JP6888713B2 - Remote air conditioning start system, center server - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a remote air conditioning starting system.

There is known a system in which a user remotely starts an engine and an air conditioner from a place away from a vehicle by using a remote controller (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and the like).

In Patent Document 1, a set temperature (reference temperature) and a set time (maximum idling time) are transmitted from the remote controller to the vehicle as conditions relating to the indoor temperature and the operating time of the air conditioner, and when any of the conditions is satisfied, the engine is stopped. By letting it stop, the air conditioner is stopped.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-252623

By the way, a center type system in which a start request is transmitted from a user's terminal to a vehicle via a center server to remotely start an air conditioner can be considered.

However, in the center type system, in order to appropriately control the interior temperature of the vehicle, it may be necessary to feed back information such as whether or not the interior temperature of the vehicle has reached the set temperature from the vehicle to the center server one by one. .. Therefore, the amount of communication between the center server and the vehicle increases, and as a result, the communication charge may increase.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, a center-type remote air-conditioning start system or the like that can suppress the amount of communication between the center server and the vehicle while considering the room temperature assumed by the user, the operating time of the air-conditioning device, and the like. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present invention,
And the user terminal, capable of communicating the center server and the terminal, comprising the air conditioning system, the center server and includes a vehicle capable of communicating, and via the center server by the terminal is transmitted to the vehicle, the A remote air conditioner starting system that starts the air conditioner in response to a start request including a set time as a required value of the time for operating the air conditioner set based on an input from a user.
It is determined whether or not a temperature condition based on a predetermined threshold value for at least one of the indoor temperature of the vehicle, the outdoor temperature of the vehicle, and the temperature of a predetermined portion in the vehicle related to the indoor temperature is satisfied. Judgment unit and
After the air conditioner is started in response to the start request, when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, the air conditioner is set when the set time elapses starting from the determination. It is equipped with a control unit that stops the air conditioning.
A remote air conditioning start system is provided.

According to the present embodiment, the determination unit is a temperature of a predetermined portion in the vehicle related to the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the indoor temperature of the vehicle (hereinafter, referred to as a related partial temperature, for example, a heat source for heating. It is determined whether or not the temperature condition based on a predetermined threshold value for at least one of (the temperature in the engine of the engine cooling water, the temperature of the airflow after passing through the evaporator in the air conditioner, etc.) is satisfied. For example, when the room temperature before starting (when not operating) the air conditioner is lower than the set temperature set by the user, such as in winter, the temperature condition is "a predetermined temperature (predetermined threshold value) or higher" or the like. Is. Further, when the room temperature before starting the air conditioner is higher than the set temperature set by the user, such as in summer, the temperature condition is "a predetermined temperature (predetermined threshold value) or less" or the like. Then, when the above temperature condition is satisfied, the control unit stops the air conditioner when the set time elapses, starting from the subsequent point. Therefore, by appropriately setting a predetermined threshold value, the air conditioner operates for a set time or longer after the vehicle interior becomes warm (winter) or cold (summer) to some extent. Therefore, for example, at least the above temperature. After the conditions are satisfied, the room temperature can be brought to the vicinity of the set temperature desired by the user without monitoring the room temperature of the vehicle one by one. Further, since it is not necessary to exchange information such as the room temperature between the center server and the vehicle at least after the above temperature conditions are satisfied, it is possible to suppress the amount of communication between the center server and the vehicle. it can. That is, it is possible to suppress the amount of communication between the center server and the vehicle while considering the room temperature assumed by the user, the operating time of the air conditioner, and the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment,
The determination unit is provided on the vehicle.
The control unit may be provided in the vehicle, and when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, the air conditioner may be stopped when the set time elapses from the determination. ..

According to the present embodiment, in the vehicle, it is determined whether or not the above temperature conditions are satisfied, and when it is determined that the temperature conditions are satisfied, the set time elapses starting from the determination. When the set time elapses, the air conditioner is stopped. Therefore, when the start request is transmitted from the center server to the vehicle, the user desires the interior temperature of the vehicle from the vehicle (control unit) without exchanging signals between the vehicle and the center server thereafter. It is possible to reach the vicinity of the set temperature to be set and complete the stop of the air conditioner. Therefore, the amount of communication between the center server and the vehicle can be further suppressed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment,
A first transmission unit provided in the vehicle and transmitting a notification signal to the center server when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied.
A first receiving unit provided in the center server and receiving the notification signal from the vehicle,
It is provided in the center server and includes a second transmission unit that transmits a start signal to the vehicle when the notification signal is received by the first reception unit.
A second receiving unit provided in the vehicle and receiving the start signal transmitted from the center server is provided.
The determination unit is provided on the vehicle.
The control unit may be provided in the vehicle, and when the start signal is received by the second receiving unit, the air conditioner may be stopped when the set time elapses from the reception.

