JP2009107548A - Air conditioner for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent charge amount of a battery from lowering without obtaining air conditioning feeling, though starting of an air conditioning operation is instructed from a wireless key. <P>SOLUTION: An air conditioner ECU reads power amount Pa usable of a battery when starting of pre-air conditioning is instructed by an operation of the wireless key, and when the power amount Pa exceeds minimum charge amount Pmin in which the air conditioning operation is made possible till the lapse of minimum operation time Tmin, the pre-air conditioning is started (step 100 to 108). At this time, the air conditioner ECU selects air conditioning capability to continue the air conditioning operation till the lapse of at least the minimum operation time Tmin (step 110) and performs the air conditioning operation by the selected air conditioning capability (step 112). As a result, air conditioning feeling can be surely imparted when an occupant gets on a vehicle since the air conditioning operation is performed when the occupant gets on the vehicle or just before the occupant gets on the vehicle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle that includes an electric motor as a driving source for traveling and can travel by driving the electric motor with electric power stored in the storage battery. The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioner that air-conditions a vehicle interior by driving a compressor or the like with electric power stored in the vehicle.

  Vehicles include an electric motor that includes an electric motor as a driving source for traveling and travels by driving the electric motor with electric power stored in a storage battery such as a battery (hereinafter referred to as a battery). In such an air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as an air conditioner) provided in a vehicle, a compressor or the like is driven by the power of the battery, thereby air-conditioning the passenger compartment while the vehicle is parked and There has been proposed pre-air conditioning in which the passenger compartment is in a desired air conditioning state when boarding.

  On the other hand, if pre-air conditioning is performed without considering the remaining amount of electric power stored in the battery, there is a possibility that the electric power stored in the battery is insufficient and the vehicle cannot be started. From here, proposals have been made to switch between the air conditioning mode, the ventilation mode, or the pre-air conditioning prohibition according to the electric power stored in the battery, the thermal load, and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  There has also been a proposal for prohibiting pre-air conditioning when the remaining capacity of the battery is not larger than the capacity necessary for executing warm-up running (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  By the way, so-called wireless keys that can be locked / unlocked by remote control by performing one-way communication with a vehicle have become widespread. Since this wireless key has only a one-way communication function, the wireless key can be made compact and an increase in cost for remote operation is suppressed.

By using this wireless key for remote control of an air conditioner capable of pre-air conditioning, the occupant performs air conditioning operation (pre-air conditioning) by remote operation prior to boarding, and when the passenger gets on, the passenger compartment is brought into a desired air conditioning state. Is possible.
JP 2004-338673 A JP 2006-298262 A JP 2006-57583 A

  However, when pre-air conditioning is started by remote operation using a wireless key, if the remaining capacity of the battery is small, the air conditioning operation stops midway. For this reason, when the occupant gets in, although the pre-air-conditioning is performed, the interior of the passenger compartment is not air-conditioned, which causes discomfort, and only the remaining capacity of the battery is reduced. It will be.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and in particular, the air-conditioning operation was stopped in the middle of the operation due to insufficient battery power even though the pre-air-conditioning was started by remote operation using a wireless key or the like. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioner that prevents the remaining capacity of the battery from being reduced and causing a passenger who has boarded the vehicle to feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vehicle air conditioner capable of air-conditioning a vehicle interior using electric power supplied from a storage battery, and is capable of instructing start of air-conditioning operation from outside the vehicle while the vehicle is parked. The amount of charge detected by the capacity detection means when the operation means, the capacity detection means for detecting the charge amount that is the remaining capacity of the storage battery, and the start of air conditioning operation are instructed by the remote operation means, Electric power for determining whether or not the minimum charge amount set in advance as the minimum secured capacity has been exceeded and calculating the amount of power that can be used for air-conditioning operation from the charge amount and the minimum charge amount when an affirmative determination is made When the determination means and the power determination means make an affirmative determination, the minimum power that enables the air-conditioning operation with the minimum air-conditioning capacity until the minimum usable operating time of the usable power amount elapses. Air-conditioning determination means for determining whether or not the air-conditioning is exceeded, and air-conditioning that enables air-conditioning operation until at least the minimum operation time elapses based on the available power amount when an affirmative determination is made by the air-conditioning determination means It includes a setting means for setting the capacity, and an air conditioning control means for air-conditioning the vehicle interior with the air conditioning capacity based on the setting of the setting means.

  According to this invention, when the start of the air-conditioning operation of the parked vehicle is instructed by the remote control means, the charge amount of the storage battery is detected, and it is confirmed whether or not this charge amount exceeds the minimum charge amount. Also, when the minimum charge amount is exceeded, the usable power that can be used for air conditioning operation is calculated from the charge amount and the minimum charge amount, and it is confirmed whether or not this usable power exceeds the minimum power amount, When the minimum electric energy is exceeded, the air-conditioning operation is started with the air-conditioning capability based on the available electric energy.

  As a result, the air-conditioning operation can be performed until the minimum operation time elapses. Therefore, by setting this minimum operation time appropriately, the air-conditioning operation was started with a small amount of storage battery charge. It is possible to prevent only the charge amount from being lowered without obtaining the effect.

  Further, since the air conditioning operation is continued until the minimum operation time elapses, it is possible to give the passenger a feeling of air conditioning when the passenger gets on.

