time is shorter than the defrosting disallowed time. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein does not permit defrosting by the defrosting device. The mobile object is a vehicle,
The control unit includes:
an acquisition unit (71) that acquires vehicle status, which is information that allows estimating the current position of the vehicle;
a setting section (382) for setting a state in which defrosting is not permitted;
a determination unit (383) that determines whether the vehicle state satisfies the defrosting disallowed state;
The control unit allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the vehicle state does not satisfy the defrosting disallowed state, and when the vehicle state satisfies the defrosting disallowed state. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein defrosting by a defrosting device is not permitted. An air conditioning control method for an air conditioner (10) that air-conditions the inside of a cold storage (3) provided in a moving body (2), the method comprising:
a setting step (S112, S222, S302, S402, S502, S602, S702, S802) of setting a condition for not allowing the defrosting device (20) to defrost the air conditioner in relation to the position information of the mobile object; ,
an acquisition step of acquiring information including the current position of the mobile object (S111, S221, S301, S401, S501, S601, S701, S703, S801);
A determination step (S112, S222, S305, S405, S505, S506, S508, S605, S606, S705, S805) of determining whether the current position of the moving body satisfies a condition that does not permit defrosting;
a step of permitting defrosting (S131, S231, S321, S421, S521, S621) when it is determined that a condition for not permitting defrosting is satisfied;
a disallowing step (S134, S234, S312, S412, S512, S612) of not permitting defrosting when it is determined that a condition for not permitting defrosting is satisfied ;
The time when the cold storage door (3d), which is the door of the cold storage, is opened and then closed within the geofence for dividing the specified area (8, 508) and other areas. a door closing time acquisition step (S601) for acquiring a door closing time,
The setting step sets the geofence (7, 507),
The determining step determines whether the current position of the moving body is within the geofence,
The permission step allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the current position of the moving body is outside the geofence,
The disallowing step does not permit defrosting by the defrosting device when the current position of the moving body is within the geofence,
In the air conditioning control method, the permission step allows defrosting even within the geofence if the elapsed time from the door closing time to the current time is a predetermined time or more . a timing determination step (S202) for determining whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting timing;
a temperature determination step (S211) of determining whether the temperature of the evaporator (15) of the air conditioner is lower than the defrosting start temperature;
a history storage step (S224) for storing a history of refusal when defrosting by the defrosting device is not permitted;
a history deletion step (S223) of deleting the non-permission history when defrosting by the defrosting device is permitted;
If the rejection history is not stored, start the determination in the temperature determination step after determining in the timing determination step that a predetermined time has elapsed, and if the rejection history is stored, 10. The air conditioning control method according to claim 9 , further comprising a history determining step (S203) for starting the determination in the temperature determining step regardless of the determination result in the timing determining step. An air conditioning control method for an air conditioner (10) that air-conditions the inside of a cold storage (3) provided in a moving body (2), the method comprising:
a setting step (S112, S222, S302, S402, S502, S602, S702, S802) of setting a condition for not allowing the defrosting device (20) to defrost the air conditioner in relation to the position information of the mobile object; ,
an acquisition step of acquiring information including the current position of the mobile object (S111, S221, S301, S401, S501, S601, S701, S703, S801);
A determination step (S112, S222, S305, S405, S505, S506, S508, S605, S606, S705, S805) of determining whether the current position of the moving body satisfies a condition that does not permit defrosting;
a step of permitting defrosting (S131, S231, S321, S421, S521, S621) when it is determined that a condition for not permitting defrosting is satisfied;
a disallowing step (S134, S234, S312, S412, S512, S612) of not permitting defrosting when it is determined that a condition for not permitting defrosting is satisfied ;
a timing determination step (S202) for determining whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous defrosting timing;
a temperature determination step (S211) of determining whether the temperature of the evaporator (15) of the air conditioner is lower than the defrosting start temperature;
a history storage step (S224) for storing a history of refusal when defrosting by the defrosting device is not permitted;
a history deletion step (S223) of deleting the non-permission history when defrosting by the defrosting device is permitted;
If the rejection history is not stored, start the determination in the temperature determination step after determining in the timing determination step that a predetermined time has elapsed, and if the rejection history is stored, An air conditioning control method comprising: a history determining step (S203) in which the determination in the temperature determining step is started regardless of the determination result in the timing determining step . The setting step sets a geofence (7, 507) for dividing the specified area (8, 508) from other areas,
The determining step determines whether the current position of the moving body is within the geofence,
The permission step allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the current position of the moving body is outside the geofence,
12. The air conditioning control method according to claim 11, wherein the disallowing step disallows defrosting by the defrosting device when the current position of the moving body is within the geofence. The setting step includes a first geofence (507a) that partitions the first specified area (508a) from other areas, and an area within the first specified area that is narrower than the first specified area. setting a second geofence (507b) that partitions a second designated area (508b) and the first designated area;
In the permission step, after the mobile body leaves from inside the second geofence to outside the second geofence, defrosting is permitted even if the current position of the mobile body is within the first geofence. The air conditioning control method according to claim 12. A door closing time acquisition step (S601) of acquiring a door closing time that is the time when the cold storage door (3d), which is the door of the cold storage, is opened and then closed within the geofence. Equipped with
13. The air conditioning control method according to claim 12, wherein in the permission step, if the elapsed time from the door closing time to the current time is a predetermined time or more, defrosting is permitted even within the geofence. The acquisition step acquires an expected arrival time from the current location of the mobile object to the destination;
The setting step sets a defrosting disallowance time;
The determining step determines whether the expected arrival time is shorter than the defrosting disallowed time;
The permission step allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the expected arrival time is longer than the defrosting disallowance time;
12. The air conditioning control method according to claim 11, wherein the disallowing step disallows defrosting by the defrosting device when the expected arrival time is shorter than the defrosting disallowing time. The mobile object is a vehicle,
The acquisition step acquires vehicle status, which is information that allows estimating the current position of the vehicle;
The setting step sets a state in which defrosting is not permitted;
The determination step determines whether the vehicle state satisfies the defrosting disallowed state;
The permitting step allows defrosting by the defrosting device when the vehicle state does not satisfy the defrosting disallowed state;
12. The air conditioning control method according to claim 11, wherein the disallowing step disallows defrosting by the defrosting device when the vehicle state satisfies the defrosting disallowed state.

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