According to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the above temperature conditions are satisfied, the vehicle (determination unit and first transmission unit) transmits a notification signal to that effect to the center server, and the center server (first transmission unit). Upon receiving the notification signal, the receiving unit and the second transmitting unit) transmit to the vehicle a start signal requesting the start of timekeeping for determining the elapse of the set time. Then, when the start signal is received, the vehicle (second receiving unit and control unit) starts timing for detecting the passage of the set time from the reception as a starting point, and when the set time elapses, the air conditioner device. To stop. Therefore, on the vehicle side, the process of monitoring the passage of the set time (timekeeping process) may be started according to the start signal received from the center server, and the determination process for starting the process may be reduced. Therefore, the functional configuration on the vehicle side can be simplified.

Further, in the above-described embodiment,
A third transmission unit provided in the vehicle and transmitting a notification signal to the center server when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied.
A third receiving unit provided in the center server and receiving the notification signal from the vehicle,
A fourth transmission unit provided in the center server and output by the control unit to transmit a stop signal for stopping the air conditioner to the vehicle.
A fourth receiving unit provided in the vehicle and receiving the stop signal from the center server is provided.
The determination unit is provided on the vehicle.
The control unit is provided in the center server, and when the notification signal is received by the third receiving unit, the stop signal is output when the set time elapses from the reception.
The air conditioner may be stopped when the stop signal is received by the fourth receiving unit.

According to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the above temperature conditions are satisfied, the vehicle (determination unit and third transmission unit) transmits a notification signal to that effect to the center server, and the center server (third transmission unit). The transmission unit and the fourth reception unit) transmit a stop signal for stopping the air conditioner to the vehicle when the set time elapses starting from the reception of the notification signal. Then, when the vehicle (fourth receiving unit and control unit) receives the stop signal, the vehicle stops the air conditioner. Therefore, on the vehicle side, as long as the center server is notified that the temperature condition is satisfied, it is sufficient to wait for the stop signal to be received, and the judgment process on the vehicle side can be further reduced. The configuration can be further simplified.

Further, in the above-described embodiment,
A fifth transmitter provided in the vehicle and transmitting temperature information regarding at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the temperature of the portion.
A fifth receiving unit provided in the center server and receiving the temperature information from the vehicle,
A sixth transmission unit provided in the center server and output by the control unit to transmit a stop signal for stopping the air conditioner to the vehicle.
A sixth receiving unit provided in the vehicle and receiving the stop signal from the center server is provided.
The determination unit is provided in the center server, and determines whether or not the temperature condition is satisfied based on the temperature information received by the fifth receiving unit.
The control unit is provided in the center server, and when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, the stop signal is output when the set time elapses from the determination.
The air conditioner may be stopped when the stop signal is received by the sixth receiving unit.

According to the present embodiment, the center server determines whether or not the above temperature conditions are satisfied, and when it is determined that the temperature conditions are satisfied, the set time starts from the determination. When the progress is determined and the set time elapses, a stop signal for stopping the air conditioner is output and transmitted to the vehicle. Therefore, on the vehicle side, after the start of the air conditioner, it is sufficient to wait for the stop signal to be received, and the judgment process on the vehicle side can be further reduced, so that the functional configuration on the vehicle side can be further simplified. it can.

Further, still another embodiment of the present invention is realized by the center server.

According to the above-described embodiment, a center-type remote air-conditioning start system capable of suppressing the amount of communication between the center server and the vehicle while considering the room temperature assumed by the user, the operating time of the air-conditioning device, and the like. Etc. can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows typically an example of the structure of the remote air-conditioning start system. It is a functional block diagram which shows typically an example of the functional structure of the vehicle (air conditioner ECU, engine ECU) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows typically an example of the functional structure of the center server (processing apparatus) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows typically an example of the functional structure of the terminal (processing apparatus) which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows typically an example of the operation of the remote air-conditioning start system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows typically an example of the functional structure of the center server (processing apparatus) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows typically an example of the operation of the remote air-conditioning start system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows typically an example of the operation of the remote air-conditioning start system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle 12 (air conditioner ECU 60, engine ECU 80). FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the center server 100 (processing device 120). FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 200 (processing device 220).

The remote air-conditioning start system 1 includes the vehicle 2, the center server 100, and the terminal 200 owned by the user, and in response to a start request transmitted from the terminal 200 to the vehicle 2 via the center server 100, the air-conditioning of the vehicle 2, which will be described later. Start the device 10.

The vehicle 2 includes an air conditioner 10, a rear defroster 20, a room temperature sensor 30, an outside temperature sensor 40, an air conditioner ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 60, an engine 70, a water temperature sensor 75, an engine ECU 80, and a DCM 90.