    The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the first minimum charge amount is a charge amount set to be necessary for the start of vehicle travel, whereby an occupant performs an air conditioning operation prior to boarding the vehicle. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the charge amount of the storage battery from being lowered and the vehicle from being unable to start.

  The invention according to claim 3 is such that the setting means sets the first power consumption when starting the air-conditioning operation until the minimum operation time elapses with the usable power amount, and the vehicle interior as a set temperature. Compared with the second power consumption when starting the air-conditioning operation, the air-conditioning capacity is set so that the air-conditioning operation is started with any less power consumption.

  According to the present invention, when the usable electric energy is small, the air conditioning operation is performed by reducing the air conditioning capacity. However, when the usable electric energy is relatively large, the air conditioning operation is performed so that the passenger compartment is set to the set temperature. Thereby, the efficient air conditioning based on the charge amount of the storage battery is made possible.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the minimum operation time is set based on a distance between the remote operation means capable of instructing the start of the air conditioning operation by the remote operation means and the vehicle.

  According to this invention, the minimum operation time is set based on the distance that can be remotely operated by the remote operation means. Thereby, the efficient air-conditioning driving | operation matched with the timing when a passenger | crew gets in a vehicle is attained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the air-conditioning operation is continued until the preset minimum operation time elapses. Since the air conditioning operation is started in a state where the capacity is small, not only a feeling of air conditioning is not obtained, but also an excellent effect that it is possible to reliably prevent the charge amount of the storage battery from being reduced is obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from starting to run due to a shortage of the charge amount of the storage battery, and it is possible to perform proper air conditioning according to the charge amount of the storage battery.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as an air conditioner 10) according to the present embodiment.

  The vehicle provided with the air conditioner 10 is a so-called hybrid vehicle provided with an electric motor (both not shown) in addition to an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine as a driving source for traveling.

  In the air conditioner 10, a refrigeration cycle is formed by a refrigerant circulation path including a compressor (compressor) 12, a condenser (condenser) 14, an expansion valve (decompressor) 16, an evaporator (evaporator) 18, and the like.

  In the air conditioner 10, the refrigerant that has been compressed by the rotational drive of the compressor 12 to become a high temperature and high pressure is cooled and liquefied by being sent to the condenser 14. The refrigerant liquefied by the condenser 14 is sent to the evaporator 18 via the expansion valve 16, and the liquefied refrigerant is vaporized by the evaporator 18, and at this time, the air passing through the evaporator 18 is cooled and dehumidified. The expansion valve 16 sharply depressurizes the liquefied refrigerant and sends it to the evaporator 18 in the form of a mist to improve the vaporization efficiency of the refrigerant in the evaporator 18, that is, the cooling efficiency of the air in the evaporator 18. I am trying to do it.

  The air conditioner 10 is provided with an air conditioner unit 20. An evaporator 18 is disposed in the air conditioner unit 20, and a flow path for air passing through the evaporator 18 is formed. The air conditioner unit 20 is provided with an introduction box 22 at one end (upstream side) of the air flow path, and a blower fan 24 is disposed between the evaporator 18 and the introduction box 22.

  The introduction box 22 is formed with an inside air introduction port 26A opened in the vehicle interior and an outside air introduction port 26B opened outside the vehicle, and a switching door 28 is provided. In the air conditioner 10, as an air introduction mode for generating conditioned air, an inside air introduction mode that uses air inside the vehicle (inside air) and an outside air introduction mode that uses outside air (outside air) are set and folded to introduce air. The switching door 28 is operated according to the mode, and the inside air introduction port 26A and the outside air introduction port 26B are selectively opened and closed.

  In the air conditioner 10, when the blower fan 24 is rotationally driven by the blower motor 30, air or outside air in the vehicle compartment is sucked into the introduction box 22, and the sucked air is sent to the evaporator 18 to generate conditioned air. The As the introduction mode, an inside / outside air introduction mode may be provided in addition to the inside air circulation mode and the outside air introduction mode. At this time, the inside air introduction port 26A and the outside air introduction port 26B are half-opened by the switching door 28. If it is good.

  On the other hand, the air conditioner 10 has a defroster outlet (hereinafter referred to as a DEF outlet 32) opened toward a wind glass (not shown) of the vehicle as an outlet for conditioned air, and an opening toward a passenger seated in the front seat. Registered outlets (hereinafter referred to as FACE outlets 34) and foot outlets (hereinafter referred to as FOOT outlets 36) opened toward the feet of passengers are formed. Further, the air conditioner unit 20 is provided with a mode switching door 38 for selectively opening and closing the DEF outlet 32, the FACE outlet 34, and the FOOT outlet 36.

  In the air conditioner 10, the DEF mode in which the DEF outlet 32 is selected, the FACE mode in which the FACE outlet 34 is selected, the FACE mode in which the FOOT outlet 36 is selected, the FACE outlet 34 and the FOOT are selected as the conditioned air blowing mode. The BI-LEVEL mode in which the air outlet 36 is selected and the FOOT / DEF mode in which the DEF air outlet 32 and the FOOT air outlet 36 are selected are set, and the mode switching door 38 operates according to the air-conditioning air air outlet mode. Is done.

  In the air conditioner unit 20, a heater core 40 and an air mix door 42 are provided on the downstream side of the evaporator 18. In the heater core 40, an engine coolant (for example, engine coolant) is circulated with an engine (not shown) of the vehicle. Thus, in the heater core 40, the air passing through the heater core 40 and the engine cooling are cooled. Heat exchange is performed with the liquid, and the air passing through the heater core 40 is heated by the engine coolant.