The air conditioner 10 adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle 2 and the like. The air conditioner 10 includes, for example, a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator (not shown), a compressor driven by the engine 70 (not shown), and a heater (not shown) using the cooling water of the engine 70 as a heat source. Under the control of the air conditioner ECU 60 (air conditioning control unit 601 described later), the air conditioner 10 has air that has passed through an evaporator and is cooled (cold air), and air that has been heated by using the cooling water of the engine 70 as a heat source (warm air). The temperature of the air sent out from the air outlet is adjusted by appropriately mixing the ratios of the above. Further, the air conditioner 10 has a defroster mode, and by sending out air having a relatively low humidity and a high temperature along the front window of the vehicle 2 from the outlet corresponding to the defroster mode, the front of the vehicle 2 Removes frost on the outside of the window and fogging on the inside of the window.

Under the control of the air conditioner ECU 60, the rear defroster 20 removes frost generated on the outdoor side of the rear window of the vehicle 2 and fogging generated on the indoor side. The rear defroster 20 includes, for example, a heating wire built in the rear window.

The room temperature sensor 30 is provided in the interior of the vehicle 2, for example, inside an instrument panel (not shown), and detects the indoor temperature (indoor temperature). The room temperature sensor 30 is communicably connected to the air conditioner ECU 60 via a one-to-one communication line or an in-vehicle network such as CAN (Controller Area Network), and a detection signal corresponding to the detected room temperature is transmitted to the air conditioner ECU 60. Will be sent.

The outside air temperature sensor 40 is provided outside the vehicle 2, for example, at the front end of the engine room provided at the front of the vehicle 2 (the portion where the outside air is introduced), that is, behind the front grill of the vehicle 2. Detects the outdoor temperature (outside air temperature). The outside air temperature sensor 40 is communicably connected to the air conditioner ECU 60 via a one-to-one communication line or the like, and a detection signal corresponding to the detected room temperature is transmitted to the air conditioner ECU 60.

The air conditioner ECU 60 is an electronic control unit that performs various controls related to the air conditioner 10 and the rear defroster 20. The function of the air conditioner ECU 60 may be realized by arbitrary hardware, software, or a combination thereof, and may be configured around a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, I / O, and the like. The air conditioner ECU 60 includes, for example, an air conditioner control unit 601 as a functional unit realized by executing one or more programs stored in the ROM on the CPU.

The air-conditioning control unit 601 operates and controls the air-conditioning device 10 according to a set state such as a set temperature and a mode (a plurality of outlet modes or defroster modes depending on a combination of outlets). Specifically, the air-conditioning control unit 601 operates and controls the air-conditioning device 10 so that, for example, the room temperature becomes a set temperature based on the detected values of the room temperature sensor 30, the outside air temperature sensor 40, and the like. Further, the air conditioning control unit 601 controls the operation (ON / OFF control) of the rear defroster 20 according to the set state (ON / OFF). Further, the air conditioning control unit 601 starts the air conditioning device 10 in response to the air conditioning start request from the remote control support control unit 802, which will be described later, and operates the air conditioning device 10 in response to the setting content included in the air conditioning start request. Take control. The details of the control contents in response to the air conditioning start request from the remote control support control unit 802 will be described in detail.

The engine 70 is a driving force source for the vehicle 2. The engine 70 operates by burning gasoline, light oil, or the like supplied from a fuel tank (not shown) via a fuel pump in a cylinder under the control of the engine ECU 80. The engine 70, specifically, various actuators incorporated in the engine 70 (fuel injection device for injecting fuel, ignition device for igniting gasoline injected into the cylinder, electric power for changing the opening / closing timing of intake and exhaust valves). The motor, etc.) is communicably connected to the engine ECU 80 via a one-to-one communication line or the like, and operates in response to a control command transmitted from the engine ECU 80.

The water temperature sensor 75 detects the temperature of the cooling water of the engine 70 (specifically, the cooling water in the engine 70). The water temperature sensor 75 is communicably connected to the engine ECU 80 through a one-to-one communication line or an in-vehicle network such as CAN, and a detection signal corresponding to the detected room temperature is transmitted to the engine ECU 80.

The engine ECU 80 is an electronic control unit that performs various control processes of the engine 70 including a starter (not shown). The function of the engine ECU 80 may be realized by arbitrary hardware, software, or a combination thereof, and may be configured around a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, I / O, and the like. The engine ECU 80 includes, for example, an engine control unit 801, a remote control support control unit 802, and a temperature condition determination unit 803 as functional units realized by executing one or more programs stored in the ROM.

The engine control unit 801 responds to an operation state by the driver of the vehicle 2 (for example, accelerator opening, a selected shift stage of a transmission (not shown), etc.), an environmental state around the vehicle 2 (for example, outside air temperature), and the like. Then, the operation of the engine 70 is controlled. For example, the engine control unit 801 starts the engine 70 when the ignition switch (IG switch) is turned ON (IG-ON) or when a start request is input from the outside. Specifically, the engine control unit 801 switches the relay (not shown) for energizing the starter to the connected state to drive the starter, and appropriately controls the fuel injection device and the ignition device according to the cranking by the starter. By doing so, the engine 70 is started.

The remote operation support control unit 802 (an example of the control unit) sends an engine start request and an engine start request to the engine control unit 801 and the air conditioning control unit 601 in response to the start request received from the terminal 200 via the center server 100, respectively. The engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 are started by transmitting the air conditioning start request. Further, as described later, the remote control support control unit 802 starts the air conditioner 10 and the engine 70 when the set operating time included in the start request elapses after the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10. To stop. Details of the processing by the remote control support control unit 802 will be described later.

The temperature condition determination unit 803 (an example of the determination unit) is under a condition (hereinafter, referred to as a low temperature condition) in which the room temperature when the air conditioner 10 is not operating is lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner 10, such as in winter. ), It is determined whether or not the indoor temperature of the vehicle 2 has risen to a predetermined standard or higher. Specifically, the temperature condition determination unit 803 sets the temperature of the portion of the vehicle 2 related to the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, or the indoor temperature of the vehicle 2 under low temperature conditions (hereinafter, referred to as a related partial temperature, for example, described later). It is determined whether or not the temperature of the cooling water (cooling water temperature, etc.) in the engine 70 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature Tth1. Further, the temperature condition determination unit 803 uses the vehicle 2 under conditions such as in summer when the room temperature when the air conditioner 10 is not operating is higher than the set temperature of the air conditioner 10 (hereinafter, referred to as high temperature conditions). It is determined whether or not the room in the room has fallen below a predetermined standard. Specifically, the temperature condition determination unit 803 sets the indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, or related partial temperature of the vehicle 2 (for example, the temperature of the air flow after passing through the evaporator of the air conditioner 10) to a predetermined temperature under high temperature conditions. It is determined whether or not it is Tth2 or less. That is, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether or not the temperature condition based on a predetermined threshold value for the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, or the related partial temperature of the vehicle 2 is satisfied. The temperature condition determination unit 803 specifically compares the set temperature included in the start request received by the DCM90 with the detection value of the room temperature sensor 30, and determines whether the temperature condition is a high temperature condition or a low temperature condition. You may judge. Further, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether the condition is a high temperature condition or a low temperature condition based on, for example, the date and time information transmitted from the center server 100 or the date and time information held in the vehicle 2. May be good. Details of the processing by the temperature condition determination unit 803 will be described later.

The functions of the remote control support control unit 802 and the temperature condition determination unit 803 may be provided in the air conditioner ECU 60, or may be provided in another ECU capable of communicating with the air conditioner ECU 60 and the engine ECU 80. Further, the above temperature conditions may include conditions for two or three of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the related partial temperature of the vehicle 2. That is, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether or not the temperature condition based on a predetermined threshold value for at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the related partial temperature of the vehicle 2 is satisfied.

The DCM90 is a communication device that bidirectionally communicates with the center server 100 and the terminal 200 through a predetermined communication network N1 (for example, a mobile phone network or an Internet network having a large number of base stations as terminals). The air conditioner ECU 60, the engine ECU 80, and the DCM90 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other through an in-vehicle network such as a CAN.

The center server 100 includes a communication device 110 and a processing device 120.

The communication device 110 is a device that bidirectionally communicates with the vehicle 2 (DCM 90) and the terminal 200 via the communication networks N1 and N2 under the control of the processing device 120 (communication processing unit 1201).

The processing device 120 executes various control processes in the center server 100. The processing device 120 may be configured around one or a plurality of server computers including, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, I / O, etc., and by executing one or more programs stored in the ROM on the CPU. The functional unit to be realized includes a communication processing unit 1201 and a relay control unit 1202.

The communication processing unit 1201 controls the communication device 110 and transmits / receives various signals (control signals, information signals, etc.) to and from the vehicle 2 and the terminal 200.

The relay control unit 1202 relays various signals between the vehicle 2 and the terminal 200. Details will be described later.

The terminal 200 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal owned by the user of the vehicle 2. Further, the terminal 200 may be, for example, a stationary computer owned by the user of the vehicle 2. Hereinafter, the description will proceed on the assumption that the terminal 200 is a mobile terminal. The terminal 200 includes a communication device 210, a processing device 220, and a touch panel display (hereinafter, simply referred to as a display) 240.

The communication device 210 communicates with the center server 100 through a predetermined communication network N2 (for example, a mobile phone network or an Internet network having a large number of base stations as terminals) under the control of a processing device 220 (communication processing unit 2201). It is a device to perform, for example, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) module.

The processing device 220 performs various control processes on the terminal 200. The processing device 220 may be configured around a computer including, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, I / O, etc., and is a functional unit realized by executing one or more programs stored in the ROM on the CPU. The communication processing unit 2201, the display control unit 2202, and the start request unit 2203 are included.

The communication processing unit 2201 controls the communication device 210 and transmits / receives various signals to / from the center server 100.

The display control unit 2202 causes the display 240 to display various images in response to a predetermined operation by the user. For example, the display control unit 2202 causes the display 240 to display various GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) as operation screens.