  In the air conditioner 10, the air that has passed through the evaporator 18 is divided by the air mix door 42 into air that passes through the heater core 40 and air that bypasses the heater core 40. Further, in the air conditioner unit 20, the air that has passed through the heater core 40 on the downstream side of the heater core 40 and the air that has bypassed the heater core 40 are mixed. As a result, the air conditioner 10 has a temperature corresponding to the opening of the air mix door 42. Air-conditioned air is generated. In the air conditioner 10, by controlling the opening degree of the air mix door 42, conditioned air having a desired temperature (target blowing temperature) is generated.

  Further, the air conditioner 10 is provided with an electric heater such as a PCT heater (hereinafter referred to as a PCT heater 54) downstream of the heater core 40, so that the air conditioner 10 has a temperature of the engine coolant during parking or the like. Even when the vehicle is low, the passenger compartment can be heated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle provided with an air conditioner 10 includes an electric motor (not shown) as a driving source for traveling, and a storage battery (hereinafter referred to as “storage battery”) that stores electric power supplied to the electric motor. A battery 44). In addition, the vehicle is provided with a battery ECU 46 that detects an operation state including the remaining amount of the battery 44 and an HVECU 48 that controls charging / discharging of the battery 44.

  The battery 44 is charged by electric power generated by regenerative power generation, electric power generated by the driving force of the engine, or electric power supplied from outside the vehicle, and the charged electric power is supplied to loads such as an electric motor and various auxiliary machines. The battery ECU 46 is provided as capacity detection means, detects the battery voltage, battery current, etc. of the battery 44, calculates the amount of electric power (remaining capacity) stored in the battery 44, and detects the operating state of the battery 44. To do.

  The HVECU 48 controls charging / discharging of the battery 44 while monitoring the operation state of the battery 44 based on the remaining capacity (hereinafter referred to as charge amount SOC) of the battery 44 calculated by the battery ECU 46.

For example, in the HVECU 48, a lower limit value (charge amount C _L ) and an upper limit value (charge amount C _H ) of the charge amount SOC, which is the amount of power stored in the battery 44, are set. Here, the amount of charge _CL is the power with which the battery 44 is not overdischarged and the power required for starting the parked vehicle (for example, the power required for starting and warming up the engine) is secured. It has become a quantity.

HVECU48 the charging amount SOC of the battery 44, which is calculated by the battery ECU46 is, by controlling the charging and discharging of the charged amount _{C L} range of the charging amount _{C H} from _{(C L ≦ SOC ≦ C H} ) and so as the battery 44 Yes. At this time, HVECU48, for example, sets the target charge amount _{C S} in the range of the charged amount _{C H} from the charge amount _{C L (C L <C S} <C H), the charge amount SOC is the target charge amount of the battery 44 Charge / discharge is controlled so as to be _CO . As a result, overdischarge and overcharge of the battery 44 are prevented, and a charged state in which the vehicle can always start running is ensured. In addition, as for charge / discharge control of the battery 44, a known control method can be applied as long as the charge amount _CL is always secured.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 10 is provided with an air conditioner ECU 50 as control means for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner ECU 50 has a general configuration including a microcomputer in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like are connected by a bus, various input / output circuits, and a drive circuit (all not shown).

  The air conditioner 10 includes a compressor motor 52 that rotationally drives the compressor 12, and the compressor motor 52 is connected to the air conditioner ECU 50. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the electric power stored in the battery 44 is supplied to the air conditioner ECU 50.

  Thus, the air conditioner ECU 50 shown in FIG. 3 drives the compressor motor 52 to rotate by the electric power supplied from the battery 44, and controls the drive / stop of the compressor 12 and the rotational speed (cooling capacity) at the time of driving. The compressor 12 may be driven to rotate by the driving force of the engine when the engine is driven.

  When the PCT heater 54 is provided as a heating means in the air conditioner 10, the PCT heater 54 is connected to the air conditioner ECU 50. The air conditioner ECU 50 operates the PCT heater 54 with the electric power supplied from the battery 44 to obtain the heating capacity when the liquid temperature of the engine coolant is low and there is little or no heating capacity by the heater core 40.

  A blower motor 30 that drives the blower fan 24, an actuator 56A that drives the switching door 28, an actuator 56B that drives the mode switching door 38, and an actuator 56C that drives the air mix door 42 are connected to the air conditioner ECU 50. Thereby, the air conditioner ECU 50 controls the operation / stop of the blower fan 24 and the blower air volume, the operation of the switching door 28 according to the air introduction mode, the operation of the mode switching door 38 according to the blowing mode, and the air mix door 42. The opening degree control is performed.

  The air conditioner ECU 50 includes a room temperature sensor 58 that detects the temperature (room temperature) in the vehicle interior, an outside air temperature sensor 60 that detects the temperature outside the vehicle (outside air temperature), a solar radiation sensor 62 that detects the amount of solar radiation, and the air that has passed through the evaporator 18. Various sensors for detecting an environmental state and an operating state such as a post-evaporator temperature sensor 64 for detecting temperature (post-evaporator temperature), a liquid temperature sensor 66 for detecting the temperature (liquid temperature) of engine coolant supplied to the heater core 40, and the like. Is connected.