The start request unit 2203 sends a start request requesting the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 to the center via the communication processing unit 2201 in response to a predetermined operation on the predetermined GUI displayed on the display 240 by the display control unit 2202. Send to server 100. As a result, the start request transmitted to the center server 100 is relayed to the center server 100 (relay control unit 1202) and transmitted to the vehicle 2, and the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 are started. Further, the user can make various settings when operating the air conditioner 10 on a predetermined GUI, and the start request unit 2203 transmits a start request including the various settings to the center server 100. As a result, the vehicle 2 controls the air conditioner 10 based on the set contents (the set temperature as the required value of the room temperature by the user, the set operating time as the required value of the operating time of the air conditioner 10 by the user, and the like). .. Details of the processing by the start request unit 2203 will be described later.

Next, the specific operation of the remote air conditioning start system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment.

In this example, it is assumed that it is in winter, that is, under low temperature conditions.

In step S502, the start request unit 2203 of the terminal 200 sends a start request including various setting contents (set temperature, set operating time, etc.) to a predetermined GUI by the user via the communication processing unit 1201. And sends it to the center server 100.

In step S504, when the relay control unit 1202 of the center server 100 receives the start request from the terminal 200 by the communication processing unit 1201, the relay control unit 1202 transfers the start request to the vehicle 2 via the communication processing unit 1201.

In step S506, when the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 receives the start request from the center server 100 by the DCM90, the remote control support control unit 802 sends an engine start request to the engine control unit 801 to start the engine 70.

At the same time, in step S508, when the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 receives the start request from the center server 100 by the DCM90, the air conditioning start request including the setting contents included in the start request from the center server 100 Is sent to the air conditioning control unit 601 to start the air conditioning device 10. As a result, the air conditioning control unit 601 operates and controls the air conditioning device 10 according to the setting contents included in the air conditioning start request. For example, the air conditioning control unit 601 operates and controls the air conditioning device 10 so that the indoor temperature of the vehicle 2 becomes the set temperature based on the set temperature included in the air conditioning start request.

In step S510, when the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 is completed, the remote control support control unit 802 notifies the center server 100 of the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 via the DCM90. To send.

In step S512, when the relay control unit 1202 of the center server 100 receives the start notification from the vehicle 2 by the communication processing unit 1201, the relay control unit 1202 transfers the start notification to the terminal 200 via the communication processing unit 1201. As a result, for example, the display control unit 2202 of the terminal 200 displays on the display 240 that the start of the engine 70 and the air conditioner 10 has been normally completed in response to the reception of the start notification by the communication processing unit 2201. The user can be notified to that effect.

On the other hand, after the remote control support control unit 802 sends the start notification to the center server 100, in step S514, the temperature condition determination unit 803 of the vehicle 2 determines that the temperature condition is low by any method as described above. Then, while repeatedly determining whether or not the indoor temperature of the vehicle 2 has risen to a predetermined reference, the vehicle waits until the indoor temperature of the vehicle 2 reaches the predetermined reference. In this example, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether or not the temperature of the cooling water (cooling water temperature) in the engine 70 detected by the water temperature sensor 75 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature Tth1 (that is, a predetermined threshold value for the cooling water temperature). Whether or not the temperature condition based on the temperature Tth1 is satisfied) is repeatedly determined, and the process waits until the cooling water temperature reaches the predetermined temperature Tth1 or higher.

In step S516, the temperature condition determination unit 803 of the vehicle 2 determines that the cooling water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 75 is equal to or higher than the set water temperature (predetermined temperature Tth1).

In step S518, the remote operation support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 determines that the cooling water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 75 is equal to or higher than the set water temperature (predetermined temperature Tth1) by the temperature condition determination unit 803 of the vehicle 2. If (step S516), the timer (operating time timer) of the set operating time included in the start request received from the center server 100 by the DCM90 is set, and the countdown is started.

In step S520, the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 determines the time-up of the operation time timer, that is, the lapse of the set operation time from the start of the countdown.

In step S522, the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends an air conditioning stop request to the air conditioning control unit 601 when the operation time timer is timed up (step S520). As a result, the air conditioning control unit 601 stops the air conditioning device 10.

At the same time, in step S524, the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends an engine stop request to the engine control unit 801 when the operation time timer is timed up (step S520). As a result, the engine control unit 801 stops the engine 70.

In step S526, when the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 completes the stoppage of the air conditioner 10 and the engine 70, the center server 100 has completed the stoppage of the air conditioner 10 and the engine 70 via the DCM90. Send a stop notification.

In step S528, when the relay control unit 1202 of the center server 100 receives the stop notification from the vehicle 2 by the communication processing unit 1201, the relay control unit 1202 transfers the stop notification to the terminal 200 via the communication processing unit 1201. As a result, for example, the display control unit 2202 of the terminal 200 causes the display 240 to display that the stop of the air conditioner 10 and the engine 70 has been normally completed in response to the reception of the stop notification by the communication processing unit 2201. The user can be notified to that effect.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the remote control support control unit 802 starts the air conditioner 10 when the start request is received by the DCM 90 from the terminal 200 via the center server 100. Further, the temperature condition determination unit 803 sets a predetermined threshold value for at least one of the indoor temperature of the vehicle 2, the outdoor temperature of the vehicle 2, and the temperature of a predetermined portion in the vehicle 2 (related partial temperature) related to the indoor temperature. It is determined whether or not the temperature condition based on the above is satisfied. Then, the remote operation support control unit 802 determines that the temperature condition determination unit 803 satisfies the temperature condition based on the predetermined threshold value (predetermined temperature Tth1 or predetermined temperature Tth2) for the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the related partial temperature. In that case, the air conditioner 10 is stopped when the set operating time elapses starting from the determination. Therefore, by appropriately setting a predetermined threshold value, the air conditioner 10 operates for a set time or longer after the vehicle interior of the vehicle 2 becomes warm (winter) or cold (summer) to some extent. Therefore, for example, at least After the above temperature conditions are satisfied, the room temperature can be brought to the vicinity of the set temperature desired by the user without monitoring the room temperature of the vehicle 2 one by one. Further, since it is not necessary to exchange information such as the room temperature between the center server 100 and the vehicle 2 at least after the above temperature conditions are satisfied, the amount of communication between the center server 100 and the vehicle 2 can be increased. It can be suppressed. That is, the amount of communication between the center server 100 and the vehicle 2 can be suppressed while considering the room temperature (set temperature) assumed by the user, the operating time of the air conditioner 10 (set operating time), and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle 2, the temperature condition determination unit 803 determines whether or not the above temperature conditions are satisfied, and when it is determined that the temperature conditions are satisfied, remote control is performed. The support control unit 802 determines the elapse of the set time from the determination as a starting point, and stops the air conditioner 10 when the set time elapses. Therefore, when the start request is transmitted from the center server 100 to the vehicle 2, the room temperature is set to be close to the set temperature desired by the user without exchanging various signals between the vehicle 2 and the center server 100 thereafter. Can be reached. Therefore, the amount of communication between the center server 100 and the vehicle 2 can be further suppressed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described.

In the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment, the vehicle 2 (remote control support control unit 802) clocks (countdown) starting from the reception of a request signal (countdown request) transmitted from the center server 100 to the vehicle 2. Is different from the first embodiment in that the above is started and the passage of the set operation time is determined. Hereinafter, the same or corresponding configurations as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the parts different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described.

First, the configuration of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The overall configuration of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment, the functional configuration of the vehicle 2 (air conditioner ECU 60 and engine ECU 80), and the functional configuration of the terminal 200 (processing device 220) are the same as those in the first embodiment. It is represented by 1, FIG. 2, and FIG.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the center server 100 (processing device 120) according to the present embodiment.

The processing device 120 includes a communication processing unit 1201, a relay control unit 1202, and an operating time management unit 1203.

The operation time management unit 1203 manages the operation time after the start of the air conditioner 10 based on the start request transmitted from the terminal 200.

Next, a specific operation of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment.

In this example, as in the case of the first embodiment (FIG. 5), it is premised that it is in winter, that is, under low temperature conditions.

Since steps S702 to S716 are the same as steps S502 to S516 of FIG. 5, the description thereof will be omitted.

In step S718, the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 determines that the cooling water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 75 is equal to or higher than the set water temperature (predetermined temperature Tth1) by the temperature condition determination unit 803 of the vehicle 2. In this case (step S716), a temperature condition establishment notification indicating that the temperature condition is satisfied is transmitted to the center server 100 via the DCM90 (an example of the first transmission unit and the third transmission unit).

In step S720, when the operation time management unit 1203 of the center server 100 receives the temperature condition establishment notification by the communication processing unit 1201 (an example of the first receiving unit and the third receiving unit), the communication processing unit 1201 (first). A countdown request for timing start (countdown) is transmitted to the vehicle 2 via the 2 transmission unit).

In step S722, when the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 receives the countdown notification by the DCM90 (an example of the second receiving unit), the setting operation included in the start request received from the center server 100 by the DCM90. Set the time timer (operating time timer) and start the countdown.

Since steps S724 to S732 are the same as steps S520 to S528 in FIG. 5, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the remote operation support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 determines that the temperature condition determination unit 803 satisfies the temperature conditions based on the predetermined threshold values for the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the related partial temperature. If so, a notification to that effect (temperature condition establishment notification) is transmitted to the center server 100 via the DCM90, and when the center server 100 (communication processing unit 1201) receives the notification signal, it starts requesting the start of timing. A signal (countdown request) is transmitted to the vehicle 2. Then, when the start signal is received, the vehicle 2 (remote control support control unit 802) starts timing with the reception as a starting point, and stops the air conditioner 10 when the set operating time elapses. Therefore, on the vehicle 2 side, a process of monitoring the passage of the set operating time (timekeeping process) may be started according to the start signal received from the center server 100, and a determination process for starting the process or the like may be started. Can be reduced, so that the functional configuration on the vehicle 2 side can be simplified.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the third embodiment will be described.