  The air conditioner 10 is provided with, for example, an operation panel 68 that is provided on an instrument panel (not shown) and that inputs operation conditions such as operation / stop, operation mode, and set temperature, and displays an operation state. The operation panel 68 is connected to the air conditioner ECU 50.

  When the air conditioner ECU 50 is instructed to start the air conditioning operation by inputting the operation conditions such as the operation mode and the set temperature by operating the switch on the operation panel 68, the air conditioner ECU 50 receives the input operation conditions and the environmental conditions detected by various sensors. Based on the above, the air conditioning operation is performed so that the passenger compartment is set to the set temperature.

For example, the air conditioner ECU 50 sets a target blowing temperature T _AO of the conditioned air based on the set temperature T _SET and sets the opening degree of the air mix door 42 and the like based on the target blowing temperature T _AO and operating conditions. The target blowout temperature T _{AO at} this time is obtained from the set temperature T _SET , the room temperature Tr, the outside air temperature Ta, and the solar radiation amount ST by a general arithmetic expression.

T _AO = K ₁・ T _SET −K ₂・ Ta−K ₃・ Tr−K ₄・ ST + C
(Where K _{1 to} K ₄ and C are preset constants)
Furthermore, air conditioning ECU50, when set to the air conditioning operation in the automatic mode, on the basis of the target outlet air temperature T _AO, set the blower air volume Va. Further, the air conditioner ECU 50 sets the opening degree S of the air mix door 42 from the target blowing temperature T _AO and the blower air volume Va. The opening degree S of the air mix door 42 is determined by the blower air volume Va, the post-evaporator temperature Te, the temperature Tw of the engine coolant supplied to the heater core 40, the flow rate of the engine coolant determined by the rotational speed of a water pump (not shown), It can be set by a known method such as calculation based on thermal efficiency determined for each heater core.

When the air conditioner ECU 50 sets the target blowout temperature T _AO , the blower air volume Va, the opening S of the air mix door 42, etc., the air conditioner ECU 50 drives the compressor motor 52, blower motor 30, actuators 54 </ b> A to 54 </ b> C, etc. Air-conditioning operation is performed so that the room has a set temperature. A known general configuration can be applied to the basic configuration of air conditioning control by the air conditioner ECU 50.

  The air conditioner 10 configured in this manner is driven by the electric power supplied from the battery 44 by the compressor 12 and the like, so that even when the vehicle is parked, a pre-air-conditioning operation is performed to air-condition the passenger compartment before the passenger gets on the vehicle. It is possible. In the air conditioner 10, the pre-air conditioning operation can be set by operating the switch on the operation panel 66.

  For setting of the pre-air-conditioning operation on the operation panel 68, for example, operating conditions such as scheduled boarding time and set temperature are input. In the air conditioner 10, the pre-air-conditioning operation is started at a predetermined time based on the boarding time, the air-conditioning load, and the like so that the passenger compartment becomes the set temperature at the scheduled boarding time. Thereby, when an occupant gets into a parked vehicle, the passenger compartment can be in a desired air conditioning state.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle provided with the air conditioner 10 includes a wireless key system 70 as a remote control means. The wireless key system 70 includes a wireless key 72 carried by a passenger and a receiving unit 74 that receives a signal transmitted from the wireless key 72.

  The wireless key 72 is provided with, for example, a door lock switch and a door unlock switch for locking / unlocking a door (not shown) of the vehicle. By operating the door lock switch and the door unlock switch from outside the vehicle, An operation signal is transmitted from the wireless key 72.

  When receiving the operation signal transmitted by the wireless key 72, the receiving unit 74 outputs a control signal corresponding to the received operation signal to the ECU that performs the lock / unlock control of the door, and the corresponding ECU receives the control signal. Based on the door lock / unlock. Thus, the door lock / unlock of the vehicle is performed by remote operation using the wireless key.

  Although the wireless key system 70 may perform two-way communication, in the present embodiment, the wireless key system 70 performs one-way communication that transmits an operation signal from the wireless key 72. As a result, the cost of the remote operation system is reduced, and the wireless key 72 carried by the passenger is miniaturized. That is, the wireless key 72 does not include a receiving unit or a function for performing display based on the receiving unit, and includes only a transmitting unit, thereby achieving a reduction in size and cost.

  The wireless key 72 is provided with a pre-air conditioning switch 76. When the pre air conditioning switch 76 is operated, the wireless key 72 transmits an operation signal indicating that the pre air conditioning switch 76 has been operated.

  The receiving unit 74 is connected to the air conditioner ECU 50. When receiving the operation signal of the pre-air conditioning switch 76 transmitted from the wireless key 72, the receiving unit 74 outputs a control signal indicating the start of pre-air conditioning to the air conditioner ECU 50. When the air conditioner ECU 50 receives this control signal from the receiving unit 74, it starts pre-air conditioning.

  In the air conditioner ECU 50, when the switch operation on the operation panel 68 or the ignition switch is turned off and the air conditioning operation is stopped, the operation conditions such as the set temperature at that time are stored, and the pre-air conditioning is instructed by the wireless key 72. Sometimes, an air-conditioning operation based on the stored set temperature or the like is made possible.

  Note that the air conditioner ECU 50 may previously input operating conditions such as a set temperature when pre-air conditioning is instructed by the wireless key 72 by operating a switch on the operation panel 68. That is, the air conditioner ECU 50 can previously input a set temperature or the like when starting pre-air-conditioning based on an input from the wireless key 72 by operating a switch on the operation panel 68. Pre-air conditioning based on a preset temperature or the like is possible.

The air-conditioner ECU 50, when performing pre-air conditioning, reads the state of charge SOC of the battery 44 is computed by the battery ECU46 from HVECU48, the state of charge SOC is not to drop to the charged amount _{C L} that is set as the minimum charge amount Perform air conditioning operation. This prevents the remaining capacity (charge amount SOC) of the battery 44 from being reduced too much (for example, SOC <C _L ) due to the pre-air conditioning performed while the vehicle is parked, and the vehicle from being unable to travel. Yes.

Here, air conditioning ECU50, when starting from the wireless key 72 of the pre-air conditioning is instructed to read the state of charge SOC of the battery ECU46 the remaining capacity of the battery 44, compares the state of charge SOC and state of charge _{C L} As a result, the amount of power available for air conditioning operation (hereinafter referred to as power amount Pa) is confirmed.

  Further, the air conditioner ECU 50 confirms whether or not the electric energy Pa exceeds the minimum electric energy that can perform the air-conditioning operation for a preset time (hereinafter referred to as the minimum operation time Tmin). Thus, pre-air conditioning is started when the amount of power Pa is greater than the minimum amount of power and the air-conditioning operation can be performed for the minimum operation time Tmin or longer.

  In general, in the air conditioner 10, for example, when the air conditioning operation is performed in the cooling mode, the air conditioning capacity (cooling capacity) changes according to the rotation speed of the compressor 12. Further, the power consumption of the compressor motor 52 varies depending on the rotation speed of the compressor 12. In the air conditioner ECU 50, an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the rotational speed of the compressor 12 are set, and the compressor motor 12 is provided so that a desired air conditioning capability (cooling capability) is obtained between the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the rotational speed. The rotation drive is controlled. Therefore, in the air conditioner 10, the power consumption changes according to the air conditioning capacity, and when the air conditioning capacity is low, the power consumption is also low.

  In the air conditioner ECU 50, for example, when performing the air conditioning operation in the cooling mode, a state where the air conditioning capacity is the lowest (for example, the minimum number of revolutions of the compressor motor 52) is set as the minimum air conditioning capacity when performing the pre air conditioning. The amount of power consumed when the air-conditioning operation is performed for the minimum operation time Tmin is stored as the minimum amount of power Pmin when performing pre-air conditioning. Hereinafter, the cooling mode will be described as an example, and the description in the heating mode will be omitted.

  In general, when the air conditioning operation (for example, cooling operation) is started, the conditioned air blown from the outlet is not cooled immediately after the start, but after about 10 seconds to 15 seconds (depending on the vehicle), the cooling is performed. The conditioned air is blown out and a cooling feeling is obtained.

  Further, the wireless key 72 has a small transmission power and is operated at a distance relatively close to the vehicle, for example, about several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters. For this reason, the time from when the pre-air conditioning switch 76 of the wireless key 72 is operated until the occupant gets into the vehicle can be set to a time of several tens of seconds to several minutes.

  From here, the minimum operation time Tmin when performing pre-air conditioning by operating the wireless key 72 can be about 20 seconds to several minutes. For example, the minimum operation time Tmin is 30 seconds (Tmin = 30 sec). The minimum electric energy Pmin is calculated from the power consumption and the minimum operation time Tmin when the air conditioning operation is performed with the minimum air conditioning capability.

  When the air conditioner ECU 50 reads the usable power amount Pa, the air conditioner ECU 50 compares the power amount pa with the minimum power amount Pmin to determine whether or not to perform pre-air conditioning. At this time, pre-air conditioning is executed when the amount of electric power Pa is greater than the minimum amount of electric power Pmin (Pa> Pmin). That is, the air conditioner ECU 50 executes pre-air conditioning when the air conditioning operation can be performed for the minimum operation time Tmin or more even with the minimum air conditioning capability.

  Further, the air conditioner ECU 50 sets the air conditioning capacity based on the electric energy Pa and performs pre-air conditioning. The air conditioning capability at this time compares the power consumption Wa when starting the air conditioning operation based on the set temperature and the power consumption Wt when performing the air conditioning operation for the minimum operation time Tmin using the power amount Pa.

  At this time, if the power consumption Wa is small, it is selected to perform the air conditioning operation (capacity priority operation) by setting the air conditioning capacity based on the operating conditions such as the set temperature. If the power consumption Wt is small, the air-conditioning operation (time-priority operation) is selected to start with the air-conditioning capability that achieves the power consumption Wt.

  Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, a pre-air conditioning operation in the air conditioner 10 based on the operation of the wireless key 72 will be described.

In a vehicle provided with the air conditioner 10, the battery 44 is charged and discharged during traveling. At this time, HVECU48 the charging amount SOC of the battery 44 based on the charge amount SOC and the operating state of the battery 44 to be detected is controlling the charging and discharging so that the charged amount _{C L} or by the battery ECU 46. As a result, when the vehicle is parked, the battery 44 is ensured with a charge amount SOC necessary to start traveling next.

  On the other hand, when the ignition switch is on, the air conditioner 10 performs the air conditioning operation in the vehicle interior based on the operation conditions set by the switch operation of the operation panel 68.