The remote air-conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment determines to start timing (countdown) regarding the limitation of the operating time of the air-conditioning device 10 and determines the elapse (time-up) of the set operating time from the start of timing (that is, air-conditioning). It differs from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that the center server 100 makes a determination (determination to stop the device 10). Hereinafter, the parts different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described.

The overall configuration of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment, the functional configuration of the vehicle 2 (air conditioner ECU 60 and engine ECU 80), and the functional configuration of the terminal 200 (processing device 220) are the same as those in the first embodiment. It is represented by 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. Further, the functional configuration of the center server 100 (processing device 120) according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 as in the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram schematically showing an example of the operation of the remote air conditioning start system 1 according to the present embodiment.

In this example, as in the case of the first embodiment (FIG. 5) and the second embodiment (FIG. 7), it is assumed that it is in winter, that is, under low temperature conditions.

Since steps S802 to S818 are the same as steps S702 to S718 in FIG. 7, description thereof will be omitted.

In step S820, when the operation time management unit 1203 (another example of the control unit) of the center server 100 receives the temperature condition establishment notification from the vehicle 2 by the communication processing unit 1201, the communication processing unit 1201 sends the notification from the terminal 200. Set the set operating time timer (operating time timer) included in the received start request, and start the countdown.

In step S822, the operation time management unit 1203 of the center server 100 determines the time-up of the operation time timer, that is, the lapse of the set operation time from the start of the countdown.

In step S824, the operation time management unit 1203 of the center server 100 is an example of the communication processing unit 1201 (transmission unit, fourth transmission unit, sixth transmission unit) when the timer of the set operation time is timed up (step S822). ) To send a stop request to the vehicle 2.

In step S826, when the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 receives a stop request from the center server 100 by the DCM90 (an example of the fourth receiving unit and the sixth receiving unit), the air conditioning control unit 601 stops the air conditioning. Send a request. As a result, the air conditioning control unit 601 stops the air conditioning device 10.

At the same time, in step S828, the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 sends an engine stop request to the engine control unit 801 when the stop request is received from the center server 100 by the DCM90. As a result, the engine control unit 801 stops the engine 70.

Since steps S830 and S832 are the same as S526 and S528 in FIG. 5, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the remote control support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 determines that the temperature condition determination unit 803 satisfies the temperature condition based on the predetermined threshold value for the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, or the related partial temperature. If so, a notification signal (notification of temperature condition establishment) is transmitted to the center server 100 via the DCM 90. Further, when the operation time management unit 1203 of the center server 100 receives the notification signal from the vehicle 2, the stop signal (stop request) is generated when the set operation time elapses from the reception, and the stop signal (stop request) is generated via the communication processing unit 1201. And send it to the vehicle 2. Then, the air conditioner 10 of the vehicle 2 stops when the stop signal is received from the center server 100 by the DCM 90. Therefore, on the vehicle 2 side, as long as the center server 100 is notified of the establishment of the temperature condition, it is sufficient to wait for the stop signal to be received, and the determination process on the vehicle 2 side can be further reduced. The functional configuration on the two sides can be further simplified.

In the present embodiment, a functional unit (other than the determination unit) for determining whether or not a temperature condition based on a predetermined threshold value for at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the related partial temperature of the vehicle 2 is satisfied. Example) may be provided in the center server 100 instead of the vehicle 2 (temperature condition determination unit 803). In this case, for example, the remote operation support control unit 802 of the vehicle 2 detects the detection values of the room temperature sensor 30, the outside air temperature sensor 40, the water temperature sensor 75, etc. from the air conditioner ECU 60 and the engine ECU 80 during the period for determining the success or failure of the temperature condition. The sensor information including the sensor information is acquired, and the sensor information is transmitted to the center server 100 via the DCM90 (an example of the fifth transmission unit). As a result, the temperature condition determination unit provided in the center server 100 determines whether or not the temperature condition is satisfied based on the sensor information received from the vehicle 2 via the communication processing unit 1201 (an example of the receiving unit and the fifth receiving unit). Can be determined.

Although the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various aspects are within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Can be transformed / changed.

For example, in the present embodiment, the vehicle 2 includes an engine 70 as a power source, but may include, or in addition to, an electric motor as another power source in place of or in addition to the engine 70.

Further, in the present embodiment, the air conditioner 10 (specifically, the compressor of the air conditioner 10) operates by using at least the engine 70 as a power source, but the air conditioner 10 (compressor) requires the power of the engine 70. Instead, it operates only with the electric power supplied from the battery or fuel cell mounted on the vehicle 2 (for example, a high-voltage battery or fuel cell that supplies electric power to an electric motor as another power source mounted on the vehicle 2). It may be an embodiment. In this case, the remote control support control unit 802 starts only the air conditioner 10 in response to the start request transmitted from the terminal 200 via the center server 100. However, the remote operation support control unit 802 is at least required to drive the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery or the remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell to a predetermined threshold value (for example, to drive the electric motor as the power source of the vehicle 2). If it is less than or equal to a value stored in advance or a value preset as the remaining amount of fuel, the start of the air conditioner 10 may be prohibited even if a start request is received from the terminal 200 via the center server 100 by the DCM 90.