  In the air conditioner 10, the air conditioning operation is stopped by operating the switch on the operation panel 68 or turning off the ignition switch. At this time, the air conditioner ECU 50 stores the operating conditions such as the set temperature when the air conditioning operation is stopped as the operating conditions for the next air conditioning operation including the pre-air conditioning.

  In the air conditioner 10, operating conditions such as a set temperature when performing pre-air conditioning can be set by operating the switch on the operation panel 68. In the air conditioner ECU 50, settings for performing pre-air conditioning by operating the switch on the operation panel 68 are possible. When an operating condition such as temperature is input, the input operating condition is stored as an operating condition when performing pre-air conditioning.

  In the air conditioner 10, when the ignition switch is turned off, when the start of the pre-air conditioning is instructed by the switch operation of the wireless key 72, the pre-air conditioning is started.

  Here, the pre-air conditioning of the air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is executed in a state where the ignition switch is turned off (the vehicle is parked) and the pre-air conditioning according to the scheduled boarding time is not set. It is confirmed whether or not the start of pre-air conditioning by the operation of is instructed.

  Here, when the pre-air-conditioning switch 76 of the wireless key 72 is operated so that the occupant performs pre-air-conditioning for air-conditioning the vehicle interior prior to boarding at the position where the signal emitted from the wireless key 72 reaches the vehicle, An operation signal for the air conditioning switch 76 is transmitted.

  When the reception unit 74 receives the operation signal transmitted from the wireless key 72, if this operation signal is an operation signal indicating that the pre-air conditioning switch 76 has been operated, a control signal for requesting the start of pre-air conditioning is generated. It is output to the air conditioner ECU 50.

  When a control signal based on the operation of the pre-air conditioning switch 76 of the wireless key 72 is input from the receiving unit 74, the air conditioner ECU 50 makes an affirmative determination in step 100 and proceeds to step 102.

  In this step 102, the charge amount SOC of the battery 44 calculated by the battery ECU 46 is read via the HVECU 48, and in the next step 104, the electric energy Pa that can be used for air conditioning operation (pre-air conditioning) is calculated.

  Thereafter, in step 106, it is confirmed whether or not there is power that can be used for the pre-air conditioning from the electric energy Pa, and in step 108, whether or not the pre-air conditioning operation can be performed for at least the minimum operation time Tmin. To check.

At this time, the charge amount SOC greater than the charge amount _{C L} (SOC> _{C L,} i.e., Pa> 0) is, and when the calculated amount of power Pa is larger by minimal amount of power Pmin (Pa ≧ Pmin) In step 106 and step 108, an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 110, and pre-air conditioning is started.

Here, the charging amount SOC charge amount _{C L} or less (SOC ≦ _{C L,} i.e., Pa ≦ 0) when a is a negative determination in step 106, pre-air conditioning is stopped. Thereby, in the air conditioner 10, since pre-air-conditioning was performed, it is prevented that a vehicle cannot start a driving | running | working.

Furthermore, many charge SOC than the charge amount _{C L} (Pa> 0), the even when an affirmative determination is made in step 106, when the amount of power Pa is less than the minimum amount of power Pmin (Pa <Pmin), the In step 108, a negative determination is made and pre-air conditioning is stopped. Thus, even though the pre-air conditioning is started, in order to ensure charge quantity C _L, and pre-air-conditioning is stopped before passenger boarding, that only the state of charge SOC of the battery 44 becomes lower It is to be prevented.

  On the other hand, when performing pre-air conditioning, first, air conditioning capacity is selected in step 110. FIG. 5 shows a flow of processing as an example when the air conditioning capacity is selected.

  This flowchart is executed by shifting to step 110 in FIG. 4, and in the first step 130, the second air conditioning capacity required for starting the air conditioning operation so that the vehicle interior is set to the set temperature is obtained. The power consumption Wa that becomes the power consumption is calculated. That is, the power consumption Wa when performing the air conditioning operation giving priority to the air conditioning capacity is calculated.

  In step 132, the power consumption Wt, which is the first power consumption when the air-conditioning operation is performed for the minimum operation time Tmin with the amount of power Pa that can be used for the air-conditioning operation, is calculated. That is, the power consumption Wt is calculated when it is assumed that the air conditioning operation is performed at least until the minimum operation time Ta elapses.

  Thereafter, in step 134, the calculated power consumptions Wa and Wt are compared to determine whether or not the power consumption Wa is smaller than the power consumption Wt. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the power amount Pa is an amount that can prioritize the air conditioning capability.

  Here, when the power amount Pa is relatively large and the power consumption Wt based on the power amount Pa is greater than the power consumption Wa (when the power consumption Wa is equal to or less than the power consumption Wt (Wa ≦ Wt), An affirmative determination is made at step 134 and the routine proceeds to step 136. At this step 136, it is set so that the air conditioning operation is performed so that the passenger compartment is set to the target temperature.

  When the power amount Pa is small and the power consumption Wt based on the power amount Pa is less than the power consumption Wa (Wa> Wt), a negative determination is made at step 134 and the routine proceeds to step 138. In this step 138, it sets so that air-conditioning operation may be performed by the air-conditioning capability in which the power consumption W at the time of air-conditioning operation turns into power consumption Wt.

  By setting the air conditioning capability in this manner, the air conditioning capability can be set so that the air conditioning operation is performed at least until the minimum operation time Tmin has elapsed.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, when the air conditioning capability is selected in step 110, the process proceeds to step 112 and the air conditioning operation (pre-air conditioning operation) with the selected air conditioning capability is started.

  When the pre-air-conditioning operation is started in this manner, in step 114, it is confirmed whether the passenger gets on and the ignition switch is turned on. In step 116, the normal air-conditioning operation is performed by operating the switch on the operation panel 68. It is confirmed whether or not the pre-air-conditioning operation stop operation has been performed. That is, in steps 114 and 116, it is confirmed whether or not the passenger has entered the state of driving the vehicle.

  Here, if the passenger has not been confirmed, a negative determination is made in steps 114 and 116, the process proceeds to step 118, and the amount of charge SOC of the battery 44 is read. In step 120, the remaining usable air for pre-air conditioning is read. A power amount Pa that is a power amount is calculated. Thereafter, in step 122, it is confirmed whether or not there is a remaining amount of electric power Pa.

  At this time, if usable electric power remains and the electric energy Pa> 0, an affirmative determination is made in step 122 and the process proceeds to step 124. In this step 124, the air conditioning capacity is updated based on the remaining electric power Pa or the like.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of pre-air conditioning update processing when pre-air conditioning is performed. This flowchart is executed by moving to step 124 in FIG. 4, and in the first step 140, it is confirmed whether or not the elapsed time since the start of pre-air conditioning has reached the minimum operation time Tmin.

  Here, in the air conditioner 10, the pre-air conditioning is performed until the minimum operation time Tmin elapses, and the air conditioner ECU 50 measures the elapsed time T from the start of the pre-air conditioning by a timer (not shown). When the elapsed time T has not reached the time Tmin (T ≦ Tmin), a negative determination is made at step 140 and the routine proceeds to step 142, where it is set to continue the air conditioning operation with the current air conditioning capability.

  On the other hand, if the elapsed time T elapses the minimum operation time Tmin (T> Tmin), a negative determination is made in step 140 and the air conditioning capacity is updated. In addition, the update of the air conditioning capability executed after the negative determination in step 140 is performed at a preset time interval such as an interval of several seconds to an interval of several tens of seconds so that the frequent update of the air conditioning capability is suppressed. Yes.

  In step 144, the air conditioning capacity is updated by calculating the power consumption W at the current air conditioning capacity. In step 146, the power consumption Wa when the air-conditioning operation is performed so that the vehicle interior is set to the set temperature in the current environmental state is calculated. In step 148, the power consumption Wa and the power consumption W are compared.

  Here, if the power consumption Wa is equal to or lower than the power consumption W (Wa ≦ W), an affirmative determination is made in step 148, the process proceeds to step 150, and an air conditioning operation is performed in which the vehicle interior is set to the target temperature.

  On the other hand, when the power consumption Wa exceeds the power consumption W (Wa> W), a negative determination is made at step 148 and the routine proceeds to step 152. In step 152, it is confirmed whether or not the current air conditioning capacity is the minimum air conditioning capacity.

  At this time, if the current air conditioning capacity is the minimum air conditioning capacity, an affirmative determination is made in step 152 and the routine proceeds to step 142, where it is set to continue the air conditioning operation with the current air conditioning capacity. That is, the air conditioning operation is set to be continued with the minimum air conditioning capability.

  If the current air conditioning capacity has not reached the minimum air conditioning capacity, a negative determination is made at step 152 and the routine proceeds to step 154. In this step 154, the current air conditioning capacity is set to be lowered from the current air conditioning capacity. When the air conditioning capacity is set in step 154, the air conditioning capacity may be set such that the power consumption is lowered by a preset amount. In addition, the air conditioning capacity is set in a plurality of stages in advance, and the air conditioning capacity is gradually increased. You may make it lower.

  Thus, after the minimum operation time Tmin has elapsed, the discharge of the battery 44 can be suppressed by setting the air conditioning capability so as to suppress power consumption. The update of the air conditioning capability may be set based on the amount of power Pa that can be used for the air conditioning operation.

  When the air conditioning capability is updated, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process proceeds from step 124 to step 112, and the air conditioning operation with the updated air conditioning capability is performed.

  On the other hand, when pre-air conditioning is being performed when the occupant gets on the vehicle, the occupant sets the normal air-conditioning operation by operating the switch on the operation panel 68 or operates to stop the pre-air-conditioning. As a result, an affirmative determination is made in step 116 and the process proceeds to step 126, whereby the pre-air conditioning operation is stopped.

  Even when the occupant does not stop the pre-air-conditioning operation, if the ignition switch is turned on for vehicle travel, an affirmative determination is made in step 114 and the routine proceeds to step 126, and the pre-air-conditioning operation is stopped. Is done.

  As described above, in the air conditioner 10, the air conditioning capability is set so that the pre-air conditioning operation is performed at least until the preset minimum operation time Tmin elapses. At this time, if the charge amount SOC of the battery 44 is small, the air conditioning operation is performed with the air conditioning capacity as the minimum capacity. Moreover, even if it is the minimum air conditioning capacity, the pre-air conditioning operation is stopped when the time during which the air conditioning operation is possible is less than the minimum operation time Tmin.

  Here, the minimum operation time Tmin is set by predicting the time from when the occupant operates the pre-air-conditioning switch 76 of the wireless key 72 until actually getting on the vehicle. As a result, at the timing when the occupant operating the pre-air conditioning switch 76 of the wireless key 72 gets on the vehicle, the air-conditioner 10 is performing the pre-air-conditioning operation or the charge amount SOC of the battery 44 is reduced, so the pre-air-conditioning operation is stopped. Immediately after.