1 Remote air conditioning start system 2 Vehicle 10 Air conditioner 20 Rear defroster 30 Room temperature sensor 40 Outside temperature sensor 60 Air conditioner ECU
70 engine 75 water temperature sensor 80 engine ECU
90 DCM (1st transmitter, 2nd receiver, 3rd transmitter, 4th receiver, 5th transmitter, 6th receiver)
100 Center server 110 Communication equipment 120 Processing equipment 200 Terminal 210 Communication equipment 220 Processing equipment 240 Touch panel display 601 Air conditioning control unit 801 Engine control unit 802 Remote control support control unit (control unit)
803 Temperature condition judgment unit (judgment unit)
1201 Communication processing unit (transmitter, receiver, first receiver, second transmitter, third receiver, fourth transmitter, fifth receiver, sixth transmitter)
1202 Relay control unit 1203 Operating time management unit (control unit)
2201 Communication processing unit 2202 Display control unit 2203 Start request unit

Claims (6)

And the user terminal, capable of communicating the center server and the terminal, comprising the air conditioning system, the center server and includes a vehicle capable of communicating, and via the center server by the terminal is transmitted to the vehicle, the A remote air conditioner starting system that starts the air conditioner in response to a start request including a set time as a required value of the time for operating the air conditioner set based on an input from a user.
It is determined whether or not a temperature condition based on a predetermined threshold value for at least one of the indoor temperature of the vehicle, the outdoor temperature of the vehicle, and the temperature of a predetermined portion in the vehicle related to the indoor temperature is satisfied. Judgment unit and
After the air conditioner is started in response to the start request, when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, the air conditioner is set when the set time elapses starting from the determination. It is equipped with a control unit that stops the air conditioning.
Remote air conditioning start system. The determination unit is provided on the vehicle.
The control unit is provided in the vehicle, and when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, the air conditioner is stopped when the set time elapses from the determination.
The remote air conditioning starting system according to claim 1. A first transmission unit provided in the vehicle and transmitting a notification signal to the center server when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied.
A first receiving unit provided in the center server and receiving the notification signal from the vehicle,
It is provided in the center server and includes a second transmission unit that transmits a start signal to the vehicle when the notification signal is received by the first reception unit.
A second receiving unit provided in the vehicle and receiving the start signal transmitted from the center server is provided.
The determination unit is provided on the vehicle.
The control unit is provided in the vehicle, and when the start signal is received by the second receiving unit, the air conditioner is stopped when the set time elapses from the reception.
The remote air conditioning starting system according to claim 1. A third transmission unit provided in the vehicle and transmitting a notification signal to the center server when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied.
A third receiving unit provided in the center server and receiving the notification signal from the vehicle,
A fourth transmission unit provided in the center server and output by the control unit to transmit a stop signal for stopping the air conditioner to the vehicle.
A fourth receiving unit provided in the vehicle and receiving the stop signal from the center server is provided.
The determination unit is provided on the vehicle.
The control unit is provided in the center server, and when the notification signal is received by the third receiving unit, the stop signal is output when the set time elapses from the reception.
The air conditioner stops when the stop signal is received by the fourth receiving unit.
The remote air conditioning starting system according to claim 1. A fifth transmitter provided in the vehicle and transmitting temperature information regarding at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the temperature of the portion.
A fifth receiving unit provided in the center server and receiving the temperature information from the vehicle,
A sixth transmission unit provided in the center server and output by the control unit to transmit a stop signal for stopping the air conditioner to the vehicle.
A sixth receiving unit provided in the vehicle and receiving the stop signal from the center server is provided.
The determination unit is provided in the center server, and determines whether or not the temperature condition is satisfied based on the temperature information received by the fifth receiving unit.
The control unit is provided in the center server, and when the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, the stop signal is output when the set time elapses from the determination.
The air conditioner stops when the stop signal is received by the sixth receiving unit.
The remote air conditioning starting system according to claim 1. Includes a set time as a required value of the time for operating the air conditioner, which is communicably connected to the user's terminal and a vehicle equipped with the air conditioner and is set based on the input from the user, which is transmitted from the terminal. A center server that starts the air conditioner by receiving a start request and transmitting the start request to the vehicle.
A receiving unit that receives temperature information from the vehicle regarding at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the temperature of a predetermined portion of the vehicle related to the indoor temperature.
A determination unit for determining whether or not a temperature condition based on a predetermined threshold value for at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the temperature of the portion is satisfied based on the temperature information.
After the air conditioner is started in response to the start request, if the determination unit determines that the temperature condition is satisfied, the air conditioner is stopped when the set time elapses from the determination. A control unit that outputs a stop signal and
A transmission unit that transmits the stop signal to the vehicle.
Center server.

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