  Therefore, by operating the wireless key 72 to perform pre-air conditioning, the air-conditioning operation is stopped because the charge amount SOC of the battery 44 is small even though the pre-air conditioning is started, and the passenger gets on In some cases, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the charge amount SOC of the battery 44 has simply decreased without providing a feeling of air conditioning in the passenger compartment.

  In particular, even if the air conditioning capacity is the minimum capacity, temperature-controlled air is blown out from the air outlet, so that even if the passenger compartment is not sufficiently air-conditioned, the passengers who are in the air conditioning are given a feeling of air conditioning be able to.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the occupant's boarding is determined by turning on the ignition switch or operating the switch on the operation panel 68. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the seat that the occupant sits on It is possible to apply on / off of a switch, on / off of a door switch of a door that opens and closes when an occupant gets on.

  For example, when a passenger is determined to use a seat switch that is turned on when the occupant is seated on the seat, a step for determining whether or not the seat switch is turned on is provided instead of steps 114 and 116 in the flowchart of FIG. Just do it. At this time, when the seat switch is turned on, the routine proceeds to step 126 and the pre-air conditioning operation is stopped. Thus, since the conditioned air is blown out from the outlet until the occupant is seated on the seat, even if the air conditioning capability is low, a sufficient air conditioning feeling can be given to the occupant.

  In addition, when determining whether to use a door switch that is turned on when the occupant opens the door, a step for determining whether or not the door switch is turned on is provided instead of steps 114 and 116 in the flowchart of FIG. Just do it. At this time, when the door switch is turned on, the routine proceeds to step 126 and the pre-air conditioning operation is stopped. As a result, since the pre-air-conditioning operation is performed just before the occupant gets into the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling that the pre-air-conditioning has not been performed, and to reduce the consumption of the electric power stored in the battery 44. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, when using the door switch, the door switch that is turned on by opening the door may stop the pre-air conditioning at the timing when the door is turned off by the door closing operation, which is almost the same as when the seat switch is used. The same effect can be obtained.

  In addition, this Embodiment demonstrated above does not limit the structure of this invention. In the present embodiment, the start of pre-air conditioning is instructed using the wireless key 72, but the remote control means is not limited to this. For example, using a network connecting a mobile phone or a personal computer and a vehicle, the start of pre-air conditioning may be instructed from a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a personal computer via this network. The minimum operating time Tmin may be set according to the communication terminal.

  In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 10 provided in the hybrid vehicle has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electric motor provided as a driving source for traveling is stored in the power storage means. It can be applied to a vehicle air conditioner having an arbitrary configuration that is provided in an electric vehicle or the like that is driven by the vehicle and that can perform air conditioning operation even during parking.

It is the schematic which shows the connection of air-conditioner ECU which concerns on this Embodiment, a wireless remote control, and a battery. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the air conditioner which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the control part of an air conditioner. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the pre air conditioning process using a wireless key. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the setting of the air-conditioning capability at the time of a pre air conditioning start. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the update of the air-conditioning capability in pre air-conditioning driving | operation.

Explanation of symbols

10 Air conditioner (Vehicle air conditioner)
12 Compressor 18 Evaporator 40 Heater Core 42 Air Mix Door 44 Battery (Storage Battery)
46 Battery ECU (capacity detection means)
48 HVECU
50 Air conditioner ECU (capacity judging means, air conditioning judging means, setting means, air conditioning control means)
52 Compressor motor 70 Wireless key system (remote control means)
72 Wireless key (remote control means)
74 Receiving unit (remote control means)
76 Pre air conditioning switch

Claims (4)

A vehicle air conditioner capable of air conditioning a vehicle interior using electric power supplied from a storage battery,
Remote control means capable of instructing the start of air-conditioning operation from outside the vehicle while parking the vehicle;
Capacity detecting means for detecting a charge amount which is a remaining capacity of the storage battery;
When the start of air-conditioning operation is instructed by the remote control means, it is determined whether or not the charge amount detected by the capacity detection means exceeds a minimum charge amount that can be set in advance as a minimum secured capacity. And a power determination means for calculating the amount of power that can be used for air conditioning operation from the amount of charge and the minimum amount of charge when an affirmative determination is made,
Whether or not the usable power amount exceeds a minimum power amount that allows air-conditioning operation with a minimum air-conditioning capability until a predetermined minimum operation time elapses when an affirmative determination is made by the power determination unit. Air-conditioning judging means for judging;
Setting means for setting an air conditioning capability that enables air conditioning operation until at least the minimum operation time has elapsed based on the available power amount when an affirmative determination is made by the air conditioning determination unit;
Air-conditioning control means for air-conditioning the vehicle interior with air-conditioning capacity based on the setting of the setting means;
The vehicle air conditioner characterized by including.   The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first minimum charge amount is a charge amount that is set as necessary for the start of vehicle travel.   When the setting means starts the air conditioning operation so that the first power consumption when starting the air conditioning operation until the minimum operation time elapses with the usable electric energy and the vehicle interior is set to a set temperature. The vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air conditioning capacity is set so that the air conditioning operation is started with any of the less power consumptions by comparing with the second power consumption.   The minimum operation time is set based on a distance between a remote control unit capable of instructing the start of the air-conditioning operation by the remote control unit and the vehicle. The vehicle air conditioner according to item.

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